Post by Suzi on Aug 11, 2005 12:53:11 GMT -5
My version. Constructive criticism would be appreciated.
Chapter One
The Remorseless Farewell
A large brown trunk bearing the Hogwarts crest lay closed and locked on top of the neatly made bed in the centre of the room. A well polished, though slightly worn broomstick lay on top of it, the name “Firebolt” stamped across the handle in gold letters which had lost some of their shine. Beside the trunk, a bird cage lay empty, the owl that lived in it being out on a late night hunt. The room was uncommonly tidy as most of the possessions that could usually be seen scattered across the surfaces and floor were packed in the trunk. Photographs and books had been cleared from the bedside table and the loose floorboard under the bed had been moved aside to show the space where the room's occupant had once kept items that his aunt and uncle would most certainly have confiscated or destroyed.
The only evidence that the room had not been vacated was a tousled haired boy who was sitting in an old, scratched wooden chair by the window. His eyes were fixed on a wrist watch which he had laid on the table beside him. A faint ticking was coming from it and it was on this that the boy seemed to be fixing his complete attention.
Suddenly, the near complete silence of the night was broken. The clock downstairs was striking. The small second hand on the pocket watch reached the top at the exact moment that the chimes began and the boy at last looked up. Harry Potter had come of age.
Harry got up quickly but silently and looked out of the window. At precisely the same moment he had come of age, the protection that Number 4 Privet Drive lent him had gone. Harry did not know whether or not Voldemort knew this, but he knew he'd better be on his guard just in case. The street lamps outside lit the street sufficiently to tell him that unless they were invisible or very well hidden, the street was empty of people. This information was enough for Harry and he drew back from the window, walking over to the bed. He noticed the cage and remembered that Hedwig was still out hunting. Retracing his steps to the window, he threw it open and gazed out at the night sky. The moon was not full, but it was bright and the sky appeared a dark navy blue instead of black. Harry could see the stars twinkling and for a brief moment, he wished he had paid more attention in Astronomy so that he might be able to pick out the different constellations. A moment later, his attention left the stars, as he noticed a black dot moving steadily towards him. It was Hedwig, returning with a dead mouse, expecting praise.
Hedwig landed soundlessly on the windowsill and Harry gave her an affectionate pat before bundling her unceremoniously into her cage. He had no time to waste as he was anxious to get moving. Harry had, for many years, been outstaying his welcome at Number 4 and now that it was of no further use to him, he saw no reason to stay. He pulled his wand out of his jeans pocket, feeling excited at the prospect of being able to use it outside school without receiving a letter from the Ministry of Magic moments later, berating him for under-age wizardry. He pointed his wand at his trunk. “Locomotor Trunk” he whispered and to his delight, the trunk lifted into the air as though it was weightless. He repeated the spell for Hedwig's bird cage and his Firebolt and then with his wand held ready, he made his way to the door, his belongings floating along after him. The door was locked, just as it had often been during previous visits to Privet Drive, but this time, the key was on Harry's side of the door. The Dursleys seemed to have been affected, if only slightly, by the speech made the them by Dumbledore about their treatment of Harry. Harry had noticed quite an improvement in the way they had treated him. Dudley had stayed out of his way completely, let him choose what to watch on television and had not tried to steal food off his plate. Harry's aunt and uncle had been equally hospitable and at first, Harry had been amazed at how much they seemed to have taken Dumbledore's words to heart. This had puzzled him continually, until he remembered that he had once mentioned he would be coming of age this birthday and would be able to do magic outside school. The Dursleys were acting in fear and not out of the goodness of their hearts.
The key was in the door, but Harry did not bother reaching out to turn it as he would usually have done. He pointed his wand at the door and said in a soft voice “Alohamora”. The door clicked open quietly and Harry walked through it. He now had to negotiate his way down the stairs with his trunk, cage and broomstick. It did not look like being an easy task so Harry pointed his wand at his belongings again, in order to direct them on the best course downstairs. He didn't meet any problems in doing this until he reached the bend in the stairs. Very slowly and carefully he tried to edge the trunk round it, but it was no use. The trunk hit the wall with a loud bang and Harry heard a yell from upstairs. He grabbed his trunk quickly, braking the spell and returning it to it's normal weight. In the other hand, he took the bird cage and somehow managed to grab onto his broom with a few fingers. He tried to continue on his way downstairs, but a moment later, he heard heavy footfalls on the landing and the lights came on. Uncle Vernon stood at the top of the stairs, his immense shadowing casting the stairs into darkness as he blocked out the light from the landing above. He looked furious.
