A/N: Thanks for the reviews, guys! I'm glad you're enjoying.

DISCLAIMER: I don't own HP.

Chapter Five – Leaving

Harry awoke the next morning with a feeling of impending doom upon him. It was the fact that he was leaving that day, he knew, but it didn't ease his tension. He didn't want to leave – not at all. Life was so much simpler at the Burrow. But he knew today had to be the day. He had to start his quest, as much as it pained him. It was far overdue. Voldemort had to be stopped, and Harry was the only one that could stop him.

He sighed, slowly crawled out of bed, and ran a hand through his unkempt hair. Trying to contain a yawn, Harry treaded down the stairs and into the kitchen, hoping for a spot of breakfast. Mrs. Weasley greeted him somewhat more warmly than how she had treated him the night before. Apparently she had accepted that if they wanted to leave, they would, and there was nothing she really could do to stop them. After a few moments, Molly handed him toast and marmalade. Harry thanked her and sank into deep thought. How was he going to find the horcruxes? He'd blatantly ignored the question that had been lingering in the back of his mind since Dumbledore died. And had R.A.B. actually destroyed the horcrux from the cave?

Harry sighed and headed upstairs after he finished with his breakfast. He took a quick shower, tried to fix his hair, failed miserably, changed, and headed back downstairs, his book Unveiling the Dark Arts in his hand. He had been reading for about an hour when Harry heard the distinctly recognizable voice of Minerva McGonagall in the hallway.

"He's just in there…" he heard Mrs. Weasley say. A matter of seconds later, McGonagall walked into the room alone.

"Hello, Potter."

Harry closed his book and set it down on the table. "Hello, Professor."

McGonagall glanced at the book, "What are you doing reading about the Dark Arts?"

Harry raised an eyebrow. "You've got to know what you're up against, haven't you?"

McGonagall's lips curled up almost unnoticeably. "How very Slytherin of you, Harry."

Harry sighed, but didn't deny it.

McGonagall sat herself across from Harry briskly. "It's come to my attention that you plan on leaving today on some unknown mission with Mr. Weasley and Ms. Granger."

Harry nodded silently.

"Would you care to tell me about it?" she asked.

"No, professor. I'm sorry, but it's not something I can talk about."

McGonagall paused for a moment, "Has this anything to do with what you and Albus were up to the night of his death?"

Harry nodded sadly.

McGonagall sighed, a little defeated. "Well, alright then. That's not the only matter I'm here to discuss."

Harry's ears perked up at this.

"Harry," McGonagall began, "I've come to ask you – and please not that this is not a common occurrence – I've come to ask you if you'd like to join the Order of Phoenix."

Harry gawked at her for a moment and stuttered out, "B-but, but professor…is that even aloud?"

"Well, in normal situations, no. But Harry, you are not and never will be a normal situation. So do you accept my invitation?"

"Of course!" Harry responded immediately.

"Alright then," Minerva stood up, "Do I daresay you'll be at the next Order meeting?"

He paused for a moment, "I hope so."

"I really wish you'd tell me what's going on, Harry."

Harry looked down.

McGonagall spoke again, "Well, if you ever need me, I should be at the school."

Harry nodded, "Goodbye, Professor."

"You may call me Minerva, now, dear."

"Goodbye, Minerva." The words felt odd on Harry's tongue.

It wasn't long after McGonagall's visit that Harry finished packing. Speaking to her had only pushed him to do it even more. He was now in the Order – the group that fought against Voldemort. It was official now. And as a member of the Order, it was his duty to do all he could to bring Voldemort down.

Harry glanced out the window. It was nearing dark, and dinner would be soon. He planned on leaving immediately after dinner with Ron and Hermione. There was a knock on the door. "Come in," Harry responded.

Remus Lupin walked into the room.

"Oh, hi professor."

"Harry, would you stop calling me 'professor'? I haven't taught you in years…"

Harry grinned roguishly. "I'll work on it."

"So," Lupin began, "I hear you're taking a journey."

Harry nodded.

"Now, I don't know what exactly you're doing on this journey, but I trust your judgment, so I'm not going to interfere. But there is something I think you should have." Lupin handed Harry a pensieve, complete with misty thoughts.

"It was Dumbledore's," Lupin began, "And I thought that it would be used best in your hands."

"Thank you, Remus. I was studying this with Dumbledore before…before he died. This will be very helpful. Thanks." Harry smiled a sad smile.

Remus nodded. "Keep in touch, Harry. I know you don't want the Order to know about everything you're doing, but don't hesitate to contact me if you need me. I'm here to help."

Harry nodded his thanks, and Remus exited the room.

Dinner that night was a somber one. There was limited talking, and when someone did talk, the conversation was short, serious, and to the point. Everyone now knew that Harry, Ron, and Hermione were leaving that night, and it set the mood for everyone.

Ginny was still angry. And knowing Ginny, she wouldn't get over it for quite a bit and most definitely wouldn't be over it before they left. This saddened Harry so much, he didn't want to go. He wanted Ginny to understand; he needed Ginny to understand where he was coming from. He hated when they fought, and he couldn't stand the thought of leaving with her mad at him. But it didn't look like he was going to have much of a choice. I'll write her once I've left, he decided. I'll make her understand.

Soon dinner was over, and Harry, Ron, and Hermione brought there luggage downstairs. It was time. Everyone gathered around the front door to say goodbye. Ron's parents were still angry and trying to understand, but at the same time they were accepting. Mrs. Weasley hugged them all tearfully. Mr. Weasley gave Ron a hug and both Harry and Hermione a handshake. When Harry finally approached Ginny, she wouldn't look him in the eye. He could tell she was upset and sad, and when she finally raised her eyes to his he could see bitter tears in her eyes. Harry gave her a sorrowful look of longing, but Ginny shook her head.

"I'll write you," Harry spoke desperately.

"You won't be able to keep this up forever, you know," said Ginny.

"Keep what up?"

"You trying to protect me. Don't you get it? I won't stand for it much longer. I love that you want me safe, Harry, really, I do. But I'm not going to let you keep me from living my life."

Harry hung his head, glanced wistfully at her one last time, and left the Burrow with Ron and Hermione.

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