"Our lookouts are keeping a series of simple wards up. Anyone on these streets who happens to glance outside will merely see a nice, peaceful summer night." Said Dumbledore softly. "Harry? Would you like me to handle everything with your relatives? Or would you like to be there when I explain what has happened?"
"I...want to be there." Harry said. "I think I need to be there."
"As you wish. You may leave at any time you wish, though. You do not have to commit to the whole encounter." Said Dumbledore.
"Thank you, sir." Harry said, hands slipping into his pockets. "I'm gonna need to get my things from my room before we leave, though."
"I had guessed you would." Said Dumbledore. "I do not know how long we will be there, but I will try to keep things as calm as possible."
"Good luck." Harry muttered. "You know they're going to blame me for this, right?"
"Most likely, yes." Said Dumbledore. "I will do everything in my power, however, to keep that blame away from you. As, after all, there was nothing you could do."
"There was, though. If I had stayed behind just a bit... If I had just been able to send a Patronus back that way..." Harry whispered.
"We both know how much trouble you would get into if that had happened. Aside from the two I initially got rid of, who knows how many might have been there, just out of range, so to speak? You cannot save everyone, Harry. I am afraid it is something we all have to come to terms with now that Voldemort has returned. Even I know I am incapable of saving everyone. It is not easy, but nobody has ever claimed life was a simple journey." Dumbledore said, looking aside at the Ravenclaw.
"I know. And I'm glad I called you and you got all of those people together. ...Sir? Do you mind me asking a question?"
"By all means."
"Are they members of the Order of the Phoenix?"
Dumbledore's eyebrows raised slightly.
Harry smiled faintly up at him. "Moody." He said.
"Ahh." Dumbledore responded, nodding slowly. "I see. Alastor spoke of the Order, did he? Yes, Harry, they are members of the Order of the Phoenix."
"We both know what I'm thinking. Should I go ahead and say it or do you just want to nix the idea before I ask?" Asked Harry.
"I think you should concentrate on your upcoming year at Hogwarts and let us worry about the war for now, Harry." Dumbledore said.
"Yeah, that's about what I figured you'd say." Harry murmured. "...Sir?"
"Yes, Harry?"
"What would of happened if I had cast my Patronus?"
"Well, you would have received a letter from the Ministry stating you would go on trial for underaged magic." Dumbledore said. "A rather simple process, really, but given that Cornelius would be presiding over the court and the two of you have never had what one would call a friendly relationship..."
"Yeah, no good there. ...It's weird, not feeling that bad. I'm sad I couldn't stop it, but I'm not upset that he'll never beat me up again." Harry said. "...Though I'm sure Vernon will give it the old college try next summer..."
"Not if he knows what is good for him." Said Dumbledore, a slightly hard edge to his voice. "That they have harmed you as much as they have is a testament to how wrong I was to put you there. Sadly, the blood wards must be regenerated every year."
"Which leads me to ask why I even need them. Doubt they would have kept the dementors out." Harry said.
"Perhaps. Perhaps not. But you must understand, Harry - the wards are powerful old magic."
"Yes, but no matter how strong the wards are, they couldn't keep out Voldemort if he came calling personally." Harry said. "I'm begging you, sir - ward the Tonks' house. Or take them someone more safe. I'd worry about her mother being in danger where she is if she remained there."
"Actually, I was planning to ask Andromeda if she would mind the three of you staying somewhere else for the remainder of the summer." Said Dumbledore, his eyes twinkling.
"Really? Where would we go, though?" Asked Harry.
"Somewhere I think you would enjoy." Said Dumbledore. "I will speak it over with the current owner of the location and get his thoughts on the matter. Tomorrow morning, I will call and let you know."
"Sounds like a plan." Harry said. "So... who owns it?"
Dumbledore smiled. "Ah ah, Harry. If I said, it would spoil the surprise."
"You're no fun at all." Said Harry, a faint smile on his own face.
"Well, Harry... here we are." Said Dumbledore, looking up.
