Disclaimer: J.K. Rowling, Warner Brothers and its various publishers own Harry Potter. No money is being made and no copyright infringement is intended.
A/N: Notes to reviewers are at the end of the chapter. Thanks for taking the time to read and review.
Chapter 21
Grimmauld Place
Harry woke up early the next morning to the sound of snoring. It was coming from the empty frame of Phineas Nigellus. He was in the room at Grimmauld Place Ron and he had shared the summer before fifth year. The sun wasn't quite up yet, but Harry decided to go for a run.
Quickly putting on his running clothes and trainers, he opened the front door and came face to face with Mundungus Fletcher and a blast of smelly breath. After a quick greeting, Harry stepped around Mundungus and headed down the stairs. Dung called after him, "Wait! I'm not supposed to let you go alone, arry."
Turning back to look at him, Harry asked, "Are you going to run with me, then?"
Mundungus looked appalled at the idea. Pulling his cloak close around his neck, he whispered loudly, "It's just not safe."
"Maybe it isn't safe, at least, not since you shouted my name." Harry turned around and went back into the house, shutting the door in Mundungus' face. He went to the kitchen and conjured a nice breakfast for himself, eggs, tomatoes, crispy bacon and tea just the way he liked it. Alone at the large table, he ate his food quickly.
After cleaning his dirty dishes, he wandered around the library and the drawing room. From what he could see of Grimmauld Place, Remus or maybe Mrs. Weasley had been busy making the house more cheerful. The grisly vestiges of the Noble House of Black had mostly been removed. In their place were simple, but nice furnishings. From the number of clean mugs on the sideboard, Harry guessed that members of the Order were frequent houseguests.
That's how Harry felt here — like a houseguest. He knew that Remus and he now shared ownership of the house, but it didn't feel like his home without Sirius. Hogwarts felt like home. The Burrow felt like home, but Grimmauld Place felt like someplace he was staying for a while. Maybe he just needed to get used to it.
Remus joined him in the library, looking like his usual rumpled self. "There you are, Harry. Do you always get up so early?" There was so much they didn't know about each other.
Smiling a greeting, Harry said, "I like to take a run in the mornings before breakfast. It clears my head. Of course, lately, I've been running around the Quidditch pitch instead of the lake, but I thought I might be able to keep fit while I'm staying here. Mundungus didn't seem to think it was a good idea to go alone." To Harry this was more proof that no one trusted him to take care of himself. His feelings showed as he asked Remus, " I don't suppose you'd like to go for a run?"
Looking puzzled, Remus said, "After the Death Eaters were caught right in front of this house trying to kidnap you, I don't think you should go out in this neighborhood at all -- at least not without a guard and a good disguise. How about some breakfast? You must be hungry."
Declining the food, but agreeing to keep Remus company, they settled around the kitchen table. They discussed their plans for Gringotts and shopping as well as security measures. They were traveling by floo powder to Fred and George's shop, where they would meet Tonks and Hestia Jones.
Harry wanted to ask how things were between Tonks and Remus, but he decided against it, realizing that he wouldn't like to be questioned about such things himself. So he settled into telling his guardian about Hogwarts. Since it had only been a week since they'd seen each other, there wasn't much to tell.
Back upstairs after breakfast, Harry put on the disguise charms that Moody had taught him. He felt weird, looking in the mirror and seeing a young man with longish blond hair and blue eyes looking back. Somehow, he looked older. But no charm would disguise the lightening bolt on his forehead. Curse scars resisted magic. He pulled his fringe down so it wouldn't give him away. He was sure that no one would recognize him. Soon Remus and he were stepping out of the fireplace in the back workroom of Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes.
Harry stepped into the main store while Remus used their fire to speak with someone. The store was covered with Christmas decorations. Every counter had a small tree with a different theme. A fair few customers were browsing through the displays. The twins had enchanted mistletoe to float overhead and a big sign offered personalized mistletoe that could be charmed to follow someone around. Harry swallowed hard when he read the sign.
George was helping a customer near the front window, but Fred saw him looking at the mistletoe. "Can I help you, sir?" he asked politely. "Someone like you probably doesn't need enchanted mistletoe for a Christmas kiss, but it might be fun for the office party."
"Business looks good," said Harry, sounding like himself. Fred still looked confused so he lifted his hair to show his scar and laughed as it dawned on Fred that he was talking to Harry.
Fred clapped him on the shoulder. Looking around to see if anyone was close enough to hear, he said quietly, "The disguise is fab. I'd never have known you. Can't wait to see you at the Burrow, mate." He flicked the enchanted mistletoe with a finger and waggled his eyebrows. "We should have some laughs, eh?"
Remus came out of the back room, brushing soot off his shoulders and wondering how Harry managed to look so clean. He looked at the teenager, who seemed to be growing pale at whatever Fred was telling him. He walked up to them, and said, "We really have to wait for Tonks and Hestia. I wonder what's keeping them?"
Chafing at the lack of freedom, Harry sounded a tad irritable. "Do I really need a guard? The disguise charms worked. How bout I promise to Apparate away if there's trouble." Running away wasn't his style, but if it made the Order happy, he'd do it.
