A/N: There will be an explanation at the end of chapter two for why Aunt Petunia is so OOC, I promise. Don’t forget Harry is her family too, even if she is just realizing that this summer. She has had almost a month longer than Harry to process that idea.

Disclaimer: I'm just borrowing JKR's characters until she wants them back, she owns them!

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Sweet Dreams

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Hermione watched the final game of Quidditch from the stands. Her boyfriend was out there flying, and she had nearly lost her voice cheering him on. He was so handsome she couldn’t stand it sometimes.

“Good mornings miss,” said the announcer.

“What?” she asked, then, “Crookshanks get off of me, you’re heavy.”

“Miss Hermy, Crookshanks is sleeping on your pillow.”

At this, Hermione came fully awake. “Aughh!” she shrieked. Dobby was sitting on her chest, looking at her with huge tennis ball eyes, and his pointy nose only inches from her face. Crookshanks eyed him with disdain, and then turned back to grooming himself.

“Get up Dobby! Don’t do that!”

“Yes Miss Hermy, Dobby is just wanting to bring this from Young Master.”

Hermione then noticed a rectangular package wrapped in plain brown paper in Dobby’s skinny arms. It was almost as large as he was.

“Who is that from Dobby?” asked Hermione suspiciously.

“Opens it Miss Hermy!” squealed Dobby, his face lighting up.

Hermione pulled out her wand, then one of the dark detectors Mad-Eye Moody had given her for good measure. When nothing happened, she cautiously opened the package. It was a slab of Honeyduke’s best chocolate that had to weigh almost five pounds, and was Hermione’s favorite treat. She looked guiltily around, knowing if her parents saw it, they would make her throw it out.

“Straight teeth before a sweet tooth,” whispered Hermione in her head.

“Young Master is saying that you can’t have sweets here, so he sent this until you can get to,” Dobby trailed off, and began violently pulling on his oversized bat like ears.

“Stop that Dobby! Who sent this to me?” Hermione tried to get Dobby to stop hurting himself, but to no avail.

“Dobby is not to be telling. Young Master said that’s if he was to be speaking to Dobby that Dobby would not be telling.”

“Come on Dobby. You are a free elf, and you can tell me.” Hermione pleaded with the elf.

Dobby shook his head, snapped his fingers, and disappeared with a loud pop.

Hermione shook her head to clear it, and then started looking at her chocolate to see if the sender had left any clues. Aside from a coupon for a knut off her next purchase at Honeyduke’s, there was nothing. She looked for somewhere to hide the chocolate, and was startled by the owl sitting on her bedpost. He held out his leg, and then flew out the window after Hermione had untied the parchment. After reading the note, she immediately started packing her school things.

---

Ron watched out his bedroom window anxiously, waiting for someone, or something to appear. He knew that someone would be arriving today, because his mum had spent the morning furiously cleaning the house. He had just finished de-gnoming the garden, and had come upstairs to put on a clean change of clothes. Hearing two identical pops, he turned around to say hello to Fred and George. Before he could say anything, Fred started teasing him.

“Oy beanpole, shouldn’t you be in the garden?”

“Or are you worried that nobody will see your head in the clouds?” added George.

“Sod off. I’m waiting to see who is coming. Mum has been cleaning like mad all day. You’re lucky to be at your store all day, and not here helping,” Ron had had enough of their teasing, which he knew was mainly because he was nearly six inches taller than them, but after this morning, he was ready to fight back. “At least I’m tall enough to,” but he was interrupted by an extremely loud shrieking.

“Boys! Get down here before I come up there. Don’t think I don’t know you’re here Fred and George. Who else would try and switch my wand behind my back!”

“Thought she would like the flowers.”

With that, all three boys went down the stairs to the kitchen.

---

Harry was bored. He was done with all of his summer homework, and had even taken a leaf out of Hermione’s book and started reading Hogwarts, A History. It was his sixteenth birthday tomorrow, and he had absolutely nothing to do, except think about Sirius. His aunt had somewhat softened on him, and Harry now only had to do dishes and keep the kitchen crumb free. It wasn’t a hard job, as it was just Harry and Aunt Petunia all day. Uncle Vernon had gone on a business trip and taken Dudley with him. This had happened only after Dudley found out his father was going to be on the beach, and threw a tantrum to get his way.

Hedwig hooted mournfully at Harry, drawing his attention. He decided that he would let her out to fly that night earlier than usual. Dumbledore had warned him to be careful about sending Hedwig with messages unless an emergency arose. She seemed to understand, and had even willingly shared her food and water with Pig, who had been delivering messages between Ron and Harry. Originally, Hermione had been sending owls as well, but had taken to using the telephone to call Harry everyday. His aunt had consented to this only with the reminder that if he was unhappy, all he had to do was let someone in the magical world know. Harry also supposed that the reason his aunt was permitting Hermione to call was that she actually knew how to properly use a telephone, unlike Ron, who still shouted. Harry went downstairs for lunch, and saw Aunt Petunia sitting at the kitchen table reading a piece of parchment. He stopped, flabbergasted that there was an official Hogwarts’ seal on the letter. She motioned him into the room.

“There is a letter for you as well.”

Harry reached out for the sealed parchment, to find his aunt watching him with great curiosity. He started to read the letter.

Dear Mr. Potter,

Welcome back to another year at Hogwarts. We have also sent a letter to your Aunt Petunia Dursley, to alert her to certain happenings at the school. I would advise that you answer any questions, and let her borrow your owl if necessary. This year will be your most difficult and dangerous to date. That being said, here is a list of your school things for the upcoming year.

Harry scanned the list, and found he only needed two new books, The Standard Book of Spells, Grade Six, by Miranda Goshawk, and Ico Obsto Malum, by Volunta Operam. He would also need new robes, and a few other necessities. He finished reading the letter.

As times become more dangerous, Muggle-born wizards will need to give certain protection to their families. In certain cases, safe places will be necessary. A meeting for all interested families will take place on August First at the Leaky Cauldron. Please respond to your head of house if you will be attending.

Minerva McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress

Harry quickly reread the letter, then slowly looked up at his aunt. She had tears in her eyes, but blinked them away when she saw Harry looking at her.

“Well then, if I’m to attend this meeting we had better send our responses. Then we need to find somewhere to stay near this, what was it called, Leaky Pumpkin?”

“Cauldron. You mean you actually want to go? You hate wizards.”

Aunt Petunia’s eyes welled up again before she replied, “Times have changed Harry. Dudley was attacked last summer. I don’t want my family to be in any more danger. I have already lost my sister, and I am not going to lose you.”

Harry was taken aback. His aunt had changed since he came back at the end of term. He thought then of Sirius, and what he would have wanted. Deciding that Aunt Petunia was better than no one at all, Harry said, “We can stay with the Weasley family. It will be safe there. We just need to find a way to get there.”

“I’ll rent a car, and we can drive there.”

“We can’t. Their house is unplottable, so we won’t be able to reach it in any Muggle, sorry normal, way.”

As Harry finished speaking, he noticed an owl outside the window. He leaned out and tore the parchment off it’s leg. He opened the letter, which contained a red phoenix feather.

Leave the transportation to me Harry. Be ready to go tonight at 10. Keep this with you, and tell your Aunt to get her things ready.

Harry looked at his aunt, then back at the letter. He knew Dumbledore would keep them both safe, but how was he to explain to her? He said, “Dumbledore said he would arrange for us to get to the Burrow, and to be ready to go at ten tonight.”

Aunt Petunia smiled weakly, and then said, “How about a sandwich?”

---

A/N: I had fun naming the textbook. House points to anyone who can translate it correctly. Just a hint, try Latin.

A/N2: So it seems that some of us writers have established an inner circle that we read and review within. If you liked my story, you would also enjoys their stories. So go check out Pandafan81 (who is also my beta), Sornand mrsgeorgeweasley! If I missed anyone, let me know!

A/N3: It was pointed out that Fawkes only gave two tailfeathers to use for wands, and that Dumbledore wouldn't use a feather as a portkey. In OotP, while in McGonnagal's office, a phoenix feather flashes, and McGonnagal says Umbridge knows they are out of bed. So there.

Take My Advice

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Harry woke up with a start. He had been packed and ready to go within an hour of finishing lunch. Aunt Petunia had suggested he take a nap to help pass the time, which seemed to be dragging endlessly. His dream had slightly disturbed him however. He had dreamt of Sirius, but this time he wasn’t reliving the death of his beloved godfather, he was having a conversation about life.

“Harry, don’t give up on having happiness in your life. Your parents wouldn’t have wanted that, and neither do I. You shouldn’t push away your family and friends. They can help you get through tough times.”

“But Sirius, I don’t want to put anyone into even more danger. Everyone I love has died or been severely hurt. I can’t put anyone else through that.”

“You mean you don’t want to get hurt yourself. That’s selfish, after what everyone has done for you. Harry, life is about taking chances, and making sure you live your life to the fullest will help you fight Voldemort. Your mother’s love helps protect you. By allowing yourself to love other people, you only strengthen your mother’s protection. Don’t give up on life just to avoid getting hurt.”

Harry wondered if Sirius was right. If he shared his life, and his love, with others, would he be stronger? He went downstairs to find his aunt. He knew she was nervous, and he felt she was going to need reassurance about life in the Wizarding world, even if was just for the next few days. Walking into the kitchen, he stopped when he saw what Aunt Petunia was doing.

“Oh hello Harry. I know tomorrow is your birthday, and I thought we would celebrate a bit early. I hope you like chocolate cake.”

She moved aside and Harry saw a cake that said “Happy Birthday Harry” on it. Surprised that she had even remembered it was his birthday, Harry said, “Aunt Petunia, you didn’t have to go through all this trouble, it’s really too much.”

“Harry, I am your aunt. If I want to make a cake for your birthday, I will. Besides, it wouldn’t do to go empty handed. A cake is the least I can do. I realize I have treated you horribly, but that is going to change. It will take some effort on both of our parts, but we are a family, and we will keep each other safe.”

Her words rang in Harry’s ears. He thought of what Sirius had said, and decided to take the next step, “Thank you. I know this has to be hard for you to adjust to, especially since Uncle Vernon hates me, and Dudley doesn’t think too fondly of me either. But I promise you, I am going to try.”

