Chapter 8

The last time Harry had seen the dining room at number twelve, Grimmauld Place, he had been watching Sirius tossing china with the Black family crest on it into a sack without so much as a second glance. The room Harry now saw before him was totally transformed. He could tell that this room had seen a lot of use. There was a thin rug on the floor under the long dining table, and the walls had been painted a creamy yellow color. The china cabinets were now filled with all sorts of equipment and texts. There hung on a wall, next to the fireplace, a large board that looked to Harry like a complicated schedule. The names were switching themselves around on the board, perhaps trying to keep up with real time events.

People were buzzing around the room when Harry entered. He recognized most of them. Bill Weasley, Tonks and Kingsley Shacklebolt were in the corner, huddled around a piece of parchment, talking. Emmeline Vance and Hestia Jones sat at the table, conversing quietly. The fire erupted green, and Mundungus Fletcher popped out holding a large sack of something that he quickly tried to hide under his robes. He brushed himself off and sat down at the table.

Professors McGonagall and Snape stood nearby, talking in hushed tones. Harry felt hatred rise in his throat while looking at Snape. He knew why Snape had ignored Harry's pleas to help Sirius in Umbridge's office, but he still felt that Snape was a little to blame for the following events.

McGonagall turned as Harry, Dumbledore and Lupin walked into the room. She smiled at Harry. "Happy Birthday, Mr. Potter," she said quietly.

"Thank you, Professor."

Beside Professor McGonagall, Snape sneered at Harry in his usual manner. Harry glared back. He knew there was a reason Dumbledore trusted the slimy git, but he still couldn't bring himself to do the same.

Dumbledore cleared his throat and the room got quiet.

"Why don't we all have a seat and begin the meeting?"

Dumbledore sat down at the head of the table, and Lupin gestured for Harry to sit next to him. Harry watched Tonks walk over and sit on the other side of Remus. She smiled at Harry and said, "Wotcher," under her breath.

Once everyone was seated, Dumbledore asked Bill to seal the room. Harry wondered why, but didn't ask. Remus leaned over and answered his unspoken question.

"This is a meeting for top members only."

Harry nodded in understanding. He realized he had been given top secret clearance, and the thought sent a shiver up his spine.

Dumbledore said, "Why don't we begin with our newest member activity. Emma?"

Emmeline Vance nodded and pulled a piece of parchment out of her robes.

"To date we have twelve new members. Our fourth meeting was earlier today. We covered all the major areas and only two members reported any Death Eater activity. Fred and George Weasley saw Lucius Malfoy in Diagon Alley two days ago, but upon further inspection he seemed to just be shopping with his son. Cynthia Blackwood reported seeing Malfoy in the ministry, lurking about, but did not see him get any clearance."

"Good. Thank you, Emma. And might I say, that is a lovely broach you are wearing."

"Thank you, Albus," Emmeline said, smiling.

Harry smiled as Dumbledore turned to Hestia Jones.

"Any activity to report, Hestia?"

She shook her head. "Nothing significant. I am sure that no one was aware of us moving Harry. The network was quite busy at the time, like we planned, and the privacy charms did the trick. Besides that, I haven't seen anything to report. Our surveillance of the Death Eater homes has proved fruitless. They are either aware of the surveillance, or they are using apparition only to transport."

"Hmm…thank you, Hestia. That is good news about Harry."

Harry leaned over to Remus, "Was she talking about the Floo Network?"

Remus nodded. "She helped us figure out how to Floo you out."

Harry looked over at Hestia Jones. She smiled at him warmly. He smiled back.

Dumbledore turned to Kingsley Shacklebolt.

"So, Kingsley. How are things on Privet Drive?"

"Quiet, sir. I explained to the Dursleys that Harry was gone, and they didn't even question me."

That didn't surprise Harry one bit.

"There was one instance of disturbance the night after Harry left, but when I went to check if the wards were damaged, I didn't see anything but a few trash cans moving. It must have been a cat or something."

Dumbledore looked concerned. "Are you sure it wasn't a rat?"

Kingsley shook his head. "If it was Pettigrew, he was gone before I got there."

Harry felt sick at the mention of that particular vermin. He thought he saw Remus's fists clench.

Kingsley spoke again. "By all indications, they are not interested in Privet Drive right now."

Dumbledore nodded gravely. "That means one of two things: either they are biding their time until they figure out how to get past the wards or they know we've moved Harry."

Harry started to feel afraid. All these people were trying to protect him, and somehow he knew he was never safe. He felt afraid for the people at the Burrow. Dumbledore must have had his mind on then same thing, because he turned to Tonks and Lupin.

"How are things at the Burrow?" he asked.

Tonks, whose hair was pink today, said, "There haven't been any disturbances to the wards since we set them up. We've been going by once a day, and I haven't seen anything suspicious."

"So, what do you think about keeping Harry there?"

"In my opinion, it is only a matter of time until they figure out where he is. If they are looking for Harry right now, they will eventually come after him at the Burrow."

