Chapter 7:
The Order of the Phoenix
"I don't care! Regardless of what the letter said, we have to get back home. If we stay, our wands are as good as gone!" Oliver exclaimed.
Cedric slowly nodded his head. "You're right. But, we don't want to make matters worse either."
"Katherine will do everything in her power to help us. If we get home, she can try to contact Dumbledore."
"If mum can do anything..."
"Ced, you and I are not underage. We have a better chance of proving we were attacked. We can testify that Harry only showed us how to generate a patronus. Without his magic, all of us could have been killed."
"I agree. But, Harry and I both have a history with the Ministry. You read the papers. All summer long, Fudge has been trying to discredit our story. Even if you and I testify, it's highly unlikely the court will believe me."
"True. But, they will have to listen to my account of what happened tonight. I wasn't at Hogwarts last year. I wasn't in the tournament. I can vouch for both of you," Oliver delineated, as a thought crossed his mind.
"Oli?" Cedric asked, as Oliver's expression completely changed.
"As long as my mother doesn't interfere, they'll listen to me," he solemnly spoke. "But knowing her, she most likely will try to twist my words."
"Oliver, I know you and your mother have had many differences. But, we're in the middle of a major crises. She's got to take your side. He stood as well, and walked towards the window where Oliver was standing. "I know she won't let you face Fudge alone," Cedric assured, touching both his shoulders.
"I hope you're right," Oliver sighed.
Hearing all this made Harry feel completely out of place. He had only once briefly met Oliver's mother, during the Quidditch World Cup. He didn't think much of it then, but he did recall Oliver acting very trepidatious around her. Was she really as bad as he claimed? "Oliver? Is she really that heartless? I mean, I only met her once. But, she seemed pleasant."
Oliver rolled his eyes. "She's good at that, Harry. She may act like she gives a damn, but she's not a good woman. Caldora Wood is one of the most ruthless witches in the Ministry!"
"She works for Fudge!?" Harry blurted, flabbergasted by this revelation.
"Aye. She's usually Fudge's right hand. Mum obliges his every whim. Ask Cedric. He knows her all too well."
Cedric sighed, glancing at Oliver then at Harry. "I stayed with Oliver for a few summers. His mother was never around that much. We mostly had the place to ourselves. However, when Caldora did return home, she always had a churlish disposition. She was very insensitive towards Oliver and I."
"Did she...know about you two?" Harry asked.
Cedric and Oliver exchanged glances. "Yes. She did," Oliver replied. "But, that wasn't why she was crass with us. Mum never thought I would meet her bloody high standards. I was never the top student in my classes. Quidditch was my only passion. She just never grasped that concept. At first, she thought Cedric would help my marks improve, and he did! But, they just didn't meet her expectations."
"That's completely unfair! You're the best Quidditch player Hogwarts ever had!" Harry stammered, in a defensive tone. "I would imagine she'd be proud of that."
"The woman is hard to understand. But, I still think she'll listen to us now," Cedric stated, as Oliver slightly laughed. "Oliver, it doesn't matter what she thinks. We love you for being yourself. You should never feel you have to change for her!"
Oliver turned his gaze to meet Cedric and smiled. "That's why I love you, Ced. You always put things into perspective for me. You're so optimistic."
"Which is something you need right now," Cedric remarked. "If we didn't use magic, we'd be dead right now. I highly doubt your mother would want that."
"We can always hope." Oliver smirked.
"Oliver, be positive. She's not a devil. I know she loves you." He brushed his nose against Oliver's cheek, before touching his hand; lacing their fingers together.
Oliver managed to slightly smile. Regardless of their predicament, Cedric never failed to lift his spirits.
Harry felt his heart break, as he watched their hands touch. Only an hour ago, Cedric's fingers were intertwined with his. Now, his focus was all on Oliver. But, this wasn't the time to be selfish. Oliver definitely needed someone to comfort him, and Cedric was just that person. Besides, he was Oliver's friend as well. He was just as angry at Caldora. She had no right to berate her son. "I'll tell my aunt we're leaving," Harry spoke, getting off his bed. Before he closed his bedroom door, he got one last glance of them standing by the window.
