I know I know!!! Far too long to keep my loyal readers waiting, but I just haven't had time. Don't worry though, this fic ain't dead yet, I've got lots of ideas stored up for it, I just need time to get them down on paper… Or onto the computer as it were…
Part FourSnape rushed away from the kitchen trying to restrain the annoyance. Sirius Black was just someone he would never 'get along with'.
Deciding instead to focus on the task at hand Snape found his way to his study. He smiled slightly as he saw that Harry had managed to sneak in and re-decorate once again.
In a thoughtful gesture that rather surprised Snape Harry had used dark forest green for the walls, but soft, cream, muslin hangings around the enlarged window gave the study a bright aura, perfect for maintaining concentration to work with an efficient mind.
With that in mind Snape began to write…
Dumbledore
I am sorry to have to report this, but Harry and I have both experienced pain from our dark marks. It seems that the Dark Lord has not been restrained long by the boy's attempted killing curse. I don't doubt that Harry hasn't even noted the significance of this. He's still wrapped up in his own problems.
I am sure that when I go out later my contact will be able to tell me something more of Voldemort's reappearance.
Snape
With a small sigh Severus tapped the note with his wand and it burst into flames.
A few minutes later the note returned with additional writing on the back…
It was to be expected of course. I cannot impress on you enough the need for care where Harry is concerned. We must have his trust Severus.
Dumbledore.
Snape re-read the note and rolled his eyes. "As if I didn't realise that already Albus." He muttered sourly. Then he got up to get ready for his trip to see Kneissel.
***
Harry had indeed lost all thoughts of the Dark Lord as soon as he'd gotten a hold of his friends' letters.
When he reached his room he sat on his bed, and with a shaking hand he untied the wad of letters and took up the first.
It was from Hermione.
Harry,
I hope that you've managed to keep onto your books. OWLs are this year. You'll need to study!
Maybe we can meet up with Ron and go into Diagon Alley at some point. I've heard that there are some really useful OWL revision guides at Flourish and Blotts!
Hermione.
Feeling as if the letter had been written to someone Harry didn't even know he felt strangely guilty for reading it.
Nevertheless he picked up the next one, which he knew straight away, was from Ron.
Harry,
Hermione reckons that we should go to Diagon Alley together. But the way she's going on about her books!!! Anyway, my Mum reckons it's too dangerous anyway. She's going to order all our school stuff by Owl-Order!
Hope the muggles are treating you all right.
Ron.
Now Harry was definitely feeling uneasy. He drew his legs to his chest and took a few deep breaths before taking the next two letters.
Harry,
Are you okay? Haven't heard from you since I last wrote.
Is something wrong with Hedwig?
I paid for a return owl on this letter so that you can use this Owl-Post owl to write back.
Hermione.
Harry
Just let us know you're alright. You don't have to tell us anything else.
Ron.
Harry didn't notice the tears tracking down his face until he tasted the saltiness in the corner of his mouth.
Realising the enormity of what he'd done, of how badly he'd betrayed his friends, hurt more than anything he'd ever felt.
"I'm so sorry." He whispered chokingly, pressing the letters against his wet face.
It took him a long while to compose himself.
The raging guilt and self-hatred was still there. But he knew that he had to read the rest of the letters. After all, he owed his friends so much more than that.
There were a few more worried notes. He'd even gotten one from Ginny saying that Ron had been trying to escape from the Burrow to 'Look for his best friend'.
Then came the letter that really drove things home.
It was from Ron…
Harry,
This isn't funny anymore mate.
What's happened? My Mum wrote to Dumbledore but she wouldn't tell me what he said.
I wrote to Snuffles – hope you don't mind – And he says you haven't written to him either.
I swear, if you've been hurt or something I'll kill whoever did it. Even if I have to kill You-Know-Who!
We all hope you're okay.
But… Well, we don't know what to think.
Your Best Friend,
Ron.
***
Remus Lupin and Minerva McGonagall both shuddered when they reached the place.
It had been difficult to find. Neither Harry, nor Sirius, had been able to give them an exact location.
But the scorch marks on the ground and the taint of dark magic on the air was undeniable.
"This is where it happened." Said Remus solemnly.
Next to him he noticed Professor McGonagall purse her lips.
"I still can't believe how close we came to loosing him completely." She whispered.
"I always made an example of him. He was like the Gryffindor ideal."
She shivered. And Remus was compelled to do the same.
"There's nothing left here. Lucius must have cleared everything up." He said, wanting to leave as soon as possible.
"Wait a minute. We have to do a proper search." Insisted Minerva.
So they split up and, using their wands, scanned the area.
On the verge of giving up and leaving they finally found something.
"Remus! I've found a wand!" Shouted Minerva suddenly.
Lupin went over to her and she handed him the wand.
He nearly dropped it.
"That's Peter's wand." He breathed trying hard to control himself.
"Pettigrew." Whispered Minerva, closing her eyes.
"You take it." Growled Remus suddenly. "I wouldn't trust myself not to break it like I would have its owner."
McGonagall was surprised by this rare flash of anger from Remus and took the wand quickly, wrapping it up in her robes.
"Let's get back to Dumbledore straight away." Said Remus, his calm control taking over again.
And with that they apparated away.
***
Arthur Weasley returned home from work a bit earlier than usual he had the strange feeling that something was going to happen, and anxiety had forced him to head home despite the piles of paperwork on his desk.
"Molly! Where are you dear?" He called from the fireplace, on finding the kitchen conspicuously empty.
He was relieved when his wife came strolling in nonchalantly her hair falling out of its bun and her face slightly dusty.
"Sorry about that Arthur dear, I was just up in the attic trying to shut that stupid ghoul up. His moaning is making Ginny upset."
Said Molly as she leant over to kiss her husband's cheek.
"What's brought you home so early?"
Arthur frowned,
"She isn't usually bothered by the noise. It's because she's upset about Harry isn't it."
Molly nodded glumly,
"We all are. You've noticed how quiet the house is. Fred and George haven't played a prank in days, and as for Ron…"
She trailed off and Arthur slipped his arms around her as she trembled.
"What's happened? What could be so bad that Albus wouldn't even tell us?" She moaned, clutching Arthur tightly around the waist.
He looked down at her and stroked her back gently as she cried softly.
"Come now Molly. Buck up. I'm sure we'll have news soon."
He smiled slightly as he watched his wife compose herself. He loved this strong woman as much as he ever had.
"You're right dear." She said, in a determined voice.
No sooner had they sat at the kitchen table than they heard a strangled yell from upstairs.
"Ginny!" Shouted Arthur, his heart hammering wildly in his chest.
When they got no response, they both rushed out of the kitchen and up the stairs.
When they reached their daughter's room they ignored the instinct to knock and ran right in.
They were met with the sight of Ginny's shocked face staring out of the window, pointing towards two figures.
One was the dreaded spectre of the grim.
The other…
Was Harry Potter.
A/N2
Okies,
thakyou to reviewers… You are wonderful!
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