Blinking, Harry looked up. "...So we are. Guess I wasn't paying attention."
"A good way to get one's mind off of something is a strong distraction." Said Dumbledore, walking up towards the front door. "Now then, Harry, if you would stand behind both myself and your cousin, I will take the lead. Best not let them have direct access at you as we enter."
"Good plan." Harry said, falling back behind the headmaster. As Dumbledore rang the doorbell to the house, Harry glanced around at the neighborhood. Every two or three houses, he could spot figures moving about on the roofs. 'Order members,' He thought.
Vernon was the one to answer the door. He immediately backpeddled when he saw Dumbledore. "Wh-wh-what are you doing here?! ...Dudley! Let go of my son at once!"
"I am afraid I cannot do that just yet." Said Dumbledore, stepping into the house and motioning for Harry to follow. Vernon was standing again by the time Harry got the door closed. "If you would collect your wife and join us in your living room...?"
"I demand you let my son go!" Vernon roared, his meaty hands balling into fists.
"Oh, shut up and do what he says." Harry muttered darkly.
"Harry." Admonished Dumbledore.
"Don't you tell me what to do!" Vernon said, glaring at Harry.
"Someone has to." Harry said. "Professor, I think I'm going to go get packed up after all. I don't think I'd be able to keep my calm around them right now."
"As you wish, Harry. Now then," Dumbledore said, turning back to Vernon, "Your wife?"
"...Petunia!" Vernon called, glaring daggers at Dumbledore as he shouted.
"What are you making such a racket abo--" Petunia started, coming out from the kitchen with a scowl on her face. She came to a halt when she saw Dumbledore. "...You."
"Me." Said Dumbledore, nodding slightly. "Now then, if you two would follow me into your living room, I can begin explaining what happened to your son."
"Dudley!" Squeaked Petunia, her eyes wide.
Harry watched as Dumbledore stepped into the living room, his aunt and uncle following cautiously behind. Blowing out a sigh, he headed the rest of the way up the stairs and into his room. Looking over at Hedwig as he entered, he said, "Gonna get noisy downstairs soon, girl. I'll let you out to fly so you won't have to listen to it."
Hedwig hooted softly as Harry pushed open the window. Opening the door to the snowy owl's cage, Harry smiled crookedly, "There are friends on the rooftops, Hedwig. They're keeping a safe route open between here and Tonks' house. Go on over there. I'll be back before too long. I hope."
Hedwig nipped gently at Harry's finger before taking flight. Harry watched her fly into the night. Just as she was out of sight, he heard his aunt screech from downstairs. Wincing, he quickly went to stuff all of his belongings into his trunk. Knowing he shouldn't, he had to go see how his relatives were handling the news that their son no longer had his soul.
"--OUTRAGEOUS! YOU GO GET IT BACK RIGHT THIS INSTANT!" Vernon was hollering as Harry stepped into the hall.
"I am afraid it would be impossible." Said Dumbledore, his voice gentle. "Once a dementor feeds, that is the end of it. Your son is still alive, but he will no longer be the same boy you have grown to know."
"Impossible my ass!" Said Vernon, getting to his feet. "I'll sue if you don't!"
"What do you want him to do? Try and extract a digested soul from a magical being that isn't even around anymore?" Asked Harry as he got to the bottom of the stairs. He stepped around and leaned back against them, looking into the living room and at his enraged uncle. "And how the hell do you think you'd sue? You'd be hauled off to a mental institution. 'The magic man wouldn't bring my son's soul back after a soul-eating monster devoured it' wouldn't hold up in any court I know of."
"YOU!" Vernon roared. "It's YOUR fault!"
"MY fault? You're the idiot who made him follow me everywhere when I'd go out!" Harry said, his own voice raising. "If it's anyone's fault, it's your own you god damned tub of lard! Don't you blame me for your own screw-ups! I'm not some little kid you can push around as you see fit anymore!"
"Harry..." Said Dumbledore, glancing over his shoulder.
