Chapter 1: Back at the Burrow

It had only been a few months since Harry's perilous encounters of his last term at Hogwarts. He, Ron, and Hermione spent their summer together at the Burrow, that is, the Weasleys. On this particular night, they were excited and nervous with anticipation. Careful not to alert Mrs. Weasley that they were still awake, they resolved to talk quietly to themselves.

Hermione was the first to speak. "So Harry," she said hesitently, "are you shure that you don't want to return to Hogwarts next term? I mean, what of your last year of schooling? Don't you want to get your N.E.W.T.S?"

Harry smiled to himself. In truth, he had thought a great deal about this very matter. He loved Hogwarts. Not having grown up in a loving home himself, it was the closest thing to a home he had; part of him DID want to return to the school that he know and loved, to finish off his studies and pursue his career choice - he wanted desperately to be an Auror, a dark wizard catcher.

But he knew what had to be done.

No sooner had Harry concluded this in his mind, he felt the WOOOSH of owl wings. Harry had never seen this owl before. She was big and black, with white tips on her feathers. She swooped down at Harry's feet. A letter was tied to her leg. Harry opened it, and read to himself:

Dear Harry,

I apologize for not being forthcoming with you these last six years. Forgive me for not being as open to you, as I now realize I should have been. I write to you now concerning many things. I hope you will consider what I have to say carefully.

Firstly, I write to report to you that the Board of Governors has decided to let Hogwarts remain open (Harry breathed a sigh of relief; it was his wish that the school not be closed. After all, who would teach young wizards?). Professor Slughorn has agreed to work a double-shift; normally, this would be unheard of, but given the state of things after recent events, I can think of no other alternative. Enrollment is the lowest that we've seen in a century, and I can hardly fathom how we would be able to find TWO staff replacements, instead of the one, which has become customary.

I wanted to also inform you of another new development, due to recent events. I have met with the Board of Governors and it was agreed that we grant you and your three friends a Diploma, effective immediately. Of course, normally such actions are not to be taken; however, I think we all realize, now, where are priorities shall be.

Finally, know that as long as Hogwarts is under my watch, you will always have a refuge here. I have not forgotten, Harry, the promise that I made to you concerning your choice of careers, and as long as I remain here, that promise is still in effect.

I also wish that you meet with me briefly before start of term. I have other things that I wish to discuss with you—in person.

Kindest Regards,

Minerva McGonagall, Headmistress

Harry handed the letter to Hermione before rolling over to make an attempt at sleep. He could see the startled look in her eyes, but she understood: they would discuss the letter tomorrow. She handed the letter to Ron before exiting to her own chambers.

Tomorrow would be an eventful day, indeed.

Harry awoke the next morning to find sun streaming in his windows. Hedwig was sitting on her perch, and Ron was still asleep. Harry sat up, and gently scratched under Hedwig's beak. She gave a contented coo. Harry got up, got dressed, and headed downstairs, careful not to wake his friend.

Harry descended the staircase and was suddenly taken aback. Professor Lupin, Mad-Eye Moody, Tonks, Mungdungus Fletcher and rest of the Weasleys (minus Percey, of course) were gathered around a table. They seemed to be waiting for him.

"Hello, Harry," said Lupin. Sit down."

"Professor Lupin—wha—what's going on?" Harry stammered. He had not been expecting this.

"Since I am no longer your teacher, Harry, and since you are now of-age, feel free to address me as "Remus." I have something to tell you."

Remus Lupin sat back in his chair, a most pensive look on his face. He seemed to be debating whether or not to say something.

You are familiar, of course, that the Defense Against the Dark Arts position is open once more?"

"Yes." Harry knew this, of course; Hogwarts hadn't had much luck with having a consistent Defense teacher—after the events of last year, the former Professor Snape was the sixth in a long line of casualties. Harry, however, did not fully understand why Lupin would bring up this matter now. "So what does this have to do with you, Profess—er… Remus?" Harry had caught himself.

"Well," said Lupin cautiously, "it just so happens that Professor McGonagall has contacted me and asked me if I would take the job." He finished his sentence, and waited for a reaction. He knew that Harry would. No doubt, have one.

"Wha—Professor, that's great!" Harry could hardly contain his excitement; Professor Lupin was not only the best Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher that he had known at Hogwarts, he had also been Harry's personal favorite.

"Perhaps, Harry," said Lupin, smiling. "And since I am once again a Hogwarts teacher, you may again address me as "Professor." Harry heard this and beamed proudly at his friend.

