5. Leaving the Burrow Behind

Harry had not wanted to celebrate his birthday. He had waited impatiently for it to come for only one reason. He would be of age, he would be considered an adult in the wizarding world, which would entitle him to do magic where and when he saw fit.

He woke on the morning of his seventeenth birthday, drenched in sweat from another fitful sleep. He showered and dressed and headed down the stairs. Mrs. Weasley hugged him tightly as soon as he appeared, she did not wish him a happy birthday but handed him a plate of fried eggs and toast instead. Every meal she dished Harry up a full plate of food in the hopes that he would eat more than a couple of mouthfuls.

'Lupin will be here soon to take you for your apparation test' she said as he plonked himself down at the table.
'Where're Ron and Hermione?' he had checked their rooms before coming down, and finding them empty, had expected to see them at the kitchen table, tucking into breakfast.

'They've already eaten' she said 'they're outside somewhere' When Harry immediately got up to leave she pushed him back down in his seat. 'Oh no you don't!' she said 'you'll eat first! And a decent amount too this time.' her voice was stern but her eyes were full of concern 'You're getting thinner every day…'

Harry pushed the oozing eggs to the side of his plate and managed to down two pieces of toast and butter. He waited until Mrs. Weasley had her back turned then left the table quietly and went outside in search of his two best friends.

He found them huddled together under the enormous willow tree, in hushed conversation. Several aurors were wandering the perimeter, eyeing Harry as he made his way over to Ron and Hermione. As he neared them, they stopped whispering and looked up guiltily.

'What's up?' Harry frowned down at them.
'Nothing' they said in unison. Harry looked from one to the other; his eyes narrowed 'Right'
'Lupin not here yet then?' Ron said quickly
'No … not yet … what were you just-'

'I know you'll be fine Harry' Hermione interrupted 'you've apparated a few times now … even conducted a side-along … you'll pass no problems.' She said with a wave of her hand.
'Maybe … but what were you-'
'And if I can pass' Ron said 'you definitely can!' Harry shrugged and opened his mouth to speak.

'Did he say what time you'd be back?' asked Hermione 'Lupin I mean'
'No, he didn't … What-'
'So how does it feel, knowing you can do magic whenever you want?' Ron grinned at him
'No different really' Harry was beginning to lose his temper 'what were you two-'

'Harry!' Harry looked over his shoulder at Lupin, who was coming down the stone steps with Tonks in his wake. He was carrying an empty milk bottle in one hand and his wand in the other. 'Ready to go?'
Harry turned towards him and nodded.

'Good. Alright!' Lupin motioned to two of the aurors nearby. 'Ministry orders' said Lupin in answer to Harry's frown 'you've got to have at least two of them wherever you go.' Harry recognized Dawlish as he jogged over and nodded at Lupin, he did not know the other man. Lupin tapped the bottle with his wand. 'Portus' the bottle glowed for a moment as it shook in Lupins hand, then returned to normal.

Harry went to place his finger on the portkey but paused and looked back at Ron and Hermione and said accusingly. 'I'm not finished with you two yet!' They raised their eyebrows as Harry turned his attention back on the bottle. He placed his finger on it, looking around at the four faces opposite him. He just had time register how over the top it seemed to have four escorts to the Ministry of Magic for his apparation test, before he felt the familiar pull behind his navel and the world began to swirl around him.

They were in the Atrium in the Ministry of Magic. It was much less bustling than it had been last time Harry was here during opening hours. He noticed several wizards standing at the entrance to the golden gates, all dressed in the same emerald robes that bore a Ministry badge on the right hand side above the chest.

'Ministry Guards' whispered Tonks in Harry's ear. The golden statues of the wizard, witch, centaur and house elf that had been destroyed in the fight against Voldemort just over a year ago had not been replaced. Instead only the platform remained, still surrounded by the pond Harry had thrown numerous Galleons into when he had been on trial two years ago.

'What's that?' Harry leant to one side to avoid a small, silent black orb, no bigger than a golden snitch that glided passed him, circled back and then proceeded to weave through them.

