The Enemy of My Enemy by _Amber_Eyes_

Rating: PG13
Genres: Angst, Action & Adventure
Relationships: Harry & Hermione
Book: Harry & Hermione, Books 1 - 5
Published: 02/01/2005
Last Updated: 07/07/2005
Status: In Progress

A prophecy was predicted several years ago. Years later, the Prophecy has been repeated and the
battle lines have been drawn. Harry finds courage in places he had never looked before. When the
ones he finds himself closest to are attacked, will he rely on those he hadn't counted as
friends before to help him defeat his enemy, or will he attempt to go forth on his own? ((Also G/D
and R/L...AU since HBP))




1. Chapter 1 - Reverie
----------------------



**Author's Note:** Hello again. I've got yet another story here. This one is coming
along a bit better than my other one. I hope you enjoy!

**Disclaimer**: I do not own any of the people, names, places, or creatures that go along
with the Harry Potter Storries. I write simply for fun, and under no circumstances do I claim any
such items to be my own

**~*~ Chapter 1 - Reverie ~*~**

Too much had happened. Too much pain and too much death had come into the life of young Harry
Potter.

He sighed heavily and rolled over on to his back. It was a month until the beginning of this
sixth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and Harry, for once, was not looking
forward to it at all.

As he lay wide awake in his bed at 12 Grimmauld Place, Harry had never been so miserable. Not
even during the first 11 years of his life in which he lived with the Dursley's, the last
remaining relatives he had, before he had been introduced to the Wizarding world.

For one thing, he was practically alone in the one house he had dreaded returning to. Granted,
it was the Headquarters for the Order of the Phoenix, so rarely was he ever truly alone. But it was
also the house of his godfather, the late Sirius Black, who had been lost during that fateful
battle at the Ministry of Magic just over a month ago.

The only person Harry felt could truly understand his feelings at the present time was gone on
business for the Order. His former Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor, Remus Lupin, had been
close friends with Sirius, as well as Harry's parents, Lily and James Potter, during his own
years at Hogwarts, so Harry was sure he would be the one to talk to, after all Remus *had*
been one of the Marauders along with Sirius, James and Peter Pettigrew, *the traitorous rat*
Harry thought to himself.

It was *Peter* who betrayed Lily and James to Voldemort, it was *Peter* who got them
killed. It was *Peter* who framed Sirius. It was *Peter* who sent Sirius to Azkaban for
thirteen years. It was *Peter* who fled that night three years ago. It was *Peter* who
aided Voldemort during his weakness. It was *Peter* who cast that spell two years ago. It was
*Peter* who was stupid enough to cut off his own hand to aid Voldemort in returning to a
physical body.

It's all thanks to *Peter* that Harry's family was stolen from him. It was thanks
to *Peter* that Remus Lupin was all Harry had left of his parents. It wasn't that Harry
disliked his former Professor, no that wasn't it at all. Harry respected Remus and admired him
greatly. Harry just couldn't help but wonder who would be the next one to be snatched out of
his life.

He worried about Remus, about his best friends, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley and the rest of
the Weasley clan. He worried about the members of the Order. He just could not help but wonder
who'd be next.

Would it be Tonks, the spunky, young auror with the bubble gum colored hair and the personality
to match? Would it be the paranoid old Mad-Eye Moody? Would it be the wise old Albus Dumbledore,
who always seemed to have that knowing twinkle in his eyes? Or maybe the strict Transfiguration
Professor, Minerva McGonagall? Or the begrudged Potions Master, Severus Snape?

Harry couldn't help but wonder if it would be the clever, muggleborn witch, Hermione
Granger, or one of the many redheads who were the Weasleys. Or would he lose the last one that was
close to his parents, the former DADA Professor with a dark secret, Remus Lupin? He knew there
would be more loses between the present time and the final battle, but he didn't want to
imagine losing anyone else.

Harry sighed again as he glanced around the room he normally would have shared with Ron had he
been there (The Weasley's where still at the Burrow). His gaze settled on the clock next to his
bed. It read 12:35 with a dot in the corner that meant in was A.M.

He shook his head, he knew he wouldn't get to sleep for a while, there was too much on his
mind. What about that Prophecy? What was it? Oh yes:

*The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches...born to those who have thrice
defied him...born as the seventh month dies...and the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal...but he
will have power the Dark Lord knows not...and either must die at the hand of the other for neither
can live while the other survives...the one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord will be born
as the seventh month dies...*

Those words had haunted Harry since that day in the Headmaster's office. He had to either
kill or be killed. *What kind of choice is that?* but he knew whether he liked it or not, it
was a choice he had to make. Harry also knew that if he failed to kill Voldemort, the sacrifices
that his parents, Sirius, Cedric Diggory, and all of Voldemorts other victims would have been made
in vain. No...Failure is not an option.

*Power the Dark Lord knows not? What does that mean? I'm a 15 year old, what power do I
have that Voldemort and Dumbledore don't?* Harry shook his head. He just didn't see how
he was going to defeat Voldemort. Granted, he'd managed to succeed in stopping him three times
before. But the first time he had been posessing the body of Professor Quirell, the DADA Professer
during Harry's first year, and couldn't touch Harry because of the sacrifice Lily made at
her death.

The second time, it was the memory of Tom Riddle that Harry had destroyed. He had to Ginny's
life was the risk, but he had Fawks to thank for that. Then fourth year, he managed to keep
Voldemort from killing him after the TriWizards Tournament. But not before Peter Pettigrew killed
Cedric Diggory, and even that time he had the echo of Voldemort's victims to thank for his
escape.

Then last year at the Ministry of Magic, he'd foolishly believed the dream that Voldemort
had put in his mind. He had foolishly led Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Neville, and Luna into danger.
He'd almost gotten them all killed. Then when he and Neville were surrounded, he had to witness
that wretched Lestrange woman use the Cruciatus Curse on Neville. When the members of the Order
arrived, he had to witness Sirius's last battle, and his death at the hands of the same woman.
Then when he was *so close* to getting his revenge on the woman, he found himself face to face
with Voldemort. He had to be saved once again by Dumbledore. How would Harry be able to defeat
him?

Harry sighed again and did his best to clear his mind as he'd told during term. After
focusing himself to clear his mind, he forced himself to relax. Sleep finally took him in some time
after 1 A.M.

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2. Chapter 2 - Battle Call
--------------------------



**Author's Note**: Sorry about how depressing the 1st chapter was, but it
needed to be in there. I hope you enjoy this chapter! Please Read and Review!

~*~**Chapter 2 - Battle Call**~*~

The sun rose brightly outside and the rays entered the bedroom window. Harry shifted and felt
something tickling his face. He shook his head slightly trying to get it to stop. But it
wouldn't go away, instead it became something with a rough surface. He shook his head again and
heard a muffled giggle. Confused he opened his eyes and jerked back as he saw the face of a cat.
"Crookshanks?" he mumbled when he recognized the ginger cat. "What are you doing
here?" He heard another giggle as he put on his glasses and looked around.

Hermione.

"I should have known,” he said with a tired smile. "When did you get here?"

She returned the smile "I've been here since about ten this morning."

Harry frowned and looked over at his clock. *Damn,* he thought. It was already almost two
in the afternoon. "Why'd you let me sleep in so late?"

"Well, Remus and I have both tried several times each to wake you with no luck. That's
when Crookshanks decided to volunteer." She said as she pulled the cat out of Harry's
face.

Harry shook the sleep from his mind and sat up, leaning against the headboard. He rolled his
head to get the kink out of his neck then looked up at her. He motioned for her to sit down, which
she did. As she took her seat at the opposite end of the bed, Harry looked his friend over.
"How has your summer been so far?" he asked.

Hermione shrugged lightly "Fairly boring, actually. The main reason I'm here right now
is because Mum and Dad are planning another trip to France and are leaving in two days time. They
are kind of afraid to take me out of the country, but didn't want to leave me alone either. I
told them what happened last term at the Ministry. They understood that I was needed here more than
I was needed in France." When she finished her explanation she looked at Harry. "What
about you? How have you been doing Harry?"

It was Harry's turn to shrug, "It's been alright. I was only at the Dursleys'
for a week and a half before I came here. Not that I was particularly looking forward to returning
to this place."

Hermione looked at him in concern "How are you dealing?"

Harry smiled weakly, "Better, I'm handling it all much better than I was when I first
arrived. No one else was really here. Everyone was busy on assignments, so it was Kreature,
Buckbeak, and myself. When Remus returned from his assignment a week later, he found me locked in
the room with Buckbeak. I was still wearing the same thing I had been wearing when they left me
here, I hadn't eaten anything, and I'd barely slept. He literally dragged me down the
stairs and into the kitchen and threatened to force feed me if I didn't eat." Harry
chuckled lightly.

"After I ate, we talked about Sirius's death. I was comfortable talking to him about
it, because he'd lost Sirius too. He was the closest to Sirius. He went back out a week later
on assignment, once he knew I would take care of myself, once he knew I was all right. Other that
Remus, I've only really spoken with Dumbledore and now you. But, yeah, I'm doing
better" He said.

Hermione looked him over for a minute, she knew that wasn't all to be said but she let it
go, happy to know he was at least dealing. "Good Harry, I'm really glad to hear
that." She smiled "Now, get your lazy bum out of bed, Remus is making lunch." She
said as she carried Crookshanks out of the room closing the door with a snap behind her.

A few minutes later, once he was dressed, he slipped silently down the stairs to avoid waking
Mrs. Black's portrait and into the kitchen. Remus looked up from his conversation with
Hermione, "Well, well, well, look who finally decided to join us," he teased. Harry
smiled, "Sorry I slept so long, I didn't get to sleep until late." Remus simply
nodded and returned to his conversation.

After lunch, the three were still talking, Harry had joined in the conversation some time ago.
The topic of discussion? The war and Voldemort. And it seemed that he knew he was the topic of the
conversation because Harry felt his scar begin to burn. Not as bad as it had several times before,
but it burned nonetheless. Harry frowned slightly, what was causing the burning this time?

"Something's not right"

"Pardon?" Remus said looking at Harry with a confused expression. "Are you
alright, Harry?"

Harry looked at his former Professor and blinked, "Remus, something's not right. I
don't know what, but I've got a bad feeling that something is very wrong."

Remus and Hermione exchanged concerned glances and as Remus opened his mouth to respond to Harry
he was interrupted--

"Remus!" called a voice from the fireplace. The three turned to see who was calling.
They found the head of Minerva McGonagall surrounded by green flames, panic evident in her
expression.

"Minerva, What is it?" Remus asked worriedly.

"You three are needed at once at Hogwarts," she said.

"Minerva, what's going on?" Remus asked again, voice quaking.

"Death Eaters, Remus, Death Eaters along with Giants, Dementors, and Trolls. Hogwarts is
under attack!" she said very quickly.

"My god," Remus gaped as he and Hermione glanced at Harry. "Hermione, Harry lets
go. Minerva, step back."

McGonagall did as Remus bid. The three checked to be sure they had their wands, and then one by
one they stepped through the green flames and were standing before the panicked Professor.

Once they were all three there, She quickly led them from the room, which Harry recognized as
the Room of Requirement, and toward the Entrance Hall. "The dementors have been surrounding
the gates since last evening, they never made a threat until about five minutes ago when the
trolls, giants, and the Death Eaters arrived. Albus is at the gates with the other members of the
Order trying to hold them back." she said as they pulled out their wands and exited the
castle.

"Remus?" Harry asked quietly. When Remus acknowledged him, Harry continued, "D-Do
you think that this-that this is it?"

Remus didn't have to ask for clarification. He knew Harry was asking if it was the final
battle, Harry had shared the prophecy with him when they were talking about what happened in the
Department of Mysteries. "I don't know, Harry. I really don't know. It very well could
be." Remus sighed.

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3. Chapter 3 - The 1st Battle (part I)
--------------------------------------



**Author's Note**: Hello again! The next chapter is up! Thank you to Harmony_Forever for
reviewing on the last two chapters, that's for the advice, I hope this chapter is better! My
apologies about doubling the text! Honest Mistake.

~*~**Chapter 3 - The 1****st** **Battle (part I)**~*~

By the time Minerva, Remus, Harry, and Hermione had reached the edge of the Hogwarts grounds,
the giants had managed to make scrap metal out of the wrought iron gate. Dumbledore, Moody, Tonks,
Shacklebolt, Snape, and a half a dozen aurors who had recently joined the Order where facing off
with a large numbers of Death Eaters, dementors, trolls, and giants who where threatening to take
the school.

"EXPECTO PATRONUM!" shouted Remus as several dementors rushed towards the four new
victims who'd walked willingly into their midst.

The four separated and went where they were needed. Harry glanced around, "Stupify!
Stupify!" he yelled aiming the hexes at two Death Eaters who were coming up behind Snape, who
was only a hundred yards or so from him. Snape looked at Harry, surprised, then nodded a brief
thanks. But not before one of the trolls recognized where the nearby commotion originated and set
it's sights on Harry.

Harry's mind briefly flashed back to his first year when he and Ron had saved Hermione from
the troll on Halloween. He shook his mind clear of the distraction. He had to focus, trolls were
hard enough to bring down as it was, but with a cluttered mind it was near impossible. Harry was
startled from his thoughts as he saw the troll suddenly fall unconscious at his feet. Harry glanced
up and sighed in relief. "Thanks, Hagrid!" he called to his large friend.

Hagrid nodded, "Pay attention Harry, we be need'n yeh 'for this's all
over." Then he turned and went after the other trolls and the giants.

Harry mentally shook himself as he turned around. He found himself face to face with two masked
Death Eaters. The first one, Harry knew right away the identity of. It was Lucius Malfoy, the icy
gray eyes were a give away. Harry had a shrewd suspicion on who the second one was, a suspicion
that was confirmed when they removed their mask. Harry found himself facing Belletrix
Lestrange.

"Well, well, well, look who we have here, Bella," the cold drawl of Lucius said.
"Surprised to see us, Mr. Potter?"

Harry forced himself to remain calm, despite his desire to hex the two into next year. "I
suppose I *should* have known you two would be here. Especially after disappointing your git
of a Master in the Ministry of Magic. I should have guessed you'd be here to redeem
yourselves,” he said with a wry smirk.

Belletrix raised her wand but Lucius grabbed her wrist, "Now, now Bella, we still need him
to be able to talk." he scolded lightly.

Harry arched an eyebrow and looked at Lucius, "What exactly are you expecting me to
say?"

"I think you know, Potter. And we will get what we want from you. You, a puny fifteen year
old, are alone against two of the Dark Lord's top Death Eaters. No one's going to save you
now, Potter. Not Dumbledore, not the twit Hagrid, not your blood-traitor Weasleys, not your
mudblood girlfriend, not the werewolf, and not your precious Professors." as he said each
person he took a threatening step toward Harry, until they were only a foot apart. "No, Harry
Potter, no one's going to save you now."

Harry smirked, "Ah, yes, of course, you're talking about the Prophecy. I'm sorry,
Mr. Malfoy, but I don't think you'll be getting that from me."

"Crucio!" Belletrix screeched

"Protego!" Harry growled. "Come on, you can do better than that!" he
taunted, intentionally using the same fateful words as his godfather.

Belletrix growled "You think you're so clever, Potter. But you're not, I'll
bring the same end to you as I brought my dear cousin."

That taunt hit a nerve. Harry felt more than heard Belletrix raise her wand again, Harry,
however, was ready.

"Crucio!" She yelled again.

"Protego! Stupify!" Harry bellowed.

Belletrix fell to the ground in a stunned heap. Harry turned his wand to Lucius who growled

"*Avada-*"

"Stupify!" Harry yelled cutting off the curse. Lucius fell limp next to Belletrix.

Harry wiped his brow on his sleeve and sighed. He glanced around. He saw Hagrid tackling another
troll and smiled. His gaze then landed on Hermione who stunned three Death Eaters in a row. He
smiled again, proud of what he'd taught at the D.A., before heading in the opposite direction
to head off the Dementors.

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4. Chapter 4 - The 1st Battle (part II)
---------------------------------------



~*~**Chapter 4 - The 1****st** **Battle (Part II)**~*~

"Stupefy!" Hermione yelled, sent a Death Eater to the ground. Out of the corner of her
eyes, she saw a familiar face, one that she had hoped never to see again.

As she turned fully around she saw Remus and Peter Pettigrew face to face with only a few feet
in between them. She watched the pair closely and let herself listen to the conversation between
the former friends.

"Well, my dear Moony, here we are again." Peter sneered.

"So we are. Just remember you traitorous rat, Harry isn't here to stop me this time.
You know as well as I do, if S-Sirius were here you'd already be dead. But you now have his
blood on your hands as well as James's and Lily's."

"Yes, you're right, of course, Moony. It is quite unfortunate that old Padfoot decided
to take an-um-untimely leave of absence."

Remus glared, "I still do not understand you, Peter. I don't see how you could betray
us as you did."

"Don't you, Remus? Surely you of all people would know the Dark Lord's appeal,
being...*what*...you are. Surely you've thought that it'd be easier to be excepted,
rather than feared and despised."

"No, Peter. I'm not like you, not like you at all. You may not know, but I was offered
the Dark Mark, being the "dark creature" that I am. I was offered the
"acceptance". I, however, did not abandon reason for madness. I did what was *right*
not what was easy. I knew I would have a long, difficult road to travel before I was accepted for
who, rather than what, I am. But I also knew that when that time came, it would be well worth the
wait. I love my life too much to throw it away by betraying those I care most for, by turning
myself over two some maddened wizard who forgot the great power that is love."

"Oh? And what would *you* know about love, my friend?"

"Enough to know its strength. Enough to carry it in my heart, and more than enough to
recognize those who lack such a wonderful thing."

"In other words, enough to make a complete fool of yourself. And here I thought you were
there smartest, cleverest, of the Marauders. You're nothing but a pathetic fool, Remus. And
you're "power", is nothing but a weakness."

"You really are something, Peter." Remus said shaking his head as he raised his
wand.

Peter, however, was faster. "Expelliarmus!" he shouted, sending Remus to the ground,
his wand 50 feet away. Peter advanced on Remus, wand at his chest. "I've gotten better at
Dueling, Remus. The Dark Lord taught me so much than this bloody school ever did." he
hissed.

"NO!" Hermione dashed forward and threw herself between Peter's wand and Remus,
her wand raised toward Peter. "You will do him no more harm, Peter! You have been the cause of
too many losses for Harry. I won't let you take Remus from him too. You have caused enough pain
for one lifetime! You will not hurt Remus or Harry any more, Peter Pettigrew!"

"Expelliarmus!" Peter yelled as Hermione countered "Protego! Stupefy!" and
Peter collapsed to the ground.

Hermione turned quickly and knelt next to Remus, who had yet to rise. "Remus? Are you
alright?" she asked, gently lifting his head from the ground.

Remus opened his eyes and focused on her before speaking, "Hermione? Where's Peter?
I've got to stop him!" He said trying to sit up.

"Shh...I took care of Peter, don't worry about him." She said holding him
still.

Remus smiled weakly, "Odd isn't it? It's supposed to be my job to protect you and
Harry, and yet...you put yourself between Peter and myself. You are an impressive young witch,
Hermione." Hermione flushed slightly at the complement and returned the smile. She lowered
herself the rest of the way to the ground until she was sitting.

She looked around to see where everyone else was. The dementors where retreating from the silver
light that was chasing them, there were popping sounds that told her the remaining Death Eaters
were doing the same. Bodies of aurors, Death Eaters, trolls, and giants littered the grounds. She
glanced back down to see that Remus had let himself slip unconscious.

"Hermione?" a voice said shakily.

She turned to the voice and saw Harry standing over her, a look of terror on his face as he
looked down at the man who lay unconscious in her lap. "Don't worry, Harry. He's going
to be alright, he's just knocked out." Harry nodded and knelt next to her, as his eyes
scanned the grounds. He let out a heavy sigh.

"How is everyone else?" she asked.

"Dumbledore's alright. Tonks, poor girl, got hit with three stunners at once, she's
unconscious. Moody is missing his wooden leg, but is otherwise all right. Snape is limping rather
badly. I've not seen McGonagall, Shacklebolt, or Hagrid yet,” he said

Hermione nodded and glanced down again. "Come on, Harry, Help me get him up. He needs to
see Madam Pomprey."

Harry helped her get to her feet, then held up Remus while Hermione pulled one of her former
Professor's arms over her shoulders and put one arm around his waist. "Ok, Harry, I'll
be fine. We need to get everyone else too though."

Harry stepped back and watched as she made her way back toward the castle. He thought he heard a
whisper, but thought nothing of it. That is until he saw two purple lights, one hitting Hermione
square in the back as she dragged Remus along, the other hitting Remus himself. The two collapsed
to the ground, motionless.

"HERMIONE!" He yelled as he ran towards them. He stopped suddenly as a head, then body
appeared out of nowhere. He gaped when he realized who had stepped from behind the Invisibility
Cloak.

Draco Malfoy stood facing Harry, wand aimed at his chest. He seemed nervous and was shooting
glances over his shoulder as he walked slowly towards Harry.

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5. Chapter 5 - Mysterious Disappearance
---------------------------------------



~*~**Chapter 5 - Mysterious Disappearance**~*~

"Have you found him yet, Headmaster?"

"No, I'm afraid not, Poppy."

Hermione frowned and opened her eyes. She found herself staring at the ceiling of the Infirmary.
But why was she there? Though she quickly remembered.

She sat up quickly and looked around. She let a sigh of relief when she saw Remus a few bed down
from the one that she now occupied. That was when Madam Pomprey and Professor Dumbledore realized
she was awake. Both looked more than slightly stressed.

While the nurse gave her a check over, the Headmaster began to question her. Hermione told them
about the conversation between Remus and Peter, and how she went to the aid of her former
professor. When she finally got to the point where she left Harry and was hexed in the back,
Dumbledore stopped her.

"Miss Granger, did you see anyone behind Harry? Anyone who would be in the position to harm
you?" he asked gently.

"No, sir. Why? Are Harry and Re-Professor Lupin alright?"

"Mr. Lupin will be fine, he is a bit bruise but he has endured much worse. Harry, however,
is missing."

"MISSING? How can he be *missing*?"

"We aren't sure what happened, Miss Granger. All we do know is that you were the last
to see him and that wherever Harry is, he either went willingly or he went under the influence of
the Imperius Curse. My guess is the former, knowing Mr. Potter's resistance to that particular
curse."

"Didn't any one else see anything? Can't you do a locating charm to find
him?"

"Unfortunately, you were the last to come in contact with Harry. And as for the Locating
Charm, we have tried, Miss Granger. The person who hexed you and Mr. Lupin knew what they were
doing and where they were going."

Hermione opened her mouth to respond but was interrupted by a familiar red head's
arrival.

"Hermione! Are you alright?" Ron asked, concerned.

"I'm fine, Ron. Remus and I got hit in the back with some hex, no one but Harry saw who
did it, but Harry's gone missing. Apparently, He went "willingly" with whoever the
attacker was."

"Went willingly?" Ron asked. "Why would he do something that stupid, especially
after 4th and 5th year?"

"That, Ron, is the million galleon question. We don't know, apparently I was the last
one to see him before he left, and my back was turned when I was it, so I didn't see who did it
or where Harry went."

"Hermione...." Ron started, hesitantly. "Do you think--You don't think that
Harry could have done it...do you?"

"Done wh-oh" Comprehension dawned on her face. She frowned and then shrugged, "I
don't think Harry would do something like that, but there is no telling whether or not he did.
I didn't hear a voice when the hex was cast, so..." she left of.

Ron and Hermione looked at one another silently for a moment. It was Ron who broke the awkward
silence. "Where do you think he went?"

"I wish I knew, " Hermione sighed.

"Dammit, Harry, why'd you decide to disappear? War is coming and we need you
here!" Ron said shaking his head.

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6. Chapter 6 - Winds of Change
------------------------------



**Author's Note**: Sorry about how short the last chapter was, but that chapter as well
as the one fallowing this one is necessary for the plot. I hope you enjoy this chapter!

~*~**Chapter 6 - Winds of Change**~*~

A 30 or so miles away, Harry silently fallowed is (former?) nemeses, Draco Malfoy, through a
long, dark, underground tunnel. The only light that could be seen was that of the two wands.

"You had better have a good reason for hexing those two, Malfoy" Harry said after
they'd been walking for nearly an hour.

"I do. I needed you, and only you, to come with me and I knew you wouldn't if Lupin and
Granger had their say. So I made sure they didn't" Draco said over his shoulder.

Harry was silent for a moment, "Why, exactly did you want me, out of all people, to come
with you? And where are we going anyway?"

