Harry Potter and the Dangerous Choice

Harry Potter and the Dangerous Choice

Chapter Four: Flying and Firelight

Harry could see that Dumbledore, Remus and Mr. Weasley were upset. It was understandable, really, thought Harry. It was still hard to believe that Percy could be a criminal. Mr.Weasley got up and mumbled something as he left the room. Harry heard the front door slam. Remus and Dumbledore exchanged a look. "We have to be going Harry, I'll see you tonight." Harry had been hoping to talk to Remus but he realized that he would have to wait. Not telling Ron what he knew about Percy would be hard.

Mrs. Weasley came down to the kitchen and supervised breakfast, although Dobby did not seem to need any assistance. Even with Mrs.Weasley giving directions, Dobby maintained a cheerful attitude. Soon plates of eggs and sausages and grilled tomatoes filled the table.

Ron and Ginny came into the kitchen about the time that the breakfast was ready. Fred and George apparated into the kitchen, scaring Ginny, and making her spill her pumpkin juice. She retaliated by slugging Fred in the arm. "Ouch! Little sister you really pack a punch," said Fred, pretending to be mortally wounded. Soon they were all laughing again. After breakfast, Ron challenged Harry and Ginny to a round of wizard's chess. Ginny seemed keen to have a go.

"I'm sorry Ron, dear, but I'm taking Ginny with me back to the Burrow this morning. I left in a horrid rush yesterday," said Mrs. Weasley.

Ginny made a face. "Mum, do I have to go? Ron gets to stay."

Mrs. Weasley ignored Ginny as she bustled about. Harry gave Ginny a sympathetic look and a shrug. He though it best not to enter into this argument. He was grateful that Ron was here and could stay with him. He did not want to jeopardize that arrangement.

The twins wanted to leave early to attend to their shop. Mrs. Weasley fussed over them and tried to convince them to take an Order member along for protection. Fred and George looked at each other shaking their heads. "Mum, you keep forgetting that we are in the Order," Fred said. Molly Weasley clenched her jaw. Clearly, she did not think that her sons were ready to protect themselves. Harry knew Mrs. Weasley was being too overly protective. Fred and George were amazingly talented wizards, and not to be under estimated. School might not have been their cup of tea, but Harry would have stacked them up against any other wizards their ages in terms of resourcefulness.

"You two may be of age, and Dumbledore may have let you join the Order, but you don't have enough experience yet!" stated Mrs. Weasley flatly.

Before the Weasley boys could respond to this, Alastor 'Mad Eye' Moody arrived at the house. He was grumbling to himself as he walked into the kitchen. "A fool for Minister of Magic is what we've got... Not taking this seriously enough... Ostrich with his head in the sand, if you ask me." Moody grunted. He was a sight, as usual, with his tatty old brown cloak and bowler hat cocked over his forehead. Moody said a curt "Hello" then told Fred and George that Dumbledore had contacted him, and he would be accompanying them to Diagon Alley. He explained that he had agreed to stand guard as they cleaned up. "You two can't work and watch your backs at the same time," said Moody. "That's where I come in. I'll be keeping an eye out for anyone...unsavory." Moody's magical eye, which could see in all directions, spun wildly for a moment before stopping. "Constant Vigilance, eh Molly?" said Mad Eye, elbowing her in the side. Molly Weasley grinned and seemed to relax. The twins did not seem to mind this arrangement either, and welcomed Moody's company.

Fred put a friendly arm around Moody as they walked toward the front door. "Mad Eye, have you seen our extensive line of talking door knockers?" he asked. "They are just the thing, you know."

Molly and Ginny departed about an hour later, leaving Ron, Harry and Dobby alone in the house. Before leaving, Mrs. Weasley lectured the boys about staying put and not getting into trouble. Harry was slightly perturbed by this, as it was his house and he could get into trouble if he wanted, however, he held his tongue. They were too old, in Harry's opinion, to be talked to as though they were children. He reckoned, however, that Mrs. Weasley meant well.

Ron and Harry did some Charms homework and then spent some time with Buckbeak. They brought him some apples of which he seemed very fond. Harry wondered if it would be possible to allow Beaky to go back to Hagrid. It seemed a shame to keep him locked in this room all the time. Ron agreed and thought that no one, outside of Draco, would really notice or care. "After all if Buckbeak would stay in the forest, out of site, there should be no problem." In his opinion, with Lucius Malfoy in Azkaban prison, even if Buckbeak were noticed, no one would do anything about it.

"Draco could tip off the Ministry though," figured Harry. "I think Buckbeak is still wanted." He thought he would ask Dumbledore about it the next chance he got.

The days passed slowly. Ron and Harry became bored with just sitting in the house and playing games. They sometimes resorted to doing homework. This never lasted too long. Soon they would be playing 'hang man' on each others papers. Ron and Harry discussed going to the Burrow for a few days. There, at least, they could go out and fly a bit.

