Harry Potter: Another Chance

Chapter 140: Preparing for a Party

Disclaimer: 

Harry Potter and all of its characters belong to J.K Rowling.

I own nothing but the original characters I make.

"Dialogue"

'Thoughts'

-Author notes-

Chapter 140: Preparing for a Party

"Very well." James sat at his desk.

"We can talk properly now... What are you plotting now?"

"Plotting? Please, Dad, I thought you knew me better at this point... I don't engage in plots. I simply stumbled upon an opportunity by chance and made use of it." Harry settled into a comfortable chair in front of James.

"And this opportunity is the party Lyra mentioned?" James didn't look pleased.

"It is. How can I say no when I have the chance to locate the lion's den? Not that I expect the party to be held at Parkinson's main manor, but at least one of his vacation houses."

"I thought we agreed that you would discuss things with me and your mother before taking action against those people… the order is active again, we are making progress..."

Harry sighed. "As I said, I didn't plan for this. It's something that happened."

"Fine, let's move on from that... What do you intend to do at that party exactly?" James inquired.

"You know... Meet people, observe who's associated with Parkinson's, and gather some names. Perhaps I could discreetly explore the house during the party and see if I find anything of interest." Harry wished he still had the invisibility cloak; it would have been very useful for that.

"Wait, you were planning on going there alone." James realized Harry hadn't mentioned what he or Lily would be doing.

"Of course, I would go alone. You are openly an enemy of Lord Parkinson, and Mom was nearly kidnapped by men sent by him. I won't put her in danger like that," Harry said firmly.

"And what about you? You would also be in danger," James frowned, displeased with the idea.

"Not as much as you two... I'm just an ordinary child as far as Lord Parkinson is concerned. And I'm attending as a guest of his heir, Pansy Parkinson, after saving her life. It wouldn't reflect well on him if he attacked me under those circumstances."

"You don't know him like I do... That man is ruthless. I wouldn't put it past him to try to kidnap you anyway just to get to me."

"I did consider that possibility of course. But I will have my wand and know how to use it. Is not like I'm defenseless." Harry said. It would have been nice to still have his artifact, it was unfortunate to have lost that one. It was going to take a while before he could make another one.

"Just your wand?... I know you are good but that may not be enough." James stood from his desk and walked to a nearby cabinet.

Harry glimpsed at him, wondering what he was looking for.

"Let's see...I think I still had some...oh!, there they are." James walked back to the desk with a plain-looking container.

He then opened it up in front of Harry, revealing two black marbles inside.

"These are?" Upon closer inspection, he noticed that the marbles were actually glass containers and some thick black liquid was inside.

"If you throw one of these to the ground, it will create a dark fog that could cover a big area, giving you a chance to escape. We always bring some of these items when we are expecting an enemy ambush. It can save your life if you find yourself outnumbered." James explained.

"That seems useful." Said Harry.

'Didn't the twins invent something like this in my time?...is kinda weird seeing it here now. But theirs was a bit different.'

"Who came up with these?" He decided to ask.

James smiled proudly.

"It was your mother."

"She did?" Harry knew his mother was talented at many branches of magic, including potions. But it was still surprising to hear.

"You should bring a broom with you. Combined with the smoke potion, it will give you an easy escape." James suggested.

"I will. But I'm sure it will not be necessary." 

"Always prepare, Harry." For a moment, his father sounded like Alastor Moody.

"Always." He nodded.

"You mentioned before that the Order of the Phoenix is back on working. What progress did you make?"

James made a complicated expression.

"Well... we are still gathering some of the former members, but we have more information on Lord Parkinson now. Arthurd was able to find out some things like which Lords are the closest ones to him. That will help us find more if we investigate the people around him."

"And those Lords are?..." Harry questioned.

"Walder McNair and Edward Nott are always next to him and accompany him everywhere. They are like his left and right arms. Evan Rosier and Corvan Yaxley are seen around him very frequently but not as much as the others."

"Sorry Dad, but that's not much..." 

"I know, but we are making progress. Besides, it is doubtful that he will make any bold moves now. With Malfoy dead, all eyes are now on him as the leader of the Conservative faction " James told him.

"I'm not worried about him trying to take over the country by force. I'm sure he doesn't have the magical prowess from the real Voldemort. Otherwise, it would be over already. But you need to keep an eye on other creatures like werewolves, giants, and trolls. He may try to recruit them to do the heavy work."

James smiled.

"You are suggesting the exact same thing that Dumbldefore did. "

"Well, you know...we both know a lot about that man. That is what he would do and Lord Parkinson has served him for many years so he must also be familiar with his methods." 

James nodded.

"You can leave that to us...I guess you have a party to go now."