The shattered windows hadn't been the only attack on the Weasley house, but it had been, by far, one of the worst to date. There were more eerie messages left around, always after an attack, but they never were able to see who was behind it. They were just too quick with the get-away.

The attacks were creative, if that was even the right term to use. First the windows and the fiery message. Then, they had burned a message into Mrs. Weasley's flower garden and set fire to the enchanted scarecrow to get their attention. Another day, the culprit had cursed the garden gnomes to pelt the house with pebbles. At first, everyone had thought the gnomes had just gone berserk; it was possible that they had gotten fed up with being tossed around, literally, and were taking a stand. But one glance out the windows told them that this was the work of someone who chose to remain invisible, and that the gnomes were not acting of their on accord, for they noticed a long line of slain livestock with a word written on each in its own blood, spelling out:

THE DARK AGE WILL RISE AGAIN

After this specific attack, Mrs. Weasley was close to having a panic attack. Harry didn't blame her. What had happened to them was scary, and nerve racking.

And it was all because of Harry that it was happening.

Of course, no one had said that, not in so many words, but everyone knew. It had been written, plain as day, in blood and fire. Once again, his presence was endangering the lives of the ones he loved the most. He was pondering this, and also wondering the active measures he could take in order to make everyone safe again as he sat alone in the den later on that night. The only solution that was sticking out in his mind was him leaving well enough alone. Leaving was the best thing he could do for any of them. His head was swimming with all of the possibilities, of all of the places he could go, should go, when Hermione stepped into the room. He didn't notice she was there until the couch that he was sitting on sagged a little under her weight. He looked up and was met with her smile.

"Penny for your thoughts?"

"Oh," he said, and then sighed. "Hermione, I just can't believe this is all happening again. I thought that things were finally back to normal. I thought everyone could finally lead a normal life. And maybe other people are. But you guys won't be able to, as long as I'm here." Right after he'd said this, he wondered why he hadn't just kept it to himself. Hermione looked at him, a stern look in her eyes, and she turned her body to face him better.

"Harry James Potter, don't you even dare start that again. How many times have we gone over this in the past? We're all in this together, and we're all here to help. It's always been that way, and no, I imagine, it'll stay that way." Then, she added in a gentler tone, "You know Ron and I are always going to be by your side, no matter what." She reached around and rubbed his back. "So, please, any thoughts that you have of going off by yourself, just get rid of them."

There was a moment's hesitation on Harry's part, but he finally averted his gaze from hers, now looking down at the floor, and nodded.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

With everyone fast asleep, Harry quickly and quietly packed his most important possessions in a rucksack that he had just been able to unpack. With clean clothes that Mrs. Weasley has been so kind to wash for him, Harry dressed himself hastily and tiptoed from Ron's room. He was trying to make the least amount of noise as possible. The fewer people that knew of his departure, the better, and he was hoping that no one would become aware.

Once downstairs, he pulled out a loose piece of parchment and an old quill, then dug around in drawers for an ink pot. He finally found one, though it was nearly dried out but worked all the same. He scrawled a quick note that said:

Mr. and Mrs. Weasley,

Thank you for allowing me to stay, even though it's because of me that all these things are happening. You won't have to worry now, as I've left, and hopefully took the vandal with me. Please stay safe. That goes for everyone else in the house. Ron, Hermione, take care, please. Ginny, please do the same. I'll miss you all, and I'll write when I get the opportunity. Please don't come looking for me.

Love,

Harry

Harry read, and re-read, the letter before finally bottling the ink and backing away from the table. He slipped quietly out the back door, shutting it softly once more with a faint click.