I'll warn you all now. There's some violence, some bad language, and more violence...Minor slash later (non-harry...SI in later chapters... Many pairings...none are really dwelled upon.
Chapter One - Letters
The second week of August was coming to an end and Harry was way past aggravated with his current situation. He knew he had to stay with the Dursleys for a certain amount of time but they had taken him away from the Dursleys before the summer holidays ended previous years. In fact he hadn't spent a whole summer with them since he began Hogwarts. Their numerous letters told him they would be getting him soon but, like last year, no date was given. Dumbledore wrote Harry biweekly, using Fawkes. Harry supposed Dumbledore had learnt from last year that it was best if he was kept better informed.
Harry had taken on a bit of a more aggressive attitude towards the Dursleys. He wasn't going to be pushed around this summer, and he let them know it the moment he walked in the door. He no longer hid under windows to hear the news; instead, he sat in the living room every morning and evening to listen to the news. He did as he pleased for the most part. His new rule from Dumbledore of No Leaving The House made summer all the more worse. He felt trapped.
At the moment, he was waiting for an owl to bring the day's issue of the Daily Prophet. It was already eight and the owl usually brought it before seven. He fell back onto his bed and just closed his eyes. He wished there was something to do, anything that would keep his mind from thinking about what happened only a few weeks ago. He had already finished all of his homework and read through his Quidditch and Defense books a dozen times in an attempt. However hard he tried to push thoughts of the prophecy and the veil from his mind, though, the more they made themselves shown, it seemed to him.
Early on he had vowed to himself that he would defeat Lord Voldemort. Not because the whole wizarding world was counting on him or because of some stupid prophecy but because he wanted and needed to avenge Sirius's death, the death of his parents, and so many more. He had thought long and hard about things many nights and every bad thing that happened in his life always led back to one person, Voldemort. He was responsible for so many deaths and so much destruction in so many lives.
Harry spent numerous nights lying awake with a hollow pain, thinking of his godfather. He tried to put it behind him, but that was too hard. Everything seemed to remind him of Sirius. Tears burnt his eyes as he lie on the bed.
A familiar clicking noise interrupted his thoughts and he sat up looking for the source of the noise. A large gray owl was pecking at his window. He opened it and the owl flew in, landing on his bedpost. Harry took the letter from its leg. On the front, the Hogwarts crest was stamped in green.
Dear Mr. Potter,
We are pleased to inform you that you successfully passed 6 of your O.W.Ls with an E level or higher. The list of N.E.W.T. level classes you have been accepted into are listed at the bottom. You may choose which classes you wish to take. You must pick at least four. Please write down which ones they will be and owl them to Hogwarts. A mandatory new class has been added to the schedule of all sixth and seventh years, Pure Arts. Congratulations. Minerva McGonagall Deputy Head Mistress of Hogwart's School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
O - Outstanding, E - Exceeds Expectations,
A - Acceptable, P - Poor, D - Dreadful
Defense Against the Dark Arts: O
Transfiguration: E Charms: E
Care of Magical Creatures: O
Astronomy: P
Divination: A Potions: E
Herbology: E History of Magic: P
N.E.W.T. Classes Defense Against the Dark Arts Transfiguration Charms Care of Magical Creatures Herbology Potions Divination
Harry was surprised when he saw that he was accepted into Divination and even more so when he saw Potions. Snape only accepted students that received an Outstanding in Potions. He got into all of the classes that he needed to become an auror, though. He felt a smile come across his face. He took out a piece of parchment and quill and scribbled down the classes he wanted. Defense Against the Dark Arts, Transfiguration, Charms, Care of Magical Creatures, and Potions. He wasn't about to take Divination and he didn't need to take Herbology. He gave the letter to Hedwig and she departed.
Then he took out another letter from the envelope, which was his list of school supplies for his sixth year. He took out the last letter and was surprised, extremely happy, and confused at what fell out. Two shining gold badges, one with the Gryffindor lion and a letter 'C' engraved, the other with the letters 'DA' and two wands crossed shooting sparks.
