Harry felt like he was being squeezed through a tube.
"Damn" he said as he appeared in an empty street.
Tonks laughed. "It gets easier the more we apparate kid".
Harry looked at her and lifted his eyebrow "Does that mean we'll take more trips together?".
"Here you go Harry" interupted Remus giving him a small piece of parchment.
Harry read the message as a huge home appeared out of nowhere. 12 Grimmauld Place.
Harry whistled. "Nice trick" he said.
"Come along" said Moody as he entered the home.
Remus followed Moody inside. Harry stepped aside and told Tonks "After you". Tonks smiled and entered. Harry followed closely behind. Sure enough, after passing by an umbrella stand Tonks tripped forward cursing loudly. Harry caught her left hand and pulled her to himself circling his arms around her waist feeling her smooth stomach.
"I got you" he whispered in her ear.
The portrait of Walburga Black began to shriek and yell offensive things at the group.
Tonks blushed."Thanks" was all she could say.
Harry kept his arms around her. "Pretty and clumsy, what an interesting mix".
Remus once again stared at Harry. 'Who are you?'. He shook his head. Harry had been constantly surprising him. Remus closed the drapes around the portrait managing to silence it once again.
While they were still in the doorway Sirius Black came into view. He saw his godson behind his cousin and ran forward.
"Harry" yelled an excited Sirius.
"Sirius" greeted Harry confused by his emerging emotions. Sirius was still technically his family no matter who Harry was now.
Tonks finally noticed what position she was currently in. Sirius looked at her and laughed. She tapped on Harry's hand and he released her. She turned to face him, uncertain of what to say. She only saw him as a kid, but the feeling she felt when he grabbed her from behind had reminded her how she felt during her previous relationships. 'Calm down'.
"Thanks again, Harry".
"You're welcome" said Harry not missing that she called him by his name instead of kid.
As Tonks walked away Harry embraced Sirius. "Nice to see you again Sirius".
"You as well" said Sirius crushing his godson in a hug. He led Harry into the kitchen. Harry looked around the unfamiliar and yet familiar home. It was just as the Harry Potter movies depicted. When they sat at the table Harry was greeted by Mrs. Weasley.
"Harry" she yelled. Molly hugged him as if trying to squeeze the life out of him.
"Hello Mrs. Weasley".
Molly let go of Harry and looked him over. He was very different. She noticed his glasses were missing. "Harry, your glasses".
"Yes" said Harry. "The Dursleys took me to a muggle healer" was all that he said.
"Sit" said Sirius patting the chair next to him.
Harry did as he was told and looked around. So far, the only people present were his "rescuers", Sirius, and Molly.
"Where is this?" asked Harry staring at his godfather.
"My family home" said Sirius with some distaste. "Also the headquarters for the Order of the Phoenix".
"The what?" asked Harry.
"The Order of the Phoenix" repeated Sirius. "It's a secret organization started by Dumbledore".
"What does this organization do" asked Harry knowingly.
As Sirius was going to continue Molly shouted "Enough. The meeting is starting soon. Harry, Ron and Hermione are upstairs. You'll be bunking with Ron as usual".
Harry had other plans.
"No offense to Ron Mrs. Weasley, but can I have a room to myself?".
Molly stared at Harry. "I'm sorry dear, but there isn't anywhere else".
"Nonsense" chimed Sirius. "Take my brother Regulus' old room".
Molly turned to look at Sirius with disapproval.
"Great" said Harry. Turning to Molly again he added "I just want to be able to sleep without Ron's snoring while I still can".
"Come on Harry, I'll show you to your room"said Sirius as he stood up.
Harry approached Tonks. "Do you mind returning my trunk?".
Tonks paused, but then fumbled through her pockets. Finding it she tapped the trunk returning it to its former size. Sirius levitated Harry's trunk and left. Harry followed his godfather upstairs chatting away. They reached a door labeled as Regulus' Room. Sirius pushed the door open. It was a bit dusty.
"I'll get this cleaned soon enough" said Sirius. "Kreacher!".
A very old and ugly elf popped in and with clear disgust stated "Master calls Kreacher".
