Disclaimer : I do not own anything. All Harry Potter characters belong to JKR.

A/N: Sorry I took so long to update. I started working at my new company in a different location. So it took this long to settle in and complete this chapter. From now on, the updates will be more regular… something like once a week.

I will also be starting a new story which will be a crossover with Chronicles of Riddick. It will be a complete AU story. It will contain spoilers from all books. Watch out for it. Now on with the story.

Review replies I will do so in my next chapter.

Chapter 4 : Revelations

Harry woke up 2 days later bruised, bloodied and clad only in his boxers in a dark damp cell. He groaned in pain when he came into consciousness. It hurt to move any part of his body. He gave up on trying to sit up. Every part of his body ached. He felt stinging pain and smelled blood everywhere.

HARRY he heard Ginny scream mentally.

Since he couldn't yet do anything, he replied mentally Ginny? His voice sounded weak even mentally.

Oh my god Harry, what happened? You didn't reply for two days straight. I was so scared. Are you alright? Ginny asked rapidly.

Harry's mental facilities were still not up to par. So he managed a weak Huh… in response.

Sorry… her voice sounded sheepish. Are you okay? Don't tell me you are fine because even your mental voice is weak. She asked slowly.

I cant move. Everything hurts Gin.

What did they do to you for two days? Those bloody bastards Ginny swore.

Its been two days? Whoa… Harry asked surprised. So what happened?

Some auror stunned you and took away Tom's wand. They didn't let any of us come near you. She replied sadly.

Its ok. You couldn't have done anything. Those guys must have done a pretty good number on me. So what is the story about Dumbledore? He asked curiously.

Dumbledore gave a press conference at Hogwarts. He said he had been grievously injured and poisoned on an expedition. He told he had to go into a trance to help his magic heal him. Ginny doled out. That was for the public. For us and the Order, he said that he had recovered early but wanted to keep his presence a secret so that they could have an advantage in the war. But with you supposedly going dark, he had no choice but to reappear. How much ever we protested, he didn't listen.

Its not his fault Gin. It was a very good setup. So whats up with the Order? Did Tom do anything till now? Harry asked curiously.

Ginny hesitated a moment but replied It seems Snape was actually on our side. His body was sent to Hogwarts in pieces.The adults didn't let us look at his corpse but those that saw… She shuddered a bit the expressions on them was enough to dissuade us. Most of them lost theirs meals soon after that. They said they could hardly recognize his body any more. But apart from that, the frustrating thing is that Dumbledore didn't even tell us why Snape fired the Avada Kedavra at him that night. Personally I think most of what he told us was a load of bull. The Order is in a complete disarray. Dumbledore is being indecisive and nobody else has any idea what to do about the situation. Mum and dad told me that they disbanded the Order meeting because of the ruckus.

Harry gave a wry smile but got serious Ginny, I need you to start preparing yourself. If I know Tom, he will send people after you in one way or the other. Even in Hogwarts you wont be safe. There are many advanced defense books in my trunk. I had gotten new ones in the summer. Read them and practice whenever you can.

Ok Harry I'll do it. I will keep up at Hogwarts in the room of requirement. She stopped for a moment as if to berate herself and continued Harry I completely forgot. The end of year exams are scheduled for the first week of September and classes are to begin on October 1st. All students are returning to Hogwarts on August 1st to give us a month to prepare.

You are well ahead of your year Gin. A month is more than enough besides I will be there to help you. Even though I doubt I will know anything you don't except in defense and charms. Harry soothed her since she sounded worried.

That is not what I am worried about Harry. Its… something strange is happening around here. Dumbledore is beginning to… I mean really beginning to lose his marbles. He is making second guesses about everything and he is unable to take proper decisions. Everything is going haywire. Suddenly many people who believed in you two days ago are openly speaking against you. Ron is even giving interviews to press about all your adventures in detail. I don't know what to think and who to trust. And the press is lapping it all up and even exaggerating it. They are printing articles again like in your fifth year condemning you.

Don't worry about them Gin. Concentrate on preparing yourself. Now excuse me for a moment. I want to see where and what state I am in. Harry concluded.

When he finally managed to open his eyes, he met big tennis ball shaped eyes of a house-elf. "What…" he rasped out.

