The Man of the Moment

Chapter Four: Order, Order!

Sitting at the dinner table with most of the Weasleys, Hermione, Lupin, Tonks, Mad-Eye Moody and Mudungus Fletcher in Grimmauld Place, Harry thought you could cut the tension with a Severing Charm. Clearly, nobody knew what they ought to say in front of Hermione. Mrs. Weasley satisfied herself with endless offers of second helpings and topping up drinks. Moody, however, had a far more novel way of filling in the silences.

"Well, I think it's safe to say Voldemort's coming out in force now," he announced, grimly, whilst stabbing a potato with his fork. Mrs. Weasley glared at him.

"Alastor!" she hissed, before shooting a surreptitious glance at Hermione, who noticed Mrs. Weasley's reaction. Harry felt a wave of sympathy as he watched her quietly sigh, drop her head slightly and slowly carry on eating. Mad-Eye Moody was oblivious to all of this.

"Well, there's no point coddling them now, Molly. Not when things have got so serious. You'll have to watch yourselves at school, kids. Brethren or no, chances are Voldemort's going to try and attack- especially with you there, Harry!"

He looked directly at Harry with both his normal eye and his swivelling magical blue one. Harry felt slightly queasy- knowing you were in danger was one thing, but being reminded of it constantly was entirely another.

"Don't you worry, laddie," he continued, unabated, "I trust the Brethren. Anyone who's dedicated their lives to exterminating Death Eaters is alright in my book."

Harry looked across at Lupin, whose face had set in an expression of concern. He appeared somewhat dubious; though he said nothing. Moody's magical eye swivelled in Lupin's direction.

"You know something Lupin? You'd make a rubbish spy," he said, blithely, and Lupin dropped his fork at the comment.

"I don't know what you're talking about," he retorted, in a voice far calmer than his facial expression would have suggested. Moody laughed, and the sound was gravelly and gruff.

"Come on, Lupin, don't sit on the fence- tell us what you really think, because it's written all over your face," he challenged. Lupin picked his fork back up and moved his vegetables around his plate with deliberate precision.

"I just... I can see where they're coming from, and they have some good ideas, but... well, their attitude to life and death just seems so cavalier. I just think that they're stooping to Voldemort's level," he said, concentrating more and more on his meal the further into his explanation he got.

"What makes you think that? From what I can tell, they don't kill unless they've no other option- that's more than Crouch ever did," Moody said, still eating quite happily. Everyone at the table stared at Lupin with interest, and he seemed visibly uncomfortable with the attention his opinion was garnering.

"Just something Persephone was on about- the casual way she talked about her deaths..."

"Well, she's used to it," Tonks butted in.

"She only found out a few months ago," Harry piped up, quietly. Tonks looked at him.

"Huh?"

"About dying at Voldemort's hands. She only knew about that once she got her memory back, and that wasn't that long ago," he reiterated. Tonks nodded in understanding.

"But if something like that happens to you, I reckon you just have to accept it and not think on it too much, otherwise you'd go mad," she reasoned.

"Maybe, but it just doesn't sit well with me," Lupin continued. "Moving on into death, and then backtracking into the land of the living? Ghosts and vampires refuse to go near her because of it, and Merlin only knows what damage the whole process could have done- to both her and her lifelines. Plus, well... she's hardly the most unassuming of people."

"That's just her personality; if anything, a certain amount of arrogance seems to help in her line of work," Tonks countered. "How can you convince others when you're spying if you don't believe in yourself?"

Bill snorted into his wine goblet.

"I'm more concerned about the fact that she's a Snape, myself," he added. Fred blanched.

"Oh, come on, Bill, don't remind me," he moaned, whilst George almost fell off his chair laughing. Harry had to pretend to drink deeply from his own goblet, in order to mask the smile that he knew was tugging at his lips. Fred was clearly unimpressed with the realisation that he had fleetingly nursed a vague physical interest in one of Snape's offspring last year.

Lupin gulped quickly from his goblet.

"That's another thing," he said, placing the silver article down on the table. "Their leader, Alex Ridley. I spoke to Severus about what happened a few weeks ago. He was most loath to discuss things, but I managed to get a little from him- and what I got worried me further."

Molly stared straight at him.

"What?" she asked, suddenly. Lupin sighed.

"I know she let him go and got him patched up, but that was after she found out... well, whatever it is between them both. Before that, she was about to slit his throat, and without much deliberation, either," he replied. Moody slammed his hand on the table so hard, it made Ron and Hermione, who were sat the closest to him, jump from the vibration.

"Lupin, are you honestly going to take Snape's word for it? He is a little biased about the whole thing- he was the one on the sharp end of the sword."

Lupin lifted his head and looked up at Moody.

"He was the one making excuses for her. I... I just think we should tread a little carefully, that's all."

There was silence for a moment, which was broken only by Tonks proclaiming, "Well, anyone- questions, comments?" a little too sarcastically for Harry's liking. Then he noticed how Hermione had been staring at her goblet for almost the entire conversation.

