A Year Full of Surprises

Author's Notes: Hey everyone, this is the very first fan fiction I wrote back in 2001, so please be gentle. I found this when I was doing some computer clean up and decided to send it in and see what feedback I can get from it. I hope you all enjoy it and please as always send me some feedback..

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Chapter One: The Adventure Begins

“What do you want you filthy little, Mudblood?”

Watching Harry and Ron walk away from her laughing, Hermione shook her head. That wasn’t Ron and Harry. They would never call her that awful name. They were her friends. This was just another nightmare.

“Wake up, Hermione. I have to wake up now.”

“You aren’t going anywhere, Mudblood. My Master wishes to see you.”

Feeling the color drain from her face, Hermione shook her curly brown head. “No, this is a dream. I’m at home, and I’m safe in my bed. Come on Hermione, wake up.”

“You may be in your bed Mudblood, but you are never safe. Here, let me prove my point. Crucio,” Wormtail yelled pointing his wand at the young teenager.

Curling into a ball, Hermione did the only thing she could do. She screamed as pain and agony washed over her body. Tears streamed down her cheeks as her body twitched from the curse placed on her. Little did Hermione know, but her screams could be heard by her parents where were trying to wake her from her torment.

In Surrey, a very disturbed Harry Potter thrashed around in his bed. He could see what was happening to Hermione not to mention his scar was burning very painfully. Hearing the curse being placed on his friend, Harry jerked awake.

“HERMIONE!!”

Sitting up, Harry immediately rubbed his scar. Grabbing his glasses, he looked at his alarm clock. It was 3 a.m. on a Saturday morning. Hearing his Uncle yelling at him through his door, Harry got out of bed. Opening the door, he looked up at a red faced Uncle Vernon.

“What is the meaning for all this yelling this early in the morning?!”

“I’m sorry, Uncle Vernon. I had another nightmare.”

“Another nightmare! Harry Potter, if you wake me up again I’ll throw you out of my house before the sun rises. Do I make myself clear?!”

Nodding his head, Harry frowned and narrowed his eyes. If his Uncle thought his threats scarred him, then he had another thing coming. He had all ready faced Voldemort at the end of last year and survived. Any threats his Uncle threw at him was mere childish threats.

“Yes, Uncle Vernon.”

Shutting his bed room door, Harry immediately grabbed a piece of parchment. He had to get a letter to Professor Dumbledore and find out how Hermione was. Finishing the letter, Harry quickly tied to Hedwig’s leg.

“Hedwig, get this to Professor Dumbledore as fast as you can. Hermione’s life depends on it.”

Watching his pet fly out of the window, Harry quickly got dressed. There was no way he could go back to sleep now. Rising to his feet, Harry began to pace his floor. He knew it would take Hedwig longer than five minutes, but with the fierce beating of his heart Harry couldn’t’ help but be worried. If his friends could be reached that easily in their sleep, then Voldemort could do anything he wanted to them. After thirty minutes passed, Harry knew he couldn’t wait any more. Using magic before he was a full fledged wizard was a means for expulsion. He didn’t care. All that mattered was getting to Hermione as fast as he could.

Grabbing his Firebolt, Harry walked over to his window. Balancing on the window seal, he pushed himself out of the window. For three agonizing seconds Harry found himself falling. A second later he was in the air. Soaring through the air, Harry headed for the clouds. Flying as fast as he could, he was determined to help his friend. Landing in front of Hermione’s house, Harry pounded on the door.

“Hermione!”

Hearing a young man’s voice yelling, Mr. Granger quickly ran to the front door. Opening it, he was shocked to see Harry Potter standing before him. He had heard Hermione talking about the young man before. She had mentioned several times how much she worried about him all the time.

“Harry, what are you doing here? Please come in.”

“Thank you, sir. I’m sorry to come over at this hour, but I was worried about Hermione. Is she all right,” Harry asked walking into the Granger’s home.

“She’s fine, Harry. She’s sleeping peacefully after her nightmare. Though, her mother and I have no idea what happened. Hermione was screaming one minute, then the next she was sleeping peacefully.”

“May I see her, Mr. Granger? Please, sir.”

Opening his mouth to deny the request, Matthew Granger quickly closed it seeing the desperate look in Harry’s eyes. “All right, Harry. Follow me,” he said smiling at his wife’s approving look as he lead Harry up the stairs and toward Hermione’s bed room. Opening the door, he walked in quietly with Harry close behind him. “I’ll be downstairs if she needs me.”

“I understand, sir. I’ll come get you immediately.”

Nodding his head, Matthew closed the door and headed down the stairs. Meeting his wife at the bottom of the stairs, he smiled. “She’s still sleeping peacefully. How do you think Harry knew Hermione was having a nightmare?”

“I’m not sure, but I can see how much he cares about her.”

“Yes, the look of worry on his face was unmistakable.”

After Mr. Granger left, Harry grabbed a chair. Placing it beside Hermione’s bed, he gently took her hand into his own. He wanted to wake her up just to make sure she was all right. He knew from experience how much the Crucio curse hurt. Leaning forward, he placed a soft kiss on Hermione’s cheek.

“I’m so sorry, Hermione. I should have realized that Voldemort would come after you and Ron. I’m sorry he hurt you because of me. It’s all my fault.”

“Harry, is that you,” Hermione asked as she slowly opened her chocolate brown eyes.

“Hey, you are supposed to be sleeping,” he said smiling down at her.

“And you are supposed to be at the Dursley’s, Harry. How did you get here anyway?”

“I flew.”

“What?! Harry, you could be expelled for using magic away from Hogwarts.”

“I don’t care, Hermione. I couldn’t sit at my house waiting for hours to find out how you were doing.”

“Harry, how did you know about my nightmare?”

“Because it wasn’t a nightmare, Hermione. Voldemort sent Wormtail to attack you in your dreams, and it is all my fault like Cedric’s death was my fault.”

“Harry, no one blames you for Cedric’s death. You had no idea it was a trap when you offered to tie for first place right?”

“Right.”

“All right. You are not to blame, Harry.”

“But if you and Ron weren’t my friends, then the two of you would be a lot safer.”

Hermione felt her jaw drop. He did not just say that. “Harry, I can’t believe you just said that to me. Even if Ron and I weren’t your friends, we would still be in danger. Me because I’m Muggle born and Ron because of his Father.”

“Yes, but Voldemort is targeting the two of you more because of me. You and Ron are my weakness and Voldemort knows it.”

“That may be true Harry, but Ron and I know you’ll save us when we need to be saved.”

“What if I’m not, Hermione? What if I can’t save you or Ron in time? I’ll die if I lost either of you.”

Feeling tears slid down her cheeks, Hermione pulled Harry into a hug. “Harry, if you lose one of us, then you will have to move on with your life. Just keep all the happy memories close to your heart and we’ll always be with you.”

“Hermione, don’t cry,” Harry said wiping her wet cheeks. “I was talking crazy. I won’t lose you or Ron.”

Laughing, she nodded her head. “That’s right, Harry Potter. You are stuck with Ron and me forever.”

“I think I can handle that,” Harry said smiling as his emerald eyes sparkled.

“Good.”

“Harry.”

Glancing over his shoulder, he smiled up at Hermione’s father. “Yes, sir?”

“There’s someone here to see you. You all right, Sweetheart?”

“I’m fine, Daddy. Harry, remember what I said.”

“I will,” he said as he rose to his feet.

“I’ll be down in a minute.”

“All right,” Harry said closing the door behind him. Walking down the stairs, he wondered who wanted to see him.

“Ah, Harry. I thought I would find you here.”

“Professor Dumbledore, you received my letter I see.”

“I did, Harry. That is why I’m here. I, like you, was worried about Miss. Granger.”

“I’m fine, Professor.”

Turning around, Harry smiled as Hermione walked into the living room of her home. Seeing her return the smile, Harry felt his heart beat quicken. Over the last four years, he had always seen Hermione as his best friend. Could she be something more? That was a question Harry couldn’t answer now, but it was a question he would get an answer to.

“That is good to hear, my dear. Now Harry, I need to get you back home before your relatives realize you are gone.”

Nodding his head, Harry thanked Mr. and Mrs. Granger for their hospitality. Walking over to Hermione, Harry hugged her close. “I’m glad Voldemort didn’t hurt you. If he had he would have me and Ron to deal with.”

Laughing, Hermione returned the warm hug. “Thanks, Harry.”

“For what?”

“For caring.”

Laughing himself, Harry pulled back slightly. “What kind of friend would I be if I didn’t care?”

“A very unwise one,” Dumbledore said smiling. “Come Harry, take my hand and we’ll be on our way.”

Nodding his head, Harry stepped back from Hermione. “I’ll see you soon,” he said before taking Dumbledore’s hand and vanished.

Turning around, Hermione headed for the kitchen with her parents. Hearing a popping sound, she turned back around. “Professor, did you forget something?”

“What do you mean, Miss. Granger?”

“You just left.”

“No, I just received Harry’s letter and came here immediately,” Dumbledore said holding up the parchment.

“Oh no. Who did Harry just leave with then?”

“I’m not sure. Harry was here?”

“Yes, sir. He flew his Firebolt here to check on me. Then you arrived to check on me and to take Harry back to his relative’s home.”

“I see. It sounds like to me that Voldemort is up to his old tricks again, but this time he has succeeded in taking Harry.”

“What are we going to do, Professor? Voldemort will kill Harry.”

“I don’t think he will, Hermione. If Voldemort wanted Harry dead he would not have left you or your family alive. No, he has other plans for Harry besides a quick death.”

“What do you think he wants to do to Harry?”

“I’m not sure. Harry is a very important person to us and Voldemort knows this as well.”

“So this was nothing more than a trap, and I was the bait?”

“I’m afraid so.”

“It’s all my fault.”

“Don’t worry dear, child. I know Harry will be fine. We’ll get him back. Come with me to the Burrow. We need to get Mr. Weasley and get the two of you to Hogwarts. You will be much safer there.”

Glancing at her parents, Hermione suddenly began to worry. If Voldemort could get to her here, then he could get to her family. Looking up at her Head Master she saw the famous twinkle in his eyes. “Mum and Dad will be safe won’t they?”

“Yes, my dear. They will both be safe as will all the Weasley’s from Voldemort’s attacks.”

“What about my school things?”

“They will be retrieved when it is time for school to begin.”

Nodding her head, Hermione kissed both of her parents. Stepping back to Professor Dumbledore, she took his outstretched hand. Before she knew it, she was at Ron’s house. Releasing Professor Dumbledore’s hand, Hermione stepped up beside Molly Weasley. Seeing the mother’s worried expression, Hermione couldn’t stop her eyes from watering.

“Oh no, Hermione, what’s wrong? Professor Dumbledore, what’s wrong? Why are you here?”

“Voldemort has kidnapped Harry. I came to take Ron and Hermione back to Hogwarts.”

“Why? Are they in danger as well?”

“I am not sure. They are Harry’s best friends, and I do not want anything to happen to them. Wouldn’t you agree, Molly?”

“Oh yes, of course I agree. Ron is in the garden now. Ron, come inside!”

“What is it, Mum,” Ron asked looking at his mother then noticing Hermione and Professor Dumbledore. “Hermione, Professor, what are you doing here?”

“We’re going to Hogwarts early, Ron,” Hermione said stepping up to her friend.

“Why?”

