Chapter Three
The Mission
Millie got dressed at dawn after not sleeping a wink, she was too busy absorbing everything that happened last night. First she sat on her bed and enjoyed watching the scenery outside her window. Hogwarts was definitely better than Saint Mumbus and she felt rather disappointed in not thinking of transferring. Millie peered around the girls room and thought how wonderful the red silk canopy beds where placed on every corner and a gold rug was placed in the center. This was a very comfortable dormitory for girls and Millie felt pleased. She then snapped back last night to when she became an Auror. She thought excitedly- one step closer to an official Auror,
"Harry Potter," she squeaked remembering last night's incident. Millie had a strange feeling of wanting to apologize to him for all the evil thoughts she had.
Though after getting ready she started to descend the stairs. She stopped quickly, feeling nervous thinking she could bump into Harry again. But Millie was most afraid of getting that weird sensation in her stomach again. She then walked down the stairs and looked over in the common room's balcony and spotted Harry. He was sitting on a chair looking rather impatient. Millie understood he didn't get any sleep either because he slouched lazily on the chair. She walked slowly and quietly behind him but paused in time to hear Harry whimper.
"Sirius..." he said to himself. Millie felt scared and backed away into a table. The table banged against the wall and made a loud noise. Harry jumped out of his chair. When he saw Millie he looked rather frightened.
"I...uh...!" Harry began. Millie didn't know what to say either. Harry looked at her as though he needed a help for words, but Millie intruded.
"Were you talking about Sirius Black?" Millie asked curiously about the dead Azkaban prisoner. Harry looked shocked but scared speechless. She knew he had nothing to say.
"It's okay, he's gone now-I wouldn't worry about him," Millie said quietly trying to comfort him. It seemed like she made it worse for Harry, when he looked close to tears. Millie watched him turn to his heel and head for the boys staircase. Millie listened until she head the door slam loudly.
Just then, Dumbledore walked into the common room, apparently overhearing the conversation.
"Millie, Sirius was Harry's godfather." Millie opened her mouth in disgust, but Dumbeldore didn't make a sound.
"You need to understand many things Millie, Sirius was committed for a crime he did not do. If you sit down with me, I will tell you everything that has been going on for these past six years."
And Dumbledore did. He talked for three hours about every incident Harry has seen, his adventures, the victory of protecting himself from Voldemort. But what shocked Millie was that Sirius was his godfather and was like a father to him. When Millie heard about the information, she started crying.
"I never knew! And all this time I was blaming Harry for his adventures! Oh dear Professor, I do need to apologize!"
Millie burst into tears, imagining her life as painful as Harry's.
"Doesn't Harry have any friends?" she croaked through her runny nose. Dumbledore smiled.
"Yes, two best friends, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasly."
The names sounded familiar and must have been because those names appeared in the Daily Prophet a lot.
"There are many more friends of Harry's Millie, but because Harry is now a pre-Auror, he is not going to see his friends as much as he likes. That is also why you are here Millie... he needs another friend."
Millie again wailed in tears and Dumbledore patted her shoulder.
"I'm just glad you understand, although I think you understand too much," Dumbledore said, trying to light up the conversation. It was for about three minutes until Harry walked to the chair next to Millie. He looked red in the eyes, trying too hard not to cry after hearing his own life story. He sat down slowly and looked down, as though ashamed.
"I have been through too much," Harry growled at Dumbledore. Dumbledore got up.
"And, you need to watch your attitude Harry, you have a lady in company," he said sternly. With those words Harry looked even more ashamed as he glanced at Millie. Dumbledore spoke again.
"Well, this is a great morning Millie, waking up and crying. Would you like a tissue?"
By the question Dumbledore asked, Harry immediately flicked his wand and a box of tissues kindly appeared in front of Millie. Millie took one and sneezed. Harry looked hurt.
"I'm sorry, Millie for... ignoring you this morning," Harry began, looking scared as though Millie wouldn't apologize.
But she looked up and stared at Harry with her watery eyes.
"It's ok," she said. "It's just that-oh dear Harry, I'm just so sorry and I only wish the pain would stop in your life. You see, I get so emotional over these type of things and when I heard your story, I couldn't help myself. I know how you feel Harry, the feeling of not being loved and having no one to love...is terrible."
Harry looked down, like he was debating what to say. He then looked back at Millie. "So you know about Sirius?"
"Yes, I told her Harry, she needs to know," interrupted Dumbledore.
"So, I guess you know that I can't stop thinking about him? After these two years the pain won't go away? And I get nightmares about his death?" Harry asked at Dumbledore in a more harsh voice. Millie began to cry again. Harry quickly apologized and gave her another tissue.
Dumbledore spoke. "I do not like what is going on right now, so I am going to give you both a cheering charm, and then we will eat some breakfast." Dumbledore moved his wand and instantly both Millie and Harry felt better. They both smiled at Dumbledore as he led the way to the Great Hall. Breakfast was going to be served.
There were four great tables each labeled: Slytherin, Gryffindor, Huffelpuff, and Ravenclaw that were sitting fantastically in The Great Hall. Harry and Millie walked to the Gryffindor table along with four strangers; Millie recognized one as Kingsley, the man who put the Crucio curse on her. Then a girl with widely spiked pink hair was sitting next to Kingsly. Seated next to her was a tired looking man with short blonde hair and a wry smile.
"I'm Remus Lupin," he said, stretching out his hand in greeting. Millie shook it and looked startled. "I was the werewolf you froze Millie. Great charm, it felt good!"
Millie looked please to hear that, and everybody introduced themselves further more. The pink hair woman named Tonks came up to her and commented on her pretty curly hair and then magically transformed her pink hair to look exactly like Millie's. Millie was flattered it looked good on Tonks. Then Mad Eye Moody came up and Millie knew instantly she had to shake his hand.
"I adore you Mr. Moody!" cried Millie with joy. Harry looked please Millie wasn't scared at his bulging right eye. Mad Eye smiled with his wooden face and said thank you. Everybody was sitting down, and Dumbledore began join in. Millie didn't know where to sit until there was a space between Harry and Tonks. Millie sat down and noticed Harry blushed a crimson red.
Breakfast came out delicious. Scones and pancakes were just what Millie needed for a satisfying breakfast, and because only seven people were eating, the Great Hall looked fabulously huge. Everybody was talking besides Harry and Millie, but they enjoyed the funny jokes Lupin was telling.
Breakfast ended and Dumbledore made a quick announcement.
"Since, we have our newest member with the Order Of The Phoenix, we must meet at the Black's residence for a meeting. Important business will be addressed."
All seven of the Aurors marched outside to the front of the lake. Millie was walking with Lupin, asking him many questions, being fascinated. Lupin seemed to enjoy the attention because he would growl a lot to scare Millie for fun. Harry trudged along, at the back of the group looking curiously at Millie. He couldn't keep his eye off of her, and it didn't bother him at all. There was something about Millie that caught his attention. He couldn't go to sleep last night because he couldn't stop thinking about her, how she walked in with her helpless eyes, her hair bouncing off her delicate tan skin, and her pajamas showing off her amazing figure. Just then, everybody suddenly stopped and Harry bumped into Millie.
"Oh! I'm so sorry Millie!" said Harry, very shocked. Millie turned around and cracked a smile.
"It's okay Harry, I'm very clumsy myself!" she giggled. Harry had the feeling he wanted to bump into her again.
Dumbledore was standing by the lake and made a strange noise coming from the whistle he was blowing. The whistle made a sweet high pitched sound when strangely, horses started emerging from the sky. Millie recognized them as the flying horse carriages she once rode on.
"Ah good, they're here. A little bit faster this time huh?" Lupin laughed. He seemed extremely happy today.
Five horses dropped to the ground, all white and gold, and Millie awed at how beautiful they dazzeled.
"Wonderful!" Dumbledore cried. "Now, as you know there, are five horses, each seated for two, but I will be riding by myself." Everyone waited patiently, wanting to know what else he was going to say.
"The meeting again, will take place at the Black's house, we shall be there by three o'clock sharp. It is a two hour ride, so please be patient-there is suppose to be some heavy thunderstorms this evening."
Mad Eye Moody groaned. Millie didn't care, she loved the excitement of thunderstorms.
"The procedure follows..." continued Dumbledore. "The horse by the tree is mine, Kingsly and Tonks-that horse by the bushes, Lupin and Mad Eye- the green one... it is a superb traveler though." He then paused. "And Millie, you may go with Harry to that beautiful American one, that's a pleasant horse."
Harry shifted uncomfortably behind Millie as they both walked to their horse. Harry came around next to her and kindly opened the door. Millie smiled again.
"Why thank you Harry!"
Harry smiled back, this time a real smile. He seemed to calm down when they both got into the carriage. The carriage was very compact, and as both teens sat across each other, and couldn't help but touch each others knees when the horse stumbled off into the air. They both smiled at each other, making sure they were alright, but didn't speak for a while. Millie was afraid the silence could happen the whole ride, and she really wanted to talk to Harry. Harry looked as though he needed to talk to her as well.
