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.
Harry Potter and The Tomb of The Founder
Chapter Two- Grim Old Place
A man walked down a cold dark corridor heading for the door at the end illuminating the halls with light which shone through the gaps around the door. He felt scared and worried as he stood before the doorway, never wanting to be the barer of bad news to his master.
"What's wrong Wormtail? Fail yet another simple task?" A female voice silkily whispered in his ear.
"Nothing Bellatrix. The mission was unsuccessful for reasons that could not be helped.
Bellatrix cackled with glee. "He isn't in a good mood Wormtail. I'd hate to infuriate him, who knows what he's likely to do. Just don't bleed on the carpet." She said as she walked away.
Wormtail shook as he knocked on the door before him. "Enter." Hissed a voice from within.
"My lord I have returned." Wormtail called as he entered the room and dropped to his knees.
"Bow to me Wormtail, show me I am your lord," Hissed Voldemort.
"You are my only lord. My only master." Wormtail whined out as he bowed.
"As it should be Pettigrew. Were you a success? Did you obtain the item?" Voldemort asked the man before him.
"The heirs knew nothing my lord. It seems to have disappeared a few months before you went to the Potter's house. The heirs knew nothing." Voldemort glared down at the sniveling man before him.
"Did you administer the veritaserum?" he hissed.
"Of course sir. Please...." Wormtail started as the Dark Lord raised his wand.
"Crucio!" Wormtail writhed on the ground in pain as Voldemort cackled loudly.
"I only hope that you dealt with the heirs accordingly." Wormtail tried to nod.
"We disposed of them and raised the mark as you ordered."
"Well at least you managed to get something right. After last year you should know not to fail me." Voldemort hissed. "I thought the time you spent locked away would make you realize the full picture of our cause. Never try to fool me again."
Wormtail nodded as he shook on the ground.
"My lord. The Ministry informative has arrived." Bellatrix said entering.
"Thank you Bella. Wormtail find out what you can about the tomb. It holds what we need to place unfaltering loyalty amongst our troops and I want it soon. That is all."
Wormtail crawled out backwards as a person in a robe walked in. The hood was pulled up over his face giving no way of identification.
"Come, sit and tell me what has occurred." Voldemort hissed pointing to a chair.
Harry woke as a wave of pain shot through his forehead. His hands snapped up to cover his scar as he processed what he had just witnessed. He lay in a paddock near the Burrow where he had been going to fly everyday since he had brought his new broom and had dozed off under the midday sun.
Harry rose and jumped on his broom. His forehead still searing with a blinding pain he made his way slowly to the house. Once arrived he jumped off his broom and entered quickly into the kitchen.
He took a pinch of flew powder and threw it in the fire.
"Number twelve Grimmauld Place." He pronounced as he stuck his head into the fireplace.
"Hello is anyone here?" He called into the empty kitchen. "Its urgent. I have a message from Harry Potter."
Harry heard the door open as someone entered.
"Hello?" Harry called again. He heard someone jump before coming to the fire.
"Hold on I'll get someone to talk to you." Hermione said before turning around.
"No please I was told to tell the first person who answered. I have a message from Harry Potter." Hermione's eyes lit at his name.
"Who are you and where's Harry?" She said immediately.
"My names James Evans. I don't know where Harry is but he paid me to give you a message. He said that he had one of those visions. Wormtail failed to find a tomb and the heirs are dead. Voldemort has an informant in the Ministry and the thing they search for in the tomb is a way to make all his men completely loyal." Harry said this fast and hoped she didn't realize it was him. "He said you must alert Dumbledore immediately."
She nodded. "Are you sure you don't have any clue to where Harry is?"
Harry shook his head. "Sorry not one. Bye."
Harry cut the connection and apparated away.
Dumbledore sat in the drawing room of Grimmauld Place surrounded by order members trying to discover what had happened at the latest Death Eater attack.
"Kingsley did you get the statement from the first aurors at the scene?" He asked sadly.
"Yes Albus. They said that no one had heard a thing. The neighbors alerted the Ministry when the mark went up but there was no one left inside except the bodies of the victims."
"Let me in I have news from Harry." Dumbledore looked up at the door as Hermione entered with a disgruntled looking Severus Snape behind her.
"What is it Miss Granger?" Dumbledore asked quickly.
"A guy just called over the floo. He said that Harry had asked him to give you a message.
"What message?" Lupin asked eagerly beside him. "Did he say where Harry was?"
"No he didn't know. He told me that Harry had had a vision and Wormtail had been looking for something and killed the heirs. He said that he could not find whatever he was looking for but it would aspire total loyalty in all of You Know Who's troops.
"He also said there was an informative in the ministry. He didn't say much else except that his name was James Evans." Both Dumbledore and Lupin's eyes flew wide at the name.
"Miss Granger I believe the one you spoke to was actually Harry himself. We shall soon find out." Dumbledore walked out of the room.
"Why do you say that sir?" Hermione asked as she followed along.
"Only a few people can contact here by floo. Harry's one of them." Dumbledore answered.
"And James was his fathers name. Evans was his mothers maiden name." Lupin said. "Go and get Ron and Ginny."
Hermione ran off up the stairs. "Headmaster we need to find him. If he was after the heirs then..."
"I know Remus." They got to the kitchen and waited for the others to arrive. Ron, Hermione and Ginny entered all looking worried.
"Headmaster what's happened." Ron asked.
"Harry has contacted Miss Granger. It seems he is rather well disguised as she did not realize it was him."
"But sir what are we going to do?" Ginny asked as Dumbledore knelt down in front of the fire.
"We are going to watch the last floo call Miss Weasley." He took a pinch of floo powder and threw it in the fire. "Floo registry."
"Good afternoon how can we help you here at the flew registry office?" A young clerk sat in front of the fire.
"Good afternoon. I would like to enquire about the last floo call received by Number Twelve Grimmauld Place." Dumbledore said politely.
"Yes sir the last one came from the Burrow with an unknown magical signature. Would you like to see the recorded call?" Dumbledore nodded.
"Very well sir just take this registration number can call it into the floo after throwing in some powder. Have a good afternoon."
Dumbledore exited the fire. "The Burrow's wards would have alerted us if anyone but an order member, the Weasleys, Harry or Hermione had entered the house."
He threw another pinch of powder into the fire. "Floo call 98567"
The fire shone green then blue for a moment before the call replayed before them. Hermione gasped as she saw him again.
"How could I not see it? The features are all still there but his eyes. His scar." Hermione was crying. "If only I had noticed I could of talked him into coming back."
Ron patted her softly on the back as Dumbledore began to give orders.
"Remus take Tonks and go to the Burrow. See if he has left anything behind. If what he has said about this dream is true then we need to get him here as soon as possible." He turned to Harry's friends before him. "I have no doubt that Harry will be fine. If one of his best friends didn't recognize him I doubt that any Death Eater will. For now I think it best if you go upstairs and have a rest."
