A/N: WELCOME BACK! Ahhhh! So sorry it's been a little bit of a wait, I meant to start publishing in Jan but time ran away from me!
I cannot even express how excited I am to be writing and sharing this one with you. Even when I was writing the end of GoF I was just waiting until I could start writing OotP! I hope you are all going to enjoy reading as much I have loved writing it!
Chapter Eighteen: Out of the Flames
I knew it was going to be a strange summer before it even began, but I don't think I had any idea just how different it would be to years past.
Usually I barely got a spare moment to myself throughout the two months we were home from school, there were always people coming in and out of our home of Grimmauld Place, and my father and I spending time with Harry and James almost every day. Now, we were over halfway through summer - and I hadn't seen Harry once.
And while there were certainly no shortage of people coming through – that didn't mean I was entirely clued into the purpose of their visits.
I knew that the Order of the Phoenix had been originally established the last time Voldemort rose to power and that my father and the others had been involved. I wasn't allowed anywhere near the meetings or clued in on any of the things they were doing – but it was kind of hard for them to leave me completely in the dark when they'd turned my house into Headquarters because we had the strongest protection charms.
So, a week after school let out, my dad had sat me down and told me he wished he could tell me more, but it just wasn't safe for me to know yet. He asked me to be patient and know that by just continuing to be safe I was helping. Then, unbelievably - Dumbledore had instructed it would be best if we all gave Harry some space this summer. There were things being set up, preparations being made, and he needed to be kept out of them for the moment to keep him safe. I was instructed not to mention anything about the goings on at Grimmauld Place to him until it was the right time. I strongly disagreed with the entire thing, but apparently I had no say in the matter – and so I spent the first couple of weeks exchanging letters with little to no substance to them before eventually I just gave up altogether. Even in letter form I couldn't stand lying to him, and I just hoped he would understand.
I had ended up taking on the same state of mind for my entire correspondence over this summer, the pile of unopened letters in my room was large enough now for Smudge to nest in if she wanted to. I had only heard from Blaise and Madi a couple of times each, which only unnerved me more. I knew it was spineless, but I was terrified to open any of the letters from my housemates. I wasn't sure I was ready to face it all just yet.
"I know I've said it every day this week," I stated, letting out a huff as I came downstairs one Friday just before the end of July, "But I am so over this heatwave."
As usual lately, James and Remus were with my father in the living room – talking in a close huddle.
"Hi," I smiled in greeting at them both, before raising an eyebrow at James and dropping my tone a little, "How's Harry?"
James sighed, very used to my not-so-subtle jabs about leaving Harry in the dark lately. "Okay, getting more restless."
"Hmm," I feigned shock, "I wonder why that is?"
"Cassie," my dad said warningly, looking tired. They all spent a lot of time looking worn out these days, and I put it down to the secret late-night Order meetings I kept trying to listen in on – I hadn't managed to crack any of the Silencing Charms yet, but I was determined.
"I know," I sighed, knowing it wasn't really fair to take out my anger at James, it wasn't his decision to leave Harry in the dark. "I just miss him."
James gave me a sad smile, "He misses you too."
"What are your plans for the day?" my dad tried to ask casually as I headed for the dining room, and I rolled my eyes.
"Don't worry, I'll go back upstairs and pretend I'm not here as usual when whatever thing you can't tell me about is happening."
"You'll find out soon, kid," my dad followed me in, leaning in the doorframe, "I promise."
"You've been saying that all summer," I sighed, pausing at the top of the stairs for the kitchen.
"The less you know-"
"-the safer I am." I turned to face him with a slight smirk, "I know Dad, you've been saying that all summer too."
"He really means it this time though," Remus appeared over his shoulder, his eyes twinkling slightly in amusement.
"Everyone else is arriving next week," my dad continued, and I straightened up a little bit. I had been wondering if everyone would be gathering like we usually did for the second half of summer, and I guess I had my answer. Then, just as suddenly my smile dropped - turning to gaze out the window and feeling my gut twist a little in anxiety.
That meant I would see Fred next week.
I hadn't seen him since the night of the Third Task. To my surprise – he sent me a letter only a few days ago, but like most of my letters this break, it was still sitting on the pile un-opened. I hadn't been able to bring myself to open it yet.
