As you can see, I want to show Harry acknowledging that he is Slytherin. I do believe that it is an important part. I felt that by him ignoring it made him more reliant on Hermione and others. He took things with questioning them. I believe that he should have owned both houses but more so Slytherin. You will see more communications with Voldemort that I felt was missing in the last years. If he never managed Occlumency to block it in year 5; then we should have had more in years 6 and 7.

I am sorry that I have not posted recently. I just recently started a new job that has totally sent my sleep and writing schedules out of whack.

****back to the story****

A few days later, Harry found himself in the Headmaster's office with Snape. He spoke of Voldemort pulling him into the graveyard. He spoke of what he realized about Nagini. He spoke of petting Nagini. He said how Voldemort was able to hit him with the Cruciatus Curse. He told them that he only had two and half years left, so there was no point in resorting. He also said that the rivalry between the two houses would make it impossible to switch. He said knew that it would hard to remain in Gryffindor, even after it got out but he would remain.

He rose to leave with the parting words. "I can only hope that the rest does not get out and remain between us. I want no pity. I want no fame. I want this to just end. I only hope that the remaining school years will be of use to break the rivalry between the two houses, because we should all stand together regardless of what house we are in because Voldemort will hurt those in Slytherin just as any other member of the other three houses. He only sees pawns and death. He even refuses to acknowledge that he is a pawn of his own making and that will be his downfall."

When the Headmaster's door closed, the Sorting Hat spoke. "He is even wiser than I gave him credit. He is definitely wiser than anyone in this school." Snape and Dumbledore could only stare at the closed door.

The next morning, Harry received a letter at breakfast. He did not recognize the hand writing.

Harry,

I hope this letter finds you well. We at the Order heard about your vision of Voldemort. I wanted to let you know that you can talk or write to me. I can promise to keep your confidence. I and Remus can understand feeling alone and anger. We have both been there. We both have misunderstood. We know what it feels like to be surrounded by people that truly do not understand you or truly see you. If you haven't guessed. Remus and I are a couple. I promise not to share anything with him that you do not want me to share. I am saddened but understand your need to be alone at Christmas.

Your friend,

Tonks

Harry rose and left the Great Hall. It may be almost empty, but he still did not want to cry in front of anyone. Once out of the Great Hall, he ran to the Gryffindor dorm. He threw himself on his bed. He cried himself to sleep. He slept for a few hours. He rose, washed his face, and sat down to write a reply.

Tonks,

It was good to hear from you. I am not sure what all you were told about my conversation with Voldemort because that is what was. Yes, he was able to hit me with the Cruciatus Curse twice. Yes, I did feel the pain of the curse, surprisingly. The first time I was pulled he hit me with it as payment for hitting Bellatrix with it. The second time he pulled me, I was asleep. The second time it was a conversation. I cannot say all that was said, because it would take up too much time and probably best to say in person and means that it could not be overheard. I am not sure what all Dumbledore has been saying and keeping secret. I will say this much, because I am sure it will soon find its way to the paper. I told Voldemort the truth about my sorting. See, I was never meant to be in Gryffindor. I spent several minutes arguing for any other house than Slytherin. The hat finally placed me in the house of my parents. According to the hat, I am pretty much tied between the two house, but slightly more Slytherin than Gryffindor. I have come to realize my error due to my ignorance: I am truly more Slytherin. I am sure that many will argue that point. Yes, I drew the Sword of Gryffindor in my second year to kill the basilisk; however, I have learned that it was not just my strong desire to save Ginny, but also the work of Dumbledore. I wish could say a lot more, but I learned a lot of secrets that Dumbledore has kept from me and everyone. I bare the weight of these secrets, as it seems that I have to bear the weight of prophecy. I know that I am pushing people away and drifting further into myself. I know that there is few that I can tell. I know that it is not my friends. Whenever, I try to express or explain they seemed to not acknowledge what I am trying to say. Snape and Dumbledore even argued about doing a resorting which is something that has never happened. It still remains that I am very unique across all things. Yes, I chose to be alone. Ron left with angry words between us, because he could not understand my need to be alone. I know that the Weasleys' love me. However, I am tired of being around those that do not try to listen or understand. I am constantly being torn. I feel like I do not belong into either house; yet I belong to Hogwarts. I cannot fully explain it. I know that Hogwarts is the only place that I feel is home, and the only place I feel safe; even though, I have been attacked and have been through much on the grounds. It is not so much the professors or the other students. It is the castle and grounds themselves that seem to have enveloped me. I have always wanted a home that truly loves me and to have parents to love, understand and guide me. I do not mean to dishonor my parents' memory; however, I do not remember them or know them. I can only hear them when a dementor comes near, and then I can only relive my mother's death. I see and hear it with clarity. Yet, my consciousness only brings Cedric's and Sirus' deaths to my waking and sleeping eyes. It angers me sometimes that I cannot bring the memory of my mother up without a dementor being near. It is not just these things that cause my confusion. I have been finding myself being drawn towards Malfoy. I tried to talk to Ron and Hermione but only got yelled at and told to forget about him. However, I cannot. I keep feeling that we totally misunderstood each other and should have been friends from the being if not more. I am just so angry, and so many secrets that I dare not write. I am glad that Remus has found someone to care for and will truly care him. He more than deserves it. I truly hope that you two will be happy. I do not mind if you share this with him as long as it stays between just you two. I could never tell someone to keep something from their partner.