Dear Mr. Potter,
We are pleased to inform you that you have been selected as captain of the Gryffindor Quidditch team. We hope you can lead Gryffindor to victory for their third year in a row winning the Quidditch Cup. Your badge is enclosed. A meeting of the four captains will take place on September sixth at 8:00 in the Chamber leading from the Great Hall to discuss practice schedules.
Congratulations. Minerva McGonagall Deputy Head Mistress of Hogwart's School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Harry felt excited when he read the letter. He couldn't believe he was made Quidditch captain. Then his mind fell to the other badge. He had no idea what the badge was so he took out the final letter.
Dear Mr. Potter,
I would like to inform you that the illegal club you were running last year has been made an official club of Hogwarts. You will remain leader of the club. Though, the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher will assist you when possible. It is understood that you have an immense workload this year, so if you do not wish to remain leader of the club, please owl back.
Once again, congratulations.
Minerva McGonagall Deputy Head Mistress of Hogwart's School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Harry couldn't help but feel happy. He was Quidditch captain, leader of the DA, and had gotten into all of the classes needed to become an auror. He took the badges and set them on his bedside table. Harry read through his letters again happily. He should have known better than to think his good mood was going to last. The Daily Prophet owl flew in through the open window and dropped the paper onto his bed . It held out its leg with the moneybag. Harry dropped in his money and picked up the paper. He swore as he read the headline of the first page.
DEMENTORS JOIN YOU-KNOW-WHO'S RANKS
Harry scanned through the article. Every Death Eater that was captured had escaped. He threw a punch at his bedroom wall in frustration, causing a picture to fall and break. "WHAT THE BLOODY HELL IS GOING ON UP THERE?" Uncle Vernon's voice echoed up the stairs.
Harry ignored him completely. His knuckles were throbbing painfully as he fell back onto his bed. He finished reading the article and he was pleased to see a few insults aimed towards minister of magic, Cornelius Fudge. The rest of the article was nothing but warnings to the wizarding world to beware any hooded or masked individuals and to not leave their homes unless absolutely necessary. Harry hated to read through the whole paper but he wasn't going to miss anything in it. He learned last year that he couldn't just depend on the headlines anymore. Useful tidbits of information were often slipped in articles nonchalantly. There were not as many attacks as Harry had expected since Voldemort's open return. He thought for sure, now that Voldemort's existence was in the open, he would not hesitate to kill.
He threw the paper on his desk and looked longingly out the window. 'Do not leave the house.' That was what Dumbledore had written to him in a letter as soon as he arrived at the Dursleys. He supposed it was or the best but it was still frustrating to be stuck indoors with the Dursleys for weeks. Harry's stomach gave a growl and he decided to go downstairs to get something to eat. Aunt Petunia was on the phone gossiping with one of the neighbors when he entered the kitchen. Uncle Vernon was at work and no doubt Dudley was 'out to tea with his friends.' Harry made himself a sandwich and poured himself some iced tea. He spent all afternoon watching TV while he could since both Uncle Vernon and Dudley were out.
When he returned back upstairs, Ron's owl was zooming around, hooting at him. Harry was used to getting a number of letters every day. The order was always checking in and his friends were always writing to him. They tried to keep him up to date with things and gave pretty good hints that would have been impossible for anyone but Harry to understand. He took the letter, hoping it would be the last for the day.
Hey Harry,
We were all getting worried about you. We hadn't heard from you for three days. Moody was going on about getting a party together to go to the Dursley's.
True, Harry, getting fed up with all of the owls coming a few days ago, had refused to let any in and didn't write to anyone. He figured he had better write to someone on the third day of this before the Order got suspicious of the Dursleys mistreating him or thought he was in any harm, so he sent a letter to Ron. He continued to read Ron's letter.
We got our owls this morning. I guess I didn't do too bad, I got five. Hermione got about fifty. No surprises. I'm taking Care of Magical Creatures, Herbology, Charms, Transfiguration, and Defense Against the Dark Arts. I was only going to take the minimum four but Mum's making me take five.
Well, Hermione's tugging at my quill. I s'pose she wants to tell you about her owls.
And sure enough, Hermione's neat writing appeared next.
