Harry Potter Book 7

~Chapter Two~

A Happy Reunion

Suddenly, the rushing stopped and the howl of the wind disappeared. Harry felt his feet slam into the ground and he swayed for a moment, and fell.

Someone caught him and he opened his eyes. The anxious and strained face of Mrs. Weasley swam into view.

Harry blinked a few times, then started quickly, only realizing that Mrs. Weasley was bearing his full weight.

"I'm sorry, Mrs. Weasley," Harry apologised.

"That's okay, Harry dear," she said comfortingly, her voice breaking with relief that he was alright. Her face relaxed into a warm, but weak smile.

As Harry stood on the spot, his head still swimming from Portkey travel, he remembered what had happened with a jolt.

"Mrs. Weasley!" Harry cried. " Professor Lupin and some Aurors came to take me from the Dursleys-"

"Yes, Harry, I know," Mrs. Weasley replied patiently.

"No! You don't understand!" Harry insisted. "Death Eaters attacked us-"

Mrs. Weasley suddenly looked alarmed. "Death Eaters? But surely-Remus-no!"

Her face suddenly turned a pale white. "Arthur!" she called frantically. "Arthur! Come quick!"

"Harry!" a girl's voice said loudly.

He looked around the kitchen and jumped to see Hermione standing right beside him. He was surprised he did not notice her at once. And looking around the kitchen properly for the first time, he saw Ron with another leap of surprise.

"Ron! Hermione! I-I didn't see you."

"That's okay, Harry. But never mind that now! You just said that you were attacked by Death Eaters when Lupin came to escort you from your uncle and aunt," Hermione exclaimed.

Just then, Arthur Weasley, a balding man with glasses, arrived, panting slightly and looking harassed.

"What is it, Molly?" he asked breathlessly, looking flushed.

"Harry's just arrived. He told us that the Death Eaters just attacked him. Remus is still back there and hasn't turned up yet," Mrs. Weasley moaned.

Mr. Weasley let out a horrified gasp. "Death Eaters? And Remus isn't back yet? But that must mean-no!"

Without further ado, Mr. Weasley pulled out his wand and hurried to the back door of the kitchen with Mrs. Weasley at his heels.

"Arthur! You can't go there now! It's far too dangerous!"

Mr. Weasley flung the back door open and stepped outside. He turned to face his wife.

"I'll be back, I promise you," he reassured her.

Arthur, no!" she protested anxiously, her eyes shining with concern.

But before he could Apparate, there was a loud crack! and Remus Lupin appeared out of thin air right next to Mr. Weasley, who jumped in shock.

"Remus!" Mr. and Mrs. Weasley cried together in relief. Harry whipped around as Hermione uttered a small scream.

Professor Lupin was standing on the threshold of the back door, his face even whiter than Mrs. Weasley's, a deep gash across his right cheek and the front of his robes stained with blood.

"Professor!" Ron gasped in horror.

Mr. and Mrs. Weasley supported Lupin into the kitchen at once. As Mrs. Weasley sat Lupin down at the kitchen table, who slumped in his chair, Mr. Weasley pointed his wand at the door which closed and locked itself.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Weasley had pulled her wand out too and was running it over the wound on Lupin's face, muttering a spell that sounded like a sweet melody to Harry.

Under the glowing light caused by Mrs. Weasley's spell, Lupin's wounds began to heal immediately. Harry, Ron and Hermione watched in astonishment as the gash seemed to close and sew itself together. Mrs. Weasley then gave her wand a small flick and the blood on Lupin's face and robes vanished.

The only evidence that remained now that suggested he had been attacked was a long scar on his face that showed where the gash had been.

"Are you feeling alright, Remus?" Mr. Weasley asked.

"Yes," Lupin replied weakly. "I'm much better now thanks to you, Molly."

"You're welcome. I'm just relieved you're alive," Mrs. Weasley said, lowering her wand and placing it on the table.

Lupin straightened up in his seat and shook his head.

"Professor, what happened?" Ron urged.

"When the guard arrived to escort Harry from his relatives," Lupin mumbled, "we were attacked by Death Eaters. We held them off so Harry could have time to escape. After Harry grabbed the Portkey, I managed to Apparate out alive. But I don't know about the others..."

"Kingsley Shacklebolt!" Harry cried suddenly, making everyone jump. "He was in the guard! He's still back there!"