"Here they are," said Remus. The bell on the front door tinkled as two women walked through it. One had brown hair with magenta streaks through it. The other had straight dark hair and rather pinkish cheeks. They both looked stunning.
Staring at the new arrivals appreciatively, Fred said, "They can guard me instead if you like, Harry."
George joined them, "Anything for our financial backer, right Fred?"
Remus broke it up by greeting Tonks and Hestia in more civilized fashion. Harry didn't say much except to greet them politely.
Tonks said, "We'll keep our distance once we leave here. We're just two girls out for a bit of shoppingso you'll have your privacy, Harry."
He smiled and thanked her. He didn't want an audience watching him buy his Christmas presents — one in particular.
Their next stop was Gringotts. The marbled halls were the same as Harry remembered them. He was pretty sure that the goblin leading them to the vault was Griphook, the same one Hagrid and he had followed on his very first trip to the bank. Soon Remus and he were seated in a cart flying through tunnels and past underground lakes. The air was cold and the cart seemed to be out of control, but it eventually stopped deep underground.
Harry scrambled to follow Griphook and Remus down a dark passage. The walls shone with moisture in the light from the goblin's torch. "Wait here," Griphook said in a flat voice. He moved forward.
In the dark, glistening in the torchlight, Harry could make out two large, shining purple eyes. As Griphook drew closer, the face of a dragon came into view. Awakened by the intruders, the beast gave out a fiery roar. While the heat was deflected by the goblin's shield, the force of the blast knocked the goblin to the cold stony floor of the cave.
Harry ran forward and called, "Are you all right?"
"You should get back," Griphook warned although he let Harry help him up off the cold stone.
But Harry knew he had nothing to fear. The dragon turned toward him and Harry stepped closer, quietly putting up a shield and activating the torque around his neck. The passageway flooded with the light emanating from him. The dragon moved closer to Harry and lowered his head.
Remus was amazed. Harry had told him about dealing with dragons in the last couple of months, but this was beyond anything he'd imagined. When he'd visited the vault in the summer, the goblin had to stun the dragon several times in order to pass by.
If Griphook was impressed, he didn't show it. He simply said, "This way, please," and moved toward the huge wooden door that the dragon had been guarding. It looked ancient. Stroking the knotted design on the front of it, the goblin pulled Harry forward and said, "Step into the circle, press your hand to the crest and tell the door to open." When he did a white light shone from the crest, making Harry's hand appear to be lit from within. The massive door went through a series of changes as iron bars and heavy blocks of wood transformed. Eventually they stood in front of an open archway.
Harry conjured a lantern and stepped inside. The cavernous room warehoused many things besides Galleons and business papers. It was just as Harry had hoped. There were old documents and photos of his parents as children. This was the first time he'd ever seen what his grandparents looked like, except for when he looked in the Mirror of Erised and then they had been familiar, but nameless, faces in a group.
Remus and Harry spent most of the morning looking through papers and photos that had belonged to James and Lily. It was entertaining to hear Remus' stories while finding some of their things.
Of course, the vault housed many other items that belonged to Potters through the centuries: ceramics, weapons, jewelry and even furniture. Some seemed truly ancient. There was so much to look through that Harry decided to fill his rucksack with some of the photos, papers and things. He'd have more time to go over them later. Of course, he filled his money pouch, too.
He noticed a plain gold chain in the jewelry case. Most of the pieces displayed inside were too ostentatious to be worn. Their style belonged to a different age, but amongst the bright gems was this thin gold chain. It was just what he was looking for. Now he wouldn't have to ask Remus to take him to a jewelry store. Quietly putting the chain in one of the velvet pouches, Harry turned to Remus and suggested lunch.
Remus agreed. "Do you see anything else you'd like to take with you?" he asked.
"I think that's enough. You could always come back yourself if there is anything we think of later," said Harry, remembering that Remus had visited the vault by himself in the summer. Suddenly curious, he asked, "When you came to the vault last summer, how did you get in? Did you put your hand on the crest and open the vault? How did you get past the dragon?"
Remus laughed and said, "Well, let's seeI came with Griphook. He stunned the dragon and made me hold a red gem of some kind onto the crest which opened the vault in the same way you did today."
"So really anyone could get into this vault if the goblins allowed them," Harry said flatly, looking around at the cavernous vault.
"No one had been down here since your fatheralthough Sirius would have been allowed in if he weren't a wanted criminal." Remus looked lost in thought as the two of them moved toward the archway. When they passed through, the door sealed itself in much the same way as it had opened.
Thankful that the purple eyed, black dragon was still subdued, Remus continued as they walked. "Goblin magic is different from ours. They take an oath to protect the contents of these vaults. They are extremely careful about it. The goblins could not betray the oath to your family even if they wanted to."
"Couldn't someone steal the gem you usedor convince a goblin to let them in? What if they were polyjuiced to look like one of us?" Harry asked.
