A/N: Ahh, the end of Etam Luos, the 1st series in the Renee Chronicles. Here's it's conclusion.
DISCLAIMER: I only own Renee Springs, everything Potter belongs to the genius known as J.K. Rowling!
Chapter Thriteen: The Stranger In the Back
Testing for the O.W.L.s took three days, within that time, fifth years had little time to do anything else but study and eat. This frustrated Harry and Renee, for they really wanted to have a talk with Ron and Hermione. It made it even more difficult since they were seperated into different classrooms.
By the end of the third day, Harry was'nt sure how he did at all. He was so worried about Sirius that he had a very hard time concentrating. Renee was'nt as bad, but it was hard for her anyway because the test was somewhat different than the standard tests in Florida. Harry helped her out the best he could, but his mind kept tracking back to Sirius. No one had told him anything about the trial's progress... and that was making him loose hope minute by minute.
There was a special party for the fifth years after the last hour of testing, and Harry was hoping to at least get to talk with Ron and Hermione.
"Harry, there they are." Renee said, as they walked into the Great Hall. She was pointing a dark corner, much like the one they sat at durring the Blossom Ball. Ron and Hermione were talking softly to each other, and Harry noticed that they were holding hands. When they noticed them walking up, they let go of each other and gave them a weak smile.
"Hey," Harry said, sitting down. "How are you?"
"Oh, we're fine." Ron said.
For minutes, no one said anything. Uncertainty was thick in the air. Finnally, Renee sighed and broke the silence.
"Look, none of what happend was any of your fault. Both of you were hostages of Voldemort, you did'nt do any of what you did, Voldemort did."
Ron and Hermione glanced away, not entirely convinced. Harry was looking at her with mild surprise, she was speaking Voldemort's name freely and without fear. Few people actually did that.
Ron seemed to gather courage and looked seriously at Harry and Renee.
"Thank you, for saving us. We would of been dead right now."
"Yes, you saved us when it was us that led you into that trap." Hermione whispered.
"Of course we saved you! Do you think we would let our best friends die? What are friends for?" Harry said.
Both of them laughed quietly.
"Now let's drop this matter and get back to normal," Renee said, brushing her hands together. "What happened happened and it's in the past, let's move on."
The group nodded in agreement.
Soon afterwards, snacks were served and everyone got up for something to eat. While serving themselves, Ron whispered in Harry's ear.
"Is it really true?"
"What?" Harry asked, silently.
"That Renee's... you know,"
Harry slowly nodded.
"Wow, what do you think about it?" Ron gasped.
Harry stopped what he was doing. He had'nt really thought hard about it, because of Sirius and the O.W.L.s.
"I... I'm not sure," He finnally said.
Ron nodded and they finished gathering food. Harry stayed back to pick up napkins when a figure suddenly appeared before him.
"Hello Harry, how are you doing today?" It was Professor Dumbledore.
"Hello Professor, I'm doing Ok."
"I have something for you," He reached into his robe and pulled out a letter. "I'm afraid Sirius is not allowed to send out owls durring the trial."
Harry forgot everything and grabbed the letter, ripping it immediately open.
Harry,
I am unsure on how the trial is going, it seems no one is sure who to believe. There have been testimonials in my favor, but it just seems to confuse the jury. Without Pettigrew, I'm not sure how I can win.
Dumbledore said that it would be alright if you wished to come to the last day of the trial. It may help for the jury to see you there. You don't have to, I'm not sure if you'd want to.. I don't want to dissapoint you again.
Whatever you decide, I want you to know that you have my love forever, no matter what happens.
Sirius
Harry looked up at Dumbledore, and he smiled down on him.
"You and the others are pardoned to leave school with me on Friday." With a last smile, he left the Great Hall.
Harry ran back to the table to tell the others.
"You guys! We get to go to the last day of Sirius's trial!"
"Really?" Renee asked.
Harry nodded and handed her the letter. Ron and Hermione looked over her shoulder as she read. When they were through, they looked up at Harry with uncertainty.
"Harry, it does'nt seem like it's going too well in his favor." Renee said gently.
"I know, but it may cheer him up to see us. He says it may help!"
"Well, we're behind you one hundred percent." Hermione said.
"Yeah, we'll go with you." Ron added.
Renee smiled at him, agreeing.