Vernon passed by the couch, storming towards Harry. "You will not speak to me in such a disrespectful manner any longer, boy!"
"Or you'll do what?" Asked Harry, eyes narrowing. "Try beating me up? The headmaster would hex you into the darkness of the night ten times before you'd get the chance. You can't touch me, you bastard."
Vernon grit his teeth. "You think he's faster than me, do you?"
"A snail is faster than you, Vernon." Harry said, stepping past his uncle.
But Vernon grabbed at the back of his shirt collar and yanked back on it hard, causing Harry to trip backwards. But Harry regained his balance before falling . His eyes were cold when they looked into his uncle's, however.
"If you ever touch me again, I'll kill you." Harry whispered. "Don't forget what I've already threatened to do to you. You think what Dudley got was bad? At least he won't be in pain. If you ever put your filthy hands on me again, I'll make you beg for mercy. Mercy that I would never grant you."
"That is far enough, I think." Dumbledore said, stepping between the two. He looked to Vernon. "Come and sit down."
"You will not order me about in my own damn house!" Vernon yelled. "And if you expect for even a second that we're taking that freak back in any longer, you're out of your mind!"
"We have been over this already." Said Dumbledore, his voice the only calm one in the house at the moment. "Harry must return every summer until he is of age."
"The hell he must!" Vernon snarled. "I'll kill him myself if he steps foot through our door again!"
"Hmph." Came Harry's voice. Dumbledore quickly turned, expecting the Ravenclaw to start his fight anew with his uncle. Instead, he was met with a sight that surprised him. Harry, arms crossed, was looking indifferently at his uncle, a slightly glazed look to his eyes. "It doesn't matter what you want. Memory charms can fix everything. I assume you'll be affecting them before we go, headmaster?"
"...Perhaps." Said Dumbledore, eyes twinkling rather madly. "But, if possible, I would like to settle things rationally like mature adults."
Harry smiled grimly. "Then you'll be here the rest of the night, I'm afraid. Things like rational thought and reason are beyond these two. You'd sooner get results from speaking to the spiders in the cupboard under the stairs."
"Be that as it may, I would still like to try. They will, of course, need to learn how to take care of their son from this point on." Dumbledore said, smiling at Harry, whose brow creased as the headmaster looked into his eyes.
"...How long have you been doing that?" Asked Harry, the corner of his mouth quirking up.
"A question I could ask of you as well." Said Dumbledore. "But we can discuss the ways of the mind at a later date. Mr. Dursley, if you would accompany me back into the living room?"
"As long as he stays out." Vernon growled, still glaring at Harry.
Harry shrugged and went to sit at the bottom of the stairs. He closed his eyes for a moment and, when they opened again, the glaze was gone from them. "Go ahead, sir. If it gets us out of here faster, I'm all for it."
It took nearly half an hour, as it turned out, before Dumbledore got back to his feet and headed towards Harry. Petunia seemed much more affected by the situation than Vernon did and even caused some surprise when she brought up Azkaban on her own. Harry had stared at her then, wondering how she knew of Azkaban. Vernon looked to want to ask her this question as well, but remained silent as she spoke.
"Gonna hafta explain that to me sometime." Harry whispered as he led Dumbledore up to his room. "How she knew about Azkaban and all."
"This night has brought up many questions, it would seem." Said Dumbledore. "I wasn't aware you knew of occlumency."
"Occlumency?"
Dumbledore frowned slightly. "Were you not using it when you calmed down earlier? You seemed to know I was trying to look into your mind."
"Huh? Oh... Boris has been having me meditate this summer." Harry explained. "Emotions have been a bit weird. Guess I'm finally feeling the effects of everything that happened last year."
Dumbledore shrunk Harry's chest, floating it over to him. "I see. Your snake must be very intelligent, then. He seems to be unwittingly teaching you a method to keep your mind clear and to keep others out of your mind."
"Very intelligent is a good description of me." Said the snake sleepily from around Harry's right arm.
