Chapter Three - Back to Headquarters
“You’re my what?” Harry asked blankly.
“Your godmother.” Jen stifled a chuckle at the stunned expression on his face. “You know, like a godfather, but female.”
“I know what a godmother is.” Harry’s face relaxed into a smile at the familiar sense of humour. “I just didn’t know I had one.”
Jen shrugged. “Well, it wouldn’t surprise me that Sirius didn’t want to talk about it. We’re twins,” she explained when he looked at her questioningly. “And while we’re at it, my name’s not Jessica, it’s Jennifer, but everyone just calls me Jen. Not Jenny, unless you happen to enjoy cleaning without magic.”
Harry shrugged. “I do that all the time here anyway.”
Jen raised an eyebrow. “I know. I’ll think of something better – give me time.” She frowned slightly. “There are a few things that are bugging me, Harry – you said your parents are alright?”
Harry nodded. “Yeah, but Hermione doesn’t know where they are.”
“And they said they didn’t want Dumbledore to know?” Jen asked. “Why?”
Harry thought for a second. “Hermione never said.”
Jen nodded slowly, thinking everything over in her head. “I see.”
For whatever reason, James and Lily had stopped trusting Albus Dumbledore.
Her first instinctual response was shock, and maybe a little anger. Albus Dumbledore was the leader of the Order of the Phoenix, Defeater of Grindelwald, Headmaster of Hogwarts, Light Lord against Voldemort’s Dark.
It was that last title that caused her thoughts to shudder to a grinding halt. What was it her prophecy had said?
… go against the Lord of Light and by that act bring down the night …
Jen took a moment to consider how strange it was referring to it as ‘her’ prophecy – she’d never shown the slightest inclination towards Divination – before focussing again on the wording.
I was so focussed on who she might be that I never considered what the prophecy was telling her – me – to do. Assuming I’m reading this right …
But there’s the kicker, isn’t it? I don’t know if I am. Prophecies are notoriously difficult to understand – they can have about twelve meanings at once.
If I’m wrong, and I act on it, then …
Then what? I deal with Dumbledore’s ‘I’m-Disappointed-You-Didn’t-Trust-Me’ face.
If I’m right, and I don’t act on it, then we risk losing the war. And if Dumbledore finds out and I’m right …
Jen frowned, thinking back to Harry’s first year at Hogwarts. Now she was looking at it with a witch’s perspective, she truly appreciated just how odd it was.
Moving the Stone from Gringotts to a school; giving an eleven-year-old an Invisibility Cloak, knowing he’d use it to sneak out; not realising that one of the teachers was possessed …
She shook her head. Either he’s losing it, or he’s using Harry as some kind of experimental weapon.
Neither option was one she wanted to consider, but there didn’t seem to be any alternative.
Better to act and be proved wrong, than to ignore it and be proved right.
Now, however, she had another problem.
Remus, she knew, would keep quiet if she asked him, but there were eight other people who had heard the prophecy and who would repeat it to Dumbledore.
And if I AM right …
That’s the last thing I want.
Jen heaved a sigh, making up her mind, and looked seriously across the table at Harry. “Harry, you’re not too happy with the Headmaster at the moment, are you?”
Harry snorted. “What was your first clue?” He asked bitingly.
Jen said nothing, gazing at him with a raised eyebrow until he turned slightly pink.
“Sorry.” Harry muttered. “I know it’s not your fault.”
Jen patted his hand. “Don’t worry, sweetheart. The reason I ask is … I don’t want Dumbledore to find out about this.”
Harry looked back at the prophecy. “But …” His face cleared. “The Lord of Light … That’s him, isn’t it?”
“May well be.” Jen ran a hand through her hair, surprised, for some reason, by the shortness of it. Honestly, it’s been just below shoulder length for fourteen years … “And I might be translating it wrong, but I don’t want to risk that. The problem is, Harry, Dumbledore is a Legilimens. I’m sure you know what that is?”
Harry nodded. “Hermione told me. And Mum told her.”
Jen smiled. “Good. Dumbledore … At one point, I wouldn’t have worried, because it’s technically illegal to use Legilimency without permission, especially on children. Underage young people.” She corrected, when Harry opened his mouth to protest. “But some of the stories you’ve come home with … I don’t like it, Harry. I’d like your permission to hide this prophecy from outside invasion.”
“Can you do that?” Harry asked.
“Only with small things.” Jen said with a smile. “It has to be specific – and he could still break through, but only if he knew what he was looking for.”
“So what are you going to do about the others?” Harry asked, nodding towards the living room.
“Remus was the only one who read the prophecy.” Jen told him. “And he won’t say anything.”
The secret to lying, she had learned early in life, was to tell the truth. Remus was the only one who’d read the prophecy – he just wasn’t the only one who heard it.
But the less people who knew the second part of her plan, the better.
What was it Lily always said? Best way to keep a secret: tell no one. Second best way to keep a secret: tell one other person, if you must. There is no third way.
She hid a smile. Of course, we ignored that every day. Eleven of us were in on the Animagus secret … except that’s not a secret anymore, because Peter will have told the Death Eaters.
As soon as the thought materialised, Jen pushed it out of her head, unwilling to dwell on the subject of Peter Pettigrew just yet.
“May I?” She asked.
Harry nodded. “What do I need to do?”
Jen reached across the table and took his hands. “Look into my eyes. Ready?” At Harry’s nod, she whispered the spell and stepped into his mind.
