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Harry Potter and the Winds of Change
(Year Six Fan-Fic)

Disclaimer: This is a non profit fan-fiction piece. No money is being made from it.
Harry Potter, names, characters and related indicia are © and tm Warner Brothers 2000 +.
Any quotes from the Canon books are © Joanne K. Rowling 1997 +.
Special note that some of my non-canon facts come from “Acceptance of Fate” with permission from Jami.
So far I own my plot with tips from “J.K.R.’s World Book Day Interview.”
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Chapter 6– Saying Goodbye

By the time Harry had awoken two days later the Weasleys had moved back to the Burrow. The only people Harry had truly spoken to were Remus and Tonks. The other Order members were only stopping by long enough to have their meetings in the dining room and then heading out to their appointed tasks.

Remus had told him that the Ministry was in total disarray over the incident in Diagon Alley. In fact they hadn’t even sent Harry an owl over using magic during the incident, not to mention he’d not even been issued a warning over being seen by Muggle on the streets of Muggle London when he’d flown above the ‘see-me-not’ wards over Diagon Alley to escape dragon fire. The complete Auror, Unspeakable and Obliterators divisions had been required to contain the incident within an acceptable level. The incident, according to the Daily Prophet, had been on the Muggle news as a hoax put together by some engineering students. Remus had refused to show Harry the Daily Prophet saying only that they were, as normal, making a mess out of the facts about the attack, claiming Harry had single handedly defeated the Dragon and only mentioning Charlie’s death in passing.

Arrangements were being made for Charlie’s funeral. The ceremony was going to be for close friends and family only at the Burrow. Harry was expected to attend with both Remus and Tonks as his bodyguards. Harry wasn’t sure he wanted to attend, but he knew Ron and Ginny would need his support, so he’d swallowed his own grief and agreed immediately when Tonks asked him if he wanted to go.

Harry had been very relieved to find out that while they all had ended up with bruises. None of them had needed medical treatment except Harry. He’d managed to protect Hermione’s head with his hands and forearms, but not his own as they’d hit the ground and rolled down the cobblestone street. He was fine after a day in bed recovering from the concussion he’d received, but Madame Pomfrey had insisted on dosing him with extra sleeping potions to make sure he rested. Tonks had chuckled when she filled him in on the tongue-lashing Hermione had planned for him once she saw him again, but quickly sobered a moment later, as if remembering laughing wasn’t appropriate in the wake of the Weasley’s tragedy.

Harry couldn’t help but wish for some company. Without the Weasleys, Hermione or Neville around, Harry was lonely. Being the only person not involved in the Order in the house had given him too much time on his own to brood in the depressing atmosphere of number twelve Grimmauld Place. The death of his Godfather was again pressing down on him every time he thought of Charlie and his sacrifice. Thinking of how much guilt he felt over Sirius’s death he could only imagine how Ron and Ginny were feeling now that their brother had given his life for them.

Brooding alone in the kitchen was how Remus and Dumbledore found him, staring at the Fireplace. Remus looked worried but Dumbledore gave Harry a small smile.

“Harry, we have come to ask you to join us in the Order’s meeting room.” He told Harry quietly.

Harry turned slowly and gave Dumbledore a searching look before looking over to Remus. He gave Harry a little nod before looking back towards Dumbledore.

“Alright.” He agreed softly, and followed the two men back into the dining room.

Harry hadn’t even seen the inside of the room since the Order had taken it over. He was surprised to see several desks and an oval table that took up half the room. The walls were covered in maps with what looked like blank parchment on them with red and white pins sticking out in what looked like random scatterings. The room had Tonks, Mad-Eye Moody, Professor McGonagall, Heasta Jones, Arabella Figg and Professor Snape seated around the table. Professor Dumbledore walked around the table to sit next to Professor Snape and Professor McGonagall. Harry sat down in the nearest seat next to Tonks and Remus sat in the seat beside him.

“Harry.” Professor Dumbledore began, “You are aware of the upcoming vote in the ‘Circle of Lords’.”

Harry nodded slowly. He looked around at the others at the table. Many of them looked a little irritated, especially Snape. “Yes Sir.” He replied. “I know that I’ll need to choose two people who don’t already have the right to vote to cast my votes for me.”

Dumbledore smiled. “Exactly, I am happy to see you’ve thought this through.”

Mad-Eye grunted. “You sure you understand the significance of your choices?” He asked.

Harry turned to Moody and nodded sagely. “Of course, I need to choose two people who would be politically wise, and that can claim to know me outside of the Order of the Phoenix. Otherwise I am signing their Death Warrant by asking them.” He said quietly, looking down at his hands.

Several people gasped at his words. “Merlin, It’s a good thing Molly’s not here!” Arabelle exclaimed. “We are sorry about asking you to think about this now Harry.” She placed her hand on the table, her face showed deep lines of worry.