Hey Harry,
How are you? I'm so excited. I got ten owls. I'm sure you did well too. I can't wait to start our new class. Pure Arts. It's where you do magic without wand. I wonder who the new teacher will be. And of Defense. No one can be any worse than Umbridge was.
And what Ron said about all of us getting worried was true. The order got really nervous when you didn't write for three days. You shouldn't do that, you know. They were about to come to the Dursleys.
As Harry read these words, an idea sprung to his head. He smiled at his own genius.
Well, owl us back soon. Miss you lots.
Hermione And Ron
Harry threw the letter aside and sat smiling. He didn't even think over his plan. He knew it would work. There was no way that it wouldn't. In a few days, he would be at the Burrow or Headquarters, free of the Dursleys. He sat on his bed, grinning at his own brilliance.
Three days, one howler, and thirteen worried owls later, Harry was feeling quite satisfied with himself. The most recent letter was from Lupin, saying they would be at the Dursley's home that night if they didn't receive a reply by that time. Harry couldn't believe he hadn't thought of doing this earlier. By the next morning, he would be back at Grimmauld Place with his friends. All day, he felt anxious, pacing his room and not being able to sit more than a few minutes at a time.
Just as the Dursleys were sitting down to dinner, a series of cracks sounded throughout the house. Harry knew they were the sounds made when one apparates. He started to gather his books and throw them in his trunk as Uncle Vernon's voice echoed throughout the house.
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?" he boomed.
"WHERE IS HARRY?" roared what Harry recognized as the voice of Mad-Eye Moody, "WHAT HAVE YOU DONE WITH HIM?" "I DEMAND YOU LEAVE AT ONCE!" "WHERE IS HARRY?" "D-DON'T YOU POINT THAT AT ME!" "He's up here Mad-Eye!" Lupin shouted from Harry's doorway.
"Are you alright?" Lupin asked, hurrying over to him.
"Yeah, fine," Harry said.
"Why haven't you answered us? Did the Dursleys do anything?" The tone of his voice made Harry feel a little guilty. Leave it to Lupin to act like the mother hen and make him regret getting everyone worried.
"I -er-" he was saved from answering as Moody appeared with Tonks and Kingsley, wands drawn.
"What's going on, Remus? Is he alright?" Moody asked, his magical eye searching the room.
Everyone was staring at him intently wanting an explanation. He shifted uncomfortably, wanting nothing more than to disappear at that moment. He didn't expect this part of his plan.
"Well, Harry?" Lupin prompted lightly. "I was busy," Harry said lamely not meeting any one of their gazes, "Guess I just forgot." "Busy! Doing what, may I ask? Not enough time to write 'I'm fine.' on a piece of paper! That's a lame excuse!" Moody yelled, "Four Order members were taken away from important duties to come here! And there is nothing wrong with you!" "Now Moody," Lupin said placatingly, trying to calm the grizzled wizard down. "There must be a reason for this. I'm sure Harry didn't do this on purpose." Lupin looked at him expectantly, as though waiting for Harry to back him up. Harry felt, if possible, even guiltier. He didn't know what to say to the group before him.
"The boy didn't forget! With over ten people writing to him nearly every day! I don't think it just slipped his mind every time he finished a letter!" Moody shouted accusingly.
Harry was beginning to get angry with them. He had been cooped up in this house for more than a month. What did they expect him to do?
"We shouldn't even be here right now!" Moody continued, "It's probably just some attempt at getting himself some attention!" "That's out of line," Lupin said.
Moody's comment was enough to push Harry over the edge. "I DID NOT DO THIS FOR ATTENTION! I WANTED OUT OF THIS PLACE! IF YOU HAD COME FOR ME LIKE YOU SAID YOU WOULD, NONE OF THIS WOULD BE HAPPENING!" he bellowed.
"We WERE going to come for you on Saturday," Moody growled after a moment. "If you just had the patience to wait. You should know by now that you have to stay here for a certain amount of time."
Harry said nothing. After a short pause, Lupin looked at his watch and pulled out an empty Butterbeer Bottle.
"We should be going now. The others are probably worried," he said.