"I need you to clean this room. Better yet, throw most of the things here away".
Kreacher responded "NO! Kreacher won't throw good master Regulus' things away".
"It's not his room anymore" said Sirius. "The room belongs to Harry now".
The elf looked at Harry with anger.
"It's okay Kreacher. You don't have to throw anything out".
Kreacher looked at Harry not knowing what to say.
"Harry"began Sirius as he looked around the room covered in too much green and silver. "This room is yours now. Change it how you like it".
"It's fine Sirius. I kind of like it". Harry kneeled to look Kreacher in the eye. "Kreacher I know this room belongs to your master. Can you just do me a favor and clean the dust?".
Kreacher stared deep into Harry;s eyes and nodded.
Harry turned to Sirius.
"You can set my things down now".
Sirius complied. He looked at his godson.
"Harry make yourself at home. I'm heading back downstairs for the meeting. Your friends are one level below".
Harry nodded. As his godfather left Harry locked the door. He turned and saw Kreacher snapping his fingers at different places in the room. As he snapped them, different sections of the room were cleared of dust.
"Thank you Kreacher, you're a good elf".
Kreacher looked at the mysterious half-blood and bowed slightly. He popped away.
'Guess it'll take longer to gain his trust'.
Harry reached inside his trunk and grabbed a nutrition potion and drank it. As he looked himself over in the mirror he thought it was time to face his friends.
'Feels weird calling them my friends'.
He walked downstairs passing doors that failed to produce sound behind them. He finally reached one that muffled a conversation from the other side. He knocked on the door and pushed it open. He walked inside and after a pause from looking at each other, Harry was engulfed in a hug from a girl who he knew to be Hermione.
"Harry" she had yelled.
"Hi Hermione" he said looking at her for the first time.
'She looks nothing like the 9GAG Queen'.
"Harry" chimed in another voice.
The voice belonged to Ron. Harry felt happy being reunited with his friends once again. He shook hands with Ron and looked around the room. He saw Hedwig in the corner inside her cage. He was immediately filled with anger. He held it back.
"So this is where they're keeping you hostage, huh girl".
Harry approached his owl and let her out of her cage. Hedwig climbed onto his shoulder hooting and nibbling his ear affectionately. She had missed her human.
Hermione looked embarrased after hearing the statement.
"I'm sorry Harry"she said looking at Ron who shrugged.
Harry just stared at his friends.
"Dumbledore made us do it" said Ron.
Hermione added "Dumbledore felt it was best you didn't learn what was happening while stuck with the Dursleys".
"And you both felt that keeping secrets from me was for the best?".
"Well, yes" said Ron. "It's Dumbledore mate".
"Gee, I didn't know you guys were Dumbledore's friends instead of mine".
"We are" said Hermione shocked by Harry's comment. "We are your friends Harry".
"Whatever"said Harry.
The athmosphere became tense. The silence was broken by the door being shoved open.
"Harry!" shouted Ginny. She ran to hug him.
"Hi Ginny" smiled Harry. Ginny was in that stage were she had moved on from having that silly crush on Harry. Harry thought back to the Harry from the books. He had fucked up, getting jealous over Dean.
'Idiot only dated one girl'.
Ginny immediately noticed Harry wasn't wearing his glasses. She opened her mouth to ask when Harry interrupted.
"Contacts".
At that moment Fred and George walked in.
"Harry" they greeted in unison standing by the door.
"Hi guys" said Harry cheerfully approaching the twins. He was excited he got to meet the famous pranksters.
That left Hemione to explain what contacts were to Ginny and Ron. She was surprised she had missed that detail.
The twins had asked Harry "You fancy hearing what the meeting is about?".
"Yes"
They went downstairs together as Hermione, Ginny, and Ron followed.
"Here, put this on your ear" said Fred handing Harry and extendable ear.
Harry put it on and could hear the conversation from downstairs. Of course Harry already knew what was being discussed. He heard Dumbledore ask for progreess reports to various members. He could hear Snape and Sirius insulting each other. He took off the extendable ear.
"This is great guys" he said making eye contact with the boys.
