Lean On Me (SEQUEL)

Epilogue

Athena

Voldemort was back. The ministry wasn't allow the people to know. They forbade the mention of his name. They were trying to pretend that everything was okay, passing off Cedric's death as a 'tragic accident'. It was, in the kindest words possible, bullshit. Complete and utter rubbish. Harry came out of the maze a different person. He was not the boy he was before. I felt heavily for him. I wished there was something I could offer him that would help. I knew deep down there was nothing I could do.

When the train arrived at platform 9 and 3/4, I took my trunk from it. I waited for my godfather to show, but he never did. I feared something had happened. I parted ways with Fred and his family, still waiting for his arrival. When time passed and I came to the realization he would not be coming, I had Molly charmed my trunk to make it lighter. They offered to bring me home, which I refused. The walk from the station was not far from our village. It would be nice to clear my mind. It was a twenty minute walk, at most. With my luggage in hand, I made the trek back home. When I arrived I found him packing up things. He seemed ready to leave.

"Remus?"

"Athena! What's the time?" He asked me. He was guilty looking. He had never missed me getting off the train. He checked the clock on the wall and gave me a sympathetic look. "I'm so sorry! How did you get home?" He questioned.

"Walked." I shrugged. "Not a huge deal, I understand." I gave a warm smile. "Anyway, what are you doing?"

"Your father, were staying with him this summer." My face lit up at his words. "He's been hiding closer to home. He wanted us there with him."

"Why?"

"Well... With you-know-who back, precautions must be taken, so-"

"The Order of The Phoenix." I stated, already knowing the direction he was heading.

"Precisely. We'll be staying with your dad at Number 12 Grimmauld Place."

"His childhood home? Why would he return there?" I was bewildered at the sound. I knew the hatred my father held for that house. Remus had told me long ago.

"Because nobody would suspect it. We're leaving right away, so don't bother unpacking." He explained.

"Apparation?" He nodded. "Do you have everything?" I asked him. He was just a tad forgetful. Some days it felt like I had to remind him not to forget his head. It wouldn't be difficult to come back, just more of an annoyance.

"Yes." He answered, taking my hand.

"Wait... Who else is part of this?" My words came out fast before we disapparated.

"Me, your father, Dumbledore, Mr and Mrs. Weasley, Snape, and a few others, too. Were keeping a close look over Harry. You cannot contact him this summer. If you do, it has to be brief. You can't give too much information. If the owl gets intercepted and the ministry finds out, were done for." I nodded but stared, waiting for him to mention another name. "What?" He was unsure why my eyes were still boring into him.

"You're forgetting someone." I pointed out.

"No, I'm not." He was sure of himself. I gave a look and pointed to myself. "Absolutely not." He stated. "It's too dangerous."

"Excuse me, I'm turning 17 this year. I have every right to be a part of this."

"No, I'm your legal guardian and my say is final." He challenged.

"Technically, dad is. So it's up to him." I argued.

"If you want to be that way, fine. I bet he'll say the same thing I am. You're too young and it's too dangerous."

**

"If she wants too, she can." Dad said with a tone of finality. He shot a warning look to Remus.

"Told you." I smirked.

"Sirius! She's sixteen! That's not-"

"Age doesn't mean a thing, Moony. She's legal this year, so technically, she can make her own decision." He cut him off before he finished.

"If needed, how will she even get place to place? What about school?" Remus was bewildered at my fathers agreement. He didn't even need any convincing.

"I can apparate soon! Plus, this is my last year, so school won't be in the way for long." I smiled smugly. My godfather was at a loss for words.

"I cannot believe you two."

"Why can't you? Why are you so surprised that I actually want to help?" I exclaimed. "I'm not going to sit around and watch you work your arses off until one of you gets killed! I cant just stand by and wait for that to happen. I'm not losing you guys the same way Harry lost Lily and James. If something happens and I do lose you, at least I'll know I did my part in trying to defeat Voldemort!" I cried. Remus conceded after my speech. He dropped the subject completely.

"You're not losing us anytime soon." Dad pulled me into his arms.

"I want us all to be together when this is over with." I explained. Dad held me while I spoke. Remus watched, but couldn't help himself.

"We will, I promise." Moony said, joining the embrace.