“What do you think you're doing, crashing around on the stairs in the middle of the night?” Uncle Vernon yelled, his face starting to turn a familiar shade of purple. Aunt Petunia appeared behind him pulling on a bright pink dressing gown, her hair coming loose from the matching pink curlers that were dotted about her head. She looked scared as though she thought the noise had been caused by Harry attempting to blow up the house.
“Vernon” she mumbled nervously, looking apprehensively at Harry. “It's his birthday”
Uncle Vernon's face seemed to drain of colour as the meaning of this simple statement dawned on him. He swallowed hard and then tried to speak. He seemed to be having difficulty stringing words together. “Oh...I er...Oh” was as far as he could get. He swallowed hard again and Aunt Petunia, holding her dressing gown tightly round herself like a shield stepped bravely in front of him.
“Well congratulations Harry” she said, a fake and very forced smile spreading across her face. Her eyes however, betrayed the fear that Harry knew both the Dursleys were feeling. He grinned, enjoying the scene before him immensely. For years, the Dursleys had hidden behind the knowledge that any magic on Harry's part would cause him to be expelled from school and his wand to be snapped in half. They had half hoped that Harry would do magic so that they would be safe from him forever. Without a wand, Harry was not a threat to them. Now, they had to face the fact that Harry had now reached his seventeenth birthday, still a student at Hogwarts and with a wand that was in no way broken.
“Thanks” said Harry, sarcastically. “I'm touched. I never realised how much you cared.” He turned his attention back to the task on hand and managed to squeeze round the corner and to the bottom of the stairs before Aunt Petunia spoke again.
“You're....you're leaving are you?”
“Looks like it doesn't it” Harry commented in way of a reply.
“Will you be back?” asked Uncle Vernon who seemed to have found his voice on hearing this news.
“I hope not” Harry replied, not bothering to hide the satisfaction he felt in giving this reply. The Dursleys did not take the trouble to hide their true feelings either. At these words, a smile had spread over both their faces. Harry ignored them. He heaved his trunk, bird cage and broomstick down the hall to the front door then put them down at his feet so that he could hold his wand. The Dursleys made noises of protest, but then stopped themselves, as though thinking that whatever Harry did to the front door before he left would be worth it, so long as he really went away for good.
“Alohamora” Harry said and the door swung open. He lifted his belonging out onto the doorstep and looked back into the Dursley's hallway for what he sincerely hoped would be the last time. “Goodbye then” he said casually and without waiting for a reply, closed the front door behind him.
Chapter Two
Wedding Preparations
As the front door clicked shut, Harry felt great relief wash over him. He was certain that he now knew how Sirius had felt on escaping Azkaban. He felt free at last, knowing that he would never have to return to Privet Drive. Harry picked up his belongings again and began to walk slowly down the road, looking around cautiously for any sign of movement. He reached the end of the road where there was a large hydrangea bush. Harry put his trunk, broom and Hedwig's cage down on the pavement and sat down beside them to wait. He was expecting someone.
There was no point at all in searching the area around the hydrangea bush for the person he was expecting. Harry knew that if they were there, they would be so well hidden that he would never see them until they chose to reveal themselves. He had nothing to do, but wait.
To Harry's relief, he didn't have to wait for long. A faint rustling noise caused him to look around and by the light of the street lamp that stood a few feet away, Harry managed to make out to figures. He recognised them both and grinned. Remus Lupin stood just out of the beam of light, a smile spreading across his face as he looked at Harry. Just behind him, her face cast into darkness by Lupin was a young woman. Harry would not have recognised her had it not been for the short, spiky, bubblegum pink hair that seemed to have a light of it's own. It was easy to see even in the darkness.
