CAUTION: Possible spoilers for books 5, 6, and 7.

SUMMARY: Harry questions the origin of the strange object that had appeared in his bedroom; Harry returns to Gringotts to visit the family vault and retrieve a few important things; another confrontation with the Dursleys gives another hint of Harry's strength as a wizard; a visit to No. 12 Grimmauld Place gains a new ally; and work continues on the flat inside Harry's trunk…



III:FLAT TRUNK?
Or, is it a trunk flat?

The device was about the size of a quaffle, and very much resembled one of the many small trinkets which seemed to adorn Dumbledore's office. The question was, how did it get here? For the time being, he used a dirty shirt and wrapped the item in it, then placed it in the second compartment of his new trunk. He had breakfast to make, after all.

As he worked at the stove, his thoughts were still stuck on the strange object now stored in his trunk. How had it managed to follow him? Could it be a danger? It certainly wasn't the last time he had dealt with bizarre objects, and he wasn't worried about what it might be. After all, there was something far more dangerous resting in the same compartment. Yet, there had to be a way to determine if it was at least safe to handle, right?

He was brought out of his thoughts, when Vernon stepped into the kitchen. Harry only nodded, and gestured to a cup of coffee already poured for him. He hurriedly filled four plates, then sat at the table.

"And do tell, boy, who invited you to sit with us?" questioned Vernon, with a glare.

"I did, when 'I' paid for the food you're eating this morning out of my own pocket," answered Harry, matter-of-factly. His uncle could not come up with a retort, and so the table fell to silence.

Once he finished, he stood. "I'll be out of the house most of the day again today. More wizard stuff."

"Is this to be the habit throughout the summer, boy?" questioned Vernon, gruffly.

"I dunno, maybe. Look, it's better I'm out of the house, rather than stuck here underfoot," Harry pointed out. Vernon conceded, then stood up himself. It was time for him to leave for work.

Once Petunia and Dudley were out of the kitchen, Harry cleaned up with a few gestures of his hands. The dishes floated themselves to the sink, washed and dried themselves, and put themselves away. He again smirked to himself, watching magic at work. It had been some time since he had actually felt good, felt alive. Just altering a single action, was already creating a butterfly effect. Sure, it was a dangerous game he was playing, but really, things couldn't end up much worse than they had ended up the first time, could they?

Like the day before, planned to spend most of the day in Diagon Alley, this time with his new trunk stowed in his pocket. It certainly made things much easier as far as purchases went, along with the other part of the mission that day. He had taken the time just before leaving, to apply an automatic resizing charm to it, so he wouldn't be having to cast magic each time he needed into it.

This time around, he cast a glamour on himself, so he wouldn't be seen. He had silently kicked himself the previous night, realizing how unwise it had been to be out in the alley without some kind of disguise.

The main objective on this second visit was to see his family vault at Gringotts. He had allowed the day for exactly that, as he knew there would be much to look at. So, just before 11 am, he was on his way down to the vault, courtesy of a bank cart.

Knowing it would be some time, he dismissed the goblin, allowing him to return to the surface. He then re-enlarged his new trunk, and began stuffing various items into the first compartment. He decided the second compartment would be reserved strictly for dark objects, items that were potentially dangerous. He then began collecting several books that had been indispensable the first time around; his mother had been a genius at charms, after all. In fact, there were several books that would be a great use when expanding the room in his trunk.

The first time around, he had created a large flat, with easily a dozen rooms. He had also managed to track down information on how to create a Room of Requirement. The thing was, would Dumbledore allow him to borrow the books this time? He mulled it over, as he tossed yet another advanced charms text into the pile growing in the first compartment. Of course, he reasoned, that particular text also contained some other very useful—albeit very advanced charms. Maybe a letter would be in order...

The most important thing collected was something truly special: a portrait of his parents. They had created it just after finishing school, so they had explained the first time around. It would be nice to at least be able to talk to them again—not that it was that long ago. Toward the end of the war, he had lived in his trunk most of the time, and the portrait had been hung above the fireplace.