Glancing at the grim look on the goblin's face, Remus wondered if they could be heard. "A goblin would never be fooled by wizard magic. Their magic is different. And they're an insular group. They don't particularly trust wizards. That vault has probably been safe here for centuries. It's protected by an ancient Blood Charm that no disguise could fool -- even polyjuice."
They moved toward the cart where Griphook was waiting to return them to the main lobby.
Remus and he didn't speak much until they stepped out into the fresh air of Diagon Alley. It had begun to snow lightly. The shop windows were glowing warmly through the light blanket of white. The lampposts were lit as though it were dark outside. Around each one flew fairies showering the shoppers with sparks of red and green. A group of warmly dressed children stood on the steps of Gringotts singing carols.
The lunch crowd at the Leaky Cauldron was interesting. The room harbored a full array of characters from the wizarding world, all dressed in mufflers and scarves to shield them from the winter weather. They stared unabashedly at Remus and Harry as they walked in and took two seats at the bar.
"We'll have two of today's lunch specials, Tom," said Remus. "And two butterbeer extras."
Tom brought them two foamy mugs then disappeared behind the door to the kitchen. Patting his hair to be sure his scar was still covered, Harry asked, "Trying to get me sloshed, Remus?" He'd heard about butterbeer extra. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Tonks and Hestia take a booth on the other side of the room where they would have a view of everything that happened within the pub.
Feeling uneasy with his back to so many people he didn't know, Harry sipped his drink and tried to relax. Walking through Diagon Alley, Harry had felt like they were being followed, but that could easily have been extra guards from the Order instead of Death Eaters. Now he felt like people were staring. He didn't want to sound paranoid so he didn't mention it to Remus.
A small odd looking woman at the end of the bar hadn't taken her eyes off of them. She turned back to her magazine when Harry stared back. Tom returned from the kitchen carrying two plates of greasy fish and chips and a bottle of vinegar which he set in front of them. They settled in to eat.
Behind them a shrill female voice cried out, "Here you sit calmly eating fish and chips while He Who Must Not Be Named is out there striking down innocent people."
Harry choked on his fish as he jumped in surprise. Twisting around to see who was speaking, he noticed that almost everyone in the Leaky Caldron was focusing on the woman. She was dressed in lavender robes and appeared to be in her eighties or nineties. She was wearing ropes of pearls and a large hat covered with flowers and fruit. Her stately appearance was at odds with her stance. She was pointing an umbrella at a short bald man who was trying to eat his lunch. He looked seriously frightened of the petite old woman. Harry had to admit he'd been scared, too, until he realized she wasn't speaking to him.
"II assure youwe are taking things seriously. The Daily Prophet is doing everything we can to help fight the rise of evil. Whyonly this morning, I was telling the editor" The bald man broke off when she narrowed her eyes and poked the umbrella into his chest.
Out of the corner of his eye he noticed a man in dark gray seated near the exit to Diagon Alley who hadn't turned his head toward the scene these people were making. He kept his eyes steadily on Remus and Harry at the bar.
"Don't bother giving me your excuses. The Daily Prophet has become a bad joke. You wasted a whole year spouting whatever drivel Cornelius Fudge told you to print. Now we're in a fine mess. It's happening all over again. And you're too afraid to face the truth. Get back to work. Show some backbone this time."
"Yes, grandmother," the man said quietly. He threw his napkin down on his half-eaten fish and chips and beat a hasty retreat from the pub.
All eyes turned quickly away from the scene although they needn't have bothered. The elderly woman was oblivious to her audience. She seemed completely poised as she took a napkin and dusted off a chair before sitting down and ordering a small sherry from Tom.
Now that the excitement was over, the man in gray seemed to be staring at his food instead of them. He was just another person here for lunch. Harry felt stupid for thinking otherwise.
Remus raised his eyebrow at Harry and explained. "That's old Madeline Prewett. She's Molly Weasley's great aunt. The reporter that just ran out of here was her grandson, Fitzwilliam Prewett. Everyone calls him Fitz. He's been around forever. He's a reporter for the Daily Prophet so it's just as well that he didn't recognize you." Harry smiled at this. The disguise had worked really well so far.
As Harry and Remus stood to leave, the man in the gray cloak followed. Tapping the bricks to enter Diagon Alley the man stood right beside them. Harry saw him pull his wand as they stepped through the archway. Harry responded by pulling his own wand, but didn't use it. Instead he used his left hand to disarm the man who did the oddest thing. He smiled at Harry, then grabbed Remus' arm. Harry cast the time spell and pulled his guardian well away from the stranger. When time returned to normal, the man in the gray cloak disappeared like so much smoke, his face registering surprise at the last second.
They had no time to ponder this odd occurrence. As if some private signal had been unleashed, they were suddenly surrounded by figures in black cloaks. Like in his dream on the train, they were stationed at intervals along the shops of Diagon Alley. "Harry, what's happening?" asked Remus, dodging the stunning spells that were headed their way.
Moving so they were back to back, Harry said, "That man pulled his wand and tried to grab you. He must have given a signal and then Portkeyed away. What do we do now?"