When Harry reached the bottom of the stairs, he heard a booming voice coming from the den. He recognised it immediately. Albus Dumbledore! Harry peered into the room, and saw his aunt watching the howler levitating in front of her. Once the voice stopped, the howler instantly shriveled into a million pieces. Harry couldn't believe Dumbledore felt the need to again inform Petunia of the dangers having him around brought. Harry was fifteen now. Good God! His aunt clearly already knew about the dangers of the magical world. Why would Dumbledore reiterate the same message? "Aunt Petunia?"
His aunt turned to meet his gaze.
"I'm sorry about that howler. Professor Dumbledore is just concerned about the attack."
"Yes, I know!" She huffed, still agitated by Albus's blatant howler. "The old man seems to be under the impression Lily told me nothing of her world. I certainly don't need him to tell me about Voldemort or his Death Eaters. But, I digress. Is there something you need?"
Harry was stunned. His aunt never once asked him if he required anything. Though she was clearly upset, her tone with him was calm. He almost felt like she genuinely cared about him.
"No. No, sorry. I only came to tell you we're leaving."
"Are you sure that's wise? Seeing as how you've been summoned to court."
"Which is why Cedric and Oliver want to go now. They don't want to wait here, so we can be treated like a group of criminals."
"You only used magic to repel those beasts. That's hardly a crime!"
"Exactly. Which is why I can't believe someone saw us perform the patronus. If they were there, why didn't they do something?"
"I wish I knew, Harry. But, I'm grateful to you and your friends. Dudley is feeling better."
"I'm glad to hear it."
"One more thing. Albus also informed me that he would keep me posted on the Minister's decision, regarding your expulsion."
Harry sighed heavily. He still couldn't grasp the fact he may never be allowed back into Hogwarts. "Cedric and Oliver will testify in my behalf. I'm sure I'll be able to go to school this year. But, if I'm not able to go back, will I be able to come back here?" He nervously looked at his aunt. "If not, I'm sure I can stay with Cedric."
Cedric? Petunia could see she was right. Harry was very close to Cedric. Ever since she met him, she could see the way Harry looked at him. Now, she knew why Harry chose to stay with him during the summer. This was her dream come true! Harry could finally leave her house. She would be free from hosting him during the summer. However, a part of her didn't want Harry to leave. As strange as it seemed, without him, Petunia would feel a void. One she knew she wouldn't be able to fill. Perhaps it was due to Albus's letter? Or, perhaps she was actually starting to grow fond of her nephew? Either way, she knew she could never turn him away. "You're welcome here, Harry," she reaffirmed. "I agreed to watch over you. I'm not going to change my decision."
Harry was once again shocked by her response. Though he could see she was apprehensive about the concept of having him around, he could tell she was being honest. "Thank you," he replied, as they saw Cedric walking into the den.
"Ready to go, Harry?" he asked, wrapping his arm around him.
"Yeah..." Harry smiled, looking up at him. "I'm ready, Ced." There was just something about the way Cedric was holding him. Harry felt utterly safe in his arms. As though the older boy wouldn't let anything harm him.
"How long have you been together?" Petunia asked, starring at them.
Harry's face flushed, as he met his aunt's gaze. After this whole dementor incident, he never once thought his aunt would notice he was involved with Cedric.
"Since the end of the school year. Though, Harry and I had been close all year long," Cedric replied, taking Harry's hand.
Much to Harry's surprise, Petunia gave them a slight smile. "Well, I'm happy you have each other." She then glanced past them to see Oliver in the hallway. "I think Oliver is ready to go as well. You best be on your way then."
Something inside Harry made him wave at her, as he and Cedric followed Oliver outside. He didn't care if she waved back. For the first time, he had been able to find common ground with his aunt. She finally treated him like a human being. So, it would be unkind of him to leave without that kind gesture.
Petunia gave a quick wave, then shut the door.
"All right," Oliver spoke, taking Harry's hand. "Ready?"
Harry gulped, knowing they were about to apparate. Harry knew he'd soon feel as though he lost his organs.
Cedric took his other hand and kissed his cheek. "Don't worry, Harry. It'll be fine."
