Hey everyone,
So with this chapter we are going back to reading the Order of the Phoenix and next chapter there will be a new character added to the group from the Kingdom Hearts Universe. That being said, this story IGNORES everything from Kingdom Hearts 0.2 A Fragmentary Passage as well as Kingdom Hearts 3 – whenever that releases.
Also, I AM AN IDIOT! I thought this chapter would allow me to introduce everyone to Luna Lovegood and that actually made me really excited for this chapter, yet it turns out that, in my love for the spacy little blonde, I forgot that there was a chapter between the Trial and the train ride, one with tons of awkwardly tense moments.
Well, let's get to it,

Venquine1990

Chapter 25
Messages And Mistakes

13th of August 1995
Potter Place
Neville's POV

Gran often told me that Potter Place was considered the gem among Ancient Family Homes and having stayed here for the last 24 hours I can definitely see why and feel very happy for my good friend Harry, who has had to do with less than even the Weasleys for the longest time, even if Ron never realized this himself.
Personally, I just don't get why Harry even forgave the lad after the First Task as I know for a fact he didn't even utter any real words of apology, he just made a comment that made Harry feel glad to have his friend back and then got to enjoy the benefits of Harry being much too forgiving for his own good – or at least I think so.
Yet at the same time I just know that, in the years to come, there will definitely be a time where Ron will make a similar mistake and I can only hope that, when that time comes, Harry will be less forgiving and make sure that Ron actually puts effort in earning the kind-hearted boy's forgiveness – though I sincerely doubt it.

"At least now he will have his parents and mates to defend his rights; though I doubt Ron will take to it kindly if the twins do this considering his inferiority complex and his easy sense of jealousy." Goes through my mind as we all move over to where James decided the Order and readers would gather for the reading of the books.
This location is actually at the very center of the wards that surround all of the property belonging to Potter Place and this center is just as amazing as the rest of the Manor. The center is actually an arena made out of stone that is built into a rotund hill and that has stone-made rows of seats leading to the center of the ring itself.
The center of this arena has a platform made out of wood on top of the natural stone structure and in the center is a medium sized, fist-shaped rock that, if necessary, people can sit on, yet at the very center top of the fist shaped rock there is a single gemstone embedded that acts as the power core to keep the wards active.

And while it was a bird bath that allowed for the Manor to be hidden behind a cottage glamour, is it this fist-shaped rock and the gem inside that, even with the Glamours up, kept the wards from falling as well as kept the self-cleaning spells and self-care spells that are infused inside the wards from failing or working full power.
And thus, thanks to this incredible bit of nature and magic, did Harry get to see his family home the way it was meant to be after the Glamours were taken down as the wards, apparently, fixed the house from its damaged state over the years without showing this to the public eye and do we now have a place for the reading to commence.

And most of the readers have been staying at Potter Place with me and are more diverse in being and personality than half the Hogwarts student body. One a Hero, another a wild jungle-raised man, another a girl who is best friends with my brother and finally a royal couple of which the queen is also a few months pregnant.
I have gotten to know this random group of people over the last few hours and I definitely noticed one thing; they all have it in common with each other that Sora, in one way or another, enriched their lives and that he did all that because he was constantly searching their worlds for his beloved mate, my older brother Riku.
And while I kind of worry and wonder why none of them ever met Riku before Sora's adventures in the other Universe were over, do I not feel ready to ask my brother why and instead of that did I just focus on getting to know these people and do I now just focus on the Order members who are waiting for us at the Arena Hill.
The Headmaster, a tall tanned man, a woman who seems only a few years older than me and has bubblegum pink hair, our old ex-professors Moody and Lupin and the Weasleys are all standing around the arena and James asks the Headmaster: "You have the book, right Albus?" And the man nods as he says:

"Yes, and I hid the other two books behind one of the portraits of my predecessors." Making James smile in relief before the Order members greet my gran and me and ask Harry about his hearing and after we have all greeted each other and given our reports, does James say: "Alright, let's take a seat and start reading."
And instantly I ask: "Uncle James, can I read next?" And the man smiles as he had asked me to start calling him that last night, the reason being that Sora and Riku will one day marry and because he knew that my mum was thinking of naming him my godfather. He then hands me the book and says: "We're on chapter nine."
And I nod at him before moving over to the Center stone and on my way there does Hermione hand me a soft, warm blanket, me smiling at her gratefully. I then carefully move myself down the last few steps of the circular stands, drop the blanket over the stone and get comfortable on top of it as I page through the book and read.

The Woes of Mrs. Weasley
Dumbledore's abrupt … fast walk.

"I am so glad that your real trial went so much better than this disaster." James says, but then Harry smiles at Moody, who is sitting by himself at the top of the north-east side of the stands and the boy asks: "What trial?" Making the scarred man look quite a bit scarier as he actually smirks at my future brother in law before I read on.

He took … I wasn't -"

"Scared that Fudge would do whatever he could and use whatever methods he had available to see you sentenced and humiliated." The man himself now finishes his book-self's sentence and Sirius growls: "Which, as proven by yesterday's meeting, was exactly what Fudge was planning." And everyone frowns at his as I read on.

But Mr. Weasley … his third son.

And as I read this do I feel an aura of mixed emotions fall over us all, this aura caused mostly by the Weasleys who all look a mix of betrayed, hurt, angered and sad and I can only imagine it is because of the meeting they had with Percy after the trial and of which they only said that it went wrong. And with concern for them, do I read on.