Ginny nodded. "Yeah Harry will be fine. Lets go wrap his birthday presents."
As the three walked out of the room Dumbledore walked the out of the house and apparated away. He needed to get Harry back and had an idea.
Harry lay in his bed reading a book. It was six a.m. on the morning of Harry's birthday and he felt like a day of solid rest. He laid back reading a book he had bought about the history of the first war.
It was in studying this that he began to feel a hope that he could defeat Voldemort and end the war for good. He placed the book down and climbed out of bed thinking of taking a shower when he heard a tapping on the window.
He opened the window and watched as a stream of owls entered before him. 'Presents' was his first thought before he frowned. He had been a horrible friend this summer. It was as if he was doing to the others as they had done the year before.
He had disappeared and hadn't contacted them once (not counting the floo call to Hermione) and had raged at them when they had gone to the Order headquarters the year before.
After untying all the packages from the owls he gave them all owl treats and sent them on their way. He looked across at the bed which now had a small pile of presents on top of it.
He took a shower before coming back and picking up a present. The handwriting across the envelope told Harry it must have come from Mrs. Weasley.
Our dear Harry, You have been missing now for nearly three weeks. I am not mad and I never will be because I can understand how losing Sirius must have hurt. Everyone at headquarters is worried and I know that if you felt you could that you would stop us from our worry but our only relief is to know that your safe from the floo call made to Hermione.
Everything is fine with us but I ask you to please contact us when you're ready. You are like family to us Harry and with you missing it is like an emptiness that can only be filled by your return.
I have sent you a cake and a chocolates basket and hope you can enjoy your birthday. You don't turn sixteen every day! Please remember that we are here if you need us.
Love Molly and Arthur Weasley
Harry smiled sadly at the letter. No matter what happened he had family. Whether they were blood related or not was nothing, he still had family.
He opened the box and looked at the cake. It looked delicious. It was a caramel mud cake with a seeker chasing a snitch around the outside of the cake.
Harry pulled the next present toward him and opened the letter.
Harry, Happy Birthday! How does it feel to be sixteen? You're getting older and I know your parents would have been proud. I remember on James' sixteenth birthday Sirius thought it would be funny to cast a spell on him so all the hair on his body turned white and slip a wrinkling potion into his pumpkin juice the night before.
I don't think that we ever laughed so hard at one of our own friend's expense. That of course led to a retaliation on Sirius' birthday where James gave him a potion while he was asleep to make him think he was a girl and threw him a sweet sixteen.
But as you are not around I guess you won't need to swear vengeance on any of your best friends for birthday surprises as we called them.
I know you wouldn't want to know about it Harry but with your present (which I hope you like) I have enclosed Sirius' last will in which he left most things to you. The rest has already been claimed as you were not here at the time of the reading of the will.
I'm sorry Harry. I hope I can talk to you soon.
Remus Lupin
Harry wiped a rogue tear away as he stared down at the package. He opened the one wrapped like a gift and left the will aside. Lupin had given him a book called 'Practical Jokes for Joke Practitioners' he laughed as he thought of the look on the twins' faces when they saw this book.
He looked around at the packages left and smiled as he recognized Hagrids rough handwriting.
Harry, Happy Birthday! Don't know where you are but as long as yer safe its fine by me. I sent you some of my fudge to keep you going until we find you.
Got some right wonderful creatures for class this year, yer going to enjoy yourself. Anyway I need to go, got a job for Dumbledore.
Hagrid
Harry grinned at his big friend's letter. Always cheerful and never intimidating. He pulled one of the last few to him and smiled as Ginny's loopy handwriting caught his eye. Harry,
You're a stupid prat running off like this. We know it was you on the floo and you were at the Burrow. What were you doing? You should be here with us not off on your own.
Oh well now I've got that out of my system, Happy Birthday! I hope you enjoy my gift. It's something I know you will use if you get the chance.
I know you need some alone time but if you ever need to talk about anything and you don't feel like going to Ron or Hermione I'm here for you.
Love
Ginny
Harry sat in a stupor. How could she write a letter that goes from raging war path to 'you can lean on me' within three paragraphs? He didn't think it was possible.
He ripped the paper off the present and blushed. Before him sat a book with a title reading. 'Willie Witnit's 15 Easy Ways to Pick Up Witches' trust Ginny to send him something teasing yet helpful.
He picked up Hermione's letter and package last.
How dare you! You were talking to me face to face and still pretended you were someone else. What's worse is you refused to tell me where you where or how you had got there.
I don't know why you are doing this Harry but you have got everyone in a nervous wreck. Voldemorts out there now, he wont hesitate to attack you. Think of everything that's happened. We just want you to be safe.
Please don't stay away for too much longer.
Love Hermione
Harry let out a long breath. He had really got her mad. He opened her present and found an assortment of different muggle sweets. He smiled as he thought of what the twins could do with things like this.
After having a few different types of sweets from Hermione's present Harry pulled the last letter before him. It was from Dumbledore. He opened the present and looked at it in surprise. It was a box with the orders seal on it.
Hold onto the box and speak your name.
Harry shrugged his shoulders and did as it said. He felt a familiar jerk behind his navel before being sucked forward.
Harry landed hard in a cold stone room. He looked around to find himself in the kitchen of Grimmauld Place. Harry began to panic. This was the last place he needed to be.
He had just began to come to terms with Sirius being gone but he wasn't ready for this. So many memories fresh from the little time he spent here with Sirius. He couldn't stay here.
He ran to the front door but it was locked tight with magic. He tried to Apparate but felt the weight of the wards pushing down on him. He drew his wand and began to throw spells at the door. The unlocking charm failed so he went to more drastic measures.
"Reducto!" The door took the force of the spell and showed no difference. Harry screamed in torment as he sunk to the ground. He could hear people running down the stairs but didn't care. He sat on the floor holding back the tears that beat upon his eyelids as he shook.
"Who might you be?" A sneering voice came from behind Harry. "I said who are you?"
Harry glared up at his potions master. "Harry Potter." He saw Snape's sneer rise to a even higher level of disgust as he looked at him.
"Don't toy with me. How did you get here." Snape spat.
"Severus that is enough." He came to kneel before Harry. "Harry how are you?"
Harry glared at him. "How am I? What would you care you only wanted me back here."
"Harry we all care for your well being." Dumbledore told him.
"Rubbish. You only care that I'm the only one who will stand up in this war. I was having the best summer I've had since coming to Hogwarts and you ruined it. You had to send me a birthday present that was a portkey and bring me back to the one place I can't stand to be in at this time.
