Chapter 1: The Man in the Woods


After settling in the tent that the Weasleys had prepared for the Quidditch World Cup, Harry found that his curiosity had pecked. With a strategic glace at Ron then a knowing look in return, he had some certainty Ron felt the same. The twins automatically queued onto Ron and Harry's hints and proudly proceeded to confirm their thoughts.

"Thinking up some trouble, are we?" Their unison voices enquired,

Ron, taken by surprised, glared back at his brothers, "Like you're not thinking the same!"

The twins briefly looked at the other smirking and muttered, "Naturally,"
"But imagen how mum would react…" George began,
"If she found out two got lost," Fred Finished.
Once again the twins the glanced at each other, this time only just holding back their laughter.
"Or if you lost Harry!" They both loudly giggled,
"She'd have a heart attack!" Fred mused,
"How can we keep him save if you can't find him!?" George chimed with a poor representation of their mother's voice.

Ron was finished with his teasing brothers, "Harry is not a sheep! If he wants to explore, then he should!"

Just then Hermione interrupted them, "I should remind you all that your mother is very busy preparing for the game so anyone who risks taking a wander without her knowledge does it at their own peril,"

The four looked at her aware that she had stated the obvious, despite being unaware of it when plans crossed their minds.

Ron stubbornly spoke up, "Well, I guess harry and I will make her aware of our trip,"

The twins snorted as their unspoken way of saying, good luck with that. Ron was now determined so he confidently got up and walked over to the far end of the tent where Molly was preparing some snacks for the game.

"Mum," He moaned,

"Yes dear?" She answered,

After a deep breath he cautiously asked, "Since its Harry's first time to these sorts of things I was thinking about taking him out for a little wander, to… ah- show him around a bit,"

Molly straightened her posture a little and turned to look at harry with a little glint of sympathy in her eye. She took a deep sigh then turned back to her task.
"Sorry but your father was a bit vague about the match's start time and I've already sent Ginny to get supplies, it would be such a hassle to round you up if you all when walk about," Was her response.

Ron stumbled back to the group of teens, deterred but not yet defeated. The twins looked around knowingly, highly amused by their youngest brother's stubbornness. On the other hand, Hermione pinned down Ron with her glare knowing that if Harry and Ron left the tent, she would have to follow.

Ron looked at Harry who peered back at Molly and confirmed that she was occupied enough to sneak out. They carefully made their way to the entrance of the tent then looked back at the others one last time. Hermione rolled her eyes and reluctantly made her way over to join the two.

Ron peered at his brothers and mouthed, "So are you coming?"

To which the twins answered, "I wonder when Ginny will get back?" basically translating to, "We can't wait to see you get told off,"

After a quiet huff from Ron, the three left.


Hemione walked behind Ron and Harry making no hesitation when she voiced how stupid she thought they were being. Harry didn't mind her remarks, he was enjoying the thrill of exploring the campsite. There were quite a few people pacing the walkways selling snacks and sweets. Every so often they would pass a tent offering a plate of some exotic dish originating from some unheard wizarding culture. Naturally, there more than a few people proclaiming the odds for the winning quidditch team and taking in people's bets. Sometimes someone would be trying to sell off some items they no longer needed and from the looks of things, there were some fascinating objects up for sale.

Ron suddenly stopped and stood ridged as a stick. His mouth gaped open while his hand thoughtlessly pointed at a pavilion partly hidden ahead. It was mostly a deep forest green shade; seemly unimportant looking if it weren't for the overwhelmingly vibrant, geometric embroidery which resembled some sort of swampy jungle landscape. Hermione stepped forward grinning excitedly and Harry simply looked at the tent slightly confused about the fuss.

"Oh- god!" Ron finally managed to voice,

"What? I don't get it? Is it some famous quidditch team's tent?" Harry asked,

Hermione seized her opportunity to show off her vast knowledge, "No, the embroidery on the pavilion is only found in one culture, no wizards know how to replicate it," She began to explain, "See, I was reading a book about objects and creatures that defy the magical laws and there was a brief page about them…"

Harry cut her off, "About what?"

