Hey, guys.

Sorry, it's been a while. I'm currently in college... an' well... College is kind of awful on my writing time. It's now summer, but I have two jobs and sparingly little time to relax. And I was also having a bit of a battle with this chapter, but I think - I think - I might have gotten it. ^.^

The plot has kind of picked up in this chapter, and will most certainly get going a little more next chapter, promise. :D

Just not sure when that's gonna come out...

Anyone volunteer to keep me honest? Haha :)

Summary from last time: Harry Potter has met his newest friend, Arishoon, a little snake with a big attitude and perhaps a big part in this newest year of his life. Having survived a Dementor attack, a strange encounter with a mysterious cloaked man who may or may not want something from him, and many disappointments from both family and friends; Harry finally gets a letter from Remus.

They've come to get him, and Harry is not quite sure how everyone will react to his newest friend tagging along. Especially after Remus's reaction.

[p.s. this is not a slash story, so rest assured.]

:Parseltongue:

"Normal"

:/Whispers through walls/:

Perish Through the Smoke

Just another disappointment in the life of Harry Potter

Apparation was everything Harry loved about magic and everything he hated, all squashed together like a shmorgishboard of feelings.

It had the light, virtually air like touch, which whisked and twitched with each step in the process. It had the Magical feeling that sizzled over skin until one felt raw and uncontainable. One felt huge and small, simultaneously. Disorientation turned into knowing every direction but never knowing which way you were truly going.

But it also had the sickening gut-wrenching pop that happen on lift-off and touch-down. Harry felt like throwing up and clawing his own body into re-being as he was tossed more or less bodily through a small - infinitively small - tube. Harry had once accidentally turned himself into a bunny in transfiguration, and that same wrong-wrong-wrong feeling was present in apparition. It was being him but not him. It was like having a monster clawing you into something you weren't.

Arrival was bittersweet with a touch of liberation. Harry stumbled as he arrived, since he was never the best at landing after such things. He didn't think he would ever get used to the feeling, but knew that it would become less of a side effect as he aged. Trying to breath, he became aware of Arishoon wrapped tightly around him.

:You did not give it jussssstice, Harry.: Harry looked down at the snake who was currently choking him, petting her back to get her to relax. She did so slowly, allowing air back into his throat. :I have never been more uncomfortable in my entire exisssssssstence.:

:I am ssssorry.: Arishoon hissed angrily at Harry's heartfelt apology; mostly because Harry couldn't keep the chuckles from spilling from him in rivulets. Eventually, the snake kind of joined in, with breathy little gurlges that were almost more desperate than anything. If Arishoon was having a panic attack, Harry didn't get the memo.

"Are you alright there, Harry?" Still chuckling Harry looked up to see four grown wizards staring at him incredulously. Mad-Eye was watching the snake as if she was going to attack at any moment. Harry coughed to get himself back under control before he straightened his back to his full height. Harry still couldn't stop the few chuckling coughs coming from his lips, even before Charlie's own twitched into a broad smile.

"I'm fine. Just... uh, Arishoon said something kind a... he... funny." The awkward looks didn't stop, though Charlie's grin widened if at all possible. Remus was shivering and Harry hoped it wasn't because he was cold. Then again, the look he was getting from the werewolf was far from comforting. It had already been a long day, couldn't they just allow him this?

"That's all." Remus still gave him a funny look, which rubbed Harry the wrong way.

When had Remus gotten so awkward? Or was it he, Harry, who had gotten less?

"Well, we're here." Tonks said inelegantly before turning to stare behind them.

Turning to see where they were, Harry had to admit he was unimpressed.

There was a row of houses, all identical. It reminded him of where he had just left. The dursleys would fit in here in a heartbeat. Probably bring about some kind of tart as a peace offering before setting up their perfect life.

Harry looked around as Mad-Eye pointed to the middle of two buildings with a flourish. It was all brick. And the rest of the adults all walked forward as if the brick wall was the most beautiful thing they'd seen all year. Well... Harry thought with a blink, who would have known the stereotype about wizards being bonkers was true? Blankly Harry turned to them, which forced a smile onto Remus's face. Remus gave him a piece of paper. On the paper there was only one thing written:

"The Headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix may be found at number twelve, Grimmauld Place, London,"

What was the Order of the Phoenix? And why was this important? He was sure he had not heard of it at all. Narrowing his eyes, Harry looked up to see the first smidgen of a real smile gracing Remus's face.

It was then that Harry noticed the number to each side of the brick, wall space was 11 and 13 respectively. It must have been some kind of notice-me-not charm that had kept him from observing the missing number. Before his eyes, the gap between the two that had been all brick turned into something a lot more… respectable.

Harry's mouth fell open as he watched in wonder.

Okay. Wizards were off the hook for being loony.

The brick stretched. It contorted. It made no sound. The whole empty wall stretched and stretched until a door came out of oblivion, and windows and a small garden. Harry could only continue with his slack-jawed expression as the space gave way to a house that looked a lot 'more' than the ones to the other side of it.

To say the new addition was different was to say the sun and the moon were different. That air and water were different.

The building to the sides were old but the newest addition was older. Victorian-esque. This was only the first difference. The second biggest difference was the garden outside. Where the others were only a patch of grass, and a sidewalk, perhaps a few roses snaking up through the gate; Number 12 had a full grown garden. Lilies, daffodils, tulips, an oak tree - the works. The thing that drew Harry's eye away from the beautiful landscape was the ornate door with runes lining every nook and cranny. Harry could guess this was what was keeping it so well hidden. What the piece of paper had to do with it…

It took only a second more of scrutiny for it to click.

"The Fidelius Charm." Harry murmured, remembering it for what it had been used for. The charm that had both protected and doomed his parents. Along with Sirius Black. It was a sobering thought, and Harry couldn't help but stroke Arishoon for support. As if she sensed his need, she bump his neck with her nose.

The moment of self-supplied silence was ruined as everyone started forward. Tonks and Remus loudly slapping the pavement with their feet as they walked. Charlie was very light on his feet and barely made a sound as he glided forward.

Mad-Eye was already walking towards the door, calling behind himself- "Come along. Can't have the boy-who-lived getting snatched up under my watch."