“To keep you and Miss. Granger safe from Voldemort, Mr. Weasley.”

“What?! Vold...? Where’s Harry?”

“Voldemort has him.”

“Bloody….Pardon me. What are we going to do?”

“The only thing we can do, Mr. Weasley. Wait. It’s time to go.”

Nodding his head, Ron hugged his mother before stepping up to Dumbledore. “Wait, I thought no one could apporate into Hogwarts?”

Smiling, Dumbledore nodded his head. “That is correct Mr. Weasley, but I am the exception to that rule.”

“Oh,” Ron said as they vanished from sight.

Reappearing inside the castle, Ron and Hermione looked around. They still had a month of summer left before the new term began. The castle was extremely quiet. Even Peeves wasn’t making trouble which both Gryffindors were thankful for.

“Off you go. The password into the Tower is Alhormora. Pleasant dreams and try not to worry about Harry.”

Walking away, Hermione tried to take Dumbledore’s advice. The problem was every corner she turned reminded her of Harry. Looking over at Ron, she could see she wasn’t the only one having a hard time.

“Well, hello dears. Aren’t you two a bit early for school?”

“Just a bit. Alhormora,” Ron said quietly.

“There you go,” the Fat Lady said opening up for Hermione and Ron to enter the Gryffindor Common Room.

Falling into a red cushioned chair, Ron slouched down. “I can’t believe this. Dumbledore is so calm about this, but He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named has Harry captive. We can’t just sit here and do nothing. We have to do something to help Harry.”

“I know, but what can we do? We don’t have the power that Voldemort has. He’ll kill us before we could lift a wand to stop him. It would be best if we did what Professor Dumbledore told us to do and stay here.”

“Hermione, I can’t believe you just said that!”

“Ron, be reasonable.”

“Reasonable? If it were you or me being held by Voldemort, Harry wouldn’t just sit idly by. He would face Voldemort to save us. Now you are sitting there telling me you won’t try to help Harry?”

“I didn’t’ say that, Ronald Weasley, and you know it. I care what happens to Harry, but there isn’t anything we can do to help.”

“We have to try, Hermione. We have to.”

“All right. Where should we go to look?”

“The only place I know to look would be Hogsmeade.”

Nodding her head, Hermione rose to her feet. “Then that’s where we’ll go. Do you remember where the secret entrance is?”

“Yes, Harry told me where it is. We have to go to the third floor. We are looking for a one eyed witch statue,” Ron said heading toward the portrait hole.

“What about the password? I’m sure there is one,” Hermione said following after Ron.

“Yes, there is and I know it. Now come on.”

Getting down to the third floor and through the trap door, Hermione’s mind raced. If they found Harry, what exactly would they find? Would he be alive or dead? Would he be hurt and if so how bad would he be hurt? Climbing out of the hidden corridor behind Ron, Hermione released the breath she had been holding. They had made it.

“Ron, leaving Honey Dukes is going to be easy, but what about coming back?”

“That’s easy. We’ll leave the door unlocked.”

“Ron, we can’t do that. I think we should get outside making sure to relock the door. We need to wait until the shops are open to sneak back to Hogwarts.”

“Have you gone mad?! Harry could be dead by then.”

“You aren’t listening to what I’m saying. We rescue Harry now, but hide until the shops are open. We’ll have a better chance of getting back alive than to risk going back in the dead of night.”

Thinking about what she had said, Ron reluctantly nodded his head. “We’ll have to take shifts watching out for Death Eaters during the night.”

“I agree. Let’s go before we waste any more time.”

Unlocking the front door of Honey Dukes, Ron and Hermione made their way quietly into the streets. Hogsmeade was defiantly a lively place, but in the dead of night it was down right spooky. Looking all around her, Hermione half expected something or someone to jump out at her and Ron.

“Where are we going to start looking, Ron?”

“Remember last year, there was a report in the Daily Prophet about a death at the old Riddle house?”

“Yes, so?”

“So? Voldemort used to be Tom Riddle.”

“That’s right, and what better place to hide than your own house.”

“Exactly. Come on, we have to hurry,” Ron said picking up his pace.

“Hold on, Harry. We’re coming,” Hermione said picking up her pace as well.

Finding the Riddle house was a lot easier than Hermione thought it would have been. In the entire village there was only one house with a burning fire. Holding her wand out in front of her, Hermione followed Ron toward the house.

Taking a deep breath, Ron swallowed his fear. No matter how afraid he was, he had to over come it for Harry’s sake. Harry always put his life in danger for Ron and his family. It was high time to return the favor. He knew there was a very high probability he and Hermione would die on this night. He just hoped if that happened Harry wouldn’t blame himself like he did when Cedric was killed by Voldemort.

“Are you ready to do this, Hermione?”

“Yes, Harry is depending on us.”

Nodding his head, Ron took a step toward the door. Before he could even raise his wand, he felt a very painful grip on his shoulder. Great, this is the end and we haven’t even tried to save Harry.

“If you want to live until your next birthdays Mr. Weasley and Ms. Granger, I suggest you not to go in through the front door. That would do Potter no good now would it?”

Hearing the voice, Ron knew who it was before he even turned around. “Professor Snape, how did you know we would be here?”

“It wasn’t hard to figure out. The two of you are Potter’s best friends after all.”

“How is he? Is he alive?”

“Calm down Ms. Granger, or you will alert the whole house to your presence. Potter is alive, but he is not well. Voldemort is trying to break Potter’s spirit. He’s been having the boy tortured to the brink of death and then left to have the same treatment be repeated hours later.”

“Thank you for saving our necks, but why did you do it? You hate Gryffindors.”

“I may dislike everyone, but I hate no one except for Voldemort, Mr. Weasley. No, more questions. We have work to do if you want to get Potter and get out of here alive,” Severus said turning away from the young Gryffindors.

Sighing Ron and Hermione followed quietly behind Professor Snape. They both knew he was taking a great risk helping them rescue Harry. Stepping into Voldemort’s lair, Ron felt the hairs on his neck stand up.

“Potter is back here,” Snape said quietly opening a door.

Taking a step forward, Hermione gasped quietly at the site before her. Harry was curled up into a ball on the cold floor. Moving forward, Hermione felt Snape grab her arm.

“Its booby trapped. Only a Death Eater can get close to him while he’s in Voldemort’s sign. I’ll get him and bring him to you, Snape said pointing at the Dark Mark under Harry’s body.

Nodding there heads, Ron and Hermione waited patiently. There really wasn’t anything else they could do but wait. As Snape entered the Dark Mark, Hermione held her breath. The last thing she wanted was for something to go terribly wrong.

Reaching Potter’s still body, Severus knelt down beside him. “All right Potter, you have some friends here to rescue you.”

“Lie....liar,” Harry ground out over the pain his body felt.

“Harry, Ron and Hermione are standing right over there against the door. Just open your eyes and you’ll see them.”

“It’s a trick,” Harry said opening his eyes only to lower his eye lids again.

“Harry, it is us. It’s not a trick. Let Snape help you,” Hermione pleaded out of desperation.

“Mione?”

“Yes, Harry, it’s me. It’s not a trick. I promise you. I’m real. Just let Snape Help you, Harry.”

“Okay.”

“Good boy. This is going to hurt. I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay. I want to go home.”

“You will be, Harry. You will be,” Severus said feeling disgusted over Harry’s treatment.

He may not like the young man, but no one deserves this type of treatment. Lifting the injured boy, he winced hearing Harry’s moan of pain. You will pay for this, Voldemort. I swear on James Potter’s grave. You will pay dearly for what you have done to this boy and his family, Severus thought to himself as he stepped back out of the Dark Mark.

“Take him, Ron. I all ready have a portkey prepared. It will take you back to Hogwarts,” Severus said handing the three Gryffindors the portkey shaped boot.

“How close to the castle will it take us,” Hermione asked looking at Harry with concern.

“Right to the front door. Embula Sanctum,” Severus said pointing his wand at the teenagers.

“What was that,” Ron asked holding on tightly to Harry.

“A spell of protection. A very powerful one,” Hermione said stepping up beside Ron to help support Harry’s dead weight.

“Why? We’re almost out of here. We’ll be okay,” Ron said frowning slightly.

“How very typical of you, Weasley. You, the Mudblood, and Potter aren’t going anywhere. I wanted to have some more fun with young Harry there, but all fun must come to an end at some point. Enjoy your death with your parents Harry. Avada Kedavra!”

Harry watched helplessly as both Ron and Hermione shoved him behind them. They were both going to die to protect him. He couldn’t let them do that. Before he could say a word something happened that Harry would never have suspected. Professor Severus Snape, head of Slytherin House jumped in front of the Killing Curse that was speeding toward Harry and his friends. As the Potions teacher hit the cold floor, Harry felt immense guilt wrap around his heart. Everyone was dying because of him. First his parents died then Cedric, now Snape. Pulling away from Ron and Hermione’s protective hold, Harry staggered around toward Voldemort.

“Enough killing, Voldemort! You want me dead so bad, then do it! Kill me now, but leave my friends alone!”

Laughing, Voldemort pointed his wand down at Harry’s weakened form. “You are in no position to make demands, Harry.”

“Harry, don’t do this,” Hermione yelled.

“It’s not a demand, Tom. It’s a request from one wizard to another. In all duels to the death the loser gets one final request. My request is for my friends to live,” Harry said ignoring Hermione’s pleading voice.

“Very touching Harry, but my name is no longer Tom and I do not honor requests. Avada Kedavra!”

Closing his eyes, Harry felt the curse hit his body with so much force it knocked him off of his feet. Taking a deep breath, he waited for the pain but it never came. Shaking his head, Harry slowly sat up. Hearing Ron and Hermione’s surprised gasp, Harry turned his head toward them. He couldn’t explain it. Hearing Voldemort’s cry of rage, Harry looked at him. Seeing the Dark Lord bent over, Harry realized Voldemort was in pain.

“Ron, Hermione, hit him with the killing curse.”

Nodding their heads, both friends raised their wands and yelled the Killing Curse at Voldemort. As the curses hit his body, Harry began to shake as pain started to spread over his body. Forcing himself to keep his eyes open, Harry watched helplessly as Voldemort sent the same curse at both Hermione and Ron. Watching them hit the ground, he felt his heart break.

“NO!”

Harry fell onto his back as the pain doubled. Feeling a soft touch on his arm, he turned his head toward the person. “Hermione? I thought you and Ron died.”

“Nope. Snape gave his life for all three of us. The curses just rebounded onto Voldemort.”

“Where is he,” Harry asked struggling to sit up.

“He’s over there. I think he’s finally dead, Harry,” Hermione said pointing at Voldemort’s still body.

“No, he isn’t. Not yet. We have to finish him off now while we still can. His Death Eaters will be back soon. Help me up,” Harry said extending his hand.

Taking his hand, Hermione gasped in shock. “Harry, your scar is bleeding.”

Shaking his head, Harry pointed his hand toward Voldemort. “Don’t worry about it. I’ll be fine. Ron can you reach his wand?”

“Yeah, he dropped it when the two spells rebounded on him,” Ron said picking up the discarded wand. Walking up to Harry he handed the wand over to him. “Here, Harry. We need to get you out of here.”

“No, we have to finish him off now. I can’t do it alone. Help me please.”

Seeing a pleading look in Harry’s green eyes, Hermione found herself agreeing to help Harry. “We’ll help you, Harry,” she said smiling.