Draco stopped walking and sighed, Harry barely avoided a collision. Draco glanced around,
"Alright, sit down and I'll tell you the story." He said as he sat down at one side
of the tunnel, Harry took a seat directly across from him and waited.

Draco took a deep breath and began. "Alright, as you know, a few months ago my father was
sent to Azkaban. Well, I went to Diagon Ally one day, a few weeks after the end of term. There was
an attack, well two actually. One on Diagon Ally and another in Muggle London, they happened
simultaneously though. Anyway, I know I've never been the nicest guy at school, but when I saw
a Death Eater about to attack a little five-year old girl, I couldn't just stand aside and let
it happen. So I hurried forward and took the little girls curse onto myself. It turned out to be
the Cruciatus curse that was meant for that little girl."

Draco glanced up at Harry, from the glow of the wands, he could tell that the other boy was
listening carefully and that he had just gained a bit more respect. He sighed and continued,
"When the Death Eater realized that he missed his intended target, he released the curse. I
looked up to see if I could recognize who was behind that black mask." Draco swallowed and
looked up to Harry again. He kept eye contact as he spoke again, when I looked into the eyes of the
man standing above me, what I say scared and angered me. Harry, when I looked up I saw the eyes of
my father staring back at me. They were full of hate, the look in his eyes wasn't unlike that
of Professor Snape when he looks at you. My father has been out of Azkaban for over a month and a
half now. He told me, by accident about the plans for the attack on Hogwarts today."

"I considered the information he, unknowingly, gave to me. I knew I had two choices, I
could join in, or I could try and stop what was going to happen. After I thought about that little
girl in Diagon Ally and how my father attacked her, simply because her *parents* were loyal to
Dumbledore, I knew I could never be like my father. Then father let it slip what he and Belletrix
were going after, a prophecy, correct?" Harry nodded hesitantly. "Don't worry,
I'm not going to ask you to tell me. Anyway, I'm taking you to a secure location where I
can tell you all I know about the future plans. Oh, by the way, when we get back to Hogwarts, you
have to somehow get the Weasley's away from the Burrow. That's one of the next targets.
Father believes it may be the Headquarters for you're little organization." He noticed
that Harry visibly paled at that. He sighed "Come on, we've got to keep moving."

~*~

Harry couldn't help but frown to himself as he fallowed Draco down the tunnel. Everything
he'd just been told was a surprise to say the least. Draco Malfoy was one person most of
Gryffindor thought would be one of the new Death Eaters, yet he was betraying his family.

At first Harry thought that it was a trap, but after listening to Draco's story, he realized
that Draco wasn't faking the emotions that slipped into his words. "Draco?" Harry
said hesitantly.

Draco glanced over his shoulder and smirked, "Let me guess, you want to know if I'm
leading you into a trap?" At Harry's surprised look, he stopped walking and pushed both
sleeves up to his elbows. "I'm clean, Harry." he said as he turned and continued down
the tunnel.

Harry smiled weakly, "Sorry if I seemed a bit rude there, I just can never be too
sure."

The other boy just nodded, "We're almost at the end of the tunnel, just a bit more to
go."

When they two finally reached the end of the tunnel, Harry thought momentarily of the Shrieking
Shack. Both buildings were in similar states of disrepair. Draco glanced around as he settled into
a chair that was at a table. Harry silently sat across from him.

Harry noticed that Draco looked a bit uncomfortable. He opened his mouth to say something, Harry
knew better than to rush what ever it was, so he waited patiently. "I-I was wondering,"
Draco started, "if you would be willing to talk to Dumbledore on my behalf. I know I'm not
his, or your, favorite person, but I'm severing all ties to my family here."

Harry studied the other boy for a moment, "Of course, Draco. It takes a lot of strength to
do what you are doing. I'm sure Dumbledore will understand and help you. He's always been
one to give second chances."

Draco nodded and sighed, "You know, if I *do* tell you all of this, I'll be just
as much of a traitor as your friend Wormtail."

Harry growled at the mentioned of his father's old school friend. "Not exactly, Draco.
See, when Peter changed sides, he did it through lies and deceit. And he did it for all the wrong
reasons. Peter wanted power, he was selfish in his choices and because of him many people that he
claimed to care for, for eleven years, died. He thought of no one but himself."

"You, on the other hand," Harry said, "You saw something that you truly believed
was wrong. You thought it wrong even before you knew who was on the other end of that wand. When
you saw that little girl in Diagon Alley, you put aside your own well being to help her. There may
also be personal benefits that are persuasive, but you see the changes that need to be made and
seem willing to do what needs to be done to make the changes. No, Draco, You are nothing like Peter
Pettigrew."

Draco smiled slightly and sighed, "Since we're being sentimental here, I'd like to
say I'm sorry for what happened to Black. He was my second cousin, but I didn't really know
him. He was your godfather, correct?"

Harry nodded, "I met him during our third year, he was at there right during the whole mess
of the Triwizards Tournament, I spent most of summer and also Christmas holidays with him last
term. He was completely rotten, even though it took a while for the dull look of Azkaban to fade,
he always had this mischievous glint. You should have seen some of the pranks he'd play on
Remus, Professor Snape, and Molly Weasley. They were mostly quite childish, but what really made
them funny were Sirius's expressions when they succeeded. I remember a few times though, when
Remus would return the favor just as easily."

"Wait a minute, you mean to tell me that our stern Professor Lupin, was pranking Sirius
Black?" Draco laughed.

"Oh, of course. Remus was the voice of reason for the Marauders, but that doesn't mean
he was completely innocent." Harry said with a smile. "I remember one time, last summer,
when Sirius decided to play a rather cruel trick on Mrs. Weasley. He decided to turn her hair
bubble gum pink. I don't know if you know Tonks, but Mrs. Weasley looked like her older sister,
she was furious. Anyway, Remus found that trick disturbing, being directed at whom it was. So our
dear Professor thought pay back was in order. I'm assuming from your comment on the train last
September, you know about what Sirius was?"

Draco nodded, "He was an animagus, a dog right?"

Harry smiled, "Well, Remus, being as clever as he is, did two separate charms. One trapped
Sirius in his animagus form for a full 24 hours, the second turned Sirius's hair the same
bubble gum pink that Sirius had used on Mrs. Weasley. Now the trapping charm wore off in a day, so
the scruffy pink dog turned back into Sirius. The coloring charm, however, stayed for a full two
weeks. Remus was a lot stronger in charms than Sirius, so Sirius couldn't counter the charms,
so whether he was in animagus or human form he had pink hair. Tonks teased him for that one for
forever."

By the end of the story both boys were laughing, neither paid much attention to the fact that
the most unlikely of friendships had just begun to patch up old wounds.

-->



7. Chapter 7 - Condolences
--------------------------



**Author's Note**: I'm sorry it took so long to get this up. This is another chapter
that has nothing directly to do with Harry, but this chapter will make more sense later on.
Enjoy!

**Chapter 7 - Condolences**

Several hours later, back at Hogwarts, Hermione jerked awake. She glanced around her and
frowned, trying to remember where she was. Then she remembered she was no longer at 12 Grimmauld
Place, she was in the Hospital Wing at the school. She sighed as her eyes reajusted to the
darkness.

Hermione froze as she heard a rustling sound. She reached for, and found her wand on the side
table next to her bed. "*Lumos*" she muttered. She slowly climbed out of bed and
walked silently towards the sound. It didn't take her long to find the source of the sounds
either, sighing in relief she muttered, "*Nox*" to extingush her wand lite.

"How are you feeling Remus?" She asked as she approached the bed of her former
teacher, who was also awake.

Remus looked over at her with a look that clearly said he didn't realize she had approached.
"Oh, fine. I bit sore, but as you know, I've been worse." he said with a wry smile.
"And how are you doing, Hermione?"

Hermione sighed, "Worried."

Remus nodded in agreement, "I suppose that would be why you aren't still
asleep?"

Hermione smiled, "Yeah, I suppose so...I can't help but wonder what would have happened
if I would have not been so stubborn..."

Remus shook his head and said, "I don't think it would have been any different,
Hermione. Who ever wanted Harry, would have still hexed us inorder to get Harry alone."

"Do you think that is why they hexed us? Because they didn't want us to listen to what
they wanted to say?"

"That is as possible as anything else at this time." Remus said grimly.

Hermione flopped down on a chair that was next to Remus's bed and sighed heavily. "Is
there *anything* we can do?"

"I don't know, Hermione. I don't see how anything we do can help, especially if it
was a Death Eater who took Harry. Not that we know for sure it was a Death Eater," he added at
Hermione's stricken look. "And don't think you're the only one feeling guilty at
the moment," he said quietly.

Hermione frowned, "You don't feel guilty, do you, Remus?"

"I do," Remus said. "Sirius and I were talking about a week before he--before he
died, and he made me promise that if anything should happen to him, I would do everything in my
power to take care of Harry," he paused and looked at Hermione, "and I was too busy
taking care of old grudges, to pay attention to him. If it weren't for you, Harry probably
would have lost the last real tie he has to his parents. And you know, Harry never knew his
parents, but he loves Lily and James all the same, he only had his godfather for just a little over
two years before he lost him, and he loves Sirius all the same. Now I'm the only one left, and
I think Harry sees me more as his teacher than anything else. I feel failing Lily, James, and
Sirius is inevitable."

Hermione shook her head, "No, Remus, Harry knows you care about him as much as Sirius did.
Harry would have been just as devistated if he would have lost you today as he was when he lost
Sirius last June. You have been more of a confidant to him these past few months than Ron and I
could ever hope to be. You both suffered and that brought you two closer. I honestly think that,
Harry loves you, and the only way that you can *truly* fail him is to give up on
him."

Remus studied her for a moment then chuckled softly. "You are certianly the brightest witch
of your age, Hermione. And as I'm slowly beginning to realize you're intelligance spands
far beyond your studies." He said shaking his head. "Yes, you're probably right
though." He smiled as Hermione tried to stifle a yawn, "We can't do any thing for
Harry right now, expecially not in our conditions, so why don't you go get some
sleep."

Hermione started to protest but was interupted by another yawn. She sighed and nodded,
"Alright, Good night, Remus" She said as she retreated back towards her bed.

"Good night, Hermione" Remus whispered as he let his gaze drift back to the window and
to the waxing moon.

-->



8. Chapter 8 - O'ya woling woling we tayil
------------------------------------------



**Author's Note:** **I hope this chapter is enjoyable. The title phrase, which is used
later in the chapter, I got from and episode of Stargate SG1, if you want to know more about it let
me know**

**~*~Chapter 8 - O'ya woling woling we tayil~*~**

"Honestly, Ron, he's been gone for *two* days now!" Hermione sighed, rolling
her eyes at her often-clueless friend.

"I know that, Hermione, all I'm saying is that if it were You-know-who that took Harry,
we would know by now." Ron argued.

Hermione was about to retort when a familiar voice interrupted her, "You two never stop, do
you?"

"Harry!" Hermione smiled as she leapt from the Infirmary bed that she had been
occupying, "Where have you been?"

"I-um-had some things to take care of," he said.

"Are you telling me that it was *you* who hexed Remus and I?" Hermione asked.

Harry's eyes widened and he held up his hands, "No! No, Hermione, you know I would
never do something like that!"

Hermione took a few menacing steps towards him, "Then you saw who did it, and still
fallowed them?"

Harry swallowed and took several involuntary steps backwards. He never understood why he was
afraid of Hermione, but he was. Especially when she was like this. "Y-Yes."

"Who was it, Harry?" She asked without missing a beat.

Harry pulled himself together and squared his shoulders, "Now, Hermione, I don't think
it's a good idea for me to be telling anyone until I get the chance to talk to Professor
Dumbledore."

Hermione arched an eyebrow, "Oh really? I don't believe that for a moment. The only
thing I know of that you hid from Ron and myself is that bloody prophecy. Now, whom could you
possibly be covering for?"

Harry sighed and shook his head, "Hermione, I'm sorry, but I really need to talk to
Dumbledore before I say anything to anyone else. No offense but especially you and Ron."

Ron stood up at this and narrowed his eyes, "What do you mean especially Hermione and
Me?"

Harry rubbed the bridge of his nose behind his glasses then looked back and forth between Ron
and Hermione, "During the two days I was gone, a lot was said between myself and the other
person. And I think that it is important that the information gets to Dumbledore before it reaches
anyone else's ears. The other person is already talking to Dumbledore right now, as soon as I
am able to do so, I'll tell the two of you."

Hermione pursed her lips and returned to her bed. "I believe Remus will want to speak with
you," she said without looking at him. Ron shook his head and sat back down next to
Hermione.

Harry sighed and made his way across the infirmary to where his former professor occupied
another bed.

~*~

Remus had stacks of papers and books spread across his bed and the table next to it. His
attention was clearly on the large stack of parchment on his lap and the quill in his hand, he
hardly noticed Harry's presence. "Are you feeling better, Remus?" Harry asked.

Remus's eyebrows flew up as he raised his head to face Harry. After being missing for two
days, Remus hardly expected to see him standing next to his bed, a bit dirty and tired, but all
right nonetheless. "Harry! Where on Earth have you been?"

Harry sighed and sat down next to Remus's bed, he glanced over his shoulder to be sure that
Ron and Hermione where to busy in their own conversation to overhear anything, "With the
person who, unfortunately, hexed Hermione and yourself."

If Remus was at all surprised he hid it very well, "And I suppose that is what
Hermione's so irritated by at the moment?" He asked glancing over Harry's
shoulder.

Harry nodded solemnly, "It was Malfoy, if I tell Hermione and Ron that, they'll both go
after him. And I don't think that is a good idea."

Remus watched Harry closely, "And why is that?"

Harry bit on his lower lip then let out a sigh, "Draco gave me a lot of information on the
plans Voldemort and the Death Eaters have for the near future. He said the only reason he hexed you
and 'Mione was because he wanted to only talk to me, and he knew that to take me out of battle
would be the easiest way, and also that if you or Hermione had seen him, you would have either
hexed him or talked me out of going. Remus, he told me things that are planned to happen anywhere
from next week to three months from now. I seriously believe that he's on our side."

A slight crease appeared between Remus's brows, "I don't know, Harry. Draco Malfoy
is much like his father in too many ways, I don't see how someone could change their strips in
such a short period of time."

"If you would have heard some of the things he said, and how he said them, I think
you'd see what I'm talking about. I mean, lets face it, Draco Malfoy isn't much of an
actor." Harry said.

Remus sighed and started to speak, but movement behind Harry made him pause. Harry looked behind
him and saw Dumbledore watching him; "I wish to have a word with you Harry, in my
office?"

Harry nodded and stood. After saying a quick goodbye to Remus, Hermione, and Ron, he fallowed
Dumbledore from the Infirmary and towards his office. "Mr. Malfoy has told me quite an
interesting story about your where-abouts the past two days," Dumbledore said lightly.

Harry remained silent as he waited for whatever was coming next. Dumbledore, however, simply
gave the password to the gargoyle and led the way up to his office. Harry was slightly surprised to
see Draco sitting in one of the chairs, but passed it off and lowered himself into another chair as
Dumbledore settled behind his desk.

"I have already sent word for the Weasley's to come to Hogwarts, I did not send details
in chance of the letter being intercepted. I simply requested their presence at Hogwarts. I
won't tell them anymore unless the two of you believe it a good idea to do so."

"Sir, I don't know if that *would* be such a good idea. As of right now, neither
my father nor my mum know where I'm located. If we were to let people know, then it would only
be a matter of time before they come after me. It's no secret that I'm no longer on my
father's side, but at this point in time, they don't think I'd tell the plans that
I've over heard. If they learn that I *have* told, they'll simply change the plans. I
think we are much better prepared if no one knew from whom the information came." Draco
said.

Dumbledore smiled and nodded, "Very well, Mister Malfoy. As for you Harry, I understand you
have said something of this manner to Remus, and I do not doubt Remus's capability of secret
keeping. I do, however, discourage you from sharing this information with Mister Weasley or Miss
Granger unless it is absolutely mandatory that you do so."

"Yes, sir." Harry said.

"Very good. Now you two may be on your way."

~*~

A few hours later Hermione and Ron found Harry and, none other than Draco Malfoy, sitting
beneath one of the trees on the grounds. They seemed to be talking and getting on all right, but
something didn't sit right with Hermione. She frowned slightly at the guilty look Draco gave
her as she and Ron approached.

"Bloody hell, Harry. What are you doing?" Ron asked.

"Well, it looks like I am having a conversation, Ron." Harry said, mildly.

"With *Malfoy*?" Ron said.

"It would seem that way," Harry shrugged.

Hermione watched the two for a moment, the two were carrying on much like Harry and Ron usually
did. "Why?" she asked, without need to explain herself further.

Draco rose to his feet. "O'ya woling woling we tayil" he said with a slight smile
before turning and making his way back into the castle.

Hermione's frowned deepened as she went over the familiar phrase he had used. It wasn't
Latin. "O'ya woling woling we tayil" she muttered to herself. Harry and Ron watched,
confused, as realization passed across her face as well as astonishment.

"What'd he say, Hermione?" Ron asked.

"O'ya woling woling we tayil," Hermione said again as she looked between the two,
"It's Mayan for 'The enemy of my enemy is my friend'." She looked at Harry,
who simply nodded. She shook her head slightly again and sat down. "Well, I can't say
*that* was expected."

"What the bloody hell is going on?" Ron said, more confused then ever.

"Oh, honestly, Ron!" Hermione said. "Think about it, 'The ENEMY of *MY*
ENEMY is my friend."

Ron frowned then his eyes widened in realization. He sunk to the ground next to Hermione.
"Bloody hell," was all he managed to say.

-->



9. Chapter 9 - Burying the Hatchet
----------------------------------



**~*~ Chapter 9 - Burying the Hatchet~*~**

Just under a week later Harry, Ron, Hermione, and much to Remus and Ron's dismay Draco,
found themselves back at 12 Grimmauld Place. Draco spent much of the first day adjusting to the new
living quarters, while Ron spent most the day complaining about the new guest, but as the House now
belonged to Harry, there was little Remus or Ron could do about the situation. Hermione wasn't
overly thrilled about it, but as she had said many times before, if they couldn't trust
Dumbledore's decisions, who could they trust?

"Oh, come on Ron," Hermione sighed. "No matter how much you complain, things
*aren't* going to change."

"You mean you agree with it?" Ron asked.

"It isn't my decision to make, Ron. Dumbledore seems to thing it's safer to have
him here," She said. "And yes, if Malfoy really has begun to help this side, then I do
believe it is safer for him to be unlocatable."

"But it's *Malfoy*!" Ron said shaking his head. "He wouldn't change
sides! He loathes everything that this side is fighting for."

"If you're going to insult me, Weasley, at least get your facts straight," came a
drawling voice from the doorway.

"Oh, are you actually saying you haven't been hateful everyone and everything we're
fighting for? Are you trying to tell me that every insult, every crude word, and every violent
thing you've done, was done because you *support* our side? Or are you simply saying that
you've got some twin out there that's been doing all those things and that you're
completely innocent?" Ron hissed.

Draco narrowed his eyes and stood from his leaning position, "No, Weasley, I'd never
deny the obvious things I've done. But I do have to say that I've learnt my lesson. And
furthermore I do not need to explain myself to you."

Ron walked a few paces towards Draco to the point where there was only a few feet in between
them, "You may have Dumbledore and Harry convinced, but I don't trust you. You've done
nothing but try to destroy everything we're working to protect, I don't believe, for one
second, that you happened to have a change of heart. You may have them fooled, but I'm watching
you. Make one wrong move, I dare you."

"That's enough, Ron." Ron turned to see his best friend glaring at him. Harry
narrowed his eyes, "You really don't trust me, do you?"

"What are you talking about? Of course I trust you!"

"No, you don't. Otherwise you would trust my decisions, including this one."

"Harry, I trust you. Its him I have problems trusting."

"I trust him, Dumbledore trusts him, shouldn't that be enough?"

"No, it's not. I'm sorry if I can't forgive and forget as easily as you. But
that doesn't mean I don't trust you."

Harry shook his head, "Neither of you trust me. Not that I blame you, not after last
June."

Hermione finally spoke up, "Harry you know that's not true. If we didn't trust you,
we never would have fallowed you to the Department of Mysteries. The same goes with Ginny, Neville,
and Luna."

"If you hadn't fallowed me there, if I had listened in the first place, none of you
would have been hurt and my godfather would still be alive!" Harry said.

It was just Harry's luck that Remus had overheard the whole conversation, "I thought
you were dealing with this, Harry?"

Harry looked up, "I am, but it doesn't make it any less true."

Remus frowned and exchanged glances with Hermione, "Do you really think that things would
have been any different?"

"Yes, if I had listened, yes."

"Have you ever heard of a thing called Fate?" Remus inquired.

"Of course hasn't everyone?"

"Then you know, that things *couldn't* have gone any other way. You were destined
to go to the Ministry of Magic, and for some reason Sirius was destined to fallow you to his death.
Things happen they way Fate decides they should, not how we thing we should go."

Harry sighed and nodded, "I know, but it doesn't make it any easier."

"Listen, Potter, Sirius's death may be on your conscious, but you've got to realize
there *will* be more deaths before all is said and done, and you can't carry each and
every death that was directly or indirectly caused by you. It'll drive you mad. And everyone
who dies fighting, at least they're dieing for something they believe in." Draco said.

"For once, I've got to agree with Malfoy, mate," Ron said. "Even Sirius died
in a fight. And if you think about it, if Sirius had been able to choose how he'd die, he would
have wanted to go in battle for something he believed in."

Harry started to snap at Ron about how Sirius didn't want to die for a long time but Remus
cut him off, "Come on, Harry, the only people who get to choose the place, time, and manner of
their deaths are the ones who take it themselves, and we should be glad Sirius didn't do
that."

Harry nodded again, "Look, I know that there is little I can do now, but really must you go
on like you have been? Is it that hard to trust Dumbledore and me without us explaining every
little detail?"

Remus and Ron exchanged looks and sighed, "Harry, like I said before, it's not that we
don't trust you, mate. Its just that it's kind of hard to forget everything that he's
done for the last five years," Ron said. "But if you are certain that you can trust him,
I won't question it anymore."

"And I'll *try* not to provoke. I won't apologize, at least not yet, but
I'll try to hold my temper and my tongue." Draco said.

"And I'll keep the both of them in line," Hermione grinned causing everyone to
laugh.

The four teens went up to the room the three boys where sharing to try to settle old
differences, if they had to spend the summer together that was something that had to be done and
soon, and Remus retreated to the kitchen with more than enough on his mind.

"Malfoy, how did you know that phrase anyway?" Hermione asked

"O'ya woling woling we tayil?" Draco frowned, she nodded. "I've studied
almost every western language there is, spoken or dead. How did you know it?"

Hermione blushed slightly, "A-uh-muggle television show."

Harry glanced back at her, "Which one?"

"It's a cable series, Stargate SG1. My dad got me into it, and I've got every
episode I've scene practically memorized." Harry chuckled, "What?!" she
asked.

"Nothing," he said. "I just never expected you to be into that type of show is
all. I figured you would stick to The Learning Channel or the History Channel."

Ron and Draco snickered and Hermione gave all three boys a sharp glare. "Ron when is the
rest of your family coming?"

"Tomorrow evening, why?"

"Because I'm wondering how long I have to wait for some one *sane* to talk
to," she said.

"Ouch, that hurts," Draco smirked. Hermione glared again and threw one of the pillows
across the room, hitting him in the face. "Oh, you want to play like that, do you?" he
said as he threw two pillows back at her. Before they realized it they were in one massive pillow
fight. Remus had come upstairs to see what the racket was and peeked through the door. He smiled
and closed it quietly so not to alert any of them. The fight went on into the late evening when all
four of them collapsed on one of the beds and promptly fell asleep where they had fallen, none
awoke before nine the next morning.

-->



10. Chapter 10 - Unanswered Questions
-------------------------------------



**~*~Chapter 10 - Unanswered Questions~*~**

Hermione stretched as she woke up. She glanced around her, trying to remember where she was.
Frowning slightly, she realized she was in the boys' room, and that all four of them seemed to
have fallen asleep on the same bed. She shook her head and silently slipped off the bed and out of
the room.

As she returned to her own room to get ready for the day, she thought over the events of the
night before. It all started with Ron being his usual prat, he didn't really think that
Dumbledore and Harry would do something that could put the whole Order in jeopardy, did he? Sure
Harry had done quite a few foolish things, and Dumbledore can be confusing, but neither of them
would to anything to intentionally put everyone in danger.

Then there was Malfoy. What *had* he told Dumbledore and Harry? As much as she disliked it,
Hermione had to admit that Ron had a point. What could have happened to Draco for him to have a
change of heart all of a sudden? Harry had always trusted Remus's opinion, what was different
this time? What the hell went on during the time that Harry was missing?