Your friend,

Harry

Harry quickly ran to the owlery and sent Hedwig off with the letter. He went back to the common room to study his textbooks. His mind drifted to thoughts of Malfoy. It was Malfoy that appeared in his dream as he fell asleep on the couch.

The days seem to drift and it was finally Christmas morning. Neville could not help but to wake him up early. He could not help but smile at his enthusiasm. They sat in the common room and opened up their presents. He was happy to receives the gifts from the Weasleys. Yet, he could not feel bad about not being there. He was happy that Mr. and Mrs. Weasley seem to understand him wanting to remain at school. He was sure it is not for the reasons that they are thinking. During breakfast, he received a reply from Tonks asking to meet him at the lake at one.

After breakfast, he sat in the common room. He could not get Malfoy off his mind. He wrote him a long letter and put it in his pocket. He played chess with Neville till lunch. He made an excuse on wanting to be alone and the need for a walk. Neville seemed to understand. He put his cloak on as soon as he left the castle. He did not want anyone to see which direction he was going. He knew that both Snape and Dumbledore had been watching him.

He reached the lake in no time. He knew that he was early. He just leaned back on sand and enjoyed the view. He heard the popping sound several minutes later. "You doing okay, Harry." He turned a looked at Remus.

He ran and through his arms around him. "Professor Lupin!" He moved and embraced Tonks. "I am so glad to see you both. I am so happy for you. I was surprised by your request to meet. I am glad to see you."

Tonks kept his arm around Harry. "Your letter worried us. Especially when you spoke about being hit with the Cruciatus and feeling it through the vision. We were only told that Voldemort pulled you to his father's graveyard, and told that nothing of import was said."

Harry clenched his fists. He tensed. "Can you ward the area? I used my dad's cloak, but still do not want to take the chance I was followed." He paid close attention to the wards and charms that he used for later use.

Harry began to pace. "I know nothing of what is being done or what Dumbledore has told the Order or having you do. I can say that he has kept a lot of secrets. One I am glad he did, but I am pissed that he knew the whole time and did nothing and allowed it take place. So this may take a while."

They were quiet and listened. He relayed the entire graveyard event. Everything that was said and done. He kicked a rock and sent it flying into the lake when he was done. He jumped at the sound of Remus' voice. "How could Dumbledore not say anything? How does he expect us to protect you when he leaves this information out? It is only a matter of time before some relates the sorting and idea of neglect and abuse to the papers. It is important to know the relationship with Nagini. It seems that it is more than a pet. We could weaken him, if we could kill it. What is that man thinking?"

Harry smiled that someone felt the same as him. He watched Tonks place a hand on him. "Calm down, love. I have a feeling this is not everything." Tonks turned to Harry. "There is more isn't there."

"Oh yeah, there is a hell of a lot more which get worse than the graveyard." Harry muttered.

Remus turned and faced Harry. "How much worse?"

"The worse you can possibly imagine." Harry groaned. "What I am about to relay cannot be repeated to anyone? You have to swear it."

"Would you like us to make a vow of secrecy?" Tonks asked.

"Your words are enough."

Tonks swamped by the trust pulled him into a hug. "Then you have it. We will not repeat."

Remus nodded. "We will not repeat anything."

Harry nodded. He began the long narration of the conversation with the Sorting Hat that he heard when he woke up in Snape's spare room. He relayed everything including what was said about the Dursley's and Malfoy. He gave it almost word for word even about the horcruxes. He then relayed the later conversation. "I walked out of his office and said "I can only hope that the rest does not get out and remain between us. I want no pity. I want no fame. I want this to just end. I only hope that the next couple of years will be of use to break the rivalry between the two houses, because we should all stand together regardless of what house we are in because Voldemort will hurt those in Slytherin just as any other member of the other three houses. He only sees pawns and death. He even refuses to acknowledge that he is a pawn of his own making and that will be his downfall.""

"Oh my, god. You were not kidding." Tonks sat on the ground, because she did not think she could stand.

"Why didn't you say anything about the Dursley's to Sirus or me?" Remus asked feeling slightly saddened.

