Chapter 23: Advanced Guard
August 6, 2002 – Tuesday
Summers Home, Sunnydale, California
Harry sat in the living room of the Summers House, a sense of solitude and nostalgia washing over him. Buffy had taken Hermione and Dawn out to see a movie, and he couldn't help but smile at the bond they were forming. He had been invited to join them, but he declined, believing that the girls deserved some quality sisterly time without him for a change.
As he sat there, bathed in the gentle glow of the television, a feeling of tranquility enveloped him. The house was peaceful, and it was in these moments that he truly felt like part of the Summers family. However, that tranquility was suddenly shattered by the intrusion of voices from outside.
For a brief moment, Harry's thoughts wandered to the possibility of Buffy, Hermione, and Dawn returning home early, their laughter and chatter growing nearer. But that hope was dashed when he realized that the voices were too numerous and lacked the hushed secrecy of the familiar trio. Alarm bells rang in Harry's mind.
"Burglars," he thought, his heart racing, as he swiftly slid off the couch. He stood there, staring at the front door, muscles tense, and his senses heightened to catch any sign of danger.
A split second later, it dawned on him that burglars would typically attempt to maintain stealth, but the people outside were anything but discreet. They conversed loudly, a bizarre and unsettling contrast to the usually quiet nights in Sunnydale.
Harry didn't hesitate; his instincts drove him. He knew he had to protect the Summers House. With a quick, precise movement, he snatched up his wand from the end table and positioned himself, determined to face whatever threat lay beyond that door. His ears strained, catching every nuance of sound in the otherwise silent house.
Then, in a surreal and heart-pounding moment, the lock of the front door clicked loudly, and the door slowly creaked open. Harry's heart raced even faster, and he stood motionless, his gaze fixed on the entryway, ready for action. He had no idea what lay beyond that threshold, but he was prepared for anything.
He remained there, framed by the open doorway, his eyes adjusting to the dimly lit street outside. He didn't step out, the memory of one of Buffy's stern rules echoing in his mind - never venture out after dark in Sunnydale unless you're with her. It was a rule he intended to follow to the letter.
And as he peered outside, he could make out the silhouettes of eight or nine people, backlit by the distant glow of a streetlight, their faces obscured by the darkness. They stared back at him, their presence an enigma, and Harry's heart continued to race as he stood his ground, ready to defend his friends' home.
"Lower your wand, boy, before you take someone's eye out," came the low, growling voice, cutting through the tense air. Harry's heart was still pounding in his chest, but he recognized that voice, and a wave of recognition washed over him. Despite the familiarity, he didn't lower his wand just yet. His instincts were on high alert.
"Professor Moody?" Harry questioned, his voice tinged with uncertainty, not entirely certain whether he should trust his ears in this surreal moment.
"I don't know so much about 'Professor,'" the voice growled, a hint of dark humor lacing the words. "Never got round to much teaching, did I? Step aside so we can enter."
Harry complied, lowering his wand slightly, but his grip remained firm. He stepped aside as a memory of another of Buffy's rules surfaced in his mind – "Never ever invite anyone in." The importance of that rule weighed heavily on his actions.
"It's all right, Harry," said another voice, calm and reassuring. "We've come to take you back to London."
Harry's heart leapt, hope and disbelief intertwining. He knew that voice too, though it had been absent from his life for over a year. "P-Professor Lupin?" he stammered, his voice quivering with emotion. "Is that you?"
"Why are we all standing outside in the dark?" came a third voice, completely unfamiliar, soft-spoken yet confident, that of a woman. With a flick of her wand, the night was banished as she cast a Lumos spell to illuminate the surroundings.
And just as quickly as Harry's world had been filled with uncertainty, it was now filled with a different kind of surprise. He saw Buffy, Hermione, and Dawn making their way up the walk, their presence a welcome sight in a situation that had been teetering on the edge of chaos. Buffy, a born protector, slipped seamlessly into her Slayer mode, her senses keenly attuned to any potential threat.
Harry, in a split-second decision, moved to intercept Buffy, casting an assurance toward his friends. "Buffy, it's all right. They're not vampires."
Buffy, though still cautious, relaxed somewhat. She nodded, acknowledging Harry's words, while motioning for the group to enter the house without issuing a verbal invitation.
