I have had so much inspiration for this fic. You know what I did
yesterday??? I grabbed my Latin dictionary and started to make up spells
and hexes and stuff. (I finally found a use for that dictionary) You'll
find out about some soon enough. I hope you like this chapter as well.
My thank-you notes will be at the bottom of the chapter once again.
DISCLAIMER: Not mine though I wish it was.
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The two following days after the trip to Diagon Alley were very relaxed. During the day Harry, Remus, Tonks and Hermione hung out together.
They played chess, exploding snap and, to Harry and Hermione's surprise, Remus knew how to play poker as well. So a deck of cards was conjured up and they often got caught up in games that lasted hours.
Together the four would cook dinner and the members of the order barged in whenever they wanted. Since the first night Harry had stayed with Remus in his room; Tonks still roomed with Hermione.
Harry had been observing the behavior of Tonks and had come to his final decision. Tonks had a huge crush on Remus!
Not one to ignore teasing material, Harry teased Remus endlessly with this information; something Remus didn't like at all.
On the afternoon of the third day the foursome could be found in the kitchen where Remus was recounting some of the adventures of the Marauders.
He was in the middle of the description on how Sirius had been stupid enough to fall in a trap he himself had prepared, when the Weasley's came in.
Now Remus was of the forgiving kind so he immediately greeted them and went to prepare a cup of tea for the others as well. Seeing his example Harry decided that making an effort on his end to be nice wouldn't kill him.
So he smiled at Ron and asked. "How did things go with Percy? Did he apologize for being a git to you all?"
Ron only glared at Harry and turned his back towards him while discussing things with Hermione in a loud voice. Hermione looked very torn up between her two friends but listened to Ron's story nonetheless.
Feeling the, now common, anger flare up inside him Harry made his way upstairs and started to move his trunk and books to Remus's room.
He knew for sure that things with Ron would come to blows if he stayed in that room. Avoiding the lower part of the mansion Harry got caught up in 'Total Defense' once again.
More than once was this book the topic of discussion between the four and Harry was very anxious to go to Hogwarts so he could test the theory of the spells he had been reading. They seemed very interesting.
He was so wrapped up in his reading that he didn't hear Remus approach until the man tapped him on the shoulder. "It's time for dinner Harry." He said and then he left again, not even mentioning the relocation of Harry's belongings.
This was what Harry valued most about Remus. The man could accept things like they were and he wouldn't comment on things he considered private.
Trudging downstairs Harry plopped in a chair next to Mundungus Fletcher who was just recounting the event which caused him to kicked out of Hog's Head to the twins.
Harry was very bothered with Ron's behavior and whenever he looked at his 'friend' he would receive an icy glare. His stomach clenched, he didn't want to have another situation like the time before the First Task in their fourth year.
Mrs. Weasley was shooting concerned glances towards him when she noticed he wasn't eating but Harry was too lost in though to notice them at all.
'I know Ron has a reason to be angry with me, but he could try to look at it from my side. It's not as if I ask to be fussed about or famous or anything.' Harry thought.
He was playing with his food when Remus's voice broke his thoughts. Actually Remus only said one word but it was enough. "Harry." He said, but it wasn't as much as the word but the tone behind it.
Harry looked up from his plate and saw Remus gaze at him, understanding what the man was trying to say to him Harry rolled his eyes and started to eat.
This quiet communication didn't go unnoticed but no comment was made about it. They all listened to Mr. Weasley as he told about their conversation with Percy.
"Even though he now has proof that You-Know-Who is back, now even Fudge can't deny it, he still thinks it was fool-hardy of us to join Dumbledore."
Fred or George, Harry couldn't tell, mimicked his brother. "The ministry will deal with this, Dumbledore shouldn't even try and mix with this battle, he has a school to handle. Besides, we couldn't just believe the story of a raving fourteen-year-old could we?" The twin spoke normally again. "Sorry about that Harry."
Harry shrugged. "I'm used to it by now. I've been aware of the wizarding world for five years and the opinion about me has changed so often I don't keep track with it any more."
He counted off on his fingers. "First year I was the hero of the world, second year I was the so-called heir of Slytherin so I was evil. Then in my third year people went out of their way to protect me because I was hunted by a murdering madman. Now my fourth year I was first the scum of Hogwarts trying to steal glory and later I was hailed as a Hogwarts champion, when last year I was deemed an attention-seeking lunatic. Trust me I don't care what anyone has to say about me anymore."
The kitchen was silent until Remus spoke. "Heir of Slytherin? I never heard that one."
Harry rolled his eyes. "It was all rubbish. Just because I'm a parselmouth people feared me. I mean, come on, I was a shrimpy twelve-year-old what in the world could I have done to them?"
"As a twelve-year-old you did save my life AND killed a Basilisk Harry, don't underestimate yourself like that!" Ginny exclaimed.
At this remark people on the table started to talk all at the same time. Remarks like: "A Basilisk? But those are deadly!", "At twelve years old?" and Mrs. Weasley yelled "WHAT?!?!?!?" (She never was told the full story)
Harry groaned and buried his head in his arms. "You just had to say that didn't you Ginny, you just had to bring that particular detail up."
Ginny shot him a mischievous look. "What did I do? I merely said something that was fully true and you know it."
"I almost didn't make it remember? Without Fawks I would be a very dead Potter right now. He blinded and wounded the Basilisk so I could kill it and when I was dying from the poison he healed me. It was just a stupid and risky adventure, but I do seem to have a knack for those."
Hermione had a gleam in her eye when she joined the conversation. "Remember how in our first year you and Ron rescued me from that troll? Or how we passed those tests to protect the Philosophers Stone?"
"Yeah that was one wicked chess game." Ron interjected. "What I remember was how Harry and I were trapped in the Devil's Snare and you were like. . . oh fire, but I don't have matches. . . and then I yelled at you. . . "
"HAVE YOU GONE MAD, ARE YOU A WITCH OR NOT" Harry added and he and Ron chuckled, the anger between them temporarily forgotten.
"Now what I admired most that day was how she solved Snape's riddle. It's a pity you weren't there to watch it Ron. She was mumbling and pointing and clucking her tongue like mad.
Hermione interrupted. "I did no such thing. I do not mutter or cluck my tongue."
"So you didn't go all crazy when you found out that Rita Skeeter was spying on us. You were all broody until you finally figured out she was an illegal Animagus." Ron joked.
Harry decided to tease her a little as well. "Or like the way you acted when we were trying to find a way on how to get Malfoy to confess that HE was the heir of Slytherin, not me."
Ron grimaced. "Ugh, I can still taste that horrible Polyjuice potion we brewed. That was some nasty stuff I never want to taste again and. . . whoops."
The other occupants of the room had been following their conversation closely. Snapping their necks to whoever was talking as if it were a tennis match.
At Ron's last statement the already fuming Mrs. Weasley exploded. "You did WHAT? What were you three thinking? That's a sixth year subject, what if it had gone wrong?"
"Hermione brewed it mostly mum, you know how brilliant she is. Besides, we survived didn't we" Ron tried to smooth things over.
None of the trio had the urge to talk about how Hermione had accidentally turned herself in a cat. The rest of the room was still in shock at the adventures the trio had gone through already.
Seeing that Ron's statement didn't help Hermione tried to diffuse the highly explosive situation. : If it makes you feel any better Mrs. Weasley, I did know what I was doing. I studied very long and hard on how to brew it and what ingredients were required."
Mrs. Weasley huffed and started to get ready for another round of yelling and scolding when she was interrupted by the entrance of none other than Albus Dumbledore.
I'm very sorry to interrupt but I believe it is time we have an emergency meeting right this moment, it is quite urgent."
While Mrs. Weasley started to usher the 'children' out of the kitchen Harry turned to Professor Dumbledore. "Professor, I was wondering if I could stay and sit in on the meeting."
