Chapter 5:

Dumbledore called another Order meeting the night that Harry's NEWT results had become available. He still didn't understand how the boy had done them and without his knowledge. Then to gain five Masteries, three of them in core subjects was simply unheard of. There had to be a way of gaining control over the boy again. He was not going to give up until then.

Several murmuring voices brought him out of his private rant and he got down to business.

"First does anyone have a report on Harry?"

Minerva cleared her throat. It had been decided that she would reveal Harry's NEWTS to the others.

"I received a missive this morning from the Ministry, specifically the Department of Magical Education. It seems that Mr. Potter has gone ahead and taken his NEWTS."

Several gasps were heard.

"What grades did he receive?" asked Molly. She was concerned about what she was hearing. Harry and his fortune belonged to her daughter and no one else! Not even a dead girl!

"Five Masteries in Transfiguration, Charms, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Arithmancy, and Runes. The rest were given Outstanding."

The room was stunned into silence.

"What is unusual is that Mr. Potter never took Runes and Arithmancy while attending Hogwarts."

"Could he have learned it from someone or somewhere else?" asked Arthur.

"It is possible. Ms. Granger is the top student in those classes. They could have easily met outside of school."

"My informants within the castle would have mentioned to me if the boy were learning something new." interjected Dumbledore. He began stroking his beard in thought over what Minerva had suggested.

"Alistair? What of Ms. Granger?"

For once Alistair Moody was upset over what he was about to say. Not because of the actual events but the loss of such a powerful witch. He hated to see such talent lost.

"I found out some disturbing things."

"Such as?"

"Ms. Granger and both her parents were killed over a week ago in a car crash while traveling through London. From the police reports, I managed to glance at, a large lorry collided with the car. Her parents killed instantly."

"And Ms. Granger?" whispered Minerva. She was greatly disturbed by the news. The girl had been a favored student and would be missed.

"She died at St. Mungos later that same night. A muggle policeman, last name of Harris, who's married to a Healer, was sent to get Potter so that the girl could say goodbye. That's why the boy wasn't home when his relatives were kissed. I'll also bet every last Knut that I have that was the reason Potter was at Godric's Hallow that day. He buried the girl and her parents there. I've found some disturbance in the soil near James and Lily's graves. The marker is unmarked and under a powerful glamour spell. I can't even dent it."

"Did she ask for my Ron?" asked Molly, needing to know for her son's sake.

"Not to my knowledge. What was said between Potter, Granger, and the Healer is unknown. All records concerning Ms. Granger have been sealed by the Ministry. Done at the request of Potter and the Healer. When I asked Amelia for help in opening them she told me to leave the whole issue alone. Potter was safe and fine. She practically ordered me to stop investigating."

"Why would Amelia say something like that?" asked Dumbledore, deep in thought. He didn't like the fact that Harry had been to St. Mungos. Any competent Healer would reverse all that had been done to the boy. Not to mention removing the blocks that he had placed on the boy. He was going to have to be very careful once they had Harry back in their midst.

"I have no idea. She's holding several things close to her. I for one won't go looking into something without her permission. She's too scary when riled."

Several members, especially those that knew the witch personally, agreed with Moody's assessment.

"Perhaps if I speak with her?"

"You can try Albus, but I don't think that you'll have much luck."

Harry's birthday dawned hot and humid. Susan was running late, as usual, but for once it wasn't her fault. She had gone to pick up Harry's present. It hadn't been ready and she had to wait for it. But the end result was fantastic. She knew that Harry would love it.

She made her way into Gringotts. Harry and Lily were waiting for her in the lobby.

"Sorry I'm late."

"It's alright Susie. We just got down here ourselves." he said. Then he kissed her cheek.

"So? Are we ready?"

"Yep! I can't wait!"

"Only you could get excited about going to a circus for their fifteenth birthday." she said as she shook her head. Secretly she was rather excited to go herself.

"When I heard that there was one in town, I knew that Lily and I had to go. I never got to when I was younger."