"Well, they did save my life, and my parents, but what do I know?" she said, quietly, but not without venom. Lupin looked aghast.

"Oh, Hermione, I am sorry- I didn't mean to diminish their efforts at all, I know they are a valuable asset..." He calmed down and corrected himself. "I just think we as the Order have got a little too relieved at this alliance. We shouldn't blind ourselves to their faults, for they have them, just like we do."

Hermione seemed satisfied by this response, but it didn't stop Lupin staring at her with concern for the rest of the meal. Harry could see her grow increasingly uncomfortable under his gaze.

"Hey, Harry- have you been sent your Apparition test date yet?" Ron asked, changing the subject so abruptly, Harry presumed it was a deliberate effort to reduce the tension.

"Erm, I haven't heard anything yet," he replied. Ron swallowed a mouthful of food.

"Well, you should hear soon- they issue you a test date by order of your surname and your date of birth. I reckon you should get yours any day now."

Harry felt something tighten in the pit of his stomach.

"But I haven't even started practising yet!" he exclaimed.

"It won't take long to get to test standard. I could help you practise, if you like," Lupin offered, finally taking his attention away from Hermione, and Harry saw her sigh in relief.

"Yeah, that'd be good, thanks," Harry replied. Knowing the same man that taught him how to cast a Patronus charm was going to help him pass his Apparition test eased his nervousness somewhat.

Ron didn't seem to think it such a good idea, however.

"Are you sure, Harry?" he asked. "I practised with my Dad, and we got into a right old lather about it. He'd been taught different ways of doing things than you're taught now, plus we just kept getting on each other's nerves. Charlie taught me in the end... Here, you could ask Persephone!" he exclaimed, enthusiastically. Hermione looked surreptitiously at Lupin.

"No, Harry," she said carefully. "I think Lupin would be better at teaching you something like this."

Ron shrugged.

"Maybe- Persephone would probably be a bit busy, anyway," he conceded. Harry looked up at Lupin, who smiled too cheerily.

"It's perfectly alright, Harry," he said. "I don't mind if you'd rather Persephone helped you. She would have learned only a few years ago, anyway- she'd have a better idea of what the examiners require from you nowadays than I would."

"No, I'd like it if you taught me," Harry replied. To be honest, the idea of Persephone teaching him hadn't crossed his mind even once, and Ron mentioning it hadn't made it any more obvious. Knowing her, she'd probably teach her something illegal and dangerous; not really Harry's idea of a successful Apparition technique.

Lupin practically beamed, and the lines around his face suddenly increased in depth.

"Well, alright, Harry- if you like, we could make a start tomorrow," he replied, as he helped Molly clear away the crockery and cutlery on the table.

"Great!" Harry replied.

"'Ere, 'Arry," Mudungus Fletcher suddenly piped up, "you don't 'appen to know if your Percy knows of anyone who might appreciate a couple of flagons of cheap Hemlock Liquor?"

Harry shrugged.

"Haven't a clue," he replied. Although he had no idea what 'Hemlock Liquor' was, he got the impression from the way Mudungus winked at him that it wasn't strictly legal.

"What's Hemlock Liquor?" he whispered to Hermione.

"It's a form of deadly poison. Difficult to brew, but has a similar taste to some alcoholic drinks, hence the name," she whispered back. Ron looked at her oddly.

"How do you know that?" he asked. Hermione shrugged.

"It was in 'Silent Witness- The Use of Lethal Potions'," she replied.

Ron nodded, in a manner that suggested her words had explained everything.

"A school book," he whispered to Harry. "No wonder I didn't know- I don't open mine unless I really have to."

Molly glared at Mudungus.

"Honestly," she chided, "how many times- the Order is here to fight Voldemort's forces, it is not some opportunity for you to flog your dodgy gear!"

Mudungus raise his palms in capitulation.

"Oh come on, Molly- the girl's got contacts. Might as well make the most of them, seeing as we're all in this together," he said, defensively, before adding, "she might want them, actually," in a moment of inspiration.

"She's not a criminal, she's a teacher!" Molly countered. Mudungus laughed.

"Yeah, 'cause busting out an Azkaban inmate ain't a crime..."

"And Death Eaters can be headmasters now, just look at Karkaroff... well, before he scarpered, anyhow," Moody added.

Ron nudged Hermione sharply in the ribs, at which she winced, and he apologised profusely.

"What was all that about ensuring Lupin taught Harry Apparition? You don't think Persephone would get him Apparating around the globe for practise, or anything, do you?"

Hermione tutted.

"Well, I suppose I wouldn't put it past her, but Persephone wasn't the reason at all!"

Ron and Harry looked at each other, until they both realised neither of them had a clue as to what Hermione was getting at.

"Well then, why the insistence of getting Lupin to do it, then?" Ron asked, again. Hermione rolled her eyes, and leant in to them both.

