Disclaimer: All things Harry Potter belong to the wondrous mind of J.K.Rowling. I am simply borrowing them.

A/N: Hi guys, another chapter down. The next one will contain some action, I promise. Please review.

Harry Potter and the Shards of Voldemort's Soul

Chapter 5: Back to Privet Drive

As Harry walked back towards the Common Room, his tried to make sense of his thoughts which were a complete jumble. His mind went over his conversation with the Professor McGonagall and his visit to Dumbledore's old office. There were too many memories of the close times that he had spent with the Headmaster pouring over the life of Tom Riddle. The pain of remembering when he had tried to convince the Headmaster about Malfoy's plot and Snape's treachery; both which went unheeded. He just could not see what was clearly plain on Harry's face, that they were dark wizards and couldn't be trusted, but that was not Dumbledore's way. He was always so trusting and forgiving as was his nature. Harry closed his eyes wincing with the memory of those final moments; the gasp and look of sudden pain as the Killing Curse took hold and those twinkling blue eyes that would twinkle no more. Harry had to stop, his body started shuddering and he had to grip the wall for support as his entire body shook, overcome with pain as if he had been punched in the gut. His fist clenched fiercely and he struck the wall releasing his pent-up rage.

Hope leapt from his shoulder from the sudden movement and squawked loudly at the unexpected loss of her perch. Some of the nearby Wizarding portraits rattled in their positions and the occupants began shouting cries of protest at being disturbed. Hope settled back on to Harry's shoulder and began to sing her hope-filled song which immediately began to calm him. He patted the bird softly, stroking her ebony feathers gently, surprised at the softness of their touch. Hope crooned under his hand and leaned her head in to his fingers. Harry smiled and said to the bird, "Thank you Hope. You're right, all is not lost." Hope trilled again happily and flew in to the air circling his head. She sang a couple of notes and Harry understood. "I'll see you later." With one final squawk, Hope vanished from sight in a flash of flame. Shrugging his shoulders, he began his trek back to the Gryffindor dorms once more.

His eyes on the floor and not really paying attention to where he was going, he didn't notice Hermione heading in his direction carrying a large pile of books that was clearly too tall for her carry as it blocked most of her frontal vision. Thus it was inevitable that both Harry and Hermione ran smack in to each other tumbling to the ground both getting pelted by the large towering pile of books.

"Ow.", exclaimed one.

"Watch where you're going?" cried another.

Realizing who they had run in to, both Harry and Hermione started to laugh. Harry rose to his feet and offered a hand to Hermione who was struggling back to her feet while trying to carry some of the gathered tomes.

"Sorry Hermione, I wasn't watching where I was going?" Harry said apologetically

"No Harry, it was my fault, I was carrying too many books," Hermione added sheepishly

"You wouldn't be Hermione if you weren't," Harry said with a laugh to which Hermione gave a friendly frown. "So, what are all of these anyways?" Harry asked while bending down to pick up a couple of the fallen books. He looked at the titles that he had retrieved:

The Secrets of the Mind: Legilimancy and Occlumancy at its Core by Jong Jing

Dark Wizards and their Tactics by Reginald Arnold Krisp

Constant Vigilance by Alastar Moody

"Wow, Moody wrote a book?" Harry marveled. Hermione nodded emphatically

"Yes, I found it in the restricted section. I glimpsed through, it is a really good read. It has some very good spells in there and it even talks about security wards as well. He also reviews some of his previous battles and analyses them. This book is really helpful."

"Wow Hermione, did you read through the whole book already?" Harry quipped which immediately resulted in a red flush from Hermione. "I have other books here with me as well that will be helpful. A lot on Defensive and Battle spells to help us with our training, but also about wards, including the Fidelius and about Magical Contracts for the Order members to sign."

"This is great Hermione, but we should probably head back and get ready. We've got to leave soon." With that being said, McGonagall's voice rang out through the school.