Ron continued to nervously eye the tent and only stated, "Monsters,"

Hermione rolled her eyes, "That's very melodramatic Ron, the book was very certain that those creatures are highly intelligent; even said that wizards struggle to study them because they always study wizards,"

"Rubbish," Ron spat out,

Harry, still confused, tried to clarify what they were saying, "Okay but what actually are they?"

"Kyoutoton," Hermione calmly answered, "At least that's what they called themselves, wizards and muggles have trouble comprehending them,"

Ron suddenly broke eye contact with the tent, "Look I don't what that book said, they are dangerous things; basically, eat anything that has flesh including themselves,"

"The book may have mentioned their cannibalistic tendencies," Hermione admitted,

Harry was now more curious about the creatures, "What about them is so bad? If they're intelligent you could probably talk your way out of a bad situation,"

Hermione excitement perked once again provoking a whiny explanation from Ron, "Look here, those things are bad and I mean bad; all over the world they take young wizards and muggles alike and then drag them back to where ever they come from, never to be seen again," He took a deep breath before justifying his feelings, "I'd know, every so often they'd sent us dolls of Fred and George but the dolls would merged together in some way, utterly creepy; Dad said it had something to do with Gemini Magic which he described as the most selfish of dark magic,"

Understanding the seriousness in Ron's tone, Harry let him be and turned to Hermione to ask his final question, "Then what about them makes them defy the Magical Laws?"

"The book didn't bother to explain," Hermione disappointingly admitted

"Well, why don't we take a closer look?" Harry suggested, fully aware that Ron would be against the idea, he also added, "The creature is probably busy preparing to study the game, that's most likely the reason it's even here,"

Hermione sheepishly confessed her desire to investigate, "The book said it's extremely rare to meet one so it would be a missed opportunity to not even try,"

Feeling that he was out numbered, Ron briefly considered leaving the two and going elsewhere. Then a mental image of his mother yelling at him for losing the two while Fred and George laughed in the background came into his mind and he quickly dismissed the idea.

"Fine," Ron said, "I'll come,"

Hermione was enthralled while Harry was excited by the idea of adventure, leaving Ron to wonder if leaving their tent was a clever idea at all.


Currently standing about five feet from the pavilion's entrance, the three stared at the tent taken completely by surprise. If the sign from outside was correct, then the owner was current clearing out some unwanted items making the pavilion more of a pop-up shop. However, as the sign directed them inside the pavilion, the three felt suspicious towards the honestly of the pavilion's owner.

Harry relaxed himself and said, "Well, it's rare to meet one of these creatures so why not have a chat? Besides we've got our wands, we should be fine,"

Hermione recognised the opportunity before her, "Well, I could ask some questions that the book couldn't answer," She glanced hopefully at Ron, "And maybe Ron could find out why his brothers were given those strange dolls,"

Ron stiffened but Harry ignored him and proceeded to enter. Hermione promptly followed while Ron nervously staggered behind only to keep up with the two if trouble came.

Once inside they were greeted with a slightly humorous spectacle. Within the vast auditorium space, they found none other than Lucius Malfoy conversing with what Harry assumed was a very slender woman who had an accent thick as tar.

"Perhaps reconsider, I would even suggest an opinion that…" Lucius was curtly cut off when the woman raised her hand,

"Chus Ruthcisus, elm uwell aware ob chuuor disyire," Was her response,

Ron leaned over to harry and whispered, "Do you have any idea what she said?"

"Not the faintest," Harry confessed,

Suddenly the woman turned to the three and welcomed them. Harry finally got a good look at her and slowly realised she was nothing like a woman or a human. Their proportions were just off but in minuscule ways. Their neck was just a bit too long and their head could swivel around like an owl's. As it stood next to Lucius he realised that the top Lucius's head sat about an inch below the creature's shoulder. Harry also had trouble with its eyes like his mind refused him to see them, as if nothing was even there. He was sure it had eyes because he could feel them look at him.