This is it, thought Harry. Make it or break it. He was going to see everyone after a summer of no contact. It took a deep breath before he was even able to think about it reasonably. He was trying to keep his temper under check, but it was harder now that he was tangibly closer than ever. With Arishoon around his shoulders, he was sure he could keep it to just yelling. She had done wonders for his anger management, but he still had slips in his self control. Harry knew it would come to yelling. Knew better than anyone that he wasn't a very solid or sane person, by any stretch of the imagination.

So walking into the house was the first step.

The second was trying to figure out who in their right mind would make this dump a place of importance.

:Issss thisssss how all wizardssss live?: Arishoon whispered, unimpressed. Which Harry thought was pretty insulting in itself. If a snake didn't think much of a place, it was hopeless.

:I hope not.: Harry answered back just as quietly, but condescension was clear in his tone.

The rugs on the wood floors were a god-awful red with orange trimmings. The walls had little to no wall-paper, mostly because half of it was currently on the floor or hanging on for dear life. There was a single frame for a picture that was easily as large as harry himself, that sat at the very bottom of a large set of stairs. It was empty. The wood trimmings looked like some kind of creature had successfully nibbled off all the good parts and left behind the skeletons.

For all that, Harry still thought this place was better than Private Drive.

"Home, sweet home." Remus murmured dejectedly just as Charlie elbowed past, yelling at the top of his lungs, "We're home!"

If there was one thing Harry would appreciate most about the Weasley family, it was how utterly oblivious they seemed to be to the rest of the world. There veracity was also nice, but Harry almost preferred them to be unmindful. It made him chuckle and look around, feeling the fire of his anger banking slightly. It was embers now, instead of a small flame.

One simply couldn't stay angry after being rescued... It was a tad hard.

"Harry!" And here comes the queen of oblivious.

Mrs. Weasley came rushing out of the kitchen, or what Harry assumed to be a kitchen, her hands soaked as she dried them on her apron. Harry could only smile as she beamed at him, gathered him up in a hug and lifted him an inch off the ground. "Oh my boy, it's so good to see you!"

"It's nice to see you as well, Mrs. Weasley." Harry huffed as his thoughts settled. He couldn't be angry with her, even if she had been the one taking the letters from everyone. Probably under Dumbledores orders. Mrs. Weasley was just the sweetest, best old lady around. He had a huge soft spot for her. The fact that he thought of her as a quasi-replacement for his mum also helped.

Arishoon had the grace not to hiss this time, and since Molly Weasley wasn't touching her, she didn't seem to care. Though Harry did feel Arishoon tighten her hold just as Molly dropped him. It was no sooner that he was on the ground than Mrs. Weasley grab his face between both hands, seeemingly intent on ignoring the snake wound around his neck.

"Oh, let me look at ya!" Harry could not be mad at Mrs. Weasley. It was just impossible. Especially as she exclaimed, "You're all skin and bones! Not enough meat on you to entice a bear, I would say."

Harry was slightly offended, he'd put on a good stone over the school year and had managed to keep almost half the weight during the summer. Plus, most of it had been transferred over to his muscular arms. He thought he had done pretty well for himself.

"What have those Muggles been feeding you?" Molly continued, tittering on and on. "I'll have my work sorted trying to get you fattened up for Hogwarts. How do Dumplings sound? I remember you especially liked the Toffy, I'll have to get the boys to get some-"

She rambled and it was easy for Harry to retreat partially into his mind.

The better question would have been, what had Harry been allowed to eat. Harry didn't want to burst their bubbles yet. Plus he didn't think it would help him any. He would still have to return, year after year, until he was old enough. As for her question, he hadn't the chance to respond.

"Mum!" Charlie drawled, cutting Mrs. Weasley from continuing on with her fussing and fretting. "Leave 'em alone. He just got here, let him go see his friends before you go all mum-zilla on him. Three weeks of owl-silence would drive even the sanest fifteen year olds to insanity."

Harry was beginning to like Charlie, even though he had only met him once before. And as far as Harry was concerned, Charlie had done nothing against him. It wasn't like he had been expecting a letter from the dragon tamer.

"Oh, alright Charlie." Molly said, with a huff of breath. "Go on then. Alaster! Bring Harry's things to his room, if you wouldn't mind. You too Tonks. Remus. Sirius needs to be informed of Harry's arrival, would you see to it that it's done? Oh goodness-"

And Mrs. Weasley was once again off. It almost seemed like she had forgotten him, had it not been for the small wave and shooing motion she had given him to get him going up the stairs. Mrs. Weasley was on her own little warpath, and merlin help anyone who tried to stop her.

:Eccentric woman.: Arishoon hissed for the first time in what seemed like ages.

:You can ssssay that again.: Harry puffed with amusement, watching as the group who had come to get him whisked around, following the Weasley matron's orders to the T. Even if Mad-eye was currently grumbling about it in the corner.

:Ready to meet the gang?: Harry asked of Arishoon.

She responded in perfect slytherin quality, :I'm alwaysssss ready.:

Looking at the stairs as if it were a monster, Harry approached full of fire. It took him less than a minute to find Ron and Hermione in one of the bedrooms upstairs. There were doors on each side of the hallway like a long tunnel of choices, but the faint sound of cursing led him straight to them. Hermione had her nose in a book, while Ron was playing wizard chess against Fred and George.

The door opening was the signal for all of them to look, but Hermione was the first to react.

The clock ticked a few times.

"Harry!" She yelled as she jumped up, rushing to meet him halfway to throw her arms around his neck.

The book she had been reading was carelessly thrown onto the couch she had been lounging on, and Harry thought that was enough to forgive her, at least. Hermione and her books were legendary on the 'love' scale.. Hermione released him so she could pull back to talk to him face to face. "I was so worried about you! I'm so sorry I couldn't send any letters. Dumbledore made us swear we wouldn't use the owls to owl you. Proper wizard swearing, too. I tried to get around it, but then he put up a ward to ward off all owls."

Hermione kept trying to explain, her eyes quite wide. Harry almost thought she was going to cry. Oh merlin, he was not going to be responsible for Hermione's crying. What did one do with a crying girl, anyway? Panicked more than angry, Harry responded with, "It's alright, Hermione. I forgive you. Not your fault."

