A/N: Miss me yet? I know that I pretty much just posted the concluding two chapters of EL1 up on Tuesday, but I really want to jump start posting this. I've been writing this for so long—I'm technically already up to February! And it's looking like it will be longer than ELI. And I already have ELIII in the works (which will be shorter, trust me) and something planned that I can't put up until a few more chapters of this is posted. Anyway, that's my beginning rant. Now on to everybody's favorite part…

THE DISCLAIMER: Mackenzie W does not own Harry Potter, though she wishes she did. She does own the basic plot points of ELII and the original characters: Harmony, Kiki, Bianca, Jackson (Mac: But who would want him?) and any new people introduced in this story line. So, in other, more simplistic, terms—my plot line, my characters—NO TOUCHY!

Elaborate Lives II: Year Seven

Mackenzie W

Harry Potter sat in his new bedroom in 10 Grimmauld Place one bright July morning. The previous April, his aunt, uncle and baby whale of a cousin had been moved from their former home on Pivet Drive for safety reasons.

Harry was the only one who could defeat the dark lord Voldemort, who had been terrorizing the wizarding world the boy so loved. Voldemort was the reason why Harry had to live with the Dursleys since the wizard had killed the boy's parents almost sixteen years ago. The protection Harry's mother, Lily, had left on her son could only be strengthened by her only sibling—Petunia Dursley.

But things were looking up because of the move. The Dursleys still treated him like dirt (as they had for most of his time with them) but now he could escape. Escape next door to Number 12 Grimmauld Place, Headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix.

Things were always bustling there. Albus Dumbledore, head of the order as well as Headmaster of Harry's school, was constantly popping in and out in order to plan against Voldemort. Different Order members were always around, like Kingsley Shacklebolt or Nymphadora Tonks, who were willing to talk to Harry.

There was also Sirius Black, owner of 12 Grimmauld Place and Harry's godfather. He had long been suspected of betraying the Potters to their death and then killing other innocent muggles, but was cleared when the real culprit confessed. Now, Sirius could take Harry around like any uncle would do with a nephew. And Sirius' girlfriend, Bianca Jennings, was always a pleasure to be around.

And the week before, Remus and Harmony Lupin had returned from their two week honeymoon to France. Remus had been Harry's third year Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher while Harmony had been his sixth. Both had been good friends with Harry's parents and had included the boy in their wedding. Now, Harry could further torment them good-naturedly about being pregnant.

Another one of his parents' old friends was Kristin Wright, commonly called Kiki. She was sent on a six week long mission to Germany to scout out any suspicious Deatheater activity. They knew there had to be some there because her boyfriend, Harry's Potions teacher, and spy on Voldemort as a Deatheater, Severus Snape, was sent there by the Dark Lord himself. So the two were off together, pretending not to know each other in Germany—or so Kiki's instructions were. No one had any doubt of various secret midnight rendezvous with each other.

Finally there were the Weasleys, good wizarding people who had become Harry's second family. Mr. Weasley was absolutely fascinated with the muggle world and had often consulted Harry on the many uses of common things—especially plugs and batteries. Mrs. Weasley was like the mother he never really had—always fussing over him, feeding him and making sure he was well cared for.

Then there were the Weasley children. Bill and Charlie worked in different locations, but would pop in here or there to check in with the order. Percy was blacklisted from the family as he had decided to remain loyal to the former minister of magic and all-around idiot (to quote Bianca), Cornelius Fudge.

Then there were George and Fred, the two mischievous twins that were bound to put Molly into an early grave. Both had been a favorite of Harry's since he first met the Weasleys and especially since the three had played the wizard sport of Quidditch together. It was Harry who had secretly funded the twins' effort to open their own joke shop, which he was proud to say was doing very well.

Next there was Ron, Harry's first real best friend. The two had met on the train and had shared many, many adventures together. Grouped with Ron was Hermione Granger, the boys' other best friend and logic. Hermione's smarts and quick thinking had gotten them out of many hazardous situations before. She and Ron had been dating since the summer before and Harry couldn't be happier for the two.