"Purlese! Have uh rook ireround," It warmly told them,

Hermione was first to move, interpreting the creature's remark as an invitation see what it was selling, Harry and Ron simply followed her lead. Most of the items on offer were things that the three had no idea what they were even for, including Hermione, they just looked like shiny brass trinkets that Dumbledore would have stored in his office.

Ron surveyed the room then muttered so only harry could hear, "You know, I was so distracted by the thing that I completely ignored how strange Draco's dad looks,"

Wondering what Ron was talking about he quickly peered over his shoulder and noted that Lucius wasn't wearing his usual get up. He was surprisingly sporting a gryffindor red ensemble including a draping silk robe with pleats that fell from his waist like a burgundy stream, Stiff black dress pants, a waistcoat better described as a corset considering how close it was tailored to him and the most ruffled shirt he had ever seen. His hair was no less extravagant consisting of thin braids, ringlet curls, gemstone pins and a velvet bow resulting in an over complicated looking pony tail. Briefly harry pondered the number of charms Lucius would had needed to sustain to whole look, too many was his conclusion.

Harry drew his attention back to Ron, "You're right, I hadn't even noticed, he sure went all out,"

Ron raised his eye brows and grinned, "Do you think Fred and George will believe us when we tell them,"

Harry smiled back at Ron, "Even if they don't they'll still laugh at the idea,"

Suddenly Hermione had enthusiastically called out causing them to rush to her direction. She stood next to a large glittering fire coloured bird perched on a marble stand. Harry assumed it was a phoenix but the bird looked nothing like Fawlks, it held better resemblance to a peacock but on a much larger scale and more elegant ruffled tail feathers.

Hermione's calls also drew the attention of Lucius and the creature as they too joined to see what the excitement was about. The Creature proudly looked up to their bird and fed it some sort of nut.

Lucius stared in awe and asked, "I believe that is a Marathapelian Paradise Phoenix, right?"

"Chus, he broke his wing, could not fly coming season," The creature's answer was understandable but had lost its previous fluency.

"Such a shame for a gorgeous creature," Lucius dreamily sighed, causing Ron to force back a giggle.

Hermione excited by this new knowledge quickly pried for more information, "Marathapelian Paradise Phoenix? I've never heard of them,"

Wincing the lack of horrific form the mug-blood but not wanting to seem rude to their host, Lucius indulged Hermione's curiosity, "Obliviously they are an extremely rare breed of Phoenix, not much is known of them except that, like our host, they do not originate from this dimension and rather than bursting into flames and being reborn from ashes, they instead breathe fire,"

Then the Creature spoke as to fill the gaps in Lucius's answer, "They born on Marthapelia, raise their young until flee and join stars," They briefly paused as the bird leaned to its tail feathers and plucked a budding feather like it was bothering him. The Creature snatched it from the bird's break then examined it while they continued their explanation, "Tis bird intended to join siblings to continue blaze of what apparently is sun,"

Hermione was fascinated with the new knowledge, she quickly glanced at the boys standing to her side. Harry looked very excited about it all whereas Ron was seemly confused and dumbfounded.

Hermione looked to the creature and asked, "Do know where Marthapelia is?"

They smiled in return, "Chus, the centre,"

"Of where?" Hermione tried to clarify,

"The universe," Lucius plainly explained, "It is in the centre of the space between dimensions and considering no matter what dimensions you have or how many, the space between them remains the same; Means it is the centre the of space that exist between all of the dimension therefore exists as the centre as no dimension sits as the centre,"

This caused the three to look up at him completely baffled, Lucius sighed, "You don't have to comprehend it, just briefly believe it,"

"That's amazing, Mr Malfoy!" Hermione exclaimed, "How did learn about all of this?"

