Disclaimer: I still do not own Harry Potter.

Hey to my wonderful reviewers! Thank you so much for the feedback! Yes, you're right, this is taking a much darker turn than in canon.

One of my reviewers commented on the fact that I am making Hermione a Weasley. You're right, but that's how it came off to me in canon as well. I will give you all a spoiler, however, and tell you that later on in the story, Hermione's parents are going to play a big role. When all hell breaks loose with the war, they're going to come into the picture, and big-time. In canon, we know that Hermione memory charmed her parents but we didn't really see much of her relationship with them. JKR never really tuched that issue, and I always wondered about it. Well, that's what fanfic is for, isn't it?

Please enjoy this chapter!

Chapter 11: Fear, Worry, and Anger

More screams and terrified yells echoed around the Quidditch World Cup site. The Death Eaters brutally lowered the three remaining Roberts family members to the ground. The mother and father immediately went to their limp daughter, shaking her. Since they were Muggles, they had no clue what that green spell had done to her. They had horrified tears streaming down their faces, and the Death Eaters were wearing sinister smiles. They just let the parents bend down, shaking their daughter, trying to arouse her from her endless sleep. They screamed and shouted at the Death Eaters, and then they were suddenly dangled up in the air again. Now, the Death Eater who was leading them all cast the killing curse on the other daughter, and she, too, fell to the ground. The scene was absolutely awful. Once the other girl was dead as well, the hooded figures started marching around the campsite, setting tents on fire. The green skulls with the serpents protruding from their mouths were still in the sky, shining grotesquely.

"We have to go, now!" said Remus urgently. "Sirius and I brought an emergency portkey just in case something like this happened. We have to use it!"

"But what about the Weasleys and the Diggorys?" exclaimed Harry. "We can't just leave them here!"

"Don't worry," said Sirius, putting a hand on Harry's shoulder. "They'll be fine. Mr. Weasley and Mr. Diggory told us they brought an emergency portkey too."

"Thank God for that," said Harry.

"Some of them will probably stay to fight though," said Remus. "The older ones, like Charlie and Bill, will probably do it."

"Oh no," said Harry. "We should go and help them!"

"No, you're not," Sirius said firmly. "You're too young. You don't know many spells that will subdue Death Eaters yet. If you fight them, they'll kill you. You know that as well as I do."

Harry looked defeated, but the looks on his guardians' faces convinced him that they were right, no matter how much his heart bled to help the Weasleys and others who were in need. He could see that some people were already coming to the aid of the people whose tents were being set aflame; they were duelling with the Death Eaters. The horrible Death Eaters were not fighting fair; they were casting Unforgivables all over the place, and Harry could see the two poor Muggles, sobbing over their dead children.

"Put your hands on this cup," said Sirius. "It's the portkey. It'll leave as soon as we put all our hands on it."

With one last look at the terrifying scene, Harry reluctantly did as he was told. He felt a tug behind his navel and before he knew it, he was back in the living room of Marauder Place.

"What about our tent?" he asked as soon as he caught his breath.

"I'll go back for it later," Sirius promised. "The most important thing was us getting out. If the tent gets burned, it gets burned. People are the most important."

Harry nodded his head in agreement.

"I think I should go back and help," continued Sirius.

"Padfoot, no," said Remus at once. "I know you want to, but now's not the time. We have Harry to take care of, and he and I don't want you getting hurt."

But Sirius had a determined look on his face. "I swear I saw Bellatrix there," he spat. "She must have apparated in." He had a hungry look in his eyes; all his instincts were telling him to go back and fight, to destroy the evil people that were killing innocents and making human lives hell.

"Sirius, no!" Harry pleaded. He took his godfather's hand and clung onto it. "You and Remus are the best thing that's ever happened to me, and I don't want to lose you. Please, Sirius, don't go!"