"I don't understand it. I was perfectly safe where I was and you had to go and wreck everything. I was finally getting over his death and now I'm back here." Harry sniffed loudly before standing and heading upstairs. He walked into the bedroom that he and Ron had shared the year before and laid down on the bed.
He was lost again without direction. He was grieving all over again and this was the one room that held no memories of his godfather. He lay there motionless with silent tears flowing down his cheeks.
He pulled out his wand and erased the disguise he had been using and returned his glasses back to normal. He listened to Ron's peaceful snores before falling into a restless sleep.
He saw his godfather standing on the platform. "Is that the best you can do?" his voice echoed around Harry. He saw the brain attack Ron, Hermione fall to an unknown curse and Ginny limping around on her sprained ankle. Then he fell.
"Sirius!" Harry sat up and shouted his name. He looked around to find that Ron had risen and gone downstairs. He climbed out of bed and walked to the bathroom washing his face with water as his depression reached levels he had only felt at the Dursleys.
"He's slipping again. He's going back into the angry depression I saw him in when I went to the Dursleys." Harry heard Dumbledore say as he entered the kitchen.
Chairs scraped as people jumped up and walked over to him.
"Harry, dear. It's so wonderful to see you." Mrs. Weasley called as she pulled him into a fierce hug.
"Never scare us like that again." Hermione said hugging him directly after.
"Hey Harry. How are you?" Ginny asked happily.
"Mate. God its good to see you back." Harry tried to grin around at them but couldn't.
"Hello." He said sadly before sitting down.
"Is everything alright Harry?" Mrs. Weasley asked.
"Everything's fine." he answered in a monotone.
Breakfast was a somber affair. The only discussion around the table was the looks of worry being shared by the Weasleys.
"Thank you for the breakfast Mrs. Weasley. I'll be up in my room." Harry walked out of the dining room and into the dim house. Since his last visit the portrait of Sirius' mother had been removed and the heads of ancient elves destroyed. The house was beginning to become livable.
'Not without Sirius.' Harry thought sadly.
"Harry. It's so good to see you." Lupin said as he walked out of the drawing room. "Any chance of talking?"
"Um, sure." Harry followed Lupin into the drawing room. Once they were both in Lupin cast a locking charm on the door and silenced the room before turning to Harry.
"Harry I know your hurt by the loss of Sirius. I am too. He was the only Marauder I had left. But you can't go on like this. Bottling your fury up and taking it out on people has never worked. You need to live and remember the good times. The pain will always be there but you need to cope."
"I was amazed when I had heard you had ran away before the Order came to get you but then I realized why. Harry I understand and it was a terrible way to bring you back here but Dumbledore only did what he thought was right. We need to talk about these things Harry. Please talk to me. If not to help yourself, then to help me." Lupin looked down at the young man before him. He could see the depression in his eyes, the emptiness. He was amazed when Harry began to talk.
"The worst thing about it all was that I was there and could do nothing about it. He's gone. He truly is. The last discussion I had with him was when I was angry at him for the way he and my dad had treated Snape.
"All I could do was watch him fall. I want to apologize to him but now I cant. I want to tell him about what a mess I made of my first date and have him help me. I want to live with him. I want my godfather but all that is gone. I couldn't even avenge him properly." Harry knew that he had tears running down his face but for once he didn't care.
"What do you mean by properly avenge him Harry?" Lupin was confused. The boy had just confirmed his suspicions but this was something he hadn't thought of.
"I caught her. I had her right there and I couldn't do anything. I wanted her to feel the sort of pain she was causing me so I used Cruciatus. It did nothing. Apparently righteous anger does nothing to help fuel it." Harry watched as Lupin's jaw dropped.
"Who knows about this Harry?" Harry wiped his face.
"Only you."
"We had better keep it that way. Death Eater or not that curse is still illegal. Although I can understand, because I would have done the same thing if I had caught her. Harry Sirius came to fight for a cause. For a belief. You were part of that but even if you hadn't been there he would have fought. Please don't blame yourself.
"I know it's hard but please try and cheer up. Your friends are so worried about you. Don't let them get hurt because of this. You can come through I know it but you have to accept he's gone." Harry nodded.
"I have a feeling you have already accepted it but if you ever need to talk I'm here. I know I can't replace your father or Sirius but I was named as the second guardian if you should need one. Keep that quiet though because the Ministry wouldn't be to happy." He smiled down at Harry.
"I'll try. I'm sorry you lost Sirius. I know you must feel terrible." Harry looked into the tired eyes of his old professor and realized he was right. He had to live. He had to take hold of his life and bend the prophecy in his favor.
"Thank you." Lupin nodded. "Now how bout we talk about what you have been up to as of late. I won't tell anyone I promise."
"Alright. I've been in Diagon Alley. I got the twins to help me. They cast a spell on me that Dumbledore wanted done and they taught me to Apparate. Since then I've been training at a magical gym and flying my broom at the Burrow everyday."
Remus chuckled. "Diagon Alley you say? Snape's sure going to be ticked when he hears that."
"I know you should have seen him walking around the other day. He was grabbing random people that looked my age and glaring at them hoping to scare them into admitting they were me." Harry chuckled slightly as Lupin laughed outright.
"He was very adamant of the fact that you weren't there. He is really going to give it to you if he has the chance now." Harry shook his head.
"If he does he does. I couldn't really care anymore." He looked over at the fire place. "Is this fire hooked up to floo?"
"No, only the kitchen is. Why do you ask?"
"I need to contact the twins to send my stuff over. I'll be back in a minute." Harry waved his wand at the door and unlocked it so he could walk out into the hall. He was glad to see that no one was in the kitchen when he arrived and took some dust from the mantle piece.
"Weasley's Wizard's Wheezes." The fire shone green for a moment before Harry could see the back of the twins' store.
"Hello. Fred, George?" He heard a scrambling from the front before the twins appeared.
"Harry where are you? We've been looking everywhere." Harry grinned.
"I was kidnapped." The color drained out of the twins faces as Harry tried not to laugh.
"By who?" Fred finally asked.
"Dumbledore. With a ruddy portkey. I hate those things." he answered.
"So you're back at Grimmauld Place then?" Harry nodded.
"I'm locked in tight. Any chance of packing all my stuff up in the room into that trunk that you two gave me and sending it over with Hedwig?"
"No problem Harry. So you haven't told them where you've been." George asked skeptically.
"Nope. I've only told Lupin and he won't tell on us. But we had better pretend we haven't seen each other lately the next time you two come over." They nodded. "Okay thanks guys I need to go. Bye." He climbed out of the fire and walked into the dining room.
He found Mrs. Weasley clearing off the table and decided to help.
"Oh Harry dear you don't need to do that." Harry smiled at her politely.
"I want to. I'm sorry I worried you Mrs. Weasley. I just had to get away for a while." "That's alright Harry. But please don't do it again. I see you're a little happier now." She said shakily.
