The Assassin

The Assassin - Chapter 12

Chapter 12

The room was silent as the Order members digested what had occurred only moments ago. Everyone looked up the stairs where the one and only Harry Potter had just disappeared to. The interaction between him and Ron Weasley playing over in their minds. And they had to agree with Harry, it was far too late for an apology, the damage already long done. Quiet members thought over what the following days would include. Would they need to look at a safer space for the previous missing boy to stay? Only time would tell.

Kingsley Shacklebolt looked around the quiet room, observing the dejected crowd. While he did feel annoyed and disappointed the outing had not gone to plan, he needed to sober up and focus on the future. The entire point of going out to Diagon Alley was to retrieve all of the necessary items for Harry to begin studying for his O.W.L.s and for him starting at Hogwarts in a months' time. And unfortunately they had only managed to go to four stores before their cover was blown at the fifth. There was still so much to be done.

"I will need a few Order members to head back to Diagon Alley and continue collecting the remaining school supplies for Harry," Kingsley said loudly, gaining the attention from the large group.

"I'll go if anyone wants to join me," said Nymphadora as she got up from the chair in the kitchen. "I have the day off after all."

"Count us in," said Fred with a smile.

"No, I don't think that will be a good idea," frowned Kingsley, thinking over all of the possible options.

"Why not?" George asked.

"If anyone is still there, or if word has gotten out that Harry Potter was seen with the Weasley family, then they could easily come back with you," he explained, many nodding in agreement.

"Well if that is the case, it wouldn't be safe for Ron or Ginny to get their school supplies later either," mused Molly as she thought it over.

"We can pick it up for them while we shop for Harry," Nymphadora smiled kindly. "It'll be no hassle. And especially if it will keep Harry safe, I don't mind."

"Oh, thank you dear!" Molly turned around and walked over to give her a hug. "I'll make you some lunch or dinner when you return, for all of your troubles."

"That's okay, Molly. No need to worry about that," she smiled, her cheeks turning bright pink in embarrassment.

"I'll go with you," a quiet voice spoke up from the back of the lounge room.

Everyone turned their eyes to find a sheepish Remus looking at the ground. The older members knew how much Harry meant to the man, being the last part he could hold onto of his childhood best friends except for memories. He was willing to do anything to help the boy. From teaching him, to buying the missing school supplies, to protecting him from any harm. Nymphadora smiled as she walked over to the front door, gesturing for the quiet man to follow her, endeared at the gesture.

The room became quiet once more after the two had left, many stewing over the past and the future. Kingsley had made the right call by not allowing the twins or any of the other Weasley out of the house again. Word would get around quickly in the crowded street that the missing boy had been found alive and well. And word would get around that many people had witnessed the supposed Boy-Who-Lived with a particularly easily identifiable red-headed family. The next month now posed more troubles if it got out who Harry was staying with.

"We should go strengthen the wards," said Alastor Moody, his fake eye whirling around in his head. "Before the news breaks."

"Bill," Kingsley turned to the oldest child. "I know you are a Curse-Breaker, but how good are you with warding?"