"Attention all students, you now have thirty minutes to meet your teacher escorts in the Great Hall." They both quickened their pace back to the Common Room. Harry still had to pack his belongings.

"Harry, there's something I need to ask you," Hermione said softly.

"What's up?"

"Well, I know about you and Ginny breaking up," she began. Harry winced at the mention of Ginny whom he had still not completely worked out his feelings for.

"Go on," Harry said urging her to continue.

"Well, I understand why you did it. But and I don't mean to pry, but earlier when Ginny discovered that she could understand Hope, well something like that doesn't happen very often. So I looked it up in the library and I was right, there is only one situation in which that Ginny could understand a Phoenix that is the companion of someone else."

"And that would be?" Harry said starting to understand where Hermione was leading to.

"Well Harry, it would appear that Ginny is your Soul Mate. She is bonded to you through love and as such, Hope has partially bound herself to Ginny as well." Harry released a sigh, knowing that what she had said was true. All he ever thought about was Ginny and as such, he knew that he needed to protect her. He loved Ginny, it was so clear now. This was not some foolish crush like what he had for Cho, no this was a deep passionate love for the girl that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with.

"Harry, are you alright?" Hermione asked softly. Harry turned to her and smiled.

"Yes, I think I am. You're right; she is my Soul Mate, which is why you understand why I need to keep her out of harm's way. If anything had ever happened to her, I don't think I could find the will to live. You understand that right?"

"Yes Harry, I think I do," she said nodding.

"I know you do. Maybe someday, you will realize your feelings for a certain red-headed bloke that will remain nameless, eh?" Hermione blushed deeply and shoved him slightly with her side so she didn't drop any books; Harry chuckled as he shoved her back. They both remained silent the rest of the way back to the Dorms.

They found the Common Room to be empty and silent. Harry turned back to Hermione who took his expression to mean that he wanted to talk to her seriously.

"Mione, what we talked discussed earlier about Ginny? Let's keep that to ourselves, ok?" Harry asked.

"Yeah Harry. Sure thing," she replied understanding his desire for secrecy and knowing that if Ginny had known then that would simply urge her more towards being close with Harry. Harry smiled gratefully.

"Thanks. I'll meet you down in the Great Hall." She nodded and they both walked back to the Dorm to pack.

Harry found only Ron in their dorm room speedily packing his trunk. Like himself, Ron also left packing his things to the last minute and smiled at his best friend. At least, there are some things that don't change, Harry thought.

"Hey mate, what'd McGonagall want," Ron asked as he tossed his famous Weasley sweater in to his trunk. Harry strode over to his bed and opened his trunk and tossed the books he had been carrying inside and in a similar fashion to Ron, started loading up his trunk in a disorganized fashion, not bothering to fold anything neatly or place his belongings proper

"She wanted to tell me about the reading of Dumbledore's will and also to ask my thoughts on the school re-opening. I told her I wasn't coming back." Ron looked up sharply.

"Whoa, she must have flipped," Ron exclaimed.

"Not really. She took it a lot better then I thought she would. She offered me the Order's aid and I said that I would be setting up a meeting with them, but that they would all have to sign a contract or something to prove their trust."

"Did she agree to this?" Ron asked incredulously thinking it highly unlikely knowing the typically stern woman that Professor McGonagall was.

"Yep, she said that she understood the reasons why, but that she trusted the remaining members of the Order," Harry explained while tossing in a final book in to his trunk. He looked at the final arrangement of his things and cringed. He was going to have a heck of a time sorting through all that later. He reached down and felt between his mattresses reaching for something.

"What are you doing Harry?" Ron asked puzzled by his friend's actions. With a small cry of triumph, Harry pulled out a thin book and Ron's eyes widened in recognition.

"Harry, isn't that the ….," Ron started to say. Harry nodded and confirmed, "Yep, it's the book of the Half-Blood Prince, Snape's book. Despite the fact that he is a lying filthy murderer, this book was extremely helpful and it may hold an insight in to Snape that may be useful."