"Harry, don't worry about anybody right now," Mr. Weasley said firmly. "The order will take care of it all. We should be worried whether the Death Eaters will track you here and attack again-"

Mr. Weasley was interrupted by three loud knocks at the kitchen back door.

Everyone in the room froze. Harry's heart was beating furiously. Had the Death Eaters followed Harry to The Burrow and were outside right now?

Lupin automatically raised his wand and pointed it at the door. Mrs. Weasley did so as well and Harry, Ron and Hermione also drew their wands and held them at the ready.

Harry glanced sideways and saw Ron's milky-white face and Hermione's wand arm was shaking so badly, she could barely aim.

Mr. Weasley moved silently over to the door and gripped the doorknob tightly and looked at Mrs. Weasley who nodded her head once.

Mr. Weasley gritted his teeth, turned the knob and jerked the door open.

Hermione screamed, Ron yelled, Mrs. Weasley gasped, Lupin's eyes widened in surprise and Harry's stomach did a somersault.

Tonks was standing outside looking extremely shocked.

"Tonks!" Mrs. Weasley burst out. Mr. Weasley reached out an arm and pulled her into the kitchen before slamming the door shut and locking it with his wand again.

"Oh, Tonks. You gave us such a fright!" Mrs. Weasley sighed with a mixture of exasperation and relief.

"I'm sorry, Molly," Tonks apologized as everyone lowered their wands and wiped the sweat off their faces. "Oh, Remus!"

She hurried over to Lupin and placed her hands on his shoulders.

"Thank god you're alive! I was so worried when I heard what had happened..." Tonks gabbled, "...I thought I would never see you again..."

"Come on now, Tonks. Remus is perfectly fine now," Mr. Weasley said. "Have you got any news on the Death Eaters' attack?"

"What? Oh, yes..." Tonks answered, turning away from Lupin. "...most of them are alive. They all managed to Apparate out. Kingsley's got a few minor injuries and the only person who died was Grimshaw..."

"So Kingsley's okay," Harry said happily.

As Tonks turned her gaze to Harry, her expression suddenly turned sad.

"Yes. But..."

Her voice tailed away and Harry felt his insides turn to ice.

"But what?" he urged her.

"Well, your relatives, Harry. The Dursleys..." Tonks said apprehensively.

"What? What about them?" Harry asked.

"Oh, Harry. They were killed by the Death Eaters in the fight," Tonks said.

It seemed to Harry that he was falling very fast. The Dursleys...his only living relatives left...dead...

Ron and Hermione turned to Harry with shocked expressions on their faces.

He barely registered that everyone's eyes were fixed on him. He was numb with shock.

He had never imagined that the Dursleys would die. He had thought that they would always be there to make his life a misery every Summer. But why was he feeling so stunned at their death? They had never cared for him and he, for them. So why...why, was he feeling a little sad, if it was possible?

"H-Harry?" Tonks said uncertainly bringing Harry back to the present.

Mrs. Weasley swiftly leaned forward and gave him a quick hug.

"Oh, Harry dear, I'm so sorry. I never knew they meant so much to you," she whispered.

"Neither did I," Harry murmured, more to himself than to her.

"Not all of them died," Tonks said timidly. "Your cousin, Dudley, he survived."

"What will happen to him?" Harry asked, noticing that his hands were cold and knew that his face must be as white as Lupin's.

"Well, since now your uncle and aunt are dead, he'll probably have to go to an orphanage," Tonks guessed. "We've already come up with a cover story for your aunt and uncle's death. We've also arranged it with the muggle adoption office that you will be adopted by Molly and Arthur, if that's okay with you, Harry."

"What?" Harry said, forgetting the Dursleys for a moment and afraid that he had misheard her. "Join their family?" He half-glanced at Ron and they exchanged incredulous, disbelieving looks.

Mrs. Weasley was watching Harry, her eyes filled with tears. "That's only if you want to Harry, dear," she told him.

Harry looked at her, then to Mr. Weasley who nodded at him and smiled. "You're more than welcome to," he assured Harry.

Ron was staring at Harry, as if though seeing him for the first time.

"Yeah, okay," Harry finally said.

The Weasleys all clapped and cheered. Lupin, Tonks and Hermione all grinned broadly.

Mrs. Weasley said to Harry, "That settles it. You're a Weasley now."

"Do I have to change my last name?" Harry asked and Mrs. Weasley laughed.

"No, dear. You can still be Harry Potter."

"Harry, mate," Ron said, laughing too. "This is so cool...you're my brother now!"

