AN. I want to thank all of you who have read my story and reviewed it has
meant a lot to me. I am sorry to say this will be the last chapter of What
Happens Next. I have felt the need to end this story at the end of the
summer. I hope you all will understand. I have enjoyed writing this and
really loved hearing from all of you,but alas all good things must come to
an end. That is so you can start another I hope you who have faithfully
read this will join me for What Happens Next Part II 'The School Year'.
Chapter one has been sent to be typed, and should be posted very soon. Now
with that in mind On to the story. (Unedited version)
Chapter 24 –The Last Days of Summer
On Tuesday, Ron and Hermione seemed to be more inseparable, always gushing over the other. Eventually though, Hermione's hunger for knowledge and Ron being just as adamant for quidditch prevailed. So, it was with some sickening sweet remarks and a bit of snogging, which had both Harry and Ginny making smacking sounds and the occasional gagging ones, the two decided to separate. The boys spent most of the next few days out in the back yard practicing for the up coming season.
Ginny who found the need to do both split her time between the two. She also tried to catch Harry alone to repair the damage she'd done to there relationship. Well it wasn't really a relationship, but it was a start. It had been like she had taken a very long time moving forward, inch by inch, only to fall back to the start. At least, he still acknowledged her as a friend, but he seemed to avoid any time spent alone with her. He usually went to bed fairly early, claiming all the practice had worn him out.
Molly began planning a big outdoor feast for Sunday, as her two youngest plus Harry, Hermione, and Dudley would all be leaving for school the following Tuesday.
Friday morning Molly was busy in the kitchen making breakfast when she had an owl tapping at the window. She let it in recognizing it instantly. It was Hermes, Percy's owl. She untied the parchment from the owl's leg and began to read.
Dear Mom, Dad, Family, and Harry:
I would like you all to know how deeply sorry I am for my dreadful behavior this past year. I had let ambition and the drive to succeed override what is more important, family. I know I have treated you all horridly, especially Harry. I lacked the faith, and actually believed all the rumors about you. I apologize for not seeing you as the rest of the family did. Ron, I want to add a special apology to you as well for sending you very bad advice. You stood by your best friend and you had faith in him, and for that I commend you.
I have considered resigning my post as the assistant to the ministry, but feel that it maybe beneficial to the order. That is of course, if the order would accept me. I understand if you can't forgive me for turning my back on those who should have meant the most. I'm sorry and I want my family back.
Sincerely,
Percival Weasly.
The four, followed by Dudley just arrived in the kitchen when she was finishing the letter, tears rolling down her cheeks. "What's wrong, Mum?" Ginny asked.
Molly handed Ron the letter and he began to read with the others looking over his shoulder. "It's about time that he admits he's screwed up." Ginny voiced.
"I hope he doesn't think he's going to get off that easy." Ron said. Of all the siblings Ron was probably the most upset with Percy, due to the letter he'd received telling him to stay away from Harry and side with the ministry.
"Ronald." Molly scolded. "He is your brother, and yes, he has done some stupid and uncaring things, but family needs to stick together through thick and thin. We all have and will do, just the same as when you make poor choices."
Ron colored thinking of all the times he did things he knew his parents wouldn't approve of. "I'm still not going to instantly trust him. They may have brain washed him just to spy on the order."
"Brain washed, Ron?" Ginny giggled. "Good choice of words." She was of course thinking of Ron's big mistake at the Department of Mysteries, where he made the mistake of summoning a brain, which attacked him. Ron just scowled.
"Well, you know what I mean."
"I'm so glad that you brought that up Ron. When you break someone's trust you can't instantly have it back. It takes time and you have to earn it." Molly always used times like these to instill values into her children, but this time she kind of surprised herself. She decided she would have to call a meeting to discuss Percy wanting to join the order. Molly then reached into the pocket of her apron and pulled out a light blue with little pink flowers palm owl.
She quickly jotted down a note. To the Sewing Circle: Tomorrow afternoon our group will be working on quilts. I've also found a missing sock that needs to be darned. We will have tea. Please bring the rest of the biscuits. Molly.
This was all of course in code, since they didn't know how much to trust the palm owls, so they didn't want to give anything away. To the trained eye it would translate- The Sewing Circle, meaning Tonks, the other women in the order and a few of the bachelor men. Bringing biscuits was to send word to your specified order contacts. The afternoon meetings started usually at five o'clock unless specified. The missing sock that needed to be darned was of course Percy.
On Saturday afternoon, Molly flooed to Grimauld Place and busied herself making tea sandwiches, scones, and biscuits in preparation for the meeting.
At about four thirty, the order members started to tinkle in and by ten after five, all of the members, who could make it were there. Everyone helped themselves to tea and food waiting for the meeting to start.
"What did you call this meeting for Molly?" Dumbledore asked.
