Disclaimer: If I was JK Rowling, do you really think that I would be
wasting my time on www.fanfiction.net writing out stories for people who
aren't paying for the books? I don't think so.
AN: Thanks once again to all my wonderful reviewers. I might not be able to update as frequently from today until the 10th because my finals start on Thursday. Sorry for making you wait, but in order to do well on my exams, I need to study.
~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#
Chapter 6:
The next few weeks passed quickly at the Snape Manor. Harry dared not to go exploring again for fear of Snape and whatever dreadful punishment he would think of next. When he and Ginny had been caught, Snape had ordered them to scrub every cauldron and flask in the house, without using magic. After days of washing, Harry had grown to appreciate the fact that at least in potions class at school, a simple incantation would clear the mess away. He did not want to get on Snape's bad side (who knew that he had a good one?), and so after the last flask had been dried and put away, he ran and hid in the safety of his own room. This was, at least, a little better that living with the Dursleys because here he had his friends. Ginny was still acting strangely towards the group, but seemed to be putting more effort into talking to them. Ron and Hermione were still bickering constantly, and everything was the way it should have been. Spending time with his friends helped him to forget some of his heartache, but he still felt the loss of Sirius. One afternoon, the four friends had been sitting in Harry's room when a beautiful tawny owl arrived. On the attached note, it read 'Hermione Granger'. "Who's that from?" asked Ron. Hermione giggled and looked up, "No one." "It's from your precious Vicky isn't it?" Ron sneered while trying to rip the piece of parchment out of her hands. "Bugger off, Ron! It's none of your business who I talk to," she said, her voice rising. 'This is going to be a big fight. I just know it,' thought Harry. He looked over at Ginny and found her to be too involved with her writing to even notice the fight. 'I have to get out of here or I will go mad with all this arguing,' he thought. Quietly, he slipped out of the room and for the first time in several weeks, Harry went exploring in the manor.
As he was walking past the entrance hall, the doors banged open and Harry jumped behind a statue, his wand drawn and ready to fight. Through the door came a disgruntled looking Mad Eye Moody and an injured Tonks. Harry was just about to step out of his hiding place when several of the members came running in. Dumbledore asked the ratty looking pair, "What happened?" "We tried.There were so many.He's gone," Tonks replied before passing out. "Alert everyone in the Order what has happened. We need to double our efforts even more now," Dumbledore said sharply, "Molly, I need you to contact Romania and Egypt immediately. It is imperative that everyone knows what happened." Mrs. Weasley quickly left the room. Harry knew that Romania meant Charlie and that Egypt meant Bill, but who died? Harry glanced over again at the crowd, counting off the Order members that he saw. Who was missing? Dumbledore, the Weasleys, Tonks, Mad Eye.then it hit him. Remus was nowhere to be found. 'First my parents, then Sirius, now Remus. Will there be anyone left in the end?' Harry thought, as silent tears ran down his face.
As soon as the crowd disappeared, Harry ran back to his room. Ron and Hermione were no longer fighting and Ginny was no longer writing. "Where the hell did you go off to, Harry?" asked Ron, a worried look on his face. "We were worried sick about you. Don't you have any regard for other people's feelings?" cried Hermione. Ginny just stood there and stared at him, almost daring him to try and make up for just taking off and not telling anyone where he was going. "Look, I'm sorry, but in all honesty, I don't want to talk right now. I just want to be alone," he said quietly. He looked the opposite way; fighting back the tears that had just began to fall. Finally, Ginny came over to him and said, "What's wrong? Did something happen?" Harry nodded. "Did something happen to someone in the Order?" He nodded again. "Who's hurt, Harry?" she asked, fearing the answer (after all, almost her entire family was in the Order). "Moony," he replies and broke down into tears. Ginny backed up and she too began to cry. Ron sat there stunned beyond belief, while comforting Hermione who had taken the news just as badly as Harry. "That can't be though. It can't be," he repeated over and over again, "how do you know that this is true?" "Because I overheard Tonks and Moody talking about a battle they were in. They didn't mention names, but I just know that it is him. I know it," said Harry remorsefully. Hermione, who had been rather quiet, finally spoke up, "Do you want us to spend the night here with you? We can. It would be no problem." "That would be nice. I would really appreciate that. Then we can talk some more. I want to do something in memory of the Marauders. Maybe you can help me think of a plan," he said slyly. "Do you have anything in mind?" asked Ginny. "Maybe," he said. "Does it involves anything that is against the school rules?" asked a nervous Hermione. "Definitely." "Won't Professor McGonagall be mad?" she asked. "Who cares?" Ron said firmly. After it was decided that they were going to come up with some sort of plan, the four friends packed their trunks and through the laughter and tears of remembering the other famous four friends, they fell asleep.