“Well at least the Boy understands the risks people at making on his behalf finally.” Snape growled. “I guess it only takes a few people dropping dead at his feet for the point to get across.”

Tonks got up and began to tell Snape off. Harry, who was in shock at the boldness of the statement sat perfectly still. He was the only one to hear Remus start growling deep in his throat.

Harry ignored the rest of the comments flying back and forth between Snape and the rest of the Order Members; instead he watched Remus’s eyes as they dilated and changed color quickly from his normal caring warm hazel to dark angry reddish amber. His fists clenched so tight they turned bone white but otherwise he remained unnaturally still but Harry could feel power collecting around him. It didn’t take a genius to understand Remus was about to jump across the room and do some serious damage to Snape with his strength reinforced by his werewolf abilities.

Harry grabbed Remus’s wand from his arm holster and tried to remember the spell he’d seen him cast the other day. Closing his eyes he remembered the spell as if watching it in a Pensive. “Intumesco adficico.” He muttered, swished Remus’s wand and placed his hand on Remus’s arm.

Harry was instantly swept up in a giant wave of rage, guilt and grief so engulfing that he barely felt himself growling loudly. His emotions brushed with the ‘Wolf’ within. His blood began to rush through his veins so loudly it blocked out all the noise in the room, and the need to cause serious bodily harm upon Snape was so completely overwhelming, but still he could not let go of Remus’s arm. It felt like his hand was fussed to Remus’s skin by a golden light radiating between the two of them.

The emotions continued to flow into his mind. The pain of losing Sirius, Lily, James and even Peter rolled over him. The years of feeling lost when he couldn’t see Harry except from a distance, the betrayal he felt when Sirius was locked away, and the tremendous agony from the monthly transformations. Harry felt he would die from the overwhelming sorrow, pain and grief.

He felt someone tear him away from Remus and he ended up on his back howling with pain. He could feel the Wolf emotions intermixed with Remus’s still flowing through him as if they were his own. Remus was lying on the ground stunned with Professor McGonagall holding him up. Harry’s eyes snapped up to Snape and saw the man standing a few feet away with a sneer on his face. Wolf and his own rage at Snape’s comments warred for supremacy. Without any experience in dealing with the Wolf, Harry lost and the Wolf took control.

No one expected the blood curling howl or Harry to suddenly launch himself at Snape. Jumping up and plowing his shoulder into Snape, Harry had him down on the ground in seconds. He snarled and looked ready to bite the professor’s neck but he was restrained by ropes and held back. He watched with pure hatred as Snape got up and was quickly escorted to the fireplace. When he was gone Harry again tried to push the blood boiling fury aside. He finally began to hear the conversations around him.

“When did Harry learn that spell?” McGonagall was asking, her normally stern voice gone replaced by shock.

“Last week. Remus cast it on him, trying to get Harry to open up at little.” Tonks explained. “I didn’t think to explain that it was that dangerous. I thought that was evident when Remus had issues dealing with Harry’s emotions. He only saw the spell being cast the once and he was the target. I have no idea how he could know it well enough to cast it!”

Moody humped. “I’ve never heard of that spell being used on a werewolf before.” He looked Harry over carefully. “I wonder how much of the Wolf was transferred over?”

“Just a few surface thoughts, I imagine.” said Dumbledore. “I imagine Remus was trying very hard to subdue the Wolf when Harry decided to help him out.”

Moody snorted. “It was very smart of the boy to use Remus’s wand. There is no way the ministry can pick up on the user being Harry. They’ll just assume it was Remus.”

Heasta nodded. “Still, are Remus and Harry going to be alright? As Moody said the spell hasn’t been used on a werewolf before.”

Remus groaned and tried to get to his feet. It was only with Moody’s help he was able to stand. “I’m fine, but Harry dragged too much out of me. Several year’s worth I think.”

Tonks gasped and held Harry tighter to her as Dumbledore walked forward and cast the same spell on Harry. He dragged the recent violent emotions from him. The exchange took several seconds that seemed like hours to Harry although Harry noticed that Dumbledore’s spell didn’t have the golden glow attached to it. Finally Dumbledore pulled back and looked as angry as Harry had ever seen him.

“I will be dealing with Severus in a moment, I assure you.” Turning to Harry and seeing Harry’s eyes clear of all the anger he’d been holding in, he removed the ropes. “I will of course be restricting Snape to Order meetings only and he will no longer be allowed to interact with you Harry. I promise and,” Dumbledore’s eyes clouded for a moment as he looked deeply into Harry’s emerald green depths. “I’m sorry.”

Harry nodded his understanding and looked back towards Tonks and Remus. Seeing their looks he wished he hadn’t. Tonks looked ready to kill him now that the emergency was over, and Remus had a look of relief and disappointment.