Hermione shook her head and started towards the bathroom before some one else took it over.
There were just too many questions. Too many questions that would take too long to answer.

~*~

A few hours later, Harry, Ron, and Draco, dressed and walked down to the kitchen for breakfast.
As Ron and Draco took their seats at the table, across from Hermione, Harry started around the
kitchen for breakfast. "Is Remus not up yet?" he asked.

"He said he had some Order business to take care of," Hermione said. "He said
he'd be back before the Weasley's arrive."

Harry nodded and continued about making breakfast. He frowned slightly wondering what Remus was
up to, of course he'd never know for sure. Sighing, he opened the refrigerator and pulled out a
carton of eggs. Why didn't Dumbledore let him in on what was going on? Now that Harry had heard
the prophecy, he knew that whatever the Order was doing was going to both directly and indirectly
affect him. So why didn't they think he was capable? He shook his head clear as he finished the
eggs and put a few slices of bread in the toaster.

Setting the table settings for each person, his mind wondered again. What was Voldemort
planning? Why attack the Weasley's? They knew that Kreature didn't belong to the Weasleys,
and that Kreature worked at Order Headquarters, so why attack the Weasley's? Was it a bluff?
Harry couldn't help but wonder if Draco was actually telling the truth. There was too much
coincidence, and Harry didn't believe in coincidences.

He shook his head again as he placed the toast, eggs, and pumpkin juice on the table and took
his seat. Only then did he notice Draco watching him in amusement, "What's so
funny?"

"We've all been trying to talk to you, and you've just been carrying on in your own
little world, cooking away," Draco smirked.

Harry raised his eyebrows as he poured a glass of pumpkin juice, "I didn't hear
anything."

Ron snickered, "Doesn't surprise me. The way you were muttering to yourself, it's a
surprise you didn't burn breakfast."

Hermione was watching Harry, "What were you thinking about anyway?"

Harry frowned and put a bit of food on his plate. "The prophecy, the Order, some of the
things Dumbledore and Malfoy told me," he said avoiding everyone's' eyes. "I
don't know, something's just not adding up."

Draco and Ron exchanged confused looks but Hermione nodded in agreement. "I've been
thinking about that too. There are just too many unanswered questions."

Harry nodded, "I mean after hearing the prophecy, I know that everything that the Order is
doing and has been doing, is going to directly or indirectly effect me, so what do I do? I'm
not old enough to be a member, so I'm not old enough to know what's going on. Then
there's the fact that Voldemort planned the attack on the school. You know as well as I do,
it's far from over."

Hermione sighed, "I know, it doesn't make any sense to me either."

Harry glanced at Draco, "Another thing that's got me confused, is why they would plan
an attack on.... well on who they told me they were planning on attacking, when Voldemort
*knows* that Headquarters isn't located there."

Draco nodded with a frown. "Harry, I first had my doubts, but I really think we should tell
Weasley and Granger. I think they need to know."

"I agree, I just wasn't sure if you were comfortable with that."

"I am, a bit, but they need to know."

"It's your story, so be my guest," Harry said.

Draco sighed then turned to face Ron and Hermione. "Alright, one of the last days that I
was at home, I found out that my father and the other Death Eaters that had been put in Azkaban in
June had escaped. I couldn't sleep one night so I decided to stroll around the Manor. And--well
I over heard some of the planning." Ron and Hermione wore similar frowns but nodded.
"Well, they seemed to think that the Order of the Phoenix Headquarters was located at the
Burrow." Ron's eyes opened in horror. "They were planning on an attack before term
started back up. That's why Dumbledore sent for them to come here tonight."

"And that doesn't make sense," Harry added. "Because remember when I told you
about everything that had happened that enabled Voldemort to lure me into the Ministry of Magic?
Kreature told the Malfoy's what they needed to know. And Lucius *knows* that Kreature
doesn't belong to the Weasleys, and he also knows that Kreature lives at the Headquarters. So
why they think that the Burrow is Headquarters is beyond me."

"So, you think it's a bluff, or what?" Hermione asked.

"We don't know, Hermione. That's probably what Remus is up to." Harry
said.

They all finished the rest of their breakfast and cleaned up in silence. Each of them were
trying to figure out what was going on, and what could happen next.

-->



11. Chapter 11 - The Unheard Of
-------------------------------



**~*~ The Unheard Of~*~**

Several hours later the four teens where seated around the kitchen table playing a muggle card
game when there was a sudden shriek from the doorway and Harry and Hermione where pulled into a
firm embrace. Harry tilted his head to find who was near choking Hermione and himself, when he did
he saw the relief on the face of Molly Weasley.

Hermione and Harry gently untangled themselves from the woman and smiled. "We're
alright Mrs. Weasley," Hermione said.

Mrs. Weasley glanced at Harry, "And just *what* did you think you were doing
disappearing like that?! Even Sirius would have said that was foolish!"

Harry lowered his head slightly, "I know Mrs. Weasley. I'm really sorry I frightened
everyone. But I was with an ally."

"So *that's* what he's doing here," came the familiar voice of Ginny
Weasley, youngest and only girl of the Weasley Clan.

Harry nodded and sighed at Mrs. Weasley's apprehension. "Look, if he was a danger to us
would Dumbledore have ok'd him to be here?" He asked impatiently.

"No, no of course not," Mrs. Weasley said, lips pursed and unconvinced.

Harry rolled his eyes and clenched his jaw. "With all due respect Mrs. Weasley, Draco has
given us a lot if information on the plans of the Death Eaters. And to be perfectly honest,
it's thanks to him that you and your family are safe right now. The Death Eaters were planning
an attack on the Burrow within the next few weeks. Thanks to him, you won't be there if it does
happen."

Mrs. Weasley glanced at Draco and shook her head, "What does Remus say about
this?"

"It doesn't matter what Remus thinks about it," Hermione said. "It was
Professor Dumbledore's decision and it's Harry's house. Harry has welcomed Remus here
because Remus is family. Mrs. Weasley, honestly, if we can't trust Dumbledore's decisions,
whose can we trust?"

Molly let out a sigh, "I suppose your right. Albus wouldn't endanger the Order or you
kids in anyway." She frowned slightly then glanced around the kitchen. Ginny and Ron were
talking away with Draco, and Harry and Hermione were watching her. "Well, lunch any
one?"

"Harry made us breakfast only a few hours ago," Draco spoke up.

Molly arched an eyebrow and chuckled when Harry blushed and muttered something about "used
to it" and "Dursleys". She saw Ron elbow Draco in the side and heard, "Shhh,
she wants to cook let her cook!"

"Are you really hungry *again* Ron?" Hermione asked in disbelief.

"Oh come on dear, you know as well as I do that Ron is *always* hungry," Mrs.
Weasley mused.

Ron turned red and went back to his conversation, most likely about Quidditch. Harry and
Hermione went about helping Molly with lunch. The two exchanged glances and Hermione spoke up
tentively, "Mrs. Weasley? Can we get your opinion about something?"

"Well of course, dear," Molly said.

Harry sighed and started, "You know how I told you that the Death Eaters were planning an
attack on the Burrow?" Molly nodded and he continued, "Well, according to Draco
they're reasoning is because they think that the Order Headquarters is at the Burrow."

Hermione stepped in, "Now what doesn't make sense to us, is the fact that back in June,
Kreature told the Malfoys the stuff Voldemort needed to know to draw Harry to the Ministry. But the
Malfoys know that Kreature doesn't belong to you; I mean Narcissa was a Black, so you'd
think she'd recognize her old house elf, right? So why would they plan an attack on the Burrow,
when it's obvious Kreature lives at Headquarters, and that Kreature doesn't live at the
Burrow?"

Mrs. Weasley paused for a moment with her back to the two teens, all too aware at how quiet the
kitchen had become. She hurriedly finished preparing the meal and set the table, giving herself
time to think. After Harry, Hermione, and herself took their seats around the table she sighed.
"I'm not sure how much is wise to tell you," she smiled at the affronted looks on the
faces of all five teens, "however, I'll tell you what I can."

She took a deep breath and exhaled slowly before beginning. "As you know the Malfoys and
the Weasleys have had an on going feud between the two families. What you may not know, however, is
that the animosity between the Malfoys and the Weasleys is nothing compared to the animosity that
was shared between the Potters and the Malfoys." Two red heads and a bushy brown head glanced
between Harry and Draco.

Molly smiled slightly, "Yes, James Potter's father, Matthew, Harry's grandfather
and Draco's grandfather were the closest thing to enemies as you could find. Their animosity
was past onto James and Lucius. James fallowed his families' tradition of being a Gryffindor
and of being a strong supporter in light, while Lucius fallowed his families tradition of being a
Slytherin and being an advocate of dark and of power."

"Anyway, Matthew Potter was always good friends with Thomas Weasley and Michael Prewitt,
other Gryffindors and obviously Ron and Ginny's grandfathers. Arthur and I were in our fifth
year when Lucius was in his fourth and Lily, and the future Marauders had just started their first
year. Being family friends, Arthur and I got on quite well with James. By his second year, I would
barely go near the boy, I agreed with Lily at that point in time, he was egotistical."

"I remember it was about that time, Arthur and I had begun dating, when Lucius approached
us in the Library, asking if we were ready to end the Potter line. Imagine my shock when I was
asked to end the life of a friend whose family friendship went as far back as any. Arthur and I
declined of course. From what I heard, Lucius Sr. had been talking to our fathers at the same time.
That was the great divider between the Weasleys and the Malfoys."

Molly frowned and shook her head. "I hadn't minded Lucius up until that point. It was
that time, also, that rumors of a dark power rising. And it became more and more obvious that
Lucius and his friends where getting mixed up in it. I think that Lucius Sr. was more disappointed
to have lost the Weasley and Prewitt allies that the fact that he wouldn't be able to run out
the Potters. That's when he turned to the Black family, Lucius Jr. and his closest friend
Rupert LeStrange, were more than happy to hear that, they had been courting Belletrix and Narcissa
for some time."

"That's also when Sirius was most expected to join the dark ranks and make the
'noble Blacks' proud. He, obviously, disagreed with them and in the end was disowned."
Molly shook her head and got back to the story, "Anyway, several years later, when we had all
graduated from Hogwarts, the Dark power that had been just a rumor had come out fully. Lord
Voldemort's first regime. It was then when everyone began to suspect everyone else. The Order
members were the only ones we trusted. At that time, Arthur and I had married and were living at
the Burrow, and we played host to several Order members on several occasions.

"One such occasion, I received an owl with no return name. I found it odd, and a bit
suspicious. Alastor Moody happened to be settled at our home at the present time and offered to
take a look at it. I declined for some strange reason. I opened the letter and it was from none
other than Lucius Malfoy Jr. He was requesting that I come to the 'other side'. I was
simply shocked. Obviously, I declined rather hastily. But we later found out that there were
several future Death Eaters outside that night, who witnessed who was in our home. That's when
the Burrow first came under the suspicion of being the Headquarters."

"As you said, they have reason to believe other wise this time around, but with us being as
close to Harry as we are, it must make sense to them to eliminate all possible hide outs for
him," Molly sighed. "Like I said, I'm not sure how much to tell you because I'm
not sure my self."

Everyone was quiet and a bit solemn, that is everyone except one red head, and “So basically,
Harry and Draco have accomplished what their families deemed impossible?" Ginny asked.

Molly shrugged, "Well, I suppose so."

"Well, then that is one thing different that we have on our side isn't it?" Ginny
beamed. "Like Hermione said last year, we are only as strong as our weakest link. If we have a
Potter and a Malfoy, as friends, something that is supposed to be unheard of, that says something
about the light doesn't it?"

Hermione gave a weak smile, "She is right, you know. I overheard a conversation between
Remus and Peter during the battle. I heard them talking about 'love'. Peter was cutting
down how powerful love really is. But as Remus said then, love is *the* most powerful force in
this world. I mean if we couldn't love, we'd be as bad off as Voldemort, but we're not.
We're all here. We're all safe. And it's because we all *love*."

There was a silent but strong breeze that wrapped tightly around Harry like a hug before
disappearing. His eyes widened then a smile settled on his face. Everyone else looked at him
curiously, but he simply said, "Even those who are gone, give their love."

Hermione smiled, but the others still looked a bit confused. She leaned over to Harry and
whispered in his ear, "He's not gone Harry. He's here, that was him. He's here for
you."

Harry smiled and nodded. He then glanced around the table and chuckled, "So was all this
food made to go to waste, or are we going to eat?" Chatter picked up again, and Harry settled
back against his chair and exchanged another look with Hermione. She was right, he's here, and
he's not going anywhere anytime soon.

-->



12. Chapter 12 – Rithandir, Mathinia, and Herthanya
---------------------------------------------------



**Author's Note: Thanks to everyone who has reviewed, I always look forward to reading
them. This is a slightly farfetched chapter, I know, but I hope you enjoy it!**

**~*~Chapter 12 - Rithandir, Mathinia, and Herthanya~*~**

The fallowing week went by rather quickly. Remus had returned from whatever he was doing, a few
days before. There had been no further mention of the supposed attack at the Burrow, nor about
Draco's honor. Harry had actually caught Draco and Hermione in deep discussions about assigned
History of Magic essay on one occasion, and the every next day found Ron and Ginny in a heated
debate about Quidditch. He had even found Draco and Mrs. Weasley in the kitchen *baking* on at
least two different occasions.

Harry now found himself sitting silently in an upstairs room that had been converted into a
Library, at Hermione's request, in front of a low-burning fireplace. He heard a soft rap at the
closed door and glanced up from the dancing flames. "It's open," he said. He watched
as Draco entered and shut the door behind him and lowered himself into the chair next to
Harry's. "Hey, finished your homework?" Harry joked.

"Oh, shut it Potter," Draco chuckled.

Harry smiled and glanced back at the fire, "So what brings you to this part of the
house?"

Draco shifted slightly in his seat to where he was leaned over with his elbows rested on his
knees. "I've been thinking...about part of the conversation we had back at that
shack."

Harry arched an eyebrow, "Oh? Which part would that be?"

"The part about Black...about what happened in the Department of Mysteries," Draco
said.

Harry tensed and a small frown appeared on his face, "What about it?"

Draco chewed on his lip for a moment before responding. "You said that Black fell through
the archway and that Lupin and Dumbledore both told you it killed him, correct?" Harry's
expression darkened slightly as he nodded. "I've been thinking about some of the books
that I've read back at the manor. They were obviously Dark Arts books, but I remember the books
mentioned the archways several times."

Harry sighed and lowered his head, "What are you getting at Draco?"

Draco glanced over at the other boy to gauge his expression, "I'm not sure how sure to
explain this to you with out giving you false hope, which is the last thing we need right now. I
mean the book wasn't as thorough as I would have liked."

Harry took a deep breath, "Draco, either tell me whatever you're rambling on about or
please leave me be."

Draco shifted again so he could look Harry in the eyes as he spoke uncertainly. "There was
something in one of those old books about that arch," Draco sighed and seemed to be carefully
choosing his words. "Ok, Harry, I don't want you to completely go off the wall here, but I
don't think... I don't think Black is dead."

Harry's eyes widened and he looked quickly over at Draco, "What are you talking about?
Even Dumbledore said he was...gone."

Draco smirked slightly, "Luckily for you, the Headmaster, nor the ministry, knows all about
Dark Arts." He glanced around the room as he stood and walked over to one of the many
bookcases. "In fact, if you still have any of the original Black books, there should be a few
in here we can use."

Harry frowned as he processed the idea that his godfather could yet be alive. He watched as
Draco scanned the bookshelves for the books he needed, "I think the books that belonged to
Sirius's parents are on the shelf over there, Remus had to hide them in order to save
them."

Draco smirked again and arched an eyebrow, "Lupin hiding Dark Arts books?"

Harry shrugged, "He said they are actually really helpful, especially if Dumbledore decides
to bring him back as the DADA professor."

"Ah, I see." Draco said as he approached the bookshelf that Harry had directed him to.
He ran his index finger over the spines of the books before pulling three down. "I think these
are the ones I'm looking for," he said as he lowered himself back into the chair.
Frowning, he flipped through the pages of the first book, stopping about halfway through and began
to read the page. "Ah, here it is:

*The Arch of Rithandir has, up until most recently, been greatly misunderstood. Created by,
accident, by the wizard Rithandir in the early first century, was originally used as an
executioner's device. Up until the powerful Sorceress, Mathinia challenged the belief that the
Dark Arch killed the wrong doers. She stated that, in fact, the ones that had been executed, were
still* **very much alive,** *that the arch that had inadvertently been created, simply*
**preserved the persons body while the soul was free to do as it wished***. She said that the
soul of the lost remained among those they care for most, and that even the most powerful shield
and protection charms could hide the loved one's from the purity of a soul...*"

Draco scanned a bit further and continued reading aloud. "*It took several more
generations for Mathinia's theory of the Arch to be proved, but indeed it was. A young witch by
the name of Herthanya stumbled across the writings of Rithandir and Mathinia in the early 1600s.
She spent much of her years in her own research and finally walked through the arch to test her own
theory. Herthanya was gone for nearly a year before she managed to get herself out of the arch.
After her readjustment to being solid once more, she wrote about her discover while being separated
from her body. She stated that the reason she was gone for so long is because it took her a while
just to figure out how to get back to her body. Her writings, though unknown to most, told how a
spirit must find its way back through the arch to rejoin with its body, but it was difficult for
the spirit to remember where the arch can be found."*

Draco glanced up from the page and to Harry, whose face had lost all color. "H-he's
alive?" Harry asked, unsure of what he had just heard.

Draco shrugged, "According to this book, but there's no guarantee, Harry." Harry
made to stand as though he was ready to run to the Ministry of Magic to save his godfather. Draco
grabbed his wrist, "Harry, if we can verify this, I'll go with you but until then we stay
put."

Harry nodded. "Remus should be able to verify?" he asked, unable to hide the desperate
tones.

With a sigh, Draco shrugged again, "It's worth a shot isn't it?" He stood from
his chair again and placed the book down in his seat, page down. "I'll go get
him."

Harry simply nodded, still too stunned to speak properly. Is it possible that Sirius was alive?
But Dumbledore and Remus both told him that Sirius was gone...Harry sighed again and shook his
head. Within a few minutes Draco returned with Remus instep behind him. Without a word, Draco
showed Remus the proper page and where to read.

Harry held his breath as his former professor read the passage. He watched as the man paled and
fell back against the wall. An array of emotions played across his face, confusion, hope, and oddly
enough, hurt. Remus shook his head, "This...this cannot be right..."

A tapping at the door interrupted the thoughts of the three, they all knew who it was and
couldn't help but smile slightly. "You guys can come in, I'm sure you'll find this
interesting enough," Harry called. Two Weasleys and Hermione entered the room.

Hermione paused as she saw the paled faces of Harry and Remus, "What's wrong?"

Remus ran a hand through his graying hair and handed the book to Hermione. The three watched her
eyes widen as she read. When finished, she looked up between Draco, Harry, and Remus. "Do you
think we could help him?"

Ron and Ginny looked over her shoulder and quickly read the passage, both having similar
expressions as Hermione. Remus shrugged slightly, "It took Herthanya nearly a year to navigate
her way back through the arch, I don't know how we could *find* Sirius, let alone help
him."

Hermione gave a gentle smile, "He's here, Remus. You don't have to find him, he
found you."

He glanced up at her with a frown of confusion. After a moment his amber eyes widened, just
slightly, and met Harry's who nodded. Remus slid down the wall and sat on the floor, pulling
his knees to his chest. None of the teens had ever witnessed their friend so weak. Harry sat down
next to Remus and put a reassuring arm over his shoulder, the others took their seats around the
room.

Harry glanced up at his friends and was surprised to see a mischievous look on each face. He
knew that they were each brewing up their own plan on how they could make this work. Even Hermione,
the voice of reason, had a glowing look to her, the one that said she knew something no one else
knew. Draco was about to start explaining his plan when they heard Mrs. Weasley calling them down
for dinner.

"Back here after dinner?" Ginny suggested, and everyone agreed. Including Remus, which
surprised everyone. He just smiled, "I was one of the Marauders, you know."

-->



13. Chapter 13 - The Combining
------------------------------



**~*~Chapter 13 - The Combining~*~**

"We could just wait until Mrs. Weasley went on her next Order assignment," Draco
suggested a few hours later.

Remus shook his head, "No, she and I are on 'watch'." A faint crease appeared
between his brows as his mind began to focus on the '*how'.*

Harry glanced around the room and noticed similar looks of concentration on all the faces. No,
all but one of the faces. Hermione was sitting back in her chair with a smug smirk on her face and
the same glowing look she had on earlier. He frowned and watched her for a moment; he could almost
see the gears turning in her head as she perfected the plan that was brewing in her mind.
"Alright, Hermione, spill it," he said, causing the others to look over at her and
finally notice the smug look.

"Who ever said we had to sneak?" she asked.

"How else are we supposed to get out, Hermione? Just go up to Mum and say 'hey
we're going to save Sirius, be back before breakfast'?" Ron said.

Hermione rolled her eyes but smiled, "Well, I have the best alibi to leave, right? I mean,
my parents being muggles and *not* part of this war."

"But if we do anything it's going to have to be fairly late in the evening where we can
sneak out with out getting in trouble," Draco frowned.

Hermione shook her head, "Not if I can help it."

Remus and Ginny had been quiet up until this point. Ginny thought she had an idea where Hermione
was going with the plan but couldn't be sure. Remus, on the other hand, wasn't completely
sure what the girl was thinking. Where they to just prance out the door?

Sitting back in her chair, she smiled and glanced around, "So, who's up for a night out
in London?"

Everyone was caught a bit off guard by this odd question, but quickly caught the plan. "So,
simple, yet so brilliant," Ginny murmured with a sly grin.

Only two people looked ready to disagree with Hermione's plan, Harry and Remus. Harry shook
his head, "What's to say that the Order won't have someone tailing us the whole time?
If that's the case, the plan is shot."

Hermione smiled, "*That*, my dear friend, is where Remus comes in. An Order member,
and an adult who knows his responsibilities."

Remus shifted slightly in his chair, "That's what worries me, Hermione. I don't
want to betray the trust given to me."

"Well, you realize that we're going to go whether or not you come with us, so that can
be your alibi." Draco said. "Instead of allowing us to go off on our own, like we would
not matter how tight the rules and curfews are, you decided to come with us to keep us out of
trouble."

"What about, Mum?" Ron asked. "I kind of want to stay in her good
graces."

"Mrs. Weasley knows how hard it's been on Remus and I since Sirius...disappeared, I
think she'll be more relieved to see Sirius back, and us safe, that she'll hardly hold on
to any anger for very long." Harry said with a nod of agreement from Ginny.

Hermione glanced around, studying each person in the room. "It's settled that Harry and
Remus are going, for sure. Draco, will it be...*wise* for you to go to London?"

Draco shrugged, "I've been in worse situations, Hermione. I'm in."

Hermione looked ready to argue but nodded, "Ginny? Are you sure you want to do this
again?"

"I'll say the same thing I did last time, I care as much about what happens to Sirius
as you and Ron. Maybe not as much as Remus and Harry, but at least as much as you two. I'm
in." Ginny said in a serious tone that left little room for argument.

"So all six of us are going?" Hermione asked, all nodded.

"I guess it's better than June, when we had five." Ron said.

"Has anyone heard from Neville or Luna this holiday?" Harry asked.

Ron flushed and nodded, "Luna and I've kept in contact."

Hermione and Ginny shared a knowing look. "What about Neville?" Harry asked.

"I saw him right before the Hogwarts battle." Draco said softly. Everyone looked over
at him curiously. "I was in St. Mungo's...I saw him there."

There was an awkward silence that Remus broke by clearing his throat, "So when are we
planning this 'night out'?"

"Tonight," said a sharp voice that no one recognized as Harry's. The other's
exchanged glances but agreed.

"We can't go right away though," Hermione said. "We need to-to get a hold of
Sirius."

"And you can do that?" Draco asked, barely able to hide the slight sound of awe in his
voice. "That's past NEWT level, I don't know if my father can even do that."

Hermione stood and pulled a book of the shelf of the library and opened it to a page a little
over half way through, then handed the book to Draco. She smirked as he read the true spell of how
to 'contact' souls. "Alright, it will take me about an hour to do this. When I'm
finished, Sirius's soul will share one of our bodies until we get to the arch."

They exchanged looks, unsurprisingly; it was Harry who first volunteered. What was surprising
was when Ron spoke up, "No, Harry, that wouldn't be a good idea. You are a high priority
target; you'll be in even more danger with two souls in you, especially if the other soul is
Sirius's. I'll do it."

