A/N: well, here is the next chapter, and i hope you like it. Please take the time to write a review and let me knoe what you think.
Harry sat back from writing the letter with a sigh. He felt somewhat relieved, as if putting all his thoughts on paper had cleared his head a little, and made things easier to understand. He folded up his rather long letter and put it on his desk, awaiting Hedwig's return.
As Harry wrote his letter, the sun had broken over the horizon, causing trees and houses to cast long shadows along Privet Drive. For a long time, Harry just sat and looked out his window. He was deep in thought, but thinking not the sad, depressing thoughts he had before writing his letter, but about his friends. Ron and Hermione had both been sending Harry frequent owls, checking he was alright, and also telling him any news they thought he might wish to hear. As Ron's father worked for the ministry, Ron knew alot of what was going on, and passed it on to Harry. Hermione, on the other hand, filled Harry in on any improtant news in the daily prophet, as she knew that Harry wouldn't be reading it properly.
To Harry, even though his friends were now giving him news, this summer was turning out to be almost as bad as the previous. Dumbledore had not written, and Lupin's letters had been severely lacking in news about the order. Harry had felt at the end of last term, that perhaps, on account of everything that had happened, someone might care to keep him informed of the orders actions. Apparently though, there was nothing that the order felt he should know.
Harry smiled bitterly to himself, wondering when someone would take him away from Privet Drive. True, the Dursleys were treating him fine. In fact, they were probably being nicer to him then they had ever been, but Harry longed to be back in the wizarding world, where there would be things to keep him busy. Busy enough that he wouldnt have to think...
A tapping at the window woke Harry from his thoughts, and he looked out to see Hedwig waiting for him to let her in. He opened the window to let her in, and shut again as she settled herself on top of her cage.
"I know you only just got back, but would you mind giving this to Lupin for me?", Harry asked, as he stroked her back. Hedwig's only reply was to affectionately nip one of his fingers, and to hold her leg out, waiting for Harry to tie the letter on.
"Thanks Hedwig", Harry called out the window after her, before shutting his window and turning to dress for the day.
Dear Harry,
I have to say that your last letter suprised me a bit; I wasnt expecting something like that for a while yet, but i am glad you have decided to give me your thoughts. Perhaps though, it would be easier for us to talk face to face, rather then in letters. I have spoken to Dumbledore, who has assured me that you have stayed with your aunt and uncle long enough. I therefor propose that you come and stay with me at headquarters. I am aware that you may be uncomfortable staying in Grimmauld place, but it is the only place you can be kept safe. Send me an owl as soon as you can, to tell me whether or not you want to come.
Kind regards, and i hope to see you soon,
Remus.
Harry wanted more then anything to leave Privet Drive and go live with Lupin for the rest of the summer break, but was he willing to return to Grimmauld place? The truth being told, Harry thought that if he had to stay in Grimmauld place, so full of memories of his dead godfather, one more time before he died, it would be too soon.
Why would I want to go there for? Lupin should know that that is the last place in the world I want to be at the moment! Said an angry voice inside his head, to which his calmer, more rational voice replied; You want to go back there because you long to talk to another wizard face to face. So what if it means you have to go back to Grimmauld place, you know that Lupin will be able to answer your questions.
Harry laughed at his own thoughts; the first sign of madness was asking yourself questions, the second sign was answering them.
Prof. Lupin,
I'd love to come! Any thing to get out of here!!
Harry.
So what if he was lying a bit when he said "I'd love to come"? Lupin didn't have to know how miserable Harry was about the fact that in order to get his much desired answers he had to return to Grimmauld place.
Harry awoke suddenly 2 nights later, when he heard a load crack, that he was positive had been caused by someone apparating into his room. Quick as a flash, Harry rolled out of bed; his had reaching for his wand in the same instant. Standing upright with his wand held steadily in front of him, Harry spotted the intruder, which he had expected to be a death eater making an attempt on his life.
He had accidentally left his light on when he went to sleep, so it was easy for Harry to recognize the young, slightly disheveled looking man that stood by his bedroom window. His robes were tatty and covered in patches, and his brown hair was full of a lot more grey then Harry remembered their being last time they had seen each other.
"Professor!! You could have warned me!" Harry said to Professor Lupin, amusement in his voice. "I thought you were a death eater!"
"Sorry", came the reply. "But you should have enough trust in Dumbledore's protection spells to know that no death eater could get to you here!"
"Well I only found out about those protection spells a couple of weeks ago!! Anyway, it doesn't matter. Are we going?" Harry was slightly surprised to hear his own voice sound a bit anxious.
Lupin smiled, "Are you that desperate to leave? Actually, don't answer that, I can already guess the answer. We'll leave as soon as you're packed."
Most of Harry's stuff was already packed, as he had assumed Lupin would be coming for him sometime soon. He spent the work of about 10 seconds putting the rest of his stuff in his trunk, while Lupin took an insignificant looking old shoe out of his pocket.
"Now that Voldemort is out in the open, we don't have to ask the Ministry's permission to use a portkey", said Lupin as he inspected the shoe. "Got everything?"
Harry nodded and went to join Lupin by the window, as Lupin took out his wand and muttered "Portus".
"On 3 then, Harry. One, two, three..."
Harry felt the familiar pulling sensation from a place behind his navel, before feeling his feet lift off the ground, and touch back down again just inside the door of Grimmauld place.
Harry looked at his surroundings. It was exactly how he remembered it, except for one major thing; Sirius no longer lived in this house. Taking deep breaths, Harry struggled to fight back tears. He soon gave up fighting them completely and let them run freely down his face.
Harry felt a hand on his shoulder. "I'm sorry, Harry...I'm sorry it had to be here", said professor Lupin softly, before he pulled Harry into an almost fatherly hug.