Locating said portrait, he wasted no time in waking it. He grinned, as they woke and quickly oriented themselves. "Son?" said James.

"Hi dad," said Harry, still grinning. This was much different than the first time he had woken them. The first time, it was several hours before he could recompose himself enough to even speak to them.

"You've got your inheritance?" questioned Lily, seeming to appraise her son.

"Yeah, mum. There's stuff I have to tell you, though."

"You can't be seventeen yet," said James, "How did you fool the goblins?"

"I didn't, dad," answered Harry, "I'll explain everything properly in a bit... but the goblins let me know yesterday I had access to this vault, and I was a little surprised. So I came back today... there were a few other things I needed."

"So it seems," said Lily, glancing over at the open trunk. "A multi-compartment trunk I assume."

"Yeah, mum, it's got three compartments, one of them being a whole room. I plan to enlarge it significantly."

"How old are you, Harry?" questioned James.

"I turn fifteen at the end of July."

"Well done, a prank worthy of the Marauders, getting in here two years early."

"Dad. As I said, I have a few things to tell you later." Harry continued selecting numerous books from the shelves that lined one wall of the vault.

"You seem to know what you're looking for," Lily noticed, "As if you've done this before."

"Bingo!" said Harry, as he placed an armful of books into the trunk. He then took a breath, and began to explain the events of the original time line, or as he thought of it, 'the first time around'.

"So, you're still living with my sister," Lily assumed, when Harry finished.

"Yeah. Although this summer's shaping up to be quite different than last. It helps that I can do many things now without a wand. I wish I could've done that when I was younger. It would have saved a lot of grief."

"I think I will want a word with my sister," said Lily, icily, "She made terrible fun of Severus, you know."

"I know, Snape shared a pensieve memory or two of you guys. He loved you until he died."

"Really?"

"Honest, mum. Did you know, his Patronus is a doe, like yours?" Lily was surprised by the revelation. "It's true," Harry continued, "The bravest man I've ever met. That reminds me, I need to send him a letter, see if he might like to help me harvest a basilisk."

"A basilisk?!!" Lily was alarmed.

"Oh, it's already dead," said Harry, "I killed it at the end of my second year, saved my best friend's sister." Lily was still shocked at the idea.

"I'll have to tell you about my adventures at Hogwarts another time." He glanced at his watch. "It's time to get back to my aunt's house. I think for now I'll put your portrait in the room in the trunk. We can talk more after supper."

Arriving back at No. 4 Privet Drive, he found his aunt looking out of sorts.

"What's wrong?" questioned Harry, hand inching toward his wand.

"One of YOUR lot is in the back garden," she huffed. Harry glanced out through the solarium, and had to grin. Cedric was waiting for him.

"He won't bite, you know. Come let me introduce you... after all, you'll be seeing a lot of him this summer," Harry grinned.

"Now listen here, Harry... We will not be some..."

"What, I'm not allowed to have friends over? If I'm not allowed to have friends over, then neither is Dudley," Harry said in a low voice, "Trust me, I have ways of enforcing that." Petunia huffed and made a sour face at the threat, then stormed off into the basement. Harry shrugged, then stepped out into the back garden.

"Harry! Where've you been?"

"Gringotts," answered Harry, "C'mon, I have something to show you." He grabbed the older boy by the arm and all but dragged him through the house and up to his room.

Cedric looked around Harry's room, seeming to appraise the set up. "You've enlarged it."

"One of the first things I did when I got back. I mean, normally, this is the smallest bedroom in the house." Harry pulled the trunk out of his pocket, and re-enlarged it. He then opened the third latch. He pulled the lid open, revealing a ladder. He then made a gesture at the bedroom door—he wouldn't want his relatives intruding on them.

"Most impressive!" Cedric praised, as Harry began to climb down. He quickly followed.