Sirius continued to look determined, but Harry kept pleading for him not to go. There was such desperation in Harry's voice that Sirius finally relented. After all, if he died tonight, he didn't know what would happen to Harry. He couldn't stay with Remus alone because of the werewolf laws, and he knew no one else the boy could stay with. Plus, he loved Harry so much that he didn't want to upset him. So he ignored all his instincts telling him to fight, kill, destroy.

Harry looked incredibly relieved. Then he asked, "What was that skull thing with the snake in the sky?"

"That, Harry," Remus explained, "was the Dark Mark, Voldemort's sign. He and his followers used to use it right after they'd killed someone. The most awful thing you could come home to was the Dark Mark hanging over your house. That mark instilled fear in everyone who saw it."

"Yeah," Sirius agreed, his eyes becoming haunted with memories. He'd never forget flying his motorbike to Godric's Hollow and seeing the Dark Mark over James and Lily's beloved home, which was completely destroyed. He'd never forget seeing the body of his best friend and the girl his best friend had loved.

xxx

Harry couldn't sleep that night. His mind was infested with thoughts of those two poor little children being hit with the killing curse, their parents shaking them and screaming, crying, begging them to wake up. Sirius and Remus, who were talking in Sirius's room, were having the same problem.

"Moony, what are we going to do?" Sirius moaned. "It's starting again, isn't it?"

"It is," said Remus, sighing. "I hate to say it, but I'm terrified. How are we going to protect Harry?"

"I don't know," Sirius admitted. "We just have to keep him close by us. We know he'll be protected while he's at Hogwarts; Voldemort won't try anything with Albus Dumbledore there." Anger suddenly lit up Sirius's face. "If he does, I'll kill him myself."

"Don't you think we should tell Harry everything?" Remus asked slowly. "If we don't, it'll blow up in our face one day."

"Do you mean the prophecy?" said Sirius. "I don't know. Dumbledore told us not to tell him yet, he said he's too young. But I think he has the right to know."

"Perhaps we should talk to Albus," Remus said. "I agree with you, Padfoot, but at the same time, I feel horrible telling him that he's got the weight of the entire wizarding and Muggle worlds on his shoulders. That's a big, heavy burden."

"I know," Sirius sighed wearily. "It's not fair on him at all. He should be a carefree teenager, worrying about school and grades and girls. Not about Death Eaters and Voldemort trying to kill him all the time."

They sat in silence, both immersed in their own thoughts and worries. They were so concerned for the boy in the bed across the hall. He was so precious to both of them, how could they take care of him and protect him from this sinister world?

xxx

The next morning, there were circles under all three of the house's occupants' eyes. None of them had slept well the night before. Harry had been thinking about the Weasleys all night, and also wondered how Cedric and his father had fared. He received his answers just after breakfast. Ron Weasley floo-called Harry just as he was going into the living room.

"Ron!" Harry said, relieved to see his best friend's face. "How are you? How's your family?" But he could immediately tell something had happened; Ron had a worried look on his face.

"Everyone's fine, except Charlie," Ron admitted. "He and Bill stayed to fight last night. He got hit pretty badly. He's in St. Mungo's now. The doctors say he'll make it, but he's going to be there for a few days. He was hit with the Cruciatus and also with several other Dark curses that did damage to his body."

"Oh, no!" Harry exclaimed. "I'm so sorry, Ron."

"Well, at least he'll be all right eventually," sighed Ron. "How about you guys?"

"Sirius wanted to go back and fight, but Remus and I begged him not to. He finally agreed, so I was just waiting for news on you."

"We're hanging in there," said Ron. He and Harry talked for a few more minutes, and then Harry decided to call Cedric. Fortunately, he and his father were both fine; they'd gotten out by emergency portkey as well.

Later that morning, Albus Dumbledore flooed into the house. He was carrying the tent which Harry, Sirius, and Remus had used the day before. They were very thankful for it. This now meant that Sirius didn't have to return for it.

Then Dumbledore said, "Sirius, Remus, Harry, we have to talk," with a somber look. Harry immediately grew nervous. His heart began to speed up and his hands went clammy. He didn't like Dumbledore's tone, and he knew it was something serious.