“Harry, I’m worried. I know that Professor Dumbledore said that as long as you can call my house your home, you will be safe. You know as well as I do that Vernon is none too pleased with that fact. However, he will learn to live with it. He will also learn that you are not to be treated like yesterday’s newspapers. You and Dudley will be treated equally by me from now on. I know that they will both take some time to come around, but I know I can shorten that time considerably. After all, who feeds them? You know as well as I do that they can’t tell a fry pan from a scouring brush. Now let’s eat.”

Harry swallowed a few times. Sirius was right. Knowing that his aunt was on his side made him feel stronger. “That wasn’t so bad now, was it? ” whispered Sirius in Harry’s head.

---

As ten o’clock loomed closer, Harry and Aunt Petunia couldn’t stop fidgeting. She kept glancing nervously at the fireplace, while Harry kept pacing back and forth between the windows.

“You’re sure we will be safe Harry?”

“Yes. Erm, maybe. Yes, definitely yes.”

Petunia paled.

“We are going to be just fine. I just don’t know how we are going to get there. We can’t fly, it’s too dangerous, and we definitely can’t apparate. It has to be the floo network, or they’ll send a ministry car.” Something clicked in Harry’s head. “Or a Portkey.” His eyes fell onto Fawkes’ feather.

“A what?” asked Aunt Petunia.

“A Portkey. It allows everyone who touches it to be magically transported to another place. I’m sure that since Dumbledore sent this feather with the letter that he enchanted it to become a Portkey. Quick, gather all of your things. It’s two minutes to ten, and we need to be touching the feather at precisely ten o’clock.” She nodded her understanding and quickly gathered her belongings. Harry did the same, and then said, “Touch the feather. It will feel like something tugging your navel.” As he said this, Harry felt the familiar pulling. As soon as it began, he landed with a thump on the kitchen table in the Burrow. Aunt Petunia managed to land in the chair that Mr. Weasley had just vacated. Hearing more thumps, their trunks landed on the floor. Harry steadied himself and opened his eyes but all he saw was a blur heading straight at him.

“Harry!” it bellowed, “You’re really here!”

“Hi Hermione. Get off me, I can’t breathe.” Harry gasped, “Dumbledore makes sure we get here safely, and the first thing you do is crush my ribs.”

“Oh sorry. I’m just glad you made it here safely.” Hermione said while releasing her death grip. “We were worried about you.” A look of confusion crossed Hermione’s face, “Wait a minute, did you just say we?”

“Yes, I brought my aunt with me. She is going to come to the meeting at the Leaky Cauldron. Aunt Petunia, let me introduce everyone.” Gesturing towards each person, Harry said,” This is Mr. Weasley, and Mrs. Weasley. That’s Fred and George over there, or maybe George and Fred. Ginny is there on the bottom step, and Ron is next to her, and this is Hermione Granger.”

“It’s nice to meet you all.” Aunt Petunia nodded at the crowd.

Ron sneered, “You didn’t seem too happy to see us last time. In fact, I don’t believe…” but Ron was cut off by a new arrival.

Dumbledore appeared with a loud pop.

“I trust you made it here all right Harry? I took extra precautions making sure you arrived safely. I assume you noticed the feather is from Fawkes? A bit of extra protection never hurts. Did you manage the trip all right, Mrs. Dursley?” the headmaster asked, turning towards her.

“Yes, but I think Harry’s birthday cake may have gotten a bit smashed.”

“I can fix that.” Mrs. Weasley took the box out of Aunt Petunia’s hands. “I am surprised to see you here. From what Harry said, you belong firmly in the world of Muggles.”

Aunt Petunia stammered, “I’m grateful that you’re letting me stay here, and for taking care of Harry. I know you think I’ve been horrible to him since he came to my house.” She flushed, and inched closer to Harry.

Harry could sense the tension in the room. Mrs. Weasley might have said that Aunt Petunia was welcome in her home, but her demeanor said differently. As he glanced around the room, the only person not looking at his aunt hostilely was Dumbledore. Harry cleared his throat, and announced, “Erm, everyone, my aunt and I have started over from scratch. She is going to try her hardest to understand, but being launched into the Wizarding world takes some time to get used to everything.”

Aunt Petunia looked at Harry gratefully. Addressing the rest of the group she began her explanation, “I feel like I owe everyone an explanation. Jealously, ignorance, and then compliance kept me from caring for Harry like I should have.” Aunt Petunia looked into the disbelieving faces of the Weasley family, she took a deep breath and continued, “When my older sister Lily received her letter from Hogwarts, my parents were ecstatic. I looked forward to the next year when my letter would come, but it never did. I felt like I had disappointed my parents by not being magical.

“I was terribly jealous of Lily, and of how lucky she was. I began to lie to myself, saying she was a freak, and I never even gave James a chance. She tried to keep in touch with me, but I stopped talking to her after she got married. My parents weren’t happy about this, but I overlooked it as I was now married to Vernon. I didn’t tell him about Lily and James until after we were married. He was scared of them really, and I was jealous, so we agreed to distance ourselves from them. He said they were “unnatural” so many times that I started cutting off contact with my sister.

“My parents passed away suddenly, and left their house to Lily. I received money, but Vernon controlled it, giving me an allowance. Vernon became more and more controlling as time went by. It was so gradual that I didn’t even realize how little I thought for myself or how little control I had over my own life until recently. When Lily sent me your birth announcement Harry, it brought a spark of hope into my life. I really did miss my sister, even if my actions said otherwise. However, Vernon saw it and destroyed it. He said the only baby I was to worry about was our son.

“Our ignorance and distance only deepened our hatred of the Wizarding world. When Harry showed up on our doorstep, I knew in my heart he should be told the truth. Vernon told me that was nonsense, and he wouldn’t have any funny business in his house. The sad thing is that even if I had not gone along with Vernon, I’m not sure I would have treated Harry any better. I was walking around with blinders on, not wanting to admit to my mistakes. I saw him as a burden, and only recognized him as another family member this year. Even though we treated him so badly he still saved Dudley last summer. I came to realize that we were scared of a boy that had never done anything to us… well, except for Aunt Marge, but she deserved that.” Petunia looked into Harry’s eyes and they both shared a quick smile. It had been rather funny actually. “The point is, he didn’t deserve how we treated him and yet he still helped us.

“If I had known what Harry was going through, things might have been different. I have been given a second chance with my nephew, and I’m going to take it. We’re all very lucky Vernon is on a business trip right now, and that he took Dudley with him. I left him a letter telling him I went on vacation with my friend Yvonne, and would be back in a week. I will have a lot of explaining to do when I get back to Privet Drive, but I need to get to know Harry away from there.” She was done speaking, and looked around the room expectedly, her eyes moist with tears.

Molly was the first to react. She simply walked around the table and drew Petunia into a hug. Then she motioned for Harry to do the same. “There now dear. Tears never hurt anyone.” She summoned a hanky from the laundry basket and handed it to Petunia. She still had a look of disbelief, but her face was softer somehow.

Harry stood up, and then walked over to his aunt. “I never knew all that stuff. What’s going to happen if you can’t persuade Uncle Vernon to listen to reason?”

“I don’t know Harry. I really don’t know.”

“Perhaps I can shed some light on the situation then.” Everyone turned to look at Dumbledore. He continued, “The house on Privet Drive provides Harry with protection as long as he can call it his home. As long as he spends time there each year, his mother’s love is renewed. Some of you may know this already, but there is a catch. Simply put, if Petunia were to move to a new home, as long as there was a place for Harry there, he would remain protected. This brings me to my next point. Harry, you were named as Sirius’s heir. He has left you the house on Grimmauld Place. Since his name has not been cleared in public, there will be a small wait before you may legally claim it. In the meantime, it has been left in the care of Remus Lupin. Sirius had arranged that prior to his arrest, and therefore it will not be contested. There are certain other additions to the will that may take some time to happen, but happen they will.”

“Sir, how can Sirius’s name be cleared? We are in the same situation as after my third year. No one is going to believe me.”

“Ahh, that’s where you’re wrong Harry. You will need to read tomorrow’s Daily Prophet to find out why. I will say no more on the subject until then.” Looking at his watch, Dumbledore nodded, “The hour has grown late. I believe hot cocoa and bed, in that order are needed.” With a flick of his wand, steaming mugs of hot cocoa appeared in front of everyone. “Good night.” He dissapparated with a pop.

Harry and Ron looked at each other uneasily. What if the paper brought bad news. Ron looked at his mother to ask a question, then quickly shut his mouth when he saw the look on her face.

“Umm, Mrs. Weasley, am I rooming with Ginny again this summer?” asked Hermione.

Molly jumped, having forgotten who was in the room. “Yes dear. I’ll show Mrs. Dursley to her room, and you lot will be going to bed. We’ve had quite an ordeal here tonight, and any talking can wait until morning.”

Hermione mouthed, “Invisibility cloak!” at Harry.

He nodded understanding, then mouthed back, “One hour.”

Everyone headed up the staircase, Mrs. Weasley sweeping past to lead the way. Ginny’s hand brushed Harry’s as she passed, and he felt a strange feeling in his stomach. He shook off the feeling, and continued to Ron’s bedroom.

---

An hour later, Ron and Harry donned the invisibility cloak. They stealthily crept down the stairs to Ginny’s room. Harry turned the knob slowly, and pushed the door open into the room. The girls were feigning sleep. He pushed the door closed behind them whispering, “It’s us, but we have to be quiet so we don’t wake anyone.”

Hermione took out her wand and whispered, “Impervius ascoltius.” She turned around, then said in a normal tone, “No one will be able to overhear us now. I charmed the door to block out eavesdroppers.”

Twin pops sounded, and Fred and George appeared. “Did you honestly think we didn’t know you two would be here?” asked George.

“You shouldn’t apparate!” scolded Ginny, “What if Mum hears and comes to investigate?”

“We’ve got that covered,” replied George. Holding out his hand, he showed everyone a tiny box. “Sleepwalking Wakers. Guaranteed to alert the dreaming wizard he has left the comfort of his bead. Also good to place across doorways to detect unwanted wizards from entering.” He waggled his eyebrows, and then sat on the floor. Fred joined him.