Oh bollocks, guess he couldn't be angry at her, either. If it was all Dumbledore's fault… He thought he had only told them not to… not bloody forced them to swear not to. Why the hell would Dumbledore do that? Didn't he trust that Harry would be able to hold his own? It hurt that Dumbledore would do that.

"Harry! Mate! Glad you could finally make it." Ron made his way much slower, obviously not wanting to leave his game unmanned for too long. The way his eyes kept sliding off his face, even when Harry had just arrived and should have been the focus, was aggravating. Harry didn't ask for much. Just loyalty.

The spark of anger that had been banked by Hermione's almost tears was back, full force.

Loyalty. That was it. Why was that so hard for Ron to grasp? It had taken a lot for Harry to forgive Ron for the entirety of fourth year, what with the smear-campaign and his jealous nature. Couldn't he throw him a bone?

Coming away from Hermione, Harry glared at Ron. He had the decency to flinch back.

"I don't get any owls." Harry began, loosening Hermiones hold on him. "No letters. Not a whisper of what's happening in the whole wizarding world, and that's what you have to say Ron?"

The implied, 'Hermione was more sincere than that,' floated in the air like a sword.

"Hey! Don't take it out on me, Dumbledore-" Ron began, bristling as if he had any right to be angry. Harry threw his hands into the air.

"I can hear Ron," Harry snapped angry. And a little hurt. Okay, a lot of hurt. A game of chess was more important than a meeting after three weeks with his supposed best mate? Harry scoffed.

"Harry." Hermione scolded lightly, not really with any feeling. It was weak and Harry could honestly say he didn't think she really meant it.

"Why on earth did Dumbledore not want me receiving any mail?" Harry was beyond wounded. Dumbledore had been a mentor of sorts to him. Harry looked up to him. The greatest wizard to ever live next to Merlin- and he had placed Harry on owl-silence without even telling him why? What if Harry had been alone when those Dementors had arrived? Would Dumbledore even known what was going on?

A chill settled on Harry's heart. The Dementors could have killed him and nobody would have found out until too late to help.

"He only kept repeating that you would be safe if we promised not to talk to you." Hermione answered, keeping her distance as close as possible to Harry. Noticing Harry's frigidity with Ron, Hermione tried her hardest to placate both of them. "Harry, oh I wrote you letters! But you'll just have to read them now, on account of… well, you know. I couldn't send them but I did write them."

Ron blushed and it was quite obvious he had not shared the sentiment. Sometimes, Harry wondered what he even saw in the impulsive redhead. Besides quidditch, playing pranks, and chess; Ron was useless. That 'sometimes' was slowly turning into why the hell was Ron being a complete arse about everything? What did he have to be angry about? His life was perfect.

Harry had a right to be angry; Ron was just being a prat.

The faith in Ron Harry had had was now crumbling, like a blown up five story building. And at the same instant, Dumbledores was falling right along with it.

Faith took little to begin to crumble. Just pull out the keystone, add a little doubt, and the whole castle will fall. Harry could feel it falling now. With both Dumbledore and Ron. Dumbledore, Harry had always kind of know not to trust him, given the fact that stability was far and in-between with him involved. (He had allowed Hogwarts to house some surprisingly scary things and allowed Harry to step closer than any other student around to stop those things from getting out of control) Harry had just been in denial. Another talk with Arishoon had him thinking clearer than ever before over that subject.

Ron would get the same treatment if he continued to treat Harry like a second class citizen. Or like… like just some nobody! It wasn't even the 'fame' talking. Harry had just been very used to being thought of as a person, and now that Ron was acting like... like a total Snape look alike. Harry was pissed.

"I'll go fetch them right now!" Hermione exclaimed eyes glancing between both the boys and hoping she would return before they burst. She left in a flurry of movement to get the letters she'd hidden in her drawers. Harry smiled as she went, before turning to Ron with a grimace.

"Listen mate-"

"Stop Ron, I really don't want to hear it. After the Tournament I thought we were at least getting back on track with our friendship." Harry could see that was the wrong thing to say, because Ron puffed up and glared at him. "I get that Dumbledore said no, but did you even fight it?"

Ron didn't move. Why did that hurt more?

"No. I thought not."

"I am sorry, Harry." Ron flinched, but Harry was not going to break.

"Not accepted."

Ron's eyes flashed in a familiar fire, "But you'll accept it from Hermione?"

Was that jealousy Harry detected? It took a closer second of inspection. It was!

Harry gaped at Ron, before snarling at him, "I'll accept it from whoever is sincere, Ronald."

Why couldn't bloody Ron just apologise with an ounce of sincerity? Would it kill him to just take a page out of his entire families book? Humble himself? Bend his stubborn neck and admit he was wrong? Not just sorry, like some kind of child who was apologizing for eating the last cookie.

"We both were stopped from sending letters. What's the big deal? I said I was sorry." Ron's face was the picture of ignorance and indignation that was learned not taught.

This was the moment where Arishoon made herself known.

:This is Ron?:

Arishoon observed the pale one with a hiss.

:The red one ssssmellssss of sssstupidity.: She claimed. :It issss a sssssimilar ssssscent to the fat-whale. I am very glad you did not choose him as your mate.:

Ron fell back in shock as the small green head popped up out of Harry's cloak cover. Arishoon's tongue moving to scent the air. Ron's gob moved up and down as if trying to make words, but nothing appeared until he stuttered. Harry flushed over the whole 'mate' fiasco. He was going to have to sit Arishoon down one of these days and explain he was way too young, and in the middle of a war, and he did not swing that way-

"You-you-you've got a snake!" Ron accused bug eyed. Cutting Harry off from his internal monologue. "It's around your neck!"

"Yes. Very good Ron. This is a snake. She is green." Harry responded with a sneer. Ron was taken aback by how much he looked like Malfoy in that instance. The only thing missing was the Slytherin robes, pale hair, and pure blood upbringing. "Her name is Arishoon."

It was clear Ron didn't think anything of the animal having a name.

"She is my friend."

