Bonds of Blood and Love

Title: Bonds of Blood and Love

Characters: Harry/Hermione (Main) Others will be mentioned

Rating: Mature/Adult

Disclaimers: I do not own the forum Harry Potter and its places, characters and transportation. The forum belongs to JK Rowling. I do not make any profit/money or take any credit from creating this fanfiction. There is no copyright infringement intended.

Summary: The Summer after Fifth year, Harry is visited by someone he never expected to visit at all. Learning the truth of who he really is, Harry cuts off all ties and disappeared for the entire summer to become stronger.

Harry comes back but he is no longer the same man who left at the beginning, now the Wizarding World must learn that a bite is always worse than a growl…

A/N: this was inspired by this marvellous story: Burning Magic: Fire of the Heart. I am hoping that by letting you know of the story, we can convince the author to finish it! It’s a really good story – although it sorta reminds me of Devil May Cry 4, it is worth the read if you like dragons.

Warnings: Sexual Themes, demonic themes, dragons themes, supernatural themes, violence themes. Back to my all time favourite – Weasley/Dumbledore/Snape/Fudge/Ministry/Umbridge bashing – although I’ve never actually had the chance to bash Umbridge due to my muse disappearing on me for my Darkness Story *Grumbles that Muses are a nightmare half of the time*.

There are SIX OCs.

Timeline: Set after Year 5. NOT SIXTH/SEVENTH BOOK COMPATIBLE!

Enjoy! *Gives a bow before rushing over to her game console to play DMC 4 – Nero is uber hot and Dante is just smokin’!*

I know I promised a Crossover with the title ‘Bonds of Blood and Love’ but one of my discs, that it had been saved on, it wiped it so I no longer have it *sobs* but I thought this title suits the story so I hope you like!

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Chapter 1: A Strange Ally…

For once, the sky was void of clouds, revealing a velvety black night sky with stars twinkling brightly and the moon high and full.

A lone boy was walking along the darkened path off Privet Drive. His hands were shoved in his pockets. He wore a white shirt and black jeans with a pair of sad excuse for trainers as they were taped together by using duct tape. It was obvious the boy wasn’t care for very well.

He walked with his head hung, as if the whole world rested on his shoulders as he walked aimlessly through the streets, not caring where he was going. He was known as Harry Potter to his friends but more known as Freak to his family or the-boy-who-lived to the Wizarding World just because he survived a curse that his parents did not, leaving him an orphan at the age of one.

He had been sent to live with his mother’s sister, his aunt and her husband and their child but they were anything but family to Harry as they treated him badly each year. All they cared about was making sure that he didn’t do any of his ‘freakiness’ around other people, potentially embarrassing them. Harry had learned to stop caring about them, especially when he learned the truth.

His parents had been killed on Halloween by a man who the Wizarding Community feared yet didn’t do anything to stop him. They lived in fear the whole time until a seer had given a prophecy. Him. He was the one who could stop Voldemort. After his parents died, everyone praised him without realising that it was his mother’s love that caused the killing spell to rebound back at Voldemort. That had led him to getting his scar and becoming famous.

When he was eleven, he was retrieved by Hagrid, a half-giant who worked on the grounds of Hogwarts and was his Care of Magical Creature teacher. That was when he found that he was a wizard and he was to attend to Hogwarts to learn how to control his magic. His aunt and uncle had been furious, refusing to let him go but it had been futile, Harry went to Hogwarts and proceeded to learn more about himself each year…with betrayal and loss clear.

The last two years has been hell for the young man. In his fourth year, he had been forced to compete in a competition only for him to lose someone he considered as a friend and watched as his parents’ murderer rise from the dead once more.

His fifth year consisted of people refusing to believe that Voldemort had come back and spent a majority of the year slagging him off. There had been a teacher who had been horrible toward Harry to the point she had been bullying in him private in order to keep him quiet on Voldemort’s return. But it all been for nothing as Voldemort had tricked Harry and he ended up losing his god-father while gaining the respect and belief of the wizarding community once more.

Harry snorted in disgust as he reached the park. He moved toward the swing. He didn’t know how to deal with the Wizarding World. They were either intent of praising him as their saviour or they were intent on dragging him through the mud of denial and he was supposed to be the one to stop Voldemort and save them. It made him think twice, made him ask himself if he truly wanted to continue to be a pawn in people’s games.

Harry sat on the swing and pushed at the ground, forcing the swing to go back then forward. He looked around the park only for his eyes to swing back when he spotted a shadow heading toward him. He got off his swing and stood, ready to fight or flee if needed.

“Hello Harry,” the man greeted casually, like he was greeting an old friend.

“Who are you?” Harry asked, looking over to where he heard a noise off to the side only to frown when he saw someone with a wizard robe on. They weren’t looking in his direction but merely looking around, as if they were keeping watch for something.

“Do not worry, they cannot see me or hear us. To them, you are merely just swinging,” the man assured him with a shrug as he stepped forward. He had brown hair and green eyes. He also wore a white shirt and black jeans but he wore a wizard robe over the clothes.

“Who are you?” Harry asked. The man smirked.

“Do you not recognise me? Or at least…recognised who I used to be?” he asked. “You met my version back in your second year.” He shook his head. “Thanks for destroying the diary.” Harry’s jaw dropped.

“Tom Riddle?” he whispered and got a smirk in result. “What are you doing here? And how did you get back your human form?” Harry held his wand up, defending himself.

“You cannot harm me,” Tom told him, stepping forward. “I’m not alive.” Harry frowned, confused. “I’m the…good part of Voldemort’s soul…well, I used to be a part of Voldemort but once he got his first taste of murder, our soul was split in half.”

“I don’t understand,” Harry told him and Tom sighed.

“Think of it as this way. Everyone has choices, different paths to take, right?” Harry nodded. “Well, Tom Riddle who you know as Voldemort, he had a choice but he chose the darkness. Once you’ve choose a path, sometimes a soul can be split. Once Voldemort had chosen the dark path, I was forced from his soul and became…well, I guess you could call me a ghost.”

“Are you saying Voldemort had good in him?” Harry asked, dumbfounded. Everyone had always made it seem like Voldemort had always been evil, that there had been no other paths for him to take.

Tom nodded, sadly.

“Yes. When I first came to Hogwarts, I felt accepted for the first time in my life. I was with people who were like me and understood me. There was one…” he trailed off as sadness filled his eyes. “She was the best. She was my best friend. She had been there for me through everything.” Harry brought his wand down to his side.

“What happened to her?” he asked.

“I lost her,” Tom whispered and Harry felt pain clear in his heart. He had almost lost his best friend too. “I was so stupid to believe that people could accept us. My house didn’t like her and her house hated me. They tried to split us up on numerous accounts but they backed off…at least I thought they had.”

“Tom?” Tom looked at Harry, hate haunting his dark eyes.

“They kidnapped us and beat us up before they raped her right before my eyes and I couldn’t do anything about it,” Tom explained. “She kept screaming and shouting, she fought the whole time but they just laughed before they killed her when they were finished.” Harry looked away, unable to bear the raw pain that was clear in Tom’s eyes and voice. “That was when I picked a path…well; it was when Tom decided that people should pay for what they had done.”

“Killing people?” Harry asked and Tom nodded.

“Yes. Grief can make you do many things. No one will know what they will do when they are grieving,” Tom explained. “The loss of our best friend drove Voldemort to his destiny. He felt that people weren’t worth it and decided to change the world but as you see, he has gone off track.”

“How do you know all of this?” Harry asked, confused.

“I was part of the diary as well,” Tom admitted. “I tried to show you the truth of what really happened but unfortunately Voldemort's soul took over and showed you what he did to Hagrid.” Tom shook his head. “I was too weak. Voldemort’s evil and hatred was strong enough to overpower me.

“At least we found out the truth before anyone was killed,” Harry pointed out and Tom nodded.

“That, I was very thankful for. I was ashamed when I found out that Myrtle had died and that was when our soul had split into two.” Harry was amazed to see a tear slip free from Tom’s eye. Tom turned his face and, hurriedly, wiped it away. Once Tom was sure he had wiped his tear away, he turned to face Harry once more.

“Your friend…” Harry started, curious. He had never heard anyone say that Voldemort…Tom had a best friend and it made him wonder just what else they were keeping from him that could help him bring an end to the war…for good.

“She was a muggleborn,” Tom whispered. Harry stared at him, shocked.

“But…” Harry started and tom nodded.

“I know he is killing muggleborns and halfblood but that’s only because he had been driven completely mad. The memory of her lives inside of us and our actions response to it. Each time he sees a muggleborn or a halfblood, he is reminded of everything we went through and the end result. Why let them live only to suffer in the end?”

“He’s killing them because he thinks they’ll face the same fate as your best friend did?” Harry whispered as realisation dawned on him. Tom nodded.

“That’s why he refuses to answer or accept his real name, because it reminds him of how weak he was when she was killed. To be Voldemort means no-one would try and cross him because he is powerful.”

“Do you know…?” Harry asked, trailing off and Tom nodded.

“Yes, I’ve been following you since you broke me free from the diary. You continue to amaze me. Despite everything you go through, you keep on moving. You give me hope that maybe you can win the war.”

“Who was the girl?” Harry asked, curious.

“She was a Gryffindor,” Tom chuckled, shaking his head as a fond smile crossed his face, missing the shocked expression that crossed Harry’s face. “We first met each other on the train. She just started telling everyone that that she couldn’t wait to start so she could learn before she told her name. It was then I knew that she was special.”

“She sounds like someone I know,” Harry whispered and Tom nodded.

“Hermione Granger,” Tom said. Harry looked up at him, startled. “I told you, I’ve been following you for a long time. She reminds me so much of my best friend, stubborn and brilliant and scary.” Harry chuckled. “But there is something I need to tell you,” Tom told him, suddenly serious. “Dumbledore hasn’t been telling you the whole truth. You are not just a halfblood – you parents had a mixed inheritance.”

“What are you talking about?” Harry asked, confused.

“You need to head to Romania, where Charlie Weasley is,” Tom told him. “You need to meet the dragons. Only then you will understand what I’m trying to explain but you must move fast, every day Dumbledore continues to pull your strings and every day Voldemort rises higher. Delay any longer and you will lose this war.”

“What do I do?” Harry asked, understanding that Tom was very serious.

“Pack your stuff as soon as possible and open the parcel that you received anonymously. It will only activate when you touch it and it will take you straight to Charlie Weasley. You can trust him, he will not betray you,” Tom assured.

“How do you mean?” Harry asked.

“Your enemies are moving closer, Harry. Some of them are close to you, pretending to be good friends while people you deem as enemies in fact to be friends; they are merely pretending in order to protect themselves and the people they love.”

“How long do I have?” Harry asked.

“Half an hour,” Tom confirmed. “I will hold them off as long as I can but I can’t promise any longer than that.” Harry nodded, understanding.

“Will I see you again?” Harry asked and Tom smiled.

“I’m stuck here until I can move on. Call me for me and I’ll help you in anyway I can,” Tom promised, holding out his hand. Harry took it without hesitation and a dark blue glow surrounded them for a moment before it died down. “GO!” Tom shouted and Harry bolted down the street just as Dementors swarmed the park that Harry had been in moments ago. A brief flash of light erupted and the Dementors wailed in agony and shock, rearing backward to get away from the light.

Harry chanced a look over his shoulder to see Tom pushing the dementors away before turning back to the front and running down the tunnel that had lead him to the park. Rushing forward, the streets began to blur as he continued to run past them. Nothing mattered anymore other than the adrenaline pumping through his blood when he felt a strange sensation behind him. The hair on the back of his next rose up and Harry instantly knew what was behind him.

As he rounded the corner he spied his cousin, Dudley Dursley, walking down the street and knew that he couldn’t allow him to die at the hands of the Dementors. Dudley had been happy walking down the street when he was startled as his cousin ran toward him with a wild look on his face. Fear ran through Dudley’s body, sending shivers down his back as Harry slowed down but didn’t stop running.

“Dudley, we have to run!” Harry grabbed Dudley’s wrist and pulled him along the road. Dudley, sensing the coldness in the warm night, instantly knew that something was wrong and allowed himself to follow Harry.

They rushed toward the house but it was getting harder for Dudley to run as the coldness started to envelop him from the inside out. It felt like a hand was reaching to freeze him from the inside, and it was worrying him.

Harry turned his head when he felt Dudley was slowing down and his eyes widened when he saw a Dementor was close to Dudley. Harry pulled Dudley away from the Dementor and shoved his cousin in front of him, pushing him as fast as Dudley could go before they reached the door.

Opening the front door, he shoved Dudley into the house before spinning around and lifting his wand. Thinking of Hermione as she reached over and pressed a kiss to his cheek, promising him that they would see each other really soon filled him with emotion.

“EXPECTO PATRONUM!” a bright light erupted from Harry’s wand, transformed into a stag and started galloping toward the dementors, taking them down. The dementors let out a screech, unable to handle the love, joy and happiness that the stag represented and all of them flew away from it in hope of escaping destruction.

Harry opened the front door and hurried into the hallway while slamming the front door close, startling his aunt and uncle as they hovered over Dudley, worried. Vernon narrowed his eyes when he saw his nephew standing there before Harry dashed past them to run up the stairs.

“What is going on boy?!” shouted Vernon, furious as he followed his nephew up the stairs with his Aunt following him. Harry rushed into his room and waved his wand, packing his suitcase before grabbing Hedwig and placing her on top of the cage and grabbed the parcel.

“I’m being set up,” Harry hurried out in a quick breath, much to the confusion of his aunt and uncle. “They are trying to kill me and if I don’t leave right now, they will kill you too.”

“What are you talking about?” His aunt demanded, worried. For her nephew or her family was unclear.

“The dementors are not under the enemies’ control. They are under the people who are supposed to be good. There is a war to be fought but I can’t stay here. I have to go,” Harry explained. Vernon was about to explode when Petunia placed a hand on her husband arm and nodded to Harry.

“Go, we’ll tell them you just left,” Petunia told him. Harry and Vernon stared at her in shock only to jump when there was a cracking sound from outside. “GO!” Petunia screamed. Harry ripped open the parcel and tipped it out to reveal a large crystal amulet. Wrapping his fingers around it and grabbing his trunk, he disappeared in a whirl of wind.

Lightening crackled out from where Harry had been before everything died down, revealing a completely normal room. Vernon and Petunia looked at each other before they hurried out of the room, hoping their son was okay.

Meanwhile, in the Dragon Reserve, Charlie Weasley was worried. All the dragons have yet to stop growling and breathing flame at everyone. He didn’t understand what was going on. They were fine then all of a sudden they started going on a rampage when there was a large crash of thunder as a bright light erupted in the middle of the reserve.

Charlie turned his head away as his eyes watered from the bright light just as the light died down. Turning around once more, his jaw dropped when he saw Harry Potter was standing in the middle of the crater, his clothes burned and black soot on his face.

“Harry Potter?” Charlie asked, flabbergasted and Harry shot him a sheepish half grin before he coughed, expelling soot from his lungs before shaking his head.

“Hey Charlie, long time, no see, huh?” Harry asked.

TBC

For the image of the young Tom Riddle – I used Drew Fuller (Chris from Charmed)

One thing, I’m currently doing other multi-fic along with this so don’t expect regular updates, mostly because this story is being betaed and it takes time in between chapters. I am trying to write the last two chapters for Love Bites but due to personal problems I had before Christmas and thanks to my interest in Vampires have gone out of the window – it’s taking longer. I apologise.

A/N: This will not be sticking with the timeline of the Harry Potter books. Thanks to my beta for pointing this out!

Chapter 2: Time to face the wrath…

“What in the blue blazes are you doing here, Harry?!” Charlie Weasley demanded, still in a shock, as he ran a hand through red hair. Harry noticed that he had dyed it considering it was darker than the rest of the Weasleys. “And how in the world did you end up here and what created that crater?!” Harry just coughed, expelling another black cloud and winced at the smoky taste in his mouth. Charlie’s heart rate finally slowed down and realised that Harry was still standing in the middle of the crater. “Ah hell.” He walked over to the edge and held out his hand.

Harry looked at it before gripping it with his hand and Charlie hauled him out of the pit before looking into it and whistling as he looked at Harry. “Did you feel the need to destroy the world or something?” Harry laughed, shaking his head.

“Nah, things kinda got out of hand,” Harry explained before looking around then looked at Charlie. “Is there a safe place we can talk?” Charlie nodded, understanding what Harry was getting at. He led the way over to a house that was just outside the reserve. Looking around, Harry saw different types of houses. Some of them were two floors, some of them were bungalows. There was a building similar to a student dorm that Harry has seen pictures of in magazines.

“It depends on the level you are at,” Charlie spoke up, seeing Harry’s curious expression as he took in the different houses. “The dorm is like Hogwarts. People who have started here will attend there for lessons on how to handle dragons and such. They also stay there until they have graduated. The bungalows and houses are for the people who live here.” Harry looked at Charlie, curious.

“You don’t have to live here?” he asked and Charlie shook his head as he pointed to a strange veil like door that was on the grounds of the dorm.

“That is a floo point. People can floo home and back no matter where they live. It depends on the people. This isn’t exactly a good place to raise children. They get into everything and more than once we’ve had children hurting themselves trying to play with the dragons.” Harry nodded, understanding.

“So, why do you live here?” he asked. “Mrs. Weasley seems to like it when you all are home.” Charlie snorted.

“That’s the reason why I live here. I love my mother but she can be overbearing. She just likes coddling us. Which is one of the reasons why Ron is like he is,” Charlie explained.

“What, you mean the jealously and such?” Harry asked and Charlie nodded.

“Ron has always been resentful that our parents never had a lot of money. Bill, the twins and I make a lot of money doing our jobs but because we don’t live with our parents, we don’t have to pay to stay there.”

“I thought your parents didn’t have enough money was down to the fact that your father doesn’t get promoted due to being a muggle-lover,” Harry pointed out; at least this was the excuse he was getting.

“And you’re right,” Charlie told him. “But you also have to factor in that my parents have seven children and Hogwarts does take up a lot of money to pay for the tuition.”

“Oh,” Harry murmured. Charlie looked over his shoulder at the young man.

“They never told you anything about Hogwarts, did they? Or about your vaults?” Harry shook his head.

“No. I mean, I’ve seen my vault but I’ve only been down there three times. Your mother usually gets the money for me,” Harry frowned. “Wait, I thought you needed a key to get into vault.” Charlie nodded.

“You’re right,” Charlie told him, unsure of where Harry was going with it. “Charlie said it’s been a long time tradition since other wizards would go into other people’s vault in order to steal money or items.”

“Then how did your mother get my key?” Harry asked. Charlie looked at him, still not sure. “I still have my key. I never gave it to your mother so how can she get into my vault?” Charlie stopped in his tracks as he tried to register the implications of what Harry was telling him.

“Did you tell the Goblins who you want to have access to your vault?” Charlie asked and Harry shook his head.

“I never knew I could do that,” he admitted and Charlie frowned as he started walking again with Harry following him.

“I will talk to Bill and find out what’s going on. I know he is in France for a meeting,” Charlie said. Harry frowned before grinning.

“How are he and Fleur getting on?” Harry asked. Charlie looked at him, shocked before he remembered the blonde champion that had been at Hogwarts during Harry’ fourth year.

“They’re dating,” Charlie admitted. Harry frowned.

“Ron said they were just getting to know each other,” Harry pointed out and Charlie grinned.

“Did you really think Bill was going to tell his little brother, the one who had a crush, that he was dating her?” Charlie asked before chuckling. “Bill knows too well of Ron’s jealously of people getting what he wanted. Beside, our mother would be furious if she ever knew.”

“It seems like your mother does tend to go over board with the smothering,” Harry muttered and Charlie nodded.

“Yeah, that’s why Bill and I left straight after Hogwarts. Percy left when he joined the Ministry and it was the reason why Fred and George rebelled. They wanted to do something different from what we did. They always saw the rules as being meant to be broken.” Harry laughed.

“Yeah, you should have seen how they left Hogwarts. It was awesome,” Harry told him. Charlie chuckled, amused.

“I’m sure it was. The twins are nothing but original and inventive. They’ve always been inventive, they take that from Dad.” Harry was startled.

“Your dad was an inventor?” Harry asked and Charlie nodded.

“Yeah, at least that’s what our grandparents used to tell us but after he married mom, he either stopped doing it or continued it in private. Mom is one of those people who believe that we should stick with what we know,” Charlie explained when he spotted his house. “Ah, here we are.” Harry turned to see that they had reached a normal two floor house before looking around to find that he was smack bang in the middle of a muggle like community Charlie chuckled when he saw Harry’s confused looks. “A majority of the people who work and live here are actually muggle-born. They refused to leave their stuff behind and ended up creating this.”

“So, you have a lot of muggle things?” Harry asked as Charlie led the way up the garden path and Charlie nodded.

“We try and not use our wands around dragons. Their magic can actually interfere with ours, as you may have noticed during your first task. How the spells don't affect Dragons for long or affect them in a different way.”

“Oh! That’s why they don’t take an interest if you transfigure a rock into another animal or fall sleepy when you try and lure them to sleep or stomp all over the place when you hit them with a blinding spell?” Harry asked and Charlie nodded.

“Yes, their magic is an old powerful magic. It’s older and different from ours. It’s safer not to use magic around here.” Charlie unlocked the door and stepped to the side to let Harry in first. “Just place your stuff in the hallway. We’ll get it later after you’ve explained.”

“Okay,” Harry placed his belongings in the hallway before adjusting Hedwig so she was sitting on top of the cases. She was currently sleeping as he slid a finger through the bars and stroked her breast feathers. Hedwig lifted her head from its resting place and turned bright orange eyes on her master. “I won’t be long.” Hedwig hooted softly, nipping Harry’s finger affectionately before burying her head under her right wing once more.

Harry stood up and took a look around as Charlie made his way into the living room after closing the door. He threw his keys onto the small wooden coffee table. The hallway split off into three directions. One led the way into the living room, one led the way into the kitchen and the last one led the way to the stairs. Making his way into the living room, he was still unprepared to see how muggle like it was.

There was a large black couch, a material similar to leather, resting against a wall, the coffee table was in the middle and on the other end was a TV stand with a large HD TV and DVD player. Next to the TV stand, there was a large bookcase that ran from the ground to the ceiling and it was filled with DVDs. There was even a black iPod docking station with a silver iPod.

Walking further into the room, the window was off to the right side of the house, overlooking the street, there was a two-seater couch similar to the large couch close to the coffee table and there was a box seat under the window that covered the entire wall. There were numerous of cushions and there was a book lying on it, indicating that someone had been in the middle of reading when they had been interrupted.

The flooring was wooden rather than the carpet that his aunt seemed to favour. Looking around the room, he spotted an area off to the left that seemed like a separate world from the rest of the room. There was a fire place and the walls were covered with three large bookcases, all of them filled with books. There was a soft looking two-seater, red couch. Instead of the wooden floor, there was a dark carpet that seems to invite Harry into taking off his shoes and socks and burying his toes into the seemingly soft material.

“Wow,” Harry uttered out and Charlie laughed.

“Most of this is actually inspired by my friend. She kinda took over the decorating,” Charlie explained. Harry turned to face him.

“Do you live together?” Harry asked and Charlie shook his head.

“No, she lives two houses down from me,” he explained. “We tend to spend a lot of time at each other’s house when we’re not busy.”

“Ah,” Harry nodded, looking around once more at the room. “This is only the living room and I find it awesome!” Charlie chuckled; amused by the wide-eyed look he was getting from the young man.

“Wait until you see the rest of the house,” Charlie told him. “Once you’ve finished explaining, I’ll get the guest room set up.” Harry looked at him.

“Oh, you don’t have to do that,” Harry told him only to back down when he got the patent Weasley patient look that Molly used to give him. Quietly, Harry said, “Okay.” Charlie was just amused at how easily Harry backed down. He was about to say something else when they heard the front door opening and heels clicking on the wooden floor of the hallway.

“Charlie, the dragons have finally settled down."

A slender girl came in the room. She was barely over five feet with long curly black hair that reached her buttocks. She had dark blue eyes that reminded Harry of the deep ocean. She wore a red zip up jacket made out of dragon hide and red trousers that were made out of a similar material. She wore a black choker that had a small, simple ruby crystal attached to it.

Her blue eyes widened when she spotted a strange young man standing in the middle of Charlie’s living room looking like he had walked through a burning building.

“Who are you?” Harry and the girl asked together before they stared at each other, somewhat suspiciously.

“Rina, meet Harry Potter. Harry, meet Rina Malloy, she works here and is one of my friends,” Charlie introduced the two of them. Rina arched an eyebrow.

“Harry Potter, as in the ‘boy-who-lived’ Harry Potter?” she asked. Harry rolled his eyes, annoyed.

“Yeah, that’s me,” he muttered, “but I prefer to be ‘Just Harry’.” Rina gave him an amused smile.

“Yeah, you’re Harry alright. Charlie told me all about you when he came back after meeting you in the summer. He couldn’t stop raving about you after the first task in your fourth year. I was beginning to think you could walk on water,” Rina told him. Harry stared at her, shocked before he started laughing, grinning at Charlie.

“She’s a feisty one,” he told Charlie before looking at Rina who shook her head, amused. “Nope, I can’t walk on water. However, I am completely biased about my best friend, Hermione Granger. There isn’t anything that girl can’t do. I’m pretty sure she could walk on water if she put her mind to it.” Rina chuckled.

“Modest and cute,” she nodded approvingly, “there just might be a god after all.” She winked at Harry before leaving the house only to stop in the doorway as she remembered something mysteriously appearing in the reserve. Looking over her shoulder at the guilty party, who looked down at his shoes with a sheepish grin, sensing what she was thinking. “I’m sure you’ll tell me all about it later.” She left them alone.

“She’s different,” Harry spoke up, breaking into Charlie’s gaze as he continued to stare at the door.

“Yeah, you got that right,” Charlie muttered, turning back to face Harry with a frown. “You’ve still to answer my questions.” Harry winced.

“Can I get washed and changed first?” he asked. Charlie took pity on him.

“Sure. I’ll get you some towels and show you where the bathroom is.” He led the way up the stairs. Harry grabbed his stuff and followed Charlie up the stairs until they reached the landing. There were five doors. “Okay, this door,” he pointed to the first door, “This is my bedroom. This is the guest room, next, Rina’s room.” Harry arched an eyebrow, amused, and Charlie rolled his eyes. “This is the closet where the towels and spare bathrobes are kept. That, at the end of the hallway, that’s the bathroom.”

“Do I put my stuff in the guest room?” Harry asked and Charlie nodded.

“Yeah, I’ll get the towels. Just use the shampoo and soap. We’ll get you your own stuff, including clothes. Working around Dragons tends to incinerate your clothes quickly.” Harry chuckled as he headed into the bedroom, marvelling over the room. The bed, with dark blue quilt, was off to the left corner of the room with a bedside table next to it. Along the wall was the built in wardrobe. Across from the bed was the set of drawers and desk. At the far end of the room was a long box seat under the window and a bookcase partly filled with books.

Harry pulled his stuff into the room and placed Hedwig’s cage on the desk before he placed his trunk on the bed and opened it, staring at his baggy clothes that were two times bigger than his body. He was about to put them away when Charlie arrived at the door, knocking on it.

Harry turned and smiled when he saw Charlie holding two towels and a bathrobe in his hands.

“You can go for your shower now if you want,” Charlie held out the towels and bathrobe.

“Thanks,” Harry took them and headed over to the bathroom while Charlie moved closer to the trunk and frowned when he saw the clothes. He had noticed the clothes Harry was wearing were too big for him but had hoped that it was just an accident with how he got here. Looking toward the door, he sighed sadly. He needed to take Harry shopping so he could get clothes that actually fitted him. A wry smile crossed his face as he thought about Harry’s hair, a haircut wouldn’t go amiss.

Harry couldn’t believe his eyes when he entered the bathroom. The walls were in a light blue tiles with the floor were non-slip dark blue tiles. Off to his left, there was a large bathtub. It reminded him a little bit of the bathtub in the prefects' bathroom at Hogwarts. Across from it was the large walk-in shower. The sink was next to it with a medical cupboard and mirror above it. The toilet was on the other side of the room with a cupboard.

Placing the towels on the heating rack that was on the wall in between the bathtub and the shower, he placed the robe on the coat hanger on the back of the door before locking it. Moving to the centre of the room, Harry stripped out of his tattered clothes and placed them into the washing basket that was next to the sink, unsure what he was supposed to do with them. He didn’t have a lot of clothes but he didn’t want to risk using the repairing spell on the clothes in fear it would make it worse. He pulled his glasses off and placed them on top of the cupboard.

He made his way over to the shower, opened the glass door. He stepped in, closed the door and took a few steps back before switching on the shower to ensure that he wasn’t hit by the hot and cold spray. Once the water reached lukewarm water, Harry cranked up the heat until it was hotter and stepped under the spray, relishing the feel of the hot water flooding over him; he washed and re-washed to remove the soot.

It was nice to be able to relax for once. Being at the Dursleys, he was barely allowed time to have a shower, not to mention that loneliness and the fear of Voldemort and his death eaters on the streets, free to do whatever they wanted because everyone was too scared to stand up to them. Sighing heavily to himself, Harry pushed himself off the tiles, turned off the shower and opened the door.

A hand snuck out and grabbed one of the towels that were resting on the heating rack. He dried his body before wrapping it around his waist before he stepped out and grabbed the other towel and rubbed his hair, drying it as much as he could while walking over to the sink where the mirror cabinet was. He lifted his left hand and wiped the steam away from the mirror and looked in it.

His hair was nearly shoulder length and his bangs were already obscuring his eyes. Brushing them out of the way, he ran a hand over his chin and could feel stubble starting to form and decided to leave off shaving for the moment. It wasn’t a necessity and he wanted to know what he looked like with a five o’clock shadow, it should prove interesting. Pushing himself away from the sink, he unwound the towel and placed it in the basket and dumped the other one in too. He picked up his glasses and walked over to the door.

Lifting the bathrobe, he slid it over his body and tightened the belt before unlocking the door and headed into the hallway. Charlie stopped in place from where he was coming out of his room and he smiled at Harry. Harry noticed that he was carrying a bundle of clothes in his arms.

“Hey, you’re out,” Charlie told him. Harry nodded as he moved closer and Charlie handed him the clothes. “I called Rina over and she brought some clothes for you. She borrowed them off one of the guys who has a brother who is roughly the same height as you.”

“Thanks,” Harry took the clothes in his arms before looking up at Charlie, who nodded.

“You go and get changed. I’ll get some food on for us to eat and you can tell me your story.” Harry nodded and headed into the bedroom, closing the door behind him. Charlie watched him before heading down the stairs and made his way into the kitchen. The spacious kitchen was well appointed and included a complete range of muggle appliances.

