A/N – Well I'm finally back and still recovering from the time change (6 time zones). It's been weird not writing for two weeks, but I notice that more people are finding this story and taking the time to post a review. Once again I thank all of you who posted reviews for this story and put it on their alerts. I never expected this story to be so popular.

I've had a few requests to post the entire contents of the information left to Harry by Sirius and Lily. That probably won't happen in that format. We already know the main idea of what is contained in those documents and I want to reveal specific bits and pieces at appropriate points in the story as it continues to take shape.

I've had some more feedback that Tom seems to have undergone too drastic a mood swing and that he should still be a lot more evil. At this point in the story Tom is still in shock. He's been forced to confront the fact that he's been manipulated all his life and that Albus and the Purebloods played a large role in creating the Dark Lord he turned out to be. Remember that Tom is a pretty good strategist and, just like his first and second rise to power, he needs to plan and prepare before he can wreak havoc on his enemies. His character still has a long way to go and he'll have to suffer a great deal along the way.

Chapter 14 – Oh Where Oh Where Has My Family Gone

To say the walk down to the guesthouse was tense was like saying Crabbe and Goyle were simply academically challenged. For Remus and Tonks, the reason was obvious – they were about to meet the most feared wizard in modern history face to face. It didn't help that Harry, Hermione and Luna were so blasé about it. That just mad it worse. The thought that these three were under the Imperious spell had occurred to Remus several times, but that didn't seem to be the case here. Tonks and Remus had talked it over and agreed that they would overcome their fears and meet Tom Riddle.

The two of them held hands as they made their way down the path. Despite the tension Remus reflected that there was something just right about him and Tonks. He glanced over a Tonks with a slight smile and she smiled back at him and squeezed his hand tighter.

Harry looked over at Moony and Tonks and smiled. It was about time the old Marauder allowed himself to love someone. If anyone could get Moony to lighten up it would be Tonks. His brow furrowed, he too was concerned about the upcoming meeting. Severus and Tom were expecting them, but he didn't know how Moony would react to both of them in the same place. Harry sighed, this was never meant to be easy.

About halfway to the guesthouse Harry felt a presence and looked up just as Hedwig swooped down and landed on a very surprised Hermione's shoulder with a note attached to her leg. Hermione untied the note from Hedwig's leg and the owl nuzzled her and then took to the sky once more.

Hermione unrolled the note and read:

Hermione, we spoke to the prats in question and have some news. Please come by the shop as soon as you can.

Gred and Forge

PS. We had tried sending you this note this morning but our owl couldn't find you. When we came back from lunch we found Hedwig waiting for us like she knew we had to send something. We had a very interesting lunch and now need to talk to you more than ever.

Hermione gave the short note to Harry and he read it before sharing it with the others.

Hermione looked at Harry, "I think Luna and I need to visit the twins."

Harry agreed, "Find out what's up. Be careful though."

Hermione and Luna nodded and after a quick kiss (Hermione to Harry of course) they activated their portkeys and were gone.

Harry turned to Remus and Tonks; "We can still go down to meet Tom if you wish."

Remus looked at Tonks and knew she was thinking the same thing. He looked at Harry and tried to sound as sincere as possible, "Actually Harry, we do have an Order meeting tonight and it's getting kind of late…"

Harry, just grinned a knowing grin, "In other words you want to put off meeting Tom and having to talk to Severus until later."

Tonks chuckled as the tension broke, "Exactly."

Harry chuckled as well and Moony's shoulders visibly relaxed. "Hey Moony, do you think you'll have time to go to Gringotts and take care of the Black Family Legacy for me? I know it's a lot to ask, but I wanted to get rid of anything really dark before any of them had a chance to contest the will."

Remus smiled warmly, "I've got all day tomorrow but I may need some help in order to get it done before Sunday." He looked at Tonks and raised his eyebrows in expectation.

Tonks smiled slyly, "Mr. Lupin, are you asking me out on a date? What exactly are you agreeing to do for Mr. Potter-Black?"

Remus blushed again, "Well Harry has a vault at Gringotts full of artifacts from Grimmauld Place and the Black Family vault. He wants me to look for dark items and either remove the enchantments or dispose of them if they can't be saved."

Tonks batted her eyelashes at him, "Why you romantic wolf. We just started going out and already you are trying to get me into a dark, secluded place and seduce me."