"First of all, I am worried about the safety of the children. Are there enough precautions being taken at Kings Cross and the Hogsmade Station?" Molly questioned.
"The ministry is stationing aurors at the two locations. They are placing them inside and out of the platform 9 ¾ and since there's no apparating inside, Kings Cross should be safe." Kingsley Schackelbolt informed everyone.
"What about the train ride it self?" Arthur asked.
"I believe the aurors that are stationed inside Platform 9 ¾ are to accompany the students on the journey." Kingsley added, "I believe that there will be ten aurors, and ten more will be waiting at Hogsmede."
"I want to have some of the group members to accompany the students." Molly said.
"Kingsley, where are you assigned?" Albus asked.
"I volunteered for the train ride." Kingsley said and a couple of other order members had done so as well.
"I think along with Remus, Tonks, and Severus that should be sufficient. Do you all agree?" Albus questioned.
Most everyone nodded, but Severus just glared. "I also would ask all members to have their emergency alerts on the new palm owls ready to go. The rest of you have to make sure you have yours set to notify you when you receive new messages so you can respond immediately, if needed. I wanted to thank Fred and George for supplying the palm owls for the order. I do so enjoy the tickling alert, but Minerva keeps looking at me funny, because I start laughing every time it goes off. I had it set to shock mode once, but unfortunately I was talking to the minister at the time, and when I howled I had to tell him I stubbed my toe."
"Hem, Hem." Minerva did her best Umbrige impression and gave Albus a look to let him know that he had completely gotten off track.
"Molly, what else was it you needed to talk about?"
"I received an owl from Percy. He wishes to join the order. Sorry Arthur that I didn't get to tell you before." She handed the letter to her husband.
"He asked for our forgiveness and said he would have resigned his post, but thought it could be of benefit to us." She added.
"How do we know we can trust him not to slip everything to Fudge?" Snape hissed.
"I think that comment has been used before on other order members." Remus said.
"What are your wishes Molly? Arthur?" Albus asked.
Arthur nodded for Molly to go first with her opinion. "I would have said that I would welcome him back and gladly have him join." Molly stated her head held strong. "I was talking with Ron and the others about the situation. I had been scolding Ron, telling him the importance of family and how we need to stick together. Then I told him that when you break some ones trust you can't instantly have it back, you have to earn it." She paused for a moment looking to her feet. "I.. I think we need to make Percy earn it." She looked at Arthur who nodded, smiling at her. Severus looked like he was in shock.
"Right then, we will be holding the occasional meeting which will allow Percy to be included. Limit the members to those who either are already known to Percy or who don't feel the need to hide it from the ministry." Albus finished. If no one has any objections the meeting is adjourned.
Quite a few members stuck around talking or going over their auror positions on the upcoming start to school ride on the Hogwarts Express. Molly asked Remus and Tonks if they would be coming over Sunday for dinner. They both agreed. It was late when Molly and Arthur returned home, so the house was quite.
Sunday came and was another warm day, so the younger ones from the house decided to hang out by the pool, enjoying the last day home. It was going to be strange going back to school without the twins.
Fred and George were currently having a splashing war with the occasional dunking of anyone they could get their hands on. Yes, even they felt the difference of this new school year. After seven years of making themselves legends in those hallowed halls, they realized how much they would miss not getting on the train this year.
Soon everyone was splashing like mad trying to enjoy the day as much as possible. Bill arrived from London, where he was staying at Fluers, although he told Molly he was staying with a friend. He was standing by the pool announcing that it was time everyone went to the house and dressed. Ginny giggled and climbed out of the pool and ran to her eldest brother throwing herself at him in a big hug.
"Ugh, thanks a lot Gin. You're getting me all wet." Bill said as the water started seeping through his shirt. Ginny just giggled more. She spotted the twins' evil smirks and knew what they wanted. She did her part distracting Bill.
The twins snuck up behind Bill as Ginny hugged him. "I don't think he's wet enough." Fred said and with that they shoved Bill into the pool fully clothed. Bill finally gave up and joined in the dunking and splashing.
Remus and Tonks arrived and also were sent to the pool to tell the 'kids' to get out. They were surprised to see all the activity going on and saw why Bill had not returned. They all acted like it was the last time they had to enjoy themselves.
Remus opened his mouth to speak, but was hit by a wave of water that Bill conjured up. "AHHH." Remus yelled dripping from head to toe. Tonks had been standing a ways back and snorted with laughter.
"You think this is funny do you?" Remus said trying to look serious.
"Uh huh." She giggled, but then stopped as she saw the mischievous glint in his eye. "Oh NO. Don't you even think about it." She said now looking worried.
"I don't think it's me you have to worry about Tonks." Remus said with an amused look. She turned her head just as she felt an arm behind her legs and one on her back, sucking her up.
"Wotcher, Tonks." Harry laughed as he took the wide eyed witch and dropped her in the pool.
