Charter 3 – The New Headquarters
Harry spent the next week at the Dursley's going through all of the presents he had received for his birthday and getting to know his new pet Sherman. Harry found Sherman to be a great companion as Sherman gave him something Harry had not had before. Someone to talk to who would could actually respond to him while at the Dursley's. He continued writing brief notes to the Order and Hermione called on at least two occasions. Harry had the feeling that she was keeping tabes on him, ensuring that he wasn't doing anything rash. Though, since his experience the night before his birthday, Harry had not done anything remotely rash. Harry was beginning to think he would spend his entire summer break with the Dursley's when he received the shortest note yet from an unknown member of the Order of the Phoenix.
'Be packed' was all it said.
As Harry received this message the Saturday morning after his birthday he decided that he had better get started straight away. 'How am I going to fit it all into my trunk?' He thought. No matter how many ways he repacked his trunk all of his possessions were never going to fit. Harry decided in the end to leave the items Fred and George had sent in there original box and just place it on top of his trunk. It took him most to the day to complete his task. He left the cloak Hermione had given him out figuring he could wear that and put his Firebolt inside the pocket designed for it. Hedwig was in her cage ready to go while Sherman looked on watching Harry prepare to leave.
"What's going on?" Sherman asked.
"We're leaving" Harry replied.
"Excellent!" Sherman proceeded to the cloak Harry had placed aside and began looking through the pockets.
"What are you doing?" Harry asked
"Finding a comfortable travelling spot" Sherman replied not stopping his search. Eventually Sherman found a pocket that seemed to meet his requirements and slithered inside. Harry took the cloak and placed it around his shouldered doing up the clip. It was getting dark out side by the time Harry decided he was ready to go. Harry sat on his bed waiting for the Order to arrive with no idea how they were picking him up. It was just after 9pm and Harry had almost fallen asleep on his bed when a number of faint pops announced the arrival of four people. Moody, Lupin, Tonks and Kingsley Shacklebolt appeared at the end of his bed.
"Hi Harry, didn't wake you did we?" Lupin smiled turning on the light to Harry's room. Harry's eyes took a moment to adjust to the new light and smiled at the new arrivals to his room.
"No, just waiting. I was beginning to think you would never get here" Harry replied honestly.
"Sorry it took so long Harry. We had to get everything prepared before we moved you. Are you ready to go?" Lupin asked eyeing Harry's trunk and box stacked on top of it.
"Yes" Harry said following Lupins eyes. "But I couldn't get everything to fit, no matter how hard I tried."
Moody looked at it for a moment then growled "open the trunk". Harry immediately got off his bed and did as requested. Moody raised his wand and with a sweeping motion across the trunk, said "augeo". The inside of the trunk immediately doubled in size allowing more then enough room for Harry to place the box inside.
"Oh, thanks Professor Moody. I probably didn't need that much room though" Harry considered.
"You still have two more years of school yet don't you" Moody responded. Harry had not considered that.
Harry placed the box inside his trunk and closed it.
"How are we getting to...well were ever we are going?" Harry asked.
"Portkey" Lupin replied simply.
"We won't be in trouble with the Ministry?"
"Nope, now that Fudge has realised the truth he has allowed Dumbledore to do what he needs to too stop Voldermort. Actually time is short so we had better get ready to go." Lupin said looking around to check that everyone was ready to leave.
"What about the Dursley's? Should I let them know I am leaving?" Harry asked, not that he really cared, but he thought it was unusual for the Order not to consider them.
"Oh, that reminds me" Tonks said quickly reaching into her pocket and pulled out what looked to be a crumpled paper aeroplane. Tonks smoothed out the edges and opened the bedroom door sending it flying down the stairs. "It's a letter from Dumbledore explaining that you are leaving" Tonks answered Harry's questioning expression.
"Ok, lets' go" Lupin said as he pulled out a fire poker from his cloak. "Everyone grab on as it's almost time". Harry grabbed one end of his trunk while Moody took position next to him grabbing the other. With their free hands they grabbed a spare part of the portkey and waited. Lupin pulled a pocket watch out of his pocket to check it. After a short time Lupin began the count down. "Three, Two, One". Harry instantly felt the now familiar tug at his naval as the portkey transported him.