"I'm going … to Hogwarts.

This, thankfully enough, instantly takes the depressing atmosphere out of our surroundings and Hermione says: "I can't wait for our upcoming school year. You three do realize that it's going to be our O.W.L. year, right? And that the twins will be having to take their N.E.W.T.s? Those are super important, you know.
We really should –." But then James says: "Hermione, studying the subjects you like before school is good, but don't try to study too far ahead until you know what the school year subjects will entail. You will just work yourself and your friends into the ground with worries, if you do." The girl nods, we all sigh relieved and I read on.

"Oh, it's … Malfoy coolly.

And instantly Sirius turns from carefree and happy to tense and cautious and he asks: "Harry, did Malfoy ever give you any kind of warning in your second?" And the boy rolls his eyes as he says: "Yeah, said I would meet the same sticky end as my parents. Ha, as if." Yet the man doesn't seem reassured and I read on.

Harry felt … Death Eater.

At this Sirius sighs and says: "Harry, you're forgetting that Fudge doesn't believe you about anything; Lucius and his guilt included. In fact, with Lucius constantly funding all kinds of things Fudge wants to see done, that blonde's guilt will be the last thing Fudge will ever decide to believe." Yet Harry turns angry at this and asks:
"But that's not fair. Isn't there anything we can do about that?" But then James smiles and says: "We already are." And everyone looks at him as he says: "I already met with the Goblins and have restarted all of the Funding organizations and stock marketing that the Potter House was known for." This makes Harry's eyes widen.
But then James turns to the Headmaster and says: "And no, I didn't do it to bribe Fudge or descend to Malfoy's level. I did it, because it is my duty and the Goblins have already assured me that it will take at least another fortnight before Fudge will even realize what is happening." At this the elder man nods with a smile and I read on.

"The Minister … bewitching them?"

"Don't you do something that involves torturing and maiming innocent souls and then bewitching Fudge with money to make him accept your pardoned transgressions?" Ron snarls and Mr. Weasley sighs and says: "I wish I could give the same answer to that as I probably do in the book, but I know I can't." At which I read on.

"No," Mr. Weasley … his robes.

"Eeh, it could be me, but doesn't private mean you should be somewhere others can't run into you at random? Cause I think this guy's got his phrases mixed up, being in a hallway like he is." Sora says, looking confused and Ron snaps: "No, he just thinks he can say whatever he wants. He's just that arrogant." And I read on, agreeing with him.

Harry distinctly … Fudge again."

"I am grateful that you thought of that, Arthur. Thank you very much." Dumbledore says and Mr. Weasley smiles as Sirius says: "And while Lucius did indeed meet with Fudge yesterday, am I sure he did not like hearing the news that he did, from either Fudge or myself." Yet this makes Harry turn to him and ask: "What do you mean?"
And the man sighs as he says: "After the Wizengamot meeting, I went to meet with Amelia, but ran into Lucius blocking the door to her office. I told him about how you and Sora now precede Draco with rights to my inheritance and introduced him to Kairi and the others before sending him off to his meeting with Fudge.
That's where he told me to remind you of that threat he made to you when you were twelve. And yes, Harry, I do take that seriously. James may not have met a sticky end and Lily may not be your mother, but I do recognize Lucius as someone who will do anything to see his threats come true." And Harry nods in concern before I read on.

"What private … Lucius Malfoy."

"And to be honest, that makes him more dangerous than Voldemort." James then says and instantly all my friends and I ask: "Wait, what?" And the Headmaster nods as he says: "Someone who has the ear of the public is always more dangerous than one who has part of the public fighting for him. Money is stronger than any wand."
"How?" Ron asks and the Headmaster asks: "How much money would Mr. Malfoy have to pay you to – say – kill Percival?" And to my shock does Ron actually falter before he turns away furiously and says: "None, that bastard's dead to me anyway." And the Headmaster seems sad at this, yet still nods in understanding and says:
"Yet you still faltered and that is what I mean. You know Lucius has enough money to convince you to do whatever he wants and that makes him the bigger threat. He has a reward system and that always works better than a threat. A threat can turn out to be empty, but a poor person would never try and bribe others to do their wishes."
And this lesson makes my friends and I share a concerned look before Harry sighs and says: "Besides, I guess this has to do with what you told me four years ago, sir. About how things like gold and immortality are the two things that men want most, but that are the worst things humanity could have." The Headmaster nods and I read on.

The lift … now, Harry."

"I guess Fudge is the kind of person who doesn't need to be cursed to live up to other people's wishes. He just needs his pockets filled." Harry mutters to himself, his face proving he feels stupid that his book-self doesn't think of this and his parents hug him close, making a pang of jealousy go through my heart before I read on.

The doors … the pool.

"Who on earth thought it right for that statue to even be there? Considering how many kinds of people and – and beings that pass through that Atrium on a daily basis, surely the Ministry realizes what kind of image that imprints on people. What it says about them and how they think of other creatures. Surely they realize that!"
Hermione screeches, proving book-Harry right and then Sirius sighs and says: "Hermione, that stupid piece of gold was commissioned by one of my darling ancestors and has been there for over two centuries ago. And no, that is one piece of family history that I am not proud of." The girl nods and I read on, glad she calmed down.