Harry couldn't help but feel more confident. There was just something about Cedric that was therapeutic.
A second later, they vanished. Harry could feel his skin literally crawling, as they flew through the air. But, he remained calm and held both their hands tightly. Within a few minutes, they stopped and found themselves back in the country.
Harry opened his eyes and saw they were in Cedric's front yard. His gaze then treaded off towards the lake, where they had swam most of the summer. Those happy times now seemed like a distant dream. He started to turn back towards the house, just as the front door swung open.
"Cedric Felix Mayfield-Diggory!" Katherine screeched. "Do you know how much hot water you're in!?"
Harry was stunned. He knew Mrs. Diggory would be upset, but he never thought it would be to this extent. Her manic eyes reminded of him of the expression Aunt Petunia used to have when his teacher gave him a higher mark than Dudley.
"Yes, mum. We all do." Cedric replied, turning to face Harry and Oliver. "It's all my fault."
"No!" Oliver blurted. "Ced, you didn't do a thing. Mrs. Diggory, I planned for us to apparate. Cedric tried to talk me out of it. But..."
"Oli, no! Mum, don't listen to him!"
Katherine sighed heavily. "I'm afraid it doesn't matter who is at fault. The Minister has accused all of you for unlawfully using magic in the muggle world."
"Which is absurd! Mum, the dementors were about to kill us! We had to do something!"
"Oh, I know, love," she cried, pulling him into a tight embrace.
"Mum..." Cedric moaned, struggling to breathe. "I'm fine. Oliver and I drove them away. It was all thanks to Harry."
Harry gulped, feeling undeserving of such a remark. "They were brilliant! I just wish none of this happened."
"You can't blame yourself," Oliver stated, wrapping his arm around him.
"Oliver's right, Harry," Cedric reassured, glancing at them. "Mum, you have friends in the ministry. They could help us. We have to defend ourselves against Fudge's ridiculous charges."
"I'll do my best. But, I'm afraid this is out of my hands," she solemnly replied, touching Cedric's face. "That reminds me, you were supposed to stay in Surrey. Delegates from the ministry were on their way there."
"Mum, we didn't want to lose our wands! If we stayed, the aurors would have destroyed them."
"I know. I just hope Cornelius listens to reason. I'd best inform Alastor you're here."
"Moody? He's part of this?" Harry bellowed.
"He works for the ministry, Harry."
"God! It seems like everybody knows what's happening but us!" Oliver scoffed, as he, Cedric and Harry each shared annoyed glances.
"Oh, if only you waited!" Katherine huffed.
"Waited?" Cedric asked.
"Right after you left, I received an owl from Albus Dumbledore. He told me Harry's house was under surveillance by a woman named Figg. If the dementors got close, she'd inform him and he would inform the Order."
"The Order? Mum, what do you mean?"
"The Order of the Phoenix, dear. It's a secret organisation that Dumbledore formed."
"Why are we just learning this now?" Harry quipped. "All summer, it appeared as though he didn't give a damn about any of the attacks. Now, you're telling us Dumbledore created a secret order to handle Voldemort?"
"You have every right to be angry. I only learned of it when I read his letter; which was right after you left."
"Mum, did you know where we were going?"
"No. I had to learn that information from the owl the ministry sent me!" she scoffed. "Oh, Cedric, why didn't you tell me?"
"We didn't want to worry you. Mum, I'm so sorry!" Cedric exclaimed, as tears formed in both their eyes. He wrapped his arms around her, burying his head in her shoulder.
Harry couldn't take it anymore! He couldn't bear to see Cedric and Oliver suffering because they chose to help him. This was all his fault. It was because of his brash choice this was happening! "Mrs. Diggory, I'm the reason they left without breathing a word. I'm the one who wanted to warn my aunt about the dementors. Please don't be angry with Cedric or Oliver. They've been true friends. They don't deserve any of this!"
"Harry..." Cedric sighed, walking towards him. "Your heart was in the right place. You just wanted to help. You can hardly call that a crime."
"Oh well, fretting over it won't help anyone now!" Katherine exclaimed. "Which reminds me, I must contact Caldora as well."
