Lily's Charm

1996

Severus caught Harry's arm as he faltered a little over the edge of the hearth rug. "Even when I manage to step through without falling all over myself, I still trip," he muttered as he straightened. Severus' lips twitched in faint amusement as he let Harry's arm free.

"One does wonder how you manage to walk the halls of Hogwarts on your own," he remarked as he shook out his robes to remove the residual soot.

"I'm not clumsy," Harry objected indignantly. His father raised a brow. "It's the Floo," Harry insisted, pulling a face as he brushed at his jumper.

"Of course," Severus intoned, his lips not quite still as he removed his now-clean robes and set them neatly over the stuffed armchair to reveal the unrelenting black beneath them.

Harry scowled at him good-naturedly. He looked around the room, rubbing his arms briskly at the change in temperature from Grimmauld Place. His father glanced at him, his mouth turning down in a frown. "Are you cold?" he asked.

"A bit," Harry shrugged. Severus pulled out his wand, directing a Warming Charm over him.

"Better?" he inquired expectantly.

"Yeah, thanks," Harry murmured; the warmth was already spreading over him, stretching toward his limbs. Severus nodded in response, sheathing his wand again and Harry continued his quick surveillance of the parlor. It looked just the same as it had when they'd been here only days before, save the three rucksacks sitting in a neat row in front of the sofa. He didn't know what he was looking for exactly, except perhaps a distraction.

"You will see them again, Harry," his father's deep voice interrupted his thoughts. Harry glanced back at him, startled. The black eyes smiled and Harry turned fully around again.

"It just seems odd not to have them here," he admitted with a short shrug. Severus nodded.

"They have been through much with you," he noted simply. Harry chewed the corner of his lip.

"They shouldn't have been," he said after a minute. "I've gotten all of them almost killed more than once," he said with more bitterness than he'd realized he even felt over the many adventures he'd shared with his friends. Severus crossed the room toward him, his steps purposeful.

"Sit," he directed, pointing to the sofa. Harry opened his mouth to argue that he didn't need to talk about this, but his father gave him a pointed look, reminding him of their agreement and despite himself, Harry smiled as he moved to comply. His father sat next to him, his eyes firm as he began speaking. "Harry, you are not to blame for what happened--not for any of it," he stressed. "Voldemort is the only one who can make that claim."

"I know." Harry nodded quickly, but Severus shook his head.

"You may realize it intellectually," he agreed, "but you have a rather unfortunate habit of taking on responsibilities that are not yours to take." He studied Harry before continuing, "Lupin has the right to choose this course."

Harry pressed his lips tightly together. "If something happens to him-"

"It will not be your fault," Severus told him firmly. Harry stared at him.

His breathing was beginning to feel erratic. But it would be no use to argue. They'd been over this, hadn't they? Without meaning to, he wondered what reaction James and Sirius would have when they saw their friend again. Harry closed his eyes and turned his head away. Voldemort was determined to kill everybody he loved. How had he ever doubted it? The bastard wouldn't rest until he'd annihilated everything. He'd find a way, no matter what they did...

"Harry," his father's soft voice broke through his distress. Harry opened his eyes; Severus had shifted so that Harry was staring into the warm black. "Lupin possesses a strength I did not realize he was capable of," he said quietly, "and moreover, he wants to live. He will not give up, of that I am certain."

Harry swallowed the pain that had been slowly rising through him. It was worse, far worse to imagine his friend's death than to think of his own. But he found himself nodding at his father's words. Harry knew his dad wouldn't say them if he didn't firmly believe they were true, not about Remus anyway. And he could feel his father's sincerity...his own determination that Harry's friend--that their friend would not be lost.

"What happened between the two of you?" Harry asked after he'd absorbed the weight of his father's words, again venturing where he normally wouldn't.

Oddly, Severus didn't hesitate before he answered, "He warned Albus of my plans to accompany you beyond the veil."

