December
Winter brought with it an excessive amount of snow, arriving the last week in November and not letting up until two days before the Christmas holidays, and the Great Lake had frozen solid. There was no good news in The Daily Prophet; just more mysterious disappearances, muggle torturings and killings. The bad news seemed t worsen every day. However, the feelings of despair wore off in the last week before Christmas and were replaced with the excitement of the season. A loud crack announced Dobby's arrival in the Dormitory and woke everyone in the room.
"Dobby wishes Harry Potter and Weazy a Merry Christmas" he squeaked happily.
Dobby raised his eyes and looked at Harry."Dobby and the other elves is very lucky Headmaster Dumbledore sends them here to have fun in the holidays. The house elf was oblivious at the murderous glare Ron shot him.
"Dobby thinks, Master Weazy needs to like Christmas more." The house elf looked sincerely worried about the situation. "I knows! Dobby will sing happy Christmas songs to Master Weazy and he will like Christmas better."Much to everyone's horror, Dobby launched himself into an off-key rendition of a Jingle Bells, followed by Silent Night. Dobby missed all the high notes, was flat on the low ones, and no one was sorry when he stopped.
The Great Hall had been decorated with live fairies, massive twenty-foot tall trees and mounds of food. The suits of armour shone and were decorated with mistletoe and holly. As with previous years, they had been enchanted to sing carols, and once again, Peeves hid inside, calling out bad words. A few of the younger students found this amusing, while Harry thought it was just annoying. Presents were exchanged among friends, songs sang between classes, giggles from girls who had been given presents and sweets from boys, and blushes from boys rewarded by kisses.
Harry sat next to Ron in the Great Hall, with Hermione and Ginny on the other side of the table. He felt miserable. Some Christmas this was going to be, he thought "I really hope Dobby isn't going to do that every day until Christmas" said Ron "What?" asked Ginny "Sing Christmas Carols first thing in the morning."
"I think that's really festive" said Hermione "Not the way Dobby does it."
The morning owls arrived with the mail, dropping letters, packages and presents all over the house tables. Harry picked up the small package from his Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon. He reluctantly unwrapped it, then looked inside, surprised at the contents. He remembered what Arthur Weasley had told them before taking Harry away for the summer, warning them to send a real present to their nephew this Christmas. But he never would have expected to see this. Inside was a new watch, a thick black leather band wrapped around a piece of parchment, which simply read, "Happy Holidays."
Harry slipped the watch on, and then looked down to the letter that lay in his plate of eggs, kippers and toast, reading the handwriting. Lupin had been writing to him weekly, taking up where Sirius had left off. Harry smiled. It was nice to have an adult in his life, who was just a friend. It made loosing his godfather seem less painful somehow. Harry opened the letter, glancing up to see Ginny reading one from her parents. He read the words and smiled. Lupin assured him that he would be joining the Weasley family during the Christmas holidays. He also said he had something serious he wanted Harry to help him with.
Class was over before he knew it, and he suddenly regretted it. Since Tonks began teaching the Defence Against the Dark Arts class, it had been an exciting experience. She had taught them to block spells and hexes, reviewing the past five years of training, then started teaching more of the defences against spells and curses Voldemort would likely use. She had spent an entire week discussing the Unforgivable Curses, and the reasons they were called Unforgivable. But more than just the lessons, it was her entire outlook and personality. She was always cheerful, upbeat and happy and made everyone a part of the class, bringing them into the subject and involving them in the discussions. Only the Slytherins appeared not to enjoy them.
The last day of school was a blur of anticipation. The castle was buzzing with happy chatter, songs and eager packing.
Harry awoke before dawn on Christmas Eve, packed his trunk and showered before the first rays of light even broke over the horizon. Breakfast was eaten in a hurry as many students awoke late, and the train would leave on time, regardless of who was packed and who wasn't. Harry helped Ron finish his last minute packing.
The December air was cold and harsh, numbing yet awakening as they stood on the platform waiting to board the Express. Eventually Harry, Ron and Hermione clambered on just before the train's whistle sounded. The Hogwarts Express lurched forward onto the tracks out of Hogsmeade around ten o'clock, taking with it a load of anxious students. The year had proven less than what everyone had expected it to be, and much calmer. Everyone was eager to go home, yet already talking about coming back. Harry had agreed to start up the D.A. club again, when they returned from holiday, which made the members eager for Christmas to be over with. Dumbledore had agreed to allow the D.A. to continue, but insisted they continue to keep it a secret. The last thing they needed was for the Dark Lord to find out what lessons were being taught. He liked the idea of keeping Voldemort off guard when the time came.
Hermione and Ron had Prefect duties to perform, and were gone during most of the morning. Harry found an empty compartment to sit in. It wasn't long before someone poked their head inside.
"Hello, Harry," Luna Lovegood greeted. She was still dressed in her Hogwarts robes, her long blonde hair pulled back in a ponytail. She came inside the compartment and sat across from him, not asking if the seat was already taken.
Harry didn't mind. It had been a while since he'd talked to Luna. He still felt that he owed her for all of the help she gave him last year. "Hi, Luna," he replied cordially. "How are you?"
"Fine. A bit bored though."
"Bored?" he questioned.
She nodded. "You know, Harry, some of us don't have anything to do but D.A. The serious lack of meetings has been troubling."
"Oh." Harry frowned. He didn't realise that anyone was upset over it. However, it was true that he wasn't as active as he was last year. He felt like his life was total chaos this year. But after Christmas, he could relax a little more. He wouldn't have to worry about Quidditch or Occlumency. In fact, things were looking up after the new year. "I'm sorry, Luna. I've just been really busy this year. But we'll have more meetings when we get back. I promise."
Luna seemed satisfied with his response. "I heard you're spending Christmas with the Weasleys."
"Er, yeah, I am."
"Maybe we'll run into each other over the holidays," she said, smiling at him.
Harry shifted in his seat uncomfortably. He forgot that the Lovegoods lived near the Weasleys. "Maybe we will."
Harry sat back and gazed out the window, watching as Hogwarts started to disappear from the horizon.
The compartment remained silent, except for the sound of Luna filddling with her Butterbeer bottle cap necklace. Harry glanced at her. She looked nervous about something.
"My father would really like to meet you," she announced. "He wouldn't mind doing a follow-up interview, either. He wanted to do one earlier, but I told him to wait."
"A follow-up interview about what?" Harry questioned. "Nothing's really happened..."
"The breakout," Luna interrupted. "But I think he may have his own agenda. The Quibbler has been having some problems."
"Problems?"
Luna hesitated. "Financial ones." She turned and looked out the window, still playing with the bottle caps around her neck. "After the article last year, well, certain parties decided to pull their funding. My father has been trying to get by on subscriptions alone. It would really help us out if you could do another interview."
"Of course I could," Harry replied.
Luna's head snapped toward him, her silver eyes looking more surprised than usual. "You will?"
Harry nodded. "I don't mind. After all, you risked your life for me last year. The least I could do is help your father out."
Luna grinned broadly. "Thank you, Harry. It will be tasteful. I promise. You could even have Rita Skeeter do it again."
"Er... I'll have to talk it over with Hermione first." He wasn't entirely sure that Rita could do a tasteful piece on him without the aid of Hermione's blackmail
The Hogwart's Express pulled into King's Cross, and Harry's spirits lifted a little. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were waiting for them on platform 93/4, along with the two identical red-heads at her side. Harry, Ron, and Hermione said goodbye to Luna and quickly got off the Hogwarts Express. Hermione found her bags and her parents, and said that she would see everyone at the Weasley's for dinner. Harry was gathering his trunk when he felt pain explode on his leg.
"Ouch," Harry cursed as Ron pushed his trunk into his shin.
Ron turned around. "Sorry," he muttered.
"Oh, I've missed all of you so much," Mrs. Weasley said, embracing each of them in turn. They left the platform and walked between the walls that led to the Muggle world.
It was snowing lightly as Harry followed the Weasleys to the Ministry car. The sleek, black sedan looked normal from the outside, but as Mr. Weasley loaded everyone's baggage into the trunk, Harry could see that it was bewitched. There was no way any normal car could hold so many things, nor so many people. Harry slid between George and Ron into the backseat, which fit all of the children quite comfortably. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley sat in the front.
