Disclaimer: See ch.1.

Sorry this took so long.

Thanks for the reviews.

CHAPTER FOUR- RETURN TO SENDER

After washing and changing into some clothes that were almost as old and worn as Dudley's were big and baggy, Harry sat down to lunch with Remus. Remus had prepared a rather large amount of beef casserole, but Harry wasn't about to complain. He ate most of it in a very short time.

Harry was gazing out the window into the countryside, admiring all the space and imagining swooping around it on his Firebolt, when he had a thought. His Firebolt was gone. Not only his Firebolt, but his schoolbooks, his robes, his father's invisibility cloak, his photo album, his wand… Harry's stomach contracted. He voiced his fears to Remus, who placed down his fork for a moment in thought.

"Invisibility cloaks have a useful knack for resisting damage, we should- I should know," Remus started, the slight slip-up indicating it had been through the mill plenty of times in the hands of the marauders. Remus continued, although with a solemn note in his voice. "Ridiculously expensive broomsticks by all accounts should display a similar knack, but as we discovered in your third year that isn't always the case."

Harry remembered the incident Remus was referring to, when his Nimbus 2000 had been shattered by the Whomping Willow. He hoped that the newer model had survived, though he wasn't betting on it. Sirius had given him that broomstick, and he doubted any other broomstick would ever mean as much to him.

"What about the other stuff?"

"I'm afraid they'll probably have to be replaced," said Remus sadly.

Harry's heart plummeted. The loss of the schoolbooks and robes wasn't too horrific, but he didn't see how any wand could ever serve him better and the photo album had meant so much to him.

"But," Remus said, his expression brightening a little. "I think I can help you on the photo album front. Where do you think Hagrid got most of the pictures from?"

Harry, although still perturbed about the loss of his belongings, felt slightly happier as he realised what Remus was implying. The remainders of the meal lay forgotten as Remus led Harry across the room to the sitting area and brought out a large leather book from a shelf on what looked to be a drinks cabinet- although it was being used to store books, ornaments, pictures and other trinkets instead of alcohol.

Remus smiled as he handed Harry the book, which was in fact a photo album.

"I can duplicate the photos for you no problem, and until then you can look at this as much as you want."

Harry took the album with evident gratitude, and sat down with Remus to look at it. This album contained many more photos but was a lot less portable than Harry's own. Many of the photos were from the same events, only from different angles or of people performing different actions. All the photos also had a neat summary underneath describing what was going on. Harry saw many that were the same or similar to ones he had seen previously, and a few new ones.

They looked at photos of the marauders, the marauders performing pranks, their graduation from Hogwarts, Harry as a baby being held by them separately, Harry's parents' wedding and several other events plus some completely random ones. Harry didn't fail to notice that right at the front of almost every photo, obviously loving all the attention, were the (perhaps overly) confident forms of his father and Sirius. They were usually grinning and smiling as though they were up to something, but always as though they were having the best time in the world.

By the time they had reached the last page, Harry was sure he had a tear in his eye much the same as the one he could see glinting in the corner of Remus'. They took a minute to let the images sink into their minds and embed themselves there before either of them spoke.

"Thanks," said Harry while feigning an interest in a plant at the other side of the room.

Remus smiled wistfully.

"No problem," he said just as he caught sight of the clock on the wall, and did a slight double take. "Listen Harry, I know this might not be the time to tell you, but there's an order meeting tonight… I suppose, seeing as what's happened, everyone'll want to be there with each other…"

"Oh," said Harry, knowing that Remus was talking about the news they must have received that morning.

"A lot of the members are staying in Grimmauld Place anyway, and if I don't go…"

"Yeah, I understand, people would want to see you."

"They'd probably come and get me anyway," Remus admitted. "I suppose Dumbledore would cover for me, but you know how stubborn they can be."

Harry knew all too well, and he supposed had he been in their position he might do the same. Also if the Death Eaters somehow found out about the meeting, and that Remus was the only one not to go, they might get suspicious. It was such a small chance, but they couldn't really take any chances.

"Is it possible- can I come with you?" Harry asked. Remus gulped.

