Unofficial Portkey Archive

A/N: Here is the next chapter. Sorry for not getting it sooner. I've been distracted over the last few days. But here it is, hope y'all like it. Read and Review and Thank you.

Chapter Ten:

Returning to the Dursley's

"Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake." - Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821)

Hermione sat in awe as Harry explained his summoning techniques. He had advance further in his studies of wandless magic without trying. He just shrugged his shoulders whenever she asked him how he could even manage such a control over the magic. The only explanation he could give her was that it was their love. It was what allowed him to summon without his wand, but he explained that it took a lot out of him as well.

They were waiting for the Headmaster as they talked over what Dumbledore had told Hermione about her family. Harry pulled her into his lap as she spoke, causing her to blush. She really did not expect him to take her into his embrace, but she was not about to complain. A sense of calm came over her in his arms, and it made it easier for Hermione to talk to him about everything. In his arms serenity was not far off from hope and love.

Harry did his best to remain calm. He knew Hermione needed him at the moment, and he was there, like he always would be. But there was something else eating at him. What else is Dumbledore keeping from them? What else is he hiding to keep them safe? Why did not Dumbledore trust them enough?

"Ah, here you are," Dumbledore said, looking into their room. "Can I surmise that you two have discussed everything?" Hermione nodded, blushing as she attempted to move out of his lap, but his arms kept her close. Dumbledore gave them a smile as he entered the room.

"Sir, I have a question," Harry asked, restraining himself. The headmaster nodded, allowing Harry to continue. "What else are you hiding from us? What else is there that will put our lives in danger, or possible could?" Dumbledore sighed. From the look on his face, there appeared to be more. Good or bad, Harry could not discern, but it was hidden and needed to come out. "Please take a seat, if it is going to take a while." Harry summoned one of the comfortable chairs for the headmaster.

"I see you've progressed with wandless magic," Dumbledore said with a slight smile. "You both have probably guessed at this point that your are heirs to two of the founders correct?" Harry nodded, while Hermione looked surprised.

"Come on Mione, did you not notice the Rowena looked almost exactly like you with the exception of her eyes?" Harry asked, causing her to blush. She shook her head; she was too surprised to see that Godric looked similar to Harry, with the same exception.

"Yes, you both are the heirs to the founders," Dumbledore said. "Although it may not be apparent now as it will become later in the year, when the other two are found, you will find yourself being able to use magic easier. If you wish me to be completely honest, then I would have to say that Harry is about the only one that could use wandless magic solely."

"We already knew that," Hermione said, looking between the two men. Harry looked at Dumbledore before shaking his head, to which the old man responded in the same manner. Something passed between them that would remain unspoken statement.

"No, we knew I would be more powerful than you in wandless magic, what Professor Dumbledore was saying is that I'm going to be at the point were I will never have to use a wand again if I don't want to," Harry said, looking over at Dumbledore for confirmation.

"Correct, although it will take a great deal of trying to do so," Dumbledore said.

"Training starts tomorrow?" Hermione asked, to which Dumbledore nodded.

"You will begin training with your Grandmother Hermione, while Harry will train with me for now," Dumbledore said, adding a pause as if to wait for their reactions. When nothing came, he continued. "Hermione, you will begin to train your natural healing abilities as well as your wandless potentially; Harry, we will test the limits of your wandless magic tomorrow." He nodded, thinking about the prophecy once more. As Dumbledore rose to leave, Harry knew he had to speak to the man in private."

"Hermione let me up, love," he said, kissing her forehead. A blush crawled across her face as she realized she had been there the entire time.

"Sorry," she mumbled.

"Quite alright," Dumbledore said with a chuckle. "It appears that Harry must discuss something with me, so we shall leave you alone for a while. You may want to catch up on your studies. You both will need it." He chuckled again and left them.

"See you soon," Harry said, kissing her hand as he left. Blushing, Hermione could not get over how he treated her. Like she was a princess. Maybe her dreams really had come true.

Harry left the room and found Dumbledore standing outside of the room. He turned and closed the door behind, making sure it was shut. "Alright, professor, tell me what I think is already true, and it will be easier for both of us."

"Being Gryffindor's heir is not the power that he knows not," Dumbledore said, seeing Harry's shoulders turned to him and slumped.