Hermione sent an owl to each of them, describing her vacation. She sounded happy, and as she mentioned she was not receiving the newspaper, they decided not to ruin her holiday by filling her in about Fred and George's shop or the Dursley's house. They wrote back pretending that they were still at their own homes. They helped each other make up convincing sounding stories, and that consumed an afternoon. It also seemed the safest course, in case an owl was intercepted.

The Order seemed to be very busy these days, although Harry did not have any details. Various Order members dropped by in the evenings for a few minutes, to leave messages, or talk to Remus. Hestia Jones and Kingsley came almost every night. They never stayed for dinner and they didn't talk to Harry or Ron, except for some pleasantries such as "Hello" or" Good Night". Harry wished that Tonks would stop by. She was young and fun to be around. Snape had not shown up at headquarters, which was all right with Harry. In the back of his head, Harry knew he would resent having to allow Professor Snape access to his house.

Remus was out every day and arrived home late. He would eat and then excuse himself and go to bed early. Remus seemed very tired and there were lines in his forehead that made him look older than he was. Harry was sure that Remus had been locking himself in for the last few nights due to the full moon. Harry had noticed Dobby bringing Remus a tray with a cup on it just after he turned in each night. It was certainly the potion that Snape provided to make a werewolf docile during this time. Harry had also heard Dobby locking his and Ron's door at night and then unlocking it early in the morning. Harry pointed this out to Ron who hadn't noticed. "That's a real curse," said Ron. "Having that to wear you down constantly."

Ron believed Remus was on the trail of the culprit who blew up his brothers' store. It was becoming frustrating, trying to catch Remus alone. Harry really wanted to be able to tell Ron about Percy, but he felt he had given his word to Remus. Harry still had not been able to talk to him alone. On the morning of the fourth day since the attack, Harry intercepted Remus before he left the house. "Remus, can I talk to you for a minute?" he asked.

"Certainly," said Remus. He put a hand on Harry's shoulder and asked, "What is it?"

Harry led the way into the parlor. Ron was still eating breakfast, but Harry was careful to lower his voice. "I think that Ron should know about Percy, even if it turns out that he wasn't the one who planted the package," said Harry. "I don't feel right keeping this from him."

Remus crossed his arms and looked at Harry. "Harry, you should do what you think is best. You know Ron better than I do, and you are old enough to weigh the outcome. I just didn't want Ron to worry until there is something to worry about," said Remus. Then he added with a faint smile, "Sorry to have put you in this position. It's just that there's a lot going on."

Harry looked down, "We're not kids, Remus. We could help the Order if you'd let us. You know, this affects us as much as it does you," said Harry.

"Harry, many of the death eaters escaped Azkaban when the dementors slipped away. Most of them are in hiding but they are still dangerous. It may not be long before we need the help of you and your friends. I guess we keep hoping Voldemort will self-destruct, because we would like for you and your schoolmates to have a normal time of it, time to enjoy your youth. We may be deluding ourselves, but that's our hope. That's why we want to shield all of you as long as we can," said Remus.

"I guess I understand," said Harry, but he didn't. He couldn't understand how shielding him or his friends was supposed to help them. They were as likely to be attacked by Death Eaters as anyone was. He knew Remus meant well and only trying to protect him. He decided to let it go. "Do you think Ron and I could go to the Burrow for a few days?" Harry asked.

Remus smiled a tired smile." I'm sure you're bored here, but I can't send you to the Burrow alone, and I can't take you. You could send Molly an owl. She could come get you, but I don't know how long Dumbledore will want you to stay away from headquarters. Molly can work that out with him." Remus turned to leave and then reached inside his cloak and handed Harry an old, folded parchment. Harry immediately recognized it as the old Marauders Map. He had forgotten about it that night at Privet Drive. "This was found in the wreckage at your aunt's house. I was able to get it back for you," smiled Remus.

"Gee, thanks Remus. Does this mean you want me to keep using it?" asked Harry with a sly grin.

"It never did me any harm," said Remus fastening his cloak. "See you later, Harry." With that, Remus left the house.

Harry considered what Remus had said about sending an owl to the Burrow. Of course that would have to wait until one of the owls returned. Both Hedwig and Pigwidgeon were off delivering letters to Hermione.

Just then Ron came into the parlor, fresh from breakfast. "Wanna play exploding snap?" he asked. Harry had decided days ago, that telling Ron the truth about Percy was the right thing to do. Now that he had Remus' permission, it seemed harder than he had imagined in his head.

"Sure, I'll have a game," said Harry. "But first, Ron, I need to talk to you about that day in Diagon Alley, and your brothers' shop."

Ron plopped into a chair and said, "What about it?"