"I knew … got off…"

"Ugh, we did that – with her?" The twins ask and then Mr. Weasley shocks them and says: "Fred, George, it was Harry they cared nothing for, not you. Their ways may have been wrong and I am glad that they are gone, but in their own disgusting ways they were convinced that what they did was right – for all of the family."
"How could you say that?" Ron asks absolutely flabbergasted and Mr. Weasley sighs and says: "Because that is what they said when they were nearly overdosed with Veritaserum and what was written in their testimonies. Those are their beliefs, not mine." At this his son nods, apparently pacified and I read on.

"That's enough! … the noise.

This actually makes Sirius laugh hard and he says: "Okay, you were obviously way more worried about yourself than you let on. You must have been delusional with relief and glee if you thought Kreacher of all things looked anything other than ugly." And everyone else laughs along bar Hermione, yet I quickly read on.

"Course, once … at me."

"Considering it was your hearing, what it had been turned into, how unprepared you were for that sudden change and what was at stake, you had all right to say such a thing and I sincerely apologize for that – as well as all other times that this will happen in the rest of the book." The Headmaster sighs and I read on, feeling concerned.

And as … with Buckbeak.

This actually shocks everyone in the arena and Sirius sighs as he says: "I can only think of three possible reasons behind that. Either I just get more agitated at people undermining my authority as Harry's godfather, I am letting the house get to me more than I should – or someone is either cursing or threatening me away."
And all of my friends share a look with each other before Harry says: "I'm going to put my money on a mix between the middle one and the former of the last reason, especially if you take into account who – well – who cooks our meals for us." And all those who probably stayed there before this nod in agreement before I read on.

"Don't you … outcasts together."

Yet this actually makes Sirius send a stern glare at Hermione and he softly says: "If you really do believe that, Hermione, then that just proves how little you know me. Which, considering the fact that I spoke mostly with you before Harry arrived, really hurts." And the girl looks down in her lap in guilt before I continue reading.

"Come off … Hermione simply.

"And you judging me over that instead of trying to find a solution does not make you any better of a person, Hermione." Sirius mutters, more to himself than to the girl in question, but then Harry says: "Hey, this is a future that isn't even happening anymore. Let's not judge each other unless we know they agree with their book-selves."
And everyone nods at this, Hermione sending first Harry a grateful and then Sirius a guilty smile, yet the man sighs and says: "Don't apologize, Hermione. Harry's right. This isn't something that will be happening anymore and I was a hypocrite judging you for it." And the happy smile the girl sends him makes me read on, feeling better myself.

At this … live in."

"Says the woman who thinks her kids are too young to fight the Dark Arts, but not too young to try and clean a house belonging to Dark Witches and Wizards for hundreds of years. Now her I can rightfully call a hypocrite." Sirius then smirks at the end of his little rant and everyone nods in agreement before I read on.

"I feel … as funds."

"Hermione, there is trying to do something because you believe it to be the right thing – and there's going overboard and coming up with ideas that no hormonal teenager will ever support you in." Sirius tells the girl and this time the girl crosses her arms with a playful smirk and ask: "What are you, my father or something?"
Only to get shocked when Sirius smirks back and says: "Maybe not, but I can always convince your parents to make me your magical guardian. It would definitely increase your chances for a good marriage and successful job in the future, you know." And the girl looks absolutely flabbergasted as she hears this before I read on.

"I'll sponsor … of Sirius.

Here Sirius smiles at his son and says: "I appreciate the gesture, kid, but I'm pretty sure I caught onto that myself only too easily. You are pretty easy to read, you know." And Harry turns cross as he mutters: "Not easy enough that people see what the Dursleys constantly do to me." And his dad sighs and hugs him as I read on.

The fact … his arrival.

"Oh-ho-ho-ho, I doubt that. I'm sure it's more likely that others just keep overruling my desire to compromise and prove to you that trust goes both ways, giving you a challenge to keep our trust in returning for us proving that we do indeed trust you back as well." Sirius snarks at this and the Order members cringe as I read on.

On the … than this…"

Here the Headmaster sighs and says: "I can only assume it is because of the Defense Against the Dark Arts position. Knowing the mistake at the Trial last chapter, I have no doubt that Fudge is pressuring me into giving the responsibility of picking a new teacher over to him." And this makes me continue reading, feeling quite dreadful.

Harry swept … Wilbert Slinkhard."

"Ehm, excuse me?" James growls with a look of utter fury on his face and he asks: "Neville please, by all that is sacred to House Potter tell me you didn't just say that the new Defense Against the Dark Arts book is Defensive Magical Theory by Wilbert Slinkhard." Yet while his anger scares me, do I still speak up and say:
"Sorry Mr. Potter, I did. It's in the book." And instantly James responds: "Fudge is so dead." To which the Headmaster wants to stop him, but then James says: "No Albus, my grandfather ended up in a magical coma of six years thanks to that book and it was the Potter alliance that put that book on the banned list when this happened.