“I think we should wait an hour before we try this meeting again.” Dumbledore told them. “I will see you all shortly.” He told them before heading for the fireplace.

Remus grabbed Harry by the shoulders before Tonks could and placed him back in his seat. “Harry that spell…. It’s too powerful to just…” His voice trailed off.

“Of all the stupid, rash, harebrained stunts you could have pulled!” Tonks yelled at him as she stalk towards him, backing him into a chair. “Do you have any idea how hard it would be to explain why you were casting that spell during the summer? That spell is considered to be a Dark Arts spell… Did you know that?” Tonks continued her ranting as she paced behind Remus, who had wisely stepped between the enraged Auror and the teenager.

Harry shook his head. “I just didn’t want Remus to do something he’d regret.” He mumbled as he looked away from Remus. He didn’t want to see Remus’s disappointment in him.

Tonks stopped her pacing and glared at Harry. “Remus knows how to handle his own emotions. He’s been doing it far longer and far better then you ever could!”

“Tonks I can handle this.” Remus said mildly. If he was annoyed by them speaking as if he wasn’t there it didn’t show.

Harry chanced a look at Remus. “Perhaps it would be best if I spoke to him and explained the situation. You seem a little overwhelmed.” He stated calmly.

Tonks huffed and stalked out of the room, leaving no mistaking her mood. Remus watched her leave and then sat back in his own chair beside Harry. They sat there in silence for several minutes before Harry heard a very faint, “Thank you,” from Remus.

Harry looked up at his face to see if he’d really said it. Seeing Remus’s hands laying on the table and his head hung in defeat surprised him. It took him a few more seconds to whisper, “Your welcome.”

Remus gave him a pained smile. “You really shouldn’t have done that.”

Harry smirked. “I know.” His smile gave way and his worry showed through. “Is it always like that?” He asked meaning the intensity of the emotions the Wolf had forced through him.

Remus understood what he was asking. He shook his head slightly. “Not really. Normally only the evening of the full moon is it that intense. It happens occasionally when the Wolf and I feel the same way. We are both grieving and we both feel pain when it comes to Padfoot.” Remus said. “Snape pushed the wrong button this time.”

Harry thought about this new bit of information. It made sense to him. He felt Remus’s emotions intermixed with the Wolf when it came to his anger and grief, but not when it came to his regrets about Sirius’s incarceration or Lily’s death. The Wolf had entered his mind when he pulled the anger from Remus, not when he’d pulled the other emotions through.

Harry gave him a small smile. “Dumbledore now has a piece of the Wolf’s anger in him right?”

Remus looked a little startled. “I guess, if you don’t feel that anger anymore inside you.”

Harry chuckled. “Dumbledore took a little more then the Wolf. He got a touch of my own rage against Snape for his mistreatment of the Gryffindors and my own grief. I’d hate to be Snape right now.”

Remus chuckled back. “He deserves it.”

Harry nodded. “I know.” He looked towards Dumbledore’s chair and thought back on what Tonks had said. “Why is it considered a Dark Arts spell?”

Remus sighed. “That version of the spell isn’t. It’s the more advanced forms of the spell that are Dark Arts, most witches and wizards don’t differentiate between base spells and advanced forms. If one is Dark, then all of the same branches are Dark to them.”

“Oh.” Harry mumbled. “So it’s not a dark spell?”

Remus shook his head. “But it still takes a lot of will and quite a bit of self-control to perform correctly.” He explained. “That’s why you couldn’t control the amount of emotion you pulled from me. But it was a very dangerous thing to do. I didn’t think you’d be able to perform it.” He looked at Harry sadly. “I should have, considering you can cast a Patronus.”

Harry smiled sadly. “It normally takes a lot of practice for me to learn new spells. But I just knew if I didn’t…” he trailed off unsure if he should say anything more. “It’s sort of how I was able to cast the Patronus so powerful that night to save Sirius. I knew I had too and I could do it if I tried.”

Remus placed his hand on Harry’s shoulder. “I might have attacked Snape, if you hadn’t.”

Harry sighed. “I know you would have hated yourself for it and I was just trying to help, not play hero.”

Remus grabbed Harry’s shoulder forcing him to look at his face. “Harry, it has been a long time since I trusted anyone outside of Padfoot completely. Even he wouldn’t have done what you just did.” He seemed to be searching Harry’s eyes for something. “You and your friends don’t fear the Wolf unless he’s in front of you. I hope now you understand why the Wolf is so dangerous even on non-full moon evenings.”

Harry looked confused. “It’s only Snape that brings out the Wolf. You’re a human being, Moony. I can see that even if some other people can’t.”

Remus looked shocked and backed away from him. “Your mother once said that, the night she bound me to you.”

