DISCLAIMER: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.

Chapter 12

Ramifications

The screaming suddenly dissipated. Blood dripped down the young girl's face. She could not have been more then twelve. Her eyes gazed vacantly seeing nothing no that her torment was finally over. As the scene turned to the mother, already mad with grief, Harry thankfully awoke, albeit screaming and clutching his scar. Remus appeared immediately, how he managed to bring a warm washcloth in the short space of time, Harry wondered. He eased back slowly on the bed. Remus eyed him with concern. "Vision?"

Harry nodded.

"Want to talk?"

Harry shook his head.

" 'Kay, Cub."

Harry was amazed at Remus' perceptiveness. Remus sat with him, warming the cloth every so often, but managed to keep any concern or pitying looks off his face, as if it were the most normal thing in the world to be sitting here with Harry curled in a fetal position. He could still feel the remnants of glee from Voldemort's entertainment for the evening. He sighed deeply. "Will it ever end?" he whispered.

"Soon, Cub, soon."


Remus waited until he was sure that Harry was sleeping then tip toed out of the room. At times like this his werewolf agility was definitely a plus. The sun had risen shortly before Harry had drifted off, but Remus knew there was no way he would sleep with Harry's screaming still haunting his mind so he decided to get ready for the day. He headed out to the porch to wait for Harry before beginning breakfast. He did not want to tempt him to awaken.

He heaved deeply wishing for some semblance of advice. He had no idea how to help Harry he could only hope that Mikhail could and would. He spoke aloud softly, not even realizing he was, "Padfoot, I could kill you for leaving us..."

"But you didn't..."

Remus startled around wand drawn, willing to protect Harry with his life. He growled when he saw the responder. "Hello Nymphadora."

"Watch it Remus John Lupin!" she replied just as annoyed. "I hope its okay me dropping in like this, but it's not like I could call ahead first," she grinned.

"Shh, Harry's asleep. He had a bad night."

She winced. Dropping her voice, "Oh sorry." Tonks tripped over the step and crashed to the porch.

"Sit down before you hurt yourself." Remus said half annoyed, half amused. "What can we do for you Tonks?"

"I wanted to know what happened. Dumbledore is in a panic. He has all the order working double time to try to find you. I don't like being caught in the middle, Remus."

"I'm sorry, Dora. I truly am, but he asked for you and I couldn't refuse him. He really likes you, you know."

She smiled softly at that. "I understand why you are doing what you are but whatever you said to Albus really light a fire under his butt."

Remus snorted at the image.

"I'm serious, Remus. He's becoming obsessed."

Remus sighed. "I don't doubt it."

"What in Merlin's name did you say?"

"Hold on."

Remus grabbed the copy of the letter he had made of what he had sent to Dumbledore. "I was going to show Harry this after he made his decision."

Tonks read the letter quickly. "Are you serious?"

His face solemn, "Deadly."

"Blimey." Tonks said, unable to form any other words.

"Dora, please understand, I only want what's best for Harry ..."

"It's not that," Tonks interrupted. "He went through all of this? Everything? How can he be so sweet, so caring?"

Remus was surprised to find a tear slip down the hardened auror's face. "I honestly don't know Dora, but I intend to keep him that way ... Actually Tonks, I think you being here may actually help him. Could you take a copy of this to Moody? He needs to train and in order to do that; we can't have his magic traced."

She looked confused. "'Kay?"

Remus chuckled. "Didn't you know that Moody was the one who help create the tracking system? He fought against it being used to trace underage wizards though. He wanted to use it to track dark wizards. And if I know Mad Eye ..."

"He left a way to circumvent it." Tonks finished for him.

"Exactly ... Harry's up."

"How?"

"I have my ways." Remus chuckled. "Join us for breakfast."

Harry stumbled out to the porch. "Mornin' Moony." He jumped and tensed as he saw someone else on the porch. "I'm not going back Tonks."

"S'all right, Cub. She's just here to deliver a little something for me and to eat all of your breakfast." Remus smirked.

Harry visibly relaxed. Tonks filled him in on the quidditch standings while Remus made them a hearty breakfast of porridge, eggs, and bacon. Apparently she's been spending some time with Ron, Harry thought amused. They chatted amiably throughout the meal. Remus kept a wary eye on Harry who was looking decidedly better then he did earlier this morning. Remus decided to head back to the Owlery today. Hopefully, he would have a note from Mikhail. Harry needed help now, he thought.

