AN: just to clear up a few things, 1. Voldermort learned about horcruxes from Slugghorn, who knew about it from other sources. Assuming that since people know about them, there must be mentions of them in books, especially about the first person to use them. How else would everyone remember something like that important piece of history throughout the ages? Even slight, insignificant references can help. Footnotes are often the best places to find information. Also, just because there were no books on them in the Hogwarts library doesn't mean that they weren't removed or that places like Knockturn alley wouldn't have them. 2. Yes, Ron doesn't have money, but Harry does. Besides, the place was in need of repair before so it was cheap. 3. Transfiguration doesn't last forever, but Molly Weasley's household decorating charms do. Did I forget anything?
By the time lunch had rolled around Harry, Ron, and Ginny found themselves seated at the kitchen table of the Burrow with the Weasley matriarch lording over them with a wooden spoon. Rapping each of the boys on the head she started in on one of her rants. Pity Fred and George were there, but neither was creating a distraction. They knew when to stay out of things and just sat snickering on the stairs.
"But mum," said Ron, attempting to get a word in edgewise, he failed.
"Now you listen here Ronald. What you two did was irresponsible, thoughtless, and downright rude. Your father and I didn't raise you like that and you know better. You could have been killed or taken. What were you thinking? And you're a prefect. Your father and I are very disappointed in you Ronald. How could you do this to all of us?"
"Mrs. Weasley, it's my fault too. I was the one who packed our stuff and told Ron we are leaving. If anyone is to blame it is me. We just thought we would come by and let you all know that we're alright and living on our own."
"Nonsense Harry. This isn't your fault. Besides, you always have a place at the Burrow; you don't need to live on your own. It's not safe or sane. Fred, George, go with Ginny and get their things," ordered Molly Weasley, starting to calm down after yelling at her son for 15 minutes straight. Even the family ghoul had come down to see what all the racket was. It was worse than a howler; it was like having one reverberating inside your head. His mum sure knew how to get going and make a bloke feel horrid.
"I left on my own because I wanted to. I'm tired of everyone getting hurt because of me. I got us a house and we fixed it up to be a perfect base for us. Mrs. Weasley, not to be mean or rude, but I need a place of my own where I can work on this thing."
"But – but you can't live on your own Harry dear. It's too dangerous. There could be an attack or an accident or some other such tragedy. Here you'll see Order members daily and can help. You don't need to be isolated."
"I've got it!" exclaimed Ginny. "Move Harry's house and attach it to the Burrow. Then he has his own place and no one will be in danger."
Harry looked at Ron who shrugged, and nodded his assent. "I could do that. It would keep everyone safe and allow us to work. Let's see if we can do this tonight or tomorrow. We've already lost half a day of our work."
"Certainly dear. How about tomorrow? I'm sure I Arthur and Remus would be happy to help," said Molly, nervously wringing her hands on her apron before turning around to make them some lunch. She was practically trembling. Harry would never get his house move tomorrow. She hated keeping such a huge secret from him, but it had to be done. It was for the good of the Order. He had a job to do and as much as it pained her, she couldn't keep him here, safe with them.
It was dinner time and Harry, Ron, Ginny, Molly, and Arthur were seated around the table eating away when the back door opened. Remus Lupin walked in and nodded at Arthur and gave them all his greetings. Beckoning him out of the room, Arthur led the way upstairs to his and Molly's room. Soon after they left, Ginny excused herself to get some extra sleep.
Dashing up the rest of the stairs once she was safely out of sight, Ginny ran into Fred and George's old room. She knew they kept a stash of all their products in the closet as a backup in case something happened to their store. Grabbing an extendable ear, she headed to where Lupin was meeting with her dad. There was definitely something up, she could feel it.
"Does he know yet Arthur?"
"No. Molly hasn't told him. Ginny just brought him back today. He had a house and headquarters for him and Ron all set up. They claim they were working on some secret project for Dumbledore there, but we don't know what it is. We can't get in the house, whenever we get near it, it vanishes. It's Hermione's new charm, but she hasn't developed a counter yet."
"How do you think he will take the news?"
"Badly. I honestly think we may have to stun him. As it is, I slipped some of the muggle sleep powder into his mashed potatoes. I'm hoping that'll do it."
"I hope you're right. He'd hate us and it just might be enough to push him away forever," said Remus, sighing.
"Is he here?"
"Outside in the garden."
"I guess now is as good a time as any then. Good luck Remus."
"I think Severus is in need of it more," came the reply, followed by footsteps.
Ginny turned and flew down the stairs. Coming into the kitchen she screamed at Harry. "Run! They're going to take you! Snape's outside-" that was as far as she got before Remus stunned her from behind.
"I'm sorry Molly. It's just a mild one. Ron," he said warningly, training his wand on the young wizard, "sit back down. Ginny is fine, everyone is fine." Right then Harry passed out into his plate and Snape swept in the back door.
"It's about bloody time Lupin. How long does it take for you to render one simpleton unconscious?" snapped the great bat. Seeing Ron, he lazily disarmed him. "It's no wonder your students were dismal at Defense when you are even less competent than they are."
"Well then take him already," snapped the irritated wolf. "If you're so competent then get yourself out of your own mess. If you had done as requested years ago you wouldn't be in this situation now would you?"
"No one's taking Harry anywhere," said Ron, placing himself between Harry and Snape. "Least of all you. You filthy death eater scum. You killed Dumbledore and I won't let you do the same to Harry." Whirling, he grabbed Ginny's wand and cast a hex at Snape.
"Oh honestly Arthur, is it too much to ask for you to be able to control one of those things you call children," sneered Snape from behind his shield.
"Ron," said Arthur Weasley, rubbing his hands over his face, "sit down. Harry is going with Severus to a safe house for the Order. We'll be going to a safe house in a day or two."
Unsure Ron hesitated and lowered his wand a fraction. It was all the opening Severus needed, and Ron soon found himself hanging from his ankle wandless. "You bloody bastard put me down!" roared Ron, turning violently red.
Smirking, Severus just levitated Harry's prone form out the door and into the garden. Those able to followed and said their goodbyes. Soon Harry and Severus were being squeezed as if they were going through a tight tube and with a final 'pop' they vanished.