Chapter 11

"So, let me get this straight," Sirius said, "demonstrating live, magical fireworks inside the house, in your bedroom, when you were still developing them and didn't have all the kinks out, seemed like a good idea?"

"Well," George said, looking down at his wand, which he held in front of him like a Muggle performer's cane, "it seemed like a good idea at the time."

Harry, who was sitting next to Ron on the sofa, leaned over as the conversation continued. "Reckon they can talk themselves out of this one?" he asked.

Ron made a face and leaned back, "Maybe?"

"Ron!" Hermione chided. "There's a hole in the floor!"

It wasn't as if anyone could forget that fact. Remus and Mr. Weasley were currently standing on either side of the hole, with Remus on the top and Mrs. Weasley down below in what turned out to the study. Harry could hear some pieces of the discussion as they tried to determine if the hole could be fixed with magic and to what extent.

"Snape's going to murder me," Harry murmured.

"It isn't your fault," Hermione said. "You were just here."

Harry pursed his lips together. He had already considered whether this would fall under Snape's Rule One and decided that the 'I just happened to be there' excuse wasn't going to fly. He was relieved he hadn't participated more. He was going to catch it for this either way, but he would have been a lot worse if he'd been holding the firework before it went through the floor.

"I doubt it will make a difference," Harry said forlornly.

"You should choose grounding, Mate," Ron said.

Harry looked at him, then at Ginny. She was sitting in a chair on the other side of Hermione. Apparently, Snape's disciplinary tactics had become Weasley house gossip. Ginny gave him a pitiful look.

"Sorry, Harry," she said. "I was talking to Hermione, and it just came out. Ron overheard. They were worried about you."

After a moment, Harry gave them one quick nod. He wasn't happy about it, but he could see the point, sort of. He never liked being talked about. Still, Harry would have to let this one go. They had only just gotten to speaking terms, and it was a bad time to make an issue of it. They were all in too much trouble to make a fuss.

"There is no way I'm choosing grounding," Harry whispered, "I'd be in my room until Hogwarts."

Ron made a sympathetic face. "Yeah, I guess you're right. I don't think we will get a choice. Dad'll probably use the belt for the twins. He said last time he would if they caused property damage because they're seventeen and should know better. We were just … what did you say, Ginny?"

"Innocent bystanders?" Ginny snorted. "I doubt that excuse is going to fly. Maybe Mum will deal with us?"

"The wooden spoon?" Ron flopped back onto the couch, "Ugh."

"It's better than Dad when he's fed up," Ginny observed, looking at Mr. Weasley.

Although he had only seen the senior Weasley for a few minutes when all the adults in the house had come up to look at the hole, Harry had to agree. He hadn't seen the usually jovial Mr. Weasley look so frustrated and annoyed in a long time. He hadn't even seemed upset over the time his sons had flown to pick up Harry in their car. Then again, Harry never really was sure how they'd been punished for that.

"All right, you lot," Mrs. Weasley said, walking over to the kids who were gathered around the couch. "There will have to be some changes to the sleeping arrangements tonight, obviously." She gestured to the hole and then glared at the twins, who shuffled their feet in chagrin, or at least a fair imitation of it. "Fred, you will share with Harry tonight. George, you are with Ron. No shenanigans!"

Although the twins mouthed 'shenanigans' to each other, Harry, Ron, Ginny, and Hermione were quick to nod and agree. Mrs. Weasley turned a stern glare on her sons, and the twins added contrite, "Yes, Mum"s to the mix. They had the good sense not to say anything else since she seemed well and truly annoyed by then.

"This room is off-limits for now until we figure out what to do with the hole. We will ask Minerva if there is something the two of you can do, but I am not sure I trust you two to fix the damage. If repairs need to be made, you will pay for them. Pack a bag and meet your father downstairs in the study. If you have any ideas on the hole, tell him!" Mrs. Weasley said.

With a nod, the twins quickly grabbed their belongings, and Mrs. Weasley turned to the others. Hermione looked worried, and Harry had no idea why. It seemed to him that if anyone got off free, it was here. Still, he didn't resent her for it. For the first time, he felt a little bad that she was always with the Weasleys instead of her own family. He'd never thought much of it before, never having had a parent before. Now that he did, he realized she must miss her mom and dad.

"Hermione, I want you to go to your room and write a letter informing your parents what you have done—within reason. I imagine you are accustomed to such things?" Mrs. Weasley said.

With a slight blush, Hermione nodded and left the room without another word. Harry figured that basically answered his question. He wondered idly how Hermione's parents would discipline her by owl post, but then again, maybe they did that occasionally. After all, he and his friends got into trouble all the time at school. Harry had never had any consequences for it besides school detentions before. This was a new experience for him. They were not at school, but it made him think about what would happen when they were. It did not bode well for him.

"Um, Mrs. Weasley?" Harry asked, unable to stand the suspense any longer. "Do you have a way of contacting my … uh, Snape?"

"We do," she said, looking at him sympathetically, "in the event of an emergency. This is not an emergency, though. We will let your godfather handle this for now, and he can decide what to tell your father in the morning. We already discussed it."

Harry looked at Sirius then, something he had been trying to avoid doing. He was sure that his godfather was disappointed in him. He swallowed. He had never been in trouble with Sirius before, and he had no idea how the man was going to handle it.

