Chapter Five
Panic
'And then, unexpectedly it caught fire- it had absolutely nothing whatsoever to with me, of course,' Finn established.
Harry gave Finn a pointed look, as if to say, 'Yeah right'.
Finn was telling Harry about his past homes, and how he had an inability of keeping one.
His first flat, had flooded beyond repair when Finn had accidentally forgotten to turn off the tap.
He had been evicted from his second flat for not paying his rent on time, and his third home- a small cottage- had caught fire one day.
The only time he had had any luck with a house was with his wife, and that had only lasted so long.
Finn was just coming around to telling Harry about his trip to Aruba, when Mrs. Weasley popped her head in the door.
'Sorry to interrupt dears, but supper is ready,' she told them.
The three left the drawing room, and walked down to the basement kitchen. Molly entered first, followed by Harry and Finn.
'Everyone, most of you know Mr. Finn, children say hello,' Mrs. Weasley commanded Ron and Ginny in her motherly tone.
'Hello,' Ron and Ginny replied, directing the greeting at the Finn.
After the small introduction, everyone settled down to eat. Finn and Harry sat next to Ron, Ginny, and the twins- who were currently catapulting peas off their spoons at each other.
'You know, I've found that forks work much better, more leverage, you know? Just a thought,' Finn pointed out to the twins.
Fred and George smiled mischievously, oh how they liked this man!
Harry and Minerva both shook their heads, though they were smiling. They knew exactly how Finn was- a seventy-three year old version of the Weasley twins and Marauders.
For the rest of dinner, the table members chatted happily. There was limited mention of war and business, for which everyone was thankful. It was just another meal with family and friends.
Though oddly enough those moments of content never seemed to last too long.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Half an hour after dinner, Finn and Minerva decided it was time they'd be going.
Finn offered his goodbyes to the Weasley's and to the few members of the Order that were present, before pulling Harry aside for a quick word.
'I'll be seeing you soon, Harry. Maybe sooner than you'd think,' Finn smiled.
'What's that supposed to mean?' Harry asked, curiously.
'Well, I have been thinking of asking Dumbledore for my old job with the Order back, you know get reinstated and all. I'm back in this world now, and my goal is still unaccomplished, and we can't have that now, can we?'
'Oh, well then I guess I will be seeing you soon then. Good luck Finn, and well see you then,' Harry grinned; it'd be nice having Finn around Grimmauld Place for a little of what was left of summer.
The two returned to the group and after giving Harry a brief grandfatherly-like hug goodbye, Finn disappeared after side-apparating along with his sister.
Harry stood smiling at the spot Finn had just stood, he was glad they had made good of things. Now that Finn had been around him for the last few weeks he hadn't wanted to give all that up, no matter how angry he had been with Finn and Dumbledore at the time.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Soon after Finn and McGonagall left, Harry, Ron, and Ginny were sent upstairs as an order meeting was about to commence.
Ron had soon enough filled him in on how much more careful the Order had been with their information since Kreacher and all. It was impossible to hear any of what was going on anymore-not even Fred and George were letting anything slip. Ron's mum had even confiscated their extendable ears soon after they arrived.
Harry had asked him what had happened to Kreacher, with much reluctance, and who had replaced him. Whoever had, deserved applause; most of Grimmauld place was hardly comparable to last years gloomy, depressing hallways, and dusty worn rooms.
'Well soon after Siri- er… everything, Dumbledore went to collect Kreacher from here to do what I don't know but, when he came he couldn't find him he had disappeared entirely from the household, and he managed to take that old tapestry with him, pity he couldn't get Mrs. Black of the wall too, if you ask me.
'Anyways, Dumbledore didn't even attempt to go after him. But it's not a big loss really, and seeing as he was never truly released from his position he is still bound to secrecy with anything Sirius ordered him to keep quiet. And after that, Dumbledore decided that he would personally pick the new house-elf to manage the house, none other than-'
'Harry Potter, sir!'
Harry swiveled round, to find himself staring into the big green eyes of Dobby the house-elf.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Meanwhile, down in the kitchen below the Orders meeting was just about to commence.