Remus blushed even further and spluttered, "No. Thanks not… I mean… Oh, shit."

Tonks couldn't hold it and just started laughing, "Really Moony. You are sooo easy to get worked up. Of course I'll help you."

Harry was laughing at the exchange as well. Moony had the look of someone who knew he was beat – this time. Once he calmed down enough Harry said, "Thanks Tonks, I really appreciate it. You know, you are really good together. Moony needs to loosen up a bit and I think you are just the person to do it. I have one word of warning for you though."

Tonks looked at Harry, "What's that?"

Harry smiled a knowing smile, "He may appear quiet and subdued, but if you get him to loosen up you'll awaken the Marauder within."

Tonks paled. She had heard of the Marauders from Sirius and it just now dawned on her who she had been teasing. She gulped, "Remus, you know I was just teasing in good fun."

Remus grinned a feral grin – he knew Harry just helped level the teasing playing field, "Of course I do dear. We should be going now don't you think?"

Harry was till laughing as they apparated. They were going to be very good for each other.

/Scene Break/

Hermione and Luna appeared back on Diagon Alley and headed for the shop. It was late afternoon and they moved quickly trying to keep from being recognized.

As soon as they got to the shop they went in. There were a couple of customers looking at various items. One of the twins saw them and motioned them to the back room and they quickly proceeded through the store with their heads down and into the back room without being recognized.

George was waiting for them at the back, "Fred's going to take care of the shop while we talk."

Hermione and Luna noticed that there was a certain tension in the air. The twins were hardly ever this serious.

George took a deep breath, "This may come as a big shock to you, but we think our mother and Dumbledore are plotting something against Harry and the two prats are in on it."

Hermione and Luna looked shocked (or as much as they could fake it under the circumstances). George went on, "We need to get to Harry. There's something strange happening. Ron and Ginny are blaming him for the fight at the Ministry and Sirius' death and Mum is even calling him the next Dark Lord." George then proceeded to tell them about the rest of their visit to the Burrow. He also told them about what Percy had found out at the Ministry.

Hermione got a quizzical look in her face and asked, "Percy? I thought he wasn't talking to anyone in the family."

At this George lightened up and smiled. He told them about Audrey and her affect on his tight-assed brother. He also told them about Molly's reaction to the news.

Hermione shot a knowing glance at Luna. The younger girl asked, "What do you and Fred think about all this?"

"We always thought that there was something fundamentally wrong with our world. The lines between light and dark are too stark and besides, we recognized a long time ago that Purebloods tend to stick together when push comes to shove regardless of which side they are supposedly on."

Luna continued, "But aren't you and Fred Purebloods?"

"Yeah, but like out parents – well, at least our Dad – we don't care about blood lines. We need your help to warn Harry though. He's been like another brother to us and if Dumb-door and our Mum are plotting against him than we want to be on his side."

Hermione asked, "Why?"

"Because we owe a lot to him. He's been there for us and if the world is conspiring against Harry Potter, the world is going to be wrong and we want to be on the right side."

Luna looked at Hermione and nodded. Hermione asked, "George, when does your shop close?"

He looked at his watch – it was 4:30, "In half an hour, why?"

"Can we come back at 5:15? There's someone we want you to talk to about this."

"OK, is it anyone we know?"

"You'll see."

The girls left through the back door and went back to the Manor.

/Scene Break/

Arthur left work early and used the floo to head back home. He had been unable to concentrate on work all afternoon. Something was happening to his family and he had no idea what was causing it – or worse still – how to stop it. Percy's and the Twins' experiences with Molly and his two youngest children troubled him deeply.

Arthur paused; he was struggling with an internal conflict. Part of him wanted to confront Molly and get a direct explanation for her behaviour. Another part of him was raising a warning – it was warning him to find out more before confronting Molly. This hurt him even more. For over 30 years he had been able to share everything with Molly – they raised seven children together, survived Voldemort's first rise and fall and lived in a home full of love.

A home full of love.

That's all that Arthur ever wanted from life. He considered himself the most blessed and successful of men. Riches, possessions, or a well-paying prestigious job were fleeting – the love of a family wasn't. Or so he thought.

Was it all an illusion? Tears began to fall from Arthur's eyes. The possibility that his strong and happy family was a sham tore at his heart. Arthur looked at the Burrow and for the first time in his adult life he did not want to go home. The realization hit him even harder.