"Oh, bloody hell!" Oliver shrieked. "Why get my mother involved? I can guarantee she won't lift a finger to help us."
"Oliver, I've got to at least try. I know she can be hard to approach, but Fudge will listen to her. Now, I think a spot of tea is in order." Katherine beckoned them to follow her into the house, towards the parlour. Cedric took Harry's hand and they walked inside the house.
A half an hour later, none of the boys found their tea to be very comforting. Sitting on the couch across from the other boys, Harry took a few sips of his beverage. Cedric and Oliver just sat in complete silence; not even touching their cups.
Why did this have to happen to them!? Why the hell was Dumbledore ignoring them? "Cedric. Oliver. I'm sorry," Harry spoke, breaking the silence. "I don't know why Dumbledore did this. Making us believe he had no defense against Fudge or the ministry. God! Why did I have to go there!?"
"Harry, we wanted help you. This isn't your fault," Oliver replied.
"But, it's because of me, we're on trial. Now, we have to deal with Fudge and your mother."
"Harry, we can handle them. I'm not ecstatic about it, but I know we can fight them. The ministry won't get away with these appalling charges!"
Harry knew he was right, yet still shrieked in anger. He was just beyond frustrated with Dumbledore, the ministry and everything that had happened this evening. Sitting back on the couch, Harry took his glasses off and covered his face with his hands; trying to control his tears.
"It's all right," Cedric softly spoke, sitting next to him; as he pulled Harry into a tight embrace.
He gladly welcomed his embrace, and wrapped his arms around Cedric. When they broke apart, Harry noticed Cedric's shirt was now soaked with his tears. Though he was embarrassed, Harry couldn't help but laugh. "Ced, I'm sorry."
"Don't be. I can easily change," he laughed, glancing at his wet shirt. "In fact, your tears are kind of refreshing. The room is a bit warm."
Oliver started to slightly laugh. He tried to stop, but Cedric's remark was just too hilarious. He soon burst into laughter.
"There's that smile I know," Cedric remarked, starring at the older boy. "Who would have thought a wet shirt would make us laugh?"
"No one but you could make that happen, Ced," Oliver remarked, still laughing; as Harry put on his glasses.
Just then, they heard a roar from the fireplaces. Green fire appeared then dissolved into the form of Alastor Moody.
"Alastor, I'm glad you're here," Katherine sighed, entering the parlour.
"The Order wants to see them now," the mad-eyed man snarled, glancing at Harry. "Nymphadora and Kingsley will be arriving shortly."
"The Order?" Oliver huffed. "As if they can do anything to help us now."
"If your Order is meant to stop Voldemort, why the hell didn't you do anything about the dementors!?" Harry quipped, glaring at Moody. "We could have died, and nobody seemed to give a damn!"
"You should have been more patient, Potter!" He icily hissed.
"Don't blame Harry for this!" Cedric exclaimed. "He was only trying to help!"
"That may be. But, you two shouldn't have enabled him to leave!"
"He's our friend! You think we wouldn't want to help him? We were given the impression we were the only ones that could do something. Since neither you or the ministry did absolutely nothing to stop the dementors from attacking anything in their sight!" Oliver blurted, now sitting next to Cedric and Harry.
Another roar came from the fireplace. Then, Nymphadora Tonks and Kingsley Shacklebolt stepped into the room.
"Dumbledore isn't that intelligent. He should have told us what the hell he was planning! Harry and I saw Voldemort. We almost died! Yet, we weren't privy to any of his alleged plans to stop that bastard!" Cedric stammered.
"You should have been told sooner," Tonks replied. "I wanted to send you an owl as soon as we were told Harry would be staying here for the summer. Albus thought it best not to worry you. He wanted to wait till closer to the start of the school year."
"He didn't even lift a finger to stop the dementors," Harry scoffed, looking at her.
"He was too afraid Fudge would suspect him of betraying the ministry. That prat has been spying on Dumbledore since you left Hogwarts. If he received word of the Order, Albus would he arrested; along with the rest of us."
"He still has no valid reason for not contacting us."
"You're right, Harry. Anyway, we best get all of you to the Order. They're holding a meeting tonight. Go pack your things."