"So...where are you from?" he asked nervously. Millie smiled again.
"I'm from Venice, Italy, as you can see from my dark skin. I also go to Saint Mumbus of Witchcraft...it's a girls school," said Millie, afraid to look at Harry so she peered out the window.
"That's interesting, I've never heard of Saint Mumbus, certainly you would have been at the Triwizard Tournament?" Harry said curiously, he seemed to loosen up more.
"Well, that's because no one wants to know about my school...I mean it's just a girls school, there's nothing big there."
"But you're a pre- Auror certainly you..."
"Although I really wish I could go to the Tournament! You were there! It must have been so wicked! I mean dragons and swimming and that MAZE!" Millie added. Harry looked very flattered for a moment but it changed to sadness.
"Uh...well...I also had some bad memories too..." Harry said. Millie stopped, and started to feel hot; she knew she was coming to tears.
"Oh dear...are you alright?!" Harry asked, looking very concerned. He put his hand on her hand, and they both looked down.
"I'm sorry," Harry said softly. He gave a soft smile and they looked at each other. Harry was about to take his hand away when Millie grabbed it and held it back again. They sat there holding hands when suddenly Harry was talking quickly, like a Truth Potion Professor Snape would have.
"Millie, I don't know what's wrong with me, I couldn't go to bed last night because I couldn't stop thinking about you. And usually I'm not this shy but when I saw you I was afraid you wouldn't talk to me and I got nervous and then mad because Sirius wasn't there for me to talk to. You know Millie, I'm never good with girls, I never had a real girlfriend and when I saw you I didn't know what to do and it was so weird... I didn't know what to think but I wanted to talk to you." He let out a deep breath. "Wow, that was embarrassing, I can't believe I said that!"
"Oh no!" exclaimed Millie. "No! It's alright!" She grabbed his other hand. Soon enough they were both holding hands, feeling such a bond and a connection that they both started talking, like talking to a best friend.
Millie started talking about her life, recognizing she was a witch at eight years old, and enrolling at Saint Mumbus. She also complained about coming home to her ignorant Muggle parents and do nothing but read, daydream and clean her room. She then told him about her personal life, and how all the girls think she's stuck up into her beauty when really she cries at night knowing she cannot trust anyone. Even for her teachers she only made good acquaintances with. She also told him about her awards for her intelligence in her academics and performing the first white tiger Patronus from her Defense Against Dark Arts Class. She even let out her secrets about her evil ideas of ruining Harry's life, which made him fidget a little, but then Harry remarked he got threats a lot.
Everything Millie could possibly think of at the moment just slurred out of her mouth, and when she was done, she also felt rather embarrassed and blushed uncontrollably too.
Harry although, looked extremely amazed. He has never met somebody who has shared such dreams and ideas as Millie, and he didn't exactly know how to put it in words. So, Harry told her about his life.
Everything about the Dursley's, Sirius, Hagrid, Voldemort, Dumbledore, his new mood swings and Ron and Hermione just came out of his mouth too. It was longer than Millie's biography, with short pauses to comfort Millie from crying, but Harry would go on and on about feelings he kept inside himself. When he was done he let go of her hands. He gently slid back into his seat and stared at Millie. Millie looked back. They both wanted to say something, but didn't. Harry then asked:
"Do you believe everything happens for a reason?"
Millie broke off her smile. She looked at her feet.
"Of course."
"Me too."
They again looked away from each other, to confused on what too say next. It was about five minutes until they started landing. Millie looked out of her window and saw a big stream of clear water, reminding her of Venice. Not once she felt sad about leaving home.
Harry looked at Millie intently and said. "This is Sirius's place. I haven't been back here since his...death."
It seemed so hard for Harry to say the word death in a sentence containing Sirius. Millie so bad wanted to hug him.
Harry opened the door for Millie and she swiftly got out. Harry followed right after her. She then remembered she was using Hogwarts uniform for clothes and did not bring any luggage whatsoever. This scared her because she couldn't live without her make-up. But then Mad Eye Moody came up to her and said her personal belongings were inside the mansion. Millie gave a leap of joy.
Everybody walked into Sirius's mansion. Millie gawked at the place, she loved the gothic architecture. Harry walked next to Millie.
"Dumbledore wants me to show you your room," he quietly said. Millie followed Harry upstairs and her room was pointed to the left. Harry's was right next to hers.
Millie saw her luggage placed by her bed.
"Yay!" she cried as she ran to it. Harry waited by the door. "Come in!" she yelled.
Harry walked into the room, expecting to see someone jump at him but he relaxed when Millie walked up to him holding something.
"This is Professor Jacudy, Headmistress of Saint Mumbus," she introduced, holding up a picture to Harry. Jacudy was laughing in the picture and moving from side to side. Her large chest was jiggling as she laughed.
Millie sighed. "I hated her, she didn't do anything for the school, and next thing you know, she's sleeping with the caretaker."
Harry again shifted uncomfortably in his standing position, trying he stifle a laugh.
"Haha, I'm sorry Harry, it's just I'm very happy I know someone like Dumbledore."
"Oh Dumbledore is great," Harry said. He then paused. "Although he can be harsh."
"What do you mean?"
Harry waited a little bit and walked to the door and closed it. Millie sat on her bed and Harry sat next to her.
"Well, I want to move out next year, but Dumbledore insists I must stay at my aunt and uncles house. I mean for sixteen years those Muggles have been driving me mad, and since I'm almost an Auror, I think I can take care of myself."
Millie looked dumbstruck, she wanted to move out too. So she told Harry about her plan, and how her cousin Fannie didn't believe her. Harry looked shocked and blushed another crimson color. Millie didn't notice it until she bent over and whispered to him sarcastically: "We should move in together!"
Harry didn't know Millie would say something like that and turned a purple. He nodded in agreement.
The door knocked and both of them jumped. In one second Harry turned white and walked to the door, expecting the person to know what they were planning. It was Tonks, who looked curious to see why both teenagers were in the same room together. She put on a smirk.
"Harry, they need you downstairs and Millie please join."
The three walked downstairs and found themselves with hundreds of balloons.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY HARRY!" screamed the crowd. Two red haired adults stood out of the group clapping very enthusiastically. Harry beamed when he saw these people and grabbed Millie's hand to introduce them as Mr and Mrs. Weasly. Millie heard about Mr. Weasly working at the Muggle Department for the Ministry of Magic and she thought it was very nice when his wife, Mrs. Weasly hugged her.
"My dear Millie! I have heard so much about you! Everybody in the Weasly family wants to say a congratulations to you two for becoming Aurors!" she said proudly. Millie didn't know who was in the Weasly family except for Ron and Ginny, but ignored the thought.
Harry simply asked. "How is Ron and Hermione?"
Mrs. Weasly smiled. "They are fine dear, and miss you bunches. But they are most excited to meet Millie when they come down here in August."
"They're coming down here?" beamed Harry. He looked at Millie and smiled "You have to meet them Millie! They're the best!"
Everybody had some of Mrs. Weasly's pumpkin pie that showed up with the number seventeen on it. Millie punched Harry's arm next to her.
"Your older than me!" she laughed. Harry laughed too.
After pie and some great butterbear, Dumbledore made a big announcement. Harry let out a low grunt for Millie to only recognize it. She knew Harry still wasn't forgiving Dumbledore about the whole living situation.
"It is my honor, to welcome both Harry Potter and Millie Rose to the Order Of The Phoenix and be awarded the pre-Auror's certificate." Everybody clapped, even Harry and Millie.
"Although, serious action will be taken. The Order of The Phoenix greatly knows where the darkest wizards are and it is our duty to find them. Our first mission this year..." started Dumbledore. "Is a man by the name of Henry Laundry. As Millie might notice, this use to be Professor Laundry's husband. And because of the divorce, Henry became a supporter of Voldemort to get his revenge on his poor ex-wife."
"That is horrible!" the plump Mrs. Weasly cried, standing up with a spoon in her hand.
"Yes, but it is our job to capture this man and bring him to Azkaban."
Mad Eye Moody gave a shudder.
"Damn place," he growled.
"So," Dumbledore continued. "We must set out immediately tomorrow morning before dawn. We each have our partners," he stated. Everybody raised their partners hands and Harry and Millie decided they were working together so they raised their hands also.
"Good," he smiled. "Harry and Millie might get this job done faster since they are quite intelligent for their age." Harry sat up proud and Millie couldn't help but feel proud herself. She did feel as though Dumbledore believed in her, and that gave her tremendous confidence.
"So, as a I repeat-everybody please be awake before dawn to start the adventure. Now, to our newest comers," he said peering at Millie and Harry. "I will be giving you an owl, this owl flies ten times faster than a normal owl. They report messages 30 miles a minute. They are quite amazing and I will be giving you one. If there is any trouble or if you have caught him, report the owl immediately to me."