"I know, Harry. I was just teasing. Now let's go!"

Sirius had purposely missed the last Order meeting. He had no desire to be near Dumbledore or any Weasley at the moment. Not even the twins, who understood completely. Instead he set out to help Harry on his own. Using his vast knowledge of those who weren't always 'light', Sirius had set up a network of informants and spies. He paid them well enough so that he wouldn't be betrayed by them.

It was one of those informants that told him of some big recruiting session for Voldemort. This led Sirius to be in the worst pub in Knockturn Alley. He watched as one of the male patrons got into a fight with another patron. This caused him to miss the object that was thrown behind the bar. He never knew what hit him. His was one of the few intact bodies that could be identified when the Ministry finally got the fire under control.

Harry, Susan, and Lily returned to Diagon Alley after have a fun day at the circus. Susan couldn't tell who had the brightest eyes, father or daughter. But the day of excitement was catching up with the baby and she was starting to get fussy.

They entered the bank and went directly to Harry's suite. Harry fed Lily her bottle, while Susan got the baby's bath ready. Together they bathed Lily and soon had her sound asleep in her cot. Marble was on hand to watch her. Harry and Susan were going out to dinner with Amelia for a more mature celebration.

They made their way outside the bank and had just started to walk towards the Ministry building when they were ambushed by several unknown people, at least unknown to Harry. Susan recognized three of her aunt's aurors. She knew that this had to be some how connected with Dumbledore.

As Harry drew her behind him she whispered in his ear, "Three of them are Aurors and report directly to Auntie."

"Who?"

"The tall black man, the woman with the pink hair, and the blonde by the lamp post."

Harry nodded. All three had strategic positions. The others were spread out hap hazardly. They obviously thought that numbers would win the battle. He smirked inwardly. 'Boy were they in for a surprise', he thought.

"Susie, I want you to cast a shield in front of us and hold it for as long as you can."

"Right." She drew her wand and stuck it under Harry's left arm. Thus preventing any interfering with Harry's casting with his right hand. She was surprised to see that several crates slid over from the left, giving them some cover. The fact that Harry had used his left hand in stead of the wand in his right was what had surprised her. She didn't think that Harry even knew what he had done.

"Come on out Harry! We don't mean you any harm. Dumbledore just wants to talk with you." said one of the older members

"No thanks. I have nothing to say to the barmy old git!"

Susan had to suppress her laughter at the outraged gasps that she heard coming from the Order members.

"I'm truly sorry, Mr. Potter. Stuptify!"

The spell hit Susan's shield. That started a spell war the likes of which several had never seen before.

As Susan held her shield, she was awed over how Harry was casting. Not one word or incantation was heard from him. But the spells that flew out of his wand were fast and dangerous. Several of which she didn't even recognize. Within minutes several Order members were down. Hurt or unconscious Susan didn't know and didn't care. It was evident that they weren't prepared for Harry to fight them. She snorted. If this was how they fought the Deatheaters then it was truly remarkable that Voldemort hadn't taken over already.

Across the street the three veteran fighters were shocked at what they were witnessing.

"Where in Merlin's name did Harry learn those spells?" muttered Tonks. Kingsley and Hestia both wondered the same thing. What should have been an easy assignment was turning into a blood bath, with them as the losers. It was good thing that they had a back up plan.

"Hestia! Plan Beta!"

"Right!" The auror began to pull several items from a knapsack. She then launched them into the air, towards Harry and Susan. Surprise and awe filled her as she saw several of the items get blasted by the boy as they approached him. He never lost focus. By sheer luck, one item got through.

"Contact made! Countdown commencing!"

"Acknowledged!"

All three began to count backwards from ten.

Harry was wary when the spell fire stopped. Something was wrong! Looking around, he tried to see what the problem was.

"Why have they stopped?" asked Susan.

"I don't know. It's like their waiting for something to happen."

"Like what?"

Harry didn't answer her as his eyes swept the area around them. Nothing seemed to be moving or out of place except for a…. football?