Next to Sirius and Dumbledore, Professor Lupin was the person that Harry trusted the most. He, James and Sirius had been the best of friends while they were in school together. Even though Lupin was, in fact, a wearwolf, Harry did not look at his friend any differently; to Harry, Professor Lupin was much more than a friend—he was one of the few remaining connections between him and his parents—and that made him something akin to family.

Harry could see in Lupin's face that there was something more, something that, it seemed, he did not particularly want to talk about. Harry braced himself.

Lupin continued: "Of course, Harry, as you probably guessed, with Dumbledore…gone…" Harry's stomach did a backflip at the words. He remembered vividly the events of last term, still wishing with all his heart that they had not happened. "…and with Professor McGonagall now occupied with her new post as Headmistress, I will also be taking over the duties of supervising the Order of the Phoenix. I was hoping, Harry, that since you are now of-age, you would be able to help us."

"Certainly, Professor," stammered Harry. He was always looking for adventure and for ways to help out his friends. "What is it you would like me to do?"

"Well, young sir, we were RATHER hoping that you would consider becoming a member of the Order," chimed in Moody in his usual, gruff voice.

Harry's heart skipped a beat. "Me, sir? But I only just turned seventeen—I, erm, don't think that I would be of much use—" Professor Lupin cut him off.

'Nonsense, Harry," said Lupin, quickly. "You are most definitely the person that can MOST help us during these trying times! I am sure that you know by now, Harry, of what you must do?" It was as if Lupin could see Harry's thoughts. "Come now, Harry. You did not think that we would let you do this…alone?"

"Well, sir, I'd rather hoped—" But he was again cut off. This time, it was not by any sitting around the table, for Ron and Hermione had just finished coming down the stairs.

"We most certainly would not," said Hermione, enthusiastically. Harry smiled. Leave it to Hermione to lighten the most serious situation. In any case, he was glad for his two best friends. Last year, they agreed that they would each abandon their schooling to help Harry in his battle against the Dark Lord, Voldemort—that is, if they could convince their parents…

"Ah, Ron, Hermione," said Lupin. "You may take a seat also, as this next matter pertains to both of you." He flicked his wand casually, and a cushioned chair appeared at each end of the long table. Harry and Hermione sat down, with nervous looks upon their faces.

"Yes," said Lupin, "I know what you three have been up to."

"But—" muttered Harry. "How—"

"Extendable Ears," said Mrs. Weasley. I heard you three talking last night."

The three of them exchanged glances of shock. Mrs. Weasley had never approved of her two sons' joke business, though she had come to accept it when she saw the Galleons that they were raking in. In any case, the three of them were not expecting this. Although they knew that she tolerated their endeavors, Mrs. Weasley had ever filled the role as the family disciplinarian. They never thought, in their wildest dreams, that she would actually use the Extendable Ears.

"I need to talk to the three of you," Mrs. Weasley said seriously. "It has come to my attention that you are not planning on finishing your education this year. I am very disappointed in you, especially considering that you are going to look for V…Voldemort. I also heartily disapprove of this decision."

The three friends, again, looked at each other, their faces a mixture of shock and disappointment. This was the second shocking thing Mrs. Weasley had done. Prior to this, she, like so many others, could not bring herself to finish the infamous dark wizard's name. On the other hand, it would appear that Mrs. Weasley was not going to take too kindly to the three of them hunting down the most powerful dark wizard who had ever lived.

"However," continued Mrs. Weasley, "I share Remus's opinion. Considering the circumstances, I think we all realize that there are more important things than education right now. In any case…" she looked affectionately over at Ron, "It won't be the first time that a Weasley hasn't finished at Hogwarts.

Harry remembered that, two years ago, Fred and George had flown off, thoroughly disgusted with their Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher and headmistress, who had then been the despicable Professor Umbridge.

The three friends exchanged looks of relief. Lupin said, "Harry, I understand that you learned how to Aparate last term?" He beamed proudly at him. "You will do so now. As part of a little, well, test of mine. You must go to Hogwarts immediately to see the Headmistress. Time is forever against us, Harry."

Harry was taken aback. He did not expect to have to leave so soon. However, he did as he was told, taking center beside his two friends.

"Oh, and Hermione, take hold of Harry. Just for a little added guidance, of course. I know he may still be a little shaky."

Grateful to now have Hermione's hand clutching his arm, she and Harry turned on their heels. Harry once again felt an awful pulling sensation at his navel, a sensation he had only felt twice before. When they opened their eyes, they were in front of the Hogwarts gates.

"Harry, Hermione, Ron, good to see you," said a familiar voice. "Please follow me."

Professor McGonagall had been waiting for them.