Harry nodded and nudged Millie. She got the picture too.
"That is it, everybody please go to bed besides Mr. And Mrs. Weasly who will be going home.
"Tell Ron I said hi!" whispered Harry to Mrs. Weasly. Millie had the feeling he wanted to go home with them.
So everybody went to their beds and Millie found her room to get dressed for bed. Their was a knock on the door and Harry came in. He was wearing black plaid pants and a sweater.
"Hey, it's going to get old tonight, so um...bundle up," he warned. But Millie knew he didn't visit her to say that. Millie smiled, making sure Harry saw it. He slightly blushed and talked again.
"Yeah, and since we are going to be working together I suppose we should go over our plans for...ya know..."
"Oh yes!," Millie looked up. "Yeah, but shouldn't we wait a while? I mean we haven't gone through our first mission yet!" she laughed.
"Yeah, but..." Harry said. He shuffled towards Millie. He came right in front of her and noticed he was very tall.
"I wanna get out of this place. I've had enough. If only Ron and Hermione would join us, but they don't agree... they want to stay at Hogwarts. Of course I want to stay at Hogwarts for school, but I wanna get a house, and you want one too so why don't we figure something out?"
"Yeah, but we're too young Harry!" said Millie. But then Harry looked deep into her eyes.
"So?" he asked. "I've always been doing things I wouldn't dream of. I would be bossed around to live in places such as my Muggle relatives house, and the Weasly's are fine though, but it just doesn't feel right."
Millie looked scared and felt very bad for Harry. She then remembered about her promise to move out to.
"Let's have our own adventure," stated Millie looked intently at Harry. "Let's travel the world and catch those bloody wizards!" she hissed. Harry looked startled at Millie's mood change. He grinned.
"Yeah, I wanna do exactly that Millie," he said. "Hell, I'm seventeen, I can run a place."
Millie smiled. "But what about me, I'm going to be seventeen next month too, so there!"
Harry chuckled and noticed the time. Again he stared into Millie deeply, looking quitw satisfied. He then slowly came towards Millie, and she knew exactly what was going to happen. She could feel his breathe on her skin until someone pounded on the door. They jumped again and both cursed.
"You know, thanks to my eye you two shouldn't be partners for this job," grunted Moody behind the door. Millie gasped, knowing his bulging blue eye could see through doors.
"BUT!" he continued. "I won't tell Dumbledore if you go to bed."
Harry quickly smirked at Millie and ran to the door. When the door shut, Millie sat on her bed thinking how awkward the moment came so quickly.
"Everything happens for a reason," remarked Millie.
Millie with a start. She gave a small sputter as Mrs. Weasly held up her clothes and commented on her brilliant style.
"Dear, I wish I was Italian," marked Mrs. Weasly, looking at Millie's Italian leather jacket. "Now come on, we're going to be late."
Millie got dressed and occasionally had clothes thrown at her by Mrs. Weasly.
"My goodness your such a pretty girl, do you get it from your mothers look?"
Millie only grinned and nodded. She felt weird dressing in front of Mrs. Weasly.
"We don't have much time Millie dear, come on now."
She grabbed Millie's shoulder and then both jogged to the outside entrance. Everybody was waiting for them and surprisingly Professor Snape tagged along.
"Your ten minutes late Ms. Rose," sneered Snape. "If you were from Hogwarts I would deduct house points." Millie gave him a menacing look and Harry snorted behind her, trying to keep away his laughter. Dumbeldore, however, came over just in time.
"Everybody have their wands?" Everyone nodded.
"How about your owls?" Everyone nodded again and Harry showed Millie theirs. It was light blue with green eyes.
"Okay now," he began. "Let's go...goodbye and good luck." With a CRACK Dumbledore vanished. Seconds later Moody, Tonks, Kingsly, and Lupin did the same thing. Mr. and Mrs. Weasly looked rather nervous when they spotted the lonely teens.
"You need to pass your Apparation test this year to do that," she commented. She then kissed both Harry and Millie. Mr. Weasly waved.
"I know you," he said proudly to Harry. "And you'll be fine. Just take care of your girlfriend."
Harry looked down, trying not to smile.
"Oh, you watch me Mr. Weasly!" shouted Millie grinning broadly. "You haven't seen me kick wizards-"
"Hurry Arthur! We need to go!" cried Mrs. Weasly. She gave a short whimper to the kids and Apparated. Millie and Harry were by themselves.
"Okay," said Millie. "Where exactly would a man like Henry be?"
"I suppose since Voldemorts supporters hang around downtown London, I believe we should seek there."
"Alright sounds good."
And so, Harry flicked his wand and a bus appeared. This was called the Knight Bus as Harry told Millie. They met Stan, a school dropout with loads of acne. He helped out customers that traveled on the bus. Harry and Millie got onto the bus and told the driver exactly where they wanted to go. Stan started talking to Harry.
"So what's life been? Is Dumbledore good to you? How do you feel about Sirius? My, is this your girlfriend?" he went on. Harry glanced at Millie and smiled.
"No, she's my cousin."
"Wow Harry, you must have some fancied cousins," stared Stan. He kept looking up and down at Millie, which made her feel uncomfortable. Harry began to look angry.
"Yeah, well if my aunt knows you have been checking out Millie she'll get you in trouble!" yelled Harry full of rage. Millie knew Harry didn't want Stan to hit on her. Stan sneered.
"It's a free country scar-boy, and I like this cousin of yours. Say, where are you from?"
"Venice," Millie said softly, she didn't like Stan anymore.
"You sound delicious," Stan smirked, raising his eyebrows at her.
"Stan, stop it," Harry said violently. He was gripping his wand from his coat.
"Should I? Your related, you can't do nothing to her. Millie, want to grab something to eat later on?"
BAM
Harry's wand flew out and a yellow jet of light came out and hit Stan in the forehead. Stan fell backwards and started mumbling gibberish. Millie opened her mouth- Harry wasn't suppose to harm innocent people.
"Let's go," he hoarsely said. Millie had to agree. The bus driver pulled to the nearest street in England and watched them get out.
There Millie and Harry started walking. They didn't say anything and Millie knew why. Harry had to be embarrassed by his behavior towards Stan. It seemed to Millie Harry was jealous of Stan checking her out; although she had no worries about it because she didn't like Stan, she liked Harry.
They walked along streets of London, tucking in their wands in their back pocket and trying to look normal in the Muggle world of London. It was, of course difficult-since their owl started flying over them.
"We should give her a name," Millie said cheerfully breaking the silence.
"It's your pick, I'm not good with names." Harry still sounded upset.
"How about, Avery?" she asked.
"That's a nice name, good one!" Harry smiled.
They were walking for so long, when they finally stopped to eat. They went to a nearby pub and ordered some fish. Unfortunately Harry didn't have the right Muggle money so Millie payed for the dinner. It was dusk when they headed outside.
They walked until it was nine o'clock. They noticed the sign London, twenty miles when Millie stopped. She was exhausted and extremely frustrated.
"But Harry!" she exclaimed. "How are we sure Henry is in London anyway? I mean walking all this way and you putting that charm on Stan!"
But Harry snapped back.
"I meant to put that charm on Stan, he deserved it!"
Millie hesitated. "Your right."
Harry stopped walking and looked pleased. "Really?" he asked. "I only did it because I knew...I knew he would make you feel uncomfortable."
"And your absolutely right," added Millie. "Do you think we should find a place to rest at?"
"Yes, definitely," he said. "But I don't have the right coins. And oh dammit."
A different owl swooped down by and landed a letter on Harry's head. It was from the Ministry of Magic.
"Not again! I forgot, I'm not suppose to use magic outside of school!" he yelled.
"It's okay," Millie said. "Dumbledore told me about this, he would take care of it. For now, send him Avery and attach the letter to her."
And when Harry did so, he also found a motel for them. It was old, dirty and run down, but it was exactly what the two needed. Millie payed for the two rooms, and they both woke up the next morning from Avery's hooting in the hall.
Harry woke up first to the noise. "You're nothing like Hedwig," he growled. The owl hooted again in a disgusted tone.
"But because of DUMBLEDORE, I had to leave him too."
Millie opened her door across the hallway and asked what was wrong wrong. Harry paused for a minute forgetting the words he was going to say. When they came back he simply said:
"I dunno, it's Avery-oh good, she has the letter from Dumblydore."
Millie didn't like the tone of Harry's voice when he pronounced Dumbledore's name wrong.
"Harry, don't snap like that," Millie said. Harry looked abashed, Millie never talked to him like that. He quickly look down, beginning to read the letter.
Stag and Venice,
I'm very disappointed in your action Stag, but I already took care of it. In other words you are close to Laundry. We will be staying at The Hullaboo Inn this evening..