Harry looked ready to argue, but knew it was pointless; everyone seemed to agree with Ron's
statement. Even Harry could see the logic behind it. That didn't mean he liked it.
"Alright," said Hermione. "Let's get this done!"

Everyone other than Ron and Hermione moved the furniture out of the middle of the room then
moved towards the outside walls. Hermione and Ron stood in the middle of the room face to face.
Hermione took a deep breath and said "Carus Amicus , adeo nos sic nos may succurro."*

The room filled with a warm breeze and Hermione smiled and raised her wand, directing it towards
Ron. She took another breath before speaking the final enchantment, "May lost animus partis is
somes insquequo is exsisto privatus."**

Ron's eyes widened and his head fell backwards. He took a deep gasping breath and collapsed
to his knees. His breathing slowed and he lifted his head and glanced around, apparently trying to
figure out why he was on the floor. Hermione watched him carefully before softly saying,
"Commodo, ostendo vestri."***

"I am here, Hermione," Ron said.

Remus wasn't completely convinced and asked, "Sirius, who was the girl you thought
annoying in 5th year who was obsessed with you?"

Ron grinned, "Theresa Martin, Ravenclaw."

Remus smiled, "Hold on, we're going to get you back to the arch."

"Ron's alright though, right?" Ginny asked.

"I'm alright, Ginny. If you want proof, I'll tell you something Sirius wouldn't
know about you. The year before I started at Hogwarts, Fred and George threatened to put you on of
their trunks and take you to Hogwarts."

Ginny chuckled, "That's my brother. Alright, when do we go?"

Remus glanced down at his watch, "Now, I'll tell Mrs. Weasley I'm taking you all to
a muggle cinema for Harry's upcoming birthday."

All the kids sat back down in their respective seats and waited patiently...well maybe not
*patiently* but as patiently as one could be at a time like that, until Remus returned.

**-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-**

**Author's Note****: Alright, another chapter is up! I hope you enjoyed it. Here are the
Latin/English translation for Hermione's spell.**

*** - Dearest friend, come to us so we may help**

**** - May the lost sould share this body until it be released**

*****-Please show yourself**

**Well there you are! I hope you liked this chapter and I look forward to reading your
Reviews!**

**AmberEyes**

-->



14. Chapter 14 - The Retrieval
------------------------------



**~*~Chapter 14 - The Retrieval~*~**

It was well past eleven when the group reached the phone booth that was the entry to the
Ministry. "What do we do if people are still there?" Ron (or was it Sirius?) asked. Remus
frowned a moment then smiled. He muttered something inaudible and the five students felt the
familiar sensation of the Disillusionment charm. He cast the spell on himself and smiled,
"That better?"

"That's brilliant," Hermione grinned, "Why didn't I think of
that?"

"Do you remember how to get to the chamber, Harry?" Ginny's voice asked.

"Yeah," Came Harry's voice. "We have to get in there first."

They all crowded, once again, into the telephone booth. Harry picked up the receiver and dialed
the proper numbers. When the female voice asked the names and purpose of the admittance He said,
"Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, Draco Malfoy, Ginny Weasley, and Remus Lupin to
help a friend."

The pins fell out into the coin return and the booth began to move. The Ministry was as empty as
it had been that night in June. Harry shivered slightly in remembrance. He took a deep breath and
exhaled heavily, "You guys ready?"

Everyone answered in the affirmative. "It's alright, Harry." Came Ron's voice,
but everyone knew it wasn't Ron speaking.

Harry smiled, not that Sirius, or anyone else for that matter, could tell. "Alright, Lets
get rid of the Disillusionment, so we know where one another is."

He heard muttering and slowly each of his friends began to reappear. Finally he felt Remus's
wand tap his own head and felt the cool sensation as the spell went into affect. He glanced around
and nodded, "Lets go."

They slipped silently through the building until they exited the lift and found themselves in
the room of doors again. "Which way?!" Harry asked aloud remembering how the doors opened
for him when he was chasing Bellatrix. One door flew open and Harry pulled out his wand as he
cautiously entered the room. Sure enough he found himself standing in the place his recent dreams
had brought him back to.

Harry began to tremble slightly until he felt a gentle hand on his shoulder. He glanced up and
saw Ron giving a small smile. "Let's get this done, Harry."

Hermione led the way down to the arch. She glanced over her shoulder at Ron and sighed. With a
small smiled she motioned for Ron to stand directly in front of her in front of the arch. Taking a
deep breath she began the first part of the spell, " Animus ut eram irretitus intus
voluntarius populus vadum iam exsisto privatus."*

Ron's head fell to his chest for a moment. He glanced back up with a questioning look.
Hermione silenced him, and spoke again, "May nos rector is lost animus tergum ut suus somes
may is alio , pro quos nos tutela , redeo nobis ut is quondam eram."**

A heavy breeze swept through the room and Hermione smiled. "May animus iam rejoin
somes."***

Harry and Remus held their breath. Harry knew that Hermione knew what she was doing, but he
still had the voice in the back of his head that said that the whole trip was folly. The two
exchanged glances that were full of hope and worry.

Draco and Ginny had stayed close to the door to keep watch but even they were watching with
curiosity. Ginny had subconsciously crossed her fingers and glanced nervously at the blond wizard
as though to say, what's taking so long? He shrugged and watched the veil of the arch.

Hermione smiled as a tall figure stumbled from behind the veil. She hurried forward to keep him
from losing his balance. "You did it, Hermione." He said quietly. "I knew you
would."

Harry's eyes nearly popped out of their sockets as he and Remus saw Sirius leaning against
Hermione. Before he could stop himself he had ran forward and threw himself into his godfather.

Sirius nearly collapsed, not used to balancing. "Oof," was the only sound he made as
he put an arm around Harry's shoulders. He smiled as his old friend approached him with a look
of mixed disbelief and joy. "Hey Moony," Sirius said with a small smile. He disentangled
himself from Harry and made his way slowly over to Remus. He pulled his friend into a brotherly
hug, much in reminiscent of the one they shared in the Shrieking Shack two and a half years
ago.

Harry walked over to Hermione, eyes still filled with unshed tears. "Thank you,
'Mione," he said.

She smiled and shook her head, "Don't worry about it, Harry. I did what I could.
I'm just glad it worked."

Harry glanced at Ron, "You alright, mate?" Ron nodded, "It was weird, but yeah,
I'm fine." Ron shook his head slightly and made his way back to his sister and Draco.

Turning back to Hermione, Harry smiled weakly, "I don't think you know how much this
actually means to me, Hermione. If you *ever* need *anything* from me, don't ever be
afraid to ask, I'll gladly do whatever it is."

Hermione's smile faltered, she had not expected that type of reaction. She shook her head
slightly and threw her arms around her friend's neck, pulling him into a hug, which he
returned. She could feel his shoulders shaking, and knew he'd finally let it all out. Sirius
and Remus looked worriedly at her, and she shook her head softly. He would be fine, everything was
just catching up to him. After giving him some time to gather himself, Hermione stepped back and
looked up at him. "You alright, Harry?"

"Yeah, I'm going to be just fine." He gave her a shaky smile before looking at the
rest of his friends. "We should really get out of here."

Everyone nodded and hurried towards the main level, then to the exit. "Umm, what are we
going to tell my mum when she sees Sirius walking into the house?" Ginny inquired.

Remus smiled slightly, "It's safe to tell her the truth now. Before, she would have
stopped us. It's to late to change things now"

**Author's Note****: I'm sorry it took so long to get this chapter up! There are a
few more latin phrases in this chapter. Here are the translations:**

*** The soul that was trapped within the willing host shall now be released.**

**** May we guide this lost soul back to its body, may this person, for whom we care, come back
to us as he once was.**

***** May the soul now rejoin the body.**

**I hope you enjoyed this chapter, please review and let me know what you think!**

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15. Chapter 15 - The Losing Battle
----------------------------------



**~*~****Chapter 15 - The Losing Battle~*~**

The group slipped in to Grimmauld Place as silently as possible, their number one larger than
when they had left. Knowing it would be a bad idea to hide what they had done, the six decided to
tell Molly that night, instead of waiting. Sirius told them to let him take care of it. The four
students slipped up stairs and Remus and Sirius took a deep breath before entering the kitchen.

Mrs. Weasley had her back turned to them. Sirius motioned for Remus to leave the kitchen, he
gladly obliged, and he took a step forward. He made sure to make just enough noise to get the
woman's attention. Mrs. Weasley turned around and gasped as she saw who was standing in front
of her. "Sirius. Merlin, how did...when...How?"

Sirius silently sat down at one of the kitchen chairs. He watched the speechless woman bustle
around making tea. Within a few moments he had a cup of hot tea and a confused Molly Weasley
sitting in front of him. "Sirius, how is this possible?" She asked again.

Sirius took a sip of the hot liquid and sat forward. "To explain how...you have to know
what really happened." At her silence he proceeded. "When some one falls through the
veil, they don't die, not exactly anyway. There body is held in the darkness while their soul
is freed from it and sent to a random location."

"Now, the soul remembers everything from his life, except for where the veil is located.
Like I remembered everything right up to being hit with my cousin's spell, but I couldn't
remember where I was at when I got hit." He said.

Molly frowned slightly as she worked through the information, "Yet you found your way
back?"

Sirius sighed, "Well you see, when you are stripped down to just the pureness of the soul,
nothing, not even the unplottable spells can hide things. So I managed to find my way back here
quite easily. I was at Hogwarts when Dumbledore was speaking to Harry about my 'death', and
I was here when you were talking about the Weasley and Malfoy families."

Mrs. Weasley's eyes opened in shock, "Y-You were here?" Sirius nodded. She frowned
and said, "My apologies, continue."

He nodded, "Well, earlier this afternoon I was watching Harry upstairs when the Malfoy boy
came up. I listened to their conversation, and Malfoy brought up the subject of a Dark Arts book he
read once back at the Malfoy Manor, he said how he had read that the Veil didn't kill. He
managed to find the book he was looking for in my Dad's old library. The two brought Remus up
and Hermione, Ron and Ginny fallowed."

"They were all determined to get me back. All of them. Hermione, being the clever witch she
is, knew the spell to call me to where she needed, to trap my soul into a 'host'
temporarily, as well as how to release the soul and to return it to the proper body. The four kids
talked Remus into coming with them, for saftey. He knew as well as anyone else, if he'd said no
they'd have done it anyway, so he agreed."

"Harry originally volenteered to be the host, naturally. I was, however, impressed when Ron
spoke up. He told Harry how it'd be too dangerous for me to reside in him and that Harry being
a 'high priority target' already, the chances of him being attacked when he carried two
souls instead of one, was much higher. So Ron volunteered. Hermione spoke the proper Latin, and I
was tied to Ron for the time being."

"We managed to get to the ministry and to the Department of Mysteries, without a problem
and Hermione released my soul and tied it to my own body. And, well...here I am," Sirius
finished with a small smile.

Molly was torn between the thought that Remus and the kids had lied about their whereabouts and
the thought that Sirius was back. She settled for saying, "Harry's really missed you.
He's blamed himself for it, you know."

Sirius nodded, "I know. The poor kid's been through so much. I'm glad they managed
to get me back, so I can help Harry. He's going to need all the support he can get during the
up coming battle."

The woman nodded solemnly in agreement, "He's a boy, almost sixteen and he's done
more than most the Order members ever will. I wish I could take all his burdens onto
myself."

"That makes two of us. I'd give anything to give that kid his life back." Sirius
sighed. The two adults finished their tea in silence, both thinking about what was to come.

~*~

Morning came quickly, and the five students wandered nervously down to the kitchen. To their
surprise, it was empty. Four of them took their seats about the table while Harry busied himself
with the task of making breakfast. "Where do you think they've gone?" He asked.

"I don't know. Maybe they went to the Ministry to clear Sirius." Hermione
suggested.

Harry nodded absently as he started with the eggs. "Why would Mrs. Weasley go,
though?"

"Who knows, maybe to keep Sirius in check." Ginny said.

"You know...Hermione, you might be in as much danger as Harry now," Draco said,
hesitantly.

Everyone looked curiously at Draco, "How so?" Hermione asked.

"Who knows how many people have went into that veil? But if the Dark Lord's supporters
find out that you can bring people back through it...." He let the words drift.

"If they find out she can do that, who knows how long it will be before Voldemort finds a
way to get a hold of her," Harry said.

"No, because, they won't find out," Ginny said.

"Ginny, there's a man walking around now that was said to be dead." Draco said.
"And some how Hermione knew how to bring him back. The Dark Lord has his spied strategically
placed, I'll be surprised if they haven't already heard."

Harry placed the plates of food on the table and took a seat, "So what do we do?"

"Well, at this point in time, You and Hermione will be the high priority targets, I will be
up there as soon as Father catches wind of the fact that I've changed sides." Draco said
between bites of food. "My first thought would be to make sure you two are never alone out
side this house. Even Hogwarts will be dangerous this year."

Everyone fell silent for a moment. Ron was the one to break the lull in conversation, "When
do you guess the next attack will be? I mean they've already came after the castle
once."

"They'll probably wait until term starts," Hermione said. "That way the
everyone will be caught off guard. They won't take the risk of losing again."

There was a unanimous nod of agreement, "When do you think the final battle will be?"
Harry asked.

"I think the next battle, very well may be the last, Harry." Said Ron.

"No, I don't think so," Draco frowned. "The Dark Lord will wait. He's
patient when he needs to be. He'll send attack after attack, and then when he's gotten
everyone into the right state, he'll use the chaos to his advantage. He'll wait until the
last moment to make his final attack."

"Who will be next," Harry muttered to himself, going back to the night of reflection
he had had several nights ago. "Who will be next?"

~*~

By the time everyone had returned to Grimmauld Place, breakfast had been finished and the dishes
had been cleaned and put away. Harry made his way back down the steps and into the kitchen where
the three adults were sitting, "Where'd you guys go?"

Remus hid his smile from Mrs. Weasley, "To explain to the Ministry how Sirius is alive
again."

"So you're cleared?" Harry asked anxiously.

Sirius grinned, "Yup, I'm a free man."

Harry smiled and took a seat at the table. "So, um, does Dumbledore know yet?"

The two men chuckled but silenced when Mrs. Weasley gave them a stern look, "Yes,
Dumbledore was at the Ministry. I swear that man *knew* about that spell and *let* you
children find it. The *nerve*! You all could have been seriously hurt! And you! Remus, I
thought you knew better than to do something so entirely foolish. And to lie about it!" Remus
had a mildly amused expression on his face as he listened to the woman's rants, "And
leaving those books in the library where the children could find them! How incredibly daft could
you be? Why, in the name of Merlin, would you allow them access to *Dark Arts*
books?"

"Dumbledore requested we put those books aside," Sirius said. "He said that they
might be useful in the upcoming war. And quite frankly, I'm glad that we kept them, otherwise I
wouldn't be sitting here listening to you ranting and raving about how *foolish* these
incredibly *brilliant young adults* are."

Molly's eyes narrowed, "They are *children,* Sirius-"

"No, Mrs. Weasley," Harry interrupted. "We're *not* children. If you
haven't noticed, we graduate from Hogwarts in less than two years."

The woman's eyes blazed as she glanced at the two men and Harry. She took a deep breath and
glared at Remus, "I never thought that you, out of all people, could be so.... so careless and
irresponsible."

"Molly, I did what I thought best," Remus growled. "Yes, it could have been
dangerous. But you know as well as I do that if I hadn't gone, if I hadn't verified the
book from which they read the information, they would have still gone. I think it much better that
some one went with them, to protect them if need be. I would have rather gone with them then to
have them sneak out one their own like they did last June."

Molly pursed her lips, "That still does not excuse your recklessness, Remus. You took those
children into a place you *knew* could be dangerous. And further more, you *lied* about
it! And for what?!"

Remus pushed himself to his feet, it was the angriest Harry had ever seen his former professor.
"Molly, there was a chance that the *last* of my friends was still alive. There was the
chance that we *left him behind*. You've seen how badly it's tore them up. You've
seen how hard it's been on them. I couldn't just stand by and let them do it alone. Not if
I could help," he said in a low growl. "That's what makes us different from
Voldemort, Molly. We care about our people. If there is any chance that one of our people are
alive, we do everything we can to *get them back* and that is what we did."

Molly bristled, "And you couldn't have waited? You couldn't have taken a group of
the Order members? You had to drag five *teenagers* along with you?"

"For Merlin's sake, Molly," Remus said. "Do you think, for one moment, that
we could have left them behind? That we could have said, 'stay here we're going to see if
Sirius is alive,' and expected them to stay?" he shook his head. "And I'd like
for you to show me one person, *one person* other than Hermione Granger, who knows how to
perform those spells and more importantly is *willing* to perform them."

Harry exchanged glances with his godfather, even Sirius was surprised at his friend's anger.
Glancing up at the calendar, a look of realization crossed Sirius's expression. Harry fallowed
the gaze and too understood. It was the full moon tomorrow night, the wolf was close to the
surface, and Remus was having a harder time controlling the anger when Molly was going after him as
she was.

Harry sighed and spoke up, "Mrs. Weasley, what's done is done. It can't be changed,
nor would I allow it to if it could, so there's no point in, 'beating a dead horse'.
What's done is done." Molly Weasley was unimpressed, indeed. But knew when her argument
fell on deaf ears. She pursed her lips and turned her back to the three. "We should probably
head up to the library," Harry said to the two men. Sirius nodded and pulled his friend out of
the kitchen by his arm.

Remus was still fuming but exited the kitchen. He fallowed the other two up the stairs and when
they reached the library all three of them collapsed into chairs and fell silent, unsure of what to
say.

**Author's Note****: Uh oh, what'd you think about that? I hope you enjoy this
chapter, it's always fun for me to write arguments. Please review and tell me what you think,
I'd like to hear it.**

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16. Chapter 16 - Tonks to the Rescue
------------------------------------



**Chapter 16 - Tonks to the Rescue**

**Author's note****: Sorry it took so long to get this chapter up. I'm having abit
of problems coming up with stuff to write. The next chapter the rush for school supplies will
start. This one is a bit short and a bit slow, sorry about that, the next one's will be
better!**

The next week came and went without a hitch. Granted, Remus and Molly Weasley were still on
strained terms, and Sirius was still goading his friend about his temper, just for the fun of it.
More than once the five teens had been spurd into laughter when a large black dog decided to tackle
one of them to the ground.

Also in the last week Dumbledore, McGonagall, Mr. Weasley, and a very unimpressed Snape rotated
in and out of the house. The tension between Sirius and Snape had, if anything, doubled. Neither
was very impressed to see the other, on more than one occasion, Harry and Remus had to literally
drag a fuming Sirius from the kitchen before he hexed the Potions Master. On each of these
occasions, Harry couldn't help but think back to Snape's pensieve. The image of Sirius and
his father treating Snape the way they had haunted him still. He'd tried to talk to his
godfather and Remus about it on more than one occasion, but each time the made the attempt, there
was that voice in the back of his mind that told him to just let it go, a voice that sounded
suspiciously like Ron's.

A day or so after Sirius's last attack attempt, the group who was staying at Grimmauld Place
were sitting silently around the kitchen table. The tension between Remus and Molly had slightly
regressed after Remus had repeatedly stopped the attacks, that didn't mean it had completely
dispersed. No, the tension was most certainly still there. Then there was Ron and Hermione, who had
also gotten into another row (about what was anyone's guess) during that last week, which added
to the tension filled room.

The silence and tension were nearly unbearable when the kitchen door flew open, allowing a
bright pink head to enter. Before anyone could react, Tonks had attached her arms around her
cousin's neck. "I heard you were back and I just had to come see!"

The tension subsided for a while as everyone shared a laugh. After a moment, Tonks released
Sirius and made her rounds at the table giving everyone a hug or at least a handshake. When she
reached Draco she tilted her head slightly before shaking his hand as well, "Glad to have you
on the right side," She grinned. Draco smiled and nodded slightly.

Apparently, Tonks noticed the tension between Remus and Molly because she glanced back and forth
between the two, the to Sirius and Harry. She arched an eyebrow before catching the chuckle that
Sirius fought to cover. "Uh-oh...what happened now?" She asked.

"Mrs. Weasley doesn't like the way we went about rescuing Sirius," Harry
muttered.

"Yeah...I think I heard about that," Tonks nodded. "I couldn't' stop
laughing when I heard Sirius had begun to rub of on Remus."

Sirius smothered another laugh and avoided the glaring gaze of Molly. "I *don't*
think that's appropriate, Tonks. Not around the chil-"

"Mrs. Weasley with all due respect, ma'am, none of us are children anymore," Draco
interrupted.

Molly pursed her lips, "To make such rash and ill advised decisions as you did the other
day, you are children. At least you show no responsibility for your actions. As adults
*should,*" she pronounced the last word firmly with a sharp glance at Remus, whose temper
was once again at the surface.

He clenched his jaw and shot a dark look at the woman. "I'm not going into this again,
Molly." He said in a low voice.

"I think you are, Remus." She said in an equally threatening voice. "I still have
*yet* to understand how you could throw away your sense of responsibility!"

Remus's hands tightened around the arms of the chair as his eyes narrowed, "I did not
throw away *any* of the responsibility."

Tonks's eyes widened as she glanced back to Sirius. Who gave a grim smile and nodded first
towards Remus then towards the kitchen door. Tonks nodded and put her hand on Remus's shoulder.
"Hey Remus, can I talk to you for a moment?"

Remus nodded curtly and rose from his chair. Tonks took a deep breath before fallowing the man
out of the kitchen. Once they had left the kitchen was filled with an awkward silence. "Molly,
what's done is done. You were so bent over backwards last summer about whatever Dumbledore says
goes, why can't you just let this go?"

"Because, Sirius, Remus was wrong." Molly said. "He should not have taken the
kids along with him."

"He didn't take us, Mrs. Weasley," Hermione said. "If anyone dragged anyone
along, we dragged Remus. We would have gone one way or another."

"Mrs. Weasley, we leave for Hogwarts in a few weeks," Harry started. "Can you at
least put the bickering on hold until we're gone?"

Sirius bit back a chuckle as Mrs. Weasley frowned at Harry's comment, "I suppose that
would be best as half of what I want to say I don't say in front of you anyway."

Harry caught Hermione's eye, both knowing what Mrs. Weasley was talking about. They shrugged
then shared a small smile. Harry was definitely ready to get back to school.

-->



17. Chapter 17 - Books and Looks
--------------------------------



**Chapter 17 - Books and Looks**

The weeks prior to the start of term were much quieter with only the occasional snip between
Mrs. Weasley and Remus. Ron and Ginny had gotten into it once, something about Ron being
overprotective, not that Harry blamed him, Ginny had grown up quite well, (she'd snipped at him
a few times as well for being overprotective, which Draco and Hermione found greatly amusing). And
what could he say? Ginny's the closest to a sister he has, isn't she?

On the last day of the summer holiday, everyone was bustling about getting packed and prepared
to catch the train. Ron had went...well he'd went to take care of something, and Harry and
Draco where in their shared room putting their books back into their trunks. "Do you think
your Father will be there?" Harry asked.

"Hm? Oh, yeah, more than likely," Draco sighed.

"Do you think he'll try anything?"

Draco snorted, "Not unless he's hiding behind that bloody mask."

Harry frowned for a moment, "You don't think they'd plan an attack on the platform
or the train, do you?"

"It'd be rather stupid to attack the platform, there are too many adults who will fight
back." Draco said. "The train, however, there is a possibility. I mean they could just
send the Dementors after us."

"I guess it's a good thing I taught the Patronus Charm last year in the DA," Harry
muttered.

"What's that?"

"I said it's a good thing I taught some people how to do the Patronus Charm last
year," Harry said, repeating a modified version.

"That's right, you learned that third year, from Lupin."

Harry nodded and smiled, "Yeah, you should remember, it chased you down at the Ravenclaw
match."

"Yeah, I should have known that was a bad idea, I've never seen ol' McGonagall that
angry before or since."

"I'm glad I haven't," Harry said shaking his head.

"I have to admit, though, Lupin was the only decent DADA teacher we've had."

Harry couldn't agree more, "Quirrell, well he was *all* wrong. I swear if I see
Lockhart again I'll gag...the lousy fraud. Then there was Remus, a *competent* teacher, as
McGonagall put it. Then the false Mad-Eye Moody--" Draco cringed in remembrance and Harry
chuckled, "Yeah, you had quite an experience with him, didn't you? Then last year Umbrage,
sorry but I do not like that woman. I was really hoping to see either Snape or McGonagall snap on
her during the class evaluations...well McGonagall did get a bit snippish with her."

"Yeah, we've had a load of nutcases that's for sure" Draco smiled. "I
wonder who will be next."

"Who knows...How many students of the Death Eaters do you think will remain at Hogwarts now
that everyone knows Dumbledore is preparing for the battles?"