Lucius, now contempt that she had finally shown somewhat respect to him, casually stated, "Mostly from my old side father,"

He then finished the conversation by abruptly turning on his heels then addressing the creature, "Now seeing as I cannot agree to your condition nor sway your feelings, I suppose I shall leave empty handed?"

The Creature didn't bother to look at Lucius and only uttered, "Indeed,"

With that he strode away to leave only to stop on impulse. His head turned and eyed the three of them, especially harry, and muttered "I confess it is unsettling that in your fourth year, you look exactly the same as…" He paused, aware that Harry now had his full attention, then continued to leave as if he said nothing at all.


Then the creature gave the trio their full hospitality, almost as if the three never interrupted whatever conversation they and Lucius were having. They even offered the three tea, coffee or hot chocolate. Before Ron could breathe an objection, the four were seated in overly plush silk sofas exchanging small talk. The conversation, as it always tends to, became a discussion about Hogwarts. While Hermione ranted about the supposedly limited subjects to take, the creature had unreadable expression on their face. Their false indifference started to nip at harry curiosity, his instinct was certain the creature knew a lot about Hogwarts but in what sense? Gradually, his theories became wilder and intriguing the more he nursed them. Once sufficiently in awe of his ideas, harry went on to pry for some hints.

"So, you seem quite familiar about Hogwarts, did you stay in Hogsmed for a bit?"

The creature responded with a wicked grin, "Hmm," they hummed, like they themselves were musing with some wild ideas, "Not quite… I was mentor… for a time however…" They trail off. Harry was under the impression that the creature wanted to them in suspense rather than hide the truth.

"You were a teacher? At Hogwarts?!" Hermione interjected.

"Chus, had many fascinating students, some with wonderful charm," They spoke with slight whimsy.

Ron remained silent at this continuing to fiddle with his clothe seams, probably wondering why Dumbledore would let such a thing into the supposedly safest castle.

Harry tried for another pry, "I'm sorry, but you make it sound like something happened?"

The creature briefly glared at nothing, "An out falling, in short not trusted and banished,"

Harry and Hermione broke their eye contact with the creature. The creature's tone made it clear nothing more was going to be explained. Harry however, had a feeling that the creature wanted something from them, most likely to do with Hogwarts.

The creature stretched then relaxed, "Perhaps favours for favours?" they began, "Er fun game indeed,"

Ron quietly huffed and Hermione couldn't deny the suggestion sounded a little odd. Although Harry had a feeling that things were about to get interesting.

The creature turned itself to Hermione first and gave her the phoenix feather from earlier and then explained with surprisingly clear definition, "Anyone who distracts Ruthcisus has done me a favour,"

Hermione took the feather in awe. She had no idea what to use it for but it was beautiful nonetheless.

The Creature moved its attention back to Harry, "I'm urware of chour story, perhaps may help," They presented him with two sapphire coloured crystal pendulums, both were frosted and glittery except one was maybe just darker in colour. Ron eyes widened and hemione excitedly leaned in closer to get a better look at them. Harry was confused by the gesture figuring the crystal had some magical property he was unware of.

"Thorton's crystals, invented by a wizard called Elliot Thorton," Hermione deduced, "He made them so that if he parted ways with his wife during the war at the time, they would find their back to each other,"

"Something like that could keep you in touch with Sirius," Ron admitted, "You'd just have to send one to him and you'd be inseparable,"

A sharp clip noise came from the creature and everyone suddenly had their attention on them.

"Favour for favours," The creature teasingly uttered before flicking out a letter from their pocket and presenting it before the three. It was addressed to the Hogwarts headmaster.

Harry glanced at the other two, Hermione's expression was masked but he knew she was concerned, whereas Ron's face had completely paled while his features strained in dread.

The Creature merely explained that bridges of the past needed fixing. For a moment, the situation seemed black and white so harry almost took the letter, until Hermione grabbed his sleeve.