Rounding the counter, he reached the cupboard above the cooker and pulled out some pans and placed them on the cooker before making his way over to the fridge and pulled out some eggs, bacon and mushroom, intending to make a bacon and mushroom omelette. While he made the mixture, the backdoor opened to reveal Rina. She was now out of her earlier clothes and wore a short black skirt and a white elbow length sleeve white shirt. She still wore her necklace and wore black Mary-Jane shoes.

“Hey Rina,” Charlie greeted as Rina closed the door behind her and moved over to the top cupboard next to the back door and pulled out three plates and three glasses and placed them on the counter.

“Hey, how is he?” she asked, moving around the counter and opened the fridge to pull out an array of different drinks and placed them on the counter.

“He’s getting changed into the clothes you brought over,” Charlie told her as he flipped the omelettes. Rina nodded as she collected three forks and placed them on the counter before taking a seat on one of the stools.

“Are you okay?” she asked. Charlie looked over his shoulder at her, struck as ever how beautiful his best friend was before he cleared his throat and nodded.

“Yeah, I’m just glad he looked better after his shower,” Charlie told her as he switched the cooker off, picked up the pans and slipped the food onto separate plates before placing the pots and skillet into the sink and took a seat on the opposite side of Rina. The two of them had become fast friends since she arrived two years ago at the tender age of eighteen, excited to be working with dragons.

Ever since then, his desire for her had just heightened, despite him believing that it was just a crush. It just seemed like he found a new reason to be attracted to her. Her hand placed itself on top of his, causing his light blue eyes to snap up to meet her darker ones. She was looking at him with concern.

“Are you okay? You just zoned out on me,” she explained. Charlie gave her a grin, shaking his head.

“I’m fine,” he assured her. She nodded as she pulled her hand away from him just as Harry came into the kitchen, dressed in clothes that actually fitted him. Rina smiled when she saw him and patted the stool that was at the top of the counter, in between her and Charlie.

“Come on, sit down and have something to eat,” she encouraged. Harry sat rounded the counter and sat down, looking at the food. He felt his stomach rumble, reminding him of how long it had been since he had decent meal and tucked into his food.

“Wow, this is really good,” he mumbled. The eggs were soft but not soggy. The bacon were crispy to the point it wasn’t burnt and the mushroom was soft with a bite to it. “Who cooked?”

“Charlie,” Rina told him after she finished her mouthful. “He makes the best omelette.” Charlie grinned as Harry looked at him in awe.

“You don’t get a lot of fast food out here. Rina is mostly the cooker around here though, she makes the best meals and desserts you’ve ever tasted,” Charlie redirected the conversation.

“Do you cook?” Rina asked Harry. Harry shrugged.

“My aunt and uncle used to make me cook all the time. I must be alright as they’ve never gotten poisoned from my food or thrown it out,” Harry told her after he finished his next mouthful and filled his glass with pumpkin juice and took a sip, missing the glare Charlie and Rina had shared.

“So, Harry, are you ready to tell us how you got here?” Charlie asked as they polished off the last of the meal, refilling their drinks.

“I received a parcel from an anonymous source. I left it alone and went for a walk to clear my head when I bumped into someone. We talked for a little and he gave me a small background history on Voldemort and trust me, the answers were helpful. He told me that there was something being kept from me and I needed to head to Romania if I wanted to know the truth.”

Harry took another sip of his pumpkin juice. “I ran all the way back home and bumped into my cousin. I dragged him home only to be nearly caught by a Dementor. Once we reached the house, I pushed him in and used my stag to ward the Dementor off before hurrying up the stairs. I grabbed my stuff then ripped open the parcel and this fell out,” he showed them the large clear ruby crystal. Gold claws seem to hold the crystal to the necklace. Rina took it in her hands and admire it. “The next thing I knew was that I disappeared in a whirlwind and lightening and ended up in the middle of a crater here.” Charlie frowned.

“So, this person told you to head to Romania in order to get your answers?” Charlie asked and Harry nodded.

“Yeah, they were very adamant that it was Romania that I was supposed to go to,” Harry told him, still confused as ever.

Rina thought about it before she remembered something her grandmother had told her when she had been a young girl.

“Wait a minute; are you the one who is related to Jack Potter?” Rina asked. Harry tilted his head while Charlie nodded.

“Yeah he is,” he turned to Harry, “Jack was your grandfather, your father’s father.”

“Oh,” he turned to look at Rina with a curious look. “What does that have to do with anything?” Rina shot him a look of disbelief.

“Are you telling me you never got anything from your parents? I mean no letters or anything?” Harry shook his head.

“No, Dumbledore told me there wasn’t a will made,” Harry explained and Rina frowned.

“I think you will need to go to Gringotts soon,” Rina informed him. “There are a lot of things that are being unsaid here.”

Charlie noticed that Harry was beginning to get frustrated that Rina hadn’t answered his original question and decided to step in.

“Rina,” she looked at him. “Will you please put the boy out of his misery?” Rina looked at Harry, startled before shooting him a sheepish grin.

“Sorry,” Harry shook his head, “My grandmother was the one who told me this story. Apparently there was a Potter a long time ago who was on the brink of dying. A dragon had been nearby him at the time and given him some of her blood, infusing the Potter bloodline with Dragon blood. Harry, you have a dragon lineage in you. That would explain why the dragons were acting up before you arrived and settled when you did arrive. They sensed that you were here and you were safe.” Harry just stared at her, open-mouthed. So did Charlie.

“Are you sure?” Charlie stuttered out and Rina nodded.

“Yes. My grandmother swore on her life that it was true. She said she knew of a Potter and they had relayed the tale to her.” Rina looked at Harry. “You need to get onto Gringotts straight away. You should have been informed of this when you were thirteen because you needed to be warned.”

“Warned of what?” Harry croaked out.

“Your powers will activate after going through an emotional trauma,” Rina explained. Charlie paled.

“What kind of trauma?” he asked her. Rina shrugged.

“My grandmother said something about death or extreme fear,” Rina tried to recall. “There are many different emotional traumas but to trigger the dragon blood, it needs to be life or death.”

“Harry…” Charlie whispered as he turned to face Harry only to see the young man’s face had been drained of blood. Rina, instantly knowing she was missing something, pinned them both with a glare.

“What are you not telling me?” she demanded. Charlie looked at her.

“During the third task, Harry and another champion disappeared when they touched the cup. It had been a portkey. Cedric died and Voldemort was reborn,” Charlie explained. Rina gasped as she covered her mouth before looking at Harry.

“Why didn’t my powers kick in?” Harry whispered. “I could have…” he choked on the last bit. Charlie swallowed the lump that formed in his throat as he remembered Harry’s godfather, Sirius, had died just before the summer.

“Because you didn’t know,” Rina explained, unaware of Harry’s loss. Harry looked at her. “You weren’t informed therefore you weren’t trained. You can’t use a power you are unaware of.” Harry frowned.

“I’m a Parseltongue,” Harry pointed out and Rina nodded.

Harry slumped back in his chair, defeated. “I still do not understand how you could have not received any messages.” Charlie frowned.

“Harry, have you received a letter indicating you were to go to Sirius’ will reading?” Charlie asked. Harry looked at him before shaking his head.

“No,” he whispered and a thunderous look crossed Charlie’s face.

“Someone is holding your letters back,” Charlie informed them. Rina looked at him, shocked.

“Are you sure?” she asked. Charlie nodded.

“It’s the only thing I can think of. I mean, you said that Harry should have gotten a letter from Gringott when he was thirteen asking him to visit yet he never got one. I got one asking me to come down for Sirius’ will reading two days ago and I live in Romania but Harry never got one and he lives in London.”

“That’s illegal,” Rina pointed out. “Interfering with Gringotts mail is punishable by jail term because you could be interfering in a life or death matter.” Charlie nodded before he looked at Harry, who was looking between them like it was a tennis match.

“We’re heading to London tomorrow so you can get new clothes and we’re taking you to Gringotts. You need to know the truth before it’s too late,” Charlie informed him. Harry just nodded eager to find out the answer of his inheritance. Someone had almost cost him his friends and had cost him his godfather. He would be damned if he sat off to the side once more.

“What about the will reading?” Rina asked.

“That’s not until the 14^th of August,” Charlie told her before looking at Harry. “We’ll go with you and you can meet up with everyone then.” Harry nodded before he bolted up in his seat as a panic look crossed his face.

“Hermione! I forgot to write her a letter!” he bolted out of the kitchen and hurried up the stairs, leaving Charlie and Rina staring at the empty doorway in shock before looking at each other. Charlie shrugged, confused.

“My dad says they’re really close,” he gave as an excuse. Rina arched an eyebrow.

“Didn’t you also say that Harry and your brother were close yet he is only thinking of Hermione,” Rina pointed out.

“Really close,” Charlie repeated. Rina just grinned.

“Maybe there is going to be love in the air after all,” Rina murmured. Charlie tilted his head, confused. He never did get how girls always seem to know things before anyone else did.

Hedwig had been napping on the box seat when the door to the bedroom was flung open, startling her into pulling her head out from under her wing and hooting. She watched as her master came tearing into the room, rushed over to the drawer and started opening drawers at random, obviously looking for something. He let out a cry of victory when he found what he was looking for and placed it on the table and grabbed a quill out of the inkwell while sitting down at the desk.

The inkwell made a noise of unhappiness at being disrupted and startled. Hedwig just tilted her head, curious to what her master was scribbling away madly at. He muttered Hermione’s name and Hedwig gave a soft hoot of understanding. He had obviously remembered how easily worried his best friend could get whenever she heard something had happened to him. Stretching her wings out, she settled back into place, watching as Harry finished writing, signing his name with flourish, folded the parchment and slipped it into the envelope before writing a name.

Standing up, he turned around to see Hedwig was watching him and walked over to her.

“Hey girl,” he reached out and stroked her breast feathers. “Can you deliver this to Hermione for me?” he held out the envelope. Hedwig stood up and held out her leg. Harry smiled and tied it to her leg before offering her his arm. Hedwig climbed onto it, mindful of her claws, not wanting to harm Harry. He opened the window, allowing the cool breeze to wash over them and fill the room before looking at his familiar once more. “When you reach Hermione, give her the letter and stay with her.” He attached something in her feathers. It was uncomfortable at first before she quickly got used to the weight. “If she really needs to talk to me, give her this but only if it is an emergency. I don’t want her in danger.” Hedwig bobbed her head before she reached up and nibbled Harry’s ear before taking flight.

Harry watched her leave before he closed the window and turned when he heard a knock at the door. Charlie was standing in the doorway.

“Well?” he asked.

“I sent Hedwig with the letter and instructions to stay with Hermione. This will keep them both safe. Hedwig knows she’s not to come back just in case someone follows her to find me,” Harry explained. Charlie nodded before he looked at his watch and sighed.

“Bed time, it’s nearly eleven and we’ll need to get up early tomorrow,” Charlie told him. Harry nodded as he walked over to the bed. “Do you want anything to drink?” he shook his head.

“No thanks. I’ll see you in the morning,” Harry told him. Charlie nodded and closed the door. Harry sighed as he turned back to his trunk and pulled out a pair of pyjama bottoms and placed it on the top of the bed. Turning back to his trunk, he pulled out the rest of his clothes and shoes before moving over to the closet and putting them in the correct places. He turned back to his trunk and removed his books, walking over to the bookcase and placed them in it. He removed his writing materials and placed them on the desk before pulling out his broomstick, putting it in the corner.

He closed his trunk and placed it on its end next to desk before putting his wand under his pillow where he usually kept it. Habits were hard to break but it could save a person's life if they kept their weapons close to them. He stripped himself out of the clothes he had borrowed and pulled on his PJs. Scooping up his clothes, he exited the bedroom and headed over to the bathroom where he placed the clothes into the washing basket.

Picking up a spare toothbrush that Charlie had set out, he was about to start cleaning his teeth, only to jump when Rina came into the bathroom. She smiled as she spotted him before placing her clothes into the basket. She was dressed in a large red tee-shirt and red shorts. She picked up her toothbrush and started brushing her teeth. Charlie entered the bathroom and all three of them stared into the mirror as they brushed their teeth while trying not to laugh at how weird it was.

They managed to keep a straight face as they spat out their toothpaste before wiping their mouths and rinsing them out with mouthwash. When they were finished, they made their way out of the bathroom and over to their doors that led to their room.

“See you in the morning,” All three of them said together as they entered their rooms and closed their doors, bursting into laugher.

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

Dumbledore sighed to himself as he sat at his desk looking over the papers, making a note whenever he saw something he agreed or disagreed with when there was a knock at his door.

“Come in,” he called, sitting back on his chair and looking around at his office. Fawkes was currently missing from his perch in the office. Dumbledore had been startled when he noticed that she was gone but deduced that she had decided to take a break. He looked toward the door to see Alastor Moody, an old friend, limp into the room.

“Yes, Alastor?” he greeted with a tired smile.

“Potter’s gone,” Moody informed him, not the one to beat around the bush. Dumbledore paled.

“What do you mean Harry is gone?” Dumbledore asked his tone hard as he stood up.

“Just like I said,” Moody replied in a gruff tone, not please with Dumbledore’s tone. “Potter had left. A Dementor tried to attack him and his cousin before he drove it off. He ran into the house, grabbed his stuff and disappeared. His Aunt and Uncle are refusing to say anything while their son is still in a shock from the Dementor.”

Dumbledore growled as he looked out of the window.

“It is imperative that we find Harry Potter as soon as possible. He is at risk from Voldemort and his Death Eaters. We must not let them get their hands on him.”

“But we don't know where he went,” Moody reminded. “He just disappeared. There is no magical signature to give us any clues. His owl had been taken with him. All we can do is wait and see if he sends a message to one of his friends and follow the owl when she goes to take the mail back to him.”

Dumbledore dismissed him with a wave of his hand. Moody left the office as Dumbledore walked over to the window. Where could have Harry gone to? He obviously wasn’t at Sirius’ old place as there were members of the Order there and they would have alerted him if Harry had shown up.

The Weasleys hadn't contacted him so Harry wasn't there since they would have let him know. An idea came to his mind… Hermione Granger.

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

Hermione sighed to herself as she made her way down the stairs wearing a pair of denim shorts and a white sleeveless shirt. Her usually bushy hair had tamed down over the years and had now settled down into curls that reached her waist and were held back by a white headband. Her familiar, Crookshanks, a fluffy, orange cat, followed her down the stairs before bounding into the living room just as the doorbell rang.

Hermione looked toward the door curiously before gripping her wand hidden within her clothes as she walked over to the door. Peering through the peephole, she was even more curious when she saw who it was on the other side. Opening the door revealed her headmaster standing on her doorstep with a smile.

“Hello, Miss Granger,” Dumbledore greeted. Hermione tilted her head, curious.

“Hello Professor Dumbledore. To what do I owe this visit?” she asked him, inviting him into the house before leading the way into the living room. Dumbledore followed her, taking a seat on the couch as she sat on a chair. Dumbledore looked around.

“Are your parents in?” he asked. Hermione shook her head.

“Emergency, a client broke a tooth and needed it fixed.” Dumbledore nodded, his eyes twinkling.

“Ah, the wonders of human nature,” he told her. Hermione just gave him a small smile filled with curiosity to why her headmaster would be in her house late at night. “I was just wondering, have you heard from Harry yet?” Hermione shook her head, frowning.

“No, but that’s not usual. He told me that his aunt and uncle won’t allow him to free Hedwig until he is at least a week in,” Hermione explained. “I’m sure he’ll contact me when he can.”

“Ah, good,” Dumbledore told her. Hermione frowned.

“Sir, is there a reason why you couldn’t just ask Harry himself why he wasn’t sending messages?” Hermione asked.

“I didn’t want to interrupt his family and I didn’t want to bother him, especially after the loss of his godfather,” Dumbledore explained. Hermione just seemed to accept the excuse and he stood up. “Well, as that little mystery is solved. I shall head back to the headquarters. I hope you will have a good summer, Miss Granger. I shall see you close to the end.”

“Thank you. Bye Professor Dumbledore,” Hermione told him as he disappeared on the spot.

Hermione’s smile faded as worry set in. There was more to what Dumbledore was saying. Something has happened to Harry. Worrying her bottom lip, she briefly thought of writing Harry a letter but remembered that she had no way of sending it to Harry unless Hedwig was there.

Hermione made her way up the stairs to her bedroom. Once she entered it, she crossed the room over to the desk. She opened a drawer and pulled out a sheet of parchment and dipped her quill into her inkwell when there was a tap at the window. Lifting her head, relief ran through her when she spotted Hedwig outside of her window. Hermione left her quill in the inkwell before climbing onto her knees on the box seat and opened the window to allow Hedwig in.

Hedwig gave a soft hoot as she settled herself on Hermione’s arm before holding out the leg that had the letter tied to it. Untying the letter, she watched as Hedwig hopped off Hermione’s arm and onto the seat before settling down, clicking her beak. Hermione closed the window and got comfortable on the seat before she opened the envelope and pulled the letter out. Unfolding it, she began to read.

‘Dear Hermione,

I do not know if you know yet but I have left Privet Drive. I went for a walk and found myself learning something new. I was told to leave so I ran, only for Dementors to swoop in on me. It was exactly the same as last year, Hermione. They are not under Voldemort’s control; they are still under the Ministry. I managed to get away and I am somewhere surprising. I’m not going to tell you because you know just as well as I do the Order read our letters and there are a chance the Death Eaters could be reading them too.

This is for both of our protection. I won’t place you any in further danger when I’m not around to protect you, although I did a crappy job at the end of the year. I’m so sorry. I should have seen it coming and protected you.’

“Oh Harry, it wasn’t your fault,” she breathed sadly to herself before she composed herself to read the rest of the letter.

‘I hope you are okay despite me dragging you into danger. Other news, I learned some surprising stuff. I do not know everything yet. I will be finding out tomorrow where I have to meet a few people to get answers and hopefully find a way to defeat Voldemort. It’s the only way this war will end.

I would tell you not to worry but as I know you, all I can say is don’t worry too much. I am safe, Hermione, I promise you and I will see you soon. I have a few things to do first and then you are the first person I’ll be looking for.

I am leaving Hedwig with you because I trust you to look after her when I’m not there and she loves you. If you really need to send me a message, talk to Hedwig and she will give you something that I’ve hidden among her feathers. Only do so if you really need to talk to me. We can’t risk anyone finding me right now.

I’ll see you soon.

Harry.’

Hermione sighed with relief, pressing the letter close to her chest before she looked at Hedwig, smiling as she reached her right hand out and scratched Hedwig’s neck lovingly.

“So, Harry ordered you to stay here, huh?” Hermione asked. Hedwig let out a hoot of confirmation, her eyes dropping half-mast as Hermione continued to scratch her. Giggling, Hermione pulled her hand away and picked up a treat from the open drawer where she usually kept owl treats. She gave Hedwig the treat just as Crookshanks made his way into the bedroom, crossed the room and jumped up onto the box seat. He nudged his head into Hedwig’s side as a greeting before climbing onto Hermione’s lap.

Unknown to Hermione, someone had been watching as Hedwig arrived and was waiting for the moment she wrote back to Harry so they could follow the letter and bring their saviour back home.

TBC

Rina is said like this – Reen-Na & based her looks on Jordana Brewster (Mia from Fast & Furious)

Charlie’s looks are based on Paul Walker (Brian from Fast & Furious)

Obviously looks are altered but similar in personalities.

Chapter 3: The Answers We Need…

Harry yawned as he made his way down the stairs the next morning. He rubbed a sleepy eye, making his way into the kitchen and saw Rina was already washed, dressed and cooking. Frowning, he looked at his watch and saw it was only eight.

Rina turned around when she heard someone come into the kitchen and smiled.

“Morning Harry,” she greeted brightly. Harry groaned as he sat down at the counter.

“You are way too cheerful for a girl who is up at eight, already washed and dressed,” he muttered. Rina laughed as she turned away from the cooker. She was wearing the outfit he first seen her in. Red leather jacket, made out of dragon hide, and red trousers. She was wearing her boots and her long black hair was tied up in a knot at the back of her head.

“Even dragons get fed,” she reminded him, placing the empty plates on the place mats. “I get up with the Dragons so I can feed them, check over their wounds if they have any and check over the eggs to make sure they are in one piece or if any of them have hatched.”

“Do you all work in shifts?” Harry asked as he picked up a jug of pumpkin juice and poured some into his glass. Rina nodded as she turned back to the cooker to make sure the food weren’t burning.

“I have the daybreak and afternoon shifts this week with a few other people. Charlie has the morning and night shifts this week.” She turned the French-toasts over.

“Do you swap over weeks and shifts?”

“Yeah, once a week each month, I get the week off and Charlie will have another week off. It just depends on how many dragons there are and the mating seasons. We tend to be away for the mating seasons and come back once the dragons start laying eggs and help them look after them.”

“What about the dorm?” Harry asked. Rina chuckled as she looked over her shoulder at him.

“Are you interested in becoming a dragon tamer?” she asked and Harry shrugged.

“I used to want to be an Auror but after finding out about me and Voldemort…I’m not sure I’d want to continue hunting down bad guys,” Harry admitted and she sighed sadly as she opened the oven door and slid the frying pans into it. She turned around and took a seat from Harry.

“I understand,” she told him. “You have an idea of what you would like to do because it seems like they are going a good job only to find it can be easily corrupted or prevented by something else. After five years at Hogwarts, you start to realise that things just might not be as glamorous as you thought it would be.” Harry nodded.

“When Hagrid came to get me and take me to Hogwarts, I was excited because I thought I would finally find a place I would fit in only to discover that everyone already knows about me because I’m famous. I arrive at Hogwarts and find that there are rivalries there and each year, I find myself in danger without realising it.” He sighed. “Did Charlie tell you I’m a Parselmouth?” Rina nodded.

“Yes, he told me after his parents contacted him about Ginny going missing. I was impressed because I never knew of a Parselmouth before.” Harry snorted.

“You are one of the minorities. Nearly everyone turned their backs on me apart from Hermione, even Ron thought I was the one who was hurting muggleborns. It wasn’t until Hermione straightened him out that he stayed on my side. Apparently being able to talk to snakes is a dark art.”

Rina snorted, startling Harry as he looked up at from where he his gaze had fallen to his hands.

“Harry, talking to snakes is not a dark art, it’s a lost art,” she corrected. Harry frowned. “Talking to snakes is part of a dragon lineage as they are more lizards like and responds in growls and hiss. Salazar Slytherin was famous for being able to talk and passed it down through his family. He had wanted to pass it along but as you know history, the Slytherin family inbred rather than branching out.” Harry made a face before he chuckled.

“It’s actually quite ironic when you think about it. Purebloods are so frantic about keeping their lines pure that they don’t realise is in order for them to stay pure, they will have to marry into the family from now on,” Harry told her and Rina giggled in agreement. “Of course there was my fourth year when everyone, but Hermione, turned their back on me because they believed that I put my name in the goblet of fire. It was only after the first task they all claimed me as a hero once more.”

“Then fifth year came and no one believed you about Voldemort and now Voldemort has shown himself, you’re now the hero?” Rina finished and Harry nodded before frowning.

“They believe me about Voldemort?” he asked and Rina nodded as she picked up the folded papers, unfolded it and showed the front page to Harry.

‘HARRY POTTER TOLD TRUTH!’ screamed the headline. ‘In a shock announcement, it is revealed that Harry Potter had told the truth of Voldemort coming back at the end of his fourth year. The ministry had tried to keep it under-wraps because they didn’t want to believe that one of the most feared wizards wasn’t as dead as we all thought. But what we must ask is how long are the ministry prepared to lie to us concerning Harry Potter…’ Harry folded the papers back up, refusing to read it.

“I don’t care about the Ministry anymore. They sent Dementors after me, twice. They refused to believe me when I told the truth about Sirius, about Voldemort. I’m the one who got the flack for being dubbed as a ‘liar’ and now; I’m a frigging hero just because they are scared that I won’t come back and save them.”

“Question is; should you?” murmured Rina. Harry looked at her, stunned and Rina sighed. “In your first year, you were in danger because Voldemort possessed a teacher. Second year, you were in danger because you had a teacher who couldn’t teach and Voldemort somehow come back in spirit form. In third year, lies were all over the place and the real person who sold your parents out was under your nose the entire time without anyone realising it. Fourth year, you were entered into a tournament illegally. They could have declared it null and void but decided to go ahead with you as bait. It was obvious that they were trying to figure out who was trying to put you in danger and in the process, you were the catalyst needed to bring Voldemort back. In your fifth year, you had someone from the ministry as a teacher who, as I was told, bullied you and you were slagged off by your own school because you ‘dared’ to tell the truth.”

“You don’t like the wizarding community much, do you?” Harry asked and Rina sighed.

“There are some pro but a lot of cons. I was bullied at my school because I was a muggleborn rather than being a pureblood or a veela like most of the girls. I’ve met Umbridge and what wouldn’t I do to smash that toad like face of hers in. She treated me like dirt just because I was a muggleborn and refused to bow down to Fudge, the sleazebag.” Harry whistled in amazement.

“How did you meet them?” Harry asked and Rina sighed.

“I worked at the Ministry for a short time before I came here. I was sucked in by the glamour only for Umbridge to boss me about and Fudge to call me into his office to give me a promotion, if I slept with him,” Harry’s jaw dropped at that. “Of course I gave him my knee, quit on the spot right there and ran here and fell in love with the dragons. They do not ask you for sexual favours. They don’t bully you. They don’t stab you in the back and they most certainly don’t turn tail and run when the going gets rough.”

“Just when I thought I couldn’t hate Fudge any more…” Harry shook his head before grimacing. “I’m so gonna have to tell Hermione about that though.” Rina tilted her head, curious. “She wants to work for the Ministry but if Fudge gets removed, who to say that the next person won’t just take what they want?” Rina shuddered at the thought. She was about to say something when there was a noise and they turned to see Charlie dressed in a pair of boxers stumble into the kitchen, yawning, rubbing a sleepy eye and hair all mussed up.

“Morning,” he yawned out, taking a seat at the counter as Rina got off her seat, opened the ovens and pulled out the pans to place them back on the cooker. With her knee, she closed the oven door. She switched on the cooker and reheated the food.

“So, we’re heading to Gringotts?” Harry asked and Charlie nodded.

“You need to find out the truth about your parents, their will and the Dragon Lineage you may have. The goblins have always been trusted with secrets,” Charlie told him.

“Do you really think I might have dragon blood through me?” Harry asked and Charlie shrugged.

“If what Rina’s grandmother says is true, you will need to find out before you lose control over it,” Charlie warned and Harry nodded.

“At least there wasn’t a prophecy,” Harry muttered.

“Actually there was,” Rina spoke up as she looked over her shoulder at Harry. “I only know the gist. What it was ‘in a time where a great evil rises for the second time, a young boy will be the one to unite the worlds against him’,” she shrugged, “I found it in some old diaries that my great-grandmother had left me in her will.”

“This is just un-bloody-believable,” Harry growled, dropping his head onto his folded arms. Rina just clucked her tongue in sympathy, turning back to the cooker.

“Worlds?” asked Charlie, confused. “Do you mean like aliens?” Rina frowned and shook her head.

“No, there are many different meanings for worlds. It could mean the wizarding and muggle community but as Harry has dragon lineage inside of him, I’m assuming it has something to do with the creatures. Each one could be considered a world of itself,” Rina explained before she looked at Charlie. “You have to remember that when a seer tells of prophecy, it could mean anything as nothing should be taken as literal.” Harry frowned as he lifted his head.

“Mine is,” Harry pointed out and Rina nodded.

“Yes, but it never said when it should be been taken in action. Voldemort could have waited for years before deciding which one made the greatest threat to him,” Rina pointed out. “Because he took it literally, he assumed that you would grow into the power, what he didn’t realise was that you had been born with the power.”

“So…this is all Voldemort’s fault?” Harry asked and Rina frowned before shaking her head, turning around holding the plates and placed them in front of the boys.

“No, there were many actions that caused Voldemort to kill your parents and try and kill you. People pushed him in that direction by Dumbledore having the Seer give the Prophecy in the middle of a bar then having Peter overhear it and take the information, no matter how small, to Voldemort before giving Voldemort the information of where your parents had hidden. If Voldemort had been given the whole prophecy, he probably would have sat back and waited to see which one represented the greatest threat after all, Neville is a pureblood yet you’re a half blood, albeit a different half-blood but he never knew that.”

“You should totally become my history teacher,” Harry told her after finishing his bite. “I’d probably listen rather than going to sleep like Professor Binns makes us.” He frowned. “I’m beginning to be convinced that he is haunting my homework.” Charlie choked on his food as he laughed, coughing as he tried to dislodge the food. Rina frowned in confusion toward Harry as she reached over and patted Charlie on the back to help him.

“Who is Professor Binns?” she asked, hitting Charlie hard enough to dislodge the food.

“Thanks,” Charlie said, coughing. “Professor Binns is the History of Magic teacher at Hogwarts and he is a ghost. There’s a rumour that he died in his sleep one night but still kept coming to class unaware that he is a ghost.” Harry chuckled.

“That’s still the rumour at Hogwarts,” Harry told him.

“Why doesn’t Dumbledore just remove him from his position?” Rina asked.

“Dumbledore has soft spots for his teachers which are why he finds it harder to replace them but it would be a good idea to replace them because a lot of people failed History due to being bored,” Charlie said.

“Students I don’t like, Dragons I love,” Rina held her hands up. “I had a hell of a time when I was at school and I have no desire to return.”

“Where did you go?” Harry asked.

“Beauxbatons,” Harry frowned.

“You don’t have a French accent,” Harry pointed out and Rina nodded.

“My parents moved to France when I was ten and I was accepted at Beauxbatons then. I lived in London before I moved to France so I still retained my London accent rather than French.”

“Do you know Fleur?” Harry asked and Rina shook her head.

“Only a little, we didn’t hang around at school,” she explained before noticing that Harry was finished his breakfast and had a look at her watch. “You should get upstairs and dressed,” Rina told Harry, who nodded, getting up from his seat and into the hallway. He grinned when he heard Rina say the same thing to Charlie. He hurried up the stairs and over to the closet where he grabbed the towels and headed into the bathroom for a quick wash and shave.

After he was finished, he exited the bathroom and nodded to Charlie as Charlie made his way into the bathroom. Harry made his way into the bedroom only to stop when he saw new clothes sitting on the bed. A closer look showed it was a pair of black jeans, a white shirt and a black zip up hoodie. There was a note at the side of the clothes, lifting it up, Harry check and saw it was from Rina, telling him that she bought some clothes for him when she nipped down the street and hoped they fitted him. He shook his head as an amused smile crossed his face.