Harry wondered for a moment whether he was going with them, until Lupin fixed his reproving gaze on him and said, "Get your things, Harry. We'll talk later." Harry nodded and gathered the rest of his things. He shoved them into his trunk sloppily. Lupin took Hedwig's cage and Tonks, the firebolt.
"Brilliant idea, Harry," she whispered brightly so only Harry heard, while the others took hold of the empty bottle.
"Dumbledore set it up," Lupin said, "Take hold." Harry put a finger on the bottle and held the handle of the trunk with his free hand. There was the familiar tug behind his navel and a second later, they were standing in the kitchen of Grimmauld place.
"Oh, Harry! Thank Merlin you're alright!" Mrs. Weasley exclaimed, hugging him tightly, "I was so worried!"
If there was anything that could really lay the guilt on him, it was that. "I'm fine, Mrs. Weasley," he said.
"Mum, you're strangling him," Fred said, smiling.
"What happened?" she asked, letting him go.
"Go ahead," growled Moody, "Tell them."
"I'll explain later," Lupin said, saving Harry the trouble of answering.
Harry was grateful, seeing the large crowd of people in the room. He didn't want to have to explain in front of all of them. Mrs. Weasley threw Lupin a curious look before turning back to Harry.
"We've already finished supper, dear, but if you'd like something to eat, I'll get you it," she said kindly. "No, thank you. I think I'll just go up to bed. I'm really tired," he said.
"Oh, of course. Ron will help you take your things up," she said.
Ron took an end of the trunk and Hermione took Hedwig's Cage. They made their way into the hall, with Fred, George, and Ginny following. Harry saw black scorch marks on the wall where the portrait of Sirius's mother once was. Almost all of the portraits were gone now, including the plaques with House Elf heads that lead up the stairs. The old house brought back floods of memories but Harry bit back on his tears. "So, what happened?" Ron asked eagerly once they got into the room.
"Yeah, Moody didn't look happy," George said.
"Nothing," Harry said, grinning.
"Nothing? What do you mean? Then why didn't you write us?" Hermione asked.
"Because if I did, I wouldn't be here right now," he said. His guilt seemed to drift away as he thought it was worth it to be here with his friends, instead of at the Dursleys.
Fred laughed, "Harry, that was--"
"Brilliant!" George said.
"Genius!" Ron said.
"Great!" Ginny said.
"Horrible!" Hermione said, "You had everyone worried!"
"Come on, Hermione, you don't know what it's like at the Dursley's. They're horrible," Harry said, imploringly. He didn't want her mad at him the first day he was back. She shook her head exasperatedly.
"So, what's been going on here?" Harry asked, changing the subject.
"Not very much that you don't already know. Everything's been in the papers. Everyone is really surprised that there aren't many attacks," she said.
"From what we've heard through the extendable ears, the giants are with Voldemort as are the vampires. And the goblins are staying neutral, though they did say they would never join the dark side. But that's all," Ron continued.
"What about you two? Aren't you in the order now that you've left school?" Harry asked.
Ron snorted with laughter, as did Ginny. Hermione was smiling contentedly. "What?" Harry asked confusedly.
"They aren't done with school, yet," Ron grinned.
Harry looked at the twins, puzzled, "Isn't the joke shop doing well?"
"Booming!" Fred said, "But mum says we have to go back. Dad too. They've even got Dumbledore in on it. He sent us letters accepting us back into Hogwarts and everything."
"We flat out refused to go back. Then they stated playing dirty. They told us we had to finish school to be in the order," George said.
"So, of course, we start school again September first," Fred said, "But Dumbledore says we can go to Hogsmeade and apparate to the shop for weekends." "Should have just stuck it out with Umbridge last year," Ron said.
"Hey, Harry, did you hear the bad news?" George said, "Ginny's been made prefect."
"It isn't my fault! I didn't ask for it!" she retorted.
"But you did get it. The fifth prefect in the family," George said with a look of mock disgust.
"Yes, and you two are the only eighth years to ever attend Hogwarts," she said.
"And proud to be so!" Fred said happily, taking her insult as a compliment.