"Harry James Potter! I'm gonna get you for that." She yelled and splashed water up at him.
"Even with as much fun as this," Remus started, "Molly wants us all up to the house." He put a hand on Harry's shoulder as they all begun walking back to the house.
"Oh my Remus, Tonks, Bill, your sopping wet. You were suppose to tell them to get out of the pool, not to join them." She let out a chuckle before she waved her wand drying spells on all of them.
"I think I'll need some more of that Mum." Bill said as he sat down and started tugging at his dragon hide boots. When he got the first one off he tipped it upside down dumping the rest of the water out. Molly sent the others into the house to change into dry clothes for supper.
Supper was a leisurely event of filling their gullets on a variety of foods. Most were trying to make each bite last, savoring the wonderful tastes of Molly's cooking. Two of them however, mainly Fred and George, kept squirming in their seats and trying to eat as fast as possible.
"Can we be excused Mum?" They asked in union.
"No, you need to finish your dinner. Honestly, I don't know what's gotten into you. You haven't kept still since you sat down." Molly scolded.
After a few minutes you could see perspiration form across Fred and George's brow, both were starring to keep still.
"What a lovely dinner." Remus said.
"Yes, it was very good Mum." Bill added. Suddenly, Fred jumped up from the table with a very red face, followed by George.
"Sorry Mum." They hollered as they ran from the house both scratching their back sides.
"What on earth has gotten into them?" Arthur asked looking at Molly.
Dudley burst out laughing and all eyes fell on him. He was laughing too hard to speak so he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small container. He placed it on the table, which made the rest break out in laughter. Dudley had placed itching powder in their shorts.
This bought a round a laughs from the group. "Now Dudley, when they get you back, it will be your own fault." Petunia scolded.
"Awe, the boys' just having fun." Remus laughed.
"Mum, that's the best part of it. I love to see what they come up with." Dudley smirked.
Eventually the twins came back, showered and changed. George carried a bag with him and handed it to Harry.
"Thanks." Harry said before he reached into the bag. He pulled out a small package and set it in front of Dudley.
"What's this?" Dudley questioned.
"It's so you'll able to keep in touch while at school." Harry pulled another box from the bag and placed it in front of his Aunt. "You can write your mum as well."
Both Petunia and Dudley opened their boxes and pulled out palm owls. Petunia's was decorated to look like a garden with multicolored flowers, 'petunias', where as Dudley's was navy blue with his name printed across the top.
Harry received thank you's and a hug from his aunt and returned his attention back to the bag. He then pulled out three more boxes, which he placed in front of Ron, Hermione, and Ginny. Theirs also had their names printed on them and were each the color represented by their elements. "Thanks Harry." The three said in unison.
"Hey, what about us?" Fred hollered with a hurt expression.
"Yeah, what are we blast ended skrewts?" George added with his lower lip protruding in a pout.
"Thanks Fred, George for letting me have extra palm owls." Harry said.
"Awe, anything for our anonomys benefactor." George said with a toothy grin.
"Besides we can use the extra advertising." Fred added.
"You might want to remember to have them set on one of the silent alert modes, as I'm sure your teachers won't appreciate any disruptions in their classes." Remus interjected.
"How many settings are there?" Dudley asked.
"Let's see." George started ticking of his fingers. "Ten."
"Oh my, I don't think I'll ever be able to figure this out." Petunia said looking at hers.
"Here let me help you out." Lupin said. He moved closer to show her how to work it. He started explaining how to enter an address for herself and asked her what she would like to use.
She decided on simply Petunia. Dursley and Remus showed her how to place it in the palm owl.
Meanwhile, the rest continued their conversation. "So what are the different modes?" Ginny asked.
"There are shaking, heat, pinch, shock, and tickle for the silent ones." George said.
"And beep, roar, hoot, scream, and fog horn." Fred added.
"OOO, someone owl me." Ginny said excitedly.
"What's your address Gin?" Harry asked as he pulled his palm owl out.
"I'll just put in Ginny." She said and she quickly set it up before placing it in her pocket. Within minutes she broke out in giggling. She took out her owl and read. ________________________________________________________________________ To: Fiery Red AD: Ginny From HP AD: Green Earth subject- you told me to. Hi Gin. ________________________________________________________________________ "Fiery Red, oh, I think I'll use that as my address. Thanks Harry." Ginny beamed.
"Yeah, that's great! Ron can use blue waters, and I'll use white air." Hermione said catching on.
Once they all finished setting up their owls the group continued talking and laughing until late in the evening. By eleven o'clock Tonks had to excuse herself because she was completely worn out. She had performing her Metamorphmagus abilities to entertain the group. She even made her way around the table impersonating each member. After a quick clean up, the rest of the household made their way to bed.
The next morning those who didn't have to be at work slept in. When they rose that afternoon they spent most of the time gathering their things and tried to fit everything into their trunks.
