IWSC Summer Camp Round 4

Cabin: Weasley

WC:1151

Task: Board Games

Harry sat in the park waiting for Remus to arrive for their daily chat. They had started this routine at the start of the Holidays because Remus was concerned Harry might slip into a depression after Dumbledore's death in May. Remus also knew Harry would be leaving the Dursleys for the last time. Harry had been thinking the previous night about Snape and wondered if the Order was really the safest and the best people to escort him away from his horrid relatives. An idea had struck him at that point, now all he had to do was convince Remus to go along with it. He wished he had a better sense for chess to come up with better strategies.

"Hey, cub," Remus smiled as he approached Harry from behind.

"Hi, Moony," Harry gave him a weak smile.

"Missing your redhead already?" chuckled Remus as he sat down.

"Well, yes, but…" he trailed off.

"What is it, Harry?" Remus asked, looking concerned.

"When was the plan to move me made? Before or after Snape turned on us?" Harry asked.

"Before…" Remus stopped. He looked around quickly. "We need to change our plans."

"My thoughts exactly," Harry nodded. "If losing to Ron in chess has taught me anything, it's how to think. So, I was thinking, since I'm all packed, ready to go, that I stay with you or at headquarters until the day I'm supposed to go to the Burrow."

"That…" Remus paused. He looked over Harry's shoulder to the place he knew Tonks was hiding. "That's actually a good plan." He stood, placing a hand on Harry's shoulder. "Stay here. I'll be back in a few minutes."

Harry watched as Remus hurried toward Mrs. Figg's house. He was glad it hadn't taken much to convince Remus of the need to change things. Harry just hoped the Order would see reason as well. He felt Tonks pat his back from under her invisibility cloak. It was only ten minutes before Remus returned.

"Let's go," was all Remus said as he motioned for Harry to follow.

Harry followed Remus back to the Dursleys house. It was a tense discussion, but Harry and Remus finally got Uncle Vernon to agree to leave that night. Uncle Vernon didn't have much to say in his final farewell to Harry, and Harry didn't push the man. Aunt Petunia prattled off a platitude about losing a sister, but Harry had to wonder if she really meant it, after everything she and her family had put Harry through over the years. It was Dudley, however that surprised Harry by offering his hand in friendship.

After the Dursleys were driving down the street, Remus shrunk Harry's trunk and Hedwig's cage. Harry put them into his pocket before taking Remus' arm with a nod. Landing heavily on a stone walkway, Harry looked around to see where they were. He was slightly taken aback to see Tonks' parents' house. Harry gave Remus a quizzical look.

"She's family," the werewolf shrugged. "Yes, she's Dora's mother, but she is also Sirius' cousin."

"Oh," was all Harry could manage.

Harry spent a pleasant two days with the Tonks and Remus. The first night he was there, Dora had an announcement that sent everyone into a happy frenzy. Dora was pregnant! Harry had to talk some sense into a shocked, terrified Remus, but with the help of Dora's parents, they sorted him out. Harry hugged Andromeda in thanks for the place to stay. She had told him he was family, and would never be refused for a place to stay. Her husband, Ted agreed as he shook Harry's hand before he left with Remus to the Burrow.

They arrived at a line of wands pointed at them. Remus gently pulled Harry slightly behind him. Kingsley Shacklebolt asked Remus his security question, then relaxed slightly. Ron stepped forward. Harry could see Ginny standing behind her father with a sly smile on her face.

"What was your answer to my question about Ginny last term?" Ron asked with a wicked gleam in his eyes.

Harry gulped. Only Ron would find a way to embarrass him and make his sister squirm. "She has nice skin."

"Hey, mate," Ron dropped his wand as a bush brown missile shot out from behind him to collide with Harry. Harry really didn't notice. His eyes were on Ginny. Her eyes were wide, mouth agape, and as red as her hair. Ron hugged Harry at that point, blocking his view.

"Well, come on, then," Molly guided Harry into the house after a bone-crushing hug. Harry looked around for Ginny, but she had disappeared and so had Hermione. "You boys sit and catch up; I'll get dinner ready. Now, where did those girls get off to?"

Harry could only shrug as Ron pulled out his Wizard's chess set. Ron sat opposite him with a confused look. He could see the mortification in Harry's eyes.

"What's up, mate?" Ron asked, clueless as usual.

"Ginny was standing behind you when asked that," Harry grumbled, quietly.

"Oh," Ron shrugged but looked apologetic when Harry glared at him. "But I thought you two…"

"We did, Ron," Harry frowned at him. "Doesn't mean I want her or anyone else to hear that."

"Oh…uh… Sorry, mate," Ron apologized as he looked down.

"Ron, can I ask you something?" Harry wondered. Ron nodded as he looked up. "How can someone so good at chess continually stick their foot in their mouth at every turn?"

Ron thought for a minute. "I don't know."

"See, if you stop and think for a second, it doesn't happen," Harry pointed to him. "Listen, what I mean to say is: why don't you try looking at life and everything as if it's one big chess game." Harry leaned closer, lowering his voice further. "Because that's what we need, Ron. That's what I need to beat this madman."

Ron sat in thought for a minute. Harry looked over his shoulder to see Ginny and Hermione come down the stairs. Hermione waved but turned toward the kitchen. Ginny paused, glanced over her shoulder before meeting his eyes, and blowing him a quick kiss. Harry twitched his lips, half-winking his eye at her. Ginny smiled before turning to the kitchen to help her mother with dinner.

"You're right, Harry," Ron nodded as he looked up. "I need to start doing that."

"Good," Harry grinned. "Now, instead of murdering me at chess, how about you teach me some tactics and strategies that we can use elsewhere?"

"That would be a good idea, huh?" asked Ron with a contorted face. "In case we get separated somehow"

"Now, you're thinking," Harry nodded with a smile.