Magically gathering all of the memories of the prophecy they had just discussed, she covered them in a layer of magic that took the form of black gauze, tethering it to a memory of a conversation in the common room with Hermione.
Important to Harry, but inconsequential enough that no one will bother looking too closely.
Jen blinked, breaking eye contact, and released Harry’s hands. “All done.
A crack in the living room made Harry start, his hand moving to his wand.
“It’s Remus and Dora back.” Jen assured him, standing up. “But good reflexes. Come on. I should probably introduce everyone.” She picked up the pieces of paper, folded them, and slipped them into her pocket, before leading Harry back to the living room.
“How did you get your memory back?” Harry asked curiously.
“Not now, Harry.” Jen told him, glancing at Mad-Eye. “I don’t think we have time.”
“We’ll tell you later.” Remus confirmed, crossing the room to hug Harry and hand him his Firebolt.
“Wow …” Jen sighed, reaching out to touch the Firebolt’s handle. “I knew it was a good broom, but …”
“From a witch’s perspective, it’s even better?” Dora finished.
Jen nodded, admiring it. “Very nice. I played Chaser at Hogwarts.” She explained, seeing Harry’s inquisitive look. “Now, Harry, you know Mad-Eye Moody, don’t you?”
“In a way.” Harry answered, shaking his hand. “We were stuck in the infirmary for a few days.”
Remus smiled weakly at Jen. “Apparently, Harry and Mad-Eye react in similar ways to being cooped up in hospital.”
Jen hid a smile behind her hand. “That doesn’t surprise me.”
Remus’s grin widened, and he gestured to Dora. “Harry, this is Nymphadora …”
“Don’t call me Nymphadora, Remus.” Dora cut him off, shuddering. “It’s Tonks.”
Remus just managed to avoid rolling his eyes. “Nymphadora Tonks, who prefers to be known by her first name only.”
“So would you, if your fool of a mother called you Nymphadora.” Dora muttered, exchanging a wry smile with Jen, who sniggered.
“Andie wasn’t a fool, Dora. She had to put up with an unusual name, so did you.”
Dora did roll her eyes. “If you say so, Guinevere.”
Jen ignored her, continuing the introductions. “This is Kingsley Shacklebolt, Harry.”
“Jennifer,” Kingsley greeted, nodding to her. “Coming back to the ranks?”
“That is yet to be decided.” Jen answered carefully, raising an eyebrow. “C’mon, Shack; we worked together for how long?”
Kingsley cracked a smile and hugged her. “Sirius will be so pleased to see you – he’s going mental.”
The statement had Jen worried, but when Kingsley released her to shake Harry’s hand, she was pulled into another hug, this one rather more tearful.
“Always fun to watch the difference between males and females in this situation.” Remus commented, his smirk audible.
Jen tilted her head to look at him over Hestia and Emmeline’s shoulders. “Exactly how many of these situations have you been in?”
Remus inclined his head to her, silently conceding her point.
“Harry, this is Hestia Jones and Emmeline Vance.” Jen told him, gesturing to red hair then dark brown, almost black, before freeing herself to greet the remainders of the party. “Dedalus Diggle, Sturgis Podmore, and Elphias Doge. Everyone, Harry Potter, as if he needs introducing.”
Harry flattened his hair over his scar, self-consciously.
“I see what you mean, Remus.” Kingsley remarked slowly. “He looks exactly like James.”
“Except his eyes.” Emmeline whispered. “Lily’s eyes. Lily and I weren’t exactly close,” she said, seeing Harry’s confusion, “but she was one of the first people to really accept me after Hogwarts – I was a Slytherin,” she smirked slightly, “and apparently, my house-mates don’t do a very good job of endearing us to the wider population.”
Harry cracked a smile. “You don’t say?” He glanced around the living room again, clearly a little unnerved by all the eyes on him.
“A surprising number of people volunteered to collect you.” Remus told him, grinning at Jen.
“Yeah, well, the more the better.” Mad-Eye growled. “We’re your guard, Potter.”
Remus glanced towards the window. “We’re just waiting for the signal to tell us it’s safe to set off. We’ve got about five minutes.”
“Very clean, those Muggles.” Dora remarked, jerking a thumb towards the wall. “My dad’s Muggle-born and he’s a right slob. I suppose it varies though, like with wizards.”
“Course it does.” Jen said, rolling her eyes. “Come on, Dora, they’re hardly a different species.”
Harry sighed, sounding irritated, apparently out of patience. “Look, will someone tell me what’s happen …”
Jen clapped a hand over his mouth before he could finish the question. “Not here, Harry.”
Harry quirked an eyebrow at her as she released him. “Who’s going to overhear us? The walls?”
“Walls can have ears, Harry.” Jen told him darkly. “And eyes, for that matter.”
“Smart girl.” Mad-Eye barked, his normal eye turning to look at her. The magical eye, however, stayed where it was, staring at the ceiling. “Damn. Keeps getting stuck – ever since that scum wore it.” He reached up and pulled the magical eye out with a loud squelching sound, like a plunger being pulled from a sink.
“Mad-Eye, you do know that’s disgusting, don’t you?” Dora asked lightly, as though she were commenting on the weather.
Mad-Eye ignored her. “Jen, be a good girl and get me a glass of water, would you?”
Jen rolled her eyes, ignoring the urge to remind him that she wasn’t thirteen anymore, and hurried into the kitchen, retrieving a glass from the cupboard and filling it with water.