“Wotcher Harry” Nymphadora Tonks greeted him cheerily. Harry noted with pleasure that Tonks had returned to her usual personality. During the previous school term, she had been down and depressed.
“Hi Tonks.” Harry returned the greeting, grinning. Lupin stepped forward into the light and Harry noted that he too seemed cheerier than he had the last time Harry had seen him.
“It's good to see you again Harry” he said, looking at Harry in an affectionate, fatherly way. “And happy birthday”
“Thanks” said Harry grinning again “I...” Before he could finish what he was saying, something flew at him soundlessly out of the darkness. Harry fell heavily to the ground and Lupin and Tonks, pulled their wands out quickly. A large eagle owl had landed on the pavement beside where Harry had fallen. It carried an official looking letter in it's beak and look extremely haughty. Harry took the letter out of it's beak and without a sound, it took off again, disappearing into the night. He tore off the envelope and read the first few lines of writing.
“Dear Mr Potter
We have received intelligence that the “Alohamora” charm was performed at your place of residence earlier this morning in full view of the Muggle inhabitants. As the Muggles in question are your guardians, and therefore fully aware that witches and wizards exist we have decided to overlook this breach of the law. However, consider this letter to be a warning. Further magic performed in the presence of Muggles will result in your being asked to attend a Ministry of Magic hearing. Happy Birthday and Congratulations on coming of age.”
Harry did not bother to read the name at the bottom of the parchment. He had received a letter of this sort on previous occasions and he was not particularly interested. He had forgotten all about the law against performing magic in front of Muggles in his excitement at being allowed to use magic outside school.
Lupin made a noise in his throat, bringing Harry back to his senses. He crumpled up the letter and stuffed it into his jeans pocket. He got back onto his feet feeling rather foolish to have been knocked over by nothing more than an owl flying at him.
“Ron and Hermione wanted to come like they promised” Lupin explained as he picked up Harry's trunk. “We persuaded them to let us come instead though. Ron hasn't passed his apparition test and Hermione's not really that confident about trying Side-Along Apparition yet.
“It's ok” said Harry. “I didn't want them to come anyway. They don't understand. Voldemort wants to kill me and if they tag along after me, they're going to be in as much danger as I am.”
“They understand well enough Harry” Lupin told him gently. “They're your friends and they care about you. They know it's dangerous, but when did danger ever stop true friends from protecting each other?”
Lupin and Tonks were planning to take Harry with them by Side Along Apparition. With the Floo Networks and Portkeys being watched by the Ministry, they were reluctant to use these methods of transport. Although the Ministry was “on their side”, they had an annoying habit of poking their noses in where they were not wanted. The members of the Order of the Phoenix preferred to keep their travel arrangements private. Lupin was holding Harry's trunk and Tonks had taken Hedwigs cage. Harry picked up his broomstick in one hand and with the other, held tight to Lupin's arm.
“Ready?” asked Lupin and Harry nodded, tightening his grip. The feeling of great pressure coming at his body from all sides started out of nowhere and Harry was very relieved when, seconds later, the impenetrable darkness disappeared and he found himself standing in the moonlit front yard of The Burrow. The three of them walked quickly across the yard to the front door. The lights in the kitchen were lit, but the house was silent. Lupin knocked a the door three times and then stood back. Harry could hear footsteps approaching on the opposite side of the door.
“Declare yourselves” came Mrs Weasley's voice.
“Lupin and Tonks. We have Harry with us” said Lupin and the door swung open. Mrs Weasley was wearing a dressing gown and had curlers in her hair. Although her attire was very much like that of Aunt Petunia, no one could have looked less like Harry's aunt. Mrs Weasley was beaming at him and before Harry could say a word, she had pulled him into a hug.
The others had all gone to bed as it was very early in the morning. Mrs Weasley had waited up to let them in, but she seemed relieved to be able to go to bed at last.
