Welcome to my new fan-fiction, this is the first story I have ever written so don't expect an amazing story. After reading probably hundreds of 'Harmione or Harmony' stories, I decided to start my own story. This is going to be a mix of the books, the movies, and obviously my own twists.
This story takes place after the 'Battle of The Department of Mysteries' and we see Harry taking out his frustration on one of the only things that keeps him happy, magic. Harry is scared he will lose those he loves and decides to train for the 'Second Wizarding War'
The story is going to be a HHR romance, with slight Ron/Dumbledore bashing. It will be based on both the books and movies, and obviously my own twist.
- Ron is a jealous prat for a while when he realizes Harry and Hermione are developing feelings for each other, as he has a crush on Hermione. However, he eventually understands they were never compatible and remembers the importance of friendships during such troubled times.
-Dumbledore is a bit manipulative, doing things that hardly anyone approves of and holding secrets from everyone but still wants Harry to be happy. He still cares for Harry and eventually pulls his head out of the sand.
Another thing is that Grimmauld Place is still occupied by the Order, and not abandoned like in canon. Sirius has left Hermione and the Weasleys some money, and Harry Grimmauld Place along with the rest of the Black fortune. Harry allows the Order to continue to use the house, not having much use for it.
Chapter 1
"THE ONE WITH THE POWER TO VANQUISH THE DARK LORD APPROACHES. . . BORN TO THOSE WHO HAVE THRICE DEFIED HIM, BORN AS THE SEVENTH MONTH DIES . . . AND THE DARK LORD WILL MARK HIM AS HIS EQUAL, BUT HE WILL HAVE POWER THE DARK LORD KNOWS NOT . . . AND EITHER MUST DIE AT THE HAND OF THE OTHER FOR NEITHER CAN LIVE WHILE THE OTHER SURVIVES. . . . THE ONE WITH THE POWER TO VANQUISH THE DARK LORD WILL BE BORN AS THE SEVENTH MONTH DIES. . . ."
Harry watched in horror as Sybil Trelawny spoke in the harsh, hoarse tones Harry had heard her use once before. Harry stumbled backward, away from the pensieve. Gasping for air, grappled with his breath, burdened by a life-altering prophecy that had left him shaken to the core. Harry's face drained of color, a ghastly pallor taking over as he began to shiver. He felt a reassuring firm hand on his shoulder, bringing calm to the troubled.
A voice came from behind him, "Harry, are you alright?"
He could only nod, barely having the strength to stand straight.
Dumbledore let out a heavy sigh. "Harry I understand this is a lot to take in. One of Tom's spies heard part of the prophecy and told him of it. This is why he went after you and your parents all those years ago. This is why he is still after you."
Feeling light-headed, Harry took a seat facing Dumbledore. "Are you sure it means - me?" Harry asked, struggling to breathe.
"Yes. However, at the time Neville Longbottom was also a possibility."
"Then why me?"
"For whatever reason he had, Tom chose you. Maybe because you are both half-blood? One can only imagine why. Nevertheless, it is without a doubt that you are the one mentioned in the prophecy, he has now marked you as his equal."
Harry's gaze locked onto Dumbledore's eyes. The once vibrant blue had faded, the familiar twinkle replaced by a wearied depth. Dumbledore returned the look, his gaze filled with sympathy. Harry's once bright green eyes had grown darker, shadowed by the weight of his burdens. Deep circles etched beneath them, a testament to sleepless nights and relentless trials. Dumbledore, with a heavy heart, recognized the toll of the past week, and the countless ordeals Harry had faced at just fifteen years old. It was a silent acknowledgment of a young life forever changed by the crucible of adversity.
The loss of his godfather, Sirius Black, had overwhelmed Harry and enraged him to the depths. He had only escaped Azkaban 2 years ago, after spending 12 years there for a crime he did not commit. Sirius remained a distant figure in his life. Bound by circumstances and danger, their interactions were fleeting. Harry longed to know him better, but the shadows of the past and the perils of the present kept them apart, leaving Harry yearning for a closer connection.