“We put one around Mum’s door so we’ll know if she leaves her room,” Said Fred with a grin.

Harry sighed, and sat down next to Ginny.

Ron looked around, an odd look on his face, and sat down next to Hermione. “Erm, Harry, why is your aunt really here? I thought you didn’t like her at all.”

“Well, she seems to have changed. I guess after Dudley and I were attacked by Dementors she realized that she can’t ignore the fact that wizards exist. She has been acting even nicer to me though ever since she got that letter. Wait a minute! She never told me what was in the letter! All I know is that it was from Hogwarts, had the official seal and everything. I wonder what it said.” Harry pondered.

“She got a letter from Hogwarts? Mum didn’t get a letter from Hogwarts. She would have told us. I mean, I think she would have told us. But with all this Order business, she may not be telling us.” Ron looked at his sister. “Ginny, did any letter come?”

“No, just our regular letters. There was a notice about the meeting, but nothing else.”

“I called my parents when I arrived here. I took the Knight bus, and they were concerned with its reliability. They got a letter, but they said it was just an invitation to the meeting. They’re coming just for the meeting though, because things have been hectic at work. One of the girls quit, and another is on maternity leave, so no one is answering the phone, and Mum and Dad have been running between patients and phones. I helped out for a few days before I came here.” Hermione looked back at Harry. “Maybe only students with Muggle families got letters.”

Everyone seemed to accept her explanation, but doubt still invaded Harry’s brain. He still thought his aunt was acting odd. He realized everyone was looking at him expectedly. Lost in his thoughts, he had stopped paying attention to the continuing conversation. “Erm, sorry, I wasn’t paying attention.”

“Well, we were just wondering if you had been feeling ok. You know, about Sirius?” Ron asked.

Harry was out of sorts. He hadn’t been expecting that question. What was he supposed to say, that he had been having conversations with his dead godfather in his head? “Umm, I’m not really ready to talk about him right now. But I will let you guys know when I am.” He added when he saw disappointed faces.

“Oh no! Mum’s out of bed! Quick! Get back to your rooms!” Fred cried.

The twins disappeared with two pops, and Ron and Harry threw the cloak over their heads. It was an even tighter fit since Ron and Harry had both grown taller. They rushed out the door, and crept up the stairs. Bursting into Ron’s room, they collapsed onto their beds.

Ron looked at Harry, then shut his eyes when he heard his mother’s footsteps pause outside the door. Apparently satisfied they weren’t up to no good, she went back downstairs.

“Phew! That was close! Good thing Fred and George had that thing on her bedroom door. We would have been subjected to a tirade for sure!” Ron glanced at Harry, then asked, “Did you notice anything funny about Hermione?”

“No, not really. Why, did she grow horns or something?”

“No, she just seemed odd tonight,” replied Ron with a faraway look, “I hope she’s okay.”

“I’m sure she is. Goodnight Ron.” With that being said, Harry rolled over and went to sleep.

---

A/N: I want to thank my beta pandafan81 for some changes with Petunia’s confession. Please be sure to read her story Healing Harry

A/N: Please R&R! This is my first fanfic, so it would be appreciated. Plus, I will review your story if you review mine!

Disclaimer: JKR owns all of these wonderful characters, I'm just stopping by for a visit.

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Marauders for Breakfast

Harry rolled over and looked at Ron, who was hugging his pillow fiercely. Harry was tempted to wake him up, but he heard Ron say something.

“Hermione, don’t go, we need to talk.”

Whatever Ron was about to say was lost when he abruptly snored, and rolled onto his back.

Harry grinned, thinking to himself, “It’s about time those two get some sense knocked into them. ” Harry had known that Hermione had feelings for Ron since fourth year. He often caught her secretively gazing at Ron from behind her books. Ron was just too dense to notice. Now that Harry had heard Ron’s dream, he was convinced that his two friends just needed a push in the right direction. It would be a wonderful birthday present to himself to get them together. He was going to need reinforcements though. Ginny would be the perfect person to help him. Harry felt the flutter in his stomach again when he thought of Ginny. He wondered what Sirius would say about that. Probably something like Harry needed to live life, and to take a chance on love. The problem was that Harry didn’t know if Ginny liked him as more than a brother. He knew she had a crush on him her first year, but last year she had several boyfriends. Didn’t that mean she was over him? Plus, she was still going out with Dean Thomas. Harry needed someone to talk to, and he didn’t think Ron was the person to ask about dating his baby sister. “I’ll ask Hermione. She’s a girl, and she should be able to help me.” Harry pushed this thought to the back of his mind, and tried to get back to sleep. Ginny kept popping into his head, as did the thought of spending his birthday with friends, so Harry got up quietly. He wandered down to the kitchen, and was surprised to see someone sitting at the table. He slowly walked forward, and saw that there were actually two people at the table.

“Happy birthday Harry. I was wondering when you would get up.” Remus Lupin smiled fondly at Harry. He looked shabbier than usual.

The other person at the table had stood up when Remus began talking to Harry. He found himself in a tight hug.

“Happy birthday Harry!” Ginny beamed at him.

“Thank you!” Harry felt a wave of happiness wash over him as Ginny hugged him. He hadn’t felt like this since Cho kissed him last December. However, the happiness he felt from receiving just a hug from Ginny was at least ten times stronger than the first time he’d kissed Cho.

“Ginny told me your Aunt Petunia is staying here. I take it she will be at the meeting?”

“Yes, but how did you know about it Professor?” asked Harry.

“Please, call me Remus. I know about it because the Order organized it. Also, Professor Dumbledore has asked me to speak.”

“What about the parents who didn’t want you teaching? Aren’t they going to be mad that you’re advising them on safety?”

“Well Harry, most of the complaints we got were from Wizarding families. Most Muggles don’t know the difference, and those who do are more afraid of Voldemort than a werewolf. Besides, the full moon isn’t for another two weeks. I am curious to what your aunt’s reaction will be. Lily mentioned she wasn’t very open-minded.”

“Why don’t we keep that bit of information to ourselves for right now.” Harry proceeded to fill Remus in on what had happened yesterday.

Remus sighed, “Harry, your parents were very upset when your aunt cut them out of her life. Lily knew Petunia was jealous of her abilities, but was determined to make her change her mind. She thought the news of your birth would help, but it only seemed to make things worse. After that, your mum stopped trying as hard, but she never gave up. I’m sure you want to blame most of this on your aunt and uncle, but adults don’t always act their age. Your father once threatened to hex Vernon for being a prat, and your mother was not too pleased with the idea.”

Harry smiled to himself; he knew exactly how his dad felt. “I’m glad you’re here. Listen, there’s something I want to talk to you about, but it will have to wait until later.”

“Did you want me to leave Harry? I need to get ready anyway.” Ginny’s tone indicated she would gladly stay, but she smiled as she looked up at Harry.

“You don’t mind Ginny, do you?” asked Harry, knowing if he were to offer, she would gladly stay. He wasn’t ready to talk to anyone but Remus about this yet.

“Well, I suppose I could go wrap your present.” Ginny teased as she walked from the room, brushing her hand across his shoulders as she went.

Harry blushed at the touch. He realized he could ask Remus about Ginny; but he would wait until they were done discussing a more important matter. “So, umm, if everything works out, do you think you would like to live in Sirius’ house with me? I mean, I won’t be there during the school year, but I don’t want it sitting empty.”

Remus smiled broadly. “That would make me very happy Harry. We will need to clean it up a bit more, but with Kreacher out of the way, it will be easier.”

“What do you mean, out of the way? What happened to him?” Harry asked.

“He’s dead. He died about two weeks after Sirius. There was a bond between them, even if neither would admit it. Kreacher was weakened by his master’s death, and rarely moved from in front of Sirius’ mother’s portrait. He was bitten by a doxie that was hiding in the drapes, and didn’t make it to through the night.”

Harry didn’t know what to say. He was still furious with Kreacher for lying to him about Sirius. He would still have a godfather if it weren’t for the backstabbing house elf. It wouldn’t be right to say that aloud though. Harry was glad Hermione wasn’t down here, or she would have chastised him for his thoughts.

“It’s ok not to be sorry. I feel as betrayed by his actions as you do. I’m the only Marauder left now. It is like I’ve lost him all over again. It was hard believing he had betrayed your parents for thirteen years. I cut him out of my life. But to get him back just to lose him again has been tremendously difficult.” Lupin’s face fell into an expression of remorse.

“Remus, it’s really hard to talk to anyone about him. I know other people feel the loss, but I think it has affected the two of us more than anyone. You don’t mind talking about him with me, do you?”

“As your friend and fellow mourner, there is nothing I would like better.” Remus patted Harry on the shoulder, and took a sip of his coffee. “Ugh. It’s gone cold. Caldos!” He took a sip. “Much better.”

Harry thought for a minute. The Weasleys would soon be making their way downstairs for breakfast so if he was going to bring up Ginny, he better get on with it. “Erm, Remus, do you think I could ask you a different sort of question? Howdoyoutellifagirllikesyou?” Harry blurted.

Remus smiled, “You want to know if Ginny likes you, don’t you?”

“How did you know it was Ginny?” Harry asked suspiciously.

“Let’s just say you’re just like James when he first realized he fancied Lily. It’s quite uncanny actually.”

“I’m like my dad when it comes to girls? But he knew what he was doing! I have no idea if Ginny likes me. She had a crush on me when she was eleven, but I don’t know if she still does. She went out with Michael Corner last year, and now she’s going out with Dean Thomas.”

Lupin raised his eyebrows, “Harry, you’ll never know unless you take a chance. And I wouldn’t worry too much about Dean. He’s dating Padma Patil now. They were at Fortescue's sharing an ice cream, and said hello to me. Dean wanted to know if I was coming back to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts. I wish I could, but I can’t. I will try to make it to a few classes to help the new professor though.”

Any chances of continuing their conversation was dashed by the appearance of Mrs. Weasley coming down the stairs. Harry stole a quick look at Remus, hoping she hadn’t overheard any of their comments. He relaxed when she pulled him into a hug.

“Happy birthday Harry dear. Sixteen already. I can remember sending you off on Platform 9 ¾ for the first time like it was yesterday. You’ve grown up so much. What would you like for breakfast?”

