Chapter 14: Dealing with Death or not

Chapter 14

Dealing with Death or not

The days past with little exertion. The occupants of Grimmauld Place had become robotic with their lives, going through the motions for the sake of going through them. Mr Weasley had not returned to work he was the only one who seemed to be stuck in one spot. He rocked in a rocking chair staring into the fireplace. Sometimes he would sob but most of the time he would just sit there lost in his mind. If Mrs Weasley put food in his hand he would eventually eat but only with prompting. He hadn't spoken since Percy's funeral.

After a week Harry went to Remus. "Before school starts, I need to take Hailee to meet Aunt Petunia. I don't want to leave the Weasleys but there doesn't seem to be anything that I can do to help Ginny and Hailee to help George."

"Well, Harry I don't know how we need to go about this. We have not ever had to break you into Privet Drive. We were always rescuing you from there. " Chuckled Remus.

"I have thought about that too may be the best thing to do would be to floo to Ms Figg's. " Harry offered.

"Excellent idea Harry, let's make sure with Dumbledore. Although I am sure it is fine. Might be some order business .. yadda yadda.. you know the drill." Said Remus knowing that Harry wasn't the most patient person. He was so like James. Harry nodded and left the room. He was slightly annoyed that every little move had to be cleared with Dumbledore. Dumbledore had no say in the matter Harry was going and taking his sister with him. Harry stopped cold he felt as if he had been hit in the back of the head. His mum had told him to trust Dumbledore. He knew that he would honour his Mum and listen to Dumbledore no matter what. He lowered his head and walked off to his room.

Harry sat in the drawing-room with Hailee. They were talking about their respective childhoods. When to their surprise in walked Dumbledore. "Ahh, I thought that I might find you two together. I understand you wish to return to Privet Drive. Is that correct? " Quizzed Dumbledore.

"Well, yes it is Sir. I think I owe it to my mum to introduce Hailee to at least Aunt Petunia." Explained Harry.

"And if you please Professor. I want this also." Added Hailee.

"Certainly, I think it has taken you longer to request this than I expected." Chuckled Dumbledore. " I will send Fawkes to your Aunt and tell her we will be dropping in tomorrow afternoon at about two o'clock."

"We?" Questioned Harry

"Yes, Harry WE. I will be escorting you and Hailee. I have some business with your Aunt and thought I might make things a bit easier on you in case your Uncle happens to be home." Stated Dumbledore. " I guess I just assumed that it wouldn't be as bad if I came along. He is quite the pillar of hospitality"

Harry looked at his professor as if seeing him truly for the first time. He only did these annoying things because he cared about Harry and now Harry's sister. "Of course Professor, I didn't mean to make you think otherwise. We would enjoy your escort."

Harry walked to Dumbledore's side. He leaned in and gave Dumbledore a quick half-hug. Whispering "Thank you " in his ear.

Harry spent the rest of the afternoon playing chess with Ron and sitting with Ginny. He felt bad leaving them now but he had to. He was running out of time. Hailee sat in a chair in the drawing-room reading a book that she had bought the day Remus took them shopping in Diagon Alley for dress robes. George and Fred had taken Remus to their shop to get him acquainted with it so that he could run the shop while they were back at school. Tonks would be helping Remus run the shop especially when it was around full moon time. Remus was not sorry about the extra time he would get to spend with her and she couldn't have been happier.

Mrs Weasely was in the kitchen talking to Mr Weasley although he wasn't speaking back. He still hadn't spoken since his son's funeral. Mrs Weasley was starting to worry. If he didn't improve soon he would have to go to St. Mungos. Hermione had taken a short trip back home to visit her parents before the start of term. She like everyone else had realized just how important your family is. Shortly before dinner time George walked into the drawing-room and asked Hailee to go for a walk. She rose from her seat and looked at Harry. They hadn't told anyone that they were going to Privet Drive tomorrow. Just after they left the room there was a loud crash n the kitchen.

"Dad snap out of this! Your family still needs you and you are deserting us! Percy is gone and we can't bring him back, but Mum and the rest of us are still here." Bill was standing over his father screaming in his face. Mrs Weasley stepped into the hall where everyone had congregated when the noise started.

"I sent for Bill. He was always able to reason with Arthur ." Mrs Weasley said almost trying to convince herself. Another crash came from the kitchen. Bill's voice could be heard, he was talking much softer now, then to the Weasleys' relief, Mr Weasley's voice was heard saying "I'm sorry so very sorry" over and over again. Mrs Weasley ran to her husband's side. He took her in his arms. "Molly, dear, I am so sorry I left you when you needed me most." Mrs Weasley sobbed into her husband's chest. He soothed her. The others left the room to give them some time.

Mrs Weasley prepared a fantastic feast for dinner that night. Mr Weasley didn't speak during dinner. He was too busy eating everything he could get his hands on. Charlie had even managed to get some time to join them. As Mrs Weasley put the delectable treacle tart in front of them, Harry thought it was time to let everyone know that he and Hailee would be out tomorrow.

"Just thought I should tell you, Mrs Weasley, Hailee and I probably will not be here for dinner tomorrow," Harry said nervously.

"Why Harry dear, of course, you will still be here for dinner tomorrow. " Chuckled Mrs Weasely.

"No, we won't be. Dumbledore is taking us back to Privet Drive." Silence rang louder than the conversation that had just been going on. They looked at Harry as if he had an arm coming out of his head.

"It is time that I meet my mum's sister and my cousin. No matter how awful they are. They are family." Explained Hailee. She silently hoped she had not overstepped her bounds. She knew that they had had trouble with Percy before his death. She had to meet these people if for no other reason than to get a perspective on Harry's past