ARBITRIUM

(Latin)

Decision, Will, Intrusion, Control


Chapter 3: THE TRAIN OF MEMORIES

June 29th, Wednesday

The Hogwarts Express was the most magnificent and beautiful train in existence. It was enchanting, both figuratively and literally. Seeing the red engine smoke out dense stream was such a magical experience for Harry just like the entrance to Diagon Alley. Even after three years, the sight didn't lose its magic. Today sitting on the very same train, on the very same compartment, he was leaving his home after yet another 'exciting' year at Hogwarts. But compared to previous years, this year was much better. They have won the Quidditch Cup, he had the best broom in existence, he enjoyed his time sneaking through Hogsmeade like a teenage he was, he passed his exams with better marks (and got highest marks in DADA), there had been no murder attempts from Voldemort and two wonderful people became a major part of his life. Sirius Black and Ginny Weasley.

Looking out of the window, he was lost in his thoughts. Sirius, his godfather and guardian, is on run because he was betrayed by his best friend and is wanted for murder he didn't commit. After helping him escape from Hogwarts, there has been no news about him, until this morning. When he woke up, he found a note saying-

I'm safe and well. Do not worry about me. I promise we will see each other sooner than possible. Till then, take care.

There was no name or signature on the note, but there was an impression of a dog's muddy paw on the back of the note. Harry has been constantly worried and a bit disappointed at the lack of news from Sirius and almost wanted to send him a letter, but as Hermione wisely said that he was on run and the owls can be easily inspected. One careless mistake and Sirius would be back to Azkaban, near the Dementors. He shuddered at the thought of it. Harry, once again squashed his disappointment and hoped that wherever Sirius was, he was safe and careful. Nothing else mattered more than that.

Pulling himself out of his morose thoughts, he looked around the compartment. Ron was biting the head off of his 6th chocolate frog. Harry has been on chocolate diet ever since he was out of the hospital wing. So, he gave all of his chocolate frogs to Ron, who was now enjoying them. Hermione was hiding behind the 3rd year Arithmancy book. Harry was initially surprised how much it resembled the Mathematics course which was covered in his primary school. According to Hermione, the syllabus of 3rd year was basically the general algebra and numerical. The 4th and 5th year had applications of number in magic and spell casting. This gave Harry a hope that maybe he can take a page from Hermione's book and added this second in the list of "Why to change from Divination to Arithmancy?". The first being Professor Trelawney and her crazy death predictions. Even Ginny approves of the idea.

Ginny.

She has been a god-send. Why didn't he try to get to know her sooner? He would never know the answer. She is sitting right beside him, sleeping and he was glad she was. He knew she had been having nightmares. She looked so calm and serene while sleeping. Ever since the incident in the girls' dorm, she has become an unspoken part of their group. While Ron had mixed opinion and decided on ignoring her, Hermione was happy to have another girl as her friend. Of course this caused a few fights between Ron and Hermione as she voiced her opinion on Ginny's presence. Harry was happy that his friends have accepted (in Ron's case tolerated) her. It was important for him to Ginny to close to him.

A slight tingling shot through his hand, he looked down where Ginny's hand fell from her lap to touch his. He sighed deeply. This has been happening ever since he touched her for the first time, not that he was unhappy about it. That day has changed his life so much, and for better. He still remembered clearly how they shared their memories and emotions with each other and how calmly she took in everything. He still is as surprised as he earlier was that how easily it was to talk to Ginny about everything, especially when he never said anything about his life at Privet Drive to anyone, even to his best friends. He practically blurted out his whole life in front of her and he was thankful she had accepted him as Harry not as 'Boy-Who-Lived' who she used to have a crush on. He reveled that moment which was broken that completely unexpected and utterly confusing letter from Gringotts.


June 24, Friday

Suddenly Hedwig flew over to them with a bunch of letters. Harry freed the letters and recognized the symbol on the seal of the first letter.

It was from Gringotts.

The said bunch included a thick envelope from Gringotts and another letter. Exchanging a look with Ginny, he opened the folder from Gringotts. It contained a letter and some legal documentation. Opening the letter, he read-

Mr. Harry James Potter,

Gryffindor Common Room,

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

Gringotts has been acknowledged about your magical emancipation, last night, i.e. June 24, at 7:35 pm. Hence forth, you are now allowed unrestricted access to your vaults including the Potter House's vault, business and properties. You are expected to address your change of status to Gringotts before the end of July, 94.

