On Your Mark

By Arlo

Chapter 11- Grimm-new Place

            Remus had left to make sure everything was ready for Harry at his new home, but not before having a 'discussion' with Petunia Dursley about the treatment of her nephew all these years. When Harry had knocked on her door to say good-bye and to wish Uncle Vernon luck (just to be polite), her eyes had been red and swollen and her face pale. She refused to talk about what was troubling her and Harry had felt a bit sorry for her. After all, her whole world was centered around normalcy, and this week had been anything but normal for her.

            "Are you okay, Aunt Petunia?" he asked her gently.

            "Yes," she sniffed.

            "I, er, hope Remus didn't upset you too much."

            "None of your concern. He didn't say anything that I hadn't already known."

            Harry wasn't sure whether to press her further, but decided to leave it there. "I'm leaving in the morning," he told her instead.

            "I know"

            "Okay, then goodbye. I hope everything turns out well for you."

            She nodded, "you too, Harry, you too." He could barely hear her. "I will be leaving very early, Vernon's surgery is at 9," she said a little louder.

            "Er, Aunt Petunia, if you need me to stay…"

            "No, we'll be fine. It's best if you are gone before Vernon comes home. Besides, Marge is coming back with me tonight. Yes, it's best you leave."

            Harry sighed and left the room. As he closed the door he thought he heard her say something like, "good luck, sweetheart," but was sure it was his imagination.

            He had just gone back to his room to make sure he was all packed, when Dudley appeared at his door a few minutes later. He was holding a nicely wrapped box and looked a bit self conscious as he handed it to his cousin. "Happy Birthday, Harry!"

            "Th...thanks," Harry said haltingly after the shock had worn off a bit. "You've never gotten me a present before. Thank you!"

            "No, and neither did mum and dad. That must have really buggered you. I used to think it was great that I was the only one who got presents. I think my record was thirty seven or something one year! I should have realized how greedy that was. I never even shared any with you! Gads, was I a real prat!!

            "It's okay Dudley, really. It did hurt, but I guess I just got used to it. I thought it a bit of a laugh actually, the way you would manipulate them into getting you more stuff! They're quite thick  aren't they? I'm glad you've seen the light. Some people never do!"

            "Yeah, like Dad," Dudley mumbled. "Hey you gonna open that?" he asked excitedly.

            "You sure it's not going to explode or anything?"

            "Course not! Didn't think of that-next time maybe!"

            Harry snorted, "next time?" He tore off the brightly colored balloon wrapping paper and folded it neatly, placing it on his desk. Dudley looked at him curiously. "Maybe I can use it for your gift, next year," Harry said shrugging, "yeah that's it!  I'll get you a nice racing broom, or maybe some wizard robes!" he laughed and his cousin joined in hesitantly. Harry slowly opened the box to reveal a pair of boxing gloves. Taking them out, he noticed that, like everything he had ever gotten from the Dursleys, they were slightly used. He raised his eyebrows at Dudley in question.      

            "They were Brian's," the bigger boy said softly, his eyes downcast.

            Harry was glad he hadn't made a snide remark, as the generosity of the gift suddenly hit him. "Are you sure?"

            Dudley nodded. "He used to spar with me sometimes. He was small and fast and goaded me to do better. Just like you."

            "Wow, thank you, Big D. This is really nice."

            "I figured  you needed all the help you could get fighting that Voldymart. There's a book too, so you can learn some moves."

            Sure enough, Harry pulled a brand new looking book from the box and flipped through it. It seemed to be a beginners guide to the noble sport and had some excellent illustrations of proper technique. "Thanks Dudley, I really appreciate it."

            Dudley smiled broadly, "bet those Death Eaters won't know what hit them!"

            "I certainly hope not!" Harry laughed. " I'm glad we got to know each other a bit, Dudley," Harry told his cousin.

            "So am I. Maybe next summer you could come to the gym with me and spar? Get you in better shape!"

            "I'd like that, really"     

            "I'll bet you're a formidable opponent- even without magic!" Dudley smiled as he emphasized the last word.