The ride to the Burrow seemed to take unnaturally long, even though it was a Ministry car that moved at top speed through Britain - much faster than any normal car. Mrs. Weasley kept asking them questions about their lessons and Quidditch and about Ginny's O.W.L. preparation. Finally, George said, "For crying out loud, mum! Would you give them a break? They just got home from school; they don't want to relive the whole term!"
"Mind your manners, George," Mr. Weasley scolded.
Mrs. Weasley sighed.
The sun hung red and low on the horizon. When they arrived at Ottery St. Catchpole it was snowing a lot heavier. Mr. Weasley betwtiched the trunks to let themselves into the Burrow and find their ways into the proper rooms.
Hermione arrived at the house early evening to find all of the Weasleys and Harry gathered around the fire in the lounge room, sipping cocoa and listening to Fred tell a joke "And then he said, 'You're looking quite nice this evening. Either that, or someone spiked the egg nog!'" Fred delivered the punchline and the entire family bellowed with laughter. Hermione smiled as she found an empty place in front of the fire. Ginny handed her a mug and she took a sip of the cocoa, the warmth instantly enveloping her.
"So, Mum," George began. "Have I ever told you how you're my favourite mother in the whole wide world?"
"I've already said no, George," Molly Weasley said firmly. "And no amount of flattery will get you anywhere. You cannot open a present now. It's not Christmas until tomorrow." A collective groan from all those present sounded.
"Did you tell him about the Order?" asked Fred Mrs. Weasley, who had been rummaging in the cupboard, looking for the condiments dropped the container she held in her hands. "Oh dear." She quickly bent over to pick it up, and Ginny was quickly on her hands and knees helping her mother.
"What about the Order?" Harry questioned.
Mr. and Mrs. Weasley exchanged glances. "We didn't tell them yet," Mrs. Weasley said to George. She wrung her hands nervously.
"Tell us what?"
"Now Molly, you have a seat" Mr. Weasley said, taking his wife by the shoulders and forcing her into one of the chairs at the table.
"You two are going to put me into an early grave!" Mrs. Weasley shouted, shaking a finger at the twins.
"Come on, mum," Fred said. "We've been through all the dramatics before. We'll tell them."
"Tell us what?" Ginny demanded. She, too, took a seat at the table.
Without looking at one another, George and Fred seemed to communicate in that secretive way twins do. "We're joining the Order," they said together.
"What?!" Ginny cried. "You can't be serious."
"We are," George continued. "Dead serious."
Mrs. Weasley gave him a smack on the head. "Don't say that."
"But how...?" Harry began.
"We're of legal age," Fred said. "It was brought up at a meeting, thanks to Charlie, and the Order discussed it, and after a unanimous vote, we're in."
"Unanimous?" Ginny glanced at her parents. "How could you vote in favour of such a ridiculous idea?" Harry was wondering how they managed to convince Snape to be in favour.
"They're going to be participants in this war whether we allow them in the Order or not," Mr. Weasley explained. "At least this way, we will know what they're up to and we might be able to have some control over their actions."
Mrs. Weasley sighed heavily. "It's the safest way for them to help. They will not sit idly by."
"Which was exactly what our winning argument was," Fred said to Harry and Ginny. "I imagine if you two use the same tactic, they may let you in as well..."
"Don't get any ideas," Mr. Weasley interrupted. Mrs. Weasley looked positively infuriated at the suggestion that her youngest child and the Boy Who Lived should join such a dangerous clan. Mr. Weasley continued. "You're not of age yet, and even then... then it could be over. For the better, of course," he added.
"This isn't proper dinnertime conversation," Mrs. Weasley said. "And I wouldn't count your chickens before they hatch, boys. You've not been inducted yet." There was a glimmer of mother's hope in her eyes. "So I was thinking that after Boxing Day, if the weather is not too terrible, we'll all take a trip to Diagon Alley for some shopping before you go back to school."
"And to see the joke shop," George interjected, turning to Harry. "It's quite amazing, if I do say so myself. We've had some big sellers this holiday season. We could give you a real deal on the last of our Dainty Diabolical Dragon Eggs..."
"Where's Bill then?" asked Ron "He's spending the holidays with Fleur and her family," Fred said. "I imagine after this he'll change his mind and come back home without her."
Mrs. Weasley's jaw dropped. "Fred!"
"Rotten thing to say, really," George said. "Surely it'll be the other way around. Bill never behaves the best during the holidays. The Delacours will send him packing before midnight. He always said the holidays were more for causing mischief than celebration."
"Indeed," Mr. Weasley chuckled. "Advice you two took to heart at a very young age."
Fred and George exchanged mischievous grins. Harry was glad to see that after so many changes this term, the twins' playful demeanours were the same.
Dinner that evening was joyful and happy, the tension that had developed in the car was gone. The peace was disturbed when the fireplace erupted into huge green flames, then died down to reveal Lupin.
"Sorry to interrupt your meal" he apologised "but I have some sad news from The Order". Lupin looked better than he had done recently, but the lines on his face were more pronouced in the fire light.
"What happened?" asked Mr Weasley.
"Neville Longbottom's grandmother owled Dumbledore shortly after the Hogwart's Express left Hogsmeade. Neville's mother died last night, from complications of her treatment for her injuries caused by the Death Eaters."
"Oh no," Ginny whispered.
"Alice Longbottom was a very good friend, and a loyal member of the Order. She'll be missed greatly," Lupin added. Silence fell around the room, as they all sat contemplating the news.
Lupin joined them for mince pies, but didn't stay long. Hermione left by Floo Powder soon after, promising to meet them in Diagon Alley later in the week.
Harry lay in bed, in the room he shared with Ron, staring at the ceiling. It was nearly dawn, and he had yet to find a way to sleep. He couldn't help but think about all that had happened that year; Sirius, Percy & now Mrs Longbottom. He knew others would join in the fight, The Order already had several new members; and the DA meetings were popular with the students of Hogwart's, but Voldemort seemed to be picking members of the order off one by one, just like last time.
He looked out of the window. It was cold outside and the sky had the same washed out colours of one of those water colour paintings of winter skies. It had stopped snowing, but it still lay thick on the ground.
Harry sighed and rolled over onto his stomach, burying his head beneath his pillow. His head hurt, his eyes burned with fatigue and his jaw throbbed in pain from where he'd been clenching it. Then a thought came to his mind. It was Christmas day and everyone would be awake soon.
As if on cue, the bed next to him creaked and Ron in it stirred This year, and just as every holiday for the past six years that Harry could remember, Ron was eager to see what presents awaited him. He fought back a yawn, as he heard his name whispered in the stillness. Harry contemplated for several minutes whether or not to answer, but knew from previous experience; Ron Weasley wouldn't give up that easily. Harry sat up, tossing his pillow aside.
"Happy Christmas," Ron croaked glancing down to the foot of their bed, where a stack of presents sat.
"Happy Christmas," Harry answered sluggishly, following Ron's lead and reaching for the presents and tearing at the wrapping. There were the usual books from Hermione, Bertie Botts Every Flavour Beans from Ron, while Hagrid sent along a large supply of his home-made fudge (which neither were eager to eat) and Mrs. Weasley had once again knitted them their matching jumpers.
"You look awful mate," said Ron.
"I didn't sleep much,"
"I wonder how Neville is holding up," Ron said after a moment. "It can't be easy for him. Remember how he acted last year, when his mum gave him the sweet wrapper? I can't imagine how it must be having your parents like that, but then to loose one. It has to be horrible."
"Sometimes I think I'm lucky, to never have known my parents. At least I was too young to grieve their deaths."
"Don't you ever get tired of this?" Ron asked, leaning back on his bed.
"Tired of what?" Harry asked.
"Every year, something else happens and every year, we end up having to battle someone evil and sinister. Is it too much to ask, for just one normal year?" Harry smiled. It could only take the illogical mind of Ronald Weasley to make the obvious seem so simple Breakfast was a flurry of utensils, while everyone ate at a hasty pace. No presents were allowed to be opened until everyone had finished eating, which meant whether you were hungry or not, you had to clean your plate and wait patiently for the others. Not an easy task for Ron, who finished first and spent the next half hour shifting in his seat or tapping his fingers on the table. Mrs. Weasley became so irritated with her son's noise that she threatened to put a tear proof charm on all of the wrappings if he didn't sit still.
