Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter. HP is the property of J. K. Rowling and is not my intellectual property. There is no financial gain made from this nor will any be sought. This is for entertainment purposes only.

Some of the dialogue is lifted directly from Order of the Phoenix, it's basically quoted word for word with small changes (a majority of Hermione and Ron segment). Sorry about that - I didn't plan it that way, but I wanted that part to be mostly canon. It felt right. The Ministry hearing in another chapter (or the one after that) should also have some lifted parts - promise to make it as minimal as possible.

ENJOY.

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Harry/OFC (A. A. Shade)

Hermione/ (Not Ron) - still don't know who shall I pair her with, to be honest :P

§Testing§ - parseltongue

'Testing' - talking

"Testing" - inner voice

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2.

Aurora smiled a little at a sudden job offer, noticing with a corner of her eye Harry's emerald green gaze and focused on the young man for a moment. She couldn't deny the instant connection between them, especially taking into account the things she felt when he "browsed the goods". A shiver of pleasure run down her spine at the memory – she still felt excited and he didn't even touch her! That was not normal for her … she even did a damn naked pirouette - and enjoyed it far more than necessary. But he was three, maybe four, years younger than her and now a potential student. Forcing her eyes off him, she focused on the sudden job interview.

'Teacher?' She mused at loud. 'To be perfectly honest I didn't consider that, nor do I have any experience in teaching.' She stated truthfully. "How hard can it be?" She thought considering the offer. 'You must be Harry's illustrious Headmaster then?' Asked Aurora, trying to buy herself more time to think over the offer.

'That I am.' He smiled jovially at her, familiar mad twinkle still in his eye. "Must be a Dumbledore thing", she thought to herself as he continued. 'In all this confusion I must have forgotten my manners - Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, at your service.' He intonated bowing slightly, making her roll eyes at him. 'And while at it let me introduce my companions.' Saying that he pointed at a shabby looking man. He had light brown hair flecked with grey, green eyes with a familiar shine and scars across his face. "Well, that's a werewolf … interesting", she noticed not even slightly bothered (having a silver laced sword and all). 'Remus John Lupin, former Defence professor at Hogwarts and hopefully your senior. I'm sure he wouldn't mind answering your questions about the position – along with some advice.' He shamelessly pointed, driving hard for her to take the job. Werewolf inclined head politely and smiled. 'Next is young Nymphadora ...'

The witch in question suddenly changed hair colour from violet to deep red with a groan of annoyance and muttered 'Don't call me Nymphadora!' Earning a small smile from a werewolf, startled surprise from Harry and a raised eyebrow from Aurora. "Metamorph? Are they going for diversity points or something?"

'… Tonks.' Finished Dumbledore, unfazed by young witch reaction. 'The newest member of Auror corps and protégé of my dear friend Alastor Moody – a retired Auror himself and … brief … holder of Defence against the Dark Arts professorship at Hogwarts.' He added sheepishly as he gestured to his left at the grizzly man with one dark eye and other (clearly artificial) electric blue. The angry man in question obviously reached his quota of restrain as he exclaimed at the old man.

'Are you BLOODY INSANE ALBUS?' He shouted startling everyone besides herself and the Headmaster. 'She could be Voldemort spy!' He added much quietly looking around as if expecting to be attacked at a moment notice. 'And I didn't believe her for a second when she tried to sell that pile of shite about not knowing about Death Munchers and their snake-faced master.' Paranoia evident in his voice and suspicion in his eyes he rounded on the ancient wizard. 'You cannot possibly believe her blatant lie! Even the bloody YANKS know about them, not to mention Down Under!' Dumbledore only raised his hands to calm the scarred wizard as he finished his rant. 'And YOU are trying to recruit her as a professor at Hogwarts? Have you really grown barmy and Prophet actually on to something for once?' She let a small sigh of annoyance as he (once again) pointed his wand at her. "Maybe I laid it a little bit too thick with the whole away from civilisation excuse." Before she could start to "reason" with the Paranoid Arse, Headmaster came to the rescue.

