Rogue Harry

Chapter 3

On Sunday evening, approximately fifteen witches and wizards gathered for a meeting of the Order of the Phoenix. During that moment, their captain inquired about the situation at Harry's house.

Everyone stated that it was quiet, with no Death Eaters in sight. Remus Lupin seized this opportunity to ask the question that had been plaguing him. "Has anyone heard from Harry recently? I have not received his customary "I am fine" letter."

He glanced at Molly Weasley because her children were the most likely to hear from Harry. "No, Remus, no letters from Harry since Wednesday," the mother of seven answered.

Remus turned to Tonks and asked, "Have you seen Harry outside recently?"

The girl with pink hair did not take long to respond. "Not since Friday evening. He put out the trash, lingered to see the sunset, and then returned inside."

"I think I need to go check on him tomorrow morning," Lupin informed us.

"I'm not sure that's wise," Dumbledore said. "We don't need to disturb the Dursleys. Let's wait till Wednesday."

Lupin didn't say anything, so the meeting proceeded on, but he decided to go tomorrow anyhow. He felt more responsible for Harry now that Sirius had left.

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Remus Lupin approached number four Privet Drive dressed in his nicest Muggle clothes, which Petunia Dursley would have claimed were of little value.

Petunia answered the door to find a man in a tattered suit. "May I help you?"

"My name is Remus Lupin; I'm here to check on Harry." Her nice smile changed into a scowl.

"Harry has left for good. He and his kind are never welcome here again." She began closing the door in his face.

Remus grabbed it and pushed the door back open. "Excuse me? I do not understand. What do you mean by 'Harry has left for good?'"

Petunia's scowl intensified as she realized his surprise could only mean one thing: Harry hadn't sent his letter announcing he'd gone. It was exactly like the worthless boy. 'Only that. This is no longer Harry's house. He has left for good. He is no longer our responsibility, and he will never be welcome back,' she said before shutting the door.

This caught Lupin off guard. After nearly two full seconds of processing all of her words and meaning, he panicked. Remus dashed down the street to Arabella Figg's house and unlocked the door without knocking, rushing to the hearth. He made a Floo call to the Headmaster's office while Mrs. Figg entered the room to investigate the disturbance. Lupin ignored her queries.

"Albus! ALBUS!" he screamed.

The old man approached his fireplace. "What seems to be the problem Remus?"

"Harry's gone, as in no longer at the Dursleys, or that's what Petunia claims."

Dumbledore quickly stepped over to his table of small silver tools to examine one. After some prodding with his wand, he was surprised to see no ward around Harry's residence. He hurried back to the hearth. "The blood ward is shut off. Return and search the house. Get Harry out of there and into Headquarters. I will send others over."

Lupin returned to the Dursleys without speaking to Mrs. Figg. His wand was out, and he was looking for persons wearing black robes and masks. He rushed in without hesitation after using his wand to unlock the Dursleys front door. Petunia screamed when he entered.

"Where is he? I need to know where Harry is. His protection is no longer in place here."

"I told you he was gone. This is no longer his home." Petunia screamed.