Remus Lupin, who had looked perplexed by Buffy's actions, couldn't help but ask as they entered the foyer, "Mind if I ask why there was no verbal invite?"
Buffy's smile held a mixture of warmth and determination as she explained, "Sunnydale is sitting on a Hellmouth. Vampires tend to migrate here. Besides, you're in the house of the Slayer. It's just one of my many security precautions."
The discussion continued inside, and as everyone gathered, a bald black wizard suddenly spoke up, a touch of nostalgia in his voice. "Yeah, I see what you mean, Remus. He looks exactly like James."
"Except the eyes," chimed in a wizard with a wheezy voice, his silver hair glistening faintly in the soft light. "Lily's eyes."
Moody, always vigilant and suspicious, voiced his concern, his growling tone leaving no room for ambiguity. "Are you quite sure it's him, Lupin? It'd be a nice lookout if we bring back some Death Eater impersonating him. We ought to ask him something only the real Potter would know. Unless anyone brought any Veritaserum?"
Buffy's brow furrowed at the implication. Her protective instincts flared as she retorted, "You're in the house of the Slayer. You think I would take in an imposter for the rest of the summer?"
"No, Ms. Summers, we don't," Lupin assured her. "We have to err on the side of caution, though." He then turned his attention to Harry, his voice gentle and reassuring. "Harry, what form does your Patronus take?"
Harry, his nerves evident, answered, "A stag."
"That's him, Mad-Eye," Lupin declared, confidence in his words. The tension in the room eased, the uncertainty momentarily quelled.
Harry, feeling a bit more at ease now, carefully stowed his wand in his back pocket. However, Moody's explosive reaction shattered that newfound calm.
"Don't put your wand there, boy!" roared Moody, his gruff voice reverberating through the room. "What if it ignited? Better wizards than you have lost buttocks, you know!"
Dawn, always the inquisitive one, couldn't resist asking, "Who d'you know who's lost a buttock?"
"Never you mind, Ms. Summers," growled Mad-Eye, his tone not lending itself to further discussion. "Potter, you just keep your wand out of your back pocket! Elementary wand-safety, nobody bothers about it anymore."
Buffy couldn't help but roll her eyes at the comically grim warning. "Though I have to ask, Harry, why you had your wand out. You don't want to get another infraction for that stupid decree."
Harry sighed, the memory of the voices and the uncertainty that had gripped him still fresh in his mind. "I had heard voices, Buffy. I didn't know who was out there. I would rather have my wand snapped than be demon food."
Buffy nodded in understanding, her protective instincts in sync with Harry's. "Point taken," she conceded, acknowledging the necessity of Harry's cautious approach. In Sunnydale, vigilance was not a luxury; it was a way of life.
Lupin extended his hand, a warm smile on his face as he shook Harry's. "How are you?"
Harry, still a bit overwhelmed by the sudden turn of events, stuttered out, "F-fine..."
Lupin's attention then turned to Hermione, and he inquired, "And you, Ms. Granger?"
Hermione returned the smile, her eyes sparkling with happiness. "It's Summers now. Hermione Summers." She stepped aside, allowing Dawn to step forward and join them. Lupin's reaction was nothing short of astonishment.
Lupin's eyebrows shot up, his eyes wide and filled with astonishment. A warm smile slowly crept across his face as he struggled to contain his emotions. "Hermione Summers," he repeated, savoring the name like a fine wine. It was a beautiful moment, a blend of happiness and surprise that played across his face.
"And this is my twin sister, Dawn," Hermione introduced Dawn, her voice tinged with affection and pride.
Lupin extended his hand to Dawn, still slightly taken aback. His handshake was warm and welcoming, yet tinged with a touch of wonder. "It is nice to meet you, Dawn. What is this about your name being Summers now?"
Buffy's eyes widened in surprise, her tone carrying a hint of disbelief. "You don't know? I thought everyone knew by now. Since Dawn had been in that stupid tournament."
Lupin's eyes widened with understanding, and he nodded slowly. "Of course, how stupid of me." He turned his attention back to Hermione. "The Grangers were your adopted parents?" His voice held a gentle regret for not realizing sooner, and his eyes showed a hint of empathy.