"Quiet, you." Harry said, looking at his sleeve. Looking back to Dumbledore, he tucked his trunk into his pocket when it got close. "Anyway, I'll have to have a little talk with him about that, then. He did describe locking my emotions up if it helped keep me calm. He also said that it would be easier to think with a clear mind rather than a cluttered one. Occlumency, huh? ...Would you happen to have any books on the subject?"
"I would. I could bring them by any time you'd like." Said Dumbledore. "For now, however, let us get back to Andromeda's house. I think, Harry, that you are due for a long sleep."
"I'd love nothing more." Said Harry, yawning as the two walked back downstairs.
"Never come back." Vernon said as they walked towards the door.
"May the dementors find a way to get you tonight." Harry replied. "Because their punishment is less than the Death Eaters' would be."
Harry left Number Four without another word. The Order squads were still keeping their watch over the area. As they got to the end of the street, Kingsley Shacklebolt and another man stopped them.
"On your way back to Andi's house?" Asked Kingsley.
"Yes. Have your men spotted anything?" Asked Dumbledore.
"Nothing of note. There was a disturbance a few blocks away, but it turned out to be a man fighting with his rather large dog." Said Kingsley. "All in all, a quiet night."
"And let us hope it remains that way." Dumbledore said.
"We're going to go on patrol again once you and Potter get back to Andromeda's house." Said the other man.
"Very well. Be careful." Said Dumbledore.
Harry yawned again as they walked. "That mind thing takes a lot of energy, doesn't it?"
"It does. I am impressed you were able to calm yourself before your wild magic had a chance to gain dominance." Said Dumbledore. "With the proper training, you will be able to keep even Voldemort out of your head."
"He can read minds?" Asked Harry.
"Legilimency isn't so much mind-reading as it is seeing a person's memories." Explained Dumbledore. "But that alone is quite dangerous. It can give the enemy dangerous knowledge of those you know and care about."
"Lovely." Harry muttered. "Man, I'm going to sleep for two days after I get into bed."
Dumbledore chuckled, patting Harry on the back. "And, barring any unforeseen circumstances, I am sure Andromeda would let you."
"Hope so." Harry said.
By the time they got to Number Nine, Harry was wondering how he was managing to even stand up. Thankfully, Tonks didn't fling herself at him when he entered. He gave her a tired smile.
"How did things go?" Asked Andromeda.
"'Bout as well as expected. Can I sleep for days now?" Groaned Harry.
Smiling, Andromeda nodded to her daughter. Tonks walked over and grabbed Harry's hand, tugging him towards the stairs. "C'mon. Your bed's all ready."
"Oh, I hate stairs." Harry grumbled as he let himself be tugged up towards the second floor.
"...What happened?" Whispered Andromeda, walking with Dumbledore towards the living room.
"Harry has managed to surprise me again, for one thing. The Dursleys, on the other hand, continue to disappoint me. Andromeda, I spoke with Harry as we walked - Sirius has given us his old family house to use as a headquarters of sorts. It is warded and safe. There are more than enough rooms, as well."
"Is the place connected to the Floo network?" Asked Andromeda.
"Not at the moment. We are trying to figure out the best way to keep unwanted souls out right now." Dumbledore said. "You can leave the house and apparate to where you need to go, though."
"Is the house hidden then?"
"In a way, yes." Said Dumbledore. "Contact me when Harry wakes up - I'll tell Sirius that they should be expecting you within the coming days."
"He seemed really exhausted, Albus. Far more than he should have."
"Apparently, his snake is far more interesting than one would imagine it to be. It has taught him the very basics of occlumency. Harry was able to shut down his anger towards his uncle during a verbal bout. Once he had, his uncle could say nothing to get him riled up. I daresay teaching him further would prove greatly beneficial to the boy." Dumbledore explained.
"Occlumency? From a snake? ...I think I need some sleep, too." Andromeda said. "It's been a long day."
