HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX
Created by J.K. Rowling, Anticipated For Impatient Readers by Chrissy
Disclaimer: Harry and all of his friends belong to J.K. Rowling, Warner Bros., etc., and not me. Obviously I don't know what the Order of the Phoenix is in her mind; this is merely my interpretation. No money is being made off of this story, and no copyright infringement is intended.
*
CHAPTER SEVEN: CRIME AND PUNISHMENT
Harry awoke slowly the next morning. It took him a moment to remember the events of the night before, but as soon as he did, he was full of foreboding.
After Sirius had left, Harry had finally left the kitchen. The Weasleys were all gone and the hall dark; presumably they had gone to bed. Harry had climbed the stairs carefully and quietly, not wanting to wake anyone and make them angrier than they already were.
When he'd reached the landing, he'd been surprised to hear noise coming from Ginny's room. And it sounded like. Ron! And Hermione!
"They're having a row," Ginny had said quietly behind them.
Harry had jumped, aware that it was the third time that day she had snuck up on them. "Why do you keep doing that? You surprised me!"
Ginny had grinned, and followed Harry up to Ron's room. "They could be awhile," she informed him. She had giggled. "They sound just like Mum and Dad." Then, affecting a high, shrill voice, "'We were ever so worried! What were you thinking?'" And then a deep voice. "'Never you mind, dear; only, I love you madly, so would you be quiet while I kiss you?'"
Harry had clapped his hand to his mouth, trying not to laugh loudly enough for the feuding couple to hear below. "He hasn't really said that, has he?" he had clarified, when he thought he had control of his laughter.
Ginny had grinned again. "Not yet."
They had both laughed again, but when they grew quiet, the conversation took on a more serious tone.
"Ginny, I think Ron and I owe you an apology," Harry had found himself saying.
Ginny had looked surprised. "For what?" She blushed. "Well, actually, I guess I know for what, but I would kind of like to hear you say it. I don't get too many apologies from Ron."
Harry had smiled. "Well, he's sorry, too. We should have listened to you in the living room, when you told us not to go. It's our fault we all got in trouble, and I'm going to tell your Mum in the morning so you don't get punished, too."
Ginny had shaken her head and smiled wryly. "You don't know Mum very well, do you?" Her smile had faded, and she leaned forward. "Harry, don't you understand why they were all so upset? It doesn't matter that your Firebolt was out there, or that it might get stolen. What they were trying to tell you down there is that there is no excuse. You probably could have been saving a baby from a freight train, and they wouldn't have cared! You have all these people protecting you, Harry, and they're risking their lives to do it. How do you think they feel that no matter how hard they try to protect you, you won't even protect yourself?"
Harry had sat back, stunned. He pushed his glasses up higher on his nose nervously. "Ginny. I never. I guess I never thought about it like that."
Ginny had sat back in her seat, looking embarrassed. "I'm sorry, Harry. I. I don't mean to lecture you or anything. I know you know all this stuff, it's just. well, we all worry about you."
Ron had come in a few moments later, so incensed from whatever had been said with Hermione that he hardly noticed Ginny's presence. For her part, she had scooted out before he could make any kind of rude comment.
"Goodnight," she'd said softly from the door, and closed it gently behind her.
"I tried to apologize," Ron had muttered, climbing under the covers and switching out the light, "but nooooo."
Harry grinned at the memory. 'They say that fighting is a form of loving.' he thought to himself. If that was true, than Ron and Hermione loved each other quite a lot.
***
True to her word, Mrs. Weasley's punishments that day were swift and severe - and as Ginny had expected, no guilty party was exempt.
It turned out that quite a few chores had been neglected what with Arthur and Percy away all the time, and Mrs. Weasley seemed to be making full use of her opportunity to set things right about the house.
Harry was dismayed to find a list of chores attached to Ron's bedroom door when the two went down to breakfast the next morning. When they got to the bottom of the stairs, they found that Ginny had received an equally long list.
"Now," Mrs. Weasley intoned as they entered the kitchen, "I don't want to hear any complaining. I think you've got off rather well. Those lists would have been far longer if I hadn't already cleaned out the attic last week."