That brought him to his own girlfriend, Ginny. The two had been flirting on and off since the mishap in the Ministry office during his fifth year and her fourth. Finally, on the night of Harmony and Remus' wedding, the two finally shared their first kiss. After a few hours of threats of bodily harm from all the Weasley brothers (except Percy) if he were to hurt their only sister, Harry was free to date Ginny.

Now, however, he was sitting in his room just staring outside when he heard a dog barking. He smiled and decided to go downstairs to let in his godfather, who could transform into a giant black dog, or maybe even Bianca, who could become a poodle.

When he reached the landing, his stomach gave a lurch. The dog was a pit bull belonging to Vernon's sister, Marge. "Marge, it's a surprise to see you!" Vernon said. "Boy, take her luggage upstairs, will you?" he barked at Harry. Harry scrambled and brought the suitcases upstairs.

He returned and hoped that his uncle and aunt would tell him to go next door. But they were too busy listening while Aunt Marge explained why she was there. "My dear, when I heard you were forced to move from your house due to those awful burglars, I realized I was being very rude by not giving you a house warming. It's an interesting place you now have, I must say," Marge said, looking around.

Her eyes fell on Harry and squinted. "I'm sure your aunt and uncle had to move due to you," she said, casting him the dirty looks he was used to receiving from her.

Harry hung his head. "Yes, ma'am," he replied, as it was the truth. Voldemort had sent the Deatheaters to Four Pivet Drive to attack the Dursleys.

Marge snorted. "Well, I see St. Brutus' is finally teaching you some manners, boy. Well, Petunia, I'm ravished. When's dinner?" she asked, turning to her sister-in-law.

"As soon as Dudders gets back," Petunia said, looking anxiously at the door. Dudley had already taken to bullying around the local kids, except any that might appear in the Order headquarters next store. He had learned his lesson about dealing with wizards—especially Fred and George Weasley.

Soon the door opened and Dudley Dursley strutted into the house. "Oh, is that my little Dudley?" Aunt Marge asked, enveloping her nephew in a bone crushing hug. When she pulled back, Harry could see some money in Dudley's pudgy hands. "So, can we eat now?" she asked as Dudley perked up.

Harry was busy serving when a sharp knock came to the door and it opened. That was the Order's signal to the Dursleys that they were entering. The one condition on allowing the Dursleys to live there was that any member of the Order was allowed into the house whenever it was thought feasible.

"Who is barging into your house, Vernon?" Marge asked, concerned.

"Just neighbors. Very friendly neighborhood, you know," Vernon said, covering. A blonde woman walked in, wearing a light blue cotton summer dress.

"Sorry to disturb you, I didn't know you had company," she said. "But Molly was wondering why Harry hadn't come over for dinner yet and I told her I would come to make sure he was alright."

"I'm fine, Harmony. You can tell Mrs. Weasley that, too," Harry replied, smiling at his professor. Harmony nodded, but Aunt Marge wasn't finished with her yet.

"What do you mean you were concerned about this boy?" Marge asked. "If you ask me, he's been nothing but trouble to my poor brother and his family since day one."

Harmony looked taken back but remained her cool—no doubt trying to impersonate the head of the Gryffindor house, Minerva McGonagall. "Well, ma'am, I happen to care for Harry. He is the son of two of my best friends," she replied.

"Oh, you were friends with those good-for-nothings that went and got themselves killed. Probably were drunk when killed in that car accident." Marge turned to Petunia. "I am so sorry that you were saddled with such a poor excuse for a sister."

No matter how many times Harry had heard Aunt Marge talk trash about his parents, it still pained him, but remembering what happened the last time, Harry kept his cool. Harmony's normally kind face held a look of disgust. "Lily and James Potter were the kindest people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. They were not drunk when they died, I can assure you that."

Marge snorted. "I am so sure! They go and get themselves killed and leave their burden on Vernon. How nice," she said. "I hope they use the cane often at St. Brutus' boy. Maybe if somebody had used it on your parents, we wouldn't be faced with this mess today!"