"Now can we open presents?" Ron grumbled, as his father - the last to finish eating, pushed his plate aside and reached for his coffee mug. Mr. Weasley looked from his son to his wife, who began to gather the empty dishes.
"Very well, but be warned; it's only token presents because of ... .... circumstances" sighed Mrs. Weasley, then had to stand aside as the table's occupants suddenly seemed to explode out of their seats and hurry into the next room. Ron was first to the door, but it was the twins who made it into the sitting room first, having tripped their younger brother in the hallway, sending him spiralling into the closet across the hall. Harry and Ginny took a slower pace of walking, yet were anxiously among those who found seats on the old worn carpet around the tree
Ron opened his presents with the zest of a child, smiling at the new wizard chess set from Lupin and Tonks, a package of wizard treats from the twins (which he carefully put aside, afraid of them blowing up in his face), and a book of Quidditch plays from Harry that actually had miniature players who zoomed around a replica of a Quidditch pitch while each play was explained in detail
Harry opened his gifts, with a renewed excitement he hadn't felt in months. Lupin and Tonks had both given him books on the Dark Arts; gifts he promised himself to read before the next D.A. meeting. The twins favoured him with a matching box of wizard treats - which he also carefully put aside
Mrs Weasley caught sight of the boxes and raised her eyebrows. "I thought I told you that those 'products' were to be confined solely to the shop? Wasn't there some forfeit imposed should some accidentally find their way home with you?"
Conversation continued as the rest of the group opened their presents. Once they had all settled down Mr. Weasley passed out the mugs of eggnog and lifted his in the air.
"A toast," he said, watching as everyone followed suit. "To family and friends, where ever they maybe"
"To family," they cheered, sipping the sweet liquid.
Darkness fell quickly and early. Charlie lit a roaring fire in the huge fireplace in the living room. Everyone settled around with glasses of mead or eggnog, the lucky ones on the sofa and threadbare armchairs, the others sprawled on the floor
The house seemed to remain alive with useless chatter and activity, until late in the night. Harry stayed up for quite a while, and then eventually went up to bed. He had hoped that by going upstairs, it would give the rest of the group the idea that it was getting late, but it didn't' seem to have worked. Harry lay awake in his bed, tapping his fingers together and anxiously shifting from one position to another but still couldn't sleep. He was incredibly tired, as he didn't sleep properly the previous night. Ron had come to bed over an hour ago, and was now snoring like a hog. The sounds of voices continued to echo up the stairs, although not as many as before
The voices faded. Harry was looking down at his boney white hands
"My Lord" said a husky voice "I beg your pardon"
"What is it" Harry replied
Bellatrix Lestrange stepped into the room and walked across the stone floor.
"It is done. He will trouble us no more"
"Good. Soon there will be no one to thwart my plans" Harry replied
"They are recruiting more members, many more than last time."
"It makes little difference. They will all die once my death eaters are free, and The Order will cease to exist. That Phoenix won't rise again from it's ashes"
Harry was woken early the following morning by the sound of Ron's snoring. Obediently he wrote his dream in the diary as he had been instructed to by Professor Snape.
A flock of owls arrived at breakfast. The first carried a message from Hogwarts addressed to Ron informing him that the postponed quidditch match between Gryffindor and Slytherin would be played on the first weekend of the new term. Harry had an owl, and the Daily Prophet arrived.
AUROR FOUND DEAD
Kinsgley Shaklebolt was found dead last night under mysterious circumstances. His body was found by a muggle outside his home in Buckinghamshire. As yet, the Ministry of Magic has refused to comment on rumours that Aurour Shaklebolt was tracking He-Who-Must- Not- Be - Named.
"No" said Mrs Weasley "it can't be true"
"Whasat?" asked Ron, his mouth full of toast.
Mrs Weasley laid the paper on the table, and everyone read the headline.
"It's just like last time" sobbed Mrs Weasley.
"No one said this was going to be easy" said Mr Weasley, putting his arm around her. "There were always going to be sacrifices"
Harry decided that now was not the best time to tell everyone about his latest vision. He opened his letter; it was from Luna.
"Luna's father wants to meet me" Harry said, hoping to change the subject.
"Doesn't he edit The Quibbler" asked Mr Weasley
"Yeah" replied Harry "Luna says that he's in financial difficulties, so I agreed to do another interview"
"That's interesting" said Mr Wealsey "mind if I come with you?"
"Course not. I'll say I'm okay for tomorrow"
Hedwig was dispatched shortly carrying his reply. Harry gazed as she disappeared into the distance; her white feathers soon made her invisible against the snowy landscape and mottled light grey clouds.
The mood in The Burrow was subdued. Kingsley Shaklebolt's death and Mrs Weasley's claim that they would all be dead by next Christmas had shaken everyone. Harry was glad he hadn't mentioned his vision.
Predictably it was Fred and George that cheered up Ron & Harry by suggesting a trip to Diagon Alley to visit the joke shop.
"I'll phone Hermione, and she can meet us there" said Ron excitedly.
The twins sniggered. "Is she your girlfriend?"
"No. She just a friend, like Harry" said Ron heatedly, but his glowing ears told a different story.
"Oh. Do you fancy Harry as well then?" asked Fred
"THAT'S ENOUGH" bellowed Mrs Weasley. "and take Ginny with you as well"
In contrast to the crowded Muggle shops, Diagon Alley was very quiet. The wizard world obviously didn't bother with end of season sales. The thick grey clouds were racing across the sky and the clap of thunder echoed overhead. The clock at the end of the street behind him chimed three, but no one heard it above the roar of the wind.
"Not much going on today" said Ron as he, Harry, Ginny, Hermione and the twins sat inside Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour eating ice cream, watching the rain run down the windows and listening to the wind rattle the door. Harry remembered when he had sat outside in the summer studying History of Magic. That was the year he blew up Aunt Majorie he thought, and smiled to himself.
"Why aren't we going to Wealsey's Wizarding Weases?" asked Ginny. "I want to see the shop"
"Have you seen how much rain there is outside?" asked Fred sarcastically. He had a point. There was a stream running down the middle of the narrow street "As your financial backer, I think I'm entitled to see the premises" joked Harry, pushing his finished sundae into the middle of the table.
"Okay. But I don't want anyone to get to excited about it" said George. He sounded uncharacteristically nervous.
"Yeah. And if you get swept away in a flood, it's your own fault" said Fred.
The others quickly finished their ice cream, and put their robes on, ready to face the awful weather, which turned out to be as bad as it looked. The wind blasted the rain against their faces and blew their robes like sails. The twins started running, and Harry followed them, running as hard as he could to keep up with them, but soon they disappeared in the gloom.
He reached the red door of 93 Diagon Alley, but the twins were no where to be seen. The others caught up, looking drenched.
"Come on! Open up!" shouted Ginny banging on the door with her fists. The door was jerked open and Ginny tumbled in. Her brothers emerged from behind it and picked her up. Harry, Ron and Hermione hurried in after her.
"Why didn't we go by Floo powder?" asked Hermione, wringing out her long hair.
"Not hooked up yet" explained Fred "Did you think we enjoyed being almost drowned?"
Even Harry, who disliked travelling by the Floo network, would have been prepared to make an exception this time.
The joke shop was even more extraordinary than Harry had envisioned it. Weasley's Wizard Wheezes had evolved significantly. Harry chuckled when he remembered when they were caught printing up order forms back at the Burrow.
Harry walked up and down the isles of gags and gifts. The twins had really outdone themselves with some of the items in the store. "You are definitely going to put Zonko's out of business" said Ron picking up some Skiving Snackboxes. There was a display marked "NEW LINES" with some new flavours on it. He picked out a handful of Peppermint Ice, a tiny chew with red and white stripes. They claimed to give someone such a terrible case of the chills that his nose would run and his eyes water until frost gathered on his eyelashes.
"I'm glad to see my investment is...." began Harry BANG A loud explosion, followed by screams and shouts interrupted him "Wasn't me" said Fred grinning and turning round to look out into the street. The wind had eased and the rain ceased, but the impenetrable steel sky kept the sun hidden.
