The Legend of the Serpent's Tongue

Legend of the Serpent's Tongue

Part 15

Relationships

Harry gently pet Snuffles to calm the frightened dog, checking to make sure she was not splinched. She was afraid of what would happen if a part of the dog had been left behind. She had apparated after leaving the grounds of Hogwarts.

"Easy, Snuffles, I know you don't understand, but I have to make sure you are all in one piece." She examined the dog, which calmed under her gentle touch. "Well we both seem to be fine," Harry grinned, looking around," Dumbledore would be proud." Harry was grateful that no one was around, but could smell a barbecue in the distance and someone nearby was having a party. The sun was setting and long shadows ran along the ground. "We have to be getting along now," Harry said, leash in hand, walking with the big black dog down the street. "I have no idea what kind of a reception we are going to get, but it should be interesting."

Harry walked swiftly, turning at the corner, knowing she was vulnerable away from Hogwarts. She had to get to safety and hoped the wards had been put back into place. Looking up and down the street for possible danger, she still couldn't help but feel somewhat amused. 'I never thought I would end up back on Privet Drive. I wonder what Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon will say and do?' she considered. 'Well I will soon find out. I know Aunt Petunia will not be happy with my dog, but she will just have to deal with it.' Harry turned up the front walk to number four, smiling. She knew her Aunt was watching from the kitchen window.

"Well, here goes," she muttered under her breath pressing the bell. She stood for a few minutes, and was getting nervous when no one came immediately to the door. 'I wonder if I should just walk in,' she thought anxiously. Just as she was reaching for the knob, the door opened and she was face to face with her aunt.

"What do you want?" Petunia Dursley questioned harshly. Her dark eyes were cold, and Harry could see Uncle Vernon and Dudley in the hall behind her.

"Well, girl, state your business?" Vernon Dursley's gruff voice spoke over his wife's shoulder.

"Why can't I visit my relatives?" Harry asked sweetly. "I haven't seen you all since last year and I thought we should get reacquainted. Aren't you going to invite me in?"

Petunia looked anxiously over at Vernon, who was getting red in the face. Inwardly Harry was enjoying their discomfort, but she did need to get inside. She had felt the wards as she came up the walk, so she knew she would be safe here.

"Why should we invite the likes of you in, cousin?" Dudley demanded from behind his parents. "You're still a freak!"

"You should invite me in as it is a matter of all your safety. I have some important information to tell you. It will not take too long, but I will be staying for a while. At least until I can iron out certain details," Harry responded looking her aunt in the eyes. She did not feel her current affairs were any of their business.

"What could you tell us that would be so important that you dare to show your face here you little freak?" Vernon sputtered.

"The Dark Lord has returned." Harry looked at them all defiantly. Her aunt let out a cry, and Dudley backed up into the living room.

"So your freaky friends have dumped you back on us?" Vernon bellowed angrily.

"Vernon...please..." Petunia Dursley frowned swinging open the door for Harry to enter.

"Thank you, Aunt Petunia. I am glad you at least recognize the severity of the situation."

"What do you plan on doing with that beast?" Petunia inquired pointing at Snuffles.

"Why Aunt, she happens to be my familiar," Harry responded with a wicked grin. "All witches have them. You should know that." Harry was secretly enjoying watching them. She knew it was wrong, but couldn't help but enjoy their discomfiture as she walked towards the living room.

"Don't bring that beast into the living room!" Petunia exclaimed, thinking of her carpet.

"Then I shall put her into the kitchen," Harry replied, leading the dog up the hall. "I think we should all sit and have a cup of tea to get reacquainted anyway."

Her aunt, uncle, and cousin followed her nervously. Reaching the kitchen, she removed Snuffles leash and directed her to lie down over by the back door. She then took out her wand in a show of defiance and tapped the teapot, which immediately started to whistle. Vernon Dursley was gritting his teeth, and turning purple. Pressing her luck, Harry then conjured up four cups on the table and poured the tea.

"You can't do magic!" Dudley yelled. "They said you weren't allowed when you lived here." Harry knew that their memories had been altered after the altercation with Voldemort, just before she had gone to live with Sirius and the other protectors, so they didn't remember ever having seen her willfully perform magic.

"Everyone please sit down," she remarked, ignoring her cousin's outburst and taking a seat at the kitchen table. Her aunt and uncle followed suit, but Dudley remained standing.

"Why should I sit with you....you little freak," Dudley snapped.

"Aunt Petunia, will you explain to Dudley about my being able to do magic now?" Harry asked sweetly, but her eyes were flashing warningly. "I am sure you must know the rules since my mum was a witch too."

"Dudley sit down and shut up," Petunia directed, indicating a seat at the table, pushing Vernon down beside her when he started to rise in anger. Dudley grudgingly sat down opposite Harry, glaring at her suspiciously. Petunia was nervous, and her face looked even more pinched than Harry remembered. Looking anxiously at Dudley, she collected herself and spoke calmly. "Duddrers, Harry has finished school and is able to practice her magic now. It would be wise not to get her angry."