Sirius seemed to pick up on his discomfort. "Let's go, Harry, "he said, not ungently.

Harry stood up, garnering sympathetic looks from his friends. He went to the door, and Sirius put a hand on his shoulder and led him down the hall and then up a staircase. This house was huge, but Harry was hardly surprised it had another level.

"This floor doesn't have many rooms," Sirius said, "but I like it up here. Since I have to be forced to live here, I chose the rooms with the least memories. This one's mine."

The room was indeed huge. It seemed to take up half the top of the house, although they were clearly on the top floor because there was a slanted roof in one corner and dormer windows. If Harry hadn't been in trouble, he would have loved the room. It was much homier than any room downstairs, with colorful braided rugs almost covering the dark wood floor and large comfy couches and armchairs scattered.

"Wow," was all Harry could say. "This room is amazing."

"It is, isn't it?" Sirius said with his signature grin. "Moony helped me with it. We made it as cheerful as possible—Moony's dead useful with transfiguration. I'm good, but he's better. This stuff's all permanent."

"Wow," Harry said. The mention of transfiguration made guilt fill his gut. He sat down on a patchwork-covered chair. "Can you guys fix the floor?"

"Oh, that?" Sirius rubbed the five o'clock shadow on his chin. "I think so. Moony will know. He was always better with wood."

"I'm sorry," Harry said.

They remained quiet for a moment, and then the silence stretched to become somewhat awkward.

"Why don't I make us some tea?" Sirius said brightly, breaking the silence.

As his godfather puttered around with what seemed almost a Muggle method of making tea, Harry kicked off his shoes and put his feet up. He felt miserable. Sirius obviously did not want to punish him, and it made him feel like a prat for putting the man in that position. He considered just telling him to contact Snape and send him home. He could hardly imagine a worse punishment.

By the time Sirius came over with the tea, Harry was past tense. He took the cup and blew on it but didn't feel like drinking. Instead, he put it on the little table next to his chair and continued to stare at his hands.

"Harry, Pup," Sirius suddenly yelped, standing a few feet from Harry. "You don't have to act as though I'm about to belt you!"

The apparent distress in Sirius's voice made Harry look up. Sirius looked pained, alright. Harry gulped.

"Um, I think you're supposed to punish me, Sir," Harry reminded him. "I messed up."

"Well, I know that," Sirius said. "But unless I understand this wrong, you didn't really do anything. Right?"

"Well," Harry looked at his hands and tried to avoid the impulse to fidget. "I don't know about that. Snape would say I put myself in danger just by being there."

"Ahh," Sirius put his cup down on the coffee table. "I see. Dangerous, yes. But you were just there. I can see how you didn't know what was going to happen. Did you know there was going to be fire?"

"Merlin, no!" Harry cried. "Of course not. They said they were demonstrating products."

"Have you seen them do anything dangerous before?" Sirius asked.

"Uh," Harry said. "Not like that. They gave my cousin toffee once, which made his tongue grow huge, and I guess I knew last year that explosions were coming from their room, but I was never in their room, and I never knew what they were doing. Honest." He added that last word as an afterthought.

"Okay, I believe you," Sirius said. "Come here, Pup."

Harry didn't want to, but he did. To his surprise, Sirius wrapped him in a bear hug as soon as he was within grabbing distance. He didn't let go for a long time.

"Do you know what it would do to me if something happened to you?" Sirius whispered in Harry's ear.

It was actually only the second time he'd really been hugged in his life. Mrs. Weasley and Hermione had both given him perfunctory hugs, and Sirius had given him little squeezes. Still, Snape was the first person who had hugged Harry meaningfully, and now Sirius was as well. It broke down the barriers in Harry, apparently, especially since after Snape had hugged him, he felt more comfortable. Harry hugged Sirius back and felt tears fall down his face.

"M'Sorry," Harry said in a low voice after a few minutes.

"It's alright, Pup," Sirius said, patting Harry warmly on the back. He held Harry out at arms' length. "Now, how can I punish you sufficiently that your bat of a father decides not to thrash you for this?"

Although Sirius was clearly joking, Harry was relieved that his godfather wasn't planning to punish him harshly. He looked up at Sirius and sniffled. Sirius produced a handkerchief and handed it to him.

"Thanks," Harry said, blowing his nose. "Um, what are you going to do?"

After gesturing at Harry to sit down, Sirius did the same and scratched his chin, apparently in thought. "Well, I'm not going to spank you, so you can forget that option. I am not grounding you either. I heard some of what those despicable Muggles did to you." Harry must have given away his surprise on his face because Sirius hurried on. "Dumbledore told me. Sorry, Harry, but you are my godson. I threatened to go give them a new family pet if he didn't tell me the broad strokes."

Harry snorted at the idea of the Dursleys taking in a dog. "They never would have gone for it. They don't allow pets."

"I still could have spied on them!" Sirius insisted. "Anyway, he convinced me not to get revenge."

That was a relief. Harry didn't want to see his godfather escape from prison just to end up back in for punishing the Dursleys. The thought horrified him.

"Please don't!" Harry begged.