Dumbledore shook his head. "The meeting is for members of the order only Harry. I am very sorry but you'll have to leave."
"Then make me a member of the order as well!" Harry nearly shouted. He was tired of being left out and he said so.
"I'm sick of finding out everything out on my own. We saw this year what it could lead to. If I had known about the prophecy in the first place things might have gone differently. I'm supposed to kill him Professor, how can I do that while I'm not aware of what he's doing?"
The kitchen had fallen silent once again and even Mrs. Weasley had stopped trying to make the children leave the room. All were awaiting Dumbledore's reply.
"It is true that you need to be aware of Voldemort's actions but I do not want to burden you too soon with information or tasks you are not ready for."
"I'm the reason he has been resurrected at all Professor and just a few months ago I watched as my Godfather was murdered in front of my eyes. Something tells me that things can't get a lot worse than that."
At the statement Dumbledore closed his eyes and rubbed his forehead, as if trying to get rid of a headache. "Very well Harry, you may become a member of the Order and sit in on meetings. I have a few conditions though."
"First I must ask you not to reveal any information you hear in meetings to anyone, not even to your friends." When Ron opened his mouth Dumbledore raised his hand to silence him. "And no Mr. Weasley, I will not allow you to join the order. I am making an exception here."
Ron grew read and Dumbledore continued. "You will not go on missions until you are of age. You will have to do some extra studying with certain members of the order and, even though I know you dislike it. You will have to take up studying Occlumency with Professor Snape again."
Harry didn't have to think about it long. "I agree with your terms Professor, it's not as if they are unreasonable."
The room had seemingly come to life again when Mrs. Weasley marched her children and Hermione upstairs, all were protesting loudly. Harry felt bad for them but knew he would keep his promise to Professor Dumbledore.
When Mrs. Weasley returned Dumbledore turned to Harry, who was still standing. "Now the procedure of initiation in the Order is simple. All you have to do is place your hand on this stone." Dumbledore produced a red gem from his pocket. "And swear your allegiance to our cause."
Harry nodded and put his hand on the stone while Dumbledore held on to it. He had no idea what he had to swear so he just said what came up in his mind.
"I, Harry Potter, swear that I will do everything in my power to bring down Voldemort and will do everything to help the order. I'll never betray any of you in any way at all and will abide the conditions that have been set." He looked at Dumbledore. "Is that ok?"
"That is quite all right Harry, as long as it comes from the heart it is fine. Now take a seat, we have many things to discuss."
Dumbledore took out his wand and muttered a spell under his breath. "I do not want to take any chances with this information and it is imperative that this remains among ourselves."
Everyone nodded his agreement and Harry, who had taken a seat next to Remus was very interested on what was so important.
"Valuable sources have informed me that there might be an attack on the school train on September 1st. Now I won't have to tell you that if word ever would come out about this it would create chaos, therefor the security."
Moody was the first to comment. "What kind of attack are we talking about and how trustworthy is the source of this information?"
"I assure you my source can be trusted. As of what the attack would be, I am not sure, yet. But the reason is of course very simple. Voldemort wants to spread chaos again. I however do not believe he will attack with his full force."
"I will start making preparations for aurors surrounding the platform and escorts on the train. We will make sure the children will not be harmed on their way to Hogwarts." Shacklebolt said and Moody nodded.
"You and I will have a lot of things to discuss after this meeting Kingsley." Moody said. "I may be retired but I am still an auror."
Harry asked something that had been on his mind for a while. "Does Voldemort have any other allies besides the vampires, giants and dementors?"
When he saw the confusion amongst the adults on how he knew this he grinned a little. "Did you really think that I would go and find some potions for Professor Snape like a good boy? Hermione and I listened in of course, what else did you expect?"
Remus chuckled softly, he had expected this from Harry and the others who had been there had the decency to look at least a little sheepish.
"We have information that Voldemort has approached the goblins, but as of yet they will not turn against us thanks to the efforts of Mr. Weasley over here." Dumbledore nodded towards Bill. "Hagrid has spoken with Aragog and managed to convince him that the spiders should not side with Voldemort."
Harry shuddered as he recalled his meeting with the giant spider and was happy that they wouldn't have to go against them again.
"Voldemort is still in a discussion with other creatures, but nothing is for sure about them." Dumbledore ended the meeting when the clock struck twelve.
"I believe it is best we will continue this discussion another time. Alastor, Kingsley, when you have finished your discussion on how to protect my students please come and see me. Bill, continue your work with the goblins and tell Charlie that time for his mission is running short when you see him. The rest of you I will see in two days at our next meeting."
People started to leave the room and Harry stood up when Remus did but then Dumbledore called Remus back. Harry shrugged and went up on his own.
When he reached the top of the stairs a cold voice greeted him. "So how does it feel to be the only minor in the Order of the Phoenix? Makes you feel tough doesn't it?"
Harry sighed as he turned to face Ron who had been sitting on a chair in a dark corner. "I don't want to fight with you Ron, not anymore."
"Well maybe I want to fight with you. You've got it now don't you? A member of the order, being the exception of the rule once again. I bet that if you weren't the ruddy Boy-Who-Lived it wouldn't even be considered to let you join. Fun isn't it, using your fame for what you want."
His voice became louder with every word he said and by the time he had finished Hermione, Ginny and the twins were observing them from the doorways of their rooms.
Harry felt his blood start to boil and let all his frustrations out. "DO YOU THINK I WANT THIS? I'D RATHER HAVE MY PARENTS AND SIRIUS BACK THAN BE THE BLOODY BOY-WHO-LIVED! SOMETIMES I WISH VOLDEMORT CHOSE NEVILLE INSTEAD OF ME BUT HE DIDN'T SO NOW I'M STUCK WITH HAVING TO KILL HIM."
He calmed just a tad so he no longer was roaring but still nearly yelling. "Do you have any idea what it's like to have your destiny written out by some prophecy? I want to be an auror, I want to fight for the rights of werewolves and fall in love and all that. But the fact remains that all I can say about the future is that I want to live." He now nearly whispered. "I just want to live."
Not feeling like staying there any longer Harry ran up the stairs to the attic where Buckbeak still was and plopped on the floor after the Hippogriff let him enter.
He was still shaking and his throat felt like raw parchment from his yelling. He thought back on all his adventures and realized he had been awfully calm about everything until last year. He'd been through so much already it was no wonder his temper was flaring so often.
Buckbeak somehow felt his mood and lay down next to him, resting his huge eagle-head on Harry's lap. Automatically Harry began to stroke it and he felt some f his anger disappear as he did this.
"Now I know why Sirius came up here so often Buckbeak, you're great company." The Hippogriff looked at him with understanding eyes and Harry felt as if the creature knew exactly what he was thinking.
He stayed there for almost an hour when Remus stepped into the room. Buckbeak became alert at once and looked Remus in the eye for a very long time before bowing for him. Remus knew his COMC so he bowed back before he plopped next to Harry.
"So I heard your fight with Ron." He said and Harry chuckled mirthlessly while he kept his eyes trained on the ground.
"I bet it was rather hard to miss with me yelling so loud. Besides you have an advantage." Harry tapped his ears as he hinted about Remus's advanced hearing.
"Being a werewolf does have its purposes, if you look beyond the turning into a monster thing once a month. How many times we avoided detention because I heard Filch approach, it's uncanny."
Harry turned his head to look at Remus. "Sometimes Ron can be so shallow, you know, about money and fame. He doesn't even know that I envy him, that I'd give up everything only to have my mum and dad and things to be simple."
"The grass is always greener on the other side." Remus said. "That's something my gran always said to me. A wise witch that one was. She was the only one I could talk to about being a werewolf, my parents loved me I have no doubt. But I always knew they feared what I was."
"Who" Harry corrected. "Who you are, not what."
Remus sighed. "To you maybe, and to some others but to most I am and always will be a what. But that isn't what I was going to say. You always manage to make me drift on a subject."