“Thank you. We have to use the Killing Curse at the same time. He’s dying, but he’s trying to apporate away. It’s now or never.”

“Let’s do it,” Ron said stepping up to Harry to help support his weight. Walking Harry closer to Voldemort, he pointed his wand at the evil monster. He watched Hermione do the same, but Harry seemed to hesitate. “Harry, what’s wrong? Are you all right?”

“I’m fine,” Harry said raising Voldemort’s wand.

At the same time, all three Gryffindors yelled out the Killing Curse. The night was shattered with the sound of two pain filled screams. Seconds after Voldemort started screaming, he exploded into a bright green light.

Shielding his eyes, Ron lost his grip on Harry. When the room was once more covered in darkness, he spun around. Seeing Harry laying on the floor, he and Hermione knelt down beside him.

“Harry, we did it. Voldemort is gone. Harry?”

“Let’s turn him over, Ron. I don’t like the fact he’s not responding.”

“I don’t either,” Ron said as he and Hermione gently turned Harry over.

“Oh my God! Harry, wake up! Please wake up,” Hermione sobbed as she shook Harry’s arm.

She was in shock. She couldn’t believe what she was seeing. Not only was Harry’s scar bleeding, but so was his nose and mouth. He couldn’t be dead. He just couldn’t be. She couldn’t lose him now. Not after everything he had been through.

“He’s gone, Herm,” Ron said softly as tears slid down his cheeks. “You have to let him go.”

“No, I won’t! We aren’t losing him, Ron,” she swore wiping the blood off of Harry’s face.

She didn’t know if CPR would bring Harry back, but she had to try. Getting on one side of Harry, Hermione placed her hands over his heart. Please God, don’t take him from us, she silently prayed as she started the compressions.

Ron grabbed a hold of Hermione as she started pounding on Harry’s chest. “Hermione, what are you doing?!”

“Let me go, Ron! I’m trying to save Harry!”

“You can’t! He’s gone!”

“You have to let me try!”

“Beating on his chest won’t do any good!”

Yanking out of his grasp, Hermione went back to her chest compressions before blowing two breaths into Harry’s mouth. “I’m not beating on his chest, Ron. Muggles call this CPR,” she said bending over Harry’s still body to blow life giving air into his lungs. “Come on, Harry! You have to fight! Come back to us! Come back to me Harry, please,” she pleaded.

“Come on, Harry,” Ron said hoping Hermione’s Muggle method worked. Hearing Harry take a ragged breath, Ron closed his eyes. “You did it, Hermione.”

Allowing her tears to stream down her cheeks, Hermione shook her head. “Harry did it. He fought his way back to us.”

“Mione?”

“It’s all right, Harry. I’m here and so is Ron.”

“Hurt.”

“I know you do. We’re going to get you back to Hogwarts, and Madame Pompfry will have you well in no time. You just relax and let us do all the work.”

“Okay,” Harry said shutting his exhausted eyes.

“Let’s get out of here while we still can,” Ron said opening the door.

Nodding her head, Hermione levitated both Harry and Professor Snape onto invisible stretchers. “Ron, lead Professor Snape. I’ll worry about Harry.”

“All right. That’s a good idea in case you have to do that Muggle thing on him again,” Ron said leading the way out of the Riddle house.

Getting outside, Ron looked over at Hermione. “Hey, what about using the portkey?”

“It’s not a good idea. It’ll be much faster, but I’m not as strong as you are. I might drop whom ever I was holding. I don’t want to risk that. Come on, we have to go. Harry needs to receive some medical care.”

“All right. Let’s go then,” Ron said walking quickly toward Honey Dukes with Snape’s lifeless body in front of him.

Getting closer to Honey Dukes, Hermione hoped their luck held. It was pure luck that they were able to destroy Voldemort, but it was almost at a very high price. If she had realized that killing Voldemort would kill Harry, she never would have done what he told them to do. They would have found another way to keep Harry from dying. Running her fingers through his unruly hair, Hermione smiled. Thank goodness her parents suggested she learn CPR over the summer. What they had said was true. ‘Magic doesn’t fix everything.’

Reaching Honey Dukes, Hermione checked on Harry. Nodding her head she looked over at Ron. “He’s still alive, but I don’t think we can wait until morning. We need to get back to Hogwarts now.”

“Okay. I just hope I can do this.”

“Do what?”

“Pick this lock. Fred and George taught me how. I just have to remember how to do it,” Ron said getting to work on the lock.

After a couple of minutes, Hermione heard Ron’s voice calling to her. Smiling, Hermione made her way over toward Ron who was standing at the door. From the smile on his face, Hermione felt relief wash over her.

“I got it. Let’s get out of here.”

“Okay. Great job, Ron.”

Blushing, Ron smiled again. “Thanks,” he said pushing Snape through the now open door.

“Your welcome,” she said guiding Harry into Honey Dukes.

After relocking the door, Ron and Hermione ran for the secret passage. Getting safely inside the passage, both teenagers breathed a sigh of relief. “Ron, that seemed to easy.”

“Easy? That was anything but easy. We can’t stop now. We’re almost back at the castle,” Ron said running down the passage.

“But why do I have the feeling this is far from over,” Hermione said running behind Ron.

Reaching the castle, Ron opened up the door behind the three eyed witch on the third floor. After closing the passage door, the two Gryffindors ran up to the Hospital Wing.

“Madam Pompfry! Madam Pompfry, where are you?!”

“All right child, I’m coming. No need to wake up the entire castle with your cries. What is it that the two of you...Oh my goodness! What happened,” Madam Pompfry asked gasping in shock.

“It was Voldemort, Madam Pompfry.”

“Vol...go get Professor Dumbledore, Mr. Weasley.”

Nodding his head, Ron lowered his burden onto a bed before running out of the room. Looking down at Harry Madam Pompfry laid her hand on the boy’s arm. What did that monster do to this innocent child?

“Harry, wake up. Harry? Hermione, was Harry conscience at any time?”

“He was after I performed CPR on him, but then he went to sleep. Why, what’s wrong with him?”

“I’m not sure. I’m worried that he won’t wake up.”

Hearing someone calling his name, Harry struggled to open his eyes. “Mione?”

“Harry, it’s okay. Stay awake for me.”

Nodding his head, Harry licked his lips and slowly opened his heavy eye lids. “I will.”

Smiling, Hermione squeezed his hand. “Madam Pompfry, he’s awake.”

“Wonderful.”

“Poppy, you needed to see me,” Professor Dumbledore asked walking inside the Hospital Wing.

“Yes, Professor. I thought you should see this,” Poppy said stepping aside.

Seeing Severus laying limply on the bed, Dumbledore slowly closed his eyes. “Severus will be honored and missed. What happened?”

Looking at each other, Hermione took a step away from Harry’s bed. “He gave his life to save our lives. Ron and I couldn’t just stay here while Harry was in danger. Professor Snape was probably going to bring Harry here tonight, but then Ron and I showing up messed up his plan. He’s dead because we didn’t do what you told us to, Professor.”

“No, Miss Granger, Severus is dead because of Voldemort. You and Mr. Weasley are not to blame. Severus knew the risk when he agreed to spy on Voldemort for me.”

“You don’t have to worry about Voldemort any longer, Professor.”

“And why is that, Mr. Weasley?”

“He’s dead. The Wizarding World is finally free of him.”

Smiling, Dumbledore nodded his head. “Will Harry be all right, Poppy?”

“Yes, Professor. After he gets some much needed rest.”

“Mr. Weasley, Miss Granger, you must be exhausted. Go on to bed. Harry is in good hands. Welcome home, Harry.”

“Thank you, sir.”

Smiling, Dumbledore walked out the door.

“Coming, Hermione?”

“I will in a minute. Go on up.”

“Okay,” Ron said leaving quietly.

“Mione, you okay?”

“I am now that I know you are going to be all right.”

“I’m fine.”

“Are you really, Harry?”

“No, but I will be. I finally hugged my parents. They told me my work wasn’t finished yet, but I would see them again.”

“That’s great, Harry.”

“Yeah, it is,” Harry said yawning.

“You get some rest, and I’ll see you in the morning,” Hermione said planting a soft kiss on Harry’s cheek.

“Good night, Hermione.”

“Good night, Harry.”

Author's Notes: Thanks to everyone who has reviewed the first chapter. I'm happy to see several people enjoying the story. To answer one of the questions. Alhormora in chapter one isn't being used as a spell..Dumbledore clearly tells Ron and Hermione that it is the password into the Gryffindor Tower. Remember, I wrote this back in 2001..I was a very big amature at writing back then..*wink* Anyway, here's chapter two for all of you. I hope you will continue to review and continue to enjoy the story.

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Chapter Two: Draco....Potter...Are you Crazy

Two weeks had past since Harry’s kidnapping and rescue. Rolling over in his sleep, Harry moaned as another nightmare took shape. This one was different than the ones he had been having since he rescue. This one was more dark and evil.

“Kneel before me, you foolish girl if you want to live.”

“I won’t do it. You’ll just have to kill me,” Hermione said defiantly.

“You think I won’t?”

“No.”

“It’s a pity you have so much faith in him. It’s going to cost you your life, Mudblood.”

“No, Hermione, move. Get out of there. He’s going to kill you,” Harry yelled only to watch Hermione fall to the ground dead. “No, why Hermione,” he asked trying to look at the wizard who had just killed his friend.

“One down, but so many more to go,” the wizard said turning around enough for Harry to see his face.

Getting a good look at the wizard, Harry shook his head. “No, it can’t be. NO!!!”

“Harry, what is it? What’s wrong? Another nightmare,” Ron asked running to Harry’s bed after hearing his friend scream in his sleep.

“I’m fine, Ron.”

“No, you are not. Want to talk about it?”

“I’m fine, Ron! Leave me alone!”

Jumping at Harry’s angry tone, Ron slowly rose to his feet. “If that’s the way you want it Harry, then that’s what I’ll do.”

Biting his lip, Harry shook his head. “No, Ron, that’s not what I want. I’m sorry I yelled at you.”

“Do you want to talk about it?”

Nodding his head, Harry licked his dry lips. “I was dreaming about Hermione. She was being threatened by a wizard.”

“What happened?”

“He killed her.”

“Harry, nothing is going to happen to me or Hermione. It was just a dream.”

“Yes, it was a dream but the wizard who killed her was me. I killed Hermione, Ron.”

“No, you didn’t, Harry. It was only a dream. You would never hurt her or me,” Ron said in a reassuring tone.

“But what if I do, Ron?”

“You won’t, Harry.”

“I don’t know.”

“I do, Harry. You aren’t an evil person. The Sorting Hat put you in Gryffindor not Slytherin.”

“It wanted to.”

“But it didn’t. There’s a difference, Harry.”

“I know.”

“It’s time for breakfast. Hagrid said he would be taking you, me, and Hermione to Diagon Alley today.”

“Okay, I’ll be right down. You guys don’t have to wait for me.”

“Are you sure? We don’t mind waiting you know.”

Smiling, Harry nodded his head. “I know and I appreciate all the support you and Hermione have given to me. I really do.”

“You are our best friend Harry, and we love you.”

“I love you guys too. I’ll be down in a minute. I’ll be okay.”

“All right. We’ll see you in the Great Hall,” Ron said walking out of the boy’s dormitory. Seeing Hermione’s worried glance he smiled. “He’s okay. He just had another nightmare.”