"Probably not many. Zambini will probably stay, as will Parkinson. I couldn't guess
about Crabbe and Goyle..."

"Won't the Slytherin house be a bit dangerous, especially once they find out where
you've been all summer?" Harry asked.

"Probably," Draco shrugged. They fell silent as they heard the door squeak open and
turned to face it. A head of long red hair peaked in. "Come on in, Ginny."

"Sorry, Hermione's pestering me about how badly I pack, I had to escape." She
sighed, lowering herself onto one of the beds.

Harry chuckled, "She's only trying to be helpful, but I know what you mean,
Gin."

Ginny rolled her eyes slightly before plopping forward to rest on her elbows, chin in her hands.
"So how's your packing coming along?"

The two boys shrugged. "I'm about done, I'll just have to get Hedwig into her cage
in the morning."

"I'll be done in a few moments," Draco frowned, "Once I find my
Transfiguration homework..."

"On the desk," Harry said, putting the last of his things in his trunk and moving the
trunk on to the floor.

"Right," Draco nodded and retrieved his homework. "Done!"

"Where's your brother, Ginny?" Harry asked curiously.

"He's writing a letter and says he doesn't want to be disturbed," Ginny
smirked.

"And who is he writing to?" Draco asked.

"I don't know for sure, but I'm betting its Luna." Ginny replied.

"I might have known," Harry mused. He fell silent a moment, recognizing almost
instantly the glance Draco briefly gave the red headed girl before quickly remaking his
expressions. Keeping a straight face he asked Ginny, "So, how're things with
Dean?"

"Dean? Oh, I'm surprised Ron hadn't been in here bragging," Ginny shook her
head. "He dumped me the weekend that we came here."

"Oh really?" Harry said his eyes slipping to Draco then back to her. "I
didn't know. What went wrong?"

Ginny shrugged, "Pavarti Patil."

Harry nodded a minute, studying Draco from the corner of his eye, "The bloke has poor taste
I guess..."

She shrugged again, "You went to the Yule Ball with her."

It was Harry's turn to nod, "That didn't go very well at all, though, did it?"
He paused for a moment, and then smiled inwardly. "Hey Ginny, could you go ask Hermione to
come in here when she's finished?"

Ginny looked confused for a moment but nodded, "Alright." She climbed off the bed and
walked toward the door, shutting it behind her.

Once she was gone Harry flopped himself backward onto his bed and watched the other boy for a
moment. "You should go for it."

"What are you going on about now?" Draco asked.

"Ginny. I saw you watching her. You should go for it." Harry said again.

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"Yes, you do."

"No, I don't."

"Do."

"Fine! I'll admit the little Weasel's got me." Draco sighed.

Harry smiled, "Then go for it."

Draco plunked back on his own bed. "Maybe I will..."

"Just remember one thing."

"What's that?"

"If you hurt her-in anyway-you'll have Ron through Bill, plus myself ready to hex
you." Harry said, deadly serious.

"Not that that's a worry, but I'm not afraid of you lot."

"Think about it Draco. That's six Weasley's, two of whom managed to turn a Hogwarts
corridor into a swamp, a Gringott's curse breaker, a Dragon Trainer, plus myself and Ron."
Harry said. "And as I assume you've learnt before, Ginny's a strong one all on her
own."

Draco's eyes widened, evidently he'd forgotten the professions of the two eldest Weasley
boys. "I wouldn't hurt her anyway," He said.

"Good."

-->



18. Chapter 18 - Attack on the Express
--------------------------------------



**Chapter 18 - Attack on the Express**

The morning of September 1st was nothing short of chaos. Even though they'd all packed the
night before, nothing seemed to be where they thought they'd left it. Hedwig and Pigwidgeon had
perched on top of the wardrobe, out of reach of the two boys who were trying desperately to get the
birds into their cages. They did, however manage to make it to King's Cross by ten
thirty.

Harry and Draco exchanged nervous glances as they both remembered their conversation from the day
before. "Do you think he'll be here?" Harry whispered, as they walked through the
barrier.

"I really don't know." Draco muttered. "I'm more worried about your other
thought, to be honest."

"The train?"

Draco nodded. "Now that I've thought about it...it makes perfect sense."

Harry glanced around the platform nervously. Hermione, Ron, and Ginny caught up to them and glanced
around as well. Even though they hadn't been included in the discussion the day before, they
had similar fears. The five made their way silently to an empty compartment where they stashed
their trunks and took their seats. Draco exchanged glance with Harry before taking a seat next to
the youngest Weasley; Harry had to turn his face toward the window to keep from laughing.

After a while Neville and Luna made their way into the compartment, giving confused looks to Draco
but said nothing. Those two were fallowed, much to Harry's surprise, by Remus and Tonks, both
who gave the group small smiles before taking seats. Answering the questioning glances, Remus said,
"For the safety of you students."

He didn't need to say more, they all understood. Harry glanced around at his friends. All of
them where anticipating the worst but hoping for nothing. Hermione, seated next to him (awfully
close, he noticed), let a heavy sigh and pulled a large book from her bag. "Well, seeing as
you won't talk around us, Remus and I'll head up and talk to the driver," Tonks
chuckled.

The two stood and exited the compartment, leaving the seven teens behind. Each of them
instinctively reached into their pockets and grasped their wands. Neville was the first to break
the tense silence, "D-do you think they'd really attack the train?"

"Unfortunately, it's a very good possibility," Draco said, heavily.

Neville looked more confused than ever. "Okay, not to sound...I don't know...out of place,
but why exactly are you here?"

"He's alright, Neville," Harry said. "He's helped us a lot over the
summer."

Neville's confusion obviously wasn't laid to rest but he said nothing further on the
subject. "Why would they attack the train though?"

"Think about it, Neville," Ron said. "You-know-who...alright
alright...V-Vold-de-mort, rules through fear. The best way to scare witches and wizards to his side
is by attacking their children where they have no way to help."

Harry and Hermione exchanged glances, both rather impressed with their redheaded friend. Harry
spoke up, "We beat them once before. But I have a feeling it's not going to be as easy
this time...if they do attack."

Neville frowned, "Why's that? We've got Professor Lupin and Tonks plus the rest of the
DA here this time."

"We've also got a train full of younger students as young as eleven," Hermione
reminded him. "It won't be just ourselves we're protecting."

The round boy blanched. "I guess I didn't think about that."

"What if they send Dementors?" Ginny asked nervously, Harry understood her concerns, he
had a feeling he knew what she remembered when a dementor was near.

"Just remember the Patronus Charm," He said.

She nodded slightly but shivered at the thoughts. Hermione glanced at Draco, "Would they more
likely attack themselves or send Dementors?"

"One is just as likely as the next," Draco sighed. "Though knowing my father, he
knows I will be here and will probably want to lead an attack himself."

"We'll need a plan, won't we?" Luna said, finally speaking up.

"A plan?" Hermione asked.

"What to do with the younger students. They'll be in danger if they get caught in the
middle." She said logically.

Draco opened his mouth to speak with the train lurched to a sudden stop, much like it had in third
year when the Dementors were searching for Sirius. The seven teens rose to their feet as the lights
went out, there was a sounding "lumos" through the compartment as each wand lit. They
silently made their way out of the compartment, and were met by the rest of the DA.

"What's going on, Harry?" came the voice of Seamus Finnegan.

The group fell silent as the awaited an explanation, "Alright, we've got reason to believe
that there is a planned Death Eater attack on the train. Remus Lupin and Auror Tonks are aboard,
scouting right now. We need to make sure all the younger students, the ones who can't fight
back, are out of harms way."

Everyone agreed, "Be careful everyone and try to stay in at least groups of two, don't go
alone and keep your wands ready," Said Hermione's voice.

Harry and Hermione slipped silently down toward the front of the train while others scattered in
effort to protect the younger kids. Things where too quiet for Harry's comfort. He glanced back
at Hermione as he felt her grab onto his hand. Once they reached the front compartment, one filled
with first years, they slipped in right as the compartment across the corridor exploded. Harry
shielded Hermione and the nearby kids from the blast. There were sounds of similar explosions down
the train.

Hermione whispered brief instructions to the kids to stay low and out of the way, after the
explosion they did as they were told. The two 16 year olds placed themselves between the crouching
students and the hooded figures that were making their way through the hole they had made.

"Oooh," Said one of the figures in a feminine, "We found wittle baby Potter,
again."

Harry's jaw clenched at the familiar sound of Bellatrix LeStrange. "So how much trouble
did you get in, *Bella*."

"How is my dear cousin doing?" She asked tauntingly.

Harry's grasp on his wand tightened. Hermione squeezed his hand slightly before releasing
it.

"Oooh, what else have we here?" Bellatrix said. "The little Mudblood, ooh and a
bunch of little babies for them to protect. Do you seriously think you can stop me from hurting
them?"

"We stopped you from getting the Prophecy," Harry said as he absently pulled Hermione
behind him.

Bellatrix pulled off her mask and tossed it to one of the Death Eaters who stood behind her. She
smirked and pointed her wand, "*Crucio*!" She hissed pointing at one of the smaller
children. Hermione had wrenched herself from Harry's grip and put herself in front of the
curse.

"Hermione!" Harry yelped, "Stupefy!" he shot the spell at the witch who
reflected it with a quick "Protego," Which also lifted the curse from Hermione. He
quickly helped her to her feet and pulled her behind him again.

"You never did answer my question, Potter." Bellatrix sneered.

Harry smirked, "Oh, Sirius is doing quite well, I'll be sure to tell him you
asked."

"Sirius Black is dead, foolish boy," Bellatrix hissed.

"Are you quite certain?" Hermione said, trying--and failing--to come out from behind
Harry.

"I put Black through that veil myself," the woman growled.

"Yes, I suppose you did," Hermione said, nonchalantly.

The other woman growled slightly and sent a white spell toward them. Its force knocked Harry back
and the spell hit Hermione's left shoulder, it turned out to be a severing spell that ripped
through his friends arm. "Hermione!" he gasped, he quickly ripped the edge of his robes
into a long strip. Bringing one of the first years toward them he had the little girl press the
fabric onto Hermione's wound.

He turned around and glared at Bellatrix and the other three Death Eaters who had encircled them.
"That wasn't a smart move."

"I'm surprised the little witch survived my spell from the last time," Came one of
the other's voice. Harry knew it to be the one who'd hit Hermione with the purple curse
back that the Ministry.

"You lot won't do any more damage to her, and you won't touch the kids," Harry
said, face expression no emotion.

Bellatrix scoffed, "And you think that you alone can stop us?"

"I'll duel each and everyone of you one at a time if I must," Harry said.

"So be it," the woman smirked. Both witch and wizard raised their wands in
preparation.

"*Stupefy" "Protego, Petrifucs Tolalus" "Protego Avada-"
"STUPEFY!"**
* Harry paused only long enough to catch a breath as Bellatrix crumpled. Another
approached angrily. Harry and the other wizard's duel lasted significantly longer than the one
with Bellatrix. He was about out of ideas when his tickling charm hit the other wizard, sending him
to the ground laughing. "Stupefy!" He said, aiming at the Death Eater on the
ground.

There was one Death Eater left there, and Harry cringed, having a suspicion as to who it was. Sure
enough, the mask cam off and his parents' betrayer stood before him. "Oh, pity pity. James
would have so loved to see how well you've advanced," the rat said.

Within a blink of an eye Harry had his wand at Peter's throat. "I saved your life once,
almost three years ago, I really don't know if I can spare it again Pettigrew."

"Oh I'm not asking you to." Pettigrew smirked; Harry thought it uncanny how much like
Lucius Malfoy the man had looked. "It'll be your life that may need saving before
long."

Harry scoffed but kept his gaze hard, "Not by you, I'm afraid." He started to hex
Pettigrew when the man was no longer there, only a rat that scurried away. Harry started after the
rat when he saw a large foot come down on the rat's tail. He glanced up to see Remus glaring
down at the rat. The older man picked up the, now squealing, rat by the tail and glanced up at
Harry. "Are you alright, Harry?"

"I'm fine, but Hermione, she was hit," he said, turning to face his friend.

"Petrificus Totalus" He muttered, pointing at the rat, which instantly fell stiff. He put
the rat in his pocket and knelt next to the unconscious witch and carefully pulled the cloth away
from the wound. "It's bad. She may be sent to St. Mungo's. Harry, where is your
owl."

"Back in our compartment, I'll go get her?" He said, at Remus's nod he took of
the tattered and smoking corridor of the train. When he finally found their compartment he rushed
in and took the flustered bird from her cage. "It's alright Hedwig, we need you to run an
errand, alright?" The bird quieted as Harry made his way back to Hermione and Remus.

Remus glanced up and pulled a bright, fluorescent envelope from his pocket, "Take this
directly to Dumbledore," He said to the bird. The owl took the envelope in her beak and zipped
out of the hole in the side of the train made by the Death Eater's entrance. "Now, go
check on the rest of your friends and the other students, be careful Harry." Harry nodded and
with a last glance at Hermione he readied his wand and set off down the train, hoping everyone else
was all right.

**AN: I know this is a bit of a cliffy, but don't worry, the next chapter isn't too far
behind. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this chapter; it had a bit more…adventure to it. Please review
and tell me what you liked…or didn't like for that matter. I enjoy reading your comments, so
please, REVIEW!**

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19. Chapter 19 – More Confontations
-----------------------------------



**Chapter 19 - More Confontations**

Harry jogged through the train, dodging a few hexes here and there. He rushed forward when he
saw a head of red hair fall to the ground. Ducking beneath a red flash, Harry knelt beside the
fallen Weasley, *Ginny*. He checked her pulse quickly, *just stunned*, he winced as a hex
zipped past him. When he spun around to see where it had come from he was only mildly surprised to
see two platinum blond heads dueling. Draco had found his father. Harry covered the stunned girl
with himself as another hex slipped past. He muttered the counter spell quickly. "Come on,
Ginny. Let's get you back into the compartment," he muttered.

"Harry?" Ginny said as she came back from her unconscious state. "Why are you here?
Where's Hermione?"

"Remus is with her, she was hit." Harry said pulling her into a compartment full of a
mixture of first and second years. He glanced at the kids than back at Ginny, "Stay here, make
sure they stay safe, I've got to check on everyone else." Ginny nodded and Harry took off
back down the corridor.

A few cabins down he caught sight of another head of red hair. He caught up to his friend who was
dueling another Death Eater, and doing a great job at it. He saw Luna doing just as well. He smiled
inwardly, *he'd* taught them a lot of this stuff. Continuing down the train, he stopped
only when he was knocked over by someone flying out of the compartment. Harry glanced up and found
himself face to face with Cho.

"Are you alright?" He asked as he climbed to his feet and helped her to his. She nodded
silently. Harry glanced up and saw the Death Eater that Cho had been dueling start to advance, and
quickly, he shot a stunner toward the masked figure. He picked her dropped wand up from the ground
and handed it to her. "I'll catch you later, I've gotta go see how everyone else is
holding up."

"Okay, be careful," She said taking her wand and turning to a new duel.

It was only moments later that he found himself on the floor of the train once more, only this time
he was completely immobile. His eyes darted around wildly before seeing a face peer over him. Thing
is--it wasn't one of a masked Death Eater.

"I hoped I'd be the one to catch you. Now, you'll reverse whatever spell you cast on
Draco," Said the pug face of Pansy Parkinson.

Unable to speak, Harry simply rolled his eyes. That would be the assumption of many this term, he
knew.

"Imperius is an Unforgivable, you know that, right Potter?" She sneered. "The
wizarding worlds savior goes to Azkaban for using an Unforgivable."

Harry longed to put the girl in her place; she obviously didn't know Draco as well as she
thought. If only he could break her binding spell. He could feel his wand still in his grasp. Could
he do it without being able to speak the actual words? It was worth a try. He zoned out her words
as he repeated the counter spell in his mind. Concentrating on his wand and on what was needed to
be done, he gave a sigh of relief when the invisible bonds disappeared.

He quickly rose and turned his wand on the Slytherin girl. She gave a squeak of surprise, "How
did you do that?"

He shook his head slightly, "First off, I have cast no spell on Draco, I have never had any
reason to force some one to do something against their free will. Second, I am quite aware of the
Unforgivables, if you remember right they were used to kill my parents. And finally, you forgot to
take my wand from me leaving me fully capable of freeing myself."

She gave a slight pout as she pulled her own wand and shot several consecutive spells. "If you
didn't put a spell on Draco, why'd he change sides?"

"He did that all on his own," Harry said as he dodged her attacks and threw his own round
back to her. "He finally realized that his Father is wrong and so is his 'master'. He
came to me, not the other way around."

"You lie," She growled, shooting a stunner his way. "Draco wouldn't betray his
Father."

He shielded the stunner with a quick 'protego', and smirked, "Well apparently he
would, because he has."

She ducked from the rebound of her own stunner and scowled, "He wouldn't pair up with you
or your mudblood and blood traitor friends."

"It would do you well not to call them that," he said throwing a jelly-legs curse.
"And he has. In fact, Ron, Hermione, and Draco have gotten on quite well."

Pansy leapt out of the way of his curse and scoffed, "*That* I don't
believe."

"You should, it's true," Harry smirked again as he tossed a tickling charm. "I
found he and Hermione chit chatting over homework several times."

She shrieked as the charm hit her, quickly muttering the counter spell, she gasped, "A
*Pureblood* like Draco Malfoy would not be caught speaking decently to a *Mudblood* like
that Granger."

Harry arched an eyebrow and shut a stunner fallowed immediately by a binding curse similar to the
one she used on him. She managed to block the stunner but was hit by the binding curse. He smirked
and pried her wand from her stiff fingers, "I told you not to call her that. I think I'll
be taking this for safe keeping." If looks could kill, the glare she was giving him at that
moment would have killed him several times over.

He pocketed her wand and glanced down the corridor. Frowning slightly, he turned and headed back up
the train. As he passed, he saw Ron dueling another Death Eater, curious to see which Malfoy had
came out victorious, he pushed forward. He nearly laughed aloud when he saw Draco standing over his
father's stiff body as he dueled one of Lucius's seconds.

Continuing toward the front of the train he shook his head slightly when he saw Ginny back in a
duel. Of course she hadn't listened. He finally reached the compartment where he'd left
Remus and Hermione. He entered hurriedly. "How is she doing?"

"Not well," Remus sighed. "Did you see Tonks?"

Harry shook his head and knelt next to Hermione again, "No, I didn't."

Remus had a momentary worried look, "I'm sure she's alright. How long would it take
Hedwig to get to the castle?"

"Well, she knew it was urgent so she's probably there by now." Harry said.

"Good, then the rest of the Order should be here shortly," Remus said.

Harry nodded and glanced over at the first years. "Are you lot alright? Anyone
hurt?"

The girl who had been holding the cloth over Hermione's injury had been crying. When questioned
why, she sobbed, "It won't come off," as she showed her bloodstained hands.

Harry gave her a sympathetic smile. Poor girl. He held her hands in his and muttered a quick
cleaning spell and the blood disappeared from the girl's hands. She gave him a wavering smile
and a small hug and returned to her newly made friends.

Harry sighed, if only it was that easy to make Hermione smile again. He heard a loud sound and
glanced over his shoulder at the hole the Death Eaters had made upon entry. He sighed in relief,
the Order had finally arrived. It took only moments for the sounds of the conscious Death
Eater's retreats to sound through the train.

A few minutes later, Albus Dumbledore was knelt next to Harry and the unconscious Hermione.
"How are we getting to Hogwarts, Professor?"

"We are only a few short miles from the school," Dumbledore said. "Hagrid is
bringing a mode of transportation. I, however, will be getting Miss Granger to St. Mungo's by
apparation."

Harry nodded mutely but rose to his feet. "What can I do?"

Dumbledore gave a grim smile, "I need you to make sure all the first years get to the castle
safely."

He nodded again, out of the corner of his eye he saw the girl whom he'd helped earlier watching
him in relief.

"She'll be alright, Harry." Dumbledore said softly. "We need you to help care
for the 1st years. The rest of your DA will be caring for the higher level students with the
exception of yourself."

"Professor? H-How many were injured in the explosions?" Harry asked, unsure if he really
wanted to know.

Dumbledore glanced at the group of first years who were listening curiously, "Too many were
injured here, few were lost, but that is still too many."

Harry knew he wouldn't say more due to the first year's attentiveness to the conversation.
He nodded again and watched as Dumbledore picked up Hermione, and with a crack, they were gone.
Harry watched the spot for a moment longer before turning to the first years. "Alright, I need
you to stay here, while I get the other first years up here, alright?"

They all nodded except for the little girl who had been watching him, "I want to come too,”
she said.

He knelt in front of her, "I need you to stay here. I'm not sure how bad everything is and
I don't want you lot to see any of that."

She pouted, "But I don't want to stay here! That girl's blood is still
here!"

"It will be much worse out there," Harry said gently. "You know what duels are
right?" The girl nodded. "There have been a lot of duels since the train stopped, I'm
not sure how many people are hurt like, Hermione was."

The girl's eyes widened, "Oh. Alright, I'll wait here."

"Good girl," Harry smiled, "I won't be long."

He hurried the length of the train peaking into each compartment and sending the scared first years
to the front compartment. He made his way from the end back to the front, in only a few minutes.
Once he made it back to the front compartment, he was surprised how full, yet how empty it was. He
felt a pange in his chest that made him nearly tear up. He pushed that thought to the back of his
mind, they were relying on him right now.

"Alright, stay close and don't wander," He said as he led them from the compartment.
He dropped himself down onto the tracks from the hole and one by one began to help the first years
down, counting as he did. Twenty. That's all there were. He sighed heavily and took the lead
toward the castle. He jumped slightly, startled, when the same little girl from before took hold of
his hand. He smiled down at her and gave her hand a gentle squeeze.

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20. Chapter 20 – The Gryffindor’s Promise
-----------------------------------------



**Chapter 20 - The Gryffindor's Promise**

It turned out that Hagrid had gotten the carriages set up and ready to meet the train. It took
the students that weren't transported to St. Mungo's only about fifteen minutes to reach
the castle. In Harry's carriage, things were quiet and solemn. The group of first years had to
split up into three of the carriages. Harry took the first one so he could be there to meet the
rest.

The same little girl was determined not to be separated and Harry couldn't tell her otherwise.
That little girl had gotten to him. She sat as close as possible to him in the carriage and tried
to pursue conversation to her best ability.

"What's your name?" She asked.

"Harry, what's yours?"

"Emily. How old are you?"

"Sixteen. How old are you?"

She giggled, "I'm eleven. I'm a first year."

Harry gave the girl a small smile as he glanced around the frightened faces of the carriage.
"Don't worry. Everything will be alright when we get to the castle."

One of the younger boys scowled, "How do you know?"

"Because he's sixteen and he said so!" Emily said.

Harry bit back a chuckle at the girls comment but spoke to the boy, "It has nothing to do with
me. Do you remember the older man who came onto the train?" The ones who had been in the front
compartment nodded. "That's the Headmaster of Hogwarts, Professor Dumbledore. The wizard
that those people who attacked us work for a man who is terrified of Dumbledore. He knows not to
attack the castle or anyone in it."

"You-know-who sent those people?" Emily said in horror.

Harry gave a small nod. "I'm afraid so, Emily. But don't worry, like on the train, I
won't let them get to you."

"How can *you* stop them? You're just a kid yourself," the same boy said
defiantly.

"Because it's me their after." Harry said simply. "But they don't have the
nerve to take me without their 'master's' permission. To hurt me would be to hurt
him."

"You couldn't stop all of them from getting us," The boy repeated. "And what
about the other carriages?"

"Remember the really big man who brought the carriages for us?" Harry asked. Their eyes
widened and they nodded. "That's Hagrid, He's a good friend of mine. If for one reason
or another *I* can't protect you, Hagrid will do everything in his being to do
so."

"I don't like him." The boy said sharply.

"You don't like who?"

"The half-giant."

"You don't know Hagrid. There's little to dislike about him." Harry said.

"Giants are joining with You-Know-Who. So will he. He's half-giant." The boy said
adamantly.

"Rubeus Hagrid would never betray Dumbledore," Harry said. "Plus I know how much he
dislikes the Dark Side, personally."

"How?" Emily asked, eyes wide.

"Hagrid was friends with my parents, who were killed by V-You-Know-Who. Hagrid was the one who
brought me to Dumbledore."

Emily gasped. "Harry...*You're* Harry Potter!"

The other boy scowled deeper. "Just our luck. *He's* the one who managed to escape
You-Know-Who and he throws in his luck with a *giant*," he said the last word with an air
of talking about a slug.

Harry was instantly reminded of a combination of Kreature and of 13 year-old Draco Malfoy. He shook
his head. "What's your name?"