Hermione let out a yelp of frustration. "What's the matter Hermione?" Ginny asked as she came into her room.
"Nothing will fit." Hermione huffed motioning towards her trunk. Ginny laughed as she took in the sight. Hermione had many towering stacks of books,all piled around her trunk.
"Did you leave any in the library?" Ginny smirked as she herself couldn't fit all of what she had wanted until she enlisted Winky's help. "Are you a witch or not?" She asked looking at Hermione.
"Yes, but we can't use magic now!" She hesitated then began to grin. "WINKY." She yelled at the top of her voice. With a pop Winky appeared.
"Miss Her-my-nee, Miss Ginny. What can Winky be doing for you?" Winky beamed at them.
"Hermione needs help getting packed." Ginny said.
"Could you please help? I can't get my books to fit." Hermione begged.
"Of course Miss, Winky would love to be helping." Winky said. Winky surveyed the situation quickly and snapped her fingers to which a book shelf appeared then with a wave the books flew to the shelf in an organized manner.
"But Winky, I want to take them with," She left off as Winky gave a final wave which shrunk the book shelf and then flew into the trunk, leaving plenty of room for everything else.
"That's wonderful Winky. I wasn't sure where I'd keep all the books when I got to school. Now I can leave them all small and just enlarge them when I need them." Hermione gushed. "Thanks so much."
Winky bowed her head blushing at the praise. "Miss is too kind to Winky."
In Harry's room Dobby insisted on packing for Harry, and deep down Harry was thankful because Dobby did a much nicer job. "Dobby packed some extra owl treats for Harry Potter's owl." Dobby said.
"Oh, I've practically forgotten about Hedwig. Where is she anyway? I've barely seen her in well, I can't even remember when I saw her last." Harry questioned.
"Dobby was seeing her fly into the North Tower Sir." Dobby answered.
"Thanks Dobby."
Harry went to the fire place in his sitting room found the right place under the mantle and opened the passage. He entered the Tower Room and saw Hedwig standing in a nest on one of the lower beams. "Hello Hedwig." Harry said when he spotted her. "I'm sorry girl. I haven't meant to ignore you. Things just have been so different this summer. I guess I should have paid you more attention since for five summers of you being about the only one I had to talk to. I really am sorry. Where have you been this whole time?"
Hedwig gave a small hoot. "Right, well, I have some owl treats for you." Hedwig stretched her wings and flew down to Harry's shoulder cuffing him in the side of the head as she landed. Harry laughed. "I guess I deserve that."
Hedwig gave another hoot, and Harry was amazed when two very small owls flew down from the nest. They looked pretty young and hadn't been flying long. "So that's what you've been doing." Harry laughed as the small owls buzzed around his head. Harry gave Hedwig three treats and offered his arm to the small birds.
One tried to land, but couldn't get much of a grip on his bare arm. So Harry held out a finger to which the owl landed then with his other hand did the same for the other owl, before placing them both on his shoulder.
"Can we go show everyone that you're a mum now?" Harry asked looking at Hedwig. She hooted in a happy tone.
Harry took the owls down to the kitchen, because it was almost supper and that was the most likely place to find them. When he entered the kitchen everyone was there and began gushing about how cute the little owls were. One was snowy white, like Hedwig, and the other was more of a gray.
"Aren't they adorable?" Molly beamed.
"Absolutely precious." Petunia added.
"So, what are you going to do with three owls Harry?" Ron asked.
"I'm not sure. Keep them I guess. Of course, that's Hedwig's decision." After he spoke Hedwig flew off his shoulder and landed on Molly's. Harry immediately got what Hedwig was saying to him, although he wasn't sure how. "Do you want Molly to have one?" Harry asked Hedwig.
Hedwig hooted, and then she flew and landed on Petunia's shoulder, who jumped nervously.
"I think Hedwig made her decision. When they're old enough she wants you two to have one. I guess it's up to you to name them." Hedwig flew back to Harry's shoulder and hooted again, to which the young responded. One landed on Molly and the other landed on Petunia. The women were both pondering what to name them. Molly looked at the little gray owl sitting on her as she tried to wipe a spot from the tiny owl's chest.
"Oh dear, you have a spot." She said, but as she brushed the feathers she could tell they just grew darker in that spot. "I guess it's not, but that does seem like a good name. How about it Spot?" She asked. The little owl twittered happily.
"That only leaves you." Petunia said looking at her owl. The little owl took off and flew around the room at top speed a couple of times, before landing back on her shoulder. "Well, now you're white and you move quickly and can stop suddenly. That sounds like a blizzard to me. So, how about that?" She asked. Her owl hooted merrily like the first.
It was determined that Harry would take all three of them to school until the little ones were old enough and capable of flying over a distance. Then Hedwig, would bring them back home to stay.
Molly had made a wonderful supper to which they all complained of over eating, although conversation was quieter tonight then usual, as they all did not want the summer to end.
