Home is where the heart is

Home is Where the Heart Is
Chapter Six - A Letter and a Visit
The next few days were some of the best that Harry had ever experienced. Sirius, to his delight, was more like a hyperactive teenager than a middle-aged man, and Remus acted like good-natured older brother.

The morning after Harry's nightmare, Harry had sent a letter explaining where he was and what had happened to Dumbledore. He wasn't sure if Dumbledore would be mad that he had left the Dursleys, but after spending time with the two remaining marauder's, he felt that it was definitely worth it. Mealtimes were always fun, with Sirius eating enough for three people, and Remus making innocent yet hilarious comments about how old habits tend to shine through.

Harry was still having nightmares, but they weren't quite so violent now that Sirius started to stay awake until Harry had fallen asleep, and was always willing to listen and offer comfort. Remus was also helping by making sure that the days they spent together were busy and tiring, so that Harry was exhausted when he went to sleep at night.

Sirius had gone, a few days after Harry had arrived, to visit Mrs Figg. She was actually a witch, much to Harry's shock. He had merely thought her to be a mad old lady with a fetish for cats. That had been his impression of her, from all those times she had babysat him.

For the rest of the time, they spent it catching up on news - for Harry had missed all contact from the wizarding world.

"There hasn't been a single peep from anyone, suggesting dark activity," Sirius told him one rainy Friday afternoon. The trio were sitting in front of the fire, Remus lazily reading a book.

"Fudge has been pretty quiet as well. No public speeches, no announcements....nothing. Right now, it's like the eye of a storm - a brief bit of calm before all hell breaks loose."

Sirius was flipping through the latest edition of the Daily Prophet. Remus had it delivered every day. Harry was on the floor, reading through some of his school books, trying to find something which could help him finish his History of Magic essay.

"I have a feeling that Hagrid and Madame Maxime were sent to talk to the giants," Harry commented. "After all, they're half-giant themselves. Dumbledore seemed to think it would be wise to get them on our side." Sirius looked a bit depressed. Harry noticed, and was about to ask what was the matter, when he spoke.

"It's a wise move, to try and persuade the giants. I remember some of the attacks on Muggles and wizards during the dark times......they tend to stand out in a person's memory." Sirius was now looking very withdrawn, a blank look on his face. His eyes had the same look as they did when he had been in Azkaban. It made him seem older and more forbidding. Remus watched Sirius with an unreadable expression on his face - although Harry saw pity in his eyes. He looked at both men quizzically.

"What happened?" he asked, hesitantly.

Sirius was quiet, staring into the fire, and then put down the paper. "Before we graduated Hogwarts, there was a particularly violent attack on a mostly Muggle village in England, during Voldemort's ascent to power," he said, in a very soft voice. "Giants and Death Eaters were responsible. Only a few families that lived in the area were actually wizards.....apparently, the attack was for fun."

Sirius took a deep breath, obviously trying to control his emotions. There was now a harshness about his otherwise handsome face. He continued to stare into the fire. "My parents were living there at the time - it was my home. It was where I lived, ever since I was twelve."

"They were both Muggle-born wizards. The Death Eaters and the giants killed without mercy or remorse......they murdered the entire village. There were no survivors. I was in sixth year."

Harry sat there, stunned.

Oh, God.........poor Sirius. He's lost so many people because of Voldemort, thought Harry sadly, before feeling a ripple of anger. It wasn't fair that Sirius had suffered so much in his life - he didn't deserve it. Nobody deserved it. And to have spent twelve years in a hell that made you live it over and over again........Harry realised that Sirius was quite possibly the strongest man he had ever met. Even stronger than Dumbledore, if that was possible.

The whole village.....one massive bloodbath. And most of them were defenseless Muggles. I'd bet that they were all probably tortured first, too.........

Harry suddenly felt horribly sickened.

He got up and gave Sirius a one-armed hug around the shoulders, offering what sympathy and condolences he could. Remus reached out and squeezed Sirius' shoulder, offering his own support. He remembered that awful day, when the news of the murders had reached Hogwarts. Sirius had never been quite the same again.