"Michael." The boy said.

"Michael, how much do you know?"

"I know enough to know you're going to meet your parents and that Diggory boy soon."
The boy smirked.

"You need to be nice!" Emily growled.

Harry patted her knee gently before turning back to Michael. "I want you to get a few things
straight, Michael. You are going to Hogwarts and the teachers are strained. You need to learn to
hold your comments, they won't take it. Second, you apparently know little about this war and
hopefully you don't have to see much more than what you saw today, but if you do you need to
understand that NO ONE on this side is just going to take what's thrown at them. We will fight
to the end. Finally, It would do you well not to speak like that of my parents or of Cedric Diggory
once we arrive at the castle, no one will take that lightly, especially the Hufflepuffs and
myself."

The boy narrowed his eyes, "I'm not afraid of you. You probably couldn't hurt me if
you tried."

"He's Harry Potter," Emily interrupted. "He could too hurt you. But he
won't, he's not *mean*."

The carriage pulled to a stop and Harry pushed open the door, holding it open as he helped each kid
from the carriage. "Wait right here until we're all together and I'll take you to
Professor McGonagall."

They were in awe of the castle's beauty; Harry had to agree with them. The other carriages came
and Harry helped each student down and led them around to the castle, patting the Threstrals as he
past. He had to chuckle when a few of the kids exchanged confused looks and tried to pet whatever
was there, jumping when the actually felt something there.

"Evening, Hagrid," Harry called.

"'arry. 'ows Hermione?" The large man asked.

"Not so well. Dumbledore took her to St. Mungo's, that evil witch hit her with a severing
charm," Harry said, unable to say the assailants name.

"Ah, well get the firs' years up ta' McGonagall then," Hagrid nodded.

"Will do Hagrid. See you in class then, Professor." Harry said, laughing when his friend
beamed at the title he'd regained since Umbrages leave. "This way," he said to the
first years as he led the way into the castle.

"Potter!"

Harry looked up to see a panic stricken McGonagall, "Professor, here's the first
years."

The witch nodded, eyes scanning the group before resting on Harry again. "Alright, I shall
take them from here."

"Yes, ma'am," Harry said before turning to enter the Great Hall.

"Potter?"

Harry turned back around to his Professor curiously.

"You did well this evening."

"Thank you, though I should have done better," he said solemnly glancing over the small
group of eleven year olds then to his professor who understood his underlying meaning.

"Harry! I want to go with you!" Emily called out.

"You need to go with Professor McGonagall to be sorted into your house." Harry said.
"Don't worry, I'll see you after sorting ok?"

The girl sighed but nodded, she *did* want to know what house she would be in after all.

Harry gave a small nod to McGonagall before entering the Great Hall. Many eyes turned to face him.
His eyes scanned for a moment. The Slytherin table was nearly empty. Most the DA was sitting in
their usual spots, though several were missing. And most the general population looked terrified.
He sighed and walked over to his own spot at the Gryffindor table.

Ron and Ginny were sitting silently in their seats when Harry sat down. "Are you two
alright?"

Ginny nodded, unable to speak because of the silent sobs and the tears that were streaming down her
face. Ron looked up at his best friend, "Neville and Luna were hit, taken to St. Mungo's.
Then Lucius came out of the stunner somehow and hexed Draco, we're not sure how he's
doing."

Harry shook his head, "That witch got Hermione with a severing charm. Her shoulder was sliced
open pretty badly." His own eyes began to tear up.

"How are the first years?" Ginny asked between sobs.

Harry sighed, "We lost almost a third of them in the explosions."

"Merlin," Ron said. "And this is only the beginning."

Harry nodded then remembered something, "Did you guys see Tonks?"

Ron and Ginny frowned and shook their heads, "No, not since she left with Remus."

Harry swore under his breath, "I hope she's alright."

The doors opened again and the Hall fell silent as McGonagall and the first years entered. The
Sorting Hat gave another song on coming together before it was too late and the Sorting began.
Michael Atkins, the boy from the carriage, became one of the few Slytherins (not that Harry was
surprised), and Emily Jackson became the first of the Gryffindors.

The girl beamed as she ran down the Hall and sat herself down right next to Harry. There were a few
chuckles about the Hall and even McGonagall gave Harry an amused look. Harry patted Emily on the
back and glanced up at the two Weasleys who were looking from Emily up to Harry.

"Emily, these are two of my friends, Ron and Ginny-"

"Weasley, I know." She grinned. Ron looked confused. "It's *obvious*
you're related to the Weasleys that own that joke shop!"

Ron, Ginny, and Harry all had to laugh at that. Of course the girl would have been Fred and
George's shop.

"Harry?" She asked.

"What, Em?"

"Was that girl who got hurt on the train your friend too?"

"Yes, she is."

"What is her name?"

"Hermione Granger."

Emily tilted her head before giving Harry a hug, "I'm sorry Hermione got hurt. That woman
in the black was really mean."

Harry returned the girl's hug and glanced at the two Weasleys. "It's alright Emily,
Hermione will be alright. So will the others," He said the last part to his friends more than
to the little girl. "Everything's going to turn out alright, I promise."

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21. Chapter 21 - Mini 'Mione
----------------------------



**Chapter 21 - Mini `Mione**

The first week of term seemed to drag. Everyone was still talking about the attack on the train.
The Professors, McGonagall in particular didn't allow that to interfere with their classes.

Neville and Luna returned to Hogwarts fully healed within a few days Hermione and Draco had
healed enough that the St. Mungo's healers allowed them to be moved back to the Hogwarts
infirmary. "How's your shoulder, Hermione?" Ginny asked from the seat she had taken
next to Draco's bed during the first weekend that they had been allowed to visit.

"Sore," Hermione said. "It wouldn't have been so bad had she not partially
collapsed my lung."

"What were you hit with, Draco?" Luna asked curiously.

"It was a variation of a spell my father used to use as punishment when I was
younger," Draco said. "This one could have been lethal had it hit me properly."

"I can't believe that attack was as big as it was," Neville sighed.

"Well," Ron smirked, "One good thing came out of it."

"What's that?" Hermione frowned.

"Harry got himself a new girlfriend," he chuckled.

The four who hadn't been at the castle that first night looked at Harry quizzically. Harry
was about to explain himself when the infirmary doors were pushed open. Lavender Brown entered and
glanced around cautiously before her eyes rested on the small group, "There you are,
Harry." Hermione's eyes bulged in reaction to the simple misunderstanding.

"You were looking for me, Lavender?" Harry asked casually, watching Hermione out of
the corner of his eye.

"Oh, *I* wasn't the one looking for you," She said shaking her head.

Harry tried not to laugh and Hermione's visible relief, "Alright, then who
was?"

Lavender's dark eyes scanned the room before landing on a little girl who was watching Harry
from behind her. She sidestepped, "She said she was looking for you but didn't know where
the infirmary was, so I brought her."

Emily smiled shyly as she walked forward and climbed wordlessly into Harry's lap, he moved
his arms out of her way. "Hello, Harry," the girl smiled.

Harry couldn't help the smile that crossed over his face, "Hey Em. How come you're
not with your friends?"

"I was," Emily said. "But they were boring and I wanted to see you. So I asked
other sixth years where you were and Lavender and Parvati were the only ones who would help me.
They brought me to find you."

Harry glanced up at his friends, just realizing that they were watching the interaction quite
closely. "Emily this is Hermione, Neville, Luna, and Draco. Guys, this is Emily." He
said, introducing them all.

Emily looked up when she heard the name 'Hermione'. "You're the one the evil
lady hurt!"

A look of amusement and understanding crossed Hermione's face as she glanced up at Harry and
nodded, "That's right."

"I was the one that held that cloth over your shoulder, remember?" Emily
continued.

"Oh, was that you?" Hermione asked. "I don't remember who it was, only that
it hurt."

The girl nodded, "Then when the older wizard...Remus?" She glanced up at Harry for
confirmation when he nodded she continued, "When Remus got there he took care of you, but your
blood wouldn't go away! Harry had to use a spell to make it disappear!"

"Did he?" Hermione said glancing up at Harry again with a small smile.

Emily's eyes were wide as she nodded. Through her story, she'd been squirming trying to
use hand motions to prove her point, though it was a bit uncomfortable for the lap she was sitting
on. "Em. If you're going to sit on my lap, you're going to have to sit still,"
Harry said calmly.

She glanced up and nodded, "Alright," she said as she let her eyes scan the other
occupants of the room. "You were hurt from the duel too?" She asked as her gaze landed on
the blonde wizard in a bed similar to Hermione's.

Draco nodded slightly, "Just a little bit."

Emily was silent for a moment as she looked over the wizard, "You're not a Gryffindor,
are you?"

"No, I'm not." Draco answered.

"What house are you in?" She pressed.

"I'm a Slytherin."

Her eyes widened, "But aren't Slytherins like that evil woman?" She asked looking
up at Harry in confusion.

"Not all of them, Em." Harry said gently. "Draco is a friend."

"But aren't You-Know-Who's people Slytherins?" She asked.

Ginny took over this question, "Most are. Tom Riddle, himself, was a Slytherin. But not all
Slytherins have the same hate capacity as the Death Eaters."

Emily frowned, her confusion deepened. "Who's Tom Riddle?"

"That's Voldemort's birth name," Hermione replied.

Emily gasped, "You said his *name*," sounding half in awe of the other witch.

"It's alright Em. It's just a name," Harry said. He glanced up at Hermione
with a smile, "Fear of a name only increases fear of the thing itself."

The little girl nodded and fell silent for a moment. Then, "But if V-Voldemort himself was
a Slytherin, doesn't that mean...."

"Not exactly," Harry said shaking his head. "I personally know at least one
former Gryffindor who is among Voldemort's Death Eaters."

"Really? Who?" Emily gasped.

"His name is Peter Pettigrew," Harry said, his jaw clenching. "He was sorted into
Gryffindor. He ended up betraying his friends, two of them- my mother and father-to their deaths,
and joined the Death Eaters."

"I always knew a rat was an awfully suspicious choice for an animagus," said a
masculine voice from the infirmary entrance, "but I suppose it fits."

The group turned toward the door to see Sirius grinning at them.

"Sirius!" Harry said as he quickly set Emily to her feet and walked over to his
godfather. "What are you doing here?"

"Well, seeing as no one volunteered for the DADA position this year, Dumbledore requested
that Remus and myself take it over," Sirius shrugged.

"That's great, Sirius," Ginny smiled.

"Personally, I think they should have just left the job to Moony," Sirius said.

"Dumbledore will have his reasons for wanting you both here," Hermione said
sternly.

"In that case, we may never know the real reason," he said. His eyes scanned over the
group and came to rest on a small figure hiding behind his godson. "Who do we have here?"
he asked as he knelt down to the girl's eyelevel.

"Oh, Sirius, this is Emily, she's a first year this year," Harry said,
"Emily, this is my godfather, Sirius Black."

Emily came out from behind Harry and smiled at the older man. "Nice to meet you,
Sirius," She said quietly.

Sirius grinned, "And you Miss Emily. How did your first week at Hogwarts go?"

"Oh it was fun!" The girl beamed. "I'm really good at all my classes, I read
my books as much as possible before I came here. Charms is my favorite so far I managed to make my
feather fly before *anyone* else! Transfiguration is fun too. I got my match to turn into a
needle on my *first* try! McGonagall said I did really well. History of Magic isn't
*that* bad, but I'm the only one who can stay awake long enough to take decent
notes." The girl paused long enough to take a breath before continuing. "I really like
potions but I don't thing Professor Snape likes me too much, but the second years I talked to
said it's because he doesn't like Gryffindors, but that can be true. He's a
*teacher.* Teacher's want all their students to learn!"

Emily looked up at the other faces only to see them looking from Hermione to her and back before
bursting out laughing. Ron had fallen out of his chair he was laughing so hard, Sirius was covering
his laughter with a hand but his eyes showed his amusement clearly enough. Only Luna had kept quiet
though she showed slight amusement as well.

"Bloody hell, Hermione," Ron gasped. "She's a miniature you!"

After a few moments the laughter died down and Harry explained to Emily about their first year
and Hermione. Sirius glanced around, "Hey Emy, you said you were good at Transfiguration,
right?"

The little girl nodded excitedly, "I earned 10 whole points for being able to turn my match
into a needle on my first try!"

Sirius smiled, "You want me to show you a trick I learned in Transfiguration in my fifth
year?"

Her eyes widened as she nodded, "Oh yes! Please show me!"

Sirius quickly transformed into Padfoot and barked at Emily.

She gasped and giggled, "You can turn into a *puppy*!"

Harry sat himself down next to Hermione's bed again and they exchanged amused glances,
"She is a lot like you, you know."

Hermione shook her head, "No, she's got enough smarts to know that there's more
than books."

"You heard her description of Hogwarts so far," Harry smiled, "Her defense of
Snape sounds familiar. As did her description of Charms and Transfiguration."

Hermione smiled, "Plus the fact that she latched on to you first chance she got."

Harry returned the smile and glanced up. The rest of the group was occupied with watching Sirius
and Emily. He stood up and sat himself next to Hermione on her bed and took her hand in his.
"I'm really sorry Hermione."

"What are you sorry for?" She asked, puzzled.

"That spell should have hit me," he said rubbing his thumb lightly over her knuckles.
“You're a great girl, Hermione. Now I've got two girls in my life to be my conscience
during this war. Thank you for being here, 'Mione."

Hermione smiled and rested her head on his shoulder, "I wouldn't be anywhere
else."

Across the room Padfoot had noticed his godson's move and smiled to himself. He knew it had
been coming. It took this little charm of a girl to show Harry the truth. Sirius pranced lightly
around Emily who was still trying to chase the 'puppy'.

-->



22. Chapter 22 - Suspicion in DADA
----------------------------------



**Chapter 22 - Suspicion in DADA**

Harry yawned as he made his way down to the Great Hall for breakfast, bag over his shoulder. He
absently thought over the schedule of classes for that day: Potions, DADA, Charms, and Care of
Magical Creatures. A fairly busy day but it wasn't too bad, with the exception of Potions, of
course. Potions were bad enough, but NEWT level Potions are undoubtedly worse. Mainly because Harry
had *chosen* to take it this year.

He sighed inwardly as he made his way to the Gryffindor table, vaguely noting that the Hall was
practically empty. He wasted little time as he took his usual seat and began filling his plate with
food when a pair of hands came around covering his eyes.

"Guess who?" Said a voice in his ear.

A small smiled crept across his face, "Hermione." He turned in his seat to face her,
his smile growing, "Madam Pomfrey let you out?"

Hermione nodded and smiled as she took a seat next to Harry, "Yep, she had to give me a
final check up, but I'm healed so there was really little point in keeping me there."

"That's good to hear," Harry grinned. "What about Draco? When should he be
getting out of the Infirmary?"

"Madam Pomfrey said he should be allowed to go within the next few days," Hermione
answered as she put food on her plate.

"Guess what?"

"What?"

"We have Sirius and Remus in class today," Harry smiled.

"Oh! Do we?" Hermione said excitedly.

"Yeah, first thing this morning," Harry said.

Hermione looked thoughtful for a moment then giggled. At Harry's questioning expression she
explained, "I was just thinking. It's almost natural to call Remus 'Professor
Lupin', but to start calling Sirius 'Professor Black', should be interesting."

Harry chuckled but agreed, "I think it'll probably irritate him, he'll probably ask
everyone just to call him Sirius or Padfoot."

"Or maybe Professor Padfoot," Hermione smiled.

"Morning Ron," Harry said as their other friend took his usual spot at the opposite
side of the table.

"Morning, great schedule today," Ron said. "Well, except for Potions."

Harry and Hermione nodded. "What should we do about the DA?" Hermione asked
hesitantly.

Harry glanced up, "What do you mean, we don't really need it. We've got Remus and
Sirius to help us this year."

The girl sighed, "I know, but I think we should continue it. Even if the numbers slim down,
I think it's still important that we continue."

"I agree, mate," Ron said watching Harry's reaction.

Harry frowned in thought for a moment, "I'll talk to Remus and Sirius today after class
to see what they think. If they recommend we continue on our own, then we will."

The three fell into silence, finished their breakfasts, and headed toward the DADA classroom
making sure they were well before anyone else. They wondered, curiously, what their teachers had in
store for them.

"Good morning," Remus said as they entered the classroom.

"'Morning," Sirius said leaning back in the chair behind the desk, feet propped on
the desk.

"Sirius, for Merlin's sake, get your feet *off* the desk!" Remus
reprimanded.

The three students laughed at the face Sirius made to the other wizard once he'd turned back
around. "Good morning, Professor Lupin, *Professor* Black," Harry said.

Sirius grimaced, "Damn, Moony, I certainly should have left this job to you."

Hermione made a mock-pained expression that looked very sincere to those other than Harry and
Ron, "You mean you don't want to be here to help us learn to defend ourselves,
Sirius?"

The wizard began to look guilty, "I didn't-I mean-I just meant..." He was cut off
when the three burst out laughing. Sirius crossed his arms across his chest, "That wasn't
funny, I really felt bad!"

"I'm sure you did, Sirius," Remus mused. "Just like you felt bad about
turning Molly's hair pink."

Sirius rolled his eyes, "Enough about that. I learned my lesson, alright?"

"Only after been turned pink for a few days," Ron chuckled.

"What is this 'Pick on Padfoot Day' or something?" Sirius said, shaking his
head.

"Every day is 'Pick on Padfoot Day', Sirius," Remus said, highly amused.

Sirius stuck his tongue out childishly at the rest of them, which just made them all laugh
harder.

Harry composed himself after a minute and said, "Oh, we were wanting to talk to you two
about something, that's why we came so early."

Remus and Sirius glanced at him curiously. "Alright," Remus nodded.

"It's about the DA. We were wondering what you two thought about continuing this year,
seeing as Umbrage isn't here anymore. Do you think we should continue to offer the DA
separately from the regular DADA classes?"

The two older wizards exchanged glances and looked thoughtful for a moment.

"I think it'd be a good idea, Moony?"

Remus was silent for a moment more, "I don't see how it would be a bad idea, but what
do you intend to teach this year?"

Harry frowned a moment, "I'm not exactly sure. I figure I could reteach what I learn in
the training I'm supposed to be receiving for the final battle. At least that way I'd have
to learn it better myself in order to be able to teach those who come."

Remus nodded thoughtfully. "Talk to me later this week and perhaps I can help with a lesson
plan," He said as the room began to fill with the rest of the students.

Harry, Ron, and Hermione quickly took their seats up in the front of the classroom. Harry gave
his godfather, who looked ready to be sick, an encouraging smile.

After everyone had taken his or her seats and fallen silent Remus began speaking, "Alright,
as you know, I am Professor Remus Lupin. This year, however, you will be having two teachers in
this class, rather than one. The other is Professor Sirius Black."

There was a collective intake of breath as Sirius's name was said. Harry watched his
godfather's expression fall slightly as though he knew that would happen.

Lavender raised her hand. Once Remus acknowledged her, she asked, "Um. Sir, Professor
Black?"

Sirius looked at the girl oddly and got to his feet, "Miss Brown, correct? What can I do
for you?"

She looked as though she was trying to figure out how she wanted to ask her question, "If I
may, w-what made the Ministry overturn your conviction?"

Harry and Remus exchanged glances, but neither said anything. They knew that it was Sirius who
had to gain the trust of the rest of the students.

Sirius frowned slightly as he perched himself on the edge of the desk, "Well, I assume you
know all know what it was that my conviction was?"

Lavender nodded slightly.

"Please, if you'll share with the rest of the class, so I know how much you
know?"

Lavender nodded again, "You were said to have killed thirteen people with one curse. Twelve
muggles and one wizard by blowing up a muggle street."

Sirius took a deep breath, "Is that the story you all know?"

Everyone nodded. Harry noticed his godfather's expression had paled slightly.

"The first thing I think you need to know about what happened those--fifteen?--fifteen
years ago. The wizard that I was said to have killed was named Peter Pettigrew, we were...friends
when we were at Hogwarts."

"You killed your friend?" Dean Thomas asked.

Sirius blanched, "Merlin no, though given the chance *now* I most certainly
would." There was an all around gasp. "Whoa, hold on, allow me to explain if you will.
All right..." he pinched the bridge of his nose before continuing. "When I was in
Hogwarts, Remus, Peter Pettigrew, Harry's father James, and myself were all the best of
friends. After graduation, we all remained fairly close. Understand, this was during the time that
Vol-" another round of gasps "*demort* was gaining power the first time around. For
reasons that will remain unsaid unless Harry chooses to reveal them, Lily and James Potter, along
with Harry, had to go into hiding from Voldemort. James insisted I become his secret
keeper."

Sirius glanced at Harry and sighed before lowering his eyes and continuing his story.
"Being James's best friend, I knew that Voldemort would suspect me to be the secret keeper
and would come after me. I suggested that they make Peter their Secret Keeper, as Peter was not one
to be quickly associated with being a 'close' friend of the Potter's. They agreed,
however reluctantly."

"T-that," Sirius cleared his throat, "That Halloween I went to check on Peter to
make sure he was still safe. He wasn't at the home he was supposed to be staying in; yet, there
was absolutely no sign that he'd been taken by force. By the time I realized what had happened,
the charm that had been hiding the Potter's had been broken, Lily and James, my best friend and
his wife, had been murdered, my godson had nearly met the same fate and Voldemort had
disappeared."

He glanced up noticing the slightly confused expression on the majority of the faces.
"Peter Pettigrew had been a spy for Voldemort for the greater part of a year. As soon as he
was made Secret Keeper, he'd told him where the Potter's could be found. I went after him,
granted, with *every* intention of killing him. He must have known I would be after him,
because he faked his own murder and the murder of twelve muggles, framing me."

"If you remember in your third year, my escape from Azkaban. I did come here to Hogwarts. I
was here long before any of you had come by train. I spent my time in the Forbidden Forest, with
the exception of the time that I came into the Gryffindor tower, and the brief time after I was
caught," Sirius glanced at Ron with amusement in his eyes, "Did I ever apologize for
that, Ron?"

Ron shook his head slightly, "No, you gave me a right scare though, standing over me with
that knife."

Sirius smiled sheepishly, "The Fat Lady has yet to forgive me for the attack on
*her*."

Parvati raised her hand. When Sirius nodded in her direction she asked, "I've got two
questions before you continue. First, how did Pettigrew fake his own death? I mean would you see
him run? Then second, how *did* you escape? I remember Professor Snape was *furious*
after that. That was why he told everyone about you, wasn't it Professor Lupin?"

Remus rubbed the back of his neck, "You need to understand that Professor Snape was in the
same year as Remus, James, Peter, and I during our time at Hogwarts and we didn't exactly...get
along."

"That's the understatement of the year," Sirius muttered, earning several chuckled
in response.

"Sirius," Remus warned. Sirius lowered his head in submission and grinned sheepishly.
Remus shook his head and finished answering the question. "Black, here, and James tended to
hex or prank him every time they got the chance for little to no reason at all. One such prank
involved myself." Sirius's eyes shot to the floor; he knew what was coming next.
"Sirius, here, decided it would be...*amusing* to send Professor Snape to get a peak of
me on a Full Moon." A few people gasped, "James managed to pull him back in time, but
Professor Snape never forgave any of us for that one. It took *me* long enough to forgive this
prat here. When Professor Snape thought that I had aided Sirius in his escape, he thought it only
fair that he share my...secret."

Sirius cleared his throat, "I was a prat, and I know it. Anyway, for your first question.
As you know, Remus is a werewolf. It took up until our second year for James and I to figure out
*why* he really disappeared every month. Once we did we started down a bit of...research on
animagi. We studied the spell thoroughly until our fifth year when we were able to perfect it.
James and I had to help Peter, Transfiguration was one of his worst subjects, but we figured it out
and we became animagi in order to help Remus during his transformations. See, Werewolves are only
danger to humans. As animals, we could accompany him and he'd be less dangerous to himself. I
became a dog, James became a Stag, and Peter became a rat."

"So, when you went after Pettigrew, *he* blew up the street then transformed into the
rat in order to fake his own death?" Seamus asked.

Sirius nodded, "Exactly, I, of course, was the one to be blamed for those murders and
sentenced life in Azkaban. I used my dog form, however, to escape from Azkaban when I learned via
Daily Prophet that Pettigrew had returned to Hogwarts."

"How? Wouldn't we have seen him?" Lavender asked, quizzically.

It was Ron who spoke up here, "Do you remember my old rat, Scabbers, Lavender?"

The girl nodded, still confused.

"He was Peter Pettigrew in his animal form, only I didn't know until third
year."

Comprehension dawned across several faces. "So you came back here, in dog form, to kill
Pettigrew?" Lavender asked.