“Cheers.” Mad-Eye said when she returned. He dropped the eye into the water and prodded it with his wand, making it spin around rapidly. “I want three-hundred-and-sixty degree visibility on the return journey.”
“Where are we going?” Harry asked. “The Burrow?”
“Not the Burrow, no.” Remus answered evasively. “We’ve set up Headquarters somewhere undetectable. It’s taken a while …” He coughed and changed the subject. “We’re going by broom.”
“Only way to do it, I should think.” Jen remarked, glancing curiously at him.
She had long since mastered the art of reading between the lines, and Remus had just inadvertently told her two things: firstly, the Order of the Phoenix had been regrouped – which wasn’t really a surprise, given the people in her living room, and the fact that no one was addressing how they all knew each other – and, secondly, that he didn’t want to tell her, or Harry, where Headquarters was.
Again, she resisted the urge to reach into the link, not ready to deal with it if it didn’t work.
You’re being paranoid, she told herself, if someone had ruptured the link beyond repair, we’d both be dead.
Still, this was not the time or place for that discussion.
“You’re too young to apparate,” she continued, “we’re not connected to the Floo network, and an unauthorised portkey …”
“More than our life’s worth.” Remus finished.
“Remus says you’re a good flier.” Kingsley added.
“He’s excellent.” Remus confirmed. “Flies as well as James, if not better.”
Privately, having been on a Quidditch team with James and flown with him since she was five, Jen felt that was a bit of a tall order, but, out of loyalty to her godson, she said nothing.
“We’d better get outside so we’re ready.” Remus decided. “Harry, I’ve left a note with your aunt and uncle telling them not to worry …”
“They won’t.” Harry assured him.
“… that you’re safe …”
“That’ll just depress them.” Jen muttered.
“… and that you’ll see them next summer.”
“Do I have to?” Harry asked, a slight whine detectable in his voice.
“Not if I have anything to do with it.” Jen said darkly, under her breath. “Mad-Eye,” she said, louder, “am I imagining it, or did you borrow Dumbledore’s Deluminator.”
Mad-Eye pulled the small silver instrument out of his pocket. “What of it?”
“Turn the streetlights back on.” She told him. “You can use my back garden.”
As he moved to the front door, Jen grasped Remus’s arm and pulled him out of earshot. “I need to borrow your wand.”
Remus looked quizzically at her, but handed it over. She waved it in a small circle, carefully focussing on the eight people she needed to include.
Let’s see … can’t get rid of the prophecy entirely … that’d raise too many questions about why Remus and I needed a private conversation. Let’s see … ‘Hidden beneath a mask so bright, a missing soldier for the light …’
I always hated poetry. Annie and Addie were the ones who had a way with words …
Maybe something about the full moon? Let’s see, the one in August is … the Grain Moon, I think.
‘As the grain moon nears, the haze will lift … the soul will heal; no more shall drift.’
That’ll do. And may that last part come true sooner rather than later.
Putting the words together in her head, she reluctantly whispered the spell that had ripped her own life apart.
“Obliviate.”
A small jet of blue light left her wand and hit each person in turn.
No one even flinched and she allowed herself a satisfied smile, handing Remus’s wand back.
“What did you just do?” He hissed.
Jen raised an eyebrow. “Prophecy.” She whispered. “Last two lines.”
Remus frowned. “You don’t think …”
“I think I don’t want to take chances.” Jen finished firmly, as Mad-Eye returned. “And we’ll talk about this later.”
“Yes dear.” Remus said under his breath.
“Come here, boy.” Mad-Eye growled, jerking his wand. “I need to Disillusion you. Lupin says you’ve got an Invisibility Cloak, but it won’t stay on while we’re flying; this’ll disguise you better. Here.” He tapped Harry hard on the top of his head, and Jen watched as her godson suddenly seemed to vanish, blending in with the rest of the kitchen.
“Nice one, Mad-Eye.” Dora commented.
Jen jerked a head towards the kitchen. “Come on.” She led them to the back door and stood back to let them out, switching off the appliances before following them.
I’ll have to get a house-elf to pick up the mail or something.
“Clear night.” Mad-Eye grunted, surveying the sky. “Could have done with a bit more cloud cover. Right!” He barked suddenly at Harry, but directing his words partly at Jen as well. “We’re going to be flying in close formation, so keep close on Tonks’ tail, got me? If one of us is killed …”
“Is that likely?” Harry asked, startled.
Mad-Eye ignored him. “… the others keep flying; don’t stop, don’t break ranks. If they take out all of us and you survive, Harry, just keep flying east; the rear guard will take over.”
“Stop being so cheerful, Mad-Eye; he’ll think we’re not taking this seriously.” Dora chided, strapping Harry’s trunk and Hedwig’s cage into a harness below her broom.
“I’m just telling the boy the plan!” Mad-Eye growled. “Our job’s to deliver him safely to Headquarters and if we die in the attempt …”
“No one’s going to die.” Kingsley interrupted calmly.
“Mount your brooms.” Remus said sharply, before Mad-Eye could retort. “There’s the first signal.” He pointed into the sky where, high above them, a shower of red sparks was just evaporating into the air. “You alright sharing a broom, Jen?”
“Don’t really have much of a choice, do I?” Jen asked wryly, mounting the broom he offered her. As he climbed on behind her, she glanced over at Harry, feeling apprehensive.
It was all very well Dora joking about it, but Mad-Eye did have a point – if Voldemort had got wind of Harry’s movements … She shuddered at the thought.
“Relax.” Remus whispered, leaning forward to cover her hands with his. “Even if Voldemort did know, he won’t break cover for this.”