"Honestly, can't you two see what's the matter?"

"Erm, no," Harry answered, truthfully.

"I think Lupin's feeling a little... put out, by Persephone," she whispered. Ron looked as though she had just tried to explain Advanced Arithmancy to him.

"Come again?" he asked.

"Look, Sirius made Lupin your trustee, right, Harry?"

"Right."

"So, he trusted Lupin with your welfare, and Lupin went out of his way to ensure you were informed and supported during things like Sirius' reading, and during school when he answered your questions, and when he went to pick you up from Kings Cross at the end of term. Well, now he's got Persephone trying to do pretty much the same thing for you, plus she's trying to get Sirius a posthumous pardon. I think perhaps he feels..."

"Jealous?" Ron asked. Hermione laughed.

"No, no, no! Not jealous. More... like she's doing the things Sirius wanted him to do, despite him being the better friend, not to mention he doesn't exactly seem to like Persephone. Just let him help you out, Harry, that's all I'm saying," she replied.

The three of them looked across at where Lupin was helping Mrs. Weasley with the washing up. He looked weary, but peaceful as he conjured foaming water to squirt across the plates. He turned around, giving Harry a friendly smile, and it suddenly struck him how much Lupin cared for him, in his own way. He smiled back.

"What time tomorrow?" he asked. Lupin frowned a little in thought.

"Nine o'clock not too early for you in the holidays?" he asked, and Harry nodded.

"Nine would be great, I'll be ready," he replied, before he noticed that Hermione and Ginny had snuck off on their own.

"Where have they gone?" Harry asked. Ron shrugged.

"Girl stuff. I don't get it- girls and their girl stuff," he grumbled. Harry couldn't help but grin.

"That's why it's called girl stuff, I suppose," he replied. Ron sighed heavily, and Harry knew it was because he didn't like to be kept in the dark over anything, especially where Hermione was concerned.

"Do you fancy a game of chess?" Ron asked. Harry nodded, even though he knew he would face a shameful defeat courtesy of his red-haired friend.

On the way up to the room they were sharing, where Ron had stowed away his chess set, they heard giggling coming from Hermione and Ginny's room- a giggling that turned into absolute howls of pealing laughter. Harry recognised it as belonging to Ginny.

"What's got into her?" he asked Ron, who shrugged.

"Dunno- the two of them are just scary when left on their own," he replied. Harry just about made out the words, "How am I going to keep a straight face in his classes now?" before he and Ron went into their room and shut the door.

Nine o'clocks for the next fortnight became routine. Harry would be up, dressed and finishing breakfast- Hermione's present of 'Pass the Apparition Test First Time!' propped up in front of him, before Lupin arrived, holding yet more dog-eared books on Apparation theory.

Today, however, was slightly different, for Harry was busy reading his mother's diary. Again. He had the slim red volume hidden between his book from Hermione, as though he was sneakily reading it, which truthfully was exactly what he was doing. In an odd way, it helped him to read how his mother got through such a tricky situation as having a child at fifteen, for he could relate to having that kind of pressure placed on your shoulders, and essentially having to handle it yourself. Of course, Harry was far from alone in the war, but he knew that whatever he had to do, he would have to do alone- the Prophecy said as much; he was the one with the power to defeat the Dark Lord.

'24/01/75

Right, I'm stating this, for the record: boys are stupid. "Oh, don't worry, Lily, I'll make it all okay..." Stupid, stupid him, and stupid, stupid me for agreeing to go along with it. Do you want to hear Severus' great idea? Well, he's been brewing some potion on the sly that I have to drink every day to ensure that my pregnancy is concealed. Then, once I'm about ready to give birth, I'm going to go to Sweden (or somewhere in Eastern Europe), where the age of consent is much lower, to have the child. Then, his elder sister (who has wanted kids for decades, but can't have them) is going to raise it. I mean, her. No one will be any the wiser, my reputation will remain unblemished... and it's absolutely insane! But I've agreed to it, which is why I'm writing this entry in a pretty little spare room in Porphyria Beauchamp's cottage in Nice.

The Beauchamps are really nice, to be fair. Porphyria is a little overbearing, but her heart's in the right place- just to the left of her lungs (tee hee, did you like my joke?). She was telling Severus off when we first got here for getting me pregnant in the first place. I wasn't supposed to hear what she was saying, but when she started yelling, even the thick walls couldn't contain the words. I couldn't help but smile- she's lovely, don't get me wrong, but when she's angry, she's got a voice that could peel paint off the skirting boards.

I might just like her because she's really, really nice to me, though. I had my suspicions that she desperately wanted me to agree to this ludicrous idea, which her husband, François, confirmed. He is very, very French- I mean he has the accent, the clothes- even in his wizard robes, I could just feel the Frenchness coming off him in waves. Plus, he was a little bit cute, I must admit, if facial hair is your thing.