"Mione is gonna flip," Ron said, but Harry was shaking his head in disagreement with a smile.

"No she won't. This was her idea." This surprised Ron, but couldn't say anything in disagreement. Shrugging his shoulders, he continued packing in silence until finally both Harry and Ron were ready to go and quickly hurried down to the Great Hall.

When they arrived, sitting amidst a small group of students of varying years, they found Ginny and Hermione talking quietly with Luna and Neville. They strode up them and were greeted warmly.

"Hi Harry, I'm glad to see that you're ok," Neville said. Neville looked different then he usually did, there was a glint in his eye that wasn't there before.

"Thanks Nev, I'm glad that you're ok too. You got hurt more then I did though. By the way, thank you and you as well Luna for answering the DA's coin call. You don't know how much it helped." Neville blushed at the compliment and Luna just continued to stare indifferently.

"I'm just shocked that no one else came as well," Neville replied.

"I'm not," Luna's airy voice piped in. They all looked at her in surprise. "Why would they; the DA have not met up for over a year. Everyone probably left their coins in their trunks and forgot about them. I guess Neville and I were just the only ones that kept hoping that there would be a meeting, so we kept them on us."

"Well, I guess that's partially my fault as well since I never started the DA back up again. Either way, you two responded and you both made a big difference. I know that I can count on you." Harry paused silently making a sudden decision. "Listen, there are things that are happening, things that I would like you both to help me on. I can't talk about it right now, but I want to know if you both could meet with me in the next few weeks." He looked at both of them and could see the interest in their faces. Neville spoke up first with a look of confidence in his eyes.

"You can count on me Harry," Neville said with a firm voice. Harry then looked to Luna.

"Harry, I would be glad to help you in your fight against Voldemort," Luna replied in a voice unlike her usual dreamy state. Ron and Neville both slightly jumped at the word Voldemort and Hermione rolled her eyes. Harry was taken back that Luna had picked up his intentions so quickly, but didn't let on. She was a Ravenclaw after all who were all renowned for their intelligence.

"Thank you both. I will send Hedwig with when and where we'll meet." At that moment, Remus and Tonks entered the hall. Tonks hair was still in its usual radiant pink. Remus seemed even more disheveled then usual and there seemed to be more lines in his face then normal. He grinned when he saw Harry looking at him and winked at him reassuringly.

"Wotcher everyone; ready to go?" she asked with a small toss of her head that seemed to Harry momentarily caused her hair to shimmer briefly. The small cluster of students gathered closer and they all nodded. "Alright everyone, follow me." She led the group out and Remus followed in behind them as the rear guard.

They trouped out of the Great Hall and surprisingly walked right past the main doors which remained sealed and barred. Confused, Harry looked over at Remus who did not acknowledge his unasked question. He looked over at Hermione who shook her head quickly and made a quick warding off gesture to indicate that they would talk later. They continued to trudge down the dank corridor until they came to what appeared to be a dead end. Tonks approached the stone wall and tapped several of the stone bricks in a similar fashion to the entrance of Diagon Alley. The stone wall began to shudder and then the bricks started moving of their own accord revealing an entrance to the grounds that Harry had not known even existed. In single file they left the castle through the new exit and Tonks continued to lead to them to their waiting carriages. Behind them, the wall sealed itself back up again leaving no remains of the former doorway.

As they approached the carriages, Harry heard the entire group gasp as the sight of the invisible Thestrals appeared. Harry knew that it was because they had all felt keenly the death of their Headmaster, so now they could all see the mysterious beasts. Of course, Neville, Luna and Harry himself were not surprised as they could already see the Thestrals having seen death already.

"Harry, I'm sorry I ever doubted you in fifth year," Hermione breathed. "They're just remarkable."