"Alright, Pup," Sirius said, picking up on his distress. "No problem there. Dumbledore threatened some … interesting consequences if I do. I would rather not cross him on this."

Although Harry was kind of curious how Dumbledore had threatened to punish Sirius for going against that particular order, he didn't ask. He wanted to get away from the entire topic as soon as possible. So, he just nodded.

"When I was your age," Sirius began, changing the subject, "I hated writing. I think an appropriate punishment would be to write an essay explaining why you shouldn't have gone along with watching this 'demonstration' and including the charms involved in the fireworks and why it was dangerous."

By the smug look on his face, Sirius was quite proud of himself for coming up with this. Harry, however, was horrified. That was going to take forever! He had no idea how those fireworks were made, and the twins wouldn't likely tell him.

"Are you sure you don't want to change your mind about the belt?" Harry asked dejectedly.

"Harry!" Sirius scolded.

"Alright, alright," Harry said. "How long?"

"As long as it needs to be to include what I said," Sirius told him, still looking a little put-out. "You may have a week to turn it in."

Even though he didn't point it out, Sirius had basically grounded him. Harry sighed. "Yes, Sir," he said. "I'm sorry. Thank you for being nice to me."

"I'm trying, Pup!" Sirius insisted. "I want to make sure Snape thinks you are punished well enough that he doesn't feel the need to add to it."

That was a good point. Harry wasn't looking forward to facing Snape. He wasn't sure that the essay would do the trick either. He might end up with more punishment.

"Can you guys please make sure the hole is gone before he gets here?" he pleaded.

At that, Sirius laughed. "We'll try. I'll go downstairs and see how they fared. You should either go to bed or start on the essay."

"Can I ask the twins what charms they used, or is that cheating?" Harry asked.

"You can ask," Sirius said. "I figured they wouldn't tell you."

"Yeah," Harry agreed. "So did I, but I didn't want to get in trouble in case they did."

"Fair enough," Sirius said.

They went down the next level together, and Harry went into his room. He was surprised to see Fred laying on his stomach on the bed opposite his, flipping through some kind of heavy leather text. Harry had grown used to having the room to himself and had almost forgotten he'd been assigned a roommate.

"Hey," Fred said, looking up from his tome. "Did you catch it?"

"Not really," Harry admitted. "I have to write an essay."

"An essay?" Fred said, wrinkling his nose.

"Yeah, on why I should have gone along and on the charms you guys used and why they're dangerous. I don't suppose you'll tell me?" Harry asked hopefully.

"Fat chance," Fred said with a grin. "Dad would skin me for that. I hardly need another lecture on corrupting the youth."

Harry shrugged. "Do you think he hopes I won't find the right ones? He said I could ask you, but you probably wouldn't tell me."

"Look, Harry, I love you like a brother," Fred said, "and you're less annoying than my younger brother, but I'm not telling you any fire-making charms. The ones you find on your own are hopefully safer than the ones we used. I am not going to be responsible for what you'd do with them."

"What do you think I'd do with them?" Harry asked, feeling suddenly defensive.

"Are you really asking that?" Fred asked. "You get into more trouble than all of my siblings combined, and I'm including us."

"Not fair!" Harry said. "Knockturn Alley was your idea."

"Oh, that was child's play," Fred said. "I don't mean that kind of trouble. I mean real trouble. Your kind of trouble."

Now that Harry understood what Fred was talking about, he nodded. "Maybe you should tell me then," he said. "So, I can use it to defend myself."

"That's what Snape is for, right?" Fred said.

"Yeah," Harry admitted.

"Look, Harry, I meant it when I said I care about you," Fred said, in a more serious tone than he usually used. "I want you alive. I'm glad Snape is training you. If anyone needs it, it's you. He's wicked smart and knows more about this stuff than anyone alive. Listen to him, and he will teach you a lot. You are one lucky wizard."

"What do you know about it? About Snape, I mean," Harry asked, suddenly curious.

"He's helped us a lot over the years," Fred admitted in a soft voice. "At first, we had run-ins with him. In our first year, we were in detention a lot. I mean, like every day a lot. One night he caught us experimenting with a potion that got … out of control. After he'd walloped us up one side of his office to the other, he told us off for it. We'd made some rookie mistakes. Then he told us we had some kind of genius and offered us private tutoring. He arranged the same thing with Flitwick."

"You're kidding?" Harry said, in a state of shock.

"Well, the part with Flitwick didn't start until our second year. We were experimenting in the middle of the night down in the dungeons with some volatile charms, and again, he caught us. I'm not sure Snape ever sleeps. He did the same as before, only this time, he arranged for Flitwick. I have never seen the little guy so happy and angry at the same time!" Fred smiled at the memory.

"Wow," Harry said. "So that's how you guys got so good."

"Partly," Fred said. "We have a lot of correspondents. Pen-pals. Snape helped, so did Flitwick. Hagrid's been dead useful, too, although we're not taking lessons with him. Snape says we could have been apprentice potion masters by now or charms. We are opening a business, though. No time!"

"So, what changed?" Harry asked.

"You," Fred said. "When you gave us the seed money, we no longer had to rely on the funding from our mail order business to buy raw materials and resources. It's made a huge difference. This place helped too. We have more room. Mundungus Fletcher and Kreacher get us things we can't mail order. Snape has been limited in what he'll procure for us. He won't get us anything illegal. Kreacher can be bribed with Black family artifacts and Fletcher with money." Fred shrugged.