Hanging his head and with slumped shoulders, Arthur turned around and walked back up the drive away from his home and apparated away.

/Scene Break/

Hermione and Luna arrived back at the Manor and found Harry in the library.

Hermione ran over to him and gave him a quick hug and kiss. "Harry, you need to talk to the Twins. We think they'll join us." They filled him in on the discussions they had with the twins.

Harry was excited. The Twins would be incredible allies. He had always admired their brilliance and their ability to disobey authority without being caught.

At exactly 5:15 Hermione and Luna appeared in the alley behind the shop. They knocked on the door and were let in by one of the Twins.

George started, "I've told Fred about our conversation. I thought you were bringing someone else with you."

Luna said, "We wanted to be sure that you both were sure about what George told us before."

Fred nodded, "We've seen patterns for a few years now. Something is up and Harry's in the middle of it."

George agreed, "And we both know that if Harry is on one side of a situation he's the one to trust."

Fred finished very matter-of-factly, "He's one of the few people who has never given us a reason not to trust him."

Luna nodded, "Just one last thing. We'll need a wizard's oath not to reveal what we will be talking about and the identity of the other person who is just outside that door with anyone unless that person allows it."

The Twins looked a little apprehensive but provided the oath.

Hermione smiled and walked over to the door. She opened it slightly and said, "You can come in now."

The Twins looked in anticipation as the door opened and Harry walked in with his trademark smirk on his face. Anticipation turned to glee as they rushed forward and enveloped him in a hug.

Their seriousness briefly gone they lapsed into Twin speak. "You sneaky bugger."

"Here we were worried about"

"you being locked away"

"and you're able to slip out"

"from under the Order's noses."

Harry just laughed, "Hi guys. Sorry for the secrecy and everything but I really have to be careful about who knows what I'm up to this summer."

"Gred, I'm so proud!"

"As am I Forge."

"At least some of our influence"

"rubbed off on the younger generation."

"Even Hermione and Luna are"

"pranksters at heart."

The Twins invited them to come upstairs to their flat. Harry and Hermione sat down on the couch absentmindedly holding hands. The Twins noticed immediately.

"Merlin!"

"It's about time you two saw in each other"

"What everyone else around you has seen for years."

"Except maybe ickle Ronniekins"

"And Gin-Gin"

"And Mum"

The twins got uncharacteristically quiet and seemed lost in thought for a second.

Harry started to say something and hesitated. "Guys…"

Fred and George suddenly sprung from their seats and ran into another room. They came back out moments later studying a large piece of parchment talking to each other

"So, it's Flitwick?"

"Looks like it."

"Merlin it was up to 75 galleons."

Hermione looked irritated. She furrowed her brow and said, "What's with the parchment and what does Professor Flitwick and 75 galleons have to do with anything?"

Fred looked up, "What? Oh, Sorry."

"We were just looking"

"At the Harry and Hermione"

"Pool from Hogwarts."

"Professor Flitwick won."

Hermione looked scandalized, "The professors were in on it as well?"

"Well, not all of them"

"Snape never entered"

"Yes, he did dear brother, right here"

"Oh, yeah. Well, I'm sure McGonagall and Dumbledore never entered."

"True, quite true."

Harry and Hermione looked at each other and just shook their heads again, "We are pretty dense," she said.

Harry wanted to get back to why they really came over. "Guys, did you mean what you told Hermione and Luna? We could really use your help, but it means keeping secrets from everyone we don't trust explicitly. That will probably include your family or at least part of it."

"Harry,"

"We would have never"

"lived as long as we have"

"if our family knew"

"even a fraction"

"of what we have done." George finished and both twins had huge grins on their faces. They seemed to be drawn off again. Harry thought they were probably reliving some of their best exploits. He took out a book and added their names to it.

That seemed to stir the Twins out of their reverie. They both looked at Harry quizzically with furrowed brows. Harry smiled at them knowingly, "Can you guys apparate there yourselves?"

They nodded enthusiastically as Harry continued; "Well then, we'll see you there shortly."

With a small movement, Hermione, Luna and Harry disappeared.

"Gred, I think I'm going to like this turn of events."

"So am I Forge, so am I."

They stood up in unison and were gone from the flat with a loud crack.