"Why on earth are you friends with a bloody snake!" Ron repeated, stuck on the fact that Harry was obviously not going to place himself in the little box Ron wanted him to. Ron's thought process was written across his face. Snakes were evil, ergo Harry was turning evil. "I thought you said you weren't going to turn into… him!"

Harry had no illusions to who he meant. This just made Harry even more outraged. It was one thing to claim him evil. But because of a snake? "If you're going to insult Voldemort" Everyone left in the room flinched except harry, "and me in the same sentence, at least have the decency to say his name."

What right did Ron have to accuse him of darkness? Of being evil? Arishoon was a snake! Not some kind of blood thirsty vampire. What had Harry ever done to make Ron believe all these lies? He'd fought for Ron more times than he could count. Saved his sister, defended him against their mutual enemies, and tried his hardest to be a true proper mate.

Harry was aware that his anger at first had been slightly unfounded (it was childish anger from being left out and alone, when he had been all too used to being included), but now that Ron was being all bigoted; the righteous fury he had felt before was back.

"How dare you say that, Ron. When the hell have I even given any kind of indication I'm going to turn dark?"

Ron's eyes flashed and he crossed his arms. "I don't know- how about when you told that snake to attack in second year?"

Harry's mouth dropped. Ron knew that he had told that snake to stay away from Justin! How dare he accuse him of trying to attack a second year when he himself had been one.

"I didn't tell it to attack!" Harry defended, by this point becoming more hurt than angry. "I was helping everyone! You know that."

"Whatever." Ron said, with a snort. It was such a dismissive sound, Harry knew he had to give back just as good as he got. Ron looked Harry over with slightly veiled distrust and disgust. "You've changed."

The flame of hatred and anger was now burning brighter than ever. "And how the hell are you any better?"

I speak to snakes and suddenly I'm going to turn evil no matter what I say or do? That was the last straw.

"You know Ron, if you weren't such a glory obsessed bigot, then I wouldn't have had to change."

The twins, who were always ready for a good fight, couldn't help but allow their jaws to drop at the statement Harry had just made. From their point of view, Harry was glaring at Ron as if he was slime on his boot and Ron was staring shocked and pale, but slowly coming around to a reddening face- and anger.

"Glory obsessed bigot, huh?" Ron snarled, eyes narrowing as his cunning mind churned out the only insult he could think of. "That's rich coming from the attention whore himself."

Arishoon hissed in Harry's stead as he gaped.

"Attention whore? Oh really." Harry couldn't believe that it was coming to this. "Says the kid who befriended me on my name alone."

Ron stepped back as if slapped. Eyes wide Ron snarled the one thing that Harry really couldn't forgive.

"Well if I would have known that Harry Potter was going to be turning dark, I wouldn't have bothered with my attention whoring ways."

Harry snapped and reached for his wand. It wasn't there.

"You're so mature!"

Being raised muggle with "Harry Hunting", Harry was very aware of how to fight with his hands. Even if it was frowned upon for a wizard to use anything other than his wand. Didn't mean Harry couldn't use his fists.

Ron became enraged and raised his fist to strike, "Mature this, bitch!"

"Whoa-whoa-whoa!" Fred and George finally stepped in between the two fifth years. Even though Harry and Ron didn't have wands, it was clear this could get physical. The twins were almost shocked, but couldn't blame Harry for getting angry at their brother. They both acknowledged his prat-ness. "As much fun as we like to have watching Ron get torn a new one, you both need to calm down."

Fred had his hand against Ron's tight chest, and George was standing in front of the irate Harry.

"He started it." Ron accused, pointing at the snake. "The letters, which were not my fault. Then-then, that snake. It's no good. It's going to turn Harry evil!"

"She. Ron. At least get the pronoun right." Harry barked at Ron in a voice that was much louder than before. "Her name is Arishoon, as I've already stated. She. Is. My. Friend. What more do I have to stress?"

"Oh I donno, maybe the fact you've gone BLOODY INSANE!"

Arishoon was completely unimpressed with the raging red-head in front of her.

:You're right. He isssss sssssstupid. I am sssssorry I insssssulted your intelligence.: Harry admitted to Arishoon, who was watching the proceedings with something close to pleasure.

:I do not mean to be happy about thisss, but I know.: She nudged Harry under his jaw and he couldn't help but take a deep, calming breath and scratch her under her chin, all the while glaring through the twins arms at Ron. He did not deserve any more words from Harry. Not until he apologised.

"Oh for the love of- what on earth did I miss?" Hermione came in with quite the sizable pile of letters in her arms. There had to be at least ten. The fire that had been fueled by Ron and his bigotry was calmed as Hermione stepped in with such a peace offering. It made Harry feel sheepish about even thinking to yell at her. She was a bookworm, stuck to the rules, and was incredibly sweet. She didn't deserve his ire like Ron had. She hadn't insulted Arishoon.

Yet.

"Ron insulted Harry's snake, Arishoon," George supplied helpfully inserting her name so as not to turn Harry against him also. He followed so close behind by Fred that it sounded as if they were one and the same, "and they almost came to blows."

"Arishoon?" Hermione looked under Harry's robe closely to see the small diamond shaped head. Hermione pulled back slightly. Her face clearly showed her shock. Ron smirked in triumphant glory over Fred's shoulder. Harry prepared himself for her yelling.

"Oh- She's lovely." Hermione said with a ghost of a smile, blinking away the confounded expression. It wasn't forced but Hermione was slightly in shock still. "Harry, why didn't you introduce us?"

Harry's brain stopped.

"Sorry," Harry whispered, perplexed over Hermione's behavior. He had thought she would have over-reacted like Ron- completely blowing everything out of proportion.

His anger flutter slightly more before laying flat like a puddle.

Should have known Hermione would never betray him like that. "I was a little angry at everything. I can introduce you now."

The letters were quikcly deposited to her other arm as he nodded.

"Hermione, this is Arishoon."

:Arishoon, Hermione.: Nobody in the room was able to suppress their shivers at Harry's change of voice.

The snake slide out of his cloak slowly, and Harry held out his arm to her so she could better situation herself. After twisting herself around a few times, and feeling secure, Arishoon looked up at Hermione and scented the air.