'It's a Stalker' Tonks continued 'It's sort of a floating eye that can think for itself' Harry raised his eyebrows 'it's extraordinarily useful. It will follow anyone it is suspicious of or has been told to watch out for, relaying the images back to the receiver.' Tonks was smiling as she watched it zoom over to some new arrivals that had just entered through the floo network. 'They are extremely rare, the ministry has one of only three known in existence.' She glanced sideways at Harry 'The Order could use one of those on you permanently.' Harry was silently grateful they did not have one.

Once through security at the large golden gates, they headed to the elevators and disembarked at Level Six where the Apparation Test Centre was located. They passed more of the Ministry guards as Lupin guided Harry along the corridor. Suddenly a familiar voice sounded from behind them.

'Harry!'

Harry sighed as he turned, preparing himself. 'Can I have a word with you?' Scrimgeour said as he caught up to them '… in private' he added looking at Lupin.
Harry shrugged 'I still don't have anything to tell you.'

Scrimgeour frowned and said 'Maybe I have something to tell you.'
Harry eyed him for a moment before following him back down the corridor towards the lifts.
'What?' he said flatly.

'There is a fair bit of speculation going on Harry, as to what you will do now you've come of age.' Scrimgeour spoke in a low voice. 'And after what happened the other night, the death of that young girl … well,' Harry could just make out the tell tail glistening of sweat on Scrimgeour face 'quite frankly, most people believe you will leave … disappear from public view.'

Harry could feel the anger creeping inside him but he kept his voice even 'I don't see how that concerns you. Seems to me that's my business now I'm an adult'
'Unfortunately, that is not quite true, young man. You're somewhat of a special case, as you well know. People would feel ... more secure if they knew you were around. After all, it is my job to make sure people feel safe-'

'I'm sure if you put the Death Eaters behind bars, find a way to stop the Dementors, and destroy Voldemort, you'd be well on the way to making people feel secure.'
'You're being foolish.' Scrimgeour's eyes narrowed, his voice suddenly growing cold 'You need my help … the Ministry's protection.'

Harry looked back at Dawlish and the other auror 'Take them back. I don't want them. They'd be better put to use elsewhere.'
'You wont survive a month on your own out there.' Scrimgeour said unpleasantly.
'Stan Shuntpike is still locked up I take it?' Scrimgeour's scowl was enough of an answer. 'As I've said before Minister, you should concentrate on the people who do need you.' Harry said it with deliberate pleasantness, then turned and left leaving an angry Scrimgeour at the lifts. He then followed Lupin and Tonks through a door marked Apparation Test Centre.

It was as easy as Hermione had said it would be, although Harry still disliked the sensation. He returned to the Atrium with the test instructor after Lupin spoke to him at length, and they took the floo to Hogsmeade. Harry had to apparate himself in front of "The Hog's Head" and then do one more jump to the boarded up Zonko's before they returned. Once he had his license, he made his way back to the Atrium with Lupin and Tonks, the two ministry aurors trailing behind, the Stalker hovering over them quietly. Harry could almost see Scrimgeour sitting in his office watching them.

'All right Harry; we'll apparate to the gate at The Burrow. Ready?' Lupin smiled faintly. Harry nodded and closed his eyes tightly.

Once at The Burrow, he went to head inside but Tonks grabbed his arm lightly, 'This way Harry' she said as she led him round to the back of the house. When they reached the backyard Harry stood for a moment looking about him, wondering what was going on.

There were more than a dozen people milling around on the grass.

'Hiya Harry!' It was Angelina Johnson who noticed them first; she was standing with Alicia, Katie and Ginny, waving at Harry with a big grin on her face. As they came forward to greet him, Harry spotted Fred and George standing with Ron and Hermione, and next to them he almost couldn't believe it, was Hagrid.

'What's going on?' Harry said, bewildered.
'We thought you might like a round of Quidditch to celebrate getting your license.' Ron was grinning from ear to ear
'But … how …'

'Took a fair bit of organizing, but everyone was really keen to come.'
'Course we were!' said Fred 'Not everyday you get your Apparation License, is it?' chimed in George with a wink.
'I don't … understand …' Harry looked at Neville and Luna who were smiling broadly at him

'Go and get your gear on!' said Angelina, turning him back to the house. It was then that Harry realized she was in full Quidditch garb, along with all the other old team members.