"Harry," Hermione quietly exclaimed, "Anything, literally anything could be written in it!"

Harry knew she had a point but as his eyes wandered back to the pendulums, he was overcome with a need for companionship. The crystals could help him see Sirius, the closet man he's had to family. He averted his glazed to Ron, who was staring at him as if he was mad to consider the offer.

"Are you sure nothing in that letter will harm the students of Hogwarts?" Harry sternly asked.

The creature remained calm like there was no problem, "adamant," it replied.

Harry gave in, "Alright… favours for favours then…"

The creature gave him the two pendulums. Then leaned in and whispered so only Harry could hear, with perfect pronunciation, "I'm rather gifted in knowing when people don't follow through," Then handed the letter to harry.

"Well that was a nice chat," Ron awkwardly announced before promptly leaving, Forcing Harry and Hermione to apologise profusely as they quickly followed him.
_

Ron stormed away from the pavilion making Harry and Hermione chase after him.

"Ron, wait!" Hermione exclaimed.

Ron stopped dead in his tracks and turned to face them, "Mad! That's what that was! Mad!"

"Oh- come on! It might not even be that bad!" Hermione pleaded, "You're over-reacting,"

Ron rolled his eyes, "If anything you're under reacting! Two rocks for endangering Hogwarts?"

"He said that was just an attempt to make amends," Harry interjected, "Besides if it's not safe, then Dumbledore will know, he's good at that kind of thing,"

Ron clenched his mouth shut knowing that protesting to that statement would be an insult to Dumbledore. Instead he chose to storm off again. Hermione let out a strained sigh and told Harry she'd sort him out then chased after him, leaving harry on his own.

Feeling awkward standing the same place after the scene Ron had caused, Harry aimlessly wandered away. Eventually, he found himself walking in a patch of thick bush near by the campsite. Grateful he was by himself, he could think some things over. He took out the two pendulums and fiddled with them in each hand. He found himself fonder of the darker and decided to wear it, then continued to fiddle with the brighter glittery crystal.

After some time, he heard a loud snap from behind causing him to pull out his wand and whip around. Before him was a man, looking probably in his late 20s early 30s, with pale skin and sharp aristocratic features typical of pure-blood families. He had neat coffee brown fell in waves finishing over his ears. However, His icy blue eyes were locked onto Harry's. He felt completely different to any wizard he met, he was powerful, fiery and uniquely confident. He threw up his hands calmly showing no ill intent.

Harry embarrassedly shoved his wand back up his sleeve, "I'm so sorry sir, I didn't expect any one hear," He uttered.

"It's fine lad, strange times after all…" The man glanced his clothes, "The muggles must have gotten to you, it's pretty isolating hiding like that,"

Confused about what he meant Harry just sheepishly smiled, "Yeah,"

The man, who was at total ease, briefly hummed to himself before continuing, "Well, you can't ignore magic, eventually it starts itching at you, partly why I'm here, throw a few spells…" He looked at him with gleam in his eyes and enthusiastically smiled. "How about it?" He asked.

Harry was taken back by his attitude. He didn't have the faintest idea about what the man was hinting at.

"A duel, son," The man clarified.

"Ahhh… right," Harry said, "Alright then…" He agreed, only because wasn't sure what else to do.

Then man gestured for him to follow as they went over to more even ground. The man flicked out his wand and took his stance, Harry followed suit but not nearly as elegant.

"Well, always begin with a bow," He recited as he bowed. Harry responded with a bow too. "Now, don't look so pale, I have no intention of hurting a magical boy," He assured Harry.

The Man was the first to cast and Harry was fast to repel it. The man picked up onto it and quickened his casting pace. The duel became intense from there on. With each exchange the spells getting more advance. Harry had to really think about what he was casting at him. The man had a knack for turning things to his favour. They both began to lose stamina so in an attempted to end it, they both simultaneously threw a spell. Harry chose what he considered his best spell then briefly wondered if the other had shot an unspeakable. Their spells smashed into the other and pushed hard against the other, creating a blatant stalemate. Much to Harry's relief the other pulled back allowing him to stop casting.