"Yes, cousin, I'm sure you wouldn't like it if I turned you into something...like say...a stuffed turkey?" Harry smirked.

"Now see here girl, you can't come into my home...." Vernon began, only to be interrupted by his wife.

"Vernon now is not the time. Harry has something to tell us," she said tightening her hand on his arm.

"Yes, uncle, now really isn't the time. Nevertheless, I will ask you to refrain from calling me girl ever again. MY NAME IS HARRY," she said forcefully. "While it is somewhat unusual for a girl to have a boy's name, you can always tell your neighbors that it is short for Harriet. Are we agreed?"

"All right, Potter. Now what are you doing here?"

"As I said before, I am here for a visit. I felt you needed to be warned since Lord Voldemort has returned. The wards have been placed around the house, and he cannot break them."

"I was given to understand that the man had been killed," Petunia stated, studying her niece coldly.

"I will not go into how this has occurred; suffice it to say that some very dark and evil magic was used. Both of our worlds are in danger. I will stay here for a while until I can sort some things out. You needn't be concerned about them as you will not be affected."

"Why don't you stay with that good for nothing godfather of yours?" Vernon grumbled uncomfortably.

"Never say anything bad about my godfather. As to why I am not with him at the moment is none of your concern." Harry did not want to tell them she had been living with him at Hogwarts, and felt a stab of pain when she thought of Sirius. 'I wonder if Sirius and the others are worried about me, but I wouldn't be here now if it weren't for their making me feel so unwanted.'

"How long will you be staying here?" Petunia interrupted her thoughts. She was scowling at Harry as she sipped her tea, "and what about that beast?" She glared in the direction of Snuffles, who sensed her annoyance, and gave her a low growl.

"My dog will be no problem. She will stay with me in my room, as will Hedwig," Harry replied. She had shrunk the owl's cage and brought it with her, knowing the bird would find her. "Can I assume my old room is empty, or did Dudley take it over?"

"We decided to use it as a second guest room," Vernon stated coldly.

"Then I shall retire for the evening. It has been a long day, and I would like to rest. Harry then pointed her wand at the now empty teacups. "Scourgify," she said, cleaning them. She then levitated them back into the cabinet where her aunt stored them, all the while enjoying the look of horror on their faces. "Good night, Aunt Petunia, Uncle Vernon," Harry nodded, motioning for Snuffles to follow. She blatantly ignored Dudley and left the kitchen, Snuffles following on her heels...

Dumbledore sat in his high backed chair studying the three young wizards. His blue eyes continued to twinkle, now that he knew Harry was safe, and he pursed his lips contemplatively. Sirius was growing impatient and was frowning back at him, brown eyes fraught with worry. Remus sat quietly studying the Headmaster, with an occasional twitch of his lips as various ideas crept through his head. Severus stood like a statue, straight and stiff, dark eyes unfathomable, but Dumbledore knew he was considering what he had told them before he decided to speak.

"Headmaster, you told us you had located Harry. Are you going to share your information with us or do we have to guess where she has gone off to?"

Dumbledore's eyes showed his amusement. Severus was worried; had he been annoyed or angry he would have called Harry by her surname.

"Albus I demand to know where my goddaughter is," Sirius growled trying to maintain his tempter. 'Damn he told us she is safe, but for how long?' he thought anxiously.

"As her protectors we should be informed of her whereabouts," Remus interjected, placing a restraining hand on Sirius arm to keep him calm. "You told us you were pleased with her ingenuity, so she must have considered where to go prior to making her final decision. Is she at the shrieking shack? It would give her a way back to Hogwarts should there be trouble."

"No Remus, she is nowhere near Hogwarts, or Hogsmeade, for that matter," Dumbledore answered, looking at him over his half moon spectacles.

"Then has she gone back to our house in Ottery St. Catchpole?" Sirius asked hopefully. Harry's jealous outrage over his relationship with Circe was still ringing through his ears.

"Or perhaps to the Weasley's, Molly is like a mother to her," Severus offered, studying Dumbledore shrewdly.

"No, she has done neither," Dumbledore responded, looking from one to the other of the three men. "She has gone to the one place outside of this school where she knew she would be absolutely safe," he imparted, with a mischievous smile. "Harry is at number four Privet Drive with the Dursleys."

"What!" Sirius spat. "She hates it there!"

"Albus, are you certain?" Remus' expression was one of shock and doubt.

"You mean to tell us," Severus began, steepling his fingers in front of him as he organized his thoughts, "that Potter apparated all the way to Surrey with the dog by herself, without incident?"