Ron looked outraged, but wisely kept his mouth shut. Hermione appeared behind his mother, an apple in her hand. She didn't say anything, but between her stance and her expression, she seemed to agree whole- heartedly with Mrs. Weasley.
"Oh well," Ron muttered as they left the house five minutes later, laden with Muggle garden shears and hedge-clippers, "there's always Diagon Alley tomorrow. Just have to stay focused on the positives, that's all."
If Harry ever doubted that he was a true member of the Weasley family, it seemed the garden gnomes didn't share his uncertainties. Crookshanks decided to come help de-gnome the garden, as well. He didn't manage to chase too many gnomes away, but the gnomes seemed to consider the fluffy ginger cat an oddity worth exploring, which made them easier to find. De-gnoming the garden was by far the easiest chore, though, as they all soon discovered.
"Stupid.lousy.bloody.," Ron muttered, sweating profusely as he yanked at a patch of crab grass between Mrs. Weasley's roses. "Why couldn't she have a normal Muggle garden?"
"Actually, Ron, Muggle gardens have crab grass, too," Ginny pointed out.
"Yeah, Ron, you ought to take Muggle Studies," Harry added, grinning triumphantly and raising a clump of grass and dirt for Ron to see. "And look, it's not so hard."
Ron nodded, his face wryly sarcastic. "Yes, I can see that." Then, suddenly, his hands jerked back as the weed gave way, and he toppled backwards, howling in pain as his hands swung up and met his swollen nose.
Ginny was the first one to lose control. She stared at Ron for a long moment, clutching her stomach and biting her lip, while her face turned slowly redder. Suddenly she burst out laughing, and sank to the ground, covering her mouth with her hand. "Sorry, Ron," she gasped, tears of mirth streaming from her eyes. "I know it's. it's not. really funny."
Harry had to disagree with her. It was quite hilarious, actually. Ron was on his back on the ground, but when he sat up, they could see that dirt from the grass had spattered all over his face, increasing the usual number of freckles. And meanwhile, through his mouth there streamed a steady flow of curse words - enough to earn him a week's worth of chores if Mrs. Weasley was listening.
It wasn't long before Harry started laughing, too, and then Ron stared at the two of them for a moment, and started whooping as well.
Mrs. Weasley's head appeared through the kitchen window. "What is so funny?" she demanded. "I would expect you all to take this more seriously. This is a punishment, you know."
"Sorry, Mrs. Weasley," Harry apologized, biting his lip to try to keep from chuckling.
Ron turned around slowly until he was facing his mother, and then she smiled, too. "Well then," she said, clearing her throat, "why don't you. get back to work, and. I'll see if I can't round up some sandwiches for you."
The afternoon was looking up.
***
Mr. Weasley and Percy arrived home earlier than usual, that night, and the family sat down to supper together.
"How was your day, Arthur? Anything new at the office?" Mrs. Weasley questioned pleasantly, as if the previous day's events had never taken place. Harry had been amazed at her change in demeanor as soon as he, Ron, and Ginny had presented her with their completed lists of chores. She had smiled and thanked them, and no more had been said about Harry's broomstick or their panic the day before. It seemed that all was forgiven.
Arthur Weasley frowned. "No, nothing new, unfortunately." He paused. "The Order has been reassembled, and of course they're searching for Voldemort, but we have no news of his whereabouts just yet. And somehow Fudge has managed to excuse the attacks yesterday. I just don't know-"
"'The Order'?" Harry questioned.
Mr. and Mrs. Weasley exchanged glances, but it was Ron who spoke up. "The Order of the Phoenix," he explained, but he looked very uncomfortable.
Mr. Weasley cleared his throat, and he looked worried, too. "Harry. Hermione. nothing that is said tonight can leave this room, do you understand? You mustn't even speak about it amongst yourselves after tonight."
"Arthur," Molly said softly.
"I think they should know, Mum," Percy said suddenly. He looked rather angry. "They have the right to decide."
"Decide what?" Hermione questioned very curiously, laying her fork down. "What is the Order of the Phoenix? I've never heard of it!"