The man chuckled between pants while Harry was just panting and awkwardly watching him wondering what had happened between them.

The Man wandered up to Harry and with a thump, placed his hand on Harry's shoulder before shaking him a little. "Oh- I haven't broken a sweat like that in years," He admitted, "Impressive magic,"

"Thank you, sir," Harry muttered,

"Oh, don't called me that, Gaunt… Mr Gaunt," The man happily extended his hand to harry.

Harry, smiling a little, shook it, "Mr Gaunt, I'm Harry,"

"Harrison! You must be a Hogwarts boy," He started to inquire.

"Ah yeah, just starting fourth year," Harry informed him.

"Yes… a Slytherin knows another Slytherin," He exclaimed.

Harry awkwardly interjected, "Gryffindor, actually,"

"Without doubt, a pure blood too," Mr Gaunt finished, not seeming to hear what Harry had said.

This time Harry didn't bother to correct him. Mr Gaunt went to sit on a fallen tree, still grinning to himself in amusement. Harry decided to sit near him, curious to know him better.

Mr Gaunt glanced at Harry before speaking, "Forgive me, it's none of my business but what drove your family into hiding?"

Harry stared at him confused, people usually know about his past considering it was a favourite topic for the daily prophet. "Well…" Harry began, "I sort of don't have parents…". It dawned Harry that this was the first time he had to explain it to a wizard.

"Oh, I'm sorry for making the assumption," Mr Gaunt seemed sad to hear about it.

"No, it's fine, usually people know about it, it's kind of a famous story," Harry continued, trying to lighten the mood.

"hmm… Never been much for street gossip, it wasn't too tragic I hope,"

Harry rubbed his scar a little before explaining further, "Well I don't really know, I was a baby when it happened…" He paused and wondered if Mr Gaunt should really hear about it. He decided to keep it vague so it wouldn't endanger him too much, "From what I know, when I was a baby a wizard broke into our house and killed my parents, he tried to kill me too but the killing curse didn't work,"

Mr Gaunt stared at him as if he said something mad. "Not only did your parents die by some traitor wizard's wand… you…" Mr Gaunt stopped genuinely struggling to comprehend it, "Harrison, you survived the killing curse?"

Harry nodded in confirmation.

"Harrison!" Mr Gaunt muttered in shock, "How are you even still capable of magic?!"

Harry wanted to ask for further explanation but Mr Gaunt was lost in his rant, "Harrison! The consequences of it all! I mean there's something more, there's always something more!"

Mr Gaunt had Harry pinned down with his stare so Harry sheepishly added, "Well, that wizard is still after me and the curse left me with a scar,". Harry lifted his hair to reveal his lightning bolt scar.

Mr Gaunt genially traced his finger over the scar, "It actually happen, you lived…" He muttered, "No wonder you're in hiding then,"

Harry shrugged. It all was normal to him, he honestly thought Mr Gaunt was overacting a bit. However, Harry realised that this was his first-time hearing about it. He felt a little happy that even though they just met, Mr Gaunt felt concern for Harry's situation. Most people play off the event as a sort of 'discovery of a hero' thing.

"It's fine now that I'm in Hogwarts, one of the safest places around," Harry tried to assure him.

Mr Gaunt leaned back and stretched, "I do wonder about that…"

"What do you mean?" Harry asked sensing some distaste in Mr Gaunt's tone.

"Harrison… I suspect you're aware that wizarding society has some blatant flaws," Mr Gaunt narrowed his eyes, then continued, "Don't make the mistake of assuming Hogwarts and Dumbledore are indifferent to that,"

Harry wasn't sure how to take that. He knew the wizarding world wasn't perfect but Hogwarts was the perfect place to be in. There he was valued their unlike with the Dursleys. Also, the way Mr Gaunt mentioned Dumbledore like he was a villain honestly baffled Harry. Mr Gaunt seemed far too outgoing and welcoming to get on Dumbledore's watch list.