If not addressed the issue by then, Gringotts will seize your vault and properties.

The documents attached are the account of your properties, vaults and investments, registered in Gringotts.

Your legal and financial advisor, Mr. Patrick Williamson has been informed, you shall be receiving an informed post from him.

Gringotts Wizarding Bank

Diagon Alley.


To say Harry was shocked would be a major understatement. It didn't escape neither Harry nor Ginny's attention that the letter mentioned vaults not vault. Shocked by the letter, he didn't even take a look at the documents or the letter, supposed to be, from Mr. Williamson. Harry and Ginny both concluded the magical emancipation linked with the events of previous night or according to Firenze, the mysterious bond. The couple jumped at the sudden bang that came from the Exploding Snap some first-years were playing, they mutually decided to continue somewhere else. On Ginny's suggestion, they moved to the library. Thankfully, since exams were over, hardly any student was there and no one witnessed the craziness that followed their arrival.


The library was almost empty except for a few second year Ravenclaws, sitting in a group at the left-most corner. If Madam Pince was surprised to see two Gryffindors in the library rather than enjoying outside, she didn't show it. Harry suggested to look for soul bonds and magical bonds first, and then of magical emancipation. Search as they might, they found nothing about their unique situation nor they had any idea what to expect. It was disappointing but not surprising.

But the time was not at all wasted. The whole time they talked and talked. Harry received many stories of Ginny's childhood being the youngest child and only girl brought pampering and love, but also smothering and over-protectiveness. She had the advantage of being everyone's favorite but also suffered from lack of female companionship. Harry also noted how she described things. The constant hand motions, her expressions and the bright smile in her lips. It marveled Harry how alive and expressive she was. Harry himself was kind of introverted while Ron and Hermione got excited only over stuff of their interest, which would be Cannons and academics respectively. But Ginny was so full of joy and excitement, which Harry found refreshing and echoed her excitement.

They then moved into the magical emancipation which was comparatively easy to find as Ginny has looked for it before. The book was worn out, thick and old. Thankfully, it contained a separate article about magical emancipation.

According to it, many sorcerers have researched about the magic and its potential. Sometime after the establishment of the Ministry of Magic, it was derived the age of 17 as the legal age of emancipation since every wizard has a different age of magical emancipation. It was derived from the average minimum of age of magical emancipation amongst a group of young witches and wizards. Magical emancipation is the attainment of a wizard's maximum magical power and strength. Though it is not rare to have wizards reach their legal emancipation but not magical, it was extremely rare to attain magical emancipation before reaching mid-puberty. It was seen in ancient times, though the source of it was unknown. Such wizards were seen to have accelerated and uncontrollable power. Hazards followed them and they were thus kept imprisoned until they had control over their magic.

Harry and Ginny exchanged a look at that. It has strengthened Firenze's suggestion to not tell anyone. 'Especially with Ministry's hobby of putting innocents in Azkaban.' Harry thought bitterly.

Ginny echoed another phase, which has also bothered Harry. "Have accelerated and uncontrollable power? What if you have it too? What if I do?"

With a deep breath, Harry took out his wand. There was only one way to find out.

"Diffindo" he casted at the book. The book tore away from its cover as it was supposed to but also the table was cut and the stone on the floor beneath cracked. To their credit, both the early teens suppressed their reactions very well, given that both were shell-shocked and even a little freaked.

Now was Ginny's turn. She took Harry's wand that he silently offered and casted "Reparo", repairing the floor, the table and the book and the above items appeared as good as new. The book lost its previous tears and marks while the table appeared newer and stronger. Without saying, they both got their answer.

They were soul-bonded, magically emancipated and have uncontrollable power which they couldn't tell anyone.


Harry was pulled out of his memory by Ginny's head hitting him as it rolled into his shoulder. He sighed, in silent content. This was something even Ginny didn't know. The constant buzz and warmth they both felt when their skin touched, only Harry had an additional effect from it. He is addicted to it and her touch. It sounded weird from someone who avoids physical touches and contacts. Others' touch still bothered him but not Ginny's. Her touch was intoxicating, addictive and Harry ached for it. Harry would find himself seeking constant contact with her, as much as possible without others seeing. They brushed hands while walking, nudged ankles while sitting and sometimes held hands. Ron and Hermione were surprised at Ginny's involvement to their group by Harry but never commented on it, nor did Ginny. She had also never commented on Harry's strange behavior nor had she said anything when during one lunch he held her left hand the whole time under the table.