"Wake up! This is the last time I am coming in there to get you up!" Mrs. Weasley yelled into the room the next morning. Harry opened his eyes to find Ron still snoring (rather loudly actually) and Hermione's feet resting on his chin. He shifted slightly and was able to stand up without waking up either. Once he was up on his feet, he took a look at his watch and noticed that it was 9:00 and that they had to leave in an hour in order to catch the Hogwarts Express. Harry first went over to Ginny and shook her gently. "What, Harry? Can't you see that I am busy sleeping here?" "Gin, it's nine. We have to leave in an hour." "WHAT? I have so much to do to get ready. Why didn't you wake me up earlier?" "I just got up myself actually." "Okay, then you are forgiven." "I've got to wake up the others." "Have fun, Harry. Hermione is a deep sleeper." "Thanks for the advice." "No problem. See you later." As she left, Harry went over to Hermione and tried to shake her as well. It didn't quite work as well on her though. After a few minutes, he was ready to give up when he whispered in her ear, "Hermione, Draco Malfoy likes you." At that, she jumped up and yelled, "HARRY! WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU? NEVER MENTION THAT JERKS NAME IN THAT CONTEXT EVER AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!" Sorry, Hermione, but I needed to wake you up. We have to leave in less than an hour to catch the train." A look of realization came across her face and she ran from the room to get changed. 'Alright, now there is only Ron and he is just as bad as Hermione,' thought Harry. He bent over and whispered in Ron's ear, "Hey, mate, Hermione just walked in." He didn't have time to finish his sentence because Ron suddenly bolted upright in bed and looked around frantically. "Get up, Ron. We are leaving in about forty-five minutes. Let's get ready to go."
At 10:00, the four teenagers were ready and waiting to go in the entrance hall, their assorted pets and trunks all standing next to the owner, when Mrs. Weasley came in and said, "What are you all doing in here?" "We thought that we were leaving right now for the train, Mum," said Ginny. "Well, you are, but you aren't going that way to the station. Follow me," she motioned for them to go with her. They all grabbed their trunks and animals and walked into the next room. In the middle of the room was an old aluminum can. "Are we traveling by portkey, then?" Harry asked. "That is precisely how you are going to be transferred to the station this year," Mr. Weasley responded, "We will be taken to an alley just behind the station and we go from there to Platform 9 ¾. Any questions?" None of them voiced any concerns. "Well, everyone grab your trunk and pet and touch a part of the can," he told them. They obeyed and the next thing that Harry felt was the familiar jerk behind his navel.
After they had arrived, they made their way into the station and found the passageway to the platform. "All right then, Ron and Harry can go first this time, then Ginny and Hermione, and then us," Mrs. Weasley told the teenagers. One by one, they slipped through the gateway unnoticed and emerged onto the other side next to the Hogwarts Express. Harry looked around and felt a huge grin come across his face. "What is it Harry?" Ron asked. "Nothing Ron. I am just so glad to be going home. That's all." Suddenly, they were joined by Hermione, Ginny, and Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. "Goodbye mum. I'll miss you" Ginny said, and then turning to her dad, "Bye dad. I love you." Ron went next and said his goodbyes, then was followed by Hermione and finally Harry. The group then turned and proceeded to the Hogwarts Express, eager to meet up with their friends and discuss what they were going to do in memory of their dearly departed friends.
As they boarded, Harry saw something out of the corner of his eye. 'Malfoy?" thought Harry, 'No wait. It can't be him. He would never be seen wearing something like that. He's filthy.' Harry decided that his mind was playing tricks on him and that he had seen someone else.