"Why? Ced and I may be expelled from Hogwarts. I might as well keep my things here. Or, send them to my aunt," Harry sighed.
"Harry is welcome to stay here, if need be," Katherine interjected. "It might be safer for him here than having him sent home."
"If it comes to that, I thank you for your hospitality," Kingsley smiled. "However, it's our hope that both Cedric and Harry are able to return to Hogwarts this year."
"Which is why we need to think of a defense for them!" Alastor bellowed. "Now, get your things! We have to leave within the hour."
"Leave? Where are you taking us?" Harry asked.
"Islington. 12 Grimmauld Place to be exact," Tonks stated, giving Harry a quick smile.
Harry shrugged, not knowing why she was smiling. He had no knowledge of that part of London. Or that address.
"The trial isn't till the twelfth. Why should we be forced to leave?" Oliver blurted, glaring at Moody.
"Because, you'll be safer with the Order. Fudge has spies everywhere. This house isn't safe," Tonks explicated.
"We'll head upstairs then," Cedric replied, pulling Oliver towards the stairs. He reluctantly followed, as they ascended the stairs, behind Harry.
As Harry opened Cedric's bedroom door, he heard a fluttering sound coming from the window. "Hedwig!" He gasped, racing towards her cage. "I'm sorry I've been gone so long. I didn't mean to leave you alone," he sighed, opening her cage. The snow white owl instantly flew out of the cage and perched herself on his arm. Harry smiled; softly stroked her wings. "We'll be together now though. We're going to London, then hopefully back to Hogwarts. If we can survive the trial." Hedwig starred into Harry's eyes, then stretched out her wings and shook them. As if she knew the hardship Harry would soon be facing. Harry then gently set her back in her cage, then started to pack his clothes. Once he was finished, he glanced around the large room. Even if things had gone differently, he'd still hate leaving this room. Sharing a room with Cedric had been the highlight of his whole summer. He would never forget their long chats at night. Or, the times they snuck out with Oliver and used the Floo network to go to Hogsmeade. It would always be his happiest summer.
"How's it going?" Cedric asked, entering the room.
Harry turned and smiled. "I'm done. All packed and ready to...leave."
"Harry, you act as though you're leaving forever. I promise you'll be able to stay here again. Mum is very fond of you. She likes you almost as much as I do," he winked, taking Harry's hand in his.
"I just don't want you or Oliver to suffer. Even if we can prove we're innocent, this trial could effect our lives at Hogwarts and his life at Puddlemore."
"So what?" Cedric shrugged. "The three of us will find a way to get through it. I know Quidditch is his passion, but Puddlemore isn't the only establishment."
"He shouldn't be forced to leave it because of me."
"Harry, it's just a game. Even Oliver knows that. He may relish in the sport, but he can walk away. You're our friend! You're much more important than a silly broomstick game."
Harry immediately burst into laughter. "If Oliver were here, you'd pay for that."
"Oh, I can handle him, babe. He likes to act tough, but he has a soft heart."
"Ced, I'm sorry I was jealous of him. For practically the entire summer. I was being petty. Oliver and you have a history. I shouldn't be envious of that."
"Harry, it's fine. I don't blame you. I wanted to tell you sooner, but I didn't know Oliver was also visiting for the summer. I can only imagine how awkward you felt. I know he definitely did. But, I want you to know I love you. Nothing is going to change that."
"How can you be so perfect?" Harry asked, feeling a smile growing on his face.
"It's a gift," Cedric laughed. "But, you're the one who is perfect, Harry."
"How am I perfect?" Harry chuckled.
"You're perfectly you. Genuine, gorgeous, and just beautiful."
"Thanks. But, I wouldn't say that. You're the one who's beautiful, Ced. Perfect, gorgeous, and sexy!" Harry winked, beaming a naughty smile.
"Sexy?" Cedric smirked, pulling Harry close to him. "Are you sure I deserve such praise?"
"Excuse me, you're Cedric Diggory! You deserve it, babe," Harry smirked, as their lips met.
Both placed their hands on the back of each other's head, as their kisses became more passionate. After a few minutes, they drew apart gasping for air. "We'd best not leave Oliver alone for too long," Cedric remarked, as he started to fill his own suitcases. Once he finished, he headed to the guest room and saw Oliver was still sitting on the bed. "Oliver? You ready?"