He left them behind feeling somewhat dazed as he climbed the stairs to change. It struck him that this had been what Ron and Hermione were whispering about earlier, they must have organized it over the past few days ... come to think of it, Pigwideon had seemed awfully excited lately, though it had been hard to tell the difference considering his normal state of elation.

Harry was not fooled that it was to celebrate his Apparation license, and even though the thought of celebrating his birthday had repulsed him only this morning, he felt deeply touched that Ron and Hermione had gone to so much trouble.

When he emerged fully attired, Hagrid grinned at him 'Thought you might be needin this.' He handed Harry the Firebolt he had left in his hut before leaving for Godric's Hollow. The aurors and Order members split up so some could station themselves around the field, and the original Gryffindor Quidditch team (minus Wood who was overseas playing pro according to Angelina) headed to the old paddock the Weasleys used for practice, talking amongst themselves.

Lupin and Tonks chatted to Mr. and Mrs. Weasley and Hagrid as they walked along and Dean and Seamus were stifling smiles as Luna launched into an exaggerated explanation of how a Snorkelled Mudlug Slug breathed through it's snorkel part to a very interested looking Neville.

When Harry hit the field and launched himself into the air it felt like the weight of the world had lifted off his shoulders. He let go of everything that had happened over the past few months and flew around the paddock feeling freer than he had felt in a long time. George had brought a set of real Quidditch balls with him, including the snitch, which Harry and Ginny raced after. She did not show any sign of her last meeting with him, for which Harry was glad. He was still appreciative of Ginny's skill on a broom, even though he caught the snitch before her. She had incredible grace and yet an aggressive drive that meant they almost collided a couple of times, though laughing it off as they flew into another round.

Cheers were regularly heard from Seamus and Dean, and even Lupin could be heard saying a triumphant Yes! Every now and then, much to Hagrid's apparent surprise. Ron appeared to have no problem with nerves in front of so few people, and made some spectacular saves to the roaring delight of Mrs. Weasley.

'I'm tempted to let them go through just so she doesn't do that!' Ron said to Harry about her whooping.

Ron's mum was a particularly enthusiastic supporter. At one point when Angelina scored an extremely difficult goal in the makeshift hoops Mr. Weasley had set up, Mrs. Weasley threw her hands up in the air and did a little victory dance with Neville looking on nervously like he thought she might explode.

'That is why we never bring mum to a match.' Said Fred when he stopped near Harry.

It was the best day Harry could remember having in a long time, and when they finally retired to the backyard for dinner, the mood at The Burrow was lighter than it had been yet. They all sat and laughed and talked like there were no other cares to worry them. Harry ate so much he had to slouch in the chair to make himself comfortable, and as the evening wore on he reluctantly waved goodbye to his fellow Gryffindor students, and Luna and Hagrid. Not long after Mrs. Weasley went off to bed followed by Mr. Weasley, and Lupin and Tonks left with Fred and George leaving just Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny sitting by the fireside in the lounge.

Harry watched the flames dancing glow on Ginny's red hair for a while as they sat in silence. 'Thanks guys.' Harry said quietly 'It was a good day.' Hermione's eyes twinkled as she smiled at him, her head leaning lazily on Ron's chest. No one said anything; nothing needed to be said. The four of them sat for the longest time, savouring their last peaceful moments together before Harry finally rose and went to bed, the others trailing after him.

He lay in the silvery moonlight, thinking that this had been by far the best birthday he had ever had. A smile crept across his face; he felt very lucky to have friends like Ron and Hermione. His thoughts were interrupted suddenly and he turned his head as the bedroom door clicked open and a small figure swept through and closed it quietly behind them. It padded over to the bed as Harry lifted himself on his elbow.

That wonderful faint flowery smell filled his senses as Ginny scooted into bed alongside him with her back to him, afraid he would turn her away. He closed his arm over her and pulled her to him. He knew why she had come, he too had felt the need for her and though his head told him to make her leave, his heart ached for her to stay.

Harry had longed to feel her warm body beside him and now that he held her close he could no longer stop himself. He brushed her hair back with his hand and she turned her face to him. Bending his head, he brought his lips to hers, a fire burning inside him. She gave herself to him as hot tears trickled down her face.