"Susan! Get out of….."

His words were cut off as the portkey activated. He grabbed her out of instinct.

The couple landed in what appeared to be a cellar or basement of some kind. Harry immediately righted himself and pushed Susan behind him. Both heard the sounds of footsteps heading in their direction.

"Same as before", muttered Harry.

"Right." answered Susan.

The door opened with a bang. Harry fired a variety of silent spells through the open doorway. Both he and Susan watched as Snape fell face forward, through the open doorway. The crunching sound they heard was his nose breaking on the floor.

"Harry! Stop firing!" said a voice that Harry recognized. Arthur Weasley, a voice of reason.

Harry stopped firing spells but didn't drop his guard or stance as he watched several people walk through the door way. Mad-Eye Moody grunted an acknowledgement in Harry's decision to fire first and ask questions later.

It was Dumbledore who actually spoke.

"Harry, I am glad to see you safe and sound at last. It was very irresponsible of you to run away from your relatives like that."

Susan's mouth dropped open at the way the Headmaster was treating Harry like a five year old. The man was delusional!

"I was safe before you and your little minions decided to ruin my birthday. Now let us go!"

"I can not in good conscience do that. You need to be safe from Voldemort and his followers. I and my associates can protect you. Your being here proves that."

"No it proves that you can't let anyone live their own life their way. You interfering son of a bitch!"

"There is no need for such language, Harry. Now I am sure that you feel that you have had your rights violated but you will soon see that I am right in this matter. I am afraid that Ms. Bones will have to leave however."

"Susan's not going anywhere!"

Dumbledore shook his head at the boy's stubbornness. "The matter is not up for debate."

The old man cast a binding charm at the boy only to have it rebound back at him. He had to move quickly to avoid the spell. Several, including Moody, looked at the couple with awe and fear. All waited for Dumbledore's next move.

Dumbledore regained his footing and stared at the boy with some respect. He remembered what it was like to be young and idealistic, but he had years of experience to drawn from. Harry was going to follow his dictates and that was final!

He noted that the Bones girl had her wand drawn, under Harry's arm. No doubt she was the one performing the shield spell. He had to admire their teamwork. Very few could do so. It spoke of their familiarity with each other. That had Dumbledore frowning. Ms. Bones, he was sure, was a fine girl. Under normal conditions would she be a very suitable companion to Harry. But she was not within his realm of control. No, Ms. Weasley was a better choice for the boy. She brought, not just her devotion, but that of her family to him and the cause. Not to mention she owed the boy her life. He mentally shook his head. He was right in this. Harry needed him for guidance.

"I am sorry, Harry." With that the aged wizard fired several spells and soon had Susan's shield destroyed.

"Obliviate!"

Harry watched in horror as Susan's eyes misted over. Moody hobbled over and placed a Portkey on her. Within ten seconds it activated and Susan was whisked away.

"NOOO!"

"It is for the best, Harry. She will remember nothing and you will be even safer."

Harry turned his eyes towards his one time mentor. The anger and resentment he felt showed in his eyes. Several people, including Moody stepped back. He barely heard Moody whisper that Susan would be fine. He had sent her home, where someone would find her and take care of her.

Harry nodded in acknowledgement but never took his gaze off Dumbledore, who was slightly unnerved by the stare. It reminded him too much like another who became the darkest of wizards. In the young man's eye he saw his death. He shook himself mentally.

"Let us retire upstairs. Molly has been busy preparing a feast in honor of your birthday, Harry." said Dumbledore, trying to act as if nothing was wrong. Several members looked at him as if he had lost his mind. Moody had to prod the boy into moving. Arthur took pity on Snape and levitated him out of the room and up the stairs before reviving him.

The snarky git said nothing but his eyes told Harry that the next time they met he would have his revenge. Harry merely smirked at him. So far downing Snape was the best thing that had happened since landing in this god forsaken house.

Mrs. Weasley began to fuss the moment she saw Harry.