"That is quite correct. She managed a difficult apparition and succeeded in finding a safe haven for herself. I told you that I was quite proud of her ingenuity. Obviously, she is quite angry, but was more than aware of her need for safety, or she would never have gone there. It is also the last place anyone would ever expect to find her," Dumbledore stated evenly. "If it were not for my locating device, we may not have found her for days, unless she was spotted by Arabella Figg, and I believe Harry would have made sure that didn't happen."

"I am going to go and get her," Sirius jumped up, ready for action, shaking off Remus hand. "She is angry and upset with all of us, and we need to explain a few things to her. I also think she deserves better respect concerning her role within the Order." He glared at Dumbledore, who merely looked at him with a casual smile.

"Sit down, Sirius. Harry is quite safe for the moment and needs time to calm down and think. We shall all go and fetch her in the morning," Dumbledore informed him, unfazed by his emotional display.

"Headmaster, why would Harry choose to go back to a family that obviously does not care for her?" Severus asked in dismay.

"Severus is right," Remus agreed, "her aunt and uncle never wanted her. What would possess her to do something so stupid?"

"The answer is obvious. She believes she is no longer wanted here also," Dumbledore stated matter of factly, blue eyes registering the pain he felt over Harry's feelings of rejection.

"Headmaster, surely Potter is aware of the need for caution when it comes to Order business. She should not have run out on us," Snape grunted. He was both worried about Harry and angry that she had treated Dumbledore so shabbily.

"It isn't just the Order..." Sirius whispered. "She is jealous over my relationship with Circe, and dislikes Arsinoe."

"She's upset that I have been spending so much time with Arsinoe, but we do have some common interests and studies," Remus acknowledged.

"Is she upset with you also, Severus?" Dumbledore questioned.

"I believe she is angry that I agreed with you that she should not be present at the meetings of the Order. It has upset her that as a former Deatheater you trusted me over her."

"Very well, we shall all go to see her in the morning. I want each of you to think about what you are going to say to her. She is very vulnerable right now emotionally. I do not believe any of you meant to hurt her intentionally. Sirius, I am aware of your commitment to Circe. I think you need to reassure Harry about your feelings towards her, and I will speak with Alastor for you regarding Circe," Dumbledore informed him, ignoring the brief startled look from Severus. "Remus, Harry would not want you to feel as if she were trying to tell you whom you should be with. Her dislike of Arsinoe has clouded her judgment. Try to get her to open up to Arsinoe while you make sure she understands that you will be there for her too," Dumbledore directed. "Now as for you Severus...Harry needs to know that you did not agree with me to humiliate her. Remember you and she had a very rocky relationship until these past two years. She knows that while you have tried to put your feelings regarding her father and godfather in their proper perspective, you sometimes fail to do so, and take out your old feelings of frustration on her."

"Yes, Sir," Severus bowed his head, hair falling over his face masking his expression. He knew the Headmaster had hit a nerve and he and Harry could never be happy until Severus mastered his old feelings of hurt and anger. She truly wasn't to blame for what had happened when he was in school.

"We shall leave following breakfast tomorrow morning. We need to be prepared as the students will be returning within the next week. The full moon will also be in two nights time, and Remus has enough on his mind right now," Dumbledore winked at the werewolf, "without his transformation being compounded by the worry over Harry."

The three young wizards rose from their seats, knowing they were being dismissed. Each was lost in his own thoughts, and needed time to consider the best way to approach Harry.

Dumbledore sat back with a sigh, after they had gone. He had hoped he would not have to divulge his relationship to Arsinoe. It amused him that Harry had taken such a dislike to her, but he suspected it was more of a protective reaction to her presence. She knew very little of the wizarding world, and certainly did not understand the complexities of the relationships within it. In a way, he had done her a disservice allowing her Muggle relations to keep her for so long, but at the time, it had seemed the wisest thing for him to do...

Ron reached the dungeons, and let himself into the reception for the Order members. Hermione was in an animated discussion with Arsinoe, and Molly was looking on with a motherly smile. Arthur was talking with Mundungus Fletcher, and Arabella Figg. Professor McGonagall was sitting with Professors Sprout and Dr. McBride. Whatever he was talking about, the two women were blushing profusely. He would have liked to listen in, but he had to talk to Hermione right away. Signaling her with a wave of his hand, he moved off into a corner of the room to wait for her.

"Ron, what is going on?" she questioned softly, reaching the corner where he was waiting rather impatiently.

"Harry has resigned and quit the Order."

"What! I thought Harry had something to do for Dumbledore."

"Dumbledore asked her not to come to the meetings until she mastered her Occlumency. He didn't want Voldemort to get into her mind and learn any information."

"I think that was very sensible on Dumbledore's part."

"Hermione, this is Harry we're talking about, not some ordinary person. She has resisted Voldemort more than any other person has. She would never willingly jeopardize any one of our lives. I think Dumbledore made a big mistake," Ron defended his best friend.

"I don't know, Ron. Dumbledore has a lot of responsibility looking out for the safety of the school and the Order."