-Moon Spectacle
"What's with the names?" asked Millie.
"Code names," Harry said quickly. "He's afraid people might read this letter and know who we are, so he gave us names." He seemed happier Dumbledore took care of his 'accident' with Stan.
"Anyways, I guess we should get ready."
They did and they causally walked out of the motel, still noticing Muggle's weird looks. Millie and Harry laughed together when an old lady asked them if it was Halloween. Harry with his great charm only smiled and said "It's Halloween every day ma'am!"
After the day went on and both teens walked through London, they were downtown in less than an hour. The town was beautiful with its stone streets and lightly painted shops and pretty brown street lights. Harry and Millie cheered. As they walked to get something to eat at a nearby pub, Millie stopped suddenly. She saw a man in an alley and he didn't look like a Muggle from his dark purple cape and a wand behind his ear. He was sleeping and rocking back and forth. Harry noticed it too, and they both took action and walked cautiously to the man in the alley. Harry recognized it as Henry, because he could see the Dark Mark on his forearm. The Dark Mark was a picture a skull with a snake around it, and meant the person is a Voldemort supporter. Harry looked carefully at Millie and insisted he would take of Henry but Millie intruded and wanted to do Henry too.
"You don't know what this man might do Millie. Let me handle it!"
"No! I'll help! Harry I know the perfect charm to give him!"
"So do I, but I rather have you tell Avery to report to Dumbledore."
"I do NOT want to report to Dumbledore just yet, we need to figure him out first!"
"Millie, I just said I will be taking care of this..." Harry said sternly looking again in Millie's eyes.
"HARRY YOU HAVE TO STOP PROTECTING ME!"
BAM
Henry Laundry must have woken up and performed a Rictusempra charm on Harry, because he was flung back onto the wall. Millie shrieked with fear, Harry was knocked out unconscious.
"Well, look at this, I got an Auror myself. This is wonderful, I have to tell-"
"WINGARDIUM LEVIOSA!" shouted Millie from her wand and Henry started floating up in the air. Millie then yelled a quick Ricusempra and his wand flew out of his hand.
"You poor girl, you already know there could be Muggle's watching this," sneered Henry. He had a five o'clock shadow and looked dirty with his torn up pants. He smelled like garbage. Millie only winced at the smell and immediately performed a memory charm and instantly stunned him with a stunning charm. Henry fell on his back laying so still Avery sat on his stomach. Millie cringed.
"Avery, yuck...but now," she rummaged through the a trash can and found some parchment. It reeked of eggs. She took out her wand and simply wrote.
Found him-you were right. We are near The Inn so we will see you soon. Stag is fine, just unconscious. I'll take care of him.
Avery flew away with the letter and Millie ran over to Harry. The stunning charm on Henry only lasts for about twenty minutes so Millie started getting worried. She squatted down by Harry and lifted him so he was sitting up, his back resting against the wall. She put her hand on his forehead and started comforting him, he really needed to wake up.
Harry did wake up two minutes later and looked slightly confused. When he saw Henry his eyes widened. He then noticed Millie next to him and gasped.
"You...did that?" Harry stuttered. Millie nodded and Harry gave her a smile. Harry looked pleased and laughed. "Brilliant, I'm glad we're working together!"
Millie giggled and said "Me too!"
Dumbledore and Mad Eye Apparated ten minutes later, just in time before Henry Laundry started waking up. He was, fortunately paralyzed. Dumbledore grabbed Millie and Harry and walked them over the Hullaboo Inn which was right across the street. Mad Eye took care of Henry. They could hear his growling across the street. Dumbledore however looked overwhelmed.
"Well I must say, good work Millie," he began- glancing at Harry "But, we need to talk about focusing on the subject instead of arguing about it." Harry looked at Dumbledore with anger but not once Dumbledore looked threatened.
"And Harry, I want to talk to you alone," Dumbledore broke off as they walked inside the Hullaboo. Harry looked disappointed. Millie although waited in the lobby looking at the pretty flowers laying on the center table. She smelled them and noticed a man behind the registry desk was staring at her.
"I must say..." he went on. "I haven't seen a dark beauty in a while. Reminds me of my vacation at the Carribean."
Millie kept looking at the flowers, ignoring the man. One thing she didn't like about walking outside Saint Mumbus was the reality of the Muggle world. Especially how they couldn't stop commenting on her beauty. That's why her parents sent her to an all girls school, who knows what trouble she could have caused. She touched a red rose when she heard Harry screaming.
"I DON'T CARE! YOU THINK TOO MUCH OF ME, I CAN TAKE CARE OF MYSELF!"
Millie jumped at his furious voice and even the man asked if everything was alright.
"Yes, it's my cousin, he isn't use to being with a...group of people. He's very...independent," lied Millie. Seconds later Harry stormed out to the lobby with Dumbledore and blushed a dark red when he noticed Millie. He again tried to open his mouth to explain but Dumbledore talked for him.
"Harry is having difficulty working with you Millie."
"NO I'M NOT!" he shouted, turning his foot to Dumbledore. Millie stared with her mouth open. Dumbledore then turned a light shade of pink and looked startled at Harry. His eyes did not sparkle anymore and looked angry.
"Harry, Millie is in the room and I do not tolerate with your behavior," Dumbledore said slowly, trying to act calm. Harry closed his mouth and turned white.
"And because of your behavior, I am excluding you, Harry from the Order Of The Phoenix and you will be staying at the Weasly's until the school year starts again."
"WHAT!" shouted both Millie and Harry. Millie was on her feet with her hands clutched and Harry was walking back, trying to not think about what he just said and shaking his head furiously. Dumbledore went on.
"You have already caused the Ministry Of Magic to panic because of your attempt to give Stan the gibberish charm," he said rashly. "And you have fought Millie out of the idea of capturing Henry Laundry herself, when you argued with her and didn't notice the subject was about to kill you."
Harry shifted uncomfortably and Millie looked at Harry. Dumbledore was right, but she didn't want Harry to leave her. She needed him, she couldn't experience the dark Muggle world herself.
"But I have a reason for all this," began Harry looking scared at Dumbledore. "I only put Stan on that charm because-"
"You were jealous, which is quite unacceptable," said Dumbledore. He was now looking at Millie as though she wanted to speak up. Millie didn't know what to say.
"And I only told Millie I could handle Henry because-"
"You wanted to protect Millie. You see Harry," Dumbledore quirked. "You need to realize Millie can take care of herself. She took on Henry and helped you recover from your accident. Why do you think I picked her? I picked her because she has the intelligence and confidence to fight for herself. Yes, Millie is a girl, but she is strong just like you."
At these words, everybody went quiet, even the man by the desk who looked hurtfully confused. He opened his mouth when Dumbledore quickly put a memory charm on him. The man blinked twice and started talking to himself.
Harry looked ashamed of himself as he turned to Millie. He again, didn't know what to say. Millie felt like she was going to cry again.
"Harry, Moody is waiting for you at the door, he has your stuff to go to the Weasly's," quietly announced Dumbledore. "But I will give you four minutes for you to say goodbye to Millie."
Harry slowly turned from Dumbledore to Millie. He took his hands out of his pocket, and grabbed her hand to his. Harry looked at Millie with his lip quivering. Millie has never seen Harry act like this before, and was starting to get her emotional. Millie's eyes tried to hold back the tears but the stinging began. She realized Harry was leaving her, only because of his dangerous behavior Dumbledore was afraid of, but Millie knew she could handle it. She could live with it, and she didn't mind because he had never hurt her. It seemed like hurting Millie was the last thing on Harry's mind. Harry was only making it worse for himself because he wanted to protect her from danger, and he didn't trust Millie handling dark wizards.
Harry looked deeply into her eyes, like he once did before and studied her for a long time. He then softly smiled and moved over to her ear and said "Don't worry about me, you might see me sooner than you think," and backed away from her ear. She didn't understand what he meant by that, but she tried to smile. Only silent tears came out of her eyes and Harry looked even more hurt. He looked as though watching Millie cry was like looking death in the face. He gently squeezed her hand, hoping her crying would stop. Millie looked down but then thought quickly and gave Harry a big hug she wanted to give him a long time ago. She threw her arms around his neck as she ran into him. His arms squeezed around her tightly, and they both didn't speak but hugged for a short while. Millie didn't want to let go, she didn't want to lose him, as Harry felt the same way. Millie started wailing on his shirt when Dumbledore softly cleared his throat. Harry backed away from Millie and didn't say another word. He didn't even look at Millie when he left with Mad Eye. She remembered his words "You might see me sooner than you think" and didn't ponder once on what that meant. She knew exactly that Harry will find some way to see her again.
Millie turned to Dumbledore and saw he had his head down. He looked slightly bewildered at what just happened. He looked up at Millie and stared at her.
"You know," he smiled, his eyes twinkling. "History seems to repeat itself."