The friends made their way down the train and eventually found an empty compartment. "We're lucky this year," Ron said happily, "We aren't stuck with anyone this year that we don't want around." "Who didn't you like last year, Ron?" asked Hermione. "Well, how about Loony-" he stopped short as the door opened and in came Luna Lovegood and Neville Longbottom. "Who's loony?" asked Neville. "Er." Ron mummbled. "Voldemort," Hermione said, jumping into the conversation. To Harry's surprise, no one cowered at the name. "You're right. He is one giant nutter, the stupid git," Neville commented. "My dad said that the crumple horned snorkbacks are mating and that this will be the biggest edition yet," Luna said dreamily, not really listening to the conversation that everyone else was involved in. Everyone looked at her and shook their heads. Neville told the group of his summer adventure in America ("New York City was amazing!") and Luna talked about how she and her dad went on a trip to observe the crumple horned snorkback in it's natural habitat. Then Neville turned to Harry and said, "Did you have a good holiday, Harry? Did you hear from Sir-" stopping himself as he remembered what had happened at the Department of Mysteries, "Sorry. Force of habit I suppose." Harry was about to respond when the door slid open once again and there stood the plump witch, pushing the food trolley. "Anything off the trolley, my dears?" she asked with a pleasant tone in her voice. Harry reached into his pocket and pulled out several coins. After buying some chocolate frogs (Ron's favourite), some Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans, some Cauldron Cakes and some Pumpkin Pasties, she was off again to see the other children. Harry began passing the sweets around to his friends, when once more, the door opened.
Standing before him was the enemy. Draco Malfoy and his cronies. Harry then realized that the boy he saw boarding the train was in fact Malfoy. "What happened to you?" Ron asked rudely. "Well, some idiotic mudblood decided to stick his nose where it doesn't belong and now my father is in prison," he sneeered back. "Well, this is going to be a fun year," Ron said smiling. "Ron, it's not nice to make fun of others when they are in this kind of a position," Hermione scolded. "What? He does it to me all the time. Just because his dad is a loser, that doesn't give him the right to be a prat and have his feet kissed. Screw that Hermione. I am not being nice to him!" "MY FATHER IS NOT A LOSER! Your stupid muggle-loving halfwit of a father is the one who is the loser!" Malfoy exclaimed. Harry would have been able to hold Ron back if he hadn't been pulling out his wand and preparing to hex Malfoy into oblivion. Apparently Harry wasn't the only one to do this because all sorts of curses were thrown. In the end, the members of the DA were the ones left standing and Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle were knocked out. "Let's put them into an empty compartment and let them wake up there," said Hermione. She, Harry, and Ron all said together, "Wingardium Leviosa!" and the three bodies floated up into the air. They followed the bodies out and dumped them into the farthest compartment down the train. They hurried back to their own one and sat down again. "So, Harry," Ginny began," Are you going to do the DA again this year?" This caught him off guard. They had only started it because of Umbridge and so there wasn't really a need for it anymore. Then again, with Voldemort back, they would need all the training that they could get. "I'll talk to Dumbledore and see what he thinks. I don't have a problem with it. I don't know what else I could teach though." They all nodded at this and dropped the subject. After a long stretch of silence, Ginny spoke up, "I have an idea of something that we can do in memory of the Marauders." "What is it, Gin?" Harry asked. "Well, I'm not quite sure about the details quite yet, but when I am, I'll tell you. Besides, it isn't something that should be publicly known." He nodded and they all went back into a silence.
Soon they arrived at Hogwarts. Harry was finally home where he belonged. He stepped off the train and heard the familiar call of "Firs' years! O'er here!" "Hagrid!" Harry exclaimed and ran towards him. "'Ello Harry! How was yer summer?" he asked. "It's had a great end," Harry responded, giving the half giant a hug. Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Neville, and Luna came over to say their hellos, but soon, Hagrid had to take the first years over in the boats and Harry and his friends needed to find a carriage. Quickly, they found one and climbed in. The carriage began to move, and slowly, they made their way to the castle. Just before they reached it, Ginny whispered in Harry's ear, "Welcome home," and then began an animated conversation with Luna. Harry looked out the window and smiled, thinking of all the wonderful adventures he and his friends would have that year.