"Oh, so that makes it all right to prevent the one person who has ever been able to stop Voldemort from coming to the meetings?" Ron countered angrily.

"Of course not, but we should go and talk to her. She is probably hurt and upset, but I am sure once she calms down she will listen to reason."

"We can't talk to her. She has left Hogwarts," Ron said flatly.

"Where has she gone?" Hermione asked wide-eyed.

"I don't know. The Headmaster used one of his magical devices to find her, but he wouldn't say where she was; only that she was safe."

"Oh Ron, this is dreadful. Harry must be really angry with him to have left Hogwarts. This is the one place she has always felt accepted and at home."

"That's what I have been trying to tell you," Ron stated in annoyance. "Harry feels like she has been betrayed by all of us. I don't know if she will ever be able to trust Dumbledore again."

"Of course she will. Harry is just being emotional. She loves Dumbledore," Hermione reassured him.

"Now if it isn't Weasley and Granger...and without Potter. I wonder where she is hiding." Draco's sly tone interrupted their conversation.

"Obviously she is not here," Hermione countered annoyed by his interruption. "Dumbledore gave her something to do for the Order."

"Now that is interesting, it's a wonder he is not concerned about her safety now that Voldemort has come back," he sneered.

"If you are so concerned about Voldemort maybe we should suggest you be given some Veritaserum to make sure you have no desires to join the Deatheaters," Ron threatened. "I certainly wouldn't want Ginny to be any more exposed to the Dark Arts than she has already been."

Draco squared his shoulders and deliberately pushed Ron back towards the wall, moving to draw his wand.

"I wouldno' try it Laddie. I expect my partners to iron out their differences without coming to blows with improper conduct. If that is not possible, I will arrange a formal training duel," Moody's soft growl came from behind Hermione. His magical eye was fixed on the two young men. "Now I think it is time Mr. Weasley and Tonks went on duty." He signaled Tonks from the far side of the room where she had been talking with Shaklebolt. She hurried in his direction, upsetting a tray of sandwiches when she tripped over a table leg.

"Lass, I still don't know how you managed stealth training," Moody shook his head amazed, and Tonks just grinned up at him. "I want you to take Mr. Weasley and get him started with his duties. Then meet with Shaklebolt. I am assigning you both to keep these two in line."

"Yes, Sir," Tonks grinned, eyeing the two younger wizards, who continued to glare at one another. "Come on Weasley, let's go," she pulled Ron away from the wall and herded him out of the dungeon.

"Come with me, Mr. Malfoy," Moody said taking Malfoy by the collar, "it's time you got better acquainted with Kingsley. He and Tonks will be supervising you and Weasley. Good day Lassie," he nodded towards Hermione, before steering Draco across the room.

Hermione nodded, amused at the look on Shaklebolt's face. He obviously was not going to take any nonsense from two junior aurors. She wished she had been able to question Moody about Harry, and wondered if he knew where she was. Sighing, she went back over to where Molly and Arsinoe were engaged in conversation, but her mind was whirling with concern for Harry...

Harry awoke just as the sun was poking its rays of light through her window. She was confused for a moment, before remembering that she had returned to Privet Drive. 'I must be mad to have come here, but at least I will be safe,' she considered with a sigh. Throwing off the covers, she dressed quickly, and put the leash on Snuffles. She knew the dog needed to go out. Moving softy down the stairs, she went out into the back garden, avoiding the street since she wasn't sure if Arabella Figg was home yet from the meeting. She was certain her cats, which were actually kneazles, would let Mrs. Figg know she was back soon enough. Using her wand to clean up after the dog, she went back inside to the kitchen. Glancing at the clock on the wall, Harry noted it was almost seven. "I may as well start breakfast," Harry muttered, looking at Snuffles, who was lying down by the door. "It's Friday, so Uncle Vernon will be up shortly to get ready for work." The dog merely stretched, and giving her a big yawn, put her head down on her paws and fell back to sleep.

Opening the refrigerator, Harry set about making some bacon and eggs. She then set some bread in the toaster, and put on a pot of water for tea. She did not use magic, having made her point last night. She did not want to antagonize her Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon any further than she already had. Dudley was another matter all together. Harry had just finished setting the table, when her aunt entered the kitchen.

"I see you haven't forgotten how to cook," she jibed.

"No, aunt, it is one of the few things I actually like to do without magic. I find it very relaxing," Harry replied, surprised to realize this was true.

"Humph..." Petunia grunted, "mind you don't burn the toast, and make sure the eggs are not runny. Your uncle likes them well done."

"Yes, aunt, I remember," Harry nodded. Her relatives had not changed. They were as cold and distrustful of her more now than they had been before.

Vernon Dursley entered the kitchen a few minutes later and surveyed the table. Harry handed him his morning paper as she put the eggs on his plate. She also served her aunt, before pouring herself a cup of tea. Dudley did not appear, and Harry suspected that he was sleeping in. She wondered idly if he had a job or was attending University, but dared not ask her aunt and uncle.