AN. I hope you enjoyed, and just as a reminder to stay tuned for part II. I just felt the need to split it up already having 24 chapters. So as always please send me your thoughts, opinions, requests, or evil glares. So please review.
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Chapter 24 –The Last Days of Summer
On Tuesday, Ron and Hermione seemed to be more inseparable, always gushing over the other. Eventually though, Hermione's hunger for knowledge and Ron being just as adamant for quidditch prevailed. So, it was with some sickening sweet remarks and a bit of snogging, which had both Harry and Ginny making smacking sounds and the occasional gagging ones, the two decided to separate. The boys spent most of the next few days out in the back yard practicing for the up coming season.
Ginny who found the need to do both split her time between the two. She also tried to catch Harry alone to repair the damage she'd done to there relationship. Well it wasn't really a relationship, but it was a start. It had been like she had taken a very long time moving forward, inch by inch, only to fall back to the start. At least, he still acknowledged her as a friend, but he seemed to avoid any time spent alone with her. He usually went to bed fairly early, claiming all the practice had worn him out.
Molly began planning a big outdoor feast for Sunday, as her two youngest plus Harry, Hermione, and Dudley would all be leaving for school the following Tuesday.
Friday morning Molly was busy in the kitchen making breakfast when she had an owl tapping at the window. She let it in recognizing it instantly. It was Hermes, Percy's owl. She untied the parchment from the owl's leg and began to read.
Dear Mom, Dad, Family, and Harry:
I would like you all to know how deeply sorry I am for my dreadful behavior this past year. I had let ambition and the drive to succeed override what is more important, family. I know I have treated you all horridly, especially Harry. I lacked the faith, and actually believed all the rumors about you. I apologize for not seeing you as the rest of the family did. Ron, I want to add a special apology to you as well for sending you very bad advice. You stood by your best friend and you had faith in him, and for that I commend you.
I have considered resigning my post as the assistant to the ministry, but feel that it maybe beneficial to the order. That is of course, if the order would accept me. I understand if you can't forgive me for turning my back on those who should have meant the most. I'm sorry and I want my family back.
Sincerely,
Percival Weasly.
The four, followed by Dudley just arrived in the kitchen when she was finishing the letter, tears rolling down her cheeks. "What's wrong, Mum?" Ginny asked.
Molly handed Ron the letter and he began to read with the others looking over his shoulder. "It's about time that he admits he's screwed up." Ginny voiced.
"I hope he doesn't think he's going to get off that easy." Ron said. Of all the siblings Ron was probably the most upset with Percy, due to the letter he'd received telling him to stay away from Harry and side with the ministry.
"Ronald." Molly scolded. "He is your brother, and yes, he has done some stupid and uncaring things, but family needs to stick together through thick and thin. We all have and will do, just the same as when you make poor choices."
Ron colored thinking of all the times he did things he knew his parents wouldn't approve of. "I'm still not going to instantly trust him. They may have brain washed him just to spy on the order."
"Brain washed, Ron?" Ginny giggled. "Good choice of words." She was of course thinking of Ron's big mistake at the Department of Mysteries, where he made the mistake of summoning a brain, which attacked him. Ron just scowled.
"Well, you know what I mean."
"I'm so glad that you brought that up Ron. When you break someone's trust you can't instantly have it back. It takes time and you have to earn it." Molly always used times like these to instill values into her children, but this time she kind of surprised herself. She decided she would have to call a meeting to discuss Percy wanting to join the order. Molly then reached into the pocket of her apron and pulled out a light blue with little pink flowers palm owl.
She quickly jotted down a note. To the Sewing Circle: Tomorrow afternoon our group will be working on quilts. I've also found a missing sock that needs to be darned. We will have tea. Please bring the rest of the biscuits. Molly.
This was all of course in code, since they didn't know how much to trust the palm owls, so they didn't want to give anything away. To the trained eye it would translate- The Sewing Circle, meaning Tonks, the other women in the order and a few of the bachelor men. Bringing biscuits was to send word to your specified order contacts. The afternoon meetings started usually at five o'clock unless specified. The missing sock that needed to be darned was of course Percy.
On Saturday afternoon, Molly flooed to Grimauld Place and busied herself making tea sandwiches, scones, and biscuits in preparation for the meeting.
At about four thirty, the order members started to tinkle in and by ten after five, all of the members, who could make it were there. Everyone helped themselves to tea and food waiting for the meeting to start.
"What did you call this meeting for Molly?" Dumbledore asked.
"First of all, I am worried about the safety of the children. Are there enough precautions being taken at Kings Cross and the Hogsmade Station?" Molly questioned.
"The ministry is stationing aurors at the two locations. They are placing them inside and out of the platform 9 ¾ and since there's no apparating inside, Kings Cross should be safe." Kingsley Schackelbolt informed everyone.