Speaking of lunches, Harry remembered that day's lunch, more like the events after lunch.


June 24, Friday

After library, the duo decided to move to the Great Hall for lunch as Harry's stomach alerted them. The walk ended quicker than they thought. They sat at the same spot from the breakfast and once again Ginny added extras on Harry's plate only this time he didn't fight it. Their lunch continued in their little bubble where Harry was telling her in detail about his first year Halloween. As the lunch ended, they stood to leave only to be interrupted by McGonagall's voice.

"Mr. Potter, Ms. Weasley. One moment"

They turned to see Professor McGonagall walking towards them. Harry then remembered something. "Professor, are you alright? Ginny said you got hurt yesterday.", he blurts out before thinking and then looked a bit awkward. He never spoke to McGonagall, unless it involved she asked something or there was any urgent or academic.

She paused and gave her rare smile at her students' concern. She had been truly touched her students' concern and loyalty. "I'm quite alright, Mr. Potter. The headmaster has asked for both of your presence in his office, immediately. Please follow me."

As she walked past them, Harry and Ginny looked at each other and sighed, both wondering when will the chaos end. Ginny whispered, "It was nice of you to ask about her". Seeing the pride twinkling in her eyes, Harry thought it felt nice to see someone be proud of something he did, of him.

After a silent uneventful walk through the almost empty castle, they reached the gargoyle, where McGonagall said the password, Mars Bars. Harry wondered how Snape would look like saying the password to Headmaster's office. He choked back a laugh before he could gain McGonagall's attention to himself, but was heard by Ginny, who raised an eyebrow. He just smiled, shaking his head and mouthed "Later".

At Dumbledore's "enter", they entered the office to find it more occupied than Harry has ever seen. Inside were Dumbledore, Minister Fudge, a strict looking woman in Ministry robes, the man from the newspaper Harry earlier saw and another lady in bright pink robes and hat who looked like a toad was staring at Harry as if he was an optical illusion. Uncomfortable, he saw Ginny staring at the toad-lady. He was well known of her hatred with pink.

"Ah! Mr. Potter. Pleasure to finally meet you, though I hoped it would be in different situation. I'm Amelia Bones, Head of Department of Magical Law Enforcement. We will be needing your cooperation for the trial of Peter Pettigrew and Sirius Black, effective immediately." Said the strict woman. Looking at others Harry noticed, Dumbledore and McGonagall showed no emotion, Minister looked flustered, the other man disgruntled and the toad-lady was still creepily staring at him.

"Um.. Yea… I mean, sure, mam. How can I help?" Harry did his best impression of being clueless, and from the looks of it, it worked.

"Come on, Amelia. There is no reason to interrogate young Mr. Potter in his school. We can perform a trial and work from there, what is the hurry?" Minister said looking much uncomfortable.

"What is the hurry, you say Minister. An innocent man was wrongly accused and imprisoned for 12 years and when the real culprit was caught, he was poisoned the very first day of his capture on the Ministry of Magic, so yes, Cornelius there is a need to hurry. In case you failed to realise Minister, if this news gets out to the press, it will be a havoc. The Ministry will lose its reputation and so will you." Madam Bones said as loud as she could without yelling. She looked aged, tired and aggravated. She knew who might be behind this but had no proof, and that made her very frustrated.

Pettigrew was poisoned. While Harry didn't care much about that traitor, he knew he was important for Sirius' trial and freedom.

"Amelia, please calm down. I understand this is tough time but get a hold of yourself. Everyone please take a seat." Dumbledore called out as chairs appeared in a row. Fawkes cried a peaceful song from his stand.

"Madam Bones, I understand your situation but think twice. We cannot take witness in a school. This is a high profile case which needs to go through a complete trial. These aren't Ministry protocols." The man from newspaper said. He was older than his picture in the newspaper and wore crisp and clean Ministry robes.

"So is sending a man into Azkaban without any trial, Mr. Crouch", McGonagall said, her voice showed she was a 'little' mad. "Sure you must remember that."

"I agree I made a mistake, Professor but I do not regret it. With those times, such strict actions were necessary and I refuse to regret it." Mr. Crouch said who was, Harry concluded, responsible for Sirius not getting a trial.

"Enough. I believe we are here for Mr. Potter and Ms. Weasley's word about incidents of yesterday." Dumbledore 'suggested'.