AN: Thanks once again to all my wonderful reviewers. I might not be able to update as frequently from today until the 10th because my finals start on Thursday. Sorry for making you wait, but in order to do well on my exams, I need to study.
~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#
Chapter 6:
The next few weeks passed quickly at the Snape Manor. Harry dared not to go exploring again for fear of Snape and whatever dreadful punishment he would think of next. When he and Ginny had been caught, Snape had ordered them to scrub every cauldron and flask in the house, without using magic. After days of washing, Harry had grown to appreciate the fact that at least in potions class at school, a simple incantation would clear the mess away. He did not want to get on Snape's bad side (who knew that he had a good one?), and so after the last flask had been dried and put away, he ran and hid in the safety of his own room. This was, at least, a little better that living with the Dursleys because here he had his friends. Ginny was still acting strangely towards the group, but seemed to be putting more effort into talking to them. Ron and Hermione were still bickering constantly, and everything was the way it should have been. Spending time with his friends helped him to forget some of his heartache, but he still felt the loss of Sirius. One afternoon, the four friends had been sitting in Harry's room when a beautiful tawny owl arrived. On the attached note, it read 'Hermione Granger'. "Who's that from?" asked Ron. Hermione giggled and looked up, "No one." "It's from your precious Vicky isn't it?" Ron sneered while trying to rip the piece of parchment out of her hands. "Bugger off, Ron! It's none of your business who I talk to," she said, her voice rising. 'This is going to be a big fight. I just know it,' thought Harry. He looked over at Ginny and found her to be too involved with her writing to even notice the fight. 'I have to get out of here or I will go mad with all this arguing,' he thought. Quietly, he slipped out of the room and for the first time in several weeks, Harry went exploring in the manor.
As he was walking past the entrance hall, the doors banged open and Harry jumped behind a statue, his wand drawn and ready to fight. Through the door came a disgruntled looking Mad Eye Moody and an injured Tonks. Harry was just about to step out of his hiding place when several of the members came running in. Dumbledore asked the ratty looking pair, "What happened?" "We tried.There were so many.He's gone," Tonks replied before passing out. "Alert everyone in the Order what has happened. We need to double our efforts even more now," Dumbledore said sharply, "Molly, I need you to contact Romania and Egypt immediately. It is imperative that everyone knows what happened." Mrs. Weasley quickly left the room. Harry knew that Romania meant Charlie and that Egypt meant Bill, but who died? Harry glanced over again at the crowd, counting off the Order members that he saw. Who was missing? Dumbledore, the Weasleys, Tonks, Mad Eye.then it hit him. Remus was nowhere to be found. 'First my parents, then Sirius, now Remus. Will there be anyone left in the end?' Harry thought, as silent tears ran down his face.
As soon as the crowd disappeared, Harry ran back to his room. Ron and Hermione were no longer fighting and Ginny was no longer writing. "Where the hell did you go off to, Harry?" asked Ron, a worried look on his face. "We were worried sick about you. Don't you have any regard for other people's feelings?" cried Hermione. Ginny just stood there and stared at him, almost daring him to try and make up for just taking off and not telling anyone where he was going. "Look, I'm sorry, but in all honesty, I don't want to talk right now. I just want to be alone," he said quietly. He looked the opposite way; fighting back the tears that had just began to fall. Finally, Ginny came over to him and said, "What's wrong? Did something happen?" Harry nodded. "Did something happen to someone in the Order?" He nodded again. "Who's hurt, Harry?" she asked, fearing the answer (after all, almost her entire family was in the Order). "Moony," he replies and broke down into tears. Ginny backed up and she too began to cry. Ron sat there stunned beyond belief, while comforting Hermione who had taken the news just as badly as Harry. "That can't be though. It can't be," he repeated over and over again, "how do you know that this is true?" "Because I overheard Tonks and Moody talking about a battle they were in. They didn't mention names, but I just know that it is him. I know it," said Harry remorsefully. Hermione, who had been rather quiet, finally spoke up, "Do you want us to spend the night here with you? We can. It would be no problem." "That would be nice. I would really appreciate that. Then we can talk some more. I want to do something in memory of the Marauders. Maybe you can help me think of a plan," he said slyly. "Do you have anything in mind?" asked Ginny. "Maybe," he said. "Does it involves anything that is against the school rules?" asked a nervous Hermione. "Definitely." "Won't Professor McGonagall be mad?" she asked. "Who cares?" Ron said firmly. After it was decided that they were going to come up with some sort of plan, the four friends packed their trunks and through the laughter and tears of remembering the other famous four friends, they fell asleep.
