Squib On The Run (sequel to Squib In The basement)

45. Prison Or Sanctuary

Cassiopeia visited Andromeda every day in the week that followed, desperate to reconnect to her cousin.
When she was with her, it was almost like no time had passed, and she felt like she was a kid again, safe with Andromeda and Ted.
She also loved getting to know Nymphadora, who actually had several memories of Cassiopeia, from when she was a child.
Sirius occasionally went with Cassiopeia, but most of the time he stayed with Remus.
The boys had decided not to rekindle their relationship for the time being, and just remain friends instead, as they didn't want their romance to complicate matters.

Eventually Dumbledore turned up unannounced at Remus's home to talk to them all about what he wanted to happen in the future.
"How is Harry?" Questioned Cassiopeia, the moment Dumbledore joined them in the living room.
"He is fine" reassured Dumbledore.
"Really? He just watched his friend die, so I doubt he's fine" countered Cassiopeia.
"He has been quiet and reserved this past week. But physically, he is fine"
"I guess that's something".

"I assume you both wish to see him this summer?" Asked Dumbledore.
"Of course, as soon as possible" replied Cassiopeia.
"I thought so, which is why I have a proposition for you both... With Voldemort being back at full strength, we can't have Harry simply walking around the Muggle world unattended. So, when he returns to the Dursleys I will have guards watching him, every time he leaves the house, to make sure nothing happens to him. Because of how important Harry is, we can't risk anything happening to him. Which is why we can't have you just meeting him in some alleyway somewhere. We can't have him exposed like that" insisted Dumbledore.

"So, what is your plan then? How are we going to see Harry?" Quizzed Cassiopeia.
"I was getting to that. You see, it wouldn't be safe to meet him on the street. But if you were in a place protected by powerful magic, then Voldemort wouldn't be able to get to you" revealed Dumbledore.
"So, you want to keep Harry at Hogwarts, where he is safe?" Questioned Sirius.
"No, he needs to return to his aunt and uncle. As you know, Voldemort cannot touch him as long as he still lives with Petunia. His mother's sacrifice lives in her sisters veins. And I can't have Harry popping up to Hogwarts to visit you every weekend, it would be too complicated, and would involve too much movement. I want to keep Harry in one place for as long as possible. Which is why I don't want you seeing him until the end of the holidays, in a secure location" replied Dumbledore.

"Hold on, Harry has just been through something traumatic, he is going to need our support more than ever. I can't go the whole summer without seeing him" insisted Cassiopeia.
"I understand that you want to support his mental well being, and I'm not saying you can't write to him. But his physical well being must be put first. You've heard the prophecy, so you know that he is the only one who can defeat Voldemort some day. He must spend most of the summer with the Dursleys, to keep the love magic protection working. But at the end of the holidays I thought he could come and stay with you" announced Dumbledore.

"What, here? No offence Dumbledore, but Remus's home isn't exactly protected by powerful magic. And it's not really big enough for us all to stay in" admitted Cassiopeia.
"I wasn't suggesting that you stay here" replied Dumbledore.
"Then where?" Asked Cassiopeia.
"Well, 12 Grimmauld Place seems like the answer to all of our problems. It is protected by powerful magic that neither Voldemort nor the Ministry can bypass. It is large enough to house many people at once, and it is in London, which is the perfect location. And it is souly in the control of you two, so it's perfect".

"I think I'm going to be sick" mumbled Cassiopeia as she stood to her feet and clutched her mouth in horror.
"How can you even suggest that we go back there?" Snapped Sirius.
He jumped to his feet and headed over to Cassiopeia, placing his arms protectively around her.
"It's alright. No one can make you go back there. You are safe" he said soothingly.
"It could be your sanctuary if you went back there, you would be completely safe" insisted Dumbledore.
"It's not a sanctuary, it's a prison!" Yelled Cassiopeia.
Cassiopeia tried to stop herself from hyperventilating, but she was not successful.
The very thought of being trapped back in Grimmauld Place made her feel sick and light headed.