"Yes, right you are, Dumbledore. So Mr. Potter, what … "

"Ahem. Sorry to interrupt you, Amelia, but you are forgetting a little thing. Veritaserum is to be given to every prime witness speaking for such a prime trial." If Madam Bones looked aggravated before, then now she looked murderous. And according to Harry, it was justified. That woman was bad news, plain and simple.

"Yes, Dolores, I do understand that. But what you need to remember is that both Mr. Potter and Ms. Weasley are underage and we do not administer Veritaserum on minors without the consent of their guardian and …"

"As Headmaster and their temporary guardian, I cannot give the Ministry permit to administer Veritaserum on any of my students." Dumbledore finished.

"Anyway, we are losing time. Mr. Potter, have you met Sirius Black?" Harry could practically see Madam Bones' hair greying from the stress.

"Yes, last night. In the shrieking shack."

"How did you end up in one of the most haunted building in Britain, Mr. Potter?", this was from Mr. Crouch who received a glare from McGonagall.

"Um… we, I mean, Ron, Hermione and I, were chasing Ron's rat, Scabbers who got inside the shrieking shack. We just chased after him without looking. Inside we saw Sirius, and he said he wanted the rat and told me the truth." Harry blurt out the first thing he thought of. He was confused whether to say the truth or hide Sirius' illegal animagus form.

"Your friend, Ron, was found with a broken leg, how did that happen?", Madam Bones took charge again.

"He slipped down the stairs of the shack. We thought of taking him somewhere slightly less uncomfortable and that's why we entered that room. Before we could leave to get help, we found Sirius there."

"When did you see Peter Pettigrew?"

"He was Scabbers, I mean he turned into a rat, he is an animagus. An unregistered animagus." He added seeing the suspicious as well as disbelieving looks.

"If he was with you, then how did Ms. Weasley found him?"

"Professor Lupin, he…um… transformed and Pettigrew used that distraction to escape but Ginny found him."

"You were alone with a werewolf on a full moon. Headmaster, leaving such dangerous half-breeds around children is…" This sentence added Dolores Umbridge in Harry's hate list forever.

"Remus Lupin is the most competent Defense against Dark Arts teacher we have ever had. He may be a werewolf, but he is way better than some possessed murderer or fame seeking fraud.", Harry stated in a low voice but the anger was clear in it.

"Very sorry, Mr. Potter. I'm sure of Mr. Lupin's capabilities but back to the point…" Madam Bones tried to gather the situation while she was definitely impressed by Harry's view. It was hard to find unprejudiced and cool headed people.

"I think it would be better if take the memories of Mr. Potter and Ms. Weasley. It can be presented to the Wizengamot, and can be tempered easily. I'm sure the professors have no problem with it." Mr. Crouch suggested, with a neutral face but his posture said as if he knew something. It took Harry everything to not react to this, but still he could feel his face blanch. From the corner of his eye, he saw Ginny narrow her slightly at Mr. Crouch but her face showing nothing but slight nervousness.

"Take our memories? What … How…?" Ginny stammered out, her nervousness showing. At her wavering voice, Harry turned to look at her. She was looking nervous and pale, more so than few seconds ago. He wanted to calm her… but her eyes were shining with… mischief. Damn, she was acting and Harry would have nominated her for Best Actress award or something. He struggled not to laugh.

"Please, calm down Ms. Weasley. There is nothing to panic. Let me show you", Professor McGonagall said before taking out her wand which she placed on her temple and a silvery strand emerged wrapped in the wand. "Its completely safe and painless. You will barely feel anything."

"Okay" Harry and Ginny exchanged a look. There were so many things they had to hide, especially if there was someone out to make sure Sirius' name doesn't clear out. Sirius' animagus, his threats to kill Pettigrew, he grabbing Ron and breaking his leg, the time turner and their bond. Any of it can be used against Sirius and Harry couldn't allow that. He hoped either Madam Bones or McGonagall intervened but no luck.

Sighing, he closed his eyes and thought about last night along with praying for those memories to change or hide or anything. He felt a wand pressed against his temple and a weird pulling sensation. It wasn't painful but very uncomfortable. He opened his eyes to see the same happening to Ginny. It even looked uncomfortable and he saw Ginny wince and squirmed. He didn't like her feel like that and had to restrain himself from stopping McGonagall who was collecting their memories.