“Another one? What was this one about?”

“He said in it he killed you.”

“Oh Ron, this is getting bad. I’m getting worried about him.”

“You and me both. Let’s go on to the Great Hall. I don’t want Harry to worry about us worrying about him.”

Laughing, Hermione shook her head. “Okay only if you promise we’ll talk to Professor Dumbledore about his nightmares before we go inside,” she said following after him.

“Deal.”

Opening the dorm door, Harry looked down into the common room. Seeing Ron and Hermione gone, Harry breathed a sigh of relief. Doing what he had to do would be easier if he didn’t have to confront Ron and Hermione. He couldn’t stay here. He knew that now. The nightmares were getting worse and he wasn’t going to put his friends in danger again because of him. They were too important to him to stay. Walking down the flights of stairs, Harry quickly reached the front doors of the castle.

“Leaving so soon, Harry?”

“I’m just going outside, Professor Dumbledore.”

“Harry, I’m sure you realize I know you by now. Running away will not solve your problems.”

“It will keep the ones I love safe.”

“Mr. Weasley and Ms. Granger will not stay here knowing you are in danger and not here as well.”

“I’m not in danger. Voldemort is gone, but they are in danger from me.”

“Harry, come to my office and let’s have a little chat.”

“No, Professor, there isn’t any reason to talk. Ron and Hermione will be much safer if I vanish from the Wizarding World.”

“Where will you go, Harry?”

“I don’t know. Any place I go will be better than staying here.”

“I see. It seems you have put much thought into your decision.”

“I have.”

“Very well. I will allow you to leave on one condition.”

“What’s that, Professor?”

“Stay through the first week of classes and if you still want to leave then you can go.”

“My decision will not change.”

“Then staying through the first week of classes will not do you any harm. Do we have a deal,” Dumbledore asked smiling down at Harry’s growing form.

“All right Professor, I’ll stay through the first week of classes,” Harry said giving in to Professor Dumbledore’s request.

“Excellent. Now, I believe you will find Mr. Weasley and Ms. Granger in the Great Hall waiting for you.”

Nodding his head, Harry walked into the Great Hall. Finding Ron and Hermione, he headed over to the table and sat down beside them. Looking down at his plate, Harry decided what he was going to do.

“There you are, Harry. We thought you had gotten lost or weren’t coming down,” Hermione said smiling over at Harry.

“Sorry about that. Professor Dumbledore stopped me in the hall so we could have a quick chat.”

“Is everything all right? Voldemort hasn’t come back has he,” Ron asked knowing full well why Dumbledore spoke with Harry.

“No, Ron, Voldemort is gone for good. He’s not coming back. All three of us saw him explode. No, it wasn’t about Voldemort.”

“Then what was it about?”

“I don’t want to talk about it, Mione.”

“Harry, does this have anything to do with the nightmare you had last night,” Hermione asked putting her fork down. If he was going to get better he had to start talking about the nightmares.

“How do you know about that?”

“I told her, Harry. She deserved to know.”

Closing his eyes, Harry instantly regretted agreeing to Dumbledore’s request and telling Ron about the nightmare all at the same time.

“Harry, I’m glad he told me. I don’t want you to worry about hurting me. I know you won’t.”

“That’s just it, Hermione! You don’t know anything about me! I could kill you or Ron even,” Harry yelled getting quickly to his feet. He had made a terrible mistake. He couldn’t stay here.

“Harry, wait! You can’t be seriously thinking about leaving are you,” Hermione asked jumping up in front of Harry.

Can you read my mind, Mione? “What if I am? There isn’t anything you can do to stop me.”

“I can tell you I don’t want you to go. We need you, Harry.”

“No, you don’t. You don’t need someone like me around.”

“Someone like you? Harry, what in the Bloody Hell are you talking about?”

“You don’t need someone around who’s been touched with Voldemort’s evil. I’m tainted. I’m no good. If you know what’s good for you, you’ll clear off.”

“What?! I can’t believe I’m hearing this from you. You Harry, would never abandon your friends. You can’t expect us to abandon you when you need us the most!”

“Ron, I know what I’m doing!”

“Do you know what you’re doing, Harry? Because I honestly don’t think you do.”

“Well, Ms. Perfect Hermione, what do you think I’m doing?”

“Running away.”

“That’s the only thing I’m not doing. I’m trying to keep you two safe!”

“But don’t you see we love you and want to help, Harry?”

“YOU CAN’T!!”

“We can’t or you won’t let us?”

“Hermione...”

“No, don’t Hermione me, Harry Potter! I know what you are doing. You want to keep us safe, but you are just as important to us as we are to you.”

Shaking his head, Harry turned his back to his friends. “I shouldn’t be important to anyone.”

Hermione’s mouth dropped open as she starred at him in shock. “I can’t believe you just said that,” she said stepping in front of him again so she could see his face. “You are the most important person in my life besides my parents and Ron. I don’t want to lose you and I refuse to be pushed away. If I have to show you how important you are to me then I will,” she said grabbing Harry’s robes and pulling him down to her.

She never acted on impulse before, but this was one time she was going to jump in with both feet. Whether she sank or swam was completely up to Harry. Brushing her lips against his, Hermione held on tightly to Harry.

The instant her soft lips brushed against his, Harry felt his body rocked with shook. One of his best friends was kissing him. Stretching his hands out, he intended to gently push her away. Instead of doing that, he found his body responding to her soft kiss. When he should have been pushing her away he was actually pulling her closer and sliding his fingers into her silky brown hair. Sliding his tongue into her mouth, Harry nearly groaned out loud. Pulling back slightly to breath, he glanced down at the beautiful woman in his arms. Smiling, Harry leaned down and planted a soft kiss on Hermione’s forehead.

“Thank you.”

“For what?”

“For knocking some sense into me in your own special way.”

“Oh, well, you’re welcome then.”

“I’m glad you helped but did you have to do that in front of me?”

Laughing, Harry and Hermione shook their heads. “Ron, I’m sorry. I didn’t know what else to do to make him understand. You just happen to be standing there.”

“I’m sure you had that all planned out. You just wanted to snog in front of me,” Ron teased.

“You are very evil. Do you know that, Ronald Weasley,” she asked laughing even more.

“Well, I do learn from the best you know. Fred and George wouldn’t have it any other way.”

“I’m sure they wouldn’t.”

“Ah, there you three are. Ready to go get your school supplies are you?”

“Hi, Hagrid.”

“Harry. All right?”

“Much better now, thanks, Hagrid,” Harry said smiling down at Hermione.

“Wonderful. Well, come along. It’s time for a little trip.”

“Hagrid, how are we going to get there?”

“Magic of course.”

“But you aren’t allowed to do magic, Hagrid.”

“Very true, Ron. Professor Dumbledore has made an exception this one time.”

“Are you going to apporate us there?”

“Almost. Diagon Alley has the same wards as Hogwarts. We’ll end up in the alley behind The Leaky Cauldron, Hermione. Well, we best be off,” Hagrid said looking down at his pocket watch.

Walking outside, Harry thought back to the beginning of summer. Before they had separated, Hermione had kissed him on the cheek. At the time he had found it strange, awkward, sweet, and above all confusing. After all the time the two of them tried to convince...and she does that. It did leave Harry wondering if Hermione was being honest with him. Now he knew she hadn’t been and her feelings ran much deeper than friendship. What surprised him even more was the fact his feelings ran deeper than friendship as well for her.

Pulling himself out of his thoughts, Harry listened to Hagrid’s instructions before taking hold of Hagrid’s huge arm. In the blink of an eye, he, Hermione, Ron, and Hagrid were standing in the alley behind The Leaky Cauldron.

“Here we are,” Hagrid said as he firmly tapped the bricks that lead to Diagon Alley.

After the opening was clear the three friends and Hagrid walked out into the crowded street. Wonderful smells of warm food and Butter Beer was in the air. Walking toward Gringots, Ron glanced over at Hermione. He had no idea what they were going to do. Neither of them had their keys.

Sensing the added tension, Harry smiled. “Don’t worry you guys. I can get your school supplies this year.”

“No, you don’t have to do that. That’s your money, Harry.”

“It’s not a big deal, Ron. I’ve got enough to help you guys out. Besides what are friends for?”

“I just don’t like feeling like I’m taking your money.”

“Ron, if I didn’t want to do it I wouldn’t have offered. Besides if you’re worried about paying me back don’t worry because I don’t want to be paid back. Anyway if you were the one with all this money, I know you would offer to help me out.”

“Of course I would. You are my best friend after all.”

“Then that’s settled. I don’t want to hear any more about feeling guilty. Is that understood?”

“As you wish, My Lord,” Ron said bowing slightly toward Harry.

“Get up you, prat,” Harry said laughing.

Laughing, Hagrid shook his head as he led the way toward Harry’s bank vault. Giving the key to the Goblin, everyone waited for the door to be opened. After collecting the money he needed, Harry, Ron, and Hermione parted ways with Hagrid with a promise to meet him at The Leaky Cauldron in an hour’s time.

“Well, well, well, if it’s not Scar Head, Weasel, and Mudblood. Shouldn’t you be oh I don’t know hiding,” Draco sneered.

Grabbing Ron, Harry starred hatefully at Draco. “Hiding from what, Malfoy? I’m sure you know by now Voldemort is gone.”

“So I heard. You may have defeated the Dark Lord again Potter, but you still aren’t safe. Just thought I would give you a little piece of advice. I’d watch my back if I were you.”

“You know what Malfoy, take your advice and sod off.”

“Gladly, Weasel. Oh by the way you aren’t safe either. Hmm, it sure feels good to be so nice.”

Raising her eye brows, Hermione placed her hands on her hips. “If this is what you call nice, I would hate to see what you call being generous.”

Frowning, Draco turned his attention to the trio’s female companion. “You know Granger, I can be a nice guy when I want to be.”

“Oh please. You don’t have a nice bone in your body, Malfoy.”

“You don’t believe me? Fine have it your way then.”

“If you think you have a ‘nice’ streak in you Malfoy, why don’t you prove it.”

“Is that a challenge, Potter?”

“What do you think, Draco?”

“You’re on, Potter. What do I get if I win?”

“The satisfaction of being nice for a change and proving me wrong.”

“It isn’t much, but I’ll still rise to the challenge,” Draco said extending his hand.

Looking down at Draco’s hand, Harry wondered what he was getting himself into now. “All right Draco, it’s a bet, but if I win you have to stop bad mouthing my friends for the rest of the school year,” Harry challenged as he to extended his hand.

Nodding his head, Draco took a firm hold on Harry’s hand and shook it. “Done. Now when does this little challenge start?”

“How about right now?”

“Fine by me.”

“Excellent.”

“Ron!”

Turning around, Ron smiled broadly as his little sister came running toward him. “Ginny, I didn’t know you guys would be coming here today.”

Laughing, Ginny gave her big brother a huge hug. Professor Dumbledore owled Mum and told her when you would be here. So here we are.”

“Here you are, and you are looking very pretty today,” Draco said smiling sweetly.

“That’s my sister you are talking to, Malfoy. Back off.”

“What’s wrong, Ron? I’m being honest. Ginny does look very pretty today,” Draco said never taking his eyes off of Ginny’s face.

Glancing over at Harry and Hermione, Ron couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Malfoy never used his first name much less called his sister by her first name or paid her with a complement.

Feeling her cheeks turn hot, Ginny smiled before glancing down at the ground. “Thank you.”