"Where was I, right with my gran. She always took care of my after the full moon until I went to Hogwarts and whenever I would fall into self-pity she'd tell me that I was perfect the way I was and that one day I would accept my werewolf side."
"She seems like a nice lady." Harry commented.
Remus nodded. "She was just that, the nicest woman one could find. She died shortly after I finished my fifth year. She was the only one whom I told about my friends becoming animagi for me and she was very happy for me that I had friends who accepted me and hoped they would help me accept myself."
"I already accepted that I'm the Boy-Who-Lived and that I have to kill someone, even if he's a monster who enjoys torturing other beings. It's just that I get so angry when people accuse me of using my fame to get stuff or do stuff."
Remus ruffled Harry's already messy hair. "You're a great kid Harry, you're a lot like s actually, like the Marauders before we were corrupted by the dark outside of the protective walls of Hogwarts."
"I am?"
"You have James's nobility and Sirius's loyalty, Peter's shyness and, unfortunately, you seem to have my tendency to mull over things too much. You have Lily's kindness though and her sense of what's right and wrong."
Harry was confused. "Hoe can I be like you guys when I only knew you for a year before everything fell apart."
"I'm not saying you're like us. I'm just saying that some of your characteristics match with ours. You're Harry Potter, not the celebrity but you're you. As long as you keep that in mind and choose your own path, all will be fine."
Knowing Remus was right Harry nodded as they walked into their room. "Just one thing, from who did I get that temper?"
Remus laughed. "I am sorry to say that you seem to have a combination of us all. James was hard to anger but once he was mad you'd better stay clear of him. Sirius was easily angered but he also forgave very easily, Lily was the same, a true redhead she was. I think you have some of my control, though I have more practice."
"I never did figure out how you could be so pleasant towards Snape in our third year. He kept on goading you and you never did a thing."
"I don't know if the hole in the wall where I punched it agrees with you. It is all right to be angry Harry, anger is a strong and powerful emotion. You just can't let the anger control you."
Harry though about this before he stepped in his bed and said goodnight. He fell asleep almost immediately after all the stress from that day caught up to him.
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When Harry woke up the following morning he found Remus's bed empty and he could smell breakfast being readied. So he got up and walked into the kitchen.
The atmosphere was tense as Ron kept shooting dark looks at him and the others (the Weasley's, Hermione and Remus) were uneasy about this.
Harry could feel his anger come up again but suppressed it, he was done with letting his temper get the best of him. He grabbed a plate and piled some food on it and turned to walk upstairs again until he faced Ron.
"You know Ron, you're a great prat. I thought that you of all people should know my life is far from perfect but hey, why would that occur to you? So you aren't rich or famous, get over yourself, there are more important things in the world."
Then he left and he felt proud that he had been calm during the entire speech. He nearly devoured his breakfast and picked up a book he had picked up, but hadn't shown to either Remus or Hermione. It was a book on animagi and how to complete the process.
His fascination with animagi had started after the first time McGonnagall transformed in class and it had reached its peak when he found out that both his father and his godfather were animagi as well.
Harry felt that this was something important he should do because it helped Sirius survive on so many occasions. He also thought this would be a good idea as to surprise Voldemort.
Soon he put the book away since it was written in such a complicated form of English until he smacked his head. The Marauder Chronicles! The process was in there step by step, what an idiot he'd been.
He grabbed the book from his trunk and leafed to the part on animagus transformations. The reason why it took the three boys, Harry had to give Peter some credit since he pulled the hard task off as well, three years was because they had to decipher the difficult texts and because they had to sneak into the restricted section of the library to get information.
Here in his hands he had an easily written and step by step process on what to do to become one. It seemed that he first had to brew some kind of potion that would reflect what kind of animal he would become.
Harry frowned, there was no way he could brew this at here, Remus would pick the smell up at once, no he would have to brew it in peace at Hogwarts.
The brewing process would only take a week and the recipe was hard but not impossible. Sirius had left clear instruction in the book that Harry could follow to the letter.
He nodded to himself, he'd do this on his own. He put the book away and grabbed a quill. He had remembered that he had to write to either Ernie or Hannah about the DA.
Finally he decided too write to Ernie, since he just felt more comfortable about writing to a boy than to a girl. Maybe it was a weird feeling but it was just the way it was. He bit on his quill and started to write.
'Ernie,
I know you must be wondering who sent you this letter since I never wrote to you before so I'll just tell you that it's me, Harry Potter.
The reason for me writing to you is actually very simple. I ran into Terry the other day and he asked me if I was going to continue with the DA. I said I'm up for it but didn't know who would want to continue.
So here's the thing. Terry will ask the Ravenclaws and I will ask the Gryffindors. If you would be so kind to ask the members of your house who were in the DA last year if they want to continue and then meet us at 19:00 September 2nd in the usual spot. We'll take it from there.
Oh, please keep it quiet again. I don't want word to leak out to the professors or the headmaster. Have a nice vacation and see you around.
Harry'
He was happy with how the letter turned out and called Hedwig, who had been dozing in her cage to him. "I have a letter for you girl, it's for Ernie MacMillan and I don't know where he lives, but I'm sure you'll be able to find him."
Then Harry remembered the letters for Luna and Neville that he'd written earlier that week. In those letters he asked them not to send him any more post because he was in a safe house and that he would see them September 1st.
After attaching the letters to Hedwig Harry walked to the window to let her out. He watched her until she was only a tiny dot in the sky and then turned again.
He stretched and yawned and was about to pick up a book when there was a knock on the door. He opened it and to his surprise the twins were outside. Not knowing what they were doing there he invited them in and they all took a seat.
"What's up guys?" Harry finally asked. "You here to yell at me for being in the order as well?"
"Nah, that's not like us. We're not here because of the order or anything You-Know-Who related. We wanted to talk to you about your investment."
"Investment?" Harry echoed.
"Yeah, you may have forgotten it but we sure didn't. Without you, Weasleys' Wizarding Wheezes wouldn't be here today and this is something we haven't even thanked you for." Said Fred, or George.
George, or Fred picked up where his twin left off. "We now have so much money to handle that we decided to hire someone to do the bookings and he drafted this contract for us." He handed Harry an official looking parchment which he read at once.
His eyes flew over the lines and he became more and more flustered per sentence. When he finished he sighed. "You guys don't have to do this, I really did mean it when I said I'd need the laughs."
"We know, but we don't want to take advantage of you. We do have our Weasley pride you know. No just pick up that quill of yours and sign on that dotted line there."
Knowing the two wouldn't leave him until he did Harry put his signature at the empty spot and handed the parchment back to them.
"You are now officially a partner of WWW and every month your portion will be deposited in your vault, it's all in the contract you know. We'll have Lane, that's our bookkeeper's name, send you a rapport on what we're doing once a month as well."
"Stop bothering him with the boring details George and get on with the more exciting stuff." Fred exclaimed.
"Ah yes brother-mine, I was just getting there. We'll send you samples of our newest projects and if you ever have a good pranking idea, just let us know."
Harry was a bit speechless but then he got an idea and grabbed The Marauder Chronicles. The twin's eyes widened as they saw the title but Harry didn't notice as he began to babble.
"I have an idea, well it's not exactly mine but it is really amusing. It's in here somehow, now where is it, oh here I found it. See this is a prank I'd like to see for real."
The twins started to read and they got this gleam in their eyes that usually told people to run for their lives. "This Harry, is brilliant. Where did you get this book, the Marauders are our heroes you know?"
"Remus gave it to me." Harry said.
"Lupin? What was he doing with the Marauder Chronicles?"
Harry grinned. "Well he is a Marauder after all so why wouldn't he have it?" His grin turned into a laugh when the twins nearly started to hyperventilate.
"Lupin's a Marauder. . . . of course he's Moony, because of the werewolf thing and all. Merlin, we had a Marauder as a Professor and we didn't even know Fred." George said to his brother.
