Behind the Mask Chapter 5
Harry was annoyed to find Tonks and Remus waiting for him at King's Cross. He nodded briskly, then kept going through the barrier.
"Harry!" Tonks caught up. "I'm stationed at Hogwarts this year, just in case. I'd appreciate it if you keep me apprised of your whereabouts at all times."
Remus nodded.
"I'll do my best." Harry wasn't keen on having aurors dog his every step, but he tried to keep from getting upset.
He boarded the train and searched for an empty compartment at the back.
Neville was the first to arrive, but Hannah and Susan showed up almost immediately after.
Next came Luna; Harry was delighted to see his Ravenclaw friend and hugged her tightly. For her part, Luna was happy to hear that Harry would once again coach DADA, and beamed at him.
Harry was tempted to ask about the Weasleys, but Luna instinctively seemed to know his thoughts.
"I haven't seen them, Harry. Not even Ginny. I thought of visiting, but Daddy and I have been traveling for most of the summer, and I hadn't time once we returned. I do hope they've gotten over their wrackspurts infection!"
Harry let it go. He knew the Weasleys would be provoked at him for sealing off Grimmauld Place and refusing to obey Dumbledore, but he couldn't force himself to care. He still felt irked about the way he'd been ignored while at the Dursleys, and then hounded once he'd left them, although he felt he'd soon forgive Ron and Hermione.
He expected them to arrive shortly since it was nearly time for departure, but it was Daphne who sprinted through the barrier and practically leapt onto the train.
"Sorry," she gasped. 'I was delayed." She gave him a look that implied she'd prefer to explain in private, so he merely introduced her to Luna while he stowed away her trunk.
Then, at last, Harry glimpsed Ron, Ginny, and Hermione rush through the barrier just as the train began to move. Hermione looked disgruntled; Harry knew she hated arriving at the last minute every year, but nothing could make the Weasleys get ready with time to spare.
For the first time, Harry wondered whether that tardiness would one day grate on his nerves, too?
Hermione was still scolding as they came into the compartment, but she broke off when she spotted him.
"Harry! Where have you been? What have you been doing? Why have you blocked off Grimmauld? Why didn't you contact us or visit the Burrow or…"
"Hermione!" Harry held up his hand to stop her. "I closed off Grimmauld so I could have some peace and quiet. I didn't want to give Dumbledore any opportunity to force me to return to the Dursleys."
"But Harry, you know it's the best place to keep you safe," insisted Hermione.
"And what keeps me safe from the Dursleys? Besides, I was perfectly safe in Grimmauld Place, and here I am!"
"Still could have come to the Burrow, mate," grumbled Ron.
"Dumbledore could get hold of me there," argued Harry. "I don't believe your parents would want to shut him out."
Ron reddened but said nothing.
Not so Hermione. She opened her mouth to lodge a protest where the door to the compartment slammed open.
A tall, pale girl stood in the entry, a seventh year prefect's badge pinned to her Slytherin robes.
She ignored the others present but scowled at Daphne.
"Did you forget what my father told you about monitoring the company you keep?"
Daphne smiled sweetly. "No, Zinnia, I remember every word."
"It doesn't seem to have registered very well," sneered Zinnia. "I think you'd better come along with me, and sit with my friends."
"And I think I prefer to sit with my friends, and my boyfriend!"
"Boyfriend!" gasped Hermione.
"Father will never permit that!" pronounced Zinnia.
"Won't he?" Daphne drawled, in a bored voice that showed what she thought about that permission.
Zinnia pressed her lips together, and flounced out of the cabin.
Hannah and Susan giggled, but the rest had a barrage of questions.
"Won't she cause trouble for you?" worried Harry.
"Can't her father disown you?" Neville fretted.
"How long has Harry been your boyfriend?" demanded Hermione.
Daphne chose to answer in reverse order. "Since the beginning of the summer…my uncle doesn't have that authority…I can handle any problems in Slytherin House."
The trolley arrived, and Daphne perked up. "Don't you worry about me. Now, who wants chocolate frogs?"
Dumbledore sent for Harry right after dinner, which did not surprise him.
What did was to discover Tonks, Remus, Snape, and McGonagall all present, watching him with grim expressions.
Harry said nothing and stood waiting.
After a long moment, Dumbledore spoke. "Harry, I won't pretend I don't understand the reason you left your family. However…"
"They're not my family." Harry said flatly.
"They are the only relatives you have, Harry," Remus said gently.
"Technically, that's not true." Harry couldn't let this pass. "As of now, I am related to the Black family."
"Sirius blood-adopted you, didn't he?" Tonks sat up, staring.
Harry nodded. "And emanicipated me. I now head the Black family, or what is left of them after Sirius disowned Bellatrix, Narcissa, and Draco."
"What about mother and me?" Tonks demanded.
Snape interrupted before Harry could remind her that they were already disowned, a situation Sirius had neglected to change.
"Be that as it may, you've put everyone to a great deal of trouble, Potter! Much you care for that."
"I was fine," replied Harry. "Perfectly safe at Grimmauld."
Dumbledore sighed. "I very much doubt that, Harry, since Tonks informs us that you were wandering all over London with your friends. What if you'd encountered Death Eaters?"
"I was fine," Harry repeated.
"I can see I cannot convince you," Dumbledore said sadly. "Will you at least reopen Twelve Grimmauld Place to the Order of the Phoenix?"
Harry shook his head. "No. There are people in the Order I don't trust." He was careful not to look at Snape.
"Everyone in the Order is on your side, Harry," Dumbledore said reproachfully.
"Be that as it may…" Harry took delight in echoing Snape, "everyone is not trustworthy, not to mention light-fingered. Kreacher tells me Mundungus Fletcher has been helping himself to Black property. Now that will no longer be possible."
"I see." Dumbledore did not try to conceal his disappointment. "Very well, Harry. You may go."
Harry hastened to take advantage of the permission, but he wasn't quite fast enough.
Remus caught up to him at the bottom of the stairs.
"Harry, you know Andromeda Tonks was born a Black, but was disowned for eloping with a muggle. Won't you reinstate her and her daughter into the family? It would mean the world to Tonks!"
Harry was about to promise he would when he recalled Daphne's warning. He knew Tonks would answer to Dumbledore and not to him.
"I'll look into it during Christmas break," he answered vaguely.
"But…"
"I have to go. See you later!"