            Harry slept peacefully all night, waking when he heard Aunt Petunia in the shower. He got up and dressed and went to put coffee on for her. She didn't usually eat, but he decided to make toast anyway, knowing she would probably be at the hospital all day. She gratefully accepted both and sat down.

            "Thank you, Harry. I really do hope you have a good year. Believe it or not, I don't wish you ill."

            Harry smiled grimly, "thanks, the feeling's mutual."

            "Your mother would have been very proud of you, you know," she said out of the blue.

            "So I've been told."

            Petunia contemplated her nephew, but then just grabbed her purse and jacket and went to the door without saying anything more. Jake was picking her up on his way to work and Harry wanted to talk to the man. He followed his aunt outside and the car pulled up a few minutes later. Jake was disappointed that Harry was leaving early as they had a birthday surprise waiting for him, but he understood, never the less. Harry went back inside and cleaned up from breakfast, then went to bring his things down. Remus showed up about an hour later and Harry was ready and waiting. After making sure that his escort was really the werewolf, they walked to Mrs. Figg's, from where they would be traveling.

            "I didn't think you could floo into Headquarters," Harry remarked as Remus handed him some floo powder.

            "We aren't hiding from the Ministry any more, so we have more control over the system, in and out. Only Dumbledore and I know the code to open it, and there is someone waiting at the other end to make sure no one else tries to floo in while it is open," Remus explained.

            Harry landed in the sitting room on the ground floor, shaking soot from his hair and clothes. He never did like flooing, but it certainly was fast. He heard Remus behind him and scurried to get out of the way. Suddenly, something heavy hit his knees and he fell backwards, knocking the werewolf sideways and almost hitting his head on the hearth.

            "Harry Potter Sir! Harry Potter Sir! Welcome home!!" Dobby the house elf  cried from somewhere above him.

            "Dobby! What are you doing here? And don't scare me like that, okay?"

            "Dobby is sorry, Harry Potter Sir," the elf said hanging his head. "Dobby will go punish hisself, now" he said dejectedly and raised his arm to disappear.

            "No! Dobby, no,  I don't want you punished! I just want you to be more careful next time okay?" Harry told him. "Are you working here now?"

            "Harry Potter Sir is so good and kind and noble! Dobby is very happy to be working here for Professor Loopy. Dobby will do anything for Harry Potter Sir and Headmaster Dumbledore! Would sirs like breakfast? Winky would be happy to cook for sirs."

            "Winky is here too?" Harry asked.

            "Yes, Harry Potter Sir, Winky didn't get on too well with the other elves at Hogwarts. Well, Dobby either, but Winky still likes her Butterbeers and couldn't always do her work! So Dobby asked Professor Dumbledore if Winky could work here too."

            "That was very good of you Dobby." Remus told the elf, grinning. "I haven't had breakfast yet. How about you, Harry?"

            "I had some toast, but I guess I could eat again"

            "Good. Dobby will you tell Winky that we will be taking breakfast in the dining room in about one half an hour?"

            "Very good, Master Loopy, sir. Dobby will ask Winky to make all of Harry Potter Sirs favorite foods." The elf suddenly disappeared with a crack before Harry could tell him that he wasn't all that hungry.

            The young wizard looked around the grand parlor. The ground floor rooms had been sealed off last summer and were still being renovated at Christmas. The public room they were in was off the entry hall and apparently the Blacks had wanted to make a grand impression on their guests. The ornate fireplace mantle was carved with gargoyles and serpents in black marble. The marble extended down to the floor where it was now covered by a red and gold rug, embossed with a large phoenix in the middle. Fancy dark wood tables and throne like chairs were spread around the room in groupings of two or three. A large settee covered in red velvet sat under the front window. It did not seem to be a very comfortable space, however, and Harry wasn't expecting to be spending much time in there.

            Remus led Harry into the entry hall and up the stairs. The shrunken house elf heads were gratefully no longer mounted on the wall, but it was the silence that Harry found interesting. "Where's Sirius' mother?" he asked, referring to the portrait that had spewed insults at them all last summer.