"At least you seem to have finally remembered your place in this house," Vernon muttered from behind his paper.

"Yeah, no better than a house elf," she answered flippantly.

"Girl, I would mind my manners if I were you." Vernon glared putting down his paper.

"I told you not to call me girl," Harry challenged. "Should you continue to do so, I will have no alternative than to use a silencing charm on you. Since today is Friday I am sure you have at least one business lunch to attend and it would be most inconvenient if you were unable to speak."

"You are still an ungrateful wretch," Petunia stated, sipping her tea nonchalantly. "Your mother would never have spoken to our parents in that manner."

"My mother had family who cared about her, at least her parents did," Harry responded icily, throwing her aunt's spiteful attitude up in her face.

"My sister was nothing but an arrogant little show off. Witches and wizards are nothing but freaks of nature..."

"Perhaps Muggles are the freaks," Harry interrupted, "after all, we of the magical community are able to control nature to suit our needs." Harry glared, deliberately pushing her chair back from the table to scrape against her aunt's nice shiny floor.

"Get out!" Petunia shouted. "Get out of this house and never come back, you filthy little freak! You're just like the rest of them, always gloating and showing off. Your father was like that and so were his nasty friends."

"Aunt Petunia, if you weren't a muggle I would see that you were taught a lesson. However, you are helpless against my magic, so I will give you a warning. Never say anything ever again about my parents. They were good people, and suffered tragic deaths at the hand of an evil man. I came back here to warn you, since I am sure you will be a target now that he has returned from the dead," Harry explained through gritted teeth, and Snuffles sensing the tension in the room, growled and stood up.

"What do you mean, back from the dead?" Vernon interrupted. "No one can come back from the dead."

"Voldemort did. I told you there was ancient and dark magic involved. It would be wise if you all left the country for awhile," Harry warned. "I don't believe his factions in other parts of the world will bother with you then."

Petunia looked at Vernon, who nodded his assent. They knew their niece was not lying. They were in mortal danger and should go into hiding somewhere. The fiend had killed off the Evans and Potter families one by one. They were the last.

"Petunia dear," Vernon placed his hand on her shoulder to calm her down, pretending to change the subject, "did I tell you that I was offered a job over in New Zealand? They want me to head up the training of their new sales division. There is also a large raise involved."

"Is it permanent?" Petunia did not want to leave England.

"Only lasts a year, then I would have to come back here, but I would be put in charge of the London division since old Klegg will be retiring."

"Then I think we should do it," Petunia stated, pretending to keep her voice light and unconcerned. Harry could sense her fear over what she had told them. "Will you be able to get Dudley into the company?"

"Certainly, he is a born salesman. It will be no problem," Vernon responded, talking to his wife as if Harry were not in the room.
"How soon will we have to leave by?"

"The sooner the better. I told Connelly that I would let him know my decision by Monday, since I wanted to talk to you first, but I will see him this morning."

"Then let's go and tell Dudley together. I can hear him getting up now." Petunia looked up at the ceiling as she pushed back her chair, still ignoring Harry.

"Clean up this kitchen, Potter, and see that you make a good breakfast for Dudley," her uncle instructed her coldly.

"Yes, Uncle Vernon," she replied. Harry knew she had at least gotten through to them about the gravity of the situation. She hoped that Dumbledore wouldn't be too angry with her for telling them about Voldemort, but she did not want to see them killed, however much they hated her. With a wave of her wand, she cleared the dishes, and made an omelet for her cousin, along with some toast and potatoes. He entered the kitchen just as she finished putting his food on the table.

"Have you heard cousin? We are going to New Zealand for at least a year, and you are not coming with us."

"Actually I plan on keeping an eye on your house, while you are gone," Harry replied looking over to where her aunt and uncle were standing in the hallway. Petunia had just given her husband a kiss goodbye and he was picking up his briefcase to leave for work. They both stiffened at her remark.

"What are you getting at, gir...er Potter?" Vernon questioned suspiciously.

"I am merely saying that it would be a wise decision if you left your home in the care of Professor Dumbledore and me while you are away. You know the building will be kept up and we will see to it that it is not vandalized. I will see that the mortgage payments remain up to date too. This way you won't have to worry about sending the money from another country and its getting lost."

"Hmm...You'll pay the mortgage while we are gone?"

"For the year, yes. I will see that the house is well cared for also," Harry agreed, her heart beating fast. She could see her uncle's mind working.

"What about the utilities?"

"I will see that they are paid too. This way you need not turn them off."

"Will any of your freaky friends have access to the house?" he questioned suspiciously.

"It will be used by Dumbledore to meet with those wizards who are fighting against Voldemort. None of your neighbors will see anything out of the ordinary," Harry affirmed. "Let me know when you come home from work whether you are agreeable."