Harry began to tell what he had seen as they sat at the ice cream parlor and then what Remus had told him. He could see that Ron's face was turning red, but he ploughed ahead anyway.

"Why didn't you tell me this right away?" shouted Ron. "I can't believe this! Do Fred and George know?"

"I don't know, but I don't think so," said Harry. "I think it's only Remus and your dad." Then he told Ron what George had said to him the night of the attack. "I think your brothers are planning something to get back at the one who did it, so I don't think they know Percy is suspected." Harry paused, "I would have told you sooner Ron, but Remus didn't think I should."

"Oh! So I can't handle hearing my brother is a traitor, is that it?" Ron shouted as he got to his feet and stormed out of the room. Harry sat, listening to Ron's feet pounding up the stairs. Then he winced from the loud BANG as Ron slammed the bedroom door.

'Well,' Harry thought, 'that didn't go very well.' He started to slowly climb the stairs after Ron. He didn't know what he would say, but he didn't want Ron to be angry with him over this. When he reached the bedroom, he knocked softly on the door, but received no response. He was tempted to leave, and let Ron sulk a bit, then thought better of it, and pushed the door slowly open. Ron was lying on the bed facing the wall. Harry noticed old Phineas Nigellus was currently occupying his portrait. Phineas also had a portrait in Dumbledore's office. Harry made a note to watch what he said.

"Ron," he began, "I'm sorry I didn't tell you about seeing Percy right away. It was stupid of me, no matter what Remus thought." Harry stood and waited.

Ron was silent for a while. "How could Percy do something like that, to his own brothers?" asked Ron quietly. He rolled over on his back and stared at the ceiling. Harry did not know how to answer that question so he just sat down opposite Ron. After a few minutes, Ron sat up and sighed, "What a great git he is. This will get him killed or thrown into Azkaban for sure."

Harry had more to say on the subject, but not here. He wasn't keen about being reported on by an old portrait, so he coaxed Ron to come back downstairs to finish their game. Once they left the bedroom, Harry explained about the portrait, and then told what he had overheard Dumbledore, Remus and Ron's dad saying about bringing Percy to Hogwarts if he was found. They discussed the possibilities for a while. They both agreed that if Percy was not trustworthy enough to come to headquarters, then Dumbledore and the others must suspect him of joining with Voldemort. "I don't think even Percy is power hungry enough to join the Death Eaters," was Ron's conclusion.

On the morning of Harry's birthday, Ron and Harry were coming down for breakfast. Dobby was waiting at the bottom of the stairs, with a folded paper. "From the owl," he said smiling. Dobby handed the message to Ron.

"Looks like a note from mum," said Ron as he ripped it open.

Indeed it was from Mrs. Weasley. She said she would come and get the boys that morning. They would stay over night at the Burrow, and go back to headquarters the next day. She mentioned a birthday dinner and Harry could not suppress a smile. The Dursleys had never really celebrated his birthday so a real party seemed a great treat.

After breakfast, Harry got his Firebolt out in anticipation of some flying. He was grateful that it had not been lost in the explosion at the Dursley house. With the exception of his dad's invisibility cloak, the Firebolt was the best gift Harry had ever received. He dug out his broomstick servicing kit and gave the Firebolt a quick going over. Ron admired Harry's broom as they waited for Mrs. Weasley to arrive. "It's still the best broom on the market," said Ron, authoritatively.

When Molly Weasley got to the house she told the boys they would be traveling by Ministry car, and that the driver was waiting down the block. She hustled the boys out of the door and down the street. The day was bright and sunny with the homes around Grimmauld Place sporting flowers that perfumed the air. It almost made the dreary block of old houses look cheery in spite of themselves.

The Ministry car was waiting at the corner. It was long and black with loads of room inside. "Mum, how was dad able to get a Ministry car to drive us home?" asked Ron as they settled in for the ride.

"Your father is being relied on rather heavily at the Ministry these days. Fudge is totally lost, with You Know Who, back in the picture," explained Mrs. Weasley. "Apparently, Fudge hasn't been into the Ministry for over a week. No one will say much about where his is...or how he is. The last time your father saw Fudge, he was so jumpy, he accidentally cursed a tea table. It took an hour to catch and un-curse it. Harry and Ron found that quite funny. "Don't laugh," said Mrs. Weasley solemnly. "They are saying he is afraid to leave his house." Mrs. Weasley paused, "Your father had no trouble arranging a car for today."

When the Burrow finally came into view, Harry had the feeling of coming home. The Burrow was a quirky sort of house, but Harry thought it quite wonderful. A small flock of ducks quacked and scattered as the car pulled into the yard. As they came to a stop, Ginny came running from the house to greet them. "Grab your brooms, you two. Let's do some flying," she shouted. Ron and Harry were as keen as Ginny, having been cooped up for days. Mrs. Weasley smiled and waved them off. They headed straight for the open field where they had flown when Harry had visited before.