            "Oh, she fell off the wall when… when the last of the Blacks…." Remus didn't need to finish. Apparently the permanent sticking charm that held the portrait to the wall wasn't as permanent as Sirius had thought. "The tapestry, too," he added. "Good thing Sirius didn't know about the charm breaking that way, he might have killed himself just to get them out of here!" the werewolf joked morosely. Neither of them really thought it funny and they made their way up the stairs in silence.

            Harry started to turn off at the second landing, but Remus shook his head and led him up further. "We moved your room. It's on the fourth floor now, next to ours.. mine," he corrected, as they made their way to the final landing and towards the front of the house. Opening the door to the room on the right side, Remus looked appraisingly at Harry, "I hope you like it. We, well Sirius mostly, put a lot of thought into it."

            Harry looked around the room in speechless shock. Deep gold walls were accented by crisp white moldings and dark red carpet. The drapes and duvet were red and gold stripes. Pillows in the shapes of Quidditch balls were tossed on the bed, which was identical to the one he had at Hogwarts, minus the heavy hangings. It was something else on the bed that caught his eye, and he went over to pick it up.

            "Sirius had given you an identical one when you were born, Harry, although I doubt you'd remember it. We looked all over for a duplicate, found him in a Muggle toy store." Remus told him as Harry sat on the bed, holding the stuffed black dog.

            "I solemnly swear I'm up to no good!" the dog said in Sirius' gravelly voice. Harry started, staring at the toy, which now barked in a very Padfoot like way.

Remus laughed, "You must have squeezed his paw! He says a few other things, too, by the way," he said watching Harry with trepidation. The young man seemed to be on the verge of either tears or laughter, Remus could not be sure. He could see the indecision on his face, finally Harry smiled, and Remus let out his breath.

"Wow, I've never had, I mean I don't remember ever having anything like this! He's kinda cute! Thanks. Ron once told me about his teddy bear that the twins turned into a spider, but I really didn't see the big deal at the time. I guess I didn't .. cause, I never…" The tears that had been under the surface finally came to Harry's eyes, and Remus sat down next to him on the bed.

"I understand, Harry. I know your childhood was kind of lacking. So was mine to be honest. Just get it out. You need to understand your emotions. It's really important, especially for you."

"Me?"

"You," Remus told him. "You already know you have empathy, that's feeling other people's emotions. But if you can't feel and understand your own, then you won't be able to make full use of that gift. It might even drive you a bit mad, actually. So getting in touch with your feelings  has got to be the first step toward controlling your power."

"What power?"

Remus sighed heavily. Harry could be really thick sometimes! "The power of emotions. The power that is inside everyone, even Muggles, to do things beyond their abilities in times of great stress. The power that caused those pictures of your aunt's to fly into your hand, and caused the vials in the hospital to explode. The power that has helped you get the better of Lord Voldemort several times already."

"You mean love?"

"That is certainly the strongest of them, yes. But the power that is kept behind locked doors at the Department of Mysteries is the whole range of human emotions. Love, hate, anger, happiness, pity, pleasure, pain. All of them."

"Emotions have power? And mine are more powerful than anyone else's? Why?"

"Because, Mr. Potter, you are an empath, and not just an average magical empath. You have the rare ability to be able to use those emotions to supplement your magic. You can focus and control that power for your benefit. Do you understand?"

"Yeah. Yes, I think so. So I can take the feelings that I get and use them in my magic?"

"Yes."

"And I can learn to control them?"

"Yes."

"And Voldemort can't"

"No. The only other person I know that can is Dumbledore. It is a rare gift, although there are probably others out there."

"So, this is rare?"

"Right."

"And Dumbledore knew I had it?"

"He suspected you did. Your mother also had the ability and generally, the focus point is the eyes. So since you have your mother's eyes, it was safe to assume…"

"That's why everyone comments on my eyes, then. Does everyone know about this except me?"

"No, actually very few people were aware of Lily's gift. We aren't even sure Voldemort knew. People comment on your eyes because they are such a beautiful color." Remus smiled warmly at the young man.

"Okay, But Dumbledore didn't tell me anything about this!" Harry pressed, getting angry at the headmaster once again.