He untied the towel from his waist and threw it into the washing basket that Charlie conjured in everyone’s room before pulling on a pair of boxer shorts then pulled on the clothes, marvelling at having clothes that actually fitted him. He pulled on his trainers and checked to make sure his wand was in his pocket for easy access before he made his way out of the room and down the stairs into the living room where Rina was sorting the magazines on the coffee table look. She looked up and smiled when she saw Harry.

“Hey, Charlie should be down any minute,” she told him. Harry nodded as he moved over to the couch and sat down on it. She admired him for a moment. “I’m glad that the clothes fit.”

“Yeah, thanks for getting them for me,” Harry told her and Rina shook her head.

“I’m just curious to why your clothes you wear are baggy,” Rina told him and Harry sighed.

“My aunt and uncle just gave me my cousin’s second hand clothes. He is a bit… on the big side,” he told her and Rina shook her head. She never could understand how people could neglect or abuse children. It was just beyond her imagination. They looked up when they heard footsteps on the stairs and Charlie made his way into the living room. He was wearing a pair of black jeans and a red shirt. Rina straightened while Harry stood up and they headed out of the house toward the floo portal.

“Why don’t you just use the fireplace?” Harry asked from where he was walking in the middle between them.

“Because it takes up too much magic to lock people out or to let them in,” Charlie explained. “We tried it the first time but my mother kept coming through the fireplace without my permission and ended up seeing things she wasn’t meant to see.” Harry winced. “My boss got fed up with her ranting and raving that he cut off the fireplace for floo and they set up a portal where you have to call ahead in order to be put on the register form so you don’t accidently fall back out of the floo trying to access the reserve.”

“And it stops any anybody from trying to sneak on to the reserve in hope to use dragons, like death eaters,” Harry, correctly, assumed. Charlie smirked.

“I guess Hermione has been rubbing off on you,” he teased. Harry blushed, grateful that they had reached the portal. Rina reached over to the pad in front of the portal and pressed in a few buttons. A few moments later the portal filled up with a dark green bubble like liquid. Harry stared at it, curious and thought of how Hermione would be like considering the new invention.

“What do I do?” Harry asked.

“You just think of where you want to go and step through,” Charlie explained. “We figured it would be safer this way so no-one can intercept you or hijack you.” Harry nodded as he stepped forward, thought clearly of where he wanted to go before taking a deep breath and stepped through the liquid.

It was a strange sensation. It was like stepping into a pool of very cold water but made of jelly. His senses were numbed and he closed his eyes, the scenes whizzing past him made him feel dizzy and queasy. Suddenly, just as it started, he fell forward like someone had pressed a stop button without letting him know and he stumbled out of a fireplace. It took a few steps before Harry managed to gain his senses back and looked around to see that he was in the Tom’s bar.

There was a whooshing sound behind him and he turned to see Charlie had stepped out of the fireplace with Rina following closely behind. They smiled when they saw Harry looked worse for the wear.

“It takes a while to get used to,” Charlie told him with a shrug. “But it’s a hell a lot better than Apparation.” They both joined Harry where he was standing. Charlie gave Tom a wave. Tom waved back before returning to cleaning his glasses as the trio made their way over to the door when Rina turned to face Harry.

“It would be a good idea to put your hood up,” Rina suggested. “Like you said, Dumbledore and the Order would be looking for you. Never mind Voldemort and his minions.” Harry as he tugged his hood up; making sure it shadowed his face from everyone. They stepped out of the bar and into Diagon Alley. Harry found it amusing that people didn’t even shoot them a second glance. As the Wizarding community hadn’t seen Charlie in a while and didn’t recognise Rina, they just assumed that they were a normal couple and left them alone. Even the Auror didn’t recognise them. Harry was grateful for that as he knew that Dumbledore would be pulling out all the stops in order to get him back but Harry wanted to know the truth of what he really was and he wasn’t going to let anyone get in the way.

Entering the large bank, the goblins barely spared the trio a glance. They continued walking until they reached the tallest desk. The goblin behind it peered over the edge and narrowed his eyes when he couldn’t see the young man’s face.

“How can I help you?” he asked.

“We wish to see the head of the Potter’s vault,” Charlie leaned forward, lowering his voice so it wouldn’t attract the attention of the other witches and wizards. “Harry Potter is with us and needs to know the truth of his inheritance.” The Goblin leaned forward once more. Harry tugged his hood back a little bit, just enough to reveal his scar. Harry had to give the goblin credit; he didn’t indicate anything had changed.

“Fine, I will contact Rasphalt to let him know,” the goblin told Charlie, writing something on a piece of parchment as he did. Once he was finished writing, it disappeared with a light blue flash and the doors next to the desks opened. “Please, enter.” He gestured to the doors.

“Thank you,” Harry bowed his head, lowering his hood back into place before following Charlie as he took the lead with Rina bringing the rear. They stepped through the doors and it closed behind them before another set of doors opened and there was an official goblin standing in front of them, obviously waiting for them.

“Ah, Mr. Potter,” greeted the goblin, jovially. “Please, follow me.” He led the way through a door. Harry took the time to look at his surrounding. The carpet was red and so were the walls with gold trimmings. There were different paintings of different goblins. Harry took a guess that those were the goblins that used to be head of the bank. They reached the end of the hallway and in front of them stood a large gold double door. The goblin knocked on it twice before there was a muffled ‘enter’ from inside.

Opening the doors, he stepped off to the side and gestured Harry and the adults to step in. Once they were in, he closed the doors behind him. Harry looked toward the desk and there was a large goblin sitting behind the desk. He looked up and peered through his glasses.

“Mr Potter, Mr Weasley, Miss Malloy. Please, sit,” the goblin gestured to the seats in front of his desk. Harry sat in the middle one with Charlie taking the chair to his right and Rina taking the chair next to his left. “I am Rasphalt; I’m the head of the Potter’s vault. What can I do for you?”

“What we are about to tell you must never leave this room,” Charlie started. Rasphalt stared at him before he gave a short nod.

“I swear that nothing said in the room will leave here,” Rasphalt swore and a bright light snapped in the room, signalling that the oath had been fulfilled.

“Harry has not been getting his mail from Gringott.” Anger flashed in Rasphalt’s eyes before he calmed himself.

“How do you mean?” Rasphalt asked.

“I never received a letter saying I am to attend to Sirius’ reading. I never got a letter when I turned thirteen to tell me I have dragon blood,” Harry informed him. “I do not know what else you guys have sent me.” Rasphalt’s hand was tightening around his quill. “Also, Mrs Weasley seems to have access to my vault despite the fact I only gave her my key once.”

“You never asked for her to have access?” Rasphalt asked and Harry shook his head.

“I didn’t even know I could ask for anyone to have access. I barely spent time in here because no one actually brought me here or explained anything to me.”

“Okay. First thing first, we will check out your parents’ will and go from there,” Rasphalt wrote something on his pad of parchment and disappeared with a red flash before a thick folder appeared on his desk. He opened it. “The living will and testament of Lily Evans Potter and James Potter, the properties are to be split among Harry Potter, Sirius Black and Remus Lupin.”

“Properties?” asked Harry and Rasphalt shot him a startled glance.

“What have you been told of your parents?” Rasphalt asked. Harry seemed to stammer for a moment before he thought about it.

“My mother’s sister is Petunia and she was one of the best students at school. She was very good in charms. My father was a chaser for Gryffindor quidditch, he was very good with transfiguration and liked to pull pranks with his best friends and sorta bully Snape,” Harry listed. Rina and Charlie shot each other a shock look over Harry’s head, stunned that no one had actually bothered to tell Harry’s his family tree. Rasphalt seemed to growl under his breath for a moment before he took a calming breath.

“I will give you your family tree and their letters once we have finished here,” Rasphalt told him and Harry nodded. He turned back to the will. “Harry Potter is either to be placed with Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, or Tina Malloy.”

“What?” Rina startled at her mother’s name. Even Harry was frowning in confusion. Rasphalt stared at them before looking at the will once more.

“It is said here that Tina Malloy is Lily Evans Potter best friend, despite being a muggleborn. It turned out that Tina was the first person who Lily told she was magical and the two of them kept close contact.” Rasphalt peered at Rina. “I am guessing that you and your parents never knew this?” Rina shook her head.

“No, mom never said that she was best friend with Lily or that she was meant to adopt Harry. I knew that she was upset about losing a friend when I was six years old. Nothing could cheer her up,” Rina told them before shaking her head. “Never in my wildest life would I imagine that my family was connected to the Potters.”

“It would explain how your grandmother knew of the Potter having dragon lineage,” Charlie pointed out and Rina nodded as tears pricked her eyes before waving them off. “It’s okay.” She promised. Charlie just chuckled as he turned back to Rasphalt, who was looking amused. “You may continue.” Rasphalt just chuckled as he turned back to the will before he frowned and look at Harry.

“If you don’t mind me asking, who you were placed with?” he asked. Harry frowned.

“With the Dursleys, my mother’s sister,” Harry told him and Rasphalt paled. “Is there a problem?”

“The will indicates that you are, in no uncertain terms, you were ever to be placed with the Dursleys. The fact you have is a direct violation of your parents’ will.”

“I was told I was to live with the Dursleys because of the blood ward,” Harry told him and Rasphalt narrowed his eyes at Harry.

“Am I correct that you did say, in the papers, that your blood was used in bringing Voldemort back to life?” he asked and Harry paled.

“The blood ward won’t work?” Harry asked and Rasphalt nodded.

“Yes. Because it was your blood used to restore Voldemort back to his human state, the wards are no longer in effect as they will not be able to tell the difference between you and Voldemort,” he explained. Charlie sat forward.

“Are you telling me that Voldemort could have walked in the Dursleys’ residence straight after fourth year and killed Harry and there was nothing anyone could have done to stop it?!”

“Yes, that’s what I am saying,” Rasphalt told him. Harry found it refreshing that someone was actually giving him straight answers rather than fudging around.

“How could Dumbledore not know?” Rina demanded. “He was the one who kept sending Harry back there. So how could he have not known that by having Harry’s blood inside of him would stop the blood ward from doing its job?”

“What does Professor Dumbledore have to do with this?” Rasphalt asked. Harry looked at him.

“Professor Dumbledore was the one who placed me with the Dursleys and continued to send me back there each summer,” Harry explained. Rasphalt stood up, furious.

“He had no right to do that! He is not your magical guardian therefore he has no right over you!”

“Who was my magical guardian?” Harry asked, curious. Rasphalt snorted as he sat back down.

“Despite being incarcerated, Sirius Black was always you magical guardian unless you had been placed with Remus Lupin. Since he is dead now and, unfortunately due to the stupid law, Remus is unable to claim guardianship over you just because he is a werewolf,” Rasphalt informed Harry with a disgusted tone before he brightened. “However, you are allowed to choose whoever you wish to be your guardian or we can emancipate you, allowing you to be considered as an adult.”

“I thought you had to be sixteen before you could consider emancipation,” Rina started and Rasphalt nodded.

“Yes, but Harry is a special circumstances. He had been placed with the Dursleys illegally.”

“Can I think about it first?” Harry asked and Rasphalt nodded.

“Yes, it’s entirely up to you. If you wish, you could meet with the Malloys and see what they are like for guardianship but if you feel like living by yourself, you are welcome to sign the forms. There is no time limit on it, Mr. Potter.” Harry smiled gratefully.

“Thank you.” Rasphalt shook his head as he turned back to the will.

“You parents have left you everything in their vaults with the distribution of money among the people who were considered for guardianship. Since Sirius Black has died, the money will be returned to you. You will find out more about that when you come for the reading of Sirius Black’s will.”

“Vaults? I have more than one vault?” Harry asked, incredulously and Rasphalt nodded.

“You must understand, Mr. Potter. The Potters are one of the wealthiest families around, despite the mixture of muggleborn and pureblood. Each family member was given their own vault and those were passed down to the family, which is you as you are the last living heir of the Potter line. Not to mention the Evans’ line. Of course, Mrs. Dursley has own bank account with the money given to her. Mrs. Potter had gathered her savings, inheritance and things with emotional value and placed them into her vault.”

“My mother had her own vault?” asked Harry, his voice choked up. Rasphalt gave him a sympathetic yet furious gaze.

“Yes. I truly find it astonishing that no one had ever bothered to tell you of your parents’ vaults. Your mother had wanted you to know of her vault since you were five!”

“Sirius and I never spent a lot of time together. We were never given the chance. People were always putting us in separate rooms or he was hiding out. Remus and I never really got the chance either,” Harry explained.

“No matter, it will be cleared up today,” Rasphalt informed the three of them, watching as Rina reached out and intertwined her hand with Harry’s giving him support. Harry looked at her, startled. He never had much human contact unless the Dursleys were trying to hurt him or Hermione trying to comfort him. Smiling sadly at Rina, he tightened his grip on her hand before turning back to face Rasphalt.

Charlie just smiled at the scene. That was one of the reasons why he liked Rina so much. She just gave everyone comfort and was there for them no matter what.

“Carry on,” Rina told Rasphalt, who nodded.

“You have letters from your parents, which I shall give to you,” Rasphalt levitated the two thick letters to Harry, who took them and placed them into his lap. “You may read them anytime you wish.” He wrote something on his pad of parchment and it disappeared with a flash of red before a small wooden box appeared. Rasphalt moved it closer to the edge of the desk. “This contains all of your keys to your vaults. If you wish, we can meld them into one key so it when it is placed into a lock, it will automatically revert to the key needed to unlock it.”

“That would be a good idea,” Harry didn’t relish the idea of carrying so many keys about. He was afraid he would lose them.

“Very well,” Rasphalt leaned forward and tapped the box with a long index finger three times. The box flashed gold before shimmering then the light died down. Harry opened it to reveal a simple small key. Picking it up, he placed it into his pocket. Rasphalt picked the box back up and waved his hand over it, sending it back to its rightful place.

“Can you tell us if any money has been taken out of the account without Harry’s knowledge?” Charlie asked. Rasphalt snapped his dangers and a long roll of parchment appeared in his hand. He placed it on the desk and unrolled it, scanning with it with narrowed eyes.

“Money has been paid to the Dursleys for their guardianship of you,” Rasphalt informed with a disapproving glare as he looked at Harry. “This will be refunded to you as soon as possible.” He scanned the parchment once more and frowned, this time in confusion. “And money has been distributed to a company named ‘The Order’,” he looked at Harry. “Do you have any idea who this may be?” Harry nodded.

“It’s Dumbledore and bunch of fighters who set up the order once more when Voldemort came back,” Harry told him and Rasphalt pursued his lips.

“Will you wish to continue paying for the order or shall I cancel it?” he asked.

“How much am I currently paying right now?”

“Over a million gallon,” Rasphalt informed him. Harry’s jaw dropped along with Charlie. Rina just looked between the two of them, confused.

“Are you sure?” Harry finally asked and Rasphalt nodded.

“Yes, because you are very wealthy, it barely makes a dent in your vaults but I am assuming that you are not seeing the profits of the money?” Harry shook his head.

“The way Dumbledore acts, you’d think the Order was barely funded considering how one member is constantly stealing and fencing things off. You would think that he would pay the Weasleys for their memberships but they never indicated they are getting money.” He looked at Charlie, who nodded in agreement.

“My parents have never said they were getting more money. They never mentioned anything about the funding,” Charlie agreed and Harry looked at Rasphalt.

“Cut it down to 500 gallon per month and I will review it at a later date if anything changes. If nothing changes, then I will have to assume that someone is pocketing the money for themselves. Can I also be refunded on the money they took without my permission without the normal 500 gallon I suggested?” Rasphalt nodded.

“Yes, you shall be,” Rasphalt made a notation on the parchment next to the Dursleys’ name and the order. He checked over the parchment once more and found there was nothing else except from the tuition that Harry had to pay for and his books, school things and clothes. He rolled up the parchment once more. “Before we finish up, is there anyone you wish to have access to your vaults?” Rasphalt asked and Harry nodded.

“Hermione Granger. She’s my best friend and I trust her with my life,” Harry told him. Rasphalt chuckled.

“I assume she is the one known as the brightest witch at Hogwarts?” Rasphalt asked. Harry stared at him, shocked, and Rasphalt chuckled once more. “The Potter men are famous for picking the smartest women to be their wives. Why else do you think they still have money left?”

“I thought the Potters were famous for picking women with red hair,” Charlie spoke up and Rasphalt snorted.

“Please, Jack Potter’s wife, Melinda, had black hair. Jack’s mother had blonde hair and so on. There has only ever been a record of four women with red hair married into the family. Whoever told you this obviously has no understanding of the history when it comes to the Potters. The women are not based on looks but based on personality and smartness. Merlin knows the Potter men needed them.” He muttered the last part. Harry just cracked a grin, he had no problem admitting that Hermione smarter than him. She saved his life on more than one occasion. “Anyway, is there anything else to be discussed? We’ve covered everything regarding your parents’ will.”

“I want to see my parents’ vaults, especially my mothers,” Harry told him and Rasphalt nodded.

“Very well, I will arrange this.”

“Could I please have Griphook?” Harry asked and Rasphalt looked at him. Harry flushed. “I met Griphook back in my first time here. He was extremely helpful and I trust him.” Rasphalt smiled and nodded.

“I will call for him.” He pressed a button on his desk and the door opened to reveal the goblin that had brought them there. “Please escort Mr. Potter and his guardians down to the vault please and wait for Griphook to arrive.”

“Yes, my lord,” the goblin bowed before gesturing Harry and co to follow him. They followed him through the hallway and back into the main area of the bank before following down to the other doors that lead the way to the cart they would have to take in order to access the vault. Once they reached the cart, the goblin bowed when he saw Griphook standing by the cart before leaving them alone.

“Mr Potter, how nice to see you again,” Griphook greeted and Harry smiled.

“It’s nice to see you again too, Griphook.”

“So, which vault are we to visit?” Griphook asked. Harry handed Griphook the key.

“Lily Evans Potter’s Vault,” Harry told him and Griphook nodded as he took the key, placed in his pocket and opened the door to the cart. All of them got on with Harry sitting next to Griphook, Charlie and Rina sitting in the back.

“Why do I have a bad feeling about this thing?” Rina asked and Charlie grinned, looking at her.

“Because you don’t like rollercoaster,” Charlie informed her. Rina opened her mouth to say something when the cart shot off without a warning. Harry laughed gleefully as Rina bit down on her lower lip to the point where it was almost bleeding. Charlie whooped and cheered when they reached the twists and turns. Both men threw their arms into the air when they reached a top before plunging downward into the darkness when they heard a roar of fire off to the distance. Rina just clenched her eyes close tightly while her knuckles were turning white where her hands were gripped around the bar.

Once the cart had slowed to a stop, Rina managed to unclench her hands from the bar, turned to Charlie who was still laughing.

“You bastard,” Rina hit Charlie on the shoulder before she got off. Harry laughed as he followed her, shaking his head at Charlie.

“Even I know to warn a girl ahead of time,” he teased. Charlie just grumbled good-naturedly under his breath as he got out of the cart and followed Griphook as he led the way over to a door. Reaching out a hand, he caressed the door and there was a series of locks clicking, signalling that they were unlocking.

Once it finished, he picked up the key and slid it into the keyhole. Once it was in, it automatically shifted to fit the contours of the lock and Griphook turned it, opening the vault. He stepped back as the door slowly swung open so Harry could see the inside. It was different from the only vault he had seen in his first and second year. There were different things all over the place, lots of muggle things that Harry knew Arthur would love to examine and take apart just to see how it worked when something caught his eyes. Looking closely, the box was standing on four short, silver legs. The box itself was pearl white with silver and gold trimmings. There were gold and silver roses on the edges of the box and the lid was silver.

“Music box,” Harry whispered as he reached out a trembling hand and lifted the sliver lid. Once it was lifted, a sweet tune filled the vault as a golden snitch rose up and started swaying with the notes of the music.

“That’s so sweet,” Rina whispered, lost in the thrall of the music.

“She used to play this for me when I was a baby,” Harry whispered.

“You are correct Mr. Potter,” Griphook spoke up. “Every time you would cry, she would play the music box and it would calm you down almost straight away. Of course, you preferred to be held during those moments.” Harry closed the lid and picked it up and placed it into the bag that Griphook had conjured up, having a feeling that Harry would want to take some of the things home with him.

Looking around, Harry moved further into the room when he saw a gold photo-frame and picked it up, seeing a woman with fiery red hair, bright, emerald green eyes and a brilliant smile. He recognised her instantly from the photos that Hagrid had given him at the end of his first year and the image in the mirror that he had found on the third floor during his first year. Lily Evans Potter.

“She was a beauty,” Harry whispered as he ran a finger tenderly over his mother’s cheek on the photo.

“You’re right,” Charlie whispered from where he was leaning over his shoulder. He had heard from his mother that Lily Potter had been a beauty and could see why James had fallen for her. But he could also see why people were convinced that the Potter men were famous for falling for people with red hair and sighed sadly to himself. He just hoped that his little sister had gotten over her crush on the young man.

“Is there anything else you wish to take?” Griphook asked. Harry looked at him before looking at him the photo.

“Just this,” Harry whispered, standing up and placing the photo into the bag. “I don’t think I can go through anymore things today.” Griphook nodded, understanding that it was obviously too emotional for the young man. He shrunk the bag down and handed it to Harry, who slid it into his hoodie pocket. All four of them walked out of the vault, Griphook closed the vault and handed Harry the key before they all got on the cart and made their way back to the top.

Once they reached the top, Griphook led them out into the main area of the bank before bidding them good-day and went back to his workload while Charlie, Rina and Harry made their way out of the bank, ready to go home.

“Are you okay?” Rina reached out, wrapping an arm around Harry’s shoulder. Harry nodded as he looked up at her.

“Yeah, it was nice to have some closure,” he whispered. She just smiled sadly at him before Harry redirected the conversation. “So, back to Romania?” asked Harry and got nods as Rina reached out and ruffled his hair.

“Yep, you have a lot of training to go through with the Dragons,” she told him. Harry groaned.

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

Hermione wiped the back of her hand across her forehead to remove the sweat that was beading there. She was currently stuck in the attic thanks to Molly insisting that they should clean the place even better for when Harry finally came back. She had to resist snorting when she heard this. Harry wasn’t planning on coming back until Sirius’ will reading. She would have told them but decided that they should ask her rather than the other way round.

Molly had tried to get Hermione to work with Ron for the attic but Hermione had begged out of it, claiming that she needed to have time to herself. Ron had picked an argument with her about her shouting that she was worried about Harry and needed to deal with her emotions on her own. Picking fights with her just made her angry. Of course, Molly had tried to get her to change her mind, convinced that Hermione would feel better if she worked with her other best friend.

Thankfully Ginny had cut in and asked her mother if Ron could work with her instead of Hermione because she was working in the ballroom and more hands meant the room would be cleaned quicker. Molly hesitated for a moment before Arthur jumped in and said that was a good idea before offering his and Molly’s help. Ginny took it quickly before anyone could protest, leaving Hermione relieved that she was freed from Ron.

She just didn’t get Ron. All summer he had been complaining about Harry which led her to becoming annoyed. Their best friend was grieving for his godfather and was god knows where trying to deal with his emotions and all Ron could do was complain that Harry hadn’t bothered to come and get him or bothered to go to them to help him with his grieving. All Ron had done was shushed her whenever she tried to approach Harry about Sirius’ before the summer. Fat lot of help he would have been if Harry had had gone to them.

Hermione opened a cardboard box and reached in to pick up a dust covered photo-frame. She wrinkled her nose at the thickness of the dust and wondered just how long had they been packed away in the box. She blew of the dust away before sneezing as some of the dust entered her nose. When she finally stopped sneezing, she looked at the photo-frame once more only for shock and disbelief to run through her.

“Oh…” Hermione dropped to her knees, still staring at the photo in her hand before she wiped away the remaining dust and an amused smile crossed her face. The picture contained Harry when he was a baby, he couldn’t have been more than four months and already the black hair was messy and his green eyes wide with happiness. There was a smile on his face as he clapped his hand gleefully at whoever was taking the picture. It was weird to see a picture of Harry when he was a baby, a picture of Harry without the scar that marred his forehead that reminded everyone, but her, that he was a hero. To her, it symbolized the hard future that Harry had to look forward to from the age of one when he lost his parents.

Placing the photo to the side, she dug into the box and picked up another photo frame. Blowing the dust away and using her fingers to remove the excess she laughed when she spotted Sirius holding baby Harry. Sirius was on his back with Harry held above him. Sirius was making faces that had Harry giggling and limbs flailing everywhere. She placed that to the side and picked up as much of the photo-frames her slender hands could carry, sat down and looked through them all.

They were different people with Harry, even his parents. Hermione had to stop for a moment when she saw James and could see why everyone said that Harry was practically identical to the older man. But she could see that Harry had Lily’s eyes and her smile, the same dopey smile that always caused her heart to flutter. There were even pictures of the gang back in school. Wiping away the tear that slipped free from one eye and trailed down her cheek, she gathered up all the photos and cast a shrinking charm on them before placing them into her pocket so she would be able to put them in her trunk later. She would give them to Harry when she saw him. He needed more photos and she would give them the childhood that he could barely remember.

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

Harry groaned as he straightened; his back cracking from being hunched over for too long. He had decided to join Charlie in his rounds of checking the dragons and the eggs. He loved dragons, despite his brief stint with Norbert in his first year and the Hungarian horntail in his fourth year. He had been amazed at all the eggs there were and wondered why there weren’t more dragons about when Charlie explained that the dragons are sent to different areas of the worlds, depending on the species, where they will be taught how to live in the wild.

Apparently the dragons were considered as a lucky charm among different cultures and they had been so worried about the diminishing numbers that the Romanian government had set up the reserve. They would receive breeding dragons, breed them and look after the hatchlings until they reached the age where they are allowed to be separated from their mothers and sent back to the countries where they would flourish under the protection of the government.

Harry wondered if Scotland had done this. Charlie told him that they used to but as the Ministry started taking less care of the Dragons, they disavowed the agreements and Dragons stopped being sent to Scotland. Harry had been disappointed when he found out about this and understood why Hagrid had brought Norbert home. He was obviously trying to set it back up but had gone about it the wrong way.

Harry asked if the ministry were to get someone who was fair and non-judgmental, would they reconsider the deal. Charlie had nodded and explained that Scotland was the best places for dragons and he would love to see the dragons returned to their rightful places. They were still dragons native to Scotland that were being bred; it was just a matter of waiting for the Government to accept them back in their homeland once more. Harry began thinking, especially after hearing Rina’s confession of Fudge offering her promotion if she was to grant him sexual favours and realised that Voldemort wasn’t the problem. He was the product of the problems that the Ministry had created.

By refusing to accept muggleborns and refusing to take Tom in because he was a half-blood, they had helped him to become Voldemort. There had been plenty of time for them to bring down Tom Riddle as he started out but they had turned a blind eye because it was muggleborns and half-blood that were being killed, not purebloods.

If he were to sort out the ministry then take out Voldemort, they would be able to turn the wizard community around and accept the fact that no matter what type a person was, they deserved the same chance as everyone else.

There was a cracking sound and Harry turned around to check the nest in time to see a light blue egg was beginning to hatch. Kneeling down, he moved his face in closer, curious to see what the dragon would look like. The egg took a while to fall apart but when it did, Harry was stunned to see a dark blue dragon with black fin like spikes on its back and deep purple eyes. It let out a burp and a small ball of fire erupted from its mouth.

Harry let out a yell, falling onto his butt before he laughed as the dragon let out a yawn and looked around, curious of its surrounding. Harry watched as its mother dipped her head down low and nudged it with her snout. The dragon let out a happy squeal, rubbing its small body against its mother’s snout. Harry felt sadness pierce his heart over seeing the mother and child bonding moment and wondered if he had ever had that kind of bonding moment with his own mother, the one where he could greet her happily whenever he recognized her.

The dragons looked at him, sensing his emotions when the mother nudged him, softly, with her snout. Harry smiled at her attempt of cheering him up before he reached up and patted her snout.

“I’m fine, I promise.” She let out a soft snort before looking back down at her child. Harry reached down and picked it up causing the dragon to squeal in surprise and protest before turning it onto its back so he could find out what sex it was. When he found what he was looking for, he grinned, turning the squealing dragon back onto its stomach. “It’s a girl, congratulations.” The baby dragon wriggled her way out of Harry’s hands and stumbled as she tried to walk properly, getting used to her legs. Harry chuckled as he watched as she fell onto her side, letting out a startled squeak before she clumsily tried to get back up onto her feet.

Watching the scene for a moment, Harry decided that he should get a move on to check out the other nests. He stood up just as the mother nudged her snout into his side. He chuckled, reaching out once more and patted her snout.

“She’s a delight,” he told her. The dragon seemed to roll her eyes as she pulled her snout away from Harry and leaned down to her daughter, intent on slowing her daughter down. Harry turned around and walked a few feet away when he was startled by a shout.

Charlie looked over to see that Harry had turned his back to the dragons and was about to go somewhere else when the mother seemed to say something to her hatchling. The hatchling looked at Harry then looked at her mother before glee entered her eyes and she propelled herself through the air at Harry’s back. Fear ran through Charlie.

“No!” Charlie shouted but it was too late. Harry turned around only for something hard to collide with his chest. There was a deep searing pain on his lower stomach. He fell backward, his butt hitting the ground with a hard thud before his back went backward. His head met a rock as it cracked the back of his head.

Gazing upward, he saw his vision was going blurry. He could hear someone shouting his name in the distance when the pain suddenly let go of his stomach. Looking down, he could see doleful dark purple eyes looking into his as the darkness edged around his visions before he gave up fighting and allowed the darkness to overtake him.

TBC

Huh…cliff-hanger…*makes a run for it*

Chapter 4: A Bond Created…

Hermione bolted upright in her bed, gasping, sweat dripping down her body. Looking around her bedroom, she saw nothing out of the ordinary. Hedwig was still out for the night, hunting while Crookshanks was curled up on the box seat by the window. The moonlight shone brightly through her window.

Slumping back down on her bed, Hermione winced when she realised that her nightie was completely soaked through and knew that she would become ill if she didn’t changed into dry clothing. Slipping free from her bed, she headed into her private bathroom and stripped her nightie off before grabbing a face cloth. Running the ‘hot’ tap, she waited for the water to heat up to the right temperature before running the cloth, soaking it.

Once the cloth was soaked, she switched the tap off, wrung it out the cloth and wiped down her body to remove the sweat before grabbing a dry towel and patted herself dry. Leaning over, she picked up the spare PJs she always left in her bathroom and slipped them on. She wore a pair of dark blue bottoms with an old t-shirt of Harry’s that she had ‘borrowed’ from him. She grabbed a hair tie and tied her sweat soaked hair up so it wasn’t sticking her to skin before heading back into her bedroom to remove the soaked sheets and replaced them with new ones. Thankfully her pillows and covers had stayed dry so she didn’t have to change everything.