The landing was difficult due to his trunk and he lost his balance as his feet hit the floor and he fell to his knees. "Where are we?" Harry asked righting himself. Harry looked around and took in his new home for the remainder of the summer break. It looked like a living room. There was a large fire place with a small fire burning in it (though it didn't seem to be producing much heat) to Harry's left, a number of old comfy looking arm chairs and a three seater lounge against the opposite wall.
"It's my home" Lupin replied. "My parents left it to me after they died. It's not quiet the Black Estate, but its home". Harry continued to look around and notice behind him a large open kitchen through a wide archway. The walls and floor were polished wood. The place had the feel of a cottage.
"This is the lounge, through there is the kitchen" Lupin described pointing through the archway. He changed the direction of his hand and pointed to another smaller archway leading to a hallway to Harry's right that he had not noticed initially. "Down there are the three bedrooms two on the left and one on the right and the bathroom, also on the right".
"It's nice" Harry said feeling that this house was more welcoming then the Black Estate had ever been. "Why wasn't it used initially?" Harry asked.
"Well if you have a look outside you will see nothing but trees. That is because after I was bitten my parents decided it might be better to move away from other people so there was no chance I would bite anyone during my holidays. Basically we are in the middle of no where." Lupin answered lowering himself into one of the armchairs. "Its miles to the nearest neighbour and as the Black Estate is in the middle of London it was more convenient to locate the Order somewhere central. And I think that Dumbledore wanted Sirius to feel that he was making a real contribution. Now that Fudge has accepted that Voldermort is back however, the Order members can see him at Hogwarts and its' not as important for the headquarters to be as centrally located. Besides, no one will notice anything going on out here. There is no one to notice. But my parents were simple people Harry and did not have the need for quiet as many safety precautions as was on the Black Estate. Dumbledore has had a lot of work to do to get this place up to scratch".
"I will show you your room Harry." Tonks said and began to lead the way to the hall. Just as Harry started to follow Sherman woke up and poked his head out of his pocket to look at the new surroundings.
"What is that?" Moody growled pointing to Sherman's exposed head.
"It's Sherman, my snake. Hagrid gave him to me for my birthday." Harry explained watching all of his escorts eyebrows rise at the mention of Hagrids' name.
"Obviously it is a snake boy" Moody snapped "What type of snake is it?"
"Oh, it's a Commutatus Viper" As Harry said this Lupin, Tonks, Moody and Shacklebolt exchanged looks of concern. "What's wrong?" Harry asked taking in the same concerned expressions that now faced him.
"Are you sure that is what it is?" Moody pressed Harry. Harry could not see what the fuss was about. Sherman wasn't dangerous.
"Well, that's what he told me, why?"
"He told you? Who Hagrid?" Moody asked.
"No. Sherman told me" Harry realised from the expression on Moody's face that he didn't know. "I'm a Parselmouth" Harry explained. "Now, why are you all concerned about Sherman?" Sherman mean while had remained in Harry's pocket and seemed to be watching the outcome of the conversation, seeming to realise it was about him.
Moody looked over at Lupin and Lupin began to explain. "Well Harry, It's just that most wizards don't believe that the Commutatus Viper exists. It's considered to be a myth that Dark Wizards created and encouraged to inspire fear in others."
"What are you talking about? Sherman isn't even venermous. I asked." Harry couldn't believe that anyone could use a snake as a way to inspire fear.
"Harry, did Hagrid not tell you anything about it?" Lupin asked.
"He sent a little book with Sherman, like a carers' manual" Harry replied.
"And have you read it?"
"Well, no, not yet. I was reading the books Luna and you gave me first" Harry said now feeling that he should have read it.
"I would strongly recommend that you read it and in the mean time keep a close hold on Sherwood"
"Sherman" Harry corrected absently.
"Of course" Lupin smiled.
"I'll show you your room Harry" Tonks said for a second time after everyone seemed a bit more relaxed and commenced walking down the short hall. Harry followed and Lupin brought up the rear levitating Harry's trunk behind him. Harry's room was at the end of the hall. It had a double bed, bed side tables on either side, a cupboard and a small desk and chair. It looked like it was out of a country cottage catalogue.
"Well here it is" Tonks said. "I have to go now. Any problems just tell Lupin" Tonks pointed at a thumb towards the directions Lupin had just taken out of the room after leaving Harry's trunk.