“Bacon, eggs, and toast please.”

“Did you want anything Remus?” asked Molly.

“Coffee will be fine for now. Ahh, look, here’s the Daily Prophet owl now.” Fishing the change out of his pocket, Lupin paid the owl, and opened the paper, scanning it anxiously.

Harry and Molly crowded behind him to read over his shoulders. There! Right in the middle of the front page, was the headline, “Peter Pettigrew Captured!” Remus began to read the article aloud.

“Ministry officials captured the presumed dead Peter Pettigrew last night in Little Hangleton, the town where You-Know-Who was born. Auror Kingsley Shacklebolt brought Pettigrew into custody. It seems that Pettigrew faked his own death some fifteen years ago to lay blame on Sirius Black, who has been cleared of all charges relating to the matter. Unfortunately, the late Mr. Black was involved in the battle earlier this summer at the Ministry of Magic, and was killed by Bellatrix Lestrange. Upon his capture, Pettigrew revealed that he was an unregistered Animagus, and was able to turn himself into a rat. Quick reflexes on the part of Auror Shacklebolt resulted in the capture of the man who betrayed the parents of the Boy-Who-Lived. Pettigrew is believed to be in You-Know-Who’s inner circle, meaning this is a great victory in the impending war.” Remus trailed off, a look of sheer delight on his countenance. “Do you know what this means? Sirius has been cleared! Of all charges! And that scum is going to get what he deserves!”

Harry was happier than he had been all summer. His godfather was now an innocent man in the eyes of the public. “This is the best birthday present ever!”

Mrs. Weasley was smiling broadly. “Well, it looks as if it will be an even bigger celebration tonight. Good morning Arthur! Have you heard the news? Sirius has been cleared!” Molly asked her husband as he ambled into the kitchen from outside.

“Yes, yes, I knew last night. I was there when they brought that rat in. That’s why I was just getting home now. Everyone at work is in an uproar. This is quite a big piece of news.” Arthur Weasley smiled at Harry, “Happy birthday son. Have you had breakfast yet?”

“No sir, not yet. I’m a bit to astounded to eat. I mean, Sirius has been cleared. I just wish this had happened before he died. It would have been so much better. He would have been able to live a normal life. Instead he was trapped in his house. But now that bastard is going to pay for what he did.” Harry looked up, hearing a noise on the staircase.

The rest of the Weasley family had been listening, along with Hermione, trying to determine if they should come into the kitchen. The decision was made by Ron, who tripped and sent everyone falling down the stairs. He landed in a heap on top of Hermione, and turned scarlet. Hermione seemed a bit shocked as well.

“Are you going to take that lying down Hermione?” George asked.

“Or are you going to tell that clumsy git to stand up and help you up?” added Fred.

“Sorry Hermione.” Ron stood, and offered her a hand, blushing furiously, “Didn’t mean to fall on top of you like that.”

“It’s all right. But are you okay Harry?” she asked.

“Yeah, but I should tell my aunt too, so she knows what is going on.”

Aunt Petunia cleared her throat. She had came down the stairs after Ron’s tumble. She had picked up the discarded newspaper, and was looking at Harry intently, “They’ve cleared your godfather of all charges? And this Pettigrew was the one who betrayed my sister?”

Harry nodded, and crossed the room to his Aunt Petunia’s side. He was unsure if he should pat her on the shoulder, or if he should do anything at all. She solved his dilemma when she leaned into him with a long sigh.

Mr. Weasley looked around the room, “Perhaps breakfast would be in order. Dumbledore will be here later this afternoon, and will be staying for dinner. He will have some more information hopefully.”

At his words, Molly hurried to the stove, and began preparing breakfast. She gave the task of setting the table to Petunia, who seemed anxious to keep her hands busy.

Harry kept repeating the thought, “Sirius is innocent. He’s clear of all charges.” in his head.


A/N: I hope everyone enjoyed the chapter. Please review, as I will post chapter four quicker!

Disclaimer: I do not own any of these characters, I've just put them under the Imperious Curse until JKR breaks the spell.

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A/N: If Harry and Ron seem OOC, it's because they realized they have to share their feelings before Voldemort takes that chance away from them.

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Garden Party

Harry and Ron were out in the garden, lying on their backs, watching the clouds float past. Mrs. Weasley had sent them outside so they weren’t in the way. However, she had retained Hermione and Ginny to help finish the last minute preparations.

Ron rolled over on his side and looked at Harry, “So, erm, Harry, there was something I wanted to talk to you about. Do you remember last night how I asked you if Hermione looked any different?”

Harry turned to face Ron. He had a feeling Ron was finally going to admit his feelings for Hermione, “Yeah, I do. Did you finally notice that she was a girl?”

Ron blushed, “Well, erm, I know she’s a girl. But something’s different. She actually looks like a girl now. Didn’t you see her hair today?”

Harry thought a minute. Hermione’s hair did seem less frizzy. He replied, “Yeah, I guess.”

“Well, it’s just that I had this weird dream last night, actually, every night since we came back from school. I dreamt that I asked her out mate,” Ron stammered.

Ducking his head so that Ron wouldn’t see, Harry grinned, “So you finally realized you like her. It took you long enough.”

Ron sputtered, “What? What do you mean I like her. I never said that, I just said I had a dream about asking her out.”

“No Ron, you said you’ve had this dream every night since we came back from school. That’s how many?” Harry continued before Ron could answer, “Maybe your heart is trying to tell you what to do. Just don’t be a complete idiot when you tell her, okay?”

“Who said I was going to tell her?” demanded Ron.

“I think you have to mate. Besides, you’ll be sorry if you never tell her. What if she ends up with Krum, or somebody else, because you never plucked up the nerve?” Harry watched his words sink in.

Ron got up, “I hope you’re right. I’ve got to go think a bit. See you later,” with that, he walked off.

---

Harry smiled, hoping he would have a chance to talk to Hermione soon to find out what Ron told to her. Harry jumped when someone cleared their throat. As he turned around his stomach gave a gleeful lurch.

Ginny smiled shyly, “Hi Harry. Mum just sent me to bring you inside. Ron is talking with Hermione in the shed. Why he would want to talk to her there with all the spiders is beyond me, unless he thinks it’s more private.”

Harry chuckled, “You caught on to that one pretty quickly. Does Hermione have any idea?”

“Ron wanted to ask her something about one of the Muggle artifacts my dad keeps in there. I’m betting it’s pretty fascinating in there right now. Wanna listen in?” Ginny dangled a pair of Extendable Ears, and wiggled her eyebrows.

“Umm, Ginny, I think he’s telling her that he likes her. Maybe we should leave them alone. After all, it’s not easy telling a girl you like her,” Harry felt his emotions dip as Ginny frowned, and quickly added, “But there is something I wanted to talk to you about.”

“Well, it had better be good, since you aren’t going to let me listen in on my brother pouring his heart out,” quipped Ginny cheekily.

Harry cleared his throat, “Ginny, the reason we made you leave the kitchen earlier was because I needed some advice on how to talk to girls,” seeing Ginny’s scowl, Harry faltered, then continued, “more specifically, how to talk to you. Ginny, I really like you. You make my stomach feel like it’s full of butterflies, and just being around you makes me happy. I was afraid to tell you because I didn’t want to take the chance of losing you to Voldemort, but Remus changed my mind. He made me realize that if I didn’t tell you, I could lose you as well.”

Breaking into a huge grin, Ginny hugged Harry, “Oh Harry! I like you too. I have ever since you and Ron left for school your first year. But you liked Cho, so I didn’t think I had a chance.”

“I thought I was the one without a chance Ginny. I was really jealous when you told Ron that Dean was your boyfriend,” Harry hugged Ginny tighter, and rested his chin on her head. Most of the nerves that had been pent up inside him were gone, but he still felt awkward.

Ginny smirked, “Well, Dean never was my boyfriend. I just told Ron that to irritate him. Dean is just my friend. He actually likes Padma Patil, and has been sending her anonymous love letters by owl,” Ginny stopped rambling and leaned back to look up at Harry. Her cheeks tinged with pink as she stood on tip toe, “Harry, kiss me?”

Harry was floored. Just that fact that Ginny liked him back was enough, but she wanted to kiss him. Those three words sent a shiver down his spine. The nervous feeling was back, only this time it was nearing panic. This was going to be his first kiss with Ginny, and Harry could barely breathe. He nodded his head, and leaned down, before closing his eyes. He could feel Ginny’s breath on his lips for a second before he felt the sweet sensation of her soft lips against his. It was the most wonderful feeling Harry had ever experienced. Her lips tasted like raspberries, and she smelled like a spring breeze.

“Oy, Potter, just because it’s your birthday doesn’t mean you can snog our little sister. Hands off!” George had an angry look on his face that matched the look on Fred’s face.

Ginny stepped in front of Harry, “If you want to remain my big brothers, I suggest you mind your own business, or I’ll Bat-Bogey hex you!”

Harry cleared his throat, “Umm, Fred, George, I really like Ginny. I know you want to protect her, but I swear I am not going to hurt her.”

“Harry, my brothers are complete gits. Instead of harassing Ron, who is confessing his love to Hermione in the shed, they’re bothering us. You know what will happen if that continues,” Ginny glared at her twin brothers.

“In the shed? Just remember Harry, we know where you sleep. Good day to you,” Fred cracked his knuckles, and slunk after George, who was already creeping towards the shed.

“Looks like you’ll get to find out what Ron’s saying anyway,” Harry looped his arm around Ginny’s shoulder.

“And look, we have front row seats! Accio Bench!” Ginny summoned a bench for them to sit on.

Harry raised his eyebrows, and asked, “Ginny, aren’t you going to get in trouble for using magic?”

With a wink, Ginny replied, “As long as Mum didn’t see me, I’ll be fine. You can’t actually tell who did the spell anyway. In most Wizarding families, the parents watch to make sure their children don’t use magic. Fred and George used to do magic in their room all the time. Mum didn’t realize until they were of age, and she decided it was too late to do anything, but she was rather stingy about giving them pudding for quite awhile.”

Harry remembered how he had gotten blamed for Dobby’s hovering charm the summer before his second year. Focusing on the commotion that was beginning to unfurl, he leaned over and kissed Ginny’s temple. Feeling content as she leaned into his side, Harry realized this was the best birthday ever.

