“Maybe he destroyed the locket after all?” Ron said, his legs hanging over one of the arms to the sofas in the living room of number twelve.
“Well we need to find out don’t we?” Hermione sighed exasperated as she stood up from the floor to browse for more books on the shelf.
This had been the first time in a week since they had been given time to talk alone. There was either one of the adults casually lingering around them all the time, or Ginny, who Harry did not want to have to tell to go away as much as the next person. He was lying down on his front with a book upside down in his hands. This must have been the 100th one he had looked in so far, and he had not even realised he was holding it upside down. Not that it mattered as his face was buried into the floor, only his black unruly hair showing.
Ginny had been helping with Dinner for a while now as Mrs Weasley was busy in the kitchen, cooking for everyone. Most of the Order was out doing God knows what, and they were finally alone where the inevitable subject had to be discussed.
“Hermione,” Came Harry’s muffled voice from under the carpet. “What exactly are we looking for again?”
Hermione rolled her eyes, her finger trailing the dusty binds, as she squint her eyes at the faded titles. “Anything that can come as use, anything about,” She lowered her voice, “Horcruxes.”
Ron groaned dramatically. “We already know it all! Dumbledore told Harry everything, right Harry?”
“Uhhuh.” Was all he replied, still face down on the floor.
“You aint falling to sleep are you?” Ron sniggered, peering round to look at Harry’s lifeless form.
“Maybe.” Came his reply, before a heavy object was thrown across the room towards him.
“Oww!”He yelped, jumping of the floor onto crouched legs as he spun around drawing his wand, rubbing his head where the large book had dented. “Jheeze Hermione!” Harry shouted, angrily rubbing his head.
“Well I suggest you start helping! And you Ron!” She shouted, holding up another book threateningly to Ron who reacted immediately by standing up and saluting her.
She held back her smirk, keeping her glare aimed at him until he exchanged a look with Harry and both boys sighed defeated, there arms hanging loosely by their sides as they walked over to the large endless bookshelf.
“Anyway,” Hermione continued as all three of them stood squinting at the book shelf, “We need to start thinking about what we’re going to do.”
“What d’you mean?” Ron asked boardly, staring blankly at the shelf he was supposedly observing.
“What I mean is these Horcruxes, our mission, are we returning or not? Where do we begin if we don’t return?” She said.
Harry stopped looking, actually paying attention now as the thought he knew was filling Hermione with hope also filled him. Hogwarts. He missed the place so much, and he knew it would be different without Dumbledore but he still longed to return. He knew that his choice would have to involve what was right, not what was easy, but lately he had been thinking, and maybe his idea could give him both, for a little while at least anyway.
“I’ve been thinking…” He began uncertainly, wanting to make sure his assurance was fully supported by himself. “Horcruxes, What if one was hidden at Hogwarts?”
Both of his friends looked at him. He could tell by Ron’s scrunched up face and Hermione’s calculating look that they were both thinking over his theory. It was Hermione who answered first. “I don’t know Harry… Dumbledore would have said something if he thought there was one there-”
“But he might not have known. He doesn’t have a clue where the others are, otherwise he would have told me! And he also said that they would most likely be hidden in a place that means something to him.” Harry countered his determination showing on his face. “Hogwarts was his first real home, the only place that showed importance to him. It’s a symbol of who he was; surely he would have chosen Hogwarts to hide one of them.”
Ron looked unsure, but Hermione still held the look she wore when she was rapidly thinking things over, arguing it in her mind.
“Maybe…” She muttered, mostly to herself.
“So…” Harry began, taking a deep breath as his decision was ready to be made, “I want to go back to Hogwarts.”
Trying to conceal the happiness of his made choice, he watched his friend’s reactions, his expression serious.
“Well it’s settled then Harry.” Hermione said smiling now. “Were going back.”
“Woaah, hold on.” Ron said, making the other two turn on him. “Harry,” He said, addressing his best friend. “How certain are you there’s one there?”
“Why-?”
“I just need to know whether you believe there is one there, or whether you’re just going back for the hell of it.” He smiled.
Harry returned his smile before looking Ron directly in the eye.
“100%.”