Coming from behind them, Tonks and Hestia answered that by yelling "Stupefy!" and dropping two of their assailants. At that, stunners began to fly in every direction. Harry couldn't freeze time with such a large crowd and still maintain his shield so he and Remus ducked and ran behind a stone pillar.
"Who are those guys?" Harry asked, shooting stunners and dropping two more.
"Must be Death Eaters," Remus answered also sending off a round of spells.
"They don't have on the masks," Harry said, his next stunner sent one of the black figures flying into the window of the Cauldron Shop across the street. Stacks of cauldrons and shattered glass scattered over the snowy cobblestone street.
Tonks must have somehow signaled for help because soon Aurors were Apparating around them. Not realizing that Harry and Remus were fighting with them, but seeing Harry's powerful stunner knock someone through a window, two of the Aurors targeted them.
Seeing these unknown Aurors aim their wands at Harry, Remus instinctively threw himself in the way. While shielding Harry in this manner, one of them hit Remus in the back with a stunner, dropping him to the ground.
Harry fell beside him, using a shield to block a second spell that sped towards them on a beam of bright blue light. He held onto his guardian for all he was worth and Apparated away. Harry didn't know if he could do it. But no one had ever said you couldn't Apparate with a second person and he'd watched Voldemort disappear with Bellatrix LaStrange at the Department of Mysteries last June, so he tried.
They reappeared in the library of Grimmauld Place. Harry breathed a sigh of relief that he had been able to get them away from Diagon Alley, but he paled when he saw Remus' unconscious face. He was almost white including his lips. He stretched Remus out on the sofa. Leaning in he could detect shallow breathing. Harry pocketed his wand and said, "Enervate!"
Remus' eyes fluttered open although his coloring didn't improve. His head shifted on the cushion revealing a growing streak of dark red blood. "Get help," he said softly before his eyes closed again.
Realizing that Remus must have hit his head when he fell on the cobbled street, Harry conjured a blanket to cover him before going to the kitchen to floo someone. But who? He wasn't sure he was supposed to use the floo network. Last year everyone had been so worried about it being watched. He pulled his mirror out and called Ginny.
She was in the kitchen of the Burrow when she heard a noise coming from her pocket. Looking nervously at the twins and Ron who were seated at the table, she excused herself and stepped outside onto the back porch before answering Harry's call.
Harry explained the situation and Ginny promised to get her mother as soon as possible. Running back inside, she found her mother sorting laundry. "You have to go to Grimmauld Place right now!" she said. "I haven't time to explain, but Harry called and said that Remus is hurt and needs your help."
Molly looked at her daughter and scowled. "We're not supposed to use the floo network, dear. Not unless it's a dire emergency. Someone should have explained that to Harry and apparently to you."
"You can Apparate, can't you?" Ginny said worriedly. "Just go. You can scold me later."
Seeing the amount of distress her daughter was in, Molly agreed. Harry must need help just as Ginny had said. Maybe it was a dire emergency. She looked around for her cloak. Ginny held it out to her. "Just go. I'll take care of everything here."
Seconds later she walked through the front door and called to Harry. She found them in the library. Harry was trying to get Remus to wake up enough to drink a Pepper-up Potion.
She walked in to see a handsome blond boy leaning over Remus Lupin with a potion vial in his hand. Seeing her startled look, Harry changed his appearance back to normal. Words rushed out of him. "You got the message! He needs to go to St. Mungo's? Or should we take him to Hogwarts?"
"Let me give him a once over and then see," Molly said calmly. She ran her wand over him, uttering a first aid incantation. What she saw she didn't like, but she didn't want to panic Harry. "I think you're right, he would be better off at St. Mungo's."
"How can we get him there?" Harry asked, distraught. He would have taken him there directly if he knew how.
"We could simply floo there if we weren't in secret headquarters. We could Apparate there, but I can't Apparate with two people, let alone three."
Harry looked grim and determined. "I can. We'll meet you in the lobby, Mrs. Weasley." Pulling Remus close to him, they disappeared.
"Remarkable!" Molly said to the empty room. Then she joined them.
The lobby at St. Mungo's was full of casualties. The attack in Diagon Alley had been widespread. If their purpose was to viciously attack innocent people, they certainly had. Looking around, Harry saw many families with small children who had sustained injuries.
Molly found an orderly to take care of Remus. He'd have to wait his turn to see the Mediwizards, but Molly reassured Harry that Remus would be all right.
Tonks and Hestia showed up while they were waiting. They were bringing in more victims of the attack. After explaining what had happened to Remus, Harry said, "Who were they? They didn't wear Death Eater masks."
Hestia answered, "We're assuming that they were still Death Eaters. The ones I took into Magical Law Enforcement Headquarters all had the Dark Mark on their arm. Guess they're changing the uniform or something. Most of them seem to be foreign."
"Did you call all those Aurors in? Why did they shoot at us?" Harry asked remembering that the Aurors seemed to arrive out of nowhere.
Tonks didn't say anything. She seemed completely focused on the unconscious Remus.
