A Cord of Three Strands

A Cord of Three Strands

by cindale

Chapter 2

"Burning"

"Though one may be overpowered,

two can defend themselves.

A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."

Ecclesiastes 4:12

"Remus!" Harry shouted into the mirror, not noticing the haggard look of the older man. "The Weasleys! The Burrow! It's on fire! It's burning! Do something!"

Remus seemed to snap out of a daze and said, "Hold on - I'll contact Dumbledore." His face disappeared from the mirror but Harry continued to stare at it, willing him to return.

A pounding on the door drew his attention away from the mirror. "Shut up in there, boy - you'll wake the whole neighbourhood!" bellowed Uncle Vernon, ignoring the fact that he was being much louder. The door opened, and Aunt Petunia pushed by her husband to walk into the room. Vernon glared at the back of her head for a moment and then turned and lumbered down the hallway.

"What's wrong?" Petunia asked in a sharp voice, an unreadable expression on her face.

Before Harry could answer, Remus's voice spoke from the mirror. "Dumbledore said there was indeed a Death Eater attack planned for the Burrow tonight, but they were warned and moved to a safe place. Don't worry, Harry. They're okay."

Harry nodded, struggling unsuccessfully to stop the tears running down his face. He finally choked out, "What about their house?"

"We don't know yet," Remus replied, shaking his head. "Listen, why don't you get some sleep? I'll be over to see you tomorrow and let you know what's going on."

"Thanks, Remus," Harry whispered.

Harry put the mirror carefully on his desk and looked up, startled; he had forgotten that Aunt Petunia was standing there. To his surprise, her eyes seemed to express concern. "What is it, Harry?" she asked in a slightly more gentle voice than before.

He looked down and swiped at his eyes with his sleeve, wondering what to tell her. He finally decided on, "I-I have dreams ... sometimes ... of things that Voldemort's doing."

"Like a prediction?"

"No," Harry answered with a shake of his head. He looked up at his aunt. "I dream them as they are happening." He took a deep breath. "Tonight I dreamed the Weasley's house was being destroyed."

"Is that the red-haired family?" Petunia asked with a disgusted expression.

"Yeah," Harry said, trying not to be annoyed; after all, Petunia's experience with the Weasleys had not been pleasant. "Their son Ron is my best mate."

"But they're okay," she said, the disgust fading and a hint of concern returning to her face.

"Remus said they were," Harry said with a shrug.

Petunia continued to look at him for a moment and then asked, "Why do you have these dreams?"

"I'm connected to Voldemort by the scar he left when he tried to kill me as a baby," Harry answered, staring at a bit of fluff on the floor. "I was taking lessons to try and stop the dreams, but I think Voldemort really wanted me to see what he did tonight." As Harry tried to block the memory of the taunting voice out of his mind, tears welled up in his eyes again.

Petunia started to reach a hand toward him, but then stopped herself, turned abruptly, and started to leave the room. Just before closing the door behind her, she turned and said, "Try to get some sleep."

Harry stared at the door for a few minutes and then lay back on the bed, staring at the ceiling, lost in worry. There was no more sleep for him that night.

***************************

"I know it's not pleasant, Harry, but you need to tell us exactly what you saw and heard in your dream last night," Dumbledore said gently.

Harry took a deep breath and looked at the two men facing him across the Dursley's kitchen table. Both were wearing very grave expressions. "Did Voldemort say anything to you?" Remus prompted.

"I was dreaming about my mum and Aunt Petunia as little girls, but then I started seeing flames. I realized it was the Burrow on fire, and I saw the Dark Mark overhead. Then I heard Voldemort singing 'Happy Birthday' to me right before I woke up."

Dumbledore and Remus exchanged a significant look. "That seems to confirm our suspicions," said the Headmaster.

"What?" Harry demanded, looking from one to the other. They looked at Harry and then back at each other. "Come on, you told me you were going to start telling me things. What is it?"

"Severus seems to think the target of last night's attack was not Arthur and Molly, or any of the Order members, as everyone will assume," Remus told him. He paused and sighed heavily before continuing. "He's fairly sure Voldemort was targeting Ron."

Harry's heart plummeted into his stomach. "Because of me?" he choked out.

"He is hoping that you will do something rash, Harry," Dumbledore said in a quiet, calming voice.

"Because it worked before," Harry said, tears springing to his eyes.

"But you can't fall for it, Harry," said Remus. "You have got to stay here. You know you're not ready to face him yet."

"But my friends..."

"Are safe," Dumbledore interrupted. "The Weasleys will be staying at Order Headquarters, and I put Hermione and her parents under the Fidelius Charm this morning."