Hermione nodded, her gaze shifting between Lupin and Buffy. "Yes," she confirmed, her voice carrying a weight of significance.
Harry, ever mindful of his safety, voiced his concerns. His voice trembled with a touch of anxiety as he asked, "We are leaving, aren't we?"
Lupin affirmed, his response carrying a sense of urgency. "Almost at once. We're just waiting for the all-clear."
Buffy's brow furrowed, a hint of worry in her eyes. Her concern was palpable, and her voice held a note of apprehension as she asked, "Leaving?"
Lupin nodded, his tone filled with gravitas, the weight of their situation pressing on him. "We're taking Harry to someplace safe."
Buffy shook her head, her disbelief mixed with determination. "What place could be safer than the home of the Slayer?"
Harry, still uncertain, sought answers. "Where are we going? The Burrow?"
"Not The Burrow, no," said Lupin, his voice tinged with concern and caution. "Too risky. We've set up Headquarters somewhere un-detectable. It's taken a while..."
Buffy nodded in understanding, her face showing a mix of determination and practicality. "Alright, probably best to get Harry back to England anyways. So he's there for his hearing."
"This is Alastor Moody, Harry," Lupin continued, pointing towards Moody.
"Yeah, we know," said Harry, his voice holding a hint of recognition and wariness.
Buffy nodded, her expression thoughtful. "While we had an imposter last year, he did look like Moody. So we do recognize him."
Lupin looked to Buffy, his confusion evident for a moment, and then he nodded in realization, appreciating the shared history. "You taught alongside the imposter, didn't you?" His voice carried a mix of curiosity and understanding as he pieced together their connections.
Buffy nodded, a faint smile on her lips as she acknowledged the introduction. "Yeah."
Lupin continued with the introductions, his voice holding warmth and familiarity, "And this is Nymphadora—"
"Don't call me Nymphadora, Remus," said the young witch with a shudder, her tone filled with a touch of exasperation. "It's Tonks."
Lupin complied with her preference, emphasizing her full name, "Nymphadora Tonks, who prefers to be known by her surname only," he explained.
Tonks couldn't help but mutter with a hint of annoyance, "So would you if your fool of a mother had called you Nymphadora."
Buffy giggled, a light and carefree sound that broke the tension in the room. "And here I thought I had a funny name," she said, her tone teasing, as everyone turned to her. "Buffy."
Hermione rolled her eyes at her older sister's statement, a fond smile playing on her lips.
"And this is Kingsley Shacklebolt," Lupin introduced the tall, imposing black wizard, who offered a respectful bow. His presence exuded strength and determination.
Lupin then turned to the wheezy-voiced wizard, Elphias Doge, who nodded in acknowledgment. His frail appearance belied the wisdom and experience within him.
"We've met before," squeaked Dedalus Diggle, his voice carrying a hint of excitement and recognition, his eyes gleaming with enthusiasm.
Lupin's introductions continued with a witch in an emerald green shawl, Emmeline Vance, who inclined her head gracefully. Her poised demeanor spoke of her composure and readiness for the task at hand.
The square-jawed wizard, Sturgis Podmore, added a wink to his introduction, his confidence clear in his stance and expression.
Lastly, Lupin presented Hestia Jones, a pink-cheeked, black-haired witch who waved with a warm smile. Her friendly demeanor offered a sense of reassurance.
"A surprising number of people volunteered to come and get you," said Lupin, his voice filled with gratitude and a hint of wonder.
"Yeah, well, the more the better," said Moody darkly, his tone reflecting his vigilance and determination. "We're your guard, Potter."
"We're just waiting for the signal to tell us it's safe to set off," said Lupin, his words imbued with a sense of urgency. "We've got about fifteen minutes."
"Very clean, aren't they, these Muggles?" said Tonks, her comment reflecting her curiosity.
Buffy, her voice laced with pride and a touch of irritation, interjected, "Hey! We're not Muggles. I may be a Slayer, but I'm also magical, and so is Dawn. We're just Muggle-born."
Tonks looked at Buffy sheepishly, her cheeks tinted with embarrassment. "My apologies."