In a blaze of rage and grief, Harry pursued Bellatrix Lestrange, a loyal servant of the Dark Lord, after she mercilessly killed his beloved godfather. Determined to avenge his loss, he chased her relentlessly, seeking justice in a world consumed by darkness. In a moment of intense anger, Harry attempted to cast the Crucius Curse on Bellatrix, but fortune intervened, sparing her from its full, devastating effects.
Antonin Dolohov, a formidable Death Eater, unleashed a malevolent curse upon Hermione Granger, Harry's best friend. As her life hung in the balance, Harry's heart raced with fear, realizing the depth of his reliance on her. The ordeal revealed the irreplaceable bond they shared, a bond Harry could not fathom losing. Hermione's hospitalization weighed heavily on Harry's conscience, despite her reassurances that it wasn't his fault. Rationality told him she was right, but in his heart, guilt festered, leaving him with an emptiness that only deepened as he watched his loyal friend struggle to recover. The burden of responsibility gnawed at him, a constant reminder of the dangers that followed him.
The prophecy, echoing in his mind, served as an agonizing amplifier for Harry's guilt and anger. It was a relentless reminder of the destiny he never asked for and the weight of the world he carried.
"May I leave now?" Harry could only muster a whisper.
Dumbledore nodded, "Of course."
For the remainder of the term, Harry's days revolved around Hermione's slow and steady recovery. He became her unwavering shadow, vigilant as she gradually regained her strength. At her bedside, he witnessed her resilience, her determination to heal, and her capacity for forgiveness. Yet, even as Hermione reassured him that the curse was not his fault, Harry couldn't shake the guilt that festered within him. It clung to him like a dark shadow, a constant companion that whispered his failures and inadequacies. He had seen her vulnerable and hurt, and the image haunted him.
Apart from his time with Hermione and the perfunctory conversations with Ron at breakfast and dinner in the Great Hall, Harry had isolated himself. He avoided social gatherings and took solitary walks around the castle grounds during the twilight hours, the weight of his anger and self-loathing heavy on his chest. The prophecy continued to torment him, like a relentless specter lurking in the recesses of his mind. It served as a grim reminder of the fate that had been thrust upon him, the destiny he had neither chosen nor wanted. The knowledge that his existence endangered those he loved most intensified his anger.
He knew he had to change. He needed to get stronger, more skilled, and better prepared for the challenges ahead. It wasn't just about fulfilling his destiny; it was about protecting the people he cared about. The burden of responsibility weighed heavily on him, and he felt a growing urgency to master his abilities.
Late at night, hidden in the Room of Requirement, Harry practiced spells, dueling techniques, and defensive magic. The room became his sanctuary, a place where he could channel his anger and frustration into his training. The flashes of red light from his wand illuminated the darkness, a symbol of his determination to be ready for whatever the future held.
The path ahead was uncertain, but Harry was resolved to face it head-on. He couldn't change the past, but he could shape his future, and that meant becoming a protector, not just a victim. With each incantation, he vowed to become a formidable force against the darkness, driven by a fierce determination to ensure that his loved ones would never suffer because of him again.
Hermione, deeply concerned for Harry, made several attempts to engage him in heartfelt conversations. She sensed his inner turmoil and wanted to offer solace. However, every time she approached, Harry skillfully evaded her. He understood her genuine care, and it pained him to push her away. Yet, he recognized the importance of solitude for a while, needing space to grapple with his emotions and prepare himself for the battles ahead. Their friendship remained strong, but he believed that, for now, he had to tread this dark path alone to emerge stronger and better equipped to protect those he loved.
Harry's last day of the school term arrived, and it began with a heavy sense of finality. He woke up well before the sun had a chance to cast its first rays upon the Hogwarts castle. There was a pervasive mood of nostalgia in the air, but Harry wasn't in the mood for sentimentality, especially today. The thought of returning to the Dursleys was enough to put a damper on any fond memories of his time at Hogwarts.
Silently, he dressed and left the dormitory, trying not to disturb his slumbering roommates. The Gryffindor common room, which was usually bustling with activity, was now a peaceful and serene haven. Harry quietly made his way to the Great Hall for breakfast, which he intended to savor, knowing it was his last at Hogwarts.
The food was as delicious as always, but it tasted bittersweet today. Harry couldn't help but think about all the meals he had enjoyed at the long Gryffindor table, surrounded by friends and laughter. Now, as he buttered his toast, he couldn't help but wonder when he would experience a feast like this again.