"What about the train ride it self?" Arthur asked.
"I believe the aurors that are stationed inside Platform 9 ¾ are to accompany the students on the journey." Kingsley added, "I believe that there will be ten aurors, and ten more will be waiting at Hogsmede."
"I want to have some of the group members to accompany the students." Molly said.
"Kingsley, where are you assigned?" Albus asked.
"I volunteered for the train ride." Kingsley said and a couple of other order members had done so as well.
"I think along with Remus, Tonks, and Severus that should be sufficient. Do you all agree?" Albus questioned.
Most everyone nodded, but Severus just glared. "I also would ask all members to have their emergency alerts on the new palm owls ready to go. The rest of you have to make sure you have yours set to notify you when you receive new messages so you can respond immediately, if needed. I wanted to thank Fred and George for supplying the palm owls for the order. I do so enjoy the tickling alert, but Minerva keeps looking at me funny, because I start laughing every time it goes off. I had it set to shock mode once, but unfortunately I was talking to the minister at the time, and when I howled I had to tell him I stubbed my toe."
"Hem, Hem." Minerva did her best Umbrige impression and gave Albus a look to let him know that he had completely gotten off track.
"Molly, what else was it you needed to talk about?"
"I received an owl from Percy. He wishes to join the order. Sorry Arthur that I didn't get to tell you before." She handed the letter to her husband.
"He asked for our forgiveness and said he would have resigned his post, but thought it could be of benefit to us." She added.
"How do we know we can trust him not to slip everything to Fudge?" Snape hissed.
"I think that comment has been used before on other order members." Remus said.
"What are your wishes Molly? Arthur?" Albus asked.
Arthur nodded for Molly to go first with her opinion. "I would have said that I would welcome him back and gladly have him join." Molly stated her head held strong. "I was talking with Ron and the others about the situation. I had been scolding Ron, telling him the importance of family and how we need to stick together. Then I told him that when you break some ones trust you can't instantly have it back, you have to earn it." She paused for a moment looking to her feet. "I.. I think we need to make Percy earn it." She looked at Arthur who nodded, smiling at her. Severus looked like he was in shock.
"Right then, we will be holding the occasional meeting which will allow Percy to be included. Limit the members to those who either are already known to Percy or who don't feel the need to hide it from the ministry." Albus finished. If no one has any objections the meeting is adjourned.
Quite a few members stuck around talking or going over their auror positions on the upcoming start to school ride on the Hogwarts Express. Molly asked Remus and Tonks if they would be coming over Sunday for dinner. They both agreed. It was late when Molly and Arthur returned home, so the house was quite.
Sunday came and was another warm day, so the younger ones from the house decided to hang out by the pool, enjoying the last day home. It was going to be strange going back to school without the twins.
Fred and George were currently having a splashing war with the occasional dunking of anyone they could get their hands on. Yes, even they felt the difference of this new school year. After seven years of making themselves legends in those hallowed halls, they realized how much they would miss not getting on the train this year.
Soon everyone was splashing like mad trying to enjoy the day as much as possible. Bill arrived from London, where he was staying at Fluers, although he told Molly he was staying with a friend. He was standing by the pool announcing that it was time everyone went to the house and dressed. Ginny giggled and climbed out of the pool and ran to her eldest brother throwing herself at him in a big hug.
"Ugh, thanks a lot Gin. You're getting me all wet." Bill said as the water started seeping through his shirt. Ginny just giggled more. She spotted the twins' evil smirks and knew what they wanted. She did her part distracting Bill.
The twins snuck up behind Bill as Ginny hugged him. "I don't think he's wet enough." Fred said and with that they shoved Bill into the pool fully clothed. Bill finally gave up and joined in the dunking and splashing.
Remus and Tonks arrived and also were sent to the pool to tell the 'kids' to get out. They were surprised to see all the activity going on and saw why Bill had not returned. They all acted like it was the last time they had to enjoy themselves.
Remus opened his mouth to speak, but was hit by a wave of water that Bill conjured up. "AHHH." Remus yelled dripping from head to toe. Tonks had been standing a ways back and snorted with laughter.
"You think this is funny do you?" Remus said trying to look serious.
"Uh huh." She giggled, but then stopped as she saw the mischievous glint in his eye. "Oh NO. Don't you even think about it." She said now looking worried.
"I don't think it's me you have to worry about Tonks." Remus said with an amused look. She turned her head just as she felt an arm behind her legs and one on her back, sucking her up.
"Wotcher, Tonks." Harry laughed as he took the wide eyed witch and dropped her in the pool.
"Harry James Potter! I'm gonna get you for that." She yelled and splashed water up at him.
"Even with as much fun as this," Remus started, "Molly wants us all up to the house." He put a hand on Harry's shoulder as they all begun walking back to the house.