"Well, yeah it's possible. They won't see you. But it'll be hard for you, do you really want to do that?"

Harry didn't actually know. He didn't know if he could handle seeing them without being seen, and seeing their reactions; but he needed to know that they were okay. He remembered seeing Mrs. Weasley's boggart take the form of a dead Harry, and he supposed Ron and Hermione would be there too. But he also wanted to know what the latest plans were regarding Voldemort, since the order would probably be talking about that too.

"Yeah," he replied semi-confidently. Remus smiled reassuringly.

"Alright then, if you're sure. To be honest, I'd be happier that way anyway, knowing where you were. Anyway, I'm going to get ready. You can do whatever you want here, make yourself at home." He said, and made his way up the stairs.

Harry picked up the photo album and started to look through it again.

*****

Some time later, Remus and Harry had traveled using floo powder (Remus had done an uncanny impression of Mary Poppins while Harry only got covered in soot), and were now standing across the street from 12 Grimmauld Place, looking at it.

"We should go in," said Remus.

He wasn't looking forward to this either. Sure, he was good at keeping secrets- being a werewolf you had to be. That didn't mean he enjoyed it though.

It's not like Remus thought people would actually guess that Harry was alive, invisible to them and standing right next to him; he was more scared about not being able to acknowledge Harry's existence. Or maybe Remus would just act wrong; maybe everyone would think he was really insensitive or didn't care about Harry. What if they realised that Remus had been on Harry-watching duty? Would they blame him for what happened?

"Yeah," replied Harry, though he didn't make any move to step forwards.

"Okay, I know you can do this. We have to go in or we'll be late," Remus said, stepping forwards. He knew that however hard this was for him it had to be a thousand times worse for Harry. Remus had to be the strong figure. He walked towards the house and Harry followed. They reached the large doors that only the order members could open [?]. Remus turned to talk to Harry for the last time in a while.

"Right, I can't talk to you while I'm in there."

"Yeah okay. Will they hear me? Can I talk to you?"

Remus considered for a moment telling Harry that no, he couldn't; as he knew Harry displayed the same impulsive tendencies as his father. Instead Remus opted for the truth.

"Yes, you can. They won't hear you. But please don't unless it's absolutely necessary, I won't be able to respond to you."

"Alright," said Harry, and they walked in.

The first thing Remus noticed as he walked in was the lack of noise. He hadn't been in here since Sirius' death, and was used to having him run around the house like a madman. Well, not quite, but being quiet was never Sirius' strong point and Remus kept noticing the little details now that he was gone. He sighed.

Remus turned to Harry, and Harry nodded to show he knew he should try not to distract him. From now until the end of the meeting he had to act like he was on his own, which shouldn't be too hard. He had been living hat way for twelve years before Sirius had escaped from Azkaban, and now Sirius was gone again. He could truly remember what it was like to have lost everything, and now that Harry was the only person he had left, he could only imagine what he would feel like if he lost him too.

*****

As they walked in, Harry noted that Remus looked lost in thought, staring around the spacious and deathly quiet hall of number 12 Grimmauld Place. Harry himself felt odd being here without Sirius.

Just then his scar twinged with a slight pain, but he brushed it aside as it had been happening quite a bit since Voldemort came back in power. He focused his mind on the task in hand.

Harry gave Remus a nod to show he knew what he had to do. He was now invisible to Remus, too. He wondered what it would be like not being seen. He wondered what people's reactions would be to his 'death'. He wondered morbidly about whether he would be able to attend his own funeral and he wondered how everyone would feel when it turned out they had all been deceived.

His ponderings were cut short, however, when Albus Dumbledore walked into the entrance hall. He looked very old, Harry noted. Well perhaps that was because he was.

Harry watched as Dumbledore walked towards them, looking at the floor. When he looked up it was at Remus, and he walked straight past Harry as if he hadn't seen him at all, which of course he hadn't. Harry had expected to feel strange the first time this happened, but of course the headmaster had been doing exactly the same to him for most of the previous year. He suddenly felt an urge to smack the old man in the head and see if he would acknowledge that, but he decided wisely against it.