"So it has. Go then. The squads will stand watch until dawn. I will be apparating into the area to speak with them in the morning. Should any trouble arise during the night, you will be the first to know." Said Dumbledore, heading for the fireplace.
"You get some rest as well." Said Andromeda, fixing Dumbledore with a look. "Even great wizards need their shut-eye."
"It is perhaps a shame," Dumbledore said, grabbing a handful of Floo powder and calling the name of his office, "That I am not a great wizard, then. Good night, Andromeda."
"Good night, Albus." Andromeda said, rolling her eyes as the headmaster disappeared in a whirl of green flames. Groaning as she allowed herself to stretch, Andromeda turned to head upstairs. She would check on the kids before turning in herself.
Looking in through the open doorway, she saw Harry sprawled out on his back, his arms around her daughter, who was curled up against him. She smiled as she turned and headed for her own bedroom. To think that he had proposed to her in such a manner. It really was sweet of him. He had spent more money than Andromeda - or any sane parent, for that matter - would have allowed him to.
Yes, she was going to need to have a very long talk with her dear cousin.
oOoOoOoOoOoOo
Harry groaned as he flopped down on the bed. "Ohhh... my poor body."
Tonks crawled in next to him, laying on her side and propping her head up. "Mum said she'd let you sleep however long you wanted to. Did Dumbledore ever give you any Dreamless Sleep?"
"...He didn't. And I forgot to ask." Harry said, staring up at the ceiling. "...I think I'll be okay, though."
"You sure? I could go back downstairs and ask. Sounds like they're still talking." Tonks said.
Harry smiled. "I'm sure. Just being together with you should be enough to drive away any bad dreams. Come here."
Tonks giggled, scooting closer and snuggling up against Harry. "Mmm. Missed this..."
"So have I." Harry murmured, his arms slipping around the girl. "I believe I've forgotten how to sleep well without you next to me."
"Same here. That body pillow was a poor substitute. Glad you're here." Tonks whispered. "Can't believe mum didn't have a fit, though. About you an' me, I mean."
"Yeah. I really did expect her to flip out at least a little." Harry said. "Wonder if she thought we'd hook up eventually."
"Knowing her, probably." Tonks said. "...Speaking of, though - you never told me the ring was spelled! What kind of spells are on it?"
"Defensive. Most low-level spells shouldn't affect you anymore. Wouldn't go standing in someone's line of fire to test it, but..." Harry said, his eyes slipping shut.
"Was sweet of you." Tonks murmured, turning her head and kissing Harry's cheek. "...We're gonna fall asleep in what we have on, aren't we?"
"No energy to get back up." Harry mumbled. "Is it can be sleep time now please?"
Tonks giggled. "You're adorable when you're sleepy. Get some rest, silly."
"Sleep..." Harry cooed.
Tonks grinned as Harry's breathing quickly changed. He hadn't been kidding - he had drifted off pretty fast. She nestled her nose against his neck and moved her left arm up to his shoulder. She only barely registered the noise of her mother walking up the stairs a few minutes later. And, before long, her breathing fell in synch with Harry's.
oOoOoOoOoOoOo
"Help me... help me...! HELP ME!"
Harry let out a cry as he jolted awake. It was light outside and Tonks wasn't next to him. He sighed as he sat up, clutching his chest. That stupid, spinning gemstone again! The voice was even louder than it had ever been before. Harry hadn't had any dreams about the pleading stone in ages. He was happy with that fact. There didn't seem to be any rhyme or reason to when the dreams would occur, either.
"Harry! Are you okay?!" Asked Tonks as she raced into the room, her mother behind her.
"M'fine. Was just that weird, spinning gemstone asking for help again." Harry said. "But it was loud this time..."
"Glad it's just that and not anything worse." Tonks said, sitting on the edge of the bed and hugging Harry tightly. "How're you feeling?"
"...Rested. How long have I been asleep?" Asked Harry.
"About 35 hours, give or take. You slept through all of yesterday." Andromeda said.
"Thanks for letting me sleep." Harry said, cracking his neck to either side. "...Man, I'm starving."