'Alastor, I understand your concerns and they will be addressed … But,' at this his expression shifted to more stern, 'she not only didn't harm Harry but also saved his life – and that of his cousin. Do you really think that a Voldemort supporter wouldn't at the very least kidnap him – spy or not?' Pointed Dumbledore to Captain Paranoid, who still had the look of disbelief on his face. 'And if you want more proof - consider the fact that she is Inside The House …' He trailed off at that letting it sink in. "Hmm … he probably means the intent based ward that I crossed on the way here … is it really that powerful?" She glanced at Harry and noted the lack of understanding, confusion and a hint of anger at the Headmaster remark. "Curious … why they keep him in the dark?" Meanwhile, The White Beard Wannabe started speaking again. 'You know, as well as I do, that she wouldn't be able to as much as notice the house if there was any malignant intent from her towards Harry.' Noticing his friend relenting (finally) he added in his old jovial tone.

'And addressing the job proposal … well … you all know that each year I have to hire a new instructor for the subject in question.' She raised her eyebrows at that. "Bloody Hell … What in the name of Merlin are they doing to those teachers … Hope the pay reflect that." Before she could inquire he continued. 'And adding to rising with each year difficulty in finding a competent instructor,' at that Harry snorted silently, she guessed that quality of teaching was lacking with some of Headmaster choices, 'is Ministry insistence in providing their own candidate if I am unable to do so. Let's say that presented candidate leaves a lot to be desired.' He then smiled at her. 'Miss Shade, on the other hand, had already proven herself to be proficient in Defence by banishing a Dementor. And while her young age and … questionable … past may be obstacles, she is far better than the alternative choice. Of course, I have all the confidence that she will do smashingly.' He added quickly seeing her indignation at his "vote of confidence".

'Actually, I didn't banish the dementor.' She corrected That Old Fart, feeling a little peeved with him at the moment. 'I destroyed it.' Everyone besides Harry froze at that, looking at her in shock and disbelief. Before anyone could react, Harry's voice sounded from beside her.

'Yes, have been wondering about that. I didn't even know you could destroy them … what was the spell you used? It looked unlike any I ever saw, more like a sword of magic than anything else …' He traded off noticing shocked faces of the group in front of them. 'What?'

'You actually saw her destroying dementor?' Asked, with an impressed note in his voice, The Paranoid Prick.

'Yes,' he stated simply. 'It's cloak and ashes are probably still there.'

'Isn't that … like … impossible?' Young Metamorph asked confused.

'It seems that young Miss Shade found a way to do just that,' commented Dumbledore with a twinkle yet again in his eye, making her feel a wave of nostalgia. 'And how, pray tell, did you manage to do that? Sword of magic was it?' She could feel curiosity coming from him in waves as he asked.

Aurora sighed tiredly at all this questioning, wanting to just go to sleep … "It's almost midnight, I'm dead tired from the ritual and that damn dementor – and he wants to play a hundred questions." The only thing at the moment that got her going was a cosy job at Hogwarts that this Old Goat was presenting her, that she finally decided would be perfect for her to accept. Harry, of course, had nothing to do with the decision. Nothing at all.

'It was a variation of Sabre spell with a Patronum modificator.' She explained tiredly, noticing recognition on Headmaster's face and a blank look on the rest of the group. 'It basically forces the patronus part to act in offensive role rather than defensive one.' Harry looked at her impressed making her feel strangely good about herself. It transformed soon to thoughtful expression laced with determination. She smiled, knowing exactly what he was thinking – and vowing to help him learn the spell.

'That … could work. Magic requirement of the combined spells must be extreme, not to mention the control issues – as I remember correctly Sabre is even harder to control than Fiendfyre…' Newfound respect could be seen in his eyes. "I think that's enough for a job interview." Smirk formed at her lips.

'Yep … It's a bitch – that's why I only use it for few seconds at a time. Long rest in between if possible.' At that, she yawned and stretched theatrically. 'Speaking of rest – I'm dead tired. Can we do that questioning thing another time? Oh, and I accept the teaching position … as long as pay is good – we can iron out the details later.' Turning around she grabbed Harry's arm. 'Come on handsome, show me …' Before she could make as much as a single step in, she heard the voice that came dangerously close to breaking her patience.

'Actually, we came here originally to take young Harry to a more secure location. And while I didn't plan on doing so initially, I hope that you would like to join us, Miss … Professor Shade.' She decided to take a deep breath to calm herself (tiredness always made her cranky) and noticed Harry's musky smell with earthy underlying that worked wonders for her nerves. She turned back at them (noticing infuriating smile of her new employer), snuggling to her companion side making him stiff in the process (not in a fun way) and blushing. "Probably not used to touching others", Aurora mused to herself ignoring questioning looks from the wolf and bubblegum pink haired witch grin. "Huh … when did she change colour?" Pushing that aside she spoke.