"Good," Mr. Weasley said shortly. "That's as it should be."
Ginny smiled at Hermione. "Oh, don't mind them. The Order of the Phoenix is. well. it's an organization, really. Mum and Dad were members back when -"
"Ginny!" Mrs. Weasley said sharply. "That's not the sort of information you advertise, now more than ever!"
Mr. Weasley stared around the table, his gaze finally resting on Harry and Hermione. "Harry, Hermione. my children know about the Order of the Phoenix. They had to." He exchanged a glance with his wife. "Perhaps it's time you understood our involvement, as well."
Percy stood. "I'll be in my room." Mrs. Weasley nodded, and Percy bowed his head politely and left the room.
Harry's brow furrowed. What was wrong with Percy now? And why was he so upset about this Order, whatever it was? He couldn't imagine the Weasleys involved in anything bad. They were the kindest people he knew.
Mr. Weasley seemed to sense Harry's thoughts. "Percy disagrees with the Order in matters of principle," he explained slowly, "and he has a right to. We've agreed to respect each other's opinions on the matter."
"Why?" Harry asked. "What is the Order of the Phoenix, Mr. Weasley?"
"It's an organization, as Ginny explained before," Mr. Weasley replied. "Its members are devoted to the destruction of Voldemort."
"Well, surely Percy doesn't disagree with that!" Hermione laughed anxiously, looking around the table.
"No, of course not," Mrs. Weasley agreed. "No, our goals are the same. We simply disagree on methods. Percy. Percy believes that the Order is unnecessary and distasteful."
"Why?" Harry questioned. "What does the Order do?"
Fred fielded this one. "They fight Voldemort," he stated shortly. "Look, why don't we leave it at that for tonight? I want to eat."
Harry agreed, but still felt curious. He could sense that he wasn't being told everything, and he wasn't used to this treatment, coming from the Weasleys.
***
After supper, Harry and Hermione both followed Ron to his room. When Ron got to his bedroom door and still found Hermione behind them, he stared at her.
"What do you want?" He almost sounded hopeful, and Hermione rolled her eyes.
"Honestly, Ron," she muttered. Then she spoke louder. "I should think it was obvious. I want to know what the Order of the Phoenix really is."
"Me, too," Harry added firmly.
Ron paled, and swallowed. "All right," he said finally. "Get inside, then."
Once they had sat down, Harry and Hermione stared at Ron expectantly.
"All right, then," he said again, and he exhaled slowly. "The Order of the Phoenix. look, like Dad said, this is dangerous information. I. I know you would never tell anyone, but. you can't even mention it, do you understand? I don't know why Dad let it slip tonight. he must have been planning to tell you, and. but then, that would mean he's really going to." He seemed to be talking to himself now.
"Ron?" Hermione prodded gently.
Ron started. "Right. Look. to be honest, I agree with Percy." He looked uncomfortable. "I mean, what Mum and Dad do. and I respect what they're doing, mind you, but. well, I'm not sure the Order of the Phoenix is really a good thing to have around. In fact."
"But they fight Voldemort," Hermione replied, confused.
"Yes, well. obviously that's not the part I disagree with. It's just. they're like Death Eaters, Hermione," Ron replied angrily. "Like I said before, what Mum and Dad do is their business, and I didn't mean they're Death Eaters or anything, but. the Order of the Phoenix fights terror with terror. They're not afraid to use the same means that Death Eaters use to. to achieve their ends."
Harry swallowed. Images of Mr. and Mrs. Weasley appeared in his mind, unbidden, their faces replacing those of the Death Eaters he had seen the year before. and then another figure, and a cold voice muttering, "Crucio!"
He shivered violently, and shook his head. It was too unnatural. It just didn't fit. The Weasleys could not be capable of torturing anyone.
"They have, you know," Ron replied, his voice shaking, and Harry realized he'd spoken aloud.
Hermione gasped.
Ron nodded slowly. "They have. Well, Dad, anyhow. I remember when I was a little kid, and he would have nightmares all the time. he still does, but they've been getting worse lately. And Charlie. well, he as much as told me last year. After everything that happened at the Tournament, and with Cedric." He broke off, seeing the look on Harry's face. Harry had spent the summer doing anything but thinking of Cedric.
