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.
A/N: It had been pointed out to me that I have occasionally skipped words. I do my best to proof read, sorry to say that the brain works faster then the fingers at times. If you notice this please point it out to me so I can correct it. Thanks.
Also, I was thinking that Remus was given extra Wolfsbane potion after a quarrel with Snape at the end of OOTP. I realized last evening that that isn't cannon but must be from someone else's fan fic, even worse I don't even know what fan fic. So, I apologize for stealing their idea and unfortunately having to keep it as I can't even begin to figure out how to fix it. However, if anyone knows where it came from please let me know so I can at least give them proper credit.
Reviewers: Heyster - ::chuckles softly:: sorry you asked?
Chapter 19
Repercussions
When the alarms sounded in Dumbledore's office, he had no idea what to make of it. He had expected this a few weeks ago when Harry vanished, but his worst fears had not come true. Consequently, he had no idea why the wards on number 4 Privet Drive had suddenly fallen. His relationship with Harry was strained enough as it was; Harry would never forgive him if his family was harmed.
Albus threw in a handful of floo powder and popped his head quickly in the fireplace and sent Kingsley Shacklebolt and several other order members to quickly collect the Dursleys and take them to headquarters at least temporarily. They needed to be protected. He did, however, warn the members that the Dursleys were afraid of magic and might not come willingly.
He sat down contemplating how Voldemort had brought the wards down. A curse breaker? No, the instruments would have shown tampering with the wards. They seemed to indicate that they had fallen swiftly and completely. Had they been broken, they would have fallen one at a time. Alas, he would have to wait to investigate. He was waiting on Minister Fudge's arrival to discuss preparations for Voldemort's return and he was the last person Albus wanted to know that there was anything amiss with Harry.
Remus appeared right outside the cottage. Harry was asleep on the front porch. He smiled softly to himself, taking a close look at Harry. It was not quite a month since he had come to stay here and already he looked better. He was still on the smallish side, but he had filled out a bit and now looked nearer to his 16 years. His messy black hair was sprawled out around his sleeping face, but most importantly was the peaceful look on Harry's face. That look spoke volumes. It told Remus he had done the right thing by bringing Harry here. It told him that what he was doing was helping. But most importantly, it told Remus that Harry would survive.
Remus attempted to enter the house quietly, but a loud crash alarmed him and he hollered at the sleeping boy to run while he entered the cabin stealthily with his wand in hand. He crossed the threshold ready to protect Harry at all costs, wondering briefly why they had not already harmed or taken him. As he came face to feet with his intruder he realized why. He relaxed a bit and stifled a laugh. "Hello Tonks."
Remus stepped back out on the porch to find Harry armed and by the door. It was obvious that he was heading into the house rather then having followed Remus' direction to run. Remus scowled at him. "I could have sworn I told you to run, Cub."
Harry stood his ground. "No. I won't leave you here alone."
Remus heaved deeply. "We WILL talk about this later. Could you give Tonks and me a minute?"
Harry shrugged. "'Kay."
Remus turned his attention back to Tonks. "So what brings you to our humble abode?"
Tonks looked at Remus apprehensively. "Harry's family. The wards came down, and no one seems to know why. I was afraid, well, I was afraid something happened to him. I apparated here as soon as I could get away. I'm supposed to be checking at the Ministry for some news about what happened, but I had to make sure Harry was alright," she trailed off not sure of what else to say.
"He's fine Tonks. Nothing happened, well to him at any rate. I'll tell you why the wards went down, especially since I'm sure Dumbledore will know soon enough. I am now Harry's legal guardian, in the muggle world at any rate."
"WHAT?"
Remus held back his amusement at her irate tone. "You heard me."
"But ... but then he can't ever go back there..."
"Exactly."
Tonks stared at Remus not knowing what else to say.
"Dora, I know you've worked guard duty there. You've seen the way they treat him. He's had too much of a burden placed on him already. I truly fear for his sanity should he ever be placed there again. This way, no matter what happens about this, or to me, he cannot be sent back there; he won't be protected. They will have to think of something else."
He sighed. "Dora, you saw how Sirius reacted to being kept locked up. Imagine what it does to Harry with all he has been through. Even if he had people helping him every step of the way, it would be enough for a person to go spare. You didn't see that room. Merlin, he forced me to apparate from inside headquarters through all those wards ... He can't be left like that again. He can't."
Tonks smiled softly. "I know, Remus, I saw what they did to him. I understand why you did it. But you do know Dumbledore will be madder then a raging Hippogriff?"
Remus gave her an impish grin. "I know."
They talked a moment more then Tonks hurried off to the ministry to try to get the information she already had. When she was gone, Harry headed inside. "What's going on, Moony?"
"Nothing really, Cub. Tonks came because of our actions today."
"Huh?"
"Right well, as soon as the paperwork was official, the wards at number 4 Privet Drive came down."
Harry looked stunned. He hadn't thought of this. "Oh."
"Remus gave him a bright smile. "I knew it would happen, Harry. It's all right they won't be harmed. The order is already on their way there to get them, if they haven't all ready. They'll have a nice gilded cage of their own."
Harry was expressionless, unsure how to feel about this. He certainly didn't want anyone, not even those god awful Dursleys to feel the way he did.
"Don't worry, Cub. I'm sure it won't be permanent. They will probably just be uprooted and hidden. Not to worry."
Harry grinned at that. "I wonder where they'll be sent." His grin faltered a moment. "Oh Merlin, what did Dumbledore say?"
Remus chuckled. "I'm sure we'll hear soon enough."