'Sure … why not? It wouldn't be fun without Harry anyway. Only Horseface and unconscious duo for company aren't very stimulating.' Annoyingly, her answer seemed to cause some confusion.

'Harry muggle relatives? Are they here? Shouldn't they be on their way to my made up competition?' Asked The Wonder Hair Witch in quick succession. 'And what do you mean by unconscious duo?'

'Dudley is still unconscious from dementor influence, and Uncle Vernon got Stupefied for trying to assault me – he assumed I attacked Dudley.' Harry quickly explained before anyone tried to accuse her of something, earning a grateful smile from her. 'They will be fine in the morning – nothing to worry about.'

'I'm sure you are right Harry, but you should go and pack – we are already behind schedule and people will start worrying if we don't hurry.' Wolf said suddenly, startling her slightly. "Damn … this werewolf is so inconspicuous that I forgot that he is there." The shabby man continued. 'Tonks, can you help Harry pack? I would recommend that to you as well Miss Shade.' At that Harry excused himself and moved swiftly upstairs with the witch, leaving her without a convenient source of heat and a little bit lonely. She turned to the Professor Like Man. 'Don't need to pack – everything I have is already with me.' Getting raised eyebrows all around she elaborated. 'I like to travel light, and hitching a ride on lightning tends to limit your luggage.' Seeing curious looks and downright inquisitive one from Twinkly Eyes she quickly added. 'I will answer questions later as right now I'm pretty tired. Besides – shouldn't we go inside? We are pretty visible right now.' That got the desired reaction as everyone gone inside and moved to the kitchen. She heard people going down the stairs and decided to inform them of their new whereabouts.

'Kitchen.' She simply said and pointed in that direction as a trunk came down the stairs. Right after it was Metamorph with an owl cage, wand pointed at the trunk and Harry. She moved in right next to his side and together to the kitchen. 'Maybe we will have enough time for another sandwich?' She wondered silently making Harry smile a little.

'Splendid, I presume everyone is ready?' Dumbledore asked getting nods all around and grunt from her as she realised that there will be no more food for her. She noticed that he still didn't look Harry in the eye – remembering that he never even glanced at the young man during the whole conversation.

'We will leave immediately then.' He said before she could comment on his strange behaviour. 'And while Alastor idea to travel on brooms would have worked as well,' the man in question let out an annoyed growl. "Why do I have a feeling that if he were an animagus - wolverine would definitely be his form?" She thought amused, 'I don't think that anyone here would fancy long and not very comfortable journey.' At that, he clapped his hands and happily added. 'That's why I propose a method swifter and additionally directly to our destination, not to mention far more secure.' As if on the cue a ball of fire exploded near his right shoulder, quickly dispersing leaving big red bird trilling happily at them. The phoenix song made everyone (besides her and the Overgrown Wolverine) smiling stupidly at the bird.

'You have a fucking phoenix as a familiar?!' It was now her turn to express her disbelief. 'How, in the name of Merlin, did you manage that?' Drama Queen here had one of the most unpredictable creatures on Earth bonded to him. She knew this because that timed trick of his wouldn't work otherwise (you need a magical connection to communicate like that – hence familiar). Everyone eyes turned to her at that, surprised at her exclamation. Dumbledore simply smiled.

'Fawkes and I are old friends.' He said scratching creature near the beak, earning purr like trill in the process. 'It was a surprise when the bond formed – but can't say there is any regret involved from my side.' That said the phoenix launched from his shoulder and started hovering near them lazily flapping its wings. Tail feathers easily within everyone reach. 'Now … each of you should grab a feather and we will be on our way.' As they did so Headmaster removed a letter from his suit and deposited it on the kitchen counter. 'A little letter telling Harry's aunt and uncle not to worry and that he will see them next summer.' He explained to the group earning a muttered - 'Oh, they will LOVE that' - laced heavily with sarcasm from Harry.