Hermione stood, clearly shaken. "I. Ron, I don't know what to say."
Ron shook his head. "It's best to just pretend they don't. do that stuff, I mean," he said slowly. "I mean, it's. it's almost evil, isn't it?"
"It's not," Harry said sharply. More images from the year before filled his head. When he closed his eyes, he could still see Cedric's open- eyed stare. the green light flashing around them, just like his parents. and all those people Voldemort had killed, floating from his wand, perhaps the only part of him that still remembered all of his crimes. "Maybe they're right," he said slowly, ignoring Ron and Hermione's stares. "Maybe those Death Eaters are only getting what they deserve."
"Harry.," Hermione began slowly.
"He's nutters," Ron muttered. "He doesn't know what he's talking about."
"And you do?" Harry shot back. He took a deep breath. He didn't want to fight with Ron and Hermione on this. It wasn't worth it. They were his friends. "Look, I've seen what they do to people," he tried to explain. "And. I feel bad for your parents. I mean, your dad having nightmares and all. I know how that goes. but what they're doing is worth it."
"I know," Ron said quietly.
"I." Hermione faltered. "I'm sorry, Ron. I guess things are going to be hard for everyone, now."
Ron stared at her. "Thanks, Hermione."
Hermione stood. "Well. I suppose I ought to get to bed. Ginny will be wondering where I've got off to. and we have an early day tomorrow." She turned to the door.
"Hermione!" Ron said suddenly. She turned back very quickly, and Ron began to turn red. "I. uh. that is, I'm sorry I teased you before. and. thanks for saving my life yesterday."
Hermione grinned. "You're welcome."
Harry stared at Ron in amazement. He knew that Ron would need to build up his courage to actually apologize to Hermione, and. Merlin's beard, was it actually possible that he had been thinking about Hermione all though their conversation?!
Feeling suddenly very disgusted, Harry climbed under his blanket and tried to sleep. Ron and Hermione. it was too weird.
So why did he feel jealous?
Created by J.K. Rowling, Anticipated For Impatient Readers by Chrissy
Disclaimer: Harry and all of his friends belong to J.K. Rowling, Warner Bros., etc., and not me. Obviously I don't know what the Order of the Phoenix is in her mind; this is merely my interpretation. No money is being made off of this story, and no copyright infringement is intended.
*
CHAPTER SEVEN: CRIME AND PUNISHMENT
Harry awoke slowly the next morning. It took him a moment to remember the events of the night before, but as soon as he did, he was full of foreboding.
After Sirius had left, Harry had finally left the kitchen. The Weasleys were all gone and the hall dark; presumably they had gone to bed. Harry had climbed the stairs carefully and quietly, not wanting to wake anyone and make them angrier than they already were.
When he'd reached the landing, he'd been surprised to hear noise coming from Ginny's room. And it sounded like. Ron! And Hermione!
"They're having a row," Ginny had said quietly behind them.
Harry had jumped, aware that it was the third time that day she had snuck up on them. "Why do you keep doing that? You surprised me!"
Ginny had grinned, and followed Harry up to Ron's room. "They could be awhile," she informed him. She had giggled. "They sound just like Mum and Dad." Then, affecting a high, shrill voice, "'We were ever so worried! What were you thinking?'" And then a deep voice. "'Never you mind, dear; only, I love you madly, so would you be quiet while I kiss you?'"
Harry had clapped his hand to his mouth, trying not to laugh loudly enough for the feuding couple to hear below. "He hasn't really said that, has he?" he had clarified, when he thought he had control of his laughter.
Ginny had grinned again. "Not yet."
They had both laughed again, but when they grew quiet, the conversation took on a more serious tone.
"Ginny, I think Ron and I owe you an apology," Harry had found himself saying.
Ginny had looked surprised. "For what?" She blushed. "Well, actually, I guess I know for what, but I would kind of like to hear you say it. I don't get too many apologies from Ron."
Harry had smiled. "Well, he's sorry, too. We should have listened to you in the living room, when you told us not to go. It's our fault we all got in trouble, and I'm going to tell your Mum in the morning so you don't get punished, too."