It was great to be in the air again. Harry felt free and relaxed on his broom. Flying always felt very natural to him. Ron, Ginny and Harry practiced Quidditch for most of the day. They took turns playing Keeper. Ron was really developing a knack for blocking the Quaffle. He had a move involving blocking the ball with a sideways swish of his broom, which was quite effective.

Ginny was in fine form. Years of playing along side her brothers had made her a tough competitive player. Her hair, which was tied away from her face, streamed behind her as she maneuvered the makeshift field. She was very quick and Harry had a difficult time trying to block her. This year, Harry felt the Gryffindor team was going to be excellent. Harry only hoped that his life time Quidditch ban, imposed by Dolores Umbridge, could be reversed.

As the afternoon wore on, Harry took a breather, flying slightly above the field of play. Ron was trying to show Ginny how she could steal the Quaffle from an opponent. Surveying the area from his perch Harry could see fields in alternating shades of green and tan. Birds sang and insects chirped in the grass. The air was infused with the smell of new mowed hay.

As Harry was appreciating nature, he was startled by unusual movement along the hedgerow to the south of the Weasley house. He started to rise up higher for a better look, but remembered that he wasn't allowed to, for fear of being seen by a muggle. Instead, he flew in the general direction of the movement for a better look, shielding his eyes from the sun. All was quiet and he detected no more movement. Perhaps he had been mistaken, or perhaps it had been an animal that he glimpsed. Suddenly Harry was pelted in the back by the Quaffle.

"C'mon, Harry, pay attention!" shouted Ginny. "It's your turn at Keeper!"

Harry forgot his momentary concern and took up his position quickly, before Ron had a chance to score on him.

At dusk, Mrs.Weasley called them in to clean up for dinner. The sky was darkening as they gathered in the kitchen near where Mrs. Weasley was making final dinner preparations. Heavenly smells rose from the steaming pots on the stove. There were several brightly wrapped gifts sitting on the side board begging to be opened. Ron and Ginny were sitting across the table from Harry, arguing loudly about broomsticks. Harry was not paying attention to what they were saying. He was taking in the scene and considering how nice it would have been to grow up in a family like this, with brothers and sisters and real parents.

Arthur Weasley returned home from the Ministry and brought Fred and George along with him. They said their hello's and made themselves at home.

"How's the joke shop then?" asked Harry.

"We've gotten things cleaned up and it's back humming along," George explained.

"We're expecting Mundungus tomorrow, with a shipment of ...well....something special," Fred said with a wink. "Should get customers streaming back in very soon."

Remus was the last to arrive and seemed in good spirits. He took Arthur aside for a brief word but Harry detected no frowns on either man's face. Meanwhile, Fred was trying to spook the cat. Ron was using his hand to show George the glide path a good, Quidditch grade, broomstick ought to be able to achieve. Not a sad or tired face in the crowd. Harry hadn't felt so happy for months. There was complete and wonderful chaos in the small kitchen as food was ferried to the table and people milled around.

Suddenly Harry's scar started to tingle and burn. He rubbed it and then realized that there was a rustling of bushes outside the house. He turned to listen and then he noticed a face pass the darkened window. Percy? Automatically he rose and withdrew his wand from his pocket. His movement attracted Ron and Ginny's attention. They froze. Ginny touched her father's arm and pointed toward Harry. Arthur looked surprised to see Harry's defensive position. "What is it Harry?" asked Arthur Weasley anxiously.

"Sorry," said Harry, lowering his wand slightly. "I thought I saw something go past that window."

Arthur and Remus immediately ran outside drawing their wands. They soon returned. Apparently they did not see any sign of intruders. Harry's scar continued to prickle and he was not able to completely relax. He was sure there had been something at the window, but what, he was not sure.

Dinner tasted great, but was dampened somewhat by Arthur and Remus getting up constantly to check at the windows. Mrs. Weasley used her best efforts to keep the atmosphere festive. Everyone else around the table was talking and laughing. Mrs. Weasley served a large sugary cake for dessert with sixteen candles that shot colored sparks. Harry blew out the candles and everyone applauded. Huge slabs of cake were passed around. Harry was enjoying the party but he kept his wand out under the tablecloth, just in case.

Birthday presents from the Weasley's included a new red sweater with a gold stripe. He knew it was something he could use since most of his clothes had been lost. There was also a travel pouch of floo powder. "It comes in handy when you need to use the floo network and you're faced with a strange fireplace," laughed Arthur. Ron gave Harry a big box of Chocolate Frogs and some Weasley fireworks called Whistling Whizzers.

"Those are fabulous fireworks, Harry. You should save them for a big occasion such as a major school revolt," laughed Fred. "Here, mate, hope you like this." Fred handed Harry a package from he and George. It contained magical water balloons. The note on the package said that you should write a persons name on the balloon with the special enclosed quill, and then fill it with water, or other substance. It would then seek out the person and drop on them.