"I figured as much," Harry said, turning around to look at him. "So what is it then?"

"You have to figure it out yourself," Dumbledore said with a twinkle behind his half-moon glasses. "Now, anything else?"

"Not at the moment," Harry said returning the smile. "But you'll tell me something that applies to my life correct?" Dumbledore nodded.

"Unless it is absolute necessary to keep it from you for Hermione's protection," Dumbledore said. "Anything about you, I'll happily tell you if you wish to know."

"Thank you sir," Harry said. "I'm glad our relationship is back to normal."

"And what is normal exactly?" Dumbledore said, smirking at the young boy.

"A student and professor aren't often grandfather and grandson," Harry said. Dumbledore looked at him oddly, but a proud smile was upon his face "If I was let alone, sir, I would probably still resent you for not telling me, but being here, with you and Hermione, has helped I think repair the damage you caused." He paused for a moment. "I know that you're looking out for me, sir, and you're the only person that has done that beside my parents since I was born, and done so unwaveringly. It doesn't mean that I'm not angry with you sir, I just respect you and understand that your trying to help me."

"I'm glad you believe that I'm apart of your family Harry," Dumbledore said with a smile. "Dinner will be around six thirty. The Weasley's have gone home. Guile will be going over there to help Ron with his therapy and his training."

"Is Ron okay?" Harry asked.

"To be honest, he is in a lot better shape yesterday than he was today," Dumbledore said. "I believe it was because of something you said to him. What happened last night after dinner?"

"Ron asked Hermione out, and then I went on a rant about our relationship, Hermione's and mine," Harry said, looking down at the floor. "I just don't like the idea of someone trying to take the only person who has broken through my barriers and found me."

"Understandable Harry, understandable," Dumbledore said. "I shall do my best to make sure you remain happy from now on."

"Don't you mean until I die," Harry said, looking down at the ground. There was slight pause before Dumbledore spoke again. He felt two hands on his shoulders and he looked up at the aging man.

"I have the utmost confidence in you Harry," Dumbledore said, a sad smile showing through his beard. "But I believe that the person you need to hear it from the most lies behind that door." Dumbledore turned him around, making him look at his own door. "She will always be there for you, Harry. Whether you know it or not."

"Thank you, sir," Harry said, looking over his shoulder at the retreating Dumbledore. "Thank you for all that you have given to the world." Smiling to himself, he opened the door to the rest of his life.

* * * * *

Hermione had been so proud of Harry. He was moving at a faster pace than she was with wandless magic, and had insisted on studying every night before they went to bed. He would study everything from transfiguration to charms to help him. Although he was able to simple spells at the moment, he was still striving to completely abandon his wand at a certain point. He hoped he could keep it a secret, and maybe he could. But what truly amazed her was him opening up to her.

His fears, his childhood, his memories of Hogwarts, all were for her to know. Somehow, Harry was able to completely open up to her, which in one sense scared her. She was slightly worried at how all the pain would affect him, later in life. Yes he had opened up to her, but the memories and nightmares could not be fought by her alone. The way he talked was as if he did not want to overcome this, or the final battle for that matter.

They both sat quietly studying at the moment. Hermione had the book opened, playing with Harry's hair as he read from a book on sixth year charms. She had begun to look over the days they had spent together. The way he talked, seemed so final, and opening up like he was, it seemed as if he wished to clear his conscience of everything before going off to… She could not finish the thought, as tears began to fall down her face.

"What's wrong, Mione?" Harry asked, sitting up and wrapping an arm around her shoulder.

"You think you're going to die," Hermione stated, clinging to him even more. Harry opened his mouth to respond, but only stuttered. Even if he never vocalized it, deep down he thought it was true. Well, he did; with each passing lesson with Dumbledore, his skill grew a little more and with each passing day, his confidence in life grew because of the woman who now clung to his chest.

"I did," he said truthfully. "But because of the last few days, I've hope. Hope that I'll live til tomorrow; hope that I'll be the father a small army of children," Hermione giggled and blushed at the thought sent through her head, "hope that I can keep the woman I love safe by my side for the rest of eternity. I can now only hope that I was meant to survive, and meant to live a long happy life."