Jen nodded, knowing he was right. The Minister’s denial was the best thing that could have happened to Voldemort, and he’d want to take full advantage of it while he could.
“Second signal!” Remus called as green sparks exploded above them. “Let’s go!”
Ten broomsticks rose into the sky, and Jen closed her eyes as the night air rushed passed her face. She had always loved flying – maybe not as ardently as James – but it felt wonderful to be back on a broom.
As she opened her eyes, Harry and Dora soared above them, and, looking up, Jen could see that Remus was right – Harry seemed to belong in the air.
“Hard left, hard left; there’s a Muggle looking up!” Moody shouted, and they all veered to the side as one unit.
“I’m glad you’re controlling the broom.” Jen commented, pitching her voice to be heard above the roar of the wind in her ears. “It’s been years since I last flew in formation.”
It was a statement of the blindingly obvious, given her whereabouts for the last fourteen years, but Remus didn’t comment, or maybe he just didn’t have time, because at that point, Moody barked, “We need more height … give it another quarter of a mile!”
By this point, night had well and truly fallen, and, looking down, all Jen could see were tiny pinpricks of light denoting houses and cars.
“Beautiful view, isn’t it?” Remus remarked.
Jen nodded with a smile, hearing Harry’s laughter high above them. She hadn’t seen him truly smile in weeks, so hearing him laugh was somewhat of a relief.
“Bearing south!” Mad-Eye yelled. “Town ahead!”
They soared to the right, skirting the edge of the large cluster of lights that were all they could see of the nearest town.
“Bear south-east and keep climbing; there’s some low cloud ahead that we can lose ourselves in!”
“We’re not flying through clouds!” Dora protested, beating Jen to it. “We’ll get soaked, Mad-Eye!”
“Thank Merlin someone’s got some sense.” Jen sighed, more to herself than to Remus. “I don’t think Harry put a coat on.”
***
Half an hour later, and it wasn’t just Harry’s body temperature Jen was worried about. She could still feel her hands, but only because Remus’s were covering them.
“I should have put a coat on.” She commented, tilting her head back so he could hear her. “I just hope Harry doesn’t catch pneumonia.”
“He’ll be fine.” Remus assured her. “Molly will get him warmed up and he’ll be fine. When we get there …”
“I’ll take Harry to wherever the others are.” Jen finished. “And get my wand back. You explain everything to Dumbledore and ask him to keep it quiet – I’ll talk to Sirius after the meeting.”
“Don’t scare him.” Remus warned gently. “He’s got enough on his plate.”
Jen grimaced, knowing he couldn’t see her. Why do I get the feeling he’s not just talking about Azkaban? She asked silently. And why do I have a bad feeling about Headquarters?
“Because you’re observant and subtlety was never my strong point.” Remus answered.
“Oh, I don’t know.” Jen mused. “You could be pretty subtle when you …” She trailed off.
Unless she was very much mistaken, she hadn’t asked either of those questions aloud; she’d only thought them. And if he’d answered …
Remus, can you hear this? She thought, matter-of-factly.
“Wind’s not that loud.” Remus answered. “Why, can’t you hear me?”
Jen laughed aloud, giving him a mental prod. Try again.
“What are you …?” He trailed off, and his voice appeared in her head. You’re not talking aloud, are you?
No, I’m not. Jen answered. It’s back.
You’re back. Remus corrected, his arms tightening slightly around her. How’s the rest of it your end?
Jen closed her eyes to step back into her mind to see what her visualisation of the bond looked like now. She wobbled slightly, and her eyes shot open. Not while we’re flying. Look later.
Fair enough. “We should be nearly there.” Remus said aloud.
“We ought to double back!” Mad-Eye shouted, contradicting him. “Make sure we’re not being followed!”
“ARE YOU MAD, MAD-EYE?!” Dora screamed from above them. “We’re all frozen to our brooms! If we keep going off-course, we’re not going to get there until next Tuesday!”
“Time to start the descent!” Remus called, effectively ending the argument. “Follow Tonks, Harry!”
“That’s London, isn’t it?” Jen asked, as they soared towards the largest mass of glittering lights they had seen all evening.
“Yes.” Remus confirmed, flinching. “And, for the record, I think this is a really bad idea and I had nothing to do with this.”
“What?” Jen asked, worry filling her.
“You’ll see.” Remus replied ominously.
By now, she could pick out individual houses, and they swooped along a dark street, before coming to rest in a small square, dimly lit by street lamps.
Dora and Harry landed beside them, and Jen dismounted, looking around the square curiously.
It reminded her of something from long ago, but she couldn’t quite put her finger on what. Whatever it was, she didn’t like it, and she moved closer to Harry, resting a hand on his shoulder.
Mad-Eye rummaged in his cloak and pulled out the silver Deluminator, using it to remove the lights from the few working street lamps.
“That’ll take care of anyone looking out of the window.” He growled, pocketing it again. “Come on.”
Jen and Harry followed Mad-Eye across the road and on to the pavement, Remus and Dora carrying Harry’s trunk between them, the rest of the guard flanking them, wands in hand.
“Here.” Mad-Eye held out a piece of parchment, holding up his wand so they could see it. “Read and memorise.”
Remus set his end of the trunk down and moved to stand behind her, taking her hand in his.
Jen glanced at him, but he nodded to the parchment, an unspoken apology in his eyes. She squinted at it, just able to make out the words in the wand-light.
The Headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix may be found at Number Twelve, Grimmauld Place, London.
“Your godmother.” Jen stifled a chuckle at the stunned expression on his face. “You know, like a godfather, but female.”
“I know what a godmother is.” Harry’s face relaxed into a smile at the familiar sense of humour. “I just didn’t know I had one.”
Jen shrugged. “Well, it wouldn’t surprise me that Sirius didn’t want to talk about it. We’re twins,” she explained when he looked at her questioningly. “And while we’re at it, my name’s not Jessica, it’s Jennifer, but everyone just calls me Jen. Not Jenny, unless you happen to enjoy cleaning without magic.”
Harry shrugged. “I do that all the time here anyway.”
Jen raised an eyebrow. “I know. I’ll think of something better – give me time.” She frowned slightly. “There are a few things that are bugging me, Harry – you said your parents are alright?”
Harry nodded. “Yeah, but Hermione doesn’t know where they are.”
“And they said they didn’t want Dumbledore to know?” Jen asked. “Why?”
Harry thought for a second. “Hermione never said.”
Jen nodded slowly, thinking everything over in her head. “I see.”
For whatever reason, James and Lily had stopped trusting Albus Dumbledore.
Her first instinctual response was shock, and maybe a little anger. Albus Dumbledore was the leader of the Order of the Phoenix, Defeater of Grindelwald, Headmaster of Hogwarts, Light Lord against Voldemort’s Dark.
It was that last title that caused her thoughts to shudder to a grinding halt. What was it her prophecy had said?
… go against the Lord of Light and by that act bring down the night …
Jen took a moment to consider how strange it was referring to it as ‘her’ prophecy – she’d never shown the slightest inclination towards Divination – before focussing again on the wording.
I was so focussed on who she might be that I never considered what the prophecy was telling her – me – to do. Assuming I’m reading this right …
But there’s the kicker, isn’t it? I don’t know if I am. Prophecies are notoriously difficult to understand – they can have about twelve meanings at once.
If I’m wrong, and I act on it, then …
Then what? I deal with Dumbledore’s ‘I’m-Disappointed-You-Didn’t-Trust-Me’ face.
If I’m right, and I don’t act on it, then we risk losing the war. And if Dumbledore finds out and I’m right …
Jen frowned, thinking back to Harry’s first year at Hogwarts. Now she was looking at it with a witch’s perspective, she truly appreciated just how odd it was.
Moving the Stone from Gringotts to a school; giving an eleven-year-old an Invisibility Cloak, knowing he’d use it to sneak out; not realising that one of the teachers was possessed …
She shook her head. Either he’s losing it, or he’s using Harry as some kind of experimental weapon.
Neither option was one she wanted to consider, but there didn’t seem to be any alternative.
Better to act and be proved wrong, than to ignore it and be proved right.
Now, however, she had another problem.
Remus, she knew, would keep quiet if she asked him, but there were eight other people who had heard the prophecy and who would repeat it to Dumbledore.
And if I AM right …
That’s the last thing I want.
Jen heaved a sigh, making up her mind, and looked seriously across the table at Harry. “Harry, you’re not too happy with the Headmaster at the moment, are you?”
Harry snorted. “What was your first clue?” He asked bitingly.
Jen said nothing, gazing at him with a raised eyebrow until he turned slightly pink.
“Sorry.” Harry muttered. “I know it’s not your fault.”
Jen patted his hand. “Don’t worry, sweetheart. The reason I ask is … I don’t want Dumbledore to find out about this.”
Harry looked back at the prophecy. “But …” His face cleared. “The Lord of Light … That’s him, isn’t it?”
“May well be.” Jen ran a hand through her hair, surprised, for some reason, by the shortness of it. Honestly, it’s been just below shoulder length for fourteen years … “And I might be translating it wrong, but I don’t want to risk that. The problem is, Harry, Dumbledore is a Legilimens. I’m sure you know what that is?”
Harry nodded. “Hermione told me. And Mum told her.”
Jen smiled. “Good. Dumbledore … At one point, I wouldn’t have worried, because it’s technically illegal to use Legilimency without permission, especially on children. Underage young people.” She corrected, when Harry opened his mouth to protest. “But some of the stories you’ve come home with … I don’t like it, Harry. I’d like your permission to hide this prophecy from outside invasion.”
“Can you do that?” Harry asked.
“Only with small things.” Jen said with a smile. “It has to be specific – and he could still break through, but only if he knew what he was looking for.”
“So what are you going to do about the others?” Harry asked, nodding towards the living room.
“Remus was the only one who read the prophecy.” Jen told him. “And he won’t say anything.”
The secret to lying, she had learned early in life, was to tell the truth. Remus was the only one who’d read the prophecy – he just wasn’t the only one who heard it.
But the less people who knew the second part of her plan, the better.
What was it Lily always said? Best way to keep a secret: tell no one. Second best way to keep a secret: tell one other person, if you must. There is no third way.
She hid a smile. Of course, we ignored that every day. Eleven of us were in on the Animagus secret … except that’s not a secret anymore, because Peter will have told the Death Eaters.
As soon as the thought materialised, Jen pushed it out of her head, unwilling to dwell on the subject of Peter Pettigrew just yet.
“May I?” She asked.
Harry nodded. “What do I need to do?”
Jen reached across the table and took his hands. “Look into my eyes. Ready?” At Harry’s nod, she whispered the spell and stepped into his mind.
Magically gathering all of the memories of the prophecy they had just discussed, she covered them in a layer of magic that took the form of black gauze, tethering it to a memory of a conversation in the common room with Hermione.