"Hello, Albus," said Remus. "Has everyone arrived?"

"You are among the last to arrive, everybody else is seated in the meeting room," Dumbledore replied, wearily. "Miss Granger has yet to show up, however."

Harry felt his stomach drop at the mention of Hermione. He didn't know if he could do this after all.

Dumbledore spoke again, this time very quietly. "I don't suppose Harry is with you?"

"You know I can't tell you where he is, Albus," whispered Remus.

"Of course, of course. Forgive me. Even knowing the truth, events can drain an old man."

Remus nodded solemnly. "How is everyone?"

"Quiet. It's been a hard knock on them, and of course the rest of the wizarding community." Albus responded.

Harry hadn't even thought about that. He shuddered.

"What about the Death Eaters?" Remus asked.

"I don't think any of them are about to come forward. Of course, some strive for media attention but not enough to volunteer themselves for a sentence in Azkaban."

"Severus?"

Of course, Harry thought, Snape was undercover as a Death Eater so he would know Harry hadn't been killed by Voldemort.

"He is aware of the situation. Indeed, he sent a warning of Voldemort's plans but by the time the Death Eaters had been informed of the plan, it was already underway. That is the way Voldemort works, for I fear even he knows those among his ranks are not always faithful to him," Dumbledore sighed. "However, Severus has not been informed of the identity of the secret keeper. Though I am sure you would be among the last suspected by either him or the Death Eaters, being what you are."

Remus nodded, knowing that Dumbledore meant being a werewolf. Nobody would suspect such a wise man to put the wizarding world's saviour under the care of someone who was widely seen as a savage beast, scum and a monster.

"Yes, I can't help but feel I'm putting him in danger," replied Remus, lowering his head. Harry made a move to tell him otherwise but then remembered he wasn't supposed to be here.

"Don't be ridiculous, I can't think of any person safer that he could be with. And out of all the places he could have gone I think he trusts you the most."

Harry couldn't help it. "It's true," he murmured in agreement. Harry noted with some satisfaction the tiny smile which graced his professor's face, and set about being nonexistent again.

"Anyway, we should go through. The others are waiting," said Dumbledore and walked the considerable distance (due to the size of the house) to the meeting room, Remus and Harry following.

Remus gave Harry a supportive look as the walked, and Harry smiled in appreciation though his heart felt like it was beating holes in his chest.

Dumbledore opened the heavy wooden doors to the meeting room and gestured for Remus to go inside. Harry gulped and followed his professor, looking at the floor as he entered. When he looked up he got a bit of a shock.

He had expected Ron, Hermione, Mrs. Weasley and even perhaps the other Weasleys to be a bit upset. He had thought everyone else would be more frustrated that Harry was gone, because now he couldn't possibly remove Voldemort from power again.

But the scene he was met with was slightly surprising. All of the figures seated around the large table were sitting in a solemn silence. Some seemed outwardly upset, some seemed in shock, and some had unreadable expressions; but they all looked like they had lost somebody they cared about. Harry swallowed the lump in his throat.

There was silence for a moment longer while Remus and Dumbledore quietly seated themselves, which Harry used to survey his surroundings more closely.

The first person he noticed was Mrs. Weasley, who was sobbing inaudibly into a tissue and would occasionally put a hand on the shoulder of the figure next to her, which Harry noted with a sickening jolt, was his best friend Ron. Ron was sitting with his shoulders slumped, totally devoid of his usual silent confidence. He was staring forwards into space, his slightly bloodshot eyes glazed over, and not even seeming to register his mother's comforting hand.

The other Weasleys looked only slightly less shocked than Ron, and Ginny looked as though she had been crying not so long ago. Harry also noticed Tonks, Moody, Hagrid, McGonagall (along with most of his other Hogwarts professors), a few other familiar faces and even quite a few he didn't recognise were all sitting in a revered and respectful silence. Some even had tears in their eyes, but most just had their eyes cast downwards. Even Remus and Dumbledore were fitting in quite nicely.