"I just had a talk to Professor Lupin. It helped a lot."
"It often helps to talk. Well I better get this lot washed up. Why don't you go and catch up with Ron and Hermione?"
Harry walked back to the drawing room to thank Lupin for his help but was surprised to find Ron, Hermione and Ginny all sitting around talking.
"So what we really need is a way to get back at Snape. I can't believe he went snooping through our things to try and find a letter from Harry." Ginny said. "We were worried about him. Dumbledore knew we would tell him if we knew anything."
"Dumbledore only wanted me back for his own sake. He feels bad about last year so he wouldn't have cared what Snape had done to get me back." Harry said as he entered.
"That's a bit harsh Harry." Hermione admonished.
"Trust me Hermione I found out things from Dumbledore that would make you fume. I can't tell you about them yet but if all goes to plan I will tell you." Hermione looked confused and was about to argue but Lupin stopped her.
"Harry has the right to keep a few secrets Hermione so let it go." Harry nodded his thanks at his old professor and new guardian.
"I've got some things in my belongings that will allow us to get Snape, so wait until they get here and I'll help you out." Ginny smiled her thanks as Ron nodded enthusiastically and Hermione gave him a strict look.
"You don't have to be involved Hermione. I bought some books while I was away that you can read." She smiled brightly at him. "Where have you all been practicing magic anyway?"
"Oh I forgot to tell you Harry. Dumbledore came and made a duel platform and other things in one of the cellars. We can go have a look if you like." Lupin explained.
"That would be good." Harry rose and followed the others down into the cellar. He smiled at what was awaiting them.
"This is great. Just like in the great hall. What are those?" Harry asked pointing at limp looking dolls in the corner.
"Practice dummies. Just poke one with your wand and it will come to life. They try to dodge spells and such so it's really just a reflex and aiming trainer." Hermione explained. "They've come in handy so far."
Harry prodded one with his wand and it jumped to the platform. Harry stood at the other end and aimed his wand.
"Flamma," a red jet of light burnt its way from the end of Harry's wand and down the dueling platform missing the dummy by an inch before hitting the wall and disappearing.
"What was that?" Ron asked incredulously.
"A flame spell. I learnt it while I was away." They all looked at him surprised.
"You've been studying?" Hermione asked. "Like actually studying for yourself?"
"Yeah I thought after last year I should begin to learn as much as possible. We were outnumbered last year and we only just made it. Next time I'm going to give them a surprise." Harry grinned maliciously as the others still looked surprised.
"What else have you learnt?" Hermione asked.
"I've got some lists that I will show you later. Any one heard anything about the new defense teacher?" They all shook their heads. "I'm thinking about running the DA again this year. What do you think?"
They all thought it was a good idea.
"Lunch." Mrs. Weasley called down into the cellar.
"Have we been that long?" Lupin muttered as they walked back up into the house. "I'd better go. I need to do something so I'll see you all at dinner."
They said their goodbyes to Lupin and headed for the dining room. Once seated Harry smiled around at the others. Talking to them all had done so much good.
"Close your eyes Harry." Harry did as he was told as Mrs. Weasley walked into the room carrying a large cake.
"Make a wish Harry." Harry smiled as he blew out the candles. The large cake was iced in green with a seeker chasing a snitch around the cake whilst being chased by a dragon.
"Thank you Mrs. Weasley this is great."
Dinner at Grimmauld Place was different from the year before. With Voldemort active it was a place of meeting every night for the Order and Harry had a plan to get at Snape.
"Professor Lupin where does Snape usually sit?" Lupin looked at him strangely before pointing to a seat towards the end. Harry took a piece of paper with a clear sticker on it and walked to the chair.
"Snivellus is a big nosed greasy haired git. The NGM would like to commend him on the great job he does for the Order. Considering he isn't much of a potions master that's a real complement." Harry said as he tapped the sticker with his wand. He had talked to Ron, Hermione and Ginny that afternoon and they had agreed on the name Next Generation Marauders.
It was after that when he sat down with Ron and Ginny and made up what he had put onto the clear sticker.
Harry quickly put the sticker onto the chair and walked back to his own before Snape arrived. Dumbledore walked in a moment later and turned to Harry.
"Harry I would like you, Mr. Weasley, Miss Granger and Miss Weasley to stay for the meeting tonight. We will be discussing the school year and think you should be involved." Harry nodded his thanks and turned to his dinner.
This was going to be brilliant.
After dinner Dumbledore rose and extended the table. Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny moved to the side of the room as the Order members streamed in and sat around the long table. After a few minutes Dumbledore rose.
"I see that everyone is here. Severus has apologized as he will be late this evening but has assured us that he will make it. Now I have asked young Harry and his friends in on this meeting tonight as we will be discussing the next year at Hogwarts.
"We have arranged for Alastor Moody to take the again vacant job of Defense Against the Dark Arts professor but as some of you may be aware a secret society was running last year that was run for the sole purpose of learning defense. Harry ran and taught this club and I would like to ask him to run it again this year."
Dumbledore turned to Harry and gave him a pleading look. "I will continue the DA professor."
"Thank you Harry. Now.." Dumbledore trailed off as Snape entered the room and strode to Dumbledore. After whispering into Dumbledore's ear, a frown overtook the old man's features.
'There has been another attack. This time it was on a Muggle couple near the Leaky Cauldron. The couple are alive but not in a good state. Kingsley could you please go and investigate before the authorities arrive. Tonks as well I think." Both Aurors nodded and walked from the room. Snape walked to his seat and sat down.
Immediately there was a wave of snorted laughter and Snape did not look impressed
"What is the meaning of this?" He seethed.
"Severus I do believe it has something to do with your sign." Dumbledore told him pointing at the wording above the man's head. The words that Harry had placed on the clear sticker shone in a bright red above the man's head from the moment he touched it.
"What do you mean headmaster? I see nothing above my head." This caused more laughter across the room as he turned to Lupin.
"What have you done?" Lupin laughed.
"It wasn't me. I don't know what's going on." Snape then turned to the Weasley twins.
"You two. You're going to pay for this." The twins laughed.
"Not likely old chap." One of them laughed out.
"This is nothing to do with us." The other told him.
Harry smirked as he thought that wasn't strictly true. He and the twins had developed this after Harry told them about a prank Dudley had once played on him with a sign on his back with something rude written on it.
Snape had yet to see that Harry was in the room and he tried not to draw any attention to himself.
"Whoever has done this is going to pay." Snape said before storming out. Harry continued to laugh and took the seat that Snape had left. Immediately the sign took its place above Harry's head and Harry looked up and smiled.
"Do you know anything about this Harry?" Dumbledore asked with his eyes twinkling.
"Maybe." Harry said simply.
"I do believe that Professor Snape may need to liven up a little." Dumbledore said.
"So do I sir. So do I."