Harry pursed his lips, thinking how much things had changed since Remus and Dumbledore had Flooed into their quarters. "Why did you even tell him?" he asked, worried about the answer he was almost certain he already knew. His father narrowed his eyes a little.

"To secure his assistance," he answered without a trace of remorse in his voice. Harry goggled at him.

"You asked him to kill you?" he demanded, sitting up straighter.

"If it came down to it, yes."

Harry glared at him.

"No wonder he went to Dumbledore. He would have thought you were mad!" he growled. Severus didn't deny it. And Harry, though it was utterly twisted, smiled. His father was mad enough to make sure Harry didn't walk this journey alone. He was still grateful Remus had gone to Dumbledore though. "I'll have to thank him for being a nark," he said seriously.

His father blinked and then a tiny smile flitted across his lips. He didn't respond though save a nod of confirmation at such a plan. As Harry leaned against the back of the couch, he wondered how much it would take to get his father to thank Remus as well. He wasn't quite brave enough to ask.

--

The Floo opened and Remus and Dumbledore stepped through together. Both of them smiled. Severus stood in one fluid movement and Harry followed suit, though in a much more fumbled manner.

"Is everything prepared?" Severus asked as soon as he was standing. Dumbledore nodded.

"The locket and cup are secured," he answered. "Are you ready to apply the Charm now?" he asked after Severus had nodded in satisfaction.

"The one you mentioned last night?" Harry interjected.

"The very same," Dumbledore told him with another smile. He explained at Severus' nod, "It is in essence a Sticking Charm, though it has been modified extensively."

"A Sticking Charm?" Harry repeated, looking back and forth in confusion between his father and Dumbledore. "To make our connection stronger?" he asked, not understanding in the least how a Sticking Charm would help with that.

"Proximity increases the strength of your connection," Dumbledore reminded him, and though Harry nodded, he still didn't see the point. He'd just stay close to his father; he'd have to anyway to activate the Charm since they needed to be together to accomplish it.

"It is not only to strengthen our connection," Severus explained. "We will not be able to be separated by more than centimeters," his father continued. Harry furrowed his brow, completely thrown by this news.

"Why?" he asked.

"It would be logical for Voldemort to wish to separate us once we are with him." Harry paled at the thought and immediately the flame warmed beside his storm. "He will not succeed," Severus assured him and Harry swallowed as he nodded slowly. He glanced over at Remus, still standing quietly beside the Headmaster.

"What about Remus?" Harry asked softly, but Remus shook his head.

"The Charm was modified by Professor Dumbledore to interact with your connection," he said and Harry could feel his insides tangling.

"But what if they separate you from us?" he asked, his voice trembling just slightly. The thought of his friend alone with Death Eaters made him feel a violent urge to retch. But Remus simply shook his head.

"I'll be all right. The others will be there as well," he reminded him when Harry wanted to protest. But it would be no use to protest. Remus was coming with them, no matter what Harry said. So he nodded in resignation, feeling more secure than he probably should, remembering his father's words earlier. And he didn't want to dwell on it.

"All right," he conceded, turning again toward his dad. "This Sticking Charm, then?" Remus and Dumbledore looked surprised at his acquiescence. His father nodded a little at him and Harry felt better still.

"Albus will cast the Charm. You will be unable to leave my side," Severus told him. Harry knew he was offering him a choice, though of course they both knew Harry would do whatever Severus thought best.

So Harry nodded. Dumbledore smiled a little as he withdrew his wand; his eyes were warm. And Harry had a sudden urge to thank the Headmaster for last night. Before the Headmaster could begin chanting, Harry said sincerely, "Thank you for giving us those documents last night, sir."

Dumbledore's blue eyes widened slightly behind his spectacles. And then his faded lips stretched into a slow smile. "You are very welcome, my dear boy." And Harry was glad he had said the words.