Minerva was absent from the meeting this evening, as she felt that she needed to spend a bit more time with her brother. The group understood this and from there they plowed onwards.
Kingsley Shacklebolt had the floor first. 'Minister Fudge, while publicly having announced that Voldemort is back, has ceased to do much else. The Aurors are being called in for, from all over Britain; there are not enough of us to meet the needs of the country. We feel that before long, we will need a new minister. One that can handle a war, as it is quite clear that Fudge is completely incompetent for the job,' Kingsley explained on behalf of the Auror department.
'And what of new recruits in the Auror division?' Arthur asked.
'There have been a few, too few,' Kingsley responded, shaking his head. Nobody wanted to risk there lives for a cause that they weren't guaranteed to win, this war had barely begun and already hope was lost among many of the people.
'Has the ministry voted for a vote of no confidence yet, Kingsley?' Dumbledore questioned.
'Not publicly, though rumor has it that it's a future possibility. But then rumors have also been saying that Alastor's been admitted to St. Mungo's for suffering vast paranoia,' Kingsley smiled.
The group chuckled, before remembering that Alastor was among them, and then politely as possible covered their mirth with coughs. Though, that did little to phase the ex-Aurors scowl presented in the orders general direction.
'Very well then, until that point, we can do little to nothing but try and speed along the processes,' Albus urged. 'Severus, any word on your front?'
'No sir, I'm afraid not. The Dark Lord is withholding more and more from his followers, and even those of his inner circle are not accessed to the information they once were. Though I have reason to believe he is only biding his time, before he strikes, and when he does, I believe that he will strike hard and swift,' Snape replied.
The atmosphere that was just a few moments before one of laughter was now once again completely serious, war had a way of sucking up any and all happiness even at its mere mention.
'Then we will need to be ready for anything. Keep us posted, my boy,' Albus remarked; he held great respect for the young man who had given his life to this cause.
The rest of the statements made in that meeting were of little or no importance, they were just regular reports of missions and procedures, nothing as of the moment was out of order, which for the order was cause to worry.
An hour or so later, those that were not staying at headquarters slowly started to depart, until it was just the Weasley's left talking around the fireplace.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
'My lord,' Bellatrix uttered, from the feet of her master.
'What new do you bring Bella?' Harry found himself asking through the mouth of his enemy.
'Privet Drive has been carefully monitored for the past 2 weeks now, my lord. We have been unable to breach the protection wards, but it is inevitable that the muggle neighbor next door is aware of our world. And we have reason to believe that this muggle was at one point involved with Dumbledore's order,' She reported.
Voldemort sneered- and Harry sneered with him-he knew exactly who 'that' muggle was; one he wanted dead.
'You've done well Bella, now as for the muggle, I feel that it is time we pay him another visit,' Harry sneered, he could feel the malicious smirk rising on Voldemort's face, and he could feel the happiness and thrill that Voldemort seemed to be getting from the pain he was bout to cause.
The two apparated out of the lair, to privet drive, right in front of number six.
'I think I'll spare the pleasures paid this time, EXPLIDUS,' Voldemort/Harry cried, his wand pointed at the door of number six, which promptly lit up along with the rest of the house in a horrific green flame.
Trapped in Voldemort's mind, Harry was forced to watch as Finns home was burnt to the ground probably with Finn inside with no chance of escape. His scar burnt viciously as Voldemort cackled with sadistic glee.
Harry's head felt like it was about to explode just like Finn's house had just done. Eventually he felt himself being sucked back into his own state of mind, where someone was shaking him fiercely.
'Harry, wake up- bloody hell! Stop kicking, Harry!'
Harry shot up in his bed, in a cold sweat. His head felt as if someone had taken a beaters club to it, and he was shaking right out of his skin.
'Harry! What happened?' Ron asked, from next to Harry's bed.
Still in a shock from what he had seen, Harry tried his best to form the necessary words to describe it.
'Finn- where's Finn?' Harry asked, gasping for a breath.
