An Unexpected Situation

"HARRY!!"

Mrs. Weasley had just opened the door to let in some light. She was a bit startled at first, but the familiar smile grew on her face as she let Harry come inside.

"I see Dumbledore finally gave in. I knew he couldn't resist me too long, even considering who he is." As usual, she began to fuss over him immediately. "My goodness," she said, looking him over. "Your relatives still haven't been feeding you well, have they? Well, I'll soon fix that. Honestly, I wish I could talk some sense into your aunt and uncle."

Harry sat at the table and smiled. He had become accustomed to this ever since he visited The Burrow before his second year at Hogwarts. Although he still felt bad, he could not help but smile when thinking about the ride in Mr. Weasley's enchanted car. A noise on his right suddenly made him turn his head.

"Mom, what's going...Harry! It's great to see you."

"Great to see you as well," said Harry, embracing in a brief hug.

"When did you get here?" asked Ron sleepily as they sat down.

"I arrived this morning. I got a note from Dumbledore, saying that he was giving in to your mom's request. He sent the note and a portkey with Fawkes."

"Wow! He sent his phoenix. Why?" asked Ron, now more awake and looking a bit puzzled.

"He said he didn't want anything to fall into the wrong hands. That and the fact that Fawkes can disappear whenever he wants to."

Harry leaned over and whispered, "I need to talk to you in private later."

Ron nodded and said, "Well, what do you want to do today, Harry"?

Before Harry could answer, Mrs. Weasley turned and said, "First, you're going to have breakfast. It looks like you haven't eaten in days."

"Oh, I have been, just not very much. I've mainly been eating what you have sent me. I keep it hidden, of course," said Harry.

He knew in his heart that it was only partially true. He really hadn't eaten much of anything since he got back from Hogwarts. Today was a different matter, as Mrs. Weasley filled the table with scrambled eggs, sausage and other foods. Harry took a good amount of everything, as did Ron, who was eagerly stuffing his face. Predictably, the smell of the food soon attracted the attention of the twins, who rumbled down the stairs. Fred was the first to appear.

"Boy I'm hungry....Harry! Good to see you, my friend!"

"Yeah, good to see you, Harry", said George as he came around the corner. They shook his hand and smiled widely at him. The brothers then took their seats and began filling their plates while talking and catching up with Harry. Soon, Mrs. Weasley joined them.

"Where's Mr. Weasley?" asked Harry.

"Still working," said Mrs. Weasley, with a look of concern, "Between his job at The Ministry and working special assignments for Dumbledore, he's hardly ever home. I'm scared that he's running himself ragged. I have also been concerned for you Harry, after what happened at the end of last year. I can imagine you haven't been dealing too well, have you?"

Harry looked into Mrs. Weasley's eyes. He didn't really want to mention it, but the look told him that it would be best to get it out of the way and not to lie about it.

"Honestly, for the first few weeks I didn't do very well. I held everything inside and I even kept it hidden from the Dursleys. Then, this morning, I just let everything out. I actually felt better. I'm not sure what triggered it. It could be that I just held everything in for too long. I'm just amazed that I didn't blow up anything", he said, remembering how he had blown up his Aunt Marge two years ago. Harry did not mention that he had cried, and he did not mention the dream, mainly because his scar didn't hurt and he didn't want to alarm Ron's mother.

Mrs. Weasley flashed a small smile. "Well, it seems we're not too different after all. I'm pretty much the same way when it comes to these things."

A small but beautiful musical note diverted her attention. They all looked over and saw Fawkes sitting on the windowsill. The twins looked at the phoenix with amazement, while Ron and Harry did not look surprised at all. Mrs. Weasley went to the bird and took the note from its leg. The bird nodded at her and flew away without another sound. She unrolled the parchment and read it.

"That man is truly wonderful! Dumbledore booked us all rooms at the Leaky Cauldron the week before term."

"I was going to tell you that", said Harry with a smile. "I just hadn't gotten to it yet."

His smile faltered before he looked at Mrs. Weasley. "There is one thing I'd like to do before we go, but I'm not sure how you'll take it."

Mrs. Weasley looked puzzled. "What is it, Harry?"

Harry summoned his courage and took a deep breath. "I'd like to visit Cedric's grave."

The words floated in the air. Everyone looked at Harry with a saddened look. He expected this reaction and was prepared for it. "I just want to get a better sense of closure. I've gotten my emotions out of my system, but I think it will help me put this to rest so I can get on with my life. Please?"

Ron an. the twins were in a bit of disbelief. Mrs. Weasley thought for a moment, then sighed and looked at Harry.

"Well, I'm not sure what good it will do, but if that is what you want to do, then that's fine. We'll go the day before we go to Diagon Alley."

"Go where?" said a voice from the stairs. It was Ginny, Ron's sister. Two years ago, she would have seen Harry and taken off at a run from the table. Nowadays, it seemed that her crush on him had subsided and they had accepted that fact that they would be content as friends and nothing more. They hugged warmly and Harry promised to talk to her later. She walked outside while Harry sat back down and finished his breakfast.

