For the first time in 5 years Hedwig did not bring Harry any presents or cards on his birthday. This did not upset him; he would be getting them in person later. This was even better. He awoke in unusually high spirits, fully dressed at 7:50. He drug his trunk (locked the night before) and owl cage from his room, down the stairs and in to the living room where he intended to wait for Mr. Weasley. However he stopped still in the doorway, somebody was already there. It was his Aunt Petunia. For a few moments they just stared at each other, but Petunia Dursely slowly and uncertainly patted the cushion next to her on the sofa. Harry equally slowly, and not knowing quite why obeyed her silent command and sat down beside her. Neither of them said anything for the next ten minutes, nor did they look at or touch each other. They merely sat side by side…waiting.

At precisely 8:00 a knock came on the door. "That will be him" Harry mumbled. His aunt nodded. He got up and went to the door, taking all his things with him. Petunia remained seated in the living room. He received a second surprise when he opened the door. Minerva McGonagall had come in the place of Arthur Weasley. Harry said the first thing that came to mind "Mr. Weasley's not hurt is he?"

"No Potter he is fine."

"One of the others then? Ron? Ginny?"

"They are all quite all right, I merely came in his place because I had something I wished to ask you."

"Oh…right."

"I received a letter posthumously from Professor Dumbledore explaining about the Horcruxes. Am I right in thinking that what you were doing that night had everything to do with them?"

"Yes" said Harry simply.

"Do you wish for help in finding and destroying these monstrosities?"

"No, we'll do just fine on our own."

McGonagall raised her eyebrows at the use of "we" but did not press it any farther. "Very well, but I would like you to know Potter that if you change your mind the Order of the Phoenix is at your disposal."

"Thank you Professor, I will remember that."

"We shall disapperate" She stuck out her elbow and Harry grabbed a hold. In a whirl of cloaks they disappeared and reappeared at the Burrow.

"I shall leave you here, and Potter…" she squeezed his shoulder bracingly "steel yourself." And before Harry could ask what for she had disapperated again. Somewhat disconcertedly Harry headed off towards the door but before he had even reached it there was a squeal and the door burst open, arms reached out and scooped Harry inside.

"Hullo Mrs. Weasley" the words were quite muffled by her sweater. She finally let go of him and led him to the table where Ron and Hermione were already seated.

"Now Harry I want you to have a nice breakfast before…well you'll see. Eat up."

Harry turned to Ron and Hermione "What's she talking about?" Ron seemed about to explain but Hermione stopped him.

"You'll find out soon enough Harry." Neither of them seemed happy about whatever it was. Harry decided it was best to just leave it and concentrated on his bacon and eggs. When he was done he grabbed his trunk (Ron handling the cage) and they started upstairs. Halfway up they met Ginny. Harry nearly dropped his trunk at her sudden appearance. But before he could even contemplate what to do or say she spoke.

"Have they told you Harry?"

"No…nobody will."

"Well that's stupid, I think you should know…" but before she could finish the most unexpected thing that day appeared just over her shoulder.

"No." Harry gasped

"Yes" said Hermione. Malfoy merely smirked.

"But why?" barked Harry.

"Malfoy has to stay here Harry" said Ginny comfortingly "so he can be out of sight. This is the last place Voldemort or any Death Eater is going to expect him to be. Draco is on our side now."

Before anyone could say anything else Malfoy pushed his way through and went on down to breakfast. Harry felt that he was trying to make a quick escape before anyone could say anything more.

"Well if I'm expected to act all chummy with him, fat chance." Said Harry.

"Oh Harry no one is expecting that." Replied Ginny

"In fact" Hermione interjected "It seems everyone has been going out of their way to make him feel unwelcome. I think…"

Harry was taken aback "Don't tell me you want to be friends with him Hermione!" Ron was staring at the ceiling and keeping out of it.

"No but I think we should at least be civil"

"Well if he asks me to please pass the butter he can get it himself" Hermione sniffed and pushed past Ginny and disappeared into her room. Ron suddenly looked much more at ease.

"Well what are we standing here for" he said "Get out of the way Ginny" he pushed his sister aside, grabbed Harry's arm and towed him along to their room. Harry wanted to turn to Ginny and say something but somehow he found that his neck was most uncooperative and no words came to mind.