It was the tenderest thing Harry had ever known, her lips were soft and warm and her taste was sweet. His kisses grew more urgent as her hands on his bare skin sent shivers through him. He could feel her unsteady breathing, her body weighted down by his. He kissed away the dampness on her cheeks and buried his head in her neck as she entwined her fingers in his hair. The need in him flared dangerously so he took some deep, ragged breaths before lifting his head and looking at her. Though her green eyes smouldered with passion, Harry could see fear behind them as they stared up at him. A dull ache pulsed through him 'I cant' he said breathing heavily.

Her eyes filled with tears 'Harry' she said throatily 'please' pulling his face to hers and kissing him invitingly. He lost himself in her want as he kissed her deeply, welcoming the sensation of her tongue on his. And when he finally looked down at her again he was searching her face. He could see the doubt she tried to conceal. He swallowed hard, his body shaking with desire. 'I cant' he pulled his weight off her; afraid he would give in if she kissed him like that again.

She threw the covers off and went to leave but Harry grabbed her by the wrist. 'Don't go' He whispered. She paused for a moment then allowed him to pull her back down, moulding herself to his body, and as he lay there listening to her breathing, waiting for sleep to take them, his chest pained with the thought that this could be their last time alone together.

Ginny's lips brushed Harry's cheek lightly as she slipped out of bed just before dawn. Harry opened his eyes when he heard the door click shut and threw an arm over his forehead angrily. She had offered him comfort he could not have sort for himself, but he was regretting his decision to lay with her. Every step closer to her he took made it that much more dangerous for her. He rolled on his side cursing himself for his weakness, hating himself for needing her.

As he looked at the gloomy shadows around the room his eyes fell on the small black chest Emerick had given him. It had crouched there since he had first arrived at The Burrow, unopened and unheeded. He flung his feet on the floor and pulled his wand from under the pillow and pointed it at the thick white candle on his bedside cabinet. He narrowed his eyes … Incendio he thought. The room remained in darkness. Harry redoubled his efforts and narrowed his eyes further still, casting a piercing gaze at the deadened candle. Incendio! It ignited immediately, throwing off a gentle light that filled the room by which Harry dressed.

He snatched up the chest and sat it down on the bed, examining the lock. It looked simple enough so Harry pointed his wand at he thought. Nothing happened. Determined to practice his non-verbal spells he tired again Alohomora! Still nothing. Frustrated with himself he said aloud 'Alohomora!' fully expecting the rusted old lock to spring open; but it remained firmly shut. Harry sighed and lifted the chest to the candlelight. He peered into the lock and could just make out something jammed deep inside it.

He pointed his wand at the lock and stared hard at it Waddiwasi!Something shot out of the lock, collided with Harry's head then rebounded onto the floor. 'Owe…' he rubbed his hand at the smarting patch of forehead while searching for what had hit him. He picked up what looked like an old bit of chewed paper. He tossed it onto the bed with a scowl and turned his attention back on the chest. Alohomora! He thought determinedly, the tip of his wand hovering next to the lock. It opened with a small flock. Harry rested the chest on his knees so that it was close to the light and lifted the lid.

On top there was a small scroll, stained and tattered, and frayed round the edges. Harry picked it out and unrolled it carefully, studying the faded patchy writing that remained. The words near the edge of the parchment were gone but he could make out most of it…

…rest Lily,

…e home as soon as…
…merick to deliver this t...
…received news of his pla…
…will be all hands on d…
…w is my little guy do…
…bout you both, day and…
…in with Sooty to make su…
…member to use the m…
…will come as soon as…
…ss you my darling Lily…
…unior a hug from his da…
…y love, James

It was almost as though his father had spoken to him from the grave as it must have been written during the time they were in hiding. A knot formed in the pit of his stomach as he finally rolled it back up and placed it carefully on the bed, turning back to the chest again.

Harry pulled out a couple of small badly tarnished, silver figurines. It took him a while staring at them intently, to work out what they were. Both were of people, however one was of a bearded man, tall and straight with a long pointed hat and a staff grasped in one hand, the other was of a woman, dressed in flowing robes, her head adorned with an elaborate tiara. Harry turned them over in his fingers, wondering why they looked familiar to him. He placed them on the bed next to the scroll and dipped into the chest once again.