"Wait a minute, I have a revelation. . . Sirius! Sirius was a Marauder as well wasn't he, Padfoot right?" Then he abruptly closed his mouth, kicking himself for mentioning Harry's godfather.
"It's all right Fred, you can still talk about him you know. And yes you're right, he was Padfoot. Actually my dad was Prongs."
"Then who was Worm. . . oh, Pettigrew. Ron told us that Pettigrew was an animagus and a rat. I can't believe we were thick enough not to make the connection to the Marauders."
"But the prank, do you think you could reproduce it in a large scale?" Harry asked.
The twins looked at each other and nodded. "This will be a blast, could we borrow the book for a few months, we could learn a lot from our masters."
"Sorry but no, this book is one of the few things I have from my dad so. . . " Harry trailed off and hoped they didn't catch his little lie. He didn't want to give away his secret.
But the twins seemed to understand. "That's all right Harry, we'll just copy this page later. Now come on lunch is ready."
"It's quiet in the house, where is everybody?" Harry asked.
"Ah mum went out with Ron, Ginny and Hermione. Grocery shopping I believe." A twin answered.
The three made their way down and entered the kitchen. As soon as they saw Remus, who was the only one there at the moment, the twins fell on their knees before Remus.
"Hail Master Moony. It is such an honor. . . " said Fred.
". . . and a pleasure to be in the company of your brilliance." George continued.
"Without the guidance of your masterpiece we would never have achieved our level of pranksters and for this we thank you." They ended together.
Harry couldn't help it but he burst out in laughter, not only from the way the twins were acting but also from the look on Remus's face; utter shock.
Fred and George got up and grinned widely and Remus laughed as well. "Now Master Moony, we have something to ask of you so if you would please follow us."
Then they grabbed Remus and marched him upstairs. Harry shook his head as he witnessed this. "Poor Remus" he muttered "He doesn't know what he's in for."
He grabbed a sandwich and went to his room again, head filled with an idea he had gotten from the twins when they said the word investment. He still had to go through his Gringotts parcel.
The box Griphook had prepared for him was huge but when he opened it he saw it was very organized. The papers were all color-coded and Harry started at the beginning.
When Remus came to check on him hours later he found Harry immersed in his papers and saw that he was scribbling things on a parchment as he read the paper.
"What are you doing?" He finally asked. "I thought you finished your schoolwork already."
"I did." Harry said and then he looked at Remus. "Did you know that I'm a partial owner of a broom-manufacturer, a butterbeer factory, a gold-mine and more things. As it turns out, I have a larger fortune than I once considered." He was quite flabbergasted about what he'd just found out.
"Ah, the money business. This always managed to bring your father down you know, most of those investments were done by his father and he just left it like that. Why your sudden interest in investments?"
"I just became one for WWW, Fred and George didn't want to take no for an answer. How did your meeting with them go? I wondered if they'd ever release you again.
Remus playfully punched Harry's arm. "So it's all your fault they rounded on me, demanding to know every prank and secret."
"It was that painful?"
"Actually no. They just asked my permission for an invention they wanted to produce and I must say that it was very familiar. Do you have to say something for yourself Mr. Potter?"
"Ehm, they asked me if I had any ideas and that was my favorite prank."
Remus then winked at him. "I'm sure that Dobby will help you if you want to play that particular prank, I'm sure it'll be very amusing to see once again. Make sure Mr. Creevey takes a picture and owl it to me."
"Are you telling me to create havoc Mr. Lupin?" Harry asked while he was grinning.
"Why Mr. Potter, it seems I am doing just that." Remus answered and then the two started to plot a few pranks. Some that would be able to rival those of the twins.
"Look out Hogwarts, the Marauder is on the prowl again." Harry said and instantly wished he hadn't since Remus's face fell. "What's wrong Remus?"
Remus sighed. "Nothing, it's just I'm the only one left. The last Marauder."
"No you're not. Fred and George are Marauders at heart and I'm a Marauder in training. And there are students who are trying to live up to the master- prankers. The Marauders may have left Hogwarts, but the Marauder spirit is still there."
Then he was sprayed with icy water and when he looked up at Remus he saw that the man had a grin on his face.
"I'm sorry Harry did I get you wet?" he asked before spraying him with water from his wand once again.
Harry dripped with water and he jumped at Remus. "I'm going to get you for that Remus, just you wait. Why can't I use magic yet? Aha!"
He ran away and Remus followed him while he kept on hitting him with water. Then Harry grabbed a bucket that had been filled with water and dumped the content over Remus.
The werewolf was now also dripping wet and he growled. "This means war." He said and he grabbed a pillow and threw it at Harry who caught it and hit Remus back.
Soon the two were running through the house causing mayhem and making a mess until they finally ended up in the kitchen where Harry grabbed a bag of flour and threw it at Remus.
He hit his target and Remus now had white hair and a pale face. Harry couldn't help but laugh as he saw his expression, but he the eggs flying in his direction to late and his shirt was now sticky.
Just when Harry was about to reach for the Coca Cola (Hermione had brought it with her from the muggle world) Mrs. Weasley walked in with Ron, Hermione, Ginny and Tonks on her heels.
For once in her life Mrs. Weasley didn't know what to say and she stood there gaping like a goldfish, which was quite amusing.
Ginny started to giggle and Harry noticed that Tonks couldn't keep her eyes off of Remus. His shirt clung to his chest because it was wet and his hair was all spiked up from the flour.
Remus must have noticed this as well because he started to back away. "Now Molly, before you explode, at least give me a chance to run."
This set her off. "What were you doing, look at my kitchen!!! What a mess. . . " But Harry and Remus had fled from the kitchen and she was yelling at nothing but thin air.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
A/N: Ooof, that chapter is out. I hope you guys liked it cause I may have rushed things a little. I think I'll have the departure for Hogwarts next chapter, this will get a little boring otherwise. Let me know what you guys thought about it ok. Leitheindel: Kittens are cute aren't they? You'll have to wait for Potector a few more days, I have a hard time thinking of adventures.
Icedragon925: I'm not sure about the romance yet and I'm sorry to disappoint you but I don't think Harry will get together with Ginny. JKR said so somewhere I think.
Silvermoon12: Thanks for the compliment, I hope you liked this chapter.
Samantha: Aaaaah, I love the name Samantha, if I ever have a daughter I'm going to name her that!!! Now with my silliness aside, thanks for the review!
Butterfly284z7: I hope you didn't have to wait too long and that you like this chapter.
Kimmaree: oooh, Happy birthday, did you get lots of presents??? Happy you liked last chapter, hope you enjoyed this one as well.
Yoshi-fan2003: You think so? Thanks!
Laerwen: I did have fun writing but now I'm exhausted. I'm happy you liked last chapter and hope you will like this one as well.
Aquitaineq: I'm happy you think Remus isn't out of character and that you like the bond between the two growing. Hope you liked this chapter.
Wendy: I know this isn't great but I'm not perfect. Harry is acting as a kid cause he is one after all, but I hope you are seeing him maturing as the fic continues.
Sharahzad: I hope it was just as interesting as you hoped it would be. Let me know what you thought about it.
Arwen-evenstar2: Happy you liked it, I didn't want to put an OC in cause I wanted a challenge, happy you understand and like.
Heather: I love ramblings ;) And I'm happy you liked my chapters. Percy apologizing to Harry??? I don't see tht happening anytime soon.
Padfoot the mst king: Wow, thanks for the offer, I might take you up on it. I'll check the link later but I have to go to work like in 20 minutes so I have to hurry.
Serpent of Light: Thanks, happy you liked it.
B0B: I'm happy you liked it and I updated now, soon enough?
Joe: Thanks for understanding and I kept writing so enjoy.
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Kurbani: Thank you!!! I hope you like this chapter.
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Athenakitty: Lots of questions, for the answers you'll just have to wait. ;) Sorry.