Harry Potter and The Tomb of The Founder
Chapter Two- Grim Old Place
A man walked down a cold dark corridor heading for the door at the end illuminating the halls with light which shone through the gaps around the door. He felt scared and worried as he stood before the doorway, never wanting to be the barer of bad news to his master.
"What's wrong Wormtail? Fail yet another simple task?" A female voice silkily whispered in his ear.
"Nothing Bellatrix. The mission was unsuccessful for reasons that could not be helped.
Bellatrix cackled with glee. "He isn't in a good mood Wormtail. I'd hate to infuriate him, who knows what he's likely to do. Just don't bleed on the carpet." She said as she walked away.
Wormtail shook as he knocked on the door before him. "Enter." Hissed a voice from within.
"My lord I have returned." Wormtail called as he entered the room and dropped to his knees.
"Bow to me Wormtail, show me I am your lord," Hissed Voldemort.
"You are my only lord. My only master." Wormtail whined out as he bowed.
"As it should be Pettigrew. Were you a success? Did you obtain the item?" Voldemort asked the man before him.
"The heirs knew nothing my lord. It seems to have disappeared a few months before you went to the Potter's house. The heirs knew nothing." Voldemort glared down at the sniveling man before him.
"Did you administer the veritaserum?" he hissed.
"Of course sir. Please...." Wormtail started as the Dark Lord raised his wand.
"Crucio!" Wormtail writhed on the ground in pain as Voldemort cackled loudly.
"I only hope that you dealt with the heirs accordingly." Wormtail tried to nod.
"We disposed of them and raised the mark as you ordered."
"Well at least you managed to get something right. After last year you should know not to fail me." Voldemort hissed. "I thought the time you spent locked away would make you realize the full picture of our cause. Never try to fool me again."
Wormtail nodded as he shook on the ground.
"My lord. The Ministry informative has arrived." Bellatrix said entering.
"Thank you Bella. Wormtail find out what you can about the tomb. It holds what we need to place unfaltering loyalty amongst our troops and I want it soon. That is all."
Wormtail crawled out backwards as a person in a robe walked in. The hood was pulled up over his face giving no way of identification.
"Come, sit and tell me what has occurred." Voldemort hissed pointing to a chair.
Harry woke as a wave of pain shot through his forehead. His hands snapped up to cover his scar as he processed what he had just witnessed. He lay in a paddock near the Burrow where he had been going to fly everyday since he had brought his new broom and had dozed off under the midday sun.
Harry rose and jumped on his broom. His forehead still searing with a blinding pain he made his way slowly to the house. Once arrived he jumped off his broom and entered quickly into the kitchen.
He took a pinch of flew powder and threw it in the fire.
"Number twelve Grimmauld Place." He pronounced as he stuck his head into the fireplace.
"Hello is anyone here?" He called into the empty kitchen. "Its urgent. I have a message from Harry Potter."
Harry heard the door open as someone entered.
"Hello?" Harry called again. He heard someone jump before coming to the fire.
"Hold on I'll get someone to talk to you." Hermione said before turning around.
"No please I was told to tell the first person who answered. I have a message from Harry Potter." Hermione's eyes lit at his name.
"Who are you and where's Harry?" She said immediately.
"My names James Evans. I don't know where Harry is but he paid me to give you a message. He said that he had one of those visions. Wormtail failed to find a tomb and the heirs are dead. Voldemort has an informant in the Ministry and the thing they search for in the tomb is a way to make all his men completely loyal." Harry said this fast and hoped she didn't realize it was him. "He said you must alert Dumbledore immediately."
She nodded. "Are you sure you don't have any clue to where Harry is?"
Harry shook his head. "Sorry not one. Bye."
Harry cut the connection and apparated away.
Dumbledore sat in the drawing room of Grimmauld Place surrounded by order members trying to discover what had happened at the latest Death Eater attack.
"Kingsley did you get the statement from the first aurors at the scene?" He asked sadly.
"Yes Albus. They said that no one had heard a thing. The neighbors alerted the Ministry when the mark went up but there was no one left inside except the bodies of the victims."
"Let me in I have news from Harry." Dumbledore looked up at the door as Hermione entered with a disgruntled looking Severus Snape behind her.
"What is it Miss Granger?" Dumbledore asked quickly.
"A guy just called over the floo. He said that Harry had asked him to give you a message.
"What message?" Lupin asked eagerly beside him. "Did he say where Harry was?"
"No he didn't know. He told me that Harry had had a vision and Wormtail had been looking for something and killed the heirs. He said that he could not find whatever he was looking for but it would aspire total loyalty in all of You Know Who's troops.
"He also said there was an informative in the ministry. He didn't say much else except that his name was James Evans." Both Dumbledore and Lupin's eyes flew wide at the name.
"Miss Granger I believe the one you spoke to was actually Harry himself. We shall soon find out." Dumbledore walked out of the room.
"Why do you say that sir?" Hermione asked as she followed along.
"Only a few people can contact here by floo. Harry's one of them." Dumbledore answered.
"And James was his fathers name. Evans was his mothers maiden name." Lupin said. "Go and get Ron and Ginny."
Hermione ran off up the stairs. "Headmaster we need to find him. If he was after the heirs then..."
"I know Remus." They got to the kitchen and waited for the others to arrive. Ron, Hermione and Ginny entered all looking worried.
"Headmaster what's happened." Ron asked.
"Harry has contacted Miss Granger. It seems he is rather well disguised as she did not realize it was him."
"But sir what are we going to do?" Ginny asked as Dumbledore knelt down in front of the fire.
"We are going to watch the last floo call Miss Weasley." He took a pinch of floo powder and threw it in the fire. "Floo registry."
"Good afternoon how can we help you here at the flew registry office?" A young clerk sat in front of the fire.
"Good afternoon. I would like to enquire about the last floo call received by Number Twelve Grimmauld Place." Dumbledore said politely.
"Yes sir the last one came from the Burrow with an unknown magical signature. Would you like to see the recorded call?" Dumbledore nodded.
"Very well sir just take this registration number can call it into the floo after throwing in some powder. Have a good afternoon."
Dumbledore exited the fire. "The Burrow's wards would have alerted us if anyone but an order member, the Weasleys, Harry or Hermione had entered the house."
He threw another pinch of powder into the fire. "Floo call 98567"
The fire shone green then blue for a moment before the call replayed before them. Hermione gasped as she saw him again.
"How could I not see it? The features are all still there but his eyes. His scar." Hermione was crying. "If only I had noticed I could of talked him into coming back."
Ron patted her softly on the back as Dumbledore began to give orders.
"Remus take Tonks and go to the Burrow. See if he has left anything behind. If what he has said about this dream is true then we need to get him here as soon as possible." He turned to Harry's friends before him. "I have no doubt that Harry will be fine. If one of his best friends didn't recognize him I doubt that any Death Eater will. For now I think it best if you go upstairs and have a rest."