"I'm planning to add to it, of course."

"You're not wasting any time, eh, Harry?"

"I can't. Voldemort may not have gotten his body back, but he's still a threat. He will try again, that's a fact. It's just when." A throat clearing behind them caused both boys to turn around.

"Who's this, Harry?" questioned Lily.

"Oh. Mum, dad, this is Cedric Diggory. Cedric, my parents, Lily and James."

"An honour to meet you," said Cedric, inclining his head, "I would shake hands, but that might be a bit difficult."

"Indeed it would!" said James, giving a light laugh, while Lily smiled. She said, "So, you must be the boy who's claimed our son's heart, then." Cedric felt his cheeks get rather warm at that comment. "Guilty as charged."

"It's actually good you're here, Ced," said Harry, "I'll need a bit of help setting up the wards on the trunk."

"You mean to say you don't know how to do it?" questioned James, "I would have thought--"

"Dad, it's not that I don't know how to do it. It's the complication of it, and an extra wand will be a great help. What I have in mind is this..."

By the time they were finished, the sun had long set, the room dimly lit by gas lamps.

"Harry, it's getting late..."

"Stay with me," said Harry, perhaps a little faster than he might have liked.

"Well..." Cedric thought about it, then grinned. "If I might borrow Hedwig, then."

"She won't mind in the least—wait," said Harry, as Cedric began to make for the ladder, "Try and disapparate out of the trunk, let's see if you can still do it now there are wards in place." Cedric nodded, twisted on the spot, and landed flat on his behind. Lily attempted to subdue a fit of giggles, while James failed miserably, earning glares from both boys.

"Right. You'll need to be added to the access list, then. Worked exactly as expected," Harry grinned.

"At least you didn't use blood wards."

"I debated the idea, and I may still in the future," was Harry's answer, as the two of them climbed the ladder back out into Harry's room.

"All right," said Harry, touching the lid with his wand, "Addendum, Cedric Diggory." The lid glowed green for a moment, then lay still. "Now you should be able to apparate in and out of it." Cedric nodded, then sat down at the small desk.

"Here... parchment and a pen—sorry, I don't tend to use quills and ink anymore."

"It still writes, that's what counts," answered Cedric, as he scribbled out a quick note. Hedwig had already hopped up onto the window sill in front of the desk, and stood there, ready to accept the piece of mail. "Take this to my mum or dad, whoever you find first," said Cedric, tying the letter to the owl's leg with a piece of string. She easily lifted off the sill, and soared into the night sky.

"Right smart bird you have there, Harry."

"My first birthday present, but I told you that before. Hagrid got her for me." Cedric nodded, but then glanced at the larger sheet of parchment that still lay open on the desk. "What's this?"

"An improved version of the Marauder's map. I've done it before, so it won't take long."

"Harry, I'm surprised you aren't half-spare. How is it you're keeping yourself together?"

"Simple," answered the younger boy, "I still have you... and Sirius... and Ron and Hermione... everyone I care about is still alive now. Sure, it still hurts in ways, but the fact everyone's still alive... that's what keeps me together."

"Harry... you won't be able to save everyone. Fate won't allow it."

"I guess I kind of know that... I mean, Hermione's gone on enough about altering time... oh bloody hell, she'll be the one to go spare when she finds out what's happened to me," said Harry. It was only half a concern, though, as he carried a goofy grin on his face. "I mean, it's not exactly as though I ASKED for this to happen, after all. But since I'm here, I'm taking full advantage." Cedric only grinned at Harry's goofy outburst, then wrapped the boy in a tight hug.

"Now. There's no way we'll be sleeping up here." He gestured with his hand at the bedroom door. "Repello Muggletum. Let's get back into the trunk. I have some plumbing to set up..."

It was the wee hours of the morning before both teens were in bed. The expansion charm took a little more time than expected, but the trunk now had a fully-functional bathroom. The two of them now lay in a simple double bed which rested against the far wall. Harry was spooned up against Cedric, the lights now dimmed to the point where one could just see enough to get around.