Harry looked at Dumbledore and blurted out, "Are the Weasleys safe right now? Is someone watching the Burrow?"

"Yes, Harry. Don't worry. Order members are nearby, and nobody can come close to breaking those wards without us knowing about it," Dumbledore said, calmly.

Bill spoke up, "Harry, do you think I'd be here right now if I thought they weren't safe?"

Harry relaxed. That was a good point.

"I didn't mean to imply that you and the Weasleys aren't safe right now, Harry. I just mean that it would be safer to come here for the rest of the summer. Just to be sure."

Harry shuddered. Talking so candidly about the risks after spending a week in his cocoon of ignorance at the Burrow was really difficult. It left him feeling weak. He had a fleeting realization that this might be why Mrs. Weasley didn't want them in the meetings last year. Harry sighed and tried to catch his breath.

Remus put a hand on his shoulder and whispered, "Are you ok?"

Harry looked at him and nodded. "I think so."

Remus looked worried and did a quick spell, conjuring a cup of tea and handing it to Harry.

"Just drink that and try and concentrate on breathing."

Harry felt like a child, but was too grateful to protest.

Dumbledore was carrying on with the meeting, asking Bill Weasley how things were going at the bank. Bill was now recounting a recent conversation he had with Rangok, the head goblin.

"He said he knows he can trust me and you, even though wizards have cheated him before. I think he's coming around."

"That's excellent, Bill. Keep up with good work."

Dumbledore turned to Mundungus Fletcher, who was busy counting a stack of coins.

"Mundungus?"

He looked up and quickly shoved the coins in his pocket and smiled at Dumbledore.

"Yes?"

"So glad you could join us, Dung. Have you heard anything through your…connections?"

Mundungus shook his head. "Not really. I was a little too close for comfort to a conversation between two Death Eaters. I was already hidden, so they kept talking. They didn't mention Harry, so I don't know if they know where he is. They were just talking about their next 'assignment' and that they had better get everyone together to plan. Then they Apparated. So…I guess the only thing I know is that they are active. And they are planning…something."

Harry saw McGonagall roll her eyes, and Dumbledore spoke.

"Thank you very much. I am at least glad to hear they are still planning as opposed to implementing."

Dumbledore looked at McGonagall who was looking at Mundungus disapprovingly and asked if there was anything she needed to report.

"No. The schedule has evened out, so there is always someone on call now. All the meetings have gone smoothly."

"Excellent, Minerva. Thank you."

Dumbledore next turned his gaze to one potions master who looked thoroughly put-out. He had his arms folded over his chest and was glaring at Harry.

"Severus, how have things been going on your end?"

Snape turned to Dumbledore and said, "With all do respect, Headmaster, I refuse to share any information with Potter in the room."

"Oh come now, Severus. Don't you think he deserves to know what is going on?"

"When it concerns him, yes, but nothing I have to say is any of his business."

Harry saw Remus bristle next to him. He spoke forcedly through clenched teeth. "Can't you see past your childhood grudges enough to see that Harry is not James?"

Snape turned slowly to Remus and said, "I am perfectly aware who Harry is. This has nothing to do with my personal feelings. He is a child and he has no right to hear what I have to say."

With a loud scrape of his chair scooting back, Remus stood up, his face red. "He is not a child. He has faced more danger than half the adult wizards in Britain. You can't see that?"

Harry had never seen Remus lose his temper like that. He stood up and put his hand on Remus' arm.

"Remus. Hey - it's fine."

"No, it's not, Harry."

"Yes, it is. I'll go - I don't care. It's fine."

Remus turned to look at Harry and seemed to calm a little.

He exhaled shakily. "Alright. I'll go too. I don't want to hear what he has to say."

Remus shot a death glare at Snape before shoving his chair out of the way and storming towards the door.

Harry caught a glimpse of the sneer on Snape's face before following Remus out of the room. Harry leaned against the wall in the hallway and watched Remus pace back and forth, wringing his hands. He spoke to Harry without looking up.

"I'm sorry about that, Harry. He just got to me. After all the things you've been through and all the things you will go through…I just don't understand why he treats you like that."

"It's ok, Remus. He gets to me too."

Remus stopped pacing and looked at Harry.

"But, I'm the adult. I don't usually lose my cool like that."

Harry smiled. "Maybe you're channeling Sirius or something."

Remus smiled and nodded, "Yeah, maybe I am."

Just then, the dining room door opened and people started filing out, the meeting was obviously over. Snape swept past them while shooting a fierce look at both of them. Bill came out and shook Harry's hand.

"Harry, listen - I really appreciate your concern for my family. This is hard for a big brother to say, but I trust you with Ginny. My family is my treasure, and I know you will protect it."

"Thanks, Bill," Harry said, surprised at Bill's candid words. He watched him turn and walk away. Harry took what he said to heart and felt like he had gotten the ultimate acceptance to date Ginny.

Kingsley and Tonks came into the hall next. Tonks went to Remus, and they began talking quietly. Harry saw Tonks put a hand on Remus's arm and saw his face soften.