Harry, still affected by the other farewells he'd made, swallowed around the knot in his throat. "And thank you, sir, for everything else you've done for me." There had been mistakes to be sure, but Dumbledore had meant well. He must have.

The Headmaster's eyes grew shiny. "You are most welcome Harry," he murmured and then his eyes clouded a bit. "And I have been meaning to speak with you about the Dursleys." He blinked rapidly. "I am very sorry for the pain you endured while you lived there. It does not excuse it, but I simply did not know how else to keep you safe," he offered quietly. Harry nodded as soon as the words left Dumbledore's mouth.

"I know, sir," he said quickly. "You did the best you could." He had not forgotten the discussion he'd had with his father about the Headmaster and though Harry didn't know that he had really forgiven him, he was beginning to understand that Dumbledore, although a brilliant wizard was more importantly, simply a man, flawed and imperfect. It was a comforting thought.

Dumbledore, looking older and frailer than Harry had ever noticed him to be, brushed delicately at the corners of his eyes. "Thank you, Harry," he said, his voice shaky and Harry returned the proffered smile and after a short silence, Dumbledore gestured toward Harry and Severus. "If you're ready..."

Severus took a sideways step toward Harry, so that they were a mere ten centimeters apart. "Stand still," he directed and Harry nodded, his almost nonexistent movements ceasing. Severus almost smiled at his son's overactive compliance. Albus was watching them with expectant eyes; Severus inclined his head.

Albus took a breath, somehow holding both gazes as he waved his wand in an intricate arc. "Redimio animus corpus substantia," he chanted delicately and Severus heard his son draw in a breath of surprise even as Severus felt himself drawn toward Harry.

He wondered how the hell he was supposed to use the toilet now... And then the urge to hug Lupin and share the same sentiments of gratitude with him that he'd just exchanged with Dumbledore choked him; he wrestled it back down again. He gasped as he found himself staring up at his father...but he wasn't scared of this man. Not like he was Tobias...

"Harry!"

The sharp voice broke Severus free.

Harry was the one sprawled on the floor, blinking up at him and Severus found himself half-lying across his chest. He pulled himself up abruptly, fearful of his weight against his son's slight frame. "Harry?" he questioned roughly, "are you all right?"

Harry nodded blearily as he lifted his head up off the floor. Severus closed his fingers gently around his bicep and helped him into a sitting position. "What happened?" Harry asked dazedly as he rubbed the sting out of his elbow.

"I am uncertain," his father told him. "I felt as though I was you again." Harry grimaced as he made a move to get up. His father's hand firmed around his arm; Harry stilled.

"That was not an intentional effect." Dumbledore gazed at them from where he knelt beside Remus on the floor.

"The Charm seems to have worked though," Remus nodded, explaining, "Severus, you were pulled down with Harry when he fell."

"What do you remember?" Severus asked his son. Harry's eyebrows scrunched together and Severus could feel his son's confusion. Harry's eyes widened as he looked at his father. He shook his head. I was thinking of Tobias and Dumbledore, his wisp whispered as though the others might hear. Severus' features stilled.

Could you see Tobias' face? the flame quirked the question and Harry nodded without meaning to.

I don't know what he looks like, the storm faltered next to the flame's comforting warmth. But he had seen Tobias so clearly, a tall, stately man with black hair and nose like Severus' own.

"Just as it happened in our quarters," Severus mused and Harry tried to grasp the concept. It was just too strange.

"I felt confused...and dizzy, I guess," he said after a moment and watched as his father's eyes flicked to the Headmaster. Dumbledore sighed.

"I imagine it was simply because he was overwhelmed," he inferred quietly. "I don't have any other answers I'm afraid," he told them, sounding vastly dissatisfied. Harry moved to stand. Severus shook his head though, his eyes dark. Harry looked at him, his eyes questioning. Severus pulled his wand out and ran it over his son swiftly. The concern didn't' leave his eyes.

"Is something wrong?" Remus asked anxiously and Harry was relieved when his father gave a negative shake of his head.