Ginny had shaken her head and smiled wryly. "You don't know Mum very well, do you?" Her smile had faded, and she leaned forward. "Harry, don't you understand why they were all so upset? It doesn't matter that your Firebolt was out there, or that it might get stolen. What they were trying to tell you down there is that there is no excuse. You probably could have been saving a baby from a freight train, and they wouldn't have cared! You have all these people protecting you, Harry, and they're risking their lives to do it. How do you think they feel that no matter how hard they try to protect you, you won't even protect yourself?"
Harry had sat back, stunned. He pushed his glasses up higher on his nose nervously. "Ginny. I never. I guess I never thought about it like that."
Ginny had sat back in her seat, looking embarrassed. "I'm sorry, Harry. I. I don't mean to lecture you or anything. I know you know all this stuff, it's just. well, we all worry about you."
Ron had come in a few moments later, so incensed from whatever had been said with Hermione that he hardly noticed Ginny's presence. For her part, she had scooted out before he could make any kind of rude comment.
"Goodnight," she'd said softly from the door, and closed it gently behind her.
"I tried to apologize," Ron had muttered, climbing under the covers and switching out the light, "but nooooo."
Harry grinned at the memory. 'They say that fighting is a form of loving.' he thought to himself. If that was true, than Ron and Hermione loved each other quite a lot.
***
True to her word, Mrs. Weasley's punishments that day were swift and severe - and as Ginny had expected, no guilty party was exempt.
It turned out that quite a few chores had been neglected what with Arthur and Percy away all the time, and Mrs. Weasley seemed to be making full use of her opportunity to set things right about the house.
Harry was dismayed to find a list of chores attached to Ron's bedroom door when the two went down to breakfast the next morning. When they got to the bottom of the stairs, they found that Ginny had received an equally long list.
"Now," Mrs. Weasley intoned as they entered the kitchen, "I don't want to hear any complaining. I think you've got off rather well. Those lists would have been far longer if I hadn't already cleaned out the attic last week."
Ron looked outraged, but wisely kept his mouth shut. Hermione appeared behind his mother, an apple in her hand. She didn't say anything, but between her stance and her expression, she seemed to agree whole- heartedly with Mrs. Weasley.
"Oh well," Ron muttered as they left the house five minutes later, laden with Muggle garden shears and hedge-clippers, "there's always Diagon Alley tomorrow. Just have to stay focused on the positives, that's all."
If Harry ever doubted that he was a true member of the Weasley family, it seemed the garden gnomes didn't share his uncertainties. Crookshanks decided to come help de-gnome the garden, as well. He didn't manage to chase too many gnomes away, but the gnomes seemed to consider the fluffy ginger cat an oddity worth exploring, which made them easier to find. De-gnoming the garden was by far the easiest chore, though, as they all soon discovered.
"Stupid.lousy.bloody.," Ron muttered, sweating profusely as he yanked at a patch of crab grass between Mrs. Weasley's roses. "Why couldn't she have a normal Muggle garden?"
"Actually, Ron, Muggle gardens have crab grass, too," Ginny pointed out.
"Yeah, Ron, you ought to take Muggle Studies," Harry added, grinning triumphantly and raising a clump of grass and dirt for Ron to see. "And look, it's not so hard."
Ron nodded, his face wryly sarcastic. "Yes, I can see that." Then, suddenly, his hands jerked back as the weed gave way, and he toppled backwards, howling in pain as his hands swung up and met his swollen nose.
Ginny was the first one to lose control. She stared at Ron for a long moment, clutching her stomach and biting her lip, while her face turned slowly redder. Suddenly she burst out laughing, and sank to the ground, covering her mouth with her hand. "Sorry, Ron," she gasped, tears of mirth streaming from her eyes. "I know it's. it's not. really funny."
Harry had to disagree with her. It was quite hilarious, actually. Ron was on his back on the ground, but when he sat up, they could see that dirt from the grass had spattered all over his face, increasing the usual number of freckles. And meanwhile, through his mouth there streamed a steady flow of curse words - enough to earn him a week's worth of chores if Mrs. Weasley was listening.