He was soon propped up by magic and a glass of water was pressed against his lips. He drank greedily spilling most of the contents. He sighed contentedly and looked around. First and foremost, he noticed a house elf standing beside him. They were in a dark cell of about 15 feet by 20 feet about 10 feet high. There was a metallic cot in a corner and a bucket in another corner. His bloodied and torn clothing was laid out on the cot. The cell was bare other than that.

Finally he turned to the house elf and asked "Hello. I am Harry. Who are you and what are you doing here?"

The house elf seemed surprised but replied "I is Slinky master. You is in far cell. Nobody is using it for long years. You was hurt badly so I is taking your clothes to help. I is sorry I is doing it master." It said and proceeded to hit its head against the wall just as any other house elf would do.

Harry didn't have the strength to stop it physically so he said aloud "Stop. Don't punish yourself. Its alright."

It looked at him with wide eyes. "Slinky is surprised at master's kindness. Slinky vows to look after master Harry. I help you healthy again."

Harry was surprised. He didn't think other prisoners had elves to take care of them and as far as he knew, house elves didn't have any healing powers. "But… How… I thought you were bonded and couldn't disobey the aurors."

Slinky shook its head with its large ears flapping left and right "All elfs working here is free elfs. We is forced here. Wards keep us here master. Only fifteen elfs here but we is having a lot of work. So Slinky helps master Harry."

Harry was shocked to know about them. Forcibly detaining them and making them work would have set him in a fit of rage if he had the strength. He realized he didn't know much about them at all. He doubted anyone in the wizarding world knew either. But this was too cruel, it was something Tom would do. "I want to escape from here Slinky. I promise to find a way to take you all away from here."

Slinky stood up straight and replied seriously "Slinky help in any way master wants. We be glad if yous take us out. All elfs help master Harry. We is bringing you good food we gives to aurors. But magic used inside cell stay inside. Elfs not able to open doors. Doors locked with very old wizard magic."

Every part of his body was screaming in pain. Even small movements were sending large jolts of pain. After a great deal of effort, Harry put hid hand on Slinky's shoulder to show his appreciation. "Thank you Slinky. I am grateful for your help. Can you please get me my clothes?"

Slinky began to tear up "Master Harry is great wizard." Harry groaned as he realized Slinky was like Dobby. He really didn't need another helper like Dobby but he couldn't help it. He needed all the help he got now. "Slinky help master." He said and snapped his fingers. Harry's clothes were clean again. All the tears were repaired and they were folded neatly and were beside Harry.

"Thank you Slinky. Can you clean me up too?" Harry asked.

"Slinky can clean but I is needing help of Chirper to heal yous. Chirper is head elf here." Then he snapped his fingers again and Harry was clean of blood and mud on him though his wounds remained. He was thankful for that. "Slinky go get Chirper master Harry." Slinky snapped his fingers again and disappeared.

Harry remembered that something was put inside his pocket at he lost consciousness. He searched his pants and got a folded piece of parchment. It was addressed to HARRY POTTER written in blood red ink. He opened and read it…

Dear Harry,

By now you must be wondering who would send you this note on your way to Azkaban. It is I, Lord Voldemort. You are now in an unused part of Azkaban..

If you have somehow survived the gentle treatment of my death eaters… or aurors in your opinion, I commend you. But fear not, you shall die away slowly. Nobody will check up on you and you will die of hunger like a pitiful brat you are. While you die slowly, I will kill all the people you once held dear one by one.

You should know my new apprentice Draco. I hear he has quite a few delightful plans for your dear Weaselette. I have entrusted her care to him and I am sure when I finally bring your corpse out to show the world, I will tell everybody the complete detail of your innocence and the ministrations to your whore.

Know that I will destroy you and everything you held close to you. After that I assure you the world will take its rightful place beneath my feet. I shall the one god people will look up to and worship.

Your overlord,

Lord Voldemort.

Harry crumpled the letter and threw it to the wall. His eyes held a spark of anger and helpless ness in them. What could he do? He had done all that he could to help Ginny. Malfoy was now coming after her. What if he got into Hogwarts? Ginny was brilliant but there was so much he could do. Why had the fates been so cruel to him? Was he destined to slowly lose everyone while he lived? He thought unaware that Ginny was hearing all that.