After breakfast, Harry decided to spend the remainder of the day wandering the school grounds. The castle was the first place he truly called home, and he wanted to soak in every last detail on his final day. He walked through the courtyards, the Quidditch pitch, and the Forbidden Forest, reminiscing about the adventures and friendships he had forged in this magical place.
The hours passed in quiet contemplation, and Harry was in no hurry to see them go. Eventually, it was time to head to Hogsmeade Station to catch the Hogwarts Express. Harry had a plan; he wanted to secure an empty compartment where he could spend the journey in solitude. He boarded the train early, hoping to accomplish this before the carriages filled up.
However, his plan took an unexpected turn when he heard familiar voices approaching. It was Hermione and Ron, their faces aglow with excitement. They had spotted Harry on the platform and decided to join him.
"Harry!" Ron exclaimed, his grin infectious. "We thought we'd find you here mate!" Hermione nodded in agreement, her eyes filled with warmth.
"Absolutely Harry. It wouldn't feel right to let you sit alone." Harry offered a weak smile as they entered the compartment he had chosen. He was genuinely grateful for their company, but today he had wanted solitude more than ever. Still, he couldn't bring himself to turn them away. Hermione and Ron meant the world to him.
As the train pulled away from Hogsmeade, Hermione couldn't help but notice that something was amiss. Harry had been quieter than usual during the journey home, his thoughts seemingly a million miles away. She exchanged a concerned glance with Ron, who was sitting across from her.
Once they had settled into their compartment on the Hogwarts Express, Hermione couldn't contain her curiosity any longer. She turned to Harry and asked gently, "Harry, is there something you'd like to talk about? You've been rather distant all term, and now, on our last day, you seem even more distant."
Ron looked at Hermione with a mix of surprise and admiration for her perceptiveness. He had also noticed Harry's unusual behavior but hadn't mustered the courage to ask about it.
Harry sighed, his gaze fixed on the passing scenery outside the window. He had been dreading this conversation, but he trusted Hermione and Ron more than anyone else in the world. They deserved to know what had been weighing on his mind.
"Yeah," Harry admitted, his voice tinged with guilt. "I'm sorry I've been distant. It's just... I've been dealing with a lot of things, and I didn't want to burden you both."
Hermione frowned, feeling a bit hurt. "Harry, you know we're here for you, right? You can tell us anything." Harry nodded, appreciating her sentiment.
He took a deep breath and decided to open up about the turmoil that had plagued him for months. "It's this constant guilt and anger, guys. Every time someone gets hurt or worse, I can't help but feel responsible. It's like there's this weight on my chest that won't go away."
Hermione leaned in closer, her concern evident in her eyes. "Harry, we've faced danger together, and we've always come through. None of us could have predicted the challenges we'd face."
Harry's expression grew even more somber as he decided to share a secret that had been eating away at him. "It's not just that, Hermione. There's something else. Something I've been keeping to myself. I think it's time you both knew."
Ron and Hermione exchanged worried glances before turning their full attention to Harry.
Harry took a deep breath and continued, "It's a prophecy, one that was made about me and Voldemort when I was a baby. It says that neither can live while the other survives. It's why he keeps coming after me, why so many people have died because of me." Hermione's eyes widened with shock, and Ron looked stunned.
They had heard about the prophecy before, but they didn't know the full extent of its impact on Harry's life.
Harry felt a wave of relief and anxiety wash over him as he waited for their response.
Hermione was the first to speak, her voice filled with empathy. "Harry, that's an incredible burden to carry. But you must understand, it's not your fault. You didn't ask for this prophecy, and you've done everything you can to protect the people you care about."
Ron nodded in agreement, his expression earnest. "Mate, we're in this together. We've faced danger head-on because we choose to, not because of some prophecy. You're not alone in this, Harry."
Harry's eyes glistened with unshed tears as he felt the weight of his confession lift slightly. "Thank you, both of you. I needed to tell someone, and I'm so grateful it's you two."
Without hesitation, Hermione leaned in and wrapped her arms around Harry in a comforting hug. It was a silent but powerful reaffirmation of their unwavering support for one another. Ron felt a pang of jealousy when Hermione hugged Harry but he pushed it aside, recognizing Harry needed their support now more than ever.