More explosions and shouting drew the six of them into the street. Black smoke belched from Fortescues Ice Cream parlour. A cloaked figure was running towards them, a wand in his hand, pointing it at Harry.
"NO!" Ron shouted, grabbing at Harry's arm and dragging him out of the way.
"Expelliarmus," Hermione shouted and watched as the robed figure flew through the air, landing face down a few feet away, in a crumpled mass of dark robes. Loud pops announced the apparition of several Aurours led by a man Harry recognised as Dawlish.
"Incarsourous" he said, and the mysterious assailant was bound from shoulders to ankles in thick ropes.
"Well done" said Dawlish, turing to look at Hermione who smiled and turned pink "We'll deal with him from here" he continued. The other Aurours had picked up the suspect. He had long dark, lank hair and a boney face. It was nobody that anyone recognised.
"Who is he?" asked Harry, white with shock.
"Could be a Death Eater, or someone being controlled by the imperious curse" replied a tall Auror. "we'll find out"
Ron looked along the alley towards the remains of Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour. Deep orange flames as well as the black smoke were pouring from the shop front. When the wind caught the smoke it blew it along the street towards them obscuring the shops at the other end.
"We were in there twenty minutes ago" said Ginny, her voice shaking. Harry looked round at her. She was biting her nails and leaning against George, who had his arm round her. "You had better return home" said Dawlish. "Your parents will be worried when they find out what's happened. I suggest you use the fireplace in The Leaky Cauldron"
Another just of wind blew the acrid smoke inot their faces.
"Can we move?" coughed Hermione As they trudged up Diagon Alley to The leaky Cauldron, Harry was amazed at how many people were wandering about now. Not all of them were witches and wizards - he spotted a hag, some dwarves, and even two hairy creatures he couldn't recognise standing outside of the Leaky Cauldron sharing a pipe Mrs Weasley was relived to see all of them fall out of the fireplace. News of the attack had just been reported on the radio news.
Harry looked outside through the window. In confirmation of winter's shorter days, the dreary sky was beginning to darken.
The morning of the interview with Mr Lovegood arrived. Harry & Mr Weasley were going to travel to the Lovegood's house by one of Harry's least favourite forms of transport; Floo powder. It was second on his list of hated forms of transport only to the Knight Bus.
"Ready Harry?" asked Mr Weasley, once breakfast was over.
"Can't we walk instead?" answered Harry
"Floo Powder is fast and convenient! But whatever you do, don't sneeze!"
"All right then" grimaced Harry
"Right" said Mr Weasley, stepping into the fire, "what's the name of their house?"
"Erm..." replied Harry, now standing next to him
"I see. Well erm... The Lovegood's house" he called and threw a handful of floo powder into the fire. Instantly the flames turned green and rose higher, and Harry felt himself start to spin.
The familiar twirling sensation ended and Harry and Mr Weasley landed in a large stone fireplace amid red and orange flames.
The Lovegood's house had the appearance of being owned by a formerly wealthy family that had fallen on hard times. The wallpaper was faded, and the wooden table that stood in the centre of the room was battered in places. On the wall hung paintings of mythical creatures, and the occasional blurred photograph. It wasn't as untidy as The Burrow, but then it only had Luna & her dad living there.
A short man with greying hair entered the room. Like the house, he also appeared to have been wealthy, but was going through lean times. He looked tired.
"Harry" said Mr Lovegood shaking his hand warmly "thanks for coming. How are you?
"Er fine thanks" he replied
"And you must be Arthur Weasley" continued Mr Lovegood, taking a step towards Mr Weasley and grasping him by the hand.
"So then, why don't you following me into the sitting room
They followed him into the next room, which was in a similar state to the first room, and also had pictures of strange creatures. There were also pictures of Luna and a woman who Harry supposed was her mother.
"Please, sit down" gestured Mr Lovegood to the light green flowery sofa was a bit worn in places
"Now then Harry, Luna's told me all about you, and your little adventure in the Ministry" began Mr Lovegood.
Harry's stomach lurched. He hadn't expected this, and found himself feeling defensive.
"I don't know if Luna's told you, but the Quibbler is going through a sticky patch at the moment"
Harry nodded
"and your interview last year was the best selling issue of the Quibbler ever. What I'd like to do, if you don't mind, is a few follow up pieces, to be serialised in the next few issues."
"Why me?"
"Because, for whatever reason, where ever there's trouble, there's also Harry Potter" smiled Mr Lovegood.
Luna came in with her hair in a ponytail and wearing a dress. She smiled serenely at Harry, who almost didn't recognise her out of her Hogwarts robes, and sat down. Harry smiled back
"I'm going to use a Quick Notes Quill" Mr Lovegood caught the look of distrust on Harry's face. "don't worry, it's not like Rita Skeeters. You can start when you're ready"
Harry took a deep breath. For twenty minutes Mr Lovegood sat silently while his quick notes quill scratched across the surface of the parchment, relaying Harry's story. Harry told them how he'd had visions, and flown to London with his six companions on Thestrals. He told them how it had been a trap, and about the battle. As he told them about Sirius's duel with Bellatrix Lestrange, tears began to roll down his cheeks.
Mr Weasley stood up. "Harry, would excuse us for a moment"
"Luna" said Mr Lovegood, turning to his daughter "why don't you take Harry into the kitchen and make him a drink
They stood & Harry followed her back through the first room and into the kitchen. Apart from the breakfast bowls by the sink, it was spotless. It was on a par with the Dursley's.
"Sorry about the mess" apologised Luna
"What mess?" said Harry leaning against a cupboard
"I normally try to keep the kitchen as clean as possible, in case of... never mind. Pumpkin juice okay?" asked Luna
She poured two glasses and walked over to Harry
"It's really brave of you," said Luna handing him his drink and smiling at him, "talking about painful memories like that"
Harry removed his glasses and wiped his eyes. "Thanks". He took a sip of his juice
"Dad really appreciates it. People don't seem to want to know about Crumpled Horn Snorcacks anymore"
"Oh" said Harry, who wasn't interested in them either.
"Don't worry. He's not gone for good" said Luna, changing the subject suddenly.
"Yeah, you said last year. How come it feels like it?"
"We'll talk to Mrytle when we get back to Hogwarts. She knows"
"Knows what?" asked Harry
"You'll see" said Luna enigmatically
Harry sighed. Is Luna as mad as people say or does she really know something? Luna had seen the Thestrals and could hear the voices beyond the veil. Could he really talk to Sirius again?
"Nearly Headless Nick didn't think Sirius would come back" Harry point out "I asked him. He said he'd gone on"
"He's an older ghost" replied Luna
"What difference does it make?" asked Harry puzelled
"It makes all the difference"
Harry looked up at the ceiling. Amongst the decorations was sprig of mistletoe, and it was hanging directly above him. He hadn't spoken to anyone about Sirius, not even Ron or Hermione, but he felt comfortable talking to Luna, and perhaps she could help him
Luna moved closer. "Don't worry. There aren't any Nargles in this one"
"What's so bad about Nargles?" asked Harry, not believing for one minute that they even existed.
"If you kiss someone under Nargle infested mistletoe, your relationship will be cursed"
That would explain what happened with Cho then, thought Harry to himself. Suddenly he found Luna's mouth stuck to his.
It was only when the sound of footsteps in the next room could be heard that Luna broke off, just before her father and Mr Weasley appeared at the door.
"Right then," said Mr Weasley "we're all done here. You finished Harry?"
"Er yeah. " he replied "Erm for the moment anyway", glancing sideways at Luna
"Good. Back to The Burrow then. I don't want to leave Molly on her own in case she starts worrying, especially after Tuesday"
"Bye" said Harry,as he walked out of the kitchen, still a bit shell shocked.
"See you at school" smiled Luna
As Harry followed Mr Weasley back to the fireplace, he felt happy; firstly because he and Luna had gone on so well and then there was the possibility of seeing Sirius again.
The spinning stopped and they emerged from the fireplace at The Burrow.
"As you're not being paid for the interview" said Mr Weasley, "Mr Lovegood has agreed to print various pieces for the order"
Harry smiled. If he was going to be kissed by Luna after every interview, he'd tell Mr Lovegood anything he wanted.