"The Spell reveals nothing," he admitted. The concern remained, uncovered, through his features.

"I'm all right," Harry told him firmly. Severus, though he looked unconvinced, nodded briskly and helped him back to his feet. Harry allowed Severus to support him lightly as his stood, knowing it would alleviate some of his father's anxiety. When Severus was convinced Harry was not going to collapse again, he relinquished his hold.

Remus took Dumbledore's elbow as the older man began to rise; Remus guided him upward. Dumbledore thanked him with his eyes before turning again to Severus and Harry. "Shall we test the Charm?" he inquired. Severus nodded.

"Harry, step to the left," Severus directed. Harry took one step away from his father and then tried to take another but his feet were held solidly; he couldn't move even a millimeter. He fought against it for few seconds, doing his best to turn in every direction but it was no use. He was stuck. He frowned.

"This is bizarre," he muttered as he finally stilled his movements. Remus was the only one smiling at his declaration. Severus resumed his position next to Harry. And then he imitated Harry's attempt to move away. One step and then another and Harry felt himself being pulled along, matching Severus' footsteps. He watched his father's movements warily.

"It appears the Spell chose you as the leader, not unexpectedly," Dumbledore said to Severus as he watched them. Harry didn't really like the sound of that, even though he really had no plans to tear off away from his father.

"What does that mean?" he asked, not really wanting to hear the answer.

"You will follow where ever your father leads," Dumbledore explained with a smile. "And if necessary, he can break the Charm. I would not advise doing that more than a few times as I believe it will weaken the Charm," he cautioned and Severus nodded in agreement. Harry barely heard them as he had focused solely on the puppet-like aspects of the Charm.

"So I can only be a step away from you," he concluded, looking decidedly disgruntled by the news. Severus allowed the corner of his lip to raise a fraction.

"We will use a Spell in lieu of the toilet," he informed Harry lightly. Harry's eyebrows climbed behind his fringe.

"What?" he sputtered, his green eyes full of incredulity. How had his father known he was thinking about that? Severus nodded calmly, though he was aware that Harry could read his amusement. Severus watched as his son struggled not to make a face at him. "Urg," he finally managed, resigning himself to the indignity. Harry turned back to face Albus and Lupin, both of whom were smiling. Harry didn't restrain himself from making a face at Lupin. Lupin chuckled. "Yeah, yeah," Harry muttered at him.

"It will not be for long," Severus tried to reassure him, but Harry simply frowned in response.

"How are we supposed to sleep?" Harry continued to grouse and Severus was strangely encouraged by his son's sulking. He turned to Albus, giving Harry time to absorb this particular injustice.

"Is everyone in place?" he inquired. Albus nodded, his eyes still dancing in merriment at Harry's angst.

"They are outside the village proper, awaiting your arrival," he confirmed.

"We should prepare to leave," Severus decided. Albus agreed.

"I will be waiting for your message," he told them solemnly. And before Severus could say anything, the Headmaster extended his hand. Severus, the discomfort tearing at him, accepted Albus' gesture. "Take care, Severus," his mentor said warmly, though his eyes were filled with melancholy.

"And yourself as well, Albus," Severus returned, keeping his voice perfectly even. Albus smiled at him before turning to Lupin. He gave the other man a similar message; Lupin's eyes were filled with tears as he wished the Headmaster well.

Albus turned back to Harry. "Harry," he began thickly but before he could finish, Harry had stepped toward him, and Severus was drawn forward as well. He watched as Harry wrapped his arms around the Headmaster. Albus looked briefly startled before his features turned joyous; he returned Harry's embrace. "Good luck, child." he whispered hoarsely. Harry nodded against the star-specked robes. The muscles in Severus' face struggled to crumple but he kept himself stiff and erect beside his son.

Harry pulled back, his eyebrows puckered. Albus looked around at them with a watery smile. Then he turned away toward the fireplace and erupted in flames. The trio watched him go, the air around them heavy.

