Chapter Forty-Eight

The next few weeks passed quickly, with many letters between Harry, Neville, and Hermione. The families even got together a couple of times. A 'school trunk' compartment was added to their home, and all Harry's books and supplies were put in there. They also added several interesting charms to prevent theft. While the charm for invisibility had to be removed, they could and did add more. The group had also made arrangements to meet at King's Cross, so they could all get onto the platform together.

Albus smiled around the table at his staff, the pre-term meeting was almost over. He was looking forward to this year more than he had any other. This year, all his plans were falling into place. This year, Harry Potter world be coming to Hogwarts. There had been many upsets and near misses over the years, but he was confident that now all was well.

"Is there anything else that you all need to discuss?" he asked, eyes twinkling merrily.

Minerva stood, "I have serious doubts about placing the Stone at Hogwarts. This is a school, not-"

Albus cut her off with a mental sigh, "Minerva, I have said this before. It is necessary to keep the Stone here. The traps used are perfectly safe."

With a sigh (and a lot of mental grumblings about manipulative old fools) Minerva sat down. When no one else stood, he quickly dismissed them and headed for his office.

Minerva stood, made her excuses, and headed out of the castle. Once at the gates, she Apparated directly to the trunk.

…..

Sirius, Remus, and Harry had just settled down in the living room. Sirius had just opened the paper, Remus and Harry each reading a new book. Suddenly, they heard a pop of Apparition, and looked up to see Minerva standing there, a nervous look on her face.

Sirius jumped to his feet, Remus following close behind, "what is it Minerva?" they asked in unison.

Minerva walked to the nearest chair and sat down, "Albus has the Philosopher's Stone at Hogwarts." She said bluntly, "he says it's necessary to keep the stone safe but considering the 'protections' he had us put up, I'm concerned that this might be some sort of plan for Harry," she said.

Sirius started to shout, but Remus put a hand on his shoulder, "we always knew he plans for Harry, but I don't get how-"

Remus was interrupted by Sirius standing up, "Voldemort," Sirius hissed, "we know he's dead. Not since the goblins removed that soul piece from his scar."

Remus nodded, "Sharpclaw said later they suspected there was more. We all wondered why the old bastard did all that to Harry."

Minerva went deathly pale, then a red reminiscent of volcanic eruptions, "he's setting up Harry to face him!" she exclaimed.

Sirius swore violently, and there was a crack as the chair Remus had been standing behind broke under his white-knuckled grip. Harry's eyes were wide.

Minerva knelt by him and put a gentle hand on his shoulder, "you have to promise me. No matter what you hear, no matter what you see, do not go near the Stone. If you do hear or see something, tell one of us and we will handle it. Do Not Go Near It. Do you understand Harry?"

Harry nodded, "ok Nana, I promise."

Remus nodded, "if anything happens, go straight to Minerva. Got it?"

"Or call us on the mirrors," said Sirius.

Minerva's eyes went wide, and a smile crossed her face, "you finished them?"

Sirius grinned, "got 'em done last night," he said, producing several wrapped bundles and passing them out.

"Just say the name of the person you want to call," said Remus.

Harry grinned, "just like the cell phones I heard people talking about in school," he unwrapped his mirror and smiled, it was small, almost like a compact, and had a button on the top, "are you going to make computers next?"

Sirius ruffled his hair, "we'll see Pup. We'll have to get one to look at."

Remus smiled, "that button is an emergency call. Press that and we all come running."

Minerva smiled to herself, she knew Hogwarts was going to be very interesting this year. Albus Dumbledore won't know what hit him, and she was just glad to have a front row seat for the show.

….

Albus smiled as he sat in the Burrow's kitchen. Molly agreed faster than I thought she would, he thought.

Molly smiled as she called for Ron, "he'll here soon," she said sitting across from the headmaster.

Albus nodded, "now, I had originally planned for you to help Harry to the platform, but Sirius and Remus will be taking him, so young Ronald will have to approach him on the train."

"I don't think that will be a problem," said Molly.

As the two, three once Ron joined them, continued with their plans, they failed to notice the pair of identical twin boys quietly listening from a hidden corner. The boys stared silently at each other, mouths gaping. As soon as Dumbledore left, they slipped quietly back to their room. Quickly casting a silencing spell, they sat on the bed farthest from the door.

"What do you think Fred?" one asked.

"I don't know George," said Fred.

"Why would Dumbledore want to do that to Harry Potter?" George asked.

"Why would Mum agree?" asked Fred.

"I don't know," George looked at his twin, "but one thing I can say is-"

"It's not right," they said together.

"What should we do?" asked Fred.

"Listen, watch, and wait," said George, "we don't know all of what Dumbledore's planning and why."

Fred nodded, "let's see what we can find out,"

…..

Harry grinned through a massive yawn. For the days leading up to the 1st, they'd all had a huge celebration. Camping, flying, and large quantities of food had made it truly the Best Party Ever.

"Bed," said Sirius, poking his head around the door, "we meet the Grangers at 10 tomorrow."

"Awwwww," said Harry and Neville in unison.

"Tomorrow's a big day," said Sirius.

"I got my air horn back," grinned Harry.

A look of horror flashed across Sirius' face, "don't you dare."

Harry shook his head, "don't worry. It's for Hogwarts."

Sirius grinned, "that's ok then. Give old Dumbassdoore hell with it!"

Harry smiled evilly, "oh I will."

Sirius ruffles his hair, "good! Now go to bed!"