"No," he sighed. "But, since we have no choice, I'm as ready as I'll ever be."
"Oli, we're in this together. You're not alone," Cedric reassured, as their eyes met.
Oliver smiled. "Together."
Harry waited for them to exit the guest room. Once he saw them, he started down the stairs. "I'll have to come back for Hedwig. I can't manage her and my suitcases."
"No worries, I'll carry her. Oliver, can you..." Before he could say another word, all their suitcases were levitated, then sent flying down the stairs. The sight caused Hedwig to screech loudly.
"It's all right," Harry calmly spoke, doing his best to calm her. "She's not one for surprises. Little things frighten her."
"Oliver! What was that all about?" Cedric quipped.
"Might as well make use of our wands, while we still have them," he smirked.
"Very funny," Cedric scoffed, as they headed down the stairs.
"I see you chose the shortcut," Tonks sniggered. "Don't worry. We'll take custody of your belongings. All you have to do is ride with us."
"You'll be riding your brooms this time," Moody stated.
"I have them!" Katherine informed, holding out three brooms.
"Katherine, you'll need to come along as well. He'll want to speak with you," Tonks informed.
Katherine nodded, as Harry mounted his broom alongside Cedric and Oliver. Once she, Tonks, Kingsley and Moody started to ascend, they followed suit. They zoomed through the night sky, then eventually through the streets of London. They landed on a dark, desolate street. Each house were lit and you could see people having their early breakfast.
Harry glanced at each address. He counted: 10, 11 and 13. There was no 12! He was about to ask them why 12 wasn't there, when Moody tapped his rod against the pavement. The houses began to spilt apart, unbeknownst to the muggles. Harry watched in awe, as a dark house appeared in-between the others. Harry then noticed its address, number 12.
"Inside now! Quickly!" Moody ordered. Everyone immediately walked up the stairs and Moody opened the door.
As soon as Harry walked inside the foyer, he was bear-hugged by Hermione.
"Harry! Thank goodness you're all right!"
"Y…yeah," he shakily replied, embracing her as well. "It's good to see you, Hermione.
"How long have you been here?" Cedric asked.
"Since yesterday. Ron sent me an owl that I was asked to come here. He also told me about the dementor attack."
"That's just great! Here we survived the attack, and we're quite literally the last to know anything about this Order!" Oliver quipped.
"I had no idea you hadn't been told about the Order," Hermione sighed, turning her gaze towards Oliver. "I feel just awful about what happened!"
"It's not your fault," Harry reassured, as Tonks, Moody and Kingsley walked down the hallway, towards the drawing room. A moment later, Molly Weasley came into the hallway.
"Harry!" Molly Weasley beamed, walking towards him. She wrapped her arms around him, then glanced at Cedric and Oliver. "I'm so glad all of you are safe! When we heard about the attack in Surrey, we feared the worst." Molly then saw Katherine enter the house, along with Tonks and Kingsley. "Ah, Katherine! It's so good to see you again."
"It's nice to see you as well, Molly," she replied, as they embraced.
Harry could definitely see the difference in height between them. Katherine was several inches taller than Molly.
"I expect everyone is here for the meeting."
"Yes. Everyone is in the drawing room. Sirius thought it best we meet in there."
"Sirius!?" Harry gasped. "He's here!"
"Harry," a voice spoke.
Harry quickly turned to see Sirius standing right outside the drawing room. He definitely looked healthier than he had the last time he saw him. But, Sirius still looked frail and his face was scarred. He walked down the stairs and opened his arms. Harry immediately flew straight into them, embracing him tightly.
"I know you've been through a horrific experience. I'm sorry."
"Why didn't you send word you were here?" Harry asked.
"The damn Ministry might have intercepted my letter. Believe me Harry, I wanted to contact you as soon as you left Hogwarts. But, I was forced to remain silent. Anyway, you're here now, that's what matters," he smiled, glancing at Cedric and Oliver.
"This ought to be enlightening," Oliver scoffed, as they walked into the drawing room.