“We've been very busy” she explained as she led Harry upstairs. “Hardly had a moment's rest. The wedding is the day after tomorrow and what with all the preparations and looking after Bill and trying to stop Fleur from getting worked up, I've been rushed off my feet.” She smiled. “It'll all be worth it though. It isn't everyday that your eldest son gets married. I want them to have a lovely day.” With Mrs Weasley at the helm, Harry could not see how Bill and Fleur could have anything but a perfect day. Mrs Weasley loved organising things and the wedding of her eldest son would be right up her street. She looked worn out though, and Harry felt determined that he would help her as much as he could.
Mrs Weasley led him up to Fred and George's room. The two beds were already occupied by the twins, but a camp-bed had been set up in the corner. Mrs Weasley set Harry's trunk down beside it.
“I wanted to put you in with Ron” she said apologetically. “But Bill and Charlie are in there with him. We have got Percy's room, but Tonks is in there with Fleur. Ginny, Hermione and Gabrielle are in Ginny's room and Lupin is coming up to join you lot in here.” Harry nodded, though really he was too tired to care much where he or anyone else for that matter were to sleep. He waited for Mrs Weasley to leave the room and then quickly changed into his pyjamas and got into bed. By the time Lupin came up five minutes later, he was fast asleep.
Harry was woken next morning by his name being shouted cheerfully across the room. The opened his eyes with a start and saw that Fred and George were both awake. They were grinning at him. In a camp-bed identical to Harry's, Lupin was also stirring. It seemed that he too had been woken by the shout.
“Oops, sorry Lupin” said one of the twins as Lupin sat up in bed, looking around blearily.
“Not to worry” He said, smiling to see them in such high spirits. “I should be getting up anyway.” He took his clothes and went out of the room, climbing the stairs to get to the bathroom on the next floor. As he left, another cheery shout rent the air and a moment later, three people came rushing into the room.
“What is it with you?” exclaimed Ron, sitting down on Harry's bed. “Why do you always have to arrive in the middle of the night? Oh and Happy Birthday by the way.”
“Don't be silly Ron” said Hermione looking disapproving. “You know it's safer that way” She hugged Harry and sat down on the end of Lupin's bed. Only Ginny was left standing.
“Hi Harry” she said quietly. “Happy Birthday” She was smiling, but her smile seemed false and her eyes were shining much more than was natural.
“Hi Ginny” Harry replied. He felt awkward and looked away quickly.
It took about an hour for them all to get dressed, due to the fact that they all had to take their turn to use the small bathroom. Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny and the twins, trooped downstairs together to find that there was already a crowd of people around the table. Mrs Weasley stood at the stove, cooking bacon, eggs, sausages and beans to satisfy the appetites of them all. She looked up and saw the newcomers.
“Grab a plate everyone and get food and then just sit anywhere. There's no space left at the table.” she shouted over the chatter and laughter that was coming from the people sitting around the table. They followed her instructions and were soon sitting in a circle on the floor, large plates of food in front of them. Ginny was scowling and on following her gaze, Harry saw Fleur sitting beside Bill, sipping a glass of water. Bill was trying to persuade her to eat, but she flatly refused.
“I will not eat all zese fatty foods. I will not feet into my dress.” she complained loudly. Ginny rolled her eyes at the ceiling in frustration.
Just as they were about to leave the kitchen, a young girl came into the room. She looked like a younger version of Fleur and Harry knew at once who she must be. He recognised her from three years before. It was Gabrielle, Fleur’s younger sister.
“Gabrielle!” Fleur exclaimed, jumping up from the table to join her younger sister. “Gabrielle, do you know who is here?” Harry felt his heart sink. He was sure he knew exactly who Fleur was talking about. She was whispering something excitedly in Gabrielle’s ear and Gabrielle was suddenly looking as excited as she was. A moment later, Gabrielle came over to where the group was now standing.
“Arry” she said, smiling charmingly. “Eet is so good to see you again.” She drew nearer and pulled Harry into a tight hug, kissing him on both cheeks. Harry felt his face starting to burn and wished fervently that the floor would open and swallow him. Ginny was standing several feet away and she didn’t look any happier about the situation that Harry was. If looks could kill, Gabrielle would have crumpled into a lifeless heap on the floor. Ginny looked disgusted and was standing with her arms crossed.