Harry's sigh eventually broke the silence.

Severus and Remus turned to him. "Isn't it going to be just a bit odd that I'm stuck to your side?" he asked irritably, his mind obviously having separated very little from his previous problem. He frowned at the two men as they glanced at one another. Remus looked highly amused. Harry crossed his arms over his chest. "Especially if we're three men walking about," he insisted.

"We will not be where others will see us," his father returned, seeming unconcerned with the situation.

Well of course he wasn't; he wasn't the one who would be dragged along like a sodding puppy. He mumbled as much, and then watched with further irritation as Remus' lips pressed together as he tried not to laugh.

Severus simply raised an eyebrow at his son's remark before as pulling out the three identical flasks of Polyjuice. "We need to leave," he noted. Harry sighed again and held his hand out for his flask. Severus gave it to him, reminding him to remove his glasses first. Harry slid them into his pocket before he popped the cork out and watched as the hair was dropped in, making the sludge sizzle a bit. The process was repeated with the other two flasks and with a silent nod from Severus, the three wizards knocked back a measure of Potion.

"Ugh," Harry groaned, though it wasn't really any worse than he remembered. Remus made a face as well as the Potion slithered its' disgusting way down his throat. Severus' face remained impassive; his muscles didn't even twitch as he swallowed.

And then their features, their entire bodies contorted as the Potion worked its way into their stomachs. It didn't hurt exactly but it wasn't a pleasant sensation either His body was stretched and plied nastily until he'd grown close to a dozen centimeters, his hair shortening and neatening. His jumper and pants were much too short--and tight. He tugged absently at his sleeves, uselessly trying to draw them back over his wrists as he watched his father and Remus finish their own transformations.

And then two lads, barely older than Harry really was, were standing in front of him. One slouched easily in his thick jumper and trousers, while the other stood stiffly, looking completely out of place in his pressed black trousers and waistcoat. With a quick wave, the clothes were replaced. He looked even more of out of place. Harry couldn't help but smile.

"We will need to enlarge your clothes," his father's deep voice rumbled from the stranger's face and Harry started at the disconnect.

"Erm, all right," he said quickly, unable to stop himself from staring at the blond-haired man who was his father.

"Augeo," Severus commanded, directing his wand at both Harry's trousers and jumper, though he moved it in a very specific pattern so the spell would recognize precisely how and what to enlarge.

Harry shifted inside his clothes; the fit was much better and he nodded at the blond eyebrow raised in question. "That's better," he added, running a hand through his hair. "What color is my hair?" he asked curiously. Remus grinned and produced a small mirror. Harry blinked at the face in front of him.

"I'm a bloody wanker," he burst out. He looked like a darker counterpart to Draco Malfoy. The aristocratic features were staring back at him in haughty disdain.

"Harry," Severus chided, his dark voice full of disapproval, the light eyebrows furrowed. The look did not match his new persona. Harry smirked at him, tossing the mirror back to Remus, who caught it easily.

"Where did you find these three?" Harry shook his head in dismay. "We look like a brochure for Eton," he decided, taking in their features again. Snobs. His father and Remus stared at him.

"Eton?" Remus' gentle black curls swayed a bit as he shook his head in confusion.

"Snooty Muggle school," Harry provided.

"Ah." Remus nodded knowingly. "Then we're three pretentious lads, mucking about the countryside on holiday," he said, pitching his voice so that he sounded remarkably like Lucius. Harry laughed, feeling suddenly exhilarated by the idea of the expedition they were about to have.

"This is not an adventure," Severus interceded automatically, his blue eyes narrowed at both of them. Harry cocked his head, feeling bold.

"That look works better on the bat of the dungeons," he said critically. His father's eyes narrowed even further and Harry fought himself not to laugh.

"You do realize I have no compunction against restricting your access to your friends for the foreseeable future once we return to Hogwarts," Severus informed his son silkily.