"Harry, dear, I've been so worried about you. You look….." She couldn't seem to find the words. For Harry had changed. He was now as tall as Ron and now had a healthy appearance. She also saw that he was still furious. Ignoring the look, she set out to get the food ready.

Moody forced Harry to sit down at the kitchen table, while the rest of the group got things ready. All too soon, the group was attempting to sing 'Happy Birthday' to a reluctant and furious Harry. Several noted how the boy refused to eat drink or talk with any of them. The party was failing before it had even begun.

The moment Susan landed in the entrance hall of her Aunt's London home she ran to the floo. She threw in the floo powder before setting in and yelling "Amelia Bones' Office, Ministry of Magic!"

The three Aurors, who were cleaning up from their successful mission, felt their badges vibrate. Kingsley took his out and saw that it was glowing silver. The color drained from his face. That color meant that there was a major problem at the Ministry and that all Aurors were needed.

"Tonks! Hestia! We're needed back at the office! NOW!"

All three took a deep breath to calm themselves down and then apparated away. Once inside the Ministry, they raced to Director Bones' office to get their orders.

Inside the office, their boss sealed the door and placed several silencing and anti listening charms. Her grim face didn't bode well for them.

"Director? What has happened?" asked Tonks in between gasps for breathe.

"A matter of security has been breached by someone in this department."

The three aurors looked at her in horror. This was more serious than they thought.

"Who? Who has betrayed us?" whispered Tonks.

"I'm staring at them right now."

"Us? We haven't done anything!" declared Hestia.

"Didn't you? Did you or did you not help in the kidnapping of Harry Potter?"

All three looked at her in surprise. How had she found out about that!

"I'm not quite sure what you mean Director?" stated Kingsley.

"I have it on good authority that you three, along with several of those loyal to Dumbledore, attacked and portkeyed away Harry and my niece Susan. Now I want you to tell me where he is!"

Before any of them could say a word Susan stepped out from the shadows and into view.

Kingsley thought to himself, 'We are so screwed'.

The birthday party was a dud. Those that had been invited were so uncomfortable that they left as soon as they could. The 'guest' of honor had refused to participate in any form. He refused all food, drink, and presents. He sat at the table, arms folded across his chest, and glared at every one of them.

Ginny had tried to draw Harry into a conversation and soon fled to her room in tears at the look of betrayal that he gave her. It was as if he knew about the contract that her father and Sirius had signed for them.

Dumbledore had tried several times to get Harry to open up and talk. He was only given the same stare that had sent Ms. Weasley running. That look had sent shivers down his spine. Voldemort had done the same when he had first met him. The two were not that different. That was something that he was trying to overcome. That was one of the reasons why he used the compulsion charm on the marriage contract. Harry needed the love of someone who would show him the 'light'.

Suddenly Kingsley flooed in, looking upset and almost frantic.

"Kingsley?"

"Dumbledore! Amelia knows! She's demanding Potter's return!"

"How?" asked Dumbledore in surprise.

"Susan."

"Susan? How? I used a memory charm on her."

"Obviously it didn't take! She not only remembers everything but she told Amelia in great detail what happened. Including your part in it!"

Dumbledore sighed. "I cannot turn Harry over to her or anyone else. He is safer here than anywhere else."

"Dumbledore! This isn't about Potter anymore! Amelia's going to charge all of us with kidnapping if you don't bring Potter to her office now!"

"I will go and speak with her. I am sure that I can get her to see reason."

"She anticipated you would say that. She told me to tell you that 'unless Lord Potter is in her office within fifteen minutes, every member of the Order will be arrested as accessories to kidnapping'. She has a complete list."

Dumbledore paled and sat down feebly. This wasn't supposed to happen! He glanced at Harry, who had a triumphant look in his eye. He knew then that Harry had helped with the compilation of that list. Moody actually had a smile on his face as if he was glad that Harry was not all he seemed. He was tempted to say 'no' but the results of that decision would be too great.

"Very well. Harry will go with us."

