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Author: Grandma Kate Story: Ginny's Third Year at Hogwarts Rating: Everyone Setting: Pre-OotP Status: Completed Reviews: 5 Words: 38,332
The Harry Potter Universe belongs to J.K. Rowling. I'm just borrowing the characters for a while. This is for pleasure only, no profit is being made, and no copyright infringement is intended. Bold Face Type indicates a direct quote from Chapter Three, The Advance Guard, or Chapter Four, Number Twelve Grimmauld Place, in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling.
Arthur left first since he and Nic were going to look at Muggle garden tools before heading to the park where Florian was broadcasting How Does Your Garden Grow? Molly picked some vegetables and baked a cake for dinner, started a roast on slow, and set out three loaves of bread to rise before she Apparated to the alley near Kings Cross Station. As she headed toward the barrier near Platform Nine and Three-quarters, she saw Harry's Uncle Vernon, tapping his foot and looking at his watch. Molly came up behind him. 'Hello, Mr Dursley.' she said brightly. Vernon Dursley spun around and glared at her. 'Nice weather for July, isn't it?' she continued. He acted as if he hadn't heard her, so she continued to chat on about the weather and her garden in an increasingly loud voice. Vernon Dursley moved away from her just before the Hogwarts students began to come through the barrier. Molly spotted Fred and George with Ginny between them. She hugged all three of them and asked, 'Where's Ron? He and Harry didn't miss the train, did they?' Then she spotted the boys with Hermione. She let go of the three children she had been hugging and ran to hug Harry first, then Ron, and last of all, Hermione. 'Your uncle is just over there,' Molly said, indicating Vernon Dursley, who motioned to Harry to come quickly. 'Dumbledore says you can come as soon as it's safe.' She hugged Harry again and he walked slowly over to his Uncle Vernon. Hermione's parents arrived as Molly was looking at Harry's back and wishing that he did not have to go to the Dursleys. Jean and Hugo commented on how much Ron and Hermione had grown and said that they must get them together soon. Molly readily agreed and made sure that Ron had their Felly-tone number. Fred and George were of age now and had passed their Apparation tests, so they took their trunks to the alley and Apparated to The Burrow while Molly, Ron, and Ginny took the rest of the trunks and Pig's cage outside and signaled for the Knight Bus. It was too hot for hot chocolate but they each had some lovely lemonade on the ride home. Arthur arrived home around the time that the Fred and George did so they had time to set up the tables in the garden before Molly and the younger children arrived on the Knight Bus. He asked the twins if they had any problems that they wanted his advice on but Fred answered, 'We're good.' George said 'No problem.' Arthur hoped that Bill was right and that whatever had been troubling them was taken care of. They certainly seemed cheerful. After Molly and the two younger children were rested from their journey, Arthur took Ron aside. 'Ron, Dumbledore asked me to remind you that Harry is not to be bothered with anything that is happening in the wizarding world. He's spoken to Hermione's parents about what a difficult experience Harry has just had. He's also asked them to limit her communication with him.' Ron nodded. 'Harry does seem pretty upset, so I guess that's a good idea. I'll remind Hermione not to tell Harry anything when he asks questions.' Percy joined the family for dinner since it was the first night the Hogwarts students were home. He seemed to go out of his way to be friendly with Ron, especially, but Molly felt the strain between him and Arthur. After a delicious dinner with chocolate cake for dessert, they each headed for a night in his or her own bed. Molly and Arthur snuggled as they told each other what had happened during the hours they were apart. 'I'm so worried about Harry,' said Molly. 'I won't relax until he is here with us.' The children played games and enjoyed the sunshine and swimming in the river the first week they were home. They would have all continued to be carefree if Percy had not come home at the end of the week with some surprising news. 'Mum, Dad, and my brothers and sister, I have something very important to announce,' he began in a pompous tone as they sat down to dinner. 'They've cleared you of all wrong-doing about the instructions from Mr Crouch!' said Molly, standing to hug him. 'Well yes, that is true, as well,' said Percy. 'However, there is more to relate. Minister Fudge handled my final interrogation himself, and seemed very impressed with how admirably I handled myself in what would have been a trying situation for most young men.' Fred and George began to make surreptitious gagging motions. Molly ignored them, sat back down, and prompted Percy in a gentle voice. 'What is your news, dear?' 'I wanted my family to be the first to know that on Monday, I shall assume a new, very important job. I shall become the Junior Assistant to the Minister.' Percy paused, clearly expecting praise to be heaped on him. Molly and Arthur looked at each other. Molly stood up again but Arthur signaled her to stay where she was, as he asked, 'Percy, has it occurred to you that Minister Fudge may just be using you to spy on your family?' Percy's face darkened. 'I knew that you would be jealous of my success! You do not realize how difficult it has been for me this past year. I, without credit, have been doing the work of a senior department head in a very important department — not like your pitiable Muggle one.' Molly sat down with a thump. Her face went white. 