The Mission
Millie got dressed at dawn after not sleeping a wink, she was too busy absorbing everything that happened last night. First she sat on her bed and enjoyed watching the scenery outside her window. Hogwarts was definitely better than Saint Mumbus and she felt rather disappointed in not thinking of transferring. Millie peered around the girls room and thought how wonderful the red silk canopy beds where placed on every corner and a gold rug was placed in the center. This was a very comfortable dormitory for girls and Millie felt pleased. She then snapped back last night to when she became an Auror. She thought excitedly- one step closer to an official Auror,
"Harry Potter," she squeaked remembering last night's incident. Millie had a strange feeling of wanting to apologize to him for all the evil thoughts she had.
Though after getting ready she started to descend the stairs. She stopped quickly, feeling nervous thinking she could bump into Harry again. But Millie was most afraid of getting that weird sensation in her stomach again. She then walked down the stairs and looked over in the common room's balcony and spotted Harry. He was sitting on a chair looking rather impatient. Millie understood he didn't get any sleep either because he slouched lazily on the chair. She walked slowly and quietly behind him but paused in time to hear Harry whimper.
"Sirius..." he said to himself. Millie felt scared and backed away into a table. The table banged against the wall and made a loud noise. Harry jumped out of his chair. When he saw Millie he looked rather frightened.
"I...uh...!" Harry began. Millie didn't know what to say either. Harry looked at her as though he needed a help for words, but Millie intruded.
"Were you talking about Sirius Black?" Millie asked curiously about the dead Azkaban prisoner. Harry looked shocked but scared speechless. She knew he had nothing to say.
"It's okay, he's gone now-I wouldn't worry about him," Millie said quietly trying to comfort him. It seemed like she made it worse for Harry, when he looked close to tears. Millie watched him turn to his heel and head for the boys staircase. Millie listened until she head the door slam loudly.
Just then, Dumbledore walked into the common room, apparently overhearing the conversation.
"Millie, Sirius was Harry's godfather." Millie opened her mouth in disgust, but Dumbeldore didn't make a sound.
"You need to understand many things Millie, Sirius was committed for a crime he did not do. If you sit down with me, I will tell you everything that has been going on for these past six years."
And Dumbledore did. He talked for three hours about every incident Harry has seen, his adventures, the victory of protecting himself from Voldemort. But what shocked Millie was that Sirius was his godfather and was like a father to him. When Millie heard about the information, she started crying.
"I never knew! And all this time I was blaming Harry for his adventures! Oh dear Professor, I do need to apologize!"
Millie burst into tears, imagining her life as painful as Harry's.
"Doesn't Harry have any friends?" she croaked through her runny nose. Dumbledore smiled.
"Yes, two best friends, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasly."
The names sounded familiar and must have been because those names appeared in the Daily Prophet a lot.
"There are many more friends of Harry's Millie, but because Harry is now a pre-Auror, he is not going to see his friends as much as he likes. That is also why you are here Millie... he needs another friend."
Millie again wailed in tears and Dumbledore patted her shoulder.
"I'm just glad you understand, although I think you understand too much," Dumbledore said, trying to light up the conversation. It was for about three minutes until Harry walked to the chair next to Millie. He looked red in the eyes, trying too hard not to cry after hearing his own life story. He sat down slowly and looked down, as though ashamed.
"I have been through too much," Harry growled at Dumbledore. Dumbledore got up.
"And, you need to watch your attitude Harry, you have a lady in company," he said sternly. With those words Harry looked even more ashamed as he glanced at Millie. Dumbledore spoke again.
"Well, this is a great morning Millie, waking up and crying. Would you like a tissue?"
By the question Dumbledore asked, Harry immediately flicked his wand and a box of tissues kindly appeared in front of Millie. Millie took one and sneezed. Harry looked hurt.
"I'm sorry, Millie for... ignoring you this morning," Harry began, looking scared as though Millie wouldn't apologize.
But she looked up and stared at Harry with her watery eyes.
"It's ok," she said. "It's just that-oh dear Harry, I'm just so sorry and I only wish the pain would stop in your life. You see, I get so emotional over these type of things and when I heard your story, I couldn't help myself. I know how you feel Harry, the feeling of not being loved and having no one to love...is terrible."
Harry looked down, like he was debating what to say. He then looked back at Millie. "So you know about Sirius?"
"Yes, I told her Harry, she needs to know," interrupted Dumbledore.
"So, I guess you know that I can't stop thinking about him? After these two years the pain won't go away? And I get nightmares about his death?" Harry asked at Dumbledore in a more harsh voice. Millie began to cry again. Harry quickly apologized and gave her another tissue.
Dumbledore spoke. "I do not like what is going on right now, so I am going to give you both a cheering charm, and then we will eat some breakfast." Dumbledore moved his wand and instantly both Millie and Harry felt better. They both smiled at Dumbledore as he led the way to the Great Hall. Breakfast was going to be served.
There were four great tables each labeled: Slytherin, Gryffindor, Huffelpuff, and Ravenclaw that were sitting fantastically in The Great Hall. Harry and Millie walked to the Gryffindor table along with four strangers; Millie recognized one as Kingsley, the man who put the Crucio curse on her. Then a girl with widely spiked pink hair was sitting next to Kingsly. Seated next to her was a tired looking man with short blonde hair and a wry smile.
"I'm Remus Lupin," he said, stretching out his hand in greeting. Millie shook it and looked startled. "I was the werewolf you froze Millie. Great charm, it felt good!"
Millie looked please to hear that, and everybody introduced themselves further more. The pink hair woman named Tonks came up to her and commented on her pretty curly hair and then magically transformed her pink hair to look exactly like Millie's. Millie was flattered it looked good on Tonks. Then Mad Eye Moody came up and Millie knew instantly she had to shake his hand.
"I adore you Mr. Moody!" cried Millie with joy. Harry looked please Millie wasn't scared at his bulging right eye. Mad Eye smiled with his wooden face and said thank you. Everybody was sitting down, and Dumbledore began join in. Millie didn't know where to sit until there was a space between Harry and Tonks. Millie sat down and noticed Harry blushed a crimson red.
Breakfast came out delicious. Scones and pancakes were just what Millie needed for a satisfying breakfast, and because only seven people were eating, the Great Hall looked fabulously huge. Everybody was talking besides Harry and Millie, but they enjoyed the funny jokes Lupin was telling.
Breakfast ended and Dumbledore made a quick announcement.
"Since, we have our newest member with the Order Of The Phoenix, we must meet at the Black's residence for a meeting. Important business will be addressed."
All seven of the Aurors marched outside to the front of the lake. Millie was walking with Lupin, asking him many questions, being fascinated. Lupin seemed to enjoy the attention because he would growl a lot to scare Millie for fun. Harry trudged along, at the back of the group looking curiously at Millie. He couldn't keep his eye off of her, and it didn't bother him at all. There was something about Millie that caught his attention. He couldn't go to sleep last night because he couldn't stop thinking about her, how she walked in with her helpless eyes, her hair bouncing off her delicate tan skin, and her pajamas showing off her amazing figure. Just then, everybody suddenly stopped and Harry bumped into Millie.
"Oh! I'm so sorry Millie!" said Harry, very shocked. Millie turned around and cracked a smile.
"It's okay Harry, I'm very clumsy myself!" she giggled. Harry had the feeling he wanted to bump into her again.
Dumbledore was standing by the lake and made a strange noise coming from the whistle he was blowing. The whistle made a sweet high pitched sound when strangely, horses started emerging from the sky. Millie recognized them as the flying horse carriages she once rode on.
"Ah good, they're here. A little bit faster this time huh?" Lupin laughed. He seemed extremely happy today.
Five horses dropped to the ground, all white and gold, and Millie awed at how beautiful they dazzeled.
"Wonderful!" Dumbledore cried. "Now, as you know there, are five horses, each seated for two, but I will be riding by myself." Everyone waited patiently, wanting to know what else he was going to say.
"The meeting again, will take place at the Black's house, we shall be there by three o'clock sharp. It is a two hour ride, so please be patient-there is suppose to be some heavy thunderstorms this evening."
Mad Eye Moody groaned. Millie didn't care, she loved the excitement of thunderstorms.
"The procedure follows..." continued Dumbledore. "The horse by the tree is mine, Kingsly and Tonks-that horse by the bushes, Lupin and Mad Eye- the green one... it is a superb traveler though." He then paused. "And Millie, you may go with Harry to that beautiful American one, that's a pleasant horse."
Harry shifted uncomfortably behind Millie as they both walked to their horse. Harry came around next to her and kindly opened the door. Millie smiled again.
"Why thank you Harry!"
Harry smiled back, this time a real smile. He seemed to calm down when they both got into the carriage. The carriage was very compact, and as both teens sat across each other, and couldn't help but touch each others knees when the horse stumbled off into the air. They both smiled at each other, making sure they were alright, but didn't speak for a while. Millie was afraid the silence could happen the whole ride, and she really wanted to talk to Harry. Harry looked as though he needed to talk to her as well.