Ginny startled him by replying I will take care Harry. Don't worry too much about me. I promise to seek help if it becomes too much.

I just wish I could do something. At least I wont die as Tom thinks. Harry replied morosely.

Whats this about dying? Ginny asked alarmed.

Oh that, Tom sent me a letter through an auror who came to arrest me. I am stranded in an isolated cell where nobody looks. He thinks I will die of hunger and he will gloat it to the world then that I was innocent all along. But not to worry he placated her when he felt that she was panicking I already have a house elf by the name of Slinky helping me. He cant do much but he told he would get me proper food.

Only you Harry can make friends even in a prison. Ginny said exasperatedly once she had calmed down.

Yeah, aren't I the best? Harry asked cheekily.

You are lucky you are not near me Mr. Potter. Ginny warned mock sternly.

Talk to you in a bit Gin. Slinky is here with another elf to heal me. Harry told her as he saw two house elves appear before him.

"I is Chirper master. I is needing one more elf to heal master." The other elf stated before snapping his fingers and disappearing. A few moments later, he arrived with a female elf who looked as old as him. "We is healing yous now. Please relax and don't be surprised master."

The two elves started clapping their hands and chanting in a strange language while Slinky watched. Harry was unexpectedly levitated in the air. He closed his eyes when it began to hurt all over. It wasn't as much as a crucio but it was a lot of pain. He felt as though he was scrubbed raw on all his injuries. It was indescribable agony for about five minutes which felt like five hours for him. Then the pain slowly ebbed away and he was put back on the ground.

He carefully examined himself. He was completely healed but he was sore all over with just a dull ache where his wounds were. He bent down on his knees and hugged the two house elves and thanked them. He hugged Slinky too. "Thank you all of you. I promise you all that I will get you away from here as soon as I can for all you have done for me." Their healing method was crude and painful but at least they healed him.

The three elves were blushing profusely never having heard such high praise from a wizard. "Whenever you is needing anything, you is calling Slinky master. We is glad to be helping you." Chirper offered. They all snapped their fingers and disappeared. A tray full of food appeared along with a bottle of pumpkin juice. Harry talked to Ginny while eating.

Gin… You wont believe what just happened, I am healed. Just a bit sore now. The house elves that came healed me. He said happily to Ginny.

That's great Harry. Talk to me whenever you are bored alright. And you'd better check in with me everyday Mr. Potter. Ginny ordered him.

Yes mam, as you say mam. I am a lowly servant who obeys you mam. Harry replied cheerfully.

Let me sleep now please. In case you haven't noticed… She stopped awkwardly not knowing if he could even make out the time of the day in his cell. Er.. Sorry.

No need to apologize Gin. I have good food and lots of rest now. It really doesn't bother much to be here other than the fact that I miss you. Now go to sleep my Queen. Pleasant dreams Gin. Harry instructed lovingly.

X O X O X O X

Ginny and Harry talked daily… in fact they talked almost all the time. Harry had gotten over his soreness and had started doing some physical exercises to pass time. The elves got him some books to read from the aurors. So he read those books and magazines. Since he couldn't practice, he simply tried to remember them.

It was three days since Harry had woken up. Ginny was invited to Bill's and Fleur's apartment today. She really didn't want to go but her favorite brother, Bill had told her that it would be helpful for her.

She got ready and went down to the kitchen to floo to Bill's place. Ginny stood in the fireplace and sprinkled the pinch of floo powder. She bellowed "BILL'S CRYPT" and vanished in the green flames.

She stepped out of the fireplace into the modest sitting room. She was immediately hugged by Fleur "'ow are you dear. It muz be hard for you. Sit down." Ginny was still not that much taken to the newest Weasley but she welcomed the affection.

When Ginny was released from the embrace, she noticed that she was probably the last to arrive. She was surprised at the number and the choice of people here. She wondered what kind of meeting she had been invited to. There was Remus Lupin, Alaster Moody, Fred, George and of course Bill and Fleur.

She took a seat beside Bill. Bill started the meeting "All those who have gathered here believe in Harry's innocence. I know that Hagrid also believes in Harry but as you all know, he cant really keep his mouth to himself. There are a lot of strange things happening least of which if the behavior of Albus Dumbledore and others close to us. One by one they changed and are slandering Harry. We are the only people who can do something about this."