Harry was stunned. It was incredible and believable at the same time. He still felt a little guilty.

"Um, you aren't going to tell Snape where you got …" Harry started.

"No way," Fred said. "He knows anyway; we're pretty sure."

"How?" Harry asked. "How does he know?"

"He figured it out. Come on, Harry, the man knows everything. He's a spy. Not just a spy, but a double agent. Word to the wise from two who have been dealing with his wrath for six years—never try to hide anything from him. He will find out, not tell you he knows, and wait for you to come clean, or it to come down on your head some other way. Then it'll be worse for you."

Harry nodded. That made sense. Harry was a Gryffindor, after all. He could own up to his mistakes. He made up his mind to tell Snape about the fireworks right away, whether or not the hole was there before he found out from anyone else.

"Is the hole still there?" Harry asked.

Fred grimaced. "It is, but Remus said it can be fixed with transfiguration. He's going to show us tomorrow. He didn't think we'd be able to concentrate after Dad finished handing us our arses."

Harry sighed with relief. Somehow the hole being patched up made him feel like Snape was going to let it go. He didn't know why he felt that way. He could be completely wrong.

"Sirius is going to tell Snape that I've already been punished," Harry said.

"Good luck," was all Fred said.

Harry lay down on his bed. He didn't get ready for bed, thinking he would never fall asleep. Somehow, he must have, because he woke up the next morning. There was sunlight streaming in through the window because neither of them had closed the curtains. Fred was gone. Harry stood up and stretched. He hadn't even changed into pajamas the night before. He changed into fresh clothes and went down to the WC to brush his teeth and wash his face. Then he went down to the kitchen.

Mrs. Weasley was cooking breakfast, and the twins had been put to work helping with the prep work. Mrs. Weasley smiled at him, and he felt a little better about the fiasco the night before. After all, this time, he'd only been a spectator.

"Good morning, Harry," she told him. "Would you like some juice?"

"Sure, thanks," he said. "Can I help?"

"You can chop some apples for a strudel I'm making later," she said. "Breakfast prep is mostly done."

It was faster with magic, but Mrs. Weasley believed in having children help. Since Fred and George were in disgrace, she must have decided to have them work without magic. Harry felt terrible for them but said nothing and didn't draw attention to them. He worked quietly on his task.

"Good morning, Pup," Sirius said, messing up his hair. "How did you sleep?"

"Good," Harry said, grinning up at his godfather.

It was good to see the man smile. Whatever Remus was doing seemed to be helping. Snape and Sirius's truce had to be helping too. Harry felt cheerful today. Sirius sat down at the table next to Harry and playfully popped an apple from the bowl Harry had just chopped into his mouth, winking at Harry as he did so. Harry giggled.

"When's breakfast? I'm starved!" Ron called, bounding down the stairs.

He was followed by Hermione, shaking her head, and Ginny. The two of them walked as if to emphasize Ron's lack of manners. Harry was also hungry. He couldn't remember the last time he had actually enjoyed the camaraderie of this group and wanted to eat with them. Maybe something had changed. Perhaps if he told Snape that, he wouldn't get in trouble.

Mrs. Weasley levitated plates of scrambled eggs, bacon, tomatoes, beans, toast, and potatoes onto the table. Everyone was seated and began passing around plates. There were coffee and teapots as well as large pictures of pumpkin juice. Mrs. Weasley had put peppers and onions in the eggs, and Harry found he enjoyed the entire meal and ate more than usual. He saw her give him a look of approval and then hand him a muffin slathered with butter.

After breakfast, everyone went into the study to watch the transfiguration lesson. Harry was curious because he had never done anything like this before. Professor McGonagall and Remus were standing on one side of the hole discussing spells. Sirius walked over and joined them. Harry could tell that they were all very knowledgeable. Even though he couldn't follow half of what they were saying, it was fascinating.

The twins had lost the just-disciplined attitudes and were practically buzzing with anticipation of learning new, advanced spell work. They had their wands at the ready and were whispering quietly to each other. Even Mr. Weasley looked interested.

Harry was against the wall, so he didn't hear most of the instruction. Apparently, most of it had to do with the strength of the wizard and concentration. That seemed to be true of a lot of magic. He was almost getting bored when Fred stepped up and pointed to the hole in the ceiling.

"Ligneus reparo crescere," he intoned in clear, strong words.

To Harry's glee and amazement, the wood started moving, as if it was growing in a circle, much like a telescope would close. He repeated the spell over and over to himself, thrilled to have watched the advanced magic work. He was also proud of Fred for having succeeded.

"Now you go upstairs and repeat the process from the other side," Professor McGonagall told George.

They all followed George upstairs. If George felt any pressure, he did not show it. Instead, he strutted upstairs and walked to the hole. Except it wasn't a hole. It was closed, just not with the correct pattern. He did precisely as Fred had done, and the pattern corrected itself.

"Awesome!" Fred and George said simultaneously. "Anything else you want fixed?"

Sirius let out a guffaw, and their parents frowned at them. Mrs. Weasley tutted and reminded them they had punishment chores to finish after putting their room back together. The twins grinned and scampered off. Harry wasn't sure where they were going since they were in their room, but presumably, they were getting their things out of the other rooms.