Suddenly, all the glasses broke. Vernon and Petunia turned immediately to face Harry, who was looking shocked. He didn't believe he did that, but then he heard Harmony apologize. "Oh, Merlin! I can't believe I did that!" she cried. "Harry, show your aunt out into the hall while I clean this up!"

Harry nodded and led Aunt Marge out into the next room, followed by all the Dursleys. "Why don't you go help her, boy!" the woman snapped. Harry was only too glad to return to the kitchen.

He watched as Harmony cleaned everything with a flick of her wrist and wand. Harry approached her. "Oh, I haven't done accidental magic since I left Hogwarts!" the witch cried, tears streaming down her cheeks.

Harry placed a hand on his teacher's back. "Hey, don't cry. I blew her up in my third year! This is nothing!" Harmony smiled and hugged Harry.

"Thanks. I've just been real emotional lately. I'll see Madame Pompfrey to see if the accidental magic is tied in with it. Probably tomorrow. Albus wants to see both me and Remus anyway. I don't think I'm getting sacked…"

"Wow. A Defense teacher that's lasted more than one year!" Harry said. "Congrats!" Harmony ruffled his hair.

"Now, do you want to stay with your evil, mean, nasty relatives or do you want to come back with me and enjoy Molly's cooking?" Harmony asked.

Harry pretended to ponder the question and then smiled. "Aunt Petunia, I'm going next door!" With that, the two returned to 12 Grimmauld Place.

Remus was the first to greet them, picking up his wife and twirling her around before clapping Harry on the shoulder. "Oh, it was awful! His uncle's sister was there and she was insulting Lily and James! And then I did some accidental magic! I'll need to get that checked out by Madame Pompfrey later," Harmony chatted away while the three walked to the kitchen.

Harry slid into his seat in between Ron and Ginny as Molly began serving the food. "Hello, Harry, I got a little worried when you didn't come to dinner right away," Molly said, spooning large quantities of food on everybody's plates.

"My aunt decided to pay a visit," Harry explained, looking ready to pounce on the meal. "Harmony luckily rescued me. Thanks, Ma," he said, jokingly.

Harmony pointed her fork in warning and then dove into her own plate. Sirius and Tonks were in the middle of an eating competition with Fred and George commenting on every moment. "And now Sirius has pulled two forkfuls ahead of Tonks, who looks like she's starting to slow down," Gred commented.

"I don't know, it looks like Tonks has suddenly been inspired to plow ahead through the delicious meal generously donated by our wonderful mum," Forge replied. Bianca looked like she didn't know whether to laugh or to be sick as she watched what was happening.

Remus and Hermione were in the middle of a discussion about something Defense related while Harmony would interject her own comments here and there. Arthur and Molly were conversing with Moody, who was also eating with them. Suddenly Albus Dumbledore burst into the kitchen.

Molly, ever the hostess, jumped up and immediately offered the wizard some food. "I thank you kindly, Molly," Dumbledore replied, sitting down across from Ginny and next to Harmony. "I decided to come early and help myself to your delicious cooking," he explained, while chuckling at the behavior of the two cousins nearby.

Harry smiled. This summer had been the best one so far. He had never felt so much warmth and caring. It was also good that the order had a sort of carefree attitude right now, since he had feeling that would soon change. But this type of scene gave him hope—hope that he could live to see when these days would become commonplace.

A/N2: Because I have to thank all my lovely reviewers from ELI! So pauses for a deep breath

Sarahamanda: I love you! You are one of my best reviewers! Whenever my first reviews come in, I no longer have to guess you it is…I just know it's you!

Sarahthebardess: Once again, I love your writing and I'm still glad you like mine! Anyway, about the whole dialogue/description comment—could you clarify a bit? I'm a bit confused…

Moony Lover: Back from the dead. I'm glad you liked it and that you thought I had a bit more action in the last chapters…I do tend to try to distract the readers because I can't write action, but I try…

yeah whatever: I love your reviews. They always make me smile…really.

Mac