They all sat in silence for a moment, drawing on each other for strength. The rain was lightly pattering on the roof, adding to the somber atmosphere. Suddenly, there was a sharp tapping on the window - in a flash, both Remus and Sirius were on their feet, wands drawn, fighting instincts kicking in. However, they were unnecessary, as Harry peered at the window cautiously, before grinning in recognition.

"It's okay, you can put down the wands," he told them in a reassuring voice, and darted over to the window, opening it wide. Immediately, a tiny owl zoomed in and started to whiz around the room, bumping into everything, twittering madly.

"What the.....what is that?" asked Remus, ducking as the owl flew straight at his head.

"Ron's owl - Pig. Pig, get over here!" called Harry. The miniature owl paused, then glided over and landed straight on top of Harry's head. "Wha - hey! Geroff!" grunted Harry, trying to remove Pig from his messy hair.

Pig was happily squeaking from his lofty position, his claws attached firmly to the uncontrollable mop that Harry owned. Finally, after much struggle, Harry pried the bothersome owl off his head, rubbing it ruefully. Sirius was busy laughing and unable to speak through his giggles, and Remus was chuckling appreciatively behind a hand.

However, Pig was looking immensely proud of himself. Harry, with some difficulty, untied the letter from Pig, and dug out some Owl Treats from his pocket.

"There. Eat those, and try not to pass out from excitement, will you?"

Harry turned, and sat in a chair, unfolding the parchment. It seemed to be a long letter, scrawled out in very familiar writing. "It's from Ron. D'you mind if I read it out loud?" Sirius and Remus shook their heads, looking mildly interested.

Dear Harry, he read.

How are you? Dad heard from Dumbledore about where you were. I'm impressed. Looks like 'Snuffles' managed to sneak you out! It's brilliant that you aren't with the muggles......you'll be able to enjoy the summer instead! I guess we didn't have to show up and rescue you this time.

It's been a bit boring here. Mum and Dad insisted on my telling them all about Snuffles' innocence, etc, ever since Mum found out about Dumbledore trusting him. Believe me, their reactions were priceless. Dad chucked a fit and wanted to go out and kill Wormtail with his own two hands.......he looked practically bloodthirsty, Harry! It was unreal. And Mum was almost in tears about 'that poor man - living on rats!'

Typical response from Mum, eh?

Fred, George, Percy and Ginny all know the whole story, too. Sorry mate - news gets around fast here. You can't keep secrets in this family. Fred and George can't wait to meet Lupin and Snuffles - I accidentally let it slip told them about the identity of the Marauder's. And Percy......well, Percy's still gaping in shock about Sirius' innocence. You know what he's like, he just can't admit that the Ministry stuffed up, big time.

"Damn straight," muttered Sirius.

Anyhow, Fred and George have their money for the jokeshop.....it's thanks to you, right? It was great of you to give them the money - they're spending heaps of time developing 'untested products'......but they keep on trying them on me and Ginny. I've already been turned into a hamster, I've sprouted daisies out of my ears, and there was this weird incident which involved radishes and Ginny growing a tail.

It's brilliant - although Mum isn't happy. She accidentally ate a canary cream......and, well, you know what happened. Dad was howling with laughter, so Fred and George managed to get out of trouble for that one. Dunno how long that'll last, though.

Bill's helping Dumbledore now - he's taking a break from the treasure-hunter thing. It's good that he's around, since we don't usually see him much. I'm not quite sure what he's doing, but you can bet that it's something dangerous.

Charlie's been in contact, too. He's also got some news on Norbert - remember, that mad little dragon from 1st year? Well, now he's the size of three houses put together. And, believe it or not, he has a 'girlfriend'. I think Hagrid would be pleased, don't you?

Harry could imagine Hagrid sniffing and saying, "Oh, bless me soul, my little baby's all grown up and fallin' in love!" As amusing as this mental picture was, Harry didn't ponder on it for too long, and instead went back to reading the letter.

So. How's Snuffles and Moony? It must be a blast, living with them.