Slipping back into bed, she rested her head on the pillow and thought back to her dream. It was so weird, she could see Harry and he was smiling at her, saying something before he turned around and it all went black, terrifying her. Frowning as she thought about her dreams, she wondered what it had meant. Even though she thought Divination was a woolly thing, she knew that dreams held hidden subconscious messages.

Scoffing as her logical side took over, rejecting her worries. She was just worried about Harry and her subconscious decided to play a trick on her. Settling down further in her bed, she closed her eyes and tried to will herself back to sleep but found it hard to do so with the nagging feeling deep in her gut.

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

“Who knew a tiny little thing could do so much damage?” Charlie asked as he wrung the blood soaked cloth out before placing it back over Harry’s stomach to stem the blood flow while Rina checked the back of Harry’s head to make sure there wasn't any lasting damage. Rina snorted.

“We’re talking about a dragon here,” Rina reminded. “Some of them can breathe fire the moment they are born.” Charlie rolled his eyes before looking down at Harry’s prone body once more. The healer had already been by and healed Harry’s cut on the back of his head before reminding them that he couldn’t heal the internal bleeding in Harry’s stomach. He had assured them that the bleeding wasn’t fatal and gave them a potion for Harry to take when he finally came back to consciousness.

“Do you think he’ll be okay?” Charlie asked, checking the blood flow once more. It was slowing down, much to his relief. There were three deep gashes on Harry’s lower torso and they would scar thanks to them being unable to use magic to heal them. They were able to heal the cut on the back of Harry’s head because he had hit it on a rock when he fell backward after the dragon had jumped on him.

“He’ll be fine,” Rina assured as she looked up at Charlie, giving him a tender smile. “He has a hard head.” Charlie chuckled, his head tilting to the side and the diamond earring he had in his left earlobe glinted off the light and she was struck at how handsome he was once more. He used to have fiery red hair but had dyed it for a darker red look. It brought out his blue eyes and framed his chiselled looks well.

Charlie just continued to look at her; some of her black locks had fallen out of their knot, framing her face as her dark blue eyes were watching him with tenderness. There was a smudge of soot on her left cheek from where she had been dealing with a rowdy baby dragon playing in the ash. They had obviously decided to bring Rina into the fun from the sooty paw prints over her clothes.

Acting on impulse, Charlie leaned in and pressed his lips against Rina’s. She jerked back out of shock before a shy smile crossed her face. Fear pounded through his body when Rina jerked away from him only for it to be replaced with relief and happiness when Rina smiled and leaned in. She cupped his cheek and parted her lips for him. He slid his tongue into her mouth, tasting her before groaning.

She tasted of honey and spice. She smelt of fire and peppermint. It should have smelt strange but it suited her for a reason. He cupped her cheek before sliding his hand into her dark locks, wanting to feel the soft silky hair in his hand once. Both of them were so caught up in their first taste of each other that they missed the young man slowly wakening up.

“Oh please!” a voice interjected, causing Charlie and Rina to break away and stare at each other. “I cannot bleach my eyes and I most certainly cannot perform a memory charm on myself.” They looked down to see that Harry was torn between looking amused and looking disgusted the scene he had woken up to. “Of course, if I had known that getting myself hurt would have gotten your guys together; I would have done it when I first arrived.” Rina frowned, not impressed.

“That’s not funny Harry James Potter,” she scolded him as she picked up the vial she had been mixing stuff together in. With the wooden spatula, she scooped up some of the strange light blue jelly and spread it over his wounds.

“You’re telling me,” Harry muttered under his breath before wincing as Rina spread the strange mixture over his wounds. “What on earth is that?!” he demanded, staring at the stuff as if it belonged to an alien.

“Dragon healing medicine,” Rina explained. “We use this whenever we’ve been badly hurt by a dragon to the point it left us scars.”

“I’m gonna have scars? I’ve been hurt by a dragon?” Harry asked, confused.

“What do you remember?” Charlie asked. Harry frowned.

“I remember someone shouting and turning around. I remember something hitting my stomach and falling backward before passing out,” Harry listed.

“The baby dragon had gotten a bit too excited when she found out that you were the heir and in her excitement, she collided with you but ended up digging her claws into your stomach by accident. In fact, we call them playful scratches,” Charlie explained. Harry’s eyes almost bugged out of his head.

“Playful scratches?” he demanded. Rina grinned.

“Dragons can be playful, especially newborn ones. They break out of it after a few days when they realise that humans have tender skin rather than hard like their families and friends. Unfortunately for you, it pierced your stomach and caused some internal bleeding. We managed to stop the bleeding but it will be painful for a few days,” Rina explained. Harry frowned.

“Who healed me?” Harry asked. Charlie and Rina looked at each other before looking at Harry.

“We had to go the muggle way,” Charlie told him and Harry looked at him. “Remember, dragon magic is stronger and older than wizard magic. It’s the same with their bites and scratches. You only had minor internal bleeding though. We managed to heal the crack you had on the back of your head from where you hit a rock. You will have a headache so there’s medication for it.”

“Bloody hell, I don’t have enough problems with Voldemort, a dragon's gotta attack me,” he muttered, rolling his eyes only to wince when it made his headache worse. Charlie and Rina just grinned. “How long do I have to keep the gloop on?”

“Overnight. The scratches are deep. We’ll put a bandage around it so it won’t wipe off during your sleep.” Rina finished putting the gel on and placed the jar off to the side. Picking up the pad, she pressed it down, carefully, over the goo before ripping tape and sticking it in place then grabbed the roll of bandage. She gestured to Charlie to help Harry sit up so she could wrap the bandage around.

Charlie helped Harry sit up, mindful of his wounds as Harry slid an arm around Charlie’s shoulder, gritting his teeth as a burning sensation ran through his stomach. Rina unwound the first part of the bandage and worked her way around Harry’s torso till she reached the last section and tied it off correctly so it wouldn’t become loose during the night. She helped Charlie to lay Harry down before adjust him onto his side.

“You will need to sleep on your side. It’s not good for you to be on your back, especially with your headache. Don’t worry about us coming in to wake you up every hour. The medic healed you of your concussion,” Charlie explained.

“Thank god for that,” Harry muttered as he adjusted his head, trying to put it in a comfortable position. Once he was comfortable, Rina pulled the covers over Harry’s body while Charlie gathered up all the material. Rina leaned down and pressed a kiss to Harry’s temple.

“Good night, we’ll see you in the morning,” she told him, switching off the lamp and heading out of the room with Charlie. She switched off the room light before closing the door, leaving Harry in the darkness to deal with the unexpected lump that had appeared in his throat after getting a sisterly kiss from someone who was practically a stranger.

“I think you broke him,” Charlie said to Rina as they brushed their teeth. They had gotten changed into nightwear and were in the bathroom, brushing their teeth.

“How do you mean?” Rina asked after she spat out the toothpaste and wiped her mouth before picking up her mouthwash.

“You did see what he was like after you kissed his forehead, right?” Charlie asked, spitting out his toothpaste and wiping his mouth. “You remember what I told you about his aunt and uncle.” Rina nodded as she swished her mouthwash and spat it out, wiping her mouth once more.

“Yes, but surely other people have shown him kindness,” Rina pointed out. “I mean, what about Hermione?” Charlie sighed.

“Harry isn’t a physical person at all. She told me that he was startled when she gave him a hug in their first year. That he just froze up. This is a boy who has been neglected when it comes to human touch,” Charlie pointed out but Rina shook her head.

“And it has to change, Charlie. He is a young man who has seen death and faced Voldemort too many times. How on earth is he supposed to survive the war if people are intent on keeping him separated from human touch?” Rina pointed out.

“I think it’s more of the other way round,” Charlie said. “Hermione told me that Harry rarely initiates contact.” Rina frowned.

“This is bad, Charlie,” she told him. “What were the Dursleys like?” Charlie shrugged.

“Fred and George told me that they and Ron went to save him the summer before Harry’s second year. There were bars on the window,” Charlie explained. Rina’s face paled as she stared at her best friend horrified.

“What?” she whispered, disbelief colouring her tone as tears filled her blue eyes. “They put bars on his windows to cage him in like an animal?!” She finished in a near shout that Charlie had to put his hand over her mouth so she wouldn’t wake Harry up. He knew how sensitive Rina could get and hearing that Harry had been abused would definitely get her hackles up.

“Sh,” he soothed her. “Harry is safe now, he’s with us.” Rina shook her head as she pulled Charlie’s hand away from her mouth.

“No, you don’t get it. That type of abuse goes on for years,” Rina told him, Charlie frowned, not getting it. “Harry probably has been abused since he was sent to live with them!” Charlie’s eyes widen in shock and horror. Both of them hurried out of the bathroom and down the stairs into the kitchen where they would be able to converse without the risk of wakening Harry, who desperately needed his sleep.

“Are you sure?” Charlie asked once the door was shut and turned around to face his best friend. Rina nodded.

“You said that Harry had problems with his family. The bars on the windows are just a part of it. It is very possible that Harry had been suffering abuse at their hands for years,” Rina pointed out. “Didn’t you say that someone told you that Harry didn’t know of his magical inheritance until someone went to pick him up?” Charlie nodded as understanding dawned on him.

“Hagrid said that they wanted to stop Harry from knowing of his magical abilities, that they had wanted to stamp it out of him,” Charlie explained before breathing heavily. “Would they really do that? I mean, his aunt is his mother’s sister. I mean, surely she loved her sister!” Rina shrugged.

“We don’t know much of the family because Lily never spoke much about them. Add in the fact that Harry doesn’t talk about them much…” she trailed off as Charlie breathed heavily, his hands planted on the cool surface of the island table.

“What do we do?” Charlie asked; Rina rubbed her fingers over her forehead.

“We have to get Harry to talk,” Rina told him. “He cannot go through life shouldering this burden. If he is the one to face Voldemort in the end, he will need love, not hate and abuse. It is the only way he will win.” She placed a hand on his back, comforting him.

“How do we talk to him about this?” Charlie asked.

“With a soft approach,” Rina told him. “We can’t charge ahead with Harry. He is like a skittish kitten; you need to coax him into feeling safe and that he can trust us.” Charlie looked at her over his shoulder.

“When did you become a therapist?” Charlie asked and Rina shrugged.

“I went to one when I was younger. I had some emotional problems that I couldn’t deal with,” Rina explained. “They started off slow and built it up so I wasn’t feeling overwhelmed or would shut down at the last moment.” Charlie nodded in understanding as he straightened up and turned to face her completely.

“So,” Charlie started. Rina lifted her eyes to meet his, tilting her head in puzzlement, curious to what was going on. “What are we?” he looked at Rina. “Are we a couple or friends with benefits?” he asked. Rina smiled, amused.

“I don’t know about you but I wouldn’t mind giving our relationship a chance,” Rina told him, shrugging. “If it doesn’t work out, we could try and regain our friendship but I think it’s worth the risk.” Charlie nodded.

“So, should we seal the deal with a kiss?” he asked with a teasing grin. Rina rolled her eyes good naturedly as Charlie leaned in and pressed a kiss to Rina’s lips, his left hand coming up to cup her cheek as she moaned, parting her lips and stepping in closer. Her hands slid up his chest until they round his shoulders as his tongue slid into her mouth. Charlie removed his hand from her cheek, bringing both arms around her waist, embracing her.

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

The next morning, the sunlight slowly crept into Harry’s room, shining on his face. Harry’s nose wrinkled as he blinked opens his eyes, let out a yawn and looked at the clock on the bedside table to see it was past ten in the morning. Groaning, he climbed out of the bed. The wound on his stomach still stung but it wasn’t as painful as the night before. He made his way out of his room and down the stairs into the living room where Rina was over at the bookcases, scanning the shelves for something to read. She turned her head when she heard someone come in and smiled when she saw Harry.

“Hey, how are you feeling?” She asked crossing the living room to help him sit down on the couch and removed the bandage.

“It doesn’t hurt like it did last night,” Harry told her. Rina nodded as she checked over the scars before putting a clean bandage on.

“One more day and it should finish healing,” Rina told him and Harry nodded, pleased that he wouldn’t be in anymore pain after the night. Rina finished taping the bandage down and straightened up. “You should get something to eat; we’re heading out into the reserve today for more training.” Harry nodded as he got up and made his way into the kitchen while Rina headed back over to the bookcase. She scanned the books once more before she found what she was looking for.

Harry was in the kitchen, sitting at the island counter with a bowl of cereal in front of him. He took great care not to move too much for risk of worsening his injuries. He thought about Hermione as he ate his breakfast. He had a weird dream of her while he had been unconscious. She had been in front of him, happy and smiling when it had been replaced with utter fear as she reached out for him and everything went black.

Shaking his head, he stifled the thought; obviously his divination class has gotten to his head. What on earth was he thinking? He wasn’t connected to Hermione that way; there was no way that Hermione knew of the attack that happened the night before. He finished off his breakfast and placed his bowl and spoon into the dishwasher before making his way up the stairs to get ready.

Once he had gotten washed and changed into clothes, he headed back down the stairs where Charlie and Rina were currently in a lip-lock in the living room. Harry cleared his throat, amused and embarrassed. Charlie and Rina pulled away from each other, startled and spun around to see Harry standing in the doorway.

“So, I assume that the two of you have decided that a relationship was worth the risk after all,” Harry told them, amused. Charlie and Rina exchanged loving looks before they looked at Harry once more, who rolled his eyes. “I’m glad; the sexual tension was driving me nuts.” He turned around and walked out of the house with a smirk on his face while Charlie and Rina just stuttered, shocked before hurrying after him.

Once they reached the reserve, Charlie led Harry over to the nests so he could see the new arrivals and spotted a dragon spreading its wings, testing them out and a smile crossed his face. Bending down, Charlie scooped the dragon into his hands. It let out a startled squeal before it settled down, growling softly before Charlie turned around to show Harry the dragon that he had seen hatch the night before.

“Meet the dragon who gave you the ‘presents’,” Charlie despotised the dark blue dragon with dark purple eyes into Harry’s hands. Harry recognised the dragon almost instantly.

“Ah, so you’re the one who attacked me,” Harry murmured, lifting the dragon up so their eyes could meet. “For that, I get to name you.” He pondered for a moment before a name came to him. “Flamara,” everyone looked at him. “Yeah, Flamara suits you. You breathed flame when we first met and Mara is a good name.”

‘Thank you,’ a female voice told him. Harry looked around, startled, before he looked at Flamara, whose eyes were shining with happiness and mischief.

“You can talk?” Flamara shook her head.

‘Only telepathically,’ she told him. ‘My family is a telepath dragon lineage so it’s easier for us to communicate with each other and the heir this way.’

“Do all of you have different abilities you excel in?” Harry asked Flamara nodded.

‘Some dragons are able to blend in with the darkness, some dragons can camouflage themselves in their surroundings and such,’ Flamara explained. Harry arched an eyebrow, interested. There were barely any books on Dragons at Hogwarts due to the fact that they had removed most of the books as they no longer taught about Dragons. Harry found that quite disappointing before digging deeper into Hogwarts past and found that they had stopped a lot of different classes because they had been deemed unworthy to be taught to pureblood such as dancing, music, healing and such.

“Why did you attack me?” Harry asked turning the conversation and Flamara ducked her head, sheepish.

‘I was excited to see the heir,’ she admitted. ‘We hear all about the heir and my mother told me that you were the heir. I got over excited and wanted to greet you but I didn’t realise that I would hurt you.” Harry nodded, understanding and amused.

“So I should assume that you won’t be doing that again,” Harry said and Flamara nodded. “Okay, I’ll put you back in your nest.” Harry was about to do this when Flamara looked at him.

‘Actually, can I be your pet?’ she asked, shyly.

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

Ron and Hermione were arguing in the living room of Grimmauld place. He wasn’t happy that Hermione had refused to stay at Grimmauld place for the summer.

“Why can’t you just stay here rather than flooing over here everyday?” Ron complained. Hermione let out a huff of annoyance. It was obvious that they had been having the same argument for days.

“Because my parents are still worried about me after what happened before the summer and I haven’t seen them all year considering Harry needed me at Christmas. I missed my parents and I’m spending the summer to be with them. Just because you need help with your homework doesn’t mean I will give up my parents!” she shouted at him.

“I’m not asking you for help with my homework,” Ron shouted back, incensed at the accusation. “I’m just asking why can’t you stay here and visit your parents instead. I barely get to see you when you are here.”

“Because I like the peace and privacy of my home, Ronald,” Hermione informed him. “The reason why we barely get to see each other is because your mother makes us work to clean the house and I prefer to do things myself because I always have a system and you prefer to do things your way.”

Ron was beginning to become frustrated with the lack of interest he was gaining from Hermione. He had been trying to get her attention nearly all summer but she had been too busy with something or someone else to care. “Beside, I thought you would be more concerned about Harry.” That was the last straw for Ron, who forever saw himself in the shadows of Harry Potter.

“What about Harry?” Ron snapped. Hermione shot him a wounded look.

“He’s out there somewhere!” Hermione shouted. “He is your best friend and you don’t care that he is missing?” Ron scoffed.

“Harry Potter does what Harry Potter wants. It’s not like we get a choice in the matter. If he wants to disappear then he can. Why should I care?” Ron demanded.

“He lost his god-father, Ron. Voldemort and his death eaters want him. No-one knows where he is and you don’t care?” Hermione asked. Ron shrugged.

“He’ll be okay, he’s Harry Potter. He has gotten out of stickier situation than this,” Ron pointed out. Hermione shot him a stunned look before she spun on her heels and stormed out of the living room, leaving Ron by himself. Ron just stared after her as she left before sighing as he slumped down onto the chair. He just didn’t understand why she was always so concerned about Harry. He was right there in front of her but she couldn’t see him thanks to damn Harry Potter. Everyone was always more concerned about Harry Potter than they were about him.

Ginny Weasley made her way into the living room, curious to what had made Hermione storm up the stairs and saw her brother slumped on the chair near the fireplace wearing a look of annoyance and took a guess to what he had done to upset Hermione.

Ron looked up when he heard someone coming into the room and saw his sister standing there in a baggy red jumper and a pair of black joggers. Her red hair was pulled back in a messy ponytail. Sighing to himself, he turned back to the fireplace. “What do you want, Ginny?”

“Just came to see why Hermione came storming up the stairs. I should have guessed it was you,” Ginny informed him before turning around to leave the room only to stop at the sound of her brother’s voice.

“Why do you always assume that it was me that pissed her off?” Ron demanded. “Why couldn’t Harry be the reason for once?” Ginny scoffed as she turned around once more to pin her brother a disbelieving glare.

“Are you serious?” she demanded. “All you do is pick on her and mock her. I bet that you said that you didn’t care that Harry was missing.” The guilt crossed Ron’s face indicated that Ginny was right and she shook her head. “You are unbelievable. He is supposed to be your best friend yet you can’t even bother yourself to muster up any concern that Harry is out there and possibly in danger because you are more annoyed that everyone is concerned about Harry.”

“Harry isn’t her only best friend, I am too,” Ron growled as he stood up, furious. “He doesn’t seem to care that much about her if he was more obsessed with Cho and I haven’t heard anything of Harry sending her a letter to assure that he is okay.”

“Oh please,” Ginny snapped. “Harry is so Hermione’s.” Ron scowled and Ginny arched an eyebrow. “What, you’ve never noticed? He chose her over Cho, the girl he fancied since third year, Ron. She’s the one person who stuck by him when no-one else did. Even you turned your back on him.”

“That isn’t fair,” Ron complained, it was the one time and he was tired of people bringing it up.

“Yes it is,” Ginny countered. “You really thought Harry had put his name in the Goblet of Fire, despite him insisting that he didn’t. You only did a turn around because you saw how close Harry and Hermione were getting by the first task and decided to change it because you can’t handle the fact that Harry Potter has the money, the fame and looked like he was getting the girl.” Ginny shook her head. “Harry has been through hell, Hermione is worried sick about him considering the fact two years ago, Cedric had been killed in front of him and Voldemort rose back up. Last year, Sirius died in front of him trying to protect Harry and Hermione had been knocked out in front of him. Neville told me that Harry just froze, that he thought Hermione had died! And all you care about is getting into her pants. What a great best friend you are.” She stormed out of the room, leaving Ron to simmer in his own thoughts.

Hermione sighed from where she was sitting cross-legged on the bed that Harry usually slept in when he stayed at Grimmauld place. She was holding a pillow close to her chest, her nose buried into the soft material. She could smell his scent on the pillow and it comforted her to know that she could still smell him. She knew that he was safe; his letter indicated it and her gut instincts were never wrong when it came to Harry but at the same time, she just wanted to see him for herself to assure her that he was alive and in one piece.

It had scared her how much she had become dependant on Harry. Ever since they had become friends, she couldn’t imagine her life without him and whenever she saw him, he calmed her down by just being there. He didn’t have to do anything, his calming nature, when he was calm, calmed her. She hugged the pillow tighter to her chest when she heard a noise and turned to see that Crookshanks jumping up onto the bed.

He purred when he saw his mistress, moving closer to her crossed legs and curled up. He could sense that his mistress was currently upset and decided to just be in the room. Hermione reached out, running her hand through his thick fur and he purred in happiness while Hedwig flew from her spot at the windowsill and sat down in front of Hermione, understanding that Hermione needed something of Harry.

Hedwig clicked her beak before she ruffled her feathers and something silver dropped onto the bed covers. Startled, Hermione looked toward it and saw it was a ring. Frowning, she reached down and picked it up, turning so she could see the design and her jaw dropped when she saw a picture of a dragon head and a snake head before she looked at Hedwig, who bobbed her head.

“Is this Harry’s ring?” she whispered and Hedwig nodded. Hermione looked at her ring once more and slipped it onto her ring finger of her right hand. Once she put it on, she was instantly bombed with a calming soothing presence, one that reminded her so much of Harry and relaxed almost instantly. Even Hedwig seemed to relax, settling down on the bed.

Hermione peered closer at the picture, unsure of what they symbolised. She knew that Dragons had been a large part of the Potter’s line, although she had yet to find anything to help her to understand why. But the snake was more interesting considering the fact that Harry was Parselmouth. They had always thought that Harry had gained that as a backlash from Voldemort attacking him when he was a baby but the picture made Hermione think twice.

People didn’t know much about the Potter line, except there were famous for integrating muggleborns into the family. They weren’t always pureblood as their family branched out, falling in love rather than marrying for money and titles. They were also famous due to the fact that Harry was the last heir left of the Potter family as all of them had been wiped out thanks to Voldemort and his Death Eaters as they had refused to join the Dark Lord.

Hermione shook herself out of her thoughts and looked at the pillow in her hand, she smiled and moved her wand, muttering a spell, the pillow shrunk in her hands and she placed it into her pocket. She looked at her watch and decided it was a good time to head back home in time for dinner. She helped Hedwig into the cage and ushered Crookshanks into his basket before she picked them up and headed out of the bedroom, making her way down the stairs.

Once she reached the hallway, she bumped into Mrs. Weasley coming out of the kitchen. Molly took one look at Hermione’s hands and started forming a plan to keep Hermione with them longer.

“Oh, won’t you stay for Dinner? I’m sure Ron would love to see you around longer,” she told Hermione. Hermione shook her head.

“Sorry Mrs. Weasley, but my parents are expecting me home for dinner,” Hermione told her. “Beside, Ron and I need some space to cool off.” She didn’t miss the hope that seemed to bloom in Mrs. Weasley’s face.

“Cool off?” she repeated and Hermione nodded.

“We had a heated exchange. He didn’t understand why I wanted to spend time with my parents rather than being here and that I was more concerned about Harry than his well being,” Hermione informed Molly with a hard tone. “Being at home gives me peace that I wouldn’t be able to get here and I have missed my parents.” Molly deflated.

“Of course, if you wish to go home, you can,” Molly told her before leading the way into the living room. Hermione followed her over to the fireplace. Molly reached off to the side and picked up the pot of floo powder. She held it out to Hermione, who stepped into the fireplace, shifted Hedwig’s cage under her arm and used her free hand to grab the power. Throwing it down, she called her house’s name and disappeared in a green flame.

Molly sighed with unhappiness before she headed through the house with the intention of finding her son and reminding him just what was at stake here if he continued to argue with Hermione.

***********

Hermione sighed with happiness as she stumbled out of her fireplace, greeted with the familiarly of her living room. Her mother came into the living room, wiping her hands on a dishtowel and smiled brightly when she saw her daughter.

“Hey sweetheart, dinner is almost ready,” she told Hermione. Hermione nodded as she kissed her mother on the cheek and headed up the stairs to her room so she could let Hedwig and Crookshanks out.

Hedwig moved over to the perch that Hermione had purchased and Crookshanks slipped out of the room. Hermione removed the pillow from her pocket and enlarged it before placing it on her bed. Hopefully with Harry’s scent, she would be able to sleep properly this time without a strange dream.

Hermione slipped into her private bathroom to wash her face. It was a simple bathroom with a shower, toilet and sink. As she preferred to get up early, this was a way of making sure she didn’t disturb her parents. When she finished washing her face and hands, she made her way down the stairs, ready for dinner.

“Hey mum,” Hermione made her way into the kitchen. Miranda Granger was a slender woman with long brown curls and blue eyes. It was easy to see where Hermione had gotten her curls and features from. Miranda turned around at the sound of her daughter’s voice and smiled.

“Hey sweetheart, take a seat. Your father will be down in a minute,” Miranda turned back to the cooker just as there were heavy footsteps on the stairs. Hermione sat down and turned her head when she sensed a presence in the doorway. Matthew Granger was a tall man with dark brown hair and brown eyes. He smiled when he saw his daughter.

“Did you have fun?” he asked as he crossed the room, kissing her on the forehead before taking a seat. Hermione shrugged.

“It was alright up until Ron and I had another fight,” Hermione explained as her mother placed the tray of chicken in the middle of the table with assortment of vegetables in different bowls around it.

“Hm, what did you fight about this time?” Miranda asked as she sat down at the table.

“Why I wasn’t staying over at Grimmauld,” Hermione explained as she placed some chicken on her plate before scooping up some vegetables. She lifted the jug of orange juice and filled her glass. Matthew frowned as he copied his daughter.

“I’m not so sure I like this boy,” Matthew told Hermione. “He seems to lose his temper easily and gets jealous of Harry?” he seemed unsure of the name and Hermione nodded.

“Yes, it’s Harry. I think he just feels he is in the shadows when it comes to his brothers and Harry,” Hermione frowned, “I just wish he would stay by Harry’s side. Harry had tough years and Ron doesn’t make it any better.”

“Have you heard from him?” Miranda asked and Hermione shook her head.

“Not since the letter. He promised that he would be meeting us for Sirius’ will and that it is for his own protection,” Hermione told her.

“Have the others asked you if Harry has contacted you?” Miranda asked with a knowing glance and Hermione sighed, shaking her head.

“No, they have been trying to contact him but the owls don’t know where he is. They haven’t even asked me if Harry had contacted me. They have asked the others but not me,” Hermione told him. Matthew frowned.

“I would have thought they would have asked you considering Harry trust you,” Matthew asked and Hermione frowned.

“I think they think he wouldn’t contact me for my protection. After I got hurt, Harry had been withdrawn, he blames himself for my injury,” Hermione explained, subconsciously rubbing a hand over the fading scar underneath her top. Matthew and Miranda shared a look before they looked at their daughter once more.

“I’m sure Harry is fine wherever he is and I’m sure there’ll be someone helping him,” Miranda told her daughter. Hermione looked up at her mother and nodded, smiling.

“Yeah, Harry did say I wasn’t to worry too much,” Hermione told them and they chuckled as they tucked into their dinner despite the slight tension that hovered over them. What would happen to their daughter if something were to happen to Harry? Miranda lifted her head when she saw something shiny out the corner of her eye and noticed that her daughter was wearing a ring.

Narrowing her eyes, she looked close at the ring as close as she could without alerting her daughter. The ring was unusual and she was about to speak up when she saw Hermione’s thumb rub over the silver band and kept quiet. The ring must belong to Harry.

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

“Is there any news yet?” Dumbledore asked as he made his way into the headquarters office.

“No,” Moody barely looked up from his papers.

“What of Miss Granger, has she not replied to Harry yet?” Dumbledore turned to Tonks, who shook her head.

“No, Hedwig only goes hunting then goes straight back to Hermione when daybreak arrives. She doesn’t carry any letter at all. I assumed that Harry must have asked Hermione to look after Hedwig and not to send him any letters,” Tonks summarised.

“Why would he not want to be found?” Molly Weasley asked, frowning.

“Has Harry sent any letters to Ron?” Dumbledore asked and Molly shook her head.

“No. We even sent Pig with a letter for Harry but he arrived back two hours later, confused. Harry must be under protection so he can’t be detected by owls unless it’s his own,” Molly explained. Dumbledore let out a huff of frustration. He just didn’t know what was going on with the boy. He understood that he must still be grieving for his godfather but to disappear completely was rather over-dramatic!

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

“Why are you bouncing?” Harry asked Rina with a sceptical smile. He was currently sitting on the couch, mindful of his bandage around his stomach. They were almost healed; he just needed to leave it on for one more night.

“My parents are coming up,” Rina told him excitedly. She was wearing a short white skirt and a dark blue shirt. She was fussing over everything to make sure it was all in the correct places, slapping Harry and Charlie’s hands away from the food that were laid out on the coffee table for their guests.

“Why?” Charlie asked, rubbing the back of his hand from where she had slapped him a little harder than intended.

“Because I invited them up to meet Harry, not that they know they are going to meet him. I wouldn’t want to give my mom a heart attack that she is going to be meeting her dead best friend’s son tonight,” Rina babbled. Harry leaned into Charlie.

“She babbles?” Charlie nodded.

“When she gets really excited,” Charlie confessed and Harry frowned.

“I wonder if Hermione babbles when she gets really excited,” Harry muttered to himself. Charlie just smirked before turning back to Rina when there was a knock at the door.

“I’ll get it!” she squealed, bounding out of the room.

“I’d pity anyone who had been standing in the doorway or decided to get the door themselves,” Harry murmured. Charlie chuckled; amused only to stand up and help Harry up when they heard Rina coming back with her parents.

“Mom, dad!” greeted Rina with an excited smile. Tina Malloy had shoulder length black hair and green eyes. She wore a white shirt and floor length black skirt. Ryan Malloy had dark blue eyes and short, spiky, dark brown hair. He wore a black shirt and blue jeans.

Tina embraced her daughter in a hug, kissing her cheek before she stood back and cupped her daughter’s cheeks, looking over her over.

“You look really well,” Tina informed her daughter and Rina rolled her eyes, obviously had heard this before.”

“I’ve been eating mom, I exercise twice a day three times a week and I haven’t been burnt to cinder by any dragons,” she teased. Tina rolled her eyes.