Winter brought with it an excessive amount of snow, arriving the last week in November and not letting up until two days before the Christmas holidays, and the Great Lake had frozen solid. There was no good news in The Daily Prophet; just more mysterious disappearances, muggle torturings and killings. The bad news seemed t worsen every day. However, the feelings of despair wore off in the last week before Christmas and were replaced with the excitement of the season. A loud crack announced Dobby's arrival in the Dormitory and woke everyone in the room.
"Dobby wishes Harry Potter and Weazy a Merry Christmas" he squeaked happily.
Dobby raised his eyes and looked at Harry."Dobby and the other elves is very lucky Headmaster Dumbledore sends them here to have fun in the holidays. The house elf was oblivious at the murderous glare Ron shot him.
"Dobby thinks, Master Weazy needs to like Christmas more." The house elf looked sincerely worried about the situation. "I knows! Dobby will sing happy Christmas songs to Master Weazy and he will like Christmas better."Much to everyone's horror, Dobby launched himself into an off-key rendition of a Jingle Bells, followed by Silent Night. Dobby missed all the high notes, was flat on the low ones, and no one was sorry when he stopped.
The Great Hall had been decorated with live fairies, massive twenty-foot tall trees and mounds of food. The suits of armour shone and were decorated with mistletoe and holly. As with previous years, they had been enchanted to sing carols, and once again, Peeves hid inside, calling out bad words. A few of the younger students found this amusing, while Harry thought it was just annoying. Presents were exchanged among friends, songs sang between classes, giggles from girls who had been given presents and sweets from boys, and blushes from boys rewarded by kisses.
Harry sat next to Ron in the Great Hall, with Hermione and Ginny on the other side of the table. He felt miserable. Some Christmas this was going to be, he thought "I really hope Dobby isn't going to do that every day until Christmas" said Ron "What?" asked Ginny "Sing Christmas Carols first thing in the morning."
"I think that's really festive" said Hermione "Not the way Dobby does it."
The morning owls arrived with the mail, dropping letters, packages and presents all over the house tables. Harry picked up the small package from his Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon. He reluctantly unwrapped it, then looked inside, surprised at the contents. He remembered what Arthur Weasley had told them before taking Harry away for the summer, warning them to send a real present to their nephew this Christmas. But he never would have expected to see this. Inside was a new watch, a thick black leather band wrapped around a piece of parchment, which simply read, "Happy Holidays."
Harry slipped the watch on, and then looked down to the letter that lay in his plate of eggs, kippers and toast, reading the handwriting. Lupin had been writing to him weekly, taking up where Sirius had left off. Harry smiled. It was nice to have an adult in his life, who was just a friend. It made loosing his godfather seem less painful somehow. Harry opened the letter, glancing up to see Ginny reading one from her parents. He read the words and smiled. Lupin assured him that he would be joining the Weasley family during the Christmas holidays. He also said he had something serious he wanted Harry to help him with.
Class was over before he knew it, and he suddenly regretted it. Since Tonks began teaching the Defence Against the Dark Arts class, it had been an exciting experience. She had taught them to block spells and hexes, reviewing the past five years of training, then started teaching more of the defences against spells and curses Voldemort would likely use. She had spent an entire week discussing the Unforgivable Curses, and the reasons they were called Unforgivable. But more than just the lessons, it was her entire outlook and personality. She was always cheerful, upbeat and happy and made everyone a part of the class, bringing them into the subject and involving them in the discussions. Only the Slytherins appeared not to enjoy them.
The last day of school was a blur of anticipation. The castle was buzzing with happy chatter, songs and eager packing.
Harry awoke before dawn on Christmas Eve, packed his trunk and showered before the first rays of light even broke over the horizon. Breakfast was eaten in a hurry as many students awoke late, and the train would leave on time, regardless of who was packed and who wasn't. Harry helped Ron finish his last minute packing.
The December air was cold and harsh, numbing yet awakening as they stood on the platform waiting to board the Express. Eventually Harry, Ron and Hermione clambered on just before the train's whistle sounded. The Hogwarts Express lurched forward onto the tracks out of Hogsmeade around ten o'clock, taking with it a load of anxious students. The year had proven less than what everyone had expected it to be, and much calmer. Everyone was eager to go home, yet already talking about coming back. Harry had agreed to start up the D.A. club again, when they returned from holiday, which made the members eager for Christmas to be over with. Dumbledore had agreed to allow the D.A. to continue, but insisted they continue to keep it a secret. The last thing they needed was for the Dark Lord to find out what lessons were being taught. He liked the idea of keeping Voldemort off guard when the time came.
Hermione and Ron had Prefect duties to perform, and were gone during most of the morning. Harry found an empty compartment to sit in. It wasn't long before someone poked their head inside.
"Hello, Harry," Luna Lovegood greeted. She was still dressed in her Hogwarts robes, her long blonde hair pulled back in a ponytail. She came inside the compartment and sat across from him, not asking if the seat was already taken.
Harry didn't mind. It had been a while since he'd talked to Luna. He still felt that he owed her for all of the help she gave him last year. "Hi, Luna," he replied cordially. "How are you?"
"Fine. A bit bored though."
"Bored?" he questioned.
She nodded. "You know, Harry, some of us don't have anything to do but D.A. The serious lack of meetings has been troubling."
"Oh." Harry frowned. He didn't realise that anyone was upset over it. However, it was true that he wasn't as active as he was last year. He felt like his life was total chaos this year. But after Christmas, he could relax a little more. He wouldn't have to worry about Quidditch or Occlumency. In fact, things were looking up after the new year. "I'm sorry, Luna. I've just been really busy this year. But we'll have more meetings when we get back. I promise."
Luna seemed satisfied with his response. "I heard you're spending Christmas with the Weasleys."
"Er, yeah, I am."
"Maybe we'll run into each other over the holidays," she said, smiling at him.
Harry shifted in his seat uncomfortably. He forgot that the Lovegoods lived near the Weasleys. "Maybe we will."
Harry sat back and gazed out the window, watching as Hogwarts started to disappear from the horizon.
The compartment remained silent, except for the sound of Luna filddling with her Butterbeer bottle cap necklace. Harry glanced at her. She looked nervous about something.
"My father would really like to meet you," she announced. "He wouldn't mind doing a follow-up interview, either. He wanted to do one earlier, but I told him to wait."
"A follow-up interview about what?" Harry questioned. "Nothing's really happened..."
"The breakout," Luna interrupted. "But I think he may have his own agenda. The Quibbler has been having some problems."
"Problems?"
Luna hesitated. "Financial ones." She turned and looked out the window, still playing with the bottle caps around her neck. "After the article last year, well, certain parties decided to pull their funding. My father has been trying to get by on subscriptions alone. It would really help us out if you could do another interview."
"Of course I could," Harry replied.
Luna's head snapped toward him, her silver eyes looking more surprised than usual. "You will?"
Harry nodded. "I don't mind. After all, you risked your life for me last year. The least I could do is help your father out."
Luna grinned broadly. "Thank you, Harry. It will be tasteful. I promise. You could even have Rita Skeeter do it again."
"Er... I'll have to talk it over with Hermione first." He wasn't entirely sure that Rita could do a tasteful piece on him without the aid of Hermione's blackmail
The Hogwart's Express pulled into King's Cross, and Harry's spirits lifted a little. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were waiting for them on platform 93/4, along with the two identical red-heads at her side. Harry, Ron, and Hermione said goodbye to Luna and quickly got off the Hogwarts Express. Hermione found her bags and her parents, and said that she would see everyone at the Weasley's for dinner. Harry was gathering his trunk when he felt pain explode on his leg.
"Ouch," Harry cursed as Ron pushed his trunk into his shin.
Ron turned around. "Sorry," he muttered.
"Oh, I've missed all of you so much," Mrs. Weasley said, embracing each of them in turn. They left the platform and walked between the walls that led to the Muggle world.
It was snowing lightly as Harry followed the Weasleys to the Ministry car. The sleek, black sedan looked normal from the outside, but as Mr. Weasley loaded everyone's baggage into the trunk, Harry could see that it was bewitched. There was no way any normal car could hold so many things, nor so many people. Harry slid between George and Ron into the backseat, which fit all of the children quite comfortably. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley sat in the front.