Hermione's voice was soft as she spoke, her words filled with warmth and sincerity. "Harry, we want you to remember that no matter what happens, we'll always be here for you. We'll face whatever challenges lie ahead together, just like we always have."
Ron nodded in agreement, a genuine smile spreading across his face. "Yeah, Harry, you're our best mate. We're not going anywhere, and we'll always have your back."
Harry couldn't help but smile through his tears. At that moment, he felt a renewed sense of strength and hope. The burden of the prophecy hadn't disappeared, but knowing he had Hermione and Ron by his side made it feel a little lighter.
As the Hogwarts Express continued its journey toward London, the trio sat in their compartment, their friendship stronger than ever. They knew that the road ahead would be filled with challenges, but they were ready to face them together.
As they disembarked from the train at King's Cross Station, Mrs. Weasley, the mother figure that Harry never had, enveloped Harry, Hermione, and Ron in a warm, motherly hug. "Take care, my dears," she said with genuine affection. "You're always welcome at the burrow."
After their heartfelt farewell to Mrs. Weasley and Ron, Hermione and Harry made their way to the Muggle side of the station, where Hermione's parents and Vernon, Harry's rotund uncle, were waiting.
Vernon Dursley looked as stern as ever, but there was a hint of discomfort in his eyes as he glanced at Harry. Hermione's parents, on the other hand, greeted their daughter with warm smiles.
"Mum, Dad!"
Hermione practically dragged Harry over to meet her parents, "They don't bite Harry."
Harry gave her father a handshake, "Nice to meet you, sir."
He grinned, "Please call me Dan."
Harry turned to her mother, "Nice to meet you, ma'am."
She chuckled, "Call me Emma please, ma'am makes me feel old."
Hermione's parents expressed their gratitude to Harry for keeping their daughter safe all these years. Harry, feeling a lump in his throat as he realized it was time to go wrapped her in a tight hug, "Thank you, Hermione, for everything. Have a great summer."
They stayed in that position feeling comfort and warmth in their arms till a light chuckle made Harry release her from his embrace. Hermione, her eyes shining with emotion, kissed Harry on the cheek. "Take care of yourself."
With that, Hermione left with her parents, leaving Harry with a bittersweet feeling of parting. He watched her go, still blushing slightly, grateful for the incredible people in his life, and prepared to face the summer at the Dursleys with the knowledge that he wasn't alone.
Harry arrived at Privet Drive with Vernon Dursley in tow. The familiar sight of Number 4, Privet Drive filled him with a sense of dread. He knew that his summer at the Dursleys' would be far from pleasant, but he had little choice.
Dragging his trunk and Hedwig's cage up to his small, cramped bedroom, Harry couldn't help but feel a deep sense of resentment. This was the place where he was forced to endure the worst kind of treatment, where he was treated more like a servant than a member of the family.
He sighed as he placed his belongings on his bed, the one spot that had always been his refuge, however small it might be. Harry knew that this would be his only sanctuary for the next few months, and he intended to make the most of it.
But Vernon Dursley had different plans for Harry's summer. As soon as Harry had settled in, Vernon stormed into his room, his face red with anger.
"Get downstairs, boy!" he barked. "There's work to be done."
Harry's heart sank as he realized that the Dursleys had no intention of letting him rest. Without a word, he followed Vernon downstairs, where he was immediately put to work.
The days at Privet Drive were a relentless routine of chores, each more grueling than the last. Harry was forced to tend to the garden under the sweltering sun, pulling weeds and trimming hedges until his hands were blistered and his back ached. Then, he was made to clean every corner of the house, from the dingy basement to the dusty attic.
Cooking also fell under Harry's list of responsibilities. He had grown to be particularly skilled in the kitchen, but the Dursleys didn't care. They expected him to prepare their meals, mostly caring about the quantity, Harry would be berated and sometimes even punished. Fortunately, they allowed him to cook some scraps for himself, as despite their immense hatred for freaks, they knew they would be punished if people found out he had been starved.