"That was fantastic!" Harry said to Ron and Hermione as they went back down the hall.

"It was," Hermione admitted. She was clearly happy to see such advanced magic and learn a new spell, even if they had gotten in trouble. "I'm grounded for a week."

"Sorry," Harry said. "If it helps, I have to write a long, boring essay."

"Ooh," Hermione said in sympathy, knowing how much Harry hated writing. "On what? Does Snape know about this already?"

"No, Sirius set the essay," Harry told them. They followed him into his room, stepping aside so Fred could leave. "I have to explain the error of my ways and the charms Fred and George used."

"Hmm," Hermione said. "There might be some books in the library here. Did you ask them?"

"Well, I asked Fred," Harry said. "He would tell me. He said I might get hurt. Snape has a wicked big library."

"He does?" Hermione's eyes were shining. "Oh, of course, he does!"

"You guys should come over sometime," Harry said, realizing he had been to Ron's house plenty of times and should someday invite him and return the favor. "Or, are you on restriction?"

"No," Ron said with a grimace. "Mom walloped me with her spoon. I'm clear."

"Oh, sorry, mate. That's good though, I mean that you're not grounded. Maybe after a week," Harry said.

"Sure," Hermione said. "Are you having a birthday party?"

Harry froze. He had never had a birthday party. The Dursleys always ignored his birthday or used the occasion to brutally rub in his face that he wasn't wanted. It had never occurred to him that having a parent now might mean it would be different.

"I don't know," he said slowly. "Snape hasn't mentioned it."

"I'm sure he'll do something, Harry," Hermione assured him.

Ron nodded. They both seemed convinced. Harry wasn't sure.

"Maybe he doesn't know when my birthday is," Harry said.

Ron snorted. "Harry, the entire wizarding world knows when your birthday is."

"Oh," was all Harry said. He hated to be reminded of his fame, and Ron seemed to like to do it.

"Harry, why don't we have it here?" Hermione said. "Then everyone can be there."

"I'll ask," Harry said. He did want Sirius at his party, should there be one.

"What do you guys want to do?" Hermione asked. "How's the homework coming, Harry?"

"Ugh, Hermione," Harry said. "My life has been a little hectic. I haven't even started, really. Besides, I live with Snape now. I'm sure he'll make me do it."

Hermione seemed a little irritated but knew she had to agree with that. Harry could see Ron suppressing a laugh and guessed that she had been bugging him to do his work so far during the summer. He smiled at his red-haired friend.

"Let's play chess," Ron said. "I'll play the winner."

That seemed fair enough to Harry since neither of them liked chess as much as Ron. He shrugged, looking at Hermione. She nodded.

They went to the library. Remus was sitting in his favorite chair and greeted them with a nod and smile. Harry and Hermione went to the chess table. Harry tried to remember the last time he'd played. With a sinking feeling, he realized it had been after the TriWizard Tournament, right before going home. It seemed like a lifetime ago.

Harry tried to pay more attention, but Hermione still beat him. The memories came flooding back, and he just couldn't concentrate.

As Ron was playing Hermione, Harry wandered over to where Remus was sitting and looked out the window. He sighed and turned to face the man. Remus closed his book and looked up.

"How you doing, Pup," he asked softly.

"Okay," Harry lied.

Remus waved him over, and Harry came to sit on the chair opposite Remus, just where he'd been the other day. He didn't even mind the way it seemed like their counseling session. He was feeling awful.

"What happened?" Remus asked him in a low voice.

"I just, remember … at odd times, I guess," Harry said.

Remus nodded. "That can happen sometimes," he said, not asking what Harry remembered. "What do you usually do when it happens?"

"I don't know," Harry said, taking a deep sigh. Remus was supposed to help him with this, after all. "I go off by myself, mostly."

"That is one way, Harry," Remus said. "What do you do then?"

Harry shrugged.

"Has Severus talked to you about Occlumency?" Remus asked.

"I don't think so," Harry said, wracking his brain.

"It will be part of your training," Remus said. "I am not skilled in the art myself, but I do know meditation and how to teach it. It is often helpful in managing trauma. Meditation is useful in learning Occlumency. Would you like me to teach you?"

"Yes, Sir," Harry said softly.

"Let's go to my room or yours then," Remus said.

They walked out of the room and up the stairs. Remus's room was larger than Harry's. It also looked comfortable, more like Sirius's. In fact, as Harry looked around, it became clear that this room had once been Sirius's room.

"Is this …?" Harry started to ask.

"Yes, it was," Remus said with a smile. "Sirius wanted to move upstairs. He did not have fond memories of this room. It looks quite a bit different, but I left some things in case he decides he wants them at some point."

Harry nodded. Remus sat cross-legged on the floor and gestured for Harry to do the same. He felt a little silly, like a primary schooler, but he did as he was bid.

"The first thing to remember about magical meditation is that it is different for each wizard," Remus began. "What calms one person might make another anxious. For example, I might like a forest, but you might have had bad experiences there. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Sir," Harry said. He did, in fact, have some negative forest experiences. Giant spiders, Dementors, and werewolves came to mind.