Harry noticed one exception, however. Sitting at the other end of the table to Dumbledore was Snape, and he was sitting back in his chair with his arms folded, looking down his hooked nose at the scene as though it was the most pathetic thing he had ever seen. Of course, he knew the truth, so perhaps it was understandable, taking into consideration he was also a 'slimy git'.

Harry was breathing very fast. He didn't know why he had thought this would be okay. He stumbled back against the wall and slid down it. "I can't do this," he said in a voice that conveyed every hint of the pain he felt.

Remus flinched in his seat, looking like he wanted nothing more than to comfort Harry; his heart breaking at seeing him so upset. Though meanwhile, an oblivious Dumbledore had stood up from his seat and now cleared his throat, waiting for some semblance of attention from those sitting at the table.

Harry sat up a bit, trying his best to compose himself a bit for Remus' sake. "I'll be okay, I'm okay," he whispered, though the tone of his voice must have given him away. Harry abandoned the charade and realised he couldn't be in the room at that moment.

"I'll just be outside. In the hallway," Harry mumbled to nobody in particular, though of course Remus was the only one who heard. Harry saw Remus' slightly panicked expression for only a split second before he was out of the room.

Harry was breathing fast and shallow as he hurriedly made his way far enough up the hallway so he wouldn't hear the voices, which had started to be heard from the meeting room. He walked until he saw a bay window interrupting the left-hand wall and creating a hollow large enough for him to sit in, which he proceeded to do so.

The window jutted out onto a courtyard which Harry could not see much of due to the dark. The plants outside were lit up eerily from the light of the waxing moon.

Harry thought about what he had just walked away from, and couldn't help feeling he shouldn't have left Remus like that. But he hadn't expected what he had seen in that room, it had taken him by surprise.

A few more minutes left Harry to his thoughts interrupted before he heard footsteps, gradually increasing in volume. The footsteps grew nearer and eventually Harry saw a black-robed figure walking past briskly. Snape. What was he doing out of the meeting?

Snape walked past the window without even glancing at it and disappeared from Harry's line of vision behind a large set of doors.

Harry returned to gazing out the window, untroubled by Snape's sudden appearance and disappearance. Instead he thought about the crazy situation he'd gotten himself into, and wondered if it was even worth it. It all seemed a little ironic to Harry, in so many ways.

A good few more minutes later, just as Harry had even begun to explore the situation in detail within his head, he heard another set of footsteps in much the same manner as he had heard Snape's. But these footsteps were slower, and would stop every now and then before resuming.

A figure came into view, opening a door in the hallway and peering behind it as if looking for someone. The figure re-emerged and Harry saw it was Remus. He watched with some amusement as Remus peered behind a pot plant.

"Looking for me?" he asked. Remus started a bit then looked round.

"Harry!" he exclaimed quietly before walking across and sitting next to Harry beneath the window. "I've been excused. Are you okay?"

"Yeah," Harry replied. "Sorry for just walking out like that."

"It's alright I understand. I would have done the same, probably."

Harry smiled appreciatively.

"How was the meeting?" Harry asked.

"Alright, considering. Everyone was a bit quiet but everything that needed to be said was said. It's still going on in there, but the important stuff's been covered so I just came to find you."

Harry nodded and looked out the window again for a moment as Remus did the same. Harry noticed the moonlight made his former professor's face look so much more tired and weary. He turned back.

"Snape came up here a minute ago," Harry said conversationally. Remus looked back at Harry.

"Yeah, Dumbledore sent him to collect Hermione and her parents. He didn't look too happy about it."

Harry supposed it made sense to send Snape since he was looking so unimpressed with the meeting, obviously since he knew it wasn't the truth.

Harry vaguely wondered if Hermione was okay- why hadn't she come? He sighed then wondered why her parents were being collected too.

"Why her parents?" Harry asked. Remus looked slightly confused for a second.

"Oh right, of course. Dumbledore asked them all to stay here. That is; everyone associated with you or the order, since it's safer here from the Death Eaters. Of course he didn't tell them the real reason."