My thank-you notes will be at the bottom of the chapter once again.
DISCLAIMER: Not mine though I wish it was.
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The two following days after the trip to Diagon Alley were very relaxed. During the day Harry, Remus, Tonks and Hermione hung out together.
They played chess, exploding snap and, to Harry and Hermione's surprise, Remus knew how to play poker as well. So a deck of cards was conjured up and they often got caught up in games that lasted hours.
Together the four would cook dinner and the members of the order barged in whenever they wanted. Since the first night Harry had stayed with Remus in his room; Tonks still roomed with Hermione.
Harry had been observing the behavior of Tonks and had come to his final decision. Tonks had a huge crush on Remus!
Not one to ignore teasing material, Harry teased Remus endlessly with this information; something Remus didn't like at all.
On the afternoon of the third day the foursome could be found in the kitchen where Remus was recounting some of the adventures of the Marauders.
He was in the middle of the description on how Sirius had been stupid enough to fall in a trap he himself had prepared, when the Weasley's came in.
Now Remus was of the forgiving kind so he immediately greeted them and went to prepare a cup of tea for the others as well. Seeing his example Harry decided that making an effort on his end to be nice wouldn't kill him.
So he smiled at Ron and asked. "How did things go with Percy? Did he apologize for being a git to you all?"
Ron only glared at Harry and turned his back towards him while discussing things with Hermione in a loud voice. Hermione looked very torn up between her two friends but listened to Ron's story nonetheless.
Feeling the, now common, anger flare up inside him Harry made his way upstairs and started to move his trunk and books to Remus's room.
He knew for sure that things with Ron would come to blows if he stayed in that room. Avoiding the lower part of the mansion Harry got caught up in 'Total Defense' once again.
More than once was this book the topic of discussion between the four and Harry was very anxious to go to Hogwarts so he could test the theory of the spells he had been reading. They seemed very interesting.
He was so wrapped up in his reading that he didn't hear Remus approach until the man tapped him on the shoulder. "It's time for dinner Harry." He said and then he left again, not even mentioning the relocation of Harry's belongings.
This was what Harry valued most about Remus. The man could accept things like they were and he wouldn't comment on things he considered private.
Trudging downstairs Harry plopped in a chair next to Mundungus Fletcher who was just recounting the event which caused him to kicked out of Hog's Head to the twins.
Harry was very bothered with Ron's behavior and whenever he looked at his 'friend' he would receive an icy glare. His stomach clenched, he didn't want to have another situation like the time before the First Task in their fourth year.
Mrs. Weasley was shooting concerned glances towards him when she noticed he wasn't eating but Harry was too lost in though to notice them at all.
'I know Ron has a reason to be angry with me, but he could try to look at it from my side. It's not as if I ask to be fussed about or famous or anything.' Harry thought.
He was playing with his food when Remus's voice broke his thoughts. Actually Remus only said one word but it was enough. "Harry." He said, but it wasn't as much as the word but the tone behind it.
Harry looked up from his plate and saw Remus gaze at him, understanding what the man was trying to say to him Harry rolled his eyes and started to eat.
This quiet communication didn't go unnoticed but no comment was made about it. They all listened to Mr. Weasley as he told about their conversation with Percy.
"Even though he now has proof that You-Know-Who is back, now even Fudge can't deny it, he still thinks it was fool-hardy of us to join Dumbledore."
Fred or George, Harry couldn't tell, mimicked his brother. "The ministry will deal with this, Dumbledore shouldn't even try and mix with this battle, he has a school to handle. Besides, we couldn't just believe the story of a raving fourteen-year-old could we?" The twin spoke normally again. "Sorry about that Harry."
Harry shrugged. "I'm used to it by now. I've been aware of the wizarding world for five years and the opinion about me has changed so often I don't keep track with it any more."
He counted off on his fingers. "First year I was the hero of the world, second year I was the so-called heir of Slytherin so I was evil. Then in my third year people went out of their way to protect me because I was hunted by a murdering madman. Now my fourth year I was first the scum of Hogwarts trying to steal glory and later I was hailed as a Hogwarts champion, when last year I was deemed an attention-seeking lunatic. Trust me I don't care what anyone has to say about me anymore."
The kitchen was silent until Remus spoke. "Heir of Slytherin? I never heard that one."
Harry rolled his eyes. "It was all rubbish. Just because I'm a parselmouth people feared me. I mean, come on, I was a shrimpy twelve-year-old what in the world could I have done to them?"
"As a twelve-year-old you did save my life AND killed a Basilisk Harry, don't underestimate yourself like that!" Ginny exclaimed.
At this remark people on the table started to talk all at the same time. Remarks like: "A Basilisk? But those are deadly!", "At twelve years old?" and Mrs. Weasley yelled "WHAT?!?!?!?" (She never was told the full story)
Harry groaned and buried his head in his arms. "You just had to say that didn't you Ginny, you just had to bring that particular detail up."
Ginny shot him a mischievous look. "What did I do? I merely said something that was fully true and you know it."
"I almost didn't make it remember? Without Fawks I would be a very dead Potter right now. He blinded and wounded the Basilisk so I could kill it and when I was dying from the poison he healed me. It was just a stupid and risky adventure, but I do seem to have a knack for those."
Hermione had a gleam in her eye when she joined the conversation. "Remember how in our first year you and Ron rescued me from that troll? Or how we passed those tests to protect the Philosophers Stone?"
"Yeah that was one wicked chess game." Ron interjected. "What I remember was how Harry and I were trapped in the Devil's Snare and you were like. . . oh fire, but I don't have matches. . . and then I yelled at you. . . "
"HAVE YOU GONE MAD, ARE YOU A WITCH OR NOT" Harry added and he and Ron chuckled, the anger between them temporarily forgotten.
"Now what I admired most that day was how she solved Snape's riddle. It's a pity you weren't there to watch it Ron. She was mumbling and pointing and clucking her tongue like mad.
Hermione interrupted. "I did no such thing. I do not mutter or cluck my tongue."
"So you didn't go all crazy when you found out that Rita Skeeter was spying on us. You were all broody until you finally figured out she was an illegal Animagus." Ron joked.
Harry decided to tease her a little as well. "Or like the way you acted when we were trying to find a way on how to get Malfoy to confess that HE was the heir of Slytherin, not me."
Ron grimaced. "Ugh, I can still taste that horrible Polyjuice potion we brewed. That was some nasty stuff I never want to taste again and. . . whoops."
The other occupants of the room had been following their conversation closely. Snapping their necks to whoever was talking as if it were a tennis match.
At Ron's last statement the already fuming Mrs. Weasley exploded. "You did WHAT? What were you three thinking? That's a sixth year subject, what if it had gone wrong?"
"Hermione brewed it mostly mum, you know how brilliant she is. Besides, we survived didn't we" Ron tried to smooth things over.
None of the trio had the urge to talk about how Hermione had accidentally turned herself in a cat. The rest of the room was still in shock at the adventures the trio had gone through already.
Seeing that Ron's statement didn't help Hermione tried to diffuse the highly explosive situation. : If it makes you feel any better Mrs. Weasley, I did know what I was doing. I studied very long and hard on how to brew it and what ingredients were required."
Mrs. Weasley huffed and started to get ready for another round of yelling and scolding when she was interrupted by the entrance of none other than Albus Dumbledore.
I'm very sorry to interrupt but I believe it is time we have an emergency meeting right this moment, it is quite urgent."
While Mrs. Weasley started to usher the 'children' out of the kitchen Harry turned to Professor Dumbledore. "Professor, I was wondering if I could stay and sit in on the meeting."
Dumbledore shook his head. "The meeting is for members of the order only Harry. I am very sorry but you'll have to leave."
"Then make me a member of the order as well!" Harry nearly shouted. He was tired of being left out and he said so.