At this, Remus and Sirius beamed.

Actually, I was wondering if you would like to come over on the 25th - Snuffles and Moony are invited too! And yes, before they ask, I have asked permission. Is 11am alright?

Hurry up and reply!

Ron

P.S. Hermione is coming later that day too.

Harry looked up. Remus was checking the calendar. "The twenty-fifth.....that's two days from today," he said. Sirius was looking pensive. "I don't know......would Mr and Mrs Weasley want to risk a convicted murderer in their house?" he asked quietly. "Sure, they know my story, but....."

Harry looked him in the eye squarely. "Ron asked them and they believe in your innocence. Trust me - you'll be more than welcome, I promise." When Sirius still looked doubtful, Harry decided to try another method, however immature it might be.

"C'mon, Sirius! Please?" he begged.

Remus cracked up at this. "Sirius - he's right. The Weasley's probably want to adopt you or something," he added with a grin. Sirius gave in.

"Alright, alright......two against one. Tell Ron we'll be there. Floo powder?" he asked. Harry nodded, and scribbled a note to Ron.

Ron-
After a bit of persuasion, Moony, Snuffles and I will be there on the 25th - 11am sharp.

Can't wait, Harry

Harry tied this to Pig, who had been munching contentedly on the Owl Treats. Opening the window, he watched Pig fly out and into the rain.

Sunday is going to be quite an experience.... thought Harry, smiling slightly.

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Sunday morning, Harry was awake at eight o'clock, much to the chagrin of Sirius, whom he had to basically pry from the bed. Sirius was definitelynot a morning person.

Eleven o'clock finally arrived. Remus threw a handful of glittery Floo powder into the fire, turning it brilliant green, before gesturing Harry to go first. Harry stepped straight into the fire and said clearly, "The Burrow!"

Suddenly, he was spinning - round and round and round and round and - whoosh! Harry toppled out of a fireplace and onto the ground.

"Harry!" A voice said. Blinking, Harry wiped his glasses and several arms helped him up. The whole Weasley family, excluding Charlie, was standing or sitting in the kitchen, beaming at him. Harry grinned at the lot of them, as Ron slapped him on the back. "Good to see you, mate!" he said loudly.

Mrs Weasley looked absolutely delighted to see him. "Oh, you've grown so much!" she said. Harry didn't know what to say to this, so he just smiled self-consciously.

"How are you, my boy?" Mr Weasley asked him, grabbing Harry's hand and shaking it enthusiastically. "Um, great, thanks," he replied, his arm feeling as if it would come off at any moment. "Sirius and Remus should be here any second....."

As if on cue, there was a sudden pop behind them, and Sirius stumbled out of the fireplace, barely keeping on his feet. Coughing from the soot, he looked up and noticed everyone in the room staring at him - every redhead, except Ron, was gaping at him curiously. "Hi....I'm guessing that you all must be Harry's favourite family?" he asked roguishly, giving them a tentative grin. Harry tried to hide a smile, as Mrs Weasley looked like Christmas had come early. Sirius turned to her and bowed. "You must be Ron's sister," he smiled charmingly.

She blushed. "Oh, of course not. I'm his mother, Molly. It's wonderful to see you again."

"Mother? You must be kidding! You look so young - not a day over twenty," Sirius said, giving one of his famous grins that had reduced nearly every girl to a puddle in his school years. Ron pretended to feel violently ill behind Sirius' back and Harry just rolled his eyes. Sirius possessed a very charming steak and could use it very well.

Looking around the room, Harry saw that the twins and Bill looked highly amused, while Mr Weasley was chuckling slightly at his antics. Percy had a disapproving expression on his face - but that was almost always there, anyway.

Another pop announced the arrival of Remus, who seemed to handle Floo-travel quite well. He took in the sight of all the red-headed Weasleys without even blinking, and gave them one of his own smiles. "Hello, everyone," he said brightly. "Having a good holiday?"

"Hi Professor Lupin!" chorused Fred and George.

