Hey everyone,
I got some good news. I am, alongside this chapter, also working on To Read And To View. I hope to have all of KH I finished by the end of the month, perhaps by the end of the next month. Also, I am debating between finishing the story, for this part, at the end of KH I and just going on into the Chamber of Secrets. I do have a lot of spelling issues, thanks to there being so many pages of that story, but at the same time I don't want it to fall to my Sequel problem.
What is my Sequel problem? It's that I end a certain story somewhere, that I get the idea of writing a sequel – and that it just never happens! I have several examples for this. A Divine Hogwarts. A New Era. Fate's Finale. Like I said, plenty enough examples. And to be honest, I just don't want this story, one of my absolute favorites to fall to this trap as well. Why do I keep repeatedly making this mistake? I have too many other stories.
Oooh, boy,

Venquine1990

Chapter 22
Starting Off The Break

24th of December 1995
Grimmauld Place, London
Ron's POV

The fire ignites with Floo powder again as soon as Dumbledore and I come down. And this time it's Percy and Kingsley that step out, Tonks following after them. And to my surprise, Dumbledore proves instantly that he takes our new deal seriously as he steps up to them. "Kingsley, I'm sorry to say this, but I'm afraid I have a task for you. I would rather just let you stay here and enjoy the party, but I'm afraid this is quite vitally important."
Kingsley nods and he makes me snort as he says: "That's alright, Albus. I'm not that social, at least not that way. I already met my party quota the other night." To this someone in the crowd yells: "But, Kingsley, you left two hours into the party the other night." And yet Kingsley just smirks and says: "Exactly. I'm a team player, not a party animal. There's a difference. So Albus, what's my job?" And before another can argue, Dumbledore says:

"A few minutes ago two of our members decided to, yet again, take to illegal means to get what they want. They were adamant to get Mr. Weasley to reveal Mr. Potter's location and were willing to not just have him drink Firewhiskey when he is still five years too young, but they also dosed the drink with Veritaserum. I hate saying it, but this more than anything puts us on almost equal footing with what Riddle was willing to do when Lily and James went down under.
I just can't accept that, you understand right?" Kingsley nods solemnly and while I'm surprised that Percy's not batting an eye at the notion that he is just being ignored, Kingsley asks: "So, who are we talking about? Who am I dealing with here? And am I going to need Tonks' help in this?""You just might, but perhaps you might not. Sofia Wildebeast is one of the culprits, but the other is one of our tanks, Marius Eversoul."
Tonks responds to this and wraps an arm around Kingsley's shoulders as she says: "Yeah, Kings is definitely going to need my help in this one. No offense to you, buddy, but that woman can think circles around you. You need someone trained by my mum in terms of trickery to outsmart her." Yet Kingsley isn't offended and just smiles as he says: "And that's exactly why I always love having you as my partner. Come on, Tonks."

The two head out, but as they pass me, I stop them and say: "Sorry about this." But Tonks grins and says: "Hey, not your fault this lot acts like a bunch of brainless chicken with the stubbornness of a mule from time to time. You just keep hanging in there, 'kay? For my cous?" I give the slightly older woman a confident nod and she winks back at me before she heads out after Kingsley. And for some reason, her wink makes her look prettier than usual.
I shake my head to get rid of the thought and turn to the fireplace as I ask: "How did it go, Percy?" But my older brother shudders and says: "You don't want to know. And I don't want to ruin the festive spirit more than these two bastards have done, so I'm just going to say this. She's going to be thrown through the Veil. I got the Minister's permission to leave early, but Kingsley informed me as he joined me. Apparently he picked out the escort team."

The notion that Umbridge was bad enough that she warrants a Death Sentence like that horrifies me, but then I remember something. "CRAP!" I shout as I hit myself on the head. "What? What's wrong?" Hermione asks and I sigh. "I guess it doesn't matter now, but – I forgot. I forgot to report to Percy about Harry. About how he was her first victim of the Blood quill and how that went on for weeks on end." But at this the twins slap me on the shoulders and chorus:
"Don't worry, we got you covered." I sigh in relief and Percy nods as he says: "It was one of the first things mentioned when the Minister and I read the list of crimes, including all her illegal plans for if she got the seat. And I say if, because that only would have happened if the test hadn't existed." And as relief over this fact fills me up, I notice it. Bill is leaning against one of the cabinets just off to my right and smirking in satisfied glee.