:I like thisssss one. Ssssshe sssssmellssss of treessss.:

Smiling, Harry translated. Hermione absolutely beamed. Harry had seen this face before, and knew that she was genuine. Hermione used to get this way whenever she had something particularly exciting to share. Or someone had something to share with her. Or she had a book. Or a house elf allowed her to do her own laundry.

"She's dreadfully intelligent, isn't she?" Hermione asked as she got on level with the snake, looking at the patterns that adorned the green top-most coat of scales. They were light and very hard to distinguish from the other 'normal' scales on Arishoons back. "I've never seen a garden snake with such pretty scales."

:Oh, I definitely like her.: Arishoon simpered in what could only be called a purr. This furthered along Harry's assumptions that Arishoon was a were-snake.

"You could say that. She's been living in my garden." Harry responded to Hermione with a small smile, almost completely cured from Ron's complete jack-ass behavior.

Until he opened his mouth again.

"Still could be a servant of darkness. All snakes are."

With a glare Harry responded right back, "Yeah, can't believe I didn't hear about her at any of Voldemort's Death Eater meetings. Must have missed her next to the infants and puppies and kittens that everyone talks about."

"Boys. Stop." Hermione demanded with a glare mostly at Ron. "Honestly. Ronald. Apologize."

"What?!" Ron spluttered. "I'm not saying I'm sorry to a snake. They're slimy and evil and-and-and wrong!"

"Ron!" Fred and George both exclaimed, grabbing him by his shoulders and yanked him out of the room. Fred yelling as they passed,

"Sorry about our prat of a brother Harry,"

"Yeah, we'll try to sort him out." George yelled as they left the room.

Harry felt like he had just doomed Ron to suffer, but couldn't much bring himself to care. With the vacation of the Weasleys Harry was able to turn to Hermione and really look at her.

Hermione had not changed much over the Summer. Darkened a little with a tan, hair slightly more frizzy on account of who know what, but with a big smile over her face. When she had been younger, there had been teasing about her teeth, but now Harry could not distinguish any kind of blemish. Had she found a spell for that?

Hermione was looking at the snake around Harry's wrist with interest. It made Harry's chest tight.

Harry had a newfound respect for the young woman. It wasn't often that Hermione demanded something of Ron that he absolutely refused to do. The two rowed more often than a married couple, but never did they give up. He had always thought the two fancies each other even if they both waltzed around it epicly. He'd thought so ever since that awful dance.

Hermione was ignorant of his looking, still fascinated over the snake and couldn't quite take her eyes off the exotic coloring.

"Why didn't you freak out over Arishoon?" Harry asked Hermione as the yelling of the Weasley boys quieted down somewhat. Hermione's eyes snapped to his, a softer look in her hazel eyes before she sighed, twisting a lock of hair around her finger.

"Oh Harry, it's not your fault you can talk to snakes." Hermione said in that breathy voice she always began a long rant or lecture with. "Nor do I think snakes are evil. They are actually used in many symbols as signs of medicine and fertility. Even some for rebirth. You know how the Muggle hospitals usually have a snake and a cross, of some sort? That's one such symbol."

"Oh." Harry said un-intelligently. "Well, thank you. Either way. I wasn't expecting any kind of welcome for her…"

Or any. Harry thought to himself. He could still remember the last time he had talked to a snake in front of a Gryffindor. Any of them.

"Ron may be hard headed sometimes, but he'll come around. Especially if you give him no choice but to see that his prejudice is wrong." Hermione's voice was full of conviction. She always believed any kind of prejudice was wrong. Being a Muggleborn just kept it forefront in her mind.

It soothed Harry a lot more than he was willing to admit to hear that from her.

Harry had never noticed, but Hermione always seemed to know the right thing to say at the right time. And she did it quite often. She deserved some recognition for it. If only he could show her his thanks, Harry pondered. Watching Hermione interact with Arishoon from a distance gave him brilliant idea. He had to check it over with Arishoon first though.

:Would you mind too terribly if I gave you over to Hermione?: Harry asked of the snake currently resting over his wrist. :A few minutessss, at the most.:

:Not at all, I would like to tasssste her a little more.:

"Would you like to hold her?" Harry asked of Hermione, who was fiddling with the edges of the pile of letters. They were standing mere feet from each other, so it wouldn't be that great a distance. Then again, the distance didn't mean a thing as Hermione's eyes lit up like stars.

"She likes the warmth, and I'd like to look at the letters.

"Really?" Hermione asked eagerly, "She really won't mind?"

Harry shook his head and held out his arm. Arishoon was perched on the edge of his hand, ready to make the climb over. Hermione was very careful as she held her left hand, her dominant wand arm, out to the snake. Arishoon made her way over carefully, so as not to make any sudden movements to scare the young witch.

"Oh, Harry." The smile that Hermione had on was well worth it. Harry knew it was the right thing to do. Hermione giggled as the feeling of the snakes tongue ghosted over her wrist.

"Well, that tickles."

Harry smiled, "She wanted to get a good feel for you. It's just how she does it."

It was easy to watch Hermione interact with Arishoon. On account of the young witch being very gentle, Arishoon soon felt comfortable enough to just kind of sit there, basking in the warmth of the arm holding her. She hissed almost too quiet for Harry to hear, :At leasssst one of your friendssss knowsss how to treat a ssssnake.:

It was there in the mostly quiet room, sitting with Hermione and Arishoon that Harry finally felt a little semblance of peace. His life was finally getting back on track. He could feel it.

Dear Harry,

I want to first apologize for not being able to give these to you in a timely fashion. Dumbledore made all of us swear we wouldn't endanger your life by sending you mail. For that, I am sorry.

On the bright side, you get to read all of these at once! I'm sure you've missed my nagging.

My summer has been lovely, if you must know. My parents and I have been traveling Europe. It's quite lovely in the summer. Especially at the different Château. (A Châteua is a castle, in case you were wondering) Did you know there are over three hundred castles just in La Loire Valley alone? I find it particularly mind boggling, that humans have come so far.

I do not want to bore you, so know that I am wishing you a happy break at this time, and can't wait to see you.

Yours,

Hermione Granger

Harry was informed of what exactly the Order of the Phoenix was, and what exactly they did the next day. It was very interesting to hear of it from Hermione's mouth, for sure. Arishoon was curled up around Harry's neck as he received a full blown briefing of what all he had missed.