Vernon nodded, considering what she had just told him. Opening the door, he went out to his car and left for work. Harry knew how frugal he was with money and believed he would agree to her idea. Maybe this would help to keep Dumbledore from being too angry with her for leaving. Already she was beginning to regret her decision. Snapping her fingers for Snuffles to follow, she left the kitchen to her aunt and cousin, who was eating greedily, and returned upstairs to her room. Hedwig was at the window, and Harry let her in and gave her an owl treat before flopping down on the bed. She wondered what was going on at Hogwarts...

"Excuse me Headmaster," Hermione approached Dumbledore cautiously as he and the protectors were leaving the Great Hall following breakfast, "but will Harry be back soon?"

"I see Mr. Weasley has apprised you of the situation." He looked at her, blue eyes amused, no sign of being upset over her knowledge of the happenings from the previous night.

Hermione flushed, looking down at the floor, "Yes, he told me she had left. He also told me why."

"Hermione," Dumbledore cupped her chin up to look at him, "I sense you are disappointed with her conduct?"

"Um...well sir...I understand why you did what you did, but I also feel that Harry should have been consulted. It was wrong of you to make such an important decision without her, but she should not have left."

"Miss Granger, Harry left for a variety of reasons," Snape advised, "not just the Headmaster's."

"Oh...Ron said she is in a safe place, but I have been worried sick all night."

"It is all right, Hermione. We are on our way to talk with her now," Remus assured her.

"You know I would never leave her alone if she were in any danger." Sirius smiled at the young witch.

Hermione nodded, feeling a little better. "Do you think she will come back?"

"I hope so, "Dumbledore's soft voice responded gently, "but that will be entirely up to her. I can't force her to come back."

"Please try and talk some sense into her thick skull. She can be very stubborn at times...almost as bad as Ron," she blushed.

"I will certainly do my best. Now if you will excuse us, we must be getting on," Dumbledore told her patiently.

"I need to be getting up to the library anyway. I want to make a few changes in the filing system," she replied, hurrying up the main stairs.

Dumbledore pushed open the great doors and stepped out into the early morning sunshine. The air was warm, and there wasn't a cloud in the sky. He only hoped Harry was in a good mood. They four men walked quietly, lost in their own thoughts, until they reached the gates, they then apparated into Little Whinging.

They appeared around the corner from Privet Drive, and looking about, Dumbledore gave a flick of his wand, to alter the memory of an old man who had seen them appear. He was taken by surprise while walking his dog.

"I think we should change our clothes," Sirius remarked with amusement, pointing his wand at his robes. They were immediately changed into black jeans and a tee shirt.

Remus followed suit and conjured up beige slacks and a short-sleeved cotton shirt. He resembled any young man on his way to work. Dumbledore studied their outfits and nodded his approval before altering his attire to a three-piece pin striped suit, which was a vivid blue. He then turned his attention towards Severus, who was scowling his disapproval.

"Is there a problem with my clothes, Severus?"

"No, Headmaster. You look like an ordinary Muggle businessman."

"Then once you have modified your clothing we will head over to the Dursley home."

"Yes, Sir," Severus agreed half-heartedly. Pointing his wand at his robes, he changed them into a black suit and tie.

Dumbledore beamed with approval and the four of them moved up the street and around the corner. As they approached the walk, he checked the wards, pleased that they were holding. He couldn't help but notice the slight shift of the kitchen curtain. Petunia was as nosy as ever. Ringing the bell, he waited patiently.

"I was wondering when you would be here," Petunia stated as she swung open the door for them to enter.

"Good morning, Petunia. May we speak with Harry?" Dumbledore queried politely. "I know she is here."

"Upstairs. She is in her room," Petunia responded acidly, moving back towards the kitchen just as Dudley poked his head round the door. Seeing the four wizards, he jumped back inside without a word.

The four men walked up the stairs, and knocked on Harry's door. Snuffles gave a short bark, and they could hear Harry moving around. She opened the door, and stood quietly, surveying them for any signs of displeasure.

"May we come in honey?" Sirius asked, giving her his best smile.

Harry stood aside without a word, allowing them to enter. Closing the door behind her, she sat down on the bed beside Sirius, who had stretched out, making himself at home. Remus took a seat at her desk, and Dumbledore conjured chairs for himself and Severus.

"That's better," the old man smiled, blue eyes twinkling.

Harry merely nodded, studying the old man intently. She knew he was using his Legilimency on her, and made sure to occlude her mind. "Are you satisfied?" she asked.

"Not yet," he beamed, clearly amused by her defiance. He continued to stare at her for several minutes, trying to break her will, the others watching intently. "Will you tell me if you feel he is too strong for you?"

"I won't have too. I would stop attending the meetings voluntarily and put false information into my mind," Harry told him bluntly, breaking away from Dumbledore's intense gaze.

"Will you continue to study Occlumency with Severus?"