"He most likely couldn't be certain until it started to manifest itself, Harry. Magic grows with the person and emotions are one of the last things to mature. In fact, they keep growing and evolving as you age. There are so many different factors in emotional growth, that is why they are so difficult to understand. What makes one person laugh and another cry in the same situation? Why do some people love so deeply and others not at all. It is certainly one of the mysteries of humanity." Remus shrugged, "ah, sweet mysteries of life!"

Harry finally understood. "Do you think I will be able to control them and become more powerful?"

"Empathic Focal Magic is one of the strongest of the magics, once you learn to properly use it."

"And if I can't?"

"You'll probably keep blowing things up left and right!" Remus grinned.

"Great, just great!"

"Relax Harry, I have every confidence that you will be able do this, and fairly easily, too. You have already shown great control of your emotions. I would have expected you to have blown up Snape long ago!"

Remus left and went downstairs. Harry checked out the attached bathroom with it's snitch shower curtain and Gryffindor towels. He closed the door to his room and went to eat. As he entered the dining room, he was surprised to see Kingsley and Dumbledore at the table with Remus.

"Good morning," The youngest man said, squinting from the bright sunlight streaming into the large window. "This is a really bright room!"

"Indeed," Dumbledore agreed. "It took a long time to get the bugs out, so to speak, but it has turned out to be quite a pleasant room, especially in the mornings. Well, Harry it's good to see you looking so well. I hope you found your room to be acceptable?"

"Yes, sir. It's great! Feels like home already!"

"Good, good. I am certainly happy to hear that. Ah, thank you Dobby," Dumbledore said as the elf brought in tea and food.

Everyone was quiet while they ate breakfast. Finally, Kingsley addressed Harry. "So, Mr. Potter, I understand that you ran quite a good defense class last term. I'm hoping you can give me a bit of advice."

Harry looked up at the now ex-auror and realized that he had meant the D.A. "Are you going to be the new Defense professor?" Kinsley Shacklebolt nodded. "Wicked! That's great! It's been awhile since we had someone who knows what they're doing!" Harry exclaimed, smiling toward Remus as he spoke.

"Yes, but I don't know how good a teacher I will be. I've never done it before. I'm more used to the action of the field."

"There's action at Hogwarts!" Harry told him. "Just hang around me for a while!" The professors all laughed, glad that the young hero could joke about his 'adventures'. "Besides you can't possibly be worse than last year's teacher!"

"I whole-heartedly agree," the Headmaster said. "I must apologize to the school at the feast. I believe that someone with practical experience is just what the students need this year. I am certain Professor Shacklebolt will do quite well! Of course, I am sure Mr. Potter will be happy to lend you some assistance." Dumbledore's eyes twinkled at Harry.

"Sure, I'd love to."

"Very good, then our first new Student Professorial Assistant has accepted the post!" Dumbledore exclaimed as Remus and Kingsley smiled knowingly.

"Wait a minute, sir. What's a Student Professorial Assistant? And I don't recall accepting anything!" Harry narrowed his eyes and looked curiously at the three professors.

Dumbledore  chuckled, "I won't hold you to it, Harry. I suppose it would be only fair for you to know the details before you make a decision!" Harry nodded. "It has been suggested at staff meetings for the last several years to go back to having students assist the professors with some of their work, as was the custom at Hogwarts until about fifty years ago. There was a decline in the student population at that time that made the position unnecessary. There was also a bit of  scandal involving cheating, but that's all in "Hogwarts A History", Dumbledore winked at Harry. "Perhaps Miss Granger could fill you in. Well, back to the explanation, then. After  the problems last year, and the complaints of some parents that the quality of  education at the school has been slipping these last few years, it has been decided to reinstate the position of Student Professorial Assistant, or SPA, to help the teachers devote more time to classes and less to grading homework and supervising detentions. So we will be promoting the most outstanding students to the SPA position in the subject in which they excel. Obviously, Mr. Potter you are the most qualified for the SPA position in DADA. There was a bit of a, er, disagreement over which subject Miss Granger was best suited for, but I believe that Professors McGonagall and Vector were able to come to an amicable agreement." This comment elicited laughter all around, and Harry could just picture the two witches fighting over Hermione! "Now," Dumbledore continued, "all of those selected will be informed of the honor when they are sent their booklists next week. So you will have plenty of time to review the requirements and decide, Harry."