"So...where are you from?" he asked nervously. Millie smiled again.
"I'm from Venice, Italy, as you can see from my dark skin. I also go to Saint Mumbus of Witchcraft...it's a girls school," said Millie, afraid to look at Harry so she peered out the window.
"That's interesting, I've never heard of Saint Mumbus, certainly you would have been at the Triwizard Tournament?" Harry said curiously, he seemed to loosen up more.
"Well, that's because no one wants to know about my school...I mean it's just a girls school, there's nothing big there."
"But you're a pre- Auror certainly you..."
"Although I really wish I could go to the Tournament! You were there! It must have been so wicked! I mean dragons and swimming and that MAZE!" Millie added. Harry looked very flattered for a moment but it changed to sadness.
"Uh...well...I also had some bad memories too..." Harry said. Millie stopped, and started to feel hot; she knew she was coming to tears.
"Oh dear...are you alright?!" Harry asked, looking very concerned. He put his hand on her hand, and they both looked down.
"I'm sorry," Harry said softly. He gave a soft smile and they looked at each other. Harry was about to take his hand away when Millie grabbed it and held it back again. They sat there holding hands when suddenly Harry was talking quickly, like a Truth Potion Professor Snape would have.
"Millie, I don't know what's wrong with me, I couldn't go to bed last night because I couldn't stop thinking about you. And usually I'm not this shy but when I saw you I was afraid you wouldn't talk to me and I got nervous and then mad because Sirius wasn't there for me to talk to. You know Millie, I'm never good with girls, I never had a real girlfriend and when I saw you I didn't know what to do and it was so weird... I didn't know what to think but I wanted to talk to you." He let out a deep breath. "Wow, that was embarrassing, I can't believe I said that!"
"Oh no!" exclaimed Millie. "No! It's alright!" She grabbed his other hand. Soon enough they were both holding hands, feeling such a bond and a connection that they both started talking, like talking to a best friend.
Millie started talking about her life, recognizing she was a witch at eight years old, and enrolling at Saint Mumbus. She also complained about coming home to her ignorant Muggle parents and do nothing but read, daydream and clean her room. She then told him about her personal life, and how all the girls think she's stuck up into her beauty when really she cries at night knowing she cannot trust anyone. Even for her teachers she only made good acquaintances with. She also told him about her awards for her intelligence in her academics and performing the first white tiger Patronus from her Defense Against Dark Arts Class. She even let out her secrets about her evil ideas of ruining Harry's life, which made him fidget a little, but then Harry remarked he got threats a lot.
Everything Millie could possibly think of at the moment just slurred out of her mouth, and when she was done, she also felt rather embarrassed and blushed uncontrollably too.
Harry although, looked extremely amazed. He has never met somebody who has shared such dreams and ideas as Millie, and he didn't exactly know how to put it in words. So, Harry told her about his life.
Everything about the Dursley's, Sirius, Hagrid, Voldemort, Dumbledore, his new mood swings and Ron and Hermione just came out of his mouth too. It was longer than Millie's biography, with short pauses to comfort Millie from crying, but Harry would go on and on about feelings he kept inside himself. When he was done he let go of her hands. He gently slid back into his seat and stared at Millie. Millie looked back. They both wanted to say something, but didn't. Harry then asked:
"Do you believe everything happens for a reason?"
Millie broke off her smile. She looked at her feet.
"Of course."
"Me too."
They again looked away from each other, to confused on what too say next. It was about five minutes until they started landing. Millie looked out of her window and saw a big stream of clear water, reminding her of Venice. Not once she felt sad about leaving home.
Harry looked at Millie intently and said. "This is Sirius's place. I haven't been back here since his...death."
It seemed so hard for Harry to say the word death in a sentence containing Sirius. Millie so bad wanted to hug him.
Harry opened the door for Millie and she swiftly got out. Harry followed right after her. She then remembered she was using Hogwarts uniform for clothes and did not bring any luggage whatsoever. This scared her because she couldn't live without her make-up. But then Mad Eye Moody came up to her and said her personal belongings were inside the mansion. Millie gave a leap of joy.
Everybody walked into Sirius's mansion. Millie gawked at the place, she loved the gothic architecture. Harry walked next to Millie.
"Dumbledore wants me to show you your room," he quietly said. Millie followed Harry upstairs and her room was pointed to the left. Harry's was right next to hers.
Millie saw her luggage placed by her bed.
"Yay!" she cried as she ran to it. Harry waited by the door. "Come in!" she yelled.
Harry walked into the room, expecting to see someone jump at him but he relaxed when Millie walked up to him holding something.
"This is Professor Jacudy, Headmistress of Saint Mumbus," she introduced, holding up a picture to Harry. Jacudy was laughing in the picture and moving from side to side. Her large chest was jiggling as she laughed.
Millie sighed. "I hated her, she didn't do anything for the school, and next thing you know, she's sleeping with the caretaker."
Harry again shifted uncomfortably in his standing position, trying he stifle a laugh.
"Haha, I'm sorry Harry, it's just I'm very happy I know someone like Dumbledore."
"Oh Dumbledore is great," Harry said. He then paused. "Although he can be harsh."
"What do you mean?"
Harry waited a little bit and walked to the door and closed it. Millie sat on her bed and Harry sat next to her.
"Well, I want to move out next year, but Dumbledore insists I must stay at my aunt and uncles house. I mean for sixteen years those Muggles have been driving me mad, and since I'm almost an Auror, I think I can take care of myself."
Millie looked dumbstruck, she wanted to move out too. So she told Harry about her plan, and how her cousin Fannie didn't believe her. Harry looked shocked and blushed another crimson color. Millie didn't notice it until she bent over and whispered to him sarcastically: "We should move in together!"
Harry didn't know Millie would say something like that and turned a purple. He nodded in agreement.
The door knocked and both of them jumped. In one second Harry turned white and walked to the door, expecting the person to know what they were planning. It was Tonks, who looked curious to see why both teenagers were in the same room together. She put on a smirk.
"Harry, they need you downstairs and Millie please join."
The three walked downstairs and found themselves with hundreds of balloons.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY HARRY!" screamed the crowd. Two red haired adults stood out of the group clapping very enthusiastically. Harry beamed when he saw these people and grabbed Millie's hand to introduce them as Mr and Mrs. Weasly. Millie heard about Mr. Weasly working at the Muggle Department for the Ministry of Magic and she thought it was very nice when his wife, Mrs. Weasly hugged her.
"My dear Millie! I have heard so much about you! Everybody in the Weasly family wants to say a congratulations to you two for becoming Aurors!" she said proudly. Millie didn't know who was in the Weasly family except for Ron and Ginny, but ignored the thought.
Harry simply asked. "How is Ron and Hermione?"
Mrs. Weasly smiled. "They are fine dear, and miss you bunches. But they are most excited to meet Millie when they come down here in August."
"They're coming down here?" beamed Harry. He looked at Millie and smiled "You have to meet them Millie! They're the best!"
Everybody had some of Mrs. Weasly's pumpkin pie that showed up with the number seventeen on it. Millie punched Harry's arm next to her.
"Your older than me!" she laughed. Harry laughed too.
After pie and some great butterbear, Dumbledore made a big announcement. Harry let out a low grunt for Millie to only recognize it. She knew Harry still wasn't forgiving Dumbledore about the whole living situation.
"It is my honor, to welcome both Harry Potter and Millie Rose to the Order Of The Phoenix and be awarded the pre-Auror's certificate." Everybody clapped, even Harry and Millie.
"Although, serious action will be taken. The Order of The Phoenix greatly knows where the darkest wizards are and it is our duty to find them. Our first mission this year..." started Dumbledore. "Is a man by the name of Henry Laundry. As Millie might notice, this use to be Professor Laundry's husband. And because of the divorce, Henry became a supporter of Voldemort to get his revenge on his poor ex-wife."
"That is horrible!" the plump Mrs. Weasly cried, standing up with a spoon in her hand.
"Yes, but it is our job to capture this man and bring him to Azkaban."
Mad Eye Moody gave a shudder.
"Damn place," he growled.
"So," Dumbledore continued. "We must set out immediately tomorrow morning before dawn. We each have our partners," he stated. Everybody raised their partners hands and Harry and Millie decided they were working together so they raised their hands also.
"Good," he smiled. "Harry and Millie might get this job done faster since they are quite intelligent for their age." Harry sat up proud and Millie couldn't help but feel proud herself. She did feel as though Dumbledore believed in her, and that gave her tremendous confidence.
"So, as a I repeat-everybody please be awake before dawn to start the adventure. Now, to our newest comers," he said peering at Millie and Harry. "I will be giving you an owl, this owl flies ten times faster than a normal owl. They report messages 30 miles a minute. They are quite amazing and I will be giving you one. If there is any trouble or if you have caught him, report the owl immediately to me."