"What do you mean?" Hermione asked, looking out of his chest.

"Mione, think about it," Harry said, looking away from the wall and into her eyes. "My parents both died protecting me; my mother instilled a lasting protection; the prophecy Mione, everything in the prophecy has been true. Things happen for a reason, at least most things do, and I believe that if I'm meant to live, then I will."

"You are meant to live," Hermione said sternly. She had to get the point through his thick boyish skull. She cradled his head in her hands, staring deeply into his eyes. "You will give me a great deal of children, and they will give me grandchildren. You will be there to see it all. You are my life, Harry, and if you die, I die." Harry stared at her in awe. The force and love behind her words, touched him deeply, especially her last statements. Was he really that important, to mean life or death for someone. "And before you dare question it Harry, my life is my choice and my choice is you." She sealed the statement with a strong kiss, knocking him over in the process.

Harry wrapped his arms around her, preventing her from breaking the connection. He opened his mouth and lightly touched her lips with his tongue. Opening his eyes to look her, Harry smiled slightly at the begging look her eyes. Taunting her a few more times with his tongue only caused her to come after his. He looked into her eyes, finding playfulness within her honey eyes. Before they could continue however, there was a knock on the door.

"Damn," Harry whispered as they separated. Hermione straighten her hair, or at least attempted and Harry just sat up. "Come in." He yelled, sending a look toward Hermione that they would finish later. She began to blush, turning her head away.

"Harry, Hermione, I've got good news," Dumbledore said walking into the room. He just smiled at them as they sat, trying not to blush. "Serge has returned."

"He's back, did he….?" Her voice gave way to a loud yell from a male.

"Hermione!" The voice said.

"Daddy," Hermione said, hopping off the bed, and running down the stairs. Harry just smiled at her. Her pain was over. He chuckled lightly as he heard there loud squeals of joy.

"I guess she's found her mother and sister." Harry said getting off of the bed. "Well, time to meet the parents."

"Give them a few moments, Harry, I doubt that they would-" his voice was cut off by another yell.

"Harry, come down here this instant!" Hermione yelled up to him. She was so happy. She had her family back, and she had a boyfriend that made her feel like a princess. She wanted her family to meet the Boy-Who-Loved-Her. She giggled to herself as she watched Harry walking coolly down the stairs. "Come on, Harry," she was beginning to get impatient. She ran up the stairs and grabbed his hand, pulling him down that stairs to meet her family. "Mother, father, this is Harry, my boyfriend." She seemed more formal now, instead of the little girl she sounded like moments ago.

A moment of silence, before anyone moved. Harry looked between the Grangers. Hermione's mother looked happy and joyful; the expression on Juliet's face was similar. Both women had smiles growing upon their faces. Her father on the other hand, made Harry afraid for his life.

"Glad to meet you all finally," Harry said with a polite smile. "Your lovely daughter has told me a lot about you." He glanced over at Hermione, seeing her blush. He smiled inwardly at his accomplishment. She had in fact told he just about everything, but it was the fact that he could get her to blush that he really loved.

"Oh, he's a keeper," her mother said, pulling the boy in a hug. "Thank you for taking care of our daughter Harry, while we were….away." Harry awkwardly returned the hug, only to be taken in by Hermione's little sister.

"Hermione told us everything about you," Juliette said. "She'd never stop talking about you when we're at home."

"That's enough, Julie," Hermione's father said, pulling his youngest daughter away from Harry.

"Father, please, relax," Hermione said, picking up Harry's hand. Harry felt her father's glare bore a hole through him. "You all have been through a lot."

"Quite right," Dumbledore said, appearing behind Hermione and Harry. "There is still much to talk about, much to discuss at the moment. But all of that will wait, as dinner is being served as we speak. But before we do that, I do not believe that we all have been introduced."

"You already know one of our daughters," Mrs. Granger said with a smile. "This is Juliet," she pushed the little girl forward.

"Pleased to meet you," Juilette said, holding her hand out formally. Dumbledore smiled and shook it.

"Pleasure is all mine," Dumbledore said with a chuckle.

"I'm Elizabeth Granger," she held her hand as well.