Harry nodded, took a deep breath, and said, "Tell me what happened."

The two men looked at each other again and then back at Harry. Dumbledore began, "Early yesterday morning, Professor Snape told me there was a Death Eater attack planned on the Weasley's residence. I immediately contacted the Weasleys, and they went to visit Charlie in Romania. We needed to divert suspicion from Severus, and an impromptu vacation to visit a family member seemed the best option."

"Are they still in Romania?"

"Yes, but they are coming back today."

Harry nodded and forced himself to ask, "How bad is the Burrow?"

"Destroyed," Remus answered with a heavy sigh. "I don't think they'll be able to salvage much at all. Since they were warned, they were able to take a few valuables, but if they had taken too much it would have aroused suspicion."

"At least they're all okay," Harry said in a dead voice.

Remus and Dumbledore looked at each other again. Harry looked from one to the other, starting to get a little alarmed. "There's something else - what?"

"We've got to tell him," Remus prompted.

Dumbledore turned back to Harry with the weariest look he had ever seen. "Percy has been living in a flat in London, so we didn't think it necessary to warn him. It would have been a risk, since we were uncertain of his loyalties." Harry felt his stomach clench and the bile rising in his throat as Dumbledore paused and took a deep breath. "We found his body outside the house. It appears that he was hit with the Killing Curse."

Harry stared at Dumbledore, fighting for control. He suddenly jumped up, knocking his chair to the floor, and ran down the hall to the bathroom, emptying his breakfast into the toilet. He retched a few times after his stomach was empty, and then as he started to relax he felt a gentle hand on his shoulder. He looked up into Remus's concerned face and slumped back against the wall, drawing his knees up to his chest. Remus sat down on the floor beside him and put a comforting arm around his shoulders. Harry couldn't stop shaking, and his mind was empty except for the conviction that it was his fault Percy was dead.

He finally said it out loud, "He's dead because of me."

"It's not your fault, Harry."

"I have to kill him. I have to kill him now. More people will die."

Remus turned Harry's face toward him with his free hand. "Listen to me, Harry. You're not ready to face him. If you try to kill him now, you'll only be killed. And then where will we be? There's no hope for any of us if you're killed."

"But people are dying!"

"Yes, that's true. Some people may die while you're preparing. But a lot more people will die if you face him before you're ready, and you're killed. I know it's hard, and you need to grieve, but don't feel guilty for something that's not your fault. Feel angry at Voldemort instead, and let that anger motivate you to train your body and mind to face him."

All Harry could think about was Mrs. Weasley's boggart; her worst fear was losing one of her family members. Percy had always been nice to him before his career ambition had overruled his loyalty to his family, and Harry had certainly never wanted to see him dead. Despite the Weasley's feud with Percy, he knew they would all be devastated at the loss.

Harry's breath started coming in gasps and tears ran down his face. Remus put both arms around Harry and the boy buried his face in his guardian's shoulder. Remus held him until the choking sobs started to slow and Harry pulled away.

He took a couple of deep breaths and asked, "What was Percy doing there?"

"We don't know," Remus said, shaking his head. "We may never know. I'd like to think he went to reconcile with Arthur and Molly."

Harry nodded. It was a comforting thought, even though it was frustrating that he had chosen last night for a reunion.

A shadow fell across the doorway, and the Headmaster asked, "Harry, Remus, are you ready to continue our discussion?"

Remus helped Harry to his feet, and the two of them rejoined Dumbledore in the kitchen. Harry resumed his seat across from the Headmaster. Remus filled a glass with water and set it in front of Harry, who took a sip and gave his guardian a grateful look as he slid into the chair next to him.

"Harry," Dumbledore began, "there are many things you need to do to prepare yourself to face Voldemort, but the most important is to continue to study Occlumency."

"But Snape..."

"I have spoken with Professor Snape," said Dumbledore, holding up his hands as if to push back Harry's protests, "and he will continue your lessons. You will work out your differences with him, and you will commit yourself to learning Occlumency. It is crucial."

"Can't someone else teach me? You?"

The Headmaster gave a heavy sigh. "It's true that I know Occlumency, but Professor Snape has used it much more extensively, especially against Voldemort. He is the best person to teach you. And there are other advantages to the two of you learning to work together."

"I can't imagine what," Harry murmured under his breath. He noticed Dumbledore's eyes growing impatient, so he quickly asked, "But isn't it an advantage that I can see and feel what Voldemort's doing?"

Remus spoke so quietly Harry had to lean toward him to hear. "Harry, the only time it's helped was the incident with Arthur and the snake. You know as well as I do that you would have gone to the Burrow last night if you hadn't been able to contact me, just like you did ..." He broke off and turned away.