For Fudge to then think he can have some random teacher assign this book to the students? Anyone who knows of the Potter history recognizes this for what it is, Albus. A direct slight against House Potter. This is Fudge challenging Harry about something he, due to his upraising, has no idea about and will therefore calmly accept.
And we both know what kind of message that will send, not just to the Alliance, but to the rest of the Wizarding world. It will make people think that Harry cares nothing for the Alliance, nothing for his family history and that message will further push Fudge's little slander agenda. It will make people accept the slandering all the more.
And don't tell me I'm wrong, Albus, we both know that's how people think these days. They think in the way of actions that will make those who the actions are against send out messages through their reactions that will inflict their image upon those that witness this action-reaction mentality." At this Dumbledore sighs and I read on.

Crack. Fred … you mean."

"Eh, who was who and what happened to which teacher?" Riku asks and Remus answers: "I was the sacked one, though the truth is that I resigned before I could get sacked. Alastor here is the one who was locked in the trunk and I believe it was my predecessor who got his memory wiped." At which Harry nods before I read on.

"What's up … open, too.

Yet the minute I read the next sentence, I just know what will happen and, knowing that Ron and I both have severe confidence issues, do I move over to Bill and show him the sentence before glancing at Ron. Bill nods and says: "Fred, George, no comments for the next part." And while the two look confused, do I read on.

"Prefect?" he … letter. "Prefect?"

Yet instead of the twins does James react and he says: "First of, Ron, congratulations. Second of, Albus, thank you." This shocks everyone and James says: "If you had picked Harry as Prefect, it would have put an even bigger target on his back in regards to Fudge, so thank you." And Harry nods in agreement as I read on.

George leapt … contaminate him.

Yet by now Harry has started glaring at his twin mates and then says exactly what I know is needed to make the two of them feel bad: "This treatment is exactly what pushed Percy to seek out Fudge for acceptance." And the two redheads look shocked, before they both look down in sheer guilt and Harry nods at them as I read on.

Ron, who … her hand.

And here the girl in question hits herself on the head as she says: "And of course I'm going to believe that Harry got the badge, make a fool of myself and make everything beyond awkward when Harry tells me the truth." Yet here Ron asks: "Wait, does that mean that you think that I can't be picked for the role?"
And then Hermione proves me just how harsh she can really be – the same harshness her book-self showed earlier – as she says: "Considering what you did last year and how much effort it takes Harry and me to get you to even show responsibility for your homework? No, I don't think you're a good pick for the role."
And Ron looks at the girl shocked before Harry shocks the girl himself as he asks: "Ehm, Hermione, who here has the most right to hold a grudge over last year's events? Because unless you meant the Yule Ball – and yes, Ron was wrong there – you have no right to use last year against him." And this makes me read on, feeling shocked.

"Did you … you're packing.

"You stay far away from our vaults if you know what's good for you." James growls, but then Bill says: "Don't worry, Mr. Potter. The ICW and the Queen agreed on the Death sentence for them both. They walked the Veil of Death right after the Wizengamot meeting yesterday." The older man nods in relief and I read on.

Ron, I'll … you're not…?"

"Even she didn't think I could get the badge." Ron grumbles, but then Fred asks: "What are you complaining about?" And George says: "That's Molly No-Name you're talking about." And instantly the boy perks up, making Harry smile at them, obviously having forgiven them for their book-self's actions as I read on.

Ron held … youngest son.

"How is that even fair?" Hermione asks scandalized, but the twins shrug and chorus: "Heh, sure wasn't the first time that happened. She does that all the time when either Ron or Percy get their letters alongside ours. It really is nothing new to us." And this makes a renewed sense of anger pass through House Weasley as I read on.

"Wait until … liked Scabbers"

"She's joking, right?" Arthur suddenly asks and he goes on: "When Bill went to Hogwarts, I thought we agreed that, whenever one of you got a special badge, you would get first-hand materials, not an extra gift that would further hamper your actual required materials. Has she really been doing this the entire time?"
And all his sons nod before Harry says: "Ron even had to get everything second hand, wand included, because she bought Percy both an owl and new robes." But Arthur sighs and says: "There is nothing wrong with buying things second-hand." Only for Harry to retort: "There is if it means you're using someone else's wand."
The man looks shocked and Ron nods as he says: "I got Bill's robes, Charlie's wand and – well, Scabbers. My books were the only things she bought and even those didn't come from a second hand store, they came from a recycle store." And this seems to shock his father even more before I notice James looking thoughtful.

"Arthur, have any of your kids ever done anything that could make it so that House Potter is indebted to House Weasley?" And before the man can answer this does Harry say: "Yes, they did. The twins and Ron saved me from the Dursleys when they had me locked like an animal with bars on my window and a cat flap on my door!"
Here his father nods and then Arthur says: "But Harry saved Ginny that same year." To which James says: "Yet Ginny is no longer a recognized member of your family. And it is tradition for the Potters to repay their Life Debts in such a way it benefits the entire family – if the family is in the Alliance or considered friends to the House.
So Arthur, in return for your sons saving mine from starvation through imprisonment, I would like to offer them the position of Apprentices to House Potter. Know they will have to work hard to continue earning that title, but as long as they do, House Potter will provide with all the finances they will need for school and future careers."

