CHAPTER 4: The Arrival

A/N: Sorry it took so long to get this out… It isn't quite up to what I had hoped, but as it is basically the bridge that connects my other story to this one. So, unfortunately the bridge is shaky… Please forgive me, but please still RR…

Now the chapter…

I woke up this morning to the sound of many voices talking quietly down the hall from my room.

'Guess the Weasley clan has arrived.' thought Remus somewhat ruefully.

So, as I tried to gain full consciousness, I lay in my warm bed listening to the chatter, trying to distinguish the voices… Finally rising from my bed, I stretch while yawning loudly.

Deciding to shower before heading downstairs, I gather my clothing- a faded pair of muggle jeans and a light green long-sleeved rugby shirt, a pair of boxers and socks before entering the bathroom I share with Sirius.

So, after showering and dressing I head downstairs to the kitchen. When I enter, I am greeted by Molly, Arthur, Ron, Fred and George, Ginny, and also Hermione. Sirius is also there, but he only offers a curt nod of acknowledgement.

"Hello Professor Lupin, how are you doing?" asks Hermione.

"I'm quite well, thank you for asking Hermione," said Remus, "And how are you?"

"I'm great, thanks."

"By the way Hermione, since I am no longer your professor, you are welcome to call me Remus. Same goes for Ron, Ginny, Fred and George."

"Ok, thanks Remus!" said Ginny, Ron, and Hermione enthusiastically.

"Not a problem." said Remus, chuckling softly.

"Have a seat Remus. I've almost got breakfast ready." said Molly in a firm, motherly tone.

Obligingly, I walked over to the end of the table where Sirius is sitting quietly and broodingly. Taking a seat across from him I ask- "What's up Padfoot?"

"Nothing's wrong, everything is just dandy!" said Sirius sardonically.

"Come on, you can tell me."

"It's nothing."

"Padfoot, you're my best friend, you know you can tell me anything."

"I got word from Dumbledore this morning. He thinks it wouldn't be a good idea for me to go with the Advance Guard to fetch Harry."

"I'm sorry to hear that." said Remus sympathetically.

"Forget it Moony, the 'Powers That Be' have spoken." Sirius replied flatly.

Soon though breakfast was served, and everyone was soon busy filling their plates with food. While everyone started eating, different topics of discussion were cropping up all around the table. Arthur, Molly, and I were discussing the most recent story about Harry and Dumbledore in the Daily Prophet. Fred, George, Ron and Sirius were having a heated debate about Quidditch.

Meanwhile down on the other end of the table, a whispered conversation was taking place between Ginny and Hermione about the two remaining Marauders…

"I wonder what's wrong with Sirius?" wondered Hermione aloud.

"Dumbledore won't let Sirius go with the Advance Guard to fetch Harry." stated Ginny.

"How do you know that?" asked Hermione.

"I overheard Mum and Dad discussing it this morning."

"Well, that certainly explains a lot doesn't it? No wonder Sirius looked pissed off."

"Yeah, but Mum thinks it's for the best."

"Bet that went over well with Sirius."

"So 'Mione, I couldn't help but notice that you appeared to be checking out our resident lycanthrope when he came in." Ginny said grinning wickedly.

"What! I was not!" exclaimed Hermione, blushing furiously.

"You so were! If I'd had a camera on me, I would have got a picture, just to prove it." laughed Ginny. "Not that I blame you, he is a major muffin!"

"Yeah he is. But he's like twenty years older, and he was our professor. He would never see me like that."

"Aww does ickle 'Mione have a crush on Remus?" teased Ginny.

"Oh shut it Gin! What about you? Don't you think he's handsome?"

"He is; but I think Sirius is cuter. And he has that whole bad boy image going for him."

"I thought you still liked Harry?"

"Nah, I gave up on him right before the Yule Ball."

"Oh."

"I realized he wouldn't see me like that, so I gave up."

"Too true, besides he has a thing for Cho Chang."

"Anyway, I met someone that I have been seeing." said Ginny.

"Who is it? And why didn't you tell me sooner?" demanded Hermione.

"His name is Michael Corner, and I met him at the Yule Ball."

"What year is he and what house is he in?"

"He's going to be a fifth year, and he's in Ravenclaw."

"I am happy for you Gin."

"Thanks 'Mione. Please don't say anything to Ron. He'll go nutters."

"I won't, I promise."

Later that morning after breakfast was done, Molly and the kids went off to go clean the rooms that they would be staying in while they were here. The house had been virtually abandoned for over ten years, so it was hardly fit for human habitation. They had quite a task ahead of them. Whenever I wasn't out doing things for the Order, I would help out, along with Sirius.

And slowly but surely, the house started looking livable.

Unfortunately, about five days before we were to go fetch Harry, he was attacked by dementors near his aunt and uncle's home in Surrey. And the only way to save himself and his cousin was to conjure his Patronus. And once the Ministry found out, they were all set to expel him and snap his wand. But, luckily Dumbledore was able to sort it out, but there will be a disciplinary hearing…

Sirius is fit to be tied. So, the Advance Guard is going to get him tomorrow.