There was an awkward pause, before Ron cleared his throat. "Everyone, this is Sirius Black and.....um.....Professor Lupin," he said.

"Just call me Remus," corrected Remus. Mr Weasley stepped forward and offered his hand to Sirius.

"I'm Arthur. It's a pleasure to finally meet you." Sirius returned the firm handshake, looking relieved, despite himself. Mr Weasley then shook hands with Remus. Mrs Weasley was beaming at the newcomers in a very motherly fashion.

"Well! Lets all go into the living room, shall we?" she announced, starting to herd Ginny and the twins out of the kitchen. Percy and Bill followed. Ron was grinning at the two marauders.

"How's it going, Snuffles?" he asked, eyes gleaming wickedly. Harry sniggered behind a hand. Sirius gave him a glare of deep outrage.

"If you ever call me that in public again, I will hex you. It completely destroys my image." Turning up his nose, he marched out of the kitchen.

Harry and Ron were laughing now. Remus looked at them in confusion. "Er......Snuffles?"

"Long story," Harry and Ron said together.

When everyone had gathered into the living room, Mrs Weasley bustled out, claiming she had to make lunch. Everybody either sat in chairs or on the floor. Harry was amused to see that Sirius was receiving looks of awe from Ginny and the twins.

"Right. I think everybody should introduce themselves, so that Sirius and Remus can tell the difference between you lot," Mr Weasley suggested.

Bill grinned at the two men. "I'm Bill, resident tomb-raider and oldest," he said. "I was at the Triwizard Tournament." Bill nodded at Harry, giving him a look that held both sympathy and admiration. Harry felt embarrassed, and looked away. No one else seemed to notice, though.

Percy was next. "Percy Weasley. I work in the Department for International Magical Co-operation." He introduced himself, looking a bit nervous at being in the same room as Sirius. "Third oldest." When Sirius looked confused, Percy explained. "Charlie's in Romania, working with dragons."

Harry personally thought that Percy looked tired, with shadowy bags under his eyes and a slightly haggard look about his face. Work must be getting to him, Harry thought, remembering how Percy had been harassed last year, when Mr Crouch had stopped coming to work. I'll bet he hasn't slept a full night in ages.

A little voice in his head snorted. And you have?

Pushing these thoughts roughly aside, Harry turned his attention back to the conversation - it was the twin's turn to introduce themselves.

They both stood up and bowed dramatically, with plenty of their dramatic flair. Both grinned in their identical, mischeivious way. "Fred and George Weasley - prankster extraordinaires. Currently the holders of five-hundred-and-fifty six detentions, with a whole filing drawer in Filch's cabinet at Hogwarts in our honour," said Fred, who was wearing his jumper with an 'F' on it.

"Our names are known all through Hogwarts as extreme troublemakers - teachers tremble at the mere mention of our names. Nice to meet you," added George wickedly, who was wearing his jumper with the initial 'G' on it. Sirius looked delighted.

"You have a whole draw? When I was there, I had three drawers just for me," he told the twins, who gaped at him in amazement. "I broke the school record five times for the most detentions in one year - actually, I broke all my own records."

"Cool!" said Fred, with respect shining in his eyes. "Didn't think anyone else had a worse record with Filch than we did."

Remus was watching them, barely hiding his amusement. "Well, Sirius and I had a love for pranking, ourselves," he admitted. Percy, Fred, George and Ginny stared at him. "You, Professor?" exclaimed Ginny. It was the first time she had spoken since Harry had arrived.

"Yes....although I never got as many detentions as Sirius and......our other friend did."

Remus stopped himself saying 'James'.

It wouldn't be a good idea to bring that up here, he thought sadly.

"And what about you?" Sirius asked the short, redheaded girl whom had remained so quiet. Startled at being addressed by him, Ginny stammered for a bit, before she cleared her throat.

"A-ah....um, I'm Virginia Weasley, the only girl....but I prefer being called Ginny," she said quietly. "I'm the youngest." Harry was surprised. He hadn't realised that Ginny's real name was 'Virginia'. And now he thought about it, it seemed so obvious. Of course her name couldn't have been just 'Ginny'. Another point for Potter stupidity.........