"So, Harry, what makes you feel free, calm, and at peace?" Remus asked.

Harry thought about this. Remus's voice was soothing and gentle. It reminded him of the Patronus Charm lessons in his third year. He thought carefully.

"Flying?"

"Are you asking or telling?" Remus said with a chuckle.

"Flying," Harry said confidently.

"Okay. Close your eyes and listen to the sound of your voice. I want you to imagine a wide-open space with a blue sky. You have your broom, and there are no dangers. It's a warm day, but not too hot. It is perfect weather. You have nowhere to be. You have permission to fly for as long as you like, and you are safe to do so. There are wards as far as the eye can see," Remus said.

Harry listened. He decided to just go with it because even if what Remus said was not possible, it sounded wonderful and soothing. He found himself falling into a trance-like state. All his cares disappeared. He was just flying, forever and ever.

"I think that is all for today," a distant voice said.

It was like snapping out of an Imperius Curse, almost, but not as unpleasant. Harry woke and looked around him sleepily and slowly came to awareness. He did feel better. His head was clearer than it had been in a long time.

"Wow," he said. "Thanks."

"You should be able to do that yourself," Remus said with a smile. "Before bed, write in your journal, and then do the same thing. It should help you sleep more peacefully."

"How long?" Harry asked.

"Were you out? About an hour," Remus told him. "I wanted to ease you into it."

"Wicked," Harry said.

He stood up, wobbling a little. He still felt somewhat disoriented. Yep, it was a little strange, but it lifted the weight from in a way nothing ever had before.

"Thank you, Remus," he said. "Really."

"Let's go get something to eat," Remus said. "It can make you feel lightheaded sometimes."

Harry nodded, and they went downstairs. An early lunch was getting underway because the twins had been cleaning all morning and were apparently beginning for it. After a few minutes, the other denizens of the house wandered in, including Professor McGonagall, who was still there.

"How are you holding up, Harry?" she asked.

Harry was a little surprised that she had called him by his first name, but then again, he wasn't really Mr. Potter anymore, and it was summer. He swallowed his bite of sandwich, then smiled. She was his Head of House still, after all.

"Well, Professor, Snape's been brilliant," he told her.

"I am glad to hear that," she said. He thought she might be misty-eyed. "I am glad you have someone looking out for you now. I never liked those Muggles."

He didn't know what to say to that. He was surprised to hear it, and after all, he had blamed her for everything too. He just nodded and went back to his food, ducking his head in embarrassment.

"What time does the meeting start?" Harry asked Sirius, who was sitting on his other side.

"About Six," Sirius said. "Eating early is good. We can have an early meal before they get here."

Harry nodded. He was still wondering what Snape was going to say. He'd said he was coming before the meeting, but Harry wasn't sure when.

"You lot can make yourselves useful," Mrs. Weasley said, "cleaning the cushions from the dining room. Remus and Severus are going to clear it before the meeting. Might as well be ready."

That didn't sound fun, but Harry wasn't about to argue since they had left that part of the task undone. He nodded. It answered his question about when Snape would get here.

They went upstairs, and Mrs. Weasley took them into what looked like an absolutely ancient washroom. It had two tubs with wringers attached, and Mrs. Weasley handed them washboards. Harry looked at the devices in horror. He had no idea what to do.

"In the old days, children would sometimes do wash," Mrs. Weasley told Harry and Hermione. "Obviously without magic. Any questions."

Hermione was looking at the wringer with interest. Harry just stared at Mrs. Weasley. He didn't know how to tell her he had no idea what to do without seeming like he was complaining. He was no stranger to chores, after all. He had just grown up using the Dursleys' Muggle washing machine, and this was not it.

"I'll show them, Mum," Ginny said glumly. "Muggles use electricity now. They haven't used these kinds of washing machines for a hundred years."

"Ah," Mrs. Weasley said. "I see. Well, I'm sure you'll manage. Elbow grease! This is a wizard house. There's no electricity here."

"Yes, Ma'am," Harry and Hermione said as she left.

"The look on your faces was priceless," Ginny said.

"Maybe when Snape sees me doing this, he'll take pity on me," Harry said.

"Let's divide up the work," Hermione said, snapping into business mode. "Harry, you work the winger. Ginny, you work the washboard. I think that looks like someone needs to know how to do it. I will do the soaping. I've hand-washed in the sink before, so I think I can manage."

"Sounds good," Ginny said.

Harry nodded. The wringer was not at all easy to work. It was supposed to wring the water out of clothes pressed through the wood rollers. Harry had to use all of his strength to turn the handle, and he felt pathetic. After an hour, he was exhausted and sore. They switched jobs then, and he was working with the washboard. It was nearly as bad, and this time his hands turned wrinkly from being in soapy water.

They were nearly done when Harry felt a presence and turned to the doorway. Snape was there. He gestured, and Harry almost dropped the cushion cover he was washing. He carefully pulled it up and handed it to Ginny to wring out.

"Harry will join you after he and I have a word," Snape told the others.

"It's okay, Sir," Ginny said. "We're nearly done. He's had his share."

Snape just nodded, and Harry wasn't sure if Ginny had done him a service or not. He made a face at his friends and followed his guardian. Although he'd spent the last hour trying to think of something to say, he really didn't have anything yet.

