Disclaimer: Not mine

A/N: Sequel to Harry Potter and the Unexpected Guardian. This picks up right where it left off, with the summer before seventh year. Consequently, HBP and DH are completely disregarded.

Chapter One: Home Again

Harry sighed as he threw himself onto his bed. He should be happy. He had the whole summer ahead of him. A whole summer free from a very recently deceased dark wizard.

Instead, he was bored. He hadn't even had time to unpack and he was already restless and missing his friends. Hermione and Ron had gone to the Burrow, promising to write everyday. He was sure Hermione would, though Ron only would under threat of death from Hermione. No sooner had he thought this then Pig flew through the window.

Harry,

How are you doing? All is well here, though I did miss Mum and Dad meeting me at Kings Cross. Mrs. Weasley is being extra nice. I think she sensed I was a little sad. Don't feel guilty though, it's not your fault.

Ron says to tell you hello. He refuses to write you so soon, as we just saw you yesterday.

Have you started on your summer homework, yet? If not, you better. Remember, we take our NEWTS this year. Our whole future depends on them. I can't believe how much studying I have to do. Although I am almost finished with Transfiguration. Well, the regular homework anyway, not the NEWT studying.

Ron wants to know if you want to come over tomorrow to play Quidditch. You are to send your answer back by Pig. He also wants you to know that Voldemort being dead is "bloody awesome" because you can now travel around like a normal person.

I, meanwhile, want to know why, if he had so much to say, he is not writing you himself. Oh, wait. I have my answer. He claims it is because I was doing it anyway and he didn't want to weigh Pig down with two letters. I am interpreting that to mean he is a lazy prat.

Mrs. Weasley just called us for lunch. Hope to see you tomorrow, Harry. We miss you.

Love,

Hermione

Harry smiled as he placed the letter on his desk. He was only just realizing the full effects of Voldemort being gone. He would be able to travel safely to Ron's house unescorted now. The prospect of a whole summer of being able to go where he wanted when he wanted was thrilling. He was contemplating this new freedom when he heard a knock on his door.

"Come in."

Albus entered and was immediately attacked by Pig.

"Pig, no." Harry said sternly, just as Fawkes appeared to valiantly defend Albus.

The two familiars began squawking at each other and circling the room. It was the weirdest stand off Harry had ever witnessed. Albus called for the phoenix, who immediately flew over to him. Harry snatched the snitch sized owl out of the air before turning to his guardian.

"Sorry. Pig is a little, uh, insane. Ron thinks he is just hyperactive, but that can't be the case. He's like this all the time, even in his sleep."

"No trouble, Harry. I just wanted to tell you that I am going to St. Mungos to check on Aberforth. I have a meeting with the mediwitch that has been dealing with him. Madam Pomfrey will be coming over this evening to make sure everything is ready for Aberforth's arrival tomorrow.

"Right, about that. Are you sure you don't want me to sleep somewhere else? I am technically in his room, and if he would be more comfortable here-"

"Of course not, Harry. He can take the spare bedroom and you keep yours."

"What about Minerva, then?" Harry asked.

He had been concerned about the entire situation from the moment he heard Aberforth was coming to stay with them. Three days before the end of term, Albus was summoned to St. Mungos. He hurried there fearing the worst, only to discover his brother had been caught having his prized goat snuck in to see him. While Aberforth's memory had been somewhat affected by an unknown curse, he still remembered his love for goats. Albus was told that there was nothing more the healers could do for Aberforth and suggested he be dismissed from the hospital. Apparently, since there was nothing debilitating wrong with him, they felt he could function away from their constant care, although he might need minimal assistance at first. Also, Minerva made the ward stink.

This was, at least, what they told Albus. Harry, however, suspected that Aberforth had been chucked out. That might not have been the way they approached Albus, but he doubted Madam Pomfrey's help would be required if there wasn't something wrong with Aberforth. The teen was quite certain the old wizard had misbehaved. Albus must have known, but did not question it; the healers had gone to such trouble to avoid offending him wih his brother's dismissal.

Now, Harry and Albus were engaged in a discussion they had already had three times.

"Minerva is fully capable of staying outside." Albus answered.

"But you said she was his favorite."

"Yes, but she is just a goat."

"Well are you sure I shouldn''t take her old room then, and let your brother have his?"

"You are already settled and unpacked-"

"No." Harry interrupted. "I haven't unpacked yet, so it would be no trouble, really. Besides, he's your brother."

"And you are my ward." Albus interrupted. "We are not discussing this any further, Harry. You are staying in your room. Aberforth will be fine in the spare room."

"O.k." Harry agreed, albeit reluctantly.

"Why don't you go ahead and eat, Harry. Then you can unpack and begin studying. I am certain you are anxious to prepare for your final year at school." Albus' eyes were twinkling merrily. He knew as well as Harry that the teen had no intention of beginning homework this early into the summer.

Pig suddenly nipped at Harry's fingers, reminding him that the tiny owl needed to return a response to Ron.

"Actually, I wanted to ask you something before you left. Ron has invited me to the Burrow to play quidditch tomorrow. It's alright if I go, isn't it?"

"I'm not sure I will be able to escort you tomorrow. Perhaps in a couple days when Aberforth is settled."

"Oh, don't worry. I can go by myself. They're connected to the floo network again."

Albus sighed, giving the previously happy teen reason to doubt his guardian's answer.

"I know that you want to live normally, Harry, and you are closer now than you have ever been. However, I would prefer if you wait until it is safe."

"Safe?" Harry was dumbfounded. "Safe from what? Voldemort is dead."

"Yes, he is, but not all of his followers are either dead or incarcerated. Those that are still free would like nothing better than to kill you. If you recall, I once told you that after that Halloween night you were in more danger than anyone could understand. I'm afraid that is true once again. Until the chaos our world is in abates, I can not allow you to simply roam free."

"It's just the Weasley's."

"Flooing could be dangerous."

Harry stared at Albus for several moments before answering. "Fine." he whispered, unsure of what else to say. He truly hadn't seen Albus' reluctance coming and needed time to formulate a sound argument. "I'll write Ron and tell him that another day would be better."

"Thank you, Harry. I knew you would understand and be reasonable. Now I must be off. Enjoy your lunch."

"Bye."

When Albus was gone, Harry flopped back onto the bed, his appetite suddenly nonexistent. This summer really wasn't shaping up the way he wanted it to. After all, the prophecy was already fulfilled. Wasn't he supposed to finally be able to live? Hadn't he waited long enough? He had done everything that the wizarding world required of him. How much longer would he be expected to wait, and would his patience hold out until then? Bitter Tears sprang to his eyes but Harry blinked them back. Why, oh why had he expected life to suddenly be fair, when it never had been before?

A/N: Thanks to all of you who stayed faithfully with Unexpected Guardian until the end. This has been a long time coming Hope you enjoyed it's (rather short, sorry) beginning. Please review;)