"So Harry, is there anything special you want to do today?" asked Fred as Harry finished.

"I've got a few ideas", said Harry. "But right now, I need a place to put my things."

"I already thought of that, dear," said Mrs. Weasley. "You can bunk up in Ron's room."

"Cool. Come on, Ron."

Ron helped Harry carry his trunk upstairs as Mrs. Weasley put the cage with Hedwig and Pigwidgeon by the window in the kitchen. Ron's room was exactly as Harry remembered it, Chudley Cannons posters and all.

"What did you want to talk to me about earlier?" asked Ron when they finished unpacking. Harry expanded a bit on what he had told Ron's mother. He still left out the crying part, but did tell him about the strange dream he had.

"Did you tell Dumbledore or anyone else about the dream?"

"No I didn't," said Harry flatly. "The main reason is because my scar didn't hurt. I know that Dumbledore wants to know when it does hurt, but I think this one was because of all that emotion I held in."

Ron thought for a minute then said, "You're probably right. I think you should talk to Hermione about it, though."

"I will when I see her," replied Harry, "I just don't feel comfortable telling her about this in a letter."

"I understand, mate," smiled Ron. "Well I need to get some chores done. Want to help?"

"Sure," said Harry as they headed downstairs. As they passed Percy's room, he asked Ron how he was doing.

"Working all the time, as usual. He got promoted to head of the department he was in after what happened to Barty Crouch."

The thought made Harry shiver. Mr. Crouch had been killed by his own son, who was a servant of Voldemort. He, in turn, had his soul taken from him by a Dementor, which had angered Dumbledore greatly. He was the only credible witness they had to the return of the Dark Lord.

When they got downstairs, they went outside and started de-gnoming the garden. The gnomes, about one foot tall and very annoying, were notorious for infesting gardens. Ron and Harry spent two and a half hours catching the beasts, spinning them above their heads and throwing them into the adjacent field.

After a break and a quick lunch, they decided to practice Quidditch along with Fred and George. Since they could not use a Golden Snitch, Harry played Chaser instead of his usual position of Seeker while Ron took the Keeper position. Fred and George played their usual position of Beaters, knocking away the crude Bludgers they were using. While Harry was not a bad Chaser, Ron was one hell of a Keeper, knocking away almost every shot that Harry threw at him, even though he was using an old Cleansweep broom. After they finished hours later, Harry was talking Ron into going out for the Quidditch team at school.

"Since Wood has left, we're going to need a new Keeper. It's obvious that you've been practicing."

"Well, I'll think about it. I need to get a new broom first." Ron looked at the old broom, which was next to nothing when compared with Harry's faster and sleeker Firebolt.

"Get a new broom for what?" asked Mrs. Weasley, who was preparing dinner.

"I'm trying to talk Ron into trying out for the Gryffindor Quidditch team. We need a new Keeper."

"Wonderful!" said Mrs. Weasley. "Well Ron, I'll have to think it over. I'm not sure we'll have enough, but we'll know once we get to Diagon Alley."

Ron was excited at the prospect, even though he knew his chances were slim. Tired but happy, the four boys sat in the living room to rest. Ginny came in a short time later and sat next to Harry on the couch. As they sat, Harry talked to Ginny about what he talked to Ron about earlier. She didn't say much, content to just listen.

"If you need to talk more, come and find me," commented Ginny. "And make sure you talk to Hermione. You know she hates it when you keep things from her."

"I know. I already promised Ron that I would." Ginny seemed satisfied with Harry's promise.

Twenty minutes later, Mrs. Weasley called them into the kitchen to help set the table. Mr. Weasley came home a short time later, exhausted but happy to see his family and Harry. The family ate and talked about the events of the day. Harry couldn't help but think of the contrast between the Weasleys and the Dursleys.

After dinner, Mr. Weasley called Harry into the living room while the rest of the family helped their mother clean up. He had a tired but serious look on his face as they sat down.

"Harry, I got a message from Dumbledore today telling me to update you on what's been happening."

Harry swallowed hard as he nodded his head for the elder Weasley to continue. "As you may know, there have been a few small attacks in the past few weeks, mainly against Muggle-born wizard families. But yesterday, You-Know-Who decided to create a major stir. He and a group of his followers attacked a neighborhood just outside of Leeds. Eight houses were destroyed and 35 people were killed. All but four of the dead were Muggles."

Harry, although concerned, was not surprised. He knew that Voldemort was gaining strength and that it was only a matter of time before he started to make himself noticed.

"Has the Ministry done anything?"

Mr. Weasley looked upset. "Unfortunately they haven't done a damn thing. Fudge is still blind to the fact that the Dark Lord has returned, even though they found the Dark Mark embedded on the four wizard houses and in the sky. He keeps saying he has no concrete proof, which is total codswallop. If four ruined houses with that mark isn't proof, I'll make another enchanted car!"

"No you won't Arthur Weasley!" The shout came from the kitchen. Mrs. Weasley evidently heard the last line of the conversation. They turned and made sure that their voices were lower.