Important to Harry, but inconsequential enough that no one will bother looking too closely.
Jen blinked, breaking eye contact, and released Harry’s hands. “All done.
A crack in the living room made Harry start, his hand moving to his wand.
“It’s Remus and Dora back.” Jen assured him, standing up. “But good reflexes. Come on. I should probably introduce everyone.” She picked up the pieces of paper, folded them, and slipped them into her pocket, before leading Harry back to the living room.
“How did you get your memory back?” Harry asked curiously.
“Not now, Harry.” Jen told him, glancing at Mad-Eye. “I don’t think we have time.”
“We’ll tell you later.” Remus confirmed, crossing the room to hug Harry and hand him his Firebolt.
“Wow …” Jen sighed, reaching out to touch the Firebolt’s handle. “I knew it was a good broom, but …”
“From a witch’s perspective, it’s even better?” Dora finished.
Jen nodded, admiring it. “Very nice. I played Chaser at Hogwarts.” She explained, seeing Harry’s inquisitive look. “Now, Harry, you know Mad-Eye Moody, don’t you?”
“In a way.” Harry answered, shaking his hand. “We were stuck in the infirmary for a few days.”
Remus smiled weakly at Jen. “Apparently, Harry and Mad-Eye react in similar ways to being cooped up in hospital.”
Jen hid a smile behind her hand. “That doesn’t surprise me.”
Remus’s grin widened, and he gestured to Dora. “Harry, this is Nymphadora …”
“Don’t call me Nymphadora, Remus.” Dora cut him off, shuddering. “It’s Tonks.”
Remus just managed to avoid rolling his eyes. “Nymphadora Tonks, who prefers to be known by her first name only.”
“So would you, if your fool of a mother called you Nymphadora.” Dora muttered, exchanging a wry smile with Jen, who sniggered.
“Andie wasn’t a fool, Dora. She had to put up with an unusual name, so did you.”
Dora did roll her eyes. “If you say so, Guinevere.”
Jen ignored her, continuing the introductions. “This is Kingsley Shacklebolt, Harry.”
“Jennifer,” Kingsley greeted, nodding to her. “Coming back to the ranks?”
“That is yet to be decided.” Jen answered carefully, raising an eyebrow. “C’mon, Shack; we worked together for how long?”
Kingsley cracked a smile and hugged her. “Sirius will be so pleased to see you – he’s going mental.”
The statement had Jen worried, but when Kingsley released her to shake Harry’s hand, she was pulled into another hug, this one rather more tearful.
“Always fun to watch the difference between males and females in this situation.” Remus commented, his smirk audible.
Jen tilted her head to look at him over Hestia and Emmeline’s shoulders. “Exactly how many of these situations have you been in?”
Remus inclined his head to her, silently conceding her point.
“Harry, this is Hestia Jones and Emmeline Vance.” Jen told him, gesturing to red hair then dark brown, almost black, before freeing herself to greet the remainders of the party. “Dedalus Diggle, Sturgis Podmore, and Elphias Doge. Everyone, Harry Potter, as if he needs introducing.”
Harry flattened his hair over his scar, self-consciously.
“I see what you mean, Remus.” Kingsley remarked slowly. “He looks exactly like James.”
“Except his eyes.” Emmeline whispered. “Lily’s eyes. Lily and I weren’t exactly close,” she said, seeing Harry’s confusion, “but she was one of the first people to really accept me after Hogwarts – I was a Slytherin,” she smirked slightly, “and apparently, my house-mates don’t do a very good job of endearing us to the wider population.”
Harry cracked a smile. “You don’t say?” He glanced around the living room again, clearly a little unnerved by all the eyes on him.
“A surprising number of people volunteered to collect you.” Remus told him, grinning at Jen.
“Yeah, well, the more the better.” Mad-Eye growled. “We’re your guard, Potter.”
Remus glanced towards the window. “We’re just waiting for the signal to tell us it’s safe to set off. We’ve got about five minutes.”
“Very clean, those Muggles.” Dora remarked, jerking a thumb towards the wall. “My dad’s Muggle-born and he’s a right slob. I suppose it varies though, like with wizards.”
“Course it does.” Jen said, rolling her eyes. “Come on, Dora, they’re hardly a different species.”
Harry sighed, sounding irritated, apparently out of patience. “Look, will someone tell me what’s happen …”
Jen clapped a hand over his mouth before he could finish the question. “Not here, Harry.”
Harry quirked an eyebrow at her as she released him. “Who’s going to overhear us? The walls?”
“Walls can have ears, Harry.” Jen told him darkly. “And eyes, for that matter.”
“Smart girl.” Mad-Eye barked, his normal eye turning to look at her. The magical eye, however, stayed where it was, staring at the ceiling. “Damn. Keeps getting stuck – ever since that scum wore it.” He reached up and pulled the magical eye out with a loud squelching sound, like a plunger being pulled from a sink.
“Mad-Eye, you do know that’s disgusting, don’t you?” Dora asked lightly, as though she were commenting on the weather.
Mad-Eye ignored her. “Jen, be a good girl and get me a glass of water, would you?”
Jen rolled her eyes, ignoring the urge to remind him that she wasn’t thirteen anymore, and hurried into the kitchen, retrieving a glass from the cupboard and filling it with water.
“Cheers.” Mad-Eye said when she returned. He dropped the eye into the water and prodded it with his wand, making it spin around rapidly. “I want three-hundred-and-sixty degree visibility on the return journey.”