Harry bit his lip. “Well, it’s true you know.”

Remus shook his head. “It’s not, but it is nice to hear.”

Harry snorted. “It is true. You’re a human being with a curse that changes you from human to wolf for a few hours a month. That’s all. The rest of the time it’s up to you on what you want to be. It’s your choice to be human.” Harry stared off, remembering Dumbledore’s words to him in his second year. “It’s making the right choice, not the easy choice. I’m sure it’s easier to just give into the Wolf but you don’t. You decided a long time ago not to be a monster. Death Eaters deserve that title, not you.”

Remus blushed at the praise. “A very mature attitude you’ve gained this summer… The Order has been surprised by your acceptance of the situation. Seems you are growing up faster then some members would like.”

Harry sighed. “Like Mrs. Weasley I imagine.”

Remus nodded. “I was there when Dumbledore told the Order of your demands. They were very surprised by the demands and concessions you made and how mature you were about everything. The restrictions on Snape being the only exception, and even then, many understood.”

Harry sat back and thought about his conversation with Dumbledore. “I told Dumbledore that I would hold him responsible for Snape’s actions. Besides I only elaborated on your suggestions.”

Remus shook his head. “I didn’t give you all those ideas just a light nudge in the direction you took and to be reasonable with your suggestions.” He chuckled. “You know Dumbledore asked if I had planted that idea about holding him responsible for Snape in your head.”

Harry gave him a curious look. “He did, why?”

Remus looked uncomfortable. “Dumbledore knows that Gryffindor wasn’t the Sorting Hat’s first choice of houses for me, but because of my condition it was agreed I should be placed in that house or Hufflepuff because they were the only houses likely to accept me if I was found out.”

Harry nodded as if he’d expected that. “Ravenclaw seems like a better choice for you. But then again Hermione is in Gryffindor by her own choice. So am I.”

Remus gave him a curious look. “What do you mean, so am I?”

Harry looked away towards the fireplace. “The hat tried to place me in Slytherin.” He whispered fearfully.

Remus’s eyes opened wide. “What made you argue with it?” He asked breathlessly. Harry wasn’t sure why Remus seemed so surprised. He hoped it had to do with the amount of support Draco and the majority of Slytherin house had for Voldemort rather then the fact that the hat thought he’d do well in Slytherin.

“Ron.” He said thankfully. “He told me about the reputations of the houses on the train, and he explained what was expected of the members of each one. All from a Gryffindor point of view.” Harry smirked.

Remus chuckled and smiled fondly at him. “I can imagine.”

“I’m glad he did.” Harry explained a little more relaxed now that Remus was no longer acting like he’d done something wrong, “When I met Draco Malfoy, outside the doors before the sorting, it sort of validated everything Ron had told me.” Harry paused as he remembered Draco putting out his hand. “Malfoy was exactly like my cousin Dudley. Bullying everyone around him, making it seem like he was doing me the biggest favor by accepting me as an equal. I don’t think I would ever have been friends with him. But at the same time, I don’t think I would’ve fought so hard against becoming a Slytherin if Ron hadn’t been so sure all evil wizards were Slytherins, and all good wizards were Gryffindors. Dumbledore thinks the reason the hat thought I’d be good in Slytherin was because of my connection to Voldemort.”

Remus looked lost in thought. “The hat said I would have made a wonderful Slytherin if it hadn’t been for my condition, you know.”

Harry bit his lip. “You? Really?”

Remus smiled at him. “Yes.”

Harry closed his eyes and bit his lip wondering if he should ask his question. “Remus, do you think Sirius would still have cared about me if I’d been in Slytherin?” He avoided looking at Remus as he waited for his answer.

The question had been on his mind very much since the adoption. Sirius’s hatred of his family was based on their actions against him but also a choice made when the each of his family members were only 11 years old. What if Harry hadn’t fought so hard against the hat’s choice?

“I don’t have a single doubt.” Remus smiled. Harry looked up uncertain of his answer. Remus leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms over his chest. His confidence in his answer relieved Harry of some of his doubts.

“Remember Harry, Padfoot had killing Pettigrew on his mind at the time. He didn’t know what house you were in when he went to Privet Drive. He just wanted to see you once before he could get his revenge for being locked up for years.” Harry looked thoughtful as he took in Remus’s explanation. “I’m sure he would still have loved you regardless. Even if you’d been in Slytherin, you’d have helped him escape.” He told him with conviction. “You earned his affection as a child and he earned yours. And that was long before you ever wore that hat.”

Harry smiled and nodded to himself. “Yeah, I guess you’re right.”

Remus smiled back at him. “Of course I am. I might not have been as brilliant as Hermione when we were all in school, but I wasn’t the most dangerous Marauder for nothing.” He winked playfully.