---

Ron started back to the house with Harry’s words still ringing in his ears. As he approached the back door he saw Hermione and Ginny walking towards him. His palms suddenly felt extremely clammy, and his feet were stuck in one spot. Remembering what Harry had told him, he bolstered his courage, and began walking towards the girls. He cleared his throat, “Hermione, I had a question about one of my Dad’s Muggle artifacts. It’s in the shed. Can you explain it to me?”

Hermione looked surprised, but recovered, “Sure Ron. Ginny, why don’t you go get Harry. I’m sure we won’t be too long.”

Ginny nodded, “Is he still in the garden?”

“I just left him there.” Ron replied softly. “Why don’t we go take a look at the, erm, thingy, in the shed.”

Ginny shrugged as if to say go ahead.

The brunette witch followed Ron towards the shed, noticing he was slightly red. She wondered what exactly was in there. Knowing Mr. Weasley it was a plug of some sort, but Ron knew what plugs were. It would be impossible to live at the Burrow and not know. Hermione wrinkled her nose at the dust swirling in the air. A light came on as they entered, and Ron shut the door. He gestured for Hermione to have a seat at the table, which was oddly covered with a lace tablecloth.

“So where is this “thingy” you wanted to ask me about?” Hermione questioned as she sat down.

“Well, erm, I actually wanted to talk to you in private, that was just an excuse,” Ron blushed, and continued, “Did you get something unusual this summer?”

Realization dawned on Hermione. Ron had sent her the chocolate bar! Scrunching up her face as if in concentration, “Well, someone sent me a bar of my favorite chocolate this summer. But there wasn’t a note to say who it was from.”

Ron looked startled. He never considered anyone else sending Hermione something too. He was going to throttle Harry for giving him the idea to talk to Hermione.

Knowing how thick he could be at times, Hermione decided to take pity on Ron. She smiled, “I tried to get Dobby to tell me who sent it, but he wouldn’t. He seemed to think that you would never speak to him again if he told me that you sent it.”

Ron blinked and his jaw dropped. He moaned, “You knew it was me?”

“Not until just now. It was very sweet of you to send me chocolate since you know my parents wouldn’t let me have any. Thank you Ronald,” Hermione smiled, and took Ron’s hand giving it a squeeze.

Hearing his full name, and feeling Hermione’s hand in his, he took a deep breath, “I sent it because I like you. Like a girl. I mean, like a girlfriend. I mean, I fancy you ‘Mione.”

Jumping up and throwing her arms around him, Hermione squealed, “I fancy you too!”

Deciding that Harry had been right after all, Ron swallowed his nerves while blushing furiously, and took the next step. Wrapping one arm around her waist, and using his other hand to lift her chin up, Ron took and chance and whispered, “Hermione, can I kiss you?”

Hermione didn’t answer, but pulled his head downs towards her. She kissed him softly on the lips, and smiled at the thought that the boy she had liked for three years was finally kissing her.

Ron deepened the kiss, tentatively exploring Hermione’s mouth with his tongue. He was in heaven, and felt like he never wanted to stop feasting on the delights Hermione had to offer. The happiness was short lived, replaced with horror, as the shed door was thrown open wide.

“I fancy you Gred!” teased Fred in a falsetto.

“I fancy you to Forge! Let’s snog!” replied George in an equally high voice.

The twins pretended to snog each other as Ron blushed feverishly. Having turned bright pink, Hermione looked beyond embarrassed.

From his seat on the bench, Harry called, “It’s about time!”

His friends whirled when they heard Harry’s voice. Hermione was the first to recover her voice. She shouted, “What do you mean, it’s about time! Harry James Potter, if you knew that these two monkeys were spying on us, why didn’t you stop them?”

Harry smirked and, “Well, it might have been so they would stop interrupting Ginny and me. They were going to keep bothering us, but someone mentioned that Ron was hiding in the shed with you.”

Ron’s voice was laced with sarcasm, “Gee, I wonder who would have told our dear brothers where to find us! Ginny, when I get my hands on you…”

Hermione cut him off, “Wait, did you just say they interrupted you and Ginny? What were you doing?”

Fred replied with mock disgust, “You two weren’t the only ones we’ve caught snogging today.”

George continued, “And we felt honor bound as your older brothers to mortify you as well. Equal treatment for all I say.”

“Now it’s time for dinner. Chop chop.”

“You’ll need to clean up if you don’t want Mum to know what you were doing.”

The mischief makers disappeared with two loud cracks, leaving everyone else in the garden.

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A/N: My wonderful beta Amanda wrote a one shot and I had to borrow some details from it. Look for a new story to be posted by Pandafan81 once the queue is open! (12/28/05)

Happy Birthday Harry!

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Walking into the Burrow for his sixteenth birthday party was like a dream come true to Harry. Everything he had ever wanted in a birthday party was there, and then some. The room was decorated in Gryffindor colors, so that it looked like a scarlet and gold explosion. Streamers hung from the ceiling, fairy lights were nestled in corners and in the chandelier. And finally there was a table brimming with gifts. The cake Aunt Petunia had made was in the middle of the gift table, but had been magically enlarged. Salt shakers were bewitched to shake confetti over the partygoers, and Harry could just make out the Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes logo emblazoned on them.

“Surprise! Happy birthday Harry!” yelled everyone in the room.

Fred and George chose that moment to light off fireworks that began to circle Harry’s head. They alternately flashed “Birthday Boy” and “Snog Me!”.

Ginny kissed him on the cheek and whispered, “Wait until later. I’ll have an even better kiss for you.”

Harry blushed, hoping no one had overheard her comment. He walked into the room and hugged Mrs. Weasley. “Thank you. I’ve never had a birthday party before.”

Mrs. Weasley shot a sharp look at Petunia before replying, “Your aunt helped Harry. You should thank her as well.”

Harry hugged Aunt Petunia, and softly spoke, “Thank you. This means a lot to me that you helped.”

“I’m happy to be celebrating your birthday Harry. My sixteenth birthday party was my favorite, and I wanted to make sure yours was extra special, at least until next year.”

Harry grinned. He was beginning to like his aunt more and more. Feeling a tug on his shirt, he looked down. “Dobby!” he exclaimed in surprise.

Dobby bowed, and cried, “Dobby is coming downstairs to wish the noble Harry Potter a very happy birthday. Dobby is hiding from Harry Potter until just now because Mrs. Wheezy is telling Dobby to surprise Harry Potter. Dobby was trying very hard to behave, because Dobby wanted to see Harry Potter. Dobby had to lock himself in the attic with the ghoul.” Dobby shivered.

“Dobby, are you working here now? Are the Weasleys paying you? Do you get holidays? How is Winky?” asked Hermione as she rushed over.

“Yes Miss Hermy. Master Dumbledore was asking if Dobby wanted to work at the Wheezy’s house this summer. Dobby said yes in hopes that the great Harry Potter would come and Dobby has gotten his wish. Dobby gets one galleon a week, and two days off. It is too much, but the Wheezy’s said Dobby had to take it or Miss Hermy would be mad. Winky is here, but she won’t come downstairs. Winky is still drinking Butterbeer.” Dobby shook his head sadly.

“It’s too bad that she won’t come to the party. We would have liked to have Winky here,” Hermione smiled, considerably relieved, and continued, “But we are very happy you are here Dobby.”

Dobby’s eyes welled with tears, and he choked out, “Thank you, Miss Hermy.”

Harry was startled as Remus patted him on the shoulder to wish him a happy birthday. The room was full of well-wishers who were waiting to eat. Ron had already snuck several mouthfuls of mince pie. Glancing around the room once more, Harry shouted, “Let’s eat!”

The guests formed a line and began filling their plates. Harry scooped all of his favorites onto his plate, and had to grab a second dish so he had room for more food. He noticed Aunt Petunia had taken all of the same things, but in smaller portions. If they had nothing else in common, they shared the same taste in food. Harry walked to an open spot at the table, and set his plates down. Ginny quickly sat down next to him, and Hermione joined them. Ron appeared from behind a towering stack of food with a grin on his face. The room was filled with sounds of people enjoying a well cooked meal, punctuated with sighs of content, and the occasional burp from either Fred or George.

Soon, the meal was over, and the twins began chanting, “Cake! Cake! Cake!”

Molly sighed, “Those two will never grow up. Every birthday party we have they have to behave like three year olds who need a nap.” She levitated the cake and placed it down in front of Harry. With a flick of her wand she lit the candles.

Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday dear Harry
Happy birthday to you

“Make a wish Harry!” whispered Ginny.

Harry scrunched his eyes, thought I wish that no one else I love will be hurt by Voldemort, then quickly blew out his candles. Opening his eyes, Harry grinned.

The cake magically sliced itself, and began floating to everyone in the room. Harry spied Mrs. Weasley conducting her wand, and his grin widened.

When the last crumb of cake had been eaten, George and Fred began chanting once again. Surprisingly, they were joined by Hermione, Ginny, and Ron, who was banging his fists on the table.

“Presents! Presents! Presents!” was being shouted all over the room.

Harry blushed, knowing that everyone was making a fuss for him. Deciding to comply, he asked, “Well, which one should I open first?”

Dobby began jumping up and down excitedly. He squeaked, “Dobby would be most honored if Harry Potter opened Dobby’s present first.”

“All right Dobby. Which one is it?” questioned Harry, who knew that it had to be the oddly shaped gift wrapped in paper with his face on it.

Dobby levitated the gift to Harry, who was surprised at its weight. For such a large package, it weighed next to nothing. Curious, Harry began to carefully peel the paper off, knowing Dobby would be ecstatic that he was preserving it. Bubbles began to drift out, reminding Harry of the bubble wrap that his cousin had been so fond of popping. Poking one, Harry discovered that he couldn’t burst the bubble. Harry grinned in amusement, as he had unearthed at least twenty pairs of socks. “Thank you Dobby.”

“Open ours next Harry,” instructed Fred, who also levitated the present to Harry.

“We thought you could use it, especially now that you’re dating our sister.” added George.