"Fleur here has an idea why we aren't acting like them." He continued "Fleur says all of us here are somehow resistant to some mind altering spells and potions. Remus because of his lycanthropy, Fred and George due to your twin bond, Moody… well maybe because you are experienced and have taken precautions and Fleur and me due to a bond a Veela forms when she marks her mate. Hagrid though we aren't sure, think that he is resistant to most potions like spells due to his giant blood." Here he paused a but and turned to Ginny. He was wondering like everybody else how this was possible. "Now Ginny I am not sure why. Ginny?" he prompted.

Ginny wasn't sure what to tell them and so he contacted Harry mentally. Harry Remus, Moody, twins, Hagrid, Bill and Fleur are the only close people who still believe in you now. They have called me to some meeting. Apart from Hagrid, everybody else is here. They think that somebody is putting spells and potions to change others' views in the order. They are talking about bonds that prevented some mind altering spells and potions. What do I tell them?

Don't tell them about the Soul bond Gin. That should be only between us. Tell them it's a debt bond due to your life debt. Harry instructed.

Ginny faced the others and said "You all know Harry saved me in the Chamber. We love each other too. So maybe there is some kind of debt bond between us." She said casually hoping to throw off the suspicion. She didn't want to get an earful if they happened to hear about real circumstances.

Bill nodded accepting the explanation. Moody as usual was skeptical about everything. He asked gruffly "What are we going to do about him? This is was people and Albus is no longer leading the Order. He is no longer able to take proper decisions and was giving confusing orders. He is definitely not himself and always looked troubled. So I was voted the leader while Albus will remain headmaster and chief of Wizengamut. You people are the ones I can spare from the Order to work on Potter's behalf. Make the most of it."

Everybody sat stunned assimilating the new information. This was more than what they had hoped for from the Order. Meanwhile Ginny relayed everything to Harry mentally.

Gin, ask Moody how he is sure that the person is in fact Dumbledore. I told all of them what happened at the top of the tower that day. Harry instructed mentally.

Ginny addressed Moody "Sir, how do you know that it is the real Dumbledore. Harry told everybody that he saw the killing curse hit Dumbledore and he did in fact fall from the top of the tower."

Moody guffawed and replied "Constant Vigilance. Good question lass. We had him checked out for everything and cross referenced with answers to questions only Albus would know. Besides my magical eye can read auras and his aura confirms his identity. Now you lot do what you can. I have some death munchers to catch." That said, he disappeared via the fireplace.

Ginny was relaying things continuously. Finally Remus asked "What do we do now."

The twins who were sitting quietly until now. They spoke in unison solemnly "We will keep and eye out for news from Diagon Alley and Knockturn Alley."

Bill nodded and supplied "Me and Fleur will keep and ear out at Gringotts. Goblins didn't believe Sirius was guilty so I doubt they will condemn Harry now."

"I know some people from the DA at school still believe that Harry is innocent. I will talk to students at school." Ginny told them.

Remus sighed and said "Moody will be busy with Order business. I think I can look around in the shadier sections for some leads. Thank you all for believing in Harry and trying to look out for him."

Bill spoke for the Weasleys assembled there "We all owe Harry many times over. Besides things are too weird right now to believe in anything else."

Remus looked at all of them and told quietly "Harry is all I have left now (Don't forget Tonks – Fred) umm… yeah her too… So I am glad you are all willing to help him." Remus once again thanked them all and disappeared through the fireplace.

"We will make sure…" Fred

"Our dear Harrikins…" George

"The famed hero…" Fred

"The chosen one…" George

"And too many other titles…" Fred

"Will appreciate the help of…" George

"His two most devious…" Fred

"Brilliant…" George

"Add a host of other supreme qualities..." Fred

"Brothers… namely" George

"Gred and Forge…" Fred

"We bid adieu…" George

"So than we can…" Fred

"Help our little brother." They both finished in unison. Giving Ginny a hug, they both flooed away.

Ginny was touched by the words of the twins. She had been holding herself together until now but couldn't any longer. Ginny got up and hurled herself at Bill sobbing quietly. "Thanks Bill. Its very difficult for me to be away from him when he had just proclaimed his love for me."