"Once again," Dumbledore held his smile. The twinkle was wide in his eyes, and Harry could tell there something else behind it: small tears.

"And finally my husband," Mrs. Granger pulled on her husband's arm, preventing him from glaring at Harry. "Charles."

"Finally good to meet you all," Dumbledore said with a smile. "Now, there are a few other people I would like you to meet."

"Whatever happened to Serge," Mrs. Granger said as they began to walk to the dinning room. "I mean, he brought us here, than closed the door behind him."

"Before you go on your explanation of what happened, I believe we shall wait until a later time, for now, let's just go enjoy a quiet dinner. I believe Serge took his daughter out for a little shopping." There was a smirk on his, and he chuckled at a personal joke. "Now, please, sit were you wish to." Hermione noticed the table had decreased in size, built for the eight of them. McGonagall and Hagrid were already seating and talking about something. Juilette seemed taken back at the size of the groundskeeper.

"This is Ruebus Hagrid, keeper of the keys at Hogwarts," Dumbledore said. Hagrid stood up from his chair and walked over to shake their hands. "And this is my daughter, Minerva McGonagall." McGonagall did the same thing, Mrs. Granger, I wonder if I may be so rude to impose a question." Elizabeth shook her head.

"After all you're done for our family, a question seems a plausible continuation," she smiled at the older man. Hermione held onto Harry's hand tightly. She wanted to tell her mother that they had found her mother.

"Well, I understand that you were adopted, correct?" Elizabeth nodded solemnly. "And that you've search everywhere for your mother, correct?" She nodded again, eyes beginning to grow full of tears. "Well, I'd like to introduce you for the first time, to your mother, Minerva?" Dumbledore motioned for the deputy headmistress to come over.

"Wh-what?" Elizabeth said, her knees buckling. Her husband caught her, looking between his wife and McGonagall.

"If this is a joke…" Charles said, his voice growing low.

"No joke, no joke," Dumbledore said slightly chuckling. "For now, you will have to take my word on this. Elizabeth, you are my grandchild, Minerva's child." Mrs. Granger looked over to Hermione, who nodded.

"Its true, its true," Hermione said, tears flowing down her cheeks. She watched her mother look between McGonagall and her again, before wrapping the headmistress in a tight embrace.

"Julie, come here," Mrs. Granger said, pulling out of the embrace. "I'd like you meet your grandmother." Julie looked confused for a moment or two.

"Grandmamma? Julie asked the confusion on her faces. McGonagall nodded, and found herself surrounded in another hug. Hermione looked at Harry, who simply nodded, and gave her hand an affectionate squeeze.

"Go on," Harry said with a smile. He knew that she wanted to join in the family hug. He felt a little jealous of the moment, he always had with the Weasleys. It was just something he had learn to deal with. He had never grown up with a family, but at Hogwarts, he had found one, and this one, he promised to himself, as he watched Hermione being embraced by her grandmother as well, that he would not lose a member of them. Not a single member.

Mister Granger stood back, a smile on his face. His eyes caught Harry's at one point, and the smile turned into a scowl. Harry inwardly sighed; he knew it was going to be difficult getting Mister Granger's trust. He turned his gazed toward Dumbledore, and smiled at the old man. Harry could see the tears in the old man's eyes. For maybe the first time, since Harry had known the man, he was openly showing an emotion other than his usual cool and calm exterior.

"Make a good family," Hagrid said. Harry turned to see the gentle giant standing beside him, his hand on Harry's shoulder.

"I've got one too, Hagrid," Harry said, placing a hand over his. "And I can't imagine it without you."

"Thank you Harry," Hagrid said. "Yeh hungry?"

"Starved," Harry laughed. He and Hagrid walked over to the table and sat down, filling up their plates. Harry kept glancing over her shoulder, waiting for everyone else as he slowly ate his dinner. Hermione took her place next to him, with McGonagall sitting next to her. Dumbledore took his place at the head of the table, opposing Hagrid. Mrs. Granger sat next to her grandfather, and Juliet was between her parents. Harry felt the glare from Hermione's father as he prepared her plate for her before continuing.