The ride to the Burrow seemed to take unnaturally long, even though it was a Ministry car that moved at top speed through Britain - much faster than any normal car. Mrs. Weasley kept asking them questions about their lessons and Quidditch and about Ginny's O.W.L. preparation. Finally, George said, "For crying out loud, mum! Would you give them a break? They just got home from school; they don't want to relive the whole term!"
"Mind your manners, George," Mr. Weasley scolded.
Mrs. Weasley sighed.
The sun hung red and low on the horizon. When they arrived at Ottery St. Catchpole it was snowing a lot heavier. Mr. Weasley betwtiched the trunks to let themselves into the Burrow and find their ways into the proper rooms.
Hermione arrived at the house early evening to find all of the Weasleys and Harry gathered around the fire in the lounge room, sipping cocoa and listening to Fred tell a joke "And then he said, 'You're looking quite nice this evening. Either that, or someone spiked the egg nog!'" Fred delivered the punchline and the entire family bellowed with laughter. Hermione smiled as she found an empty place in front of the fire. Ginny handed her a mug and she took a sip of the cocoa, the warmth instantly enveloping her.
"So, Mum," George began. "Have I ever told you how you're my favourite mother in the whole wide world?"
"I've already said no, George," Molly Weasley said firmly. "And no amount of flattery will get you anywhere. You cannot open a present now. It's not Christmas until tomorrow." A collective groan from all those present sounded.
"Did you tell him about the Order?" asked Fred Mrs. Weasley, who had been rummaging in the cupboard, looking for the condiments dropped the container she held in her hands. "Oh dear." She quickly bent over to pick it up, and Ginny was quickly on her hands and knees helping her mother.
"What about the Order?" Harry questioned.
Mr. and Mrs. Weasley exchanged glances. "We didn't tell them yet," Mrs. Weasley said to George. She wrung her hands nervously.
"Tell us what?"
"Now Molly, you have a seat" Mr. Weasley said, taking his wife by the shoulders and forcing her into one of the chairs at the table.
"You two are going to put me into an early grave!" Mrs. Weasley shouted, shaking a finger at the twins.
"Come on, mum," Fred said. "We've been through all the dramatics before. We'll tell them."
"Tell us what?" Ginny demanded. She, too, took a seat at the table.
Without looking at one another, George and Fred seemed to communicate in that secretive way twins do. "We're joining the Order," they said together.
"What?!" Ginny cried. "You can't be serious."
"We are," George continued. "Dead serious."
Mrs. Weasley gave him a smack on the head. "Don't say that."
"But how...?" Harry began.
"We're of legal age," Fred said. "It was brought up at a meeting, thanks to Charlie, and the Order discussed it, and after a unanimous vote, we're in."
"Unanimous?" Ginny glanced at her parents. "How could you vote in favour of such a ridiculous idea?" Harry was wondering how they managed to convince Snape to be in favour.
"They're going to be participants in this war whether we allow them in the Order or not," Mr. Weasley explained. "At least this way, we will know what they're up to and we might be able to have some control over their actions."
Mrs. Weasley sighed heavily. "It's the safest way for them to help. They will not sit idly by."
"Which was exactly what our winning argument was," Fred said to Harry and Ginny. "I imagine if you two use the same tactic, they may let you in as well..."
"Don't get any ideas," Mr. Weasley interrupted. Mrs. Weasley looked positively infuriated at the suggestion that her youngest child and the Boy Who Lived should join such a dangerous clan. Mr. Weasley continued. "You're not of age yet, and even then... then it could be over. For the better, of course," he added.
"This isn't proper dinnertime conversation," Mrs. Weasley said. "And I wouldn't count your chickens before they hatch, boys. You've not been inducted yet." There was a glimmer of mother's hope in her eyes. "So I was thinking that after Boxing Day, if the weather is not too terrible, we'll all take a trip to Diagon Alley for some shopping before you go back to school."
"And to see the joke shop," George interjected, turning to Harry. "It's quite amazing, if I do say so myself. We've had some big sellers this holiday season. We could give you a real deal on the last of our Dainty Diabolical Dragon Eggs..."
"Where's Bill then?" asked Ron "He's spending the holidays with Fleur and her family," Fred said. "I imagine after this he'll change his mind and come back home without her."
Mrs. Weasley's jaw dropped. "Fred!"
"Rotten thing to say, really," George said. "Surely it'll be the other way around. Bill never behaves the best during the holidays. The Delacours will send him packing before midnight. He always said the holidays were more for causing mischief than celebration."
"Indeed," Mr. Weasley chuckled. "Advice you two took to heart at a very young age."
Fred and George exchanged mischievous grins. Harry was glad to see that after so many changes this term, the twins' playful demeanours were the same.
Dinner that evening was joyful and happy, the tension that had developed in the car was gone. The peace was disturbed when the fireplace erupted into huge green flames, then died down to reveal Lupin.
"Sorry to interrupt your meal" he apologised "but I have some sad news from The Order". Lupin looked better than he had done recently, but the lines on his face were more pronouced in the fire light.
"What happened?" asked Mr Weasley.
"Neville Longbottom's grandmother owled Dumbledore shortly after the Hogwart's Express left Hogsmeade. Neville's mother died last night, from complications of her treatment for her injuries caused by the Death Eaters."
"Oh no," Ginny whispered.
"Alice Longbottom was a very good friend, and a loyal member of the Order. She'll be missed greatly," Lupin added. Silence fell around the room, as they all sat contemplating the news.
Lupin joined them for mince pies, but didn't stay long. Hermione left by Floo Powder soon after, promising to meet them in Diagon Alley later in the week.
Harry lay in bed, in the room he shared with Ron, staring at the ceiling. It was nearly dawn, and he had yet to find a way to sleep. He couldn't help but think about all that had happened that year; Sirius, Percy & now Mrs Longbottom. He knew others would join in the fight, The Order already had several new members; and the DA meetings were popular with the students of Hogwart's, but Voldemort seemed to be picking members of the order off one by one, just like last time.
He looked out of the window. It was cold outside and the sky had the same washed out colours of one of those water colour paintings of winter skies. It had stopped snowing, but it still lay thick on the ground.
Harry sighed and rolled over onto his stomach, burying his head beneath his pillow. His head hurt, his eyes burned with fatigue and his jaw throbbed in pain from where he'd been clenching it. Then a thought came to his mind. It was Christmas day and everyone would be awake soon.
As if on cue, the bed next to him creaked and Ron in it stirred This year, and just as every holiday for the past six years that Harry could remember, Ron was eager to see what presents awaited him. He fought back a yawn, as he heard his name whispered in the stillness. Harry contemplated for several minutes whether or not to answer, but knew from previous experience; Ron Weasley wouldn't give up that easily. Harry sat up, tossing his pillow aside.
"Happy Christmas," Ron croaked glancing down to the foot of their bed, where a stack of presents sat.
"Happy Christmas," Harry answered sluggishly, following Ron's lead and reaching for the presents and tearing at the wrapping. There were the usual books from Hermione, Bertie Botts Every Flavour Beans from Ron, while Hagrid sent along a large supply of his home-made fudge (which neither were eager to eat) and Mrs. Weasley had once again knitted them their matching jumpers.
"You look awful mate," said Ron.
"I didn't sleep much,"
"I wonder how Neville is holding up," Ron said after a moment. "It can't be easy for him. Remember how he acted last year, when his mum gave him the sweet wrapper? I can't imagine how it must be having your parents like that, but then to loose one. It has to be horrible."
"Sometimes I think I'm lucky, to never have known my parents. At least I was too young to grieve their deaths."
"Don't you ever get tired of this?" Ron asked, leaning back on his bed.
"Tired of what?" Harry asked.
"Every year, something else happens and every year, we end up having to battle someone evil and sinister. Is it too much to ask, for just one normal year?" Harry smiled. It could only take the illogical mind of Ronald Weasley to make the obvious seem so simple Breakfast was a flurry of utensils, while everyone ate at a hasty pace. No presents were allowed to be opened until everyone had finished eating, which meant whether you were hungry or not, you had to clean your plate and wait patiently for the others. Not an easy task for Ron, who finished first and spent the next half hour shifting in his seat or tapping his fingers on the table. Mrs. Weasley became so irritated with her son's noise that she threatened to put a tear proof charm on all of the wrappings if he didn't sit still.