"You're not staying here as well?" Harry asked
"No, it's just you and Lupin, but we will all stop by from time to time. Take care Harry and we will see you soon". Tonks left Harry closing the door behind her. Harry assumed that by 'we' Tonks meant Moody and Shacklebolt. Harry took off his cloak and Sherman climbed out of the pocket and began to explore Harry's new room. Harry opened his trunk and began to rummage through it for the book Hagrid sent him. He was definitely going to read tonight after the reaction he had received when Sherman had appeared in the lounge room. After what seemed like an eternity of rummaging (due to the extended size of his trunk) Harry found what he was looking for and placed it on the bed side table.
"Harry?" Lupin was calling from the other room.
Harry went to the door and opened it. "Yes" Harry called back.
"Are you hungry? I have made dinner."
Harry suddenly realised that he was famished. "Coming" Harry replied. "Sherman, you stay here ok?"
"As you request" Sherman return, though he did not look up from his exploration of the new room.
Harry returned to the lounge and found that Lupin had moved to the kitchen. The open kitchen had a wooden dinning table with seats for four people. Only two of the places were set.
"It smells good" Harry said taking a place at the table.
"Well I don't have the skills of Molly Weasley, but I'm not too bad" Lupin said placing a steaming pot on the table. It turned out to be a beef casserole and Harry had to admit that it was quiet good. After Harry's third helping he finally felt that his appetite had been satisfied and now that his mouth was empty he could have an actual conversation with Lupin.
"So, what happened to your parents?" Harry asked Lupin thinking it wasn't the best place to start a conversation but he hadn't had a lot of practise lately.
"My parents died a number of years ago Harry. Not from Voldermort, if that is what you are thinking" Lupin must have read the unasked question on Harry's face. "No, I was a late child and they were old when they died. My father passed away 7 years ago and my mother shortly after. They were not important enough to be a target for Voldermort, or at least that was what Voldermort thought. They gave Dumbledore as much assistance as they could because he allowed me to study at Hogwarts. But due to their age and their location" Lupin indicated around the room "there was only so much they could do. Sorry it took so long before we could move you out of your aunt and uncle's but Dumbledore had a bit of work to do before the place was ready." Lupin added looking apologetic.
"That's ok" Harry replied not wanting to make Lupin feel guilty. Harry really liked Lupin and saw no point in being angry with him because he had relatives like the Dursley's. "I know I am not a member of the Order but I was wondering what was currently being done to stop Voldermort?" Though Harry was now aware that it was up to him to actually stop Voldermort he was interested in any information that Lupin could provide regarding either Voldermort or the Orders activities over the summer break so far. Being as isolated as Harry was he felt a desperate need to know what was going on, especially since his dream the night of his birthday. Harry definitely believed that he had been looking once again through the eyes of Voldermort and that it had not been Voldermorts' intention for him to witness it.
Lupin looked uncomfortable for a moment as if struggling with Harry's request. "Basically Harry we are continuing much as we were last year. We are trying to rally support for the fight. This has been a lot easier now that the Ministry has accepted the truth about Voldermorts' return. We have also had a number of members keeping a close eye on known Death Eaters to try and predict what Voldermort will do next. We know he is trying to gather more supporters at the moment and will eventually try and seize control, initially over the magical community and then possibly the world if he is not stopped. Be assured that we are doing all we can at the moment to stop him but as he is accustom to working in secret it can be difficult to know who is on his side and who is trying to remain neutral. There were a few battles earlier in the month at some muggle major sporting events when the Dementors seemed to want to have some fun but the Aurors have been able to keep it mostly under control for now. Thought they were too late to help two muggles that were court at a recent, I think it was call, soccer match." Harry remembered seeing a strange article in the muggle paper relating to the recent match and had wondered whether it had been connected. His fears were confirmed. Lupin continued "They are at St Mungo's but there is nothing that can be done for them. That was a bad day at the Ministry from what I heard. Any more then that I think I should leave for Dumbledore to explain to you. He wanted you here as he wants to speak to you in person before the start of the school term." Harry nodded his response. Harry was starting to feeltired and though wanting to know more felt that maybe it could wait until tomorrow.
"When will Ron be arriving?" Harry asked Lupin sleepily. Harry knew that Hermione's parents were not allowing her to leave home until the return to school, but Harry had been surprised not to find Ron and the rest of the Weasley clan already present at the Order headquarters.
"He didn't tell you?" Lupin looked genuinely surprised.
"Tell me what?"