"Good timing, then. We were just sitting down for breakfast." Tonks said. "C'mon, get up and come eat. You can wash up and change into something afterwards."
"I wouldn't say no to that plan." Harry said, slipping out of bed and stretching. His back let out a few particularly painful POPs. "Mmph... did I sleep on my back the entire time or something?"
"Yup." Tonks said. "I even came back in to sleep with you last night and you didn't move. Was worried I'd wake you up getting in and crawling out of the bed."
"Didn't feel a thing. Mostly didn't dream either, thankfully. Dumbledore must have figured I'd be too exhausted to dream. Speaking of, what happened with the guards stationed around the area?"
"Went home at dawn the next morning." Andromeda said. "No one reported any sightings and it's been clear since."
"Good. Nothing else to worry about this summer then." Harry said. "Maybe I can relax for awhile now."
"Ooh, can I tell him, mum?" Asked Tonks suddenly, grinning at her mother. "Can I?"
"Tell me what?" Asked Harry, raising an eyebrow.
"Yes, dear. You can tell him." Said Andromeda, shaking her head and grinning.
"We're gonna be going to stay at Sirius' place the rest of the summer!" Tonks said.
"What?! Really?"
"Yup! Dumbledore talked to him and he was all for it. We were gonna wait until you woke up to call him, but he said Sirius kept bugging him about telling us." Tonks said, giggling. "We can leave anytime."
"How about tonight, then?" Asked Harry. "...How are we going to get to his place, anyway?"
"The plan is to side-along apparate you two. Albus will take you, Harry. I can do alright with one person, but two's a bit much." Andromeda said. "I thought I knew where the house was, but I'm having a bit of a tough time remembering. Albus said he'd explain when he came by, though. Right now, let's get some food in you."
"I'm going to have to force myself to wolf down things. ...Where's Boris, anyway?" Asked Harry.
"Sleeping on your dresser." Said Tonks. "I moved him over the morning after you fell asleep."
"Oh. Good. He's been pretty quiet lately. Was just wondering." Harry said. "I'll talk to him after I eat."
"He didn't say anything when you went back to the Dursleys?"
"Just one thing. Agreeing with Dumbledore that he must be smart." Harry said. "Kinda forgot he was there. Wonder why he wasn't talking. Hard to believe he was asleep the whole time, though."
"Dunno, mate. He's your quirky snake, not mine." Tonks said. "Anyway, food!"
"Yes, food!" Harry agreed.
"Come along, you two bottomless pits." Andromeda said, wheeling the teens into the kitchen.
oOoOoOoOoOoOo
Author's Notes: Boris, being used to Harry and his relatives arguing, sort of learned to tune it out and sleep for a bit. Can't say as I blame him, either. He knew Dumbledore could keep Harry in control, even if Harry couldn't keep control of himself. And so, Day ONE of book five finally ended. I cannot believe I spread it across three chapters. Bet you're all wondering how the hell book 6 is going to go now, aren't you?
And yes, Boris was indeed teaching Harry occlumency. All will be explained in the future, I assure you. But the most obvious answer is the correct one. Currently, the explanation lies seven chapters away. So I guess you'll just have to ponder things for yourselves until then!
Next chapter, the big move takes place and I finally get to have some fun with Grimmauld Place. Oh, the things that will happen within its walls. Kekekeke. I'm looking so forward to writing Chapter 6 ('Potter vs Weasley') at this point. There's going to be so very much that Molly Weasley will be opposed to.
Another mid-range-sized chapter. But that's okay. I crank these out quicker and I know some chapters in the future are going to end up being loooooong (the Ministry fight, for instance, is going to be completely insane) so it'll all work out. I'm not saying I'll be able to trump the 120,000-plus for Goblet, but it'll definitely be over 100K at least. There's a LOT of set-up in this book. Moreso than even Goblet had. There's a lot I've got to keep track of this year. Thankfully, the book guide's got that all laid out for me. Until next time, kids.