As Harry finished his second slice of Mrs Weasley’s treacle tart, his spoon clattered to the plate. He leant back in his chair, feeling very tired as he looked around the people surrounding him. There was Remus sitting opposite him and meeting his eye he winked at Harry, also looking drowsy as his plate had finished long ago. The friendly chatters continued around the table, even though everyone it seemed, except Ron, had eaten their fill, and were all stuffed with Mrs Weasley’s great feast.
Harry looked next to him at Ginny who was conversing with Hermione and smiled to himself, taking his hand under the table and fitting it in to hers. She didn’t look at him, but squeezed his hand warmly. He sighed happily, wishing he could go straight to bed, but he needed a word with Remus as it was. Upon entering his mind, he put his thoughts into action and leaned across the table to Remus who was now talking to Arthur Weasley.
“Remus,” He began his voice unnecessarily low in the noise around him. “Can I have a word?”
Remus and Mr Weasley both appeared worried, but Remus nodded smiling and got to his feet.
“Thank you Molly.” Remus said as he walked past her patting her on the shoulder.
“No problem dear.” Came her reply as she continued her conversation with Tonks, her laughter echoing around the room.
Harry stood too, smiling when Ginny tugged on his arm with a curious stare.
“Be back in a minute.” He whispered to her, bending down towards her ear.
“Oi Potter!” Fred shouted from across the room.
“Keep yourself to yourself whilst were around.” George continued, evil grins plastered on both their faces as everyone looked up laughing at him.
He blushed smiling and began to leave the room, Ginny’s abusive rants fading as he and Remus made their way upstairs to the living room.
Harry entered first, his wand in his hand before Remus grabbed his forearm stopping him.
“Oh yeaa, I forgot.” Harry laughed, remembering he was not yet given the freedom to use magic.
“Well try not to,” Remus chuckled as he lit the room with his own wand. “It’s only 3 days until your birthday, not long to wait.”
They both sat down on the moth eaten sofas, the gloomy room adding to the houses misery. Harry hated being here again; the memories of Sirius skulking around moodily were still imprinted on the walls.
“I don’t like being here either.” Remus sighed, noticing Harry’s distaste.
Harry said nothing, feeling Remus’ eyes upon him.
“Is everything alright? What did you want to talk about?” Remus asked, breaking the silence and sitting up to look at the teen in front of him properly.
“Oh, yes, everything’s fine Remus.” Harry began, batting away his worry, “I just wanted to tell you that me Ron and Hermione have been talking, and well, were going back to Hogwarts.” He sat up smiling at Remus before his smile faded slightly as he took in his gloomy expression. “What is it?”
“Well, I don’t think that’s a good idea Harry.” He began uncertainly, watching as Harry’s happiness evaporated quickly. “You see, I, We, have been talking as well… and we think you should stay here where your safe. I mean, the wedding, they were coming for you, they managed to break the protective enchantments we placed around it.”
Harry said nothing, confusion coming to pass on his face. Remus continued.
“Listen, I don’t want to keep you shut up in here, but we don’t want Voldemort knowing your whereabouts, he wants you, and he wants you badly.”
“Hang on. This isn’t anyone’s decision but mine. I’m sorry Remus, but I’m going back, and no-one’s stopping me-”
“I will stop you Harry. I care about you too much to let him get to you.” Remus replied, his voice growing louder and sterner.
But harry increased his volume and stubbornness as he stood up walking over to the window.
“No-one is. I’m not staying locked up in this place. You have to be mad to even think it!”
“But what about your safety! Do you want him to get you?!”
“Of course I don’t! But I can’t let him rule my life can I! And besides, Me, Hermione and Ron have a job to do-”
“Which is what?” Remus barked frustrated as he too stood.
Harry turned back to face him, “I’ve already said, I can’t tell you-”
“Why not? Maybe we can help, take over and do this for you-?”
“No! You don’t understand, it has to be me!”
“What has to be you?” Came Bill’s voice from the doorway.
Both Harry and Remus looked around to see Bill, Charlie and Arthur.
Harry sighed loudly putting his head in his hands as he turned away again.
“Harry is saying he’s going back to Hogwarts.” Remus said looking to the three men for help.
“Harry, are you sure that’s a good idea?” Arthur said from the door as Bill and Charlie glanced at each other.