'I don't know, Harry- calm down, I'm getting mum, 'Ron responded; panicking at the fact that Harry was panicking.
Harry stared wildly around the room, hoping that there might be the slight chance that Finn was here in this room, safe. But he knew that was a hopeless thought. The vision ran through his mind in a series of scenes that expressed true wickedness. His scar was stinging still, though not as viciously as it had been before.
He tried to remind himself that he didn't even know if the vision were true, let alone if Finn had been home. But those green flames kept interrupting that train of thought, and he continued to fidget and worry.
He heard the quiet of the night, being interrupted by the pounding of feet on the stairs, indicating that it was not just Ron and his mum that were approaching.
His scar was now at a dull ache, and he felt a headache coming on strong. Harry's hands were shaking like the rest of him and he tried desperately to get them to stop before Ron returned with Mrs. Weasley and who ever else were approaching the room.
Ron reentered the room followed by a sea of red heads.
Mrs. Weasley pushed her way past her sons to reach Harry, who was still sitting on his bad with a sickly pale complexion and wild eyes that look exhausted and devastated.
'What happened Ron?' She inquired, worried.
'I'm not sure, I woke up to go to the bathroom and he was thrashing about and clutching his scar and looking as if he trying to scream and laugh at the same time, ' Ron declared frantically from his spot next to Harry's bed.
'Where's Finn?' Harry asked again. Why would no one tell him?
'I'm not sure Harry. Take a deep breath now,' Mrs. Weasley insisted calmly.
'NO! Where is he? WHERE'S FINN?' He shouted.
The group looked at each other wondering what Harry knew that they didn't.
'Please tell me,' Harry requested pitifully.
'Harry –we'll go find him mate,' George spoke up from the back of the group surround Harry's bed.
Fred nodded his head in agreement, and Molly Weasley smiled at her prankster son's
The twins left and Mr. Weasley asked from behind his two older sons' –bill and Charlie-, 'What happened, in your vision Harry?' He had assumed that was what had occurred.
Harry was quiet a moment, reliving the horror once again, he shakily answered, 'There-there was this huge explosion of green light. Voldemort knows where I was living, he had been watching Privet Drive, and he went after Finns house when he couldn't get past the wards on mine!'
'Harry, is your family okay?' Mrs. Weasley asked, hoping that Harry's last remaining relatives had not perished for his sake.
Harry nodded his head, 'I think so.'
Molly looked to her husband, and in return he nodded, 'I'll go floo Dumbledore, and check in with the Dursley's.'
'We'll come with you dad,' Bill added, speaking for himself and Charlie.
The three men left, leaving Ron and Mrs. Weasley behind to take care of Harry.
Shortly after, there was a knock at the door to Harry and Ron's room. A slipper-clad Ginny Weasley came through into the room, with a curious face that was wondering what had happened?
'Harry had another vision,' Ron supplied, when no one else spoke up.
Ginny's eyes widened, knowing that the past visions Harry had had contained her father being bitten, and Sirius.
'Are you alright, Harry?'
Harry simply nodded, his eyes set firmly on the faded quilt on his bed. Of course this was a lie. He wouldn't be okay until Finn was found alive.
They waited for fifteen or so minutes before the door was approached again.
It was Fred and George; they looked out of breath, as if they had just run all over London.
Harry looked at them hopefully.
Fred shook his head, 'We looked all over Little Whinging but we couldn't see him. The muggles at Privet Drive are all up and about, its absolute madness down there, houses alight left and right.'
'We checked Hogwarts too, but the halls and McGonagall's office were both empty,' George added, a fearful look in his eyes.
Where was Finn?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Arthur Weasley and his two eldest boys, landed in the headmasters office, after just leaving Grimmauld place. Arthur looked around for Albus and found him standing over by his phoenix.
Dumbledore turned from the bird, and looked curiously at the men before him.
'Arthur, why I could barely her you enter at all, my hearing is not what it used to be. Is something wrong, I only left you a matter of hours ago?'
'We have a er… situation. Harry has had an another vision, 'Arthur reported to the elderly man,
Dumbledore's face took on a more serious edge, 'oh? What of this time?' he questioned, wondering if he even wanted to know the answer.