“Your welcome.”

“Come on Ginny, lets go find Mum,” Ron said leading his sister away.

Smiling, Draco turned toward Harry and Hermione. “Listen, you two need to be careful today. I heard Lucius talking about an attack here today.”

“Why are you telling us this?”

“Why? Maybe because I’ve decided to change.”

“You haven’t changed in four years why should we believe you’ve changed now and don’t say this is part of the bet.”

“No, this has nothing to do with the bet. I guess you could say seeing Voldemort face to face puts things into perspective. I saw things I would rather I had not seen. You were right about me, Harry. I was a stupid prat who should have wised up instead of allowing Lucius to make me into what he is. For that, I am truly sorry.”

Shaking his head, Harry struggled to comprehend what Draco was saying. How could he see Voldemort and why was he calling his father by his first name?

“If you are changing your ways why did you address us in your usual manner before?”

“For someone as smart as you are Hermione, you don’t think sometimes. If I had walked up to you and tried to talk to you without the insults what would you have said?”

“I would have tried to figure out why you were being so nice.”

“Exactly, but?”

“But now it makes sense why you would agree to a bet to be nice.”

“I used to be your enemy, but if you let me I want to be your friend and partner.”

Looking closely at Draco, Harry wasn’t sure they could trust him. One day of being nice couldn’t erase four years of being nasty.

“You don’t look convinced, Harry.”

“Can you blame me, Draco? You have spent the last four years of Hogwarts doing everything you can to get me and my friends expelled or killed. Why change now when Voldemort is dead?”

“Because I know how you stand by your friends and do anything in your power to protect them.”

“So you just want to use me?”

“No! I want to turn my life around before it’s too late!”

“What are you talking about? With Voldemort gone the Death Eaters have probably disbanded again.”

“No, they haven’t because Voldemort isn’t dead.”

“You have got to be joking. We saw him explode from the Killing Curse.”

“But Harry isn’t dead.”

“He was but I saved him.”

“And in doing so, you also saved Voldemort.”

“Are you saying the only way to kill Voldemort is for Harry to die?”

“That’s the theory. Voldemort has ordered his Death Eaters not to harm one single hair on Harry’s head. He doesn’t want Harry killed until he can figure out a way to break the link they both share.”

“That link can’t be broken since it is my blood he has running through his veins.”

“Trust me, if there is a way Voldemort will find it,” Draco said before the sky suddenly clouded over. “They’re coming.”

“Hermione, run! Find Ron and get out of here!”

“I’m not leaving you, Harry!”

“You have to. They won’t hesitate to kill you! Now go!”

Grabbing Harry’s face gently in her hands, Hermione kissed him quickly. “I love you, Harry Potter.”

“I love you too. Now go, please.”

Nodding her head, Hermione quickly left the street to find Ron and his family. As she went in search of them, she silently prayed Harry would be all right. She didn’t know what she would do if she lost him now that she knew he loved her just as much as she loved him.

“You better go to, Draco. You told me the truth and I appreciate that.”

“No way. I’m not leaving so you can kill yourself. I know you want Voldemort gone, but we’ll find another way to do it.”

“You sound like Ron.”

“Maybe one day you will be able to trust me like you trust him and Hermione.”

“Maybe Draco. Just maybe,” Harry said before spinning around hearing a woman scream.

“So we meet again, Harry. Draco, why are you here?”

“Sorry to disappoint you, Lucius. I came to warn him and his friends.”

“How dare you address me in that manner you ungrateful little brat,” Lucius growled pulling out his wand.

“Petrificus Totalas!”

Watching Lucius Malfoy collapse onto his back, Harry lowered his newly acquired wand and looked over at Draco. He had never seen that kind of hate toward his father in the Slytherin’s eyes before. Frowning Harry knew Draco was hiding something. He could feel it in his stomach not to mention noticing for a third time how Draco had addressed Lucius as Lucius instead of father.

“Come on Draco, we better get out of here before his friends show up.”

“Sounds good to me. Good riddance, Lucius. If I never see you again it will be too soon. Let’s go, Harry,” Draco said walking away.

Following beside him, Harry pushed his confusion aside as they ran into the Weasley’s and Hermione. Seeing the look of relief on Hermione, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley’s faces, Harry felt good knowing people cared about him.

“Are you all right, Harry?”

“I’m fine Mr. Weasley, but we need to get out of here.”

“I agree. The safest place for you kids would be Hogwarts, but we can’t apporate there.”

“No, but we do have a Portkey that will get us there,” Ron said taking the Portkey boot from his bag.

“Why did you bring that with you,” Hermione asked not really caring for an answer.

“Just in case we needed it. I think we need it.”

“Yes, we do. Good thinking Ron,” Harry said patting his friend on the shoulder. “Time to go.”

“What about Hagrid?”

“Don’t worry about him, Hermione. We ran into him and he said he would see you kids at the castle since Molly and I offered to take you back,” Author said nodding his head.

Stepping up to Ron, everyone took a hold of the boot. Within a matter of minutes Diagon Alley was far behind. In its place was Hogwarts. Hearing Hagrid yelling ‘hello’ from his hut, Harry breathed a sigh of relief.

“Now that we are here you can drop the act, Draco.”

“Ron, back off. He’s not pretending.”

“What? Have you gone mad, Harry?”

“No, but you didn’t see what I saw back in Diagon Alley either.”

“He’s right, Ron. Draco warned us about the Death Eaters.”

“He’s probably just spying on us for them and his father.”

“Ron...”

“Its okay, Harry. I don’t blame him for not believing me. To be honest if I were in his shoes I wouldn’t believe me either,” Draco said walking away from the group and heading toward the lake.

“Good riddance is what I say.”

“Ronald Weasley, I thought I taught you better than that.”

“Mum, you don’t know what he is like...”

“That doesn’t matter. Right now you are acting out of character. Don’t make me take you over my knee.”

“Mum,” Ron whined as his face turned as red as his hair.

Glancing over his shoulder, Harry quietly slipped away from everyone. It was time he got to the bottom of Draco’s strange behavior.

“Draco, we need to talk.”

“What about?”

“About what’s going on.”

“There’s nothing to talk about. I just decided I wanted to change. What’s wrong with that?”

“Nothing, but you have to admit it is a bit strange. It’s like you woke up one morning and said I’m going to change my ways.”

“That’s pretty much how it happened. Look, I really don’t care if you believe me or not.”

“Draco, I’m not saying I don’t believe you. All I’m saying is it’s a bit strange.”

“Yeah, well it was strange for me too.”

“What was?”

“Finding out the truth.”

“The truth about what? Draco, you aren’t making any sense here.”

“Finding out the truth about me and you, Harry.”

“What,” Harry asked. He was more confused than ever. What was going on?

“I’ll start at the beginning. When Lucius found out Voldemort was still alive he took me to see his Master. Voldemort was very pleased with the way I was raised. He commended Lucius and sent me out of the room. Being the nosy git I am, I hid by the door so I could listen in on the conversation. What I heard floored me.”

“You have done very well indeed, Lucius.”

“Thank you, My Lord. I have done my best even though he is not my son.”

“Yes, you have. Does anyone suspect the truth?”

“No, My Lord. No one not even Dumbledore knows Draco is really a Potter.”

“Excellent. I want to keep it that way. It feels so good pitting brother against brother. Wouldn’t you agree, Lucius?”

“Of course, My Lord.”

“No, that’s impossible. You look nothing like me or my parents. Besides we are the same age. My mother only had me.”

“Harry, have you ever seen a picture of your Grandfather?”

“No, but why does that matter?”

“It matters because I look like your Grandfather on your Father’s side of the family,” Draco said pulling out a picture of the Potter family.

Taking the picture, Harry starred at it. It was his family, and standing there next to his Father was his Grandfather. Draco was right. He did resemble his Grandfather. “How is this possible?”

“I don’t know. All I know is that I’m your twin brother. Our mother gave birth to both of us without knowing it. Voldemort took me and gave me to Lucius to raise as his own son.”

“If he took you why didn’t he take me away too?”

“He tried, but our Father intervened in time. I can’t explain it, but there is one thing I know for sure.”

“What’s that?”

“You and I are family and we have a lot of catching up to do.”

Starring up into Draco’s blue eyes, Harry knew without a doubt he was telling the truth. Smiling, he wrapped his arms around his brother and gave him a hug. His heart beat with joy when he felt Draco hug him in return. He had a brother and he never even knew it.

“Harry, what’s going on? Why are you hugging Malfoy?”

Letting go of Draco, Harry turned around with a goofy grin on his face. “Actually Ron, you can’t call him a Malfoy any more.”

“Why not?”

“Because he was never a Malfoy to begin with. He’s actually a Potter.”

“What?!”

“He’s my twin brother, Ron.”

“Bloody Hell. If this is a trick Draco, I swear...”

“It’s not a trick. It’s the truth. I heard it from both Lucius and Voldemort’s lips. I’m Harry’s twin brother.”

“I knew it was a lie. Voldemort is dead.”

“No, he’s not because Harry is alive. I saw him with my own eyes.”

“Was that before or after Harry was kidnapped?”

“Kidnapped? When?”

“It was right before we killed Voldemort,” Hermione said joining the boys by the lake.

“You didn’t know about that?”

“No, I didn’t know. Lucius was always gone, but I never wondered why. He was always doing something for Voldemort. He just apporated to the mansion one night saying Voldemort was gone. About a half hour later he took me to see him saying something about a miracle.”

“I bet he did. It sounds like cadswallop to me.”

“It doesn’t matter. I believe him okay? Oww,” Harry groaned gritting his teeth and grabbing his forehead.

“Harry, what’s wrong,” Hermione asked stepping up to his side.

“It’s my scar. It’s burning. Voldemort is up to something.”

“So he is alive.”

“I told you he was, Ron. Come on we need to get Harry inside. He’ll be much safer than out here on the grounds.”

“I thought Voldemort wanted Harry alive?”

“He does until he can break the link binding him to Harry. Once that is gone, he’ll come after him again.”

“He’ll be after you too now that you know the truth.”

“I know, but Harry is the one Voldemort fears not me.”

“Why?”

“I’ll explain later. First, we need to get inside the castle,” Draco said leading Harry toward the castle doors.

“Okay Malfoy, what were you talking about outside,” Ron asked as the group stepped inside the castle and closed the door firmly behind them.

“Don’t call me that,” Draco spat. “I’m not a Malfoy, and I don’t want to be reminded of the way I treated everyone around me. But to answer your question, Harry is a lot stronger than I am with magic. He poses a greater threat to Voldemort than even Dumbledore. As long as Harry is alive Voldemort will not reach his full power. That’s why he tried to kill him when he was a baby.”

“That sounds like a prophecy I read once. The birth of a child with great power will bring the end of a great evil. The only problem is there is no way to tell if this has anything to do with Voldemort or Harry.”

Feeling his strength return, Harry rose to his full height. “I would appreciate it if you guys didn’t act like I’m not even here.”

“Sorry, Harry. We’re just worried.”

“I know, but I’m not a child who needs three people watching my every move. I am old enough to take care of myself you know.”

“Of course we know that, but with Voldemort back we’ll just have to be extra careful.”

“Draco, you said Voldemort is trying to break the link he and I share right?”

“Yeah, why?”

“If he succeeds then he can be killed and I don’t have to die with him.”