"Wake up! This is the last time I am coming in there to get you up!" Mrs. Weasley yelled into the room the next morning. Harry opened his eyes to find Ron still snoring (rather loudly actually) and Hermione's feet resting on his chin. He shifted slightly and was able to stand up without waking up either. Once he was up on his feet, he took a look at his watch and noticed that it was 9:00 and that they had to leave in an hour in order to catch the Hogwarts Express. Harry first went over to Ginny and shook her gently. "What, Harry? Can't you see that I am busy sleeping here?" "Gin, it's nine. We have to leave in an hour." "WHAT? I have so much to do to get ready. Why didn't you wake me up earlier?" "I just got up myself actually." "Okay, then you are forgiven." "I've got to wake up the others." "Have fun, Harry. Hermione is a deep sleeper." "Thanks for the advice." "No problem. See you later." As she left, Harry went over to Hermione and tried to shake her as well. It didn't quite work as well on her though. After a few minutes, he was ready to give up when he whispered in her ear, "Hermione, Draco Malfoy likes you." At that, she jumped up and yelled, "HARRY! WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU? NEVER MENTION THAT JERKS NAME IN THAT CONTEXT EVER AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!" Sorry, Hermione, but I needed to wake you up. We have to leave in less than an hour to catch the train." A look of realization came across her face and she ran from the room to get changed. 'Alright, now there is only Ron and he is just as bad as Hermione,' thought Harry. He bent over and whispered in Ron's ear, "Hey, mate, Hermione just walked in." He didn't have time to finish his sentence because Ron suddenly bolted upright in bed and looked around frantically. "Get up, Ron. We are leaving in about forty-five minutes. Let's get ready to go."
At 10:00, the four teenagers were ready and waiting to go in the entrance hall, their assorted pets and trunks all standing next to the owner, when Mrs. Weasley came in and said, "What are you all doing in here?" "We thought that we were leaving right now for the train, Mum," said Ginny. "Well, you are, but you aren't going that way to the station. Follow me," she motioned for them to go with her. They all grabbed their trunks and animals and walked into the next room. In the middle of the room was an old aluminum can. "Are we traveling by portkey, then?" Harry asked. "That is precisely how you are going to be transferred to the station this year," Mr. Weasley responded, "We will be taken to an alley just behind the station and we go from there to Platform 9 ¾. Any questions?" None of them voiced any concerns. "Well, everyone grab your trunk and pet and touch a part of the can," he told them. They obeyed and the next thing that Harry felt was the familiar jerk behind his navel.
After they had arrived, they made their way into the station and found the passageway to the platform. "All right then, Ron and Harry can go first this time, then Ginny and Hermione, and then us," Mrs. Weasley told the teenagers. One by one, they slipped through the gateway unnoticed and emerged onto the other side next to the Hogwarts Express. Harry looked around and felt a huge grin come across his face. "What is it Harry?" Ron asked. "Nothing Ron. I am just so glad to be going home. That's all." Suddenly, they were joined by Hermione, Ginny, and Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. "Goodbye mum. I'll miss you" Ginny said, and then turning to her dad, "Bye dad. I love you." Ron went next and said his goodbyes, then was followed by Hermione and finally Harry. The group then turned and proceeded to the Hogwarts Express, eager to meet up with their friends and discuss what they were going to do in memory of their dearly departed friends.
As they boarded, Harry saw something out of the corner of his eye. 'Malfoy?" thought Harry, 'No wait. It can't be him. He would never be seen wearing something like that. He's filthy.' Harry decided that his mind was playing tricks on him and that he had seen someone else.