"Ron won't be able to come and stay. Dumbledore has given Fred and George a special assignment for the Order and Ron has had to help them out by working at their store for them over the holidays. Sorry Harry but it is just you and me" Lupin smiled bracingly.
"Oh, that's ok" Harry replied quickly trying to cover the disappointment that crossed his face, though realising that he had not succeeded by the responding fall in Lupins' own face.
After a moment of uncomfortable silence Harry decided he should say something "well I am pretty tried, so I think I will go to bed" Harry raised himself from the dinning table.
"Ok, good night, then. If you need anything I will be in the room across the hall." Lupin seemed to recover quickly and a genuine smile returned to his face.
Harry made his way down the hall to the room he had been provided and closed the door behind him as he entered. Harry found Sherman already asleep at the base of the bed and Harry changed into his pyjamas and got into bed picking up the owners guide to owning a Commutatus Viper as he did so. Harry was determined to find out what all the fuss had been about. The start of the book concentrated on how to look after the little snake but then there was a section towards the end that finally explained the earlier concern. It seemed that the reason this particular breed of snake was considered to be a myth was because they looked exactly like a baby Green Grass Snake that are a non-venomous snake, that live on a diet of Crickets and other small insects. Due to it being extremely rare and very difficult to identify most wizards believed that it did not exist. However, this snake was reputed to, when threatened or their master was threatened, meant to grow instantly from its 10 centimetre length to at least 10 foot and change in colour to blood red. It was believed to be extremely venomous at these times and it would grow fangs that were close to a foot long. It would kill almost any living creature instantly with one bite and was impervious to magic at these times. Harry was shocked when he read this. He had stared at the sleeping form of Sherman at the end of his bed for at least ten minutes as if expecting him to suddenly change. But Sherman did not. He remained sleeping peacefully as harmless as ever. Harry wasn't convinced that Sherman was correct about what species he was but Harry decided to keep a closer eye on him from now on. Just in case.
Harry woke late the next day and found Lupin in the kitchen reading the Daily Profit at the dinning table in the kitchen. "Anything interesting?" Harry asked as he entered the kitchen.
"Good morning Harry. No nothing today. How did you sleep?" Lupin returned.
"Very well thankyou" Harry had to admit that he had had a very good nights sleep. Probably the best one he had had all summer if truth be known.
"Would you like some breakfast Harry? I have already eaten but I saved you some porridge if you would like some?" Lupin offered, raising from his chair and heading towards the stove before Harry even had a chance to respond.
"Oh, sure" Harry said taking a seat at the table. Harry flipped through the paper that was on the table and finding nothing of interest turned back to Lupin who was already walking towards him with a bowl and a large glass of pumpkin juice.
"Professor Dumbledore will be coming to visit this evening as he wants to see you before school recommences. I was wondering if you wanted to have a look around the woods today? Unless you would prefer to do something else" Lupin asked watching Harry eat.
Harry had the feeling that Lupin was under instruction to keep him occupied while he stayed at the Orders Headquarters but as he did not have anything else he wanted to do Harry nodded as his mouth was full. Harry had to admit the porridge was very good and the idea of getting out, even if it was a walk in the woods, sounded good.
After breakfast Harry got changed and as Sherman had not really been outside since Harry had become his master Harry collected Sherman to take him for the walk. Harry found that his walk with Lupin was very enjoyable. Being outside in the fresh air really helped Harry clear his head and he felt more refreshed then he had in months. The woods around Lupins' house were beautiful and Lupin seemed to know every part of them. Their walk lasted several hours and Harry had allowed Sherman at one point to leave him to go hunting. Lupin was initially nervous about Harry allowing Sherman this much freedom, but Harry had a long talk with Sherman before letting him go (mostly concerning what Sherman was not allowed to do) and it was only once Harry was positive that Sherman understood that Harry allowed him to leave. Harry collected Sherman on the walk back to the house and Sherman, now looking extremely well feed, was very grateful. They returned to the house at dusk and Lupin made a large early dinner that again was quiet good. Lupin was preparing to go out so Harry decided that as he was hoping to get back on the quidditich team in the coming school year he would use the Broomstick Servicing Kit Hermione had given him and polish up his firebolt. Harry sat in the lounge working on his broom stick after dinner and was so absorbed in what he was doing that he did not notice the fire when it flared and the tall figure of Dumbledore appeared from it.