It was during one of these moments of punishment that Harry's childhood fear of Vernon's belt resurfaced. One evening, after Harry had forgotten to wash the dishes, Vernon's face turned a shade of crimson that matched his beefy hands. He grabbed his belt from the nearby chair and struck Harry across the back with it, leaving a painful welt. Harry gritted his teeth and refused to cry out in pain.
He had endured much worse at the hands of the Dursleys, and he wouldn't give them the satisfaction of seeing him break down. But the physical abuse was only part of the torment. The Dursleys constantly verbally assaulted Harry, belittling him, and reminding him of his supposed worthlessness. It was as if they enjoyed tearing him down, day after day.
Through it all, Harry clung to one thing that kept him going: thoughts of Hermione. He remembered her unwavering support and kindness, her belief in him when he had none in himself. The image of her warm, brown eyes and her reassuring smile gave him the strength to endure the hardships of his summer at the Dursleys'. He still blushed when thinking about the kiss. Even if it was only a peck on the cheek, Harry still savored that warm and fuzzy tingle he felt at her touch.
Harry had received several letters, mostly from Hermione. However, Vernon had yet again barred his window, not allowing Hedwig to send his letters. Harry knew Hermione would be upset and worried about him for not responding but he couldn't do much, he didn't want Vernon to make him suffer more by secretly sending letters.
The nightmares that had haunted him at Hogwarts still plagued him, but they were less frequent than before. The memories of Sirius falling through the veil and Voldemort's chilling laughter were never far from his mind, but with each passing day, they lost some of their grip on his subconscious.
After the first week of this dreadful summer, Harry decided he couldn't take it any longer. He couldn't bear another moment under the Dursleys' roof. He didn't care to inform the order, feeling quite irate at his beloved headmaster who had confined him to this hell hole.
One evening, while the Dursleys were out, Harry made his escape. With Hedwig perched on his shoulder, he slipped out of the house, leaving behind the place that had been his prison for far too long. He knew he couldn't return to the Burrow or Grimmauld Place, he would be sent back to Privet Drive, and not without putting his friends and loved ones in danger.
Instead, he made his way to the familiar Leaky Cauldron. It was a place where he felt a sense of belonging, a place where the wizarding world welcomed him with open arms. He knew he couldn't stay there for long, but he had to escape the Dursleys' torment, even if only for a little while.
Harry hailed the Knight Bus, its purple, triple-decker form materializing with a bang. Clutching his trunk and Hedwig's cage, he boarded, instructing the shrunken head on the dashboard to take him to the Leaky Cauldron. The bus lurched into motion, hurtling through the night, and within moments, Harry found solace at the welcoming door of the wizarding inn, his refuge from the harsh world of Privet Drive.
As Harry boarded the Knight Bus, his eyes fell upon the Daily Prophet clutched in the bus conductor's hands.
Intrigued, Harry spoke up, "Hey, mind if I see the paper?"
He tossed him the paper, "Not been keeping up with the new minister, have ya?"
Harry shook his head and the headlines caught his attention immediately. Gone was Cornelius Fudge, the former Minister for Magic who had denied Voldemort's return. Fudge seemed to have a particular grudge against Harry in his fifth year, smearing Harry's legitimate claims and targeting the Weasley family members who were close to him. He specifically chose Percy Weasley as his right-hand man to try and influence the family. Cornelius had a notorious legacy that extended to the appointment of Dolores Umbridge, a woman whose appearance matched her cruel demeanor, as the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher at Hogwarts.
With Fudge's backing, Umbridge rose through the ranks, amassing unchecked authority within the Ministry. Umbridge's reign of terror began with the implementation of her special quills, instruments of torture disguised as writing tools that scarred students who dared to question her. She wielded her newfound power to craft a web of oppressive rules and regulations at Hogwarts, all in the name of maintaining order and allegiance to the Ministry.
Her actions led to her eventual appointment as Headmistress of Hogwarts, a position she usurped after driving the beloved Albus Dumbledore from the castle, partly due to her relentless pursuit of Harry Potter and his secret Dumbledore's Army group.
However, her tyrannical rule did not go unopposed. The ancient and mysterious centaurs of the Forbidden Forest, incensed by her arrogance and cruelty, took justice into their own hands. Umbridge's fate was sealed when they carried her away, casting her into the depths of the forest, a punishment that matched the severity of her actions.