'Percy!' she admonished. But Percy went on. He went on and on and on. He ridiculed his father for siding with Dumbledore. He said things that no son should say to his parents. Arthur tried reasoning with him, saying that Dumbledore had evidence that You-Know-Who had returned. Percy went berserk. He yelled about how the whole family was going down with Dumbledore and would always have to be poor, even destitute. Arthur looked as though he had been hit below the belt. Molly started to cry. The rest of the children sat shocked but silent until Percy announced, 'I shall return for my belongings. I am moving to a flat near the Ministry. I can no longer have anything to do with this family.' He pulled out his wand and Apparated. Molly burst into tears. Life at The Burrow changed drastically after that night. Molly grew increasingly morose and cried seemingly without cause. All of the younger children tried to cheer her up but she stayed obsessed with getting Percy to return to The Burrow. She insisted that Arthur find out where Percy was living. She was sure he would listen to reason as she Apparated in to Diagon Alley, but he slammed the door in her face when she attempted to visit him. She went into hysterics on his doorstep. Fortunately, she had sense enough to flag down the Knight Bus rather than attempting to Apparate home while so upset and risk being splinched. The only thing that helped her stop crying was Bill's transfer to the Gringotts in Diagon Alley. Bill also rented a flat in Diagon Alley and told his mother that he'd try to reason with Percy. Molly was sure he'd be able to convince Percy to mend the breech with his family. Arthur remained silent and looked very worried. Bill began coming to The Burrow on the weekends and trying to cheer Molly up. One Saturday, a week before July ended, he seemed particularly ebullient. "Mum, do you remember the girl who was the champion from Beauxbaton during the Triwizard Tournament?' Molly nodded. 'Yes, she was blond-haired and very pretty. I can picture her but I can't remember her name.' 'Fleur Delacour,' said Bill in a very warm voice. 'Fleur is working at Gringotts to improve her English. I volunteered to help her and she is teaching me French.' 'I see,' said Molly in a strange voice. 'That was very generous of you to volunteer.' Arthur looked at the expression on Molly's face and suggested that he and Bill check the wards around the property again. They were gone for quite a while. Molly was sure that the Burrow was more secure than it had ever been because Bill and Arthur had upgraded all the wards around it. She was therefore very surprised when Professor Dumbledore and Professor Flitwick arrived suddenly the following Monday afternoon and asked her if she would mind if they ran a few tests on the defenses around the property. She readily agreed but said that she thought the wards were extra strong. After about an hour, Dumbledore and Flitwick returned. 'Would you like some lemonade?' Molly asked. 'That would be lovely,' said Dumbledore pleasantly. 'When will Arthur be home?' 'He should be along any time,' replied Molly. 'Don't tell me that something is wrong with the new wards?' Arthur arrived home almost as soon as the question was out of her mouth. He kissed Molly, poured himself a glass of lemonade, and sat down in the garden with the two professors. 'What's the problem with the wards?' he asked. "Bill and I just strengthened them.' 'They are fine strong wards, Arthur,' said Dumbledore. 'But they seem to have been repeatedly tested and tampered with in an attempt to find a way to enter your property undetected.' 'FRED! GEORGE!' yelled Molly. 'In the garden NOW!' Fred and George tumbled out of the kitchen door. 'I doubt very much if Fred and George would use the Dark Magic involved in this tampering,' said Professor Flitwick in his high voice. Molly and Arthur stared at him, not yet understanding what he was leading up to. 'Can you adjust them?' asked Arthur. 'Make them stronger?' 'Why would anyone want to harm us?' asked Molly. Now Professor Dumbledore looked very grave. 'Your work for the Order may make you and your family, and any guests you may have, targets. We might be forced to move you to a safer place.' "What work for what order?' said Fred. 'Move to a safer place?' repeated George. Molly was dumbstruck. They had lived at The Burrow since Bill was a baby. Charlie and all the rest had been born here. It was their home. 'It might be wise for you to pack up enough belongings for a month or two.' said Dumbledore. Then he looked directly at Fred and George. 'Please do not say anything to Ron or Ginny until we've decided what needs to be done. Harry must know nothing of this.' Flitwick stood up and said, 'Arthur and Molly, you might be able to return after school starts. We'll get our best people working on it.' The four Weasleys watched the two professors Disapparate. 'Where will we go?' asked Molly. 'I guess Auntie Muriel could put us up for a few weeks…' "Let's let Dumbledore figure it out, Molly. We can enjoy The Burrow in the mean time.' Arthur turned to Fred and George. 'Remember; say nothing about this to anyone, especially Ron. He must not worry Harry.' Molly did not have a good night's rest from that evening on. She secretly began packing clothes for each of the four Hogwarts' students. She told them to leave their Hogwarts trunks packed except for their dirty clothes. She became even more withdrawn and threw herself into cooking huge quantities of food. Arthur pleaded with her to calm down every night, but she remained tense and got very little sleep. Toward the end of July, Ron asked if he could send a letter to Harry for his birthday. Molly agreed but asked to read it before he sent it to be sure that it didn't have anything that would alarm or worry Harry. 