"Um, Sir, can I explain first?" Harry said as soon as Snape had brought him into the empty room Snape had been using on his last visit.

"You may," Snape said.

Harry couldn't read his expression. It was one of the many things that still unnerved him about Snape. Although he had been granted permission to talk before Snape did or said anything, Harry was still at a loss. He wasn't entirely sure what he expected Snape to say or do if he went first.

"Well, uh, I was hoping to talk to you before anyone else did," Harry began lamely.

"As it happens, your godfather has spoken to me on your behalf," Snape offered.

"He did?" Harry asked.

"He did," Snape confirmed. "He tells me that something transpired but not what. He also says you were only peripherally involved and that he has taken care of your punishment and that if I add to it, I will be undermining his authority when I leave you in his care."

Now Harry was impressed. He didn't think Sirius had used those words. That was Snape-speak if he'd ever heard it. Still, if Sirius had managed to convey that message, he was eternally grateful to his godfather. He felt himself relaxing somewhat.

"Yeah! I mean, Yes, Sir, that's true!" Harry said.

"All right then," Snape said, gesturing for Harry to sit down on the bed. "Go ahead and explain to me what happened. And you would do well not to leave anything out. If you do and I find out later, you will be punished, regardless of what I decide now."

"Yes, Sir," Harry said. He swallowed. "Fred and George said they had something to show us. All of us. The kids, you know?" He paused, and when Snape nodded understanding, he continued. "They have a business. Fred told me you know that they experiment." Harry looked down. He wasn't sure how much to say without getting Fred and George in trouble, but then again, Snape had said not to leave anything out. "I didn't know what it was! Honest. He said it was … actually he didn't say. I thought it was just candy and stuff and told him I wasn't going to try anything. I never do!"

Harry stopped a minute to take the temperature of his audience. Snape's face still was not giving anything away, and it was just maddening. Harry deflated a little. It was only getting worse from here.

"Go on," Snape finally said, his voice a little encouraging but mostly firm.

"So, we went in their room, which is big, even bigger than this," Harry said. "They started with this sparkler things. I guess I should have left, but, you know. I would have been … I was trying to make up with my friends, not make things worse. There were bigger and bigger firework-type things until one was like a baby dragon, and it flew in the air and then through the floor." Harry winced.

"Through the floor?" Snape demanded.

"Yes, Sir," It made a hole into the room below.

"I see," Snape said. "Then what happened?"

"Well, the adults hadn't heard anything. I guess maybe the twins had muffled the sound? But they, um, noticed the hole," Harry said, not really wanting to go on. "Mrs. Weasley and all the other adults came in. She said Sirius would deal with me, and they didn't call you because it wasn't an emergency. There's no Floo, so I guess no easy way to do it, huh? I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked to come here."

"That is not the issue, Harry," Snape said evenly, "there are competent adults here, and you have a guardian. He disciplined you in my absence. What did he do?"

"He assigned me an essay," Harry said with a grimace, "on why I shouldn't have gone along with them, and I have to describe the charms they used and why they were dangerous. I have no idea, by the way. Fred wouldn't tell me because he said it was too dangerous. I said I should know to defend myself, and he said that was your job."

Snape smirked. "Wise of him. He knows what I would do if he had taught you the spell he used. You will have to do the research on your own. The punishment stands."

"Are you going to add to it?" Harry asked. "Did I break Rule One?"

"Do you have to ask?" Snape demanded.

"I didn't think I was at first," Harry said. "But yeah, by the time there was a hole in the floor, I was pretty sure I had."

"The essay will serve as your punishment for that," Snape said. "I happen to agree with your godfather. It is his choice how he disciplines you while you are in his care. He and I are working together. I have agreed not to discipline you after he does except in extreme circumstances."

"Extreme circumstances?" Harry asked. "What are those?"

"If you had participated in the activity, and your godfather's punishment was as lenient as it was now, that might be a different matter," Snape told him. "However, I doubt it would have been. It was his floor, after all."

"Yeah, Harry said, "but he hates this house!"

"Not amusing, Mr. Prince," Snape said wryly.

"Yes, Sir," Harry said, aware that was the first time he'd been called that. It felt kind of nice.

"Go find your friends and assure them I have not murdered you," Snape said. "Then you should finish the task in the dining room once Lupin and I have cleared it. I did not sense anything, so we will call you soon, most likely."

"Yes, Sir," Harry said. "But how will the cushion covers dry so quickly?"

"We'll use magic for that," Snape told him.

Harry nodded and returned to the laundry room. His friends were hanging the cushion covers on a clothesline. He went to help with the last couple.

"Snape says they will use magic to finish drying them," Harry told them.

"Good, because it won't be done in time otherwise," Hermione said. "That was a horrible chore!"

"It sure was; I hate washing by hand," Ginny said. "How'd it go with Snape?"

"Okay," Harry said. "Sirius told him that if Snape added to my punishment, it would undermine his authority." Harry couldn't help but grin.

"Well, that's a good point!" Hermione agreed.

"Let's go to the library and see if we can find a book on charms for your essay," Ginny said.

They all went down to the library, which was empty. They found several good candidates and piled them on the table. Harry wasn't going to take any books without asking Sirius and Snape for permission. They were just about to leave when Remus walked in.