It was surprisingly little. Hermione only told him what she knew, and that was that the adults had meetings every Tuesday and Thursday. The teens all tried to listen in, but ultimately failed and were left in the dark. Fred and George had claimed that there was a huge plot for assassinating the Minister of Magic, but no one actually believed them. Mrs. Weasley had once let slip that they were the 'only ones fighting the good fight'. So they had no real, substantial knowledge. Dumbledore claimed it was because they were still too young, but Harry wanted to call bullshit on that. He himself had defeated Voldemort three or four times. If anyone needed information, it was him.

What did the adults all join this super-secret organization for?To defeat the dark lord, of course. It was the only plausible explanation as to why they acted outside the Ministry.

And they did it through undermining the Ministry, as far as Harry could tell.

"Well, that's exciting." Harry muttered. "Anything else?"

"Not really. It's been a pretty boring summer." Hermione hummed, pulling her feet up to the couch. "We've been trying to clean up the house whenever possible. Kind of awful place. There is a dreadful portrait at the bottom of the stairs with Sirius's mum in it, and she always screams at anyone who has 'unpure blood'. She keeps screaming and especially likes yelling in the middle of the night."

"Why on earth wouldn't she be the first thing gone?" Harry would have burned her, honestly.

Hermione shrugged. "Apparently she's magically stuck to the wall. Everyone just tries to be really quiet and hope she goes to visit other portraits." By Hermione's tone of voice, it sounded like she rarely did.

"One thing magic can't do. I guess." They both shared a laugh over that, and Harry was immensely glad he had a Muggleborn as a friend. Ron would never understand humor about magic not being able to do everything. They were still laughing when Sirius burst in.

"Where is he! Where's my godson-HARRY!" Harry didn't even have time to really stand before Sirius scooped him up into a hug.

"Sirius!"

They hugged for what seemed like forever, but Harry didn't mind. He seemed to have gotten far too little in the hug-department, so if he was going to get a whole bunch at once: he wasn't complaining.

"It's good to see you Harry! By Merlin, you've grown, and you're tan- you been working out, Harry?" Sirius managed to say all of this in the span that he was able to quickly blink. He also groped Harry's biceps.

"I haven't grown. At least, not that I've noticed." Harry left Sirius's arms to comb down his hair that had gotten all kinds of frazzled. "And I've been working in Aunt Petunia's garden all summer. Bound to get tan that way, I reckon."

Physical labor kind of came with the territory of gardening.

Sirius's eyes crinkled at the edges as he smiled. "Harry my boy, all the girls will be falling over you this year. You're a stud, m'boy!"

Harry blushed at the praise. It always seemed like Sirius only thought of woman. "Sirius!"

Harry had never been comfortable with his body. The skinniness, bony knees, the scar. Nothing about himself seemed attractive, and so whenever someone said he was, his first instinct was to deny it. He'd lived his whole life being called a freak. Was it so strange that he had begun to believe it?

Only the time at Hogwarts had really begun to help him heal, and see himself in a more positive light. Especially with the girls actually throwing themselves at him. Cho had been the last in a long line of them. Harry wasn't so sure he wanted to try again any time soon.

"You've grown. I'm sure of it." Sirius turned to Hermione. "At least an inch. What'dya say Hermione? An inch?"

It was as if Sirius goal in life was to mortify any teenager under the age of eighteen with his charm. He was succeeding. Hermione was blushing as if it was her job, before mumbling, "I'd say two."

Beaming Sirius turned back and then looked Harry over critically. Harry could only glare at Hermione's betrayal. She smiled apologetically, but it was clear she didn't mean it. Sirius did not need encouraging. But while he was looking Harry over, Harry could in turn look him over.

He was still very gaunt, stringy almost, but his complexion was much better. His eyes were much clearer, and he didn't seem to be in as much pain: both physically and mentally. His hair reached well below his chin, and Harry was glad to see him looking like a semblance of what he used to, in the picture Harry had been shown.

"I'm going to have to agree with Hermione. It looks closer to two inches." Everyone turned to see Remus in the doorway. Harry was glad to see he was in a much better mood than a few hours before. With shock Harry looked to the clock on the mantel and noticed it was almost eleven. Wow, time sure flew by when surrounded by people he actually liked.

Sirius, noticing Harry's gaze nudged him with his elbow, "Feeling tired, champ?"

"No way. How could I be tired after seeing everyone?" Harry denied with a smile, but inside he was slightly exhausted. A change of scenery wasn't going to give him better dreams though, that Harry was sure. The nightmares came in series of twos. Usually on the same night, or then one right after. It wasn't every night, by merlin he might become suicidal if that happened.

"Well in that case, would you like something to eat?" Harry's stomach growled at that exact moment, making him blush. It wasn't like he hadn't eaten. Sure, his portions had been small, but that was just how it happened.

Remus and Hermione laughed while Sirius's mouth tugged into a sharp grin. "That settles it. I bet there are some left overs. What'd ya say we play marauder and steal us some booty?"

And it was just like that that Harry was accepted back into the swing of things.

Or, mostly.

Dear Harry,

I don't know how many times I'm going to apologize, but I know it will never be enough! Sorry I couldn't get these letters to you sooner.

I've missed you lot a bunch, and can't wait for when we get to be together again. I've learned quite a lot, and would love to share it with you. You know... if you want me too.

See you soon,

Hermione

The week had been going really well. Hermione and Harry were doing their summer homework, and were just enjoying each other's company in general. Harry learned that the whole Weasley gang was at number 12 Grimmuld place, excluding Charlie and Percy. They all lived someone else, but came around when they could for dinner and the occasional game of Quidditch.

Ron was not speaking to Harry, which basically included Hermione as well. He stubbornly stayed in his room, which Harry and him were supposed to share, but after Molly Weasley realized that wouldn't work, moved the rooms around a little. (This was only after yelling at Ron to apologize and Ron refusing and stomping out of the house.) Harry had his own room, and Ron was forced to stay with the twins.

The rest of the Weasley family was same old same old.