"I'm sick of finding out everything out on my own. We saw this year what it could lead to. If I had known about the prophecy in the first place things might have gone differently. I'm supposed to kill him Professor, how can I do that while I'm not aware of what he's doing?"
The kitchen had fallen silent once again and even Mrs. Weasley had stopped trying to make the children leave the room. All were awaiting Dumbledore's reply.
"It is true that you need to be aware of Voldemort's actions but I do not want to burden you too soon with information or tasks you are not ready for."
"I'm the reason he has been resurrected at all Professor and just a few months ago I watched as my Godfather was murdered in front of my eyes. Something tells me that things can't get a lot worse than that."
At the statement Dumbledore closed his eyes and rubbed his forehead, as if trying to get rid of a headache. "Very well Harry, you may become a member of the Order and sit in on meetings. I have a few conditions though."
"First I must ask you not to reveal any information you hear in meetings to anyone, not even to your friends." When Ron opened his mouth Dumbledore raised his hand to silence him. "And no Mr. Weasley, I will not allow you to join the order. I am making an exception here."
Ron grew read and Dumbledore continued. "You will not go on missions until you are of age. You will have to do some extra studying with certain members of the order and, even though I know you dislike it. You will have to take up studying Occlumency with Professor Snape again."
Harry didn't have to think about it long. "I agree with your terms Professor, it's not as if they are unreasonable."
The room had seemingly come to life again when Mrs. Weasley marched her children and Hermione upstairs, all were protesting loudly. Harry felt bad for them but knew he would keep his promise to Professor Dumbledore.
When Mrs. Weasley returned Dumbledore turned to Harry, who was still standing. "Now the procedure of initiation in the Order is simple. All you have to do is place your hand on this stone." Dumbledore produced a red gem from his pocket. "And swear your allegiance to our cause."
Harry nodded and put his hand on the stone while Dumbledore held on to it. He had no idea what he had to swear so he just said what came up in his mind.
"I, Harry Potter, swear that I will do everything in my power to bring down Voldemort and will do everything to help the order. I'll never betray any of you in any way at all and will abide the conditions that have been set." He looked at Dumbledore. "Is that ok?"
"That is quite all right Harry, as long as it comes from the heart it is fine. Now take a seat, we have many things to discuss."
Dumbledore took out his wand and muttered a spell under his breath. "I do not want to take any chances with this information and it is imperative that this remains among ourselves."
Everyone nodded his agreement and Harry, who had taken a seat next to Remus was very interested on what was so important.
"Valuable sources have informed me that there might be an attack on the school train on September 1st. Now I won't have to tell you that if word ever would come out about this it would create chaos, therefor the security."
Moody was the first to comment. "What kind of attack are we talking about and how trustworthy is the source of this information?"
"I assure you my source can be trusted. As of what the attack would be, I am not sure, yet. But the reason is of course very simple. Voldemort wants to spread chaos again. I however do not believe he will attack with his full force."
"I will start making preparations for aurors surrounding the platform and escorts on the train. We will make sure the children will not be harmed on their way to Hogwarts." Shacklebolt said and Moody nodded.
"You and I will have a lot of things to discuss after this meeting Kingsley." Moody said. "I may be retired but I am still an auror."
Harry asked something that had been on his mind for a while. "Does Voldemort have any other allies besides the vampires, giants and dementors?"
When he saw the confusion amongst the adults on how he knew this he grinned a little. "Did you really think that I would go and find some potions for Professor Snape like a good boy? Hermione and I listened in of course, what else did you expect?"
Remus chuckled softly, he had expected this from Harry and the others who had been there had the decency to look at least a little sheepish.
"We have information that Voldemort has approached the goblins, but as of yet they will not turn against us thanks to the efforts of Mr. Weasley over here." Dumbledore nodded towards Bill. "Hagrid has spoken with Aragog and managed to convince him that the spiders should not side with Voldemort."
Harry shuddered as he recalled his meeting with the giant spider and was happy that they wouldn't have to go against them again.
"Voldemort is still in a discussion with other creatures, but nothing is for sure about them." Dumbledore ended the meeting when the clock struck twelve.
"I believe it is best we will continue this discussion another time. Alastor, Kingsley, when you have finished your discussion on how to protect my students please come and see me. Bill, continue your work with the goblins and tell Charlie that time for his mission is running short when you see him. The rest of you I will see in two days at our next meeting."
People started to leave the room and Harry stood up when Remus did but then Dumbledore called Remus back. Harry shrugged and went up on his own.
When he reached the top of the stairs a cold voice greeted him. "So how does it feel to be the only minor in the Order of the Phoenix? Makes you feel tough doesn't it?"
Harry sighed as he turned to face Ron who had been sitting on a chair in a dark corner. "I don't want to fight with you Ron, not anymore."
"Well maybe I want to fight with you. You've got it now don't you? A member of the order, being the exception of the rule once again. I bet that if you weren't the ruddy Boy-Who-Lived it wouldn't even be considered to let you join. Fun isn't it, using your fame for what you want."
His voice became louder with every word he said and by the time he had finished Hermione, Ginny and the twins were observing them from the doorways of their rooms.
Harry felt his blood start to boil and let all his frustrations out. "DO YOU THINK I WANT THIS? I'D RATHER HAVE MY PARENTS AND SIRIUS BACK THAN BE THE BLOODY BOY-WHO-LIVED! SOMETIMES I WISH VOLDEMORT CHOSE NEVILLE INSTEAD OF ME BUT HE DIDN'T SO NOW I'M STUCK WITH HAVING TO KILL HIM."
He calmed just a tad so he no longer was roaring but still nearly yelling. "Do you have any idea what it's like to have your destiny written out by some prophecy? I want to be an auror, I want to fight for the rights of werewolves and fall in love and all that. But the fact remains that all I can say about the future is that I want to live." He now nearly whispered. "I just want to live."
Not feeling like staying there any longer Harry ran up the stairs to the attic where Buckbeak still was and plopped on the floor after the Hippogriff let him enter.
He was still shaking and his throat felt like raw parchment from his yelling. He thought back on all his adventures and realized he had been awfully calm about everything until last year. He'd been through so much already it was no wonder his temper was flaring so often.
Buckbeak somehow felt his mood and lay down next to him, resting his huge eagle-head on Harry's lap. Automatically Harry began to stroke it and he felt some f his anger disappear as he did this.
"Now I know why Sirius came up here so often Buckbeak, you're great company." The Hippogriff looked at him with understanding eyes and Harry felt as if the creature knew exactly what he was thinking.
He stayed there for almost an hour when Remus stepped into the room. Buckbeak became alert at once and looked Remus in the eye for a very long time before bowing for him. Remus knew his COMC so he bowed back before he plopped next to Harry.
"So I heard your fight with Ron." He said and Harry chuckled mirthlessly while he kept his eyes trained on the ground.
"I bet it was rather hard to miss with me yelling so loud. Besides you have an advantage." Harry tapped his ears as he hinted about Remus's advanced hearing.
"Being a werewolf does have its purposes, if you look beyond the turning into a monster thing once a month. How many times we avoided detention because I heard Filch approach, it's uncanny."
Harry turned his head to look at Remus. "Sometimes Ron can be so shallow, you know, about money and fame. He doesn't even know that I envy him, that I'd give up everything only to have my mum and dad and things to be simple."
"The grass is always greener on the other side." Remus said. "That's something my gran always said to me. A wise witch that one was. She was the only one I could talk to about being a werewolf, my parents loved me I have no doubt. But I always knew they feared what I was."
"Who" Harry corrected. "Who you are, not what."
Remus sighed. "To you maybe, and to some others but to most I am and always will be a what. But that isn't what I was going to say. You always manage to make me drift on a subject."
"Where was I, right with my gran. She always took care of my after the full moon until I went to Hogwarts and whenever I would fall into self-pity she'd tell me that I was perfect the way I was and that one day I would accept my werewolf side."