Chapter One
The Remorseless Farewell
A large brown trunk bearing the Hogwarts crest lay closed and locked on top of the neatly made bed in the centre of the room. A well polished, though slightly worn broomstick lay on top of it, the name “Firebolt” stamped across the handle in gold letters which had lost some of their shine. Beside the trunk, a bird cage lay empty, the owl that lived in it being out on a late night hunt. The room was uncommonly tidy as most of the possessions that could usually be seen scattered across the surfaces and floor were packed in the trunk. Photographs and books had been cleared from the bedside table and the loose floorboard under the bed had been moved aside to show the space where the room's occupant had once kept items that his aunt and uncle would most certainly have confiscated or destroyed.
The only evidence that the room had not been vacated was a tousled haired boy who was sitting in an old, scratched wooden chair by the window. His eyes were fixed on a wrist watch which he had laid on the table beside him. A faint ticking was coming from it and it was on this that the boy seemed to be fixing his complete attention.
Suddenly, the near complete silence of the night was broken. The clock downstairs was striking. The small second hand on the pocket watch reached the top at the exact moment that the chimes began and the boy at last looked up. Harry Potter had come of age.
Harry got up quickly but silently and looked out of the window. At precisely the same moment he had come of age, the protection that Number 4 Privet Drive lent him had gone. Harry did not know whether or not Voldemort knew this, but he knew he'd better be on his guard just in case. The street lamps outside lit the street sufficiently to tell him that unless they were invisible or very well hidden, the street was empty of people. This information was enough for Harry and he drew back from the window, walking over to the bed. He noticed the cage and remembered that Hedwig was still out hunting. Retracing his steps to the window, he threw it open and gazed out at the night sky. The moon was not full, but it was bright and the sky appeared a dark navy blue instead of black. Harry could see the stars twinkling and for a brief moment, he wished he had paid more attention in Astronomy so that he might be able to pick out the different constellations. A moment later, his attention left the stars, as he noticed a black dot moving steadily towards him. It was Hedwig, returning with a dead mouse, expecting praise.
Hedwig landed soundlessly on the windowsill and Harry gave her an affectionate pat before bundling her unceremoniously into her cage. He had no time to waste as he was anxious to get moving. Harry had, for many years, been outstaying his welcome at Number 4 and now that it was of no further use to him, he saw no reason to stay. He pulled his wand out of his jeans pocket, feeling excited at the prospect of being able to use it outside school without receiving a letter from the Ministry of Magic moments later, berating him for under-age wizardry. He pointed his wand at his trunk. “Locomotor Trunk” he whispered and to his delight, the trunk lifted into the air as though it was weightless. He repeated the spell for Hedwig's bird cage and his Firebolt and then with his wand held ready, he made his way to the door, his belongings floating along after him. The door was locked, just as it had often been during previous visits to Privet Drive, but this time, the key was on Harry's side of the door. The Dursleys seemed to have been affected, if only slightly, by the speech made the them by Dumbledore about their treatment of Harry. Harry had noticed quite an improvement in the way they had treated him. Dudley had stayed out of his way completely, let him choose what to watch on television and had not tried to steal food off his plate. Harry's aunt and uncle had been equally hospitable and at first, Harry had been amazed at how much they seemed to have taken Dumbledore's words to heart. This had puzzled him continually, until he remembered that he had once mentioned he would be coming of age this birthday and would be able to do magic outside school. The Dursleys were acting in fear and not out of the goodness of their hearts.
The key was in the door, but Harry did not bother reaching out to turn it as he would usually have done. He pointed his wand at the door and said in a soft voice “Alohamora”. The door clicked open quietly and Harry walked through it. He now had to negotiate his way down the stairs with his trunk, cage and broomstick. It did not look like being an easy task so Harry pointed his wand at his belongings again, in order to direct them on the best course downstairs. He didn't meet any problems in doing this until he reached the bend in the stairs. Very slowly and carefully he tried to edge the trunk round it, but it was no use. The trunk hit the wall with a loud bang and Harry heard a yell from upstairs. He grabbed his trunk quickly, braking the spell and returning it to it's normal weight. In the other hand, he took the bird cage and somehow managed to grab onto his broom with a few fingers. He tried to continue on his way downstairs, but a moment later, he heard heavy footfalls on the landing and the lights came on. Uncle Vernon stood at the top of the stairs, his immense shadowing casting the stairs into darkness as he blocked out the light from the landing above. He looked furious.