"Super!" exclaimed Harry, passing the box to Ron so that he could see as well.

Remus gave Harry a book called "Great Magical Battles". Hermione had sent a package by owl which turned out to be a practice snitch. The box included instructions with custom spells for keeping the snitch within the practice area. All in all, it was a great birthday. Harry just wished he could shake the feeling that someone might be watching the house.

It was getting late when the meal and the gift opening were finally done and Mrs. Weasley began clearing up. Suddenly, shouts rang out somewhere outside and lights began to dance and flash across the windows. Arthur, Remus, Fred and George all headed for the door. With a backwards glance Arthur shouted, "The rest of you lot stay put."

Harry had pulled his wand out at the first shout. Ron and Ginny now did the same. Mrs. Weasley tried to shuffle them back from the windows saying that they should keep their heads down. Harry knew this was good advice but was reluctant to face Death Eaters from under the table. Fred and George came back in seconds later.

Breathlessly, Fred said "It's Percy...and some others....the aurors are out there, Kingsley and Tonks.....they've been trailing Percy" Fred was breathing hard, so George took over.

"Ya, Percy and another man are caught. They seem to think there should be one more somewhere. They are all looking now."

Mrs. Weasley's face froze in strong resolve, "take me to him, I want to talk to him!" She headed toward the door.

"Mum, I don't think it's the best time to go out there." Fred managed. "They might mistake you for a Death Eater and stun you. Dad sent us back in just so you wouldn't be worried."

"Not worried!" screamed Mrs. Weasley. "Of course I'm worried." She did not, however, go outside, but stood in the doorway straining to see into the darkness.

There were voices out in the yard, but the shouting had stopped. The lights still danced occasionally past the windows. Harry would have been glad to help with the search. He remembered the movement he noticed earlier along the hedgerow, and wondered if it was related. He was angry with himself for not investigating it at the time.

Remus came back into the house awhile later, limping slightly. He squeezed Molly Weasley's arm and then took a seat at the table where he bent to inspect his ankle.

"What happened, Remus?" she asked.

"Oh this?" Remus queried. "Tripped over a damned garden gnome in the dark."

"What about Percy?"

"Molly, he appears to be under a curse, probably the Imperius curse, we can't be sure. Kingsley said he and Tonks had been following Percy for several days, and when he took a broom ride just before dark, they followed him. He was joined by that weasel, Travers. It seems they came directly here. Seems they met someone else, but we didn't catch him. We suspect they planned to put Percy up to setting off another explosion."

"Well, why don't they bring him inside?" asked Mrs. Weasley, who was now near tears.

Remus got up and gave her a hug, rubbing her back. "They are taking him immediately to Hogwarts, for his own good. You wouldn't be able to talk to him anyway, it was necessary to stun him." What an odd end to a party Harry thought. Only an hour ago, happiness had filled this room.

When Arthur Weasley finally came back in the house he looked devastated. "There's no sugar coating this. Your brother, Percy, was probably the one who planted the exploding parcel in the joke shop," explained Mr.Weasley. "Percy was...is...under a curse. I'm sure Remus filled you in. We have sent him to Madam Pomfrey at Hogwarts, to be looked after. No one but the staff at Hogwarts will know Percy is there. We must keep this information secret so that no one from the outside attempts to get at him. Kingsley and I have put anti-intrusion charms on all the doors and windows which should serve for tonight."

"Who did it dad? Who cursed him?" asked Ginny.

"We don't know who performed the curse. Travers is denying everything. Without the specifics, it may take some time to remove. The main thing is to keep him confined and remove it as soon as we can," said Mr. Weasley.

"Will he be prosecuted?" asked George.

"We have managed to keep this completely under wraps," explained Arthur. "No one at the Ministry knows we suspected Percy, and they don't know we have him."

"Good," said Fred. "We'd like to keep this within the family." Harry was not sure what that meant, but Fred and George exchanged almost imperceptible nods.

The room was silent for a long time. Finally Ron looked around the table and said, "Percy is safe at Hogwarts, right? He can't hurt anyone and no one can get at him now, can they. So...he acted like an idiot getting into this mess, but I can't feel too sorry for him. He was awful to you, dad, and mum. He was awful to our whole family... Harry too. I say we stop talking about Percy and get some sleep."

Harry almost wanted to laugh. Ron was right, and he had certainly summarized the situation fairly.

It had been a full day and Harry ought to have been tired, what with the afternoon of exercise, the huge dinner, and then the excitement surrounding Percy. Ron, Harry and Ginny decided to go off to bed. Harry and Ron went up to Ron's bedroom, which was still festooned with Chudley Canon posters. Mrs. Weasley had left a pair of Ron's pajamas out for Harry, since he had not brought any. Before they turned in, Harry asked Ron if he was really ok about Percy.