Ginny never would stay in the same room as him, which was strange, but Harry didn't think anything of it. She was considerably younger than him, and so he just pegged it as hero worship. She had gotten kind of better over the past year, but to be honest Harry had barely remembered her presence at all.

Harry had arrived on a Friday, so the Order meeting that he had heard so much about was next scheduled for Tuesday. Otherwise known as today. And quite a lot of people Harry didn't know started arriving by both Floo and front door at about quarter till eight. The first one had shocked harry into spilling almost a whole well of ink.

The person who had come through the Floo was a short little man, with a mean, half-shocked face. The whole vibe Harry got from the man was 'shifty'. Hermione must not have thought much of him either because she looked up once and then scowled down at her book. It didn't perplex Harry as much as surprise him. Hermione was usually as polite as could be, unless it was someone like Malfoy.

Oh. Harry watched the man skitter from the room, looking around as if he was about to be stabbed at any moment. This man's paranoia was on par with Moody's, but there was something off with him. Harry couldn't place it.

After the man had nervously smiled at the both of them, uttered a quick but confused hello, he exited through the hall door.

"Who was that?" Harry asked, righting his inkpot and cleaning up the spill with some fabric.

"Mundungus Fletcher." Hermione's face looked like she had sucked on a lemon. "He's an Order member, but as far as I can tell an absolute criminal."

"What kind of criminal?"

Hermione looked up from her book and then closed it with a sigh. "I've heard he's a con man, and a thief. Why Dumbledore keeps him around, nobody knows. He's worse than Snape."

Whoah. That was saying something.

"At least, Snape has a respectable job."

Hermione left it at that before shoving her nose in her book happily, but Harry could tell that the man obviously hadn't been nice to Hermione in the past. Or rather, maybe hadn't been nice to someone Hermione liked. She was fiercely protective like that. Knowing that Hermione didn't want to talk anymore, Harry got back to his charms essay uneasily.

Their homework was interrupted every few minutes, until finally, one last entrance kept Harry from his work indefinitely. After almost six Floo calls in a row, Dumbledore himself walked through the door. The man was tall as Harry remembered and just as powerful. Arishoon, who was lounging around Harry's neck stiffened with the first signs of the older magic walking in. That was what originally got Harry's attention, but what was keeping it was the joyous expression on the older wizards face. The spark of anger that had originally been burning from Ron and Hermione's neglect was now back in full force.

"Harry!" The twinkle never seemed to leave that old man's eye. "How was your summer?"

"Like every summer before." Harry's voice was flat. And by 'every summer before' he meant only a slight bit better because his Aunt and Uncle were afraid that at any moment a pissed Werewolf and mass-murdered were going to come through and rip their jugulars out. Not a pretty picture, but it got the point across.

"Excellent! Excellent!" Dumbledore patted down the front of his robes, as if looking for something. "If you don't mind waiting a bit, we can talk. If you'll excuse me, I've got a meeting to go to-"

"Why did you put me on owl silence?" It came out flat and not even a little pleased. "Or at the very least, why was I not informed of it?"

Dumbledore sighed and acted as if he was about to impart some great knowledge. "Harry, I did not want any Death Eaters tracing our owls back to you. None of us had any idea of what they are capable as of right now. If anything happened to you, because of my foolishness, I don't think we would be able to recov-"

:Bull.: Arishoon hissed, catching Dumbledore's attention to Harry's neck and successfully cutting him off mid-word. Harry and Arishoon both thought it odd that he himself could send Hedwig, but god forbid they send their own to him. It didn't add up.

The powerful wizard froze and then a small but visible shiver traveled up his spine as Harry responded, :My thoughts exactly.:

"Harry," Dumbledore began carefully, slowly. "Where did you find that snake?"

Harry could see most of his thought process play out on the wizards face. He'd been coached on being more 'observant' by Arishoon, who thought he was absent minded far too much. So it was interesting to finally catch the small nuances on Dumbledore's face. The wand in Dumbledore's hand was not making Harry feel any better about it, especially as Dumbledore subtly shifted it upwards.

Harry responded with the safest option, not wanting to anger the powerful wizard, "Her name is Arishoon. She's been living in my Aunt and Uncle's garden."

"And she just started talking to you?" There was a different twinkle in Dumbledore's eyes now, and Harry wasn't sure he liked it. Then again, Harry wasn't sure what to think of Dumbledore when he wasn't being crazy-silly or super powerful. Dumbledore had only been this semi-serious with him after his name had been drawn from the cup, or after waking in the medical wing after killing the basilisk. It was slightly scary.

Scratch that. Harry would have been terrified if he hadn't already of battled the dark lord more than any other person alive, it seemed.

"No. I started talking to her." Then Harry proceeded to explain, in very little detail, what had happened to make Harry trust her. He kept out the part about Parseltongue being a language one was unable to lie in. Harry didn't know why, but Dumbledore might take that the wrong way. Somehow. He also didn't say anything about Tom Riddle's name, because it really wasn't relevant.

Neither was his name translated in Parseltongue.

Harry didn't know, he just knew he had to keep it hidden. He was having more of those feelings lately.

Arishoon's thinking was rubbing off on him. Very Slytherin of her, Harry applauded.

"I see." Dumbledore stroked his beard as he observed the snake around Harry's shoulders. "We will talk more on this Harry, but as of right now I must be going."

Another thing Harry was just going to be pushed away on. Harry huffed.

"I'm coming." Harry crossing his arms. He wasn't sure what Dumbledore thought he knew about his Order, but Harry wanted in. "This is my fight, just as much as everyone elses."

"Oh, Harry." The pity was almost tangible. It always seemed to be so around him. Dumbledore treated Harry as some kind of kitten. "You are not nearly old enough to take on this responsibility."

"But I'm old enough to be targeted by Voldemort?"

Dumbledore intoned gravely. "You are still young. This is not your battle, Harry."

"Yes, it is-" Harry exclaimed, growling. A picture on the wall shook as Harry tried to get himself under control. It wouldn't do to have his accidental magic giving him away. It made him look childish. "Voldemort's coming after me one way or another. Shouldn't I be caught up on what everyone else knows? Shouldn't I be given a chance to learn something?"