"Some were already on duty in Diagon Alley. Some we called in when you disarmed the bloke in the gray cloakDon't suppose you could describe him for us?" Hestia asked. She looked none the worse for having just fought a pitched battle. Her straight black hair was perfectly in place.
Tonks looked up and said in a low voice. "Sometimes Aurors shoot first and ask questions later. They must have seen you firing off stunners and thought you were one of the attackers. You pack quite a punch, Harry."
Smiling absently at the compliment, Harry said, "It's a good thing they haven't authorized Aurors to use Unforgivableswould it be all right if we don't mention that I was there today? I mean I was wearing a disguise."
Hestia answered, "That's the last thing we need. The Daily Prophet reporting that an Auror tried to stun the Boy Who Lived in the middle of a Death Eater attack."
"Has he woken at all?" Tonks asked, focusing on Remus again.
Harry felt guilty for his attention wandering when Remus needed him. "Sorryyes. He woke up when I first tried to revive him. Just enough to tell me to get help. Sorry I didn't know what to do. I wasted time. I should have realized that I should just bring him here."
Molly protested. "Nonsense, Harry dear. You couldn't have known. I'm glad I could help. Only, next time don't use the floo to talk to Ginny. The floo network could be watched. Promise?"
"I promise," Harry said, quickly deciding against telling her about the mirrors. Soon the matron came and took Remus in to be seen. It was a long afternoon. Mrs. Weasley stayed for a while, but she had to get back to the Burrow. Tonks and Hestia left for the Ministry to give their statements and file paperwork.
The Healer allowed Harry to stay in the room with Remus except while he was treating him. So close to the full moon, they were worried that his nervous system couldn't take the stress of his head injury. Harry sat in the waiting room next to a wizard in black business-like robes while he waited. When the gentleman stood up he left his Daily Prophet on the table in the waiting room.
Out of curiosity, Harry lifted it up. It was the afternoon edition. He unfolded it to see a picture of the devastation in Diagon Alley. Storefronts and street carts were smashed. Displays were strewn across the narrow main street. Awnings had collapsed. And in the center of the street a little stuffed bear drew Harry's attention. It was obviously the worse for wear. One of the ears was a bit floppy from being chewed. He hoped its owner was all right. Since Harry and Remus had left the fight after only a few minutes, he was surprised by the amount of devastation.
The news report, filed by Fitz Prewett, gave the facts and figures for the lunchtime attack. He detailed carefully the number of injured bystanders and the amount of damage to the various businesses.
At least the Death Eaters had been shooting stunners instead of Unforgivables. Their purpose must have been to frighten people, make them feel unsafe. A photo of the Dark Mark shining over the Leaky Cauldron entrance seemed to bear witness to that thought.
The only fatality had been one of the attackers. All together, the Aurors apprehended sixteen Death Eaters. They were identified as mostly Eastern European. Harry wondered if Voldemort was having a difficult time recruiting British wizards. But all thoughts of the attack and the war were set aside as the Mediwizard invited Harry back into his guardian's room.
That evening, they were all back at Grimmauld Place, including Remus who had responded well to the Healer's treatment. St. Mungo's was crowded with casualties from the attack so Remus was sent home with instructions to rest.
Harry was surprised to find several Order members making themselves at home in the kitchen. Someone he didn't recognize was cooking while the others talked around the table. When Harry and Remus came through the door, they all stopped talking. They greeted everyone politely, but the room was still quiet as if no one knew what to say. Excusing himself, Harry left to put away his rucksack. As he stepped into the hall, he heard someone say, "So that's himself is it? Seems pretty normal to me."
Harry hurried upstairs and shut the door behind him. Nothing seemed normal about his life. He pulled out his mirror and flopped down on his bed, hoping Ginny had time to talk.
She answered with flour on her nose. "I can only talk foreight minutes. That's when the next batch of biscuits will be done," she said.
They settled into telling each other about their days until a knock on Harry's door interrupted them. They said goodbye and Harry said, "Come in."
Remus opened the door and said, "I thought I heard voices in here. Were you talking to someone?"
Thinking it was none of Remus' business, Harry shrugged and said, "Shouldn't you be resting? I'm all aloneexcept for Phineas Nigellus, of course." He waved his hand at the empty painting.
Remus understood. "Dumbledore's idea, I'm afraid," he said pointing to the painting. "Would you feel better in another room? We have loads of empty bedrooms. Maybe you need some better privacy. I remember going home for the summer when I was in school. Oh, I missed my friends, but it was always nice to have some privacy."
"You'd do that. Let me change rooms. I mean, even though Dumbledore thinks I should be watched twenty-four, seven." Harry looked at his guardian gratefully.
"Dumbledore probably knows everything that goes on anyway, Harry. He doesn't miss much." Remus thought the teenager looked a little stricken. What did he have to hide?
Harry was tempted to grab his bag and his rucksack and say, Lead on. I really don't like bunking in with Phineas.' But he decided against it, reasoning that Dumbledore was already suspicious of him. Here was a chance to prove himself. Besides, he hated to be a bother so he said, "No thanks. This is fine."