"What's with you?" I can't help but ask and Bill answers: "Everyone at Gringotts knows about the Election test. I also knew that Umbridge's biggest weakness was her hubris and her belief that certain titles put people above the law. I spotted this when I was at Hogwarts as she was willing to leave a Blood Quill out in the open, as if she believed it wouldn't be considered evidence, because it was hers or because of her titles.
And if there's one thing Goblins teach you, it's how to use your enemy's most negative traits against them, preferably while also to your own benefit. I was able to talk a Goblin out of a 3000 Galleon business deal by the time you guys and Harry started your First year. Umbridge was nothing compared to that. Most Goblins are way more experienced with hiding their more negative character traits. Umbridge was arrogant enough, she didn't believe she had one; her biggest weakness."

At this a lot of us laugh, giggle and snicker and Dumbledore says: "It really doesn't do to laugh about the dead and their misfortune, but – I suppose that rule doesn't count, yet. Shall we restart the party?""I can give you a reason to do so. I heard from one of the Aurors that, on my request, is guarding dad that he'll be released soon. Maybe even later today.""Wait, why did you have him guarded by Aurors?"
Someone asks and I really want to hit myself on the head over this. Percy also angrily frowns at this person and says: "Because I knew the snake he was attacked by was Riddle's and I was afraid that Riddle, who's a Parslemouth, could find out that his snake attacked but not killed someone. That he would send his snake back to finish the job or that he'd have someone else do it. And yes, I know he was defeated the other day, but revenge attacks are still a thing.
I didn't want to put it past some random Death Eater to decide to take their anger over the loss of their Lord out on my dad. And besides, we both know that happened after the end of the last war." And the person who asked the question looks away, his face red to prove that he hadn't expected an answer like that and that he feels stupid for asking it in the first place. I smile at Percy over this, even though part of me still wants to be furious with him.

A few hours pass and the party easily comes back in full swing. And while it was already two in the afternoon when we arrived at London and it's now nearing dinner time, it doesn't look like the party is going to end anytime soon. And out of all of the adults already out of Hogwarts, Percy and mum seem to be the only ones that don't let themselves go entirely over the happiness that we all feel in regards with the war being over before it even began.
Percy does get offered several drinks, but he refuses them all, except for two glasses of Butterbeer. "The Minister expects me back first thing tomorrow. I got drunk once and I wasn't cohesive the other day until well after lunch. I can't risk a repeat of that, not now that we are in the post-war era. Fudge is determined not to let June repeat itself. He has many plans and already said he wants my help in them. I can't get drunk." He keeps as his explanation.

Yet unlike two summers ago, I don't feel like Percy is purposely being secretive about these plans and he isn't raising his voice to make sure he's heard through the whole room either when he explains this. "He really changed." Fred mumbles and George mutters: "Yeah, that talk with Bill and seeing dad after his attack really did a number on him." I nod in agreement, yet I have also been noticing something else from time to time.
Every so often over the past few hours, Lupin would look at Percy with an expectant look on his face, but whatever he was expecting, Percy apparently isn't doing. As each time, after a while, the expectation would be replaced with either impatience or annoyance. And if it weren't for the fact that Lupin didn't argue with Dumbledore's orders to see the other two arrested, I would almost assume that he wants the same out of Percy as that the other two wanted out of me. But then it hits me.

"He expects Percy to ask about Harry. He's under the impression that I will tell my family where Harry is hiding." I mutter and Hermione whispers: "While you're in such a public room?" I smirk and mutter: "I never said his expectations make sense." And while I expect the girl to be mad at me or start arguing with me, she just smirks back, which surprises me. And then suddenly Lupin seems to remember that he's supposed to be a Gryffindor.
"Hey Percy, can I talk with you for a moment?" He asks and I want to roll my eyes and shake my head as, unlike Percy so far, he does raise his voice just enough he draws the attention of those around him. Percy also seems to notice this as, while he walks over to the werewolf, I could swear he sends a quick and fleeting smirk my way. Let's have fun, the smirk almost seems to say. I shake my head at this and watch the two interact.

"You know, Percy, you surprise me. I remember when you were a student of mine and you were beyond inquisitive. You asked almost as many questions as you answered mine back then. If I recall correctly, I had to tell you to leave the library a good four times in the last few months, when I caught you at – what was it – two, three o'clock at night?" Lupin wonders out loud and Percy does grin and say: "Four o'clock once, but that was on a Saturday, so it didn't really matter."
"Too true, too true. But – you don't seem at all curious about us. About the Order. About all the people you see here in the room with you." Percy shrugs and says: "After I met with Bill and heard about the meeting between him, Fudge and Dumbledore, it just really all fell into place with me. Plus, I already knew that you, Bill and the Headmaster were members, so I just assumed that the rest here – bar my siblings and Hermione, of course – were also members."
Lupin nods and then he goes for the topic that he so obviously wanted to cover right from the get go. And the look of eager desire on his whole face really proves this. "Now that we are speaking of your siblings, don't you think it strange that they're – well, a member short? I mean, even when I was teaching, Ron, Hermione and Harry were known as the Golden Trio, but now – no Harry." But Percy's reaction obviously surprises him.