"Lily, are you absolutely sure zat you want to go through wiz zis?" he asked me, when handing me a cup of tea. I nodded and said yes. He looked at me quizzically, then said, "My Porphyria, she eez very... she very much wants a child, and young Severus... well, he eez one of ze clan- they believe very much in ze, 'ow do you call eet? Sanctity of life, zat eez eet. But, neither of zem would 'old eet against you eef you decided not to go through wiz eet."

"Wouldn't they?" I snorted, then wished I hadn't. François smiled, and shrugged his shoulders in that way only French people can. Honestly, it's such a cool, Devil may care action, and if you are not French, you just won't be able to pull it off.

"Eet 'as to be your decision. Porphyria would not want you to do this unless you were certain, and neither would I. Severus... I know he eez a... well, do not tell Porphyria I said this, but he eez a very strange little boy. Naturally- 'ee 'as 'ad a lot of troubles at 'ome, I am sure you know more than me..."

This intrigued me, for I didn't know anything about Severus' home life. I had to assume Porphyria, or Severus, had told François that there was more to our relatnship than there actually was, which made sense really. Far better for them to think we were love's young dream, and had committed a mistake in passion, than the truth- which was pretty much alcohol and temporary insanity on my part, and most likely opportunism on his. I jumped in shock as François put a hand on my arm.

"But, he 'as a good heart, he really does. He would not want to make you un'appy," he explained. I smiled and said that yes, I truly was happy about this plan, and I meant it. Nobody finds out I was dumb enough to get knocked up by the school weirdo, Severus gets to abide by his 'sanctity of life' religious... well, whatever he and his clan are so dedicated to, while Porphyria and François get to have the baby they've always wanted- where's the bad?

You know, I might well have changed my mind if Severus had told me the ingredients of this concealment potion earlier. Frogs' skin? How revolting- I daren't ask where he got such ingredients. No doubt he pilfered Professor Elliot's store cupboard during a Potions class...'

A heavy thump of books on the table in front of him, jolted Harry back to the prest, and he hastily hid the diary away in his robe pocket. Lupin was in front of him, and appeared not to have noticed Harry's attempt at subterfuge.

"I thought these might be helpful with the theory of Apparating," he explained. Harry looked at the titles printed onto the spines of the books; 'The Theory of Apparition', 'Apparition, Wow!', and 'The Beginners Guide to Apparition'.

"Okay," he replied, "but when do I get to actually have a go today? I'm sure we spend longer theorising that practising!"

Lupin smiled weakly.

"All in good time, Harry. We'll definitely do a lot more practise today, you'll be likely to receive your test date today, anyhow."

Harry wasn't exactly cheered by the words 'test date today'. He was hoping for longer than a fortnight to get to grips with things, but truth be told, he was more eager to get stuck into the practical aspect of Apparating- books were Hermione's thing. He trusted Lupin's methods, though, and so he simply nodded and agreed with Lupin's suggestions.

A little way into Lupin's revision of how exactly you choose where you are and where you want to end up, Harry heard footsteps on the stairs, followed by female voices. It appeared that Hermione and Ginny were up.

"...Have you told Persephone?"

"No!"

"Well, don't you think you should? If she tells him, it could get messy... Hi, Harry!" Ginny said, as she walked into the kitchen. Harry waved back, for he was still listening to Lupin. Hermione merely waved at him, and Harry was sure it was because she didn't want to interrupt his lesson.

"Harry, are you paying attention?" Lupin asked, kindly. Harry nodded.

"Yep- you were talking about how you decide where you want to go during Apparating," he explained, to demonstrate his point. Lupin smiled at him cynically.

"Alright, I believe you. Now, remember the most important rule of Apparition is... well, the most important rule of Apparition really is 'don't get splinched'. The second most important rule of Apparition is 'LUCK'."

"Luck?" Harry asked. He supposed it made sense, in a way- not getting splinched was indeed lucky, but he hoped escaping such a fate relied on more than mere luck.

"No, Harry," Lupin explained, "LUCK. Look where you are, ensure you are Unseen by Muggles, Concentrate on your intended destination and employ Kinetics to get there."

"Oh. Right, sorry- I knew that," Harry replied, feeling a little silly.

Hermione was frowning over a copy of the Daily Prophet, as she stood over the table holding a cup of tea in her free hand.

"They still haven't found Lucius Malfoy, or caught Bellatrix Lestrange," she announced, darkly. "I'm guessing they should have tried my house the other week- I wouldn't be surprised."

Harry noticed that Lupin practically jumped out of his seat to go over to her.

"Hermione, are you okay? Perhaps you shouldn't read the Daily Prophet for a few days, there's bound to be a lot of difficult articles in there. I could always keep them for you until you feel up to reading..."

"Lupin! I'm fine!" Hermione replied, briskly, as she slammed her cup down on the table. "I just don't need you fussing. I'm safe, my parents are safe- what's there not to be okay about?"

Lupin sighed.

"I'm just trying to help," he reasoned, and Hermione's shoulders slouched at his words.