There was a pendant attached to a gold chain and an assortment of loose trinkets, all were tarnished almost beyond recognition, though he could still make out a couple of them, one of which appeared to be a miniature gold broom; if it had any magical properties, they had long since been destroyed. The other was a stubby brass candle that was burnt and stained and also appeared to hold no magical powers. The pendant looked like a wheel and it too was blackened round the edges.

After putting them aside, Harry reached in to find a blotchy white card resting on a mound of blue cloth that had yellowed stains and scorch marks around the edges. He brought the card up to the light and turned it over, and there, with smiles on their faces and a baby cradled in their arms, sat James and Lily Potter. But unlike other photo's Harry had seen of his mother and father, this James and Lily's smile did not reach their eyes. They were sitting in a brightly lit room on a long floral couch, and Harry knew it was the sunroom Emerick had spoken of. The room where his mother would sit and wait for James.

He placed it face up on the bed, alongside the other bits and pieces, and then peered into the chest to remove the last item. When Harry lifted it out of the chest he was surprised by it's spongy feel and as he brought it closer to him he realized what he had mistaken for a wad of blue material was actually a small teddy bear. One of its ears was burnt off and its shaggy blue fur was scorched and patchy in places. It only had one eye and where a little red tongue should've been poking out, there were only traces of thin red threads dangling aimlessly. Harry pulled at the loose threads with a bittersweet smile on his face. It was grubby and tatty and worthy of the rubbish bin but it was a small link in the chain that connected him to his past so he placed it back inside the chest carefully before replacing the other items and closing the lid.

The pendant dangled from Harry's hand as he stored the chest inside his trunk. He had unconsciously decided not to pack it away with everything else and as he looked at it again he thought of his mother and father and wondered if either of them had worn it very often. He placed the pendant around his neck, tucking it into his clothes just as there was a knock at the door. Harry grunted, wondering who it could be as the dawns light was only just beginning to creep across the floor.

'Hey' Ron poked his head around the door, and seeing Harry dressed he entered and closed the door behind him. 'Thought you'd be up early. So today's the day then.'
Harry nodded and smiled faintly.

'Your not planning to go yet though … I mean, this early? Mum and dad'll want to talk to you first.'
'I've been thinking about where I should go.' Harry looked out the window 'I want to visit my parents graves, but I don't think it would be a smart thing to do right now.' He could see the ministries aurors slouched around the yard.

'Yeah' Ron joined him at the window 'There's always The Headquarters' he shrugged 'I mean, it's yours now anyhow.' Harry didn't relish the thought of returning there. Sirius had regarded it as a prison before he died, and it was one of the least homely places you could imagine.

'I think I'll go back there … at least for now.' He looked at Ron 'Maybe they've finally managed to remove Sirius's mums portrait.' he said with a wry smile.
'I wouldn't count on it mate' Ron smiled as he led Harry out of the room 'Something tells me she's one stubborn old witch!'

'Alright, Harry?' Tonks greeted him as they entered the kitchen, dangling a bit of egg-white from her fork.

'You two, sit!' Mrs. Weasley said sharply, she was bustling about with the pots and pans looking highly agitated. Harry tried to catch Ron's eye but he seemed extremely concerned with where his feet were going as he moved to the table and sat without a word. Mrs. Weasley unceremoniously plonked a large bowl full of scrambled eggs between them before she sent two plates flying their way. Harry had to duck and use his lightening reflexes to grasp his plate as it came close to taking his head off, and Ron's flew right passed him and shattered against the wall behind. Harry pulled out his wand Reparo! He handed Ron the newly repaired plate.

'Oh!' A dish piled high with bacon that Mrs. Weasley had been sending their way turned on its head as she blustered out of frustration. She waved her wand heatedly and the spilled bacon flew to the bin. Then she turned her back to them and started frying a new batch, mumbling grumpily under her breath.