"If he chooses to teach me," Harry replied, resting her eyes on Snape.

"I will do so if you agree not to pry into my memories of your father."

"Why not just put them back into the pensive?"

"I will, but I must remind you not to go looking again, or the lessons will be over permanently," he sneered.

"Fair enough, so long as you answer any questions I may have truthfully."

"I will unless I fell they should be left in the past, where they belong."

"I can live with that," Harry nodded with a brief smile.

"Does this mean you will come back to Hogwarts, Princess?" Remus questioned, eyes alight with delight.

"That depends on the two of you," Harry told him, looking from Remus to Sirius, who was eyeing his goddaughter mischievously. She was hard pressed not to smile at her godfather.

"I think we need to talk to Harry alone for a few minutes, Albus," Sirius remarked, brown eyes meeting her green ones.

"I agree. Severus and I will be downstairs enjoying a cup of tea with Petunia."

"Headmaster, wait. I have something important to tell you. I may have a new headquarters for the Order."

"Indeed and where might that be?" His interest was immediately piqued.

"Right here, I warned my aunt and uncle that they were not safe here."

"Did you tell them about Voldemort?"

"Only that he was back due to some very dark magic."

"I see, and what did they say?"

"They didn't say much of anything, but I could tell they were frightened. As luck would have it my uncle has been offered a position in New Zealand by his company which will last for a year."

"Does he plan on accepting it?"

"Yes. I told him I would pay his mortgage for the year and keep up with the utilities if we could use the house."

"What explanation did you use?"

"I said we would hold some meetings from time to time to plan how to best deal with the situation to stop Voldemort permanently."

"Was he agreeable?"

"I think so. I assured him that none of the neighbors would see anything unusual and we would maintain the property for when they return next year."

"Interesting proposition," Dumbledore replied studying the ceiling. "Severus let us adjourn to the kitchen and speak with Petunia. I think I can persuade her to fully convince her husband."

"Harry, I believe the Headmaster likes your idea," Snape remarked, arching his brow in amusement as they rose to leave.

"Oh, wait a minute you two," she said stopping them. "I like your outfits. You both have excellent taste in Muggle clothes." Harry grinned.

Snape shook his head, rolling his eyes, while Dumbledore winked, beaming with pleasure at her approval.

"So, Princess, I guess you want to talk with us about Arsinoe and Circe."

"How ever did you guess, Remus," Harry teased, curling up beside Sirius. She could never stay angry with either of them for long.

"I want you to know that Arsinoe and I have a lot in common. She is a very interesting person. I am not romantically involved with her. We are merely friends."

"Remus, even if you and Arsinoe were involved it would be none of my business. I don't own you."

"This is true, but should I decide to take a mate you will have to approve, since we are bound by the Protectorship."

"So I guess it's okay if I'm a little jealous of her? You and I rarely ever get to discuss things other than the situation with Voldemort. I miss our walks in the evening."

"Me too, as soon as the full moon passes how about if we go back to them?"

"Why wait till the full moon passes. You have the potion and I can always transform with Sirius. You both always promised me a night out with the Marauders. Who better to stand in for my dad?"

"What do you think, Remus? Should we let her come with us and go for a run tomorrow night? I don't think Dumbledore will object."

"I'll tell you what, Princess; you can come with us if you will try to make friends with Arsinoe. She really wants to help, and I believe Dumbledore knows more about her than he is telling us at the moment."

"I'll try, but I still don't want to turn into a snake. Severus would like it too much," she laughed. "Now what is your excuse, Padfoot?"

"I can only ask you to trust me when it comes to Circe. I have made a commitment to her, but I can't go into details at this time. There are others involved, and it could jeopardize their safety."

"Are you in love with her?" Harry asked bluntly.

"Now Miss Wings, you should know better than that. There is only one girl in my life and that is you," Sirius teased, brown eyes laughing. "You need to trust me once in awhile. I promise that when the time comes you will know who my true love is."

"What kind of an answer is that?" Harry demanded, annoyed with his joking.

"The best one I can give you at this time," he replied, sitting up and giving her a quick peck on the cheek. "Besides, I rather fancy seeing the jealous fire in those green eyes of yours."

"You're impossible, Sirius Black!" Harry exclaimed blushing.

"I know," he grinned, "but that's what makes me so lovable."

"I'll give you lovable," she laughed, picking up her pillow and swatting him with it.

"So... you want to play rough, eh?" he winked at Remus and grabbed Harry, tickling her. "Are you ready to give up?"

"Never!" she cried, laughing so hard tears were running down her face. "Remus...don't just...sit...there...with that...wolfish...grin...help me," Harry begged.

"Will you promise not to fly off the handle again and come to us with your problems like a rational adult?"

"I am...still...only...eighteen!" Harry gasped, struggling as Sirius pinned her down and continued to tickle her stomach.

