Chapter 2 - Revelations at Grimmauld Place

Harry landed with a small thud, but somehow managing to retain his balance, before straightening up and looking around. The room he was in was small, its stony floor rippling across the room like some sort of wave. In the middle of the room stood a large table, with many chairs of all sizes crammed around it. To one side of the room stood a small cooking area, with a hearth and some large storage cupboards. But Harry's eyes were drawn to the figure, which was now hurrying across the room.

"Harry!" Remus cried, as he embraced Harry. Harry could tell Lupin was desperately in need of some friendly company, so he hugged him back. Lupin stepped back to help Harry pick up Hedwig's cage, which had fallen out of his hand as he'd arrived. Hedwig gave a small hoot of thanks, as Lupin turned once again to Harry.

"Don't worry," he said, "Everything in Privet Drive is ok, and your Aunt and Uncle are safe. Your neighbours memories are being modified, much to your relatives relief I think." Lupin smiled slyly at Harry as he said this, almost as if he understood Uncle Vernon's paranoia as well as Harry did. Lupin continued.

"I suppose you should get upstairs, usual room at the top Harry. Dinner is at seven, and then all will be explained as to what's been going on."

Harry trooped upstairs, dragging with him his cauldron, which contained his Firebolt, his books, his robes and all his other wizarding equipment. Entering the room, he saw a familiar portrait on the wall. It was that of Phinneas Nigellus, but it was empty at the moment. Harry flung himself down on the bed for a quick rest before dinner.

*

Walking slowly downstairs at a quarter to seven, Harry smelt an interesting aroma from the kitchen. He walked in to find Professors Dumbledore, Snape and McGonagall sitting around the table, while Lupin was up at the heart heating some kind of soup. The talking stopped as Harry entered, before Dumbledore greeted Harry.

"Ah Harry! I have just been telling Professor Snape and Professor McGonagall about today's events." He gestured to the chair next to him. "Come, have a seat!" Harry felt quite uncomfortable as he listening over his soup, hearing about how Professor McGonagall had spent most of her summer placing protection spells on her house, and about how her owl had died recently after being attacked by some creature. As Harry finished his soup, attention turned to him.

"So Harry, I suppose you are full of questions are you not?" Dumbledore pushed his soup bowl towards Professor McGonagall, who was clearing up.

Harry thought for a moment before speaking. "What has Voldemort been up to this summer? I haven't been getting the daily prophet, like you told me too." Harry tailed off. It was true Dumbledore had told him not to receive mail from anyone since he'd had the floo fire set up, as it reduced the risk or both interception and also of sabotage - meaning no one could send Harry a hex.

Dumbledore looked at Harry gravely. "Voldemort has been very active over the summer. He has persuaded many more people to his "cause"" (at this Dumbledore let out a sigh) "and he has already amassed a large army. Large enough indeed, to require a headquarters." Dumbledore looked at Harry in a slightly pitying fashion, as if trying to forewarn Harry what was to come next was not good news. It wasn't. "He has taken Azkaban."

Harry let out a gasp. He had honestly been expecting this to happen, but it had happened much sooner then he had expected. Dumbledore continued.

"The Dementors joined him almost as soon as his return to power was announced. The prisoners in Azkaban have joined him, and any who didn't was handed over to the Dementors." He paused for a moment, so Harry started to ask another question.

"How do you know.." He tailed off as his gaze moved across the table. He let out a soft sigh, and Dumbledore nodded.

"Indeed, Professor Snape has been spying on Lord Voldemort for us. At great personal risk." Snape gave a superior smirk at this as Dumbledore carried on. "We have found out much through Professor Snape's hard work, including whom Voldemort has so far recruited in his army." Dumbledore elaborated at Harry's frown. "For example we know most of the creatures he has recruited. I cannot tell you which I am afraid, so please feel to let your mind wander and imagine. Unfortunately, we do not know which people he has recruited yet, as they are all kept separate."

Harry nodded at this. He had heard before of how Lord Voldemort had kept people apart to stop traitors, when he had been inside courtroom six in Dumbledore's penseive.

"Now Harry I must ask you a question." Harry shifted uncomfortably, as he was not horribly aware of how the three teachers and Remus were all focusing intensely on him. "Harry. will you join the Order of the Phoenix?"

Harry had to stop himself from sighing with relief, or then from jumping in his seat. "Yes! Of course I will!" Harry smiled broadly, as did Dumbledore and Lupin, although Snape looked slightly surly. Harry was just starting to wonder why, when Dumbledore carried on.

"Good man Harry! I will tell you what I want you to do at the beginning of term. But now you look dead on your feet. Go now and rest, Lupin will look after you hear for a couple of days, though I daresay we shall see you again soon." With a twinkle in his eye, Dumbledore, followed by Professor McGonagall and Snape, went back to Hogwarts through the small fire in the corner, as Lupin bade Harry goodnight.

Harry looked around him in his room. He smiled fondly at the dirty portraits, the ruffled carpet and even at the bland ceiling itself. This, despite appearances, was more like it. This was home.