Harry sat in silence for a long time following Mad-Eye's departure. The Dursleys had still not dared to venture into the living room, which allowed Harry to sit comfortably and think undisturbed in the light of the afternoon sun. Moody had given him a lot of information in a short period of time, and it was taking a while to fully comprehend. A smile touched the corners of Harry's mouth for a second as he realized that Sirius would be known to the Wizarding World as a hero who had given his life for those he cared about rather then as a mass murder and supporter of Voldemort.
The smile vanished when he remembered the second part of what Moody had come to tell him. A memorial service was going to be held in his Sirius' honor, and he, Harry, was going to be asked to speak there. Despite what Mad-Eye said, Harry wasn't sure that he deserved to have any part of a ceremony publicly honoring Sirius when he was responsible, if only indirectly, for his death. He didn't think that he could agree with Mad-Eye's statement regarding Bellatrix Lestrange. It seemed to him that there were many levels of responsibility. When he was feeling generous with himself, he would concede that Voldemort, Kreacher, and Bellatrix were the main causes of his godfather's death.
Most of the time however, he blamed himself, for being suckered by Voldemort and launching a rescue mission when Sirius was safe at Grimmauld Place. He also blamed Dumbledore, for not telling him the whole story at a much earlier date, and he blamed Snape for not showing up at the Department of Mysteries with the rest of the Order members who knew about the situation.
Dumbledore had said something about Snape looking for Harry and Hermione in the Forbidden Forest, but Harry didn't know whether he bought that story or not. Snape hated Harry, moreso now that he'd had access to some of the Potions Master's worst memories. He also hated Sirius, and what was to prevent him from waiting a while in between his getting messages to Grimmauld Place and Dumbledore? Searching the Forbidden Forest indeed!
Mad-Eye's voice suddenly echoed in his thoughts, warning about letting guilt eat at him. Thinking of the scarred ex-Auror, Harry came to the realization that, given what he'd said earlier, if anyone could offer advice on what not to do in a situation like this, it was Moody. Not that this did Harry much good. Mad-Eye was an example of what not to do, but he didn't have anyone with which to draw a similar parallel regarding what he should do.
He did know that he didn't want to end up viewing the death of people close to him in such a stoic manner as Mad-Eye Moody. Perhaps speaking at Sirius' memorial would give him a chance to release his guilt. He would speak on the outstanding and noble character of his beloved godfather, and apologize for his foolishness, admit his own role in Sirius' death. If Luna Lovegood was correct, then somewhere, Sirius would perhaps hear him, and accept that apology.
***
When Albus Dumbledore apparated into the Dursley's living room the following afternoon, Harry was waiting for him, notes for a speech rolled up on a piece of parchment in his hand.
"Good afternoon, Harry."
"Hi. You're here about Sirius' memorial?"
Dumbledore nodded. "Alastor mentioned that he spoke to you yesterday for a short period of time. I did not press him for details, but I assume from the papers in your hand that you know what I'm going to ask?"
"Yes, I do. I would like to speak at the service," said Harry.
"I realize that this won't be easy for you, but it will, perhaps, be a step towards healing for both you and those who hear your words," said Dumbledore.
Harry nodded. "I hope so. Would you like to see what I've prepared?" he said, offering his notes to the Headmaster.
Dumbledore shook his head. "I am sure that anything you say will be more then adequate. You have a right to speak your mind, and I need not be privy to that until you give your speech."
Harry smiled gratefully. "Thank you. Who else will be speaking?"
"Remus Lupin, Nymphadora Tonks, her mother Andromeda, and Kingsley Shacklebolt," said Dumbledore.
Harry grinned. "Not Mad-Eye Moody?"
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled. "Let us say that speeches are not Alastor's strong suit." They shared a quick smile at this, but like Harry, it seemed Dumbledore was a little beyond laughter at the moment.
"I want to thank you for giving me this opportunity," said Harry.
Dumbledore's smile was kind. "You are more then welcome, Harry. I could do no less. In fact, if you permit me, I will go further."
"Sir?"
"You have already overspent the necessary time at the Dursleys for you to be safe from Voldemort. If you feel ready, it was my intention to let the Weasleys take you in for the rest of the summer."
A true, honest smile broke onto Harry's face. Guilt and depression were, for the moment, thrown off, and he actually laughed aloud.
"Of course I'd like to move in with the Weasleys! Can I go now?"
Dumbledore smiled. "I will have an escort show up on your doorstep tonight."
Harry's grin nearly reached his ears. After only three days he was leaving the Dursleys for his favorite family in the entire world!
Dumbledore reached into the folds of his robe and pulled out a letter, handing it to Harry. It was addressed to his Aunt Petunia. "Am I correct in thinking that your aunt would rather take this news in the form of a letter then hear it personally from me?"
Harry nodded. "Yes sir. They're actually out until dinnertime or so."
Dumbledore extended his hand, and Harry shook it.
"I'm very proud of you, Harry. I hope this move will lighten your summer."
"Thank you. Just out of curiosity, sir, when is the, er, ceremony?" asked Harry.
"The service will be in four days time," said Dumbledore. "If you will excuse my rudeness, I must take my leave, there are preparations to be made, among other things."
Harry nodded. "By all means. Thank you for coming!"
"Again, you are more then welcome. Goodbye for now." Dumbledore smiled at Harry and Disapparated with a loud crack.