It wasn't long before Harry started laughing, too, and then Ron stared at the two of them for a moment, and started whooping as well.
Mrs. Weasley's head appeared through the kitchen window. "What is so funny?" she demanded. "I would expect you all to take this more seriously. This is a punishment, you know."
"Sorry, Mrs. Weasley," Harry apologized, biting his lip to try to keep from chuckling.
Ron turned around slowly until he was facing his mother, and then she smiled, too. "Well then," she said, clearing her throat, "why don't you. get back to work, and. I'll see if I can't round up some sandwiches for you."
The afternoon was looking up.
***
Mr. Weasley and Percy arrived home earlier than usual, that night, and the family sat down to supper together.
"How was your day, Arthur? Anything new at the office?" Mrs. Weasley questioned pleasantly, as if the previous day's events had never taken place. Harry had been amazed at her change in demeanor as soon as he, Ron, and Ginny had presented her with their completed lists of chores. She had smiled and thanked them, and no more had been said about Harry's broomstick or their panic the day before. It seemed that all was forgiven.
Arthur Weasley frowned. "No, nothing new, unfortunately." He paused. "The Order has been reassembled, and of course they're searching for Voldemort, but we have no news of his whereabouts just yet. And somehow Fudge has managed to excuse the attacks yesterday. I just don't know-"
"'The Order'?" Harry questioned.
Mr. and Mrs. Weasley exchanged glances, but it was Ron who spoke up. "The Order of the Phoenix," he explained, but he looked very uncomfortable.
Mr. Weasley cleared his throat, and he looked worried, too. "Harry. Hermione. nothing that is said tonight can leave this room, do you understand? You mustn't even speak about it amongst yourselves after tonight."
"Arthur," Molly said softly.
"I think they should know, Mum," Percy said suddenly. He looked rather angry. "They have the right to decide."
"Decide what?" Hermione questioned very curiously, laying her fork down. "What is the Order of the Phoenix? I've never heard of it!"
"Good," Mr. Weasley said shortly. "That's as it should be."
Ginny smiled at Hermione. "Oh, don't mind them. The Order of the Phoenix is. well. it's an organization, really. Mum and Dad were members back when -"
"Ginny!" Mrs. Weasley said sharply. "That's not the sort of information you advertise, now more than ever!"
Mr. Weasley stared around the table, his gaze finally resting on Harry and Hermione. "Harry, Hermione. my children know about the Order of the Phoenix. They had to." He exchanged a glance with his wife. "Perhaps it's time you understood our involvement, as well."
Percy stood. "I'll be in my room." Mrs. Weasley nodded, and Percy bowed his head politely and left the room.
Harry's brow furrowed. What was wrong with Percy now? And why was he so upset about this Order, whatever it was? He couldn't imagine the Weasleys involved in anything bad. They were the kindest people he knew.
Mr. Weasley seemed to sense Harry's thoughts. "Percy disagrees with the Order in matters of principle," he explained slowly, "and he has a right to. We've agreed to respect each other's opinions on the matter."
"Why?" Harry asked. "What is the Order of the Phoenix, Mr. Weasley?"
"It's an organization, as Ginny explained before," Mr. Weasley replied. "Its members are devoted to the destruction of Voldemort."
"Well, surely Percy doesn't disagree with that!" Hermione laughed anxiously, looking around the table.
"No, of course not," Mrs. Weasley agreed. "No, our goals are the same. We simply disagree on methods. Percy. Percy believes that the Order is unnecessary and distasteful."
"Why?" Harry questioned. "What does the Order do?"
Fred fielded this one. "They fight Voldemort," he stated shortly. "Look, why don't we leave it at that for tonight? I want to eat."
Harry agreed, but still felt curious. He could sense that he wasn't being told everything, and he wasn't used to this treatment, coming from the Weasleys.
***
After supper, Harry and Hermione both followed Ron to his room. When Ron got to his bedroom door and still found Hermione behind them, he stared at her.
"What do you want?" He almost sounded hopeful, and Hermione rolled her eyes.