"it's all thanks to your generous donation" said George.
Harry smiled as the rest of his friends looked at him puzzled.
Seeing their faces George supplied "Harry gave us his Tri-Wizard winnings".
"What?" shouted Ron looking at Harry.
"What" shrugged Harry. "I didn't need it".
"Must be nice not needing G1,000" muttered Ron.
Hermione elbowed Ron.
They went back upstairs. They all discussed what they knew of the Order. Harry pretended to be interested in it. They told him of Bill and Charlie joining. How Bill was showing Fleur the ropes at Gringotts.
"What are the odds they end up together?" asked Harry with intimate knowledge.
"Don't be absurd" said Ron. "As if Bill could get with Fleur".
"Bill isn't bad looking" said Ginny. "He's rather handsome".
Hermione was reminded how Ron was somewhat obssesed with the French witch and scowled.
"Fleur's pretty and all, but let's not exxagerate" said Harry. "I bet he ends up marrying her".
"Now I know you're crazy" said Ron hearing Harry dismissing Fleur's looks.
"We'll take that action" said Fred.
"Great" said Harry. "How much?"
The twins looked at each other "G100".
"You guys have a deal". He looked around the room. "No one interferes with Bill and Fleur".
Everyone nodded.
"How long do we wait?" asked George.
"Three years at most" replied Harry. "I'm confident it'll take 2, but i want to give myself some wiggle room. If they don't get married in three I'll give you the money".
Harry asked about Percy already knowing the answer. The twins answered in place of Ron.
Tonks had knocked on the door letting them know dinner was ready. Harry immediately followed engaging Tonks in conversation on their way down. She again tripped on the umbrella stand causing several things to happen at once. The Weasley twins began to laugh loudly. Harry had once again caught her in the same manner, and the portrait of Walburga Black began to shriek once more.
Harry chuckled and said "You know i can't always be here to catch you every time".
Harry's friends were shocked by Harry. As far as they knew Harry had never held a girl, much less joked around with one.
The portrait's schreeching continued.
Sirius came to the rescue.
"Sorry" he said shutting the drapes. "My mother" he informed Harry.
"What a lovely woman" joked Harry. "I've never been called a filthy half breed who stains the floor he walks on".
Sirius began to laugh. The twins folowed suit and Harry could feel Tonks' body tremble as she silently laughed.
"Trust me, I'd get rid of her if I could" said Sirius. "We've tried everything, even Dumbledore couldn't remove it".
"Really?" asked Harry. "It can't be that difficult".
"It's not that simple" chimed in Hermione. "They hung the portrait with a permanant sticking charm".
Remus joined the group wondering what was holding them up. He was very hungry. As he was about to ask them to please hurry up Harry continued.
"If it's stuck to the wall, why don't you just remove that section of the wall?".
Tonks laughed. Hermione remained silent berating herself for not thinking about that.
"You're a genius" shouted Sirius as he opened the drapes to look at his mother's portrait. "You hear that old hag? You'll be gone soon".
The portrait resumed to shout hateful things at Sirius.
Sirius pulled his new wand out. Remus neared Sirius.
"Perhaps you should wait after dinner" he said while silencing the portrait.
"I am hungry" mentioned Harry.
Harry leaned his head over Tonks' left shoulder to face her as he was still holding her from behind. "How bout you Tonks? You hungry?".
"Yes" she said.
Molly came out of the kitchen to see why no one was coming to eat. She saw Harry holding Tonks. She coughed drawing attention to herself.
"What's going on here" she asked pointing at Harry and Tonks.
"What, this?" asked Harry holding Tonks a bit tighter. "We discovered Tonks likes being in my arms".
Harry could feel everyone looking at him. His godfather laughed with Remus who joined in. The twins smirked at Harry. Tonks' face became red. Ginny and Hermione narrowed their eyes. Ginny was conflicted. She didn't like Harry anymore, but seeing him like that made her feel a bit uncomfortable. Hemione had a similar dilemma. She wanted to protect Harry from girls after his fame. She knew Tonks wasn't like that. She liked Tonks, but seeing her in Harry's arms like that, made her feel weird. She didn't like Harry. At least, she thought she didn't.