“Where are we going?” Harry asked. “The Burrow?”
“Not the Burrow, no.” Remus answered evasively. “We’ve set up Headquarters somewhere undetectable. It’s taken a while …” He coughed and changed the subject. “We’re going by broom.”
“Only way to do it, I should think.” Jen remarked, glancing curiously at him.
She had long since mastered the art of reading between the lines, and Remus had just inadvertently told her two things: firstly, the Order of the Phoenix had been regrouped – which wasn’t really a surprise, given the people in her living room, and the fact that no one was addressing how they all knew each other – and, secondly, that he didn’t want to tell her, or Harry, where Headquarters was.
Again, she resisted the urge to reach into the link, not ready to deal with it if it didn’t work.
You’re being paranoid, she told herself, if someone had ruptured the link beyond repair, we’d both be dead.
Still, this was not the time or place for that discussion.
“You’re too young to apparate,” she continued, “we’re not connected to the Floo network, and an unauthorised portkey …”
“More than our life’s worth.” Remus finished.
“Remus says you’re a good flier.” Kingsley added.
“He’s excellent.” Remus confirmed. “Flies as well as James, if not better.”
Privately, having been on a Quidditch team with James and flown with him since she was five, Jen felt that was a bit of a tall order, but, out of loyalty to her godson, she said nothing.
“We’d better get outside so we’re ready.” Remus decided. “Harry, I’ve left a note with your aunt and uncle telling them not to worry …”
“They won’t.” Harry assured him.
“… that you’re safe …”
“That’ll just depress them.” Jen muttered.
“… and that you’ll see them next summer.”
“Do I have to?” Harry asked, a slight whine detectable in his voice.
“Not if I have anything to do with it.” Jen said darkly, under her breath. “Mad-Eye,” she said, louder, “am I imagining it, or did you borrow Dumbledore’s Deluminator.”
Mad-Eye pulled the small silver instrument out of his pocket. “What of it?”
“Turn the streetlights back on.” She told him. “You can use my back garden.”
As he moved to the front door, Jen grasped Remus’s arm and pulled him out of earshot. “I need to borrow your wand.”
Remus looked quizzically at her, but handed it over. She waved it in a small circle, carefully focussing on the eight people she needed to include.
Let’s see … can’t get rid of the prophecy entirely … that’d raise too many questions about why Remus and I needed a private conversation. Let’s see … ‘Hidden beneath a mask so bright, a missing soldier for the light …’
I always hated poetry. Annie and Addie were the ones who had a way with words …
Maybe something about the full moon? Let’s see, the one in August is … the Grain Moon, I think.
‘As the grain moon nears, the haze will lift … the soul will heal; no more shall drift.’
That’ll do. And may that last part come true sooner rather than later.
Putting the words together in her head, she reluctantly whispered the spell that had ripped her own life apart.
“Obliviate.”
A small jet of blue light left her wand and hit each person in turn.
No one even flinched and she allowed herself a satisfied smile, handing Remus’s wand back.
“What did you just do?” He hissed.
Jen raised an eyebrow. “Prophecy.” She whispered. “Last two lines.”
Remus frowned. “You don’t think …”
“I think I don’t want to take chances.” Jen finished firmly, as Mad-Eye returned. “And we’ll talk about this later.”
“Yes dear.” Remus said under his breath.
“Come here, boy.” Mad-Eye growled, jerking his wand. “I need to Disillusion you. Lupin says you’ve got an Invisibility Cloak, but it won’t stay on while we’re flying; this’ll disguise you better. Here.” He tapped Harry hard on the top of his head, and Jen watched as her godson suddenly seemed to vanish, blending in with the rest of the kitchen.
“Nice one, Mad-Eye.” Dora commented.
Jen jerked a head towards the kitchen. “Come on.” She led them to the back door and stood back to let them out, switching off the appliances before following them.
I’ll have to get a house-elf to pick up the mail or something.
“Clear night.” Mad-Eye grunted, surveying the sky. “Could have done with a bit more cloud cover. Right!” He barked suddenly at Harry, but directing his words partly at Jen as well. “We’re going to be flying in close formation, so keep close on Tonks’ tail, got me? If one of us is killed …”
“Is that likely?” Harry asked, startled.
Mad-Eye ignored him. “… the others keep flying; don’t stop, don’t break ranks. If they take out all of us and you survive, Harry, just keep flying east; the rear guard will take over.”
“Stop being so cheerful, Mad-Eye; he’ll think we’re not taking this seriously.” Dora chided, strapping Harry’s trunk and Hedwig’s cage into a harness below her broom.
“I’m just telling the boy the plan!” Mad-Eye growled. “Our job’s to deliver him safely to Headquarters and if we die in the attempt …”
“No one’s going to die.” Kingsley interrupted calmly.
“Mount your brooms.” Remus said sharply, before Mad-Eye could retort. “There’s the first signal.” He pointed into the sky where, high above them, a shower of red sparks was just evaporating into the air. “You alright sharing a broom, Jen?”
“Don’t really have much of a choice, do I?” Jen asked wryly, mounting the broom he offered her. As he climbed on behind her, she glanced over at Harry, feeling apprehensive.
It was all very well Dora joking about it, but Mad-Eye did have a point – if Voldemort had got wind of Harry’s movements … She shuddered at the thought.
“Relax.” Remus whispered, leaning forward to cover her hands with his. “Even if Voldemort did know, he won’t break cover for this.”