They all started laughing. Harry was glad to be away from Privet drive and even gladder to be with his friends.
Chapter One - Letters
The second week of August was coming to an end and Harry was way past aggravated with his current situation. He knew he had to stay with the Dursleys for a certain amount of time but they had taken him away from the Dursleys before the summer holidays ended previous years. In fact he hadn't spent a whole summer with them since he began Hogwarts. Their numerous letters told him they would be getting him soon but, like last year, no date was given. Dumbledore wrote Harry biweekly, using Fawkes. Harry supposed Dumbledore had learnt from last year that it was best if he was kept better informed.
Harry had taken on a bit of a more aggressive attitude towards the Dursleys. He wasn't going to be pushed around this summer, and he let them know it the moment he walked in the door. He no longer hid under windows to hear the news; instead, he sat in the living room every morning and evening to listen to the news. He did as he pleased for the most part. His new rule from Dumbledore of No Leaving The House made summer all the more worse. He felt trapped.
At the moment, he was waiting for an owl to bring the day's issue of the Daily Prophet. It was already eight and the owl usually brought it before seven. He fell back onto his bed and just closed his eyes. He wished there was something to do, anything that would keep his mind from thinking about what happened only a few weeks ago. He had already finished all of his homework and read through his Quidditch and Defense books a dozen times in an attempt. However hard he tried to push thoughts of the prophecy and the veil from his mind, though, the more they made themselves shown, it seemed to him.
Early on he had vowed to himself that he would defeat Lord Voldemort. Not because the whole wizarding world was counting on him or because of some stupid prophecy but because he wanted and needed to avenge Sirius's death, the death of his parents, and so many more. He had thought long and hard about things many nights and every bad thing that happened in his life always led back to one person, Voldemort. He was responsible for so many deaths and so much destruction in so many lives.
Harry spent numerous nights lying awake with a hollow pain, thinking of his godfather. He tried to put it behind him, but that was too hard. Everything seemed to remind him of Sirius. Tears burnt his eyes as he lie on the bed.
A familiar clicking noise interrupted his thoughts and he sat up looking for the source of the noise. A large gray owl was pecking at his window. He opened it and the owl flew in, landing on his bedpost. Harry took the letter from its leg. On the front, the Hogwarts crest was stamped in green.
Dear Mr. Potter,
We are pleased to inform you that you successfully passed 6 of your O.W.Ls with an E level or higher. The list of N.E.W.T. level classes you have been accepted into are listed at the bottom. You may choose which classes you wish to take. You must pick at least four. Please write down which ones they will be and owl them to Hogwarts. A mandatory new class has been added to the schedule of all sixth and seventh years, Pure Arts. Congratulations. Minerva McGonagall Deputy Head Mistress of Hogwart's School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
O - Outstanding, E - Exceeds Expectations,
A - Acceptable, P - Poor, D - Dreadful
Defense Against the Dark Arts: O
Transfiguration: E Charms: E
Care of Magical Creatures: O
Astronomy: P
Divination: A Potions: E
Herbology: E History of Magic: P
N.E.W.T. Classes Defense Against the Dark Arts Transfiguration Charms Care of Magical Creatures Herbology Potions Divination
Harry was surprised when he saw that he was accepted into Divination and even more so when he saw Potions. Snape only accepted students that received an Outstanding in Potions. He got into all of the classes that he needed to become an auror, though. He felt a smile come across his face. He took out a piece of parchment and quill and scribbled down the classes he wanted. Defense Against the Dark Arts, Transfiguration, Charms, Care of Magical Creatures, and Potions. He wasn't about to take Divination and he didn't need to take Herbology. He gave the letter to Hedwig and she departed.
Then he took out another letter from the envelope, which was his list of school supplies for his sixth year. He took out the last letter and was surprised, extremely happy, and confused at what fell out. Two shining gold badges, one with the Gryffindor lion and a letter 'C' engraved, the other with the letters 'DA' and two wands crossed shooting sparks.