“Yet,” she corrected. Rina mocked her mother by rolling her eye with a smile. Ryan just chuckled as he watched his girls mock each other before reaching out to embrace his daughter, which she returned.

“Hi daddy,” she greeted with a kiss to his cheek.

“Hey pumpkin, you been behaving yourself?” he asked, brushing a kiss to her forehead. Rina sighed, shaking her eyes.

“You make it sound like I’m a trouble-maker,” she scolded them as she led them into the living room where she saw her boys standing there. “I want to introduce to Charlie Weasley, he is my best friend.” Tina and Ryan shook the man’s hand, both of them well aware of just who Charlie was. “And this is…” She grabbed Harry’s hand and pulled him over only for Tina’s eyes to widen when she spotted him. A hand cupped her mouth as her green eyes widen in shock in disbelief. She stumbled forward, reaching her hand out to touch Harry’s cheeks.

“James?” she whispered before her eyes rolled up into the back of her head and she fainted.

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

Deep underground, a slender woman walked through the dark hallway until she reached a double door. She touched her necklace and muttered something under her breath. When she was finished, the doors parted and she stepped through. Torches on the walls lit up as she walked past them until she came to a stop in front of a lone throne that sat in the middle of the room, shrouded in darkness. She knelt down on her right knee. Her right hand was placed on the ground for support while her other hand was resting on her left knee.

“Well?” a raspy male voice asked.

“It’s getting close to his birthday. He has learned of his dragon lineage,” she reported.

“He never knew before?” the male voice, confusion and displeasure clear.

“No, it seemed it had been withheld from him,” she informed him and there was a slam of fist meeting stone.

“This is unacceptable. He should have known when he was thirteen and received training for it. If he had known about his other lineage without knowing the dragon lineage, it would have been disastrous!” the man raged, furious.

“He is receiving training now, my lord,” she bowed her head. “The dragons are training him and he is picking up on it rather quickly. He had received his father’s letter and understood what he was supposed to do.”

“What do you mean, received his father’s letter?” the man asked, dangerously. “He should have received that letter when he thirteen years old. Are you telling me that someone had withheld his letters?”

“Yes. It has been confirmed that a man named Albus Dumbledore had taken Harry and placed him with the Dursleys, violating the will in the process before proceeding to keep Harry in the dark over his inheritance. He never knew of his family tree before heading to Gringotts. There he learned of the will and of where he should have been placed.”

“That man is coming to be a thorn in my side,” the man growled. “For far too long he allowed Tom Riddle to run free. We know very well that Tom Riddle could have been taken down before Harry’s birth yet people hindered it by running scared. Well no more. Voldemort will die and Harry Potter shall rejoice in peace.”

“What do you want me to do, my lord?” she asked.

“I want you to be the one to bring him here when he arrives,” the man ordered. “Then I wish for you to teach him as his strongest power is the same as yours. Once you have bonded by blood, you are to protect him with your life.”

“It will be my honour,” she told him before standing up, spinning on her heels and walked out of the room. Once she was gone, another voice spoke up from the darkness.

“Are you sure that’s wise, my lord?” he asked his leader.

“Do you question me?” the leader asked.

“No. She is your daughter after all,” the man reminded. The leader sighed heavily.

“I know but she is capable. I would have not requested her if I hadn’t believe so,” the leader explained. “However, it is your job to protect her and I wish for you to be Harry’s other teacher. He will need your expertise if he is to survive the war ahead of him.”

The man moved in front of the throne and bowed.

“It will be my honour, my lord,” he straightened and left the room, melding with the darkness as he did. The leader watched him leave before sighing.

“I just hope everything works out the way it’s supposed to or we will face destruction,” he whispered, mostly to himself.

TBC

Flamara is said: Flam-Ma-Ra

Chapter 5: A New Secret and New Allies…

“So, you’re a witch?” she asked her best friend. Lily Evans nodded, her flaming red hair bouncing with her excitement. “Well, that would certainly explain the mysterious actions that always seemed to happen around you.” Lily laughed.

“Yeah, it was nice to get an explanation,” Lily admitted before she frowned. “Are you sure you’re okay with this, Tina?” Tina waved it off.

“I just found out that my special best friend is even more special. I’m delighted for you. I was worried about the strange things that happened and I’m pleased to see that there is an explanation for it,” She frowned. “What is the explanation again?”

“Wandless magic,” Lily recited, “It means that whenever I get emotional, my magic burst out and is uncontrollable. Once I have my wand, I should be able to control it.”

“And you’re going to school to control it?” Tina asked.

“Hogwarts,” Lily agreed, “it’s like a boarding school and I will be able to come home at Christmas, Easter breaks and the summer.” Tina grinned at the excitement in her best friend eyes. Then the scene suddenly shifted, she was standing on a field of flowers, wearing a dark red dress. She lifted her left arm to look at the tattoo of friendship that decorated her wrist. Lily had the same on her right wrist. They had gotten it when they had finally graduated from school with a promise that they will always be there for each other.

“Tina,” a soft familiar voice drew her attention to her front only for her heart to stop and her green eyes to fill up with tears as she gazed at the sight in front of her. She wore an off the shoulder green dress, her flaming red hair moving in the wind and her green eyes, identical to Tina’s, were alit with happiness but had the shadows of darkness at the back.

“Lily?” Tina breathed out, her voice breaking. Lily just smiled as they crossed the grass and embraced each other, their eyes closing as they revelled holding each other once more before Tina pulled away and cupped Lily’s cheeks.

“You don’t look a day over twenty,” she teased. Lily laughed as she cupped Tina’s right cheek.

“And you look like you have seen and heard too much,” Lily told her best friend. Tina nodded.

“When I heard of your death, I was inconsolable. I had lost my best friend and I thought I had lost my godson at the same time,” Tina whispered. Lily’s eyes darkened at the thought of her son. “I saw Harry,” Tina told Lily, whose eyes filled with tears.

“He has grown up so much,” Lily whispered with sadness.

“He looks like James,” Tina agreed with a smile. “But he has your eyes.” Lily rolled her eyes.

“I’m just glad that he has my sensibility, god knows I feared about James being the dominant one in him.” Tina laughed.

“Have you been watching over him?” Tina asked and Lily nodded.

“How could I not?” Lily asked. “He’s my son. We had been taken away from him too early. We cherish each moment we spent with him but he can’t remember us.”

“I’ll help him,” Tina promised and Lily looked at her. Tina smiled. “He’s my godson, Lily, how could I do anything less?” Lily smiled as she embraced her best friend once more.

“Thank you,” Lily whispered and Tina shook her head as she pulled away and both of them pressed their tattoo to the other. They lit up with a golden glow. Lily mouthed something to Tina and Tina mouthed something back before they disappeared from each other with a promise they will meet up again when the time was right.

Tina gasped as her eyes snapped open. Four concerned faces hovered above hers.

“Oh, thank god,” Ryan helped his wife to sit up, an arm wrapped tightly across her back.

“Are you okay mum?” Rina asked; worry clear in her blue eyes. “I’m sorry; I didn’t think you would faint upon seeing Harry!” Tina shook her head as she cupped her daughter’s face.

“It’s okay honey. I haven’t seen Harry since the Lily's death, I was just startled to see him looking so much like his father,” Tina explained as she looked over at Harry, who ducked his head, shy. Ryan and Charlie helped Tina to stand up before moving her over to the couch where she could sit. Tina watched as Harry retreated a little way off from them, obviously feeling that he was intruding on a family moment and knew it was time to change it. “Harry, do you know?” Tina asked and Harry nodded.

“Yeah, I know you’re my godmother and that no one knew about it,” Harry told her but a tender smile crossed her face.

“Harry, I’m your aunt as well,” Tina whispered, shocking everyone.

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

“Well?” the man asked from the shadows once more. He was standing at the window, of his bedroom, looking down at the scene in front of him.

“He has learned more of his past. And it’s nearly his birthday,” the female with a mid-thigh dark purple hair told him.

“Good. I am pleased to hear that our friend Rasphalt has informed Harry of his inheritance. What else is happening?” the man asked.

“Dumbledore is still seeking Harry. And Harry is learning some surprising news. It looks like Lily had another sister,” she informed only to sigh when she saw the man’s smirk. “And you already knew.” She accused. He turned to face her, his eyes dark like hers.

“I kept a firm eye on the Evans’ family. There were interesting and I was always wondering why she chose her to be the heir,” the man informed her.

“Father…” she started but he cut her off by looking out of the window once more.

“I will not interfere, daughter,” he warned her. “Harry has already dealt with life without choices. I will not add that to his burden. If he truly wishes to know, I will tell him when the time comes but only if he chooses to know. I will not have people badgering him into making a choice when he is not ready.”

“How will he know that he has a choice if no one asks him?” she pointed out.

“Because you will tell him,” he looked at his daughter. “When the time comes, you will tell him and offer him the choice of what he wants to do. We will not force him or make his choice for him.”

“When will he arrive?” she asked.

“When the time is right,” he told her before dismissing her with a wave of his hand. She bowed and left the room, leaving the man alone with his thoughts.

“She has a strong will, much like her father,” a female voice cut in and he turned his head to see his wife walking toward him. “She will make a brilliant queen when the time is right.” She cupped her husband’s cheek.

“If she survives,” her husband reminded her, placing his hand over hers. “This is Voldemort we are talking about; the man had managed to escape death by bringing down two people with him. We have to be on our guard.” She nodded as she turned to look out of the window, both of them standing in silence.

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

“Mum, what are you talking about?” Rina finally got her voice back after her mother’s surprising announcement. After she had told them that she was Lily’s sister, Harry’s aunt, everyone had just stared at her in a stunned silence as they tried to form a coherent thought. Tina sighed as she gestured them all to sit down.

“You never knew you grandfather,” Tina reminded her daughter. “My mother never married. She met my father on a business trip and one thing led to another. They started an affair. They broke it off after six months together because his wife had told him that she was pregnant so they decided it would be better for all of them that if he were to stay with his wife. Unknown to any of them, my mother had also fallen pregnant. She never told him because she didn’t want him to choose between her and his wife.”

“Did my mum know?” Harry croaked out and Tina nodded.

“Lily and I were at the same primary school together. We thought it was funny that we had the same features and smiles, people even commented on it. It wasn’t until we were ten that we found out the truth during a parents night. You see, Lily’s father never attended parents’ night because he was always busy so he had the one rare night off and attended it only to bump into my mother. Once he saw me and her together and the age, he came to the conclusion that I was his daughter. Of course, he had been furious with my mother for hiding it but calmed down when she pointed out that he was married and had a daughter coming along so it was better for all of them. Lily and I had been curious about the argument that our parents had, we never heard it so we investigated and found out the truth.”

“Did anyone else know?” Charlie asked, taking over for his dumbstruck girlfriend and friend. Tina shook her head.

“Lily and I made a pact that we wouldn’t tell Petunia or their mother because what was done was done. My mother didn’t want any money from our father, she had a good job so she wasn’t hurting for money and she still had my grandparents at the time. I don’t know if Petunia even knows, I haven’t seen her in so long,” Tina explained.

“Does Professor Dumbledore know?” Harry whispered and Tina shook her head.

“No, your mother was adamant in keeping it hidden, especially when Voldemort started rising and because of the prophecy. She said that if anything were to happen, I would get a message but I never got anything,” Tina explained.

“Did you know Harry was sent to the Dursleys?” Charlie asked. Tina frowned.

“That’s impossible. Lily had stated it very clearly on her will that Harry wasn’t to go to the Dursleys. He was meant to live with James’ best friend, Sirius,” Tina pointed out and Harry nodded.

“I was, but Sirius had been arrested for ‘betraying’ my family and for killing Peter. He had been in jail for thirteen years before breaking out. He…he died just before the summer holidays,” he finished off with a whisper, Sirius’s death still painful.

“You…you lived with Petunia?” Tina whispered her heart breaking. “And that bastard of a husband?!” she finished in a near shout. Ryan reached over.

“Calm down,” he ordered only to flinch when he got a glare from his wife.

“He is an abusive bastard. You saw how he treated Lily when he first met her. He hated Lily for her magical background! What do you think he would have done when Harry had been placed in their household?” she demanded before looking at Harry.

“He wouldn’t have taken his anger out on a small defenceless baby,” Ryan argued back as he looked at Harry only for Harry to look away. “Harry?”

“I lived in a cupboard until I was eleven then I got Dudley’s second room. I was forced to do the cleaning, the cooking and the washing. I was punished if I did any ‘freaky’ things without knowing that I could do magic and I wasn’t allowed to ask any questions,” Harry whispered. Tina stood up and stormed over to a corner and started pacing, her fists clenching out of anger.

“We assumed that Sirius had you the whole time. Sirius was ordered, if anything was to happen to Lily and James, he was to go into hiding with you,” Ryan explained, keeping an eye on his wife as she continued to pace, anger crossing her face.

“Dumbledore had ordered Hagrid to pick me up from the house and to bring me to the Dursleys. Sirius had been there and gave me up, offering Hagrid the motorbike. He must have thought that Dumbledore was going to take good care of me,” Harry explained and Ryan shook his head.

“I do not get where your headmaster comes into this,” Ryan told Harry with a mirthless laugh. “Lily didn’t include him on the will. He was not your guardian and he wasn’t the executor of the will so he shouldn’t have done anything.”

“There is a prophecy surrounding Harry, daddy,” Rina spoke up as she reached out; taking Harry’s left hand in hers in comfort. Harry gave her a shy smile. “He is the one person who can bring down Voldemort. Dumbledore thinks the blood ward will protect him from Voldemort but Voldemort took some of Harry’s blood to resurrect himself so it won’t work anymore.”

“The blood ward?” asked Tina as she moved closer, curious.

“My mother gave up her life for me and her love was the reason why the killing curse rebounded and gave me this scar,” Harry explained, smoothing his bangs out to show the scar. “Dumbledore sent me to Aunt Petunia’s house because she is my mum’s sister and her blood was the one thing that could protect me.”

“Will that work with me?” Tina asked. “I mean, I’m Lily’s sister and I live in the muggle world so Voldemort shouldn’t know I even exist.”

“What are you saying?” Rina asked and Tina straightened her back.

“I’m saying that I’m invoking the will. I want to adopt Harry like Lily wanted us to do,” Tina informed them, startling them.

“Mum,” Rina started, drawing her attention to her. “Shouldn’t you ask Harry if he wants to stay with you? He is the one who will have to make the choice.” Tina nodded.

“Yes, but I’m just letting Harry know that if he wants to stay with us, we are more then willing to welcome him,” Tina told her daughter before looking at Harry. “If you do want to live with us, then you are welcome. But if you decide you want to live on your own, we will back you up. It’s up to you.” Harry just smiled at her as he tried to control his emotions.

“Can I think about it?” Harry asked. Everyone nodded when the clock chimed, startling them. Rina turned to look at the clock and her eyes widen in shock.

“It’s midnight, we should head to bed,” Rina told them as she turned back to the others. “I need to wake up in five hours.” Everyone nodded as they got up, cleared away the food. Rina bid Harry and Charlie goodnight as she took her parents to her house. Charlie promised he would contact her if anything went wrong before he and Harry headed up the stairs to their beds so they could get a well rested sleep.

Harry, dressed in a pair of sleeping pants, sighed as he pulled back the covers of his bed when pain jerked in his stomach. Frowning, Harry looked down at the scars but saw they weren’t opening. He placed his hand on his stomach just as his head snapped backward as pain intensified through his body. It felt like his bones were being crushed, his organs pummelled and his blood boiling. Sweat beaded on his forehead as he tried to breathe only to fall to his knees and something exploded behind his eyes, sending him spiralling into the darkness.

Blinking, Harry looked around and saw that he was in a pure white room. There was no furniture or anyone else in the room. He was completely and utterly alone till he sensed a presence and spun around to see red lightening crackling in the middle of the room then a shadow formed in the middle.

“Welcome,” a soft female voice spoke as she appeared in front of him. Harry couldn’t help but stare at her. While he wasn’t a superficial man, preferring personality, he couldn’t help but admit that the woman in front of him was, what Ron would call, a babe.

She was barely over five feet with dark purple hair that reached mid-thigh and piercing dark purple eyes. She wore a black skirt that just stopped under her curved buttocks and seemed to ripple with movement, a black elbow length sleeves shirt that was only buttoned just under her breasts, leaving skin to be admired. She wore knee high, high-heeled black boots. Around her neck, she wore a long thin silver chain that had a ruby crystal attached to it where it rested between the valley of her breasts and it seemed like there was a flame trapped in the middle of it.

“Who are you?” Harry whispered his voice still hoarse.

“I’m Felina,” she introduced herself. “I’m the demon of fire.” Harry felt his jaw slacken with shock and his eyes widening as he stared at the beauty before him.

“Demon?” he uttered and she smiled as she reached out a hand. Harry stared at it for a moment before placing his hand in hers, placing his trust in her. She helped him up.

“What? You believe in magic but you don’t believe in demons?” she teased. Harry blushed before shaking his head.

“No, I meant…actually, I have no idea what I meant,” he muttered and she grinned.

“Don’t worry about it. Believing in demons and meeting one are two complete different realities.”

“Why am I here?” Harry asked. Felina smiled.

“You have a demon soul,” she told him. Harry’s jaw dropped as he stared at the woman in front of her.

“What? How?” he stammered out.

“Your mother hosted a demon soul,” Felina explained. “That’s where your green eyes came from.” Harry felt his knees weaken as he stumbled backward until the back of his knees met something hard and he sat down, half wondering where the couch had came from him as he continued to stare at Felina.

“I’m a demon?” he whispered and Felina shook her head.

“Half-demon,” she corrected, “You see, an elemental demon had been killed just before your mother had been born. Its soul melded with your mother’s soul and gave her the green eyes. She never knew of her inheritance.”

“Wait a minute, my aunt Tina has green eyes,” Harry pointed out and Felina nodded.

“Stroke of luck,” Felina admitted. “Your grandfather’s father had green eyes which passed on to her. Lily wasn’t meant to get green eyes but when the elemental demon’s soul melded with her, it gave her the green eyes which could turn silver whenever she was furious.”

“How do you know that I am a demon?” Harry challenged.

“Our leaders had kept a close eye on the elemental demon as she had been killed shortly after she arrived. When she died, her soul didn’t go into the abyss to wait to be reborn, she left the Elemental Plane and melded with your mother’s soul while she was still in foetus form,” Felina explained. We checked her out while she was sleeping and the tests proved positive.”

“Plane?” he asked, confused.

“There are many different Planes. I’m from the Fire Plane while the demon that melded with your mother came from the Elemental Plane.”

“Oh,” he frowned, “How do we not know of this in my world?”

“Because we prefer to hide. If people were to know of us, they could use countless rituals to bind us to them and we prefer the life of freedom,” Felina explained. “There are a few who do know of us and these are usually our human servants. They are the ones who report to us or to keep us grounded. Many demons have actually fallen in love with their servants and have created life with them.”

“There are no rules?” Harry asked and Felina chuckled.

“Like everything, there are always rules,” Felina told him and Harry grinned sheepishly. “We enforce the ones that are punishable by death and such. Every dimension has different rules because they hold different demons. Which would consider as punishable in one Plane wouldn’t be considered as punishable in another Plane.”

“Oh, so if one Plane was to kill someone and wasn’t allowed to so they would be killed but if another Plane were to kill someone, they were allowed to?” Harry asked, making sure he had it right and Felina nodded.

“Yes, of course those are special circumstances. We do not tolerate killing whatsoever unless it is a dire situation. For those situations, we prefer to use our warriors because they are the ones who clean up the mess after they have finished their duties to prevent people from finding out about us,” Felina explained. Harry nodded.

“Why did the elemental demon meld with my mother?” Harry asked, frowning.

“There had been a rumour going around. We knew of a great danger that was rising in the form of a young boy called Tom Riddle but we were unsure of how much a danger he was going to be as the path was never clear. When the elemental demon died, we knew that something had shifted in the balance. It looks like she knew of the future and melded with the woman who would give birth to the child who would help bring the end of the war.”

“Is an elemental demon that important?” Harry asked and Felina nodded.

“What you should know is; an elemental demon is very rare. Only one of them is created every ten thousand years,” Felina told him. Harry frowned and she crossed her legs. “Okay, as you know I’m from the Fire Plane so I control fire,” Harry nodded, “There are many of the same. There is Water Plane, Earth Plane, Air Plane, and so on. Each of them controls an element so there isn’t really a need for an elemental demon so that is why they are very rare.”

“Ah, so I’m a half elemental demon due to the fact my mother was the one who hosted the soul?” Harry asked and Felina nodded.

“Yes, you can control all the elements because the demon blood ran through her veins and thus, through yours so you are half demon/half dragon,” Felina explained. Harry’s jaw dropped.

“You know of the dragon?” he asked and Felina nodded.

“We kept track of the demon soul when they died. You see, the demon had been killed and it’s against all Planes laws to kill an elemental demon. They have to die a natural death in order for the next demon to be born. We watched as the soul melded with your mother. When you were been conceived, one of our diagnostic demons checked her out while she was sleeping and confirmed that the powers had been passed on you.” Harry frowned.

“My mother never knew of the demon side?” Harry asked and Felina shook her head.

“No, she never faced an emotional trauma so it wasn’t activated so when she turned sixteen, there was no way we could call her down. We just had to hope that her powers would be passed onto you and they were.”

“Did she know of the dragon blood?” Harry asked and Felina nodded.

“You were supposed to have received a letter at the age of thirteen explaining your abilities because you should have been trained from that moment onward. But as your letter had been withheld, Tom Riddle’s soul was forced to intervene and let you know of your dragon blood so you wouldn’t be waging a war with two different blood-lines.” Harry tilted his head, confused. “If you had gotten both abilities without any training, you would have either died or destroyed the world because your emotions would have been harder to control.” Harry’s jaw dropped.

“Why would people want to keep this from me?” Harry asked and Felina sighed.

“They are scared. The one person who saved them becoming stronger than the person they fear. They would think you would become the next dark lord but what they don’t realise is that you need trust, loyalty and love to keep you grounded. Tom Riddle had that until they took her away from him and all he had left was the darkness,” Felina explained. Harry nodded. Since hearing about Tom Riddle’s friend, he had taken it upon himself to do as much research as he could and had been shocked by the result.

Harry was startled out of his thoughts when there was a whooshing sound and looked up to see a tall man standing behind Felina. He had short spiky black hair and dark brown eyes that seemed to shine amber when hit by the light. He wore black jeans and a white shirt and greeted Harry with a nod of his head.

Harry noticed that Felina seemed to stiffen at the presence of the man in the room but kept her eyes on Harry, refusing to acknowledge the man with a look.

“This is Ishaka; he is a shadow demon who has the ability to blend with shadow and manipulate it to his use. He is also part shape-shifter and he will be one of your teachers as you can control light and shadow.”

“Who will be my other teacher?” Harry asked.

“Me,” Felina told him. “I will teach you how to control your fire and how to access your other elemental abilities.” Harry nodded.

“About the other thing,” Ishaka stepped forward and Felina turned to face him with a look of anger.

“My father said it was his choice,” Felina cut him off. Ishaka looked at Felina and Harry felt uncomfortable. The look was something familiar, it was like they knew each other intimately but it was obvious that she was furious with him for some reason.

“Then give him the choice,” Ishaka ordered her, his voice sotto. Felina just glared harder at him as she stepped forward.

“Like you gave me the choice?” she asked her voice near whisper. Ishaka just stared at her and Harry decided to jump in.

“What choice?” Harry asked, breaking into the argument. Both of them turned to face him.

“My father would be able to give you more answers but he was insistent that you were to choose for yourself what you wanted to do. You can go and get answers now or you can wait until you feel you are ready,” Felina explained. Harry thought about it for a long moment before he nodded.

“I want the answers,” Harry told her and they both nodded as they walked over to him. Felina was on Harry’s left side while Ishaka was on Harry’s right side. They reach out a hand and placed it on either side of Harry’s shoulder and all three of them disappeared, leaving the white place.

Harry blinked when they arrived in darkness, only the burning torches provided light to show the way. Felina and Ishaka stepped in front of Harry and led the way with Harry following them. It was like they were in a tunnel that led deeper into nowhere only for Felina and Ishaka to step off to the side, allowing Harry to come to a stop in between them and his jaw dropped as he looked at the scene below him.

He was standing on the cliff overlooking a city. It reminded him a lot of New York that he had seen on the TV from where he watched from his cupboard. There were no cars but a lot of different lights. Felina placed a hand on his shoulder and led him down the pathway and into the city. Harry took a look around, curious. There were shops, cafes, and houses.

“We prefer not to live above ground,” Felina explained. “By being down here, it is easier to keep our lives separated. They are a few that live above ground but they usually have a family.” They reached a large mansion. Felina moved over to the strange looking keypad on the gate. She lifted her necklace and placed it into the slot. A palm scanner came up and she pressed her hand against it. Five thin needles ran through her hands, taking blood before they disappeared.

Felina stepped back, freeing her necklace and the gates opened enough for the three of them to step past. Once they were in the garden, the gates shut behind them and Felina continued to lead the way up the path until they reached the door where a tall bald man dressed in a suit was waiting.

“Miss,” he greeted with a bow. Felina gave him a short nod as she walked past him with the men following her. Once Harry stepped into the house, he noticed that he was in a large hallway with the stairs in front of him. Felina placed a hand on his upper back and led him up the stairs and down the hallway until they reached last door of the hallway.

Felina knocked on it twice before she opened it and stepped in, allowing Harry and Ishaka to follow her. She closed the door behind them and walked over to the throne that was in the middle of the room, shrouded in darkness.

“My lord, Harry Potter has arrived,” Felina said as she and Ishaka knelt in front of him.

“Ah, my boy, it is wonderful is finally meet you,” the lord stood up and moved into the light. He had short spiky grey hair and purple eyes, the same ones as Felina and Harry guessed that the two of them were related in someway.

“Felina said you had answers,” Harry told him and the lord nodded.

“Any questions you have regarding your inheritance and your abilities, I will explain to my extent. You will be trained in the arts of fighting, weapons along with your teachers teaching you how to use your abilities,” he explained.

“What do I have to do?” Harry asked.

“You have the choice of being free lance or your can accept your position as the Elemental Demon and be sworn into the clan as the leader of the elementals,” the lord explained. “The choice is yours. We have watched how you had no choice in your fate and we refuse to do the same to you.” Harry thought about it for a moment then nodded.

“I wish to be sworn in,” he told the lord. He smiled brilliant.

“Wonderful. I will order our priest to come by as soon as possible,” he dismissed one of his men, who disappeared in burst of water drops. “We should head to the ritual room. Daughter,” Felina stood up, startling Harry. “Will you please take Harry into the ritual room? I will meet you there once I’ve had a word with Ishaka.” Felina nodded as she led Harry out of the room and down the hallway where they reached the ritual room.

“What will happen?” Harry asked as they stepped into the room. There was a large stage with a pedestal where an old book rested upon.

“You will have to wear these robes,” she picked up a black robe and slid it on him. “The priest will ask you if you swear to honour them. If you so swear, he will accept you into the clan and mark you with a tattoo that will let the demons know of which dimension you belong to you.” Harry nodded.

“I don’t have to like, you know, sacrifice anyone or slit my wrist?” he asked. Felina grinned as she stood in front of him.

“No, we’re not those kinds of demons,” she assured him. “We induct demons the normal way which is they leave their old lives behind and accept their new lives. Of course, with you, we will have to take into consideration that you are only a half demon so your life will be up on the surface but you will still be the leader of the elemental dimension.” Harry nodded as he shifted the robes so he was more comfortable. Felina led the way up onto the dais and positioned him in front of the pedestal. “You will need to kneel throughout the ritual. You will know when you are to stand up. Keep your eyes on the ground; it is disrespectable to look in the elder’s eyes as he conducts the rituals.”

“Elders?” he asked.

“The elders are the oldest demons of each dimension. Think of it like a government, they meet together to make sure everything is running smoothly. They are also the ones who do court if a demon does what they are not allowed to do and rule the punishment,” Felina explained. “They are also the ones who conduct the rituals because they can read a person. They are like lie detectors, they know when you are lying and will rule punishment if you lie.”

“That…is actually scary,” Harry swallowed. Felina chuckled as she patted Harry’s shoulder.

“Just don’t lie and you’ll be fine,” she assured him before gesturing down to the ground. Just as he knelt down, the doors to the side opened to reveal an elderly man dressed in white and gold robes. He had a long white beard and black eyes. He was followed by the Lord and Ishaka. The doors behind Harry opened up once more. The elders and the demons made their way into the room to watch the ritual.

Everyone got settled in their chairs as the priest stood in front of Harry. Felina and Ishaka stood on either side of Harry as a sign of support as his future teachers. Once the noise had settled down to silence, the Priest opened his book.

“We are here to induct a new member to our clan. As we know of the Elemental Demon who had been killed shortly after she had arrived, she melded with a newborn and has helped to conceive a child who will take place on her throne as the leader of the Elemental.” He priest rounded the pedestal with the book cradled in his left arm while his right hand placed on Harry’s bowed head. “You must swear the following before you are inducted.”

“I understand my lord,” Harry said.

“Do you swear to honour your oath to follow the rules and obey them?” the priest asked.

“Yes, I swear,” Harry swore.

“Do you swear to honour your peers and elders, asking them for help when you need it?” he asked.

“Yes, I swear,” Harry swore.

“Do you swear to honour your life and soul to your clan?” Harry stood up and stared straight in the priest eyes.

“I swear to honour my life and soul to my clan,” Harry swore and the priest nodded, giving Harry a grandfatherly smile.

“Welcome home my son,” he leaned over and pressed a kiss to Harry’s forehead before stepping back and picking up the poker. “Hold out your left wrist, inside up.” Harry turned his arm over and revealed his inner wrist. The priest pressed the mark into Harry’s inner wrist before pulling it away.

Harry watched as the burn slowly faded away to reveal a black Chinese symbol for elemental demon. “You are now one of us.” The Lord stepped forward and turned Harry around to face the audience.

“We shall celebrate that the Elemental Demon has been restored to his rightful place,” the Lord informed them and cheer went up as Felina stepped next to Harry, placing a hand on his shoulder. Harry looked at her.

“You should go back home, you family is very worried about you,” Felina told him and Harry frowned.

“How do I get back?” Harry asked. Felina smiled as she leaned in so her mouth was near his ear.

“Wake up,” she whispered and Harry felt his body was being jerked away from the scene.

With a gasp, Harry bolted upright only for his head to clash with another forehead and let out identical groans of pain.

“Harry!” Tina gasped as she held Harry up, pressing a hand to his cheek then to his forehead, checking his temperature.

“Charlie!” Rina squealed as she held her boyfriend’s shoulder as he clutched his forehead.

“Oh, sorry,” Harry apologised, sheepishly. Charlie just waved it off.