Remus gave him an odd look, and then told him that dinner would be ready soon and left him alone.
Dinner with the Order was loud and boisterous. Several of the Aurors who had helped with the attack on Diagon Alley were there. Hestia and Tonks sat on either side of Remus who was across from Harry. Remus looked pale, but kept saying he felt fine. Professor Moody sat at the far end of the table.
Listening to the banter of Order members and Aurors, Harry was struck again with the thought that this fight was not really about him. Dwelling on the prophecy made him feel like it was, but listening to their dinner conversation made him realize that this war wasn't just Harry versus Voldemort.
Someday the fight might come down to just such a confrontation, but the real fight was about the wizarding world choosing sides. One wizard, even one with the vast power and evil genius of Voldemort could not take over the wizarding world by himself. He had to win others to his side, either with the false promise of power or by coercion.
And that's what the Order was fighting against, the coercive force of an evil monster. Voldemort wasn't human any more. Those people in the waiting room at St. Mungo's, old men and small children, they had no hope of fighting him or his Death Eaters. They needed someone strong to defend them. People like the ones seated around this table.
Moody gave the crowd a solemn stare and stood. Lifting his glass, he said, "To absent friends. May we always remember their sacrifice. And may their deaths be avenged."
There was a murmured echo of "absent friends" among those seated around the table. The Order members raised their glasses at Moody's familiar toast. Not for the first time, Harry realized that Moody must have seen a lifetime of suffering beyond what Harry would ever know.
That's what any Auror faced. Years of standing strong for those who couldn't defend themselves entailed a personal sacrifice. They gave up time spent with their own loved ones and sometimes they gave up their life.
Harry admired them more that night than he ever had as he listened to them telling stories and teasing each other. There was Tonks with her clumsiness and her determination, Hestia with her cool intelligence and Mad-Eye Moody who'd given his whole life and some of his body parts to keep the wizarding world safe. He was proud to sit at the same table with them, passing the rolls.
When he was ready, he'd help put an end to this particular fight. Maybe that would give them a chance to be with their families. He vowed to redouble his efforts to prepare as he settled in to listen to the adult's conversation.
The evening went well, but Remus and Harry really didn't have a chance to talk privately until the next day when they took a Portkey to Godric's Hollow to see Sirius' memorial.
Harry hadn't known what to expect. No one ever told him anything about his parent's home except that it had been destroyed when Voldemort attacked.
It was a dreary day. An icy rain mixed with snow fell on their shoulders as they arrived. A long, overgrown drive led to the burned out shell of what must have been Harry's first home. Saplings and bushes were growing within what had probably once been the kitchen.
Harry looked at Remus who pulled out a large black umbrella and began to walk up the drive. Harry kept pace with him, but didn't speak. They walked past the remains of the house into the back garden. It was huge, larger than a Quidditch pitch, and it bordered the countryside. There were fields and forests as far as Harry could see. It appeared to be undeveloped land, no sign of Muggles or farms. He wished he'd paid more attention to the deed in the vault yesterday.
Continuing past the overgrown garden, Harry saw a stone gate with a wrought iron grating. Above the entry it simply said, "Potter." They entered to find a graveyard full of ancient looking memorials. Passing by many marked with the names of Potter ancestors, they went to one in the corner, a modern looking stone with Sirius Black carved on it.
"I thought you'd like to see this, Harry. I took the liberty of ordering the stone." Remus looked solemn.
"You had every right to," Harry said quietly. The rather plain marble stone read, Sirius Black -- Beloved Friend and Guardian.'
"Of course, he's not really here, but I wanted to mark his passing somehow. And if we had been able to recover his body, he would have wanted to be laid to rest near your parents. The Potters really took Sirius in when he split with his family. Both your grandparents and James became his surrogate family. So it's onlyit seemed only right."
Harry looked at the stones nearby. Of course, James and Lily Potter. Why hadn't he expected it? He should have realized that their memorials would be here, too. He couldn't speak.
Remus followed his stricken look to the stones over his friends' graves. He should have known that no one had ever taken the trouble to bring Harry to visit his parent's memorials. The Dursleys would never have thought about it. He put his hand on Harry's shoulder and said, "I'm sorry. I should have realized that you'd never been here before."
Remus left Harry alone in the private graveyard for a while, waiting for him at the front of the house. They returned to Grimmauld Place in relative silence. Harry excused himself, saying he had some things to do in his room.
Harry closed the door to his room and threw himself across his bed. He spoke with Ginny for an hour. She was pretending to be in her room taking a nap. Privacy at the Burrow wasn't that easy to come by.
After that, Harry felt better. He pulled out one of the scrolls he'd found in the cave and began to work some magic. He'd kept the content of the scrolls a secret, even from his friends. This particular scroll had an interesting spell on it. Harry hoped he'd done it correctly, but he wouldn't really know until he tried it out with Ginny.