'Apparently, Voldemort has received knowledge of where Harry's relatives are living. He wasn't able to penetrate the wards that much Harry told us, but he was able to take out number six, we aren't sure if Finn made it or not, sir,' Arthur reiterated gravely.
'And how is Harry?' Dumbledore wondered, the poor boy, having to see such a thing, though he feared that it would not be the last time Harry was witness to such an event, he could not be sure if this was even the first time he was a witness..
Arthur wondered why Albus was not worried for Finn's safety, but answered the headmasters question anyways. 'He is quite shook up, but that is to be expected I'm sure.'
'I see. Mr. Weasley?' Dumbledore began, speaking to Charlie, 'if you would please find your way down to the three broomsticks I am quite certain that you'll find both Minerva and Finn. Please notify them of what has happened and escort them back to headquarters.'
Charlie nodded, 'Yes sir,' he replied, before obediently heading out of Dumbledore's office and down across the grounds to Hogsmeade.
'Arthur, Bill if you would please accompany me to privet drive, I am sure that there is quite a mess to clean up,' Dumbledore requested, wincing slightly at the thought of the destruction that might await them.
The two redheads complied; they were –quite frankly- just relieved to hear Finn was okay. In the last few days, they had all gotten to know and like the older man.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Harry looked at Fred and George, wondering if what they said was true, was Finn really missing, or maybe he wasn't missing but dead.
'Fred, George are you sure you look hard enough?' Mrs. Weasley asked, as if it were a mere lost sock they were searching for instead of a human being.
'We looked mum, we swear,' George claimed.
Molly turned back to Harry, who had lain down against his pillows again, looking exhausted and defeated. Why was it always his friends and family, that's what it felt like at least?
'Don't give up yet Harry. Nothing has been confirmed, no use getting worked up over nothing,' Mrs. Weasley comforted.
Harry nodded slightly, but his mood and thoughts weren't in complete agreement with what Mrs. Weasley had proposed.
Harry appreciated all the Weasley's were doing for him, he had never had the comfort of family around to help him out, but Ron's family seemed to slowly be changing that.
Eventually, the footsteps on the stairs that had been recurring through out the night, sounded again.
Charlie Weasley knocked on the doorframe, 'Sorry to interrupt, but Harry's got a visitor.'
The older Weasley son moved aside and in walked Finn. He looked concerned at the boy lying on his bed who looked incredibly surprised to see him alive.
'Harry, lad. You okay?' Finn asked.
'Finn I thought you-'
'I know, but I'm fine. I may be old, but no little explosions going to get me down!' Finn interrupted with a small smile.
Harry smiled back at Finn, and sagged into his pillows with relief, for a moment there he really though Finn was gone for good.
"Now why don't you go back to sleep and we'll talk in the morning?' Finn suggested quietly seeing that Harry was quite tired.
Harry admitted to himself that he was exhausted, but he didn't want to dream again, he was too drained –physically and emotionally- to deal with nightmares tonight.
Mrs. Weasley seemed to be somewhat aware of his worry and promptly brought up a dreamless sleep potion, 'So you get a guaranteed rest,' she voiced.
Harry thanked her, grateful for her thought, before downing the sour tasting potion.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Albus, Bill, and Arthur arrived at Privet Drive quite soon after leaving Dumbledore's office.
Privet Drive was a mess, muggles were all out of their houses, and some were trying to douse the magical fires, while others were standing in small groups gossiping about what had happened.
The ministry it seemed had not heard of the attack as no Auror or obliviator were visible to the group.
Several houses on the block had been blown up before it appeared that Voldemort had found something more entertaining and left.
Charlie began to put out some of the more dangerous fires, while Arthur contacted the order, asking for some more members to aid them in cleaning up this mess.
Albus headed to number four to make sure the Dursley's were all right.
Upon reaching the front gate it was obvious that the protective wards had done their job, the house-unlike the rest on the road – was left in its perfect condition, not a grass out of place.