Bill held her and said soothingly "Shh… it will all be okay Gin-Gin. We will get Harry out."

Fleur too put an arm on Ginny's shoulder to comfort her "Arry iz a strong man. Everyzing will be alright. I know it will be difficult. I wenz through the zame zing with Bill in the hospital."

The three stayed together for a few more minutes with Ginny taking comfort in family that was helping her. Ginny returned to the Burrow after promising them to contact them in case of problems.

Immediately after reaching the Burrow, she went up to her room while telling Harry about the meeting.

You are brilliant Gin Harry beamed at her it was a great idea to think about the DA. Whether they believe me or not tell everybody to prepare for the worst. The letter Tom sent me indicates he will do something major this year affecting us all. By the way how is Bill coping after the attack? Are there any problems regarding his condition?

There are no problems with Bill. The only reminder is the scars in his face and some increased aggressiveness. Replied Ginny.

They talked and teased each other for a few minutes before Ginny was called downstairs.

X O X O X O X

Ginny had taken Harry's trunk into her own room the day Harry had woken up. She now spent most of her time reading over the defense books when she was not doing chores around the house. Her family didn't seem to be bothered… well not much more than normal. It was as if Harry never existed for them.

Ron had completely given into his jealousy of Harry. He was still giving out interviews to any reporter who would listen. He was even inventing stories about things that never happed. He just 'happened' to remember some incriminating evidence against Harry. He claimed that Harry had obliviated him and Hermione many times. It seems he had caught Harry practicing Dark Arts many times during the fifth and sixth years. He went as far to say that Harry used them both as target practice.

Hermione was not much better. She and Ron did joint interviews. She collaborated everything that Ron said. She even went beyond Ron and sobbingly ground out that Harry tried to feel her and take advantage of her sexually.

Bill and the twins were disgusted with Ron and Hermione and had told them so in their face. This had aggravated Ron and Hermione who thought they were doing the right thing.

The Prophet was filled with interviews from many people and stories about Harry. One edition even had complete details about his home life at the Dursleys. They, being true to their nature, blamed everything on him and claimed that he had threatened them on numerous occasions. Then there were interviews from the students of Hogwarts. The Slytherins outright accused him of everything from intimidation to attacks. The members of the DA were mostly ignored but a few of them supported the accusations. Notable amongst them were Zacharias Smith and Dean Thomas. Other students didn't know much about Harry but their words were also twisted to help further the view of the public.

Ginny saw first hand how fickle the wizarding world was. She was never called for any interview because her dear brother, Ron had said that she had been controlled by Harry. She was supposedly made use of and discarded. 'Fame is indeed a fickle friend' she mused. She was disgusted with the way her world operated.

Harry and Ginny kept up their conversations every chance they got. Harry helped her with her spellwork whenever he could and however he could. It was less than a week since she had started so she had hardly made any progress. She couldn't even practice the spells that she had learned. But she was comforted and assured by Harry every time she began to doubt herself.

She was sad that nobody paid much attention to her in her house. Ron and Hermione were out giving interviews. Her dad was busy with the ministry and the Order. With Fudge back, there was much more work in all departments. Her mother was busy with the clean up after the wedding and cooking. The twins were busy with the shop and looking out for any news of Harry. Charlie had gone back to Romania.

Bill and Fleur were the only ones who checked up on her everyday. Both of them flooed to the Burrow every night and tried to cheer her up. This helped improve the relation between Ginny and Fleur. Ginny saw the woman behind the Veela. Since Ginny never had sisters and others weren't paying much attention to her, she gained a new sister in such a short time. Fleur told her about her education at Beauxbatons and her life in France. Ginny in turn told her about life in a crowded Burrow. Ginny talked about the numerous quirks of her brothers and of her love for Harry. Ginny generally felt better after a much needed girl talk with Fleur now that Hermione was otherwise occupied.

Ginny only generally asked for advice from Bill regarding her safety. She had promised Harry after all. Nobody knew Tom ordered Malfoy to target her. She couldn't tell others about her link and therefore couldn't tell about the letter Harry had received. She had dumped all her old books in favor of Harry's books. She used his trunk and his books. As promised, she carried the invisibility cloak everywhere she went.