Alarmed at what Fred and George thought he might find useful, Harry opened the gift. It was a spell book, entitled Learn to Dance with Mrs. G.. Harry flipped it over, sure it was a trick. The back cover was filled with recommendations by Wizards who had used the spells. Opening the book, Harry saw instructions for various Wizard dance moves, such as the cauldron, the broomstick, and the troll. There was also a section on Muggle dances, including one called the Macarena. Handing the book to Ginny, Harry chuckled, “Fancy learning a dance Ginny? How about this Macarena one?”

Ginny retorted, “As soon as you learn the cauldron, I’ll learn the Macadamia.”

Fred grinned, then pointed his wand at Harry, “Tripudio Macarena!”

Harry stood up and began dancing, shaking his hips, and wrapping his arms around his body. Grabbing his wand, he pointed it at himself, “Finite Incantatem.”

“Mrs. G. just happens to be one of our favorite customers, as well as the creator of over 30 different Wizard dance moves. It’s too bad she lost her husband,” said George with a lovesick look.

Mrs. Weasley cleared her throat, “Perhaps you should finish opening your presents dear.”

Hermione brought him the next present. “This is from Ron, Ginny, and I. We worked on it together.”

Opening the box, Harry saw a scrapbook. Turning to the first page, he saw a picture of himself and his three friends waving back at him. It had been taken right before the Quidditch World Cup two years ago. There was also a program with statistics about the players, and a green rosette. Flipping through the pages, Harry saw all of their adventures documented in the pages of the scrapbook. There was a page for everything, from Christmas to Dumbledore’s Army.

“Hermione and Ginny did all of the decorating, I just got all the pictures for them. Those two were going crazy with all the stuff Hermione brought from home.” Ron gazed at Hermione, looking as if he wanted to snog her.

“Did you see the last page?” asked Ginny.

Harry shook his head, then turned to the last page. It was a picture of Ginny and himself that had to have been taken earlier that day. Harry asked, “When was this picture taken?”

Ginny turned pink, “Well, actually Fred took it to use as blackmail, but bat-bogey hexes tend to make him think twice about that sort of thing.”

“Ginny! What are you doing threatening your brother! And you Fred, don’t let me catch you taking pictures of private moments again! I already warned you once about that sort of thing!”

“Who was he taking pictures of Mum?” pestered Ron.

“Never you mind Ronald Weasley! Now Harry, why don’t you open the present from Arthur and myself, before my sons cause any more trouble. Accio present.” She handed the gift to Harry, who opened it quickly. The box was filled with clothes. “You needed some clothes that fit your dear. Ron is too tall for Bill and Charlie’s cast-offs, so they are practically new. I wish we could get you new, but at least these will fit. We’ll get rid of those blankets you’ve been wearing.”

Aunt Petunia turned beet red. She was ashamed by Molly’s comments, knowing full well that she could have bought Harry clothes that fit him properly. To redeem herself, she handed Harry a small box. “Go ahead and open it. Your mother gave it to me years ago.”

Harry untied the ribbon that held the box shut. Lifting the lid, he was taken aback to see a locket inside. He opened it, and looked at his aunt with a look of bewilderment on his face. “Is this my mum and you in the picture?”

“Yes, that photo was taken when she came back from school her first year. That was the last summer we got along. I was still under the impression that I would get into Hogwarts as well. It wasn’t until she left for school I realized that I wasn’t special, or I would have been riding the train to school with her.” A tear trickled from her eye, and Harry hugged his aunt.

“I know this must have meant a lot to you. Thank you Aunt Petunia.” Harry comforted his aunt.

“One more present Harry. This one is from Sirius and me, but in a way, you could say your dad had a hand in picking it out.” Remus handed Harry a small box.

Nervously unwrapping the present at the mention of his father’s and godfather’s names, Harry peered at the contents. It was a tarnished silver ring with an insignia engraved on it. He had seen this ring before, but couldn’t think where. Looking up at Remus he realized Remus wore its twin. “Was this my dad’s ring?”

“Yes, that was your father’s ring. Sirius took it the night he was murdered to give to you one day. We all got the same ring when we finished our N.E.W.T.s to celebrate. Did you notice it is engraved with an “M” to stand for the Marauders?”

Harry realized that if his father, Sirius and Remus all had a ring, there was one more ring. “What about the filthy rat? Did he get a ring?”

Remus chuckled, “Funny you should ask that Harry. When Peter and Sirius dueled fifteen years ago, Peter cut off the finger he wore the ring on. If only we had realized then that he was the traitor. His mother gave me the ring as a memento, but when Sirius came back to London, we destroyed the ring. Now there are only two, as Sirius was wearing his during…” Remus trailed off, not wanting to relive that unhappy day. This was supposed to be a birthday party not a memorial.

Harry choked up. He took a deep breath and finally managed, “Thank you.”

---

After all of the festivities had ended, Harry sat on a bench in the garden with Ginny, gazing at the stars glowing overhead. Covered by the Invisibility Cloak, they leaned into each other, and Harry occasionally kissed the top of Ginny’s head, inhaling her sweet perfume.

“Harry, I wanted to give you something in private.” Ginny pulled a tiny box from her pocket and placed it in Harry’s hand.

Looking from the delicately wrapped present to Ginny, and seeing the hopeful expression in her eyes, Harry opened the box. A shiny gold key gleamed in the darkness. He picked it up out of the box, and gold letters swirled into the air.

“I have given you the key to my heart. ”

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A/N: Up next, a trip to Diagon Alley, and a meeting!

Disclaimer: I’m using the Imperius Curse to get JKR’s characters to do my bidding, they belong to her.

Diagon Alley

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August first dawned early for the chaotic household preparing to leave for Diagon Alley. The inhabitants were flooing to Fred and George’s shop to do their school shopping before the meeting. Harry and Ron spent much of the morning anticipating their visit to Quality Quidditch Supply. Ron insisted Harry needed new Quidditch gloves to replace the tattered and too small ones he’d had since first year. Everyone was looking forward to exploring Weasleys’ Wizarding Wheezes, even Mrs. Weasley. To add to the commotion, Aunt Petunia had to be calmed down at the thought of flying through dirty fireplaces. It was finally decided that Molly would take her to London via a portkey.

One by one, the group threw floo powder into the grate and shouted, “Weasleys’ Wizarding Wheezes.”

Harry followed Ginny into the storeroom. He still didn’t like flooing much, but he did enjoy helping Ginny brush the soot from her robes. This netted him a smile from Ginny and a raised eyebrow from Ron.

Fred greeted everyone, “Good morning and welcome to our humble store!”

Ron snorted at this, but covered with a cough when he noticed the look on his brother’s face.

Mrs. Weasley’s shrieks interrupted any retaliation as she ran towards them closely followed by Aunt Petunia, “Get it off!”

“Hello Mum. Don’t worry, it’s just our guard imp, he’s harmless.” George chuckled at the sight of his mother fleeing an imp.

Mrs. Weasley looked like she was about to build up her usual head of steam, but Fred quickly diffused the situation. “Ok you lot, your guards will be here shortly to escort you while you shop. And just as a precaution, Ron and Harry will go with one, while Ginny and Hermione go with the other. Until then, feel free to walk around, and put anything you want behind the counter. Since you’re family, you get 20 galleons worth of free merchandise.” Fred stood aside so the crowd could enter the store.

Harry was immediately drawn to a display featuring an assortment of sweets, and a large sign that cautioned against sampling the trick confections. Recognizing Canary Creams, Harry knew the twins weren’t kidding. He wandered down several aisles, stopping here and there to peruse the pranks. He dropped the box of puking pastilles when he heard Ginny shriek. Running towards the middle of the store, Harry stopped dead in his tracks when he saw Ginny and Hermione doubled up with laughter. They were wearing goggles, and couldn’t stop laughing.

“Ron, you’re wearing maroon underwear!” gasped Hermione.

Ron turned scarlet, and then demanded “How did you know that?”

Hermione removed the goggles, and then handed them to Ron before explaining, “These are Giggle Goggles. They let you see whoever you are looking at in their underwear.”

“Nice boxers Harry!” Ron shouted in glee. Harry’s face burned with embarrassment.

“Quite useful, but what if you aren’t wearing underwear?” asked Tonks, appearing out of nowhere.

“Nymphadora! Are you saying you forgot to wear underwear?” Remus winked devilishly, and announced, “Well, who is coming with me, and who is going with Tonks?”

“I want to go with Tonks, no offense Remus, but we need to have some girl talk,” stated Ginny. As the girls headed for the door, Ginny brushed up against Harry. “They are nice you know,” she whispered with a mischievous glint in her eye. The girls rushed out the door, talking in hushed voices, and sending glances over their shoulders. Ginny waved goodbye, giggling at the deep shade of red covering Harry’s face.

“Well, Harry, Ron, it looks as if it’s just the three of us to do your shopping. We’ll need to get your school things, and I have a few stores to stop off at as well.” Remus walked towards the door, and the boys quickly followed.

---

Soon they were overloaded with packages containing their school supplies, books and Quidditch supplies. With school business taken care of, Remus headed the search for the perfect birthday present. He explained that Tonks’ birthday was September 27, and Remus wanted to get her gift before he was sent on another mission for the Order. After going into nearly a dozen stores, he finally stopped in front of Zelda’s Delights. Remus nodded to himself declaring, “Why didn’t I think of coming here first? This will be the perfect place to get Tonks a present.”

Harry and Ron looked warily at the store, but did not protest. It was a good thing Remus was so organized. His search made them realize both Ginny and Hermione had birthdays coming up even before Tonks’. So they should also look for something to buy their girlfriends, but had not had any luck in locating appropriate gifts.

Ron grinned as he entered the store, heading straight to a display of bookends. Picking up a set with carved otters, he asked, “Do you reckon Hermione will like these?”

Remembering Hermione’s patronus, Harry nodded, and continued to wander the store. He wanted something romantic, but he didn’t want Ginny to have to endure teasing from her brothers. Pausing in front of a bookshelf, he noticed Enchanted Books, which only showed the true name of the book to the owner. Harry was ready to buy Ginny a book of poetry, but decided against it, thinking it would remind her of Tom Riddle’s diary. He caught sight of a case of crystal animals, and went to investigate. Picking up a green frog sitting on a heart shaped lily pad, Harry knew this was sentimental enough to give her. After all, his eyes were green as a pickled toad.