"Are you going to be okay?" it was like my dad read my mind, and I nodded at him in response when I saw his eyes shining in concern.
"Yeah, it's like I told you – we're just better off being friends, that's all there was to it."
That had been the explanation I'd given any time he'd asked, and it wasn't like it was exactly a lie – I was just choosing to leave certain details out. I was actually excited to hear everyone would be coming, maybe it meant I would finally get to find out what was going on – and besides, I was getting rather lonely around here these days.
"What about Harry?" I asked hopefully, my eyes narrowing when they exchanged a regretful look. "Seriously?"
James joined them in the doorway, his apology clear in his gaze, "It's easier if we keep him away from it as long as possible, you know how closely the Ministry is watching him these days."
"Do you really think it's easier for Harry to be spending his summer isolated from everyone?" I snapped, raising an eyebrow, "You're always here, so it's not like he even has you – and I can guarantee you he knows everyone is here without him. How does that help?"
"I think," Remus said calmly, watching warily from the corner of his eye as James ran a frustrated hand through his hair, "That we are all just trying to figure out how to cope with all of this. But you have to respect us enough to trust what we're doing, Cassie."
I scowled, being scolded by Remus always made me feel guilty – usually because he was always right to be telling me off, and he always did in a way that made you feel like you couldn't argue with him.
"I hate that you always let him be the one to tell me off," I grumbled to my dad.
He shrugged, exchanging a small wink with Remus, "He's just so damn good at it."
"That's because I've spent my entire life telling off the two of you."
I finally cracked a smile as my dad and James both rolled their eyes.
"You know," I knew what my dad was going to say before he even got the rest of his words out, letting out an irritated sigh. "You've been doing quite a good job of isolating yourself from everyone all on your own."
"I don't know what you mean," I said offhandedly, starting down the stairs without another word and starting to search the kitchen for food.
It hadn't taken my dad long to notice that I was ignoring my friends, usually I was barely around for the first month of summer. I always tried to see my Slytherin friends as much as I could before the Gryffindors arrived at the beginning of August so I could spend time with them once they did.
But I hadn't left the house once this summer. I knew it was selfish, and they were probably all worried about me - but I couldn't get that small nagging feeling out of my head that kept trying to convince me it was the exact opposite. That none of them were going to want to be my friends now anyway. Satisfied with my toast and coffee, I trudged back up the stairs - a grin splitting on my face when I saw a familiar violet-haired witch had now joined the Marauders, along with Kingsley Shacklebolt.
"Tonks!"
The Metamorphagus returned my grin just as brightly, "There's my favourite Black!"
"Hey!" my dad protested, looking slightly offended. "I'm right here."
I had immediately taken a liking to Nymphadora Tonks the first time she arrived at Grimmauld Place, how couldn't I? With her cheeky personality that complimented mine far too well, plus her incredible abilities as a Metamorphagus. Our instant bond had proved to be a headache for the other visitors of the house however, and my dad stated he knew he never should have introduced us after we dyed all the couches in the living room bright pink last week.
"How could you possibly be my favourite when you told me only last week you wished I was never born?" Tonks responded, and I giggled.
"That's because you dyed my couches pink!"
"It came out!" Tonks rolled her eyes, shooting me a wink and only making me laugh harder.
"That was my idea anyway, Dad," I shrugged as I tried to stop my giggles, and he only shook his head - not even looking surprised. I don't know what he'd expected, I was bound to be bored by this point.
"You alright?" Tonks asked me a little quieter as the four males resumed what looked like a serious conversation in hushed tones, and I knew I'd have to make myself scarce soon.
I shrugged, glancing a little at them in annoyance again, "Just sick of all the hushed conversations."
Tonks gave me a sympathetic smile, "I get you - I'd be going mad if I was living here and wasn't allowed to know anything."
I forced a grim smile her way, but any further conversation was halted when the front door suddenly opened, and more familiar faces started trudging through the house - Moody leading the charge.