While Tonks and Harry cleaned up the mess, Remus copied the letter he wrote to Dumbledore. He also wrote a short note to Moody asking him to give them a chance to explain it in full and meet with him without alerting Dumbledore. Remus knew he was taking a chance, but he had no idea how else to go about it. Hopefully Mad Eye was distrusting enough of everyone to see what he had to say first.


After Tonks left, Harry settled down by the lake to wait while Remus headed out. He also took the letters Harry had written so they could be delivered. Remus was surprised that there were letters for Ginny, Neville, and Luna as well as Ron and Hermione, but he said nothing. He told Harry he'd be back in about an hour and apparated to the same owl office where he had set up the drop box. He quickly sent off Harry's letters and asked the clerk to check the drop box. He sighed deeply with relief when the clerk handed him a letter.

Remus,

It's been quite a while since we were at that encampment and I was pleasantly surprised at hearing from you. It's been a long time since you visited Romania. I am sure you do realize that now that I am a werewolf and my brain signature is different, my skills in occlumency are no longer needed. However, I still have the knowledge and may be able to help your charge though I cannot promise anything. Again, it's been a long time and I am out of practice. But I could never turn down a brother of the pack. I will try.

I must say I am intrigued at all of the secrecy. I should be arriving in London on the 31st of July. I will be staying at the Leaky Cauldron as you requested. I look forward to seeing you and your young charge then.

Mikhail

Remus felt better for the first time since Harry's explosion. He could do this! He could be there for Harry. Just hold on for two more days and at least some help would arrive. He stopped short. Great Merlin, Harry's birthday was in two days. With all that had been going on, it had completely slipped his mind. He headed off quickly to the local shops in search of something that would be suitable.


Tonks cornered Moody at headquarters later that afternoon. "So Mad Eye," Tonks drawled trying to get a feel for the man before she handed over the letter. "Why do you think Albus is going spare? We know the kid's with Remus right?"

Mad Eye barked. "Constant vigilance. Do you know how many Death Eaters would like to get their hands on that boy?

"True, but he's with Remus right. Surely he'll look out for him."

"I don't doubt he will. But, you never know. There could be too many. Dark wizards travel in herds, you know ... He's a fine lad, hate to see him dead. Always calling me Professor, like I actually taught him anything."

Tonks breathed a sigh of relief. He liked Harry. That could only bode well for them, Mad Eye hardly liked anyone, in fact, Tonks wasn't even sure whether he liked Dumbledore. She checked about making sure no one was watching then handed him the letter.

Mad Eye Moody perused the letter then glared at Tonks. "Where did you get this?"

Tonks slammed the occlumency blocks she had into place. All aurors had to have at least a minimal of shields to pass training. Tonks had done almost as poorly in Occlumency as she had Stealth. She hoped it was enough. "It was sent to me to give to you. Something about not accepting mail from unknown owls."

"Too right." Moody growled looking at her closely but then turning back to the letter.

Thank Merlin, Tonks thought.

Moody smirked. Tonks blanched at the look, glad he didn't smile often. It was terrifying.

"So this is what's got Albus' knickers in a bunch?"

Tonks nodded.

"Seen it then?"

She paled, then nodded.

"Keep it to yourself." Moody barked and walked away.

Tonks heaved deeply. Moody must be a frightening interrogator, she thought.


Mrs. Weasley buzzed around the kitchen. She had been cooking for almost three days straight, something she did when she was anxious and she was very apprehensive now. Four days ago Remus sent her an owl telling her and her family Harry was doing better then expected and he would write to them soon. Molly had been so relieved. Although they had surmised that the two were together, it was a relief to know that for sure and that they were okay.

The next day, Albus had come bursting into headquarters in a fright. Power was radiating off him in waves. He was demanding everyone there begin searching for Remus and Harry immediately, as if no one had been looking for them since they disappeared. He called Bill into the office and spoke to him privately. Molly had no idea what they talked about but when Bill left afterwards he was blanched.

Molly was confused. Remus' scrawl was well known in the order. She knew the letter was written by his hand. She hurried in to Albus' to show him the letter she received. She was shocked to see him redden in anger. She could actually see the struggle he was having keeping his power contained. Albus was always in control, that he was not was terrifying. She hurried out quickly leaving him alone. She had begun cooking then.

Albus' mood had not improved in the days since. He either kept to himself in the small office, or barked orders at everyone to find Remus and Harry. Molly was so puzzled. She didn't know what to think. Worse, she was actually afraid to ask, so she cooked ... and cooked ... and cooked. He children were getting concerned; they knew enough of her habits to know that something was going on, even if she tried to keep them out of the order's business. She hoped this would end soon. She was afraid – for Harry, for Albus, for all of them.