CHATPER 7

Ron and Hermione packed their things earlier that day because today is the day they see Harry. He's been at the Order for the past month. He sent one letter allowing Ron and Hermione to know his whereabouts and was recently told by Mr. Weasley that Harry was actually at Grimmauld.

"Come, come," Mrs. Weasley said pushing Ron and Hermione along. "They're expecting us any minute now."

Mr. Weasley left for the Order about a week ago. Dumbledore has finally given permission for everyone else to come. Going through Floo Network wasn't safe right now. So, they had to hop on the Magic Bus to London. They dragged and walk the rest of the way. Ron was cursing under his breath that he might as well be a muggle if they can't use their magic.

As soon as they walked through the doors, Tonks, Lupin, Mr. Weasley, and Mad-Eye Moody greeted them.

"Here they are," exclaimed Mr. Weasley.

"We waited for ages," cried Tonks. "Moody was about to send out a search party."

They all laughed except for Moody who said seriously, "We would have half and hour ago if Lupin didn't stop me."

"Where's Harry?" Ron asked craning his neck around the people that greeted him at the door.

All the adults looked at each other, then Lupin finally spoke up.

"He's been in his room since he got here. He comes out every once in a while."

"He's still upset about Sirius?" asked Ron.

"Of course he is," Hermione said giving Ron a look of death.

"Actually," Tonks confessed. "We told him a few things that would make anyone depressed. You could check up on him if you want."

Ron, Ginny, and Hermione walked up the stairs to Harry's room. They looked at each other. Not sure if they should knock on the door or not. Finally, Ron cleared his throat and knocked.

No sound.

Ron knocked again. This time Hermione took the daring move and opened the door.

Harry was still in bed. Hermione opened the door a little more and this time, it squeaked. Harry jumped and had a wand pointing at them. The trio shrunk back and covered their heads with their hands.

"It's just us, mate." Ron cried out with one hand up in the air.

Harry's face slowly changed from upset to recognition.

"Bloody hell, Harry," Ron said standing up straight. "What, do you sleep with your wand under your pillow?"

"Yeah," Harry said a bit embarrassed. "You shouldn't have come in liked that. I could have cursed you."

"We knocked twice," Hermione said defensively.

"Sorry, I've just been on edge lately," Harry said. Harry's tense muscles seem to be more relaxed at seeing his friends again. "How's your summer so far?"

"How are you holding up, Harry," Hermione asked looking concern. "I mean, it was really horrible what happened in June."

Ron gave Hermione a sharp look. He knew what Hermione wanted to talk about was Sirius's death. He can't believe she would bring this topic up. Couldn't she tell that Harry almost attacked them and she wants to talk about what happened last month? Ron always thought Hermione was the more "sensible" type because she was more aware of other's feelings. But this isn't the right time for her to bring Sirius up.

"Hermione can't you tell he doesn't want to talk about it," Ron pointed out to Hermione. She crossed her arms and frowned at Ron.

"Where's Kreacher," Hermione asked, trying to change the subject.

"He died two weeks ago," Harry said bitterly. "I wished I killed him."

"Harry," Hermione said alarmed. "You don't mean that."

"He betrayed Sirius," Harry explained. "He betrayed the Order. He betrayed all of us. It was him who lead us to that trap."

"What do you mean," Ron asked confused. He didn't like Kreacher more than Harry did, but it was a bit harsh to blame everything on the house-elf. If there's one person responsible for the trap, it was You-Know-Who.

Harry explained how Kreacher took Sirius's words to get out seriously. When he left, he went to the Malfoy's and helped them set a trap up. The vision Harry had of Sirius in the Department of Mystery was planted to lure Harry out. Then, when Harry checked Grimmauld Place, Kreacher lied and told Harry that Sirius wasn't there. He also told them no one from the Order was there.

"How do you know all of this," Ron asked.

"Professor Dumbledore," Harry said plainly. "He told me at his office that night of the attack on the Ministry. Kreacher told Dumbledore the entire truth."

This was the most Harry has ever talked about the meeting with Dumbledore in June. Ron felt there were more things said in that office than Harry is willing to share.

"I don't understand why Kreacher betrayed Sirius," Ron said. "I thought house elves had to stay loyal to the family."

"The Malfoys are family," Harry spitted out. "Remember the tapestry with the family tree?"

"What did the adults tell you," Ginny asked. Ron forgot she was in the room with them. She hasn't said a word until now. "Tonks said they told you things that made you stay in you room, locked up and alone."

"You know what," Harry said, lying back down in his bed. "I'm not feeling too well. I think I'm going back to sleep."

Ron and Hermione glared angrily at Ginny. They were finally able to talk to Harry, but Ginny's question put him out of the mood.

"You can see yourself out," Harry said under the covers.

As the three left, Ron gave Ginny a little push. "Good going," Ron hissed.

"Ron, don't push your sister," Hermione reprimanded. "I told you Harry wasn't 'fine.' Did that guy in there seem fine to you?"

Ron didn't retort back because now isn't a good time to start a row with Hermione. The threesome walked into the kitchen into a room full of adults talking animatedly.

"We're throwing Harry a surprise party," Mrs. Weasley said when she saw the three teenagers enter. "It's going to be his first, real birthday! This should definitely lift his mood."

Ron, Hermione, and Ginny looked excited. This is exactly what Harry needs, Ron thought. What better way to remind Harry that he still has friends that care for him? He has friends that have unofficially adopted him into their families. He will never be alone or go through anything alone, ever.