"Honestly, Ron," she muttered. Then she spoke louder. "I should think it was obvious. I want to know what the Order of the Phoenix really is."
"Me, too," Harry added firmly.
Ron paled, and swallowed. "All right," he said finally. "Get inside, then."
Once they had sat down, Harry and Hermione stared at Ron expectantly.
"All right, then," he said again, and he exhaled slowly. "The Order of the Phoenix. look, like Dad said, this is dangerous information. I. I know you would never tell anyone, but. you can't even mention it, do you understand? I don't know why Dad let it slip tonight. he must have been planning to tell you, and. but then, that would mean he's really going to." He seemed to be talking to himself now.
"Ron?" Hermione prodded gently.
Ron started. "Right. Look. to be honest, I agree with Percy." He looked uncomfortable. "I mean, what Mum and Dad do. and I respect what they're doing, mind you, but. well, I'm not sure the Order of the Phoenix is really a good thing to have around. In fact."
"But they fight Voldemort," Hermione replied, confused.
"Yes, well. obviously that's not the part I disagree with. It's just. they're like Death Eaters, Hermione," Ron replied angrily. "Like I said before, what Mum and Dad do is their business, and I didn't mean they're Death Eaters or anything, but. the Order of the Phoenix fights terror with terror. They're not afraid to use the same means that Death Eaters use to. to achieve their ends."
Harry swallowed. Images of Mr. and Mrs. Weasley appeared in his mind, unbidden, their faces replacing those of the Death Eaters he had seen the year before. and then another figure, and a cold voice muttering, "Crucio!"
He shivered violently, and shook his head. It was too unnatural. It just didn't fit. The Weasleys could not be capable of torturing anyone.
"They have, you know," Ron replied, his voice shaking, and Harry realized he'd spoken aloud.
Hermione gasped.
Ron nodded slowly. "They have. Well, Dad, anyhow. I remember when I was a little kid, and he would have nightmares all the time. he still does, but they've been getting worse lately. And Charlie. well, he as much as told me last year. After everything that happened at the Tournament, and with Cedric." He broke off, seeing the look on Harry's face. Harry had spent the summer doing anything but thinking of Cedric.
Hermione stood, clearly shaken. "I. Ron, I don't know what to say."
Ron shook his head. "It's best to just pretend they don't. do that stuff, I mean," he said slowly. "I mean, it's. it's almost evil, isn't it?"
"It's not," Harry said sharply. More images from the year before filled his head. When he closed his eyes, he could still see Cedric's open- eyed stare. the green light flashing around them, just like his parents. and all those people Voldemort had killed, floating from his wand, perhaps the only part of him that still remembered all of his crimes. "Maybe they're right," he said slowly, ignoring Ron and Hermione's stares. "Maybe those Death Eaters are only getting what they deserve."
"Harry.," Hermione began slowly.
"He's nutters," Ron muttered. "He doesn't know what he's talking about."
"And you do?" Harry shot back. He took a deep breath. He didn't want to fight with Ron and Hermione on this. It wasn't worth it. They were his friends. "Look, I've seen what they do to people," he tried to explain. "And. I feel bad for your parents. I mean, your dad having nightmares and all. I know how that goes. but what they're doing is worth it."
"I know," Ron said quietly.
"I." Hermione faltered. "I'm sorry, Ron. I guess things are going to be hard for everyone, now."
Ron stared at her. "Thanks, Hermione."
Hermione stood. "Well. I suppose I ought to get to bed. Ginny will be wondering where I've got off to. and we have an early day tomorrow." She turned to the door.
"Hermione!" Ron said suddenly. She turned back very quickly, and Ron began to turn red. "I. uh. that is, I'm sorry I teased you before. and. thanks for saving my life yesterday."
Hermione grinned. "You're welcome."
Harry stared at Ron in amazement. He knew that Ron would need to build up his courage to actually apologize to Hermione, and. Merlin's beard, was it actually possible that he had been thinking about Hermione all though their conversation?!
Feeling suddenly very disgusted, Harry climbed under his blanket and tried to sleep. Ron and Hermione. it was too weird.
So why did he feel jealous?
