Setting things to rights - 6

"Considering they chucked him into Azkaban without benefit of a trial," Fred said bitterly, "I'd expect it'd still be in a holding cell at the prison."

"Then we'll have to go out to Azkaban," Harry said, failing to suppress a shudder. He knew most of the Dementors were gone, but even one was too many as far as he was concerned.

"Er…Harry. How exactly do you propose to do that?" George asked, stunned.

"And what's so bloody important that you'd want to go?" Fred exclaimed incredulously. "Look, Harry, I know it's your stuff that Dung nicked, but…what could be worth a trip to Azkaban? They'll let Dung out eventually and then you can ask him for whatever it is you want back."

Harry shook his head. "It's not that simple. It's…er…it's something of personal significance" Harry said, coloring slightly. He hated lying to the twins. "And I'm not the only one who might be looking for it."

George shrugged. "I still don't see how you're going to get out to Azkaban. It's not like you can just stroll right in. Or maybe you can. Rufus Scrimgeour would love to have you owing him a favor."

Harry shook his head. "I'd prefer to do this without Scrimgeour's input, if possible. I'll talk to Tonks. She's been out there on guard duty, or at least she was before we left."

"Yeah, she's still been going, and looking a right mess whenever she returns. Are you certain about this, Harry? You haven't always had an easy time with the Dementors," Fred asked, ducking his head. His ears were bright red, something that Harry had seen in the past from Ron and various other Weasleys, but never the twins.

"I know. I'll deal with it when I get there," Harry said, nodding.

"We'll deal with it," Ron said, his eyes boring into Harry's. "Don't think you're going out there alone, mate."

"Ron, I don't even know if I can get out there, never mind bring anyone else along," Harry said, running a hand through his hair.

"You'll just have to find a way," Ron said firmly.

*~*~*

Dinner that evening was a quiet affair. Harry had hoped to speak with Tonks about her duties at Azkaban, but neither she nor Remus was in attendance. Mrs. Weasley said they'd gone out on a date. Harry was pleased to hear it; Remus deserved to grab a little happiness when he could find it.

Mr. Weasley was working late, as he frequently did, and since returning from Dung's place, Harry hadn't seen any of the girls. Mrs. Weasley said they'd been holed up in Bill and Fleur's room all day. They'd even kicked Bill out without telling him what they were doing. He and Charlie sat at the kitchen table with a bottle of wine between them.

"Care for some wine, Harry? Ron?" Charlie asked.

With their nods of consent, he poured two additional glasses.

"How did everything go for you lot today?" Charlie asked, and Harry noticed Bill listening intently, though trying to appear disinterested.

"It was a bust," Harry said, sighing. He knew it was too much to hope that he'd find the locket that easily, but he'd still hoped anyway.

"I don't suppose you want to share whatever it is you're looking to find?" Bill asked casually.

"Not really," Harry replied, sipping his wine.

The tension was broken by Mrs. Weasley's startled gasp. Harry looked up quickly to find Ginny standing alone in the doorway. His attention was instantly drawn to her head where her glorious, waist-length hair had been cut so it barely reached her shoulders.