"Well," Tonks called over the celebrating. "I have to go back and take your cousin to the orphanage Harry. Are you okay with that?"

Harry remembered the Dursleys. They hadn't been great relatives. But they had still allowed him to live in their home. And they raised him. He had never before appreciated what the Dursleys had done for him...until now. But what could he do for them now?

"Yeah. I'm okay with that thanks, Tonks," Harry replied.

Tonks nodded and pointed her wand at the back door. It automatically sprung open and she left, closing the door again behind her.

Just then, Ginny came into the kitchen looking curious.

She caught sight of Harry and her curious expression turned to one of surprise and delight.

"Harry! You're here!" she cried.

"Hi, Ginny," Harry said, reaching his arms and hugging her. "I missed you a lot."

Ron rolled his eyes while Hermione beamed.

There was a noise and Harry released Ginny and looked around.

Percy Weasley had apparently tried to slip unnoticed into the kitchen but froze when Harry looked around.

Everyone glanced at Harry who stared at Percy who was staring determinedly everywhere except Harry, his face a deep shade of red with embarrassment.

There was a long awkward silence...

"H-hello, Harry," Percy muttered.

Harry continued to stare at Percy, stony-faced. He did not know what his feelings to Percy where after all that had happened with Umbridge and Percy abandoning his family to support the Ministry of Magic. Percy had even advised Ron to tell Umbridge if he saw anything about Harry that was disturbing him.

"Percy's, er...returned now, Harry," Mrs. Weasley explained. "He's seen the error of his ways and knows he's been wrong. We've accepted his apology."

But Percy didn't look sorry at all to Harry and was still staring at any spot except Harry.

But as Harry watched, Percy finally raised his head and met Harry's eyes.

"I'm sorry, Harry," Percy muttered staring directly at him.

Harry felt all his anger and dislike towards Percy melt away. He realized that he had no right to be mad at Percy for standing up for what he believed in. Percy was perfectly entitled to make a mistake like everyone else and was perfectly entitled to be forgiven, just like everybody else.

Everyone in the room held their breath while Harry contemplated Percy.

"It's okay, Percy," Harry replied.

Percy's face broke into a grin and Harry felt himself smile too.

Harry offered his hand. And grinning wider, Percy took Harry's hand and shook it vigorously, to clapping from everyone watching.

"Right," Mrs. Weasley called over the noise. "Now that everything's been sorted out, we have to go to Grimmauld Place now."

"What?" Harry said, distracted and looking around. "Why do we have to go back to Grimmauld Place?"

"I'm sorry dear," Mrs. Weasley said gently. "I know it must be hard for you, but we have to go back for our own safety. The Death Eaters might know you're here and they could arrive at any moment. We're safest at headquarters."

Harry stared away from her. He hated the place because Sirius had spent nearly a whole year locked up inside the dusty house he disliked so much. It reminded Harry of how much Sirius had suffered and endured; almost as much as Harry had.

"We'll leave as soon as it is possible, Harry. I promise you," Mrs. Weasley said softly.

Harry looked back at her.

"Okay."

Mrs. Weasley turned to her husband.

"Arthur, go and tell the others to get ready to leave."

Mr. Weasley nodded and left the kitchen. Mrs. Weasley turned to Lupin.

"And Remus, would you mind going to headquarters first and tell them we'll be coming with Harry to say for a while?"

"I'll do that," Lupin assured her.

He rose from his chair and swayed. Mrs. Weasley grabbed Lupin by the arm and supported him to the fireplace in the kitchen.

She grabbed a jar of powder off the mantelpiece, took a handful and threw it into the grate.

A roaring, emerald fire burst into life at once.

Lupin stepped into the flames and shouted, "Number twelve, Grimmauld Place!"

He was engulfed by the fire and disappeared.

Mrs. Weasley turned and beckoned to everyone else in the kitchen.

"Come on now, quickly. The others will go last...Harry, you go first."

Harry walked forward and was swallowed by the pleasant warmth of the fire.

"Number twelve, Grimmauld Place!" he shouted too and at once, everything span out of focus and he was swept forward as if a powerful wind was battering him. He flashed past other grates and caught very short glimpses of other homes before he whooshed on and on...

Finally, he was thrown forward and the spinning sensation stopped at once. He stumbled, but managed to maintain his balance.

His vision still spinning and feeling sick, he straightened and turned to see Ron burst out of the fire at a tremendous speed and shoot straight into Harry so that they were both knocked to the floor.