This shocks the entire Weasley House and Mr. Weasley says: "James, I – we – we can't accept that." To which the other father asks: "What? You can't accept that I want to live out a family tradition by paying you for saving Harry's life?" And Arthur answers: "No! There shouldn't be a price on my sons having done so."
"Well, I don't like the idea of being indebted to friends and let's face it. This payment tradition is a much better way of paying for the debt than, say, having my son having to save yours from being prisoners of, I don't know, Voldemort, don't you think?" And Mr. Weasley falters in his retort before falling silent all together.
"So, we all agreed?" James asks loftily and Arthur sighs before shaking his head with a playful smile on his face and Ron turns to Harry as he says: "Mate, your mum is evil." Making Harry laugh and say: "Hey, you know him, don't you?" And for some reason I get the feeling they are sharing a hidden joke before I continue reading.

"Mum," said … it, Hermione."

"You could start showing some respect to that title, you know?" Hermione snaps, but the twins roll their eyes and before she can actually lecture them, does Harry ask: "Hermione, do you think Percy ever made a good Prefect?" And the girl looks shocked out of her lecture while I look at him intrigued and she hesitates as she says:
"Well – no. He tried, but – well –." And Harry finishes: "He always claimed more respect for that title than his actions actually deserved and yet, he and his Prefect role – were a constant in Fred and George's life and the only example of a Prefect that they have to take experience from." This shocks the girl and Harry says:
"Percy made them lose their respect for the title like no tomorrow and Ron was always someone they never really had much respect for in the first place – which is stupid considering all his heroism that he's shown over the years. So telling them to show respect for two aspects of their lives that they never respected – not going to happen."
The girl looks shocked to have heard all this and then the twins plant themselves on both sides of Harry and chorus: "And that is why we love you." Before one of them says: "You make us feel bad about what we do wrong." And the other finishes: "But you do so in a way we can respect." And they kiss him on the cheeks as I read on.

"We're going … only jealous!"

"Wow! Hermione, no offense, but you need a speed course 101 Prankster life." Sirius says and Hermione snaps: "No, I don't!" But then Sirius says: "Yes, you do. This is the second time in one chapter you compare how a prankster thinks with how you think and completely miss the point of how someone close to you thinks."
This shocks the girl and then Sirius asks: "Am I wrong?" And the girl sighs before Sirius hugs her and asks: "How about I include that 101 class in my care package as your Magical Guardian; if you and your parents agree to that, that is." The girl nods, a small grateful smile on her face and I feel amazed at his parental skills as I read on.

"I don't … can understand."

"What do you mean, something they can understand? Are there things you don't tell your parents because you think it might be too magical for them to get?" Sirius asks, concern clear in his voice and Hermione sighs as she says: "Yeah, they're actually even more practical in thinking than I am and – well, magic needs imagination."
At this the guy nods, but then asks: "But surely you have someone who visits your parents from time to time to catch them up on what is going on in your life?" But the girl shakes her head and says: "I was never offered such a thing." And instantly Sirius and James turn shocked eyes on the Headmaster, who says:
"I will be asking Minerva why she didn't offer this. As far as I know she has been offering this to the Muggleborns ever since she took over that duty from me." Yet at this I want to shake my head as I know that McGonagall has really changed from the woman the Headmaster seems to have known at one time and I read on with a sigh.

"Yeah, no … the wardrobe.

Here Harry groans and the twins hug him tighter as he says: "If this is anything like that blasted first chapter of the book, I just want to officially apologize beforehand. Knowing what I know of how I felt during summer, this is not going to be pretty." And both his friends nod in accepted understanding before I continue reading.

He had … his head.

"Truthful, my wand." Harry grumbles, having gone to lie himself over several sets of stands, but then Ron shakes his head and says: "None of us would have ever expected me to be Prefect. Just ask Dean and Seamus; they'll say the same thing." And while both his friends send him guilty, comforting looks, do I continue reading.

Harry screwed … than Ron?

"When it comes to something like a Prefect, Head Boy or Quidditch Captaincy badge – doesn't everyone?" Sirius suddenly asks and my fellow teens and I all share a look before we all turn away from each other with smiles of reproachful guilt on our faces and the adults all laugh at seeing this before I read on.

No, said … you don't…

Here both boys turn to the Headmaster himself and the man sighs before he asks: "Will you promise not to get angry at me, Mr. Weasley?" And the redhead nods before the Headmaster says: "I can only assume this, but I think my main reason for not making Harry Prefect – is because I know how much he has on his plate already."
Here Ron sits back thoughtfully and then he asks: "So – you made me Prefect, because you didn't want Harry to feel overwhelmed and believed I could take these responsibilities for him?" And while I can see in his eyes that this isn't the case, does the elder man smile and say: "Exactly, Mr. Weasley." Making me roll my eyes and read on.

Harry opened … his trunk.

Here Ron turns a bit of a guilty smile on the twins and asks: "I'm not really doing a good job earning your respect now, am I?" And the twins chorus: "Nope." But then they see Harry's glare and add: "But we really can't blame you right now, can we? It must have really come as a shock and all." And Ron nods with a smile as I read on.

Mrs. Weasley … his eyes.

"Had she been anything but a disgusting bit of dung beetle, you would have wanted her to do the same thing for you if you earned something of public respect and you know it." Harry says and the twins share a look and say: "Guilty, though it is still that nasty bit of dung beetle, so this doesn't count." Making me laugh as I read on.

Sirius, Lupin … and Lupin.

"Why'd you do that?" Ron asks and the scarred man answers: "Because I'm close friends with Albus and thought I knew him inside out. This course of action must have made me wonder what he was planning." And this seems to placate the redhead and I read on, hating how this will probably happen more and more throughout the story.