"So how long do you think you'll keep your secret from Dumbledore?"

"Dunno, hopefully for a while yet. I know he means well, but... he'll want to keep me protected and all that. I think I'm more than capable of looking after myself. But at the same time, I will need his help, right... just as much as I'll need Snape's."

"You trust him?"

"With my life," answered Harry, "We don't exactly get along, but I know why. I know that when it really counts, he'll be there every bit as much as Dumbledore."

"Doesn't excuse him from being a prat around you though."

"I don't know what the answer is on that. But again, I understand. If that's how it has to be, then so be it. Ced, I know who my allies are, who I can depend on. I've already made changes for the better, and I plan to make many more... if I do things right, Voldemort will NEVER come back."

When Harry next woke, the sun was streaming in through the false window—an ingenious charm that allowed natural light into the space. Cedric had separated from him, laying on his side, facing the opposite wall. Harry smirked, and rolled over so he was up against the other boy, then began placing soft kisses on his neck, working up to his chin, then to his face. His body might only be fifteen, but his mind was twenty-six, and he did know a thing or two about how to get the attention of his boyfriend—he'd had several later on, before finally finishing off Voldemort. Of course, it had always been a risk, as any love interest would very quickly become a target for Voldemort.

He smirked as Cedric finally began to stir, and opened his eyes.

"'Morning," Harry grinned.

"You do have a way of waking someone up."

"Thought you'd like it. You have anywhere you need to be today?"

"Other than here? Not really," answered Cedric.

"Great!" Harry flicked his index finger. "Tempus." '9:14 am' wafted from it. "Aunt Petunia's not going to be happy I didn't make breakfast this morning, but I'm not their bloody house elf."

"They made you cook for them?"

"Since I could reach the stove. I mean, not ALL the time, but a good part of it. Anyway… you can have the shower first. Not that I wouldn't mind joining you, but…"

"Harry, who's going to see us here? Not that I will ever take advantage of you," Cedric pointed out. Harry grinned, saying, "I like your way of thinking."

After a long, steamy shower, which involved perhaps a little more than getting clean, the two teens quickly got dressed, then apparated back out to Harry's room, where he removed the Muggle repelling charm on the door. They stepped into the hallway, and were almost knocked over by Dudley as he thumped down the stairs. "Watch where you're going, fr—"

"I would suggest you NOT finish that sentence, Dudley," said Harry, his voice low and cold. Dudley turned around to notice the other boy, and turned deathly white. "There are two of us here that know many ways of making things VERY unpleasant. I thought we had an understanding."

"S-s-s-sorry," Dudley stammered, then recovering, warned, "Be careful around mum, she's… she's put out that you didn't come down to make breakfast."

"Thanks for the warning," said Harry.

"Just… don't hurt her, okay?"

"Of course not. Look, like I said, I just want to be left alone." Dudley nodded, and continued down the stairs. Harry and Cedric followed him into the kitchen, where indeed, Petunia was cleaning up the remnants of breakfast, a lingering burnt smell in the air.

"You!" she hissed, "How… what did you do… you were supposed to make breakfast! And… and… what's HE still doing here?"

"He stayed the night, of course," answered Harry, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

"And does he not have his own bed to sleep in, rather than treating our home as a brothel?! Up there, doing your freakish things, I imagine…"

"Brothel? Good idea," Harry grinned, watching as his aunt turned deathly white, much like his cousin had only a few moments earlier.

"You wouldn't dare!"

"Sure, why not? I mean, Fred and George could help out—you remember Fred and George don't you?" Dudley made a strangled sound and made a very quick exit.

"YOU WILL NOT BE…" Petunia began yelling, but Harry held up a hand, saying, "No, of COURSE we won't be doing something like that! However, no one here seems to be living up to their part of the deal. I'm not your house elf. I mean, I'm sure I could get Kreacher to come if that's what you want… but you won't like him, I GUARANTEE it. That reminds me… Ced, remind me to write a letter to Sirius later about him." Cedric only nodded, while Petunia still remained a very white shade. "Kreacher?"