Ginny nodded. "Yeah Harry will be fine. Lets go wrap his birthday presents."
As the three walked out of the room Dumbledore walked the out of the house and apparated away. He needed to get Harry back and had an idea.
Harry lay in his bed reading a book. It was six a.m. on the morning of Harry's birthday and he felt like a day of solid rest. He laid back reading a book he had bought about the history of the first war.
It was in studying this that he began to feel a hope that he could defeat Voldemort and end the war for good. He placed the book down and climbed out of bed thinking of taking a shower when he heard a tapping on the window.
He opened the window and watched as a stream of owls entered before him. 'Presents' was his first thought before he frowned. He had been a horrible friend this summer. It was as if he was doing to the others as they had done the year before.
He had disappeared and hadn't contacted them once (not counting the floo call to Hermione) and had raged at them when they had gone to the Order headquarters the year before.
After untying all the packages from the owls he gave them all owl treats and sent them on their way. He looked across at the bed which now had a small pile of presents on top of it.
He took a shower before coming back and picking up a present. The handwriting across the envelope told Harry it must have come from Mrs. Weasley.
Our dear Harry, You have been missing now for nearly three weeks. I am not mad and I never will be because I can understand how losing Sirius must have hurt. Everyone at headquarters is worried and I know that if you felt you could that you would stop us from our worry but our only relief is to know that your safe from the floo call made to Hermione.
Everything is fine with us but I ask you to please contact us when you're ready. You are like family to us Harry and with you missing it is like an emptiness that can only be filled by your return.
I have sent you a cake and a chocolates basket and hope you can enjoy your birthday. You don't turn sixteen every day! Please remember that we are here if you need us.
Love Molly and Arthur Weasley
Harry smiled sadly at the letter. No matter what happened he had family. Whether they were blood related or not was nothing, he still had family.
He opened the box and looked at the cake. It looked delicious. It was a caramel mud cake with a seeker chasing a snitch around the outside of the cake.
Harry pulled the next present toward him and opened the letter.
Harry, Happy Birthday! How does it feel to be sixteen? You're getting older and I know your parents would have been proud. I remember on James' sixteenth birthday Sirius thought it would be funny to cast a spell on him so all the hair on his body turned white and slip a wrinkling potion into his pumpkin juice the night before.
I don't think that we ever laughed so hard at one of our own friend's expense. That of course led to a retaliation on Sirius' birthday where James gave him a potion while he was asleep to make him think he was a girl and threw him a sweet sixteen.
But as you are not around I guess you won't need to swear vengeance on any of your best friends for birthday surprises as we called them.
I know you wouldn't want to know about it Harry but with your present (which I hope you like) I have enclosed Sirius' last will in which he left most things to you. The rest has already been claimed as you were not here at the time of the reading of the will.
I'm sorry Harry. I hope I can talk to you soon.
Remus Lupin
Harry wiped a rogue tear away as he stared down at the package. He opened the one wrapped like a gift and left the will aside. Lupin had given him a book called 'Practical Jokes for Joke Practitioners' he laughed as he thought of the look on the twins' faces when they saw this book.
He looked around at the packages left and smiled as he recognized Hagrids rough handwriting.
Harry, Happy Birthday! Don't know where you are but as long as yer safe its fine by me. I sent you some of my fudge to keep you going until we find you.
Got some right wonderful creatures for class this year, yer going to enjoy yourself. Anyway I need to go, got a job for Dumbledore.
Hagrid
Harry grinned at his big friend's letter. Always cheerful and never intimidating. He pulled one of the last few to him and smiled as Ginny's loopy handwriting caught his eye. Harry,
You're a stupid prat running off like this. We know it was you on the floo and you were at the Burrow. What were you doing? You should be here with us not off on your own.
Oh well now I've got that out of my system, Happy Birthday! I hope you enjoy my gift. It's something I know you will use if you get the chance.
I know you need some alone time but if you ever need to talk about anything and you don't feel like going to Ron or Hermione I'm here for you.
Love
Ginny
Harry sat in a stupor. How could she write a letter that goes from raging war path to 'you can lean on me' within three paragraphs? He didn't think it was possible.
He ripped the paper off the present and blushed. Before him sat a book with a title reading. 'Willie Witnit's 15 Easy Ways to Pick Up Witches' trust Ginny to send him something teasing yet helpful.
He picked up Hermione's letter and package last.
How dare you! You were talking to me face to face and still pretended you were someone else. What's worse is you refused to tell me where you where or how you had got there.
I don't know why you are doing this Harry but you have got everyone in a nervous wreck. Voldemorts out there now, he wont hesitate to attack you. Think of everything that's happened. We just want you to be safe.
Please don't stay away for too much longer.
Love Hermione
Harry let out a long breath. He had really got her mad. He opened her present and found an assortment of different muggle sweets. He smiled as he thought of what the twins could do with things like this.
After having a few different types of sweets from Hermione's present Harry pulled the last letter before him. It was from Dumbledore. He opened the present and looked at it in surprise. It was a box with the orders seal on it.
Hold onto the box and speak your name.
Harry shrugged his shoulders and did as it said. He felt a familiar jerk behind his navel before being sucked forward.
Harry landed hard in a cold stone room. He looked around to find himself in the kitchen of Grimmauld Place. Harry began to panic. This was the last place he needed to be.
He had just began to come to terms with Sirius being gone but he wasn't ready for this. So many memories fresh from the little time he spent here with Sirius. He couldn't stay here.
He ran to the front door but it was locked tight with magic. He tried to Apparate but felt the weight of the wards pushing down on him. He drew his wand and began to throw spells at the door. The unlocking charm failed so he went to more drastic measures.
"Reducto!" The door took the force of the spell and showed no difference. Harry screamed in torment as he sunk to the ground. He could hear people running down the stairs but didn't care. He sat on the floor holding back the tears that beat upon his eyelids as he shook.
"Who might you be?" A sneering voice came from behind Harry. "I said who are you?"
Harry glared up at his potions master. "Harry Potter." He saw Snape's sneer rise to a even higher level of disgust as he looked at him.
"Don't toy with me. How did you get here." Snape spat.
"Severus that is enough." He came to kneel before Harry. "Harry how are you?"
Harry glared at him. "How am I? What would you care you only wanted me back here."
"Harry we all care for your well being." Dumbledore told him.
"Rubbish. You only care that I'm the only one who will stand up in this war. I was having the best summer I've had since coming to Hogwarts and you ruined it. You had to send me a birthday present that was a portkey and bring me back to the one place I can't stand to be in at this time.
"I don't understand it. I was perfectly safe where I was and you had to go and wreck everything. I was finally getting over his death and now I'm back here." Harry sniffed loudly before standing and heading upstairs. He walked into the bedroom that he and Ron had shared the year before and laid down on the bed.