Dumbledore moved then and lean in between her and Harry with a whispered 'The Headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix may be found at number twelve, Grimmauld Place, London.' Before she could react he quickly repositioned himself opposite of them. 'Well then – off we go!' Barmy Wizard said grabbing the tail and they disappeared in a wave of flame.

oOo

Harry blinked few times to get rid of the lights dancing in front of his eyes. He should have closed them considering this method of travel includes being enveloped in fire, but he got distracted by the Headmaster. Looking around he noticed that they were in an old fashioned, gloomy looking room and beside them there were quite a few other people. Most looked startled by their sudden appearance judging by numerous wands pointing at them. The sight of Dumbledore calmed nearly all. He counted some familiar faces – Professor McGonagall, Snape, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley …

'Harry!' His godfather exclaimed near what looked like kitchen counter and immediately rounded on him - hugging him fiercely. 'Are you OK? What took you so long? We have been worried sick, a few minutes more and …' Sirius Black trailed off from his questioning noticing young witch on Harry's left. '… who is this lovely young lady? Friend of yours?' Sirius asked smiling significantly at them. 'Good taste Harry.' He commented in a stage whisper making Harry groan and Aurora smirk.

'Actually, you are looking at a new Defence professor that also helped young Harry with his dementor problem.' Answered Dumbledore. Harry glanced at the man and tried to catch his eyes. Just as the rest of the futile attempts this evening Headmaster didn't even look at him – making him angry and frustrated.

'Really? When did you hire a new professor?' Sirius asked curiously and Harry noticed that Professor McGonagall looked very much interested in an answer to that question. "Snape looks furious, though." He noted with satisfaction.

'Just a couple of minutes ago.' Aurora answered this time, with a shrug.

'Headmaster, a word if you don't mind.' Came strong and obviously annoyed voice of McGonagall. Harry couldn't help but notice the expression on the Headmaster's face – similar to someone that got caught with one's hand in the cookie jar.

'Of course Minerva.' He said with a sigh as they trailed off to a corner.

'Well … thank you for saving my godson Miss …' Sirius started.

'Aurora Shade. And you don't have to thank me … I mostly saved his cousin. Harry managed to take care of the other dementor on his own.' She started looking around with bored expression. Tiredness in her voice.

'Thank you anyway, Miss Shade.' He spoke with a genuine smile of gratitude. 'I'm Harry's godfather by the way – Sirius Black.' At that, he stuck out his hand. Aurora moved and shook it. Sirius eyes finally found the snake tattoo on her left arm and he stiffened a little. Probably not wanting to insult her he commented on it - trying, and failing, to sound casual. 'What a … lovely … tattoo. Very … detailed.'

'Oh, thank you. Not a tattoo, though – my familiar.' Ending handshake she spoke with slightly annoyed voice noticing his discomfort. 'Speaking of … probably should awaken him, he won't like that I didn't do that immediately.' Saying that she raised her right arm and with a flick of the wrist summoned wand to her hand, surprising all of the people that were looking at her. Pointing the tip of the wand at the snake head she intonated.

§Awaken§ softly said Aurora with familiar underlying hiss confusing him for a moment. Before he could ask about the spell shouts erupted around.

People scattered from her and pointed wands in her direction with terrified looks on their faces. Sirius, with a shocked expression, moved a step backwards and shot him a sharp look – as if saying to get the hell away from her. Moody and Tonks that were behind her quickly stepped away and simultaneously drawn their wands ready to cast as soon as she makes a false move. Snape on the other hand only flinched and regarded her with a guarded expression.

Harry understood what happened and felt the rise of anger at that. Remembering the reaction people had when he spoke to a snake he defiantly didn't move an inch from her. Aurora's face was confused for a second when she heard and saw the reaction around her and then a frown appeared on her face as she spoke.

'Oh for FUCK SAKE … Let me guess … you people don't like parselmouths either?' Annoyance mixed with tiredness evident in her voice. She looked at him and noticed his lack of reaction. 'Well, at least not all of you are idiots.' Now awake snake moved on her skin and, using circular tattoo near its head like an exit, emerged from it.

§Mistress, you are distressed. Are we under attack?§ Beautiful black cobra moved fully from her skin, draped on her shoulders and looked around tasting the air with its tongue - opening its hood in the process. §There is a lot of fear in the air … and a werewolf.§ Hissed unmistakably male, and now an agitated snake.