Harry let go of Tonks and sighed. "Oh well. Let's have dinner I guess".
Harry walked into the kitchen followed by Sirius and Remus. Harry's friends looked among themselves.
"What's up with Harry?" asked Ron.
"I don't know" said Hermione.
"He's different" said Ginny.
"He sure is" smirked Fred and George in unison.
They all followed Harry into the kitchen.
Harry sat with his godfather and Remus. He greeted Mr. Weasley who was talking to Moody. When everyone finally came in, they all began to eat. It was a customary Weasley dinner. There was plenty of talking and laughter in between bites. Harry spied a Daily Prophet laying on the counter by the sink. He left his seat and grabbed it. He looked it over. The articles were of course about him and Dumbledore, calling them both liars and fools starved for attention after their respective stars had faded. Harry didn't care. He was more interested in the moving pictures. Even now, he was still trying to get over the existence of magic.
'It's like a tablet'.
"They've been doing that all summer" said Sirius seeing Harry reading the paper.
Harry looked up from the newspaper and saw everyone waiting for his reaction. Harry set the paper down and went to sit next to Sirius once more. He faced his godfather and asked him "So what's the mysterious object the order is guarding?".
The adults stared at Harry with mouths agape. Sirius reacted first.
"You were listening in huh?" he asked laughing.
"Yes" was all Harry replied with.
"We believe Voldemort is after something, something he didn't have last time he was alive".
"Sirius" shrieked Molly.
"And you guys know where it is?".
"Yes, Dumbledore has plenty of members keeping an eye on it".
"That's enough Sirius. Dumbledore said to not let Harry know" said Molly.
"He has a right to know" replied Sirius.
"No He doesn't. He's just a kid".
"He's 15 years old. He's old enough". He looked at Harry.
"He's after some sort of weapon".
"I'm warning you Sirius, stop".
"He's my godson" stated Sirius. "I decide what's best for him, not you".
"How dare you? I cared for that boy while you were away".
"AWAY? Try wrongfully imprisoned Molly! What was I to do?".
"Make a responsible decision" she barked alluding to his choice of chasing after Peter. "You're too immature to care for Harry".
Sirius was going to keep talking, but Harry held his hand up.
"It's okay Sirius. I really don't care. Plenty of people are keeping secrets from me already. it seems Dumbledore's opinion matters more to them".
His friends shrunk into their seats. Sirius looked at Harry feeling guilty. He also stopped mailing Harry at Dumbledore's request. Sirius was about to apologize when his godson stopped him once more.
Harry whispered "Later".
The adults were still looking at Harry.
"Just one quick question" said Harry. "If you all know what Voldemort is after and where it is, why don't you guys take it?".
No one could come up with an answer. Harry had asked them that to mess with them. He knew Dumbledore's word was law to them. Even he had to leave the prophecy alone until the right time.
"You don't look too upset about the prophet" said Hermione. She was of the opinion that Harry would explode in anger.
"What do you want me to do? They'll write what they want. I can't stop them. If the ministry wants to give Voldemort time to gather his forces, that's on them".
"But they're calling you a liar" said Ron.
"Like I said, what can i do?" shrugged Harry.
Moody and Tonks stood up saying goodbye to everyone in the room. Harry followed them to the door. Sirius and Remus followed Harry's lead. Harry waved to Moody. he faced Tonks and smirked.
"Fancy a hug for the road? I know how at home you feel in them" he said extending his arms.
Tonks hugged Harry very quickly while her face turned red. She walked out without saying anything. Sirius and Remus laughed. They all walked back into the kitchen to continue talking. After a few more minutes Hermione had enough.
"Okay Harry, I think it's time you tell us why you're acting like a different person".
The room became silent. Every occupant was interested in the answer. They had all noticed Harry's new personality.
Harry looked at everyone in the room. "It's funny how you're all okay keeping secrets from me, but demand them from me". He noticed the shame on their faces. "To answer your question Hermione, I've decided to enjoy what's left of my life. With Voldemort's return, and his obssession to do me in, I want to live on my terms. I'm done caring what others think about me".