Albus run the bell next to the front door, and patiently waited for someone to open up.
It didn't take long before he heard the heavy steps of Vernon Dursley approaching.
Vernon opened the door, to see the tall old wizard standing before him. Quickly, he attempted to shut the door but Albus used a strength one wouldn't think a man his age could possess and forced his way into the Dursley's front hallway.
'What the BLOODY HELL!'
Before Vernon could say much more, Albus interrupted, 'Mr. Dursley, I assure you I don't want to be here anymore than you want me here; I merely came in to check on your family's well-being after the explosion.' Albus recited this with all the patience he could reserve for such people as the Dursley's.
'Explosion! What are you talking about you old codger! Now you listen here, I will not stand for anymore of your kind in this house, it's bad enough to have one here in the summer! Now be gone,' Vernon screeched and spluttered, momentarily forgetting he was in the presence of quite a capable wizard.
Dumbledore scowled at the porky man, 'Now Mr. Dursley, I think that we have been quite discreet with our presence among you, there is no need for you're to act so intolerant of us.'
'OUT! GET OUT!'
'Very well, please give my well-wishes to petunia, farewell,' Dumbledore responded, his patience now holding quite thinly, but holding none the less.
Dumbledore stopped back out in the chaotic street, glad to know that the wards had worked as they were supposed to; the house had been protected from the explosions even in sound.
From the front gate of number four, he could see many order members that were not already on missions, hard at work dousing the dark magic flames, while others were obliviating the muggles and healing those that could be healed.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
After Harry had fallen asleep, the group had gone down to the kitchen, with the exception of Ginny who had gone back up to bed.
The four Weasley boys present – Ron, Fred, George, and Charlie- sat to one side of the kitchen table, while Molly, Finn, and Minerva sat to the other side.
All were waiting for some news from either Arthur or Albus.
Finn sat drumming his fingers on the wood of the table, whistling a tune quietly. As Molly and Minerva, had struck up a most fascinating conversation on how to get grease off a pan in the most efficient, magical way possible.
Ron and Charlie were talking mildly of dragons, run was quite intrigued by the stories of the dragon's and adventure his brother had had in Romania- though they kept their voices low so their mother didn't overhear of the danger that accompanied Charlie's occupation.
Fred and George of course were plotting away at new ideas for pranks and new items for their newly opened shop. They occasionally received the input from Finn on how they might better their product.
A good hour later, somebody came through the door, having just arrived back from Little Whinging.
Albus Dumbledore strode into the kitchen, looking around trying to spot the messy black hair of the boy he needed to speak with as soon as possible.
'Why Albus, whatever are you doing here?' Minerva asked from the table, she hadn't expected for Albus to turn up, it was rare for him to come to headquarters unless there was a meeting to attend.
'I need to speak with Harry, where might I find him?' Dumbledore requested up front, not his usual style of approach but right now he had pressing matters to attend to, not to mention he was still a little miffed from his visit with the ever-gracious Dursley's.
'I'm afraid that it's not a convenient time to speak with him, Albus. Potter's resting,' Minerva replied.
'Well I'm afraid that we will just have to wake him up then.'
'Surely it could wait until morning, Albus. He's been through quite an ordeal tonight? Minerva proclaimed, showing an uncharacteristic amount of compassion towards her student, and an irregular amount of upset towards her boss.
'Well, I am afraid that this can't wait, so Molly if you please,' Albus specified firmly, no one dared to speak against him this time.
Molly, though she agreed with Minerva, stood up and led Dumbledore up to Harry's room on the first landing.
After thanking her quickly, he entered the room and went over to Harry's bedside. He proceeded to shake the sleeping teenager awake.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Harry opened his eyes blearily, his head was pounding dully from a long coming headache, and all he wanted was to go back to sleep while the affects of the potion were still kicking. But whoever was shaking him had other plans.
'Harry, wake up now, come on,' He heard a voice calling to him.
He reached over to the bedside cabinet and grabbed his glasses. Setting them on his face, he blinked his eyes clear, to see his headmaster sitting next to him, a serious and determined face among wrinkles and aging beard.