"I know. I'm just coping in my own way," she said, quietly. "I'd like to know what you think Lucius Malfoy might be up to, though."

"I think he's most likely still working for Voldemort, and he is helping Malfoy evade the Aurors," Lupin replied, in hushed tones. Hermione exhaled deeply and rubbed her right temple with her hand. Gingerly, Lupin put a tentative hand on her shoulder in a gesture of comfort, and Ginny inexplicably burst out laughing. Lupin eyed her curiously.

"What's the matter, Ginny?" he asked. Ginny bit her knuckle for a moment, her face red from giggling.

"Nothing, nothing- I'm sorry. It really has got nothing to do with you, don't worry about it," she babbled, whilst fastidiously avoiding making eye contact with Hermione.

Lupin looked nonplussed, before he turned back to face Harry.

"Well, do you think you've got the idea?" he asked, and it took Harry a moment to realise he was referring to the rules of Apparition.

"Yeah, I think so," he replied. Lupin smiled.

"Excellent- do you want to start practising?" he asked. Harry couldn't stop himself from grinning.

"You bet I do!" he replied. Hermione grinned.

"Can I watch?" she asked. "I haven't seen you do any of this yet- it would be useful for when I eventually get to take my test..."

Lupin looked at Harry, who grudgingly nodded his approval.

"I don't see why not," he replied.

"...No, no- Harry, Concentrate... Concentrate!" Lupin said, as calmly as he could.

"Look, I'm getting the hang of it!"

"Harry, watch out for that wall..."

"Just stop badgering me! I'm never going to learn if you keep interrupting my concentration!" Harry shouted back. Lupin sighed in irritation.

"Easy for you to say- it isn't your book collection you were about to crash into..."

"I wasn't about to crash into your book collection. You're just being paranoid!"

Lupin swiftly grabbed Harry's wand hand.

"What did you do that for!" Harry snapped.

"Remember LUCK- Concentrate on where you're going. You can't concentrate on your destination if you're arguing with me," Lupin replied, rubbing his creased forehead.

"I'm not arguing!" Harry protested.

Ron sauntered into the drawing room at this point, and Harry saw him observe the situation with interest.

"Told you," he remarked to Hermione, who was sitting near him, casually flicking through a book.

"Told me what?" she asked. Ron rolled his eyes.

"That it would be a bad idea to let Lupin teach Harry Apparition. This is just what happened between me and my dad," he replied, wisely.

"We're doing fine!" both Harry and Lupin snapped, simultaneously. Ron raised his palms in an act of surrender.

"Okay, okay- you're both working like a well-oiled machine," he agreed, though the look on his face told Harry that he harboured reservations about their success. Personally, Harry felt he did better without an audience, thank you very much, but Lupin had pointed out that he would generally find himself surrounded by people when he Apparated or Disapparated, so Harry had bit his tongue and carried on regardless.

Lupin surveyed the room for a moment.

"Well," he said, and Harry swiftly faced him to demonstrate his unswerving attention. "One of the things you do get examined on is your ability to Apparate without attracting the attention of nearby Muggles... Ron, Hermione- could you do me a favour?"

"Sure... what is it?" Ron asked. Lupin smiled.

"If you and Hermione could just pretend to be Muggles for a moment..."

Ron placed his wand down on the nearby table.

"Okay."

Lupin sighed.

"Well, I didn't mean... never mind. I'd just like you and Hermione to stand over by that bookshelf and act as though you're just average Muggles, not expecting to see a young man Apparate or Disapparate into thin air, okay?"

"What kind of Muggles are we?" Ron asked. Lupin looked confused.

"What do you mean?" he asked.

"Well, in order to play a part, we kind of need an idea of who we are- Pleasemen? Kids?"

"Alright, alright!" Lupin though on this a moment, before replying, "You're a newly married Muggle couple, shopping for furniture- does that help?"

Ron turned the colour of beetroot. Hermione, however, merely laughed and entered into the spirit of the whole escapade by linking arms with Ron and pointing randomly in the air.

"I think something in a teal would match the curtains that Verity bought us, or perhaps... Ooh, this one is nice, don't you think? Ron- you're not looking bored enough!"

"Huh?" Ron asked, clearly confused by Hermione's words. Harry realised he was equally stumped.

"I'm just using my parents as an example of a Muggle married couple- Dad would be very bored at this point, and not hiding it..." She trailed off all of a sudden. Ron put a tentative hand on her arm.

"Are you okay?" he asked, looking warmly at her. Hermione shook her head quickly, then smiled.

"Yes... yes, I'm fine," she replied briskly, "it's just... it reminds me, that's all. It's okay, though."

Suddenly, Ginny ran into the drawing room, her cheeks tinged pink from running and her hair flying out in all directions. She was holding a couple of envelopes in her hands.

"Harry," she panted, "these are for you. Mum retrieved the owl post today- they came about half an hour ago." She handed Harry two envelopes. One was the familiar Hogwarts letter, which Harry noticed was a week earlier than usual.