"She seems like a nice lady." Harry commented.
Remus nodded. "She was just that, the nicest woman one could find. She died shortly after I finished my fifth year. She was the only one whom I told about my friends becoming animagi for me and she was very happy for me that I had friends who accepted me and hoped they would help me accept myself."
"I already accepted that I'm the Boy-Who-Lived and that I have to kill someone, even if he's a monster who enjoys torturing other beings. It's just that I get so angry when people accuse me of using my fame to get stuff or do stuff."
Remus ruffled Harry's already messy hair. "You're a great kid Harry, you're a lot like s actually, like the Marauders before we were corrupted by the dark outside of the protective walls of Hogwarts."
"I am?"
"You have James's nobility and Sirius's loyalty, Peter's shyness and, unfortunately, you seem to have my tendency to mull over things too much. You have Lily's kindness though and her sense of what's right and wrong."
Harry was confused. "Hoe can I be like you guys when I only knew you for a year before everything fell apart."
"I'm not saying you're like us. I'm just saying that some of your characteristics match with ours. You're Harry Potter, not the celebrity but you're you. As long as you keep that in mind and choose your own path, all will be fine."
Knowing Remus was right Harry nodded as they walked into their room. "Just one thing, from who did I get that temper?"
Remus laughed. "I am sorry to say that you seem to have a combination of us all. James was hard to anger but once he was mad you'd better stay clear of him. Sirius was easily angered but he also forgave very easily, Lily was the same, a true redhead she was. I think you have some of my control, though I have more practice."
"I never did figure out how you could be so pleasant towards Snape in our third year. He kept on goading you and you never did a thing."
"I don't know if the hole in the wall where I punched it agrees with you. It is all right to be angry Harry, anger is a strong and powerful emotion. You just can't let the anger control you."
Harry though about this before he stepped in his bed and said goodnight. He fell asleep almost immediately after all the stress from that day caught up to him.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
When Harry woke up the following morning he found Remus's bed empty and he could smell breakfast being readied. So he got up and walked into the kitchen.
The atmosphere was tense as Ron kept shooting dark looks at him and the others (the Weasley's, Hermione and Remus) were uneasy about this.
Harry could feel his anger come up again but suppressed it, he was done with letting his temper get the best of him. He grabbed a plate and piled some food on it and turned to walk upstairs again until he faced Ron.
"You know Ron, you're a great prat. I thought that you of all people should know my life is far from perfect but hey, why would that occur to you? So you aren't rich or famous, get over yourself, there are more important things in the world."
Then he left and he felt proud that he had been calm during the entire speech. He nearly devoured his breakfast and picked up a book he had picked up, but hadn't shown to either Remus or Hermione. It was a book on animagi and how to complete the process.
His fascination with animagi had started after the first time McGonnagall transformed in class and it had reached its peak when he found out that both his father and his godfather were animagi as well.
Harry felt that this was something important he should do because it helped Sirius survive on so many occasions. He also thought this would be a good idea as to surprise Voldemort.
Soon he put the book away since it was written in such a complicated form of English until he smacked his head. The Marauder Chronicles! The process was in there step by step, what an idiot he'd been.
He grabbed the book from his trunk and leafed to the part on animagus transformations. The reason why it took the three boys, Harry had to give Peter some credit since he pulled the hard task off as well, three years was because they had to decipher the difficult texts and because they had to sneak into the restricted section of the library to get information.
Here in his hands he had an easily written and step by step process on what to do to become one. It seemed that he first had to brew some kind of potion that would reflect what kind of animal he would become.
Harry frowned, there was no way he could brew this at here, Remus would pick the smell up at once, no he would have to brew it in peace at Hogwarts.
The brewing process would only take a week and the recipe was hard but not impossible. Sirius had left clear instruction in the book that Harry could follow to the letter.
He nodded to himself, he'd do this on his own. He put the book away and grabbed a quill. He had remembered that he had to write to either Ernie or Hannah about the DA.
Finally he decided too write to Ernie, since he just felt more comfortable about writing to a boy than to a girl. Maybe it was a weird feeling but it was just the way it was. He bit on his quill and started to write.
'Ernie,
I know you must be wondering who sent you this letter since I never wrote to you before so I'll just tell you that it's me, Harry Potter.
The reason for me writing to you is actually very simple. I ran into Terry the other day and he asked me if I was going to continue with the DA. I said I'm up for it but didn't know who would want to continue.
So here's the thing. Terry will ask the Ravenclaws and I will ask the Gryffindors. If you would be so kind to ask the members of your house who were in the DA last year if they want to continue and then meet us at 19:00 September 2nd in the usual spot. We'll take it from there.
Oh, please keep it quiet again. I don't want word to leak out to the professors or the headmaster. Have a nice vacation and see you around.
Harry'
He was happy with how the letter turned out and called Hedwig, who had been dozing in her cage to him. "I have a letter for you girl, it's for Ernie MacMillan and I don't know where he lives, but I'm sure you'll be able to find him."
Then Harry remembered the letters for Luna and Neville that he'd written earlier that week. In those letters he asked them not to send him any more post because he was in a safe house and that he would see them September 1st.
After attaching the letters to Hedwig Harry walked to the window to let her out. He watched her until she was only a tiny dot in the sky and then turned again.
He stretched and yawned and was about to pick up a book when there was a knock on the door. He opened it and to his surprise the twins were outside. Not knowing what they were doing there he invited them in and they all took a seat.
"What's up guys?" Harry finally asked. "You here to yell at me for being in the order as well?"
"Nah, that's not like us. We're not here because of the order or anything You-Know-Who related. We wanted to talk to you about your investment."
"Investment?" Harry echoed.
"Yeah, you may have forgotten it but we sure didn't. Without you, Weasleys' Wizarding Wheezes wouldn't be here today and this is something we haven't even thanked you for." Said Fred, or George.
George, or Fred picked up where his twin left off. "We now have so much money to handle that we decided to hire someone to do the bookings and he drafted this contract for us." He handed Harry an official looking parchment which he read at once.
His eyes flew over the lines and he became more and more flustered per sentence. When he finished he sighed. "You guys don't have to do this, I really did mean it when I said I'd need the laughs."
"We know, but we don't want to take advantage of you. We do have our Weasley pride you know. No just pick up that quill of yours and sign on that dotted line there."
Knowing the two wouldn't leave him until he did Harry put his signature at the empty spot and handed the parchment back to them.
"You are now officially a partner of WWW and every month your portion will be deposited in your vault, it's all in the contract you know. We'll have Lane, that's our bookkeeper's name, send you a rapport on what we're doing once a month as well."
"Stop bothering him with the boring details George and get on with the more exciting stuff." Fred exclaimed.
"Ah yes brother-mine, I was just getting there. We'll send you samples of our newest projects and if you ever have a good pranking idea, just let us know."
Harry was a bit speechless but then he got an idea and grabbed The Marauder Chronicles. The twin's eyes widened as they saw the title but Harry didn't notice as he began to babble.
"I have an idea, well it's not exactly mine but it is really amusing. It's in here somehow, now where is it, oh here I found it. See this is a prank I'd like to see for real."
The twins started to read and they got this gleam in their eyes that usually told people to run for their lives. "This Harry, is brilliant. Where did you get this book, the Marauders are our heroes you know?"
"Remus gave it to me." Harry said.
"Lupin? What was he doing with the Marauder Chronicles?"
Harry grinned. "Well he is a Marauder after all so why wouldn't he have it?" His grin turned into a laugh when the twins nearly started to hyperventilate.
"Lupin's a Marauder. . . . of course he's Moony, because of the werewolf thing and all. Merlin, we had a Marauder as a Professor and we didn't even know Fred." George said to his brother.
"Wait a minute, I have a revelation. . . Sirius! Sirius was a Marauder as well wasn't he, Padfoot right?" Then he abruptly closed his mouth, kicking himself for mentioning Harry's godfather.