"Hello Harry" Dumbledore said as he walked out from the fire place. Harry jumped slightly as he heard Dumbledore's voice behind him.
"Excellent you are here Professor" Lupin said entering the lounge room holding a nicely wrapped box. "It's a present for a friend, their birthday." Lupin answered Harry's unasked question as he passed moving towards the fire place. "Won't be long" Lupin said and without anything further stepped into the fire place and said a destination that Harry did not quite catch before disappearing.
"Well, now that we are alone I have some things I wanted to speak to you about before school starts Harry" Dumbledore said as he sat in an armchair and indicated to Harry to take the seat next to him. Harry moved to the chair and sat down. Harry had not been looking forward to Dumbledore's visit. As much as he respected and liked Dumbledore, after their last meeting Harry was nervous about what Dumbledore might have to tell him now.
"Firstly I wanted to know how you were feeling Harry?" Dumbledore asked.
"Oh, I guess I am ok." Harry replied trying hard to avoid Dumbledore's penetrating gaze.
"Really?" Dumbledore replied still looking at Harry though Harry refused to meet his eyes. "If it had been me who had been told that there was a prophesy about myself and one of the most evil wizards to ever live, I don't think I would be ok. But then you have never failed to amaze me Harry. If you say you are ok, I will believe you, but if you need to talk to me I will be here for you. Secondly" Dumbledore moved on to Harry's relief "I wanted to talk to you about your subjects for your 6th year. I have decided that it is time to get you ready for the forthcoming battle."
"What do you mean?" Harry said nervously. Though Harry was aware that eventually he and Voldermort would fight with only one survivor Harry was almost positive that it would not be him. How could I possibly win that fight? He had thought.
"Harry" Dumbledore voice had changed. Instead of his usual calm voice Dumbledore now sounded almost upset. Harry looked up and found himself looking straight into Dumbledore's blue eyes. The twinkle that usually resided in those eyes seemed dulled. "Harry, I know that this must seem an impossible task that has been placed on your shoulders, but I want you to know that myself and the Order are doing everything we can to help you. I don't want you to think you are alone in this."
For some reason this did little to comfort Harry. In fact Dumbledore's declaration made Harry mad. How can he say I am not alone in this? Harry thought angrily.
"I am alone in this. I am the one that has to kill or be killed. Not you, not the Order. Me. You're not the one who will be murdered if you fail or become a murder if you succeed." Harry was suddenly standing, yelling at Dumbledore. The loneliness and depression that had surrounded Harry during his time at the Dursley's boiled to the surface and Harry was now unleashing it at Dumbledore. Somehow he did not seem to be able to control himself.
"Harry, you are right. We can not fight the final battle against Voldermort for you, but do you see it as murder Harry?" Dumbledore said softly.
Harry could feel the burning behind his eyes and Harry fought to control the tears that threatened to flow. "What else could you call it?" Harry returned feeling slightly defeated and slumping in his chair.
"Harry, what do think Voldermort will do if he succeeds against you? Do you think he will be content that he finally achieved the murder of Harry Potter and leave it at that? Do you honestly think he will be satisfied with that and then fade away into the shadows and not bother anyone again?" Dumbledore asked seriously looking directly into Harry's eyes. Harry's mind seemed to stop. In all honesty Harry had not considered what Voldermort would do if Harry failed.
"If Voldermort defeats you Harry he will succeed in his original goal. He wants complete domination of the world. He will release the dementors and the giants on the muggle population. His Death Eaters will all return to him and no one will be able to oppose him. He will gather more forces to him and destroy anyone who stands in his way. He will kill everyone who tries to stop him Harry. You are the only thing in his way. Once you're out of the way he will be unstoppable." Harry felt Dumbledore was almost belabouring the point. Harry had quickly realised that for Voldermort Harry was merely a stepping stone to his ultimate goal. World domination.
"What about you Harry?" Dumbledore continued. "Do have plans to kill every one of Voldermorts supporters once Voldermort is defeated. Perhaps go on a rampage and attempt to seize control of the Wizarding community yourself?" Harry looked at Dumbledore the shock evident on Harry's face.
"Of, of course not" Harry stammered disguised by the implication. Dumbledore looked carefully at Harry's shocked and slightly disturbed expression.