"Now can we open presents?" Ron grumbled, as his father - the last to finish eating, pushed his plate aside and reached for his coffee mug. Mr. Weasley looked from his son to his wife, who began to gather the empty dishes.
"Very well, but be warned; it's only token presents because of ... .... circumstances" sighed Mrs. Weasley, then had to stand aside as the table's occupants suddenly seemed to explode out of their seats and hurry into the next room. Ron was first to the door, but it was the twins who made it into the sitting room first, having tripped their younger brother in the hallway, sending him spiralling into the closet across the hall. Harry and Ginny took a slower pace of walking, yet were anxiously among those who found seats on the old worn carpet around the tree
Ron opened his presents with the zest of a child, smiling at the new wizard chess set from Lupin and Tonks, a package of wizard treats from the twins (which he carefully put aside, afraid of them blowing up in his face), and a book of Quidditch plays from Harry that actually had miniature players who zoomed around a replica of a Quidditch pitch while each play was explained in detail
Harry opened his gifts, with a renewed excitement he hadn't felt in months. Lupin and Tonks had both given him books on the Dark Arts; gifts he promised himself to read before the next D.A. meeting. The twins favoured him with a matching box of wizard treats - which he also carefully put aside
Mrs Weasley caught sight of the boxes and raised her eyebrows. "I thought I told you that those 'products' were to be confined solely to the shop? Wasn't there some forfeit imposed should some accidentally find their way home with you?"
Conversation continued as the rest of the group opened their presents. Once they had all settled down Mr. Weasley passed out the mugs of eggnog and lifted his in the air.
"A toast," he said, watching as everyone followed suit. "To family and friends, where ever they maybe"
"To family," they cheered, sipping the sweet liquid.
Darkness fell quickly and early. Charlie lit a roaring fire in the huge fireplace in the living room. Everyone settled around with glasses of mead or eggnog, the lucky ones on the sofa and threadbare armchairs, the others sprawled on the floor
The house seemed to remain alive with useless chatter and activity, until late in the night. Harry stayed up for quite a while, and then eventually went up to bed. He had hoped that by going upstairs, it would give the rest of the group the idea that it was getting late, but it didn't' seem to have worked. Harry lay awake in his bed, tapping his fingers together and anxiously shifting from one position to another but still couldn't sleep. He was incredibly tired, as he didn't sleep properly the previous night. Ron had come to bed over an hour ago, and was now snoring like a hog. The sounds of voices continued to echo up the stairs, although not as many as before
The voices faded. Harry was looking down at his boney white hands
"My Lord" said a husky voice "I beg your pardon"
"What is it" Harry replied
Bellatrix Lestrange stepped into the room and walked across the stone floor.
"It is done. He will trouble us no more"
"Good. Soon there will be no one to thwart my plans" Harry replied
"They are recruiting more members, many more than last time."
"It makes little difference. They will all die once my death eaters are free, and The Order will cease to exist. That Phoenix won't rise again from it's ashes"
Harry was woken early the following morning by the sound of Ron's snoring. Obediently he wrote his dream in the diary as he had been instructed to by Professor Snape.
A flock of owls arrived at breakfast. The first carried a message from Hogwarts addressed to Ron informing him that the postponed quidditch match between Gryffindor and Slytherin would be played on the first weekend of the new term. Harry had an owl, and the Daily Prophet arrived.
AUROR FOUND DEAD
Kinsgley Shaklebolt was found dead last night under mysterious circumstances. His body was found by a muggle outside his home in Buckinghamshire. As yet, the Ministry of Magic has refused to comment on rumours that Aurour Shaklebolt was tracking He-Who-Must- Not- Be - Named.
"No" said Mrs Weasley "it can't be true"
"Whasat?" asked Ron, his mouth full of toast.
Mrs Weasley laid the paper on the table, and everyone read the headline.
"It's just like last time" sobbed Mrs Weasley.
"No one said this was going to be easy" said Mr Weasley, putting his arm around her. "There were always going to be sacrifices"
Harry decided that now was not the best time to tell everyone about his latest vision. He opened his letter; it was from Luna.
"Luna's father wants to meet me" Harry said, hoping to change the subject.
"Doesn't he edit The Quibbler" asked Mr Weasley
"Yeah" replied Harry "Luna says that he's in financial difficulties, so I agreed to do another interview"
"That's interesting" said Mr Wealsey "mind if I come with you?"
"Course not. I'll say I'm okay for tomorrow"
Hedwig was dispatched shortly carrying his reply. Harry gazed as she disappeared into the distance; her white feathers soon made her invisible against the snowy landscape and mottled light grey clouds.
The mood in The Burrow was subdued. Kingsley Shaklebolt's death and Mrs Weasley's claim that they would all be dead by next Christmas had shaken everyone. Harry was glad he hadn't mentioned his vision.
Predictably it was Fred and George that cheered up Ron & Harry by suggesting a trip to Diagon Alley to visit the joke shop.
"I'll phone Hermione, and she can meet us there" said Ron excitedly.
The twins sniggered. "Is she your girlfriend?"
"No. She just a friend, like Harry" said Ron heatedly, but his glowing ears told a different story.
"Oh. Do you fancy Harry as well then?" asked Fred
"THAT'S ENOUGH" bellowed Mrs Weasley. "and take Ginny with you as well"
In contrast to the crowded Muggle shops, Diagon Alley was very quiet. The wizard world obviously didn't bother with end of season sales. The thick grey clouds were racing across the sky and the clap of thunder echoed overhead. The clock at the end of the street behind him chimed three, but no one heard it above the roar of the wind.
"Not much going on today" said Ron as he, Harry, Ginny, Hermione and the twins sat inside Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour eating ice cream, watching the rain run down the windows and listening to the wind rattle the door. Harry remembered when he had sat outside in the summer studying History of Magic. That was the year he blew up Aunt Majorie he thought, and smiled to himself.
"Why aren't we going to Wealsey's Wizarding Weases?" asked Ginny. "I want to see the shop"
"Have you seen how much rain there is outside?" asked Fred sarcastically. He had a point. There was a stream running down the middle of the narrow street "As your financial backer, I think I'm entitled to see the premises" joked Harry, pushing his finished sundae into the middle of the table.
"Okay. But I don't want anyone to get to excited about it" said George. He sounded uncharacteristically nervous.
"Yeah. And if you get swept away in a flood, it's your own fault" said Fred.
The others quickly finished their ice cream, and put their robes on, ready to face the awful weather, which turned out to be as bad as it looked. The wind blasted the rain against their faces and blew their robes like sails. The twins started running, and Harry followed them, running as hard as he could to keep up with them, but soon they disappeared in the gloom.
He reached the red door of 93 Diagon Alley, but the twins were no where to be seen. The others caught up, looking drenched.
"Come on! Open up!" shouted Ginny banging on the door with her fists. The door was jerked open and Ginny tumbled in. Her brothers emerged from behind it and picked her up. Harry, Ron and Hermione hurried in after her.
"Why didn't we go by Floo powder?" asked Hermione, wringing out her long hair.
"Not hooked up yet" explained Fred "Did you think we enjoyed being almost drowned?"
Even Harry, who disliked travelling by the Floo network, would have been prepared to make an exception this time.
The joke shop was even more extraordinary than Harry had envisioned it. Weasley's Wizard Wheezes had evolved significantly. Harry chuckled when he remembered when they were caught printing up order forms back at the Burrow.
Harry walked up and down the isles of gags and gifts. The twins had really outdone themselves with some of the items in the store. "You are definitely going to put Zonko's out of business" said Ron picking up some Skiving Snackboxes. There was a display marked "NEW LINES" with some new flavours on it. He picked out a handful of Peppermint Ice, a tiny chew with red and white stripes. They claimed to give someone such a terrible case of the chills that his nose would run and his eyes water until frost gathered on his eyelashes.
"I'm glad to see my investment is...." began Harry BANG A loud explosion, followed by screams and shouts interrupted him "Wasn't me" said Fred grinning and turning round to look out into the street. The wind had eased and the rain ceased, but the impenetrable steel sky kept the sun hidden.