"Hmm... maybe we've got them now because Dumbledore isn't still desperately trying to find a new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher," Hermione said, answering Harry's unasked question. He was about to respond, when he heard an ear-piercing shriek come from Hermione.

"Oh my God, oh my God," she kept repeating, fanning herself with her Hogwarts letter.

"What is it?" Ginny asked, before Harry managed to get the words out.

"I've been made Head Girl!" she gasped, before both she and Ginny collectively shrieked in joy.

"Half breeds! Filthy Mudblood scum besmirching the house of my Fathers!" a sadly all too familiar voice screeched.

"Who shouted?" Mrs. Weasley yelled from upstairs. Lupin flinched, and Hermione clasped her hand to her mouth.

"Oh, I'm sorry! I just got a bit excited," she said apologetically. Lupin smiled.

"It's okay- congratulations, Hermione. Now, I'd better go and help sort Mrs. Black out," he said, before walking towards the door.

"Yeah, well done, Hermione- not that I'm surprised you got it," Harry said, with a smile. Hermione smiled back.

"Thanks," she replied, before looking across at Ron. He had opened his Hogwarts letter, but was holding something in his hand, and he looked reluctant to let them see it.

"Come on, Ron, let us see," Harry said, and Ron gingerly opened up his hand to reveal a silver pin with 'Head Boy' engraved on it. Harry beamed.

"Congratulations, Ron," he said, and was grateful the mild bitterness didn't reach his vocal cords. He was truly happy for Ron, and he could just imagine how thrilled Mrs. Weasley would be, but he couldn't help but feel a little sad that he wasn't going to have the chance to worry about such things as school matters. He'd be too busy worrying about defeating Voldemort.

Harry shook himself from his thoughts in time to see Ginny grinning from ear to ear.

"Wow, Ron- wait until I tell Fred and George!" she exclaimed. Ron looked as though Ginny had just threatened to set fire to his Cleansweep broomstick.

"Ginny, please don't," he begged, which caused Ginny to laugh.

"Mum will tell them sooner or later- just be glad that out of all your siblings, you've only got me to deal with at Hogwarts."

Ron sighed deeply, but Ginny continued.

"Still, it'll be fun. All those Head Boy and Head Girl duties, the ones you both have to do, with nobody else around..."

"Be quiet, Ginny!"

"You and Hermione, spending all that time together..."

"Just shut your mouth, Ginny!" Ron exclaimed, hotly. Ginny failed in suppressing a snigger, before running out of the room shouting, "Mum, guess what Ron got in the post from Hogwarts?"

Harry heard Mrs. Weasley scream with elation, which was swiftly followed by, "Half breeds! Filthy Mudblood scum besmirching the house of my Fathers!"

"Oh, Molly! I just got her quiet..."

"Sorry, Remus."

Soon enough, Mrs. Weasley bustled into the drawing room, grabbing Ron and planting a kiss on his cheek.

"Oh, well done, Ron!" she exclaimed, ignoring Ron's attempts to pull away from her grip. "My youngest boy... I'm so proud! I must tell your father right now!"

Ron grimaced.

"Okay, Mum," he replied, quietly, as Mrs. Weasley walked towards the doorway. She hesitated a moment.

"Ron, is there anything you'd like as a congratulations present?" she asked. Ron seemed to think about this for a moment.

"I'm not sure there is, Mum. I think I've got everything I need," he said, though Harry could see the fear in Ron's eyes that suggested he was concerned with his answer. Most likely he was concerned because if he couldn't think of anything he wanted, he was unlikely to get anything he wanted, either. Mrs. Weasley smiled, however.

"Well, I'm sure we'll be able to sort something out when we go to get your school things," she replied. Ron seemed relieved at this.

It was around this point that Harry noticed Hermione slip quietly away. Concerned, he followed her, for it wasn't like Hermione to sneak off when she was already in a room that contained books.

"Hermione?" he called, tentatively, and on not hearing Mrs. Black's shrill voice, he called out Hermione's name once more.

He soon found her huddled away in a corner of the staircase, crying quietly into her jumper, and he suddenly felt a wave of sympathy wash over him.

"Hermione, what's the matter?" he asked, gently putting his hand over hers. She sniffed, looked up at him, and quickly wiped her eyes.

"Nothing, I'm fine," she protested, jumping to her feet and trying to make a run for it. Harry grabbed her by the shoulders and made her face him.

"You're clearly not fine," he replied, as gently as he could, and she sat back down on the stairs.

"It's just," she sighed, "when I got that letter saying I was Head Girl, the first thing I thought of was how pleased my parents would be, and how I ought to tell them... then I remembered that I couldn't."

She sighed again, and Harry's hand had rested on hers before he'd even registered the movement.

"I know I didn't see my parents much, being at Hogwarts for most of the year," Hermione continued, "but not seeing them because you simply can't just feels awful."