"Oh my Remus, Tonks, Bill, your sopping wet. You were suppose to tell them to get out of the pool, not to join them." She let out a chuckle before she waved her wand drying spells on all of them.
"I think I'll need some more of that Mum." Bill said as he sat down and started tugging at his dragon hide boots. When he got the first one off he tipped it upside down dumping the rest of the water out. Molly sent the others into the house to change into dry clothes for supper.
Supper was a leisurely event of filling their gullets on a variety of foods. Most were trying to make each bite last, savoring the wonderful tastes of Molly's cooking. Two of them however, mainly Fred and George, kept squirming in their seats and trying to eat as fast as possible.
"Can we be excused Mum?" They asked in union.
"No, you need to finish your dinner. Honestly, I don't know what's gotten into you. You haven't kept still since you sat down." Molly scolded.
After a few minutes you could see perspiration form across Fred and George's brow, both were starring to keep still.
"What a lovely dinner." Remus said.
"Yes, it was very good Mum." Bill added. Suddenly, Fred jumped up from the table with a very red face, followed by George.
"Sorry Mum." They hollered as they ran from the house both scratching their back sides.
"What on earth has gotten into them?" Arthur asked looking at Molly.
Dudley burst out laughing and all eyes fell on him. He was laughing too hard to speak so he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small container. He placed it on the table, which made the rest break out in laughter. Dudley had placed itching powder in their shorts.
This bought a round a laughs from the group. "Now Dudley, when they get you back, it will be your own fault." Petunia scolded.
"Awe, the boys' just having fun." Remus laughed.
"Mum, that's the best part of it. I love to see what they come up with." Dudley smirked.
Eventually the twins came back, showered and changed. George carried a bag with him and handed it to Harry.
"Thanks." Harry said before he reached into the bag. He pulled out a small package and set it in front of Dudley.
"What's this?" Dudley questioned.
"It's so you'll able to keep in touch while at school." Harry pulled another box from the bag and placed it in front of his Aunt. "You can write your mum as well."
Both Petunia and Dudley opened their boxes and pulled out palm owls. Petunia's was decorated to look like a garden with multicolored flowers, 'petunias', where as Dudley's was navy blue with his name printed across the top.
Harry received thank you's and a hug from his aunt and returned his attention back to the bag. He then pulled out three more boxes, which he placed in front of Ron, Hermione, and Ginny. Theirs also had their names printed on them and were each the color represented by their elements. "Thanks Harry." The three said in unison.
"Hey, what about us?" Fred hollered with a hurt expression.
"Yeah, what are we blast ended skrewts?" George added with his lower lip protruding in a pout.
"Thanks Fred, George for letting me have extra palm owls." Harry said.
"Awe, anything for our anonomys benefactor." George said with a toothy grin.
"Besides we can use the extra advertising." Fred added.
"You might want to remember to have them set on one of the silent alert modes, as I'm sure your teachers won't appreciate any disruptions in their classes." Remus interjected.
"How many settings are there?" Dudley asked.
"Let's see." George started ticking of his fingers. "Ten."
"Oh my, I don't think I'll ever be able to figure this out." Petunia said looking at hers.
"Here let me help you out." Lupin said. He moved closer to show her how to work it. He started explaining how to enter an address for herself and asked her what she would like to use.
She decided on simply Petunia. Dursley and Remus showed her how to place it in the palm owl.
Meanwhile, the rest continued their conversation. "So what are the different modes?" Ginny asked.
"There are shaking, heat, pinch, shock, and tickle for the silent ones." George said.
"And beep, roar, hoot, scream, and fog horn." Fred added.
"OOO, someone owl me." Ginny said excitedly.
"What's your address Gin?" Harry asked as he pulled his palm owl out.
"I'll just put in Ginny." She said and she quickly set it up before placing it in her pocket. Within minutes she broke out in giggling. She took out her owl and read. ________________________________________________________________________ To: Fiery Red AD: Ginny From HP AD: Green Earth subject- you told me to. Hi Gin. ________________________________________________________________________ "Fiery Red, oh, I think I'll use that as my address. Thanks Harry." Ginny beamed.
"Yeah, that's great! Ron can use blue waters, and I'll use white air." Hermione said catching on.
Once they all finished setting up their owls the group continued talking and laughing until late in the evening. By eleven o'clock Tonks had to excuse herself because she was completely worn out. She had performing her Metamorphmagus abilities to entertain the group. She even made her way around the table impersonating each member. After a quick clean up, the rest of the household made their way to bed.
The next morning those who didn't have to be at work slept in. When they rose that afternoon they spent most of the time gathering their things and tried to fit everything into their trunks.
Hermione let out a yelp of frustration. "What's the matter Hermione?" Ginny asked as she came into her room.
"Nothing will fit." Hermione huffed motioning towards her trunk. Ginny laughed as she took in the sight. Hermione had many towering stacks of books,all piled around her trunk.