His magic had changed since the summer. He wasn't using his wand very much, unless there were people around. Dumbledore had cautioned him to keep his growing abilities to himself, especially his ability to do Wandless Magic. But Dumbledore didn't know how easy magic had become for Harry. He could feel the magic move through him. Even without saying an incantation aloud, Harry could direct a spell by simply letting the intention flow through him and out his fingertips. The spell he was working today was really complicated, but when he was finished he had to admire his handiwork.
Remus knocked on his door and called "Dinner!"
Harry put the scrolls back in his carved box along with the velvet pouch and chain he'd taken from the vault yesterday. Then he joined Remus and the others for dinner.
The conversation around the table was lively and cheerful. Most of the Order members were getting in the Christmas spirit. They had stories about their missions, some scary, some funny. Harry listened mostly; full of his own thoughts as he had been the night before.
His silence didn't go unnoticed. Remus vowed to himself that he would find a way to help Harry open up. Perhaps this called for drastic measures.
When most of the Order was either out on patrol or asleep and Tonks had gone home, Remus asked Harry to go out back with him. They walked across the narrow yard to a small shed. "I won't see you on Christmas, so I'm giving you your present now," Remus said, opening the door and lighting a lamp.
"Erthanks. I have something for you upstairs. Maybe I should summon it here." He'd purchased a set of Magical Mystery Books for his guardian the day they met for lunch in Hogsmeade. They were interactive so you could use your powers of deduction to solve the mystery as you read the stories. Harry seemed a little unsure as they entered the cobwebbed storage space. The place was dusty and filled with clutter and old furnishings draped in dirty white sheeting.
Remus laughed. "You can give it to me later. Your present was too large to bring in the house." He flicked his wand to remove one of the sheets, revealing a large motorcycle with a broad seat.
Eyes wide with excitement, Harry ran his hands over the handlebars and leather seat. "Wow! This is great."
Remus smiled at him and spent a few minutes explaining how the motorbike worked. Then he sighed and said, "Don't choke up on me, butyou should know that this gift is from Sirius, too." Remus choked up himself as he saw Harry's back stiffen. Clearing his throat, he said, "I'm sure it's only right to tell you. When Hagrid brought this back to him last spring, Sirius planned to fix it up over the summer and give you this himself for Christmas, but" His voice trailed off.
A few deep breaths later, Harry turned and said, "Of course, I'd want to know. Thanks, Remus and" His voice faltered. Silence fell between them. Then Harry gave a determined nod. Brightening his tone, he said, "When do I get to ride it?"
"I had Arthur Weasley check it out. It should be in good form. We can take it out sometime soon. Maybe Portkey away from here first and then take it for a spin."
Although it was late, Remus and Harry settled in front of the library fire. After a couple of games of wizard's chess, Remus pulled a bottle out of the desk and filled two glasses, offering one of them to Harry.
Harry took the glass and sniffed it. Obviously, this was hard liquor of some kind. "What is this, Remus?"
"Firewhiskey, Harry. Don't tell me you've never had any!" Remus figured by fifth year, someone would be smuggling in Firewhiskey. Or things had really changed since his Hogwarts days.
"I'm not much of a drinker," Harry said, taking a little taste. He'd never say so, but he detested Seamus' rum punch.
"I could make you some hot chocolate if you'd rather. I just thoughtyou're expected to fight in this war like you're a grown up, maybe you'd like a grown up drink."
"When you put it that way, I guess I should try it." Harry took another sip. It tasted dreadful and burned his throat. "They're all really brave, aren't they? The people in the Order."
"I guess they are" Remus answered, hoping that if he didn't say much, then Harry would say what was on his mind.
Harry took another sip. Grimacing, he put the glass down. "Any one of them could be giving up their life. Anytime they go on patrol; they're putting their life on the line. Where do they find the courage?"
"Where do you find yours?" Remus asked, thinking sadly that Harry always had life and death matters on his mind. In the firelight, he looked so young. Remus thought, He should be thinking about girlfriends and Quidditch.'
Harry looked at his guardian who was obviously getting angry at the thought of how this war was affecting people. He said, "What people think is courage is simply facing up to the inevitable. I'm in this fight because I have no choice. If I don't meet it head on, I won't survive."
"This isn't just your fight, Harry. We're all in this together. We have to find a way to trust each other."
"Even Snape?" Harry and Remus had decided not to repay him for the Truth Taffy incident.
"Snivellus may be a special case, but you should trust Dumbledore. Without him, we have no hope." Remus knew he was skating close to the real problem.
"Dumbledore doesn't trust me, Remus. He's worried I'll become a dark wizard when I grow up."
"That's not true. He's helping you. He wouldn't do that if he thought you were becoming dark." Remus looked shocked.
Harry shrugged. "Maybe not. But he hasn't let me help with the Order since Halloween. I think he's at least wondering if my Occlumency is working."
"And you're sure that it is," Remus stated it like it was a fact.
Harry nodded. "How can I trust someone who doesn't trust me?"
"You have a point, but sometimes you just have to take a risk. Have a little faith in people, Harry. I know it must be difficult, given your background. But you can't shut yourself off from people, you have to try to trust them."
Remus leaned back in his chair and drained his glass. He was thinking about the people he had trusted in his life. All but one had proved worthy.