Dinner was filled with silent conversation. Dumbledore, Hagrid, and McGonagall all talked about Hogwarts, intriguing Juliet. Harry sat quietly, entertaining himself by pushing his food around his plate. He had long dropped Hermione's hand, under the glare of her father. Although he loved Hermione, he figured that her father did not like the idea of some teenager accosting his daughter in the manners that he had. Mr. Granger had not removed his glare from Harry since the beginning of dinner.

"Mister Granger, may I have a word with you," Harry said, rising from his seat. Dinner was not close to being over, the surprised looks on everyone's faces was evident of that.

"Sure, Harry," he said with forced politeness. He stood and they walked to the large doors. Harry opened them and let Mister Granger through first.

"Be back soon," Harry said with a charismatic smile. As he closed the doors, he found Mister Granger scowling at him again. "I assume you know what this is about?"

"My daughter," came the response.

"Then you have to know that I love her more than life itself," Harry said staring back at the man. "You may ask her or the headmaster, but I've needed her more than anyone else in the world this past month; heck I needed her these past five years to survive."

"Why are you telling me this?"

"I want you to know that we have not gone any further than kissing," Harry said, crossing his arms waiting for Mister Granger's response. "I respect your daughter too much, sir. I told you, she is my life."

"I want to thank you for your honesty, Harry," Mister Granger said, showing no other emotion. "But I don't want you touching my daughter, you understand me?" He walked forward, as if threatening Harry.

"If you're trying to make me leave, you can't, sir," Harry stood his ground. "I've told you my feelings for you, my best friend was hitting on her and I told him off; I've faced the Dark Lord of our generation and you think you can frighten me."

"You have time and time again put my daughter in compromising positions where she could get hurt," Mister Granger said without batting an eye. "Listen here, boy, you touch me daughter again it will be you who is paying, understand?" Mister Granger said, stomping back into the room. Harry shook his head, partially disgusted with his behavior, but mainly with Mister Granger. He believed Hermione's father to be a more sensible type of person. As he walked back in, he could see that Mister Granger had taken his seat next to Hermione.

Knowing he was going to get an earful for it later, Harry sighed deeply and spoke: "Professor, I'm feeling a little sick. I'm going to lay down and study some more." He apparently had everyone's attention at the moment. "Hermione finish eating please?" Harry knew she had stood up to leave with him, but could not face her father. "Sorry for leaving early everyone, goodnight." He said without looking back as well. He silently walked out of the door.

"What did you say to him father?" Hermione said turning on the man next to her. "He was happy until you showed up."

"Maybe he isn't the right guy for you?" Mister Granger suggested, as he took his plate from the other side and began to eat.

"How can you say that?" Hermione screamed. "He's the perfect guy for me!"

"Honey relax," Mrs. Granger said, trying to calm her oldest daughter.

"I will not relax," Hermione screamed again, standing up from her seat. "The man I love just walked out of here because of something you said to him. And if I'm made to choose over him or our family……I'll….I'll choose him, because I already have." Tears were falling down her cheeks as she tore through the hallway. She ran up the stairs and slammed the door to her room shut.

"Mione?" Harry was lying on the bed. He had been studying something for his training when she came bursting into their room. In one swift motion, he had her in his arms, attempting to comfort her. "Mione, angel, are you okay?" She shook her head as she sobbed into his chest. "I'm sorry for leaving you; I just couldn't stay there after what your father said to me."

"It's alright," she said after a few moments of silence with the exception of her sobs. "But I made them know, that I'm in this forever."

"As am I," Harry said, pulling back slightly. "I already told you that I would put ring on your finger, when the spirit moves me." Harry said, picking her hands up in his. He began to kiss her fingers lightly, never taking his eyes off of her. "I love you Mione, and I will marry, when the time is right. And I will do it no matter what your father says, because all that matters is what you say."

"Thank you Harry," Hermione said, collapsing into his arms.

"Mione, I've already told you, that I'm the one that needs to thank you," Harry said, running a hand through her hair. "I love you, and you're the constant in my life, my rock, my sunshine, my-"

"Harry!" She squealed slightly. She still was not used to being talked to like that. It felt wonderful and calming and amazing…. She just could not think of enough words. "When did you become a poet?"

"Since you first said you loved me," he said with a smile. "I'm not always going to be like this though. Just every now and again."