"Old enough to know better than to throw tantrums," Sirius laughed.

"Well Princess, do you promise or do I have to sit here and let Sirius tickle you into exhaustion?" Remus remarked with a wicked grin.

"I...promise," she sighed as Sirius released her.

"Good," Sirius announced, scooping up her limp form and giving her a tender kiss. "Now be a good little Phoenix and get packed. You belong with us back at Hogwarts."

"Sirius, I just remembered. I quit my job and gave up the Order."

"Well I happen to know that Albus has your medallion and he probably tore up your resignation."

"Are you sure?"

"There is only one way to find out. Let's go downstairs and ask him."

"All right," Harry agreed.

"By the way Princess, I understand you accomplished a rather difficult apparition last night. We are all proud of you," Remus remarked as they descended the stairs.

"How did you move your trunk?" Sirius questioned.

"I shrank it to the size of a wallet and put it in my pocket."

"Very nice," Sirius approved.

When they reached the lower floor, they found Harry's Aunt Petunia sitting in the kitchen with Dumbledore and Professor Snape. Dudley was nowhere to be seen. Harry's aunt was just finishing her tea, and speaking nervously to Dumbledore. Snape was sitting beside her, with a sour expression. His dislike of Harry's aunt was evident.

"I will let Mrs. Figg know of our answer tonight," Petunia was saying as they entered, "but I am sure Vernon will probably agree. He seemed quite interested when Harry expressed the idea."

"In that case, Petunia, I will await word from Arabella," Dumbledore said rising. "It is time we were getting back to Hogwarts. The new term will be starting next week, and we need to be prepared."

"Thank you for the tea, Mrs. Dursley," Snape remarked. Harry knew he was grateful their stay was at an end.

"Harry, will you be coming with us?" Dumbledore asked. "If you would like to spend some time with your relatives you need not report back for work until after the weekend."

Harry smiled, meeting his vibrant blue eyes. "No, I think they will be fine without me here. Let me just go and get my things."

"I shall go with you, Child, as I would like a few words in private."

"Okay," Harry agreed, but her stomach was in knots. Neither spoke until they reached her room and she had closed the door.

"I believe this belongs to you?" Dumbledore queried, pulling her medallion from his pocket.

"If you still want me to have it," Harry responded, flustered and ashamed by her behavior.

"If I didn't I wouldn't have brought it here with me. I also meant what I said about visiting your relatives. I can give you a few days with them until the term starts. All of your lesson plans have been approved," Dumbledore explained slipping the medallion back around her neck.

"Even the ones I gave to Severus?"

"Don't tell him I let you know, but he was very pleased with them," Dumbledore whispered with a wink.

Harry beamed and hugged the old man fiercely. "I think it's time to go back to the school. Besides, my godfather and his best friend are going to take me marauding so long as you say it's okay."

"I have no objection. Remus needs to run once in awhile and the potion will keep him from causing any harm. Now do you need any help?"

"No. I can do this by myself." Harry turned to her trunk. "Reducio!" She uttered the spell and then pocketed her trunk. Taking Hedwig from her cage, she let her out the window telling her she would meet her back at Hogwarts. Harry then reduced her cage, putting it in her other pocket before she put Snuffles on her leash.

"Will we be apparating back?"

"No, I have made a portkey. It will be easier on the dog," Dumbledore stated knowingly. "I am proud of you though. Many experienced wizards are not able to apparate an animal."

"Truthfully, I was relieved that she wasn't splinched, but don't tell the others," she whispered conspiratorially.

"I won't," he whispered back.

They found the three wizards waiting for them in the hall, and stating their goodbyes, they stepped out the front door. Dumbledore pulled a map out of his pocket, and they all placed their hands on it and disappeared. Petunia, who had been watching from the widow, let out a small cry, and then went and lay down. She had a splitting headache.

Harry went and found Ron and Hermione as soon as she unpacked her things. Ron was sitting in the library helping Hermione to get the books sorted for the coming term. Both of her friends were glad she had returned and were amazed that the Dursley house was probably going to be used as the new headquarters for the Order of the Phoenix.

Following her visit to the library, she went to see Arsinoe, and invited her to dine with her that evening in her room along with Sirius and Remus. Arsinoe was thrilled that Harry was trying to be more friendly and readily agreed, offering her some books dealing with animagimultiplico, promising to bring them when she came to dinner. Harry accepted them graciously.

She then hurried off to the dungeon for her first scheduled potions lesson. Even after what had happened, she knew Snape would not have forgotten, nor would he tolerate her being late. Spending a quiet afternoon down in the dungeon, working with Professor Snape and his uncle in preparation for her Potions Master exam in May, Harry knew she still had a good deal to learn. Determined that the situation with Voldemort would not interfere with her studies she did her best to mix a difficult potion used to heal third degree burns. Harry beamed with delight when Tiberius and Severus both informed her she had mixed the potion to their satisfaction.

15