§The werewolf is not a danger to you or your mistress.§ Hissed Harry trying to calm the animal before it attacked anyone, earning himself frightened (suspicious in the case of Moody) looks all around. Even Sirius was startled clearly not knowing that he could speak parseltongue. Aurora didn't expect him to speak it either as surprise and curiosity could be seen on her face. Snake, on the other hand, eyed him with interest. §You are not under attack either, they just frightened of you, and your mistress, snake.§

§A Speaker? It's been many days since I last spoke with one besides my mistress.§ Male cobra moved on Aurora now outstretched right arm to have a closer look at him, making Sirius even tenser - he clearly didn't trust the snake. Harry just smiled and let the snake taste skin on his hand. §You are not mistress family … are you her mate?§ Asked the snake hopefully, making him blush. He glanced in Aurora's direction and noticed an amused smile.

§Mors, don't be overzealous.§ She scolded the snake lightly, then smiled coyly and locked her violet eyes with his. §He will have to work for it - I have high standards after all.§ Harry felt the blush deepen at her words.

'Harry?' Confused and laced with a fear voice of Sirius reached him so he turned in his direction. 'Are you OK? What is going on?'

'Err … yes, Sirius, I'm OK. I just reassured the snake that he and his mistress are in no danger... I guess you didn't know I was parselmouth?' Harry asked his godfather fearful of his reaction.

'No Harry, I didn't … But how? None of your parents where … parselmouths. So why are you?' Sirius asked puzzled.

'I suspect that he received his peculiar talent when he survived Voldemort killing curse, a piece of his power so to speak.' Dumbledore spoke in placating tone obviously trying to calm everyone. 'The real question is how Miss Shade gained the ability.' Harry looked again at the witch in question.

He was startled seeing her covering mouth with the left hand in shock. Eyes wide in disbelief, and looking at him in a new way that he couldn't decipher.

'You … you conquered death?' She managed to ask him in a small voice, violet and emerald green locked once again. He had the feeling that she was looking for something in his eyes.

'I wouldn't call it that.' Harry said confused at her choice of words. He then moved, guided by instinct, closer taking in his right hand her left elbow to reassure her. Mors moved to her shoulders probably trying to do the same. 'I survived the killing curse from Voldemort, right after he killed my parents … I was a toddler then and the only thing I remember from that night is green light … my father's scream for my mother and her pleadings for my life.' He felt weird telling for the first time the story that made him famous. That everyone knew … everyone beside her. 'So I really don't think that this counts as conquering anything, especially death.' Her gaze softened sadness and understanding on her face. He felt her hand squeezing his left forearm as if to show support.

'I'm sorry for your loss Harry. I lost my parents too … right before my eyes.' Aurora spoke quietly just to him, sharing as he did, the fate of her parents.

'Miss Shade? Are you all right?' Curious and concerned voice of Albus Dumbledore took them from their moment. They looked at him and Harry noticed confused, sad and uncomfortable looks all around – undoubtedly due to his story. He noticed also a mix of sad and reproachful look from Mrs. Weasley – probably because of closeness to the new professor.

'Sorry Headmaster. I was just surprised – that's all.' Harry could tell that there was something more to it and that Dumbledore noticed it too. 'And answering your question concerning my parseltongue ability – it runs in the family. Harry is the first one that I met not related to me.' She saw the fearful look on some of the gathered people and groaned softly resting her forehead on Harry's shoulder – making his heart beat much faster. 'And no, I'm not related to your resident pest parselmouth. I think I would remember Voldemort ridiculous name from my family tapestry.' At the mention of the feared wizard, there were many flinches, startled shouts, and hisses of disapproval.

Headmaster looked like he wanted to ask something else when he got interrupted by his godfather.

'But can we trust her? Isn't it a little convenient that Harry got rescued by a …' There was a concern in his voice - clearly, he wanted to make sure that his godson was safe. But Harry felt anger, so he turned his head and cut him off.

'Yes, we CAN trust her.' His strong clear voice startled many. 'She saved me and my cousin from the Dementors – without her I would never free myself from that filthy creature grasp. She DESTROYED a BLOODY DEMENTOR to save my cousin – A MUGGLE!' He felt Aurora stepping from his reach to a more appropriate distance. All around disbelieving looks were shared at the seemingly impossible feat. 'Those that sound like Death Eater to you?' Sirius looked at Harry, but before he could speak Dumbledore answered for him.