"Harry? Harry?" He turned to look at the door then back at Hermione.

"You heard Moony's voice right?" He asked her. She nodded.

"Harry?"

"Moony?" He called back, only to be answered with several pounding steps up the stairs. The door slammed opened, showing the aged Marauder

"Harry! Hermione!" In one swift movement, Lupin had gathered them both in a large hug, one that rivaled Hagrid's or maybe even Sirius's bear hug. Any following thought was derailed by Lupin's words. "It's great to see you two again."

"When did you get back?" Harry asked, surprised at seeing his mentor here.

"Few minutes ago," Lupin said with a large smile. "Tonks is downstairs right now, giving Ron a run for his money." Everyone had a laugh at this, even if Hermione's was a nervous one. She still did not know how Ron was taking her relationship with their best friend.

"Where were you?" Harry asked, still not getting over the shock.

"We were collecting some information for Professor Dumbledore. Recon mostly," Lupin said. "And before you ask, he had us follow known Death Eaters, and try to find You-Know-Who's potential HQ. He apparently has gone into hiding. And with the loss of Grimmauld Place, we have yet to find another secure meeting place."

"Tom hasn't tried to attack me in a long time," Harry said shaking his head. "I might have something to do with what I sent him."

"You sent You-Know-Who something?" Lupin said in shock. Hermione gave him the same look.

"Yeah, but I still don't understand how I did it or what it was," Harry said, sitting down on the bed.

"When did you do this?" Hermione asked, picking his hand up in hers.

"Right before I received your letter," Harry said, attempting to smile. "I had sent a letter to Professor Dumbledore, telling him about another attack from Voldemort. He kept entering through my mind, trying to break my spirit." He shuddered as a memory of her swinging lifelessly appeared, even though he knew the visions had not gone that far. "I found a memory deep inside, and somehow, sent him a copy of it, and I heard a loud painful scream."

"What memory?" Lupin asked, kneeling down to look at Harry. He chuckled lightly as he recalled.

"The day when Hermione returned from the hospital our second year…" Harry said, his voice trailing off as he looked at her. A large blush came across her face. "I think it was then that I began to figure out that I had something inside me, begging to come out. My love for my love." He lifted their joined hands to his mouth, kissing hers lightly. The blush became more apparent.

"I seem you found the same help that I did in Tonks," Lupin said with a knowing smile. "She has helped me get over Sirius, much like Hermione has helped you."

"Not all of it," Harry said grimly, "but most of it. There still is one matter of business that you and I need to take care of."

"What would that be?" Lupin asked.

"I know I'm not of legal age, and I haven't read Sirius's will, but the point is, I no longer have a legal guardian. I-I-I want you to be him," Harry said, summoning what courage he could. By doing this, he finalized Sirius's death and that was something that he still barely grasped. "I want you to be my godfather."

"Are you sure?" Lupin asked, surprised at the request.

"No matter what the will says, no matter what Mrs. Weasley may say, or Dumbledore may say, I think its my choice who I want looking out for me for the remainder of my life," Harry said. "I can't explain why, I just need you there, looking out for me, much like in our third year. So will you?"

"Til the end of my days," Lupin said, holding his hand as tears fell down his face.

"No," Harry said firmly, "`til the end of my days." He shook his mentor's hand, sealing in his heart the deal. A quick burst of purple light surrounded their hands.

"What was that?" Harry asked, as they pulled their hands apart. He felt like all feeling had left his hand

"That was a binding magical contract," Lupin said, smirking. "I should have figured that Sirius would put something like that in his will." He shook his hand as well. "Well, I guess there is no changing it now." Both of them laughed nervously.

"Thank you," Hermione said, surprising them both by hugging the professor. "Thank you for giving him someone else to believe in." Harry stood up as well, joining in the impromptu hug. Lupin pulled him into it. Harry could here him whispering a small pray as they stood. In his heart, Harry had already thanked whatever deities watched over him, for giving him this life.

* * * * *

For the past hour, Harry was cursing the deities of the universe. It was his birthday, and he was on his way to the Dursleys's at the moment. Without Hermione.