He smiled back at Harry and humbly said, "Unfortunately, you'll find out for yourself at some point,"

Harry couldn't himself from smiling back at him, "I don't think I'll look forward to it…"

"Oh- that's such a shame," Mr Gaunt sarcastically teased. He then took a breath, "I'm going to have to be blunt about this, but the ministry didn't stick you in some muggle orphanage, did they?"

The question was more of a demand and Harry wasn't sure why it mattered, "No, I was left with my Aunt Petunia and the Dursleys,"

Mr Gaunt seemed to ease a bit, "Well, I don't know any Dursleys but as long as you're in the care of wizards then everything should be fine,"

"Muggles… actually…" Harry's voice died down as saw rage engulf Mr Gaunt's eyes.

"Harrison…" Mr Gaunt whisper was kind and warm but when he softly held Harry's shoulders, something about him was chilling, "I promise you I will make the ministry pay for what they did to you,"

The seriousness in Mr Gaunt's tone scared Harry. Why was he so angry about Harry being raised by the Dursleys?

"No, no, it's fine, if Dumbledore didn't send me to them… "Harry was cut off before he could finish.

"DUMBLEDORE!" Mr Gaunt's roar echoed throughout the bush. Now pacing around, obviously trying to work out the anger within him. "That man is a real piece of work…" He uttered.

"The Dursleys aren't terrible, just struggle with the whole magic like most muggles do," Harry pleaded.

Mr Gaunt stopped still and without even looking at harry, stated, "They had kept you in a closet until you left for Hogwarts; forced you to do their chores or not be fed… the boy… Dudley… He would beat you because his father did the same…"

Harry remained silent trying to hold back something within him. Mr Gaunt had made it all sound painfully cruel, how had he even known?

Then Harry found himself be pulled into a warm tight hug, Mr Gaunt rested his chin on Harry's head and nonchalantly explained that it was a legilimens Habit. Harry gave in and leaned closer into Mr Gaunt.

"Harrison," Mr Gaunt begun, "Don't belittle your pain, you have been dealt a large injustice,"

He began rub the base of Harry's neck but Harry didn't mind. He needed this hug, probably in a long time.

"You know it's a little uncanny how similar we are…" He continued, "My mother died when I was born, I grew up in an orphanage getting what seems to be the 'freak' treatment only to find out I'm a wizard and be sent off to Hogwarts,"

That was probably why Mr Gaunt cared so deeply for Harry's upbringing. He knew about the kind of trouble the situation put him in.

"Didn't think anyone else would know," Harry told him.

Holding harry a bit tighter, "I hoped I would be the only one…"

He let Harry go, dawning his usual charming smirk, "Through, surviving the killing curse, I must admit has never happen to me,"

Harry chuckled. He never really shared so much of himself with someone he just met, but it was true that he and Mr Gaunt were similar. Admittingly Mr Gaunt was more charismatic than Harry but He would be the most understanding out all the wizards he knew. This in a way was comforting.

"Thank you," Harry said, only just realising how out of the blue it sounded, "I mean, for hearing me out and kind of…"

Mr Gaunt smirked at him, "It's fine, I completely get it," He then rubbed his neck like he was contemplating something, "Harrison, politics, I guess, is a passion of mine and I'm running a bit of a movement, now I understand that considering the times you may not wish to, but I would deeply appreciate if you'd come to a meeting,"

Harry thought for a bit. He wanted to understand Mr Gaunt better but with school starting soon it sounded a little awkward. "Well… It does sound interesting but it'd be a little trouble if I was at Hogwarts," He explained.

He smiled back at Harrison like that wasn't even a problem, "I wouldn't be who I am if I couldn't pull a string or two," He responded enthusiasm.