"Hey, mate, I feel bad for my parents. Percy could have killed someone, even if he didn't know what he was doing. I guess he got caught up in something he couldn't handle." Ron seemed to feel that Percy, once un-cursed, would have some serious explaining to do.

Ron fell into bed and was quickly snoring. Harry, however, sat in the dark for a long time, unable to sleep. He worried that the house could still be attacked, as the Dursley's had been. After worrying for awhile, Harry decided to go down stairs for a drink of water and a look around.

There was a dim light in the kitchen coming from a single candle on the scrubbed wooden table. Arthur Weasley was sitting in a chair, in front of an opened copy of the Daily Prophet. He was rubbing his eyes. "Oh, Harry!" said Arthur, looking up. "Do you need anything?"

"I'm sorry, sir," said Harry in a lowered voice. "I just thought I'd get some water." Harry went to the sink and got a glass. "Is everything ok?" he asked.

"Yes, Harry, everything is just fine, I just...couldn't sleep." Mr. Weasley did not sound as though he meant it. Harry suspected that Mr. Weasley was standing guard, not simply suffering from insomnia.

"Where is Remus?" asked Harry, trying to make polite conversation.

Arthur nodded toward the darkened parlor. Harry could see that Remus was curled up on a frumpy old sofa in the darkness. After his drink, Harry turned to go back up-stairs. Arthur stopped him and pulled out a chair, motioning Harry to sit.

"Harry, I wanted to talk to you, but I haven't been able to come to headquarters for the last few days. I want to assure you that your aunt is alright. She was returned to the house before your uncle and cousin returned home. She doesn't remember the explosion. She thinks you are staying with us," explained Arthur. Harry felt a small pang of guilt because he hadn't thought about his aunt since the day he visited her in St. Mungo's.

"Err...Thank you," said Harry trying to sound grateful. He was very sure that his aunt was happy that he was not under foot in the Dursley house. "Mr.Weasley, can I ask why you didn't put Percy at St. Mungo's. Don't they have healers who do that sort of thing?"

"We aren't sure who to trust right now." admitted Mr. Weasley. "Based on some intelligence we have received, St. Mungo's may not be safe. Dumbledore feels Madam Pomfrey, who is very skilled, will be successful with Percy."

"Is this the kind of thing the Death Eaters are doing to everyone?" asked Harry.

"There have been a lot of attacks on families that openly disagree with Voldemort and his followers. The attacks seem to be designed to scare wizarding families into silence. Voldemort's tactics are to isolate and intimidate those who will not openly stand with him," sighed Arthur. "Most people just expect the Ministry to handle the problem. Unfortunately, the Ministry is hard-pressed to handle all the terrorist activities of the Death Eaters."

Harry looked toward the sleeping Remus. "Mr. Weasley," began Harry, "Have the Death Eaters killed anyone yet? I mean, besides Sirius."

Arthur looked tired and sad. "Some injuries, but no deaths ... yet. I would like to say that the Ministry could prevent the violence, but the truth is that the Death Eaters can move quickly and strike at will. I believe there will be quite a few deaths before the end," said Arthur. "That's the way of a war."

Harry imagined gangs of Death Eaters closing in on the house, although he knew he was just jumpy. He excused himself and headed up-stairs. At the top of the stairs Harry thought of asking Mr. Weasley about moving Buckbeak. He turned around and tiptoed back down toward the kitchen. As he went, he heard Mr. Weasley waking Remus, saying, "Your turn at watch, Remus." Harry stopped when he heard this and decided his question could wait till morning.

The next day, skies were grey, as the boys were returned to headquarters under the supervision of Mr. Weasley and Remus Lupin, both of whom looked terribly tired. Remus looked rumpled from sleeping in his clothes. Ron and Harry were quiet during the ride back to Grimmauld Place. Harry had a feeling it might be a while before he was allowed out of headquarters again. It seemed that Ron was very edgy. Harry suspected that, for all his harsh talk, Ron was worried about Percy.

Two days later, Dumbledore visited headquarters while Harry and Ron were playing wizard's chess. He joined them in the parlor where they had the game board perched on a table between them. Dumbledore sat down in a chair and leaned toward Ron. "I'm very sorry about what happened to Percy. We are making him comfortable at Hogwarts and Madam Pomfrey has been working very hard to reverse the curse. I am most hopeful that Percy will be restored to his original self very soon."

Ron forced a small laugh. "Well, if it's possible, could you return him a little less full of himself, sir?"

"Ahh! Humor! Always good for the soul," responded Dumbledore.