"Look —" Harry began, his voice filled with urgency, "what's going on? I haven't heard anything from anyone since I got here. What's Vol—?"
But Moody cut him off with a growl, his tone harsh and authoritative, "Shut up!"
Buffy, her protective instincts flaring, growled in response, her eyes flashing with determination, "You will not talk to anyone like that in my house." Her declaration was unwavering, and she made it clear that respect and courtesy were non-negotiable, even in the face of secrecy and danger.
"We're not discussing anything here, it's too risky," said Moody with a tone of frustration and concern. He added angrily, "Damn it," while putting a hand up to the magical eye, "it keeps getting stuck — ever since that scum wore it."
Tonks, with her characteristic casual demeanor, chimed in, "Mad-Eye, you do know that's disgusting, don't you?"
Moody then turned his attention to Harry. "Get me a glass of water, would you, Harry?" he requested.
Harry obediently crossed to the cabinet, took out a clean glass, and filled it with water at the sink.
"Cheers," said Moody when Harry handed him the glass. He dropped the magical eyeball into the water and prodded it up and down; the eye whizzed around, staring at them all in turn. "I want three hundred and sixty degrees visibility on the return journey."
Harry, his curiosity still burning, couldn't help but ask, "How're we getting — wherever we're going?" His question held a mix of anticipation and uncertainty as he sought to grasp the details of their plan.
"Brooms," said Lupin. His response held a sense of practicality and urgency. "Only way. You're too young to Apparate, and they'll be watching the Floo Network…"
Buffy, not one to overlook details, raised a valid question, her tone reflecting her curiosity. "How can they be watching the Floo between my house and the Grangers? It's a private connection that only exists between our two fireplaces."
Moody turned to Buffy, his magical eye whirring as he began to explain. "You see, Buffy, even though your Floo connection might be private, it's still possible for skilled wizards, particularly those from the Ministry or with certain dark influences, to intercept or monitor the magical network. They can set up surveillance charms and spells that trigger alerts when certain phrases or connections are used."
His voice carried the weight of experience, and he continued, "It's a precaution they take to ensure no one is using the Floo Network for unauthorized travel or communication. With the Ministry's increased surveillance in these trying times, it's better to err on the side of caution and choose a method of transportation they can't track as easily. That's why we're opting for brooms." Moody's explanation held a note of grim determination, underscoring the need for secrecy and security in their mission.
"And it's more than our life's worth to set up an unauthorised Portkey," Lupin added, his voice carrying a sense of caution and the gravity of their situation.
"Remus said you're a good flier," said Kingsley Shacklebolt in his deep, resonant voice as he looked at Harry, his expression conveying a sense of trust and confidence.
"He's excellent," said Lupin, who was checking his watch, his words carrying a tone of pride in Harry's skills. "Anyway, you'd better go and get packed, Harry; we want to be ready to go when the signal comes."
"I'll come and help you," said Tonks brightly, her eagerness to assist evident in her tone.
Harry shook his head, his response filled with practicality, "My stuff is at the Grangers, including my broom. We didn't want to haul everything here and back. The same with Dawn and Hermione's."
"Good thing we brought extra brooms then," Lupin said with a small, appreciative smile, acknowledging the foresight in their planning.
Buffy sighed, her voice tinged with concern. "Moody, you said even our Floo connection would be monitored. I'm assuming they're looking for Harry specifically. Could Dawn, Hermione, and I go on to England via the Floo so we can get ours and Harry's things and then meet you where…?"
"I'll go with them," Tonks offered, her eagerness to help clear in her tone. "Then we can leave from there back to headquarters. What do you think, Mad-Eye? She is the Slayer and a Professor at Hogwarts. She could be useful to the Order."
Moody, considering the suggestion, nodded after a moment of thought. "Then go with her, get Harry as well as the rest of their things, and come straight to headquarters."
With their plan in motion, Moody replaced his magical eye, which was spinning so fast after its cleaning that it made Dawn feel queasy just to look at it. Meanwhile, other members of the group were occupied with various tasks, from examining the microwave to laughing at everyday Muggle objects.
Buffy looked at her sisters with an expression that seemed to say, "These guys are crazy."
Lupin then reminded the group of the impending departure. "We've got about a minute, I think. We should probably get out into the garden so we're ready."