Harry nodded. He knew only too well how Hermione felt, for there had been many times over the past fifteen years where he had wanted to speak to his parents, but simply couldn't.

"You haven't opened your other letter," Hermione quietly pointed out a few moments later, looking at the unopened letter Harry held in his hands. Harry rectified the situation, and scan-read it. His stomach suddenly felt like lead.

"What's the matter, Harry?" Hermione asked. Harry pushed the letter into her hands and exhaled nervously.

"It's my Apparition test date," he replied. "It's in about three hours!"

Hermione looked at him appraisingly for a moment.

"Well, you'd better go and get ready, hadn't you," she chided. Harry sighed.

"Yes, Professor Granger," he teased. Hermione swatted his arm.

"You need to let Lupin know- he'll be able to take you there," she said, as Harry stood up and made his way upstairs.

Lupin was only two floors up, busily trying to fathom a way of keeping the curtains that hid Mrs. Black's portrait from the world permanently closed, and Harry was loath to interrupt him. He didn't need to, though, for Lupin turned around almost as soon as Harry was in the vicinity.

"Everything okay, Harry?" he asked. Harry showed him the letter.

"I've had my Apparition test date- it's in a few hours," he replied. Lupin raised his eyebrows, and left the curtains alone.

"Would you like me to come with you?" he asked. Harry nodded.

"I really, really would," he said, not even trying to hide his nervousness. Lupin smiled.

"Just try and stay calm- it'll be fine," he said, encouragingly. Harry smiled weakly, and tried to pretend that Lupin's words made him feel any better.

"Where is the test place?" Harry asked, whilst making a conscious effort not to jiggle his foot and thus give away his agitation.

"It's in Goldner's Green, just opposite the bus station," Lupin replied, before looking at Harry again and trying to suppress a smile.

"And Harry?"

"Yes?"

"Relax!" Lupin insisted. Harry fought the urge to clutch his stomach. The very idea of relaxing when faced with such a huge test seemed an impossible feat.

Three hours later, sat in the spartan waiting room of the Apparition Test Centre and staring at the 'Verbal abuse or cursing of the examiners will not be tolerated' sign, Harry though the idea of relaxing even more impossible. He looked across at the other people in the room, and saw a girl of his age systematically chew each of her nails to the quick with every passing second. Harry looked away and tried to focus his concentration on something other than his impending test, or the girl and her rapidly diminishing nails. He eventually studied yet another poster, which had a disappearing and reappearing teenage witch, beaming from ear to ear, with the slogan 'Have you got your new Photo-Apparition License? Sign up today!'

A door opened, and a familiar face appeared.

"Hi, Harry!" Neville shouted, breaking off from his grandmother and running over to him, beaming with pride.

"Hey, Neville- did you just have your test?" he asked. Neville nodded.

"Yep- I passed! I'm so pleased!" He lowered his voice and glanced furtively across at his grandmother. "It's another thing Nan can keep off my back about," he whispered, and Harry managed a smile. Neville patted him on the shoulder.

"It's not that bad, actually- don't worry," he said, but Harry wasn't comforted by his words.

A wooden door opened and a short, portly man with a receding hairline, balding crown and curly grey hair everywhere else on his head announced, "Potter, Harry- could you follow me please?"

Harry felt his heart jump up and play a quick, frantic tune on his ribcage.

"Good luck, Harry," Lupin said, as Harry followed the portly man through the doorway. He could hear the girl who had been chewing her nails ask, "Mum, is that the Harry Potter?" before the door shut and Harry was being beckoned down a set of concrete steps.

"Now then, Mr. Potter- can I call you Harry?" the man asked. Harry nodded.

"Yeah, that's fine," he replied.

"Harry- my name is Christopher Josephs, and I'll be examining you today... If you could just sign here," he asked, handing Harry his clipboard as they reached the bottom of the stairs. Harry nodded, and Christopher handed him a plain grey quill. He looked at the declaration that stated 'I hereby allow permission for the A.T.C. to transport me immediately to St. Mungo's if there should be any serious accident on the test', and signed along the dotted line. Christopher smiled, and took the clipboard and quill back off him.

"Right, this way, if you please, Harry," he said, and opened a door. Harry walked inside.

He could hardly believe what he was seeing. It was an enormous room- it made Faith Hamilton's workshop look tiny. The entire room was fashioned like a perfect scale model of a city, complete with parks, shops, streets, roads- each individually named, Harry could tell from the signs. There was a public library, and a hospital, too. None of the buildings were taller than three feet, yet they looked so perfect, Harry wouldn't have been surprised if they had been victim to a Reducing charm.

Christopher pointed to a street sign about twenty metres away and said to Harry, "Now, would you just read out the name of that road, please?"

Harry could just about see it fairly clearly with his glasses on.

"Nicodemus Terrace," he announced, clearly, and Christopher nodded, holding his clipboard while his quill floated around next to it.