"Harry, Ron, I have your Hogwarts letters with me, including your O.W.L. grades," said Dumbledore. "Also, Harry, there is an additional letter for you from Professor McGonagall. I have some business to discuss with Remus and then I'd like a private word with you, before I leave." Dumbledore looked at Harry over his glasses and then left the room. Harry could hear him down the hall talking to Remus.

"Gee Harry, are you in trouble or something?" asked Ron.

"I don't know," said Harry, "maybe after I open this letter I will be."

Ron and Harry ripped open their letters. Harry's mouth had suddenly gone dry. He was hoping that his grades would not be too bad. Both boys pitched aside the note from McGonagall giving the book list for the coming year and turned to their O.W.L. grade sheets.

Harry read the list:

Astronomy - E

Care of Magical Creatures - E

Charms - E

Defense Against The Dark Arts - O (with special commendations)

Divination - A

Herbology - E

History of Magic - D

Potions - E

Transfiguration - O

Well that could have been worse, thought Harry. He was actually moderately relieved. He must have done better on the Astronomy exam than he thought. History of Magic was no surprise, as he had passed out before he had completed it. He had been expecting a failing mark.

Ron swallowed hard. "How many O.W.Ls for you, Harry?" he asked.

"Well, if each "O" counts for two and each "E" counts for one, then...looks like nine. And you?" asked Harry.

"Only seven. Mum will kill me," moaned Ron.

"But Ron," replied Harry. "Fred and George got less than that between them, didn't they?"

"Ya, and mum almost disowned them. Plus they had a career figured out that only took money, not grades," Ron mumbled.

Harry laughed, "Well it took talent too, just a strange sort of talent."

"I guess," said Ron. "That doesn't make me feel any better." He paused. "Well I can't change them now."

Harry wanted to cheer Ron up. Harry knew that once Mrs. Weasley got done with him, Ron would still have to face Hermione, who probably had gotten all "O"'s.

"Look Ron, you didn't get any "D"s, and I did," said Harry passing his letter to Ron.

"No offense Harry, but you aren't going to get yelled at for it, are you." Ron, of course, was right and it hit Harry hard. No one would care how he had done. Harry didn't let on, but he rather wished someone cared enough about his future to yell at him occasionally. He was sure though, that Ron would not see it that way right now.

"Might as well have another game," Ron sighed. Harry agreed, so they set up the board and resumed playing.

Dumbledore appeared in the doorway a few minutes later. "Harry, can I see you now?"

"Sure," said Harry, suddenly quite nervous. He rose from his seat and tripped over the leg of the table, catching himself on the arm of his chair

"I'll go see what Dobby is cooking for us tonight," said Ron, jumping up and heading for the kitchen. Dumbledore patted Ron's shoulder and smiled as he left the room. Harry wished Ron would have stayed.

"Harry, I wish to speak to you about your future, that is to say, your career path," began Dumbledore. A moment ago Harry was wishing for just this, but now he wished he were somewhere else. "Harry, I am exceptionally proud of your O.W.L. scores. Given what you were put through last year, you performed admirably." Harry could not hide the look of surprise on his face.

"Well sir, I should have done a bit better... I mean... I could have done better on some things if I studied more..." Harry trailed off. If Dumbledore had yelled at him, Harry would have felt better. Now he felt guilty that he had not tried harder.

"Harry, did you understand the arrangement that Professor McGonagall proposes in her note?" asked Dumbledore. Harry looked confused. Then he remembered the second letter, which he had forgotten to open.

"Oh, I forgot," said a red-faced Harry. He rifled through the papers and found the unopened parchment envelope with his name printed neatly on the front. He tore it open carefully.

Dear Mr. Potter,

I am, of course, privy to the grade reports of all students and so I am aware that you have not achieved the O.W.L. grade required by Professor Snape to allow you to continue in N.E.W.T. level Potions. However, you were very close to an "O". I made a promise to you last term concerning your chosen career, and I intend to keep it. If you are still of the same mind, I will organize outside lessons in Potions to bring you in line to achieve a N.E.W.T., which is required for those desiring to become Aurors.

Please see me once the term begins.

Minerva McGonagall,

Deputy Headmistress

"Oh," was all Harry could say, as he lowered the letter. Dumbledore saved him the trouble of commenting further.

"Harry, I am making some arrangements concerning you, which are unique for Hogwarts students. For example, I wish you to learn Apparition as soon as possible. Apparition provides you with some options, in an emergency situation," explained Dumbledore. "Normally you would not receive this training until the end of this next school year and would take your test over the summer, after you turned seventeen. However, we wish you to begin training for this as soon as you return to school, and even though you will not be licensed by the Ministry until next year, you should be capable of Apparition by Halloween."

"Great," said Harry. This was good news.

"Details are still pending, but these extra lessons may mean quite a full schedule for you." Dumbledore winked, "I have to get back to Hogwarts now. I'll see you soon, Harry." Dumbledore left the room and with a pop, he vanished.