"Well, congratulations … with them;

"I would." Sirius growls and then he turns to the Headmaster and says: "Albus, considering what happened a few weeks ago, I want to make one thing clear. Mundungus is only welcome here, if another Order member has established that his life is in mortal peril. No other reason." At this the Headmaster wants to object.
"No Albus, I know Dung better than you and I know how he thinks. No one can get through Potter Place wards without express permission from one recognized as a living resident of the Place and people like him will see that as the perfect chance to hide his stolen goods there where no one else can touch or get to them.

And considering where he gets most of his stolen goods from, I will not be taking any chances, not even with the level of experience my sons have." And at this the Headmaster sighs before he asks: "Why must the situation be established by another? Why can't you just accept Dung in when he calls for help?"
And Sirius rolls his eyes before he says: "Because I know Dung and we both know he will take advantage of that offer the first chance he gets. Heck, he could scream help, I'm in danger even when he gets a hint of his deals going wrong and who knows what he will then bring into Potter Place when he gets that chance."
At this the Headmaster lets out another sigh and then Hermione asks: "How are you able to read people so well?" And the answer he gives her makes her cringe: "When you have nothing to do and others do, you learn to read them, just to have something to do." And while I feel my respect for him grow, do I read on.

he was … older sister.

"Hey! I take offense to that!" The young lady in question snaps and Harry holds up his hands and says: "Sorry, how's a female Bill sound?" And the girl looks thoughtful before she says: "Yeah, that sounds much better." To which the Weasley in question shouts: "Hey!" Making all of us laugh at him before I continue reading.

"My Head … the badge."

"Wait, why did you call me by my last name? You never do that." Remus suddenly asks shocked and hurt and Sirius groans before he says: "I think that solves our previous mystery. I was indeed being drugged and it was obviously done in such a way I would just distance myself from everyone, Harry and my own friends included."
"Why would she do that?" I can't help but ask and Harry says: "I – I have great trouble believing this myself, but – remember how her whole motive was her own belief that what she was doing was for the best of all of us?" We all nod and Harry seems to grow more and more troubled and heartbroken as he voices his thoughts:
"Well, maybe – ehm – maybe she used this whole distancing method to – to lessen our pain when – when she would start to – to lead dad to –." Yet here the boy stops, actually whimpering and hiding himself in the comfort of one of the twins and everyone around me has turned white as they realize what the boy was implying.

Yet then Harry shocks us all as he turns his teary eyes on Mr. Weasley and says: "I'm sorry." But the man shakes his head and says: "You are right in your assumptions, Harry, and considering how you were her target, it only stands to reason that she would see Sirius as an obstacle she would have to remove, which she would.
Which only makes me all the more relieved that she and Ginerva are gone and gone for good." The man sighs at the end and then Tonks says: "You know, you guys sure are taking all this pretty great. I think if this was me, I would have objected to all this a ton more." Yet at this Mr. Weasley sighs before he says:
"You know how the term says that love makes blind? Well, as much as I loved Molly for her caring nature and her strong will, I was never too in love with her not to see her for the faulty person that she was and – well, these books just show those faults in an extreme way." The young Auror cringes, but nods at him and I read on.

"I think … the room.

This makes many of those in the arena laugh at the boy who has long since dried his tears and is now a nice shade of red before Sirius says: "Thanks for that, Remus. You helped my son feel like a real teenager. Hormonal and mopey one minute and gleeful and loving the next." And this increases the laughter all round as I read on.

Ron was … other creatures…"

"Hermione, there is a huge difference between werewolf treatment and House Elf treatment. Werewolf treatment, thanks to beasts like Greyback, is well-earned. House-elf treatment is something that grew over the years. House elves grew to be what they are today." Lupin tells the girl, who looks shocked at hearing this and I read on.

Mrs. Weasley and … with Mundungus.

"I'd really rather you not, but I guess there is just nothing I can do about it. Heh, which is probably something that is going to be a returning factor for the rest of the books, I can only assume." Sirius sighs, clearly upset that he is that incapable of helping his son and James pulls him into a comforting hug as I continue reading.

Mundungus stopped … of them."

Here Sirius looks slightly troubled, but then he turns to the twins and says: "Never handle Class-B by yourselves unless you are willing to go through three years of Auror training and never have such stuff around my son unless you are with an adult who has gone through that. We agreed?" And the twins nod before I continue reading.

"Ten Galleons … under twenty."

"Actually, the Black Market sells that stuff for 17 a pound, so he really isn't overtaxing you too high." Sirius mumbles and the tanned Auror asks: "How do you know that?" To which Sirius rolls his eyes and says: "I'm a Black, plus that lot doesn't care for your sentence, if you want to pay, they will sell you whatever you need.
And last year, I needed food, clothes that wouldn't draw attention, but also wouldn't smell and fresh water. Not to mention that I needed to replace practically the entire interior at London before the Order could even think of moving in." And this seems to shock the Auror before he shrugs and says: "Fair enough." Before I read on.

"Dung likes … said George.

"Okay, that is definitely overpriced. Even Borgin wouldn't pay more than 20 Knuts for a bag of that stuff. Granted, you can actually get those in regular apothecaries too, but those keep a register that they report to the Auror Department, so I can get why you'd rather go through Dung than try your luck at either of the two Alleys."
"Okay, how do you know that?" Kingsley asks and Sirius shrugs again as he says: "Minerva got me a test course with the Aurors, yet the one in charge of me treated me lower than a trainee and just kept sending me on stupid pick-up jobs. Got me out of my dream of being a Auror right fast." And the Auror cringes as I read on.