"Right," Harry scoffed. "We off the baddest villain in Britain and the first thing you do is ground me. I can see the headlines now..." He smirked while his father raised an eye brow.

"The baddest villain?" he repeated in disbelief, unable to keep the humor from his voice.

Harry nodded briskly. "Harry Snape," he drawled, adopting an announcer's voice as he looked importantly at his father and Remus, "after the successful defeat of He Who Must Not be Named, is sent to his room for cheekiness."

Remus couldn't hold his laughter in anymore. He chuckled deeply; the sound was a release and Harry chortled along with him. Severus shook his head at the two of them, his lips twitching despite his efforts to keep them still. Watching his son laughing was a balm; the tightness in his chest loosened a little as he listened to the sound. He allowed Harry and Lupin to let their tension ease until both of them were simply smiling at one another, their laughter settled between them.

He bent to retrieve the sacks on the floor, handing them to their respective owners, along with coats for the pair, as well as himself. Harry was still grinning as he adjusted the strap over his shoulder.

"We will need to retreat beyond the wards in order to Apparate," he said for Harry's benefit. Harry nodded, his face taking on an apprehensive hue. "It will likely be severely disorienting," Severus told him honestly, "but less so than if you were by yourself." Harry nodded, his reassurance fairly easy to detect.

"Ready?" Harry asked of Lupin. Lupin nodded, his face relaxed even though the smile had disappeared.

Severus nodded once at Lupin, and turned sharply on his heel. Harry fell in beside him with Lupin trailing slightly behind. Severus ignored the slight pang as the heavy front door shut behind them. He closed the negative thoughts away. He was determined to give Harry every bit of hope that he had. They would need to it to survive the days ahead.

As soon as they'd stepped beyond the boundary of the wards, Severus glanced over to Lupin, ensuring that he was ready. At his swift nod, Severus put his arm around his son's shoulder and drew him close. Harry moved in easily, showing no surprise at the movement. He put one arm around his father's waist, and used his other hand to grip tightly against the front of Severus' coat.

"Ready?" Severus asked, keeping his voice calm. Harry nodded.

His father turned swiftly. Harry was disoriented as the trees and grass seemed to lose their substance, the colors swirling into dizzying patterns of light and sound...and then he was inside out. Getting back to rights added even more nausea as his eyes danced with colors he didn't think he'd ever seen before. Had he ever even been before?

"Shit," he gasped as his body shouted back into existence. He was almost certain he was being held firmly against his father's chest, but it was hard to tell as the sky wouldn't quit spinning. "Does it always feel like that?" he asked as the stars slowed their dance.

"I have never found the sensation pleasant," his father told him, still holding Harry close.

"Tonks enjoys Apparating," Remus announced from his other side. Harry turned slowly.

"Enjoys it!" he echoed. "She's mad!" he claimed as he shook his head; the stars tittered at him. Remus was grinning.

"She seems to find the happy bits in everything," he said with a shrug, his eyes dancing with mirth. That made sense, Harry supposed. The twins had seemed to experience no problems when they'd Apparated and they seemed very like Tonks in many ways.

"That had no happy bits," he said anyway, shuddering a little. He unfolded himself as Severus loosened his hold.

"It would have been worse on your own," he reminded his son. Harry made a face. He'd have to remember not to be too eager when it came time to get his license. He felt the fleeting taunt of such a hope behind his eyes, but he ignored it, turning a bit to survey the new surroundings. A tremor coursed through him.

"Harry?" his father quickly questioned. Harry stared at the manor. It looked familiar; the light of the moon flickered eerily against its sharply slanted spires. Harry shook his head to clear his mind. And then the air shimmered around them and Bill solidified into existence.

They exchanged identifications. "You made it," Bill greeted with a smile. "Mad-Eye and Shacklebolt are circling the Perimeter," he informed them, looking slightly confusedly between the trio.