“What do you think you're doing, crashing around on the stairs in the middle of the night?” Uncle Vernon yelled, his face starting to turn a familiar shade of purple. Aunt Petunia appeared behind him pulling on a bright pink dressing gown, her hair coming loose from the matching pink curlers that were dotted about her head. She looked scared as though she thought the noise had been caused by Harry attempting to blow up the house.
“Vernon” she mumbled nervously, looking apprehensively at Harry. “It's his birthday”
Uncle Vernon's face seemed to drain of colour as the meaning of this simple statement dawned on him. He swallowed hard and then tried to speak. He seemed to be having difficulty stringing words together. “Oh...I er...Oh” was as far as he could get. He swallowed hard again and Aunt Petunia, holding her dressing gown tightly round herself like a shield stepped bravely in front of him.
“Well congratulations Harry” she said, a fake and very forced smile spreading across her face. Her eyes however, betrayed the fear that Harry knew both the Dursleys were feeling. He grinned, enjoying the scene before him immensely. For years, the Dursleys had hidden behind the knowledge that any magic on Harry's part would cause him to be expelled from school and his wand to be snapped in half. They had half hoped that Harry would do magic so that they would be safe from him forever. Without a wand, Harry was not a threat to them. Now, they had to face the fact that Harry had now reached his seventeenth birthday, still a student at Hogwarts and with a wand that was in no way broken.
“Thanks” said Harry, sarcastically. “I'm touched. I never realised how much you cared.” He turned his attention back to the task on hand and managed to squeeze round the corner and to the bottom of the stairs before Aunt Petunia spoke again.
“You're....you're leaving are you?”
“Looks like it doesn't it” Harry commented in way of a reply.
“Will you be back?” asked Uncle Vernon who seemed to have found his voice on hearing this news.
“I hope not” Harry replied, not bothering to hide the satisfaction he felt in giving this reply. The Dursleys did not take the trouble to hide their true feelings either. At these words, a smile had spread over both their faces. Harry ignored them. He heaved his trunk, bird cage and broomstick down the hall to the front door then put them down at his feet so that he could hold his wand. The Dursleys made noises of protest, but then stopped themselves, as though thinking that whatever Harry did to the front door before he left would be worth it, so long as he really went away for good.
“Alohamora” Harry said and the door swung open. He lifted his belonging out onto the doorstep and looked back into the Dursley's hallway for what he sincerely hoped would be the last time. “Goodbye then” he said casually and without waiting for a reply, closed the front door behind him.
Chapter Two
Wedding Preparations
As the front door clicked shut, Harry felt great relief wash over him. He was certain that he now knew how Sirius had felt on escaping Azkaban. He felt free at last, knowing that he would never have to return to Privet Drive. Harry picked up his belongings again and began to walk slowly down the road, looking around cautiously for any sign of movement. He reached the end of the road where there was a large hydrangea bush. Harry put his trunk, broom and Hedwig's cage down on the pavement and sat down beside them to wait. He was expecting someone.
There was no point at all in searching the area around the hydrangea bush for the person he was expecting. Harry knew that if they were there, they would be so well hidden that he would never see them until they chose to reveal themselves. He had nothing to do, but wait.
To Harry's relief, he didn't have to wait for long. A faint rustling noise caused him to look around and by the light of the street lamp that stood a few feet away, Harry managed to make out to figures. He recognised them both and grinned. Remus Lupin stood just out of the beam of light, a smile spreading across his face as he looked at Harry. Just behind him, her face cast into darkness by Lupin was a young woman. Harry would not have recognised her had it not been for the short, spiky, bubblegum pink hair that seemed to have a light of it's own. It was easy to see even in the darkness.