Dear Mr. Potter,
We are pleased to inform you that you have been selected as captain of the Gryffindor Quidditch team. We hope you can lead Gryffindor to victory for their third year in a row winning the Quidditch Cup. Your badge is enclosed. A meeting of the four captains will take place on September sixth at 8:00 in the Chamber leading from the Great Hall to discuss practice schedules.
Congratulations. Minerva McGonagall Deputy Head Mistress of Hogwart's School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Harry felt excited when he read the letter. He couldn't believe he was made Quidditch captain. Then his mind fell to the other badge. He had no idea what the badge was so he took out the final letter.
Dear Mr. Potter,
I would like to inform you that the illegal club you were running last year has been made an official club of Hogwarts. You will remain leader of the club. Though, the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher will assist you when possible. It is understood that you have an immense workload this year, so if you do not wish to remain leader of the club, please owl back.
Once again, congratulations.
Minerva McGonagall Deputy Head Mistress of Hogwart's School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Harry couldn't help but feel happy. He was Quidditch captain, leader of the DA, and had gotten into all of the classes needed to become an auror. He took the badges and set them on his bedside table. Harry read through his letters again happily. He should have known better than to think his good mood was going to last. The Daily Prophet owl flew in through the open window and dropped the paper onto his bed . It held out its leg with the moneybag. Harry dropped in his money and picked up the paper. He swore as he read the headline of the first page.
DEMENTORS JOIN YOU-KNOW-WHO'S RANKS
Harry scanned through the article. Every Death Eater that was captured had escaped. He threw a punch at his bedroom wall in frustration, causing a picture to fall and break. "WHAT THE BLOODY HELL IS GOING ON UP THERE?" Uncle Vernon's voice echoed up the stairs.
Harry ignored him completely. His knuckles were throbbing painfully as he fell back onto his bed. He finished reading the article and he was pleased to see a few insults aimed towards minister of magic, Cornelius Fudge. The rest of the article was nothing but warnings to the wizarding world to beware any hooded or masked individuals and to not leave their homes unless absolutely necessary. Harry hated to read through the whole paper but he wasn't going to miss anything in it. He learned last year that he couldn't just depend on the headlines anymore. Useful tidbits of information were often slipped in articles nonchalantly. There were not as many attacks as Harry had expected since Voldemort's open return. He thought for sure, now that Voldemort's existence was in the open, he would not hesitate to kill.
He threw the paper on his desk and looked longingly out the window. 'Do not leave the house.' That was what Dumbledore had written to him in a letter as soon as he arrived at the Dursleys. He supposed it was or the best but it was still frustrating to be stuck indoors with the Dursleys for weeks. Harry's stomach gave a growl and he decided to go downstairs to get something to eat. Aunt Petunia was on the phone gossiping with one of the neighbors when he entered the kitchen. Uncle Vernon was at work and no doubt Dudley was 'out to tea with his friends.' Harry made himself a sandwich and poured himself some iced tea. He spent all afternoon watching TV while he could since both Uncle Vernon and Dudley were out.
When he returned back upstairs, Ron's owl was zooming around, hooting at him. Harry was used to getting a number of letters every day. The order was always checking in and his friends were always writing to him. They tried to keep him up to date with things and gave pretty good hints that would have been impossible for anyone but Harry to understand. He took the letter, hoping it would be the last for the day.
Hey Harry,
We were all getting worried about you. We hadn't heard from you for three days. Moody was going on about getting a party together to go to the Dursley's.
True, Harry, getting fed up with all of the owls coming a few days ago, had refused to let any in and didn't write to anyone. He figured he had better write to someone on the third day of this before the Order got suspicious of the Dursleys mistreating him or thought he was in any harm, so he sent a letter to Ron. He continued to read Ron's letter.
We got our owls this morning. I guess I didn't do too bad, I got five. Hermione got about fifty. No surprises. I'm taking Care of Magical Creatures, Herbology, Charms, Transfiguration, and Defense Against the Dark Arts. I was only going to take the minimum four but Mum's making me take five.
Well, Hermione's tugging at my quill. I s'pose she wants to tell you about her owls.
And sure enough, Hermione's neat writing appeared next.