"Oh yes, lovely personality. But he'd do exactly what I ask, begrudgingly nonetheless, but…"

"No, that's quite all right," Petunia sputtered, the implication being very clear. Of course, she knew what a house elf was, and no, most certainly did NOT want one in the household. Now, if Harry had his way, that was EXACTLY what was about to happen.

"Aunt Petunia, again, I make myself clear. Every time you or uncle Vernon or Dudley provoke me, you will see more 'freakish' things happen in your house. Is that what you want?"

"Harry, you can't—" Cedric began to protest, but Harry held up a hand. "The Ministry won't be able to do a thing in a few days, if what the goblins told me is true… the detection charms in the area will break down, and I'll be allowed to use my wand here. Oh, and in the event you're remotely THINKING of contacting Dumbledore or any other person about that… By my magic, I FORBID you, Petunia Dursley, from discussing any of what I have just disclosed, with ANYONE who does not already know." Harry smirked as a swirl of violet magic wafted from his chest, to settle around Petunia, then well inside her, much to her displeasure.

"Harry! That's dark magic!"

"Perhaps… but it prevents people from spreading my secrets. Now… aunt Petunia, I'll clean up the kitchen… we haven't had breakfast yet and it wouldn't be right for you to have to clean up after us as well." Petunia only glared at the two teens, then backed out of the kitchen, still looking very pale after this latest confrontation with her nephew.

Once they had eaten and cleaned up the kitchen, the teens returned to Harry's room. Harry sent off a quick note to Sirius, then they re-entered the trunk.

"'morning, Harry," Greeted Lily, from her portrait.

"'morning, mum," answered Harry, with a grin. It was nice having his parents' portrait this soon. They had been a tremendous help the previous evening with erecting the wards on the trunk.

"'morning, Mrs. Potter," said Cedric.

"So what's the plan today?" questioned James.

"Adding a couple of rooms to the trunk, probably making this room a bit bigger," said Harry, "I also have to install a fireplace… floo connection and so on—"

"Not inside a trunk, dear," said Lily, "The ministry would never allow it."

"Ah, but see, mum, 'I' know how to do it," Harry rebutted, with a smirk. That got a wicked grin from James, who spoke, "Just like a true Marauder, Prongs Jr."

"Prongs Jr. …right," said Cedric, as it dawned on him. Harry had told him about his father's Animagus form, and the influence it had on Harry's Patronus form. "Speaking of prank, you should've seen your son in action just now," said Cedric, with a smirk of his own.

Ten minutes later, James was laughing himself silly, while Lily, trying to maintain a modicum of firmness, was failing quite spectacularly. "Well," she finally managed, "Maybe my tart of a sister might finally get it… Merlin's pants, if the tables were reversed…"

"I know, mum, I know," said Harry.

An hour or so passed with playful banter back and forth, as the boys again began making changes to the trunk, which at that time mostly involved the enlargement of the original room, as it would become the common room. As it neared 11 am, Hedwig flew in through the opening in the corner where the ladder was, to light on the drawing table the teens had conjured the night before. An envelope was affixed to one of her legs. Harry quickly retrieved it. "I'll get you a treat later, okay?" The bird seemed to understand, and began preening herself. Harry quickly opened the letter. "It's from Sirius."

Harry,

What do you want with Kreacher? You do know, he is not exactly 'personable', right? If it's truly important, perhaps we could make arrangements for you to come visit for an afternoon.

Love,

Sirius

"Okay, change of plans. We're going to Grimmauld Place," said Harry.

"Sirius' parents place," said James. Harry nodded, saying, "It's hidden by a Fidelius Charm. Dumbledore's the secret keeper, but I know the secret."

"Harry, I won't be able—" Cedric began.