Ignoring his glass of liquor, Harry conjured himself a steaming mug of hot chocolate and popped one of the marshmallows into his mouth. "I trust loads of people, my friends at school, you, Professor Moody. And I guess I still trust Dumbledorebut why does he trust Snape more than he trusts me?"
Pouring himself a second glass, Remus shook his head. "The Snape situation is a mystery. We may never know why. I don't think it's fair to say he trusts Snape more although I was a little worried when he allowed Snape to question you under the influence of that Truth TaffyI'm glad you have good friends at school. If you want some advice, Harryyou should keep your friends close. Don't let anything come between you."
"You mean secrets. You've been talking to HermioneHonestly that girl never gives up."
"Do you have secrets from Hermione?"
Harry laughed out loud. "I should hope so."
Remus smiled. "I guess that means you don't tell Ginny stuff either."
Looking away, Harry said, "I tell Ginny Weasley most things. She'sdifferent." His tone was reverential.
"Is she your girlfriend?" Remus asked, trying the direct approach.
Letting out a long sigh, Harry answered, "Yesonly no one knows except us and now you." He poked at the marshmallows on top of his hot chocolate. "I have to figure out how to tell Ron. I don't suppose you have any suggestions."
"Just tell the truth, Harry. They'll find out in the end anyway." He shook his head and added, "Six older brothersall powerful wizardsyou are brave."
Harry grinned and they both laughed.
They continued to talk for a while, about school and friends and visiting the Memorial. Remus grew silent staring at the fire in the hearth. Hearing his breathing become even, Harry banked the fire and covered Remus with a comforter before leaning back in his own chair to dream of roaring through the sky on his new motorbike.
To Be Continued
A/N: Christmas at the Burrow is next Thanks to everyone who reads and especially to those who review. It really does help motivate. Thanks!
Nightwing 509: Glad you liked the snow fight. It's over 90 degrees here so writing about snow is refreshing. Thanks for reviewing!
Kelly: Good to hear from you again. I agree that Harry is bold and brave, but too foolish sometimes. But it does make him an endearing character. Thanks for reviewing!
Stephanie: They'll sort things out eventually. Thanks for writing a review!
Lourdes1: Thanks for all your kind comments. I know what you mean about having to re-read to pick up the threads of the story. I will try to update more frequently since it's summer. Thanks for writing!
athenakitty: You're as curious as a real cat. I'll let the reader decide for themselves about the underwear. Draco and Snape are in for more difficulties. One of the characters you mentioned just might die in this story, but I can't tell you which one(s). Thanks for reviewing!
Ignorant: Frolis needs his own story. Perhaps, "What the House Elf Saw" or "Why the House Elf Sings the Blues" Thanks for writing!
aschowin: I'm glad you like it so far. We're almost to the point where it becomes clear what the torch would be able to do. Thanks for reviewing!
Enter The Lion: That's a really good guess about the torch, but not quite it. For your sake, we won't let Ginny boss anyone around in this story. Well, maybe Ron. Thanks for writing!
Wytil: I'll work on it. Thanks for reviewing!
koyetsu: Maybe you're right. I've been wrong beforemany times. Thanks for reviewing.
Gryphonmistress: Thanks for writing a review! The way I see it, it's more like Harry steps out of time briefly. The people around him are frozen in time, but he is free for a moment. Also, the spell is limited and too difficult for most wizards.
Snape really should watch his back since he does little to endear himself to anyone. I'm trying to work faster since it's summer. No pressure
Iluvatar: Woohoo! Thanks for writing!
asdf: I appreciate it. Thanks for reviewing!
skeeter 07: I'm glad you like it. Thanks for writing a review!
Nathan Postmark: Thanks for saying that! I appreciate it.
techno04: Thanks for all of your reviews! A special thanks for putting the story past the 200 mark! Oh, and Ron was at breakfast, but he had his mouth full of food. I totally agree about Cho. She's history. And I think it was Spiderman, but don't go by me. I'm often wrong.
ricksterinps: I'm impressed! You must be a speed reader. Thanks for reviewing!
hpforever: Thanks for reviewing! It's really a lot to read at this point. And thank your brother for recommending the story. I appreciate it.
solar1: Thanks for reviewing!
Mrs. Sakura Potter: Good luck at college. Thanks for all the nice things you said. I will update soon. Thanks for writing!
Craaminator#9: Thanks for saying you find the story believable. I'll keep trying. Thanks for reviewing!
Silver Warrior: The Weasley reactions are in the next chapter, but there will be more reactions when they get back to school. Thanks for reviewing!
GhostMagic: I'm glad you like long chapters. In fact this chapter and the next one were supposed to be one chapter, but it became just huge so now it's two. As you saw in this installment, Harry does trust Remus enough to confide in him, but there are some things Harry is still keeping to himself. Thanks for reviewing!
Bluemoon: Thanks for all your nice comments! And for wishing me luck. I need all the luck I can get. Thanks for reviewing!
A/N: Want to tell me what you think? Please review!