Hey Harry,
How are you? I'm so excited. I got ten owls. I'm sure you did well too. I can't wait to start our new class. Pure Arts. It's where you do magic without wand. I wonder who the new teacher will be. And of Defense. No one can be any worse than Umbridge was.
And what Ron said about all of us getting worried was true. The order got really nervous when you didn't write for three days. You shouldn't do that, you know. They were about to come to the Dursleys.
As Harry read these words, an idea sprung to his head. He smiled at his own genius.
Well, owl us back soon. Miss you lots.
Hermione And Ron
Harry threw the letter aside and sat smiling. He didn't even think over his plan. He knew it would work. There was no way that it wouldn't. In a few days, he would be at the Burrow or Headquarters, free of the Dursleys. He sat on his bed, grinning at his own brilliance.
Three days, one howler, and thirteen worried owls later, Harry was feeling quite satisfied with himself. The most recent letter was from Lupin, saying they would be at the Dursley's home that night if they didn't receive a reply by that time. Harry couldn't believe he hadn't thought of doing this earlier. By the next morning, he would be back at Grimmauld Place with his friends. All day, he felt anxious, pacing his room and not being able to sit more than a few minutes at a time.
Just as the Dursleys were sitting down to dinner, a series of cracks sounded throughout the house. Harry knew they were the sounds made when one apparates. He started to gather his books and throw them in his trunk as Uncle Vernon's voice echoed throughout the house.
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?" he boomed.
"WHERE IS HARRY?" roared what Harry recognized as the voice of Mad-Eye Moody, "WHAT HAVE YOU DONE WITH HIM?" "I DEMAND YOU LEAVE AT ONCE!" "WHERE IS HARRY?" "D-DON'T YOU POINT THAT AT ME!" "He's up here Mad-Eye!" Lupin shouted from Harry's doorway.
"Are you alright?" Lupin asked, hurrying over to him.
"Yeah, fine," Harry said.
"Why haven't you answered us? Did the Dursleys do anything?" The tone of his voice made Harry feel a little guilty. Leave it to Lupin to act like the mother hen and make him regret getting everyone worried.
"I -er-" he was saved from answering as Moody appeared with Tonks and Kingsley, wands drawn.
"What's going on, Remus? Is he alright?" Moody asked, his magical eye searching the room.
Everyone was staring at him intently wanting an explanation. He shifted uncomfortably, wanting nothing more than to disappear at that moment. He didn't expect this part of his plan.
"Well, Harry?" Lupin prompted lightly. "I was busy," Harry said lamely not meeting any one of their gazes, "Guess I just forgot." "Busy! Doing what, may I ask? Not enough time to write 'I'm fine.' on a piece of paper! That's a lame excuse!" Moody yelled, "Four Order members were taken away from important duties to come here! And there is nothing wrong with you!" "Now Moody," Lupin said placatingly, trying to calm the grizzled wizard down. "There must be a reason for this. I'm sure Harry didn't do this on purpose." Lupin looked at him expectantly, as though waiting for Harry to back him up. Harry felt, if possible, even guiltier. He didn't know what to say to the group before him.
"The boy didn't forget! With over ten people writing to him nearly every day! I don't think it just slipped his mind every time he finished a letter!" Moody shouted accusingly.
Harry was beginning to get angry with them. He had been cooped up in this house for more than a month. What did they expect him to do?
"We shouldn't even be here right now!" Moody continued, "It's probably just some attempt at getting himself some attention!" "That's out of line," Lupin said.
Moody's comment was enough to push Harry over the edge. "I DID NOT DO THIS FOR ATTENTION! I WANTED OUT OF THIS PLACE! IF YOU HAD COME FOR ME LIKE YOU SAID YOU WOULD, NONE OF THIS WOULD BE HAPPENING!" he bellowed.
"We WERE going to come for you on Saturday," Moody growled after a moment. "If you just had the patience to wait. You should know by now that you have to stay here for a certain amount of time."
Harry said nothing. After a short pause, Lupin looked at his watch and pulled out an empty Butterbeer Bottle.
"We should be going now. The others are probably worried," he said.