Harry raised his eyebrow. He was glad to be on to a different topic. Talking about the past always made him feel better. He loved learning more about his parents but he was always afraid of bringing up bad memories.

“I would have thought that would have been Sirius or my dad, they were the ones always cursing everyone.” Harry said, curiously.

Remus snorted. “True, but I was the one who normally did the research into our pranks, finding all the right spells and getting the others to practice them until we could do them perfectly.” He laughed. “Padfoot knew more ‘dark magic’ then I did until about our sixth year. I think I picked up more then him in the years after he moved in with your grandparents from researching pranks, and from the werewolf researchers I was seeing in France and Spain during the summers. I might not have been so quick to cast spells at students but when I had to I was one of the most feared duelers in the school.” He said proudly.

Harry looked thoughtful. “I never thought about it, but you know I’ll bet Hermione must know a lot of darker magic since she always seems to know how to counter spells.”

Remus nodded. “It wouldn’t surprise me much.” Remus looked Harry over and took in his worry worn face.

“Harry, just remember that one choice doesn’t make who you are.” Harry looked at him curiously. “Snape, while a complete git, is still choosing to be on the side of light. His skills at being a spy are something he learned while being a Slytherin. It made him a good one. But that doesn’t mean he is a Death Eater, he chooses to help us. He doesn’t have too. It would in fact make his life easier if he didn’t help us. He has been given information by the Order that Voldemort would gladly have killed him for in the past. He has never once wavered in his loyalty to Dumbledore.” Remus gave Harry a grim looking smile.

“He has the qualities that would place him in any house at Hogwarts. The question I am putting to you is; what house would you put someone with those traits in, Harry?”

Harry looked thoughtfully he took his time trying to figure out where he would put someone like that if it wasn’t Snape and he didn’t know them. “I don’t know.” He finally answered truthfully. “It’s too complicated to answer without going over a lot of things.”

Remus smiled at his answer. “Don’t judge everyone by the house they are placed in Harry. You’ll be selling them and yourself short.” Looking up at the Order’s magical clock, it functioned like the Weasley’s family clock, and he could see Dumbledore was still at his office with Snape. “Speaking of which, we better choose who you’d like to be your representatives for the Circle before everyone comes back. I think you have a fair grasp of the situation and can put forward a few well thought out choices.” He said encouragingly.

“Would it be too suspious if I choose you and Moody?” Harry questioned. He felt bolstered by Remus’s faith in him. It felt good to be praise for using his head instead of being scolded like a child for being rash.

Remus looked thoughtfully. “Why did you choose us?” Harry wondered if Remus was testing him. He took his time and put his arguments together in his mind before he spoke.

“Well, I know you both from school.” Harry explained. “So the press can’t finger anyone out as members of the Order since you were both my ‘Defense Against the Dark Arts’ teachers. It makes sense since I really can’t give my votes to any of the teachers at the school now, like Professor McGonagall, because then people could make accusations against them for favoritism.”

Remus nodded. “Very true, but I should point out to you that I will not be permitted to cast a vote on your behalf. But Professor McGonagall is most likely the only exception to that rule as she is supposed to be like a guardian to you while at school.”

Harry sighed. “Well, I guess I’ll have to think of someone else. I’d really rather spare her the scrutiny.” He looked thoughtfully. “Who would you suggest as a replacement for you?”

“I’d choose Arthur, Bill or Dumbledore.” Remus stated without hesitation. “You’ve known all three for several years and it wouldn’t be a huge surprise to the general public. Even the Death Eaters know how close you are to the Weasley’s so it’s not new information, and it’s not going to give anything away to them.”

“But Mr. Weasley is the Minister of Magic. Can he do that?” Harry asked, wishing he’d paid more attention in History of Magic.

“He can as long as it’s a request from a guardian. Tonks can officially ask him to do it for you.” Remus explained.

“Well then, I guess that settles it, Moody and Mr. Weasley then.” Harry said happily. “Do I have to stick around for the meeting now?”

Remus chuckled. “No. Go wait in the kitchen and I’ll talk to Dumbledore then we’ll go out and get something to eat in Muggle London with Tonks. It’s been a few days and I’m sure the Death Eaters aren’t staking out every restaurant in London.”

Harry nodded and raced out of the room.



Two days later Harry was once again dressed in the new dress robes and escorted by Tonks and Remus to the Burrow. It was risky to fly in the daytime but Dumbledore had suggested a spell to keep the invisibility cloaks wrapped around the riders while the brooms had a disillusionment spell on them. When moving, the brooms had a bit of a blur to them, allowing them to see approximately where each other was. Tonks had also insisted on a tracking charm being placed on them all so she could tell if one of them started to stray. It had worked brilliantly and they’d had no problems on the long two hour flight. Harry scowled at the hot sun as it shone its warm rays down on the field in front of the house as they touched down and opened their cloaks.