By this time, Dumbledore summoned a flat basin filled with some viscose liquid. He poured Harry's memories into the basin and leaned into it. He faintly heard Ginny's loud gasp when he saw headmaster getting sucked inside that basin.

McGonagall quietly explained about the pensieve and how it worked. By that time Minister, the toad-lady, Crouch also went inside the bas… pensieve.

Madam Bones smiled at the young duo, "After you."

Exchanging a look with Ginny, Harry leaned forward towards it and suddenly sucked inside it. It felt as if he was falling from sky and closed his eyes, holding back a scream. But he was surprised that he landed quite slowly and without hurting. It was as if he was gravity less.

Looking around he found himself in the forest, he felt Ginny beside him and sighed. He opened his mouth to ask McGonagall who was standing behind them, when he saw, him, Hermione and Ron running after Scabbers.

Wait that didn't happen. How… then it clicked him. The memories have been changed to what he told them. Relief flooded inside him and he felt Ginny's hand clasp his own.

He didn't have to look to see her smirk. And he felt the same way. He couldn't help but think of the two words.

Mischief Managed.


The next day, the entire front page of Daily Prophet was covered with the news of the trial and Sirius' freedom. That was the last time Harry heard about his godfather.

Harry wondered if Sirius really meant what he said about Harry moving with him. He tried to not increase his expectations. He knew he had to visit Gringotts this summer and wondered how he is that gonna go? Would his uncle let him leave the house? Would he even let him enter the threshold? He can't imagine Dursleys forgetting the events of last summer.

He sighed deeply. This was not the first time he had wondered about the coming holidays. Ron was all about moving into the Burrow while Hermione tried to remain positive and told him that his relatives wouldn't do that to him and he can always owl the professors or the Headmaster. Ginny didn't outright say anything but he knew she had faith in Sirius and his promise but just in case it doesn't happen, she is with Ron because "you are mum's seventh son, Harry."

To say Ginny and Harry spent a lot of time together would be a huge understatement. They would hardly be without each other. After their talk at the common room, they had unspoken agreement to stay friends and see what happens. Even though during the last five days Harry noticed weird things happening. Like his lack of verbal filter around Ginny, the sudden bursts of jealousy whenever he saw her talking or pay attention to any male member of Hogwarts, that nice feeling when their skin touched or the feeling of losing something when they weren't touching.

Harry didn't dare mention any of these to Ginny but was quite sure this was happening only to him not her. She somehow knew of his discomfort as she always made sure their ankle stayed in touch when they couldn't hold hands but never said anything or complained as if aware of his embarrassment over his reactions. And he was grateful of that.

A loud and familiar snore interrupted his musing. Ron had fallen asleep, his head lolling to the side and hitting the window continuously. Somehow he still managed to remained asleep. Hermione too saw this and adjusted his head comfortably. At Harry's raised eyebrows, she merely shrugged it off as nothing, while avoiding his eyes. Harry swore he saw her slight blush but let go the opportunity to tease her.

"I'll go and see where the cart lady is? They'll be hungry after waking up." With that she bolted out of the compartment. Ginny, unknown to the show, made herself comfortable on Harry's shoulder. Harry smiled as he took in the familiar smell that was Ginny. They had tried to stay away as much as possible in front of their friends, but both felt oddly comfortable at each other's company. Harry Potter's not an idiot. He knows of his attraction to Ginny and also knew that his feelings weren't one sided. He also knew that Ginny was worried that his feelings were forced because of the bond. Only if he could tell her the truth.

Yes, the bond has intensified his feelings but didn't create them. He always had found some connection… some attraction towards her. He remembered the night when he discovered this fact.


June 26, Sunday

It was late in the night when Harry rolled out of his bed. He could hear his best friend's snores. Finally accepting that he isn't likely to get any sleep, he put on his slippers and sneaked down to the common room. As he stepped out of the staircase, he bit back a scream.

"Ginny. Wha…What are you doing here?"

"Hey Harry, I think I should be the one to ask you that. I didn't know you too are a member of the Insomniac Club."

Even after the events of last night and this morning, Harry had yet to adapt the cheeky version of Ginny. Then he remembered her rambling about her late night flying schedule. Even though her cheekiness and the darkness of the night, he could make out her tired face.

"You out for flying again?"

"Yeah, of course"

"Want some company?"

The words were out of his mouth before he could process it in his mind. Not that he didn't want to but the look on her face made Harry think thrice. Her jaw dropped and she stared at him as if he was an alien.