"Just like I ran off to the Ministry of Magic and got Sirius killed." Harry looked down and tried to control the tears that were flooding his eyes.

"Harry, no one blames you for that, and you can't blame yourself," Remus said. "Voldemort tricked you. The point is that you've got to do what's necessary to keep him from manipulating you again."

"Without Occlumency," put in Dumbledore, "all your training in hexes and shields is useless. Your mind must be under your control first and foremost."

Harry sighed. He had to admit to himself that anything, even extra lessons with Snape, was worth gaining the ability to kill Voldemort. He felt a steely resolve snap into place as he looked up into Dumbledore's expectant face. "Okay. When do I start?" Dumbledore's features relaxed and Remus breathed a sigh of relief.

"You'll have to wait until school starts," said Remus. "Severus can't be seen coming here."

"But Professor Snape said that if you would practice clearing your mind of all thought and emotion before sleeping each night, it should make a remarkable difference in your lessons this fall," said Dumbledore. "He suggested that you also practice at least one other time each day, if you can manage it."

"Okay," Harry said with a nod. He gave a snort. "I ought to be able to clear my mind when I'm doing chores - they don't require any thought or emotion."

Dumbledore stood and said, "Thank you for your cooperation, Harry. Remus, we need to meet the Weasleys."

As the three reached the door, Aunt Petunia walked in bearing a sack of groceries. She shot a disapproving glare toward Dumbledore and Remus before looking at Harry. "There's more groceries in the boot."

"They were just leaving," said Harry.

When she had disappeared into the kitchen, Remus shook Harry's hand and said, "Practice. Do it for Percy, Sirius, and Cedric. I'll see you soon."

Harry nodded, unable to speak, as the men left.

***************************************************************

Harry read the letter of condolence he had just written to Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, thinking how inadequate and unconvincing it sounded. The rubbish bin was spilling over with previous attempts. He looked up at Remus, who was bending over his shoulder. "What do you think?"

"I think it's the best we can do," his guardian answered with a heavy sigh. "There are just not adequate words in the English language."

Harry rolled up the letter and handed it to Remus, along with a letter to Ron and a slip of parchment authorizing the transfer of funds from his Gringotts account. Then he went to his trunk and rummaged until he found the key to his vault.

"Do you think they'll accept the money?" he asked Remus as he handed him the key.

Remus sat in the chair Harry had vacated, turning it away from the desk, as Harry sat down on his bed. "I don't think they have much choice. They were left with almost nothing." Remus put his elbows on his knees and his head in his hands. "Listen, Harry, there's something I've got to tell you."

Harry felt a deep sense of foreboding; what else could go wrong? "What is it?"

"Voldemort didn't believe the Weasleys suddenly went to visit Charlie. Arthur and Bill hadn't given notice at work, and he has spies in the Ministry and at Gringotts. He knows someone warned them."

Snape! As much as he hated the Potions Master and Order spy, he had no desire to see him dead. He started to speak, but then a sudden thought hit him. If Remus knew this, Snape must have been able to pass on the information...

"Is Snape..." he began.

"He's fine," Remus assured him. "Voldemort assumed Peter warned the Weasleys since he had a ... er ... history with them." He took a deep breath and looked at Harry. "Peter's dead."

Harry wasn't sure how to feel about that. He certainly wasn't sorry that his parents' betrayer was dead, but he still felt a vague sense of regret. Finally, he said, "Death is too easy for him."

"Well, Severus enjoyed telling me all the details of how he was tortured before he was killed, and how his body is now on display as a warning to the other Death Eaters." Remus looked a little queasy, but his eyes were hard. "He still had it much easier than Sirius, who lived in constant torture for twelve years, so it's difficult to feel sorry for him."

The two sat in silence for a few moments, each lost in their own dark thoughts. At last, Remus cleared his throat and said, "Ok, well, I've brought what I'm sure are your O.W.L. results." He tossed an official-looking envelope from the Ministry of Magic into Harry's lap.

Harry looked at Remus in confusion; he had forgotten all about his O.W.L.s, but now that he had been reminded, he couldn't help wondering...

"Wasn't I supposed to get these in July?"

"Yours were delayed in the Ministry," Remus replied with a grimace. "It seems Umbridge tried to ... er ... influence your scores. Dumbledore had to get signed statements from each of your test examiners and take them to Fudge."

Harry's grateful feelings toward Dumbledore were overwhelmed by his anger and hatred toward Umbridge. "We need to get that cow out of office," he spat.

"Yes," agreed Remus, "but not yet. Dumbledore thinks a major upheaval at the Ministry right now would only be counterproductive. Despite Fudge's recent incompetence, he's useful for the present because he's afraid not to do exactly what Dumbledore recommends. And, at least for now, Umbridge does whatever Fudge says."