It all started with Mister Granger refusing to let Hermione sleep in the same room as him, especially the same bed. And without Hermione, nightmares upon nightmares returned. Anything from Tom Riddle to losing her to the Dursleys to losing her were in his nightmares. That did not stop her from using their connected bathroom to see him and visit him. Beyond his training and some talks with Lupin and Tonks, who were now finally officially going out, he had spent most of his time in his room, reading with Hermione, the door locked.

But the straw that broke the camels back came the night before his birthday. Serge had finally returned with Grace, who now was the proud owner of a little black Labrador. Now he had offered to take both Harry and Hermione to the Dursleys's. But Mister Granger could not have that; nope he had to make Harry's life a living hell.

So after a tearful goodbye and a heartfelt promise, Harry was in the passenger seat of a red convertible Mustang, the back of which was filled with two duffle bags, a guitar, and a couple of books Harry brought with. When he asked Serge about the guitar, he simply said there was no point in both of them being bored, and when asked about the black duffles, he changed the subject.

And now, now he watched as they drove though a sub-division as Serge refused to stop and ask for directions. Harry knew the way; once he found streets he recognized it was easy. Serge did find it eventually, and then proceeded to park the car. He then put on a long black jacket; it was like something out of one of the mob movies he had caught glimpses of on the telly. He slid on a pair of black sun glasses and picked up the two duffle bags.

"You going to kill someone?" Harry asked jokingly. Serge stopped walking up the driveway, and turned to look back at him. Guess it was not a joke.

"Harry, before we enter, I'm going to tell you something that only Hermione can know alright?" He asked, dropping the bags. "I can not do magic, before you ask, I'll explain later, but for now let me speak." Harry nodded as Serge fixed the glove on his right hand. "All my skills come from the power of my mind. I have the ability to access and control a larger percentage of my brain, but I'm able to focus it beyond ninety-nine percent of the population. This focus allows me to create the constructs you've seen me use. They also give me access to telepathy and empathy. When I walk into that house, I will be bombarded with emotions and feelings from years past." Harry's face grew pale at this. "Before I go in there, I want you to know, that I know what they did to you. I can see it in your mind."

"You read my mind?" Harry asked. Serge just shook his head.

"No, you allowed those fears to fly openly and my powers allow me at times to grasp upon floating memories and from there I determine what I want from them," Serge said openly. "Now if you don't mind. I have some business to conduct. I want you to follow me, but don't say anything. Clear?" Harry could only nod. He still was taking everything in. "Good." He picked up the bags and walked the remainder of the way to the door. Harry quickly grabbed his books and followed the strange man.

Harry followed Serge and stood behind the man. Serge placed one bag on the ground as he rang the door bell. Harry could tell there was a smirk on the man's face as he slammed his fist against the door several times.

"Watch this," Serge whispered, looking over his shoulder. Harry tried to hold by his smile and Serge slammed his fist against the door again. "Mister Dursley may I have a word with you?" He yelled, slamming his fist against the door again. "Aah, good, you answered, well, my employer will be staying here for the remainder of the day."

"Your employer?" Vernon asked.

"Yes sir, and as his bodyguard I must make sure that a place such as this is not a threat to my employer," Serge said.

"No see here, I will not have some-some-some nobody come here and make demands," Vernon said, poking Serge in the chest.

"Hello, Uncle Vernon," Harry said, from behind Serge. He stepped aside to allow Vernon to see him. "My bodyguard is here to ensure that nothing happens to me." He sent a pointed look at his uncle. "Now, please, allow me to enter my home." He spoke the last word with a loathing feeling.

"Better do as he says, Mister Dursley, or I'll have to move you myself," Serge said moving in front of Vernon again. "Now, please fetch my employer a glass of milk and some cookies. We will remain in his room until lunch time. I expect a fruitful meal on the plates at twelve. My employer needs to keep up his eating habits." Vernon nodded as Serge stared him down. Although Harry and Serge were about the same height, there was an aura around him that made him appear bigger at times that he really was.

"Glass of milk and cookies, what am I six?" Harry asked quietly as he tried to hold back his chuckles.

"First thing that came to my mind, now shut up boss," Serge said, mockingly. "Where's Dudley's second room?" Harry looked at him oddly. "I figured you'd probably tell me that it was underneath the stairs if I asked where your room was."