Normally Harry would have said the Burrow was a place of warmth and happiness. It was as close to a description of ‘home’ as Harry could have ever described. Love and family oozed out of the walls and floors. While the house would be a Muggle contractor’s nightmare with its crooked beams and its cobbled structure, Harry thought it was the most brilliant house he’d ever seen. That is normally, today however, it looked and felt even more like a tomb then Headquarters.

Tonks was dressed in her black dress uniform and Remus was wearing his new black robes. Talk that morning had been very limited and now that they were standing in front of the house, Harry was unsure he wanted to enter. Slowly he folded his father’s cloak up and laid it over his arm and carried his broom to the back of Arthur’s shed. There was a broom rack setup there. The plan was to place their brooms and cloaks in the rack so no one would know how Harry had traveled.

Remus placed a comforting hand on Harry’s shoulder as they turned and walked onto the porch. Harry waited after Tonks knocked. It wasn’t long until the door was opened by Percy Weasley.

Percy gave the group a dirty look before opening the door wider and walking away without saying a word. Dumbledore was just inside and greeted them with a sad smile. “It’s good to see you Harry.”

Harry nodded and allowed Dumbledore to escort him into the room where everyone was gathering. Harry didn’t see any of the Weasley’s except Percy and one of the twins.

Harry slipped over to who he was sure was Fred. “Hey.” He said softly, pulling Fred out of his daze.

“Hi Harry.” Fred said softly. “Glad to see you here mate.” He seemed a little distracted watching Percy.

“I guess Percy is back for the funeral.” Harry whispered.

Fred snorted. “I don’t believe it. Sure he used to care about our family but I think he’s here to find out who the Order members are.” He snarled.

Harry was quite taken back. He knew Percy and the twins had a fierce sibling rivalry but he had never expected it to turn to full-blown hatred. “Why do you think that?” He asked.

“Because he hasn’t spoken to any of us since he came last night, except for mom. George and I heard him telling mom that he blamed you for what happened to Charlie.” Harry sharply inhaled at those words.

Fred noticed and placed a hand on Harry’s shoulder. “You’re not to blame Harry. Percy is just being a stupid git. He still doesn’t think Fudge was wrong to slander you last year, even though it turned out you were right.”

Harry still wasn’t convinced but he nodded anyway. “He went on about how we shouldn’t continue to support you, because it would make us larger targets in the coming war.” Fred’s face split into an evil but grim smile. “Dad told him that if he didn’t start acting like a member of this family he could leave and not bother ever coming back. He said he was ashamed of Percy and questioned how he ever became a Gryffindor.”

Harry’s eyes widened. In the Weasley house everyone took pride in their Gryffindor courage, much the way the Blacks prized being Slytherins. “Wow,” was all Harry could manage.

Fred nodded. “Yeah, I don’t think Percy was expecting that, and even mom stood behind dad last night. She told him that if he ever said anything like that again she’d disown him. He backed down after that and hasn’t said much since to any one. He’s just watching everyone, seeing who’s here and who’s not.”

Harry looked around still not seeing anyone else from the Weasley family. “Where is everyone?”

Fred’s eyes watered and he looked towards the back door. “They’re out in the field preparing Charlie’s body for the burial. I should be out there, but as long as Percy’s in here, George and I didn’t think it was wise to let him wander around.”

Harry placed a comforting hand on Fred’s shoulder. “Why don’t you go? Dumbledore is here and he can keep Percy in line.”

Fred nodded. “Why don’t you come too?” He asked Harry. “You’re more of a Weasley brother then Percy.”

Harry’s mind whirled at the statement. He’d never had a family before Sirius that he could remember. Sure the Dursley’s were his blood relatives but they didn’t care for him at all, he wasn’t loved, he was an inconvenience and was told so constantly. “No.” He said softly. “I don’t want to intrude but thanks. I promise to keep an eye on Percy though.”

Fred gave him a look that both thanked him and told him he would not have been intruding before he slipped through the crowd and out the back door. Harry watched him go with a heavy heart. Turning back towards the crowd Harry could see Percy staring holes through his head. Percy eyes almost seemed to be burning Harry with the intensity of his hatred.

Harry was taken completely by surprise when Hermione placed herself between him and Percy’s stare. “Harry!” She said louder, waving her hand in front of his face.

Harry turned his gaze to Hermione. “Hermione, I thought you were with your parents?”

She gave him a small smile. “They’re here.” She pointed out two people talking to Professor McGonagall. “They’d like to meet you this time, but not right now. I want to talk to you first.”

Harry looked over a little nervous. “Uh, how much do they know about the Wizarding world?”