More explosions and shouting drew the six of them into the street. Black smoke belched from Fortescues Ice Cream parlour. A cloaked figure was running towards them, a wand in his hand, pointing it at Harry.
"NO!" Ron shouted, grabbing at Harry's arm and dragging him out of the way.
"Expelliarmus," Hermione shouted and watched as the robed figure flew through the air, landing face down a few feet away, in a crumpled mass of dark robes. Loud pops announced the apparition of several Aurours led by a man Harry recognised as Dawlish.
"Incarsourous" he said, and the mysterious assailant was bound from shoulders to ankles in thick ropes.
"Well done" said Dawlish, turing to look at Hermione who smiled and turned pink "We'll deal with him from here" he continued. The other Aurours had picked up the suspect. He had long dark, lank hair and a boney face. It was nobody that anyone recognised.
"Who is he?" asked Harry, white with shock.
"Could be a Death Eater, or someone being controlled by the imperious curse" replied a tall Auror. "we'll find out"
Ron looked along the alley towards the remains of Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour. Deep orange flames as well as the black smoke were pouring from the shop front. When the wind caught the smoke it blew it along the street towards them obscuring the shops at the other end.
"We were in there twenty minutes ago" said Ginny, her voice shaking. Harry looked round at her. She was biting her nails and leaning against George, who had his arm round her. "You had better return home" said Dawlish. "Your parents will be worried when they find out what's happened. I suggest you use the fireplace in The Leaky Cauldron"
Another just of wind blew the acrid smoke inot their faces.
"Can we move?" coughed Hermione As they trudged up Diagon Alley to The leaky Cauldron, Harry was amazed at how many people were wandering about now. Not all of them were witches and wizards - he spotted a hag, some dwarves, and even two hairy creatures he couldn't recognise standing outside of the Leaky Cauldron sharing a pipe Mrs Weasley was relived to see all of them fall out of the fireplace. News of the attack had just been reported on the radio news.
Harry looked outside through the window. In confirmation of winter's shorter days, the dreary sky was beginning to darken.
The morning of the interview with Mr Lovegood arrived. Harry & Mr Weasley were going to travel to the Lovegood's house by one of Harry's least favourite forms of transport; Floo powder. It was second on his list of hated forms of transport only to the Knight Bus.
"Ready Harry?" asked Mr Weasley, once breakfast was over.
"Can't we walk instead?" answered Harry
"Floo Powder is fast and convenient! But whatever you do, don't sneeze!"
"All right then" grimaced Harry
"Right" said Mr Weasley, stepping into the fire, "what's the name of their house?"
"Erm..." replied Harry, now standing next to him
"I see. Well erm... The Lovegood's house" he called and threw a handful of floo powder into the fire. Instantly the flames turned green and rose higher, and Harry felt himself start to spin.
The familiar twirling sensation ended and Harry and Mr Weasley landed in a large stone fireplace amid red and orange flames.
The Lovegood's house had the appearance of being owned by a formerly wealthy family that had fallen on hard times. The wallpaper was faded, and the wooden table that stood in the centre of the room was battered in places. On the wall hung paintings of mythical creatures, and the occasional blurred photograph. It wasn't as untidy as The Burrow, but then it only had Luna & her dad living there.
A short man with greying hair entered the room. Like the house, he also appeared to have been wealthy, but was going through lean times. He looked tired.
"Harry" said Mr Lovegood shaking his hand warmly "thanks for coming. How are you?
"Er fine thanks" he replied
"And you must be Arthur Weasley" continued Mr Lovegood, taking a step towards Mr Weasley and grasping him by the hand.
"So then, why don't you following me into the sitting room
They followed him into the next room, which was in a similar state to the first room, and also had pictures of strange creatures. There were also pictures of Luna and a woman who Harry supposed was her mother.
"Please, sit down" gestured Mr Lovegood to the light green flowery sofa was a bit worn in places
"Now then Harry, Luna's told me all about you, and your little adventure in the Ministry" began Mr Lovegood.
Harry's stomach lurched. He hadn't expected this, and found himself feeling defensive.
"I don't know if Luna's told you, but the Quibbler is going through a sticky patch at the moment"
Harry nodded
"and your interview last year was the best selling issue of the Quibbler ever. What I'd like to do, if you don't mind, is a few follow up pieces, to be serialised in the next few issues."
"Why me?"
"Because, for whatever reason, where ever there's trouble, there's also Harry Potter" smiled Mr Lovegood.
Luna came in with her hair in a ponytail and wearing a dress. She smiled serenely at Harry, who almost didn't recognise her out of her Hogwarts robes, and sat down. Harry smiled back
"I'm going to use a Quick Notes Quill" Mr Lovegood caught the look of distrust on Harry's face. "don't worry, it's not like Rita Skeeters. You can start when you're ready"
Harry took a deep breath. For twenty minutes Mr Lovegood sat silently while his quick notes quill scratched across the surface of the parchment, relaying Harry's story. Harry told them how he'd had visions, and flown to London with his six companions on Thestrals. He told them how it had been a trap, and about the battle. As he told them about Sirius's duel with Bellatrix Lestrange, tears began to roll down his cheeks.
Mr Weasley stood up. "Harry, would excuse us for a moment"
"Luna" said Mr Lovegood, turning to his daughter "why don't you take Harry into the kitchen and make him a drink
They stood & Harry followed her back through the first room and into the kitchen. Apart from the breakfast bowls by the sink, it was spotless. It was on a par with the Dursley's.
"Sorry about the mess" apologised Luna
"What mess?" said Harry leaning against a cupboard
"I normally try to keep the kitchen as clean as possible, in case of... never mind. Pumpkin juice okay?" asked Luna
She poured two glasses and walked over to Harry
"It's really brave of you," said Luna handing him his drink and smiling at him, "talking about painful memories like that"
Harry removed his glasses and wiped his eyes. "Thanks". He took a sip of his juice
"Dad really appreciates it. People don't seem to want to know about Crumpled Horn Snorcacks anymore"
"Oh" said Harry, who wasn't interested in them either.
"Don't worry. He's not gone for good" said Luna, changing the subject suddenly.
"Yeah, you said last year. How come it feels like it?"
"We'll talk to Mrytle when we get back to Hogwarts. She knows"
"Knows what?" asked Harry
"You'll see" said Luna enigmatically
Harry sighed. Is Luna as mad as people say or does she really know something? Luna had seen the Thestrals and could hear the voices beyond the veil. Could he really talk to Sirius again?
"Nearly Headless Nick didn't think Sirius would come back" Harry point out "I asked him. He said he'd gone on"
"He's an older ghost" replied Luna
"What difference does it make?" asked Harry puzelled
"It makes all the difference"
Harry looked up at the ceiling. Amongst the decorations was sprig of mistletoe, and it was hanging directly above him. He hadn't spoken to anyone about Sirius, not even Ron or Hermione, but he felt comfortable talking to Luna, and perhaps she could help him
Luna moved closer. "Don't worry. There aren't any Nargles in this one"
"What's so bad about Nargles?" asked Harry, not believing for one minute that they even existed.
"If you kiss someone under Nargle infested mistletoe, your relationship will be cursed"
That would explain what happened with Cho then, thought Harry to himself. Suddenly he found Luna's mouth stuck to his.
It was only when the sound of footsteps in the next room could be heard that Luna broke off, just before her father and Mr Weasley appeared at the door.
"Right then," said Mr Weasley "we're all done here. You finished Harry?"
"Er yeah. " he replied "Erm for the moment anyway", glancing sideways at Luna
"Good. Back to The Burrow then. I don't want to leave Molly on her own in case she starts worrying, especially after Tuesday"
"Bye" said Harry,as he walked out of the kitchen, still a bit shell shocked.
"See you at school" smiled Luna
As Harry followed Mr Weasley back to the fireplace, he felt happy; firstly because he and Luna had gone on so well and then there was the possibility of seeing Sirius again.
The spinning stopped and they emerged from the fireplace at The Burrow.
"As you're not being paid for the interview" said Mr Weasley, "Mr Lovegood has agreed to print various pieces for the order"
Harry smiled. If he was going to be kissed by Luna after every interview, he'd tell Mr Lovegood anything he wanted.