I held up my hand in mock surrender when my dad immediately turned to me with a familiar apologetic look, "I'm going," I grumbled, starting for the stairs and managing a small smile when Tonks winked at me one last time. Just as I went to pass the open window, I spotted the familiar black feathers of Smudge glinting just in the distance - quickly putting down the coffee mug I still had in my hand as she flew in and perched herself on the bannister. I untied the letter from her leg, giving her a scratch as she cooed in response. I hadn't seen my owl in ten days, since I sent my last letters to Blaise and Madi - and the longer she was away the more worried I'd become.
Most of the Order members had moved down into the kitchen, but I saw my dad hovering back watching me, having obviously seen Smudge arriving as well.
"Who is it?" he questioned; he knew how stressed I'd been getting the last few days.
I examined the letter quickly, recognising the handwriting immediately, "Blaise," I responded, frowning a little at the fact there was only one letter, hoping that meant the two of them were somehow together and had responded in one. But even as the thought crossed my mind I knew it was probably unlikely.
Before I could move to open the letter, another all too familiar Eagle owl flew in and perched on the other bannister. I let out a sigh, shaking my head slightly as it watched me with slowly blinking eyes - waiting for me to take the letter attached to its foot patiently. This owl had become very used to my stubbornness in receiving its letters over the last few weeks.
"That particular owl has been especially persistent this summer," I jumped slightly when my father spoke again, I hadn't realised he was still here.
I coughed a little awkwardly as I met his knowing gaze, forcing a nonchalant shrug as I hastily took the letter, "I'm not sure what you mean. You should probably get to the meeting, I'll be upstairs."
I didn't miss the slight eye roll from my father as I turned and raced up the stairs, he wasn't blind - I know he'd noticed how often letters were coming from this owl. Even though I hadn't opened or responded to one letter all summer - Draco Malfoy had evidently been serious when he said he wouldn't be giving up on me.
Shaking the thoughts of Malfoy from my mind - something I found myself to be doing often lately - I sank onto my bed and ripped open Blaise's letter.
CB,
Sorry it's taken so long to get back to you - I swear Smudge has been glaring at me these last few days like she knows I'm leaving you hanging. Only you would find an owl just as demanding as you.
I know you've probably been worried, but I promise everything is fine. I was waiting to see if I heard from Mads before I wrote you back, but I couldn't leave it any longer. I'm guessing you haven't heard from her since the last letter either? From what I know her parents are being right gits this summer, I'd say they're monitoring who she's getting her letters from - and that we won't be on the list of approved recipients.
Also, is it true you're ignoring everyone else? I ran into Moon the other day and she said she thought you might be dead. If you're being daft and not responding to everyone because you think they hate you I swear I'll kill you myself when I see you. She also said apparently Greengrass is threatening to send you a Howler - so I'd stop being such a stubborn ass and reply to your damn letters.
I don't know if you've been monitoring the papers like I have - but from what I've been reading I'm guessing things are pretty intense over there for you. Especially if you still haven't seen Potter all summer, you worry about him far too much as it is.
You need us more than ever, Black - now is not the time to push us all away.
I'll see you soon.
Blaise
PS - Malfoy bribed me to tell you to stop ignoring his letters.
PPS - Apparently that first threat wasn't serious enough, so I quote "Stop ignoring his letters like a stubborn, childish brat."
I let out a small sigh of relief, at least I knew Blaise was okay - and hopefully that Madi was too. It made sense that her parents would be trying to limit her contact with me, and I only prayed she was handling it okay. I knew he was probably right about ignoring everyone - but I still couldn't shake the fear off enough to seriously consider what he was suggesting. I had much more important things to worry about than replying to a few letters, hopefully they would understand when I saw them again on the 1st of September. None of them had any idea what was going on here, and I had made the mistake last year of letting my personal life distract me from what was most important - Harry's safety.
It was for that exact reason Malfoy's latest letter landed on the growing pile, once again unopened. I did have to bite back a smile when I thought about how he'd gone as far now to infiltrate one of Blaise's letters just to get to me. But I couldn't be thinking like that, I couldn't afford any more distractions this year - especially not from him.
I was running. I didn't know what I was running towards – only that I had to get there as fast as I could.
"CASSIE! HELP US! CASSIE WHERE ARE YOU!"
My blood ran cold – that was Harry. I quickened my pace, finally skidding to a halt and my body filling with dread when the scene in front of me materialised.