“Wotcher Harry” Nymphadora Tonks greeted him cheerily. Harry noted with pleasure that Tonks had returned to her usual personality. During the previous school term, she had been down and depressed.
“Hi Tonks.” Harry returned the greeting, grinning. Lupin stepped forward into the light and Harry noted that he too seemed cheerier than he had the last time Harry had seen him.
“It's good to see you again Harry” he said, looking at Harry in an affectionate, fatherly way. “And happy birthday”
“Thanks” said Harry grinning again “I...” Before he could finish what he was saying, something flew at him soundlessly out of the darkness. Harry fell heavily to the ground and Lupin and Tonks, pulled their wands out quickly. A large eagle owl had landed on the pavement beside where Harry had fallen. It carried an official looking letter in it's beak and look extremely haughty. Harry took the letter out of it's beak and without a sound, it took off again, disappearing into the night. He tore off the envelope and read the first few lines of writing.
“Dear Mr Potter
We have received intelligence that the “Alohamora” charm was performed at your place of residence earlier this morning in full view of the Muggle inhabitants. As the Muggles in question are your guardians, and therefore fully aware that witches and wizards exist we have decided to overlook this breach of the law. However, consider this letter to be a warning. Further magic performed in the presence of Muggles will result in your being asked to attend a Ministry of Magic hearing. Happy Birthday and Congratulations on coming of age.”
Harry did not bother to read the name at the bottom of the parchment. He had received a letter of this sort on previous occasions and he was not particularly interested. He had forgotten all about the law against performing magic in front of Muggles in his excitement at being allowed to use magic outside school.
Lupin made a noise in his throat, bringing Harry back to his senses. He crumpled up the letter and stuffed it into his jeans pocket. He got back onto his feet feeling rather foolish to have been knocked over by nothing more than an owl flying at him.
“Ron and Hermione wanted to come like they promised” Lupin explained as he picked up Harry's trunk. “We persuaded them to let us come instead though. Ron hasn't passed his apparition test and Hermione's not really that confident about trying Side-Along Apparition yet.
“It's ok” said Harry. “I didn't want them to come anyway. They don't understand. Voldemort wants to kill me and if they tag along after me, they're going to be in as much danger as I am.”
“They understand well enough Harry” Lupin told him gently. “They're your friends and they care about you. They know it's dangerous, but when did danger ever stop true friends from protecting each other?”
Lupin and Tonks were planning to take Harry with them by Side Along Apparition. With the Floo Networks and Portkeys being watched by the Ministry, they were reluctant to use these methods of transport. Although the Ministry was “on their side”, they had an annoying habit of poking their noses in where they were not wanted. The members of the Order of the Phoenix preferred to keep their travel arrangements private. Lupin was holding Harry's trunk and Tonks had taken Hedwigs cage. Harry picked up his broomstick in one hand and with the other, held tight to Lupin's arm.
“Ready?” asked Lupin and Harry nodded, tightening his grip. The feeling of great pressure coming at his body from all sides started out of nowhere and Harry was very relieved when, seconds later, the impenetrable darkness disappeared and he found himself standing in the moonlit front yard of The Burrow. The three of them walked quickly across the yard to the front door. The lights in the kitchen were lit, but the house was silent. Lupin knocked a the door three times and then stood back. Harry could hear footsteps approaching on the opposite side of the door.
“Declare yourselves” came Mrs Weasley's voice.
“Lupin and Tonks. We have Harry with us” said Lupin and the door swung open. Mrs Weasley was wearing a dressing gown and had curlers in her hair. Although her attire was very much like that of Aunt Petunia, no one could have looked less like Harry's aunt. Mrs Weasley was beaming at him and before Harry could say a word, she had pulled him into a hug.
The others had all gone to bed as it was very early in the morning. Mrs Weasley had waited up to let them in, but she seemed relieved to be able to go to bed at last.