"Yes, but we should all remember why we are able to see them," Harry reminded them sadly and they all fell silent.

The rode back to King's Cross station for the most part in silence. Hermione had begun reading one of the books that she had gathered and Luna sat quietly reading the Quibbler again in its upside down state. That left Ron and Harry playing a game of wizard's chess with Ginny and Neville coaching Harry from the side. Ron was beginning to get frustrated as the trio was not loosing as easily as he had expected. Suddenly, his eyes widened and he ordered his Knight forward.

"Check Mate,' he pronounced proudly. Harry glanced at the board and realized their error; the King had been cornered and there was no escape. Harry tipped over the King and congratulated Ron.

"Good game mate," Harry said grinning.

"Thanks mate, although you three had me worried there for awhile," Ron replied with a huge sigh of relief. Suddenly, the door was opened and Harry saw Remus looking in.

"Harry, could I see you for a moment," he asked wearily.

"Sure Professor." Harry stepped out of the compartment and shut the door.

"Harry, McGonagall told me about your plans to have Hermione and Ron come with you back to the Dursleys. Although, I am not sure if it's a good idea or not, I did want to let you know that Tonks and I will be taking you three back as well and meeting with your Aunt and Uncle to make sure there are no misunderstandings." Harry smiled gratefully.

"Thanks Professor, I appreciate it. How much do they know?"

"They only know that there was a problem at the school, we didn't say anything about Dumbledore," Remus replied softly. "Speaking of Dumbledore, I will be picking you up in two days to take you to Gringotts for the reading of Dumbledore's will."

"Ok, I'll be ready," Harry promised.

"Harry, I know that the Headmaster was working on something private with you and I know that you'll want to continue on with his work." Harry was silent, not wishing to give anything away just yet. "I just want you to know that you don't have to do it alone. Tonks and I are both there for you. Promise me that you ask us for help when you need it, ok?" Remus gripped his shoulder tightly and Harry looked at his eyes and saw trust in his words and compassion.

"I promise Remus," Harry said earnestly, silently grateful for this last link to his father's old friends.

"Go on now, we are approaching King's Cross station," Remus said. Harry nodded and returned to the compartment where he was met with questioning eyes from Ron, Ginny and Hermione. He shook his head to indicate that they would talk later and started to gather his things together as he felt the train's momentary lurch followed by the sound of squealing to indicate their arrival.

After retrieving their trunks and waving good-bye to Luna and Neville, they began to search for the Weasleys where Ron would have to make his announcement that he wasn't returning to the Burrow. Harry didn't envy his friend this task as he knew full well the extent of Mrs. Weasley's temper, but at the same time he longed for the feeling of motherly concern and was always eternally thankful that the Weasleys had always treated him as one of their own. It didn't take long to find them and immediately Mrs. Weasley embraced them each with one of her famous bear hugs forgetting the fact that she had seen them not more then a few days ago at the funeral.

"Come on now, let's get going. Hermione, I didn't see your parents around, you did tell them to pick you up early right?" Mrs. Weasley inquired with earnest concern. Hermione shifted her feet, not knowing what to say.

"Well, you see Mrs. Weasley, I am going with Harry back to the Dursleys," Hermione answered softly. The matron Weasley just stared at her in disbelief.

"What do you mean you're going to the Dursleys? Those Muggles won't allow you to stay there with Harry by yourself." Hermione looked at Ron and Harry expectantly, silently begging for their intervention. Ron gulped and stepped forward.

"She won't be going there alone, I'm going with her and Harry to the Dursleys as well," Ron said with a nervous cough. Ginny just took a step back behind Harry, not willing to be close to her mother's rage, Hermione equally nervous, took a step behind Ron.

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU'RE GOING WITH THEM? I DON'T THINK SO YOUNG MAN. YOU'RE GOING STRAIGHT HOME" she bellowed.