“What happened?” Tina asked. “Charlie heard you yell out in pain and contacted us so we came in here to see you were collapsed on the ground. You had been out for over two hours!”

“I’m a half demon, half dragon,” Harry explained, leaving them stunned.

TBC

Felina – Fe-Lin-Na & looks based on Shiri Appleton (Liz Parker from Roswell)

Ishaka – I-Sha-Ka & looks are based on Jason Behr (Max Evans from Roswell).

In Demon forms, their looks have been modified but in human forms, they take on the looks of the humans.

Okay – that should be everyone’s name pronounce. I have two more coming in but they are an easy name (thankfully) to pronounce.

Chapter 6: The Will Reading…

“Harry, make a move on!” Tina shouted from where she was standing at the bottom of the steps before shaking her head at her husband, who just chuckled. The adoption papers had come through. Harry had made a choice that he wanted the Malloy to be his guardians. He asked to keep his parent’s last name and they accepted that, understanding that Harry needed a link to his parents.

“I’m coming!” he hurried down the stairs, trying to straighten his jacket at the same time. Once he reached the bottom of the steps, Tina fussed with his hair before they headed into the living room where Charlie and Rina were waiting.

After revealing that he was indeed a dragon and a demon, Harry had fished off his dragon training before heading back to London with Tina and Ryan. Charlie and Rina have stayed on in Romania to cover up all the evidence that Harry had been in Romania and to make arrangement with the government.

“Are you ready?” Charlie asked and Harry nodded as he stepped toward them before turning to face Tina and Ryan.

“We’ll be meeting you there later, we have to go into work to make sure everything is fine,” Ryan told him.

“Don’t get into trouble, please,” Tina pleaded. The trio chuckled as Harry grabbed some floo powder and stepped into the large fireplace. He called out Diagon Alley while throwing down the power and disappeared in a flash of green. He stumbled into the bar where Tom was wiping down the table. Tom looked up.

“Hello Harry,” Tom greeted with a smile. Harry smiled back.

“Hiya Tom,” he greeted, stepping off to the side just as there was another whooshing sound to reveal Rina making her way through the fireplace and brushing the soot from her outfit. Charlie followed a minute later, brushing the soot from his outfit. Once they made sure they were presentable, they left the bar and into the street where people stopped and whispered when they spotted their missing Hero alive and well.

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

Hermione was waiting in Rasphalt’s office as she had been called for Sirius’ will reading. She had greeted everyone before talking with Remus to find out if he had heard anything from Harry. Remus had been the one person who had asked her if she had heard from Harry and after swearing an oath from him, she revealed that Harry had written to her but left no message to where he was.

Remus had accepted that Harry obviously needed to discover the answers on his own and left it alone. He also understood why Hermione had extracted an oath from him. Dumbledore believed that people would tell him if they had been contacted by Harry that he had neglected to ask Hermione if Harry had contacted her.

The doors opened and Harry stepped in, with Charlie and a woman they didn’t know, startling everyone. They just stared at the changed man. He was no longer as skinny as he used to be and he wore a pair of black jeans, black shirt, black boots and a pair of black leather jacket. His hair had been cut shorter and was spikier at the top, looking like was messy on purpose. Hermione had been talking to Remus when he looked over her shoulder with a stunned yet pleased look. Turning around, her breath caught and her heart stopped when she spotted the man who had been missing for most of the summer.

“Harry!” Hermione flew past the others and flung herself into his arms. Harry just laughed as he stumbled backward before gaining his footing and hugged his best friend back. They pulled away from each other, not leaving the embrace as they admired the other since the last time they had seen each other was at the train station before they went separate ways for the summer.

Hermione was wearing a thin red jumper and a white mini-skirt with white ballet slip on shoes. Her hair was flowing down her back until it reached her waist. She had pulled back some of her hair and pinned it in a white clasp. Harry thought she looked gorgeous and knew that guys would probably be lining up to date her. He noticed with amusement that she was now smaller than him, barely reaching his chin.

Hermione couldn’t help but stare at her best friend. His long hair was now replaced with shorter locks. The back barely brushed the top of his neck. It still looked full and thick as ever and he had managed to tame it into spikes. She found that the look suited him. He still had bangs but they weren’t hanging into his eyes anymore, allowing her to see his green orbs more clearly. She even noticed that he was taller and felt bulkier than the lanky form the last year.

“You’re taller,” she blurted out and Harry laughed.

“And you got smaller,” he teased. She blushed before punching him on the chest and embraced him in another hug.

“I’m so glad you’re okay,” she whispered into his ear as she fought to keep the tears of relief back. Harry just buried his face into her neck, stroking back her hair, knowing that she just needed him to hold her. Hermione smiled at their unspoken connection. They always seem to know what the other wanted, needed or were thinking.

Charlie greeted his parents and the Order before introducing Rina to them, conveniently missing out that she was his girlfriend. Rina had been confused about it but decided to leave it alone. Charlie always had his reasons for something. She just greeted everyone respectfully, enjoying the way Arthur almost fell over himself when he found out that she was a muggleborn witch and started asking her questions about the function of a rubber duck. She almost giggled when she realised that he was still looking at her, seriously and earnests that she couldn’t help but want to put him out of his misery.

“The function of a rubber duck is to be a companion in a bath. People can take a rubber duck into the bath with them and are content to let it float about on the water. Some variation of rubber ducks can squeak, some vibrates and there are even some that can play music,” Rina explained.

“Really?” asked Arthur, practically bouncing on the balls of his feet. Rina nodded before she moved over to Hermione, who had pulled away from Harry to watch the scene. Harry just gave Rina an amused smile, one that was filled with mischief and she resolved to ask Harry about it later when Hermione leaned in.

“I’ve never heard of a vibrating rubber duck,” she whispered. Rina smiled as she leaned down so her mouth was near Hermione’s ear and whispered the answer. Harry watched as Hermione’s eyes widen with interest and shock before her face flushed and she jerked her ear away from Rina and stared at Harry chest, refusing to meet his eyes. Harry stared down at her before looking at Rina, who was looking over his shoulder.

Turning his head, he saw Rasphalt making his way into the office and he smiled when he spotted his young client.

“Ah, Mr. Potter,” Rasphalt greeted before spotting the young female in Harry’s arms, “And I assume this lovely lady here is Hermione Granger.” Harry nodded.

“Yes, she is. Hermione, this is Rasphalt, he is the manager of Gringott and the Potter family advisor,” Harry introduced.

“It’s very nice to meet you,” Hermione told Rasphalt. Rasphalt just chuckled.

“It’s nice to meet you too. Harry most certainty has his family’s taste in women. I am pleased to see that continue,” Rasphalt told them before smirking as they started stuttering, obviously trying to form an excuse of how they are not together. He stopped them with a wave of his hand. “I know the two of you are friends but you must remember; the relationship that lasts is usually the relationships that are rooted in friendship.” With that, he made his way behind his desk and gestured them all to sit down.

Harry sat down on the chair in the middle at the front with Hermione on his right and Charlie to his left. Rina sat on the chair to Hermione’s right. The Weasleys and Dumbledore took up the seats behind them while Remus took the seat to Charlie’s left. Rasphalt took his seat behind the desk before checking to make sure everyone had sat down before he went ahead with the meeting.

“I have invited you all here for the reading to Sirius Black’s will,” Rasphalt informed them as he wrote something down on his pad of parchment and it disappeared with a flash of red before a thick file, thicker than his parents’ Harry noticed, and opened it. “Are there any questions before we start?”

“Why did it take longer to sort through his will?” Dumbledore asked.

“Because of certain situations,” Rasphalt explained. “We had to make sure that Sirius Black was dead which meant going through the veil and checking. We eventfully found his body and brought it back for a burial, which will be held tomorrow at the request of Harry Potter. Also the money that Sirius had inherited from the Potter from when they had died had to be returned to the rightful vault and I had to make sure all his vaults were locked down so no other living heirs of the Black’s family could claim access.” Dumbledore nodded, still shocked that they had found Sirius’ body.

Rasphalt looked around and saw that no one else had any questions before looking at Harry, who nodded for him to continue with the will. “Very well, the last living and testament of Sirius Black, who swore to be sound of mind and behaviour when he wrote this,” there were stifled snickers. “To my godson Harry Potter, I leave you a majority of my wealth and properties and the Black’s vaults that contains items for emotional value and such. I hope they will prove you useful in your journey,” Rasphalt moved the wooden box.

“Can I have them morphed into one key?” Harry asked and Rasphalt nodded, tapping the box three times. It flashed gold before shimmering then died down. Harry opened the box and pulled out the key and pushed the box back to Rasphalt before attaching the key to the key-ring that his other keys on it.

Rasphalt settled back down and continued reading the will. “I have also left you a letter with Rasphalt; he will give it to you at the end of the reading. To Hermione Granger, you have been a brave woman to stand by Harry through his adventures and it makes me proud to know that Harry can depend on you, no matter what. I leave you 50,000 gallons and the Black’s library in hope you will be able to help Harry in his journey.” Harry and Hermione just linked hands together, sharing a sad smile before they looked at Rasphalt. “I have also left you letter which Rasphalt will give you at the end. To Ron, I wish for you to realise that there are more to life than fame, money and getting the girl. Harry would give up everything he owns for one more moment with his parents, I would give up everything I own to gain my freedom, Lupin would give up everything he owns just to be freed from the werewolf yet money cannot buy everything.” Ron started flushing, out of embarrassment or anger, Harry couldn’t tell. “I leave you 50,000 gallons in hope that you will understand how you got this money. To the Weasleys, you have been there for Harry when I wasn’t and I’d thank you for that. I give you 100,000 gallons for you to make a difference in the world. To Remus Lupin, Moony, you have suffered a hard hand in life but you have never let it get you down. You were the best friend James and I could ever ask for and I gladly leave you the cottage that you loved and 500,000 gallons in hope that you will actually buy new clothes. Of course, there is a certain woman you could ask to help you out (Nudge, nudge).” Harry just looked confused why Remus was blushing while Hermione giggled before shaking her head at Harry, telling him that she would tell him later.

Rasphalt looked around for a moment before marking something on his pad. “There is someone missing from the will reading so I will read that one last,” Rasphalt informed them and Harry nodded. “To Andromeda Tonks, I leave you 50,000 gallons and beg you, while on my knees and clasped fists under my chin, in hope that you will finally make a move on the man you love. Oh and maybe buy some books that will help you walk straight without tripping over everything,” there were more snickers as Tonks rolled her eyes playfully. “To the twins, I would leave you money but you know all too well that money doesn’t buy everything and most certainly cannot buy laughter, so I will leave you the deeds to Zonko’s, yes, James and I were the co-owner of the shop but as both of us are gone, you will be co-owners with Harry as James left his half to his son.” Harry winked at the twins who stared at him shocked before grinning madly. Hermione just sputtered in shock before she settled to giving Harry a half-hearted glare. “May you fill the world with laughter while evil rise. To Albus Dumbledore, we never saw eye to eye on a lot of things, most certainly when it came to Harry but I just have to say this. You should have told Harry the truth the moment he had asked for it but you faltered and you must pay the price for the human weakness. Other than that, I leave you the deeds to the Headquarters. Do a good job in training Harry to bring down Voldemort before everything is lost to you. To Draco Malfoy,” there were squawks of confusion while Hermione and Harry shared a discreet look. Rasphalt glared at everyone to quieten down, which they did quite remarkably. Rasphalt cleared his throat once more. “To Draco Malfoy, I understand what you are going through and I hope in time you will finally gain the courage to stand up for yourself. But while that is happening, I leave you a house and 100,000 gallons. Know this, you have a part to play but you will not able to play it if you do not speak up before it’s too late.”

Rasphalt looked up at the group in front of him. “That was all he wrote. Remus Lupin and I were the witness who signed the will. Everything will be divided accordingly after the funeral tomorrow so you will gain your keys and deeds then.” Rasphalt explained. He picked up two thick envelopes and handed one to Harry and the other one to Hermione. “Those are the letters Sirius has willed to you.”

“Thank you,” Harry slipped his letter into his jacket pocket while Hermione fingered her letter for a moment as a look of sadness crossed her face before she took a deep breath and placed it into her bag.

“Is that all?” Molly asked and Rasphalt shook his head.

“I will need to talk to Harry about his inheritance so he will understand everything then he and I will need to talk about his guardianship,” Rasphalt explained.

“Oh, we would be more than glad to adopt Harry,” Molly bubbled with excitement and happiness. Rasphalt shook his head.

“I apologise, you misunderstood me. Harry already has guardians. He had been adopted shortly after his sixteenth birthday. I just need him to sign more forms to make them his magical guardians despite they do not have magical abilities.”

“You already have guardians,” Dumbledore pointed out to Harry, “The Dursleys. It is imperative that you stay there for the blood ward to recharge your protection.”

“I’m afraid that has been overruled, Professor Dumbledore,” Rasphalt spoke up and Dumbledore looked at him. “It was a direct violation of the will for Harry to stay with the Dursleys. Not to mention that Voldemort used Harry’s blood to restore himself so the blood wards no longer recognises the difference between the two of them. Also, Harry and I did some research and found out something regarding Lily Evans Potter so Harry no longer needs to stay the Dursleys. However, if Harry wishes to bring charges among then, I will be more than glad to help him.”

“Charges?” asked Hermione, concerned and curious before she looked at her best friend. “What charges?” Harry sighed as he stared down at her.

“I will tell you later,” he promised her. She began to protest when Harry placed a finger over her lips. “Trust me, I will tell you later. It’s not something I want everyone to hear.” She searched his eyes for a moment before nodding, trusting Harry. Harry dropped his hand and looked at Rasphalt. “I will talk it over with Hermione first.” Rasphalt nodded.

“As you wish,” he snapped his fingers and legal papers showed up on his desk before he handed Harry a quill. “This is a blood quill. When you write, it will cut in your hand and use your blood to sign your name. I will heal it after you have finished signing of course.”

“I know all about blood quills,” Harry murmured as Hermione stroked his right hand with her thumb. Rasphalt frowned in confusion.

“How could you possibly know about blood quills?” Rasphalt asked. “The only place that uses them is banks and that is only used in a rare occasion. There is no record indicating you used a blood quill here or any other bank before.”

“Because a teacher brought in a blood quill last year and made me write lines with it,” Harry explained, lifting the hand that was still intertwined with Hermione and showed him the back of his hand. Rasphalt paled when he saw ‘I must not tell lies’ written on the back.

“This is despicable!” he snapped before pressing a button on his desk. The door opened to reveal Griphook.

“You called?” Rasphalt nodded.

“I want you to find all blood quills that are circulating outside of this bank. Someone had used one Harry Potter as punishment last year at school,” Rasphalt ordered. Griphook nodded but Harry could see the barest hint of anger on his face.

“What do I do with the people who are in possession of a blood quill?” Griphook asked.

“Bring them here for punishment,” Rasphalt informed him. Griphook nodded before leaving the room.

“Punishment?” asked Dumbledore as he peered at Rasphalt.

“Yes. Blood quills should only be used by banks. They have been banned outside and anyone who has been caught with possession will have to face either a fine or a sentence depending on what they have done with the blood quills,” Rasphalt explained before looking at Harry. “Will you be okay with signing the forms?” Harry nodded as he unlinked his hand from Hermione, picked up the quill and signed his name on the form. There was no hiss of pain like before. He was used to the stinging cut.

Once he was finished, the parchment rolled itself up and disappeared with a green flash before a bowl appeared with purple liquid it in. Harry recognised it from when Hermione had made it for him after he came back one night from detention. He slid his hand into the liquid and the pain slowly faded away. Once it had, Harry brought his hand out of the liquid and Rasphalt snapped his fingers, allowing the cut to heal itself.

“Thank you,” Harry told him and Rasphalt nodded as he stared at the scars.

“I only wish I could heal the others,” he told Harry, who nodded. Hermione took Harry’s hand back in hers, needing the feel of him close to her. Ron glared when he noticed this and wondered why Hermione always wanted to hold onto Harry. Harry looked down at Hermione when she took his hand into hers and gave her a smile, squeezing her hand softly. He was rewarded with a shy smile.

“Is that everything I’ve to check over?” Harry asked, turning back to Rasphalt, who was looking at the two of them with a small smile on his face. Rasphalt came out of his daze and nodded.

“Yes, you are all free to go now,” Rasphalt told them, “Unless you need to check your vault.” Harry nodded.

“Yeah, I want to show Hermione some stuff,” Harry told him and Rasphalt nodded.

“Do you request for Griphook?” Rasphalt asked.

“Only if he’s not busy,” Harry smiled. “I don’t want to take him away from his job.” Rasphalt shook his head.

“I thought you would want Griphook today so I had asked for him to be free apart from any errands that I may send him on,” Rasphalt assured him. Harry nodded and all of them left the office with Rasphalt leading the way. Once they reached the main area of the bank, everyone turned to Harry but Harry just tugged on Hermione’s hand and led her over to the door that led to the vaults.

Dumbledore went to follow them but Rasphalt stopped him. “Our meeting has been concluded.” Dumbledore looked down at him, stunned before he took a step back. The others had already left. Dumbledore gave a short nod and left the bank. Rasphalt watched him leave before heading back to his office where the list of everyone who is in possession of a blood quill appeared on his desk.

Harry and Hermione met up with Griphook, who smiled and bowed his head before gesturing to the cart. Harry bent down and whispered into Griphook ear and handed him the key. Griphook nodded as he took the key and Harry sat down next to Hermione in the cart. She just looked at him questioningly but Harry just smiled.

“This is like a rollercoaster so you might want to hold onto the bars or my arms,” Harry warned her. Hermione’s eyes widen before she shifted in closer and wrapped her arms around his waist. Harry chuckled as he wrapped an arm around her waist just as the cart ventured forward. Hermione whimpered; closing her eyes and burying her face into Harry’s chest as the cart dipped downward, eliciting a whoop from Harry and Hermione’s nails to dig deeper into his jacket.

It felt like forever to Hermione before the ride finally came to a stop. Harry helped her to unclench her hands from his body before he stepped out of the cart and helped her out as she stood on wobbly legs. Once she straightened, Harry led her over to the vault door. Griphook reached out and stroked the door before a keyhole appeared and slid the key into it. With a twist, the door opened and Hermione peered in only for her jaw to drop when she realised just who’s vault she was looking in.

“Your mother’s vault?” she whispered and Harry nodded. Hermione looked in only to hold her breath when she saw all the different things. There was a hope chest in far left corner, bookcases filled with books, a jewellery box. “Harry,” she stepped forward with Harry watching her before he unlinked their hands, noticing that she had forgotten that they we were still attached.

Hermione’s head turned in every direction, taking in everything she was seeing before she whispered “Harry,” turning to him, her eyes filled with tears. Harry nodded, understanding what she was feeling. Hermione wiped the tears before she moved closer to the table and caressed a hand over the well loved books Lily had left for her son to read and pass down onto his own children.

Harry watched as she tried to deal with her emotions and wonderment over seeing the things his mother had left. She would peer at something before caressing it for a moment and move onto something else when Griphook clearing his throat brought him back from his thoughts. Harry looked down at Griphook.

“Will you want to take anything with you today?” he asked. Harry looked back into the vault when he saw Hermione frowning as she peered closely at a necklace. It was silver heart locket. She tried opening it only to tilt her head in puzzlement. Harry stepped forward and she looked up at him.

“Do you want it?” he asked, his voice sotto but his gaze never wavered from Hermione’s. Hermione’s eyes widen before she shook her head.

“No, Harry, I couldn’t,” she told him as she handed him the necklace. “It belonged to your mother.”

“Actually,” Griphook spoke up and they looked toward him, “Lily had received that as a present just after Harry had been born. In it was a letter that Harry should give it to the one who he deemed most important to him.” Both of them frowned as they looked at each other then at the locket then at Griphook.

“Did my mother know who it was from?” Harry asked and Griphook shook her head.

“She tried everything but every lead turned up as a dead end. She felt it was important so she kept it and brought it here just shortly before her death. The letter also said that Harry would know who was to receive the necklace,” Griphook told them and Harry looked at Hermione once more.

“I want you to have it,” he told her. Hermione took a step back but Harry reached out and cupped her hand, lifting it up so her palm was facing hers and dropped the necklace into her hand. “You are important to me and I don’t know why but I feel this necklace is meant for you.”

“Are you sure?” Hermione asked and Harry nodded. She didn’t seem convinced so Harry gave her his trademark lop-sided smile.

“Trust me.” Her heart thumped in her chest before she nodded before she held the necklace up.

“Will you put it on me?” she whispered. Harry nodded as he took the necklace into his hands. Hermione turned around and gathered her thick hair into her hand and shifted it so Harry was able to get the necklace on without tangling it up in her hair. Once he finished clipping it on, Hermione turned around to reveal the necklace rested just perfectly between her breasts.

“It’s perfect for you,” Harry whispered. Hermione blushed while giving him a shy smile as they interlocked hands and turned to see Griphook was watching them with a knowing look before he stepped to the side so the friends could step out. He closed the vault door and led the way over to the cart, where they got on and rode back to the exit.

Harry and Hermione bid Griphook a good day before they left the bank, meeting up with everyone outside.

“Harry,” Dumbledore greeted with a grandfatherly smile, his blue eyes twinkling. Harry just gave him a short nod as Hermione unlinked their hands to move over next to Ginny, who was talking to Rina.

Ron moved over to stand next to Harry, wanting answers to where Harry had been over the summer.

“So, where have you been?” Ron asked. “Everybody had been worried about you.” Harry shrugged.

“Around,” he replied casually. “After what happened with Sirius, I needed to break free for a little while.” Ron nodded.

“You could have at least let people know,” Ron told him. Harry looked at him, curiously.

“I sent Hermione a letter with Hedwig, letting her know that I was okay. Didn’t any of you ask her if she had heard from me?” Harry asked. Ron stared at him before someone called Harry’s name. Turning, they saw Hermione was calling Harry over. “I’d better see what she wants.” Harry moved over to Hermione, leaving his other friend staring at Harry, the tips of his ears burning.

Harry was near Hermione when he spotted a familiar face standing in the entrance of an alley. Their eyes met and the man gave a short nod before he ducked into the alley. Harry looked toward the gang to make sure they hadn’t seen anything and was satisfied that Hermione was currently waiting for him.

“I just saw someone I really need to speak to,” Harry told her. “Excuse me.” Harry hurried off toward the alley and ducked down it, aware that everyone was watching him. Once he was out of sight, Hermione turned to Charlie and noticed that he seemed to be standing close to Rina. Frowning, she regarded the friends a little closely before Remus drew her attention away.

Harry made his way down the alley until he reached an area that was suitable for the meeting. “Tom?” Harry whispered. Tom materialized in front of him with a serious look on his face. “What’s going on?” Harry looked over his shoulder to make sure no one had followed him before he looked at Tom once more.

“Death Eaters are coming. I count at least fifteen,” Tom explained.

“Why?” Harry asked, frowning. It didn’t make sense, why would Voldemort risk sending his people out in the middle of Diagon Alley where there are Aurors and Order members.

“They have been ordered to kidnap Hermione,” Tom explained. Harry’s eyes darkened in anger.

“Why?” he asked in a barely controlled tone. Tom shot him a knowing look.

“Why do you think?” Tom asked. “Without her, you are weak. They know she makes you strong. You were not discreet when she had been attacked in the Department of the Ministry.” Harry growled.

“When they arrived, I will send her away with Remus Lupin. You are to cover her and make sure they do not get their hands on her,” Harry ordered. Tom nodded before bowing his head and disappearing in a wisp of smoke. Harry turned around and hurried out of the alley. Hermione and the others were still standing where Harry had left them, each one were looking puzzled as Harry jogged over to them when they heard familiar popping sounds. “Get him!” a painful familiar voice screeched. Harry spun around to see Bellatrix Lestrange heading the group of death eaters toward him and everyone else. “Capture the Granger girl! Kill everyone else!” Harry ran over to the Order as they pulled out their wands in a bid to defend themselves.

“Run!” Harry pushed Hermione Remus’ arms. “You can’t fight them! Protect her!” he ran toward the death eaters. Bellatrix stopped when she saw Harry in front of her and mocking smile crossed her face.

“Oh look, its wee baby Potter!” she cried gleefully. “Still crying for my bastard of a cousin?” Harry shrugged.

“He’s dead. He died trying to save me. You took the coward way out and shot a stunning spell at him,” Harry reminded. Bellatrix smirked as she raised her wand at him.

“And I’ll gladly do the same to you,” she taunted before her dark eyes narrowed. “But not before I get your bitch of a mudblood and let the Death Eaters have their fun with her.” She cackled as Harry’s eyes darkened once more, standing his ground when there was a whooshing sound. Looking off to his left, he saw Felina standing there dressed in the same outfit she wore when they first met.

“Felina,” he whispered. She just winked at him as Bellatrix’s cackles died down, confusion colouring her expression as she stared at the newcomer then her eyes slid down to the newcomer’s hand, swallowing when she spotted the wicked looking silver blades the size of daggers.

“What…” she gasped out where there was another whooshing sound to reveal Ishaka had taken up the right side of Harry. He also wore the same clothes as the time Harry first met him and he had a long sword in his hand, wickedly sharp.

Harry smirked as he turned back to face the group of Death Eaters looking at each other before they looked at Bellatrix, unsure of what their orders would be. They knew their orders from their lord but the two newcomers and Potter facing them was a spanner thrown into the works.

“You really think that’s going to scare me off, Potter?” Bellatrix asked. Harry just smirked, infuriating Bellatrix as she screamed out orders. The Death Eaters rushed forward, their wands out, casting spell right and left. Felina and Ishaka dodged the spells easily, gliding in close to their marks and taking them down while Bellatrix rushed toward Harry with two death eaters.

Harry concentrated as he brought up his hands, palm up. Bellatrix and the death eaters stopped when they saw his hands turning a shimming gold colour. His eyes snapped open and they were stunned to see they were a golden green colour as his hands turned a darker gold colour as red added to the mixture. Above his hands, two single balls formed at the size of a marble before they grew in size, reaching to the size of a small football.

“Wha-What…” Bellatrix couldn’t seem to form a word as Harry smirked and threw his hands forward, the balls of fire shooting toward his target. Bellatrix gained her bearings in time and jumped out of the way but the two death eaters behind her weren’t as lucky as the fireballs caught them in their mid-drift, sending up them up in flames. Their bloodcurdling screams penetrated the air as they flailed their arms about, trying to put out the fire but it was a magic burning fire that, once in contact with magic, they would burn until all the magic in the object had been consumed.

There were horrified screams as the death eaters looked at their fallen comrades before looking at Harry Potter and they could finally see why Voldemort was intent on bringing him down. He would be the end of their leader if he would ever get close.

“Kill him!” Bellatrix screamed, furious and ignoring the explicit orders Voldemort had given her to bring Harry back alive. She wanted revenge for what had almost happened to her.

“Come and get me,” Harry challenged as his closed fists fell to his side. Breathing deeply, he concentrated. The death eaters who had rushed toward him faltered when they saw his hands turning ice blue before he lifted them up and opened his hands. Shards of ice flew through the air and plunged themselves into the death eaters like glass raining down on them. Nowhere on their body was spared as the ice continued to rip through them, blood sprayed everywhere and their clothes slowly fell apart due to being ripped.

The death eaters looked down at themselves in shock before their eyes rolled up into the back of their head and passed out either due to shock or loss of blood. Everyone couldn’t help but stare at Harry was he did this. Even Dumbledore was wondering where Harry had learned to control elemental magic and wondered how he would be able to use the knowledge to control Harry.

Bellatrix whipped out her wand and threw different curses at Harry only for Harry to throw up his right hand. The spells collided with an invisible wall in front of Harry, causing the wall to ripple under the impact before they rebounded and hit the walls of the shops harmlessly. Bellatrix stared at Harry in a mix of frustration and fear.

“What’s the matter Bella?” Harry taunted. “Can’t fight me?” Bellatrix let out a scream of frustration before she disappeared on the spot with the remaining death eaters, leaving the fallen bodies behind. Harry staggered backward, not used to using his elemental demonic powers.

“Harry!” Hermione finally broke free of Remus’ embrace and ran forward, catching Harry as his knees buckled. She fell to her knees with him, holding him close as he breathed heavily, his arms wrapped loosely around her waist as his forehead rested on her shoulder. “Are you okay?” she asked, her right hand cupping the back of his neck. Harry exhaled nosily as he nodded.

“Yeah, just not used to that,” he admitted. Hermione looked over his shoulder and gestured Remus to come over and help her to get Harry up. Both of them placed an arm of Harry over their shoulders, helping him up and over to a chair that sat outside of the ice cream parlour.

Harry lifted his head and saw Felina bow mockingly before she winked once more and disappeared in red flames. Ishaka just saluted before he disappeared in a black wind. Hermione stared at them before she turned to Harry only for all thoughts to fly out of her head when she saw how pale Harry was.

Sweat beaded across his forehead, some of his hair was sticking to his face as he breathed heavily. She reached into her bag and pulled out a handkerchief and pressed it against Harry’s face, mopping his face.

Dumbledore walked closer to Harry, peering closely at him before he straightened up, pressing a slim finger to his lips.

“Harry…how did you learn to do those spells? To block them? Who were those people?” Dumbledore asked and Harry shook his head.

“Forget it,” Harry breathed out and Dumbledore looked at him. “They are solo workers. They don’t do well working for other people.” Dumbledore eyed him for a moment before resigning. Harry obviously knew the people but he was unwilling to speak of them.

“Merlin Harry, you are shivering,” Hermione broke up as Harry started to shiver, closing his eyes as he tried to breathe. He was about to speak up only for someone to interrupt them.

“What on earth?” a female squeal cut in and they spun around to see Tina hurrying over to Harry, worry clear on her face which just deepened when she spotted Harry looking pale. “Harry! Are you okay?” she reached her adopted son and cupped his cheeks. Harry nodded, his teeth chattering.

“Just a little cold,” he admitted, knowing that it will just make her worry more if he lied. Ryan knelt down as he pressed his fingers to Harry’s wrist, feeling the fast beating pulse under his fingers and shook his head.

“You used up a lot of energy and now your crashing down. You’ll be fine providing you get into a change of warm clothes,” Ryan told him and Harry nodded as Hermione took out her wand, murmured a spell under her breath. Warmth filled Harry as his clothes dried and the sweat slowly faded away. He could feel himself getting better and looked at her with thankful eyes. Hermione just smiled shyly as she pocketed her wand.

Tina looked at Hermione, amused before she looked at Harry with a raised eyebrow. Ryan just chuckled as recognised the look on his wife’s face.

“Harry, is this who I think she is?” Tina asked and Harry blushed as he remembered he hadn’t formally introduced Hermione to his adoptive family and vice versa.

