When Harry came into the room, he saw Professor McGonagall sitting on the far side talking to his counselor, Mr. Volkman. They were in the day room of the Ashford House for Youth. The same room where had received his many visits from Chloe. The room was divided into conversation areas, where visitors could sit together with residents and chat. The room was brightly colored with yellow, orange, beige and light green to lift the spirits of the residents. Professor McGonagall and Mr. Volkman sat near some French doors that lead out to a small courtyard where they had a basketball hoop.
Professor McGonagall looked suprisingly normal in her brown skirt and black raincoat, though her outfit seemed to darken the bright room. They were engaged in conversation and didn't notice Harry as he slid behind one of the over stuffed sofas.
The authority decided to place Harry in Ashford House because it was a home for boys with no criminal records. Most of its residents were here because for some reason they could no longer stay in their own homes. Some were here because they had been abused, others because the parents were arrested for drugs, others, like Harry, where here because of disputes at home. The police noticed Harry's injuries and decided he had received the worst of the assault and brought him here.
"Ah, Harry, please join us!" Mr. Volkman called to him across the room. "I was just tell your Professor here, how well you've been doing."
"Thank you, Hello Professor." Harry said.
"Hello, Harry." Professor McGonagall said.
Mr. Volkman continued, " We've discussed your session here and agree your ready to go back to school."
The name of Harry's school carried with it a recognition charm. When muggles heard the name St. Brutus' it sounded vaguely familiar. They were never certain but somehow they heard the name before. Mr. Volkman thought he knew a teacher that worked there but he couldn't remember the name. He heard good things about the school but he couldn't remember who told him this. Harry's records look perfectly normal but if anyone tried to find the school, there would be nothing with the exact address.
Mr Volkman went on, "Professor, I feel Harry's three weeks here were very beneficial. We think the incident at the Dursleys was isolated. Harry, your guardians have agreed to release you directly into the custody of your Head Mistress. Sorry, no more basketball in the morning, it's back to work for you."
Mr. Volkman and Harry smiled.
"Anyway, I wish you the best of luck at school this year and remember we're here 24 hours a day, you can call anytime we're always here to help."
"Thank you" Harry said.
Mr. Volkman gave Harry a quick hug and a playful shot in the arm with his fist.
"Keep in touch, Harry."
They said their good-byes and left the house. As soon as they were out of sight of the house three burly Aurors joined them. Harry did not recognize them. For the first time Harry was out on his own without protection from Dumbledore, his Aunt or the muggles. This fact was not lost on Professor McGonagall who quickened her pace.
Professor McGonagall spoke as they walked. "We don't have much time so I must speak quickly. Harry, we're taking you to a single use portkey. The Ministry has placed them though out London to help wizards escape a dangerous situation. The muggles were very forgiving of your actions at the Dursleys but I'm sure you must suspect that many in our world don't feel the same way."
Harry felt as he hurried along between his bodyguards that he had traded one type of confinement for another.
Harry answered. "I'm not surprised."
The "Daily Prophet has been printing attacks on you all summer. They went crazy when they found out about your arrest. I must be frank with you Harry, there are many that think you're going to join Voldemort as soon as you can."
"What?" Harry said catching his breath.
"I thought you should hear it from me first. I'm sure Hermione has all the articles. The portkey we're taking will take us the Weasleys house. Ron, Hermione and Ginny have taken a few days off school to meet you."
Harry was relieved that they were going to the Weasleys but it felt strange that they had started school without him. The group continued to rush through the streets of London. Harry got distracted by the thought of his friends and slowed his pace. He was prodded in the back by one of the Aurors.
Professor McGonagall continued. "Keep up, Harry. I'm sorry to have to tell you this but you can't return to Hogwarts. The condition on which Hogwarts was reopened was that you never return to school there again. It's the only way the directors would allow the school to open. I'm sorry. It's a security issue."
"I wasn't planning on going back anyway." Harry said as the group turned into a park.
"I realize that I'm not your head mistress anymore but I strongly advise you to report to the Ministry as soon as possible."
"I'll try" Harry said.
The group headed directly toward a heavily thicketed area the park.
"Harry, I believe they have your best interest at heart."
"Do they really?" Harry said as they stopped for a moment. The Aurors started to clear some of the bushes in front of them.
"Potter, you must realize that everything you do is closely watched. Any sign of dark magic, or even the hint you're isolating yourself from them and they'll come down on you."
McGonagall bent down and entered the cleared part of the thicket. Ahead, Harry saw a rusted swing set with 5 swings. The lost playground was covered with vines and brush. The Aurors went to work clearing the swings.
"Mr. Volkman said you had a visitor nearly everyday. Who is she?" Professor McGonagall inquired.
"Nobody! A friend just a friend. Does the Ministry have to approve who I talk to now?" Harry said his angry rose.
"Well as a matter of fact, everyone you talk to will be of interest to the Ministry. I'm trying to help you."
"Well, leave her out of this." Harry said curtly.
"We're ready." One of the Aurors said
The Aurors took a seat in the swings. The huge, muscled men looked ridiculous wedged between the chains that held them up. Professor McGonagall took her seat as the rust creaked and sprinkled down on them from above.
Professor McGonagall instructed him. "Come on Potter sit down. Ok everybody. Swing."