Hermione bit her lip. “Well, they know about Voldemort. They just don’t know that he’s after you personally or that I’m now a target for him because of our actions over the years.”

Harry looked away from her. “You mean because you’re friends with me.”

Hermione shook her head. “No, I made myself a target when I decided to follow you to the third floor corridor. I made the choice to go to the Department of Mysteries.” She took his hand in hers, pulling it to make him face her. “If anything happens to me, Harry, it’s because I chose to be in Voldemort’s way.”

Harry gasped and placed his hand over Hermione’s mouth. “Please don’t say that.” He whispered. “Too many…”

Hermione pushed his hand away. “It’s my choice and it is my fight too.” Harry shook his head at her but she just pursed her lips. “No it is. Do you honestly think that if he were ever stop going after you that ‘muggle-borns’ would stand a chance?” She was beginning to look really angry.

Harry hung his head. “I just really can’t stand the idea of losing anyone else. First Sirius and now Charlie, I just really don’t know how I’m supposed to just keep going.” He said in a low mournful voice.

Hermione sighed. She too looked at a loss, as if she was unsure of what she could say. Finally she just squeezed his hand. “We’ll just have to face it together; you, me, Ron, Ginny, Neville, Luna and the Order.”

Harry shook his head. “No, Hermione, that’s not what the prophecy said.” She looked slightly alarmed and placed her finger over his lips. She took a quick look around before she pulled him up the stairs into Ron’s room. “Sit,” She ordered. Harry was too startled to do anything but obey. He watched as she pulled her wand and cast an Imperturbable Charm.

“Hermione, you’re going to get in trouble for that!” Harry cried.

Hermione scowled. “I’ve never even had a warning before Harry, so don’t worry about it.” She sat down on the chair at the desk and looked at him carefully as if she were studying him. “Now what did that prophecy say exactly?”

Harry sighed deeply, as much as he wanted to tell everyone together so he could deal with all their reactions at the same time, it made a lot of sense to talk to Hermione so she could help him figure it all out. He didn’t feel right about dropping this on Ron and Ginny now. If he did it would be exactly the same thing Dumbledore did to him. He wasn’t about to do that to his friends.

“The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches…
Born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies…” Harry quoted. “That’s as much as Voldemort knows. He had a spy listening outside the door.”

Hermione nodded. She seemed unaffected so far. “Go on Harry, there is more I imagine.” Harry took a deep breath, closed his eyes and continued.

“And the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not… and either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives…” He opened his eyes to see Hermione deep in thought. “It just repeats after that.”

Hermione nodded but looked deeply thoughtful. “Who saw the prophecy being read and who made it?” She asked.

“Dumbledore saw it when he interviewed Professor Trelawney for the post of Divination Professor.” Harry said dryly.

Hermione leaped off the chair. “That old fraud?” She exclaimed. “We’re risking our lives over one of her stupid predictions?”

Harry shook his head. “She doesn’t know she made it.” That stopped Hermione dead in her tracks.

“What? How can she not know?” she asked.

Harry shrugged. “Her voice deepens, and gets raspy when she makes real predictions. She doesn’t remember them at all.”

Hermione thought for a second and then nodded. “That makes sense. That must be why Dumbledore stopped Umbridge from kicking her out of Hogwarts.”

Harry nodded. “The spy knew who had made the prediction but Trelawney rarely leaves the tower so Hogwarts protects her. It must have been easier for Voldemort to get me to the Department of Mysteries then to get her out of the castle without Dumbledore noticing.”

“That begs the question, who is the spy?” She asked.

Harry shook his head. “I don’t know.”

A scream from downstairs caught their attention and they quickly opened the door. As they both came down the stairs all eyes turned to them. Dumbledore cleared his throat. “I believe you have an Owl from the Ministry, Ms. Granger.” Hermione blushed and retrieved the letter from Dumbledore.




The funeral was different from what Harry had been expecting. Charile’s body had been laid out on a table and looked as if he’d wake-up at any moment. All the battle damage had been cleaned up and he looked at peace. Mr. Weasley gave a small speech followed by a few friends and colleagues. Afterwards Mr. Weasley asked Professor McGonagall if she would do the honors of transfirgueing Charlie’s body into an Urn. She quickly cast the spell silently and his body changed into a beautiful crystal vase shaped Urn with a Gryffindor seeker chasing a snitch on one side and a perfect Norwegian Ridgeback winging its way over the mountainside on the other. Unlike most Wizarding artwork, the pictures didn’t move. It was as if the moment had been frozen in the crystal’s surface.

Ron and his family had stood behind the Table with Charlie’s body on it the whole time. Mrs. Weasley had slide down into a chair to cry during most of the ceremony. Bill and Arthur had held her up when she needed to stand.