"I was looking for you," he said mildly, clearly in no way annoyed at having to do so. "The cushion covers are dry and ready to be put back on the cushions and then on the chairs. "What's this? He pointed to the pile.

"Harry's punishment," Ginny said with a grin.

"I have to look up sparkler and firework charms," Harry told him. "These books seem likely candidates, and they let me touch them. I was going to ask Sirius and Snape if I could borrow them."

"They look fine to me," Remus said, handing Harry the pile. "Take them to your room for now, and you can ask before you go home."

Harry nodded, and took the books to his room, then went down to the dining room. Stretching the now freshly washed covers onto the cushions was no easy task, and it was an exhausted group that finished almost an hour later. Harry decided to go take a shower and change before the early meal. He was glad Snape had suggested an extra change of clothes. His new parent thought of everything.

By the time Harry got there, everyone was sitting at the table. Snape had left a spot between himself and Sirius, and Harry thought that was amazing. He sat down with a grin. Sirius patted him on the head like a puppy, and Snape squeezed his shoulder. Harry wasn't sure when he had ever felt happier. He didn't know how his life really changed so much in under a week, but he was grateful to both of them for setting aside their differences.

The meal was steak and kidney pie, and Harry ate a lot. Snape gave him an approving glance, then scooped a pile of green beans onto his plate. Harry grinned and swallowed a large mouthful of them. They were swathed in butter and delicious. The truth was Harry was not a picky eater. He knew what it was like to be hungry far too often.

After dinner, the children trudged upstairs. They didn't make it all the way up the first flight before Harry, Hermione, Ron, and Ginny turned around at raised voices. It was Fred and George arguing with Mrs. Weasley.

"We should be able to stay," one twin said vehemently.

"We're seventeen, Mum!" the other added loudly.

"Absolutely not," Mrs. Weasley said with steel in her voice.

"Upstairs, Boys," Mr. Weasley added in a tone Harry had hardly heard him use.

Harry could hardly blame them. He saw Snape come around the corner from behind the twins and give Harry a look that said he had better not follow suit in making arguments. He nodded. There was no way he was going to make a scene like this. It made his skin crawl. He cared about the Weasleys, and he felt for the twins. He didn't want to take a side.

"Upstairs," Mrs. Weasley said, "NOW!"

No one moved. Hermione grabbed Ron's sleeve, trying to get him to go up so they wouldn't be witness to a family quarrel. Harry wanted to go too, but he was rooted on the spot. His eyes met Snape's again, and the man gestured with his head for Harry to go. He turned and practically ran up the stairs. He wasn't going to disobey Snape when his guardian had that look on his face. It might have been more directed at Fred and George than him, but he wasn't going to test it.

They all stayed huddled at the top of the stairs, just out of sight. A few minutes later, a highly disgruntled Fred and George appeared. They saw the others there, and their eyes glinted.

"Don't worry," Fred said.

"No," Hermione told him in a loud whisper. "You got caught last time! If Snape catches you, Harry will get in awful trouble."

"Catches them at what?" Harry asked. He already knew, though.

George reached into his pocket. At the same time, Fred reached into his. They looked determined.

"We have enough for everyone," George said. "I am not missing out on this meeting. You shouldn't either, Harry. It's about you! Don't you want to know what's going on?"

"Are you sure they didn't find some way to block those after Snape caught you last time?" Harry asked.

"Not likely," Fred said. "We made improvements."

Great, there went the excuse. Harry remembered the essay he was supposed to be writing about not taking part in things, and that was just what he was about to do. On the other hand, a fireworks display was not an Order meeting. He did want to know what was happening down there.

"Let's see if it works," he said.

Fred and George handed out five pairs of Extendable Ears. Harry thought they looked like disgusting versions of Muggle hearing aids with strings. The flesh-colored strings wriggled on their own like long works stretching longer and longer. Harry watched in horrid fascination.

At first, he could hear nothing, then he suddenly heard a voice he did not recognize as if he was talking in the same room.

"… guard it. After all, You-Know-Who isn't going to just give up because he can't waltz right in and take it himself, or because we post a guard there."

"True," Remus said. "However, only Harry or He can remove it, as you are aware. So, he can't send someone else."

"He can bloody well send one of his minions on reconnaissance, as he has been doing," a voice Harry recognized as Moody growled. "The guard might catch someone useful."

"They're all stooges and imperiused Ministry officials," Snape scoffed. "He is going to get more desperate, however."

The room was quiet for a moment. Harry hard some shuffling, as if someone had stood.

"As you all know," Dumbledore spoke, "we have had to make some changes this summer as a result of …unforeseen circumstances. Severus will no longer be our deep-cover agent. We have a contingency plan, however, and it is already taking shape."

"Is this contingency as good as the original plan or an emergency because everything went to Hell?" someone complained.

"This is a legitimate contingency plan," Snape snapped. "It has been in place almost as long as I have been undercover. Half of you don't trust me anyway, so I wouldn't whine about it if I were you. I am still just as much use to the Order in my new role."

"Your new role training Potter?" Moody grunted. "You'd better keep that boy alive. He's our only hope."

"Nonsense," Snape said," but I can assure you that I plan to do just that."