"Anyway, Dumbledore has Sirius and Lupin doing some major scouting work. He has wizards and witches all over the place trying to keep track of You-Know-Who. The thing is he can't act just yet."

"Why?"

"Think about it, Harry. If he did anything at this point, it could ruin his career. Fudge has some big connections and if he finds out, he could remove Dumbledore from school."

Harry shook his head and smiled. "I'd like to see him try. You know Dumbledore; he wouldn't go without a fight."

"I know. I just wish I had his confidence. We just have to be patient for now. Dumbledore will know when the time is right."

Mr. Weasley yawned as he got up and stretched. "Well, I'm going to bed. I have tomorrow off and I think I will sleep in. Goodnight Harry."

"Goodnight sir," Harry said as he watched him go across the room and up the stairs. Soon, Mrs. Weasley sent the rest of them to bed. When they had settled into their beds, Harry told Ron what he had learned.

"Do you have any idea what he'll do next," Ron said, referring to Voldemort.

"No I don't. More than likely it will be worse than this last one. Goodnight Ron."

"Goodnight Harry." Silence filled the room and they both fell into a dreamless sleep.

------------------------

The next three weeks passed uneventfully. Harry helped around the house. The boys played Quidditch. Fred and George kept blowing things up in their room and the weather seemed to get warmer. Harry thoroughly enjoyed himself, taking in all the freedoms of being away from the Dursleys.

There was also something in the way that Ron acted that he simply could not place. It seemed that he would become more protective about him when picked on by Fred and George. While he appreciated the gesture, he just felt that it was unlike Ron to be so adamant about him.

The night before he went to visit Cedric's resting place, Harry could not sleep. He was not surprised at this, but it was somewhat annoying. After trying repeatedly, he finally gave up. He put on his glasses and slowly got out of bed, trying not to wake up Ron. He stepped out of the door and closed it quietly. He looked around and did not hear any sound. Going down the stairs slowly, he made sure to skip the steps that squeaked. He soon reached the landing and walked to the door. Opening it slowly, he stepped outside and breathed in the crisp night air.

He walked over the stone wall and sat down, pulling his knees to his chest. He didn't think of anything, content to sit and listen to the sounds of the night. He saw the moon disappear behind a wall of clouds. "Looks like it could rain," he thought, the familiar smell faint in the air.

He was about to turn when he saw a shadow. He caught himself before he fell off the wall and heard a familiar voice.

"Sorry about that, mate," said Ron with a small laugh.

"Damn Ron, you scared the shit out of me." Harry readjusted himself and looked at the sky. Ron sat by him and took a deep breath.

"Thinking about Cedric?" asked Ron.

"Actually, I wasn't," replied Harry. "Can I ask you something?"

"Sure."

"Well..." Harry hesitated, not knowing what to say. Finally, he just decided to be direct. "The past few days, you've been very defensive about me. I'm not complaining, but I didn't expect it and it seems so unlike you. What's going on?"

Ron looked at the ground, avoiding Harry's eyes. "At first I wasn't sure. I keep having these strange feelings."

Harry thought about it for a minute and something occurred to him. "Does it have anything to do with Hermione?"

"No, but..." Ron trailed off and looked at Harry. "Do you have feelings for her?"

Harry looked at the ground, blushing. "Yeah, I do. I've had them since the end of second year. What about you?"

"I have them, too. I figured you would have noticed." He hesitated for a moment. "But that's only part of my problem. I... I think I'm developing the same feelings for you."

Harry looked at Ron with shock on his face. "Did he just say what I think he said?! He loves Hermione... and me?" he thought.

Ron's eyes started to glaze over. "Harry, say something. Please don't be mad at me." A single tear rolled down his cheek.

"I'm not mad," replied Harry, "Just... stunned. I never really thought about it. When did it happen?"

"I'm not too sure," said Ron thoughtfully, "Maybe it's always been there and I just haven't noticed. But these feelings came to me when you showed up a few weeks ago. It's grown since then. I was afraid to say anything. I didn't know if you'd be disgusted with me, or hate me, or what."

Harry scooted closer to Ron. "You are my best friend, along with Hermione. The only thing that would disgust me was if you joined Voldemort, and I know that isn't going to happen. I just need some time to figure this out."

"I'll wait as long as it takes," said Ron with a small smile. "I just wonder what Hermione would say? It doesn't seem right to keep something like this from her."

"I agree. Let's wait to talk to her in person. Doing this by owl post is not a good idea."

Both boys laughed at the thought. Harry then did something Ron didn't expect. He reached up and wiped the tear from Ron's face. They looked at each other and smiled. "Maybe there is something to what Ron is feeling," Harry thought, "but I'm just not sure. I'll think about it. Hopefully we'll see Hermione before we go back to school."

"Come on, let's go back to bed," said Harry as he stood up. "I have to be awake and dressed in a few hours."

"All right. And Harry? Thank you for not pushing me away."

They embraced in a brief hug, then went back to bed, sleeping dreamlessly the rest of the night.