Despite the reckoning delivered by the centaurs, rumors swirled that Umbridge had evaded Azkaban, her escape facilitated by her connections within the Ministry and her close association with Cornelius Fudge.
In his place stood Rufus Scrimgeour, the former head of the Auror Office. A chuckle escaped Harry's lips as he read further. The Ministry, under Scrimgeour's leadership, seemed to have abandoned its denials. The paper openly acknowledged that Voldemort had returned, confirming what Harry and his friends had known all along.
Tom, the owner of the Leaky Cauldron, greeted Harry with a warm smile as he entered. It had been a while since Harry had been back, but Tom recognized him immediately.
"Welcome back, Harry," Tom said. "It's good to see you."
Harry nodded gratefully. "Tom, I need a room for the summer, and er- please, don't tell anyone I'm here."
Tom raised an eyebrow but didn't press for details. He had heard enough about Harry's life with the Dursleys to know that it wasn't a pleasant situation.
"Of course, Harry," Tom replied. "I'll make sure to keep your presence here a secret. You're safe here."
With a sense of relief, Harry headed up to his room, Hedwig still perched on his shoulder. He knew that he couldn't stay hidden forever, but for now, he had found a temporary escape from the torment of the Dursleys.
As he settled into his room at the Leaky Cauldron, Harry couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope. He had taken a step toward reclaiming his own life, even if it was just for a little while. And as he lay in bed that night, with Hedwig by his side, he allowed himself to dream of a certain bushy-haired witch.
The next morning, Harry awoke in a cozy room at the Leaky Cauldron, sunlight streaming through the curtains. It had been the best night's sleep he'd had in a long time, free from the nightmares that had plagued him at Privet Drive.
He couldn't help but smile as he stretched and remembered where he was. The Leaky Cauldron was like a second home to him, a place where he felt safe and accepted. Despite the constant hubbub, Harry always felt at ease here, especially seeing as Diagon Alley was a mere step away.
After a quick shower that washed away the remnants of his time at the Dursleys, Harry felt refreshed and renewed. It was a stark contrast to the dingy bathroom he had been forced to use at Privet Drive.
Downstairs, he was greeted with the enticing aroma of a delicious breakfast. A plate of crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, perfectly toasted bread, and a side of baked beans awaited him. A glass of cold pumpkin juice completed the meal. Harry couldn't help but savor every bite. The food at the Leaky Cauldron was far superior to anything he had ever been served at the Dursleys'.
Harry had plans today, starting with a little trip to Gringotts.
Nymphadora Tonks, a young and vibrant Auror, stood before Number 4, Privet Drive, her appearance shifting with the ease of her Metamorphmagus abilities. She had arrived at the mundane suburban street on the orders of Albus Dumbledore, tasked with checking up on Harry Potter. The world outside these walls had changed dramatically since her last visit, and danger loomed around every corner.
With an air of caution, Tonks approached Harry's bedroom window, where the curtains were drawn. She peeked inside but to her surprise, the room was empty, the bed neatly made, and Harry's belongings conspicuously absent. Concern etched across her face, Tonks knew she had to investigate further. Dumbledore's orders were clear: ensuring Harry's safety was paramount. She did not doubt that dark forces were still intent on hunting him down.
Silently, Tonks descended from the window and made her way to the front door. She pressed the doorbell, her Auror instincts on high alert. Moments later, the door creaked open, revealing Petunia Dursley, Harry's aunt, a woman whose disdain for anything related to magic was well-known.
"What do you want?" Petunia snapped, her narrow eyes scrutinizing Tonks.
Tonks tried to maintain her composure as she replied, "I'm here to see Harry Potter. Is he home?"
Petunia hesitated for a moment before her lips twisted into a cold smile. "Harry's not here. He left earlier today. We're finally rid of that freak, and we couldn't be happier."
Before Tonks could respond, Vernon Dursley, Harry's portly uncle, appeared behind Petunia. His expression was one of contempt as he sneered at Tonks. "You're one of them, aren't you? One of those wizards."
Tonks felt a surge of anger at Vernon's attitude but knew that reacting would not help Harry. She had to gather as much information as possible. "Can you tell me where Harry went? It's important that I find him."