"You can if you hold onto me while we cross the ward," answered Harry, "You trust me?"

"Of course."

"Let's go, then. Be back in a bit, guys," said Harry. He grabbed Cedric's hand, and they both disapparated.

They appeared with a light pop in the middle of a small square, a familiar plot for Harry, but foreign for Cedric. "I'll have to get Dumbledore to give you the secret, but come on." After a quick look around to make sure no one was watching, he grabbed the older boy's hand, and led him toward a block of houses on one side. Cedric immediately noticed there was no Number Twelve. 'Of course', he realized, it was probably there, just hidden.

Sure enough, Harry was going right for the boundary dividing eleven from thirteen, and, up a set of invisible stairs. Then, as soon as his feet made contact with what would have been the first step, the missing address popped into view. He had just circumvented the Fidelius charm on Number Twelve, Grimmauld Place.

The house was darker inside than Harry had ever seen it. Perhaps Sirius was just starting to get things sorted. And of course, the Weasleys hadn't been invited over yet… summer holidays had just begun, after all.

"Shhhhh… there's a nasty portrait in the hallway that gets quite vulgar if disturbed," Harry whispered in warning. Cedric nodded, and they went into the sitting room. "Wait here, I'm gonna find Sirius." He'd barely gotten the words out when said godfather framed the doorway.

"Merlin, Harry, when I said we'd make arrangements for you to visit…"

"You know as well as I do, Dumbledore'd never allow it… at least not this early in the summer."

"And Cedric… how did you manage to get in here?"

"I led him in," answered Harry, "But I'll get Dumbledore to share the secret with him as soon as I can."

"Worthy of a Marauder," Sirius grinned, "Well, come into the kitchen. I daresay it's probably the only room in the house that's been cleaned in any decent form up to this point."

Once seated around the narrow table in the kitchen, Harry got down to business. "Sirius, I need to speak with Kreacher. He's got a locket that's very important."

"Ah, right, the Horcrux. Kreacher!" Sirius shouted. There was a loud CRACK, as the elf in question made an appearance. "Master call for Kreacher?"

"Indeed, I did," answered Sirius, "My godson has some questions for you. You will answer to him as you would answer me. Is that clear?"

"Yes, master," said Kreacher, then continuing in a low voice, "Master not fit, he isn't… oh what would mistress say?"

"Kreacher, please," said Harry, "I need a locket. It's very specific. A gold locket, with a serpentine 'S' on the front of it. Have you seen it? Answer truthfully, please." The elf shifted from foot to foot, then said, "Yes, Kreacher has seen it… Master Regulus brought it home—"

"From the lake in the cave," Harry finished, "Kreacher, I know what Regulus was trying to do. I'm going to finish it, and I know how. Could you fetch me the locket?"

"Can little master do it?" Kreacher asked, hopefully, "Kreacher tried… oh how he tried… but nothing Kreacher did ever left a mark on it."

"I promise you Kreacher, I can, and I WILL." The elf disappeared with a loud CRACK, only to reappear moments later, the locket in question in his hands. The elf looked like he was about to break down and cry.

"Kreacher, you've done very well. It is not your fault what happened to Regulus, you understand?" That's all it took. The elf fell to the floor, his wails and sobs filling the kitchen. This, of course, resulted in the inevitable. A piercing blood-curdling screech came from the hallway.

"Filth! Vileness! Half-bloods! How dare you besmirch my house!" the screams continued.

"Just a second," said Harry, with a smirk, stepping into the hallway. Over the foul portrait's screams, he shouted, "SILENCIO!" The portrait fell silent, even though the woman's lips continued to move, her face contorted into a fit of rage.

"Well done, Harry," said Sirius, appraising his godson's work, "We've all tried that before."

"Well, annunciation is only part of a spell, is it not?"

"That it is."

"If I've done it right, she'll never be heard from again."

They found Kreacher in the kitchen some time later, appearing to be in much better spirits, preparing some tea.