Harry nodded, feeling a little bewildered by the politics of the situation, and turned his attention to the envelope. He scanned the contents quickly, and his heart sank. Even though his scores were overall quite good, he had only managed a score of "Exceeds Expectations" in Potions. Snape would only accept students who had achieved "Outstanding" in his N.E.W.T. level class, and he wouldn't be able to enter Auror training without advanced Potions. His mouth twisted a bit at the irony that he was disappointed to give up Potions.

His regret must have shown on his face, because Remus's voice sounded cautious when he asked, "How did you do?" Harry shrugged and handed the parchment to Remus, who scanned it and then said, "Well, Harry, seven O.W.L.s is certainly nothing to be ashamed of - and most of them are "E's". And look at that - an "O" in Defence! Not that I would have expected any less from you." As he gave the results back to Harry, he said, "Don't worry about the Divination and History scores. I daresay you won't be upset to give those up, anyway." Harry looked up into the twinkling eyes and relaxed a little as the warmth he felt at Remus's obvious pride in him overcame his disappointment in his Potions score.

"I wonder if Ron and Hermione got their scores yet. Neither of them has said anything about it." Of course, his usual letter from Ron was missing in the batch Remus had brought this time, which was no surprise, given recent events.

"I'll ask them if you want me to," Remus offered. "But your Defence score reminds me of a couple of things I need to talk to you about. There were an unusually high number of "O" and "E" scores in Defence Against the Dark Arts this year. Umbridge tried to take credit for it, but Dumbledore knows where the credit truly lies." He beamed at Harry, who felt a rush of pride. "Dumbledore wants you to continue the DA, if you're willing, although he would prefer you to call it the 'Defence Association'."

"I'd like that," Harry said, "but wouldn't a teacher be a better leader? The new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher?"

"You've proven you're a natural leader, Harry, and it would be great training for you to continue to lead it. Besides, the new Defence teacher will be dividing his time between school and his Auror duties, so I'm sure he won't mind if you take charge of the group."

"Who's the new teacher?"

"Kingsley Shacklebolt."

Harry nodded as he digested this information. He had met Shacklebolt on several occasions during the last year and rather liked him. After watching him duel two Death Eaters at once in the Department of Mysteries, he had no doubt he knew what he was doing.

"That brings up the other thing I need to tell you, Harry," said Remus. "Kin-- Professor Shacklebolt will be continuing your defence training once you get to Hogwarts. Since he's a Auror, he knows more advanced techniques than I do."

"What about you?" Harry asked, slightly panicked at the thought of not seeing Remus on a regular basis. He suddenly realized how much he had come to rely on his guardian's calming influence during the past weeks, a presence he desperately needed.

"Oh, I'll be around," Remus assured him. "Dumbledore's trying to get me to stay at the castle, but I know from experience that the parents won't appreciate having a werewolf around. I'm planning to get a flat in Hogsmeade."

"Good," said Harry, relieved that Remus would be close by.

"Anyway," Remus continued, "we want to keep it quiet that you're taking extra defence lessons, so we'll tell the other students that you're Professor Shacklebolt's assistant. He'll need an assistant to be able to juggle everything. In reality, I'll be the assistant; I'll be helping him mark papers and plan lessons and such, but, of course, that has to stay quiet, too."

Harry grinned. He was beginning to look forward to the school year.

*******************************************

During the next several days, Harry tried to focus on the upcoming school year instead of his guilty feelings about the Weasleys, and managed it most of the time. The prospect of taking defence lessons from an actual Auror was very exciting, and he couldn't deny that he had thoroughly enjoyed leading the DA during his fifth year.

Percy's death and the destruction of the Burrow had not been on the Muggle news. Harry supposed the Order had seen to that. He had taken to watching the evening news with the Dursleys, ignoring the glares his uncle periodically shot at him. Even though there had been nothing to indicate any Death Eater activity, Harry refused to give up watching. He knew the Muggle television news could easily have more immediate information than the Daily Prophet.

One evening as the program began Uncle Vernon distracted him by launching into a tirade against teenagers, especially "Harry's kind" being interested in the evening news. Harry looked at him for a moment without listening, trying to force a polite expression. Vernon suddenly stopped talking and bellowed, "Petunia, what's wrong?"

Harry turned to look at his aunt, who was covering her mouth with one hand and had a look of horror on her face. He followed her gaze to the television set and stared at the Dark Mark reflected there. He couldn't hear the report over his uncle's yells of, "What is it, Petunia," but between shouts he clearly heard the name, "Creevey."