Harry didn't know why Dumbledore kept trying to play dumb and push him away. Harry was always being fought over it seemed like. Whether by Dumbledore and Voldemort, or Death Eaters and the Ministry, or even Ron and Hermione. What had Dumbledore to gain by keeping it from him?

"I'm sorry Harry, I can't do it." The words implied care and sincerity, but Dumbledores tone was sorely lacking in that. "I will not."

"This is my fight too, Headmaster!"

All he said was, "I'm sorry, Harry. I can't."

Then he walked off into the next room, leaving a fuming Harry behind. Unable to follow. Dumbledore hadn't cast a spell on him, but it sure felt like it.

The picture that was shaking flew from the wall and with a crash, landed in a pile directly below where it had been.

"That's what they all say." Hermione responded from behind Harry, making him turn around. Hermione was clearly not as upset as Harry. The anger Harry was feeling was banking slightly at Hermione's words. What did she mean by that?

"We've all made the same arguments." Hermione explained with a sigh, "Not as strong as yours, mind you, but the same. The adults keep claiming our innocence needs to be preserved."

A noble task but stupid. Them getting killed by 'protection' didn't make it better.

:You are young, but even I know you must be protected no matter the cosssssst.: Arishoon complained, confused. :It isssss sssssheer luck that you have essscaped sssssso long with your life intact.:

Hermione continued, having already semi-gotten used to the hissing. "They have a strict age limit of twenty on this 'secret' club of theirs. They think we are too young. And we shouldn't be involved."

"But we are involved!" Arishoon hissed her agreement next to Harry's ear. "Just because we're too young doesn't mean we can't die!"

"Try telling that to them, mate." Harry had to blink and look behind him to see Fred and George entering. "We've given it our best."

"It's so aggravating." Harry complained throwing himself down on the couch in a huff. "I'm almost killed by Voldemort yearly. Pft, too young my arse."

Fred and George only smiled as they sat down on either side of Harry. Hermione saw the gleam and knowing from experience with her own set of trouble-making boys, cautioned them, "Don't even think-"

The twins cut her off with their usual mimicking flourish, "Harry, my boy-"

"-our pal-"

"-Wizard of the most high-"

"-lovely chap you are-"

"-it's your lucky day!"

Following the twins when they got like this was hard, and Harry had to consciously string the sentences together. What he managed to make out of them both was actually heartening.

"How could it be my lucky day?" Harry asked, perking up and listening.

"Well, George and I, have been" A glance at his brother.

The other finished, "-ahh, experimenting with a new product."

The way it was said made it very clear that it would help Harry find out just what was going on in the meeting. Harry didn't need any more information than that. The twins were always good on their side of the agreements.

"I'm in."

The twins beamed and Hermione was more than a little worried.

/:-How is it going on your front, Doge? Amelia?:/

/:As well as can be expected, Albus.:/

/:Nothing to report on my end.:/

"This is absolutely riveting." Hermione complained dryly for the umpteenth time. The invention that Fred and Geroge had created, the Extendable Ear, which was exactly as the title described it, was pressed tightly against her head.

"Shhh." Harry, Fred, George and Ginny hissed as one.

Ron was still participating in his self-proclaimed silence, but Ginny joining in had been a surprise. She'd made a good argument. The same that everyone else had, in fact. She was young, but Death Eaters were willing to kill her if given the chance. She'd already survived Riddle once.

She'd been handed her Ear after that last point and off they all went.

Everyone had their own Extendable Ear and it was amazing the kind of stereo they managed, but whenever someone on their end so much as breathed, the connection was muddled. Arishoon was silent as she tried to listen in as well. Being that she had no arms, it was looking that she would have to ask Harry later.

/:Albus, if you wouldn't mind the change of topic, who is going to be the Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor this year?:/ Harry assumed this was McGonagall, but he couldn't be sure. There were many older women and men inside the almost impenetrable walls. He'd heard almost all of them speak.

Everyone listening in leaned closer, which didn't help but made them all feel as if it did. This was a piece of information that would actually be banner they were leaning off wobbled precariously.

/:I'm afraid all of my suggestions have been declined by the Board.:/ There was a troubled murmur all around. Hermione and Harry's eyes momentarily met. Whatever was that supposed to mean? /:There is one person in line. A Mrs. Dolores Umbridge?:/

The murmur turned into a shouting match between at least four different people. And since the function of the Extendable Ears was to transmit the information, all the young wizards and witches got was an ear full of buzzing. Most were able to pull the transmitter away before it became too loud, except for Hermione. The only signal they all received before she dropped her Ear was a yelp.

It was a story drop, and it was bound to make a clatter as it landed.

In pure panic, Fred and George both reached to grab it, only to have it snatched out of both of their hands by Harry's quick Seeker fingers. All of them breathed easier as Harry handed it over to a blushing Hermione. "Sorry." She muttered under her breath, trying to keep quiet after the loudness.

The adults inside the room must not have cared at all, because they argued for a good few seconds more.

/:Enough!:/

The silence that came after was deafening.

/:Another subject, perhaps?:/ asked an older voice. A few more voiced their opinions on the change of subject. Very few in opposition.

/:Voldemort is on the move in Romania.:/ This voice, Harry was sure was Remus. /:The pack I am in contact with are... are not happy with that. He's going for the Vampires. They are sure.:/

/:Of course, but before we begin. If you could perhaps set up a better Ward around the room, Emily? I believe we have some rogue listeners.:/

And everything went silent.

"Damn." Fred breathed.

"I guess that's it for us this time." George grumbled.

"I wonder who this Umbridge woman is..." Ginny said with bright eyes as she looked over at Harry. It was kind of unnerving that she assumed Harry had all the plans. Flattering, but just a bit stupid. "Any idea?"

Shaking his head, Harry responded. "Not a one."

"She can't be all that bad..." Hermione tried to reassure, rolling up her Extendable Ear. "I mean, she can't be another Quirrel, can she?"

Harry didn't know why but it felt as if she was going to be worse. Adults don't just argue over stupid prejudice like that. Well, except for the specific instant of Muggleborns and Pure Bloods. And Quidditch. And Defense Against the Dark Arts teachers. And Muggles in general... And... Well.

So adults did argue over the stupidest things.

Maybe it was nothing.