Severus nodded once toward Harry. "Harry is beside me and Lupin is beside him." Bill relaxed as little as Severus turned to face Harry. Harry didn't even have to look up at all, even though they were virtually standing nose to nose. "Our agreement is in full effect," Severus reminded his son firmly, and somehow he managed to look stern wearing the face of a boy barely past his teenage years.

"I know," Harry assured him, though he wasn't exactly sure what his father could possibly be expecting of him since they were, for all purposes, bound together.

As though he was reading his thoughts, his father said swiftly, "I will be able to separate us briefly, should it become necessary."

Harry's chest began to tingle as he remembered the Headmaster's words earlier about the topic. "Dad," he began to protest, but Severus shook his head firmly.

"I will not debate this point with you, Harry" he asserted. Harry set his teeth, but he nodded. He wouldn't win. His father nodded, only once to emphasize his point and then he turned again to address Bill. "Send a signal to Alastor and Kingsley to let them know we are entering the house."

Weasley nodded and with a gentle swish of his wand, a silver fish zinged from the end and swam away through the air, its tail flicking as it went. Satisfied, Severus motioned for Weasley to take the lead. He did so, after disappearing under his Disillusionment Charm again. Lupin brought up the rear and then the four men made their way cautiously toward the mansion.

The long walk played nervously against Severus. He could feel Harry's agitation beside him, though he couldn't find a reason for it, other than the expected tension he had been experiencing since the beginning of this. But Harry's eyes were darting back and forth, as though he was searching for something. Severus' eyes roamed the landscape as well. There was very little to see, save trees and long stretches of grass. There was a small hovel, barely standing, as they neared the castle-esque house.

He felt Harry shiver beside him. Severus directed his flames to warm the iced-over storm and Harry glanced over at him briefly, his lips ghosting a smile of gratitude. Severus applied pressure against his son's shoulder as they continued up the sloping path to the door. The doorknob was jiggled by an invisible hand and then a soft, "Alohamora," split the air. The old door creaked, though it was barely audible beneath the wind which seemed to be howling louder now.

Severus and Harry stepped through the door.

Harry's pulse was hammering against his temples, igniting the dull ache around his eyes. "Stay close," his father murmured softly and Harry thought that if the creeping dread wasn't shadowing everything else, he might have laughed.

There was a long, winding staircase looming ahead of them and Harry's muscles fretted against the dinner he wished he hadn't eaten. He wondered vaguely if his father's Cleansing Spells were as good as Dumbledore's had been that day...

"Upstairs?" Bill's disembodied voice questioned.

"Yes," Harry answered. Both his father and Lupin looked at him in surprise, but his father didn't disagree, so they moved toward the steps.

The stairs creaked as they climbed and Harry wanted to tell Remus to switch places with Bill so that he could make sure his friend was okay. There was something off about this place. And there were conversations, snatches teasing against his memory. Dumbledore's voice was there and another...two more. "Where his father lived," Dumbledore's voice told him as they halted at the top of the stairs in front of a sparse room.

Heavy curtains against a broken pane of glass. A chair, with its back to them.

They stepped inside and Harry felt as though he was falling. "He's been here," he murmured; the wind cracked the air. "Voldemort," he breathed as he felt his father's long fingers against his arm. "With Crouch's son, I mean," he clarified quickly and then the three spun around as the violent sound of glass shattering assaulted their ears. Severus and Remus vaulted in front of Harry, their wands drawn.

"Downstairs," Remus hissed. Severus' fingers tightened around Harry's arm and then Harry was spun around so that he was looking at his father.

"Stay here," Severus ordered fiercely and Harry paused only a second before the imposter blue eyes hardened and Harry nodded jerkily. And then in a movement so swift, it left him breathless, Harry was behind the heavy velvet curtains.

He felt the grime of dust falling around him steadily as multiple Concealment Charms were cast over him. He heard his father snapping, "Weasley!" And then it was silent.