'Remember not to sign it,' said Molly in a worried voice. Ron wrote — We can't say much about you-know-what, obviously… We've been told not to say anything important in case our letters go astray… …We'll tell you everything when we see you… Happy Birthday! On Saturday, the last day of July, Molly thought about it being Harry's birthday. She wondered if anyone was going to help him celebrate it. Arthur told Molly that he needed to go in to the Ministry for the morning but wouldn't spend the whole day there. At eleven o'clock, Albus Dumbledore Apparated to the front porch of The Burrow and knocked on the door. Molly let him in and was shocked by his appearance. He looked care-worn and much older than he had earlier that week. 'It's time to go,' he said gently. 'The Burrow is no longer safe. You and the children must re-locate today. I've told Arthur to meet us at the headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix. Hermione Granger is on her way there already. Time is of the essence. You must use the Portkeys within the hour.' Molly gasped. Then she went to the stairs and yelled for all the children to come down immediately. When they were all assembled, she said, 'Professor Dumbledore has brought us some very bad news. We must evacuate The Burrow today. Put your bedding and a towel in your school trunk and bring them down to the kitchen. Do not ask any questions. Our Portkeys will activate soon.' 'Cool!' said Fred and George in unison. Ron looked confused and Ginny looked like she was about to cry. 'GO! NOW!' Molly shouted and started up the stairs to the bedroom she shared with Arthur to shrink bedding and towels to put on top of their clothes. 'Fred, will you please shrink Ron's bedding and towels. George, please help Ginny do the same. Don't forget your pillows.' Dumbledore handed Molly five large brass keys. 'These Portkeys will take you and the children to where you need to be to use these.' He handed her five folded scraps of parchment. 'These will self destruct as soon as you and the children read them after your journey.' said Dumbledore. 'Don't pass them out until you are in the park.' George had lightened his and Ginny's trunks so they could each carry one. Fred and Ron took a few more minutes to do the same, but soon they were all in the kitchen. Molly grabbed her favorite cauldron and the teakettle and handed them to the twins as she said, 'Hold fast to Pig's cage and your trunk, Ron. The rest of you look smart. We'll leave from the garden.' They all carried their trunks outside. She gave each of them a brass key and asked Dumbledore to lock up. 'Tighter than a drum,' he responded as he watched them all disappear. Molly hated the feeling of Portkey transportation, and from their looks, so did her four youngest children. They were transported to a patch of unkempt grass in the middle of a small square… The grimy fronts of the surrounding houses were not welcoming; some of them had broken windows… A clock struck twelve times as they stood in the shabby park. Molly noted the numbers on the houses skipped from eleven to thirteen so had an idea that they needed to have their destination revealed by magic. She handed each of the children a folded scrap of parchment and told them to read and memorize what it said. They all said the same thing — The headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix may be found at number twelve Grimmauld Place, London A battered door emerged out of nowhere between numbers eleven and thirteen, followed swiftly by dirty walls and grimy windows. It was as though an extra house had inflated, pushing those on either side out of its way. The scraps of parchment crumbled away as the house appeared. Molly clutched her trunk and Ginny's hand and walked up the worn stone steps. Sirius Black immediately opened the door. 'Come in quickly,' he said, looking around to be sure no one was watching. 'Welcome to my humble abode.' The house was no cleaner inside than out. Molly had a feeling that this particular house would never shine like The Burrow. She felt a pang of longing for home but straightened her spine and walked into their temporary home. 'It's best to be very quiet in the front hall,' said Sirius in a whisper. 'Take your things up the stairs. Molly, you and Arthur are in the room at the top of the stairs with the large bed. Ginny, Hermione is already here.' As though she had heard her name, Hermione tiptoed down the stairs and motioned Ginny to follow her. 'Be quiet, be very quiet,' she hissed. Fred and George followed Hermione and Ginny up the stairs. Ron stood looking at their backs. 'This is it? This is where we're going to spend the summer?' Molly and Sirius both hushed him, and the three of them tiptoed up the stairs. When Arthur arrived, Molly already had all the children and Sirius scrubbing the lower level kitchen. Fred and George were working on the windows and Ron was sweeping and mopping the floor. She herself scrubbed the stove and sink counter while Ginny and Hermione washed every one of the mismatched chairs and the very long table. Then she started dinner from what she found in the cooler and pantry. She was glad she thought to bring her favorite cauldron and teakettle. The pans in this kitchen needed a great deal of work before she could use them. A terrible racket sounded up on the ground floor and Arthur came down the stairs into the kitchen. 'Here you are, Arthur,' said Sirius. 'Welcome to Grimmauld Place.' 'It's well named,' said Arthur in a wry voice. "Can you do something about the screaming painting?' 'I'll see to it,' said Sirius. 'It's my mother. I guess Dumbledore forgot to tell you to be quiet.' Arthur kissed Molly and said, 'Is this going to be all right?' 'Only time will tell,' replied Molly with a sigh. 'We'll do the best we can.'
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