“Yes I do, and it’s happening, so everyone needs to hurry up and get used to it!” Harry said his voice angry as he aimed his words to Remus who opened his mouth to argue back.
“You are staying here!” He yelled back. Harry had never seen him so serious before.
“No, I’m not!” Harry replied, equally as angry. And he marched from the room and across the hallway as Remus and the other 3 followed him out.
“Where are you going?” Remus asked quickly fear flitting across him as Harry charged to the door.
“I’m going out for a walk if that’s okay with you!” He shouted back, his hand on the door handle.
Just as he pulled the door open 2 stunners flew across the room and hit him in the back. He collapsed to the floor in a heap against the door which closed again, just as Ginny Ron and Hermione came running up the kitchen stairs.
“Bill! Charlie! What are you doing?” Ginny yelled furiously looking at her two brothers raised wands, their faces both looking guiltily at Harry’s stunned body on the floor.
Remus rushed towards him, his wand had also been in his hand as had Arthur’s, but luckily they had not fired their stunners immediately.
“He’s okay; He’ll just have a bit of a headache that’s all.” Remus said as he pointed his wand to Harry’s temple. “Ennervate.”
Harry began to stir; raising his hand to his forehead as he slowly used his other arm to support himself.
“What happened?” He asked, utterly confused.
“Bill and Charlie stunned you mate.” Came Ron’s voice from somewhere above him. Surely enough when he opened his eyes Ron was standing next to Remus holding his hand out which harry took.
“Why?” Harry replied getting to his feet and looking across the hall where Bill and Charlie were both being shouted at by Ginny, whose wand was out threateningly.
“We think there are death eaters keeping a watch on the place.” Remus said, now knowing he should have revealed this information to him.
“Oh, understandable.” He said, rubbing his throbbing head.
“Ginny calm down-” Began Mr Weasley.
“I will not!” She yelled still keeping her wand aimed as it flitted to each brother.
“Gin, it’s alright, they had too.” Harry said, walking up to them all.
Bill and Charlie looked at him apologetically. “Sorry Harry, we think there are-”
“Death eaters,” Harry interrupted, “Remus just said.” He smiled.
Both of the eldest Weasley brothers sighed in relief, as Ginny reluctantly lowered her wand. Giving them one last glare she allowed Hermione to take her upstairs.
“Harry,” Began Remus uncertainly again.
“Leave it Remus, please.” Harry said looking into his eyes. “I’ve made my decision. It’s final.” And with that he and Ron followed both girls up the stairs leaving Remus, Arthur, Charlie and Bill behind.
Remus stared after Harry as he disappeared to his room. The moment he was out of sight he swore under his breath and kicked the umbrella troll leg stand angrily, his hands in his hair. “What are we going to do?”
“Well keeping him locked up in this place is not an option.” Bill stated simply. “Let him go.”
“But how can we keep an eye on him?” Remus stressed looking at them all hopelessly.
Arthur walked over to him and put a comforting hand on his shoulder. “Remus, we know you’re trying to keep him safe, stop mounting yourself with worry, he’ll be okay.”
He sighed defeated, “I know. I just don’t want to fail him. I’m the only link left between him and his family, Ever since Sirius-” He swallowed the lump in his throat.
“He will be fine at Hogwarts. Probably safer there than here.” Charlie encouraged him, as he looked around at his father and friend. They looked so tired; lines of worry seemed tattooed on their face nowadays. Charlie frowned. He remembered the days when he was just a kid. All seven of them running around happily, not a care in the world. And now they had been forced from their home and none of them knew when there would ever be a time for their return again.
As the four men followed each other from the hall, 2 floors above found Harry, Ron, Ginny and Hermione.
Harry was on the floor resting against his bed as Ginny lay comfortably in between his legs. He was stroking her soft vivid Red hair gently, making her eyelids flutter as though his soothing hand were hypnotising her to sleep. Ron was lying on his bed, stretched across it comfortably, making Hermione have to sit cross legged on the floor.
Ron groaned loudly, “I’m so bored.”
“I hear you.” Replied Harry, his tone irritated at the thought of being locked up in this hellhole.
“Stupid Adults, Stupid Order... Stupid,” Ron looked around for a useful word to help him out. “Stupid people!” He said rather annoyed himself.