"How are you, Harry?" the old wizard asked. "I'm so sorry about last night. I was at the Cup too. I was one of the people who fought the Death Eaters. I and a few others managed to subdue some of them. Since Azkaban doesn't seem to be safe anymore, we're holding them at the Ministry."

"Bellatrix and Peter?" Sirius asked.

Dumbledore looked at him sadly. "I'm afraid not," he admitted. "They escaped."

"Damn!" Sirius swore, stamping his foot. His face looked furious.

"I know," Dumbledore sighed. "I tried, Sirius. But they were too quick."

"You're supposed to be the most powerful wizard in the world," Sirius muttered.

"Ah, my boy, but I am not infallible," Dumbledore said. "I may be a powerful wizard, but I cannot do everything, and I admit that."

"Was Voldemort there last night too?" Remus asked.

"As a matter of fact, he was," Dumbledore replied. "Barty Crouch Jr. had him. He was another one that escaped. He was carrying Voldemort in his arms the whole time. There were several people who fainted when they saw him."

Harry could definitely understand why they would do so. The image of the deformed Voldemort was so gruesome and twisted. "Several died last night," the old wizard informed them unhappily. "Several Ministry workers fell, and some of them are in St. Mungo's with critical injuries. Some were still alive at arrival but didn't survive the night. At least they passed with their loved ones around them."

"Did you hear about Charlie Weasley?" Harry asked.

"I did. I floo-called the Weasleys this morning to check how he is. You mustn't worry too much about him, Harry, he will be fine. He's one of the more fortunate ones."

Harry nodded. "I know."

"So why the visit, Albus?" inquired Remus. "What's going on?"

"I'm afraid the news will not be pleasing to you," said Dumbledore. "Unfortunately, I am here to talk about Vernon Dursley's trial."

It was a good thing Harry was sitting down, because he felt lightheaded and his knees went weak. It wasn't that he had forgotten about Vernon Dursley, that was far from the truth. He'd continued to have nightmares about the horrible abuse, but since everything had been so busy with Sirius and Remus, what with house-hunting, his birthday, and the Quidditch World Cup, he'd tried not to think about it in his waking hours. But now it all came back to him in one quick burst. He remembered Vernon punching him, swearing at him, kicking him, and killing the first friend he had ever had - it was awful! The last thing he wanted to do was relive the whole experience by speaking at a trial.

Dumbledore saw how distressed the child was, and put a gentle hand on Harry's shoulder. Sirius felt the anger pounding in his veins again, and the fear for Harry. Harry felt shame wash over him; how could he have let Vernon do that to him? What kind of wizard was he, why hadn't his magic saved Hedwig?

"Harry, I am so sorry," Dumbledore said with a sad look at him. "But you must understand, this trial is very important. We want to bring Vernon Dursley to justice, and you must tell your story. I do have to say that your aunt and cousin are shocked by what happened. They had no idea Vernon took it that far."

"But they always hated me," said Harry in a terrified voice. "They never did anything to help me."

"I know," said Dumbledore comfortingly. "But I think after Vernon was arrested, they finally realized what they'd done and they wish to help bring Vernon to justice."

"They want to help?" Sirius scoffed angrily. "It's too damn late for that. The damage has already been done."

"Sirius, calm down," Remus said. "You getting all upset isn't going to help Harry. He needs us to stay calm and get him through this."

Harry was shaking all over. "When is the trial?" he asked. "How long do I have to speak? What kind of questions will I be asked?"

"You'll be asked what happened," Dumbledore replied gently. "I'm not exactly sure when the trial is yet. It will probably be in a few months. We're going to be with you every step of the way, Harry, and I must tell you how completely and utterly sorry I am for putting you in such a horrible situation."

Sirius growled a little and glared at Dumbledore. "But you knew they hated magic!" he stormed, the same as he had last time when discussing this subject with the Headmaster.

"I know, Sirius, but I hoped that they would change their minds once they took Harry in," Dumbledore said solemnly. "I was hoping they'd get past their prejudice and come to love Harry as their own."

