A/N: Hi.

Now, on with the chapter! (LOL! XD)

Dumbledore sighed, and began pacing again.

Something didn't feel right, but he couldn't put his finger on it. He hadn't received any news from Harry. But, that was supposed to be good, wasn't it?

He bent over his Pensieve, simply staring into it's swirling depths. He was interrupted from his thoughts by something tapping sharply on his study window. He looked up quickly and rushed over to let the owl in, hoping beyond hope that it was a letter from Harry, at least saying that everything was okay. He almost sighed with disappointment when he saw Mrs. Weasley's loopy handwriting on the envelope, although he let himself hope that she was writing because of Harry. He opened the letter carefully, straightened his spectacles, and began to read.

We would like to invite you to:

Bill Weasley and Fleur Delacour's Wedding

To be held on: August 1st, 1997

At: The Burrow ...

It was just an invitation. He supposed he should have felt happy for the couple, after all, the world needed a little more love in times like these. However, he had to help Professor McGonagall deliver the last of the Hogwarts letters on that day, so he would be unable to attend. He quickly wrote a letter explaining this, and wishing the couple happiness in advance, and he sent it off with the owl, only to begin pacing once more.

Well, maybe he should go, to check on Harry... Dumbledore shook that idea off. He could check on Harry any time; hadn't Molly said so herself, that he was always welcome for any reason? He sighed and strolled over to the window, staring blankly out at the grounds. He heard a faint chirp and Fawkes landed next to him, landing on his shoulder. Dumbledore stroked him absently, wondering why he was making excuses.

"Harry, dear, take a break now, an owl's just arrived for you," Mrs. Weasley called up the stairs of the Burrow. Harry dropped the dusty rag he was holding and went down to the kitchen, and was greeted by a jumble of aromas; Mrs. Weasley was bustling around, cooking dinner. His gaze moved over to the table, which had a single parchment resting on it. He moved towards it and picked it up.

Harry,

I just wanted to check and make sure that everything is alright. I would assume so, seeing as you haven't sent me a letter stating otherwise, but one can never be too careful... especially in times like these.

Please, Harry, let me know if you have any concerns. I can tell you with full confidence that anything you tell me will not be taken lightly. Even slight twinges from your scar should not be brushed away. Also, if you experience emotions that are inappropriate for any given situation that you may be in, like in the past, please alert me right away.

I trust you to follow this advice, Harry. You are smart; you wouldn't take such things lightly either.

Wishing you well,

Professor Dumbledore

Harry's brow furrowed as he read, and he swallowed nervously. It was as if Dumbledore knew exactly what had happened, and what he had said was 'advice' sounded more like an order. He had no way of knowing, though... or did he? What was more, Dumbledore had stated outright that he TRUSTED Harry, without knowing that Harry had done something that could potentially break that trust.

"Harry?" he heard a voice behind him, making him jump. He turned around to see Mrs. Weasley leaning against the counter, looking at him with a worried expression.

"Yeah?" he asked, wetting his suddenly dry lips.

"I read your letter," she said apologetically. "I had to. I had to check what it was... we have to be careful."

Harry nodded weakly, a sinking feeling inside him. He hadn't even noticed that the letter wasn't in an envelope.

"You didn't write to Professor Dumbledore about your scar, did you?" she asked, the question he had been dreading. He shook his head slowly.

"No... I- I didn't."

Instead of scolding him, as he had expected, she simply gave him an understanding look. "You have to tell him now. I know it may be difficult, and that you don't want to worry him further. But I think he would be more worried by a suspicious lack of activity from your scar. Do you understand?" She cupped her cool hands on his cheek and looked directly into his bright green eyes.

"Yeah," he murmured, avoiding her gaze. She gave him a small smile and pulled him into a tight embrace.

"We've all been so worried about you," she whispered. Harry felt his heart throb; half of him felt guilty, wishing that they never had to feel so worried because of him. The other half wished that it was his own mother hugging him.

Mrs. Weasley released him and gave him another smile. "Now, why don't you head upstairs and reply to Professor Dumbledore. Then, after that, have a little break from working."

"No, it's okay, I'll work," Harry argued. "I want to help-"

"Hush," she scolded, patting him on the shoulder. "You've helped quite enough already. It's not your responsibility. Plus, surely you need to rest, after months in that horrid place."

He sighed, giving into her protectiveness. "Okay..."

"Good," she said, moving away from him and flicking her wand towards the sink, which then turned on to wash some salad. He picked his letter up and trudged upstairs. He was met halfway up by Hermione, coming down holding a pile of laundry.

"Hey, Harry!" she said cheerfully. Then she saw what he was holding. "What is that? Have our Hogwarts letters come already?"

"Er- no," he admitted, trying to step around her, but she moved to block his path.

"What, then?"

"Um, I'll tell you in a minute," he lied. "I, er, have to use the toilet first."

She eyed him warily, but she stepped aside, and he hurried past her before she could object.

Once he was in the bathroom, he closed the door firmly behind him and locked it. Then, he looked at the letter in his hand and made a decision.

He left the letter sitting in the trash can in hundreds of small, burnt pieces.

A/N: I hope that chapter was long enough to please all of you. I am truly very sorry about the long wait; I had writers block, and when I overcame it, I became weighed down with tons of back-to-school prep, and writers block came upon me once more :P

Anyway, I was aiming for a longer chapter, but this seemed like a better place to end it. So, maybe his reply to Dumbles will be in the next chappie... along with more ;)

I will probably update my story Living in a Daydream next, in between working on a new story that I haven't posted yet. For the first time, I'm actually working on multiple chapters BEFORE I post the story, which should lead to more updates (hopefully) and better spaced updates, and also more time to work on new ideas for it and less writers block. SO, basically, I'm hoping this method works better...

Thanks for reading this, and thanks to all my reviewers!

-Breeze