Harry wondered for a moment whether he was going with them, until Lupin fixed his reproving gaze on him and said, "Get your things, Harry. We'll talk later." Harry nodded and gathered the rest of his things. He shoved them into his trunk sloppily. Lupin took Hedwig's cage and Tonks, the firebolt.
"Brilliant idea, Harry," she whispered brightly so only Harry heard, while the others took hold of the empty bottle.
"Dumbledore set it up," Lupin said, "Take hold." Harry put a finger on the bottle and held the handle of the trunk with his free hand. There was the familiar tug behind his navel and a second later, they were standing in the kitchen of Grimmauld place.
"Oh, Harry! Thank Merlin you're alright!" Mrs. Weasley exclaimed, hugging him tightly, "I was so worried!"
If there was anything that could really lay the guilt on him, it was that. "I'm fine, Mrs. Weasley," he said.
"Mum, you're strangling him," Fred said, smiling.
"What happened?" she asked, letting him go.
"Go ahead," growled Moody, "Tell them."
"I'll explain later," Lupin said, saving Harry the trouble of answering.
Harry was grateful, seeing the large crowd of people in the room. He didn't want to have to explain in front of all of them. Mrs. Weasley threw Lupin a curious look before turning back to Harry.
"We've already finished supper, dear, but if you'd like something to eat, I'll get you it," she said kindly. "No, thank you. I think I'll just go up to bed. I'm really tired," he said.
"Oh, of course. Ron will help you take your things up," she said.
Ron took an end of the trunk and Hermione took Hedwig's Cage. They made their way into the hall, with Fred, George, and Ginny following. Harry saw black scorch marks on the wall where the portrait of Sirius's mother once was. Almost all of the portraits were gone now, including the plaques with House Elf heads that lead up the stairs. The old house brought back floods of memories but Harry bit back on his tears. "So, what happened?" Ron asked eagerly once they got into the room.
"Yeah, Moody didn't look happy," George said.
"Nothing," Harry said, grinning.
"Nothing? What do you mean? Then why didn't you write us?" Hermione asked.
"Because if I did, I wouldn't be here right now," he said. His guilt seemed to drift away as he thought it was worth it to be here with his friends, instead of at the Dursleys.
Fred laughed, "Harry, that was--"
"Brilliant!" George said.
"Genius!" Ron said.
"Great!" Ginny said.
"Horrible!" Hermione said, "You had everyone worried!"
"Come on, Hermione, you don't know what it's like at the Dursley's. They're horrible," Harry said, imploringly. He didn't want her mad at him the first day he was back. She shook her head exasperatedly.
"So, what's been going on here?" Harry asked, changing the subject.
"Not very much that you don't already know. Everything's been in the papers. Everyone is really surprised that there aren't many attacks," she said.
"From what we've heard through the extendable ears, the giants are with Voldemort as are the vampires. And the goblins are staying neutral, though they did say they would never join the dark side. But that's all," Ron continued.
"What about you two? Aren't you in the order now that you've left school?" Harry asked.
Ron snorted with laughter, as did Ginny. Hermione was smiling contentedly. "What?" Harry asked confusedly.
"They aren't done with school, yet," Ron grinned.
Harry looked at the twins, puzzled, "Isn't the joke shop doing well?"
"Booming!" Fred said, "But mum says we have to go back. Dad too. They've even got Dumbledore in on it. He sent us letters accepting us back into Hogwarts and everything."
"We flat out refused to go back. Then they stated playing dirty. They told us we had to finish school to be in the order," George said.
"So, of course, we start school again September first," Fred said, "But Dumbledore says we can go to Hogsmeade and apparate to the shop for weekends." "Should have just stuck it out with Umbridge last year," Ron said.
"Hey, Harry, did you hear the bad news?" George said, "Ginny's been made prefect."
"It isn't my fault! I didn't ask for it!" she retorted.
"But you did get it. The fifth prefect in the family," George said with a look of mock disgust.
"Yes, and you two are the only eighth years to ever attend Hogwarts," she said.
"And proud to be so!" Fred said happily, taking her insult as a compliment.
They all started laughing. Harry was glad to be away from Privet drive and even gladder to be with his friends.