/Scene Break/

The Transfiguration classroom at Hogwarts was the temporary meeting place of the esteemed Order of the Phoenix since Grimmauld Place was no longer guaranteed to be secure. Even Albus himself refused to go into the house until it's new owner was determined. The house on Grimmauld – much like the one on Privet Drive – was under constant surveillance. Ever since Sirius had dies nothing had been detected entering or leaving the house.

Remus fought down a smirk as 'Dung delivered this news. The Goblins really knew how to keep things quiet.

Moody reported that nothing much had happened at Privet Drive either. Neither Dumbledore nor Moody let the rest of the Order know about their last encounter with Harry. Since then the boy had been keeping away from the windows, but they could see movement and the lights and TV being used.

Remus knew he had a part he had to continue to play for now, "Albus, can't we at least visit Harry? He must be lonely and still grieving for Sirius. It's not right to leave him locked up like that."

"Remus Harry needs to be left alone with his own thoughts right now. The best way for him to deal with this and emerge stronger is for him to find it within himself to overcome the grief. I will be checking up on him periodically to measure his progress. It's really for the best. Molly, perhaps in a week or two Ginevra and Ronald could go see him for a few hours."

Molly brightened up, "Of course Albus, I'm sure Harry would appreciate it."

Dumbledore had a twinkle in his eye and Remus was really starting to hate that. He didn't let the subject of Harry drop just yet, "Is Harry at least going to be at Sirius' will reading? I got a notice from Gringotts today for 3pm on Sunday."

The annoying twinkle continued, "Alas it is too dangerous for Harry to be allowed to go. I have discussed it with him in depth and he agreed for me to represent him at the will reading."

Remus responded, "Well, if Harry's OK with it then who am I to argue," while at the same time he thought, "In-depth? That discussion had as much depth as your investigation of Sirius' guilt the first time around. Can you even smell the shit you're shoveling old man?"

Dumbledore continued the meeting. "Kingsley, have there been any new attacks?"

"No, Voldemort's forces have been quiet since the Ministry attack. You think that they would have become more active."

If it was possible, the twinkle got even worse; "Severus is away with Voldemort for about two weeks. He told me that Voldemort requested his company. I do not, however, know the nature of the journey. Severus also told me that he gave others some assignments but he didn't have any details. I would assume that he is planning something but it won't take place until after he's back."

"The last item I would like to mention tonight is the reading of Sirius Black's will. For those who may not be aware, Sirius was the Head of the Ancient and Noble House of Black and did not have any direct heirs. Without a direct heir, the next male Black in line is Draco Malfoy – he will inherit whatever Sirius has not left to anyone else. Who has received a notice to attend the will reading?"

Around the table, Remus, Tonks, and Molly raised their hands. Molly spoke up, "Notices came for Ron, Ginny, Arthur and myself."

Tonks added, "I'm sure my mother and father were sent notices as well."

Albus nodded, "We will have to see who else received notices however I have my suspicions. Alas, are there any other issues anyone wishes to discuss?"

Elphias Doge spoke up, "Albus, what is happening to the Death Eaters captured in the Ministry?"

Albus responded gloomily, "I have been trying to get them securely sent to Azkaban, however Cornelius is adamant they be held at the Ministry until they are give trials. Those will take place sometime in the next two weeks. With Voldemort away I'm not as concerned that the other Death Eaters will mount a rescue mission, however that is not completely out of the realm of possibility. However since the battle at the Ministry it is nearly impossible for us to place our own people in surveillance positions there."

With that the meeting concluded and everyone started to leave. Remus was the first to leave and Tonks took a bit of time before she followed.

Albus walked over to Molly, "Molly where is Arthur tonight?"

Molly shrugged her shoulders, "I'm not sure. He may be working late or spending time with Percy."

Albus nodded and subtly looked around to ensure no one was listening, "Please let me know if anything out of the ordinary happens."

Molly just nodded and left.

Albus headed back to his office. The plan was coming together. There were just two potential loose ends. Molly was keeping tabs on one; Albus would have to take care of the other.

/Scene Break/

Molly used the floo in Minerva's office to get back to the Burrow. When she got back Ron and Ginny were eating popcorn and playing chess in the kitchen. Arthur was still nowhere to be found.

This was not supposed to happen. "Damn that Percy!" she thought. "Why did he have to show up now? The plan is just falling into place. We've got to get Harry married off to Ginny and then I don't care what Arthur does – I'll have what I need."