Vernon laughed derisively. "Why would we help the likes of you? We've had enough of his kind ruining our lives." As he spoke, he reached for the door, ready to slam it shut in Tonks' face. But before he could do so, Tonks' Auror reflexes kicked in. She swiftly transformed her hair into a vivid shade of fiery red, her eyes shifting to a bright turquoise, and her nose elongating into an exaggerated snout. The sudden transformation startled Vernon, causing him to stagger back in surprise.
"What in the blazes!" Vernon exclaimed, recoiling. Tonks seized the opportunity to press further. "Where did Harry go, and when will he be back?" Petunia, unnerved by Tonks' display of magic, muttered, "He didn't tell us anything, and frankly, we don't care."
With a final glare, Vernon slammed the door shut, leaving Tonks standing on the Dursleys' doorstep. She quickly restored her appearance to its usual state, her heart heavy with concern. Harry's sudden departure had taken her by surprise, and the Dursleys' hostility was more palpable than ever.
As Tonks retreated from the Dursleys' home, she couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss. Harry had left without informing Dumbledore or anyone else in the wizarding world. Amid this uncertainty, one thing was clear: she had to report back to the Order of the Phoenix and inform them of Harry's disappearance.
Nymphadora Tonks apparated to the familiar doorstep of 12 Grimmauld Place, the headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix.
As she entered the dark, somber house, she was met with the stern but concerned faces of her fellow Order members. Remus Lupin, Alastor Moody, Minerva McGonagall, and Albus Dumbledore sat in the gloomy drawing room, their expressions expectant.
Dumbledore, his piercing blue eyes fixed on Tonks, was the first to speak. "Nymphadora, what news do you bring?"
Tonks struggled not to roll her eyes, she hated her first name. However, there were more important matters at hand. She took a deep breath, her eyes reflecting the gravity of the situation. "Harry's missing, Professor. I went to check on him at Privet Drive, as per your orders, but he was not there. His trunk and Hedwig are gone, and the Dursleys said he left earlier today."
Dumbledore's normally calm demeanor faltered for a moment. He rose from his seat and began pacing the room, his long white beard brushing the floor. "This is most unexpected. Harry leaving without informing anyone... it's highly unusual."
Remus Lupin leaned forward, his voice laced with concern. "Albus, we must find him quickly. With Voldemort back, Harry is in grave danger."
Dumbledore nodded in agreement. "You are correct, Remus. We cannot afford to waste any time. Nymphadora, I believe it's time to host a meeting with the entire Order. We must inform them of Harry's disappearance and unite our efforts to find him."
Tonks nodded, understanding the urgency of the situation. "I'll send out the Patronuses to gather the others."
Later in the day, the members of the Order of the Phoenix began had arrived at 12 Grimmauld Place. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Bill Weasley, Kingsley Shacklebolt, and Severus Snape joined the group, their faces filled with apprehension.
They gathered in the drawing room, where Dumbledore stood at the head of a long table. Dumbledore wasted no time in addressing the assembly. "You may be wondering why I have summoned you at this hour, we have a grave matter at hand. Harry has gone missing."
Gasps of shock and concern rippled through the room. Mrs. Weasley clutched her husband's hand, her face pale.
Dumbledore continued, "Nymphadora visited Privet Drive today and found that Harry has left of his own accord. The Dursleys claim he departed earlier this morning. Given the current circumstances, we cannot take this lightly."
Kingsley Shacklebolt, his deep voice filled with worry, spoke up. "The boy must be located immediately. Voldemort is growing stronger by the day, and Harry is one of our best defenses against him."
Dumbledore nodded. "I couldn't agree more. Our primary concern is Harry's safety. However, we must also consider the possibility that he left with a purpose, that he may have information or intentions that we are not aware of."
Bill Weasley, his brow furrowed in thought, offered a suggestion. "Could he have gone to seek help from the Order of the Phoenix on his own? Perhaps he's in danger and needs assistance."
Dumbledore considered the possibility for a moment before responding, "It is a possibility, but we cannot rely on assumptions. We must locate Harry swiftly and ascertain his intentions."
Severus Snape, his dark eyes inscrutable, interjected, "If he has information that could aid us against the Dark Lord, we need to retrieve it as soon as possible."