"Okay, wow, this is quite an honor!" Harry responded, thinking it over. He wasn't sure whether he really could devote the time necessary and keep up with his other classes. 

"It is indeed an honor. I do have one other request for you to consider, Harry."

"What's that, sir?"

"This years fifth years are woefully behind in their studies for the Defense OWLs, and since you did so very well on your tests, and also with the DA, I would like for you to teach an OWL review course this year."

"Teach a course? Me?"

"I can think of no better qualified person. Either Professor Shacklebolt or Professor Lupin will be available to assist you, if necessary, but I am certain that you are more than capable of handling it on your own."

"Wow, thank you, sir. Can I think about it a little?"

"Of course. I understand you still have some open time in your schedule, and naturally, you will receive extra credits. You can give me your answer when you decide on the SPA position."

"Thank you, sir"

Dumbledore took his leave and Remus took Harry on a tour of the refurbished house. They went from the dining room to the adjoining library, and the teenager frowned.

"I suppose this isn't going to be your favorite room, hmm? More Hermione's style?" Remus questioned upon seeing the look on Harry's face.

"No, no, it's really nice! And… so many books!"

"It took us a while to get rid of the more dangerous ones. Almost got my hand bit off  a couple of times! Finally had to get some help from Madam Pince to sort them out. We gave her quite a few for the restricted section in appreciation."

Harry's frown turned upward a bit, as he turned to Lupin, "I really wanted to talk with Dumbledore about all this empathy stuff! But he left before I could mention it!"

"He'll be back," Remus told him, knowing the old man had purposely  distracted Harry's attention to give him a boost of confidence going into tonight. "So do you like the library?"

It was a beautifully appointed room with shelves filled with all sorts of books lining the walls. There was a marvelous old roll top desk with all kind of cubby holes in it on one side of the room. On the other was a long , narrow table, perfect for doing homework. Several comfortable over stuffed chairs sat by the fireplace and a leather sofa stretched the width of the room. It was Hermione paradise! "So, I wonder who won the battle for Hermione's services, McGonagall or Vector?" Harry asked, grinning.

"I wouldn't dare bet against McGonagall!" Remus said laughing. "Hermione's made quite an impression on everyone around here. You've made an excellent choice in friends, Harry!"

"Ron's a good friend, too!" Harry protested, defending  his mate.

"Absolutely. The Weasley's are all great people! Well, except for…" Remus said.

"Any news on Percy?" Harry asked as they went through the passageway connecting the library with the parlor where Harry had arrived.

"Actually, yes. Good news in fact. I completely forgot to tell you! I'm sorry." Remus told him. "Let's see, he sent a letter to his family and they are getting together for dinner soon. And the Minister received a letter of resignation from him yesterday."

"He quit his job?"

"Apparently so."

"But, where was he?"

"On holiday, supposedly. A long planned one at that. It seems the Minister 'forgot' that he had put in for the time off months ago. Probably figured he'd never actually take it!" Lupin explained.

"Well, that's good news! The Weasleys have been very upset about him."

"Yes, what he did to his family…" Remus sighed, shaking his head. "Come on upstairs, you haven't seen the infirmary yet!"

"Great. As long as I don't have to spend too much time in there!"

The tour continued up to the first floor with the Drawing Room that Harry had helped decontaminate with Sirius and the Weasleys last summer. Harry glanced at the wall above the mantle. The tapestry delineating the "Most Noble and Ancient House of Black"  was now replaced by only a bare, faded wall. "We need to find something to put up there," Remus told him.

            "How about a portrait of Sirius?" Harry asked.

            Remus laughed, "oh I can just imagine that! It's too bad he never sat for one! Maybe we can make a nice photo montage or something, though. That's a good idea, Harry."