Sirius nodded, "I suppose you remember the Hippogriff, Buckbeak. The one that got a hold of
Draco Malfoy?"

There were a few snickers in remembrance of how Draco had acted after the attack.

"I'll take that as a yes," Sirius smirked. He gestured toward Harry, Ron, and
Hermione "Well, when these three snuck down to Hagrid's to see if he was going to be
alright just before the execution, I watched. When they headed back toward the castle, Pettigrew
tried to run. Ron managed to catch him just short of the Womping Willow. I attacked. Though I went
for the rat, I managed to get Ron's arm instead. There's a tunnel beneath that tree that
leads to the Shrieking Shack that Remus used to use for his transformation before the Wolfsbane
Potion was created, I dragged Ron, along with the rat into the shack. Harry and Hermione, for some
reason, fallowed."

"Remus came in just in time to stop Harry from killing *me* for the betrayal of his
parents," Harry gave his godfather an innocent expression. "Anyway, we forced Peter to
resume his human form. After a bit of interrogation, we left to bring him to the castle. Having
Peter would have cleared my name. Unfortunately, it was a Full Moon that night, and my dear friend
Remus forgot to take his Potion. While I was pulling the wolf's attention away from the kids,
Peter transformed and got away. And I was sent on the run,” Sirius hesitated and glanced at Harry,
unsure whether or not to tell how he actually escaped. He chose not to.

"You were innocent the whole time? Thirteen years in Azkaban for a crime you didn't
commit?" Seamus mused.

Lavender's and rose again. When called upon she said, "Is Pettigrew still
alive?"

Both Sirius's and Remus's jaws clenched. Sirius nodded, "He is. When Harry and
Cedric Diggory disappeared during the TriWizards Tournament, it was Pettigrew that killed Diggory
using Voldemort's wand." There was the sound of everyone whispering at once. "It was
also Peter who cut off his own hand, and slit Harry's arm in order to bring Voldemort back to
physical form."

Neville raised his hand shakily, "I know I shouldn't say much, but I'm sorry for
what happened in June."

"That was far from being your fault, Neville," Sirius smiled. "It should be me to
apologize to you for my cousin's actions."

The rest of the class looked puzzled but let it slip. Remus glanced at his watch, "Well, I
do believe we've just about used up our time. We've got about five minutes before I dismiss
the class, so it's pointless to start anything today. But prepare to work next class. If you
have anything regarding what you've heard today or some other time, feel free to talk to either
Sirius or myself."

The class began muttering amongst themselves. Lavender stood from her seat and approached
Sirius. "Professor Black? I want to apologize for my earlier suspicions."

Sirius smiled, "Don't worry about it Miss Brown. I had assumed that there would be some
skepticism on my innocence."

"Can you show us your animal form?" Parvati asked, curiously.

Sirius glanced at Remus as though asking permission. Remus gave an almost unnoticeable nod. The
dark haired wizard grinned, "Of course." With a small 'pop' there was a large
black dog standing in the middle of the DADA classroom.

"Wicked, he's a GRIM!" Dean said, sounding almost in awe.

"Hey, Harry. He must have been the Grim that Trelawney was always seeing around you!"
Lavender gasped.

Harry chuckled, "I might want to warn you, he's yet to grow out of his pranking stage,
right Padfoot?"

The black dog barked before changing back into Sirius, "Harry! I'm appalled by your
insinuations."

Remus chuckled, "I'll be sure to inform Tonks and Mrs. Weasley of your thoughts,
Sirius. Class Dismissed."

The students exited the room chatting excitedly about the day's class and the story
they'd heard. None of them seemed to doubt it in the slightest. They all trusted Remus, and if
Remus trusted Sirius's story, why shouldn't they?

-->



23. Chapter 23 - Caught in the Act
----------------------------------



**Chapter 23 - Caught in the Act**

The weekend fallowing their informative DADA lesson, Harry made arrangements with Remus to meet
in his room in order to work with the ideal lesson plans for the DA. Harry quickly learned that he
had a lot of work to do. After about an hour of talking over different lesson ideas, the two
wizards decided to take a break.

"Remus?" Harry asked, just remembering a question he'd been meaning to ask.

Remus arched an eyebrow as he went about preparing tea for the two, "Hmm?"

"Has anyone heard from or seen Tonks?" He asked.

A heavy sigh escaped his professor, "No. She's been missing for over a week and
we've not heard word."

"Do you think they took her?"

"I really don't know. My best guess is that they did. But I think if they took her it
was on accident."

"What do you mean?"

Remus sat two mugs of tea down on the desk and reclaimed his seat, "They have no reason to
take Tonks. She's an Auror, they may as well simply kill her."

"So, what do you think happened?" Harry asked, slightly confused.

"Well, Tonks is a Metamophagus." Remus said, at Harry's increased confusion he
continued. "My theory as to what happened is that they were there looking to capture some one
else and Tonks purposely transformed herself to look like their 'prey' and instead of
taking the person they were sent to get, they took Tonks."

Harry frowned slightly, "But who was it they were sent to get?"

Remus shrugged and leaned back in his chair, "My guess is some one who is close enough to
you, and the rest of the Order, to be used against us. Some one who they think can be easily bended
to their will. Some one with the knowledge as to how to affect you the most. And most obviously, a
female student."

"A female student because 1) it's Tonks and 2) they came from the train," Harry
finished. He frowned slightly as he went down the list of people it could have been. "The only
girl I can think of that could really be used against me is Hermione."

Remus nodded, "And that doesn't make sense because Bellatrix attacked Hermione, if
Voldemort planned to use their captured person against us, he'd want the person
alive."

"But if you think about it, she fits the categories you just listed. She's close to me
and several Order members, she's muggle born so they would obviously think less of her.
Hermione knows exactly what to do to get to me, and she's quite obviously a female
student." Harry said.

The older wizard frowned in thought, "Perhaps Voldemort only told specific Death Eaters who
he wanted. Bellatrix may not have known that Hermione was suppose to be taken."

"Now that part doesn't make sense," Harry said. "Bellatrix and her husband
are said to be Voldemort's top supporters."

"Ah, but that doesn't mean he'd give them every assignment he has. That would give
them the idea that he *likes* them," Remus said.

"But for an important assignment, he'd give it to one of the Death Eaters that he
trusted most," Harry argued.

"Which wouldn't necessarily be the LeStranges. It very well could be..." Remus
dropped off as his face paled.

"Lucius Malfoy," Harry said, eyes wide.

Both wizards fell silent, each caught up in their own thoughts. Harry remembered seeing the two
Malfoys dueling, but when he came back Lucius was unconscious. Or was he? How could Harry be
certain that it *was* Lucius that lay unconscious on the train floor? With a sigh and a frown,
he removed his glasses and placed them on the desk. He rubbed his hands over his face and through
his messy hair. He slipped his glasses back on and glanced at Remus, "So what do we
do?"

Remus arched an eyebrow, "*We* do nothing. I have told the Order my theory and they
will do what is necessary to find Tonks. We wouldn't want a repeat of June, now would we?"
As soon as he said the words he knew he shouldn't have.

Harry clenched his jaw and got to his feet. "If we're done here,
*Professor*," he made the last word a bit more pronounced, clearly saying he wasn't
impressed in the least. "I should be getting back to the common room."

"Harry," Remus said in a half-warning half-exasperated tone.

"I'll inform Ron and Hermione of our lesson plans," Harry continued. Without
giving Remus a chance to say another word, he turned on his heel and exited the office. He picked
up his pace and hurried down the corridor, though he had no intention of returning to the common
room, and he certainly had no intention of sharing that conversation with Ron and Hermione. No, the
only person he had any intentions to speak to at the moment was a certain blonde Slytherin.

He quickly made his way up a few sets of stairs where he knew Draco liked to begin his Prefect
rounds. He over heard two voices coming his direction and slipped into an unused classroom. Pulling
his wand from his pocket as he closed the door all but just a crack, he watched as a black head of
hair and a familiar white blonde head passed by. Sticking the tip of his wand through the space
between the door and the frame he whispered something and watched as a pale blue beam darted out
and hit Draco on the back.

The blonde wizard glanced casually over his shoulder, icy eyes landing on Harry. He gave an
almost invisible nod then turned to his companion. "Hey Go on ahead, Blaise. I've got to
go take care of something, I'll catch you later." The dark haired boy nodded and continued
down the corridor. As soon as he'd turned the corner Draco slipped into the classroom where
Harry hid. "What's up?"

Harry latched the door and leaned back against it. He took a deep breath and told Draco about
the conversation that he and Remus had had. Draco listened closely and looked thoughtful. "So
what is it you are wanting to do?"

"I want to go after her. If she impersonated Hermione, then it was my fault she was
taken." Harry said.

"Right, and you come to me because...?" Draco said.

"I don't want a repeat of last June," Harry replied. "I don't want to
drag Ron and Hermione into this."

"I see, so I'm expendable?" Draco asked, eyebrow arched.

"No, you just know how to defend yourself better and you have better knowledge about what
we might encounter," Harry said simply.

The blonde wizard looked mildly pleased for a brief moment before coming back onto the topic.
"Alright, tell me your plan. I'm in."

~*~

Nine o'clock that evening found the two wizards in the Room of Requirements. Harry had
brought along his Invisibility Cloak as well as the Marauder's Map. "You know where
we're going right?" Harry asked again, for the tenth time.

Draco rolled his eyes, "*Yes*, Harry, now come on, we've got to get
going."

Harry nodded and the two boys turned toward the door. Once the door was opened, he nearly
dropped everything he'd been carrying. Standing right in front of him were Ron, Hermione and
Ginny, the three he'd *not* wanted involved. He exchanged looks with Draco who gave a
nervous laugh, "Ron...Hermione...Ginny...what-what are you doing here?"

Hermione had crossed her arms across her chest and Ron looked furious. Ginny, on the other hand,
couldn't seem to decide whether to be hurt or angry. "I suppose we should ask you the same
thing, huh?" Hermione glared.

Harry sighed, "Well seeing as the three of you are here, I'm assuming you already
know."

"We went to catch you in Remus's office after your 'lessons planning', but you
were gone," Ron said. "He told us about how you walked out on him. He assumed you would
look for Draco, and warned us to keep an eye out."

"Unfortunately for you," Ginny cut in. "Crookshanks heard you. He alerted us and
we fallowed you here, plotting to take off again for who knows what reason."

Harry tried to respond once more but was cut off again. "I don't know what's worse,
Harry," Hermione snapped. "The fact that you tried to keep us in the dark. Or the fact
that you won't listen to Remus."

He had finally had enough, "Do you have any clue as to *where* I'm planning on
going? Or for *what* reason?" Three heads shook in the negative. "We're going to
Malfoy Manor."

Hermione tried to cut in but Draco took over, "Tonks is *missing* Hermione. She took
*your* image and was captured by my father. He though she was *you*. We're going to
get her out of there, because who knows *what* they've done to her by now."

"We're coming with you," Hermione said.

"No!" came Draco and Harry's protest. Harry glanced at Draco and continued.
"No, Hermione. None of you are coming this time, I'm not having a repeat of last
June."

Hermione glared, "I think that you'll need us more than you'd like to believe.
There is no way that just two of you are going to be able to get to Tonks let alone get her back
out with out help."

"Actually, Hermione, the fewer the better on this trip," Draco said. "You
don't know how many traps my father has laid about the Manor. We have to be in and out with in
a half an hour, and I'm sorry but I'm not going to be able to take care of all of
you."

"We can take care of our selves Malfoy," Ron growled.

"*Not* this time, Ron," Harry said. "Listen guys, Draco and I are going, we
are the *only* one's going on this trip. Two will go in, three will come out."

"You are not pushing us away Harry!" Hermione glared.

"I'm *not*, Hermione. I am making absolutely sure that no one gets hurt. You are
the brightest witch of our year, but you have little idea what to expect. Draco does," Harry
said sternly.

"Then Draco can just show us the plans to the Manor so we know where to be careful,"
said Ginny, who had been silent up until now.

"Sorry, we don't have time." Draco said, pushing past the group, Harry right
behind him.

As they walked down the corridor Harry turned to his friends, "Don't think to fallow
us, I'll know," he said, holding up the Marauder's Map.

Hermione scowled and crossed her arms back across her chest.

"What do we do?" Ginny asked quietly.

It was Ron that answered, "We fallow them."

"But the map...?" Hermione said.

"I don't give a damn, Hermione." Ron said.

"Well I do, Come on, we need to go talk with Remus and Sirius," Ginny said.

The two red heads made their way toward the DADA offices, leaving Hermione to fall slightly
behind. The young witch glanced down the corridor in the way Harry and Draco had just disappeared.
With a heavy sigh she said, “Be careful, Harry. Please be careful.”

~*~

Harry and Draco had made it off the school grounds and, somehow, made it to the Manor. They sat
crouched behind a bush, both scanning the area. Draco had mapped out the grounds and told Harry
where the traps where. The only thing now, was to get in there.

**Author's Note****: I know this was a bit of a cliffhanger, but what fun would it be if
you got it all at once? Sorry, actually I need a bit more time to think how to work the rescue
mission. I love writing the chapters where some one gets into an argument, but this next chapter is
going to be a bit difficult. It may take a while, but I promise it will be worth the wait! Anyway,
tell me what you think of this chapter in a nice long review!**

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24. Chapter 24 - The Rescue
---------------------------



**Chapter 24 - The Rescue**

***Malfoy Manor 10:00***

Harry fallowed Draco through the grounds of the Manor that had, at one time, been the blond
wizard's home. They had had to duck behind bushes and trees several times as masked figures
came in and out of the building. A pair of gray eyes and a pair of green eyes watched each Death
Eater's progress, trying to find a way in undetected.

Harry made his way silently over to the other wizard. "So, how are we going to get
in?"

Draco frowned slightly as he scanned the area. "In order to be unseen, we've either got
to go through the hidden door, but that will be charmed. The only other way in would be through the
dungeons."

"Isn't that where they would keep Tonks?" Harry asked.

"Possibly. I mean, I can think of other things Father would do with her," Draco
shrugged. "But, the dungeons is our best bet. Harry? How much are you willing to do to get
Tonks out of there?"

"It's my fault she's in there, I will not let her stay in there any longer,"
Harry said firmly.

"Alright, lets get moving," Draco sighed.

***Hogwarts 10:10***

"Hold on, hold on," came Sirius's voice through the thick door. When the door
opened, confusion came across the older wizard's face. "Ron, Gin, Hermione? What are you
doing here this late? Where's Harry?"

"He's left, hasn't he?" Said a voice behind Sirius. Remus's head peered
over Sirius's shoulder, tea mug in hand.

"Left? What do you mean left?" Sirius frowned.

"He went after Tonks," Ginny said.

"He took Draco with him and forbid us to fallow," Hermione said quietly.

"Well, we have to go after him!" Sirius said, going for his cloak.

"We can't Sirius," Remus said gloomily.

"Why not?" Ron said, affronted.

"Because, Ron, there are too many charms and traps around Malfoy Manor that we wouldn't
even get a meter in without setting off at least a dozen." Remus replied.

"Then how are Draco and Harry getting past them?" Ron frowned.

"Draco knows the lands, Ron." Hermione said. "Draco will know how his
Father's mind works and will know where the traps and charms are set."

"Oh, I guess that does make sense," Ron sighed.

***Malfoy Manor 10:15***

The two young wizards slipped silently through the grounds toward the tunnel that would lead
them to the dungeons. They moved as quickly as they could without making too much noise. There were
a few times in which they had to hide after nearly being seen. After a few minutes of this, they
managed to get to the tunnel that led underground, and into the Malfoy Dungeons.

They had to be slightly less quiet as they made their way through the half-mile tunnel, still
quiet, but not necessarily silent. They slowed their pace a little, in order to be able to have
enough energy to get themselves and Tonks out. "Do you think they'll have her down
here?" Harry asked quietly.

Draco shrugged, "It's possible."

They fell silent and continued down the tunnel until they came to a place where it widened into
the dungeons that they were looking for. Ducking quickly behind a large crate, the two boys scanned
the area. The dungeons were empty with the exception of Tonks who was back in her original form and
bound to a chair, which was sitting in the center of a cell. Harry started to stand up to go after
her when a hand closed around his wrist.

"Not just yet, Harry," Draco hissed.

"What are you talking about?" Harry frowned. "There's no one here to stop us,
we need to hurry and get her!"

Draco shook his head, "It's too simple, Harry. I know my father, he wouldn't make
*anything* this simple, especially not recapturing a prisoner."

"But he got Tonks by accident, he doesn't want her," the raven-haired wizard
argued.

The blond sighed heavily, "I hate to tell you, but there is a good chance that my father
already took care of what he 'wanted'."

The color drained from Harry's face as his emerald eyes darted toward the witch with the
bubble gum pink hair. "We've got to get her out of here."

Draco nodded, "I know, but we've got to be extremely careful."

"How do you propose we do this?"

He was silent a moment then pulled the dark haired boy to the floor and began to explain his
plan.

"I'm going to have to cause a disturbance while you get her out of here."

"No." Harry said firmly. "The only thing that will do is get us all caught. We
both came in, we're all going out."

"But one of us has to make sure the other's not found." Draco argued.

Harry shook his head then had a thoughtful expression. He pulled his wand from his pocket and
cast the Disillusionment charm on himself and the other boy. "This should help."

"Indeed it should," Draco agreed.

Harry crept forward silently toward Tonks. His eyes darting in every direction. Once he got to
the cell door he hissed 'Alohamora'. Tonks's dark eyes snapped open in fear and darted
about when she heard the door unlock. "Tonks, it me. We're going to get you out of
here." Harry whispered.

He quickly released her bonds and cast the disillusionment charm over her as well. Pulling one
of her arms over his shoulders, he helped her get to her feet and out of the cell. They met up with
Draco and the three made their way back toward the tunnel. After pulling a weakened Tonks back to
her feet several times they finally made their way to the edge of the Malfoy grounds, where they
had started.

***Hogwarts 11:00***

Three students and the two teachers sat in the DADA office, wondering if and when they would see
the two wizards again. Sirius appeared to be fighting the fatigue that was threatening to overcome
him, while Remus's amber eyes were slightly glassy as his mind wandered elsewhere. Ron and
Ginny were leaning against one another whispering softly. Hermione was in a chair on the opposite
side of the room, next to the window her eyes searching the grounds as well as the skies.

They had gotten so absorbed into their own thoughts and the silence that accompanied them that
all five of them shot into the air when a soft knock rapt at the heavy door. Remus's eyes
darted to the three students and Sirius before he got to his feet and opened the door. The other
four waited on bated breath as the werewolf stepped back from the doorway to let three
Disillusioned figures stumble through the door.

They watched silently as first Harry, and then Draco and Tonks came into sight. All five of them
were now to their feet. Only when Tonks collapsed did anyone move forward. Harry and Draco both
made to catch her but where much too exhausted themselves and witch ended up being caught by Remus.
He quickly got her seated into a chair as Sirius and Hermione worked to get the boys seated.

"I see you succeeded," Remus mused as he sat back into his own chair.

Harry and Draco nodded silently. "Draco knew away into the dungeons where Tonks was being
held," Harry yawned.

"You got in and out with no problems?" Sirius frowned.

"We were almost caught a few times," Draco said. "I'd be more worried about
what she's been through over the past week or so."

Remus nodded solemnly as he watched Hermione and Ginny tend to the older witch who was trembling
severely. Who knew what those creeps had put the poor girl through.

Sirius got to his feet and made his way over to his cousin and knelt in front of her,
"Tonks? Are you alright enough to be brought to Dumbledore, or do you need to rest for the
night?"

The pink haired witch flinched heavily at the voice but relaxed once she realized who it was.
"Siri..." she managed quietly as she clung to her cousin's robes.
"Siri...they're planning.... they're planning another attack."

"Shh, it's all right, you don't need to worry about them right now," Sirius
said reassuringly. He glanced up to the rest of the group, "I'm going to get her to Madam
Pomfrey, and I think it best if Harry and Draco come along as well."

"Why?" Ron frowned.

"There are going to be questions," Sirius answered. "There is no doubt in my mind
that Dumbledore already knows what has happened tonight, and those two need to be there."

"In addition, it would do them both well to have a quick check-up after their little
rendezvous." Remus said.

Sirius lifted Tonks up, cradle-like, in his arms and gave the two boys a firm look as they
groaned and got to their feet. "I'll talk to you after a while," he said.

Hermione, Ron, and Ginny got to their feet as well and fallowed the other three from the
office.

Ron snickered and the rest of the students turned questioningly toward him. He shrugged
slightly, "Harry's already back in the infirmary, and I'm just wandering what Madam
Pomfrey will say this time."

"Probably just 'what have you gotten yourself into this time'," Harry said
with a wry smile.

They all made the rest of the journey to the Hospital Wing in silence. Four of them awaiting the
explanation that would soon fallow, and two dreading that same event that they knew was about to
come.

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25. Chapter 25 - Fights and Fancies
-----------------------------------



**Chapter 25 - Fights and Fancies**

**Author's Note: Hey, I'm really sorry that it took so long to get this chapter up. I
had hoped to already have it, but between finals the last week of May, 6-8 hour days at work since
then, and a bad case of writer's block…it took me a while to come up with anything. Anyway,
here is chapter 25, I hope to have 26 up by Saturday.**

The next several days went by fairly quickly. There were, indeed, several questions surrounding
the capture and the rescue of Tonks. From what he'd heard, Harry was certain that there was
suspicion and skepticism as to why the rescue was so...well, easy. Some how, the news of his and
Draco's trip made it around the school in no time, and the gossip was at a high.

How were they able to save her from *Malfoy Manor*, of all places?

Why is *Draco* helping? Potter actually *trusts* him?

He's probably just like his father...both of them are like their fathers...so *how* are
they friends?

Those questions and several others where heard several times over the course of just a few days.
Harry could tell the suspicion was getting to Draco, even if the wizard was too proud to let it
show. In a way, he could understand. Harry knew how he had felt when he had learned what James was
really like. It had to be really hard for Draco, knowing the type of things, the type of person
Lucius Malfoy was.

Despite the troubles that had arisen with the rescue of Tonks, who had been in the Infirmary
since her return, everything had gone as usual. The DADA class was as exciting as ever, probably
more so now that both Sirius and Remus were teaching. Gryffindors were to have the class again
later after breakfast, and everyone was excited. The speculations of what they would be doing in
the class echoed all down the house table.

Harry glanced up at the Professor's table where both Sirius and Remus sat; the two wizards
were watching the Great Hall with interest and more than a hint of amusement. They were planning
something. Remus's eyes met Harry's and they both smiled. Oh, yes, they were planning
something.

The raven-haired wizard turned back to the table and to his friends, "hey, guys,"
Hermione, Ron, and Neville glanced up at him curiously. He grinned, "When walking to Padfoot
and Moony's, be prepared, they've got something planned for us."

The other three Gryffindors glanced up at the table and they too noticed the mischievous
expression on Sirius's face and the amusement dancing in Remus's eyes. They all nodded and
returned to their meals. "What do you think it is?" Neville asked.

"Well, I remember that Sirius and my dad have been compared to the Weasley twins so...it
could be anything if Sirius is in on it." Harry mused.

"Yeah, but Remus is sensible enough that he won't let him do anything that would
actually *hurt* us or put us in danger," Hermione frowned.

Harry shook his head, "I didn't say he would. My best guess is that we're in for a
bit of a challenge today."

Hermione and Ron nodded in agreement. Harry was about to add something else when a tug at the
sleeves of his robes. He frowned slightly and glanced to find the source. His expression softened
into a smile when he saw Emily looking at him. "Hey! Why aren't you down there with your
first year friends?"

Emily smiled, "I wanted to sit with you today."

Harry scooted over giving the little girl room to sit, and she happily climbed up and sat right
next to him. He smiled as he glanced at his friends, all of whom were giving him looks of pure
amusement.

"I'll say it again," Ron said quietly. "Looks like you've got some
competition, 'Mione."

Hermione rolled her eyes but watched with a small smile as Harry interacted with the little
girl. "Are you hungry, Emy?" He asked.

"Oh yes, I was *really* busy with homework last night I didn't eat dinner.
Professor Snape gave us a *really* long essay for homework and so did Professor Binns."
The little girl explained.

Harry smiled and filled a plate for her and set it in front of her. His gaze lifted from her and
drifted casually about the Hall. He noticed that Dumbledore and McGonagall were in deep discussion,
as were Sirius and Remus. He glanced down the rest of the table only to find Snape watching him. As
much as he still disliked the man, he had gained a bit more respect for him since befriending
Draco. He gave the Potion's Master a slight nod and a slight smile, which earned him slightly
narrowed eyes but a barely visible nod in return.