Harry had tried to stay at the back of the group, not wanting any attention, but Tonks had guided them to the third row. Harry had slouched down so most people couldn’t see him. Now that people were leaving Harry was lead back into the house. He knew he couldn’t leave until he’d paid his condolences to the Weasleys. As he waited, Hermione brought her parents over to him, Remus and Tonks.

“Hello, I don’t know if you remember us or not…” Hermione’s father said holding out his hand to Harry.

Harry took it with a smile. “Dr. Granger, of course I remember. It’s been almost four years.”

Dr. Granger nodded. “Yes it has.” He looked to Remus and Tonks with a curious look.

Harry noticed. “Oh sorry,” He said, “This is Remus Lupin and ahhh…” He said as he tried to think of how to introduce Tonks.

She saved him by introducing herself. “Nymphadora Tonks, Everyone calls me Tonks.” She shook the Granger’s hands.

Mr. Granger nodded. “Pleasure. This is my wife Ellen Granger.”

“Dad, Mr. Lupin was one of my professors in third year.” Hermione said proudly, “And Ms. Tonks is one of the Scotland Yard style police for the wizarding world. They’re both Harry’s Guardians.”

“Really?” Said Mrs. Granger, sounding impressed by her daughter’s descriptions. “That sounds like a tough job.” She directed to Tonks.

Remus smiled while Tonks blushed. Harry and Hermione mostly let the adults talk while they continued to wait for Ron and Ginny. Both doctor Grangers asked Harry a few questions about the school. Some questions he answered while others Hermione helped with. Overall it made Harry a little nervous and he was glad to see Ron and Ginny walk into the room. Harry and Hermione excused themselves to join the group of people giving their condolences.

“I’m glad to get away that easily.” Harry said with relief to Hermione as they crossed the room.

Hermione smirked. “I knew they would do that. That’s why I waited until after the funeral. I figured it would involve fewer questions.”

Harry quietly went to Ron, the twins and Ginny first. Everyone else seemed to be heading for Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. Bill was standing close to his mother helping her. Percy was standing beside Bill but a little ways back from the younger siblings.

Harry took one look at Ron’s crushed expression and pulled him into a comforting, brotherly hug. He could hear Ron’s raspy breathing like he was barely hanging on to his emotions. “This is so hard, Harry.” He gasped softly. “How can you stand it?”

“Stand what?” Harry asked softly.

Ron pulled back a little and shivered. “How can you stand knowing you survived when someone else gave up their life for you?”

Harry’s own sorrows came forward. He placed his hand on Ron’s shoulder and shook his head. “You just remember that they wanted you to live. That’s all you can do, Ron.”

Ron bowed his head but nodded. He turned to Ginny to see her crying on Hermione’s shoulder. Looking at all the Weasleys Harry decided that he’d had enough. He was going to do something about Voldemort one way or another. He didn’t care what it was but he was going to do something.

He headed over to Dumbledore. “Sir, we need to talk about what I can do to stop this.”

Dumbledore nodded. “I’ll stop by in a few days, Harry, and we can discuss it then, alright?”

Harry nodded firmly, his eyes blazing with an inner fire. If Voldemort wanted a fight, Harry planned to give him one.

[Styx]

Another great chapter Ray, I got the audio book and I only just finished Chapter 3 but I have noticed that there are several similarities between JKR's book and yours.

1. Cold July weather

2. Fudge is no longer Minister of Magic (also thought might happen)

3. Sirius Made Harry his heir (kind of thought that would happen also)

4. There was doubt as to weather the 12 Grimmauld Place would accept him as the new owner.

5. Kreatcher is defiantly not a happy camper.

If Charlie Wesley dies I will be officially freaked, again good job so far Mrs. Purr-Fox

[Rava Purr-Fox]

Thank you. AS most people know I started this book spring 2004 when my mom was sick, when she died I kinda put it on a shelf. With HBP being like it is I figured I could write the 6th book better then JKR and make it more to my liking. (Ron is too immature for Hermione and dumbing her down so they can get along is cheap)

[Styx]

Well I just finished listening to the book and I haven't been through an ending like that since The Empire Strikes Back, such a downer.

[Rava Purr-Fox]

Thats the point. It's a part one of a two part book unlike the rest which could be stand alone stories.

[Styx]

It's been a while, are you still working on the story? Actually its been a while since hearing anything from you that I've seen. Are you akay, you've been missed.

[Rava Purr-Fox]

I'm around just not posting much since most topics arent of interest to me personally

I am also getting ready to head back to school this fall.

I am still writting in fact I am working on chapter 8 now. I am posting this story on http://www.fanfiction.net/s/2494967/1/ It's a Harry Potter fanfic site. My writting name over there is Sirya Ebony Black.

[Styx]

Cool, on all points what are you studying? oh and thanks for the info