Remus found Tonks a present, and having it wrapped when Harry came to the counter to pay. Curious as to what Lupin had bought for the ever changing Tonks, he peered over the counter, trying to see into the box.

“Now Harry, I can’t have you ruin the surprise! You’ll know what I got her after her birthday.” Remus had a look like a lovesick teenager on his face.

Having finished their shopping, Harry and Ron persuaded Remus that ice cream sundaes were in order. The trio made their way to the ice cream parlor, and at Mr. Fortescue’s insistence, was given their treats on the house. The conversation quickly turned to Quidditch, so Harry suggested that they go back to Quality Quidditch Supplies to kill the remaining time before they had to return to the Leaky Cauldron.

Gathering up the bags filled with their purchases, Ron groaned, “We should just enchant these bags to weigh nothing, or better yet, shrink them to fit in our pockets.”

Remus waved his wand lazily, and Harry’s bags shrank to fit in his palm. He stuffed them into his pocket, and followed Ron across the street. A confused looking clerk greeted them as they entered.

“Hello, haven’t you lot been here already today?” asked the perplexed witch.

“Yes, but we thought we would pass some time and wander around. Hope you don’t mind.” Remus walked past her, and began whistling an odd tune.

“Harry! I didn’t expect to see you in here, being banned from Quidditch!” Oliver Wood exclaimed as he emerged from behind a display of brooms. “Angelina was quite furious with that, wrote me nearly two feet of parchment.”

“Hi Wood! It’s good to see you!” Harry greeted his former Quidditch Captain. “Dumbledore told me that Umbridge’s ban was lifted, so I’ll be playing again this year. What are you doing here?”

Wood grinned, “Well, we’re playing the Cannons tomorrow, so I came to London to visit my girlfriend. Have you met Tiana Boothby?

A very pretty brunette appeared at Wood’s side. She smiled warmly as she greeted them. She reminded Harry strongly of Fleur, especially since Ron was now standing next to him, staring at him with his mouth open.

“Nice to meet you,” Harry said shaking her hand, “This is Ron Weasley.”

Ron turned red and squeaked, “Hello.”

“All right, it’s time to be heading back. Molly wants you to eat dinner before the meeting, and I’ve got to get ready as well.” Remus herded the boys out of the store.

Harry elbowed Ron in the ribs as they left the store. “It’s a good thing Hermione wasn’t in there; I’d be down one best mate.” Harry teased.

“What?” Ron asked confusedly, Harry and Remus just laughed in response as they made their way to the Leaky Cauldron.

---

Harry nervously knocked on the door to the room his Aunt Petunia had disappeared into after dinner. She had looked distressed during the meal, and he wanted to make sure they were on time for the meeting. Aunt Petunia opened the door slowly, and tried to smile, but failed.

“Come in Harry. How much longer until the meeting starts?” queried his aunt.

“We have about fifteen minutes until they open the doors. Are you ready?” Harry glanced at Aunt Petunia, unsure of whether or not to continue speaking.

“Petunia, Harry, it’s time to go.” Molly said from the doorway before walking down the hall.

---

A/N: I had fun creating Tiana Boothby’s name. Tiana is my cousin’s name, who is just as big of fan of HP as I am, and on the LC lexicon, there is a witch, Gladys Boothby, who invented the Moontrimmer broomstick. As my cousin loves Oliver Wood, I thought I would be nice and use her name as his girlfriend, and a name that was important to Quidditch as we know it.

B/N: Wow! That’s amazing! Tonks has the same birthday as someone else I know. Hmmm… Who could that be? OH YEAH! You! And ME! What a good day to have a birthday! Happy Birthday Genny! Much love, Amanda (aka pandafan81)

The Meeting

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any of the characters; I’m just using the Imperius Curse to control them until JKR comes home.

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Harry walked behind the Weasleys with Aunt Petunia, joining the short queue that had formed outside the meeting room. He nodded to Moody, who was standing outside the door, grilling parents before allowing them to enter. Moody returned the nod and went back to questioning Mr. and Mrs. Creevey. Satisfied with their answers, he let them through the door.

“It’s you lot eh? Well, Harry, this must be your aunt.” Moody’s magical eye swiveled ominously, taking in Petunia.

“Aunt Petunia, this is Alastor Moody. He is a retired Auror and is good friends with Dumbledore,” Harry explained.

“It’s nice to meet you Mr. Moody,” replied Petunia.

Opening the door, Moody ushered them into the room, which had been magically expanded to hold the parents and students. Harry followed Mrs. Weasley to a seat near the front of the room and gestured for his aunt to sit down. Looking around, he spotted Remus and Tonks in a corner and waved to them. Remus smiled and returned the gesture. Tonks waved so enthusiastically she knocked over a chart in the process. Smiling at her antics, Harry took his seat. The room buzzed with conversation, and Harry caught snippets of Muggle parents questioning their children about the obvious enchantments. Silence fell as Dumbledore approached the podium and cleared his throat.

“Good evening ladies and gentlemen. I am Professor Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts. I welcome you all here tonight to learn about the Wizarding world’s most dangerous wizard and to inform you of the steps Hogwarts will take to keep your children safe. Several Hogwarts professors, past, and present will also be speaking tonight. And if time permits, I would ask that the few students that have participated in the fight against Voldemort share how their education has enabled them to do so.” Dumbledore paused, as a frightened whisper ran through the crowd at Voldemort’s name.

“Let me begin by saying that Hogwarts has always been the safest place for your children in dark times. We have heightened security since the return of Voldemort, and we will continue to do so until the threat has passed. I do not fear an attack on the school, as it would be next to impossible.” Dumbledore paused watching the mix of reactions ranging from fear to relaxation. But no one seemed willing to interrupt the obviously powerful old wizard, so Dumbledore pressed on.

“Voldemort has regained his powers and has been back for just over a year. The Minister of Magic initially denied all claims that Voldemort was indeed back until he nearly destroyed the atrium of the Ministry of Magic. With the backing of the Daily Prophet, the Minister claimed that Voldemort coming back to life was a lie. You may ask why the Minister denied the facts, but I fear those are questions I cannot answer. However, he has now acknowledged Voldemort’s return and has resigned from his post. We have a new Minister of Magic, Amelia Bones, who has given me her full cooperation to ensure your children are safe at school.

---

Harry listened to every word that came out of Dumbledore’s mouth, wondering when he would be summoned to speak in front of everyone. He was dreading having to face the packed room. It was one thing to tell your friends what had happened, it was quite another to tell their parents. Nerves had Harry on the edge of his seat as Professor McGonnagall, Lupin, and finally Moody spoke. Dumbledore returned to the podium, and Harry knew this was it; he was doomed to relive Sirius’ death in front of everyone.

Dumbledore swept a piercing gaze around the room, his eyes resting briefly on Harry before he spoke. “It appears that we no longer have enough time for the students to speak, but I would like to introduce six students who bravely fought along fully grown wizards in the Department of Mysteries against the Death Eaters. Would you please stand as I call your name?”

Relief surged through Harry as he realized he would not have to talk before the crowd.

Smiling kindly, Dumbledore continued, “These students have been rewarded for their brave efforts, and I would proudly fight beside them again. Neville Longbottom, Gryffindor! Luna Lovegood, Ravenclaw prefect! Ginny Weasley, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger, all Gryffindor prefects! And lastly, Harry Potter, Gryffindor Quidditch captain!” Dumbledore began applauding, and soon there was a thunderous roar of clapping hands in the hall.

Mrs. Weasley was sobbing happily as she tried to hug Ron and Ginny at the same time, who were both a deep shade of red.

Hermione was sandwiched between her parents, who looked at their daughter proudly.

Neville’s round face was beaming as his grandmother congratulated him on being up to scratch. Luna was standing serenely next to her father, looking as though she had just captured a Crumple-Horned Snorkack for him.

Aunt Petunia tittered, “Captain! Well that’s something to be proud of! What exactly is Squidditch?”

“It’s a game played on brooms. Ron can explain everything about it to you later. I need to talk to Dumbledore. Wait here with the Weasleys.” Harry took off running towards his headmaster and breathlessly exclaimed, “Do you mean it? Captain of the Quidditch team?”

Dumbledore nodded, and Harry pumped his fist into the air in celebration. It was quickly decided that a celebration was in order. He was joined by the Weasley men, Remus, Dumbledore, and Moody. They left for the common room of the Leaky Cauldron, and the women exchanged glances.

---

Meanwhile, Aunt Petunia had returned to her room after the meeting ended. To learn the danger that everyone was in had come as a shock, even though she knew that Voldemort had killed her sister. She walked towards the comfortable chintz chair, only to hear the door close with a bang. Petunia had been surrounded by several angry witches. Unsure of what to do, she backed up, only to run into her chair.

“Sit down Mrs. Dursley. We’ve been meaning to have a nice chat with you.” Professor McGonnagall said menacingly.

Hermione added, “We need to talk to you about how Harry has been treated. It’s an utter disgrace.”

Petunia stuttered, “I know I treated him badly, but I’ve changed!”

Ginny cracked her knuckles, “That’s not good enough for us. We love Harry, and you’ve treated him terribly. We want you to promise it will never happen again.”

“Baking a cake and giving him his mother’s locket was a start, but you need to show the boy love. I have yet to see that happen!” stated Mrs. Weasley.

“When I left Harry on your doorstep, I knew in my heart you would not treat him as an equal. It pains me to see I was right. You have caused the boy enough pain in his life, and it is time to start giving him love and respect.” McGonnagall admonished.

Petunia burst into tears but was unable to utter a word.

“You treated him like an animal, locking him in his room, not letting him go to Hogsmead…” Tonks started, cut off by an irate Hermione.

“Not to mention making him live in the spider-infested cupboard beneath the stairs!” Hermione gave an involuntary shudder.

“You never gave him anything for himself. Just his wretched cousin’s castoffs. I know how it feels to get something brand new when you’ve gotten hand-me-downs your whole life. Harry never got anything new from you! No toys, no clothes, no love! My parents may not have been able to afford new things for me and my brothers, but at least they gave us their hearts.” Hot tears slid down Ginny’s face. She turned away in disgust, no longer able to look at Petunia.