"Harry I guarantee that Voldermort will not be satisfied with your death alone. You, on the other hand, have no choice in this. The final battle between you and Voldermort can have only one winner, and I have to tell you that I would much prefer it to be you. So would the majority of the rest of the World. They will not see it as murder, but as self defence and the defence of the society in which we have worked so hard to create and I am including muggle societies in this. If you lose, we all lose Harry." Dumbledore emphasised his last sentence. Harry's mind was reeling at the implications of what he had to do.
"I think you understand what I mean" Dumbledore said finally after a pause to let the full effect of his previous speech sink in. "This is why I have come to see you this evening. We have to prepare you for what is to come, Harry. You have done very well in all your battles against Voldermort and his followers up til now, but I feel that I could have, no, should have done more to prepare you before now. Alas I have not and I know that you still have much to learn. This is not a mistake I will continue. No, this year will be different."
"How?" Harry asked carefully. He wasn't sure he liked where this was going, yet at the same time realised that Dumbledore was right. He needed to be ready for what was to come.
"I know that you have already chosen the course you want to do for this year but if I may, I have taken the liberty of assigning you to the classes that I think will be most appropriate for what you need to do. I have also arranged a number of additional courses for you throughout the year." Dumbledore passed a piece of parchment to Harry that he had taken from inside his cloak. Harry looked down at it and saw it was a class timetable though he had classes that went until 10pm on most nights and included a class on Sundays. Harry noticed that he did have two nights to himself and when he questioned Dumbledore on this Dumbledore replied "Professor McGonagall would never forgive me if I did not permit you at least one night for quidditich practice and the other is to ensure that you can get all of your assignments completed" Dumbledore smiled gently.
"Now Harry I have also been informed that you have a new pet" Dumbledore said changing the subject so quickly that Harry was court of guard.
"Um, oh, yes, Sherman. He is a Commutatus Viper." Harry replied catching up.
"Now Harry Hogwarts does not normally allow snakes as pets, but as you are usually a target for attack, I will allow you to keep Sherman at Hogwarts. I believe the Commutatus Viper are great protectors of their masters, and I think it might be prudent for you to keep yours with you at all times just in case." Harry was grateful for this as he really had no where that he could safely leave Sherman while he was at school had he not been allowed into Hogwarts. The mention of targets however, reminded Harry about the dream he had had the night of his birthday.
"Professor I had a vision, dream of Voldermort the night of my birthday. He seemed to have gathered a new supporter who, well, promised to give him me" Harry said nervously. Harry was not completely sure it had been real or just a dream now. The details had faded so much.
"Indeed" Dumbledore replied looking thoughtful. "Well this is not the first time Voldermort has tried to get you but I will keep my eyes and ears open and see what I can find out. In the mean time I suggest that you relax here as you are perfectly safe here and no one except specific Order members know were you are. I have arranged for Tonks and Professor Lupin to collect your school supplies tomorrow so hopefully everything will be organised for you for the start of school."
"Professor, can I go to collect my school things too?" Harry asked quickly remembering that he still had to get something special for Hermione for her birthday.
"I don't think that would be a good idea" Dumbledore replied seriously.
"Please Professor, I have an Auror's cloak that Hermione gave me for my birthday to disguise me, it just I have something important I have to get before I return to school" Dumbledore considered Harry for a moment, with the penetrating gaze Harry was almost used to. Was Dumbledore reading my mind? Harry thought.
"Well Harry, they are very good cloaks and though I am not completely happy about the idea, if it is really important to you then I guess you had better do it, but do not take any chances, Harry. In the words of Professor Moody, 'Constant Vigilance' is the key at the moment."
"I understand Professor" Harry replied seriously though he could not help smiling sightly at the prospect of finally getting out. Suddenly the fire flared and Lupin stepped out.
"I'm not early I hope" Lupin asked as he moved towards them.
"Not at all Remus. Perfect timing in fact. I think Harry and I are done and I must be off. Much to do" Dumbledore said as he rose and moved towards the fire place. "I will see you at the start of term Harry. If you need anything just send word. Oh Remus, you will need this" Dumbledore reached into his cloak and pulled out a piece of parchment and handed it to Lupin. "Take care" Dumbledore entered the fire place and with a flare of the flames he was gone.
"What's that?" Harry asked Lupin abruptly once Dumbledore was gone.
"The list of supplies you will need for school" Lupin replied with a smile. Harry noted it was not a small piece of parchment.