"JUST LIKE I SAID, I'M GOING WITH THEM AND YOU CAN'T STOP ME," Ron shouted back. At this point, they had now attracted the attention of other parents and students. Mr. Weasley, in his familiar bowler's hat and Muggle overalls looked sheepish and tried to calm Molly down, but with no results.

"CAN'T STOP YOU, SO HELP ME I'LL DRAG YOU BACK TO THE BURROW BY YOUR EARS."

"I'M OF AGE NOW; I CAN GO ANYWHERE I WANT."

"SO YOU'LL GO RIGHT BACK TO THE BURROW."

Harry was now getting frustrated with the both of them as this was getting them nowhere. Harry could tell that this argument, if left alone could last for hours. He saw from within the growing crowd of people Remus and Tonks trying to get through to them. This was going to escalate further if he didn't do something fast. Getting up his nerve, Harry took a deep breath and stepped forward to stand in between Mrs. Weasley and Ron.

"ENOUGH!" Harry yelled. Mrs. Weasley stared at Harry in open shock as did Ron. Mr. Weasley had a look of immense relief on his face. "Mrs. Weasley, with all due respect, Ron is of age and has promised to come with me against my wishes to help protect me from my Aunt and Uncle. I have to go back, Dumbledore would have wanted me to go back; Ron and Hermione are going with me to make things safer. I can't think of better friends and part of that is due to the way you raised Ron." Mrs. Weasley was speechless and Harry could see a tear running down her eye. Ron was equally speechless and red-faced at Harry's compliment. "Mrs. Weasley, you've been like a mother to me in the absence of my own and there are no words to describe what I feel towards your family. But, I am asking that you let us go and to please trust us. We will only be gone for as long as required and then we'll be coming back to the Burrow. After all, there is a wedding to go to." He knew that he had left off with just the right touch as Mrs. Weasley immediately plucked Harry up her deepest hugs and Harry felt overwhelmed by the emotion from this mother figure.

"Harry dear, you have made me so proud today. I hope you know that you are as dear to me as if you were my own son and remember; you'll always have a home with us in the Burrow if you need it. Of course, I will trust you, but you must promise to take care of yourselves. Please try to send a letter to us every few days to let us know that you're all doing ok, deal?"

"Deal and thank you Mrs. Weasley for everything," Harry agreed relieved that the entire ordeal was finally over. He looked over and Mr. Weasley had a beaming grin on his face, completely impressed with how Harry had handled the situation.

"Harry, be well and remember to call on us if you need anything," Mr. Weasley told him with a strong grip on his shoulder to show his support.

"I will and thank you," Harry answered nodding at the father Weasley. Arthur turned back to pull his wife from smothering Ron to death with hugs. Harry looked over at Ron who was still breathing heavily. Hermione and Ginny moved closer, surrounding Ron in a circle. Ron started to shift his feet nervously.

"Um Harry, I – um - want you to know that I, ah, am really appreciative of what you said with my Mum," Ron said nervously shuffling his feet against the ground. Harry inwardly smiled; Ron always did that when he was nervous.

"Ron mate, don't worry about it. Besides, it was all true; you and Mione are the best friends any bloke could ever have," Harry said earnestly. Ron and Hermione both blushed shyly. Harry smiled and turned to Ginny whose eyes were lowered to the ground.

"Ginny," Harry said softly, lifting her chin so that Ginny's eyes met his own. "You know my feelings towards you, but we still have a lot to talk about. I will be in touch soon, ok?" She nodded quietly and then on impulse, she leaned in and kissed Harry on the cheek lingering briefly before walking back to her parents. Ginny gripped onto her father's arm and then waved goodbye before the group Disapparated with a pop. Harry just stood watching after her, his hand on the cheek that Ginny had kissed, a bewildered look in his eyes. Hermione watched him with a knowing smirk, but said nothing and Ron was pointedly looking away. After a few minutes, Harry realized that Hermione was watching him and quickly cleared his throat and looked around for Remus and Tonks. The crowd began to clear out and Tonks and Remus were finally able to break through to them. Both had a relieved expression on their face.