"It would not have done any good. Dumbledore has the say over where I go. According to the goblins he is my magical guardian. He even has control over my vault and inheritance from my parents. It is not something I like to talk about. It is just something that is. I know that I am even a freak amongst wizards. I know that I am only a pawn. So, what good would it have done. Shot, even the Weasley's knew I was being locked up in a room. Ron, Fred and George broke the bars on the windows just before the start of the second year. I still had to go back. So, you tell me what would have been the point in me say anything." Harry yelled.

"The Weasley's knew." Tonks whispered.

"I am not sure how much they knew. I know they knew I was being locked up in my room." Harry uttered.

Remus turned around. "You said the Dumbledore controls your access to your trust vault and inheritance from your parents. What about your inheritance from Sirus?"

Harry looked puzzled. "What heritance from Sirus?"

"Sirus was the heir to the House of Black. He left everything to you. He named you heir to the House of Black, because not only were you his godson, but because James' grandmother was a Black. The heir of the House of Black has to have Black in their blood."

"I guess he controls that as well, because I was never informed. I knew that I do not get full access till I come of age in July. I was told by the goblins."

Tonks looked up at Harry. "You said that you cannot have full access till you come of age, correct?" Harry only nodded. "You are the most Triwizard Champion."

"I share the title with Cedric. So?" Harry nodded.

"I work in the Ministry. It was declared that only those that have come of age and are adults could participate in the tournament because of the deadly risks. The Goblet of Fire is made of ancient magic and is binding and can be broken. It is only allowed to choose those which have the deepest understanding of being an adult and what it takes to compete; as well as, a person with great power and will. So, when the Goblet chose you. You by ancient magic were deemed an adult and emancipated by the ancient magic. So, by all rights of the law, you should have been considered an adult, since your fourth year."

"So, why do I still have a magical guardian and still under the trace?" Harry questioned. He thought. "Dumbledore again, I bet." He began to think. "He is still needing to control me. He does not trust me enough to do what I must to kill Voldermort. He does not understand the hate, anger and contempt I have towards the bastard." He looked to both Remus and Tonks who looked defeated.

"So no matter what we do, you will die." Tonks whispered.

"Yes, Dumbledore insists that it is necessary that I be the last horcrux to die. If I am then my death by the Killing Curse will also cause his death. See, it is better that I am kept safe by blood wards; regardless if I am starved, worked to death and beaten, and let's not forget all the harsh words."

Remus placed a hand on Harry's shoulder. "What about your house and Malfoy?"

Harry shrugged. He tried to explain his feelings about Malfoy and Slytherin versus Gryffindor. He told them what transpired at Slughorn's Christmas Party and at the lake. "I am not even sure if I am explaining what I feel correctly. It is so much and so deep. I do not understand myself. I know that from the first year. Malfoy and I have always seemed to be drawn to each with either harsh words, competition or fighting."

"What put you off Malfoy?" Tonks asked.

"The first time I met him; his words and demeanor reminded me too much of Dudley. However, Dudley has changed his attitude towards me, since the dementor attack. I mean even Malfoy could have changed. However, he will not be able to change too much now, since taking the mark. I know it will not be long before Voldemort knows what I know, because I do not know occlumency. Snape tried to teach forcibly but could not explain any of it. So, I guess that is why he did not want to tell me anything." Harry shrugged.

Harry sat next to Tonks and placed his head on her shoulder. "I could have taught you when I was here." Remus stared down at him.

"It was not known that our minds were connected till after his return at the end of the tournament." Harry

"I am not a legilimen. It is not an art that I could master. However, I am pretty good at occlumency. I can send you a couple of books."

Harry grinned. "Thanks. I would like that. Snape says I am a lost cause when it comes to occlumency, but was surprised to find me a natural at legilimency when I cast a silent legilimens at him during one of our session. He promptly ended the sessions for good."

Tonks laughed. "I am sure he did. Your father mastered legilimency though it took him awhile. I understand that You-know-who was a natural and is probably the best at it."

It was getting close to dinner. Remus spoke. "You must be getting back for dinner. They will be looking for you. I will always stand by you, Harry. If you want a friendship or something more with Malfoy; then you will have my support. If you feel strongly and want to go to Slytherin; then I will still be there for you. I will send the books, so you can have them in the morning."

Harry hugged them both. "I would rather not be in either house, truly. I would much rather just have a separate room and not be linked with any house. I belong to the castle not to any house, even if I feel more strongly connected to Slytherin than Gryffindor. Then again I probably do not even belong to the castle. I am just here to die, so I guess I belong to nowhere." Harry walked away throwing his father's cloak over him and disappearing from site.

Harry did not look back, and did not see the shock and tears from his parting words. He made the lonely trek to the castle. He entered the common room as Neville was leaving for dinner. He told Neville that he was not hungry and went to go lay down.