Harry, my dad, James, Remus, the Weasleys, Hermione – the whole Order was tied down, trapped by vines and weeds and all matter of horrifying objects. I moved towards them instantly before another terrified voice stopped me in my tracks.
"CASSIE! NO PLEASE HELP US!"
I turned to look behind me and choked out a gasp. Trapped by darker, more ferocious vines was Madi and Blaise, Daphne, Theodore, Lillian, Tracey.
I whirled between the two groups helplessly – there was only enough time to save one before the vines dragged them under for good.
"I can't choose! Please! Don't let any of them die!" I heard myself cry desperately.
"You have to decide." Red eyes gleamed through the darkness as the figure of my worst fears materialised. "You can't have both," Lord Voldemort taunted me, "They will never let you have both."
"NO!"
"If you don't choose." my eyes widened in horror as my mother appeared in front of me, blue eyes shining. "They will all die."
I shot upright, breathing heavily as I came back to reality - gazing frantically around my room to make sure it was real. I let out a shaky breath, letting my head fall into my hands when I realised it had only been another dream.
The exact same I'd been having all summer.
The only thing that ever changed was how many people were present. Most of the time it was everyone, but sometimes it went down to only Harry, my dad, and Madi and Blaise.
But Voldemort always showed up, so did my mother.
I lay back down, trying to calm my still racing heart and reminding myself it was all just a dream born out of my own fear. I had been trying not to dwell on them too much since they started, and I definitely wasn't planning on telling my dad or anyone else about them. Everyone was already worried enough about Harry these days, I didn't need them unnecessarily worrying about me too.
There was no room for me to be the weak one.
Just as I felt myself starting to drift back to sleep, a sudden loud noise from downstairs made me shoot upright again. I waited in silence for a moment, wondering if I'd imagined it. After another particularly loud noise, I realised it definitely wasn't and quickly stood up and made my way down the stairs as fast as I could.
I blinked, wondering if I was still dreaming when I saw Moody, Lupin, Tonks, and Kingsley - as well as other Order members I'd only met briefly Elphias Doge, Dedalus Diggle, Emmeline Vance, Sturgis Podmore and Hestia Jones all gathered in the living room with my father talking in urgent tones. The meeting should have finished hours ago - so why were they all still here, and why did they all look so worried? And why was James missing?
A feeling of dread immediately settled in my stomach, "Dad."
Everyone turned to look at me, slightly startled by my sudden presence.
"What's happened?" I asked urgently, searching for answers from anyone who would give them to me - gripping onto the bannister tightly.
"Go," my dad looked at me briefly before turning back and nodding at Moody, "You need to go now before there's too many eyes on lookout."
Moody didn't argue, and the group of them headed for the front door without so much as a second glance at me - and my eyes widened as more fear cursed through me when I heard the sound of brooms taking off from outside.
"Dad?!" I repeated urgently, making my way down the last of the stairs and stopping in front of him. He forced a smile onto his face, obviously trying to reassure me - but it was so grim that it didn't help much at all.
"Harry was attacked by Dementors this afternoon."
My eyes widened in horror, and I felt sick to my stomach as soon as the words left his mouth, "What? How!? Is he okay?"
My dad nodded quickly, squeezing my arm gently, "He's okay, he used his Patronus charm and sent them right off."
I sagged a little in relief, thank Merlin for Lupin deciding to teach us both in third year.
"Wait," I frowned suddenly, "Then what the hell was everyone doing here, and where did they go?"
My dad let out a sigh, looking suddenly irritated, "The Ministry expelled him for underage use of magic."
I opened my mouth to protest, but he cut me off with a shake of his head, "I know - it's completely unjustified. We're working on it, Dumbledore managed to get him a hearing in a few days."
"Good," I breathed out in relief, suddenly straightening up a little bit - hope surging through me, "Does this mean…?"
A small smile crossed my father's face, "Yeah kid, Harry's coming here. Tonight."
A/N: Sorry this one was a lil short - think of it as more of a prologue than a chapter, just setting it all up! To make up for it I will most likely upload ch2 within the next couple of days :)
Buckle up y'all, it's gonna be a bumpy ride.