Ginny felt her jaw drop as soon as she heard Harry talk. Never she thought he would want to spend time with her. Even now the events of last night and their talk this morning felt like a dream than reality. Finally gathering herself together, she responded with as much as grace possible to make up for her eccentric behavior.

"Alright. But on one condition…" She said with her sparkling with mischief, Harry had become familiar with in the last thirty hours. "I get to ride your Firebolt once." She teased.

"Sure" Harry didn't have any problem with that.

He ran back and brought it fast. Without wasting any time, he grabbed Ginny's hand and walked out of the room. During the whole walk, she was in a daze and kept staring at their clasped hands. She had seen more than enough times Harry shy away from touch or any physical contact. She was shocked to see Quidditch pitch when she looked up.

Harry turned and handed her the broom. Coming out of her surprise, she smattered-

"Harry, I was kidding. You don't have to give me your broom. I was just teasing."

"Well, I am not. I know you wanna try it. Go on. I trust you."

The last line was not something Ginny heard a lot. She looked into his eyes and she can tell that he meant it. A big shot of happiness and confidence hit her and she grinned. Someone trusted her. Harry trusted her. After a year of scrutiny, tension and distrust, Harry's words have released the self-confidence, she had lost after the ordeal of the Chambers.

Harry saw the hesitation melt away from Ginny's face and a brilliant smile took its place. It was obvious that his words held deeper meaning for Ginny. Though he was simply happy to see that smile on her face.

She took the broom and climbed on it. Within seconds she was in the sky flying across the grounds. Even though she was flying very fast, it was slower than Harry's usual speed and way slower than the highest speed of Firebolt. But it was more because she was riding Harry's broom for the first time. Still Harry could practically feel her joy and happiness.

About five minutes later, she lowered herself near the ground level and looked at him.

"Are you going to fly or just stand there watching?"

"Not a bad idea. You are truly beauti… I mean brilliant flyer."

Ginny blushed noticeably which was a hard feat since her face was already red because of the flying.

Shaking it off, she offered –"Come on, fly with me. You can then show me what is this capable of."

Not finding any reason to refuse, he nodded. "Alright, but this time, you will be in front."

"Done"

Soon again, for the second time in last thirty hours, Harry and Ginny shared a broom only this time with their positions switched.

The duo continued flying some more when Harry asked about her broom.

"Well I don't have one. At home, I nick my brothers' and here at Hogwarts I use the school ones. But yesterday, the broom cupboard was… umm…occupied so I took George's."

"Occupied, what do you mean occu… oh…OH!" Had she not been blushing herself, she would have laughed at his reaction.

Suddenly sharing a broom with Ginny and sitting behind her with his hands around her waist didn't seem to be a good idea after all. The thought of Ginny and (or rather in) the broom cupboard activities made Harry very uncomfortable. As subtly as possible, he tried to move away from her hoping that she wouldn't notice.

"Hey, what's wrong?". Damn, she did notice. Think Potter, think.

"Nothing, just thought you might be uncomfortable and not have enough space out front." Nice save.

"Nah. I'm fine but if you have any problem…"

"No, not at all." That was true. His momentary panic had taken care of his 'un-comfort'.

He shook his head and concentrated on the flight and enjoy. And enjoy he did. Never had he felt this comfortable and open with anyone.

That raised a question in his mind. Is it just because of the bond? Is that what it was? Some supernatural magic forcing them together? Would he have liked her even if there were no magical bond between them?

Then he remembered what Firenze told this morning.

There are many mates born but none of them have the power, purity and love enough to be bonded.

Didn't it mean that only who are mates can be bonded? His thoughts turned towards the people around him.

Everyone he knows had some expectations with him. Ron wanted a friend, with whom he could relax and unwind whereas Hermione wanted a study buddy. Dursleys, well forget about them. The whole wizarding world wanted a new hero. But Ginny, she was an enigma. Yes, she had that stupid Boy who lived crush but it's clear that she's over that. 'Thank god for that.'

What if the bond didn't happen yesterday? What then? Would he have not been grateful for what she did for Sirius? Would he not like flying with her?

No, he concluded. That's not true. He liked flying with her and he was more than grateful for what she did for his godfather.

Harry Potter likes Ginny Weasley.

Maybe the bond has made them more open with each other but it certainly didn't induce the feelings inside Harry. It may sound story -bookish but he now knows that one day or other they would be together. Bond or no bond.