The unlikely trio landed in the main Auror office. Harry began moving before he was out of the floo. Dumbledore had no time to place a single charm on him, as the boy was soon inside Amelia's office. Both men walked slowly towards the office.

Harry spotted Susan the moment he got through the door. He rushed to her side and enveloped her in a fierce hug.

"I'm so glad to see that you're safe", he murmured into her hair.

'It takes more than a memory charm to stop me."

Harry snorted and grinned at her.

Dumbledore chose that moment to enter the office. Kingsley followed close behind. Amelia winked at Harry before turning around and sealing the door once more. Tonks and Hestia stood along the back wall, quiet and subdued.

Dumbledore conjured an armchair and sat down. He waited until Amelia was seated before speaking.

"Amelia."

"Dumbledore."

The silence that followed was starting to get on Dumbledore's nerves. He was the master of this game! But Amelia was a master as well, which made him feel like a school boy. He shifted uncomfortably in his chair.

"Amelia, I want to assure you that I didn't kidnap Harry."

"No you had your people do it."

"I didn't order Harry's kidnapping, then."

Amelia looked at Harry. "Lord Potter?"

"Yes?"

"Did you go willingly go with the Headmaster's people?"

"No, Susan and I were portkeyed out of Diagon Alley against our will."

Amelia turned her attention back to the seated wizard. "Then Dumbledore that is kidnapping."

"Amelia, I only want Harry safe. Running around Diagon Alley unsupervised is not safe. As his guardian, I was merely ensuring that."

"Albus! Lord Potter is emancipated. That happened due to your neglect!"

Dumbledore stiffened in resentment. "I did what was necessary at the time. His 'neglect' was minimal. I intend to fight this so called emancipation."

"Minimal! You arrogant hypocrite! Those so called relatives of mine treated me worse than the lowliest house elf! You had no right to place me there and you know it!"

"Harry calm down, please." whispered Susan.

Amelia stared at Dumbledore. She could hardly believe what she was hearing. "You may think that, but you deliberately broke the law then and now. The Goblins won't back down from the emancipation. You haven't a prayer in getting that overturned."

"Harry's safety is above all that."

"Even his personal rights?"

"If necessary."

Amelia stared at Dumbledore as if she had never met the man before. She shook her head in exasperation. "If you continue to think like that, I will have no choice but to arrest you."

"If you must then you must. I will continue as I believe."

"Very well then you have been warned. Lord Potter is an adult. He has finished his education and no longer has need of your tutelage. Leave him and my niece be!"

"I can not."

Amelia ignored him. It was like talking to a brick wall. She continued speaking. "Now I am sure that you don't wish for this incident to get out."

"Not particularly."

"Then I'm giving you a choice. Either you remain at Hogwarts and teach the next generation, or you continue with your 'influence' here at the Ministry and the world at large. But not both."

Dumbledore's jaw unhinged as he processed what Amelia was stipulating. Harry had a mile wide smirk on his face. It was obvious that the boy was happy to see him squirm.

"Hogwarts or the rest?"

"That's right. You get a choice. The one you choose will be your only influence."

After nearly half an hour of going over the pros and cons of each he made his decision. Looking Harry in the eye he stated. "Hogwarts."

Amelia hid her smile. She had figured that the old man would choose that one, even if Harry was no longer a student. To influence the next generation was easier.

"You will give me your unbreakable vow the you will give your resignation to the Wizengament and the other offices that you hold within the week. That you will never seek another office outside of Hogwarts for the rest of your life."

Dumbledore's eyes widened. He hadn't expected such a detailed vow. He had no choice but to give it.

Drawing his wand, he held it aloft. "On my magic, I Albus Percival Wolfric Brian Dumbledore will retire from all offices that I hold. Besides that of Headmaster to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and the Order of the Phoenix. So Mote It Be." He slipped that one in before either Harry or Amelia could stop him. A brilliant white light engulfed the older man as his oath took effect.

"I expect to hear of your 'retirement' within the week." scowled Amelia. She wasn't too happy with his sneaking his Order into the vow.