            They went across the hall to the infirmary, which was positioned in the front right corner, two floors below Harry's room. It was set up with several hospital style beds, a large potions cabinet and a small desk. Adjoining it, on the far side of the fireplace, was a bath and then a bedroom, which could be used for more hospital space if needed. Right now it was Emmeline Vance's room, as she was the Orders chief healer. There was one more bedroom on the first floor and it was set up as a dormitory for Order members who needed to get some rest between missions. Upstairs, the rooms were more private. The room Harry and Ron had shared last year was now refurbished as a guest room, as were the other rooms on the second floor. The third floor bedrooms were all decorated in a more feminine style and Harry assumed that this was where Hermione, Ginny and Luna would stay. Tonks' room was just below Remus' on the front left. Kingsley's room was adjacent to Remus' and Ron and Neville's was adjacent to Harry's. Finally, Remus led Harry through a door between the two back bedrooms, one of which belonged to Mr. and Mrs. Weasley and the other to Dumbledore. There was an old and narrow staircase, the treads of which were uneven and worn, that led up to the attic. Harry, who was expecting a dark and dusty space was quite surprised by the light, airy room he saw.

            "When Dobby first came, he helped us clean this place up, you can imagine how bad it was! Anyway, he did such a great job we told him he could live up here. Naturally, he refused. But we did talk him into making a room for himself and Winky over there." Remus pointed to the front right corner, where there were partition walls and a small door. "I don't think he'll mind if I show you!"

            Harry laughed. It certainly looked like Dobby's room. The floor was covered in mismatched pieces of old rugs, the walls with assorted draperies and had painting and photographs hung at about knee height all around the room. Two small mattresses lay on the floor on one side, covered in pieces of threadbare blankets. On the other side there was a small, child size table and chairs and an old pot belly stove was connected to the flue. Finally, a small sofa sat under an oval window, strewn with dozens of throw pillows of all colors and patterns, all of which were knit in the same shape and stuffed with assorted rags. Harry could not stop laughing at the creative use which Dobby had found for Hermione's elf freedom hats! "Minerva told me about Hermione's hobby. I thought you would like it!" Remus told him.

            "It's definitely Dobby!" Harry agreed. 'And certainly much nicer than a nest under the boiler.' he thought to himself not really wanting to think about the Black's traitorous elf. "Remus, what happened to Kreacher?"

            "Erm, well, we found him dead when we returned after….after the Ministry"

            "He's Dead? Good!"

            "Yes, I must agree, saved me the trouble," Remus said bitterly. "I must admit I was certainly angry enough to have done it, too! Not that I'm proud of it, but…well, I'm sure you understand, Harry."

            "Definitely. I certainly didn't know if I would be able to control myself if I saw him!" Harry agreed angrily. He wondered, not for the first time, exactly what kind of 'persuasion' Dumbledore had used to get the nasty elf to tell him what he had done that night. 'He deserved whatever he got!' he thought, shaking his head.

            The two went back into Harry's room where Remus started to help him unpack. Harry was distracted by the portrait of a Seeker over the fireplace, zooming around inside the frame, obviously searching for the snitch. Harry saw the little ball before he did, but the player in the painting caught it with ease, anyway. He had just started checking out the many photographs of his family and friends that had been neatly placed on the mantle, when he heard Remus swear.

            "Ouch, bloody hell, what was that?" the werewolf put his red streaked finger in his mouth and looked into Harry's trunk. Harry's heart dropped as he realized what it was that Lupin had found. "Is this the mirror that..?" Remus started to ask, but then caught the young man's dejected look. "What happened?"

            Harry sank down into the chair in front of the fireplace, his head in his hands.

            "Harry?" Remus tilted his head and eyed him curiously. He then walked over next to Harry and knelt down beside him, waiting for an answer. When Harry finally spoke, his heart broke as he heard explanation for the shattered mirror.

            "…So you see, I never even opened it! It's all my fault! I could have talked to him! I could have used it to check on him! I would have known he was safe, that it was a trap!" the grief-stricken teenager sobbed.