Ginny landed the broom on ground but was shocked that Harry didn't move. He remained behind her with his arms tightly around her waist. While it wasn't in her notice in the sky, but their position made her blush. Shaking her head at her stupidity, she called out without turning back.

"Harry, you okay?"

"Yeah, yeah I'm fine." He croaked out. At this Ginny turned her head to face him and was shocked to see a huge smile on his face and his eyes gazing intensely at her. He merely squeezed her waist a little and climbed out of the broom. "Never been better."

Ginny kept staring at him in shock for the second time this night and wondered – who the heck is this and where is Harry Potter?


Harry chuckled lightly as he always did whenever he recalled her expression. He quickly looked to see if anyone noticed him laughing for no reason. But she just looked so shocked and cute. He regretted not being friends with her earlier. Nevertheless, now he tried his best to involve her into the trio as inconspicuously as possible. Though Hermione had never said anything but Harry very well knew from the intuitive look on his friend's face that she suspected something about his newly found feelings. He even wondered if Ginny said something to Hermione, but disregarded that theory quite soon. Ginny wouldn't say anything especially without letting Harry know. Also, Hermione is that smart and knows him that much to make things out. But even Hermione could never guess what actually had happened to her two friends and about their… condition.

Harry, himself has no idea what to do with feelings or what are his feelings exactly. He is so confused. After all, he is a teenage boy who has just started to notice the female population around him and then suddenly after a long night of deadly adventures, he found himself bonded with his best mate's sister, a very beautiful sister and started to have all kind of weird and confusing… reactions. He himself doesn't have any idea what and why is he doing anything nowadays. The only time he could relate feeling so torned was when he found out about being a wizard. Totally crazy and unrealistic but nothing ever felt more right.

Nowadays often he wishes he had someone to talk with. Someone who could understand what he was going through. Someone who Harry could share these changes in his life. At times like this, he wishes his father were around, or any father figure. Uncle Vernon is completely out of question. Ron, or any other Weasley for that matter, couldn't exactly help him espacially it involves their youngest baby girl. Lupin would be next but no matter what sharing something like this with someone who has been his teacher for an entire year is kind of awkward. Sirius has been the first name that came up in his mind but to his dissappointment, he had no way of communicating with him, let alone telling him these.

Sighing, he pushed those thoughts out of his mind. There was no use wallowing over it, now that he was returning to the Dursleys. No matter how much he wanted to be away from them, he hoped they would show up at the station. It would be highly embarassing to stand in the platform waiting for them to come only for them to never show up. Looking out, he estimated to be 20 minutes away.

"We'll reach in about 20 minutes." Hermione confirmed his mental estimation. "We should these two up." She added looking over towards Ron, who was now drooling on his seat. As he moved to shake Ginny awake, Harry missed his friend's soft smile and how she wiped the drool off the sleeping boy's chin with her napkin.

Likewise she missed the tender way Harry palmed the sleeping girl's face and lightly shook her awake. His eyes trailed on here as she groned, yawned and then streched like a cat making her body rub against his and her clothes hugging her frame. He averted his eyes before anyone could notice his pevertness. Hermione was packing the book in her side bag while was still finding the route to the land of consciousness. While trying to avoid staring at the red-head beside him, he also missed the slight shy smile on her face. Maybe his attempt of being sneaky and obvious wasn't completely successful.

As the Hogwarts Express pulled near the station and Ginny left to wash her face, Hermione gave Harry and Ron some surprising news.

"I went to see Professor McGonagall this morning, just before breakfast. I've decided to drop Muggle Studies."

"But you passed your exam with three hundred and twenty percent!" said Ron.

"I know," sighed Hermione, "but I can't stand another year like this one. That Time-Turner, it was driving me mad. I've handed it in. Without Muggle Studies and Divination, I'll be able to have a normal schedule again."

I still can't believe you didn't tell us about it," said Ron grumpily. "We're supposed to be your friends."

"I promised I wouldn't tell anyone," said Hermione severely. She looked around at Harry, who was watching the platform appear from view behind the trees. Two whole months before he'd see his home again...

"Oh, cheer up, Harry!" said Hermione sadly.

"I'm okay," said Harry quickly. "Just thinking about the holidays."

"Yeah, I've been thinking about them too," said Ron. "Harry, you've got to come and stay with us. I'll fix it up with Mum and Dad, then I'll call you. I know how to use a fellytone now -"

"A telephone, Ron," said Hermione. "Honestly, you should take Muggle Studies next year..."