Hermione was filled with horror. Harry thought he was going to die. "You're not going to die".
Harry shrugged. 'Already happened once'.
"You never know. I was an angry person. I'm done with that. I'm done with people trying to control me". He looked at the order members. "Dumbledore has decided to dictate my life. You all seem to agree with his decision, but I answer to no one. I grew up alone and unwanted. Where was Dumbledore then?"
Everyone gasped. Harry never talked about his home life.
"You all know the Dursleys never feed me properly, yet for some reason you allow Dumbledore to send me back there every summer. Well this next summer I'm done".
Molly didn't know how to respond. Remus remained silent. Sirius felt guilty once more. The kitchen remained silent until Hermione told everyone she was going to sleep. That afforded everyone the chance to escape the tense athmosphere. They all muttered goodnight to Harry as they left. Harry stayed behind with Sirius and Remus.
Harry stared at his father's friends. "I don't blame you guys. Sirius you were locked up. Remus you live in your own prison. I don't care that you're a werewolf, but for some reason you do. That being said, I know that Dumbledore wouldn't have allowed you to care for me".
Sirius dodn't know what to do. 'I need a drink'. He stood up and grabbed a bottle of fire whiskey he kept in the cabinet above the sink. He brought three glasses with him. Remus raised a questioning eyebrow at that. Harry took the glass and held it up for Sirius. Sirius poured the drink and filled the glass alongside Remus' and his as well. They talked and drank among themselves. Harry liked the fire whiskey.
'It's not tequila, but it'll do'.
They moved into the living room and began to tell stories of their Hogwarts years. Harry enjoyed hearing more about his family. Harry poured himself another drink. The adults didn't say a thing. Sirius and Remus followed suit. They drank until they finished the bottle. Harry had a good buzz going.
"More" he said as thoughts of his old life asaulted him.
Siriua and Remus laughed.
"Kreacher" yelled Sirius.
The elf poped into the room.
"Bring us another bottle".
"Two more" said Harry.
"Two more" repeated Sirius.
Kreacher popped away and returned with the bottles. They continued to drink and laugh together. The sun rose and they were still drinking. Before long Moody returned to headquarters. He was surprised when Harry shouted "Hi Moody" in greeting raising his glass. Then Sirius and Remus shouted in unison "Moody!".
Moody sat down facing the men. "Been at it all night I see".
"Yes" said Harry. "Would you like some?".
"That's okay lad".
Harry didn't like to pester people to drink so he sat down. They told Moody about what they discussed over the night. Moody coudn't help but laugh at the idiots. The atmosphere was friendly. Then Moody relented and went to the kitchen to grab a glass. He came back and had one drink with the trio. Molly and Arthur came downstairs. They saw that Harry was drunk.
"Harry!" yelled Mrs. Weasley. "Sirius how could you? Remus you too?".
The duo looked at their feet.
Harry responded "It's not on them Mrs. Weasley. I wanted to drink". He then laughed for no apparent reason. Sirius neared his godson and put a hand on his shoulder.
"Okay Harry, you're drunk. you should stop".
"You guys aren't doing any better" said Harry pointing at Remus and Sirius.
Remus laughed. "He's right Padfoot".
"Then we'll all stop".
"Deal" said Harry. "Let's just kill the bottle" he said lifting the last bottle. It had about a eighth of whiskey left.
Harry chugged some of it and passed it along. Sirius and Remus drank their portion.
"Off to bed with you lot" commanded Molly.
Harry saluted to Molly. "Yes maam".
Arthur joined the laughter that erupted from that gesture. Molly glared at her husband causing him to shut up.
"Kreacher" yelled Harry.
The elf appeared surprising everyone.
"Can you pop me to my room?".
The elf grabbed Harry without warning and popped away. Harry landed on the floor of his room and vommited.
'Damn. That was a bad idea'.
Harry laughed and crawled to his bed. He turned to the elf and whispered "Thank you Kreacher". Kreacher looked at the wizard once more after he cleaned the floor for a few seconds and popped away.