'What's wrong with her?' mouthed Harry at Tonks, giving up on Ron who seemed to be avoiding him. Tonks gave a non-committal shrug as she took another mouthful. Hermione appeared not long after, looking around at their faces sheepishly. She seemed to be aware of the tension as she sat at the table and watched Mrs. Weasley float the newly cooked bacon over to them while the pan in the sink cleaned itself.

Before the bacon dish could land safely on the table however, it began to spin wildly in mid air. Pieces of bacon flew off in all directions as Harry, Ron and Hermione ducked for cover, and Tonks was on her feet and with a wave of her wand the now empty plate came to a rest in the middle of the table.

Mrs. Weasley was beside herself. 'Oh not another one!'
'Maybe I'd better cook the bacon, Molly' Tonks said as she flicked her wrist, bits of bacon lifting into the air and flinging themselves in the bin.
'NO!' Mrs. Weasley started 'Oh … er … I mean, that's quite alright dear, I can manage.' She obviously thought the damage she was doing was still preferable to unleashing Tonks in the kitchen.

'Morning all!' Harry looked up and saw Mr. Weasley come through the door, Ginny trailing behind.
As he watched her remove her coat their eyes met briefly, but she looked away quickly before moving to the table and sitting opposite him. There were no more accidents with the bacon after that as they sat and ate, verbally replaying some of the previous days Quidditch.

Ginny ate in silence, pushing the food around her plate impatiently, seemingly annoyed about something. Harry had never felt sorry for a mushroom before, but watching Ginny stabbing at hers repeatedly with her fork gave him the rather uncomfortable feeling that she was not seeing a mushroom at all. Once she had reduced it to tatters she shoved it to one side of the plate and started in on an unsuspecting piece of tomato.

'Harry, I'd like to have a chat with you, if I may?' As the breakfast was being cleared Mr. Weasley lifted himself from the table and headed for the lounge. Harry followed, feeling all eyes on them. 'Sit down, Harry' Mr. Weasley said as Harry entered the room. He stood with his arm resting on the mantelpiece above the cold fireplace. 'Lupins informed me that you will be leaving us today?'

'Yes' Harry said quietly.

Mr. Weasley raised one eye brow 'I cant say I'm surprised. In fact, every morning I come down I've been half expecting you to be gone.' He spoke sombrely now 'Without Moody here I'm almost certain that would have been the case a week ago. Have you thought about where you're going?'

Harry nodded 'To Head Quarters.' Mr. Weasley moved over to the armchair next to Harry and perched himself on the edge of it.

'Harry ... you're like a son to Molly and I,'
Harry felt a dull ache in the pit of his stomach as Mr. Weasley went on quietly 'our home is your home, and it always will be. If you want to come back … if you ever need a place to go, remember that.' Harry didn't speak; fearing his voice would be unsteady. Mr. Weasley sighed deeply 'Now that you've come of age there's one or two things you need to know.' Mr. Weasley was eyeing him with a mixture of curiosity and sadness 'I think its time you became a member of The Order of The Phoenix ... if you still want to-'

'Of course I do.' Harry said quickly.
Mr. Weasley nodded 'I'll arrange to have you inducted tomorrow. How are you getting to Head Quarters? Have you arranged to meet Lupin there?'
Harry shook his head and swallowed 'I'm going alone.'

'No you're not.' Ron and Hermione were standing in the doorway watching them. 'I told you once before mate, Hermione and I are staying with you.' Ron was looking at Harry seriously as he walked forward 'Hogwarts doesn't start for a month, until then we go where, you go.'

'No, I don't-'
'Don't argue with them!' Mrs. Weasley appeared with Tonks at her side. Her eyes were watering as she looked sternly at Harry. 'The three of you have been best friends for six years, and if ever there was a time you needed each other it's now.'

'Molly's right,' Mr. Weasley put his arm on Harry's shoulder as he peered from Ron to Mrs. Weasley 'you might as well accept it, I don't suppose you have any choice in the matter anyway.'

Harry could see Ginny in the kitchen behind Mrs. Weasley. She was sitting with her elbows on the table and her face in her hands.

'Well...' Harry began.
'Good! Glad that's settled.' Ron said, then turning his eyes on Harry he asked briskly 'When are we leaving?'
'As soon as we can.' Harry said slowly, never taking his eyes off her.