He was lost again without direction. He was grieving all over again and this was the one room that held no memories of his godfather. He lay there motionless with silent tears flowing down his cheeks.
He pulled out his wand and erased the disguise he had been using and returned his glasses back to normal. He listened to Ron's peaceful snores before falling into a restless sleep.
He saw his godfather standing on the platform. "Is that the best you can do?" his voice echoed around Harry. He saw the brain attack Ron, Hermione fall to an unknown curse and Ginny limping around on her sprained ankle. Then he fell.
"Sirius!" Harry sat up and shouted his name. He looked around to find that Ron had risen and gone downstairs. He climbed out of bed and walked to the bathroom washing his face with water as his depression reached levels he had only felt at the Dursleys.
"He's slipping again. He's going back into the angry depression I saw him in when I went to the Dursleys." Harry heard Dumbledore say as he entered the kitchen.
Chairs scraped as people jumped up and walked over to him.
"Harry, dear. It's so wonderful to see you." Mrs. Weasley called as she pulled him into a fierce hug.
"Never scare us like that again." Hermione said hugging him directly after.
"Hey Harry. How are you?" Ginny asked happily.
"Mate. God its good to see you back." Harry tried to grin around at them but couldn't.
"Hello." He said sadly before sitting down.
"Is everything alright Harry?" Mrs. Weasley asked.
"Everything's fine." he answered in a monotone.
Breakfast was a somber affair. The only discussion around the table was the looks of worry being shared by the Weasleys.
"Thank you for the breakfast Mrs. Weasley. I'll be up in my room." Harry walked out of the dining room and into the dim house. Since his last visit the portrait of Sirius' mother had been removed and the heads of ancient elves destroyed. The house was beginning to become livable.
'Not without Sirius.' Harry thought sadly.
"Harry. It's so good to see you." Lupin said as he walked out of the drawing room. "Any chance of talking?"
"Um, sure." Harry followed Lupin into the drawing room. Once they were both in Lupin cast a locking charm on the door and silenced the room before turning to Harry.
"Harry I know your hurt by the loss of Sirius. I am too. He was the only Marauder I had left. But you can't go on like this. Bottling your fury up and taking it out on people has never worked. You need to live and remember the good times. The pain will always be there but you need to cope."
"I was amazed when I had heard you had ran away before the Order came to get you but then I realized why. Harry I understand and it was a terrible way to bring you back here but Dumbledore only did what he thought was right. We need to talk about these things Harry. Please talk to me. If not to help yourself, then to help me." Lupin looked down at the young man before him. He could see the depression in his eyes, the emptiness. He was amazed when Harry began to talk.
"The worst thing about it all was that I was there and could do nothing about it. He's gone. He truly is. The last discussion I had with him was when I was angry at him for the way he and my dad had treated Snape.
"All I could do was watch him fall. I want to apologize to him but now I cant. I want to tell him about what a mess I made of my first date and have him help me. I want to live with him. I want my godfather but all that is gone. I couldn't even avenge him properly." Harry knew that he had tears running down his face but for once he didn't care.
"What do you mean by properly avenge him Harry?" Lupin was confused. The boy had just confirmed his suspicions but this was something he hadn't thought of.
"I caught her. I had her right there and I couldn't do anything. I wanted her to feel the sort of pain she was causing me so I used Cruciatus. It did nothing. Apparently righteous anger does nothing to help fuel it." Harry watched as Lupin's jaw dropped.
"Who knows about this Harry?" Harry wiped his face.
"Only you."
"We had better keep it that way. Death Eater or not that curse is still illegal. Although I can understand, because I would have done the same thing if I had caught her. Harry Sirius came to fight for a cause. For a belief. You were part of that but even if you hadn't been there he would have fought. Please don't blame yourself.
"I know it's hard but please try and cheer up. Your friends are so worried about you. Don't let them get hurt because of this. You can come through I know it but you have to accept he's gone." Harry nodded.
"I have a feeling you have already accepted it but if you ever need to talk I'm here. I know I can't replace your father or Sirius but I was named as the second guardian if you should need one. Keep that quiet though because the Ministry wouldn't be to happy." He smiled down at Harry.
"I'll try. I'm sorry you lost Sirius. I know you must feel terrible." Harry looked into the tired eyes of his old professor and realized he was right. He had to live. He had to take hold of his life and bend the prophecy in his favor.
"Thank you." Lupin nodded. "Now how bout we talk about what you have been up to as of late. I won't tell anyone I promise."
"Alright. I've been in Diagon Alley. I got the twins to help me. They cast a spell on me that Dumbledore wanted done and they taught me to Apparate. Since then I've been training at a magical gym and flying my broom at the Burrow everyday."
Remus chuckled. "Diagon Alley you say? Snape's sure going to be ticked when he hears that."
"I know you should have seen him walking around the other day. He was grabbing random people that looked my age and glaring at them hoping to scare them into admitting they were me." Harry chuckled slightly as Lupin laughed outright.
"He was very adamant of the fact that you weren't there. He is really going to give it to you if he has the chance now." Harry shook his head.
"If he does he does. I couldn't really care anymore." He looked over at the fire place. "Is this fire hooked up to floo?"
"No, only the kitchen is. Why do you ask?"
"I need to contact the twins to send my stuff over. I'll be back in a minute." Harry waved his wand at the door and unlocked it so he could walk out into the hall. He was glad to see that no one was in the kitchen when he arrived and took some dust from the mantle piece.
"Weasley's Wizard's Wheezes." The fire shone green for a moment before Harry could see the back of the twins' store.
"Hello. Fred, George?" He heard a scrambling from the front before the twins appeared.
"Harry where are you? We've been looking everywhere." Harry grinned.
"I was kidnapped." The color drained out of the twins faces as Harry tried not to laugh.
"By who?" Fred finally asked.
"Dumbledore. With a ruddy portkey. I hate those things." he answered.
"So you're back at Grimmauld Place then?" Harry nodded.
"I'm locked in tight. Any chance of packing all my stuff up in the room into that trunk that you two gave me and sending it over with Hedwig?"
"No problem Harry. So you haven't told them where you've been." George asked skeptically.
"Nope. I've only told Lupin and he won't tell on us. But we had better pretend we haven't seen each other lately the next time you two come over." They nodded. "Okay thanks guys I need to go. Bye." He climbed out of the fire and walked into the dining room.
He found Mrs. Weasley clearing off the table and decided to help.
"Oh Harry dear you don't need to do that." Harry smiled at her politely.
"I want to. I'm sorry I worried you Mrs. Weasley. I just had to get away for a while." "That's alright Harry. But please don't do it again. I see you're a little happier now." She said shakily.