'No, of course not. Young Harry is right and I think that Professor Shade proved herself to be trustworthy. Even taking into account the short time we know her. The ability to destroy Dementors alone is invaluable – one she freely shared with us.' Dumbledore spoke penitently and with reason calming everyone. Harry saw Sirius sigh and finally smiling at him and Aurora.

'Sorry pup, just wanted to be sure. And you are right, she doesn't look like a Death Eater … even with a snake … parseltongue … and a black dress.' Sirius pointed with a small grin.

'Now that the drama is over … AGAIN.' Tired voice of Aurora sounded. Still drawing some suspicious and fearful looks. 'Can I please go to rest? I had a long day, and I need my beauty sleep.' She said petting still agitated Mors to calm him down.

'Sirius, my boy. Would you mind finding some accommodation to our guest? And I think we delayed the Order meeting long enough. Also, I'm sure Harry would love to rest after today's events.' Headmaster spoke yet again, drawing everyone attention.

'Oh … right … Come with me then. I think we can find you a livable room to stay in.' Sirius said to Aurora and then looked at Harry again. 'You too pup, Ron is probably waiting for you – with that bushy friend of yours.' At the mention of his friends Harry felt a mix of elation and anger. 'And be very quiet … or you will wake HER up.' Sirius whispered, moving thru the nearby door, on to the creepy looking hallway.

They started up the dark staircase, passing a row of shrunken heads mounted on plaques on the wall. A closer look showed Harry that the heads belonged to house-elves. All of them had the same rather snout-like nose. Exchanging look with Aurora he spoke to Sirius.

'What is this place?' He asked confused – this wasn't what he imagined when he thought of a "secure location". It looked more like a House of Horrors than anything else.

'Black Ancestral Home, Ron and Hermione will explain more.' His godfather whispered with bitterness. 'There', they had reached the second landing. 'You're the door on the right. You Miss Shade can have the last room on the left. I'll see you in the morning, Harry.' With that, he traced back downstairs.

Aurora moved to her new room stopping right before entering and looked at him. 'I guess I now know why magic made me reappear near you.' With unreadable emotion, deep in her violet eyes, she smiled softly. 'Good night Harry.' He heard her voice as the door to her room closed.

Harry stared confused at her door for a few moments. "What did she mean by that?" He thought considering her words. Not knowing what else to do he crossed the dingy landing, turned the bedroom doorknob, which was shaped like a serpent's head, and opened the door.

He caught a brief glimpse of a gloomy high-ceilinged, twin-bedded room; then there was a loud twittering noise, followed by an even louder shriek, and his vision was completely obscured by a large quantity of very bushy hair - Hermione had thrown herself on to him in a hug that nearly knocked him flat, while Ron's tiny owl, Pigwidgeon, zoomed excitedly round and round their heads.

'HARRY! Ron, he's here, Harry's here! We didn't hear you arrive! Oh, how are you? Are you all right? Have you been furious with us? I bet you have, I know our letters were useless … but we couldn't tell you anything, Dumbledore made us swear we wouldn't, oh, we've got so much to tell you, and you've got things to tell us … the dementors! When we heard … and that Ministry hearing … it's just outrageous, I've looked it all up, they can't expel you, they just can't, there's provision in the Decree for the Reasonable Restriction of Underage Sorcery for the use of magic in life-threatening situations …'

'Let him breathe, Hermione.' said Ron, grinning as he closed the door behind Harry. He seemed to have grown several more inches during their month apart, making him taller and more gangly looking than ever, though the long nose, bright red hair, and freckles were the same.

Still beaming, Hermione let go of Harry, but before she could say another word there was a soft whooshing sound and something white soared from the top of a dark wardrobe and landed gently on Harry's shoulder.

'Hedwig!' The snowy owl clicked her beak and nibbled his ear affectionately as Harry stroked her feathers.

'She's been in a right state,' said Ron. 'Pecked us half to death when she brought your last letters, look at this …' He showed Harry the index finger of his right hand, which sported a half-healed but clearly deep cut.