Harry was winded and gasping for breath, straightened his glasses that had been knocked askew.

Ron who was very green in the face, rolled of Harry with a indistinct, mumbled apology. Harry had the impression Ron was about to throw up.

Hermione appeared graciously out of the fire and did not appear daunted by the fact that she had been spinning around at a fast speed for the past few seconds.

Harry and Ron scrambled to their feet again and stood aside as Ginny and Percy appeared too, both looking a little livid.

Half a minute later, Charlie Weasley stepped out of the fire and brushed the soot off himself before greeting Harry and shaking his hand too. Then after him, Fred and George erupted out of the grate donning identical jackets of purple dragon skin. They each shook Harry's hand enthusiastically too. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were the last to appear.

"Good," panted Mrs. Weasley. "We're all here. All your luggage has already been sent upstairs to your rooms. You're sleeping in the same rooms you were the last time you were here."

Everyone nodded to show they understood and she said, "You all better go and unpack now. Try and get some sleep too."

The group turned and traipsed off leaving Mr. and Mrs. Weasley to hurry off in another direction of the house.

They tiptoed past a pair of moth-eaten curtains behind which Harry knew was the portrait of Sirius's mother. Harry wondered whether she was still there as they climbed a creaky staircase. When they reached the second landing, Harry, Ron and Hermione separated from the others who continued up another staircase.

The three of them crossed the landing and Harry turned the door knob.

They entered the same bedroom they had all shared almost two years ago when they had first stayed at headquarters. Their trunks were waiting for them in the room; Hedwig and Pigwidgeon were both hooting from the top of the wardrobe at Crookshranks who was sitting on Hermione's bed and eyeing the owls hungrily.

They each sat on their own respective beds.

"So, Harry, happy birthday!" Hermione said and Ron nodded.

"Happy birthday, mate."

Harry nodded, appreciating that they were there for him.

"How've both your holidays been?" he asked them.

"Everything's different and strange now," Ron said in a hollow voice. "Since what happened..."

Harry could imagine what would happen now. With Dumbledore gone, Voldemort would surely move next to end the war. The magical world must be living in terror and fear with Voldemort's greatest threat eliminated. It looked like Voldemort had clearly won. All that could be done now was to wait and brace for the end.

"The world's in a state of panic and despair," Hermione said sadly. "The Ministry is facing a national crisis. It was in the Daily Prophet that they were holding a conference for the world's Ministries of Magic to discuss what could be done to stop Voldemort-" (Ron winced as she mentioned Voldemort's name) "-from taking over."

"Everyone thinks that the entire world is finished," Ron added in a low voice. "Even the order's lost hope."

"So who's leading the order now?" Harry wondered aloud.

"Professor McGonagall," Hermione answered.

"But why hasn't Voldemort-" (Ron winced again) "-begun to take over yet?" Harry asked.

"We don't know," said Ron gloomily. "But they all reckon it'll be a matter of time before it happens..."

Silence fell between all three of them.

"So...Harry," Hermione said timidly. "W-what are you going to do now?"

"You mean, about Voldemort?" Harry said, ignoring Ron's third wince.

"And the Horcruxes," Hermione said quietly.

Harry didn't answer for a moment. Then he said, "I'm going to find and destroy them all. Then I'm going to destroy Voldemort."

All of them fell silent again.

"So..." Harry said, casting around for a topic to break the silence. "Is Hogwarts going to stay open?"

Ron nodded and Hermione said, "We overheard Professor McGonagall talking to Ron's mum about it."

"Oh yeah! That reminds me," Ron said suddenly. "Bill and Fleur are going to get married at Hogwarts in four days!"

"Really?" Harry exclaimed. "That's great!"

Hermione snorted.

"We're going to spend the next few days preparing for the wedding-"

Ron was cut short by the door creaking open. Mrs. Weasley poked her head in.

"I know you all haven't caught up with each other yet, but you're going to have to wake up early tomorrow, so could you please save the talk until then and go to sleep now?"

"Okay, mum," Ron told her.

He rolled his eyes as soon as she withdrew and closed the door again.

"C'mon, we better get to sleep..."

They all changed and climbed into bed.

Harry placed his glasses onto his bedside table, rolled over and closed his eyes.

But as he began to get drowsy, his scar unexpectedly and suddenly seared with burning pain.

The next instant, he blacked out and thought no more.