“It’s so unfair!” Harry stated angrily, happy that at least Ron agreed with him.
“Definitely, I mean what do they think is going to happen? You-Know-Who’s going to be sat next to us riding the carriages to Hogwarts offering us a glass of pumpkin juice?”
Harry sniggered at this image, but then seeing Ginny’s serious look said, “What?”
“Do you really want to know what I’m thinking?”
“No” Ron said just as Harry said, “Yes.”
She sighed sitting up more in between his legs and turning to face him. “I think their right.”
“What?” both Harry Ron exclaimed suddenly.
“As much as I’d love to see you at Hogwarts Harry, I can’t deny that the death eaters couldn’t find a way in. I mean, last year they did, didn’t they?”
Harry shook his head at her, smiling as though he thought she was acting dumb. “That was because there was a vanishing cabinet, there’s not going to be one of those this time is there?”
Her face turned stony at his tone and she glared at him, satisfied when he immediately apologised.
“There will be plenty of other ways I’m sure.” She said firmly and stubbornly.
“Oh c’mon Gin, it will be fine, and I’m going anyway.” He stated quite simply, looking back into her glowering face as her determination to change his mind was apparent.
“So now you don’t even value my opinion?” She asked, getting to her feet when he did not immediately reply. But he knew what game she was playing, and he was not going to give in.
“Of course I do, but I am aloud to make my own decisions.” He smiled, proud of his reply, before-”
“Yes Harry. You are.” She replied cooly, her arms crossed. “Well since you’ve always been so good at making decisions, I best leave you to it then!” And before Harry could call her back, the door had slammed behind her making him wince.
“Don’t worry, she’ll be fine tomorrow. That won’t stop her persuading you though.” Hermione said to him, a sad smile on her face as he sighed.
“Thought you were asleep.” Ron said, raising himself of the bed and crossing his legs. “What do you think of all this then?”
“I agree with both.” She said, her argument that had been taking place as she had observed her friends discussions.
“You were all for returning to Hogwarts before! What’s changing your mind-?”
“Oh Ronald! If you listened, I said I agree with both. It will still be worrying. Wherever we go we will worry about what will happen, when Voldemort will pop up, oh grow up!” She snapped at Ron’s gasp at the name. “But we need to go back to Hogwarts and that’s final. However, I presume the Order will be very limiting of you Harry.” She finished sympathetically.
“What d’you mean?” Harry asked, his face already and expression of complete dislike for what he was about to hear.
She sighed, “There will be No Hogsmeade trips for you, strict security, there will definitely be people watching your every move, or most of it.”
“Well how the Bloody hell are we supposed to find bits of Souls when we’re being stalked by a couple of-“
“Ron!” Hermione scolded him as she hit him on his knee.
“What!” He said, rubbing his knee, his expression sulky.
“The Aurors! They will only be trying to protect Harry!”
“Well we don’t need them do we?” He argued back.
She had no reply for this, knowing deep down that things were going to be a lot more difficult than planned. All of their spirits seemed to have shrunk from that morning when they were all happily filled with no worry or responsibility, but now everything had been made worse, roots of problems forming on their already building fear.
“We’ll get through this.” Harry said, not fully believing his own words.
Both his friends sighed, giving him an encouraging smile all the same. They all agreed this was going to be no cup of tea, but knowing the weight Harry carried on his shoulders only made Hermione and Ron more determined to help him. They could walk away from this whenever they wished. He could not.
OMG! You must hate me! I’m so ashamed that it’s taken so long to write this! I do have a reason, and I hope you will forgive me :D my word has been playing up like MAD, so I have been writing this on my memo pad on my phone :L it’s probably very bad and a lot of people will want to murder me for making you wait for this for so long! So sorry! I have loads of ideas that form my whole story, it’s just the middle filling bits I find hard and long to write! Please review, tell me I’m rubbish and should got hell if you like:D thanks to anyone who does read, and I hope I’ve not wasted any time! AND IT’S NEARLY CHRISTMAS! WAHAAAAY! Merry Christmas everyone! Xxxx
Okay, as you can see I tried to post this before Christmas haha, anyway happy new year to everyone J
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