Harry supposed this made sense too, since Voldemort might want to use any of his friends or the order members if he thought they had any information on his whereabouts or as bargaining chips. Harry shuddered at the thought and recollected how much more real this had all seemed to him once he had learned about the prophecy. And Voldemort wasn't the type of person to stop at anything to achieve his goal. Then he realised something about what Remus had said.

"Everyone?" he asked fearfully. "Does that mean you too?"

"Oh no don't worry. Remember Dumbledore knows of the situation. I managed to 'convince' him to let me return to my house, due to 'my monthly problem'," Remus said with a mischievous smile. For a moment Harry could see a hint of the marauder and prankster that Remus used to be. Remus continued.

"Snape's been excused also, due to his Death Eater duties, and any of the aurors when they're off doing work elsewhere."

Harry nodded. At that moment the doors he had seen Snape disappear behind earlier were thrown open and Snape himself came striding through. He walked past and if he was surprised to see Remus sitting beneath a window alone, he didn't show it. In fact he strode straight past, ignoring Remus completely.

That was when Harry noticed the two distraught looking figures hurrying in the potions professor's wake. He had seen them before somewhere. His mind flashed back. Diagon Alley. It was Hermione's parents! But why were they so upset? Where was Hermione?

Harry's head reeled with the possibilities that were creeping into his mind, and he leapt up to follow them to where Snape was leading them. Remus seemed to have had the same idea and also leapt up to follow.

Harry and Remus exchanged anxious glances as they hurried along the hallway back towards the meeting room.

Snape burst in through the doors to the meeting room, startling everyone to looking up. He strode in and straight over to Dumbledore.

"They've taken Granger," he said simply, but it was enough. Drs Granger sobbed even louder and there were strangled gasps throughout the room, and a couple of exclamations. Harry suddenly felt dizzy and beside him he saw Remus go pale. What little colour was left in Ron Weasley's face drained completely and he looked like he would throw up. Dumbledore rose quickly to his feet.

"When did this happen?" Dumbledore asked, cold fury in his eyes.

"Not much earlier today. I believe Potter's owl was seen returning to the Granger establishment."

The statement wouldn't have made sense to most of the room's occupants; but to Snape, Dumbledore, Remus and Harry it was all too clear.

Harry filled the gaps in his head. He remembered Remus telling him Hedwig would return to the last place she had been sent. The Death Eaters were intercepting the mail and that probably included all owl movement, especially of Harry's own owl. They must have seen Hedwig fly there and assumed that Harry was there also or Hermione knew where he was.

Harry was feeling as sick as Ron looked, and Remus didn't look much better. It was one of those rare instances where Dumbledore looked every bit as old as his many years.

Snape grimaced and gripped his arm. "I'm needed," he said.

Dumbledore nodded. "Severus, see what you can do," he said sadly.

Snape nodded in return and was gone back through the doors of the meeting room in a swish of his robes.

There was absolute silence for a moment. Then a loud sob was heard from Molly Weasley.

"First Harry, now…" she said as if she had already resigned herself to Hermione's fate.  For a split second there was silence again, then there was chaos.

People stood from their seats and shouted, some were trying to comfort the Grangers and some seemed to be resorting to crude accusations towards nobody in particular.

Harry, who had been standing in stunned silence until this point, suddenly cracked.

"NO!" he yelled, and picked up the closest thing to hand which just happened to be a recently vacated chair. He threw the chair at the wall and it came to pieces, though this hardly stood out as something strange amongst the bedlam.

Remus grabbed Harry by the arm and dragged him out of the room unnoticed, besides by Dumbledore who gave him a knowing glance.

Remus took Harry walked further down the hallway. Harry was again in a state of almost shock.

Before either of them could get a word out, however, the meeting room door opened again and Dumbledore walked out. He stepped over to Remus and handed him something.

"I believe we know someone who may need this. If you should see him," Dumbledore winked, though solemnly, before turning and heading back into the meeting room to try and enforce calm.

Remus held up the thing Dumbledore had given him in his hand and Harry looked. It was his wand.

Harry took the wand and pocketed it before following Remus down the hallway.