Snapping his fingers, Ron smiled. “Why don’t we try and help old Voldie out in that department.”

Smiling himself, Harry nodded his head. “My thoughts exactly, Ron. Draco, what are you going to do about your House? I don’t think our Dad would like having a son in Slytherin.”

“There isn’t anything that can be done. I was sorted into Slytherin.”

“But that was before you knew you were my brother. That has to make a difference.”

“I don’t know. All we can do is go to Professor Dumbledore and talk to him.”

“Talk to me about what, Mr. Malfoy,” Dumbledore asked walking up to the teenagers with Molly, Arthur, and Ginny Weasley standing beside him.

Wincing, Draco smiled feeling Harry’s hand touch his shoulder. It was going to take him awhile to get over all the evil things he had done to his brother and his friends. He was relieved in the knowledge that Harry believed him.

Squeezing Draco’s shoulder, Harry looked up at the aging wizard in front of him. “Professor, is it possible for someone to be resorted if the House they are currently in doesn’t suit them any more?”

“The Sorting Hat doesn’t make mistakes, Harry. Are you not happy in Gryffindor House?”

“No, sir, it’s not a request for me. It’s one for Draco. He and I agree that Slytherin House isn’t where he should be.”

“Why is that, Harry? If I remember correctly the Hat took only a few seconds to decide.”

“Yes, sir, it did but...”

“Its okay, Harry. I’ll stay in Slytherin.”

“But you don’t belong there, Draco. You aren’t an evil person,” Harry whispered.

“It’s okay. I’ll be fine. You don’t have to worry about me,” Draco whispered back.

“Well, I do worry about you now.”

“I know, but there isn’t any reason to tip our hand,” Draco whispered glancing at Dumbledore and the other adults.

Frowning, Harry looked over at Ron and Hermione. They seemed just as confused as Harry was since they heard the whispers between the two brothers. What was Draco getting at? Why didn’t’ he want Dumbledore and the others to know he was a Potter and not a Malfoy? Looking over at Professor Dumbledore, Harry could see the wizard was as confused as the rest of them since he had no idea what Harry and Draco had been saying to each other.

“Draco...”

“I’ll talk to you later, Harry,” Draco said in a normal voice as he headed toward the Great Hall.

“Harry, is there anything wrong?”

“No, sir, everything is fine,” Harry said shaking his head at Ron and Hermione.

“Very well,” Dumbledore said motioning for the Weasley’s to follow him.

Once everyone was out of ear shot Hermione shook her head. “What was that all about? Why did Draco want to keep his relationship to you a secret, and why did you do the same thing?”

“I don’t know, Hermione. I need to talk to Draco and find out what’s he planning before I say anything to Professor Dumbledore.”

“Okay, we’ll stay quiet too until we hear differently from either you or Draco,” Ron said as Hermione nodded her head in agreement.

“Thank you both for your support. It means a lot to me, and I’m sure Draco appreciates it too.”

“It’s not a problem, Harry. I will admit it’s going to take me a little while to get used to the idea of Draco being your brother, but I will for you,” Hermione said as she wrapped her arms around Harry’s neck.

“Thanks, Hermione,” Harry said returning the hug. Seeing Ron frowning, Harry frowned as well. “Ron, what’s wrong?”

“Sorry Mate, but I can’t stop thinking this is some kind of trick or trap.”

“Ron, he showed me a picture of my family, and he’s a spitting image of my Grandfather.”

“Harry, anyone can change a picture. You’ve never even seen your family on your Dad’s side, so how do you know it’s really a picture of your family aside from seeing your Dad? That’s all I’m saying. You need to be careful. He may not be your brother at all.”

Closing his eyes, Harry knew Ron was right. In the excitement, he never really thought Draco could be lying to him. “You’re right, Ron. The only way to really be sure is to have a DNA test, but I have nothing of my Mum or Dad to compare us to.”

“Ask Sirius or Professor Lupin. They might have something that has your parents DNA on it,” Hermione said helpfully.

“All right. I’ll send a letter to Sirius tonight, but until it’s proven to be a lie I’m still going to treat Draco like he’s my brother,” Harry said walking away from Ron and Hermione and heading into the Great Hall.

“I hope Draco is Harry’s brother.”

“Yeah, me too because if that good for nothing prat is lying he’ll have to deal with me. This time though the curse I send him won’t backfire on me.”

Author's Notes: First of all, I want to thank everyone who has been reviewing this story. Second, to the person who flamed my story..you will remain nameless..but you know who you are...I don't like flames..they are not nice or helpful at all. If you read my story and don't like it that's your choice, but don't flame it. Just keep your flames to yourself. Tell me you don't like and move on.

Author's Notes 2: I'm sorry this has taken so long to update. I just started a new job and I haven't had much me time to do what I wanted to do..lol, but here's the next chapter for everyone to read, and I hope still enjoy.

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Chapter Three: Death Becomes Her....Not

Days turned into weeks with no word from either Sirius or Remus. Harry was starting to worry about his Godfather. Was he all right? Had the Ministry finally caught him? Was he on a mission for Dumbledore? So many questions and no answer for any of them.

In the time since Draco told him they were twin brothers, Harry’s relationship with him had grown Harry noticed. He also noticed Ron and Hermione’s feelings toward Draco had also changed. They were no longer a team of three but a team of four. Smiling, Harry remembered the recent conversation he had with Hermione.

“You know Harry, it’s a bit unfair.”

“What are you talking about?”

“This little group we have. I’m the only girl in it.”

“Think back to when my Mum and Dad were in school. They were part of the Marauders and Mum was the only girl in the group. That’s what we have here without the traitor. Draco completes the group.”

Smiling, Hermione playfully hit Harry on the arm. “I didn’t think of it that way.”

“I didn’t think you did.”

It was then the four of them decided it was time for the next generation of Marauders to appear at Hogwarts. It was also when Harry told Draco about the DNA test.

Smiling, Draco nodded his head. “I don’t blame you, Harry. I would do the same thing to make sure I wasn’t being tricked.”

“So you aren’t angry?”

“Of course not. If it proves what I heard was a lie it wouldn’t matter to me. I’ve changed for the better and I’m not planning on changing back to the way I was.”

“That’s good to hear. I was wondering something though. Why didn’t you want anyone else to know we could be family?”

“Because of Voldemort. He has his spies everywhere. If he found out I knew the truth then he could use me to get to you.”

“That’s understandable, but with school starting tonight won’t he find out anyway? I mean you will still be hanging out with Ron, Mione, and I won’t you? We aren’t going to stop being friends because of the chance he might find out right?”

“I will when it’s safe. Listen Harry, I want you to tell Ron and Hermione to ignore the way I act toward them. I’m not going back to my old ways, I’m only going to act like I am. Lucius is smart, but may be I didn’t show my hand with my behavior in Diagon Alley.”

“I’m sure you did, but you can play it off like you were trying to get close to me so you could spy for Voldemort.”

“Harry, that’s a brilliant idea. It would probably work too.”

“I’m sure it would. Oh about the DNA test the only person who can do it to make sure its not tampered with is Madame Pompfry.”

“I agree. I’m sure we can pass it off as a school assignment.”

Nodding his head, Harry smiled. “Hopefully the friend I contacted will have something of my parents that have some DNA on it.”

“I hope so.”

“I hear our classmates. We better head into the Great Hall.”

“Yeah, and Harry remember what I said.”

“I will. I’ll tell Ron and Hermione now.”

“All right,” Draco said walking over to the Slytherin Table.

Sitting down beside Ron and Hermione, Harry quickly told them the plan. Giving Draco a thumbs up signal, he watched the nod and smile instantly vanish from Draco’s face. In its place was a frown and an evil stare.

“Harry, are you sure he’s only acting?”

Looking closely at Draco, Harry saw the thumbs up signal from under the Slytherin Table. “Yes, I’m positive. He’s only acting.”

“That’s a relief. The look on his face just gives me the creeps,” Ron said shivering as tingles went down his spine.

Chuckling, Harry nodded his head. “I know what you mean. He defiantly has had practice making those faces.”

“You’re telling me,” Ron said as the second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh year students made their way to their tables.

Harry wasn’t surprised that no one was speaking to him. They were too worried he would blow up about Cedric. It was strange how quickly the nightmares disappeared. Not once in the last few weeks had he had one nightmare or had his scar burn. He was both thankful and worried over this fact. What was Voldemort up to? Would he be able to stop him again, and if so would he be lucky once again to walk away alive? Would his friends and brother live through the final battle as well? He didn’t know the answers and in a way he really didn’t want to find out any time soon.

“Earth to, Harry.”

Looking over at Hermione, Harry smiled sheepishly. “I’m sorry, Mione. What did you say?”

“I said you could eat now. Where were you at anyway? I’ve been trying to get your attention for the last few minutes.”

“I’m sorry. I just have a lot on my mind,” Harry said as he picked up his fork.

“I can see that. Do you want to talk about it?”

“No, I’m fine.”

“Okay, but if you need....”

Smiling, Harry nodded his head as he leaned over and planted a kiss on Hermione’s forehead. “I know where to find you. I promise I won’t hold it in. I’ll come talk to you or Ron.”

“All right,” she said turning her attention back to her plate and ignoring the stares she was receiving from the rest of the Gryffindor girls especially Ginny Weasley.

Looking over at the Head Table, Harry noticed one teacher he didn’t expect to see sitting there. “Hey Hermione, look who’s back at Hogwarts.”

Looking up, Hermione gave a surprised gasp. “Professor Lupin? I thought Malfoy made sure he wouldn’t teach here again because of his monthly problem?”

“I don’t know? Maybe he found a cure?”

“I hope so, because if he hasn’t he won’t even get to step foot into the classroom tomorrow.”

“We’ll just have to wait and see, but from the looks of it a lot of people are smiling,” Ron said joining the conversation.

After the feast, Ron, Hermione, and Harry made their way toward Lupin. Seeing his closest friends and best students, Remus smiled broadly. He was very excited and proud so many students were happy to see him. “Ron, Hermione, Harry, so glad to see you three.”

“Not as glad as we are to see you, Professor. Are you teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts again this year,” Hermione asked eagerly.

“Of course. What other class would I be teaching?”

Laughing, all three Gryffindors shook their heads. It felt like their third year all over again minus the Dementors. Sensing someone behind him, Harry, Ron, and Hermione turned around.

“Well, if it isn’t old Wolfie. What are you doing back here?”

Biting his lip to keep from laughing, Harry forced himself to frown. “Sod off, Malfoy! This doesn’t concern you!”

Starring at Harry, Draco took a big breath to keep himself from smiling. “You think it doesn’t, Potter? Just wait and see if this doesn’t concern me,” he said as he walked out of the now empty Great Hall.

Once the doors shut, the three teenagers burst into laughter. “I don’t know how I kept a straight face,” Harry said as he laughed.

“I know. I thought Draco was going to smile and spoil the whole thing,” Ron said laughing just as hard as Harry and Hermione were laughing.

Looking from one teenager to the next, Remus scratched his head. “Um, am I missing something?”

“Oh yeah, you’re missing a lot,” Hermione said giggling again.

“Remus, did you and Snuffles receive my letter?”

“We did Harry, but we couldn’t figure out why you wanted something like that.”

“It’s for an experiment, Professor. Do the two of you happen to have something?”

Smiling, Remus pulled out a small bag of hair. “This is your Dad’s hair, Harry. You know how Snuffles is. He loves to play practical jokes, and his favorite joke was to transform into James.”