Harry nodded and nudged Millie. She got the picture too.
"That is it, everybody please go to bed besides Mr. And Mrs. Weasly who will be going home.
"Tell Ron I said hi!" whispered Harry to Mrs. Weasly. Millie had the feeling he wanted to go home with them.
So everybody went to their beds and Millie found her room to get dressed for bed. Their was a knock on the door and Harry came in. He was wearing black plaid pants and a sweater.
"Hey, it's going to get old tonight, so um...bundle up," he warned. But Millie knew he didn't visit her to say that. Millie smiled, making sure Harry saw it. He slightly blushed and talked again.
"Yeah, and since we are going to be working together I suppose we should go over our plans for...ya know..."
"Oh yes!," Millie looked up. "Yeah, but shouldn't we wait a while? I mean we haven't gone through our first mission yet!" she laughed.
"Yeah, but..." Harry said. He shuffled towards Millie. He came right in front of her and noticed he was very tall.
"I wanna get out of this place. I've had enough. If only Ron and Hermione would join us, but they don't agree... they want to stay at Hogwarts. Of course I want to stay at Hogwarts for school, but I wanna get a house, and you want one too so why don't we figure something out?"
"Yeah, but we're too young Harry!" said Millie. But then Harry looked deep into her eyes.
"So?" he asked. "I've always been doing things I wouldn't dream of. I would be bossed around to live in places such as my Muggle relatives house, and the Weasly's are fine though, but it just doesn't feel right."
Millie looked scared and felt very bad for Harry. She then remembered about her promise to move out to.
"Let's have our own adventure," stated Millie looked intently at Harry. "Let's travel the world and catch those bloody wizards!" she hissed. Harry looked startled at Millie's mood change. He grinned.
"Yeah, I wanna do exactly that Millie," he said. "Hell, I'm seventeen, I can run a place."
Millie smiled. "But what about me, I'm going to be seventeen next month too, so there!"
Harry chuckled and noticed the time. Again he stared into Millie deeply, looking quitw satisfied. He then slowly came towards Millie, and she knew exactly what was going to happen. She could feel his breathe on her skin until someone pounded on the door. They jumped again and both cursed.
"You know, thanks to my eye you two shouldn't be partners for this job," grunted Moody behind the door. Millie gasped, knowing his bulging blue eye could see through doors.
"BUT!" he continued. "I won't tell Dumbledore if you go to bed."
Harry quickly smirked at Millie and ran to the door. When the door shut, Millie sat on her bed thinking how awkward the moment came so quickly.
"Everything happens for a reason," remarked Millie.
Millie with a start. She gave a small sputter as Mrs. Weasly held up her clothes and commented on her brilliant style.
"Dear, I wish I was Italian," marked Mrs. Weasly, looking at Millie's Italian leather jacket. "Now come on, we're going to be late."
Millie got dressed and occasionally had clothes thrown at her by Mrs. Weasly.
"My goodness your such a pretty girl, do you get it from your mothers look?"
Millie only grinned and nodded. She felt weird dressing in front of Mrs. Weasly.
"We don't have much time Millie dear, come on now."
She grabbed Millie's shoulder and then both jogged to the outside entrance. Everybody was waiting for them and surprisingly Professor Snape tagged along.
"Your ten minutes late Ms. Rose," sneered Snape. "If you were from Hogwarts I would deduct house points." Millie gave him a menacing look and Harry snorted behind her, trying to keep away his laughter. Dumbeldore, however, came over just in time.
"Everybody have their wands?" Everyone nodded.
"How about your owls?" Everyone nodded again and Harry showed Millie theirs. It was light blue with green eyes.
"Okay now," he began. "Let's go...goodbye and good luck." With a CRACK Dumbledore vanished. Seconds later Moody, Tonks, Kingsly, and Lupin did the same thing. Mr. and Mrs. Weasly looked rather nervous when they spotted the lonely teens.
"You need to pass your Apparation test this year to do that," she commented. She then kissed both Harry and Millie. Mr. Weasly waved.
"I know you," he said proudly to Harry. "And you'll be fine. Just take care of your girlfriend."
Harry looked down, trying not to smile.
"Oh, you watch me Mr. Weasly!" shouted Millie grinning broadly. "You haven't seen me kick wizards-"
"Hurry Arthur! We need to go!" cried Mrs. Weasly. She gave a short whimper to the kids and Apparated. Millie and Harry were by themselves.
"Okay," said Millie. "Where exactly would a man like Henry be?"
"I suppose since Voldemorts supporters hang around downtown London, I believe we should seek there."
"Alright sounds good."
And so, Harry flicked his wand and a bus appeared. This was called the Knight Bus as Harry told Millie. They met Stan, a school dropout with loads of acne. He helped out customers that traveled on the bus. Harry and Millie got onto the bus and told the driver exactly where they wanted to go. Stan started talking to Harry.
"So what's life been? Is Dumbledore good to you? How do you feel about Sirius? My, is this your girlfriend?" he went on. Harry glanced at Millie and smiled.
"No, she's my cousin."
"Wow Harry, you must have some fancied cousins," stared Stan. He kept looking up and down at Millie, which made her feel uncomfortable. Harry began to look angry.
"Yeah, well if my aunt knows you have been checking out Millie she'll get you in trouble!" yelled Harry full of rage. Millie knew Harry didn't want Stan to hit on her. Stan sneered.
"It's a free country scar-boy, and I like this cousin of yours. Say, where are you from?"
"Venice," Millie said softly, she didn't like Stan anymore.
"You sound delicious," Stan smirked, raising his eyebrows at her.
"Stan, stop it," Harry said violently. He was gripping his wand from his coat.
"Should I? Your related, you can't do nothing to her. Millie, want to grab something to eat later on?"
BAM
Harry's wand flew out and a yellow jet of light came out and hit Stan in the forehead. Stan fell backwards and started mumbling gibberish. Millie opened her mouth- Harry wasn't suppose to harm innocent people.
"Let's go," he hoarsely said. Millie had to agree. The bus driver pulled to the nearest street in England and watched them get out.
There Millie and Harry started walking. They didn't say anything and Millie knew why. Harry had to be embarrassed by his behavior towards Stan. It seemed to Millie Harry was jealous of Stan checking her out; although she had no worries about it because she didn't like Stan, she liked Harry.
They walked along streets of London, tucking in their wands in their back pocket and trying to look normal in the Muggle world of London. It was, of course difficult-since their owl started flying over them.
"We should give her a name," Millie said cheerfully breaking the silence.
"It's your pick, I'm not good with names." Harry still sounded upset.
"How about, Avery?" she asked.
"That's a nice name, good one!" Harry smiled.
They were walking for so long, when they finally stopped to eat. They went to a nearby pub and ordered some fish. Unfortunately Harry didn't have the right Muggle money so Millie payed for the dinner. It was dusk when they headed outside.
They walked until it was nine o'clock. They noticed the sign London, twenty miles when Millie stopped. She was exhausted and extremely frustrated.
"But Harry!" she exclaimed. "How are we sure Henry is in London anyway? I mean walking all this way and you putting that charm on Stan!"
But Harry snapped back.
"I meant to put that charm on Stan, he deserved it!"
Millie hesitated. "Your right."
Harry stopped walking and looked pleased. "Really?" he asked. "I only did it because I knew...I knew he would make you feel uncomfortable."
"And your absolutely right," added Millie. "Do you think we should find a place to rest at?"
"Yes, definitely," he said. "But I don't have the right coins. And oh dammit."
A different owl swooped down by and landed a letter on Harry's head. It was from the Ministry of Magic.
"Not again! I forgot, I'm not suppose to use magic outside of school!" he yelled.
"It's okay," Millie said. "Dumbledore told me about this, he would take care of it. For now, send him Avery and attach the letter to her."
And when Harry did so, he also found a motel for them. It was old, dirty and run down, but it was exactly what the two needed. Millie payed for the two rooms, and they both woke up the next morning from Avery's hooting in the hall.
Harry woke up first to the noise. "You're nothing like Hedwig," he growled. The owl hooted again in a disgusted tone.
"But because of DUMBLEDORE, I had to leave him too."
Millie opened her door across the hallway and asked what was wrong wrong. Harry paused for a minute forgetting the words he was going to say. When they came back he simply said:
"I dunno, it's Avery-oh good, she has the letter from Dumblydore."
Millie didn't like the tone of Harry's voice when he pronounced Dumbledore's name wrong.
"Harry, don't snap like that," Millie said. Harry looked abashed, Millie never talked to him like that. He quickly look down, beginning to read the letter.
Stag and Venice,
I'm very disappointed in your action Stag, but I already took care of it. In other words you are close to Laundry. We will be staying at The Hullaboo Inn this evening..