"You've had a magic touch with him," noted Sirius, as they took seats at the table.

"If you want, I could take him back to my aunt's house."

"He did threaten his aunt with exactly that this morning," said Cedric.

"She went deathly white with the suggestion. Another wonderful memory to power my Patronus charm," Harry grinned, "And I could probably get Dobby and Winky to help here."

"If you don't mind… You know the Order of the Phoenix will begin meeting here soon."

"Yeah, within the next week, right?" Harry guessed.

"Having the Weasleys here, Remus, and so on… it'll be awkward for Kreacher."

"My trunk will need tending to and so on—I did tell you about my trunk in the future, right?" Sirius nodded. "I got it the day before yesterday. Cedric's helping me set things up, but, a house elf would be handy."

"Kreacher," said Sirius, "Would you like to help Harry with his, err, flat?"

"Kreacher would be pleased," the elf answered, with a low bow.

"Great, then it's settled," said Harry, "And I might have something for you in a couple of days." His mind was already racing, devising a plan for recovering the fake locket from the cave. In the meantime, he had two elves to summon…

it was actually mid-afternoon before Harry and Cedric returned to the trunk. They had raided the Black library of some useful materials. Kreacher went straight to work, putting said books away in one of several cases Harry had conjured.

"Mum, dad," said Harry, "This is Kreacher."

"We remember him, Harry," said Lily.

"Harry Potter's parents," Kreacher croaked, seeming to study the portrait.

"Now… I need to set out some rules. You're not to ever use the word 'mudblood' again. You cannot insult my parents or my friends. Basically treat them with the same respect you show me. Is that clear?" Kreacher nodded. "That kind of thing is just wrong, it's the kind of thing that's keeping Wizarding society in the dark ages."

"Kreacher understands."

"Great. Like I said, there's something I plan to give you once I have it, but it may take a few days. Now, in the mean time…"

By supper time, the flat now had a proper kitchen, as well as a decent sized dining room. Harry sent Kreacher out to get supplies for the pantry, and the boys set to work on adding a few bedrooms. In the future, there were fourteen rooms on three levels at the height of use, with nearly twenty people sharing the space.

Harry quickly realized Cedric was a more than adequate student in both charms and transfiguration, and that moved things along much quicker than had he been working alone. Both had teamed up to build a fireplace, with Harry actually teaching Cedric a thing or two about conjuration. Of course, Cedric was already learning that considering he had completed his sixth year. However, Harry knew MUCH more than that.

"I'm awed watching you work, Harry," Cedric praised, "It's just amazing how much you know."

"Well, eleven years kind of does that right? Like, did you know this?" said Harry, taking a seat in one of the couches in front of the fire, "In some instances, Muggles can learn magic?"

"Bullocks!" Cedric swore as he also took a seat, "Impossible!"

"Yes, in most cases, that's true. But, there are very rare cases. I actually personally witnessed an example… Merlin, it would have been six years ago… I won't name any names, but… one of the guys staying in the trunk, he saved a man's life by giving him blood… Muggle-born as I remember. A week later, well, he started having bouts of accidental magic."

"Well… it does sound plausible, dear," said Lily from her portrait.

"Voldemort found out, and… well, it was a painful few weeks for me. It was shortly after that ugly incident that I perfected my Occlumency."

"But surely, the ministry of magic would have more documentation on incidents like that."

"Ced, remember what kind of a government we're dealing with. That's the WORST kind of thing they'd want to keep records of. The pure-blood movement would go spare!"

"But… surely, just transferring some of your blood wouldn't—"

"Cedric, magic is all around us. It's in every living thing. We've been given a gift of a great well of it, a strong concentration of it."

"I see where you're going," Lily cut in, "A witch or wizard's blood carries some of the concentration."

"Exactly. That's what the group of us thought, too. I mean, the guy wasn't all that powerful, but he could cast a few simple charms. I'm sure if he'd survived, he probably would have become proficient enough."