"What's done is done, Albus," sighed Remus. "But what we must do now is try to rectify the damage."

"Yes," Dumbledore agreed. "Next week, I am going to introduce you to the prosecutor who will be in charge of Vernon's case. He is a wizard, but he has worked in Muggle law for a while. He also helped fight Voldemort in the last war years ago. He is a very nice man, Harry, and he'll try his best to make you feel comfortable. His name is Kingsley Shacklebolt."

"Yes, I know him," said Sirius. "We used to be old mates. He used to work with me as an Auror in the Ministry years ago. He was one of the people who found me on the street laughing," he added bitterly.

"He always thought things weren't what they seemed, Sirius," Dumbledore told him. "He knew how much you loved James and Lily. But he had to obey the Minister's orders and send you to Azkaban. But of course, he knows you're innocent now. You will get a chance to reacquaint yourselves next week.

"Harry," Dumbledore continued, looking straight at him. Harry looked into the Headmaster's gentle eyes and only saw concern there, no shame or anger. "You mustn't be ashamed of what happened at all. It was not your fault what happened with your Uncle Vernon. It has happened before that wizards have been abused by Muggles, and their magic has not worked to stop it. You mustn't think that you're an incompetent wizard by any stretch of the imagination. All right?"

Harry continued to look at him, tears blurring his vision. His heart was filled with fear about confronting this Kingsley Shacklebolt. Just the name itself sounded intimidating. How was he supposed to tell this man the awful things that had happened to him? Without being able to stop them, the tears began to fall down Harry's face and a choked sob escaped. Dumbledore took the boy into his arms and embraced him, muttering comforting words in his ear. Sirius and Remus also ran to him to comfort him. Harry felt overwhelmed, undeserving of their comfort. But they did not let him go, and he clung to them like they were his lifelines. They all smelled so good, like love and home. Dumbledore also smelled like Hogwarts, and like a loving grandfather. The tears ran thick and fast down Harry's cheeks, and he was sobbing his heart out before he knew it. Sirius tried hard to control the fury he felt at the Dursleys for allowing Harry to feel these horrible feelings.

After a time, Harry's tears slowed, and he lifted his head from Dumbledore's soaked robes. "I'm s-sorry," he mumbled, an embarrassed flush creeping over his face.

"You have nothing to be sorry for, my boy," Dumbledore said softly. "I'm the one who should be sorry."

"It's not your fault," said Harry honestly. "You didn't know that the Dursleys would do that to me. I'm not going to hold it against you."

Dumbledore smiled at him, sadness in his eyes. "Thank you, Harry," he said sincerely. "That means a lot." To make Harry feel better, he made his eyes twinkle down at him gently. "Would you like a lemon drop?" he asked.

Remus laughed. "Do you ever forget those, Albus?" he teased.

"Thank you," said Harry, also managing a weak smile. "I'd love one." Dumbledore reached into his pocket and pulled out a little jar. He unscrewed the lid, took out a lemon drop, and handed it to Harry. The boy popped it in his mouth, chewed, and swallowed. "Mmm," he said, grinning. "It's really good."

Dumbledore beamed back at him. "Ah, my favorite sweet of all time," he said fondly. "Muggle candies are my favorite."

The Headmaster stayed a little longer, and then left. Harry felt better after talking with the kindly old man. He was still worried about facing this Kingsley fellow, but Sirius and Remus assured him that he was a great man, and very trustworthy. Any information the three of them told him, he would not repeat it to anybody else.

Harry and Remus had another Occlumency lesson later that day, which ended up exhausting him. He managed to stay awake for the rest of the day, but ended up going to bed very early that evening. He was so tired that no dreams assaulted him that night. The Death Eaters were always on his mind, but he did some deep breathing exercises and some meditation, which Remus had also been teaching him. He felt more relaxed after doing this, and soon fell into a deep sleep. Remus and Sirius did the same, for they were also tired from not sleeping the night before. Whatever would come would come, and they would all face it when it did.