Harry had not considered that extra lessons would mean more homework. Now he became rather annoyed. What did McGonagall and Dumbledore have planned for him now? He really did want to have a chance at becoming an auror. He guessed he'd have to see what McGonagall worked out. He felt he could tolerate extra lessons, with her, if needed.

The summer vacation was drawing to an end. Mrs. Weasley insisted that Ron come home several days before the departure of the Hogwarts Express. She said Ron needed to pack his trunk and clean up his room. Ron did not think his room needed a cleaning, but Molly Weasley would not be moved. Bill showed up to collect Ron. Conceding defeat, Ron said he would catch up with Harry on the train.

Remus told him that they would go together to Diagon Alley, in the morning, to get school books and some new robes. Harry was to have a guard of at least two Order members. Again, he had the feeling of being a caged animal. He wondered to himself if they would let him ride the train to Hogwarts without a guard.

That night the house seemed rather dismal. Ever since the day following the explosion at Privet Drive, Harry's mind had been occupied because Ron and he had been together. Now he was sitting in front of a fire, in the silent parlor, and feelings of despair were creeping in around the edges. Remus entered the parlor and pulled up a chair next to him. He pulled out a pipe and lit it. Smoke curled lazily upward toward the dark ceiling.

"Well, Harry, it's back to school in two days time," said Remus. "Are you looking forward to seeing all your friends?"

"Yes, I guess so," said Harry, rather too quietly.

Remus glanced over toward Harry who was slouched down in his chair. "Is something wrong?"

Harry thought there were so many things wrong, that it was hard to know where to start, but certainly Remus knew that. "I keep thinking how it was my fault that Sirius died. He died because of what I didn't know." Harry rubbed his scar, but this time the pain went much deeper. His thoughts were confused as he struggled for words to express his concerns. "There is so much I don't know, and the problem is, I don't know that I don't know it." Harry paused and turned toward Remus. "How can I be certain I won't cause someone else's death by something that I do, or I don't do?" he asked with frustration in his voice.

"Harry, certainly Dumbledore has told you that no one considers you to blame in any way for Sirius' death. I knew Sirius for many, many years and he was not a person who could be controlled. Confining him in this house was never going to work out. Did you know he was already slipping out at nights and doing work for the Order, but without their knowledge?" asked Remus. "He had done so for a few weeks prior to that night in the Department of Mysteries. He would pass information along to me if he got anything. Sirius was chafing for a fight and he was bound to have one sooner or later. Harry, Sirius made a choice that night. You made a choice that night. If you think about it, you both chose to try to save each other."

"Yes, and one of us died for no reason," countered Harry, glumly.

Remus shook his head and went on, "Don't forget the good that came out of that battle. Voldemort thinks the prophesy is lost to him. Lucius and his gang found that you didn't know the prophesy, which, they will report to Voldemort. Also we captured a number of Death Eaters who would still be at large."

"That doesn't make up for Sirius' death," Harry said flatly.

Remus took a long draw on his pipe and slowly exhaled the smoke. "No, I guess it doesn't." There was silence in the house so deep that Harry felt adrift in blackness. His only anchor was the firelight.

"Nothing can bring back Sirius," said Remus. "We each have to find a way to honor the man he was. I hope that you will honor him by trying to learn all you can, so you can resist Voldemort."

"That's the other thing, though isn't it?" snapped Harry. "I have to fight Voldemort to the death."

Remus sighed. "Harry, the prophesy is not exact, and it does not take into consideration the choices you may make and the choices Voldemort may make."

"What choice do I have?" queried Harry half-heartedly. He was in no mood for false optimism.

"You always have a choice, Harry. It's up to you to decide in your heart what the best path is. Sometimes things will go well... sometimes not. Remember, if you just do nothing, and wait for others to decide your fate, that is also a choice." Remus took another puff on the pipe. "In the end Harry, no one will require you to face Voldemort."

Harry stared into the flames and considered this. What did Remus mean? He wasn't out looking for Voldemort. Voldemort had been pursuing him since he was one year old. In his opinion he'd escaped so far by sheer luck. Eventually his luck was bound to run out.

Harry recalled the feeling he had in the Ministry of Magic when Voldemort had entered his body and taunted Dumbledore to kill him. Harry had wished for death at that moment. The pain had been so great; both the physical pain from his scar and the emotional pain of the loss of his godfather.

"Harry," said Remus after a time. "I hope that you realize how much respect we all have for you and the rough time you have had. Not many people could have experienced the things you have experienced, and got through it so well. You're tough, like your father, Harry. Your father was a good man and he would have been so very proud of the man you are becoming."

Harry turned his head and tried to wipe his eyes without being noticed. He was glad of the darkness. Remus and Harry sat for a long while, in silence, staring at the dwindling flames until they turned to ashes.