Dawn shook her head, correcting him, "We don't have a garden. But you can go out in the backyard."
"Come here, boy," said Moody gruffly, beckoning Harry towards him with his wand. "I need to Disillusion you."
"You need to what?" said Harry nervously, his brow furrowed with uncertainty.
"Disillusionment Charm," said Moody, raising his wand. "Lupin said you've got an Invisibility Cloak, but it won't stay on while we're flying; this'll disguise you better. Here you go —"
Harry nodded, acknowledging the need for the charm. "My invisibility cloak is at the Grangers anyway, packed away in my trunk."
Tonks offered her approval with a grin, "Nice one, Mad-Eye," her eyes fixed on Harry's midriff.
"Come on," said Moody, unlocking the back door with his wand, prompting the group to make their way outside.
Together, they all stepped outside into the backyard.
"Clear night," grunted Moody, his magical eye scanning the heavens. "Could've done with a bit more cloud cover. Right, you," he barked at Harry, "we're going to be flying in close formation. Diggle'll be right in front of you, keep close on his tail. Lupin'll be covering you from below. I'm going to be behind you. The rest'll be circling us. We don't break ranks for anything, got me? If one of us is killed—"
"Is that likely?" Harry asked apprehensively, seeking reassurance, but Moody continued without addressing his concern.
"—the others keep flying, don't stop, don't break ranks. If they take out all of us, and you survive, Harry, the rear guard are standing by to take over; keep flying east, and they'll join you."
"Stop being so cheerful, Mad-Eye, he'll think we're not taking this seriously," said Tonks, her attempt at humor meant to ease the tension.
"I'm just telling the boy the plan," growled Moody, his tone remaining grim. "Our job's to deliver him safely to Headquarters, and if we die in the attempt—"
"No one's going to die," said Kingsley Shacklebolt in his deep, calming voice, offering words of encouragement and hope in the midst of their perilous mission.
"Mount your broom, that's the first signal!" said Lupin sharply, his command punctuated by a sense of urgency, as he pointed into the sky.
Far, far above them, a shower of bright red sparks had flared among the stars, signaling the beginning of their journey.
Hermione and Dawn exchanged a quick hug with their friend. "We'll see you there," Hermione said, her voice filled with determination and faith.
Harry nodded, the weight of their mission heavy on his shoulders, and got onto the broom, ready to take flight.
"Second signal, let's go!" said Lupin loudly as more sparks, green this time, exploded high above them, indicating the next phase of their departure.
With a powerful kick off the ground, Harry and the group began to ascend into the night sky. Buffy, Dawn, Hermione, and Tonks watched with a mixture of pride and worry as the group sped off, determined to carry out their mission and bring Harry to safety.
Buffy nodded as she turned and looked at her sisters, who were already preparing to pack their suitcases. "Guys, get your suitcases packed. I will call Mrs. Granger and let her know we're coming. Then I will go pack mine and Harry's."
She then turned to Tonks, who was watching her curiously. "Do I have time to make two calls? I need to let my Watcher know that I will be leaving earlier than expected."
Tonks nodded. "Yes, I believe you will. They won't arrive at headquarters for a few hours."
Hermione and Dawn hurried back into the house and upstairs to their room to gather their clothes and prepare for the trip.
Buffy stopped in the kitchen next to the phone and picked it up. Tonks watched her with interest as she dialed the number, and then she heard Mrs. Granger's voice on the other end. "Hello, Helen. It's Buffy."
"Buffy, how are you? I hope everything is okay with Hermione?" Mrs. Granger asked, her tone filled with concern.
Buffy reassured her, "Everything is fine. We're coming back a little early. Like within the next 30 minutes. We will be picking up Harry, Dawn, Hermione, and my things for Hogwarts, and then we'll be heading out." Her voice carried a sense of urgency and determination, emphasizing the need for a swift departure.
"What? Why?" Mrs. Granger asked, her worry evident in her voice.
Buffy sighed and looked to Tonks, who shook her head, indicating that she couldn't disclose the specifics to Mrs. Granger. "I can't tell you. It's Hogwarts business, Helen."
"Okay, we'll see you in a few then," Mrs. Granger said, her acceptance tinged with a note of concern.