'Good.' Harry spoke with coldness in his voice that surprised even him. The so-called "best friends" froze at that. 'I wanted answers and I wasn't getting any.' Elation from seeing them long gone, and now anger driving his words, he continued. 'Do you have any idea how I felt being in the dark? Why the BLOODY HELL didn't you write anything useful?! '

'We wanted to mate,' said Ron quickly. 'Hermione was going spare, she kept saying you'd do something stupid if you were stuck all on your own without news, but Dumbledore made us …'

'… swear not to tell me,' said Harry icily. 'Yeah, Hermione already said that.'

There was a strained silence in which Harry stroked Hedwig automatically, not looking at either of the others.

'He seemed to think it was best,' said Hermione rather breathlessly. 'Dumbledore, I mean.'

'Right,' said Harry. He noticed that her hands, too, bore the marks of Hedwig's beak and found that he was not at all sorry.

'I think he thought you were safest with the Muggles …' Ron began.

'Yeah?' said Harry, raising his eyebrows. 'Have either of you been attacked by dementors this summer?'

'Well, no … but that's why he's had people from the Order of the Phoenix tailing you all the time …'

Harry felt a great jolt in his guts as though he had just missed a step going downstairs. "So everyone had known I was being followed, except me."

'Didn't work that well, though, did it?' said Harry, doing his utmost to keep his voice even. 'Had to look after myself after all, didn't I? And If Aurora wasn't there I would end up a soulless husk!'

'Who?' Hermione asked, being thrown off track. 'Aurora? Do you mean Professor Sinistra? And what do you mean …'

'That's not the point! The point is that the only reason I'm here is because I almost died!' Harry exclaimed almost shouting.

'That's because Mundungus had left before his shift had ended. Dumbledore was right furious at him – never seen him that angry. Bloody scary … if you ask me.' Ron tried explaining with placating tone.

'I'm GLAD he left! If this HANDLER of mine wasn't a lazy bum I wouldn't have been forced to use magic and because of that I would be still holed up with the Dursleys – with no knowledge of what is going on!' Hermione looked like she wanted to comment, but he cut her down knowing exactly what she would say. 'And NO Hermione – I don't give a SHITE about the hearing. I have enough proof to show I was justified in casting my patronus.' Hermione made a face at his swearing but wisely refrained from bashing him for it.

Harry was starting to lose control of his temper so he walked away from them, trying to cool down. The room wasn't very accommodating, being dark and dank – so it didn't help very much.

'Why did Dumbledore wanted to keep me in the dark? Did you even bother to ask? And don't give me this BOLLOCKS about security … he could have used one of his minions to keep me informed! If they were following me all the time, then sparing a few minutes to inform me about Voldemort shouldn't be too FUCKING inconvenient!' Ron and Hermione winced. He wasn't sure if it was because of mention of snake-face or his uncharacteristic swearing.

'We told Dumbledore we wanted to tell you what is going on … but … but he didn't want you to know anything.' Hermione said glancing at Ron.

'That Old Goat didn't want me to know?! Does he think I'm not trustworthy … that I will babble on the first occasion about his precious plans? He didn't even have the decency to look me in the BLOODY EYE! The whole time he was at the Dursleys today he barely spoke to me! I'm sure that the only reason he was even there is because he heard from Mrs. Figg about Aurora!' He actually just come to that conclusion – it made sense, Dumbledore focused on her almost the entire time. Hermione and Ron looked like they were about to ask about that but he didn't let them. 'And how come that YOU are allowed to know what is going on?'

'We're not!' Ron interrupted. 'Mum won't let us near the meetings, she says we're too young …'

But before he knew it, Harry was shouting.

'SO YOU HAVEN'T BEEN IN THE MEETINGS, BIG DEAL! YOU'VE STILL BEEN HERE, HAVEN'T YOU? YOU'VE STILL BEEN TOGETHER! ME, I'VE BEEN STUCK AT THE DURSLEYS' FOR A FUCKING MONTH!'

Harry felt his frustration, hurt and fury finally burst. Hedwig took fright at the noise and soared off to the top of the wardrobe again, Pigwidgeon twittered in alarm and zoomed even faster around their heads.

Ron was standing there with his mouth half-open, clearly stunned and at a loss for anything to say, whilst Hermione looked on the verge of tears.

'YOU COULD HAVE SEND ME A DAMN OWL – AND TO HELL WITH DUMBLEDORE! DO YOU THINK I WOULDN'T DO THAT FOR YOU? … BUT I GUESS THAT'S JUST ME!'