Sirius gave her a dashing smile. "Pleased to meet you, Ginny."

Ginny went a brilliant shade of red - almost the same as her hair.

Ron was snickering at Ginny, but at Harry's nudge, he stopped. "Well, you all know me. Ron Weasley, partner-in-crime and self-elected best friend of Harry," he said in a matter-of-fact voice.

Harry looked around. "Where's Hermione?" he asked Ron.

"She can't get here 'till one o'clock," Ron told him. "Something about a funeral."

"Oh," said Harry.

Mr Weasley was talking to Sirius about his experiments with muggle equipment. "My hobby is tinkering around with muggle stuff," he was explaining. "Out the back, I've got plenty of things from work that nobody knew what to do with. I even enchanted a car to fly.......that is, until certain someone's decided to crash it into a tree," he finished, raising his eyebrows at Harry and Ron, who both shifted guiltily. Sirius and Remus stared at them.

"You crashed a flying car into a tree?" repeated Remus weakly.

Sirius was goggling at them, before his face broke into a wide grin. "Excellent! Where did you crash it?" he asked eagerly. Then, he caught the reproving look Remus was shooting at him. "What?" Sirius asked defensively.

"Erm.....the Whomping Willow...." said Harry, glancing sideways at Ron. "At Hogwarts?!" said Remus, in shock. Harry and Ron were forced to launch into the whole story. They were just describing the telling off from the teachers, when Mrs Weasley came back in.

"Lunch is ready! We're eating outside," she announced.

And so everyone trooped outside and set up the tables. It was lunchtime, and Harry was starving. Sirius and Remus obviously felt the same way, judging by the speed that they set out the knives and forks. When Mrs Weasley brought out dish after dish, Harry thought she had really outdone herself this time. There was a huge chicken, almost every kind of vegetable in existence, puddings, pork chops, and so on.

Up and down the table, several different conversations were taking place.

Sirius and the twins were eagerly swapping pranks and ideas. "Well.....once my friends and I managed to sneak into the Slytherin common room and stole all of the underwear we could find, and the next day we hung it up all over the Great Hall," mused Sirius thoughtfully. "And there was the time we slipped a ear-shrinking potion into the pumpkin juice at the Slytherin table by causing a distraction......" Fred and George were hanging onto every word.

Further up the table, Ginny and Remus were talking about werewolf transformations. "Does it hurt - to turn into a werewolf?" Ginny asked timidly. Remus smiled at her.

"When I take the wolfsbane potion, the transformation isn't anywhere as bad as if I don't. Of course, it always feels a bit strange, turning into a wolf....." he explained, helping himself to some roast potato.

At the other end, Mrs Weasley and Bill were having a very familiar conversation. "Really, Bill, your hair is getting quite ridiculous! Just a quick trim....."

"No, Mum. I like my hair - it's a statement," sighed Bill. He had been through this with Mrs Weasley about a million times, at least once a week......

Mr Weasley turned to Harry. "Having a good summer?" he asked cheerfully.

"You have no idea," replied Harry, grinning at Ron. Ron looked enviously at Sirius and Remus.

"You have got to invite me over!" he told Harry.

Harry nodded. "I'm sure they wouldn't mind.....though you have to be aware of extreme weirdness at mealtimes....." he added, pouring gravy on his chicken.

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After lunch, Harry, Ron, the twins and Sirius all staggered inside. "I....ate......soooo.....much..." moaned Ron, massaging his stomach. Mrs Weasley, Ginny and Remus (much to everyone's shock) were doing the dishes.

"I must insist," he had said to Mrs Weasley, who looked aghast at the thought of a guest helping with work. "I have plenty of experience, anyway," he chuckled, picking up a tea towel.

Ron was checking his watch. "One o'clock......Hermione should be here any minute," he said. Right on the mark, there was a small pop, as the flames turned a bright green, and Hermione stumbled out of the living room fireplace, barely keeping her balance.