"Be careful," … Percylike estrangement?

"HECK TO THE NO!" One of the twins shouts at the same time that the other shouts: "THAT WILL NEVER HAPPEN!" But then Mr. Weasley and Bill come to sit with each of them and Mr. Weasley says: "We know it won't. We know you will never let it go that far. It's okay." And while the four of them sit back down, do I read on.

Would Mrs. Weasley … few days…"

"Still, I do get both Albus and James' reasons as to why it would have been a better idea not to make Harry Prefect and I do think this is – if nothing else – a good chance for Ron to see if he can hold onto something Harry can't have for longer than a year." And the man in question sends Ron a challenging smirk as I continue reading.

Harry did … he said.

"Is it that book you kept telling me about? I told you, Alastor, I don't think Harry is ready for that. And we both know I acknowledge Harry's level of experience more than anyone else here." Sirius tells the former Auror and the scarred man grunts: "Don't worry, Black, I don't think it's that." At which I read on, feeling intrigued.

From an … growled Moody.

This shocks Sirius and then he says: "Scratch that, I wish you had tried giving him that book.""What's wrong with a picture like that, Black?" Moody asks and he goes on: "I thought it would fill Potter with some good moral fiber." At which Sirius sighs and says: "The picture's fine, Alastor. The timing – is the problem here."
Yet the Auror seems not to get this and James asks: "Wait, are we talking about the picture taken in 1979? Before that horrible attack on the McKinnons, which almost seemed like the beginning of a – Alastor, I agree with Sirius. Bad timing there." And this time the Auror does seem to get it as he grimaces before I read on.

"Found it … whole family.

Yet when I read the next sentence do I turn white, my stomach feeling like it just vanished into nothing and my mind turning blank as if the only thing in existence is my gaze stuck to that one sentence. Yet then the sentence seems to move and it takes me a second to realize that someone has taken the book from me.
I look up and to my shock does gran have me in a concerned embrace and has Moody taken the book from me, a guilty look on his face as he says: "I'll read on from here. You can have it back once we got past this dumb mistake of mine." And I nod at the man, silently grateful for him doing what I just can't as he starts to read.

That's Frank … the front.

By now have James and Sirius gone to sit with their sons, have Arthur, Bill and Charlie gone to sit with Ron and the twins, has Riku gone to sit with gran and me and have Hercules and Tarzan gone to sit with Hermione. Erik has pulled Ariel close and Lea has done the same with Kairi, all of them sharing comfort as Moody reads on.

"That's Edgar … budge along…"

By now all of the Order has gone to sit close together and the Weasleys got tears in their eyes at the mention of their uncles while Hermione, Ariel and Kairi all turned white with shocked horror at hearing what happened to Caradoc and the Bones Family and even Moody seems to have trouble with his emotions as he reads on.

The little … interest you!"

And instantly James, Sora and Sirius have Harry in a tight embrace and Sirius growls: "Alastor, I appreciate the gesture and I get why you did it, but you really shouldn't have shown Harry that without either me or Remus around. It just wasn't right." And the scarred man grunts in guilty agreement before he reads on.

Harry's heart … their deaths.

And this makes Moody lower the book with his eyes closed in pained guilt, obviously realizing that his book-self really didn't think this gift through, while everyone else just remains quiet, most of us out of honor to Lily Potter, who despite it all still turned out as a victim to this horrible event that scarred all those around.
"And just when my parents were ready to move past that tragedy and take their responsibility of Harry as his mum had asked of them in case something happened to Sirius, they too were taken from us." At this I close my eyes, if only to squeeze away the tears that are threatening to break through my lids before I take a deep breath.
I then calmly get myself out of the warm embrace Riku and Gran have me in and send them both a grateful smile before I move over to Moody, more than aware that his electric eye is following my every move even with his head down. I then reach the man and reach out my hand, him silently handing me the book.
"Neville, are you sure?" Riku asks and I smile at my brother as I say: "Yeah, I'm sure the part on this gift has passed and –." I quickly page through the book before I say: "There's only two and a half more pages left." At this my brother nods with a proud smile and I quietly move back to sit with him before I continue reading.

"Eh?" said … him back.

"Why didn't you go and show the picture to Sirius? Surely you know how badly he wants to be there for you." Hermione asks her friend and yet it's Sirius who answers her and says: "I'm sure he knows that, Hermione, but you have to remember that Harry isn't one to ask for help on things he feels he can handle himself.
And considering that Harry is a teenager and has enough trouble keeping an eye on his emotions by himself and that he feels that the war comes before everything, I doubt he would want to come to even me about something he feels he shouldn't be having any emotional trouble with." Hermione nods and Sirius smiles at his son as he says:

"What you got to understand, Hermione, is that what is going on right now, is a chance that Harry has been wanting for all these years. But just because he now has that chance, does not mean all his troubles are over or that his years of bad upraising have vanished from his system. Those things are still very much real and will take time."
And with that does Harry give the man a warm hug, making Sirius smile at him before he turns to Hermione: "However, the right level of understanding and acceptance can go further than any medicine, Mind Healing sessions or anything else. And that can only come – from a parent." My friend nods and I read on.