“Using a Polyjuice Potion?”

“Don’t tell me you three all ready know about it,” Remus said laughing.

“We actually made a batch three years ago during the second opening of the Chamber of Secrets.”

“I’m actually not surprised. You wouldn’t be James’ son if you didn’t break the rules every now and then. Well, anyway after your parents died Snuffles couldn’t bring himself to make the potion or part with the hair. In any event the hair now belongs to you, Harry,” Remus said handing the bag to Harry.

“Thanks. This should be plenty for our experiment.”

“Your welcome. Well, I need to get ready for class tomorrow. Good night.”

“Oh what about your problem every month?”

Smiling, Remus shook his head. “I found a cure. I’ve been werewolf free since the beginning of the summer. I forgot I didn’t tell you, but I’ve been very busy with Voldemort’s rise again.”

“That’s okay. We understand. It’s great news. We’ll see you tomorrow in class,” Harry said as Ron and Hermione nodded their heads.

“Right, well, good night,” Remus said walking out of the Great Hall.

“This is perfect. Now all we have to do is find Draco and we can find out if he is my brother or not.”

“Do you think Madam Pompfry will do it tonight? Besides we have our Prefect rounds to make, Harry.”

“I know, but I have to at least ask her tonight. Come on, lets go find Draco. We’ll see you in the Common Room, Ron.”

“All right. You two had better behave too.”

“Ha, ha, very funny, Ronald Weasley,” Hermione said in a dry tone.

Smiling, Harry shook his head as all three of them left the Great Hall together and ran right smack into another body. Rubbing his forehead, Harry took a step back. “Draco, we were about to come look for you.”

Rubbing his nose, Draco smiled. “I’ve been hiding outside the doors the whole time. So, are we off to the Hospital Wing?”

“It sounds like it. I’ll catch up with you, Hermione.”

“All right. Good luck you two.”

“Thanks,” Harry said waving to his girlfriend and best friend as he and Draco made their way to the Hospital Wing.

After begging then pleading, Madam Pompfry agreed to do the test that night. She had also made them promise to never wait until the night before to finish an assignment. An hour after they had walked into the Hospital Wing, Madam Pompfry finally emerged from the back room.

“I finally have the results of the DNA test.”

“And? Are the two test subjects related?”

“Yes, they are related to each other. Who were the subjects?”

“Oh just two people we knew were related to each other.”

“I see. I guess your assignment is now ready to be finished?”

“It is. Thank you for performing the test for us,” Harry said smiling.

All he wanted to do was wake up the entire castle and tell them the good news. Stepping outside the Hospital Wing, the first thing both boys did was give each other a hug. Harry couldn’t believe it. Finally knowing for sure made Harry’s heart leap for joy.

“It’s final then. You can’t go by Malfoy any more,” Harry said stepping back from his brother.

“I know. I never thought I would ever say this, but it feels good being a Potter.”

“And it feels good having a brother. Do you think it’s safe to tell Dumbledore? I mean you really can’t stay in Slytherin now.”

“We can trust Dumbledore. I know that, but I’m not sure about the rest of the school. I mean look at how much your life is thrown into the Daily Prophet. If it got out that I am your brother, then Voldemort will defiantly find out I know the truth.”

“That’s true. I didn’t even think about the Daily Prophet.”

“Not to mention if I switch houses that’s really going to get people talking.”

“You know what? I don’t care.”

“What?”

“I don’t care if people talk. I don’t care if Voldemort finds out we know the truth. I’m tired of living my life in fear of that monster. You’re my brother, Draco. You are the only blood relative I have other than the Muggles who don’t care about me, and I want everyone to know what I know. Harry Potter isn’t the only Potter who lived.”

“Voldemort will use me to get to you, Harry. I know he will.”

“I’m sure he will, but it won’t be until he breaks the link he and I share. That could take him years and that will just mean more lost time. I say fifteen years of missing time is enough don’t you?”

Smiling, Draco nodded his head. “I think you’re right. We can’t live our lives in fear because then we wouldn’t be living.”

“Exactly what I was thinking. First thing in the morning we’ll go to Professor Dumbledore and get you resorted.”

“Sounds like a plan. I’ll see you in the morning.”

“See you,” Harry said walking away to join Hermione on their Prefect rounds.

***********************

“Wormtail! Wormtail, where are you hiding? Come when your Master calls you,” Voldemort yelled listening to the echo his voice created.

Shaking with fear, Peter Pettigrew made his way into the main room of the Riddle house. “You called me, Master?”

“What do you call me yelling for you? Sometimes it surprises me you were ever a friend of James Potter. You have the courage of an ant. No, that’s not true because ants are extremely brave, but you Wormtail, you have no ounce of courage in you. What about honor, Wormtail? I see none of that in you either. I wonder where that Gryffindor honor was when you willingly told me where the Potters were hiding.”

Dropping his gaze, Peter felt his heart twist in his chest. The only time he felt guilty about what he had done was when Voldemort tormented him about it. It was funny how life treated you. He had betrayed James, yet his son sparred him. Now he was in debt to the teenager, but it was a debt he would never get to repay. Voldemort wanted the boy dead too bad. The only thing he could do was follow his Master and do his bidding.

“You’re right, Master. I was never worthy enough to be in Gryffindor, but the Sorting Hat thought otherwise.”

“Yes, it did. Enough talk. There is a job I want you to do for me.”

“Yes, Master. What is it you wish me to do?”

“Bring me the body of Lily Potter.”

“Forgive my incompetence Master, but she’s been dead for so long there won’t be anything left by now but bones. Why do you want her skeleton?”

“Do not question me, Wormtail! Do as you are told! Go to Godrick Hollow and bring me Lily Potter’s body,” Voldemort yelled pointing his want at Peter.

“Y..y..yes, Master,” Peter murmured running out of the room.

“Soon, Harry. Soon I will have what I need to finally finish you off once and for all.”

*******************************

“MUM!”

“Harry? Harry, wake up!”

“Ron, would you quit yelling.”

“Shut up, Dean. I’m trying to wake Harry up. He’s having another nightmare.”

“What? Guys, wake up. Come on get up. We need to wake Harry up.”

“No, not her. Please not her! No, leave her alone!”

“What’s he talking about,” Neville asked rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

“I don’t know, but I don’t like it. Harry, wake up,” Ron yelled shaking Harry’s shoulder with no success. “Someone go get Draco.”

“What? Why do you want that slimy Slytherin?”

“Stop asking questions and go!”

“All right! You don’t have to have a bloody fit,” Dean yelled getting to his feet. Opening the dorm door he jumped out of the way of someone running in. “How did you get in here, Malfoy?”

“Hermione let me in. It doesn’t matter right now. Ron, we need to wake him up.”

“I know that, but nothing is working. How did you know Harry needed you?”

“It’s a twin thing. When I broke free of Lucius’ brainwashing my link to Harry formed. Harry, come on, you have got to wake up,” Draco said shaking Harry’s shoulder.

With the single touch of Draco’s hand, Harry’s eyes snapped open. “Draco?”

“I’m right here, Harry.”

“Twin? What is he talking about, Ron,” Neville asked.

“Later, Neville. Are you all right, Harry? I couldn’t wake you up.”

“I’m okay Ron, thanks,” Harry said sitting up and wiping his sweaty forehead.

“Harry, what were you dreaming about,” Draco asked ignoring the weird looks he was receiving from the other boys in the room.

“It’s Voldemort. He’s sending Wormtail to get our mother’s body.”

“What? That’s gross Harry, even for him.”

“It’s no worse than robbing his own father’s grave, Ron. That was one of the elements in his rebirthing spell.”

“Why would he want our mother though, Harry? It doesn’t make any sense.”

“The only answer I have is to bring her back from the dead, but that can’t be done can it?”

Shrugging his shoulders, Draco frowned. He didn’t like the sound of this one bit. What ever Voldemort was planning, he knew it was meant to lure Harry to the Dark Lord.

“We need to go see Dumbledore,” Draco and Ron said at the same time.

Nodding his head, Harry shut his curtain after collecting his clothes. Stepping out fully dressed, he was about to say something when a sharp pain pierced his arm. Slamming his eyes shut, gritting his teeth, and grabbing his arm, Harry fell onto his bed. Seconds later the pain was gone, but Ron and Draco were at his side.

“What happened?”

“It looks like Voldemort is all ready trying to destroy the link he and I share.”

“Okay, that’s it. We really need to go now. We have to tell Dumbledore everything.”

“He’s right, Harry. We should have told him as soon as we figured it out,” Ron said.

“All right.”

“Harry, what in the bloody hell is going on,” Neville yelled shocking his roommates.

“I’m sorry, Neville. I didn’t know you cursed,” Harry said before swallowing. “Sorry, off topic I know. To make a long story short, Draco’s my twin brother and Voldemort is still trying to kill me. I think he is going to try to use our mother to do it. Does that answer your question?”

“Yes, thank you. Though I can’t see him being your twin brother.”

“We have a DNA test to prove it. I’m a Potter,” Draco said leading the way out of the boy’s dorm room.

“It could have been tampered with.”

“Dean, Madam Pompfry performed the test and I’m sure she put wards up to keep that from happening,” Harry said over his shoulder.

“Harry, are you all right? When I heard Draco yelling outside the portrait door, I knew something was wrong.”

“I’m fine, Mione. Voldemort is up to his old tricks again and he’s going to try to use our mother in his plans,” Harry said nodding his head toward Draco.

“Before you say it, we are going to see Dumbledore,” Draco said smiling.

“Well, it’s a good thing I don’t have to convince you guys of that fact,” she said stepping up to Harry and wrapping her arms around his waist.

Wrapping his own arms around Hermione, Harry leaned down and kissed her forehead. “No, you don’t have to convince us to do that.”

“It’s about time,” Hermione said as they all exited the Tower.

Turning around Draco smiled up at the portrait. “I’m sorry I yelled at you, but I had to get inside.”

“Apology accepted, young man. I’m just doing my job,” The Fat Lady said wiping her eyes.

“Quite understandable. I know the Gryffindors appreciate you and all you do for them.”

“Yes, we do,” Harry said. “You do an excellent job.”

“Why thank you, Harry.”

“Your welcome. We’ll see you later.”

“All right. You kids be good and have a good day in class.”

“We will. Bye,” Neville said waving as he ran to catch up with everyone else.

Reaching Dumbledore’s office, Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Draco waved good bye to the others. Looking at the Gargoyle, Harry wondered what the password was this year. It could be anything.

“Were you looking for me,” Albus asked.

Turning around, the teenagers all nodded their heads. “Yes, sir, we needed to talk to you before our first class,” Harry said quickly.

“I see. Why don’t we all go inside then. Sugar Plum Fairy,” Albus said as the Gargoyle jumped aside to allow them entrance.

Sitting down behind his desk, Albus looked closely at the four students in front of him. It was strange how quickly their friendship had developed. It seemed to him that it had happened over night. “Now, what is it you four would like to talk to me about?”

“Professor, I would like to be resorted. I’ve changed and I don’t think I can stand another night in Slytherin.”

“This comes as a surprise, Mr. Malfoy. Over the years it’s seemed to me that Slytherin has been the best place for you.”

“Yes, sir, it was before we found out the truth,” Draco said nodding his head toward Harry.

“The truth? What are you talking about, dear boy?”