Dumbledore nodded and rose from his seat. He looked pointedly at Harry, almost willing him to come with him. The boy's defiance showed through. With a sigh he began to walk to the door when Amelia's words made him pause.

"I if you ever think of pulling another stunt like this again, I won't hesitate to throw the 'book' at you. Nothing will save you at that point."

Dumbledore didn't do or say anything. He simply walked out of the office. Harry made to follow him but Amelia held him back.

"Please stay, Harry. I have something to tell you after I have finished with these three."

Harry nodded and returned to his place by Susan. She wrapped her arms around him and began whispering in his ear.

Amelia turned her attention to the three aurors who were waiting for their punishment. She hardened her features for what was to come.

"You three are disgrace to this department! If I had my choice, I would fire the lot of you right now and be done with it! However I'm short handed and need every Auror that I've got, good or bad."

All three paled. Some how each felt that they weren't going to like what was going to happen.

"You three also have a choice. Either you work for me or for Dumbledore. Not both."

"Director, please…"

"No Auror Tonks, either you put your full attention to your job here or quit and work for Dumbledore in his Order. I don't care which, but you WILL choose and do so now!"

In a way it didn't surprise her that all three chose to stay. She got a vow from each to quit the Order and accept their new assignments graciously. Kingsley was sent to the Muggle Prime Minister's office as a plant in their organization. Hestia was headed to Azkaban to assist the Warden there. And Tonks was going to be on loan until further notice with the Department of Mysteries. None were too happy with their assignments but at least they still had a job.

When the aurors left, Amelia let out a grateful sigh. She turned towards the young couple who were snuggled on her small sofa. It was the look in her eyes that caught Harry's attention.

"What's happened?"

"Earlier today, Sirius Black was killed in an explosion in Knockturn Alley. His was one of the few bodies that were still intact and recognizable."

Harry closed his eyes. He and Sirius had discussed this. Still it was unexpected. Harry had thought that they would have had another year at least.

"I am so sorry Harry."

"Thank you."

Amelia looked at her soon to be nephew. She could see the hurt and anguish in his eyes but the rest of him remained calm. She was impressed with him. Not many could hold up under the type of pressure that he constantly had. She knew that Susan would soon play a big part in all of it.

"Many will speculate that Black was there to meet with some of his 'friends'." She heard his sharp intake of breathe and saw that his eyes now lit up with justified anger. "But I happen to know that Black used to frequent that establishment for information from his network of spies. I think that someone lured him there and killed the lot of them to stop his meddling."

"That sounds like Sirius." muttered Harry.

Amelia grabbed his free hand. "You have my condolences. I know how much he meant to you."

"Thank you."

"You're welcome. This incident and your kidnapping have started me worrying about you."

Harry started to protest but Amelia stopped him.

"I know that it isn't your fault but you are a target. Both Voldemort and Dumbledore would like nothing better than to get their hands on you. Now with Black out of the way, your power, no doubt, will make you an even better target. I assume that Black named you his heir."

"Actually Sirius changed his will not too long ago. Several people are in for a rather shocking surprise." smirked Harry. The look on the boy's face was oozing with orneriness.

"Merlin! What have you two done?"

"You'll have to wait for the will reading but I guarantee that you won't want to miss the fireworks."

Shaking her head at the mischief that was no doubt in play, Amelia returned to her original topic.

"Anyway, both Susan and I, feel that for Lily's safety that the both of you as well as us, should move to our ancestral home of Stonehill."

Harry opened his mouth to say no but Susan stopped him. "We know that you bought that cottage in Hogsmeade. And I love the place! But shouldn't Lily's safety take precedence?"

Harry glared at her. She was right but that didn't help the situation. Looking from one to the other, he realized that he couldn't fight them both. Especially when they were right.

"Alright. Lily, Marble, and I will move with you to Stonehill. Wherever that is."

"You won't regret this Harry. Besides you've already learned an important lesson."

"What's that?"

'That we women are always right."