The Way We Fall | Book 3

Chapter 4: Troublemaker

A few days later, I was sitting in my bedroom with Hermione. The members of the Order of the Phoenix were having another meeting. Basically, the Order was a secret society that was trying to create an army against Voldemort. At least, that's what my dad told me. "Is it just me, or does Harry seem mad?" Hermione suddenly asked me, as she read the letter he had sent her. "He probably is mad," I replied. "He's gone all summer without a scrap of news. All he's got is the Daily Prophet, which is nothing but a load of waffle." 

She sighed, and put the letter on the bedside table. "It's not our fault Dumbledore won't let us tell him anything. I just hope he's not too mad at us." I nodded in agreement, and flopped back onto the bed. "You're not alone. But, maybe he'll understand once we explain. He can't be that mad. He should know by now that we'd tell him if we could. Clearly something's holding us back. But, I don't understand why we aren't allowed saying anything to him about the Order. I mean, he's the one who witnessed him come back and everything else. Personally, I think he should be allowed to be part of the Order if he wanted to be."

"It'd be dangerous, though. He'd probably have to battle Death Eaters and all sorts of horrible things. I know you'd worry. But-" She was cut off, when Ron burst in, holding the Daily Prophet in his hand. 

"Ronald, don't you tell me you've been reading that rubbish too." I said. He thrust it into my hands, making me frown and look at it. After skimming over it, I gasped, and so did Hermione. Dementors showed up in Little Winging, where Harry and his cousin, Dudley were at the time. Harry used the Patronus Charm in front of him, and got expelled from Hogwarts. Then, of course, Rita Skeeter had to say all sorts of things about him being a liar and whatnot. I growled angrily, and stormed down to the dining room, ignoring Ron and Hermione's protests. 

I burst through the door, not even caring that I could get into trouble by doing so. Everyone looked up at me, and frowned at my expression. "Have you heard what happened to Harry?" I demanded at them. "Yes, Riley, we have. He's gonna be okay," Dad replied. "THEN WHAT ARE YOU GONNA DO ABOUT IT?!" I screamed. Sirius stood up, and took my shaking shoulders. "Calm down, Riley. Remus and the others are going to get him tonight and bring him here. Dumbledore arranged for him to have a Disciplinary Hearing at the Ministry, so he'll at least have a chance of going back to Hogwarts, alright?"

A wave of relief washed over me, making some of my anger melt away. "Good, I'll go too." That was when Mrs. Weasley cut in. "Oh no you won't. It's far too dangerous for you to go. If you want Harry to get here in one piece, you'd best stay here." I groaned, and face palmed. "Fine, but he better get here safely. You haven't seen the worst of me, and I really don't want you to. I'm going upstairs." With that, I left them all there, stunned by my behavior. I'm usually pretty laid back, but when it comes to things like this, expect me to change. 

When I got back to my bedroom, Ron and Hermione were talking nervously. Ron was the first to speak when they saw me. "I didn't hear mum screaming at you. Usually, she goes ballistic when one of us interrupts." I rolled my eyes at him. "Good to know that you care about what happened. They're picking Harry up tonight and bringing him here. Of course, I can't go because it's too dangerous, just like everything else. But, as long as he gets here safely, I guess that's alright."

Hermione sighed with relief, and ran her fingers through her bushy hair. "Oh, thank Merlin. I worried that we'd never see him again." I nodded, and sat down. "Dumbledore arranged for him to attend a Disciplinary Hearing at the Ministry. So, maybe he'll be going to Hogwarts after all."

"This is absolutely barbaric! He shouldn't have to be going through all of this! I mean, what did they expect him to do? Just let the Dementor kill them both?" She cried angrily. "Even dad thinks the Minister is out of his mind." Ron commented. "He's not wrong. Fudge is way out of the mind he wishes he had." I muttered. "Now, if you don't mind, I'd like a moment to myself, please." The two of them nodded, then left.

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After nearly an hour, I could hear Harry's voice in the room down the hall. Let's just say, he did not sound very happy. "I've gone all summer without a scrap of news!" He raged. I stopped listening after that, not wanting to hear him angry. Ron and Hermione can explain this one to him. Instead, I stared at the ceiling, which was covered in cobwebs, and a bit of mold. Clearly, the Grimmauld Place had been here for a very long time. 

Suddenly, my door opened, making me look over. There, stood Harry. His face was a bit pale, but other than that, he looked pretty much just like how he did when I saw him last. I gave him a weak smile, and sat up. "Hey," He smirked, and closed the door. "I thought you'd be happier to see me." 

At least he's safe, and happy to see me. "Look, I'm sorry about the letters. I wanted to--" He cut me off there, by pressing a finger to my lips. "Don't be sorry, it's okay. I'm safe, and filled in now. It's alright," I smiled, as he leaned in to kiss me. I kissed him back, wrapping my arms around his neck, as he did the same around my waist. Then, we pulled back for air, and rested our foreheads against each other's. 

"I missed you, Harry." I said softly. "I missed you more," He replied, and grinned. I sighed, and shook my head at him. That was when we heard a small pop, and the bed dipped in on both sides of us. 

"Don't mind us," Fred began.

"But mum wanted us to tell you," George added. 

"That dinner's ready."

"Unless you'd rather stay up here and snog all evening."

We blushed, pulling away from each other. "Alright, thank you guys. We appreciate your intrusion. Now get out!" I said, smacking both of them in the head. Laughing, they ran out of the room. Harry gave me a weak smile, and took my hand. Then, together, we went down to dinner together.

He may be a troublemaker, but he's my troublemaker. So, that's okay.