“Oh, Hermione, this is Tina and Ryan Malloy. They are my adoptive parents and this is Rina, she is my adoptive sister. This is Hermione Granger, my best friend.”

“It’s finally nice to put a face to the woman who Harry and Charlie are always talking about,” Rina informed Hermione, holding out her hand. “The way Harry talks about you, I’m expecting you to be able to walk on water.” Hermione blushed as she shook Rina’s hand and Harry grinned.

“Give her time and the correct books and she’ll master walking on water in no time, trust me,” Harry teased back. Hermione rolled her eyes as she dropped Rina’s hand and pushed Harry’s shoulder. Harry just chuckled.

“Did I hear you right?” Dumbledore jumped in, causing everyone to look at him. “You are Harry’s new guardians?”

“Yes,” Tina spoke up, instantly knowing the man in front of her. Even though she had never met him before, she knew of him through Lily then Harry. “Harry is our adopted son.” Dumbledore frowned.

“I am assuming that Harry has explained the situation of Voldemort to you,” Dumbledore told them and got nods. “Then how could you take him away from the one place that provides him the protection he needs?”

“Like Rasphalt said, Dumbledore,” Rina stepped forward, causing the older man to look at her. “The situation has changed. Harry found out some things that he never knew of before.” Dumbledore stared at her while Tina turned back to Harry.

“We should take you home, I don’t want you wandering the streets after today,” Tina informed her nephew, who winced.

“Actually, I’ve to head to Sirius’ old place. Everyone will want to question me,” Harry told them. Tina sighed and nodded.

“That’s fine sweetie. Ryan and I have to head back to work so phone us later tonight to let us know what time you are planning on coming home so we can arrange a pick up.” Harry nodded as Tina leaned in and kissed Harry’s forehead before turning to face Hermione and shook her hand. “It’s nice to finally meet you, Hermione.” Hermione blushed, giving Tina a shy smile.

“It’s nice to meet you too, Mrs Malloy.” Tina scoffed as she waved her hand.

“Please, it’s just Tina. I keep thinking my mother-in-law is behind me whenever someone says that,” she told Hermione, who chuckled.

“Come along dear,” Ryan placed his hands on his wife’s arms, knowing that she would stand there forever talking to Hermione if he didn’t interrupt. “We have to get to work and we’ll see Hermione tomorrow.” Tina nodded in agreement before she waved good bye to everyone and followed her husband out of the street.

“She’s nice,” Hermione said as she and Remus helped Harry to stand up. Harry chuckled.

“Yeah, she is,” he agreed as he leaned into Hermione as Dumbledore brought out a portkey in the shape of a teddy bear, which he enlarged. Everyone placed a finger on the teddy bear and disappeared in a whirl of wind.

Once they arrived at Sirius’ old place, Harry rested his back against the wall. He hated travelling by portkey, especially after what had happened near the end of his fourth year. Shaking his head, he felt a slim hand slip into his and turned to see Hermione was staring up at him with concern.

“I need to talk to you,” he told her, his voice sotto. Hermione nodded, knowing that Harry wanted to explain where he had been over the summer only for Dumbledore to interrupt them.

“Where have you been?” Dumbledore demanded. “Do you have any idea how long we have spent looking for you? The man-hours we put in when we could have been finding ways to stop Voldemort and his death eaters?”

“I was in Romania,” Harry informed Dumbledore in a blunt tone. “I asked Charlie not to tell you. I sent a letter to Hermione telling her that I was safe. If you wanted to know how I was, you should have asked her rather than wait for her to give Hedwig a letter to give to me so you could follow her.” Dumbledore stared at Harry, stunned. “I was grieving for my god-father. I wanted some time alone and Romania was the best place to be considering no one ever thought I would head there.”

“Charlie was meant to tell us,” Molly exclaimed. “His oath overrules your request.” Harry shook his head.

“He was being a good friend. He understood I need the time away from the wizarding community and he gave me that. Plus, I learned some new stuff over the holidays and I need to talk to Hermione.” He tugged on Hermione’s hand so she would follow him.

“We need to talk!” Dumbledore shouted after Harry. Harry stopped and looked over his shoulder.

“I needed to talk to you all fifth year but you weren’t there when I needed you so you will just have to wait,” Harry informed the older man with a firm glare before he and Hermione hurried up the stairs.

“Charlie,” Charlie turned to see his sister standing at the door near the library, “Can I talk to you for a moment?” Charlie nodded and followed his sister into the library. He closed the door behind him and moved over to the stuffed chairs that were surrounding the fireplace and sat down on the one across from his sister.

“What’s up?” he asked. Ginny looked at her clasped hands for a long moment before took a deep breath and pinned blue eyes with brown ones.

“I want to live you with you.”

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

Harry and Hermione made their way up the stairs to the room where Harry had been staying in the year before. Once they made their way into the room, Harry closed the door, locked it and cast a silence charm over the room to make sure that no-one would try and listen in. He turned to face Hermione just as two figures appeared in their room.

Hermione noticed that they were the same people who helped Harry take out the Death Eaters earlier and fear ran through her. They were strangers to her and they just killed people without bating an eyelash.

“Harry…” Hermione took a step back but Harry stopped her by tightening his hand around her. She looked at him and he gave her a confident smile.

“Its okay, Hermione, I trust them,” he assured. She swallowed and gave him a nod before stepping back next to him. “This is Felina and Ishaka. Felina is a demon of fire. Ishaka is a shadow demon, which means he is a warrior for the demons.”

“I do not understand,” she whispered. Harry turned to face her fully.

“Hermione, I have half demon/half dragon blood in me,” Hermione’s jaw dropped. It took a few minutes but she finally got her voice back.

“What?” confusion coloured her tone, shaking her head.

“A dragon infused the Potter bloodline with their own blood. It runs through my veins. My mother’s soul was infused with a demon’s soul. It runs through me,” Harry explained the best he could. Hermione mouthed soundless from a moment.

“You’re a dragon?” she finally asked and Harry grinned.

“No, I just have dragon blood inside of me,” he told her and Hermione blushed, closing her eyes for a moment as she tried to regain her train of thoughts.

“You are part dragon and demon due to dragon blood that flows through you and the demon soul?” she asked and Harry nodded, pleased that she understood.

“Actually, there is some blood demon blood that flows through Harry considering his mother was the one that hosted the demon soul. He is also an important demon as he can control all the elements,” Felina explained.

“So, Harry is an elemental demon?” Hermione asked and Felina nodded.

“Yes, the demons and the dragons have been teaching him how to use his powers but as you saw, they can have a tiring effect on Harry. Its only through time Harry will be able to master and control his powers without tiring himself out,” Felina explained.

“Are there any books on Demons?” Hermione asked, excitement and hope colouring her tone and filling her eyes. Felina shook her head, amused by the way Hermione just seem to deflate with disappointment.

“No, we keep our existence a secret so no books are written about us. If they are, the person is oblivated and all notes and books are removed to prevent them from starting it up again,” Felina explained. Hermione just nodded. “If you wish, I could bring up some books for you to read.” Excitement and hope filled Hermione’s eyes once more.

“Really?” she asked. “That would be great!” Feline and Ishaka nodded before they looked at Harry.

“We’re going to go, we just wanted to make sure you were ok,” Ishaka told him and Harry nodded as the two of them disappeared in the same manner as they had before. Harry turned back to Hermione and took a deep breath as he built up the courage to give her the choice.

“I just wanted to let you know that I will understand if you decide I’m too dangerous to be around this year,” Harry started only to take a step back when fire filled Hermione’s brown eyes, making them burn a light brown.

“Harry James Potter,” Harry winced at his full name, “I have not stuck by your side facing a three-headed dog, a riddle, a so called mass murderer, a Whomping Willow, when everyone was against you and death eaters just to run scared because you happen to have dragon and demon blood inside of you.” Harry couldn’t stop the smile from forming as she continued to rant, pace the room with her hands on her hips, her brown eyes flashing with determination and fury. He was truly blessed to have this amazing woman as his best friend. “I promised you that I would stick by your side and I will do so, even if I have to cast a charm on us to make sure we are glued at the sides, literally!” She was about to say something else when Harry just swept her up in a hug, cutting her off with a squeak. Harry pulled back so he could look into her confused eyes.

“Thank you,” Harry told her and shook his head. “Thank you for everything you’ve done for me. Thank you for being my best friend, thank you for helping me with my homework, thank you for saving my life on more than one occasion, thank you for being there for me when no one else was. You are the best friend a guy who ever have and I’m just glad that you are in my life.” Tears filled Hermione’s eyes as a wobbly smile crossed her face.

“I think that’s more thanks I’ve ever heard in my life,” she told him teary. Harry smiled.

“I would thank you every day if I didn’t think I would get hexed just because I said thank you for giving me my bag all the time,” he teased. Hermione laughed before she met his eyes once more.

“Thank you for saving me in first year and becoming my best friend,” she whispered. Harry just grinned, brushed a kiss over Hermione’s lips and pulled her into a hug.

“I guess my parents were looking out for us the whole time,” he whispered. Hermione just giggled as she buried her face into his neck; grateful to whoever it was that had brought them together in their first year.

They were interrupted by a snuffling sound and Hermione pulled away from Harry, turned around and saw Harry’s bag was moving. The flap was pushed open and a small blue snout came out, sniffing. Hermione looked at Harry with alarm only to relax a little when she saw Harry smile. Harry bent down and pulled out the bundle before he stood up and faced Hermione.

“This is Flamara, she’s my newest pet,” Harry introduced. Flamara reached up and licked Hermione’s cheek, causing the woman to giggle, taking Flamara into her arms.

“You are cute,” she told Flamara while Harry just groaned.

“You attacked me when you first met me yet you lick her cheek?!” Harry complained. Flamara shot him a look filled with mirth.

‘That’s because you have a harder head,’ she teased. Harry glared at her while Hermione giggled, shocked that she could understood Flamara.

“Harry, how can I understand her?” Hermione asked.

“Flamara is a telepathic dragon; she can project thoughts to people. Because she is too young to control it, she projects to everyone instead of just the person she is talking to,” he explained.

“I heard telepathic dragons were rare,” Hermione told him as she stroked Flamara’s chin. Harry nodded.

“They are; it’s not inherited or anything like that. They are still rare. No one knows how the abilities are passed on,” Harry explained as they both sat down on the bed. Harry placed Flamara on the floor, allowing her to roam the new area.

“So you’ve been in Romania the whole summer learning everything you can from the dragons on how to control your abilities?” Hermione asked and Harry nodded.

“Yeah, I’ve been living with Charlie at his place. It’s awesome, you should see all the muggle stuff they have,” Harry told her with sheer delight on his face. Hermione giggled at the child-like reactions Harry was having. “They said that they couldn’t use magic around the dragons as their magic is older and would interfere.” Hermione nodded.

“I know, Viktor told me about the dragons when he was a Hogwarts. Drumstrang is famous for having dragons as mascots and they have real dragons at their school,” Hermione explained. Harry’s jaw dropped in shock.

“Has anyone told Hagrid about this?” Harry asked. “I mean, he loves dragons!” Hermione laughed.

“Yeah, I told him during the first task. He said that he would love to work with the dragons but because he knew about Karkaroff’s history so he stayed away from the school,” Hermione explained. Harry nodded, understanding. “What’s going on with Rina and Charlie?” Hermione asked and Harry grinned.

“They are best friends who just recently admitted their feelings for each other. It’s all still new so they are waiting a little longer before they tell anyone about the relationship,” Harry explained and Hermione chuckled.

“Have you heard about Bill and Fleur?” she asked and Harry nodded.

“Charlie told me the day I arrived in Romania. He said that Bill wasn’t telling anyone about them dating because of Ron,” Harry said and Hermione nodded.

“Yeah but he finally broke the news two days ago. Molly was furious when she found out that Bill had been dating the ‘French Bint’ and made it clear that she wanted Bill to stop dating her. Bill refused and they haven’t talked.” Harry winced. “Plus, Percy has finally admitted that he broke up with Penelope last year to his family.” Harry stared at her.

“What? I thought he cared about her, I mean, he was really upset that she had been attacked in our second year.” Hermione nodded.

“He was but since he started working for Fudge, he changed and he and Penelope weren’t getting on so they broke up. I think it was due to the fact that she was a muggleborn and that she believed you when you told everyone that Voldemort was back. Percy didn’t and both of them came to blows over it,” Hermione explained. Harry frowned, curious to how Hermione knew everything and Hermione smiled. “Penelope and I kept in touch after second year. She’s dating someone else right now and it looks serious but she isn’t telling anyone at the moment mostly due to the fact that Percy hasn’t gotten over her. He’s been sending her owls wanting a second chance.” Harry shook his head, amazed before he decided to change the conversation.

“What have you been up to over the summer, other than looking for me?” he asked with a teasing grin. Hermione pushed at his shoulder with a smile.

“I wasn’t looking for you,” she reminded him before she shook her head, “divided my time between here and home. When I was here, Molly made us clean up and I got into arguments with Ron. He wasn’t concern about you and kept winding me up. When I was at home, I just mostly relaxed and kept an eye on the news of Voldemort.” Harry nodded. “Oh, I also found some pictures of you as a baby while I was cleaning in the attic. I think Sirius or Remus put them shortly after your parent’s death and forgot about them. I have them at my house so I’ll bring them with me when we meet up at the train station.”

“Thank you,” Harry whispered and Hermione nodded as a hand came up to her neck and, unconsciously, started playing with the silver chain. Harry watched this only for an eyebrow to rise when he spotted a familiar ring and smiled. “You have my ring around your neck.” Hermione, startled, looked down at her neck and smiled as she looked up at Harry.

“Yeah, Hedwig gave it to me when I was upset. Ever since then, I wore it on my necklace. It probably sounds stupid but it felt like you were there whenever I wore it.” Harry shook his head.

“No, it doesn’t. That was the reason why I sent it to you, I knew that you would be worrying over me and I wanted you to have something of me near so you wouldn’t be worried too much,” Harry explained. Hermione reached over and embraced Harry in a hug.

“Thank you,” she whispered in his ear. Harry shook his head as he wrapped his arms around her waist when they were interrupted.

“Harry! Dinner’s ready!” Molly’s voice floated up, breaking their moments. Harry and Hermione let out identical groans as they got up from the bed. Flamara slid into the shadows, waiting for the door to open so she could go and explore the new place when something hit Harry.

“By the way,” Harry started as he peered at his bed curiously. “Where is my pillow?” Hermione just blushed.

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

“Are you sure you want to do this?” Charlie asked once his sister was finished explaining why she wanted to stay with him. Ginny nodded.

“I can’t stay here any more, not with everything going on,” Ginny told him. Charlie stared at his sister for a long moment before he nodded.

“Okay, we’ll have to talk to mum and dad first then make arrangements,” Charlie told her. “I can’t just take you to Romania with me.” Ginny nodded and they got up from the seats and headed out into the main hallway where they saw Harry and Hermione come down the stairs. Ron just ignored Harry as Harry tried to talk to him, infuriating Hermione.

“What is going on with you?” Hermione demanded, confused. Harry reached out and touched her elbow, drawing her attention to him.

“Ron had realised that facing Voldemort is more dangerous than he anticipated. He’s decided he doesn’t want to put his life in any more danger than it is already is. Voldemort doesn’t like the Weasleys because they are muggle lovers,” Harry explained. Hermione shook her head.

“Harry, that’s not right,” she protested. “He’s your best friend; he’s supposed to stand by you!” Harry shook his head as he looked down at her.

“I still have you,” Harry reminded and her breath caught in her throat. “I understand what Ron is feeling. He doesn’t want to lose the family he has. As long as I have you by my side, I don’t need anyone else.” Hermione threw her arms around his neck, hugging him tightly, taking him off guard. Ginny giggled from where she was standing next to Charlie before she looked at her brother to see the resign look on his face and it gave her hope that Ron might give up on his chase for Hermione and look for someone else.

Looking over to her mother, she could see the determined look on Molly’s face and sighed sadly to herself. Her mother wanted the perfect Weasley family but Ginny was sure that it wasn’t going to work out and just hoped that her mother would let go before she drove away her youngest children.

“Dinner’s ready,” Arthur announced to the room and everyone clambered into the kitchen, more than hungry. Molly and Arthur followed as everyone sat down at the table with Arthur taking his seat at the head of the table. Molly used her wand to levitate the food onto the table and sat down at the bottom of the table when Ron smelt something burning. Looking around, he spotted the fire was at the bottom of his cloak.

“Argh!” screamed Ron bolted up from his seat and spun around in a circle, trying to stamp out the flame on the bottom of his robes. Everyone looked at him, confused to where the fire had come from before they looked at the twins, who just shrugged. They just got amused looks before everyone turned back to what they were doing while Harry scanned the room and spotted his dragon hidden under the chair.

Flamara, sensing someone eyes on her, looked toward her master before she disappeared out of the room. Harry pushed back his chair, causing everyone to look at him. He just smiled.

“Excuse me, I need to check something out,” Harry told them before he left the kitchen. Everyone looked at Hermione, who just shrugged and turned back to Ginny, who was currently admiring the necklace that was around Hermione’s neck. Everyone just filled out their plates with Hermione filling out Harry’s then hers.

Harry made his way into the bedroom, closing the door behind him and called out Flamara. Flamara came out from under the bed as Harry crossed his arms.

“Do you want to tell me what you though you were doing?” Harry asked.

‘He deserves it,’ Flamara said plainly, turning her head away from her master. ‘He betrayed you and has horrible thoughts of Hermione.’ Harry sighed as he rubbed his forehead.

“You cannot go around setting people on fire just because you heard something you don’t like. And you shouldn’t have been listening in on his thoughts in the first place.”

‘He was projecting, loudly,’ Flamara informed, her eyes narrowing into slits. Harry shook his head.

“You still don’t have the right to set him on fire!” Harry reminded. Flamara understood that Harry was really angry with her and tilted her head down.

‘I apologise, I will not do it again,’ Flamara told him.

“Good,” Harry stated. “Now go into my bag. I’ll be making excuses for my leave because I don’t want to stay over tonight, not with the way everyone is looking at me.” Flamara nodded as Harry left the room, heading back down the stairs into the kitchen. When he arrived, he saw Dumbledore stand up and shook his head. “I wanted to apologise but I must leave.” Rina and Hermione shared a look before they looked at Harry.

“Leave?” Molly asked, horrified and Harry nodded.

“I should get home, I still have things to pack up and I’m sure Tina would like to make sure I’m still in one piece,” Harry told them. Rina stood up and moved over to Harry.

“Are you sure?” Rina asked and Harry nodded. She stood to the side as Hermione moved over to him.

“Harry, we should talk,” Dumbledore said.

“No,” Harry told him. Dumbledore just peered at Harry over his glasses with disappointment. A year ago, that would have made Harry feel ashamed but now, not with everything he knew. His life was his own; he was not a weapon to be used against other people.

“Harry,” Molly tried to talk but Harry just lifted his hand and his bag appeared. He strapped one shoulder-strap over his shoulder only to arch an eyebrow when Hermione called for her bag, shouldered it and took Harry’s right hand in his.

“I’m coming with you,” she told him. Harry nodded before he looked at Rina, who winked.

“I’m heading back to Romania with Charlie. I’ll see you later,” she assured him. Harry nodded before he and Hermione disappeared in a crack of blue lightening, startling everyone as they just stared at the empty space, dumbfounded.

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

“Ryan?” Scott shouted. Ryan turned around, confused to who would be shouting his name and grinned when he saw Scott waving madly.

“Hey Scott, what’s up?” Ryan greeted as Scott move closer.

“Just wondering if you had my daughter over here,” Scott teased as Ryan frowned just as Hermione came out of the house with Harry and saw Scott with bewilderment.

“Dad? Mum? What are you doing here?” Hermione asked as she and Harry moved closer. Scott grinned, obviously enjoying that he knew something his daughter didn’t.

“Ryan and I are best friends,” Scott told them. Harry and Hermione jaw dropped open while Ryan grinned, now getting what Scott had teasing him about. “And Ryan just lives down the street from us.”

“Are you serious?” Hermione asked with a mixture of hope and suspiciousness in her eyes. “You’re not having me on or anything like that, are you?” Scott laughed, shaking his head.

“I’m serious sweetheart, Harry will be living just down the road from us,” Scott assured her. Hermione’s face lit up with joy as she spun around to face Harry, who was amused by the situation.

“Harry?” Hermione exclaimed and Harry grinned.

“Who knew that my adoptive father is best friend with your father and my adoptive mother was best friend with my mother? Life really likes to surprise you,” Harry told her. Hermione just threw herself into his arms, pleased with the change before she stood back.

“This means I will be able to see you at Christmas and summers. We don’t have to stay at Hogwarts just to see each other!” she exclaimed, excited. Harry just laughed. Miranda winced.

“I have a feeling our phone bills are going to get higher,” she murmured to her friends and husband, who just chuckled in agreement but they knew they wouldn’t change Harry and Hermione’s excitement for the world.

TBC

Points to anyone who recognises the quote from ‘Rain-man’ from Season 6 of X-Files!

First thing first, I will not be getting Harry and Hermione together straight away. I want to show more of their friendship because that was the main reason I got into Harry Potter. They stood by each other and chose each other over other people. That is a sign of a good friendship and I want to show it through my story. Don’t worry, there will be romance!

For Harry’s new hair cut, refer to Third Year film, I thought it suited him.

Chapter 7: Back to Hogwarts…

Harry sighed as he rested his back against the brick wall of the train station. He was dressed in a pair of jeans and a black hoodie before he reached up and fingered the silver stud in his right ear. He had gotten it pierced a few days ago, wanting to try something different. Then again, he could always blame it on Rina due to her love of Final Fantasy games that had all the main heroes with pierced ears.

He smirked as he remembered the one time Rina had come home to see Hermione was hanging out at their house. Hermione had been scanning the games in the bookcase before she asked Rina who the Final Fantasy games belonged to. Rina had proudly said they were hers. Hermione had promptly bombed the young woman with questions, who did she like, what game did she like the most, what couple did she favour. Rina had hesitatingly told her the answers, knowing that not everyone liked the couples she did but Hermione had been delighted to find another fan of the same couples and both of them had spent the entire day talking about the games, leaving Harry frustrated as he tried to fight a boss battle and deal with their questions.

If only Voldemort was a computer animation, it would be so easy to kill him right there and then and move on with their lives. Well, one could only hope.

Harry lifted his head when he heard someone call his name and smiled when he saw Ginny was running toward him. She had darkened her bright red hair to a darker shade, obviously following her brother in the hair colour direction. She was tanned from being in Romania from the remainder of the summer holidays. She wore a black mini skirt and a white halter top. Harry held out his arms as Ginny jumped into them.

“I missed you over the summer and so did the dragons,” Ginny told him after giving a bone crushing a hug then stepped back. Harry chuckled as he looked down at her.

“You look good too. Bet all the boys will be after you this year,” he teased her and Ginny laughed, flipping her hair over one shoulder.

“Nah, I’ve decided to take a break from dating this year. After everything with Colin and Dean, I thought it would be better not to get involved at the moment,” Ginny explained with a shrug and a devilish grin. “Beside, I think my mother has enough on her plates with her three older boys and relationships.” Harry chuckled as Hermione came up to them. Ginny and Hermione greeted each other with hugs before Hermione asked Ginny about her time in Romania.

Harry rolled his eyes in amusement, looking around to see if anyone else was going to turn up. Ron had already gotten on the train with Dean, Seamus and Neville. Molly and Arthur were currently talking to Hagrid. Tina and Ryan had made sure that Harry had everything before they left him; they needed to get to work.

Looking off to the side, he spotted Luna embracing someone in the corner, in the darkness. He narrowed his eyes as Luna stepped to the side slightly to reveal Draco’s face looking down at her with tenderness. Understanding dawned on Harry as he watched Draco lean down and kiss her once more before he looked back at Hermione and Ginny, making sure that no one had caught them.

Harry waited until Luna and Draco had separated and both of them got on the train before he suggested to the girls that they should get on so they could find a compartment. They agreed and followed him on the train where he found Luna talking with Neville as they looked for a compartment.

“Hey guys,” Harry got their attention and they turned to face him. Neville and Luna smiled when they saw Harry.

“Hey Harry, have a good summer?” Neville asked and Harry grinned.

“It was alright. How was yours?” he asked and Neville blushed slightly as he scratched the back of his head.

“Grandma spent the entire summer telling her friends that I helped you to fight off Death Eaters in the Ministry,” he admitted and Harry nodded. Neville brought up his wand and Harry noticed that it was different from the wand that Neville used to use. “She even let me go to Ollivander’s to get a new wand. This one works better for me.” Harry remembered that Neville used to use his Father’s wand.

“That’s great new Neville,” Hermione said as they walked along the corridor, peering in every now and then to look for an empty compartment.

“How about your summer?” he asked. Harry, Hermione and Ginny shared a look before they looked at Neville.

“Uneventful,” all three of the spoke up together, getting an amused look from Neville and a dreamy smile from Luna as they reached an empty compartment. Hermione, Ginny and Neville went in first. Luna was about to go in after them when she was stopped.

“Luna,” he touched Luna’s arm and she turned to face him. “I want you to arrange a meeting between me and Draco to call a truce.” Luna’s eyes widen in shock before rounding in relief as she reached up and kissed Harry’s cheek and headed into the compartment. Harry followed her in to see Luna was now sitting at the far end of the compartment on the right with Neville in the middle and Ginny sitting close to the door. Hermione sat near the window on the left side with a book in her hands. Harry smiled fondly when he saw this.

Hermione, sensing someone was looking at her, turned her head and saw Harry standing there. She smiled and patted the seat next to her. Harry moved in and sat down next to her. Crookshanks climbed out from under the seat, up onto the seat and into Harry’s lap, where he prodded at Harry’s hand with his cold nose.

Harry just started petting Crookshanks, used to the ritual as the cat always went to him whenever he wanted to be petted and Hermione wasn’t around to do the petting.

“How was your summer, Luna?” Neville asked, looking at the dreamy blonde and got a smile in return.

“My father and I spent most of it out of the country, mostly because he’s worried about Voldemort so we went travelling looking for death fairies,” Luna explained, getting confused looks about the fairies. “Death Fairies are fairies who grant death to those are deemed worthy. If you are not deemed worthy, you will be forced to live out your life until you have been deemed worthy,” she explained, her hand playing with the necklace. “When we came back, I made a new friend and my father went back to his work.” Harry smirked, having a feeling just who her new friend was while the others just nodded, bewildered as ever when it came to Luna.

“How was your summer, Ginny?” Neville turned to face the red head girl, who shrugged.

“I spent most of it in Romania with my brother, Charlie. I’m thinking of becoming a Dragon trainer after I’m graduate Hogwarts,” Ginny told them and Neville nodded.

“I would have thought you would have gone into Quidditch,” Neville commented and Ginny nodded.

“I like playing Quidditch and I might want to do it as a career but right now, I’m exploring my options so I can find something I want to do,” Ginny told him.

“I’m heading into becoming a Dragon Handler,” Harry spoke up, startling them.

“Really?” asked Hermione and Harry nodded. “I thought you wanted to be an Auror.” Harry shrugged.

“I did at the time but seeing how they were late when we were in the Ministry and how the Ministry is acting, I’m not so sure I want to associate myself with the Ministry. Beside, I’m in the middle of fighting Voldemort and his death eaters, I’m not sure if I want to continue that after the war.” Hermione nodded, understanding what Harry was getting at. “How about you two?” he asked, looking at Neville and Luna.

“I’m was thinking about becoming a botanist because I’m really good at Herbology but I might go into medical side of it, to see if there is anything I can do to make certain potions better,” Neville told them before looking down at his hands, “but I’m not really good with potions so…”

“I’ll help you,” Hermione promised. “Beside, didn’t you tell me that you passed your potions exams?” Neville nodded.

“Yeah, but that’s only because Snape wasn’t breathing down my neck,” Neville pointed out, getting nods of agreement.

“Hmm, I don’t know what I want to do just yet. There are many different paths for me so I’ll need to wait and see which one are the best for me,” Luna spoke up in her usual dreamy way. Harry narrowed his eyes at the young girl, he could sense there was something different about her but he couldn’t put his finger on it.

“Does anyone know who the new Defence against the Dark Art teacher is?” Hermione asked, changing the conversation. Neville nodded.

“Umbridge,” he told her. Her grip on her book grew lax causing her book slipped onto her lap as she stared at Neville. Ginny was staring at Neville, stunned while Harry just arched an eyebrow.

“What?!” shouted Hermione, startling everyone. “She should have been fired from her job! I thought she had been run out of Hogwarts!” Neville nodded.

“She had been but Fudge ordered her back because Voldemort has revealed himself to be alive. Fudge wants to make sure Dumbledore doesn’t get the wrong idea of training students to fight Voldemort when the Aurors can take over,” Neville explained. Ginny snorted.

“Where were the Aurors when we were surrounded by Death Eaters in the Ministry?” Ginny reminded. “Beside, it’s his own fault! All he had to do was believe Harry when Harry told him that Voldemort is back. He was the one who stayed in denial therefore he should have been kicked from the Ministry.”

“Oh, that reminds me,” Harry spoke up as he looked at Hermione. “I don’t think you should try and get a job at the ministry.”

“Why?” Hermione asked, startled about the turn-around.

“Rina used to work at the ministry but quit when Fudge offered her a promotion providing she did him sexual favours,” Harry explained. Hermione, Ginny and Neville’s jaw dropped while Luna just shook her head.

“He what?!” gasped Hermione and Harry nodded.

“When he gets fired, who to say that the next person won’t just take what they want from the person?” Harry pointed out and shook his head. “You’re not working for the ministry unless I have done a complete background check on everybody.” Ginny nodded in agreement.

“I don’t even want to think about working for the ministry,” she muttered, still stunned over what her father’s boss had tried to do to Charlie’s girlfriend. She and Rina had gotten close over the summer that Ginny had become to see Rina as her idol and as an older sister that she had always wanted but never got.

Seeing Charlie and Rina together was the reason why Ginny had decided to take a break from dating guys. Rina had studied hard, rarely dating and she found herself picking a good guy for a relationship that started off as friendship and it made Ginny realise that she was going about the wrong way of trying to find a boyfriend. Instead of finding love, just wait until you are ready to receive love. “How was the rest of your summer?” Ginny asked remembering that Harry and Hermione were now living closer to each other since Harry had been adopted by Rina’s parents.

“Brilliant!” Hermione spoke up while Neville and Luna shared a confused look before looking at Harry.

“I recently found out some news things this summer that led me to living with new parents. They are Hermione’s parents’ best friends and they live close to each other so Hermione and I got to see each other during the summer without any restrictions,” Harry explained and Neville smiled while Luna nodded.