"Harry, I am so proud of you. You handled that very well," Remus praised. Harry started to blush again.

"Professor, how are we getting to the Dursleys; by Portkey?" Hermione piped in.

"Unfortunately, Dumbledore was our main link to getting resources from the Ministry. They wouldn't grant that kind of access to me and Arthur didn't know that you were all going to the Dursleys so he couldn't request it. That left us to an alternative means of transportation," Tonks explained slyly. Somehow, that didn't instill Harry with any sort of confidence and the way that Remus and Tonks looked at each other made him all the more nervous.

"Well, how are we getting there then?" Harry asked suddenly not sure he wanted to know.

"Tonks rented a car," Remus answered. They stared at him opened mouthed. Harry didn't think that either Remus or Tonks even knew how to drive.

"Do either of you know how to drive?" Harry asked.

"I know, but it was the full moon last night so I am not exactly at my best today, so Tonks is going to be driving us." Tonks had a maniacal look on her face at the prospect and Remus looked extremely worried. Hermione and Harry exchanged glances and visibly gulped; Ron looked excited having never been in many cars, he looked eager for the experience.

"Come on guys, let's get going," Tonks said far too cheerily. She turned and started walking away, which left little choice for them but to follow her.

"Merlin help us," Remus prayed aloud.

About a couple of hours or so later; Harry couldn't really tell since their journey seemed to be nothing more then a complete blur, they arrived at their destination with a loud squeal of grinding breaks. Ron literally threw the car door open and fell upon the ground kissing it earnestly.

"We're alive!" he exclaimed. Harry smiled knowingly as he felt the same way as his enthusiastic friend. Hermione climbed out of the car, her face very pale.

"Come on now, I wasn't that bad," Tonks exclaimed with an indignant expression. Remus just shuddered and kept silent.

"Remus!" Tonks cried with mock hurt. Harry smiled at the antics of the two adults, hoping that this was the beginning of a deeper relationship for his two friends.

They hauled their trunks out of the boot and dragged them up the steps. Harry stood before the door hesitating, not wanting to ring that bell which would signal yet another forced habitation with his hated Aunt and Uncle, but he knew that he had no choice; Dumbledore would have wanted it this way. Gritting his teeth, he reached out to ring the bell, but the door opened revealing the large figure of Uncle Vernon glowering with pent up rage. His purple face seemed ready to explode and he knew that this wasn't going to be a pleasant conversation.

"So, you've arrived, foolish boy making all that racket," Vernon sneered derisively. "What's all this, who are all these people and why do they have luggage?" Remus stepped in front of Harry extending his hand forward.

"Mr. Dursley, I don't know if you remember me, but I am Remus Lupin, one of Harry's teachers. We met a few years ago," Remus said cordially. Vernon simple stood there, eying Remus skeptically, ignoring the offered hand.

"May we please come in; there are things that we need to speak of?" Vernon just stood there glaring, not budging a step. "Very well then, if you like we discuss the situation at Hogwarts and the continuing crisis in the magical world, right here."

"Quiet you freaks, what do you mean by talking about your ….ways in public. Get in here before the neighbors hear you," Vernon yelled blistering in rage. He ushered them in and slammed the door which made a couple of the pictures in hall rattle. Harry walked in to the family room where Harry's Aunt Petunia was waiting; obviously they had been watching the telly. Vernon sat down next to his wife and they both huddled close together while the others crowded together at the opposite side of the room.

"As you may know, we mentioned to your wife that an unfortunate incident had occurred at Harry's school which has caused a serious disruption in the schedule which is why term has ended prematurely," Remus began.

"So has the boy been expelled then? Is that the reason why you're here, to dump him off with his fellow culprits? Vernon exclaimed with a smirk while gesturing to Ron and Hermione. "I won't have it I say. You can tell that Dumblydoof that he can keep the boy because I don't want him here any longer."