“The truth about Draco and me, Professor. He’s my twin brother,” Harry replied.

“Brother? No, it can’t be true, Harry. I was there when you were born. Your parents would have known if there were two babies.”

“We have a test that proves it’s in fact true,” Draco said holding out the test results of their DNA test.

“Who performed this test,” Albus asked as he took the paper and looked it over.

“Madam Pompfry did it last night. Draco isn’t a Malfoy, Professor. He is a Potter,” Harry said with a nod of approval from Draco.

“I understand. Voldemort must have been stronger than we suspected if he was able to trick everyone into believing Harry was the Potter’s only child. Come sit down Draco, and you will be resorted,” Albus said rising to his feet and taking the Sorting Hat from its resting place.

“Didn’t I sort everyone last night, Headmaster?”

“You have, but you have a student to resort.”

“As you wish.”

Chuckling, Albus placed the old hat on Draco’s head. This would be very interesting to see. Would he be sorted back into Slytherin, or would be sorted into a completely different house?

“Ah, I remember you. I sorted you into Slytherin four years ago. I see you have changed quite a bit in that time. Slytherin no longer suits you. That is very clear to me, but where to put you now? Gryffindor used to be your enemy but now it’s your brother? What’s this I see?”

“It’s true. Harry Potter is a Gryffindor and he used to be my enemy. The truth is he is my twin brother,” Draco thought knowing the Sorting Hat would hear him.

“So we have two Potters instead of one. I know the perfect place for you.”

“With my brother I hope,” Draco thought hopefully.

Laughing inside Draco’s ear, the Sorting Hat sighed. “I see how much brothers think alike. I do agree with both of you though. GRYFFINDOR!”

Smiling proudly, Draco stood up from the chair after the hat was lifted off of his head. He couldn’t believe it. He never thought he would have a brother, and if he did he never thought it would be Harry Potter. On top of that, he never expected to be in any other house but Slytherin. Now that he was a Gryffindor, he found he liked the idea much better than being in Slytherin any day.

“Congratulations, Mr. Mal...I’m sorry, Potter. I’m afraid it is going to take some getting used to.”

“Yes, sir. It is for me too,” Draco said smiling.

“A welcomed change it seems.”

“Yes, sir, it is.”

“Now, was there anything else?”

“Yes, sir. I woke up this morning from a nightmare. I think Voldemort is going to have our mother’s body stolen from her grave,” Harry said stepping up beside Draco.

Frowning, Albus nodded his head. “Thank you for telling me, Harry. May be we still have time to keep that from happening.”

“Thank you, sir. We would greatly appreciate that,” Draco said.

“I’m sure you would, Draco. Now off you go while you still have time to eat breakfast.”

“Yes, sir,” the group of Gryffindors replied as they walked out of the office.

“You know, I didn’t see Professor Snape last night. I bet he’s not going to like the news about me,” Draco said touching the Gryffindor crest on his robes.

“He’s not going to be coming back, Draco.”

“Why? What happened?”

“Remember we told you about Voldemort kidnapping me?”

“Yes.”

“Snape gave his life to protect the three of us like our mother did for me.”

“He’s dead then?”

“Yes, he’s dead by Voldemort’s hand.”

“Another good wizard slaughtered by that monster,” Draco said as they all sat down at the Gryffindor Table.

“Snape disliked Gryffindors, but I have to agree with you. He did care about his students,” Ron said quietly.

“Did I just hear Ron Weasley complementing Snape,” Hermione asked in a playful tone.

“Yeah, well, people can change their mind when the guy gives his life to save yours right,” Ron asked smirking and shrugging his shoulders.

Laughing, Draco patted Ron’s shoulder. “Everyone can change their mind about anyone, Ron.”

Smiling evilly, Ron nodded his head. “I even changed my mind about a slimy git like you too.”

Busting out laughing, Draco nodded his head. “And that was a miracle in itself,” he threw back at Ron.

Opening and closing his mouth like a fish, Ron tried to think of another come back. Hearing Harry, Hermione, and Draco laughing, Ron felt his face get hot with embarrassment. “Okay, so you out did me this time Draco Potter, but rest assured I will out do you next time,” he swore raising his fist in the air which made the group laugh harder.

**********************************

“Excellent work, Wormtail. Now it is time to resurrect the one person who will help me finally kill Harry and Draco Potter once and for all.”

“Will it truly be Lily or a zombie? And since when did Harry have a brother?”

“Since the day Lily gave birth to him you nitwit, and yes this will really be Lily Potter. Everyone thinks I killed her all those years ago, but how could I kill the woman I love?”

“You loved Lily Potter, but she wasn’t a pure blood. Salazar Slytherin would not have approved.”

“Do you think I cared what my ancestor would or would not have approved of? I loved Lily Evans and she should have been my wife instead of James Potter’s wife.”

“She didn’t even know you.”

“What does it matter now? It is all in the past. Now is the present and Lily Potter will be mine this time,” Voldemort said raising his wand over Lily’s body. “Hands of time turn back and let day now become night,” Voldemort chanted. He smiled as the sunlight vanished and in its place was the blackness of the night. “Bones refuse. Skin, tissue, and muscles reform. Now is the time and place for what was done to be undone. AVA KILSHA,” Voldemort yelled pointing his wand at Lily Potter’s reformed body.

Seeing the green light flash out of the wand, Peter gasped and took a step back. Right before his very eyes he was seeing Lily being brought back to life.

Taking a painful breath, Lily Potter opened her eyes. What was going on? The last thing she remembered was trying to keep Harry protected and then excruciating pain. Where was Harry? Was he all right? Had Voldemort succeeded in killing her son?

“Welcome back to the land of the living, Lily.”

Turning her head toward the voice, she screamed. No, this couldn’t be happening. James, where are you?

“I believe you remember your old friend Peter. Wormtail, a robe for Lily. She looks a bit underdressed for this cool weather,” Voldemort hissed enjoying the view.

Looking down, Lily immediately tried to cover her nakedness with her hands. It disgusted her to have the monster in front of her seeing her naked. Taking the offered robe, she quickly covered herself up before slowly rising to her feet. Turning toward Peter, Lily raised her hand and landed a sharp, painful slap across his face.

“How could you do it, Peter? We trusted you. How could you betray me and James like that? How could you betray Harry, Peter,” Lily yelled firing question after question at the person she once called friend. Looking at Voldemort, she felt hot tears slide down her cheeks. “Did your plan work? Did you kill my son? Did you kill Harry? Answer me you, Monster! Where is Harry?!”

“He is alive and well I assure you, Lily thanks to you. It was your love for him that protected him from me all those years ago, but not anymore. He will die as he was supposed to fifteen years ago.”

“No, he won’t because I will stop you.”

“With no wand? I don’t see how it is possible,” Voldemort taunted.

Smiling, Lily shook her head. “You underestimate us Potters. You always have and you always will,” she said as she vanished from sight.

“Master...”

“It’s all right. I knew she would apporate. I had no plan to stop her. A mother-sons reunion will not hurt.”

“You wanted her to go to Harry and Draco’s side? Why?”

“Because I want her to enjoy seeing her sons before I take them from her.”

“She will hate you even more.”

“She will have my child to keep her mind occupied. The prophecy will finally be complete. Salazar Slytherin will walk on this Earth again and Lily Potter will be the one to bring him into this world for a second time.

Reappearing on the edge of the Forbidden Forest, Lily began running as fast as her feet would carry her toward the castle. Reaching the doors, she shielded her eyes from the bright sunlight that was shinning down on her. Knocking on the doors, she waited impatiently for someone to open them. Once the doors were opened, Lily smiled down at the student.

“Please, where can I find Harry Potter?”

“He’s with the other Gryffindors in the Great Hall.”

“He is? Thank you. Oh thank you,” Lily sobbed as she rushed past the student.

Her objective was clear. She was going to see her son. It had been too long. He had been without love for too long as well. Knowing Albus, he would have sent Harry to live with Petunia. Lily could only imagine what that must have been like for Harry. Opening the door, Lily swore that Harry would not spend another summer with her sister. Looking over at the Gryffindor table, the unshed tears streamed down her face. There he was. He was the spitting image of James. Oh God how she had missed him. Her baby boy. She ignored the stares she was getting. All she cared about was going over to her baby and holding him like she had when he was a baby.

“Harry.”

Hearing his name called, Harry stopped laughing and turned his head. Feeling his breath catch in his throat, Harry’s mouth dropped open. Tears slid down his cheeks as he starred at the one person he thought he would never see again. It’s not possible. She’s dead, his mind argued, but his heart wasn’t listening.

“Mum?”

Nodding her head, she smiled when Harry slowly rose to his feet. “Yes, sweetheart, it’s me.”

Jumping up, Draco put a hand on his brother’s shoulder. “Harry, it could be a trap.”

“Draco, that is our mother.”

“Listen to me, Harry. I’m not saying she’s not our mother. What I am saying is it could be another trap from Voldemort.”

Looking from Draco to Lily, Harry felt his heart being tore apart all over again. Why was life so cruel to him? Did fate enjoy tormenting him?

“Lily, it can’t be you.”

Looking away from Harry, Lily laughed and smiled. “Remus, I never pictured you to become a Hogwarts teacher. You were too busy breaking the rules with James and Sirius instead of following them.”

Nodding his head, Remus glanced over at Albus who had walked in right before Lily had. The look the aging wizard had on his face was unmistakable. Voldemort had done his last atrocity.

Looking back at Harry, Lily frowned slightly remembering what he had been saying before Remus caught her attention. “Harry, you are an only child.”

“No, I’m not, Mum. You had twins the night I was born. Voldemort took Draco away. We didn’t find out the truth until last night. He is my brother and your son.”

Glancing up at her old Professor, Lily saw his famous twinkle not present. She really couldn’t blame him. From the look on Harry’s face, she reasoned that she wasn’t supposed to be here. If she wasn’t, then was she supposed to be dead? If so, then everyone could think she wasn’t really Lily Potter. How could she prove to them she was Lily and she never died all those years ago?

“Who are you,” Albus asked rising to his feet.

“Professor, I know it’s unbelievable, but I am Lily Potter.”

Holding his hand up, Albus shook his head. “The dead cannot be brought back to life, so you cannot be Lily Potter.”

“A Polyjuice Potion? You think I’m an imposter, but I can prove to you I am who I say I am. Give me the truth serum. If I am not Lily Potter, I won’t be able to hide the truth.”

“Remus, what do you think?”

“I don’t really know. This has never happened before to the best of my knowledge. A truth serum is a good idea.”

“I agree. Go prepare it please.”

“Of course,” Remus said walking out of the Great Hall.

Starring at the woman, Harry felt his heart beat harder. She was his mother. He could feel it in his very bones. Glancing at Draco, he was relieved to see the same conclusion on his face.

Lifting his hand from Harry’s shoulder, Draco nodded his head. He knew what Harry was thinking, and he agreed with his brother. They weren’t starring at an imposter. This was Lily Potter. Before Ron or Hermione could react, both Potters darted toward Lily.

Smiling, Lily opened her arms to both teenagers. She knew she shouldn’t even hold them until Albus was satisfied of her identity, but how could she deny her sons? She had not seen nor held them in fourteen years for Harry and fifteen for Draco. Wrapping her arms around the boys, she closed her eyes as more tears streamed down her face. This was where she belonged and nothing or no one was ever going to take her away from her children.