"How di-di-did you know?" Harry asked. He stopped walking up the stairs.

"I'll tell you in here," Serge said, as he got to Harry's room. "I assume it's the one with padlocks on the outside?" Harry nodded still in shock. Before Serge could open the door however, Dudley's door opened.

"Who are you?" Dudley asked in a superior tone.

"Me, I am a paid bodyguard that can kill a man six different ways without using this," Serge said, looking back toward Harry who had moved to the side to see Dudley's expression. Harry saw him move his jacket back and Dudley's face pale. "Get out of my way, pig." Serge said. Dudley slid by Serge, which was an amazing feat in itself, then nearly bowled Harry down as he went down the stairs.

"What did you show him?" Harry asked as Serge unlocked the door and opened it.

"A pistol," he said closing the door behind Harry. "Now, I want to know exactly what Guile told you about your heritage?"

"What?" Harry asked as he put down his books on his bed.

"I know Guile must have told you about your heritage, being directly related to Gryffindor, correct?" Harry nodded as Serge took a seat at the chair near Harry's desk. "He told you that he believes you to be a red innate, correct?" Harry nodded again as Serge placed one of his bags on top of the table. "Bullshit. You are not a red innate and I can prove it." He reached inside the bag and pulled out a red orb. "What's inside of this?"

"A flame," Harry said as he took it out of Serge's hands. He handed it back to Serge who just smiled.

"And this one?" He was handed a white orb this time. Harry reached out for it and felt an odd calm surround his body. Looking into the orb, he could see a stag, or was it a unicorn, running around inside. He nearly dropped it, causing Serge to smirk.

"And that is why you aren't a red innate," Serge said taking back the white orb. "Those two orbs I gave you were summons. Summons are able to produce a massive amount of energy from within a person and produce a great deal of force."

"But you gave me one, I think," Harry said, thinking back to his fight with Ron. Choking back his tears, he knew he had to continue. "Sirius Black, my godfather-"

"Guile's father," Serge interrupted. Harry nodded, slightly annoyed, and continued.

"My godfather came out of that orb, spoke to me and saved me from whatever Ron was," Harry said, shaking his head. "I still don't know what it is and Dumbledore said he would show us. I must've forgotten or something."

"Nope, my grandfather just didn't want you to know what it is, because he does not know exactly what it is," Serge said with a smile. "And to explain why your godfather came out of the orb. Well, all I can offer is he is helping you from beyond the grave. The red orb I gave you holds a salamander inside; I assume you know what that is?" Harry nodded again, thinking back to all of his study sessions with Hermione. "A Red innate can only summon the salamander. The orb your godfather came out of what is normally the Red Wolf summon."

"He was an Animagus," Harry said quietly. "He could change into a large dog, and that was what he did in the flames. But you have some more to explain to me, like why you're carrying a gun, or what you started outside."

"Well, I carry guns and such because they are more effective, although more brutal, than ninety-percent of the spells in a wizards arsenal," Serge said, removing the pistol from the holster. "For some reason, I choose a different path. One that did not include magic. And yet somehow, I am able to use some of the most powerful spells there are. I mean my Patronus can put almost anyone's to shame." He chuckled to himself. "But then again, I can't transfigure the simplest of objects. Charms, I've found are an extension of the mind, therefore, I am capable of such."

There was a knock upon the door. "Come in," Harry said. His aunt came in with a glass of milk in one hand, and several of the cookies that Dudley supposedly kept hidden. "Thank you." Harry took them both and gave his aunt a smile as she skittishly went out the room. "Why did you scare them so much?"

"A little fear may help render some actions useless," Serge said with a shrug of his soldiers. "So how does it feel to be back home?"

"This isn't my home," Harry said, looking around the room. "It's just my place of residence for the summer." Serge nodded, as he stood up to leave. He stopped at the door and looked back at Harry.

"So Hogwarts is your home then?" He offered. Harry just shook his head as a smile crawled across his face. He had thought that as well for a long time, but it was not, not really. Hogwarts seemed like home because of the feelings, but he had found those feelings someplace else. And now that was home.

"Hermione's my home," he said proudly. He began to flip through the pages of the book on enchantments, completely missing the shocked and worried look on Serge's face.

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