“Mrs. Dursley, you have been nothing but a hindrance to Harry. How the boy has succeeded, demonstrating bravery and loyalty, is beyond me. These are certainly not traits he learned from your example. Obviously he inherited them from his parents.” McGonnagall was building up a head of steam Mrs. Weasley could be proud of.

“The boy is genuinely surprised whenever someone demonstrates any kind of love or affection for him!” Mrs. Weasley burst. “As if he doesn’t expect it or deserve it! A child should never be in want of love!”

“We are here as a reminder that if things don’t improve, we aren’t responsible for what happens.” McGonnagall threatened.

“Mrs. Dursley, do you know what Aurors do?” Tonks stepped forward obviously wanting to get her two knuts in. Petunia shook her head. “Aurors are specially trained witches and wizards who can take care of unsavory characters with little notice. You might consider that if you or your husband lay a hand anywhere NEAR Harry.”

“I didn’t know Harry meant so much to all of you. I am going to try my hardest to show him love, I promise!” Petunia swore through sobs.

“I believe there was mention of a celebration downstairs?” Molly formally announced, looking satisfied.

“You’re right Mum,” Ginny said, turning to hug her mother. “I have to go congratulate my boyfriend for making Quidditch Captain.” Ginny linked arms with Hermione, and they led the army of protective witches out the door.

---

As the women entered the common room, they were greeted by a very unexpected sight. Dumbledore was standing on a table, juggling flaming batons. Fred and George each held another lit baton cheering enthusiastically. Although, most surprising of all, the typically reserved Remus was leading Ron and Harry in song.

”A Galleon for a gallon of firewhiskey,
Drink your cup, there’s nothing like it!”

“That is quite enough! You should all be ashamed of yourselves!” Molly shouted staring disapprovingly at the scene. “Singing drinking songs and endangering children! We can’t leave you alone for ten minutes!”

Dumbledore vanished the batons and apologized, “So sorry Molly. We just got caught up in the celebration.”

Molly raised her eyebrows, clearly wanting to say more.

“Molly dear, we were just having fun with the boys. After all, we have a lot to celebrate tonight!” Arthur exclaimed waving enthusiastically at Harry and Ron.

“Oh all right, but no more drinking songs!”

“Mum!” Ron complained. “We were only singing the song, they wouldn’t give us anything but butterbeer.”

Mrs. Weasley scowled at her son’s response, but obviously pleased that the men had shown at least some restraint.

The bartender brought drinks to the table, and soon everyone was joking and telling stories. No one noticed Petunia slipping down the stairs then going out the front door.

---

Several hours later, Harry returned to his room to find a letter shoved underneath his door. The neat handwriting looked familiar, and he opened the envelope.

Dear Harry,

I am sorry to have left without saying goodbye. This evening has given me a lot to think about. I will be returning home as I do not think your friends want me here. Please come back before you leave for school. We could talk about your mum, if you like. Some things shouldn’t be buried in the past. You know where to find me.

Love,

Aunt Petunia

Harry ran down the hallway and banged on a door. It opened slowly, and Harry thrust the letter forward, “Did you know she left?”

---

A/N: It’s an interactive cliffie! Who did Harry ask if they knew Aunt Petunia left? Leave your vote in your review. I would like to thank my beta pandafan81 for all the extra help she gave me on this chapter. Yay Amanda! Now go read "Power of the Prophecy" until my next chapter comes out!

Missing

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Remus took the letter from Harry and quickly read it.

Dear Harry,

I am sorry to have left without saying goodbye. This evening has given me a lot to think about. I will be returning home, as I do not think your friends want me here. Please come back before you leave for school. We could talk about your mum, if you like. Some things shouldn’t be buried in the past. You know where to find me.

Love,

Aunt Petunia

Raking a hand through his hair, he cursed, “Son of a bludger! This isn’t good. When did you find this Harry?”

“Just now when I went back to my room. I came straight here. Why do you reckon she left?” Harry questioned.

“I’m not sure Harry. We need to let Dumbledore know immediately.” Remus drew his wand and sent a jet of silver light past Harry, “When did you last see her?”

“Er…” Harry thought for a moment, “Right after the meeting. I went to talk to Dumbledore; we headed straight down to the bar from there. Wait a minute! She didn’t come down to celebrate with the rest of the women. Maybe Mrs. Weasley talked to her before she left.”

“Let’s go check. Which room were they in again?” Remus started walking down the hall towards the stairs.

“Fourth floor, first door on the right.” Harry had to jog to keep up. After climbing a flight of stairs, he tripped as Remus stopped sharply in front of the Weasley’s door.

Remus knocked sharply on the door. “Arthur, Molly, its Remus. Harry has something to show you.”

The door opened a crack, and Arthur peered out, holding his wand in front of him. His face relaxed and he ushered Harry and Remus into the room. “What did you need to show us Harry?”

Remus handed Arthur the letter. Molly peered over his shoulder, reading quickly with a worried expression on her face.

“She left? Have you checked her room? What about the common room?” Molly wrung her hands fretfully.

“No, I haven’t checked, I went straight to Remus’ room when I read the letter,” Harry admitted. “Do you think she might still be here?”

Dumbledore appeared with a crack, and surveyed the room, the twinkle gone from his eyes. “No Harry, your aunt has left the Leaky Cauldron. Tom helped her call a Muggle cab to drive her home. Arabella will let me know once she arrives. The question I want answered is why she left in such a hurry, when she was just starting to relax and accept you, Harry.”

Molly cleared her throat, “Harry, I think I know why she left. I- I mean we, the girls, Ginny, Hermione, Tonks, McGonagall and I- confronted her about the way she treats you, and I think I may have gone too far.“

Raising his eyebrows, Dumbledore shot a questioning look at Molly,

“You see, I just can’t stand the way Petunia treated Harry. I had to say something to her! I know she is attempting to change, but the damage has been done. If Mafalda had been left on my doorstep, she would have been raised as my own child, not as an outcast!” Molly began to cry, adding, “A mother looks after her own, even if she didn’t give birth to them!”

Everyone wore a shocked expression in the aftermath of Molly’s confession. Dumbledore was the first to react, “Well, we can guess that Petunia left because you confronted her, but until she is located, she isn’t safe. There is danger lurking, and after tonight’s meeting, I am sure certain parties are disgruntled. Remus, why don’t you take Harry back to his room, and meet us back here?”

Harry found his voice, “No, I’m not going back to my room. She is my aunt, and I need to know she’s safe.”

“Very well Harry. I understand you want to be treated as an adult, but you must remember that you are not of age yet, so you will need some patience.” Dumbledore replied with a nod.

“All right Professor. Thank you for letting me stay.” Harry sank down into an armchair. Everyone followed suit, except for Molly, who paced nervously.

Dumbledore studied the note for a minute in quiet contemplation. Remus, Harry and Mr. Weasley sat staring at him waiting for his conclusion.

Finally he looked up and began to voice his thoughts, “It seems that Petunia left of her own free will because she was under great duress. I believe this because the letter was written with a Muggle pen and paper. Now, a clever Wizard could have thought about that, but why would she have written that she would talk to Harry about Lily? I believe this is a genuine letter, and it will only be a matter of time before Arabella sends news. We will need to find a way to keep Petunia out of harms way, without tipping her off. I believe I know the witch for the job, but it will take some persuasion.” He fell into silence again as the room began to digest his conclusions.

The silence was broken at the sound of someone tapping on the door and turning the handle. Everyone turned as the door swung open to admit Ginny in her nightgown and dressing robe.

Dumbledore smiled, “Ah, Miss Weasley. Perfect timing, as I have a favor to ask of you.”

Ginny blinked in surprise at seeing her parents’ room filled with Order members at such a late hour. Squaring her shoulders, she looked Dumbledore in the eye, “Yes Professor?”

Dumbledore chuckled, “Yes, the Gryffindor bravery. Do you mind taking Harry back to his room and having a cup of hot cocoa with him?”

Harry began protesting, “But sir, you said I could stay!”

“Harry, I believe that we have finished our discussion of your aunt. Right now I need to talk to Remus about securing your aunt’s safety. I will stop by your room before I leave with any news. Please accompany Miss Weasley back to your room. I would also advise against trying to eavesdrop, magically or otherwise.” Dumbledore conjured a tea tray and handed it to Ginny, complete with two steaming mugs of cocoa and a plate of chocolate biscuits, before ushering the teenagers out the door.

As the door shut behind them, Harry clenched his fists in frustration. He was sick of the hypocrisy. One moment the adults treated him as equal- seeking information and honoring him for the responsibilities he’d taken on at such a young age; and the next sending him off like an infant.

“Harry, lets go back to your room, and you can tell me who is bothering you more, your aunt or Dumbledore.” Ginny smiled faintly before walking downstairs towards Harry’s room.

Harry couldn’t help but smile at Ginny’s comment. She knew what Dumbledore had been talking about, and yet she still wanted to be there for him. He turned and followed her down the hall intoxicated by the scent of the steaming chocolate and Ginny’s shampoo, intent on asking her what had actually transpired between the women.

---

Dumbledore listened intently at the door for a moment before speaking, “It seems as though the Order has work to do. Have Fred and George finished their mission?”

Straightening his shoulders, Arthur replied, “They expect to make a full report at the next meeting. You should see what those boys can do, especially since they got some Muggle portable cramcorders. They even promised to let me-“

A patronus in the shape on a panda had shot into the room, straight to Dumbledore. Distracted for a moment, Arthur paused.

“It seems that Petunia has not gone back to Privet Drive.”

---

Petunia sipped a cup of tea, relaxing visibly as an attractive blonde woman entered the room, followed by an Australian shepherd carrying a sock. “Thank you for letting me stay here. I just couldn’t spend the night alone, not after what happened.”

The woman put a fingertip on a figurine of a dancing panda before smiling encouragingly, “Petunia dear, you are always welcome in my home.”

---

A/N: I know, evil cliffy! But I decided that my readers needed an update on this story, even if it was a short chapter, which is for my beta Amanda, AKA Pandafan81, by the way.

B/N: Thank you so much for the lovely compliment! A panda patronus! How wonderful! And it only seem fitting that the dog carrying the sock should be an Australian Shepherd, since we both have one and both have the same affliction!