"Oh, hello, everyone....." Hermione coughed, dusting herself off as she straightened up. There was quite a bit of soot in her hair. Looking around at the groaning, sprawled figures in armchairs, Hermione smiled knowingly. When she spotted Sirius, who was sitting on the floor, she gave him a big smile. "Sirius! It's great to see you again......oh, hello Harry. Where's Professor Lupin?"

"In the kitchen....." said Harry, blinking at Hermione. She had - changed. That was the best word Harry could think of to describe it. She wasn't exactly the wild-haired, stick-figured girl he remembered. Instead, there stood a young, pretty woman, slightly covered in ash. Hermione had obviously cut her hair, and had done.........something to it. It had settled down from the wild mane that usually fought to get out of its ponytail, and she wore it in a simple plait. Harry had absolutely no clothes sense or indication of style, but even he could tell that the tight jeans and close-fitting t-shirt Hermione wore were meant to flatter her. And it did. Hermione was receiving amazed looks from the twins, and Ron was goggling at her unabashed.

Remus walked in from the kitchen, wiping his hands on a towel. "Well, that's d- oh, hello Hermione. It's been a while - good to see you," said Remus lightly, noticing her arrival. Sirius grinned up at him. "Are you finished playing housewife?"

In reply, Remus just flicked Sirius with the wet towel.

Hermione smiled brightly at Remus. "Professor Lupin! I didn't know you'd be here.....and what has gotten into you all?" she asked, turning to stare at all the teenage boys in the room, who, in turn, had been staring, bug-eyed, at her. Immediately, Harry, Ron, Fred, and George shook their heads, blinked, and looked away in embarrassment.

"Er......nothing. Good to see you again," said Harry, trying to get his thoughts back on track. "I got your letter - have you really started to revise for the OWL's already?" he couldn't help but ask incredulously. At this, Sirius and Remus started to chuckle.

"Typical," said Fred, looking mournfully at his twin. "The poor girl is clearly delusional."

"Mentally unstable. Off her rocker," George agreed, looking equally mournful.

Hermione shot them a dirty look. "Yes......you do realise how important these exams are?" she chided Harry, ignoring the twins. "These could decide your whole future! Your profession, your work......your life!" Hermione was obviously about to start one of her infamous rantings, when she realised that Remus and Sirius were laughing heartily, as the rest of the room's occupants just watched her in disbelief. Hermione went slightly red.

"Oh, I'm sorry....it is the holidays," she apologised. "I promise I won't go on about the OWL's.......until we get back to school, that is." Nearly everyone laughed, and Hermione, in a dignified manner, flopped onto an empty chair next to Ron. "So what did I miss?" she asked.

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At about nine o'clock that night, Harry, Remus and Sirius left, promising to write often and that Ron and Hermione could come over before the summer ended. "Just make it soon," Ron had whispered to him as Harry was about to leave. "Fred and George are planning to use me to test their jokes on......something about a new 'Squirrel Shortbread' they're working on....."

Back at the cottage, Harry yawned and got ready for bed. It had been a long, interesting day.

Sirius came in and got into bed, wearing some old boxers and a ratty-looking t-shirt. "Well........the Weasleys are great people," he said to Harry, smiling. "Those twins really are like me and James, when we were at school." Sirius glanced at Harry before grinning slyly.

"Hermione's turning out be be very pretty, isn't she?" he commented, raising his eyebrows suggestively at Harry.

Harry went a bit red and shifted in embarrassment."Er....I wouldn't know.......she's one of my best friends...." he muttered, avoiding eye contact.

Sirius looked at him knowingly. "Yeah, of course....." he said, hiding a grin. "I'm turning out the lights now - unless you want to read or something?" Sirius asked.

"No," said Harry, yawning again. "I'm stuffed. G'night." Sirius blew out the candle and it was suddenly very dark. Harry closed his eyes, and silently replayed over the events of the day, from the moment they arrived at The Burrow to the loud and cheerful goodbye.

Wonder if Fred and George have turned Ron into a squirrel yet.......thought Harry sleepily. And with that, he fell asleep.

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