His gaze continued around the Hall, resting first on the Ravenclaw table. Luna, once again was
on her own, *she should sit over here sometime*, he thought to himself. Then he glanced to
Cho, noting absently that he no longer felt anything for the Asian girl. He shook his head slightly
and glanced to the Slytherin table to find that Draco's eyes were on him. He quirked a slight
smile, noticing how uncomfortable the blonde looked and the dark looks he was receiving from his
own house.

Harry tilted his head slightly, motioning for Draco to come sit at the Gryffindor table. Said
wizard arched his eyebrows but looked to be considering the offer. He glanced at the rest of his
table and got to his feet, making his way over to the rival house's table. Harry smirked as he
realized that all four houses were watching the blonde's movements. Draco must have noticed it
to; he threw his own dark look to the Slytherin table as he lowered himself into a space next to
Ginny.

Emily's gaze rose from her plate as she saw movement, she smiled when she saw the Slytherin
wizard take a seat, "Well, it's about *time*, you decide to come over here."

Everyone who had heard the girl's statement laughed. Draco chuckled, "And what do you
mean by that, Miss Emily?"

The girl gave a small shrug, "I don't think you belong over there. You belong here with
the rest of us. You're not like them."

Draco's expression softened, and a rare smile lit his face, "Thank you,
Emily."

Normal conversation picked up again at the table. Harry could hear Hermione, Ron, and Neville
going back to the DADA subject. They seemed to be debating just what the two wizard's had in
mind for class. Emily had gone back to her breakfast and seemed to be deep in thought about
something. He watched the little girl fondly when he overheard another conversation.

"She's right, you know." Ginny said quietly.

"Who? About what?" Draco said, obviously confused.

"Emily. You don't belong over there anymore, you belong here. With us." the
redhead girl explained.

Draco smiled, "I'm still a Slytherin, Gin."

"That's just because that's who you were at age eleven. You've changed,
you're not the same badass that you used to be." Ginny teased.

"Uh-oh, there goes my reputation," Draco chuckled.

"It's a good reputation to lose if you ask me," she said wryly.

"I agree," he nodded. He fell silent and avoided her gaze suddenly.

"Draco?" she frowned. “What's wrong?"

"I-er-it's nothing," he said lightly.

"Draco Malfoy, I'll drag it out of you if I have to," she warned.

He smiled and shrugged, "Alright, here goes nothing. You know the-um-Hogsmeade trip next
weekend, right?"

Ginny nodded in confusion, "Well, yeah."

"I was-er-wondering, if you'd, you know, go with me." He said, his gaze back on
the table.

Ginny's mind reeled; did Draco Malfoy just ask her on a date? A small smile slipped on to
her face, "Sure, that sounds like fun."

Harry smiled inwardly as he saw the blonde wizard's head whip around to look at the
redheaded witch, eyes wide in surprise. It was about damn time that he'd made his move. Harry
had wondered how long it was going to take him to talk to her. He glanced back down, only just
realizing that Emily was watching him in curiosity.

"What's up, Emy?" he asked.

She shook her head, "Nothing."

"You sure?"

Emily glanced at him again before nodding, "Yeah, I'm sure. I'm going to go get my
books and stuff and go to class, okay?"

Harry smiled, "Alright, have fun."

The girl climbed away from the table and gave Harry a hug, which he returned, and to his
surprise, a kiss on the cheek, before hurrying out of the Hall. Harry was still recovering from the
surprise when he heard a snicker from across the table. He glanced over to see Ron and Hermione
trying their hardest not to laugh.

"Looks like you've got yourself a girlfriend, Potter," Draco smirked.

"Some one's certainly got a crush on you," Neville added.

"Alright enough," Harry said with a chuckle.

"But, Harry, it's so cute, she fancies you," Hermione laughed.

"Okay, Hermione, her 'crush' is little different then the on you had on Lockhart
during second year. The only difference is that I'm not a fraud." Harry retorted with a
smile.

Hermione blushed, "I should have known you were going to bring that up."

"Anyway, what do you say we get to class, I'm curious as to what they've got in
store," Harry suggested. He glanced up at the head table, noting that Sirius and Remus were
already gone.

"Good idea, I've got Potions first," Draco said, getting to his feet, the
other's fallowing suit.

Ginny picked up her bag, "I've got first off, and I think I'm going to go visit
Tonks."

"Alright," Harry nodded. "I think I'm going to go see her at lunch."

The trio and Neville made their way from the Gryffindor table, Ginny and Draco tailing a little
bit behind. They departed and Draco headed toward the dungeons, Ginny to the infirmary, and
Hermione, Ron, Harry, and Neville went up toward the DADA classroom.

When they got to the corridor Harry motioned for them to slow down and stay quiet. All four of
them pulled their wands from their robes and made toward the door. Ron went to open the door, only
to find it locked. They nodded, so it *was* a trap. They glanced over their shoulders as the
rest of the Gryffindors appeared. Harry, once again, motioned for silence and wands, an order that
was quickly fallowed.

Hermione quickly stepped forward and whispered, "*Alohamora*" The door unlocked
with a click and Hermione stepped back again. It was clear that Harry was meant to go first. He
nodded and carefully opened the classroom door. It was completely dark inside, only the light from
the corridor was seen, and even that didn't help much. He heard the start of a *Lumos* and
immediately had a bad feeling about it. He shook his head sharply. Ron had caught his meaning and
quickly cast a silencing spell on the speaker, who turned out to be Lavender Brown; he released the
spell just as sharply, they would probably need all the wands they could get.

Hermione had made sure that she was the last one in and closed the door. It was dark, but it
gave the Gryffindor and who ever else was in there a level playing field. Everyone was completely
quiet, listening for any threatening movement. The witch frowned as she heard a soft whisper then
saw a red beam flash forward in collide with Pavarti Patil. She spun and shouted
"*Stupefy*" In the direction the spell had come from.

"Nice try, Hermione, but you'll have to do better than that," came Sirius's
taunting voice. "*Stupefy*"

"*Protego*!" She yelled, and the spell was reflected.

"*Terrengella*!" Came another voice, the spell hit Neville who began dancing.

"Not again," the boy groaned.

"*Finite Incantation*," Harry whispered. He listened closely and dodged as
another stunner came from the darkness, "*Stupefy*!" The spell was reflected and
came back to hit Dean Thomas squarely in the chest.

Several thin cords snapped through the darkness from two different directions and wrapped
themselves tightly around Lavender and Seamus, both fell solidly to the floor.

Hermione, Ron, Harry, and Neville quickly found one another in the darkness and stood back to
back. "Well, I'm impressed," Came Sirius's voice once more. "D'you see
this Moony?"

"I do, indeed. Very Impressive," Came Remus's voice. "Though, they've yet
to figure out how we can see them, but they cannot see us."

"Very true," Sirius said again. "Which leaves us with a very distinct advantage.
*Stupefy*! *Stupefy*!"

Neville's unusually quick work repelled both stunners, protecting the group of four. A gasp
came from Hermione, "Oh! Of *course!* *Obscurum absum,*" She said loudly aiming
her wand above the heads of her friends.

The room was still dark but all four students could now see by heat vision. "Good work,
'Mione," Harry said.

The four looked around, Harry and Ron both moved their wands sharply and chords like the ones on
Lavender and Seamus snapped forward and wrapped themselves around two figures, who fell to the
ground with a sound of obvious start.

"*Lumos*," said both Hermione and Neville. The room relit its self and the four
quickly made their way around reawakening and unbinding their classmates before all the students
surrounded Sirius and Remus who lay bound on the floor.

Harry flicked his wand and the bonds went limp allowing the two men to get to their feet. They
dusted off their robes and smiled at the class. "A job *very* well done. All of you. We
will, of course, need to do some work on both the defensive and offensive tactics, but you all did
very well," Remus smiled.

"You did excellent, as Moony, here said." Sirius agreed. "Neville, excellent work
on repelling the stunner, but remember to listen for other threats as well, the dancing-legs curse
put you in a bad position, but other than that you did really well. Hermione, you're quick
thinking helped you bring Remus and myself down, excellent. Now, after today, everyone, all four
house's, schedules are going to be reconfigured. All four houses will be having DADA together,
which is why you have two teachers here this year rather than one. You will never know when you
will be walking into this classroom, but also into an attack. I'm going to sound like Alastor
Moody here, but he's a great Auror, You need to say vigilant, you need to be
prepared."

"If no one is truly injured, you are all free to go," Remus said. "If there are
any questions please stay behind and ask them. Furthermore, I would like a foot long essay due to
me by next class on a few defensive and or protective spells that could aid you in the upcoming
classes. Good day."

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26. Chapter 26 - The Way Things Change
--------------------------------------



**Chapter 26 - The Way Things Change**

The following morning, all the sixth year Gryffindors were still talking about the DADA class
from the previous day. They had, for the most part, forgotten about what Remus and Sirius had told
them about the classes being taught together, that is until Dumbledore stood up before breakfast
and made his announcement.

"This morning alternate schedules will be handed out by your head of house, make sure you
have your before you leave today. If one is not handed to you, please be sure to talk to your
respective head of house before you go to your first class. I believe that's all, enjoy your
breakfast," The headmaster said before reclaiming his seat.

The Great Hall was instantly filled with chatter. Each of the Gryffindors and Draco accepted
their new schedules--Draco's had, oddly enough, been given to McGonagall--and scanned quickly
over it. Harry was glancing over his when movement at the head table caught his attention. His brow
furrowed as he saw a large owl land just in front of Dumbledore. The wizard pulled the letter from
the owl's leg and carefully opened it. Harry noted that the sparkle in the old man's eyes
faded slightly as he read the letter and turned to McGonagall.

Harry watched closely as the witch's eyes widened and turned toward the Gryffindor table. He
didn't have a chance to figure out what was going on, as he was pulled into a conversation.

"What do you think they're going to do with us all?" Neville asked.

"Probably get to preparing us for what's undoubtedly ahead," Hermione said.

"Well, yeah, but all of us?" Ron said, glancing at the Slytherin table.

"They have to, Ron, they have to give us all the chance for an equal education,"
Hermione said, irritably.

"We're starting the D.A. again," Harry said confidently. "We've got to
give those who are willing to fight along side us a bit of a boast."

The others nearby looked a bit taken back, "I thought you weren't sure if you wanted to
continue it or not?"

"I've just got a bad feeling. I want to do something else with the D.A. too, I'll
talk to you lot about that later though." He said.

"Mr. Potter?" Said a sharp voice from behind him.

Said wizard turned in his seat to see a grim expression on Professor McGonagall's face,
"Yes, Professor?"

"Professor Dumbledore requests your presence in his office as soon as breakfast is
over," She said, but Harry could tell there was more to her statement.

"Professor?" he said uncertainly.

"You're not in trouble, Potter. But please, bring Miss Jackson with you," she
said.

"Emily?" Harry frowned, "Yes, ma'am, I'll make sure to catch her before
she leaves."

McGonagall nodded, "Very well, Potter."

"What was that about?" Ron frowned.

"I don't know, but I'm not sure I like it," Harry sighed.

~*~

About a half an hour later found both Harry and a nervous young Emily in the Headmaster's
office. Dumbledore had motioned for the two to take a seat and he took his own behind his desk. He
looked at the two with an extremely grim expression, "I do hate to be the burden of bad news.
Miss Jackson, I am afraid I have a bit of terrible news."

The little girl's eyes widened slightly but she nodded. She stayed silent in anticipation as
to what the Headmaster had to say. "I received an owl this morning during breakfast, and I am
afraid that your parents were caught in a Death Eater attack last night."

Emily gasped and Harry's eyes snapped to the Headmaster who nodded solemnly.
"P-Professor Dumbledore-sir-are they alright? Please tell me my mum's alright!" the
girl pleaded.

"I am sorry, Miss Jackson, the attack made by Voldemort's supporters was swift, clean,
and brutal, no one survived the attack." Dumbledore said sadly.

The young girl began to tremble and her eyes filled with tears, she shook her head,
"You're lying. Please tell me you're lying. Please?" she whimpered.

Harry searched the Headmaster's expression before allowing his to posse a silent question.
Dumbledore gave a small nod and Harry rose from his chair and knelt in front of Emily's,
pulling the girl into a hug and rocking back and forth gently. "It's going to be alright,
Emily. I know it hurts, I do, but it will be alright."

Her body shook violently with the force of her sobs and Harry felt as though some one was
twisting his heart with every one. He gently lifted her up and settled down in her seat, Emily in
his lap, curled up against him as she cried into his shoulder. Harry glanced up at the Headmaster,
"D-Do you know who led the attack, or even why there *was* an attack, sir?"

"I'm afraid not, Harry. I do know that it seemed as though they were searching for
something. They raided the place where Miss Jackson's parents were staying temporarily. When
the Auror's arrived on the scene, little remained but ruins of the building," Dumbledore
sighed.

Harry's brow furrowed in thought. At Dumbledore's description something came back to him
from several years ago, third year to be specific. "Sir, I-I over heard Hagrid talking
about..about the night my parents were killed, I remember hearing him say that the house was left
in shambles. Little remained but ruins of the house, my mum and dad's bodies, and me."

Dumbledore did not respond, the old man just closed his eyes and gave a small nod.

"So, does that mean...does that mean that they *found* whatever they were looking
for?" Harry pressed.

"I do not know, Harry. The Order is doing everything they can to gather as much information
as possible. Now, Miss Jackson and yourself have been excused from your morning classes."

Harry frowned in confusion, "Sir? Why have I been excused?"

"It would seem that young Miss Jackson has taken a liking to you, she seems to trust to
more than anyone else in this school. You both have now went through similar ordeals, you can
better help her to grieve." Dumbledore explained. "You may go."

Harry gave a slight nod and got to his feet, Emily still in his arms. Her sobs had quieted a
bit, but the tears still flowed down her cheeks. The two made their way silently from the
Headmaster's office, "Where do you want to go, Emy?"

Emily shook her head, "I don't know, I don't want to talk to anyone right now
though. Is that alright?"

"Of course," he said with a small smile. "Do you want to walk?"

The girl nodded and Harry set her gently to her feet, though she didn't' bother to let
go of his hand. "Where are we going?"

"I thought since you didn't feel like talking with anyone just yet, I'd take you
somewhere where you could just relax, is that ok?"

Emily nodded again and followed quickly in stride with Harry. They made their way quickly to the
corridor where the Room of Requirements could be found. He stopped the girl and walked back and
forth in front of the door three times before it appeared. The little girl's puffy eyes widened
as she fallowed Harry into the replica of the Gryffindor common room. The raven-haired wizard
lowered himself into one of the chairs with a sigh, smiling slightly when the girl climbed into his
lap.

"I'm sorry, Emily, I really am," Harry said softly as she curled up, resting her
head against his shoulder. He held the little girl, rubbing her back gently as tears slid down her
face once more. After a short period the sobs stop and Emily's breathing evened out. He glanced
down and rested his chin on her head as his mind reeled. How could anyone be so heartless? *This
poor girl is an orphan now,* he thought solemnly. He shook his head before he, himself drifted
off.

That's where the two were found a few hours later. Ron, Hermione, Ginny, and Draco had used
the Marauder's Map in order to find where the Boy-Who-Lived disappeared to. Hermione smiled as
she approached them silently. They didn't know why Harry and Emily had been called to
Dumbledore's office, nor did they know what had been revealed during the meeting, only that
both Harry and Emily were excused from morning classes.

The other three entered the room and lowered themselves into chairs that had only just appeared,
watching in amusement as the two slept, none noticing the dried tear track on the girl's face.
Hermione put a hand gently on Harry's shoulder and gave a small shake, to which the emerald
green eyes snapped open and his hand made for his wand before he realized who had woke him and
where he was. He gave a small yawn as he shifted Emily in his lap, his arms still protectively
around the sleeping eleven-year-old.

"So?" Ron asked without further hesitation.

"So what, Ron?" Harry yawned.

"Why did Dumbledore want to see you this morning and why were you excused from
classes?" The red head said, rolling his eyes.

What looked like a heavy cloud passed over Harry's expression as he gave a soft sigh. He
motioned at another just-appeared chair for Hermione to sit. After she had obliged his gaze shifted
to Emily then back to his friends. "There was a Death Eater attack last night. The building
were Emily's parents were staying was hit the hardest. According to Dumbledore it was,
'swift, clean, and brutal', no one survived," He said quietly, his gaze moving back to
the girl curled up in his lap.

The looks of mirth and amusement that had previously occupied the expressions of the others had
quickly disappeared, replaced with a range of new expressions. Ranging from the even and slightly
hardened expression from Draco, to the solemn and concerned from Ginny, the one of disbelief and
sympathy directed at Emily from Ron, and finally the mixture of anger, concern for the girl, and
hatred from the one's who'd committed the deed from Hermione.

As though she knew she was being talked about, Emily began to stir and finally her eyes
fluttered open warily. She began to smile but as soon as she realized where she was at, her
expression fell once more. "How are you doing, Emy?" Harry asked softly.

She sighed heavily as she fell back against Harry once more, "I-I was hoping that it was a
dream. When I realized I was waking up I thought it was a dream, then...then I woke up here and
knew it wasn't."

"I wish I could tell you it was, Emily," He sighed.

Emily only just realized the rest of the group was in the Room and she gave them all slightly
bashful glances, "Hello everyone," She said quietly.

"Hello, Emily," they said in response. Hermione reached from her chair next to Harry
and Emily's and put a hand on the young girl's shoulder, "They won't get away with
it, Emily, don't worry." The little girl gave a small nod before glancing at the clock.
With a sigh she glanced back to Harry, "You were only excused for morning classes, you all
need to go to class before you get into trouble."

"Are you sure you're going to be alright?" He asked. She just nodded and stood up
After a moment of stretching she gave all of them quick hugs before giving them stern expressions,
close in resemblance to those Hermione and Professor McGonagall were so skilled at. "I will be
fine, but you lot have classes, now go."

The older group laughed and got to their feet all saying their goodbyes to the young witch. Once
out of the Room of Requirement's the group split off slightly into their own, Hermione leaned
in toward Harry and gave a sharp expression, "I meant what I told her."

"I know," Harry said with a nod. "I didn't voice it, but I think both she and
Dumbledore knows that the next few battles and the final battle will be full of
vengeance."

Hermione nodded herself then sighed, "Potions. We've got a long walk so be best pick up
the pace. If I've heard correctly, Professor Snape is in a particularly foul mood
today."

"Lucky us," Harry said with a wry smile.

/.\ /.\
=^..^=

Later on that evening, after classes, the group met up in the Great Hall, all of them at the
Gryffindor table, including Luna and Draco. Emily had settled herself once more on one side of
Harry while Hermione occupied the seat on his other. Harry found it rather curious, and amusing,
that Draco had automatically taken his seat between Ron and Ginny and Luna had sat on the opposing
side of the red head.

“So did you and Remus ever actually discuss what you'd be teaching in DA, Harry?” Hermione
asked.

“Yeah, we talked quite a bit about it, actually.” Harry said, thoughtfully.

“Oh? Before or after you stormed out on him?” Hermione said with a slightly shake of her
head.

Harry gave a sheepish smile before shrugging slightly; “I know that Dumbledore has every
intention of training me throughout this year, from what Remus says it's going to be divided
between Remus himself, Moody and Dumbledore. I think for the first few meetings we're going to
want to do review.”

“We should open the meetings to anyone who wants to come,” Ron said with a slightly hesitant
look.

“I agree,” Harry said with a nod, not noticing the look of relief that passed his friend's
face. “That's why I said we should just do review for the first few meetings. Let everyone get
at least close to the level of the original DA, before proceeding.”

The group nodded thoughtfully and Ginny spoke up, “I think that all years should be allowed,
especially after what happened on the train.”

“No,” Harry said sternly, pointedly ignoring the scowl he received from the younger witch
sitting next to him. “No, third year and up will be allowed in the main meetings. Maybe, if
it's alright with the Professors, we can hold an additional meeting for the younger years and
teach them basic defense just incase, but I don't feel comfortable teaching them the more
advanced spells.”

“Potter's right,” Draco said as the youngest redhead started to respond and earning a scowl
of his own from the next youngest witch. “Really, Gin, think about it. I agree that they need some
of the knowledge, but to prepare them as we would third years and up, it's too much and too
risky.”

“There's one other think I've been considering when it comes to the DA,” Harry said
quietly. “The lot of you will have almost as much authority in the DA as myself. Also, I think it
would be best if there are some meetings and some things that are only taught to you, for given
reasons.”

The rest of the group nodded and turned toward their own conversations and their meals. Harry
also turned to his meal only for his fork to drop from his hand a moment later. Hermione glanced up
curiously only to see the hand that had been holding the fork pressed against the cursed scar.

“Harry?” She said with a small frown.

Harry's eyes widened as he leapt sharply to his feet, the emerald orbs swept up and met the
blue of the Headmaster's eyes. Both wizards nodded and Dumbledore stood at the head table,
taking the other teacher's by surprise. “If I may have you're immediate attention,” he said
sharply, and silence fell across the Hall. “I would like those third year and lower to return to
your common rooms as quickly, but as orderly as possible.”

Everyone glanced at one another in confusion but the groups did as they were told. Emily looked
up defiantly at those around her, only to see, almost instantly, that the others had overruled her
objection. No one but Dumbledore and Harry seemed to know exactly what was going on, but the
other's had their suspicions.

When the under years had made their way, hurriedly from the Hall, the third years impressively
taking charge, wands out, Dumbledore turned back to the rest of the groups. In a tense but
commanding tone the Headmaster spoke, “We have company on this evening. Those who are not prepared
or are unwilling to fight on this evening, please, I ask you to return to your Common rooms and
help take care of the younger students, and they will need some one with them.”

At those words, several stood. At lease a half dozen from both Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw stood
and exited the Hall. Most of the Slytherins gave Dumbledore a defiant expression before standing as
well, but all knew they weren't heading toward the dorms but rather out to the gates of
Hogwarts where the ensuing battle would take place. None of the Gryffindors stood, they simply
regarded the rest of their classmates thoughtfully.

The old wizard gave the rest of the Hall a grim look as the Slytherin's who left, did so.
After they were gone Dumbledore's gaze locked with Harry's, “Now, Mr.'s Potter,
Weasley, Malfoy, Longbottom and Misses Granger, Lovegood, and Weasley, please join me at the
Head's table.”

The seven students did as requested and joined the Headmaster as well as the other teachers at
the Head table. Glancing down at his students Dumbledore spoke clearly but quickly. “I ask that the
rest of you align yourselves with one of the said students that stand before you. Each is talented
and skilled. And each of these individuals has seen battles. Whomever you align yourself with here,
know that that will be the group you bind yourselves to. You will fight together for the same
cause. Also, after this battle, they will be the ones with whom you will train in the future. I ask
that you do this as quickly as possible as we've got very little time to spare.”

Turning to the professors as the students did as asked, “With each of the separated groups of
students I will request that at least one of you be with each group. Minerva, if you will please
take Miss Weasley's group; Severus, Mr. Malfoy's group, if you would. My dear Professor
Sprout, if you would kindly take Mr. Longbottom's group. Filius, could you please head Miss
Lovegood's group? Sirius, I would like you to head Mr. Weasley's group and Remus,
you're to take Harry's group. Hagrid, if you could help Miss Granger's group.”

With those instructions and the groups divided, the students who had remained and the able
Hogwarts staff hurried toward the gates where a battle would soon ensue. Most were certain that the
Slytherin students who'd left the castle had let the offenders who dared attack Hogwarts onto
the grounds already. The majority was nervous as they approached the gates.

“Everyone, DA members, remember your training,” Harry said loud enough to reach the ears of his
peers. “They will most likely have Dementors with them, remember the Patronus. The Death Eaters
themselves, will be there, remember our dueling techniques. Remember the shield charms. Come on,
guys.” He glanced to Hermione and the other's who were leading groups, “Remember Emy, guys,
remember Emily.”

Without another word, students and professors alike stood facing the weakening gates. With a
heavy sigh Dumbledore glanced at his students and colleagues then back to the gates. As one the
wands of all of them rose to the ready position, defiant expressions crossed every face, and they
waited for the inevitable.

**Author's Note****: I know, it's a bit of a cliffie. It took a lot longer to get
this one up than I had originally thought it would. I practically live at the store where I work
now, so that's been a bit of a problem, but I really need the money inorder to fix my car and
get ready for my Senior year. Anyway, I did put quite a bit into this chapter and I hope you
enjoyed it. The next chapter will tie up a few loose ends, you'll learn a bit more as to what
happened to Tonks during her disappearance as well as what made the rescue so easy. Anyway, if
you'll review and tell me what you thought, and what you think will happen next chapter, it may
just give me a few boosted ideas. ~.^**

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