The friends made their way down the train and eventually found an empty compartment. "We're lucky this year," Ron said happily, "We aren't stuck with anyone this year that we don't want around." "Who didn't you like last year, Ron?" asked Hermione. "Well, how about Loony-" he stopped short as the door opened and in came Luna Lovegood and Neville Longbottom. "Who's loony?" asked Neville. "Er." Ron mummbled. "Voldemort," Hermione said, jumping into the conversation. To Harry's surprise, no one cowered at the name. "You're right. He is one giant nutter, the stupid git," Neville commented. "My dad said that the crumple horned snorkbacks are mating and that this will be the biggest edition yet," Luna said dreamily, not really listening to the conversation that everyone else was involved in. Everyone looked at her and shook their heads. Neville told the group of his summer adventure in America ("New York City was amazing!") and Luna talked about how she and her dad went on a trip to observe the crumple horned snorkback in it's natural habitat. Then Neville turned to Harry and said, "Did you have a good holiday, Harry? Did you hear from Sir-" stopping himself as he remembered what had happened at the Department of Mysteries, "Sorry. Force of habit I suppose." Harry was about to respond when the door slid open once again and there stood the plump witch, pushing the food trolley. "Anything off the trolley, my dears?" she asked with a pleasant tone in her voice. Harry reached into his pocket and pulled out several coins. After buying some chocolate frogs (Ron's favourite), some Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans, some Cauldron Cakes and some Pumpkin Pasties, she was off again to see the other children. Harry began passing the sweets around to his friends, when once more, the door opened.
Standing before him was the enemy. Draco Malfoy and his cronies. Harry then realized that the boy he saw boarding the train was in fact Malfoy. "What happened to you?" Ron asked rudely. "Well, some idiotic mudblood decided to stick his nose where it doesn't belong and now my father is in prison," he sneeered back. "Well, this is going to be a fun year," Ron said smiling. "Ron, it's not nice to make fun of others when they are in this kind of a position," Hermione scolded. "What? He does it to me all the time. Just because his dad is a loser, that doesn't give him the right to be a prat and have his feet kissed. Screw that Hermione. I am not being nice to him!" "MY FATHER IS NOT A LOSER! Your stupid muggle-loving halfwit of a father is the one who is the loser!" Malfoy exclaimed. Harry would have been able to hold Ron back if he hadn't been pulling out his wand and preparing to hex Malfoy into oblivion. Apparently Harry wasn't the only one to do this because all sorts of curses were thrown. In the end, the members of the DA were the ones left standing and Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle were knocked out. "Let's put them into an empty compartment and let them wake up there," said Hermione. She, Harry, and Ron all said together, "Wingardium Leviosa!" and the three bodies floated up into the air. They followed the bodies out and dumped them into the farthest compartment down the train. They hurried back to their own one and sat down again. "So, Harry," Ginny began," Are you going to do the DA again this year?" This caught him off guard. They had only started it because of Umbridge and so there wasn't really a need for it anymore. Then again, with Voldemort back, they would need all the training that they could get. "I'll talk to Dumbledore and see what he thinks. I don't have a problem with it. I don't know what else I could teach though." They all nodded at this and dropped the subject. After a long stretch of silence, Ginny spoke up, "I have an idea of something that we can do in memory of the Marauders." "What is it, Gin?" Harry asked. "Well, I'm not quite sure about the details quite yet, but when I am, I'll tell you. Besides, it isn't something that should be publicly known." He nodded and they all went back into a silence.
Soon they arrived at Hogwarts. Harry was finally home where he belonged. He stepped off the train and heard the familiar call of "Firs' years! O'er here!" "Hagrid!" Harry exclaimed and ran towards him. "'Ello Harry! How was yer summer?" he asked. "It's had a great end," Harry responded, giving the half giant a hug. Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Neville, and Luna came over to say their hellos, but soon, Hagrid had to take the first years over in the boats and Harry and his friends needed to find a carriage. Quickly, they found one and climbed in. The carriage began to move, and slowly, they made their way to the castle. Just before they reached it, Ginny whispered in Harry's ear, "Welcome home," and then began an animated conversation with Luna. Harry looked out the window and smiled, thinking of all the wonderful adventures he and his friends would have that year.