Fury Little Problem {A Harry Potter Fanfic}

Chapter Twenty Five: Court of Lies

The weeks after Voldemort's two-pronged attack, a sense of normalcy had descended upon Number 12 Grimmauld Place. Or rather, as normal as a household that was occupied by 2 families and enough others to make up a third. Due to all these families' close proximity, tension began to rise.

The main source of contention was between Mrs. Weasley and Sirius, and her and the elder Delacours. Soon after the house had gotten 5 new occupants, she doubled down on her efforts to clean every inch of Grimmauld Place. This didn't cause too many problems until she started acting as though it was her house, which put her at odds with Sirius. It seemed that their struggle for control became an almost daily occurrence that would only end either when Sirius would stomp off in frustration, or Arthur would be forced to admonish his wife.

The situation between her and the Delacours wasn't any better. Mr. Delacour spent most of his time at work in the French Ministry, while his wife kept to herself. While Mrs. Delacour wasn't unfriendly towards the others, she didn't go out of her way to associate with the house's other occupants. When her husband would return from work, they would keep to themselves, only coming down from their room when it was time to eat only to leave once they had finished.

Molly was at first very vocal about how they should be grateful that they were given a place to stay and thought they should show more appreciation. After nearly two weeks of her comments falling on deaf ears did she change to simply glowering and mumbling angrily when she saw the couple.

The younger two children however were a pleasure to have around, making nearly impossible for Molly to harbor them any ill will. Gabrielle was a fireball of energy, always eager to help out anyway she could, moving from room to room so quickly that it was hard to keep track of her. She found Fleur to very polite and respectable young women, but she couldn't help but feel a little resentment towards the girl due to her closeness with Harry.

-HP-

Harry had initially hoped that the day before his trial would be one where he would be given the opportunity to relax and prepare for the ay to come. Instead, he and the other teens of Grimmauld Place were charged with cleaning the Drawing room. This room, like many of the other rooms at headquarters, was filled with items that were cursed, infested with doxy's, or were simply a danger to have in the house.

"What I don't understand is that if all this stuff is as dangerous as Mum goes on about, then why are we taking care of it and not someone from the Order," Ron said in a harsh whisper.

"The Order has to deal with combatting Voldemort Ronald," an exasperated Hermione replied. She and just about all the others that were currently trying to clean out the drawing room, were getting tired of Ron's complaining. "The least we could do is make sure that they don't have to worry about getting hurt at headquarters."

Ron simply grumbled as he made a blind grab into the pile that he and Hermione were currently sorting through only to be bit by a watch that was lying on top.

"Bloody Hell!"

"Ronald Weasley! I will not tolerate that kind of language in my house. I have half a mind-"

"Remember Molly," began Sirius, his tone one that was both tired and agitated, "this is not your house. It's mine!"

And just like that, another argument began between Molly and Sirius. All the others in the room had gotten so used to this that they simply tuned the two out.

As both of the adults were occupied with their argument, it allowed for Fleur to maneuver closer to Harry.

"'Ow are you feeling?"

"I'm not sure… it just feels like we're doing nothing. Voldemort is out there and we're stuck in here cleaning out a drawing room." He picked up a small trinket from the wardrobe he was currently shifting through, and carelessly tossing it into a bag. "Like I said at dinner the other night, I want to help, I want to fight!"