'Harry, we're really sorry!' said Hermione desperately, her eyes now sparkling with tears. 'You're absolutely right, Harry- I'd be furious if it was me!'

Harry breathed deeply, his throat sore after shouting. Seeing Hermione tears and finally venting his bottled up emotions made him calm down significantly. He took his face in his hands and rubbed it in frustration. After couple more calming breaths he finally spoke.

'Where are we anyway?' Asked Harry much calmer, curious about the answer.

'Headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix, the home actually belongs to Sirius.' Ron quickly answered, probably trying to steer the conversation on less controversial topics.

'And Order of the Phoenix is …' He trailed off wanting them to catch on the fact that he was lacking a crucial bit of information here.

'It's a secret society,' said Hermione quickly. 'Dumbledore's in charge, he founded it. It's the people who fought against You-Know-Who last time.'

'Probably the bunch of people I saw when I got here … Dumbledore said something about the meeting so I'm guessing that they belong to this fan club of his.' Hermione's face reflected her dislike at his cheek but she didn't say anything. 'So what are they doing about Voldemort?' Noticing their winces he sighed in frustration.

'We weren't on any of the meetings, and adults don't want to tell us anything – but we managed to get the general idea with the help of Expandable Ears.' Ron started and seeing his puzzled face at the last bit he elaborated. 'Fred and George new invention – it allowed us to listen in on the meetings.'

'We know that some Order members are following known Death Eaters, some are working on recruiting more people to the Order and some are standing guard over something,' said Hermione. 'They're always talking about guard duty.'

'They probably meant me.' Said Harry annoyed at the very idea of being followed. 'So that's it? All they do is waiting? No taking care of the Death Eaters?' Seeing Hermione's horrified face he added. 'Hermione … do you really think that following them will help? At the very least we should capture them!'

'Harry - that's illegal! They have rights! What if you make a mistake? There is a law for a reason! Innocent people could be hurt!' Hermione exclaimed hotly.

'Hermione – Ministry is the law! Do you really think they will do what is right when they refuse to acknowledge that Voldemort is back? When people like Lucius Malfoy walk free because they can buy their freedom?' Harry countered just as hotly.

'Well … he has a point there.' Ron commented at that, earning a glare from Hermione. Before anyone could say anything else with two large cracks Ron's twin brothers materialised in the middle of the room.

'AARGH!' Hermione exclaimed jumping slightly in the air, startling Harry more than the sudden appearing of the Dynamic Weasley Duo. 'Stop doing that', she added weakly.

'Hello, Harry, nice set of lungs you have there.' George cheerful voice welcomed him. 'But you should work a little on the pitch – slightly squeaky if you ask me.'

'Don't be too judgmental dear brother.' Fred beamed at Harry, making him groan silently. 'It's all about the range! And you have to admit – Harry here has an impressive one!'

'Too true brother, too true.' George said with a serious expression. 'I would say fifty miles - that at the very least.'

'So … passed Apparation test?' Asked Harry grumpily.

'With distinction!' They said together proudly. Both of them grinned then at him, making him feel uneasy. 'Anyway, Harry, you have some explaining to do.' Harry raised his eyebrow in question to that.

'Don't play dumb with us Harry!' Fred said, draping his arm around his shoulders. George doing the same from the other side. 'We saw you with this cute bird on the way here. You know – skimpy black dress, …'

'… snake around the neck, …' George picked up from his brother. Harry glanced at the other twin, in the process he noticed curiosity clear on Hermione's face. Ron was also curious but the mention of a snake made him frown.

'… raven black hair, …' Fred sounded yet again. He didn't bother to look at him again and with a slightly annoyed face, he looked at his friends in front of him.

'… and those violet eyes - that were glued to you, Harry! So … Pray tell!' George exclaimed. Hermione raised an eyebrow at him with a knowing smile. Ron, on the other hand, looked slightly red around the ears but still grinned at him.

'That was Aurora Shade,' Harry said with a sigh. Hermione grew even more curious at the name, undoubtedly remembering it from their earlier conversation. Harry couldn't help but grin knowing the reaction to the next bit. 'She is a new Defence professor.'

Shocked faces all around didn't disappoint him.

oOo

A/N: Hope you like it. Another chapter should be posted in a week. If there is any delay I will post an announcement on my Account page. Please Review! (ps. thx for the reviews so far - means a lot!)