"It's all right Fred, you can still talk about him you know. And yes you're right, he was Padfoot. Actually my dad was Prongs."
"Then who was Worm. . . oh, Pettigrew. Ron told us that Pettigrew was an animagus and a rat. I can't believe we were thick enough not to make the connection to the Marauders."
"But the prank, do you think you could reproduce it in a large scale?" Harry asked.
The twins looked at each other and nodded. "This will be a blast, could we borrow the book for a few months, we could learn a lot from our masters."
"Sorry but no, this book is one of the few things I have from my dad so. . . " Harry trailed off and hoped they didn't catch his little lie. He didn't want to give away his secret.
But the twins seemed to understand. "That's all right Harry, we'll just copy this page later. Now come on lunch is ready."
"It's quiet in the house, where is everybody?" Harry asked.
"Ah mum went out with Ron, Ginny and Hermione. Grocery shopping I believe." A twin answered.
The three made their way down and entered the kitchen. As soon as they saw Remus, who was the only one there at the moment, the twins fell on their knees before Remus.
"Hail Master Moony. It is such an honor. . . " said Fred.
". . . and a pleasure to be in the company of your brilliance." George continued.
"Without the guidance of your masterpiece we would never have achieved our level of pranksters and for this we thank you." They ended together.
Harry couldn't help it but he burst out in laughter, not only from the way the twins were acting but also from the look on Remus's face; utter shock.
Fred and George got up and grinned widely and Remus laughed as well. "Now Master Moony, we have something to ask of you so if you would please follow us."
Then they grabbed Remus and marched him upstairs. Harry shook his head as he witnessed this. "Poor Remus" he muttered "He doesn't know what he's in for."
He grabbed a sandwich and went to his room again, head filled with an idea he had gotten from the twins when they said the word investment. He still had to go through his Gringotts parcel.
The box Griphook had prepared for him was huge but when he opened it he saw it was very organized. The papers were all color-coded and Harry started at the beginning.
When Remus came to check on him hours later he found Harry immersed in his papers and saw that he was scribbling things on a parchment as he read the paper.
"What are you doing?" He finally asked. "I thought you finished your schoolwork already."
"I did." Harry said and then he looked at Remus. "Did you know that I'm a partial owner of a broom-manufacturer, a butterbeer factory, a gold-mine and more things. As it turns out, I have a larger fortune than I once considered." He was quite flabbergasted about what he'd just found out.
"Ah, the money business. This always managed to bring your father down you know, most of those investments were done by his father and he just left it like that. Why your sudden interest in investments?"
"I just became one for WWW, Fred and George didn't want to take no for an answer. How did your meeting with them go? I wondered if they'd ever release you again.
Remus playfully punched Harry's arm. "So it's all your fault they rounded on me, demanding to know every prank and secret."
"It was that painful?"
"Actually no. They just asked my permission for an invention they wanted to produce and I must say that it was very familiar. Do you have to say something for yourself Mr. Potter?"
"Ehm, they asked me if I had any ideas and that was my favorite prank."
Remus then winked at him. "I'm sure that Dobby will help you if you want to play that particular prank, I'm sure it'll be very amusing to see once again. Make sure Mr. Creevey takes a picture and owl it to me."
"Are you telling me to create havoc Mr. Lupin?" Harry asked while he was grinning.
"Why Mr. Potter, it seems I am doing just that." Remus answered and then the two started to plot a few pranks. Some that would be able to rival those of the twins.
"Look out Hogwarts, the Marauder is on the prowl again." Harry said and instantly wished he hadn't since Remus's face fell. "What's wrong Remus?"
Remus sighed. "Nothing, it's just I'm the only one left. The last Marauder."
"No you're not. Fred and George are Marauders at heart and I'm a Marauder in training. And there are students who are trying to live up to the master- prankers. The Marauders may have left Hogwarts, but the Marauder spirit is still there."
Then he was sprayed with icy water and when he looked up at Remus he saw that the man had a grin on his face.
"I'm sorry Harry did I get you wet?" he asked before spraying him with water from his wand once again.
Harry dripped with water and he jumped at Remus. "I'm going to get you for that Remus, just you wait. Why can't I use magic yet? Aha!"
He ran away and Remus followed him while he kept on hitting him with water. Then Harry grabbed a bucket that had been filled with water and dumped the content over Remus.
The werewolf was now also dripping wet and he growled. "This means war." He said and he grabbed a pillow and threw it at Harry who caught it and hit Remus back.
Soon the two were running through the house causing mayhem and making a mess until they finally ended up in the kitchen where Harry grabbed a bag of flour and threw it at Remus.
He hit his target and Remus now had white hair and a pale face. Harry couldn't help but laugh as he saw his expression, but he the eggs flying in his direction to late and his shirt was now sticky.
Just when Harry was about to reach for the Coca Cola (Hermione had brought it with her from the muggle world) Mrs. Weasley walked in with Ron, Hermione, Ginny and Tonks on her heels.
For once in her life Mrs. Weasley didn't know what to say and she stood there gaping like a goldfish, which was quite amusing.
Ginny started to giggle and Harry noticed that Tonks couldn't keep her eyes off of Remus. His shirt clung to his chest because it was wet and his hair was all spiked up from the flour.
Remus must have noticed this as well because he started to back away. "Now Molly, before you explode, at least give me a chance to run."
This set her off. "What were you doing, look at my kitchen!!! What a mess. . . " But Harry and Remus had fled from the kitchen and she was yelling at nothing but thin air.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
A/N: Ooof, that chapter is out. I hope you guys liked it cause I may have rushed things a little. I think I'll have the departure for Hogwarts next chapter, this will get a little boring otherwise. Let me know what you guys thought about it ok. Leitheindel: Kittens are cute aren't they? You'll have to wait for Potector a few more days, I have a hard time thinking of adventures.
Icedragon925: I'm not sure about the romance yet and I'm sorry to disappoint you but I don't think Harry will get together with Ginny. JKR said so somewhere I think.
Silvermoon12: Thanks for the compliment, I hope you liked this chapter.
Samantha: Aaaaah, I love the name Samantha, if I ever have a daughter I'm going to name her that!!! Now with my silliness aside, thanks for the review!
Butterfly284z7: I hope you didn't have to wait too long and that you like this chapter.
Kimmaree: oooh, Happy birthday, did you get lots of presents??? Happy you liked last chapter, hope you enjoyed this one as well.
Yoshi-fan2003: You think so? Thanks!
Laerwen: I did have fun writing but now I'm exhausted. I'm happy you liked last chapter and hope you will like this one as well.
Aquitaineq: I'm happy you think Remus isn't out of character and that you like the bond between the two growing. Hope you liked this chapter.
Wendy: I know this isn't great but I'm not perfect. Harry is acting as a kid cause he is one after all, but I hope you are seeing him maturing as the fic continues.
Sharahzad: I hope it was just as interesting as you hoped it would be. Let me know what you thought about it.
Arwen-evenstar2: Happy you liked it, I didn't want to put an OC in cause I wanted a challenge, happy you understand and like.
Heather: I love ramblings ;) And I'm happy you liked my chapters. Percy apologizing to Harry??? I don't see tht happening anytime soon.
Padfoot the mst king: Wow, thanks for the offer, I might take you up on it. I'll check the link later but I have to go to work like in 20 minutes so I have to hurry.
Serpent of Light: Thanks, happy you liked it.
B0B: I'm happy you liked it and I updated now, soon enough?
Joe: Thanks for understanding and I kept writing so enjoy.
Devonny Rose: Soon enough of an update for you???
Porphyrophobic Grape: Thanks so much for the compliment, I really appreciate it.
Kurbani: Thank you!!! I hope you like this chapter.
Mella deRanged: =D, (
Athenakitty: Lots of questions, for the answers you'll just have to wait. ;) Sorry.