Curious now, Harry asked more questions, "How are you even going to find me, you don't know my owl and my Uncle always burns my letters if he gets them,"

Mr Gaunt started to pace with a bit of confliction, "I do travel around a bit too…" Then He recalled, "Did you have a Thortons Crystal or was that my imagination?"

Harry was slightly taken back, Mr Gaunt must have memory for details. He got out the spare pendulum he had pocketed earlier and showed it to him.

Mr Gaunt peered in as it dangled from its chain, "That is indeed a Thortons Crystal, does it have a partner?"

Harry shrugged, "I'm wearing the other crystal, just got them today,"

"Hmmm… Lucky find, well if doesn't bother you, I could carry the extra, basically guaranteeing us to meet again?" Mr Gaunt suggested.

Harry actually did want to give it to Sirius and not doing so felt like betrayal. Hermione would probably be confused about why he'd choose to give to some random wizard over Sirius. Ron would be even more mortified and defiantly have another tantrum. He really debated with himself for a while. Mr Gaunt hadn't treated him like The-Boy-Who-Lived, he didn't even know about it. Harry was also fairly certain Mr Gaunt wasn't working for Voldemort or else he would or done something by now, he had many opportunities to. Despite knowing that Sirius was his only family and cared about him very deeply, something in Harry's gut told him no one be there for him the way Mr Gaunt would.

"Don't you think it'd be strange giving you the pendulum for only one meeting?" Harry finally asked.

"Considering some wizard has got you on their hit-list," Mr Gaunt chuckled, "You probably need someone to look out for you,"

Harry laughed, "I admit it's very inconvenient,". Then gave it to Mr Gaunt, who put it on and tucked under his robes away from view.

Mr Gaunt then said his farewells as he left, explaining that he probably needed to get going. Harry waved at him as he left, then suddenly realized Ron and Hermione must have been searching for him like mad. Mrs Weasley might have found out; a thought Harry didn't want to think about.
_

It did not take long for Ron and Hermione long to run up to him. They were franticly panting and demanding to know where he went. Harry explained that he was in the patch of bush careful not to go into any more detail. He didn't think now was a good time to talk about Mr Gaunt. Ron and Hermione looked at him dumbfounded then told him they search the bush in two goes.

The two dropped the topic and were instead glad that they found him before the game started. Unfortunately for the three, Ginny back came before them and asked about them. Molly Weasley, being the sharp woman she was, realised that it was far too quiet in the tent considering the number of teens supposedly in it. Much to his brothers' amusement, Ron got the worst of it. No one in the tent could unhear Molly's rant. Hermione, although displeased at being caught, was glad that she was right with first thoughts of the plan.

Dawning an apologetic expression to mask it, Harry had blanked out for most of the lecture. He instead wondered about that meeting Mr Gaunt mentioned, what it might all be about and the role that he played in the movement. He started to imagen the kind of people that might be there. Mr Gaunt was quite a charming, out-going guy. He probably had a stern best friend who covered him when others tried to insult him. Not that Mr Gaunt seemed like someone who'd get insulted. Without doubt girls would be there trying to flirt with him, Mr Gaunt was that type of person. However, Harry suspected the girls that were close to him had no intention of dating him.

Eventually they all went off to the Quidditch game. Harry and Ron enjoyed the whole event. Ron especially enjoyed watching the Irish play. At one point Hermione leaned towards Harry's ear and mentioned something about Lucius acting weird towards her. When Harry caught a glance of him, he was just sitting with Draco in his usual ensemble, simply watching the game with minor disinterest. Leaving him confused as to what had Hermione so unnerved.

The real trouble came after the game. The campsite was attacked and Harry found himself separated from the Hermione and Ron. After blacking-out, he woke up the ruins of the site. Only catching foggy glimpses of the suspects so Harry was unable to help the Aurors catch the suspects.