"Mr. Dursley, Albus Dumbledore is dead," Remus stated bluntly. He was met with a gasp from Petunia and silence from Vernon. Harry looked at his Aunt who was white with shock and more then a hint of fear. Again Harry was perplexed with her apparent grasp of understanding of his world when by all outside appearances, she appeared to detest and remain ignorant of the Wizarding society.

"Impossible, Albus Dumbledore is dead?" Petunia exclaimed. Remus nodded sadly and Tonks and Hermione both furiously wiped a tear from their eyes. Vernon stared at his wife in shock. "But what does this mean for us? He placed powerful charms over our house to protect us from Voldemort. There was more magic here then just the blood protection from Lily's sacrifice." This revelation was a surprise to not only to Harry, but to Remus and Tonks as well. They were baffled as they had no idea of any extra magic that was placed on the Dursley home.

"Aunt Petunia, the Blood magic will be gone after I turn 17 as I will be legally an adult. That is why I am here again, to renew that magic until I turn 17," Harry explained.

"As for the spells cast by Dumbledore; now that he has passed on, I'm afraid that they will no longer have any power unless Dumbledore placed any permanency enchantments on them of which I seriously doubt," Remus continued. Harry looked at Remus in wonder; what were permanency enchantments? He had never heard of them before.

"Good, then we'll be rid of you freaks forever," Vernon said rudely interrupting.

"Vernon, we need Harry here in order to protect our home. He has to stay, at least for a little while," Petunia countered.

"Well, I don't want him or any of these other freaks in my house any longer. I have had enough of these freakish ways from your family and I will have no more of it in my house. Go and leave us for good." He rose to his feet, his mouth spraying flecks of spit out at them. "Leave NOW," he shouted, thrusting his stubby finger at the door.

"VERNON!"

"No Petunia, I have had enough; no more weirdness and strange things happening to us."

"VERNON DURSLEY, YOU WILL SIT DOWN AND SHUT UP." Petunia had never before raised her voice in anger against her husband and Vernon was clearly shocked by this uncharacteristic outburst. The others simply watched them in amusement. Harry had never seen anyone in this house fight on his behalf before; it was a surprisingly good feeling.

"Vernon, Harry is going to be staying with us until such time as he decides to leave us. The protection that he provides us helps keep Dudley safe and we need him for that. I will not hear another word on this topic, is that understood?" Her husband simply nodded at her, still shocked by her outburst. Turning back to the group, she addressed Remus again. "Now Mr. Lupin; what can you and your group do about renewing the other magic on my home?"

"Well Mrs. Dursley, I will admit I am a little unfamiliar with any enchantments that Albus may have placed upon your house. But I can promise you that I will bring in a Charms Master to look at protecting your house once Harry leaves for good. Is that acceptable to you?" Remus asked politely. She nodded and Vernon simply gawked at her, his eyes bulging out like a landed fish, shocked that his wife would consent to allowing more freaks in to their normal home.

"Mrs. Dursley, we do have a request to ask of you. As you can see, we have brought two of Harry's friends. Harry, Ron and Hermione are working together on a summer project and need to spend a great deal of time together to collaborate on the work. We ask that you consent to allowing them to stay with Harry during his stay. We would of course provide you with the financial means to support their stay, plus a little something extra for your trouble. Would that be acceptable to you?" Again Petunia nodded her head bringing another shocked glare from her husband.

"Yes, of course, she can stay in the guest room," Petunia replied. Remus breathed a sigh of relief expecting more of a negative response from the awful people.

"Thank you very much, we appreciate your generosity in this difficult time," Tonks beamed.

"We'll just take our things upstairs," Harry announced motioning for the others to follow.

"Yes of course; Harry, please show your friend where the guest bedroom is?" Petunia asked.