Ron ignored her.

"It's the Quidditch World Cup this summer! How about it, Harry? Come and stay, and we'll go and see it! Dad can usually get tickets from work."

This proposal had the effect of cheering Harry up a great deal.

He, Ron, and Hermione stepped back through the barrier of platform nine and three-quarters. Harry spotted Uncle Vernon at once. He was standing a good distance from Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, eyeing them suspiciously, and when Mrs. Weasley hugged Harry in greeting, his worst suspicions about them seemed confirmed.

"I'll call about the World Cup!" Ron yelled after Hermione as he and Harry bid her good-bye before parting their ways, then Harry wheeled the trolley bearing his trunk and Hedwig's cage toward Uncle Vernon, who greeted him in his usual fashion.

"What's that?" he snarled, staring at the letter from Sirius, Harry was still clutching in his hand. "If it's another form for me to sign, you've got another -"

"It's not," said Harry cheerfully. "It's a letter from my godfather."

"Godfather?" sputtered Uncle Vernon. "You haven't got a godfather!"

"Yes, he has. And that would be me." Standing right behind them was Sirius Black. The change in his uncle's face was more than hilarious for everyone present there as he stood still in his place facing the wanted criminal.

"Hey, Harry. Won't you give good ol godfather a hug?" Needing no more, Harry in Sirius' arms and hugged him tightly. His fears were irrelevant. Sirius was safe and he didn't abandon him. "Didn't think I would forget about you, did you?" Harry let him go and laughed, shaking his head and studying his godfather. He looked quite healthy and in a very good shape than the last time he saw him. He was now somewhat resembling the guy from his parents' album.

"Come on. I know you have many questions but not here. Let's get you home first and then we'll talk."

"Wait, what? Home? As in wha.." Harry was stumped, not wanting to get his hopes up.

" WHAT DO YOU MEAN, HOME? YOU ARE GOING NOWHERE NEAR MY HOUSE AND THIS BOY IS GOING NOWHERE WITH YOU." Uncle Vernon finally got his senses back and yelled. Thankfully the station practically empty but a few officers were coming towards them. Slyly, Sirius waved his wand and they turned away looking confused. But no more confused than Harry was. He had no idea why his uncle was stopping him from leaving? Wasn't this what he wanted always?

"Oh hello, Vernon. Long time no see. Anyways to the point, if you think I don't know how you treated this kid all these years or that I'm not pissed off about it, then you are dead wrong." Sirius' tone had taken a threatening tone and Vernon could be seen wavering but still held his ground.

"The boy will come with me and you cannot stop him" Harry could see both Vernon and Sirius on the verge of losing their control and decided to intervene.

"Stop, Sirius, Uncle Vernon, please stop." Facing his uncle, he stared in his eyes. "Lets not kid ourselves now, uncle Vernon. We both know that neither you want me there nor I want to live with you. This will only make all of us miserable. I am, really am grateful for all you have done for me and took care of me. But you don't have to now. Because lets face it, Number 4 Privet Drive has never been and will never be, my home. I think you should accept that and … you know… go."

Vernon stared at him for a very long time. After a minute he finally replied, "Very well then. Maybe your aunt could send you a letter or something. Then I guess this is it." With that he turned and left without turning back.

Harry felt a hand on his shoulder. He looked over his shoulder to see Sirius, beaming at him. "That was very mature, kiddo. Very… very Lily of you." Harry couldn't help but grin at that statement. "Ok, enough time wasted, he have to leave. You have never apparated with someone, right. Well just try not to puke at my shoes. They are new."

Then without giving Harry any time to recover or ask any question about his new home, Sirius side apparated him away to a very familiar yet shocking place.


Hey guys. I know its been more than an year since my last update and I really wanted to add this new chapter but I was concentrating on my first year of college, which I successfully survived.

Anyways I have had reviews about my grammar and yes English is not my first language. I have tried my best to avoid any grammatical mistakes but there is any, I apologise for that.

Now to the chapter, what do you think Sirius is taking Harry? And also there is an entry of a very adorable creature in the next chapter. Guess who.

The answer of the previous question was Barty Crouch Sr., which unfortunately no one gave the correct answer. Well, better luck next time.

Next Chapter:- A Sirius Situation. : Sirius POV from escape with Buckbeak till the platform.

Echo