My older brother dramatically rolls his eyes and then turns his head my way, while motioning for Lupin with his thumb and he asks: "Is this guy for real?" And while the twins gawk at Percy, I just give him an amused shrug of my shoulders. Percy turns his eyes skyward again and then turns back to Lupin as he says: "Lupin, I am Fudge's Assistant.That means that I was in the room when Umbridge underwent her test.
And when Fudge saw the true essence of her nastiness, he quickly realized that he had unleashed that horror on the school, so he sent me there. I arrived at Hogwarts just before the train left, so I already got the chance to talk to Ron about Harry. And besides, even before then I already knew that Harry hadn't gone into hiding because of Riddle or the war. That he had a more – personally hurtful reason. And so far, I am seriously able to see why he did."

And while Lupin is left gaping, Percy turns around and heads our way. And the twins, upon noticing this, get startled out of their shocked stupor and start to cheer. And when Percy is close, they pull him in between them and loudly exclaim their pride and joy over what he just did. And these emotions I can also feel in the bond we share, which affects the size of my wide and deeply amused grin. Then suddenly the Floo flares up for a third time today.
And my elation increases, as well as that of my siblings, as dad steps out, his whole body looking just like it did over summer and not like it did a few days ago when we visited him in the Hospital. Instantly all six of us are out of our seats and rushing for him. And naturally mum is the first to reach him. She kisses his wildly and passionately on the lips and both cheeks and even on the bald patch on his head, all the while loudly declaring how happy she is to see him healthy again.

Yet then I notice that, while he reacted just as elated as the rest of us, Percy is now falling back. I turn my head and notice a timid, guilty look on his face. But then, just like Lupin, my brother proves himself a bold and brave Lion and he steps forward. I tap Ginny and the twins on their shoulders and they turn to look at me before they notice Percy. And as one we step to the side and grant our elder brother a clear way to the man he argued with several months ago.
Our parents notice this and while tears start to show in mum's eyes, she too steps away from dad. The two stand in front of each other for a few awkward moments and then Percy lowers his head. "Dad, I – I know we talked about this the day after you got attacked, but – I'm sorry. I'm sorry I yelled at you and fought with you and didn't understand why you didn't want me to take the job I got offered. I'm – I'm especially sorry for everything I said to and about you.
I – I didn't mean it, not a word. They were just – just things that I kept hearing while working for Crouch, but – but after a few months of working under Fudge, I suddenly noticed something. These kinds of whispers in the corridors and around the corners of offices or cubicles? They only happened in Crouch's Department. I sometimes visited other Departments I either just didn't hear anyone talk about you or praise you. I – I realized early on that I was in the wrong and – I'm sorry."

By this time even Ginny has tears in her eyes, while the twins and I share grins of pride at the knowledge that dad is way more respected at the Ministry than that Percy was first led to believe. And dad, while he has tears in his own eyes, pulls Percy in for a strong warm hug as he says: "It's all in the past, Percy. It's okay. I'm glad to see you here. I'm glad that you're here to spend Christmas with us. Just leave what you said and did in the past. I will."
I really want to smile at this, even though a small part of me doesn't entirely agree with the sentiment, but then a loud voice yells: "EXACTLY!" We all turn to the shouter and I can't help but think: "You can't be serious!""Exactly! It's in the past! And the war is over! So like you and Percy, Ron here should just –!" But then Lupin stops and I turn my head again. And my eyes widen as I see that dad is standing crouched over, but also closer to me than before.

"Arthur?" Mum asks worriedly and dad mutters: "The – the Healers were willing to – to let me leave early to celebrate Christmas with my – my family – on the condition that I didn't exert myself. It's – it's why I took the Floo instead of Apparating here. They especially warned me not to let my emotions make me do something drastic." Instantly all of my siblings and my mum are glaring at the werewolf, who has turned white.
Hermione quickly moves a chair over so dad can sit down and the man gives her a grateful smile and then he turns to Lupin and growls: "And besides, there is a world of difference between my argument with Percy and you breaking into Ron's dorm and Harry's trunk. You broke the law, Lupin, and should consider yourself lucky that, if Tonks and Kingsley arrest you, they should basically arrest themselves as well for the same.
We both know that's the only reason you're still off the hook." This actually makes sense and I think: "I can't believe I didn't think of it like that. And because Kingsley and Tonks played a vital role working for both the Order and the Aurors in the fight against Riddle, Dumbledore kept quiet about the whole thing." And while a small part of me wonders how much longer that is going to last, Dad starts to growl and says:

"And besides, you know exactly what I think of your guarding and your behavior ever since Harry decided to ditch you as his guard mutt. Or have I not been clear and vocal enough about my opinion every time you come over for dinner, lupine?" And this time all of us are left gaping at the man, who is actually staring down a werewolf – and who looks to be winning if the look of annoyed acceptance on Lupin's face is anything to go by.
"I always wondered why Uncle Gideon and Fabian were attacked, but we were spared during the war." I hear Percy mutter and the twins softly chorus: "I guess now we know." Percy nods and says: "Yeah, and this also makes a lot of what I heard others say about dad at the Ministry make more sense especially a few of the more Senior Aurors I heard talking about him. They spoke of him as a war hero or something." And this makes me grin widely.

Then Dumbledore stands up and says: "I do believe that that is more than enough. It's obvious that many of you want to continue this party, but there is no reason for any of us to give Molly another sleepless night, let alone Arthur, who is still recovering. I suggest we move this party elsewhere. And Remus, I suggest that you go home and review what was said today, by who and how it could be interpreted from all sides involved."
Someone in the room speaks up and asks: "Albus, where on earth could we find a room like this to party? There's no way Fudge is going to lend us the Atrium back at the Ministry. Unless you want to give us the Great Hall to party in?" But while Dumbledore seems ready to humor this notion, Ginny says: "You can always use the room we used for our club. It's on the Seventh Floor corridor across the portrait of Barnabas the Barmy."

"There's no room there!" A woman standing a few feet away exclaims, but Bill speaks up: "There is. It's where I found the diadem. I think it's the core of where Hogwarts' magic comes from. When I found the diadem, it was put in a broom cupboard. It was put in there by Lady Hogwarts as it was actually in a huge, church like room. You just need to walk past that wall three times and think something like I want a large room to party in or something like that."
A lot of those around us look curious and intrigued and Dumbledore claps his hands as he says: "Then it's settled. Molly, would you mind if I borrow William for half an hour so he can escort our party-going crowd to this room? After that, I will let him use my Floo to come straight back here." Mum nods and Bill gives her a warm hug before everyone, one at a time, comes to stand in front of the fireplace and Floos off, some of them greeting us, others still exclaiming about the end of the war and how happy they are about this.

Then finally Lupin, Bill and Dumbledore are the last to leave, yet as the former leaves, I suddenly notice something. The man does definitely look thoughtful, yet I also notice that there is a strange look of distress and self-disgust on his face, as if he's arguing with a side of himself or something. Yet the look is incredibly fleeting and as the man leaves, I wonder if I really did see it. The man also seems so lost in thought he doesn't even greet mum as he leaves.
Dumbledore and Bill do so on the other hand, Bill also repeating Dumbledore's promise that he will be back shortly and hugging both our parents before he Floos off and Dumbledore also apologizes. "I never meant for the Order to keep you from your well-earned rest, Molly. I know how much you have been worrying over us all these past few months. If an Order member ever comes back here in the middle of the night, let me know, alright?"

Mum gives the man a reluctant nod and when he's gone, she gives dad another big and relieved hug before she turns to the stove. But then her eyes widen and when we turn to it ourselves, we see that the pots have already been put on the stove, that the stove is already on and that knives are already cutting vegetables and other stuff. "Dobby." I whisper, but then Hermione says: "But that's by far not enough for all of us."
"Of course not." Fred says, as if it's obvious and George goes on: "Yeah, it's for Harry and Sirius." This startles the girl, but I shrug and say: "It does make sense. If he were to make this food in the Hogwarts kitchen, another elf could try what Eversoul and that other one tried. Because Dobby trusts me, he trusts us not to abuse his trust and try anything to follow him to where Harry is." And while I had expected either mum or Percy to be upset with this, they actually seem to glow with personal and even grateful pride over this. And this really pleases me.

Nice, Dobby,
And for those of you wondering, before now the House Elves would make so much for all of the Hogwarts students that Dobby could easily sneak some of that away from the plates and bowls without the other elves noticing. But now that the castle is much emptier because so many students have left, Dobby doesn't want to take that risk anymore. Oh, and we got a bit of a hint on what's going on with Lupin and why he's being so stubborn.
More later,

Venquine1990