"What happened?"

"What do you think?" questioned Harry, darkly. Cedric only nodded, realizing he had touched a sore spot. The debate was ended when Kreacher popped back in, bringing with him a load of groceries.

"Looks like he bought out the store," Harry laughed, happy for the distraction.

Once dinner was over and done with, Harry finally turned his attention to the dark objects that rested in the second compartment of the trunk. They were all brought into the flat, and placed on the drawing table in the common room.

"What are those?" Cedric gestured to the two cabinets.

"Vanishing cabinets," said Harry, "In my sixth year, Draco fixed this one…" he gestured to the broken one, "Which was hidden in the Room of Requirement. Death Eaters were able to get into the school from the other one, which was at Borgin & Burke's, in Knockturn Alley. I mean, they aren't dark objects in themselves, and might be bloody useful."

"Looks like this one's still damaged," said Cedric.

"Yeah. I'm not worried about those right now. These on the other hand…" Harry gestured to Ravenclaw's diadem and Slytherin's locket. "I'll need to visit the Chamber of Secrets with Snape in the near future. I need at least four fangs from the dead basilisk, but I'll probably collect more. Thing is, he's gonna want to know why…"

"And you'll likely have to explain everything in minute detail."

"Remember, Harry, Severus and I were very close friends," Lily reminded, "Perhaps you could invite him to speak with me, he might like that."

"Yeah, I'm sure he would. But mum, do you forgive him? For calling you… what he did?"

"Of course I do!"

"He'll definitely want to hear that," said Harry, "It was one thing that pained him the most. It's a bit late to be sending mail now, and Hedwig's likely gone hunting. First thing tomorrow, then. In the mean time…"

"What's that one?" Cedric pointed to the strange object that had somehow followed Harry home from the Room of Requirement.

"This one… I don't know what to make of it. When I was in the Room of Requirement, I knocked this over. When I went down to pick it up, the bloody thing gave me a shock. I didn't think nothing of it, but—"

"Sounds like it's imprinted itself on you," said James.

"That's why I've handled it so carefully now… I don't know if it's dangerous." Harry levitated the object with his hand. It somewhat resembled a model of the planet, with a set of rings going on two axis. Each ring had hundreds of runes inscribed on it. The sphere itself had numerous markings as well.

Then, Harry got an idea. Allowing the object to settle back on the table, he drew his wand, and tapped the object, saying, "Reveal your secrets." He was promptly thrown across the room by the resulting shock. "Err… maybe not," Harry ground out, rubbing the back of his head. His glasses had fell off his face, and now lay on his lap. His wand had gone flying, and clattered against the opposite wall.

"I'd put it back where you got it, Harry. Or turn it over to the Ministry. They'll be in a better position to make heads or tails of it," suggested Cedric.

"I'll put it back in the Room of Requirement when I visit the Chamber of Secrets."

With Cedric gone for the night, Harry slept fitfully. His dreams were again invaded, as he found himself back at the old house he had dreamt about the previous summer… or what was twelve years prior.

"Tell me again, Wormtail, how was it they managed to escape?" came the raspy voice that was Voldemort, still in his 'ugly baby' form.

"I do not know, Master, they… they disapparated… before I could cast the curse… forgive me…"

"Crucio."

Harry woke up to screams, and realized it was his own voice. Kreacher was already at his bedside, looking quite concerned.

"Is little master all right?"

"Just… fine, Kreacher," answered Harry, sitting up. 'Been a while since I've felt that one.' He rubbed his scar, which was still throbbing.

"Little master must lay down, Kreacher will be back with headache-potion," said Kreacher, and popped away.

He returned only seconds later, with two potions. "Kreacher brings a headache potion and dreamless sleep potion for master Harry."

"Thanks," said Harry, accepting the two potions. The elf gave a low bow, then left the room. Harry consumed both of the offered potions, and sleep quickly took him.