-Moon Spectacle
"What's with the names?" asked Millie.
"Code names," Harry said quickly. "He's afraid people might read this letter and know who we are, so he gave us names." He seemed happier Dumbledore took care of his 'accident' with Stan.
"Anyways, I guess we should get ready."
They did and they causally walked out of the motel, still noticing Muggle's weird looks. Millie and Harry laughed together when an old lady asked them if it was Halloween. Harry with his great charm only smiled and said "It's Halloween every day ma'am!"
After the day went on and both teens walked through London, they were downtown in less than an hour. The town was beautiful with its stone streets and lightly painted shops and pretty brown street lights. Harry and Millie cheered. As they walked to get something to eat at a nearby pub, Millie stopped suddenly. She saw a man in an alley and he didn't look like a Muggle from his dark purple cape and a wand behind his ear. He was sleeping and rocking back and forth. Harry noticed it too, and they both took action and walked cautiously to the man in the alley. Harry recognized it as Henry, because he could see the Dark Mark on his forearm. The Dark Mark was a picture a skull with a snake around it, and meant the person is a Voldemort supporter. Harry looked carefully at Millie and insisted he would take of Henry but Millie intruded and wanted to do Henry too.
"You don't know what this man might do Millie. Let me handle it!"
"No! I'll help! Harry I know the perfect charm to give him!"
"So do I, but I rather have you tell Avery to report to Dumbledore."
"I do NOT want to report to Dumbledore just yet, we need to figure him out first!"
"Millie, I just said I will be taking care of this..." Harry said sternly looking again in Millie's eyes.
"HARRY YOU HAVE TO STOP PROTECTING ME!"
BAM
Henry Laundry must have woken up and performed a Rictusempra charm on Harry, because he was flung back onto the wall. Millie shrieked with fear, Harry was knocked out unconscious.
"Well, look at this, I got an Auror myself. This is wonderful, I have to tell-"
"WINGARDIUM LEVIOSA!" shouted Millie from her wand and Henry started floating up in the air. Millie then yelled a quick Ricusempra and his wand flew out of his hand.
"You poor girl, you already know there could be Muggle's watching this," sneered Henry. He had a five o'clock shadow and looked dirty with his torn up pants. He smelled like garbage. Millie only winced at the smell and immediately performed a memory charm and instantly stunned him with a stunning charm. Henry fell on his back laying so still Avery sat on his stomach. Millie cringed.
"Avery, yuck...but now," she rummaged through the a trash can and found some parchment. It reeked of eggs. She took out her wand and simply wrote.
Found him-you were right. We are near The Inn so we will see you soon. Stag is fine, just unconscious. I'll take care of him.
Avery flew away with the letter and Millie ran over to Harry. The stunning charm on Henry only lasts for about twenty minutes so Millie started getting worried. She squatted down by Harry and lifted him so he was sitting up, his back resting against the wall. She put her hand on his forehead and started comforting him, he really needed to wake up.
Harry did wake up two minutes later and looked slightly confused. When he saw Henry his eyes widened. He then noticed Millie next to him and gasped.
"You...did that?" Harry stuttered. Millie nodded and Harry gave her a smile. Harry looked pleased and laughed. "Brilliant, I'm glad we're working together!"
Millie giggled and said "Me too!"
Dumbledore and Mad Eye Apparated ten minutes later, just in time before Henry Laundry started waking up. He was, fortunately paralyzed. Dumbledore grabbed Millie and Harry and walked them over the Hullaboo Inn which was right across the street. Mad Eye took care of Henry. They could hear his growling across the street. Dumbledore however looked overwhelmed.
"Well I must say, good work Millie," he began- glancing at Harry "But, we need to talk about focusing on the subject instead of arguing about it." Harry looked at Dumbledore with anger but not once Dumbledore looked threatened.
"And Harry, I want to talk to you alone," Dumbledore broke off as they walked inside the Hullaboo. Harry looked disappointed. Millie although waited in the lobby looking at the pretty flowers laying on the center table. She smelled them and noticed a man behind the registry desk was staring at her.
"I must say..." he went on. "I haven't seen a dark beauty in a while. Reminds me of my vacation at the Carribean."
Millie kept looking at the flowers, ignoring the man. One thing she didn't like about walking outside Saint Mumbus was the reality of the Muggle world. Especially how they couldn't stop commenting on her beauty. That's why her parents sent her to an all girls school, who knows what trouble she could have caused. She touched a red rose when she heard Harry screaming.
"I DON'T CARE! YOU THINK TOO MUCH OF ME, I CAN TAKE CARE OF MYSELF!"
Millie jumped at his furious voice and even the man asked if everything was alright.
"Yes, it's my cousin, he isn't use to being with a...group of people. He's very...independent," lied Millie. Seconds later Harry stormed out to the lobby with Dumbledore and blushed a dark red when he noticed Millie. He again tried to open his mouth to explain but Dumbledore talked for him.
"Harry is having difficulty working with you Millie."
"NO I'M NOT!" he shouted, turning his foot to Dumbledore. Millie stared with her mouth open. Dumbledore then turned a light shade of pink and looked startled at Harry. His eyes did not sparkle anymore and looked angry.
"Harry, Millie is in the room and I do not tolerate with your behavior," Dumbledore said slowly, trying to act calm. Harry closed his mouth and turned white.
"And because of your behavior, I am excluding you, Harry from the Order Of The Phoenix and you will be staying at the Weasly's until the school year starts again."
"WHAT!" shouted both Millie and Harry. Millie was on her feet with her hands clutched and Harry was walking back, trying to not think about what he just said and shaking his head furiously. Dumbledore went on.
"You have already caused the Ministry Of Magic to panic because of your attempt to give Stan the gibberish charm," he said rashly. "And you have fought Millie out of the idea of capturing Henry Laundry herself, when you argued with her and didn't notice the subject was about to kill you."
Harry shifted uncomfortably and Millie looked at Harry. Dumbledore was right, but she didn't want Harry to leave her. She needed him, she couldn't experience the dark Muggle world herself.
"But I have a reason for all this," began Harry looking scared at Dumbledore. "I only put Stan on that charm because-"
"You were jealous, which is quite unacceptable," said Dumbledore. He was now looking at Millie as though she wanted to speak up. Millie didn't know what to say.
"And I only told Millie I could handle Henry because-"
"You wanted to protect Millie. You see Harry," Dumbledore quirked. "You need to realize Millie can take care of herself. She took on Henry and helped you recover from your accident. Why do you think I picked her? I picked her because she has the intelligence and confidence to fight for herself. Yes, Millie is a girl, but she is strong just like you."
At these words, everybody went quiet, even the man by the desk who looked hurtfully confused. He opened his mouth when Dumbledore quickly put a memory charm on him. The man blinked twice and started talking to himself.
Harry looked ashamed of himself as he turned to Millie. He again, didn't know what to say. Millie felt like she was going to cry again.
"Harry, Moody is waiting for you at the door, he has your stuff to go to the Weasly's," quietly announced Dumbledore. "But I will give you four minutes for you to say goodbye to Millie."
Harry slowly turned from Dumbledore to Millie. He took his hands out of his pocket, and grabbed her hand to his. Harry looked at Millie with his lip quivering. Millie has never seen Harry act like this before, and was starting to get her emotional. Millie's eyes tried to hold back the tears but the stinging began. She realized Harry was leaving her, only because of his dangerous behavior Dumbledore was afraid of, but Millie knew she could handle it. She could live with it, and she didn't mind because he had never hurt her. It seemed like hurting Millie was the last thing on Harry's mind. Harry was only making it worse for himself because he wanted to protect her from danger, and he didn't trust Millie handling dark wizards.
Harry looked deeply into her eyes, like he once did before and studied her for a long time. He then softly smiled and moved over to her ear and said "Don't worry about me, you might see me sooner than you think," and backed away from her ear. She didn't understand what he meant by that, but she tried to smile. Only silent tears came out of her eyes and Harry looked even more hurt. He looked as though watching Millie cry was like looking death in the face. He gently squeezed her hand, hoping her crying would stop. Millie looked down but then thought quickly and gave Harry a big hug she wanted to give him a long time ago. She threw her arms around his neck as she ran into him. His arms squeezed around her tightly, and they both didn't speak but hugged for a short while. Millie didn't want to let go, she didn't want to lose him, as Harry felt the same way. Millie started wailing on his shirt when Dumbledore softly cleared his throat. Harry backed away from Millie and didn't say another word. He didn't even look at Millie when he left with Mad Eye. She remembered his words "You might see me sooner than you think" and didn't ponder once on what that meant. She knew exactly that Harry will find some way to see her again.
Millie turned to Dumbledore and saw he had his head down. He looked slightly bewildered at what just happened. He looked up at Millie and stared at her.
"You know," he smiled, his eyes twinkling. "History seems to repeat itself."