"Yes, Aunt Petunia," he replied simply. They trudged along upstairs with Remus and Tonks in tow. Tonks helped Hermione with her things and went in to the guest bedroom while Remus stayed with Harry and Ron. They entered the small room and dumped their stuff on the rickety bed. Remus looked around the room sadly knowing that Harry's life in this house was far from ideal.

"Harry, you won't have to stay here any longer then needed; I understand that you don't want to be here, but it is for the best," Remus explained. Harry only nodded in response.

"Send us a note every three days so that we know that you guys are ok. I'm sure the addition of Ron and Hermione being here may help to hold their attitudes for awhile, but I believe that your Aunt fully grasps the enormity of our current situation."

"Yes, I am a little shocked that she took things so well and for a moment, she truly acted as my mother's sister." Both Ron and Remus said nothing, knowing that any response would probably clam up the usually silent Harry. Hermione and Tonks then walked in, both with a grimace on their face.

"What's wrong?" Harry asked.

"Nothing, we just had a taste of what really bad décor looks like," Hermione responded. "I'm sorry Harry, but this whole house gives me the creeps," Tonks said with a shudder. Harry laughed.

"Welcome to my life," he chortled.

"Well, I think it's time for us to be off," Remus announced with Tonks nodding her agreement. "Harry, we'll be picking you up in two days for the Will reading. Be ready at nine, ok?" Harry nodded.

"Professor Lupin," Hermione began, but Remus cut her off.

"How many times do I have to tell you guys, I am no longer your professor? Please call me Remus."

"Ok, um – Remus, could Ron and I come with you when you pick up Harry. We need to do some shopping in Diagon Alley for books and things?" Remus frowned in thought for a moment.

"I don't see why not, I'm sure either Tonks or I could escort you around while Harry is in Gringotts," he replied. Hermione thanked him with excitement. They said their good-byes and Harry walked Remus and Tonks to their car. Turning back to Harry, Remus gripped Harry's shoulder in support.

"Harry, call us if you need anything ok? I mean anything. Don't go off on any adventures without talking to me first ok?" Remus told him. Remus looked in to Harry's eyes and Harry saw their understanding and he knew that Remus had expected him to try and handle the situation on his own, but was offering him support. Harry nodded with a small grin.

"I will. No adventures until we talk, but I do intend to have … adventures," Harry replied cryptically.

"You wouldn't be the son of James Potter if you didn't; I just want you to be careful. I don't want anything to happen to you, ok?" Harry looked at the last best friend to his parents and saw there a man who deeply cared for him, a man who once held him as a baby and a man who was closer to him then his own living relatives. He felt a tug at his heart, knowing that he felt for Remus what Remus felt for him. Was this love? Remus pulled him in to a deep hug and Harry responded, holding Remus tightly, letting his emotions wash over him. The grief and frustration he had held in for the last few days was unleashed and Harry sobbed quietly in to Remus' shoulders. Remus keenly understood the pain Harry was feeling and soothed him softly, trying to will the pain away. Harry felt another set of arms surround him and he knew that Tonks had joined them and felt comforted by the warmth and compassion from his two friends. Tonks had been an interesting companion in the last few years and he had taken a liking to her. He knew that Tonks was perfect for Remus and that the both of them would be really happy together. Reluctantly, they broke apart and Harry glanced around, relieved to find that the Dursleys were not a witness to his uncharacteristic outburst. He looked back at Remus and Tonks with a smile and thanked them both for their comfort.

"Anytime Harry, we'll be here whenever you need us." Tonks reached out and ruffled Harry's already messy hair before walking out the door.

"Be safe Harry," Tonks said.

"You too," Harry replied.

He closed the door with a chuckle as the car sped out of the driveway with a loud squeal and went back up to join Ron and Hermione.

A/N: Hey guys, the action will be picking up in the next chapter. Until then, I hope you enjoyed the chapter.