X O X O X O X

Harry was already getting bored. What could you expect one to do in a prison cell? He exercised and tried to practice Occlumency. He started to try and do meditation. He hardly got anywhere with that since he had no idea whatsoever about the techniques or the concept. His exercises were minimal as he had to rest for his body to completely recover. Those auror death eaters had done a pretty good bang up job on him.

He talked to Slinky a lot. Slinky told him about the aurors who had the guard duty since the Dementors had abandoned Azkaban. He observed that there was one shift of one auror from the Order per day. Slinky told him about the layout of Azkaban but being inside a cell, he couldn't make out head or tails out of it. But he did learn a lot about the cell he was in. It was in an abandoned part of Azkaban which had partially collapsed. The cells in this part of the prison were very old ones which had ancient wards. Nobody knew all the wards on the cells but they were considerable. These cells were built to hold up to ten people at a time. That was why his cell was so big. The newer sections had been built in the last century and that was where all the prisoners were placed. The old section in which he was imprisoned had larger cells. Nobody had checked in this section for more than two decades. This section could only be accessed from a hidden passageway from the main prison. So he was completely alone except for the house elves. Tom had sure picked up a nice cell for him.

For a house elf, Slinky was very inquisitive. He opened up to Harry very fast and had comfortable conversations during lunch or dinner. The mornings meant a lot of work and he as therefore not available. Slinky asked a lot of questions about the outside world. He heard some of the news from the aurors but with Harry, he could ask about anything.

Slinky told him about his history. He was a house elf for the Babcock family and was released from service when her mistress had gotten bored with her. He had searched for another family for a year and was then captured and put in service here. He was working in Azkaban for seven years now. He told about some of the other elves imprisoned here. All had similar stories but two of them were bad elves according to them. Those two had betrayed the secrets of their masters who were good people.

Harry in turn told Slinky about all his interactions with Dobby. He explained in detail about the events of his second year often getting sidetracked talking about Ginny. He told Slinky about Dobby's help during the tri wizard tournament and during Umbridge's reign at Hogwarts. He even told Slinky about the many midnight dinners and picnics he had taken Ginny to where Dobby had arranged the place and the food. He also told him about the little things Dobby helped him with last year – like leaving a rose beside Ginny's bed every morning, sending her notes during classes etc. Harry found it unbelievable that Slinky even teased him about Ginny.

Harry kept away from serious topics such as war and his friends. Slinky also kept away from depressing topics such as the status of other prisoners and identities of prisoners. All in all they developed a firm friendship which also consisted awe and worship in small part from Slinky.

Harry didn't tell Slinky about his bond to Ginny. He wanted this information to be strictly between him and Ginny. He got updates daily from Ginny. He knew all about the articles published in the Prophet. He was hurt knowing his friends would say such blatant lies about him but talking to Ginny, he tuned it all out. He frankly didn't care about them anymore. If they wanted to slander him, they could do it to their heart's content. Tom was anyway going to explain his innocence at some point. He hoped to see their faces at that time. He was happy to know that Moody was heading the Order. It was high time for hard policies regarding the death eaters. He too shared Ginny's views about the wizarding world in general. He was saddened to know about others treatment of Ginny.

Harry was glad of one thing though – Albus Dumbledore. He was one person had cared for more than others generally. He was not giving any interviews and was totally absent from the proceedings of the Order. Frankly Harry was worried about him because such a powerful wizard should have been at least considered for his fighting capability. Since he was left out, it meant that there was something really wrong with him.

The only thing Harry worried about most was Ginny's safety. Since Ginny couldn't go out anywhere, she hadn't spent any of his money yet. He didn't even know what to tell her to buy to protect her more. He had thought about some charm bracelet or necklace but they cost more than he had in his money pouch. He realized he was safer than Ginny because nobody would come to check for him until Tom came for him.

He knew Ginny had a fiery temper. He had often been hexed for some comments when they were dating last year. So he didn't repeatedly nag her to be careful. He knew she took what he had told very seriously and was trying her best to follow it. She surprised him sometimes with her brilliance. She asked Bill and the twins for help playing on their brotherly love for her. She was sneaky when she wanted to be. She had received some of the twins inventions from their defense section to take with her to school. Harry marveled how lucky he was to have such a terrific witch.