Dumbledore nodded in agreement. "We must be prepared for any scenario. Remus, I would like you to use your knowledge of Harry's habits and tendencies to help us determine where he might have gone."
Remus Lupin nodded solemnly. "I'll do my best, Albus."
Tonks, her hair shifting colors in thought, raised a possibility during the Order's meeting. "I think we should consider the Grangers as a potential location where Harry might have gone."
The room fell into contemplative silence. It was clear that Tonks was onto something. Hermione Granger had been Harry's close friend for years, and their bond was stronger than ever.
Dumbledore nodded thoughtfully. "Nymphadora may be right. Given the close friendship between Harry and Hermione, it's plausible that he would seek her out during times of uncertainty."
Bill Weasley added, "The Grangers have been sympathetic to the wizarding cause, and they've demonstrated their willingness to help in the past. It's possible they could be harboring Harry if he approached them."
Kingsley Shacklebolt agreed, "We should investigate the Grangers' home. If Harry is there, we must ensure his safety and ascertain his intentions."
Severus Snape, always cautious, spoke up, "However, we should proceed discreetly. We cannot afford to alert anyone who might be watching the Grangers."
Dumbledore gave a determined nod. "Agreed. We will exercise caution in our approach. Remus and Nymphadora please check on the Grangers' residence and conduct a thorough search. We must find Harry swiftly and ensure his safety."
Remus Lupin accepted the task with a sense of urgency. "We'll leave immediately, Albus."
As the meeting continued, the Order discussed possible locations and leads. The sense of urgency hung heavy in the air, and the resolve to find Harry and ensure his safety was unwavering.
Remus Lupin and Nymphadora Tonks arrived at the Grangers' doorstep. They rang the doorbell, and after a moment, the door opened to reveal Emma Granger, Hermione's mother.
"Good evening," Remus greeted politely. "I'm Remus Lupin, and this is Tonks. We're looking for Harry Potter."
Emma, though surprised by the unexpected visitors, offered a warm smile. "Please, come in. You've caught us right in the middle of dinner."
Remus and Tonks stepped inside, taking in the cozy and inviting atmosphere of the Granger home. As they entered the dining area, they saw Hermione Granger, who had been sitting at the table, shoot up from her seat.
"Professor Lupin! Tonks!" Hermione exclaimed, her brown eyes wide with surprise and relief. "What brings you here?"
Tonks smiled at Hermione's enthusiasm but quickly turned serious. "Hermione, we're here because we're looking for Harry. Have you seen him since you left King's Cross Station?"
Hermione's father, Dan Granger, also looked up from his dinner, concern etched on his face. "No, we haven't seen Harry," he replied. "Is something wrong?"
Hermione's voice trembled with worry as she added, "And he hasn't returned any of my letters, which is unusual for him."
Remus exchanged a glance with Tonks, his expression grave. He knew he had to deliver the difficult news. "I'm afraid Harry is missing, Hermione." Hermione's eyes widened in shock, and her face flushed with anger. "Missing? But why? What happened to him?"
Remus sighed, choosing his words carefully. "We're not entirely sure, Hermione, but it appears that he left Privet Drive on his own. We believe he may have come here."
Hermione's anger flared, and she clenched her fists. "He left because of the Dursleys, didn't he? If Professor Dumbledore hadn't forced him to stay there, maybe this wouldn't have happened!"
Remus and Tonks exchanged a sympathetic look. They understood Hermione's frustration and knew that her concern for Harry ran deep.
Remus placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "We're doing everything we can to find him, Hermione. We just need to gather as much information as possible."
Emma Granger stepped forward, her expression filled with empathy. "We'll help in any way we can. If Harry had come here, we would have opened our doors to him without hesitation."
Dan Granger nodded in agreement. "And if there's anything you need from us, please don't hesitate to ask."
Hermione, though still upset, appreciated the support of her parents and the members of the Order. She took a deep breath, trying to compose herself. "I want to help find Harry. I can tell you everything I know about his plans and where he might have gone."
Remus nodded, his eyes filled with gratitude. "That would be immensely helpful, Hermione. Let's sit down and discuss everything you can tell us. Together, we'll do our best to bring Harry back." As they gathered around the dining table, the Granger family and the Order members began to piece together the puzzle of Harry's disappearance.