He did … it disturbing…

"Sorry kid, I didn't think of it like that. Really should have, but I forgot what happened so shortly after that and I can only assume that, by the time my book-self realized it, he was just too proud to stop. I just want you to know, looking at it like that, I do find it just as disturbing." The Auror grumbles at the end and I read on.

Harry tiptoed … drawing room.

"Ugh, I guess we're going to get the chapter title here. Sure wondered how long that would take." Ron grumbles, yet I had read ahead and my eyes widen before I look up at him and say: "No one deserves this, not even her." And the redhead looks shocked as I had been told everything Molly had done, yet I ignore this and read on.

"Hello?" Harry … was Ron.

And this instantly makes the boy in question turn white with shock, but then Moody makes him sigh relieved as he says: "It's the Boggart." And while the pink haired Auror glares at him for how careless he says this, do I see the Weasleys all sag against their seats in relief over hearing this and I silently agree with them as I read on.

All the … clearly: "Riddikulus!"

"I have never been more glad for the Dementor classes than I am right now." Harry mutters, his voice hoarse to prove that the reading, even with the knowledge that it was about a Boggart, has really had an effect on him and yet again everyone goes to sit close together and while I have no doubt this will happen more and more, do I read on.

Harry's body … about it…"

This makes us all sigh in pain ourselves and the Headmaster says: "As twisted as her views were and as much pain as her actions caused, she still loved her family and those she believed were supposed to be part of it. even if it was for the wrong reasons, her feelings were right." And we grudgingly nod at this as I read on.

Sirius was … being silly…"

Here Sirius sighs and then turns to Hermione and says: "As much as I hate to say it, that is exactly why Book-Harry didn't approach me about the picture. He felt the same way and didn't want to let Moody know this, fearing he would be seen as unfit or ungrateful." And the bushy-haired girl nods at him as I continue reading.

Lupin handed … and Ginny?"

"Okay, those fears of her sure are turning her into a right hypocrite. Didn't she just mention how her family was in the Order? Did she really think she wouldn't be able to count on us to raise her kids were either she or Arthur to pass away? Jeez, that woman is seriously overdoing it." Tonks grumbles at the end and then Sirius says:
"Maybe, but – she's not alone." And this actually shocks the woman before Sirius says: "I know, like Molly, that I can count on the Order in case something happens to me, but – considering all the faults the Order and its members have already made towards my son – you can't blame me for getting where she's coming from, can you?"
And the younger adult sighs as she shakes her head before Sirius shows a small smile before he says: "Besides, no offense, but – you have to be a parent – to understand that level of concern when it comes to your own kid." And the girl snarls: "Yeaaaaaah, not going to happen." Breaking the tension and making me laugh as I read on.

"Molly that's … added bitterly.

"Considering how Fudge has tried to ignore a direct order from the Queen herself, I'm still not sure. And no, I don't count either of you three in when I say that. Not you, Arthur or you, Kingsley and Tonks. You three and Amelia are just the tiny, good-hearted minority there that I do accept." Sirius smiles and I happily read on.

"And as … her eyes.

"No, she isn't." Ariel says, her hands still wrapped around her slightly rotund stomach and she says: "I may not like her, I may think she got what she deserved and I may know I will never raise my baby the way she did her sons, but I do get that she's not being silly; she's being a parent." And other parents nods at her as I read on.

But Harry … churned horribly.

"Okay, there is something seriously wrong with that thing. So far it's been acting up twice this chapter and both times were in context with either the Leader or members of the Order. What is up with that?" Kairi asks and Riku mutters: "I think I might know a way we can find out." Yet he keeps quiet after that and so I read the last small bit.

"Cut it … prefects badge.

At this many of those around me sigh and then Sirius turns to the Order as he says: "And that is exactly what I meant this entire time. Even if it's not directly connected to the Order, Harry still grows and gains experience, even in levels and amounts we may not like. And if we don't prove we trust him, he will not trust us.
That means he won't trust us with the darker experiences he goes through and, better than anyone with my family and my experience in Azkaban and on the run, I know how easily those experiences can twist someone in ways even they would never want – but won't have any control over. We need to give them a reason – to let us help them."

And with that speech and the memory of the Boggart and that horrible picture still fresh in everyone's mind, do we all keep quiet, most of us just lost in our own dark thoughts before James sighs and whispers: "Inner Peace." And to my shock does the gem at the center of the arena light up before an aroma starts to waft through the air.
The aroma seems to get stuck right at the edges of the arena and seem to move up from there, yet I focus more on the scent itself than on where it waves off to as the scent makes me feel as if I am back in my family Green Houses, with Riku by my side and Gran drinking some tea on a small garden table off to the side.
And while I don't know how the scent can actually perfectly replicate the many scents of all those plants that I have been raising with my own two hands and what little magic I had as a kid for as long as I can remember, do I still feel my whole body relaxing, sagging down in the embrace of my family and smiling in emotional relief.

Hey everyone,
So this chapter was not easy. I barely enjoyed the start, had some fun here and there as the story progressed and then felt like just skipping most of the ending just because it was so emotionally hard on the characters involved. So why did I continue regardless of that? Because I am super excited for the next chapter!
Love you, Luna,

Venquine1990