"I just had a talk to Professor Lupin. It helped a lot."
"It often helps to talk. Well I better get this lot washed up. Why don't you go and catch up with Ron and Hermione?"
Harry walked back to the drawing room to thank Lupin for his help but was surprised to find Ron, Hermione and Ginny all sitting around talking.
"So what we really need is a way to get back at Snape. I can't believe he went snooping through our things to try and find a letter from Harry." Ginny said. "We were worried about him. Dumbledore knew we would tell him if we knew anything."
"Dumbledore only wanted me back for his own sake. He feels bad about last year so he wouldn't have cared what Snape had done to get me back." Harry said as he entered.
"That's a bit harsh Harry." Hermione admonished.
"Trust me Hermione I found out things from Dumbledore that would make you fume. I can't tell you about them yet but if all goes to plan I will tell you." Hermione looked confused and was about to argue but Lupin stopped her.
"Harry has the right to keep a few secrets Hermione so let it go." Harry nodded his thanks at his old professor and new guardian.
"I've got some things in my belongings that will allow us to get Snape, so wait until they get here and I'll help you out." Ginny smiled her thanks as Ron nodded enthusiastically and Hermione gave him a strict look.
"You don't have to be involved Hermione. I bought some books while I was away that you can read." She smiled brightly at him. "Where have you all been practicing magic anyway?"
"Oh I forgot to tell you Harry. Dumbledore came and made a duel platform and other things in one of the cellars. We can go have a look if you like." Lupin explained.
"That would be good." Harry rose and followed the others down into the cellar. He smiled at what was awaiting them.
"This is great. Just like in the great hall. What are those?" Harry asked pointing at limp looking dolls in the corner.
"Practice dummies. Just poke one with your wand and it will come to life. They try to dodge spells and such so it's really just a reflex and aiming trainer." Hermione explained. "They've come in handy so far."
Harry prodded one with his wand and it jumped to the platform. Harry stood at the other end and aimed his wand.
"Flamma," a red jet of light burnt its way from the end of Harry's wand and down the dueling platform missing the dummy by an inch before hitting the wall and disappearing.
"What was that?" Ron asked incredulously.
"A flame spell. I learnt it while I was away." They all looked at him surprised.
"You've been studying?" Hermione asked. "Like actually studying for yourself?"
"Yeah I thought after last year I should begin to learn as much as possible. We were outnumbered last year and we only just made it. Next time I'm going to give them a surprise." Harry grinned maliciously as the others still looked surprised.
"What else have you learnt?" Hermione asked.
"I've got some lists that I will show you later. Any one heard anything about the new defense teacher?" They all shook their heads. "I'm thinking about running the DA again this year. What do you think?"
They all thought it was a good idea.
"Lunch." Mrs. Weasley called down into the cellar.
"Have we been that long?" Lupin muttered as they walked back up into the house. "I'd better go. I need to do something so I'll see you all at dinner."
They said their goodbyes to Lupin and headed for the dining room. Once seated Harry smiled around at the others. Talking to them all had done so much good.
"Close your eyes Harry." Harry did as he was told as Mrs. Weasley walked into the room carrying a large cake.
"Make a wish Harry." Harry smiled as he blew out the candles. The large cake was iced in green with a seeker chasing a snitch around the cake whilst being chased by a dragon.
"Thank you Mrs. Weasley this is great."
Dinner at Grimmauld Place was different from the year before. With Voldemort active it was a place of meeting every night for the Order and Harry had a plan to get at Snape.
"Professor Lupin where does Snape usually sit?" Lupin looked at him strangely before pointing to a seat towards the end. Harry took a piece of paper with a clear sticker on it and walked to the chair.
"Snivellus is a big nosed greasy haired git. The NGM would like to commend him on the great job he does for the Order. Considering he isn't much of a potions master that's a real complement." Harry said as he tapped the sticker with his wand. He had talked to Ron, Hermione and Ginny that afternoon and they had agreed on the name Next Generation Marauders.
It was after that when he sat down with Ron and Ginny and made up what he had put onto the clear sticker.
Harry quickly put the sticker onto the chair and walked back to his own before Snape arrived. Dumbledore walked in a moment later and turned to Harry.
"Harry I would like you, Mr. Weasley, Miss Granger and Miss Weasley to stay for the meeting tonight. We will be discussing the school year and think you should be involved." Harry nodded his thanks and turned to his dinner.
This was going to be brilliant.
After dinner Dumbledore rose and extended the table. Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny moved to the side of the room as the Order members streamed in and sat around the long table. After a few minutes Dumbledore rose.
"I see that everyone is here. Severus has apologized as he will be late this evening but has assured us that he will make it. Now I have asked young Harry and his friends in on this meeting tonight as we will be discussing the next year at Hogwarts.
"We have arranged for Alastor Moody to take the again vacant job of Defense Against the Dark Arts professor but as some of you may be aware a secret society was running last year that was run for the sole purpose of learning defense. Harry ran and taught this club and I would like to ask him to run it again this year."
Dumbledore turned to Harry and gave him a pleading look. "I will continue the DA professor."
"Thank you Harry. Now.." Dumbledore trailed off as Snape entered the room and strode to Dumbledore. After whispering into Dumbledore's ear, a frown overtook the old man's features.
'There has been another attack. This time it was on a Muggle couple near the Leaky Cauldron. The couple are alive but not in a good state. Kingsley could you please go and investigate before the authorities arrive. Tonks as well I think." Both Aurors nodded and walked from the room. Snape walked to his seat and sat down.
Immediately there was a wave of snorted laughter and Snape did not look impressed
"What is the meaning of this?" He seethed.
"Severus I do believe it has something to do with your sign." Dumbledore told him pointing at the wording above the man's head. The words that Harry had placed on the clear sticker shone in a bright red above the man's head from the moment he touched it.
"What do you mean headmaster? I see nothing above my head." This caused more laughter across the room as he turned to Lupin.
"What have you done?" Lupin laughed.
"It wasn't me. I don't know what's going on." Snape then turned to the Weasley twins.
"You two. You're going to pay for this." The twins laughed.
"Not likely old chap." One of them laughed out.
"This is nothing to do with us." The other told him.
Harry smirked as he thought that wasn't strictly true. He and the twins had developed this after Harry told them about a prank Dudley had once played on him with a sign on his back with something rude written on it.
Snape had yet to see that Harry was in the room and he tried not to draw any attention to himself.
"Whoever has done this is going to pay." Snape said before storming out. Harry continued to laugh and took the seat that Snape had left. Immediately the sign took its place above Harry's head and Harry looked up and smiled.
"Do you know anything about this Harry?" Dumbledore asked with his eyes twinkling.
"Maybe." Harry said simply.
"I do believe that Professor Snape may need to liven up a little." Dumbledore said.
"So do I sir. So do I."