Important: I have rewritten many chapters(which is why this one took so long), you can go back and reread(which I recommend) or I'll just tell you the major changes.

-Ron is working with George at the shop, but will go to the ministry in the near future.

-Neville is an Auror at the moment.

Can't think of anything else at present, so... onward!

Chapter XI - A Letter and Laughter

Harry's quill tapped in time with the pendulum of the grandfather clock that stood the other side of the study. The clock chimed six, but he didn't notice. His mind was too crowded, he had a decision to make, but he could not make it. He looked down at the piece of parchment on his desk and re-read it for the umpteenth time.

Dear Harry,

I only received your owl today, as I was away on ministry business for Kingsley. I must say I was surprised by your letter- I had been under the impression that this information had been passed on to you. Or, at least, I assumed it would be. Anyway, I can confirm that Dedalus and I escorted you aunt, uncle and cousin back to Privet Drive, about a week after the battle.

I'll see you at the Hallowe'en party!

HESTIA JONES

Harry was now thinking about the best thing to do. He could write to the Dursleys - but would they reply? He could call them, but chances were they would hang up. The easiest thing to do would be to not do anything at all, but Harry shook that thought from his mind- he had to do something. That only left one thing he could do- he would have to visit the Dursleys. This was where Harry was stuck. Visit the Dursleys... what an awful prospect...

"Master Harry!" Kreacher's voice preceded a soft knock on the the door.

"Come in Kreacher," Harry said wearily, turning in his chair in the direction of the door. It opened softly, and Kreacher walked in, wearing a snowy white pillow case, tied neatly around his torso. Regulus Black's locked hung around his neck and he carried a gold pocket watch in hand.

"Master Harry will be late sir- it is already past six!" Kreacher cried, indicating to the pocket watch.

"Late? But what- Oh for dinner at the Burrow! Thanks Kreacher- I completely forgot!" Harry rushed out of the room, grabbing his coat from the coat hanger in the hallway. After a hurried goodbye to Kreacher, he disapparated.


Everyone else had already arrived when Harry knocked on the Weasley's back door.

"Harry!" Mrs Weasley embraced him before leading him into the kitchen where six other people were seated. Ginny, who was back from Hogwarts for Hallowe'en break, looked up and grinned as he entered the room. Ron, Hermione and Mr. Weasley were discussing ministry business quietly at the head of the table. Lee Jordan and George were laughing loudly at the other end at a joke that appeared to have something to do with Ron's soup. Harry was pleased, if a little surprised, at seeing George so lively once more. Mrs. Weasley, on the other hand, seemed a little subdued.

"Oh, by the way everyone, Bill asked me to remind you we're all to be at the castle at seven." said as they started eating.

"This ball...why is it so important to have it now, when the wizarding world is still in a state of collapse-" began.

"Actually, Kingsley said we're getting back on track now, it's only a matter of a few new laws regarding the use of improper magic and such..." Hermione cut in.

"I only meant that they could have at least waited until Christmas, what's the rush? ...Ronald, are you quite alright?"

Ron, who had turned a bright shade of blue nodded, looking confused.

"It's just, you're a little..er...blue."

He looked down in horror at his hand which was, by now, a dark, navy colour. George and Lee were stuffing their serviettes in their mouths to keep them from laughing.

"George."

George sobered up enough at the sound of his mother's tone to gasp;

"The-s-oo-p-un-tectable-col-urr-char-" he burst out laughing once more, as did the rest of the table... save for Ron, of course.


Author's Note: So just a few things- You'll remember that Hestia Jones and Dedalus Diggle were the ones assigned to escort the Dursleys to the 'safe place' so I thought it only right to have them bring the Dursleys back. Also, as to Ginny and Hermione being back for 'Hallowe'en break", I am aware that Hogwarts didn't have a Hallowe'en break, but for the sake of this story it does. As always, constructive criticism is helpful! And one last thing, who is your favourite Harry Potter character apart from Percy, George, Ron and Harry? And which story do you like the most so far? Let me know in a review or PM:)