“We've been very busy” she explained as she led Harry upstairs. “Hardly had a moment's rest. The wedding is the day after tomorrow and what with all the preparations and looking after Bill and trying to stop Fleur from getting worked up, I've been rushed off my feet.” She smiled. “It'll all be worth it though. It isn't everyday that your eldest son gets married. I want them to have a lovely day.” With Mrs Weasley at the helm, Harry could not see how Bill and Fleur could have anything but a perfect day. Mrs Weasley loved organising things and the wedding of her eldest son would be right up her street. She looked worn out though, and Harry felt determined that he would help her as much as he could.
Mrs Weasley led him up to Fred and George's room. The two beds were already occupied by the twins, but a camp-bed had been set up in the corner. Mrs Weasley set Harry's trunk down beside it.
“I wanted to put you in with Ron” she said apologetically. “But Bill and Charlie are in there with him. We have got Percy's room, but Tonks is in there with Fleur. Ginny, Hermione and Gabrielle are in Ginny's room and Lupin is coming up to join you lot in here.” Harry nodded, though really he was too tired to care much where he or anyone else for that matter were to sleep. He waited for Mrs Weasley to leave the room and then quickly changed into his pyjamas and got into bed. By the time Lupin came up five minutes later, he was fast asleep.
Harry was woken next morning by his name being shouted cheerfully across the room. The opened his eyes with a start and saw that Fred and George were both awake. They were grinning at him. In a camp-bed identical to Harry's, Lupin was also stirring. It seemed that he too had been woken by the shout.
“Oops, sorry Lupin” said one of the twins as Lupin sat up in bed, looking around blearily.
“Not to worry” He said, smiling to see them in such high spirits. “I should be getting up anyway.” He took his clothes and went out of the room, climbing the stairs to get to the bathroom on the next floor. As he left, another cheery shout rent the air and a moment later, three people came rushing into the room.
“What is it with you?” exclaimed Ron, sitting down on Harry's bed. “Why do you always have to arrive in the middle of the night? Oh and Happy Birthday by the way.”
“Don't be silly Ron” said Hermione looking disapproving. “You know it's safer that way” She hugged Harry and sat down on the end of Lupin's bed. Only Ginny was left standing.
“Hi Harry” she said quietly. “Happy Birthday” She was smiling, but her smile seemed false and her eyes were shining much more than was natural.
“Hi Ginny” Harry replied. He felt awkward and looked away quickly.
It took about an hour for them all to get dressed, due to the fact that they all had to take their turn to use the small bathroom. Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny and the twins, trooped downstairs together to find that there was already a crowd of people around the table. Mrs Weasley stood at the stove, cooking bacon, eggs, sausages and beans to satisfy the appetites of them all. She looked up and saw the newcomers.
“Grab a plate everyone and get food and then just sit anywhere. There's no space left at the table.” she shouted over the chatter and laughter that was coming from the people sitting around the table. They followed her instructions and were soon sitting in a circle on the floor, large plates of food in front of them. Ginny was scowling and on following her gaze, Harry saw Fleur sitting beside Bill, sipping a glass of water. Bill was trying to persuade her to eat, but she flatly refused.
“I will not eat all zese fatty foods. I will not feet into my dress.” she complained loudly. Ginny rolled her eyes at the ceiling in frustration.
Just as they were about to leave the kitchen, a young girl came into the room. She looked like a younger version of Fleur and Harry knew at once who she must be. He recognised her from three years before. It was Gabrielle, Fleur’s younger sister.
“Gabrielle!” Fleur exclaimed, jumping up from the table to join her younger sister. “Gabrielle, do you know who is here?” Harry felt his heart sink. He was sure he knew exactly who Fleur was talking about. She was whispering something excitedly in Gabrielle’s ear and Gabrielle was suddenly looking as excited as she was. A moment later, Gabrielle came over to where the group was now standing.
“Arry” she said, smiling charmingly. “Eet is so good to see you again.” She drew nearer and pulled Harry into a tight hug, kissing him on both cheeks. Harry felt his face starting to burn and wished fervently that the floor would open and swallow him. Ginny was standing several feet away and she didn’t look any happier about the situation that Harry was. If looks could kill, Gabrielle would have crumpled into a lifeless heap on the floor. Ginny looked disgusted and was standing with her arms crossed.