            Tears in his own eyes kept Remus from looking at his young charge. Fate certainly could be cruel, very cruel, especially for both Harry and Sirius. "It's not your fault, Harry. I can see how you would feel that way, but we all made a lot of mistakes this year." Remus shook his head sadly, "Sirius didn't really explain what it was, we didn't ask you why you didn't use it when you called in the fire. We all should have make sure you were all right, with everything that was going on. I never did talk to Snape about your occulmency lessons, I should have gone up there to speak to you both. The thing now is to learn from all our mistakes. Pick up the pieces, so to speak" Lupin said, going over to the trunk, carefully picking out the shards of glass and putting them in a conjured envelope. "We need to make sure all of the pieces are here before we can repair it. Unless…" he wondered, as he handed a large shard of mirror to Harry and walked out of the room.

            Harry took it, not really seeing through his teary green eyes. He started when he heard  Lupin's voice coming from his hand. Looking closely he saw the werewolf's face in the mirror. "Hi, Remus. I guess it still works, then," he sniffed

            "Yes, it does," came a voice from right behind him as Remus walked back into the room. "We need to think about what we should do about this. It may be a case of 'the more the merrier', if you know what I mean!"

            "We could use the pieces so more people can communicate with each other!" Harry replied in understanding.

            "Exactly."

            Feeling a bit better after talking about Sirius' mirror, Harry finished unpacking his trunk, while Remus showed him some of the other features of the room. "Your broom goes here, Harry," the older man told him, taking his Firebolt and placing it gently on a set of  snitch shaped hooks on the wall. "And Hedwig's cage goes on the perch over here." Remus hung the owl cage on one branch of a tree like perch by the side window, complete with leaves and a patch of grass underneath. Harry knew Hedwig would be pleased when she returned from her annual run collecting his birthday gifts.

            "Now for the best part of the room, you have to look up!" Remus pointed smiling broadly. Harry gasped. The ceiling was blue with fluffy clouds drifting by, despite the fact that it was a dreary drizzly day. "It's not quite like the one in the Great Hall," Remus explained, "we do have our limitations! It only goes from day to night, and they are always the same. Of course it's always a sunny day in here and it's always a winter evening at night," Remus winked.

            "Sirius!"

            "Of course I'm serious, you don't think Padfoot would have made it a spring night do you?" They both laughed.

            "I can't wait to see it!"

            "Oh, you can't miss it! Naturally, the Dog Star is always positioned right above the bed. He wanted to made sure you knew he was always watching over you," Remus added, his voice cracking slightly.

            The rest of the day flew by. Kingsley spent most of the day in the library, preparing for his new job, and Harry and Remus joined him later to help plan his lessons. Harry was  sure the ex-auror would make an excellent teacher by the questions he was asking and the amount of work he was putting into it. It made Harry a little jealous and he started thinking more about Dumbledore's offers.

            Dinner was  a delicious roast chicken and mashed potatoes, although Harry thought the potatoes had a slight taste of butter beer, they were good anyway. Tonks had joined them and she kept the mood light by changing into various famous actresses and singers for Harry's amusement, although it was Remus who asked one of the Weird Sisters out. Harry returned to his room after dinner, followed by Lupin and they discussed the plan of action for the night, hoping that Voldemort stayed quiet. The young hero wanted to make sure the Order members stayed out of sight so that Voldemort couldn't get any information out of Harry's mind. Remus agreed to remain invisibly cloaked, but promised to interfere if Harry seemed to be in any danger, or if Voldemort tried to completely possess the young man, as he did at the Ministry.

            Harry got comfortable and ready for bed. He read his bible awhile, scanning over his favorite inspirational passages to get in the proper frame of mind. The stars glowed on the ceiling, with the brightest one, Sirius, directly over his head. He was glad  he knew his Godfather would be watching over him tonight, wherever he now was. He finally fell into a fitful sleep, only to be forced awake shortly after midnight by a burst of pain in his scar. The battle had begun.

A/N  Whew! Long chapter! My decorating muse insisted on putting in its two knuts, and the descriptions got a bit long, but we are all satisfied with the outcome. I hope to post the next one before taking a holiday to give my typing fingers a rest-both of them! Well, ok I sometimes use four or five! Happy reading!