"Harry, I want you to know that we are doing everything we can to protect you." Kingsley said , next to him.

Harry nodded. "I know that. I just wish you didn't have to."

"Well, that's Voldemort's fault. You have a good birthday, ok? I'll see you later."

"Thank you. Bye!"

Kingsley turned and followed the other Order members to the front door after waving to Remus.

McGonagall was conversing with Dumbledore as the two of them came into the hallway. She turned and looked at Harry.

"Mr. Potter, congratulations on your O.W.L. scores. Looks like you might have a chance at becoming an Auror."

"Thanks, Professor."

"I dare say, Professor Snape also knows how well you did."

Harry nodded in understanding. "I'm sure he feels about as happy as I do that I qualified for his class."

"Potions is very important for you to learn, and Professor Snape is quite brilliant at the subject. You would do well to keep your head and forget about your personal conflict."

"If only it were that easy…" Harry knew that it wouldn't matter if he was perfect at Potions. Snape would still manage to make his life miserable, and Harry still didn't trust him.

"It is that easy, Mr. Potter. Enjoy your birthday. Goodbye, Albus; Remus," she said, nodding at the two men who now flanked Harry.

"Goodbye, Minerva."

Harry looked up at Dumbledore. "Do you think I bait Snape into treating me the way he does?"

"I think you and Severus are a bit like he was with your father and Sirius – I doubt either of you really know how to put things in the past."

Harry wondered how such a man could have proved himself to Dumbledore.

"Somehow he managed to prove his loyalty to you."

"That he did."

"But, I'm supposed to wait for him to tell me how?"

"I've told you before that it is not my story to tell."

"Great, so I'm never going to find out."

"Well, sometimes people surprise you," Dumbledore said, a smile creeping in at the corners of his mouth.

"Yeah…" Harry knew that Snape suddenly becoming chatty with him about his life was about as likely as Harry falling in love with a house-elf.

"Professor Dumbledore, I want to apologize for the way I acted in the meeting," Remus said, looking thoroughly guilty.

"You were merely reacting in a way that you felt was right. If it were a regular occurrence, I might be upset."

"It was disrespectful. I'm sorry."

"Don't worry, Remus. I expect the meeting might have been quite boring without the interruption."

Remus smiled a little. "I doubt it, but thank you. Well, Harry, are you ready to have some lunch?" he asked.

"Sure."

Dumbledore said, "I will see you two later on. I have some business to attend to. Enjoy your day, Harry."

Harry looked at the Headmaster and felt so thankful that they had finally made up that he had the sudden urge to reach out and hug him. Instead, he waved shyly and said, "Thanks for everything."

"It was my pleasure. See you soon."

"Bye," Harry said.

Dumbledore turned and walked to the front door.

Remus put an arm around Harry and led him to the kitchen stairs. Dobby had prepared a Birthday lunch for Harry, which was laid out with meticulous care. Winky politely served Harry and Lupin but still seemed reserved toward Harry. He suspected she blamed him a little for all the events surrounding her family's death during Harry's fourth year.

Dobby buzzed about, making sure Harry had everything he needed. It was always a bit embarrassing the way Dobby treated him, but with Lupin sitting nearby laughing at the whole scene, Harry couldn't help but find it all flattering. As they ate lunch, the conversation turned to some of the things that had been on Harry's mind. He opened up about Ginny, Voldemort, and his growing anxiety about an impending attack.

"I know you are worried about it, but I was hoping seeing the meeting would help you realize that we are all looking out for you." Remus said.

"No, I see that. I just hadn't been thinking about it until today."

Remus looked down at his hands, "Was it wrong for me to let you see the meeting?"

"Oh, no…I really appreciated you doing that for me. I'm just saying that it was a bit of a shock to realize that we're not as safe as I had thought."

"You are safe, we are just trying to be ahead of the Death Eaters. The last thing we need is to be caught off guard by another attack."

"So you're saying we are ahead of them right now?"

"Of course. You have no idea how much better off we are then we were during the first war."

"Yeah…" Every time someone told Harry that, he wasn't sure he believed them.

"You heard Bill today – he wouldn't be away from his family if he honestly thought they were in danger. And there is no way I would be just visiting once a day if I thought there was a risk of attack right now."

"I know that."

That set Harry's mind at ease, but he couldn't help but wonder how Ginny and the others were doing at the Burrow. Before he knew it, the sun had set and it was time to return home. They would be returning by Portkey. As Harry reached out his hand to touch the broken quill, he looked up at Remus.

"Thank you for today."

Remus smiled at Harry. "No, thank you, Harry. You have no idea what today meant to me."

Harry smiled, "It meant a lot to me too."

As the pull behind his navel began, Harry couldn't imagine how his birthday could get any better. But everything changed when they reached the Burrow. As his feet hit the ground of the Weasley's unusually dark kitchen and Harry looked around, he suddenly felt as though something was terribly wrong.