"Right," he announced, "the test will last approximately thirty-five minutes, during which I will ask you to follow my directions, and to perform two Apparition manoeuvres. If you want clarification on an instruction, I can do so, but I cannot offer you any assistance pertaining to the test. Good luck."

Harry took a deep breath, and exhaled slowly, before swallowing in what he thought was a rather loud way. Christopher paid little attention.

"Right, Harry, if you could just Apparate from Kings Road to Chevalier Alley..."

Harry did as he was told, walking along the miniature road until he reached one with the sign Kings Road. He remembered Lupin's acronym; Look, be Unseen, Concentrate on your destination...

He found himself standing in Chevalier Alley, unharmed, the examiner right behind him. Christopher put a small scratch onto the clipboard with his quill.

"Now, Harry, I'd like you to Apparate from here to Northmeade Park, taking care to avoid undue attention," he announced. Harry was about to Apparate already, but out of the corner of his eye, he saw three miniature people- a man, woman and a small child- walking along the road. He waited until the miniature charmed models-well, he certainly hoped they were just charmed models- had walked away, and he was no longer in their line of vision, before he complied with the instruction. He breathed a huge sigh of relief when Christopher made no movement with his quill.

"There's no need to be nervous, Harry," he remarked, kindly.

"Easy for you to say," Harry thought, but he merely smiled back, albeit weakly, at Christopher.

The test continued on in this vein for a while, Harry doing his utmost to forget an incident where he Apparated away, and could have sworn one of the models saw him, or the time he nearly Apparated far too close to a doorway for comfort, and has heard Christopher's quill scratch his damned clipboard again.

"Okay, Harry, if you could just Apparate to this corner on your left..."

Harry did as he was told.

"Right," Christopher continued, as he scratched his clipboard with his quill yet again. "I'd like you to perform a standard Apparition in the opposite direction. I want you to face in the opposite direction to the one you are in now within two Apparitions, taking care to avoid prying eyes or collisions with other road users."

Harry took a deep breath, and began the manoeuvre, checking in an almost obsessive manner that nobody was around to spot him. Eventually he managed it in two turns, the first one put him almost 180 degrees around from his original position, and the second straightened his position up. Christopher put a scratch in his clipboard, and smiled.

"Okay, Harry, if you could just Apparate away to the third car parking bay in the City Limits Hospital..."

He recognised this as his final manoeuvre, and put all his effort into Apparating right into the exact bay Christopher requested, without going over the bay lines. He just about pulled it off, yet he still heard the scratch of a quill nib against paper. Christopher then began totting up little lines etched into his paper, and ignored Harry for about three minutes.

"Well, how did I do?" Harry asked, trying to hide the tone of impatience in his voice, once Christopher looked as though he had finished. Finally, Christopher looked up.

"I'm happy to tell you, you've passed. Congratulations, Harry," he said, tearing off the two sheets on his clipboard, and handing Harry one of them.

"Here's your copy of the test. You were a little sloppy with your observations- not enough to fail, but it might be something you want to keep an eye on once you start Apparating all over the place. Now, if you could just go through that door on the right, and hand in your sheet to Carol at the desk, and she'll present you with a wizard Apparition licence," he explained. Harry grinned, and did as he was told, clutching that piece of paper as though it were his lifeblood.

Carol at the desk looked supremely bored as she took Harry's form off him and handed him an iridescent pink card, which had a small photograph of him looking nervously around, and hiding the lightning bolt scar on his forehead with his hair.

"Congratulations, kiddo," Carol said, languidly. Harry smiled his thank you, and wandered off, staring at his card. It had his full name printed on it, his date of birth, the date his licence had been issued to him, and its expiry date. It was the most wonderful, liberating piece of plastic he had ever received- he could go anywhere within an instant, he and Ron could go all over the country- maybe even outside of the country. In a few months, Hermione would be able to come too- it was just the most amazing thing ever!

It was a pity it had to be pink, though.

Lupin was waiting in that spartan room, looking almost as nervous as Harry had felt when he'd left forty minutes ago. He caught Lupin's eye, and the man stood up.

"Well, how did it go?" he asked, quietly, once he had reached Harry. He grinned, and held up his licence for Lupin to view, who beamed with pride.

"Well done, Harry- see, I told you it would be okay," he said.

"Thanks, Lupin- you know, for helping me practise and stuff," Harry said, genuinely grateful for the help. Lupin smiled.

"You're welcome, Harry. I must admit, I'm glad you've passed- I don't think I could handle going through all that again!"

Harry couldn't help but laugh.

"Yeah- it was a bit, erm, stressful," he said, carefully, and Lupin smiled in agreement.

"Here," Harry asked, "do you think we could Apparate back to... back home?"

"I don't see why not, although we can only Apparate to the corner of the street. The house is warded too much to allow us to Apparate in," he replied. Harry beamed gratefully.

"I just don't think my stomach could cope with the Knight Bus twice in one day," he explained, as they walked out of the test centre onto Goldner's Green.