"Did you leave any in the library?" Ginny smirked as she herself couldn't fit all of what she had wanted until she enlisted Winky's help. "Are you a witch or not?" She asked looking at Hermione.
"Yes, but we can't use magic now!" She hesitated then began to grin. "WINKY." She yelled at the top of her voice. With a pop Winky appeared.
"Miss Her-my-nee, Miss Ginny. What can Winky be doing for you?" Winky beamed at them.
"Hermione needs help getting packed." Ginny said.
"Could you please help? I can't get my books to fit." Hermione begged.
"Of course Miss, Winky would love to be helping." Winky said. Winky surveyed the situation quickly and snapped her fingers to which a book shelf appeared then with a wave the books flew to the shelf in an organized manner.
"But Winky, I want to take them with," She left off as Winky gave a final wave which shrunk the book shelf and then flew into the trunk, leaving plenty of room for everything else.
"That's wonderful Winky. I wasn't sure where I'd keep all the books when I got to school. Now I can leave them all small and just enlarge them when I need them." Hermione gushed. "Thanks so much."
Winky bowed her head blushing at the praise. "Miss is too kind to Winky."
In Harry's room Dobby insisted on packing for Harry, and deep down Harry was thankful because Dobby did a much nicer job. "Dobby packed some extra owl treats for Harry Potter's owl." Dobby said.
"Oh, I've practically forgotten about Hedwig. Where is she anyway? I've barely seen her in well, I can't even remember when I saw her last." Harry questioned.
"Dobby was seeing her fly into the North Tower Sir." Dobby answered.
"Thanks Dobby."
Harry went to the fire place in his sitting room found the right place under the mantle and opened the passage. He entered the Tower Room and saw Hedwig standing in a nest on one of the lower beams. "Hello Hedwig." Harry said when he spotted her. "I'm sorry girl. I haven't meant to ignore you. Things just have been so different this summer. I guess I should have paid you more attention since for five summers of you being about the only one I had to talk to. I really am sorry. Where have you been this whole time?"
Hedwig gave a small hoot. "Right, well, I have some owl treats for you." Hedwig stretched her wings and flew down to Harry's shoulder cuffing him in the side of the head as she landed. Harry laughed. "I guess I deserve that."
Hedwig gave another hoot, and Harry was amazed when two very small owls flew down from the nest. They looked pretty young and hadn't been flying long. "So that's what you've been doing." Harry laughed as the small owls buzzed around his head. Harry gave Hedwig three treats and offered his arm to the small birds.
One tried to land, but couldn't get much of a grip on his bare arm. So Harry held out a finger to which the owl landed then with his other hand did the same for the other owl, before placing them both on his shoulder.
"Can we go show everyone that you're a mum now?" Harry asked looking at Hedwig. She hooted in a happy tone.
Harry took the owls down to the kitchen, because it was almost supper and that was the most likely place to find them. When he entered the kitchen everyone was there and began gushing about how cute the little owls were. One was snowy white, like Hedwig, and the other was more of a gray.
"Aren't they adorable?" Molly beamed.
"Absolutely precious." Petunia added.
"So, what are you going to do with three owls Harry?" Ron asked.
"I'm not sure. Keep them I guess. Of course, that's Hedwig's decision." After he spoke Hedwig flew off his shoulder and landed on Molly's. Harry immediately got what Hedwig was saying to him, although he wasn't sure how. "Do you want Molly to have one?" Harry asked Hedwig.
Hedwig hooted, and then she flew and landed on Petunia's shoulder, who jumped nervously.
"I think Hedwig made her decision. When they're old enough she wants you two to have one. I guess it's up to you to name them." Hedwig flew back to Harry's shoulder and hooted again, to which the young responded. One landed on Molly and the other landed on Petunia. The women were both pondering what to name them. Molly looked at the little gray owl sitting on her as she tried to wipe a spot from the tiny owl's chest.
"Oh dear, you have a spot." She said, but as she brushed the feathers she could tell they just grew darker in that spot. "I guess it's not, but that does seem like a good name. How about it Spot?" She asked. The little owl twittered happily.
"That only leaves you." Petunia said looking at her owl. The little owl took off and flew around the room at top speed a couple of times, before landing back on her shoulder. "Well, now you're white and you move quickly and can stop suddenly. That sounds like a blizzard to me. So, how about that?" She asked. Her owl hooted merrily like the first.
It was determined that Harry would take all three of them to school until the little ones were old enough and capable of flying over a distance. Then Hedwig, would bring them back home to stay.
Molly had made a wonderful supper to which they all complained of over eating, although conversation was quieter tonight then usual, as they all did not want the summer to end.
AN. I hope you enjoyed, and just as a reminder to stay tuned for part II. I just felt the need to split it up already having 24 chapters. So as always please send me your thoughts, opinions, requests, or evil glares. So please review.
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