“So…where is Ron?” Neville asked, looking about for the red-head that always hung about with Harry and Hermione, who looked at each other before looking at Neville before Harry took a deep breath to tell Neville just what was going on.

Cho Chang sighed to herself as she looked out of the compartment window at the scenery. Roger Davis wasn’t talking to her because she had broken up with him over the summer, infuriating the young man who claimed that he was just a rebound from Harry Potter and cut off all contacts with her. She had spent most of the summer wondering about Harry. She had really liked him and she knew that he liked her but Hermione had gotten in their way.

Cho knew that it wasn’t just Hermione, her friend spilling the beans to Umbridge had been a part of it but Hermione had been an obstacle since they had started dating.

“What are you thinking about?” a voice broke in Cho’s thoughts and she turned to see her friends were looking at her when the brunette smirked, nudging the blonde in the side.

“Betcha she’s thinking about Harry Potter,” she told her and the other girl laughed while Cho rolled her eyes, an amused smile playing on her lips.

“Did you see him when he came on the train? He’s got his ear pierced and his hair is messy,” the blonde fanned herself, “I wouldn’t mind trying him out in the sack.” Cho glared at her friend, who huffed. “Are you planning on asking him out again? Especially he dumped you for his friend?”

“He didn’t dump me!” Cho snapped. “We both thought it would be better if we took a break considering the Umbridge problems.” The brunette nodded.

“And you dated Davis just before school broke out for the summer and Harry took his best friend’s side,” she pointed out before shrugging. “But if you are really sure that Harry will go out with you again, go and find him then and see.”

“You know what, I will,” Cho stood up and strode out of the compartment leaving her friends behind. Cho looked between the different compartment looking for Harry or his friends to let her know where he was when she spotted Ron sitting on one side of the compartment with a smile on his face and knew that Harry would be in the same compartment.

Cho straightened her clothes, making sure that she was looking suitable before she stepped forward and opened the door, startling the occupants. All three boys looked toward her, confusing her when she saw that Harry wasn’t part of the group.

“Oh, sorry,” Cho flushed, “I was looking for Harry.”

“He’s over the next compartment,” Ron pointed with a thumb over his shoulder as an idea came to him. “I’m sure he’ll be glad to see you.” Cho shot him a shy smile as she moved away from the door and down the hallway. Ron just leaned back in his chair while Dean and Seamus looked at him before looking at each other with an unreadable look. They just hoped that they weren’t going to be stuck in the middle of a war between Ron and his imaginary rival.

Cho finally found Harry only to frown when he was talking to Hermione and she was laughing. Even Ginny and Neville were laughing while Luna had an amused smile on her face. A pang of jealous floated through her when she saw Harry reach out and touch Hermione’s hand and wondered once more just what the relationship between Harry and Hermione was. They weren’t dating, despite what Rita Skeeter tried to tell everyone yet…they were close, more than siblings.

Shaking her head, Cho reached out a hand and curled it around the handle, pulling back the door, alerting the people inside the compartment. Everyone but Harry looked as Harry was still saying something to Hermione.

“Harry,” Harry turned to see Cho Chang standing in the doorway. She smiled when she met his eyes and Harry nodded.

“What’s up?” he asked. Cho’s eyes flickered over his shoulder before meeting his once more.

“Could we talk in private?” she asked. Harry hesitated for a moment before nodding. He got up and followed her out of the compartment, down the hallway and into an empty compartment. He allowed her to enter first before following and closing the door behind him. He turned to see Cho was wringing her hands, looking nervous.

“So, what did you want to talk about?” Harry asked, leaning against the door as he waited for his ex-girlfriend, if she could be considered as that as they only dated once and kissed once, to talk.

“I wanted to apologise for my behaviour last year,” Cho spoke up. “I’m sorry about how I reacted to you and Hermione and I’m sorry that my friend betrayed you by telling Umbridge about the DA.” Harry nodded, instinctively knowing that she wasn’t finished. “But I was wondering…could we try our relationship again?” Harry arched an eyebrow. Out of everything that he had expected to come out of her mouth, that was the last thing and it made him wonder if she understood the implications of being in a relationship with him. “I really like you Harry, and I was wrong to ask you about Cedric last year during our date but I promise that I will be more focused on us than the past.”

“No,” Harry told her, softly but honestly. Cho’s eyes widen and Harry sighed. “I used to like you but you went out with me on the rebound. You just wanted to know about Cedric.” He lifted a hand when she opened her mouth, indicating he wasn’t finished. She nodded and closed it. “Things only got worse and I found out some things over the summer Cho. I really liked you but I don’t anymore. Beside, even if we were to date, you would still have a problem with Hermione and she is my best friend. I think it’s clear who I will choose.” Cho stared at him, before she nodded.

“I understand,” she whispered and Harry nodded.

“Look, I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings. It’s the last thing I wanted to do but…I’m not the person for you. Somebody else is.” He shot her a soft smile before he left the compartment, leaving her alone to her thoughts.

Harry made his way into the compartment; Hermione was reading her book while Ginny, Luna and Neville were all discussing what they were planning on doing during the school year. Hermione looked up when she sensed Harry in the doorway and arched an eyebrow. Harry shook his head, silently telling her that he would fill her in later as he sat down next to her once more.

Crookshanks took his place on Harry’s lap once more, purring as Harry ran his fingers through the thick fur. Hermione shot Harry an amused smile before she turned back to her book while Ginny, Neville and Luna returned to what they were doing in the first place while Harry rested the back of his head against the cushion and closed his eyes, allowing the rocking of the train and silence to lull him into a light sleep.

Soon they arrived at Hogwarts. Hermione had woken Harry up in time to let him get changed before they arrived at the station. All five of them shared a carriage together, bumping into Hagrid who greeted them with a wave before leading the first years over to the boats that would take them to Hogwarts. Harry still didn’t get why they made the first years travel by boat at the beginning of term and ride the carriage back at the end of term.

Everyone made their way into the Great Hall, sitting in their usual place while the teachers filled the head table. Harry noticed that Madam Hooch was no longer sitting at the head table and wondered what happened to her. He noticed that Umbridge was sitting in her usual place of the Defence against the Dark Arts seat.

Hushed murmurs started up when they saw their old defence teacher sitting at the head table when Dumbledore stood up, sending everyone into silence as they looked toward him, curious to what he was going to say.

Harry was sitting next to Hermione while Neville was sitting across from them. Ron was sitting a few seats down from them with Dean and Seamus in the middle.

“First, welcome back to Hogwarts. I am glad to see that many of you have return despite the darkness that threatens to over take us all,” Dumbledore greeted with a grandfatherly smile as he looked at his students. “Second, my news is grave. Our beloved teacher, Madam Hooch, had been killed over the summer. She had suffered a heart attack and unfortunately our hospital was unable to save her in time so our new Quidditch coach and teacher will be Oliver Wood, who had agreed to return this year to take over her position.” Oliver Wood came out from the doors behind the Great Hall and stood behind the empty chair.

His old Quidditch team stood up and cheered pleased to see him back. Oliver just smiled as he gave them a wave before sitting down. The gang sat down while the girls murmured to each other over how hot their new teacher was. Even Ginny was currently eyeing the older man before one of her friends nudged her in the side, bringing her back to reality as Dumbledore continued speaking.

“Of course, our Defence against the Dark arts teacher is Professor Umbridge. She had agreed to come back again this year despite last year unfortunate events,” Dumbledore told everyone. Umbridge stood up stiffly only to flush out of embarrassment and anger as no-one clapped for her return. Scowling, she sat down with a huff as Dumbledore looked toward the students once more. “Now, we will bring in the first year students to be sorted.”

The doors opened to reveal Professor McGonagall standing there with a group of kids behind her looking nervous. Professor McGonagall led the way over to the small stool where the Sorting Hat sat. Upon nearing the stool, the sorting hat shifted before a mouth was form and it began its yearly song.

As a new year begins

A new era begins

The darkness has now started

Will end in light

However

As friends are made enemies

And enemies are made friends

You must realise

While the light will win

They will walk the darkness

The truth you seek

Will be revealed in time

However do not let the lies

Cloud your eyes

So hope I put you in the right house

Before it is too late

To rejoice for a new beginning

Harry and Hermione shared a look before they looked at Dumbledore who was peering at the hat with a curious look before he looked at them then looked at Professor McGonagall and gave her a nod. Professor McGonagall turned to the students and pulled out a roll of parchment, unrolling it before she called out each person’s name to be sorted.

Once they had been sorted, Dumbledore stood up once more as Professor McGonagall handed the hat and stool over to Filch, who left the Great Hall with them, and made her way over to her seat at the Head Table.

“Welcome students to a brand new year of Hogwarts. First, I must refresh your minds of the rules. The forbidden forest is still forbidden as well as any products that belong to the Weasley’s brothers. For more information, the list is available in Mr. Filch room for anyone who wishes to follow the rules.” There were some snickers from the older students while the younger students were confused. “Now,” Dumbledore spread his arms out with a grand-fatherly smile, “We feast!” he clapped his hands and to the first year students’ amazement, the food appeared on the table.

Everyone reached in and started filling their plates while Dean looked over at Harry and Hermione and gave them a nod.

“Hey, glad to see you back this year,” Dean told Harry. “Are you playing Quidditch this year?” Harry shrugged, obviously hadn’t thought about his ban from Quidditch over the summer.

“I don’t know. Since Umbridge was the one who ban me, she could possibly still hold that against me,” Harry explained and Seamus frowned.

“Actually, Umbridge didn’t have the right to ban you at all last year,” Seamus spoke up. “I talked to some of my ma’s lawyer friends who are magical. They said that as Umbridge isn’t on the Quidditch board, she doesn’t have the power to say who is banned from playing Quidditch for life. I’m sure Professor McGonagall will have contacted the Quidditch board to make sure that the correct procedure was used and reinstate you back on the Quidditch team.” Hermione arched an eyebrow impressed.

“Are you planning on becoming a lawyer?” she asked and Seamus flushed, shrugging at the same time.

“I’m not so sure what I want to do just yet,” he admitted and got nods of understandings. Harry had wanted to be an Auror the year before but found himself changing his mind over the summer. That reminded him, he needed to talk to Professor McGonagall to make sure he was going to take the correct classes he needed to become a Dragon Handler.

“Anyway, how was your summer?” Hermione changed the conversation and Seamus rolled his eyes.

“My ma was torn between taking our family out of the country and letting me come back to Hogwarts when the Ministry admitted that You-Know-Who was back. I managed to convince her that I still needed my education and I couldn’t really let a mad-man stand in my way,” Seamus admitted, getting amused chuckles while Dean shook his head.

“I never told my parents about You-Know-Who. I thought it would be best to keep it a secret for the time begin considering he hasn’t done anything to start a war,” Dean admitted and Hermione nodded.

“I know how you feel. I tried to keep my parents in the dark but I had to tell them everything. My dad didn’t want me to come back but he met Harry over the summer and we managed to convince him that Hogwarts is probably the best place for me to be,” Hermione told him and Ginny snorted.

“Sorry, but Harry isn’t really safe here,” Ginny pointed out and Harry nodded in agreement.

“It’s safe for most of the other students, just not me. Apparently I’m very popular with Voldemort. I think he wants to recruit me for his Quidditch team,” Harry joked, causing startled laugher was Neville sprayed his drink over his food. Hermione reached out and slapped Harry on the arm for the joke but Harry could see the smile curving the corners of her lips. Ginny just laughed outright, pleased to see the carefree side of Harry.

While the joking continued among the students’ tables, there were many eyes on Harry. Dumbledore was plotting to try and get Harry to open up to him, to reveal what he had learned over the summer. Umbridge was planning on getting her revenge for the horrible trick the Granger girl had played on her before the summer and getting Harry in trouble was just a bonus for her. Oliver was watching Harry, pleased to see Harry laughing and joking with his classmate. He had kept up with the news and had believed Harry straight away when Harry told everyone that Voldemort was back. He was just glad to be back at Hogwarts. McGonagall was watching Harry, planning on talking to him as soon as possible. There were a lot of things they needed to sort out.

Soon dinner was over and the students began to file out of the Great Hall and toward their common rooms where they would retire for the night. The first years were being lead by the sixth year prefects. Harry was helping Hermione herd the first years when Hermione spotted something out of the corner of her eye.

Turning her head, Hermione narrowed her eyes as she watched Luna reach out and touch Draco the arm. Draco looked down at Luna with an unreadable expression as she said something to him before he gave her a short nod and pulled away from her. Luna watched as Draco walked away before she turned in the other direction, following her classmates to her Common Room.

Hermione frowned, confused by the exchange before shaking her head. Walking on, she caught up with Harry before remembering that Draco hadn’t bothered them on the train. With that in mind, she wondered just what other changes will occur during the year.

Upon reaching the common room, the girls and boys disappeared up to their dormitory while Harry and Hermione sat down on their usual couch. Hermione picked up her books from the couch where she had asked Dobby to place them for her.

“What did Cho want?” Hermione asked and Harry sighed.

“She wanted to know if we could try our relationship again,” Harry told her and Hermione’s eyebrows shot up. She placed her books on the table and shifted so Harry had her full attention.

“And?” she urged. Harry brought his head down and looked at her.

“And nothing,” he told her, startling his best friend. “I told her that my feelings for her have changed and that I found out a lot of things over the summer. Beside, she had a problem with you and I can’t be with someone who has a problem with you.”

“Harry,” Hermione reached out and placed a hand on his arm. “A lot of the girls you’ll date will have a problem with me. Most girls can’t handle that you are close to another girl.” Harry shrugged.

“Then I’ll just have to find someone who will,” Harry told her. “You’re my best friend, Hermione, and the one person who stuck by my side. If the girls can’t cope that I won’t give you up because they are insecure, then that’s their problems. I shouldn’t have to give up anyone for them to be happy, that isn’t a relationship, that’s control.” Hermione tilted her head a little.

“You’ve thought about it a lot, haven’t you?” Hermione asked and Harry chuckled.

“Rina, the girl is so nosey when it comes to me. She spent the entire summer asking me about my girlfriends and such. When I told her about Cho and what broke us up in the end, she pointed out that Cho was obviously in a fragile state over losing her boyfriend the year before and seeing another boyfriend who seemed to put his best friend first over her was probably the tip of the iceberg. She warned me that I shouldn’t have to give up anyone for someone else because a friendship is the important thing unless of course you started being demanding and trying to interfere in my relationship, I should rethink about the friendship.”

Hermione nodded, understanding.

“Rina’s right,” Hermione told him, startling Harry. “Viktor Krum was the same when I was semi-dating him. He wanted to know everything about me but whenever I tried to talk about you, he got annoyed and angry with me. That was the reason why I broke the relationship off and why we decided to stay as friend. He just didn’t understand why I put my friendship first. I had a long talk with him, especially after the last task and told him that I needed to focus on you rather than a relationship.”

“How did he take it?” Harry asked remembering Viktor corning him to ask him what his relationship with Hermione was.

“At first he had been upset before understanding. We parted with the promise to keep our friendship by writing to each other but because of everything that had happened, he had suggested that we put off writing until everything had settled down a bit.” Harry was about to say something when Dobby appeared in front of them.

“Dobby?” greeted Harry and Dobby bowed his head before looking at Harry.

“Dobby is sorry to interrupt but a Miss Luna would like to see you,” Dobby told him and Harry nodded.

“Thanks Dobby, I hope you had a nice summer,” he told him and Dobby blushed.

“Dobby had a nice summer, thank you Master Harry,” Dobby told him before he disappeared with a crack. Harry stood up, stretching his arms before he looked down at his curious best friend.

“Will you still be here when I get back?” he asked and got a smile in return.

“Have I ever left you?” she asked and got chuckles of amusement as Harry left the common room.

Harry made his way through the hallways, reaching the classroom he had asked Luna to arrange the meeting between him and Draco in. Entering the classroom, he closed the door behind him and turned around to see Draco was pacing the middle of the room. Draco turned to see Harry entering the room and arched an eyebrow, curious to why his rival would want to speak to him.

“So, why did you want to see me?” Draco asked as he leaned against the wall, crossing his arms over his chest.

“Because of something I found out during the summer,” Harry told him. Draco tilted his head slightly. “Someone told me that there were people who were pretending to be my friends when they were enemies and people who I thought were enemies were actually my friends.”

“And you think I’m one?” Draco asked. Harry shrugged as he walked closer.

“Because you were mentioned in Sirius’ will and Sirius wouldn’t do that unless there was something he knew that the rest of us didn’t,” Harry told him.

“I heard the man wasn’t exactly sane when he left Azkaban, maybe you shouldn’t be placing your faith in a man like him,” Draco pointed out and Harry glared at him.

“Tell me, are you on Voldemort’s side or are you pretending to keep your father happy?” Harry asked. Draco just stared at him before he sighed.

“Like hell I’m on that two-faced liar side,” Draco muttered. “You really think I wouldn’t find out that he was actually a half-blood pretending to be a full blood just because his father had abandoned him and his mother when he found out that she was pregnant?” Harry smirked.

“Yeah, just you wait until you’ve heard what I found out about Tom Riddle before he became Voldemort. Looks like a lot of people had a helping hand in turning him out to be the person we know of today,” Harry told him.

“Does this mean we have a truce? I can’t insult you or the bookworm or the weasel again?” Draco asked and Harry shrugged.

“You can say whatever you want about me and Ron but keep Hermione out of it. I won’t hear anyone saying a bad thing about her. She stood by me when everyone else turned against me. That is the type of friendship you can’t judge on,” Harry warned him. Draco smirked.

“Looks like Luna were right,” Draco murmured mostly to himself before he held out his hand. Harry took Draco’s hand and they both shook on it. “So, what do we do with the newfound friendship? Have a sleepover?” Harry rolled his eyes.

“Only if you have a problem sleeping by yourself, Malfoy,” Harry retorted and got a smirk as a result. “I need you to be my eyes and ears among Slytherin. I know that some of them have paired up with Voldemort and I also know that some members of the other houses have done the same thing but I need names and I need to know the reason why they joined.” Draco arched an eyebrow.

“Well, you’re seemed to be going on a different track from Dumbledore,” Draco told him and Harry nodded.

“Dumbledore likes to believe they can be saved from the dark side but you and I both know that there is only one way to stop them and that is to kill them. Your father likes to pretend that he was under the imperious when we both know that he joined of his own free will,” Harry pointed out. “If we truly want to be rid of Voldemort and to stop the corruption that allowed Tom Riddle to rise as Voldemort in the first place, we need to strike at the heart and cut off the head while burning it to prevent a new head from breaking free.” Draco whistled.

“Count me in Potter. The world is already going to the dogs with the way the Ministry is stuffing everything up. If you can salvage a part of this world, then it’ll be worth it in the end.”

“Good. Use Luna as a messenger as the school knows she is friends with us so they won’t be suspicious about her speaking with me and keep insulting me in public. It wouldn’t do much for your popularity if you were to start acting nice toward me.” Harry smirked while Draco rolled his eyes.

“But keep my mouth shut regarding any insults about the bookworm, right?” Draco guessed the hidden threat perfectly and Harry nodded. “Fine, I guess I can keep my tongue civil around her but what about her getting suspicious, she’s a smart cookie.”

“I know which is why I will be explaining everything to her when I get the chance. I need more information before I go any further with it, especially regarding Tom Riddle. I don’t believe that he became Voldemort all by himself,” Harry told him. There was a knock at the door and Harry looked over his shoulder before looking at Draco. “That’s Luna, I told her to come by after 15 minutes so we are not caught. We’ll talk later.” Draco nodded before slipping out of the room.
Harry waited five more minutes before he slipped out of the classroom, looking around to make sure that he was alone and hurried down the hallway as fast as he could until he was far enough away from the classroom to resume walking normally. While he was walking, he thought about everything he had learned over the summer and about what had pushed Tom Riddle over the edge. There had to be more regarding the rivalry between Slytherin and Gryffindor. Harry wasn’t a history fan but he had done his research and found that Slytherin and Gryffindor had been best friends so obviously down the line, the history had become muddled.

“Ah, Mr. Potter! There you are,” Professor McGonagall’s voice cut into Harry’s thoughts. He turned around to see his teacher walking over to him.

“Professor McGonagall, you were looking for me?” he asked and she nodded.

“Follow me please,” she told him, turning around and leading him through the hallways until they reached her office. She opened the door and allowed Harry to go in first before she entered after him, closing the door behind her.

Harry sat down on the chair while McGonagall rounded her desk to sit down on her chair. “I have thought about this long and hard and after talking it over with some of the teachers, we have decided that you would make a better sixth year prefect.” She handed Harry the badge that Ron had the year before. Harry stared at the badge in confusion before he looked at his teacher.

“Why?” he asked and McGonagall sighed.

“Because you were meant to have it last year,” she told him. “Professor Dumbledore insisted that you weren’t to have it because you had too much problems on your shoulder so I went against my gut instincts. Seeing you last year told me that I should have gone with my gut instincts rather than giving Mr. Weasley the badge, he had done a very pathetic job of it last year and his grades reinforced it in me that he was a poor choice to have given the badge too.” Harry stared at his teacher with wide eyes. Never in his life had he heard his teacher speak so badly of Ron before and it made him wonder just how far Ron was digging a hole for himself. McGonagall sighed as she took in his impression. “We have been keeping an eye on Ron’s grades and ability in classes and he doesn’t apply himself when it comes to his school work or his class work. Everyone else knows if they have a problem, they can come and talk to us teachers but Mr. Weasley doesn’t bother, leaving things to the last minute.”

Harry nodded, understanding where his teacher was going. Even Hermione had complained on more than one occasion that Ron had left the perfecting job up to her and Ron had preferred to copy other people’s homework rather than do the research himself.

“Is that all?” Harry asked as he looked at his teacher and she shook her head.

“No, there’s one more thing. Oliver Wood and I had a talk. I had the same talk with Madam Hooch before her death and both of them said the same thing and I agree with them. We would like you to be the Quidditch Captain for Gryffindor.” Harry stared at his teacher.

“Are you sure? I mean, with Voldemort and being a prefect…” he trailed off as his teacher sighed.

“You know better than anyone that you need to have fun in your life. Voldemort isn’t going anywhere and there will always be a war and death as far as he’s concern but I don’t see why you should put your life on hold just because a mad-man wants you dead,” McGonagall explained. “You are the perfect example of living your life. Even with Voldemort out there, you never let it get to you. You still do your homework, you try and make sure you have fun and you warned everyone ahead of time that Voldemort was back but they were the ones who chose not to listen.” Harry nodded.

“Thank you,” he told her and McGonagall nodded.

“You are dismissed, unless there is something you need to speak to me about.” Harry shook his head before something came back to him.

“Oh, I just wanted to let you know that I changed my mind about my career,” Harry told her and she arched an eyebrow, interested. “I’ve decided I want to become a dragon handler. Being with Charlie in Romania and being around the dragons, it was amazing.”

“I see,” she told him, understanding what Harry wasn’t telling her. “From what I know, you need Potions so you can mix up the correct potions to help dragons whenever they are wounded or ill and Care of Magical Creatures, both of which you have passed your exams in and you have already picked them for your course this year. Would you like to keep your other classes?” Harry thought it over, along with Potions and Care of Magical Creatures, he had taken up Defense against the Dark Arts, something that will prove useful in the final battle against Voldemort, transfiguration, Charms, Herbology and History of Magic. He had dropped Divination, unable to keep it up any longer and he wanted to drop History of Magic but Charlie had explained that knowing the laws regarding the Dragons would be useful in the future. He just wished that Dumbledore would let the poor ghost go into retirement and bring someone else in.

“Yes, my other classes are fine except for History of Magic. Charlie tells me that it is important regarding the laws but Professor Binns…” Harry trailed off as McGonagall nodded.

“Yes, I have received many complaints that Professor Binns has a habit of putting his students to sleep however, Dumbledore is firm on not letting him go so I suggest you find some way to try and keep yourself awake during his class,” she told him and Harry sighed, nodding as he stood up. “Take this slip,” she handed him a piece of parchment. “If Filch asks you why you were out, hand him this. This will keep you out of any trouble you don’t need.” Harry nodded as he moved over the door when McGonagall stopped him. Looking over his shoulder, he met her grave face. “I know that you and Umbridge have bad blood between you but please, try and not react to her words. I do not want her to make your year worse than last year.” Harry nodded before he left her office, leaving McGonagall to slump into her seat, wishing that she could find something harder to drink.

Harry sighed as he made his way into the common room. He had managed to get back without any trouble and Filch was obviously busy somewhere else as he hadn’t bumped into the sour old man. He saw Hermione curled up on the couch, reading her book and smiled. This was a sight that could always calm him down and bring him back to his senses.

Hermione lifted her head when she heard the portrait door close and smiled when she spotted her best friend standing there.

“Hey, where did you go?” she asked, patting the empty space next to her. Harry moved over and sat down next to Hermione, kicking off his shoes as he went and placed his sock clad feet on the table.

“Luna wanted to speak to me then McGonagall wanted to talk to me,” Harry told her as he placed his head on the backrest and turned to look at her.

“Hm, what for?” she asked, curious.

“Luna found out something and wanted to tell me a few things. McGonagall wanted to talk to me and give me my badges,” Harry told her. Hermione frowned.

“Badges?” she asked and Harry smirked as he nodded.

“I’m now the Gryffindor prefect and Quidditch Captain,” he told her. Hermione’s eyes widen in pure delight.

“Are you serious?” she asked. Harry reached into his pockets and pulled out the badges. Seeing the badges in Harry’s hand proved that he was serious. Hermione let out a squeal of delight and launched herself at her best friend, enveloping him a bone crushing hug. Harry laughed as he hugged her back before she pulled away and took the badges from him before frowning. “What happened to Ron?” she asked and Harry shook his head.

“McGonagall said that Ron’s lack of grades and how he neglected his prefect duties was the reasons why they revoked his badge.” Hermione nodded, understanding. “I also talked to her to tell her about my career change, I’m still keeping the same classes but I have dropped Divination. I wanted to drop History of Magic because Professor Binns is such a bore but Charlie thinks it’s a good lesson to take in order to learn about the laws.” Hermione nodded.

“He’s right but I can see why you wanted to drop it,” she told him.

“Please tell me your secret to staying awake in his class,” Harry begged and Hermione grinned.

“Coffee and lots of it,” she admitted with a shrug as Harry gaped at her. “I always make sure I have strong coffee before I go to the class, it keeps me awake and we always have Defense against the Dark Arts after History of Magic which allows me to burn off the energy.”

“That is amazing and so…sneaky,” he was torn between being in awe over his best friend’s sneakiness and being hurt that she never disclosed her secret to him. It would have saved his bacon so many times when it came to exams. Hermione shrugged.

“You never ask therefore I don’t tell,” she reminded him and got a nod.

“Yeah, yeah, yeah, the old ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ rules,” he muttered sarcastically. Hermione giggled as she rolled her eyes.

“What about Divination?” Hermione asked and Harry shook his head.

“Gave up with it,” he admitted. “Even though the fraud had given us ideas of Voldemort’s impending doom, we never really get to do anything about it in time. Beside, with my secret source, I should be able to stay at least one step ahead of her regarding Voldemort.”

“What classes are you taking?” she asked.

“Herbology, Care of Magical Creatures, Defense against the Dark Arts, Transfiguration, Charms, History of Magic and I have a free period for more studying but I will probably use that for perfecting and quidditch.” Hermione nodded. “How about you? What classes are you taking?”

“Same as you but I’m also taking Ancient Runes,” she told him and Harry nodded as the clock struck to let them know how late it was and Hermione startled herself by yawning. Harry smirked.

“Come on, you need to get some sleep as tomorrow is going to be a busy day. I need some sleep myself,” he told her and Hermione nodded as she closed her book and both of them stood up from the couch, heading over to the stairways that lead the way to the boys and girls’ dormitory. Hermione turned to Harry.

“Night Harry, I’ll see you in the morning,” she reached up and pressed a kiss to his cheek before she climbed the stairs. Harry watched her leave before disappearing through the doors that lead the way to the boys’ dormitory.

Harry made his way into his room that he shared with the other boys. Dean, Seamus, Neville and Ron were already in the room with Dean, Seamus and Neville talking animatedly about something while Ron was listening. They turned to see Harry entering the room with Ron looking away.

“Hey Harry,” Seamus and Dean greeted and Harry gave them a short nod back. “Do you know who the prefect and the Quidditch captain are? Ron said he gave the badge back in hope of getting the Quidditch captain but he hadn’t heard anything,” Dean said.

“I have them,” Harry told them, startling them into silence. Ron stared at Harry with an unreadable expression while the other three boys cheered, congratulating Harry.

“Yeah, we are so going to win the cup this year,” Dean and Seamus exchanged high fives.

“Why would McGonagall give you both badges?” Ron asked his voice quiet and Harry shrugged.

“She said that you turned down the badge so she gave it to me. For the Quidditch badge, she had spoken to Madam Hooch and Oliver Wood to find out their suggestions and apparently they picked me to be the captain,” Harry explained, sitting on his bed. “I don’t have to do a lot of perfecting because of being the Quidditch captain though. I just have to make sure I take points off anyone who are causing trouble when I see them and make my rounds with Hermione. Hermione will be doing more as she has everything all sorted out for the other prefects.”

“Bet Hermione was delighted,” Dean nudged Seamus in the side and Harry grinned.

“Yeah, she was. Gave me her usual bone-crushing hug,” Harry told them and got laughers in return. Ron just closed his drapes, cutting them out. All three of them looked toward the bed before they looked at each other, sighing.

“We should get to bed, we have to get up early tomorrow,” Neville suggested and got nods of agreement. All four boys made their way into the bathroom to wash up and brush their teeth before answering the call of nature then headed back into their rooms to get changed into P.J.

Once the other boys were settled in their beds and were sleeping, Harry climbed out of his bed and picked up his bag, heading over to the door as he opened it. Flamara poked her head out from the bag, looking up at her master. Harry pulled her out of his bag, dropping the bag onto the ground as he reached the door.

Harry opened his door and allowed Flamara to sneak out before he knelt down to her level.

“You know the rules, stay in the shadows and no flaming someone because they thought or said something you didn’t like,” he warned her. Flamara just rolled her eyes in amusement before she slinked off into the darkness. Harry watched her go before he closed the door and climbed into his bed.

The cool sheets and pillows lulled Harry into a peaceful sleep for once, hoping that the rest of the year will not end badly like it did the last year.

TBC

Just to let you know – I’m taking a hiatus from Harry Potter forum at the moment. I apologise to everyone for this. I am taking this break because I have found that my interest in Harry Potter has dwindled for the last few months. I just haven’t felt the need to write stories/chapters regarding Harry Potter. I am hoping by taking a hiatus from the forum, I will get back into writing for Harry Potter but right now, don’t hold you breath. Again, I apologise but at least I didn’t leave it on a cliff-hanger!eHe Hekk