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
a/n: just added correct date and made a few minor grammatical changes.
Chapter 10
Harry retreated to his room after dinner. He was tired of talking, and it seemed like the adults were going to be at it for quite a while. He had confronted Remus during dinner about his mirror and knife. Remus gave him the mirror, telling him he had repaired it and placed an unbreakable charm on it. He also told Harry that the headmaster had his knife and that he was finding a way to repair it.
Just before Harry left Snape called him over and told him that since they had guests, he would not have to work in the lab this evening, but that he would still have to serve his 'detention' another time. Harry was just thankful that he did not have to serve it then. He was exhausted from the conversations and revelations of the day. After showering, Harry took the time to clear his mind before falling into his bed
Meanwhile...
Dumbledore said, "I am quite displeased that each of you felt that you needed to go behind my back and change Harry's guardianship. However, after seeing how angry he is for myself I agree that it might be in his best interests to stay here."
Remus said, "He is very angry, and I'm afraid that he needs additional help to deal with his grief and anger. Do any of you know of a counselor we might employ to help him through this?"
Molly Weasley said, "We have found a counselor for Ron and Ginny. She is a squib and helped Ginny after her first year. Ron also seems to be dealing well with her. Unfortunately, those brains that attacked him left him with many issues."
Dumbledore looked straight at Severus and said, "That brings me to the next issue we need to discuss. Not only were the Dursleys attacked last night, but they attacked the home of each child who went to the department of Mysteries. Luckily there was a meeting at the Weasleys when they were attacked, and their house, as well as the Longbottoms remained intact. But the Granger's residence burned to the ground, as well as the Lovegoods. We have moved all the children to Grimmauld Place, but we need a more secure location for them to stay. I was hoping..."
Severus pinched the bridge of his nose and said, "Absolutely not! I am not going to baby sit 6 children all summer long."
Albus said, "I will provide you with help, of course. Molly has agreed to stay as an extra chaperone, and Remus will be more than happy to help, I'm sure."
Remus said, "I can take charge of the boys, and Molly can take charge of the girls. You will only need to deal with them when you give lessons, Severus."
Severus looked over at his mentor and knew no matter how much he fought that he would not win. So he said, "Fine, but I will not let them run amuck in the manor. They will spend the summer learning if they stay here."
Dumbledore said, "That would be wonderful, Severus. Thank you in advance for your hospitality."
Severus just grunted and said, "I would like you to wait a few days before bringing them. The manor needs to be prepared, and I think Mr. Potter needs a few more days on his own before bringing his friends to distract him."
Dumbledore said, "Very well, that leaves one item to discuss. I assume you are no longer going to be doing your spy duties, Severus?"
Severus said, "Yes, that was a condition of the agreement I have with Potter."
Dumbledore said, "It's just as well. The information I have been able to gather suggests that Voldemort has begun to question your loyalties. I was going to ask you to consider not returning anyways. Would you be willing to testify that you have seen Pettigrew alive so that we can get Sirius' will read?"
Severus darkened at the mention of Sirius' name, but nodded his agreement to Dumbledore's request.
The adults continued to talk well into the night. It was quite late when the Weasley's and Dumbledore left for the evening. They agreed there would be no communication until they brought the children the following Monday.
Wednesday, July 10, 1996
It was almost lunchtime and Harry was no closer to finishing his essay for Snape than he had been an hour ago. Half of it was finished, since he had been able to describe what happened to the victim of the crutiatus curse. But the effect to the caster was not mentioned. Well, there was no other option. He would have to find Snape and ask for help. He grabbed his book and essay and went in search of the man.
Harry found Snape in his workroom. Snape was working on a potion, so Harry waited at the door to be recognized. After a few moments Snape said, "What is it, Potter?"
Harry went over to Snape and explained that he couldn't find any information on the effects of crutiatus on the caster. Snape said, "I'm not going to do your work for you, Potter. Go to the library and look for the information."
Harry turned and stomped out of the room. It figures that Snape wouldn't help him. He called for Fico to show him where the library was. Once Fico showed him the way, Harry got so engrossed in what he was doing that he forgot to go to lunch. It was some time later when Snape walked in carrying a tray of food. "Did you forget about lunch, Potter?"
Harry looked up from the book and said, "Yes. Sorry about that."
"I'm not going to make it a habit to bring you your lunch, Potter. Don't forget again."
"Yes, sir."
"Let me see the work you have finished."
Harry handed him the scroll he had been writing on and got out another piece of parchment to continue taking notes. He said, "This is actually really interesting, sir. I didn't realize doing dark magic would be so enticing to people."
"Dark magic opens your soul, Potter. Wizards get drawn and addicted to the feeling of power it brings. That's the danger of it. From the notes you have taken, I see you have an understanding of this. You have learned what I wanted you to about it. Do you understand that you need to not cast this curse again?"
Harry said, "Yes sir. I don't want to be drawn into the darkness it can bring."
"Very well. Then I want you to go and get your potions homework and complete it next. If you finish it this afternoon, bring it to me to check it."
"Yes, sir."
After dinner, Remus told Harry that he and Severus needed to talk to him. So they adjourned once again to the sitting room.
Remus said, "There several items we need to discuss with you, Harry. After everything we have learned we think it is best that you start meeting with a counselor to help you through your grief and anger."
"But—"
Severus said, "No buts, Harry. Even Aurors are counseled after they first experience death. Perhaps if they had someone help you after the Triwizard tournament, the events of last year might have been different. This is not a punishment. It is to help you."
"Whose idea was this?"
Remus said, "It was mine. You have been through more than many adult wizards, Harry. We have found a counselor who has wizarding relatives, and she is willing to portkey here once a week to see you. It will be completely safe."
"I don't have a choice in this, do I?"
Severus said, "No, in this instance you do not. As your guardians, we may sometimes make decisions you don't like. You are very near an adult, Harry, but not quite."
"Fine."
Remus said, "On to other things. Since Severus is no longer a spy, he is going to step forward and testify to the fact that Pettigrew is still alive, and that Sirius was innocent. Once that happens Sirius' will must be read. We just want you to know that this is coming. We will most likely hold a memorial for him around the same time."
Harry nodded. Somehow the memorial and reading the will made it final in his mind. There was no hope of ever getting Sirius back. Harry felt like there was a deadweight in the pit of his stomach. He tried to will the tears away, but they came anyways.
Remus walked over and pulled Harry up into a hug, and held him while he let some of the grief he had been holding in out. Severus left the room to allow the two to grieve in private.
Once Harry had calmed down, Remus said, "There is just one last item. I think you will enjoy this one however. It appears that Voldemort is trying to attack everyone who went to the Department of Mysteries. Since this house is so safe, your friends will be joining you in a few days."
"You're joking!"
"No, Harry, I'm not. Severus is quite upset about it, but agreed to it."