Buffy hung up the phone, her heart heavy with the knowledge of what was to come. She then dialed Giles's number and waited for him to pick up.
"Hello?" Giles said from the other end of the phone.
"Giles, it's Buffy," Buffy said, her voice carrying a mix of determination and apprehension.
"Buffy, what is it?" Giles said, his voice filled with concern and curiosity.
Buffy looked to Tonks for a moment before replying, "Something has come up, I have to head back to England tonight. So Faith is going to have to take over for me sooner than we originally planned."
Giles nodded in understanding. "Then I will let Angel know that I will pick her up tomorrow. She's staying with him since the Council got her released."
Buffy acknowledged his understanding with a grateful tone. "Okay. Thanks, Giles. And say hello to Angel for me. And let Faith know she can stay here. Willow still has the key."
"Will do. You take care of yourself, Buffy," Giles said, his voice filled with genuine care and concern.
Buffy smiled, her trademark sense of humor shining through, "Don't I always. Bye, Giles." She hung up the phone and headed upstairs to pack her own suitcase, preparing for the unexpected journey ahead.
Buffy quickly packed a suitcase for herself and then gathered Harry's clothes that he had brought with him. She handed Harry's suitcase to Tonks when she came back downstairs. She noticed that Hermione and Dawn were also ready.
"Hermione, if you please," Buffy said, gesturing towards the fireplace.
Hermione moved over to the fireplace, grabbed some Floo powder, and stepped into the fireplace. "Granger Residence, London, England." With a swish of the powder, she disappeared in a burst of green flames.
Buffy, Dawn, and Tonks followed a moment later, vanishing into the Floo Network
August 7, 2002 – Wednesday (A/N)
#8 Heathgate, Hampstead Garden Suburb, London
As the green flames subsided, Hermione, Buffy, Dawn, and Tonks found themselves standing in the Granger's living room, surrounded by a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Mr. and Mrs. Granger were waiting for them, their expressions a mix of relief and happiness.
Hermione was the first to be hugged tightly by her parents, their embrace filled with love and a touch of worry. Mrs. Granger smiled at her daughter. "We're so glad to see you, Hermione."
Next, it was Buffy's turn to receive a warm hug from the Grangers. Mrs. Granger looked at her kindly. "Buffy, it's always a pleasure to have you here. How have you been?"
Dawn was embraced with equal affection, Mr. Granger patting her on the back and smiling. "Dawn, you've grown since we last saw you."
Tonks received a friendly greeting as well, her arrival met with curiosity by the Grangers.
Before Hermione, Buffy, and Dawn went to retrieve their trunks, Hedwig's cage, and Crookshank's cat carrier, Mrs. Granger held Hermione's hand and said, "I hope you're all doing well. Is everything okay?"
Hermione, Buffy, and Dawn exchanged a quick, knowing glance. "Helen, as I said on the phone, I can't tell you, at least not right now," Buffy explained, her voice filled with determination. "We'll tell you when we can, I promise. Right now, we need to gather our things and be on our way."
The Grangers nodded, understanding that there were matters they couldn't discuss at the moment. "Of course, Buffy, stay safe," Mr. Granger said, offering his support.
With a grateful nod, Hermione, Buffy, and Dawn headed to retrieve their belongings and were met by Tonks, who efficiently shrunk down the trunks, cages, and cat carrier (with Crookshanks in it) so they could easily carry everything in their pockets.
After bidding the Grangers farewell, the group left the comfortable surroundings of the Granger residence and walked through the bustling city streets.
#12 Grimmauld Place, Islington, London
Finally, Tonks came to a stop on a particular street. "Here we are!"
Dawn, her curiosity piqued, asked, "Where are we?"
"Here," Tonks said, handing a piece of parchment to Buffy. "Read quickly and memorize."
Buffy looked down at the paper before passing it to Dawn and Hermione. It read: "The Headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix may be found at number twelve, Grimmauld Place, London."
Author's Note: England is 8 hours ahead of California. That's why it's suddenly the next day when Buffy, Dawn, Hermione and Tonks arrive at the Grangers. So if Buffy and Dawn were returning home from the movies say around 9 pm. In England it would be 5 am the next day.