Not really feeling up to speaking with him, Harry looked over at the wall, hoping that it might get him to leave.
But Dumbledore remained persistent, 'Harry, I have to ask you of your vision. I need to know everything you might remember it's important for your s and your relative's safety.'
'Hello, to you too sir. Yes I'm Fine, just had a raving mad lunatic in my head again but no big deal,' Harry piped up, his words were laced with undeniable raw sarcasm.
Albus was slightly taken aback by the harsh edge of Harry's tone, but didn't have the time to start an argument now, he still had to get to the ministry and stop the press from getting involved with this particular attack, they couldn't afford for it to be a headline.
'Harry, please there is no time to do this right now; this is urgent.'
Harry too, was surprised that he was able to speak so offensively to his headmaster, but he could not help his anger that he still held against the old man.
'Why should I tell you at all? Hmmm? What business is it of yours, what I see?' Harry snapped, once more with a cold edge in his voice.
'Harry, Please listen-
'No, I won't listen. I may have to listen to your rules and regulations at school but its summer now, and you can't tell me what to do.
'And what difference is it to you what was in that vision; you're not the one who has to battle him. As you so clearly told me last term, it's my battle this time. You're not in control of this 'game' any longer, and I refuse to just be a pawn of it any longer. Until you realize that sir, I'm afraid I can't respect you as anything other than the headmaster of my school. Now if you don't mind, I would like to get some sleep while I can!' Harry scowled, he was harsh and firm with each word he uttered to the shocked headmaster.
He didn't regret his coldness though, he had told Dumbledore what no one else had the courage to say; the raw truth.
Satisfied with his statement, Harry took off his glasses and once more rolled over and fell asleep once more.
Albus sat, shell-shocked for a few minutes. He had not expected Harry to be so callous, he usually received such compliance and respect from the boy. Though he did see some reason in the boy's speech, but whether Albus was ready to pass on the torch or not, was yet to be decided.
With that in mind, Dumbledore left the room, empty of what he came for but full of something a lot more mind-blowing.
He quickly bid farewell to the rest of the household, apologizing for his abrupt leave and rudeness earlier, before he floo'd to the ministry; hopefully in time to keep the story out of the papers.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following morning, Harry woke up surprisingly late in the morning. Ron wasn't in his bed snoring as usual, and the sun was higher in the sky then it usually was when he awoke.
He waked down into the kitchen, hoping that he wasn't too late for a bit of breakfast.
When he walked through he was glad to see that breakfast was still in procession. Harry quickly took his place between Finn and Ron and filled his plate with the scrumptious foods that both Mrs. Weasley and Grimmauld Places new house-elf –Dobby- had provided.
'Good Morning, Harry, how are you this lovely sunny morning?' Finn asked cheerfully, though the concern for the boy was easily read in his eyes.
'Okay and you?' Harry replied, a general worry for the elder man evident in his voice.
'Quite fine, lad, quite fine,' Finn smiled, before taking a bite of his buttered toast.
'And the house?' Harry hesitantly questioned; nobody had told him what exactly had happened.
'Gone, I'm afraid. But that's okay, never really had much luck with houses anyway,' Finn replied, chuckling slightly.
Harry laughed freely, knowing Finn didn't mind the loss all too much and therefore he needn't feel too guilty over its loss. Though no one had yet told him that several had perished along with their own homes last night.
A.N. Well that's the end of this chapter. Sorry it took me so long to get it out, with school starting and vacations lasting longer than I would have liked I didn't have time to type it all out. Hopefully it isn't too bad of a chapter, it definitely wasn't my favorite but I needed it out of the way for the future plot. Hopefully in the next chapter or two we'll see the group head off to Hogwarts and then things will hopefully roll on a bit faster and smoother as right now updates, and plot are both a bit choppy.
Well please review, even if it's to tell me that your not a huge fan of my work I don't mind I listen to what you say and use it for the better- to better my writing, so please it would mean a lot even if its only two little words.
Until next time
Cheers,
Petroleumjellydotone.