She wondered out loud, "Where could your father have gotten to?"

/Scene Break/

Arthur had spent most of the evening at one of his and Molly's favourite place when they were at school. It was a small clearing in the woods just south of Hogsmeade. They had discovered this place in his fifth year and would just spend time together there alone during Hogsmeade weekends.

Arthur had always been a quiet boy – heart of gold, kind, loyal – he always wondered why he hadn't been a Hufflepuff. He was also always tinkering with things. His half-blood and muggle-born friends always remembered Arthur as the boy who was obsessed with learning about everything muggle.

He remembered when he first noticed Molly. He was in fourth year – she was in third. There was just something about her that made her the most beautiful girl in the school to him. He tried to find out everything about her. All of his friends said she kept to her close-knit friends and that she had a number of friends in Slytherin. This struck Arthur as odd since she was a Gryffindor. She didn't seem to notice him at all until near the end of the year.

/Flashback/

Arthur was sitting at the Gryffindor table just after exams. He was deep in thought trying to figure out how muggles managed to get their machines to fly. Suddenly there was a sound of a throat clearing and someone had said something to him. He looked up and saw the girl of his dreams.

"I asked if this seat was taken."

"Oh. Oh no. Feel free to sit here." Arthur was starting to sweat.

"You're name's Arthur Weasley right?"

"Yes, and you are Molly Prewitt?"

"Correct."

They continued small talk through lunch. After that they started sitting together more often and talking about a wide variety of topics. To Arthur's joy they became fast friends.

The next year, Molly stopped hanging around with her friends from Slytherin as much and spent more and more of her free time with Arthur. When the first Hogsmeade weekend rolled around, Arthur got up the nerve to ask her out on a date and she accepted. After a few butterbeers at the tavern (where Molly insisted on getting two of the rounds herself) and a trip to Honeydukes (he bought her a slab of her favourite chocolate) they decided to go out for a walk. Arthur was in heaven, all he could think about was this beautiful redhead he was holding hands with.

When they found the clearing they sat down side-by-side and talked until later afternoon. As he helped her up, he found himself face to face with her. As he looked into her eyes he saw a strange look but he quickly forgot about it as she leaned forward and kissed him. The kiss literally blew his mind. After that all he could think about was Molly. They were inseparable from then on.

/End Flashback/

Arthur sat in silence, tears rolling down his face. He needed to talk to someone – but whom could he trust with this? Certainly not Dumbledore. He thought for a while and realized whom he had to talk to.

Composing himself he quickly cleaned himself up and apparated out of the clearing.

/Scene Break/

Back at Potter Manor, Harry and the girls had just finished explaining to Fred and George about the Conspiracy and the ancient prophecy. They had listened intently and had not interrupted with anything but relevant and pointed questions. They even seemed to take the news about Tom and Severus in stride.

Harry finished, "Guys, I want you to know that what we told you tonight can get you and us killed if anyone involved in the conspiracy suspects we know. If you want out you can apparate back to your shop and I'll take your names out of the book – You won't remember a thing about the Manor or what went on here."

Fred got up and walked over to Harry, "Harry, we consider you and Hermione like a brother and sister. All of you took a big risk this evening and showed a lot of trust in the two of us. We are honoured that you did."

George came over and continued, "Fred and I have suspected that something was fishy with the wizarding world for a long time but we couldn't put all the pieces together. You did that for us tonight. Harry, Hermione, Luna, I speak for both of us when I say the we will join you."

Hermione jumped up and hugged them both. "Welcome on board. These rings are act like portkeys but can go through wards. You just have to activate them and they will bring you here to our safe house."

Harry jumped up, "Now, I don't want to sound like Ron, but who is up for a late dinner? You guys are welcome to stay here tonight if you want. I haven't seen Severus or Tom all day but it's pretty late now. We should go down and see them in the morning before our guests show up.

As they were sitting down to eat Luna looked at everyone and said, "Now how are we going to approach Percy and Arthur?"

Before anyone could answer, Jeeves popped in and whispered to Harry. He looked up, "We have visitors."

They all got up and went into the entry hall were two figures were standing and looking around.

Hermione's eyes went wide, "Mom! Dad! What are you doing here?"

A/N – I'm going to try and keep the installments coming regularly again. Please R&R. I really appreciate the feedback and suggestions to help make this a better tale.