Jen nodded, knowing he was right. The Minister’s denial was the best thing that could have happened to Voldemort, and he’d want to take full advantage of it while he could.
“Second signal!” Remus called as green sparks exploded above them. “Let’s go!”
Ten broomsticks rose into the sky, and Jen closed her eyes as the night air rushed passed her face. She had always loved flying – maybe not as ardently as James – but it felt wonderful to be back on a broom.
As she opened her eyes, Harry and Dora soared above them, and, looking up, Jen could see that Remus was right – Harry seemed to belong in the air.
“Hard left, hard left; there’s a Muggle looking up!” Moody shouted, and they all veered to the side as one unit.
“I’m glad you’re controlling the broom.” Jen commented, pitching her voice to be heard above the roar of the wind in her ears. “It’s been years since I last flew in formation.”
It was a statement of the blindingly obvious, given her whereabouts for the last fourteen years, but Remus didn’t comment, or maybe he just didn’t have time, because at that point, Moody barked, “We need more height … give it another quarter of a mile!”
By this point, night had well and truly fallen, and, looking down, all Jen could see were tiny pinpricks of light denoting houses and cars.
“Beautiful view, isn’t it?” Remus remarked.
Jen nodded with a smile, hearing Harry’s laughter high above them. She hadn’t seen him truly smile in weeks, so hearing him laugh was somewhat of a relief.
“Bearing south!” Mad-Eye yelled. “Town ahead!”
They soared to the right, skirting the edge of the large cluster of lights that were all they could see of the nearest town.
“Bear south-east and keep climbing; there’s some low cloud ahead that we can lose ourselves in!”
“We’re not flying through clouds!” Dora protested, beating Jen to it. “We’ll get soaked, Mad-Eye!”
“Thank Merlin someone’s got some sense.” Jen sighed, more to herself than to Remus. “I don’t think Harry put a coat on.”
***
Half an hour later, and it wasn’t just Harry’s body temperature Jen was worried about. She could still feel her hands, but only because Remus’s were covering them.
“I should have put a coat on.” She commented, tilting her head back so he could hear her. “I just hope Harry doesn’t catch pneumonia.”
“He’ll be fine.” Remus assured her. “Molly will get him warmed up and he’ll be fine. When we get there …”
“I’ll take Harry to wherever the others are.” Jen finished. “And get my wand back. You explain everything to Dumbledore and ask him to keep it quiet – I’ll talk to Sirius after the meeting.”
“Don’t scare him.” Remus warned gently. “He’s got enough on his plate.”
Jen grimaced, knowing he couldn’t see her. Why do I get the feeling he’s not just talking about Azkaban? She asked silently. And why do I have a bad feeling about Headquarters?
“Because you’re observant and subtlety was never my strong point.” Remus answered.
“Oh, I don’t know.” Jen mused. “You could be pretty subtle when you …” She trailed off.
Unless she was very much mistaken, she hadn’t asked either of those questions aloud; she’d only thought them. And if he’d answered …
Remus, can you hear this? She thought, matter-of-factly.
“Wind’s not that loud.” Remus answered. “Why, can’t you hear me?”
Jen laughed aloud, giving him a mental prod. Try again.
“What are you …?” He trailed off, and his voice appeared in her head. You’re not talking aloud, are you?
No, I’m not. Jen answered. It’s back.
You’re back. Remus corrected, his arms tightening slightly around her. How’s the rest of it your end?
Jen closed her eyes to step back into her mind to see what her visualisation of the bond looked like now. She wobbled slightly, and her eyes shot open. Not while we’re flying. Look later.
Fair enough. “We should be nearly there.” Remus said aloud.
“We ought to double back!” Mad-Eye shouted, contradicting him. “Make sure we’re not being followed!”
“ARE YOU MAD, MAD-EYE?!” Dora screamed from above them. “We’re all frozen to our brooms! If we keep going off-course, we’re not going to get there until next Tuesday!”
“Time to start the descent!” Remus called, effectively ending the argument. “Follow Tonks, Harry!”
“That’s London, isn’t it?” Jen asked, as they soared towards the largest mass of glittering lights they had seen all evening.
“Yes.” Remus confirmed, flinching. “And, for the record, I think this is a really bad idea and I had nothing to do with this.”
“What?” Jen asked, worry filling her.
“You’ll see.” Remus replied ominously.
By now, she could pick out individual houses, and they swooped along a dark street, before coming to rest in a small square, dimly lit by street lamps.
Dora and Harry landed beside them, and Jen dismounted, looking around the square curiously.
It reminded her of something from long ago, but she couldn’t quite put her finger on what. Whatever it was, she didn’t like it, and she moved closer to Harry, resting a hand on his shoulder.
Mad-Eye rummaged in his cloak and pulled out the silver Deluminator, using it to remove the lights from the few working street lamps.
“That’ll take care of anyone looking out of the window.” He growled, pocketing it again. “Come on.”
Jen and Harry followed Mad-Eye across the road and on to the pavement, Remus and Dora carrying Harry’s trunk between them, the rest of the guard flanking them, wands in hand.
“Here.” Mad-Eye held out a piece of parchment, holding up his wand so they could see it. “Read and memorise.”
Remus set his end of the trunk down and moved to stand behind her, taking her hand in his.
Jen glanced at him, but he nodded to the parchment, an unspoken apology in his eyes. She squinted at it, just able to make out the words in the wand-light.
The Headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix may be found at Number Twelve, Grimmauld Place, London.