The next day was hard to go through, knowing that the following day will decide Harry's future. Harry was so desperate to leave the Dursleys, that he was'nt sure how he would react if Sirius was still found guilty. He had already lost a father he never knew, he did'nt want to loose his Godfather. Renee, Ron, and Hermione tried their best to keep his mind off it. Before they went up to bed, Renee pulled him to the side.
"Now, don't make fun of me, but I'm going to give you some advice that has helped me for a long time."
"I would never make fun of you," Harry smiled.
Renee blushed, but became serious again.
"Now, close you eyes and push everything out of your mind. Good, now tell me exactly what you are doing at this very momment."
"Standing here, with my eyes closed, listening to you."
"Good, now focus on that. You are standing in the common room, talking with me. Now, forget the past, there is nothing you can do about it. Now, forget the future, you can't do anything about that right now. Only focus on this very momment you are living. Make time stand still."
Harry opened his eyes and looked straight into Renee's. She blushed again, and smiled.
"I used to do that a lot, before I moved. It helps relieve stress. Don't ask me where I got it from, I came up with it myself."
Suddenly, Harry leaned forward and gave her a kiss.
"You are one wise American," He whispered.
Renee turned beet red.
"Nahh, just an American with too much spare time."
They laughed together and Harry walked her up to the girl's stairs.
"I'll see you tomorrow, Renee. And thank you."
"Anything, Harry, anytime."
Harry had a hard time sleeping that night, but he managed to get some sleep using Renee's advice. However, when dawn broke, Harry jumped out of bed and got dressed. He ran downstairs to wait in the common room. To his surprise, Renee and Hermione were waiting.
"Good morning!" They both said cheerfully. Strangely, they exchanged looks with each other and giggled. Harry was about to ask what was so funny when Ron bounded down the stairs.
"Well, this is it folks."
Everyone nodded and followed each other out of the portrait hole to wait in the Great Hall. As if Harry was'nt surprised enough that morning, Professor Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall were waiting for them.
"Good morning, everyone." Dumbledore said kindly.
"Good morning." They all said in union.
"I was hoping you all would wake early, we need an early start." Something seemed to trouble Dumbledore, and he gently placed a hand on Harry's shoulder, taking him to the back of the group as they headed downstairs. "Somehow, news leaked about you and Renee. Reporters from around the wizarding world will be at the trial for Sirius's purpose, but I suspect they are just as eager to talk with you and Renee. We are going early to avoid them, but if we should get bombarded, don't say anything... let me do the talking."
Harry nodded and they soon found themselves walking up to the huge fireplace in the Great Hall. Professor McGonagall then handed each of them a paper bag.
"There is no time for breakfast, so I prepared some snacks for all of you."
"Thank you Minerva, we should be back before the day is through." Dumbledore said kindly, throwing Floo Powder into the fire.
"Good luck, Harry." McGonagall whispered in his ear.
Harry smiled.
"We are going to the Ministry, so be clear when you tell the fire." Dumbledore instructed. He went first, then Ron, then Hermione. With an encouraging smile at Harry, Renee followed. Harry, grinning to himself, stepped in afterward.
"The Ministry!" He yelled.
His surroundings swirled before him and he found himself being hurled past fireplaces until finnally comming to land outside a large fireplace inside a giant lobby.
"Alright, Harry?" Dumbledore asked, comming to his side.
Harry nodded, looking from Dumbledore, to Ron, to Hermione, and then to Renee, who was comming to stand beside him.
"Alright, follow me everyone. Stay close." Dumbledore led the way through the Ministry's many zig-zagging halls. Wizards and witches walked briskly from one place to the other. Many took double-takes as they saw Harry walk past. Harry tried to ignore that.
After going through endless hallways and when it seemed they would walk forever, Dumbledore stopped in front of a door which read:
COURTROOMS
A-E
"Now, there's still the possibility that there may be some early reporters here. So if they ask you anything, ignore them and continue to follow me." With that, Dumbledore opened the door and walked through, the rest of them following closely behind.
It was another large hallway, with huge double-doors labled with a letter. While the hallway was virtually empty, there were one or two people at the end of the hall.
"Wait, there they are now!" Yelled one of them.
Dumbledore quickly pulled all of them closer to him and he contined to walk towards the last door.
"Professor Dumbledore, how do you feel about the way the trial is being handled? Do you think Black has a chance?" A female reporter was on top of him like a shopper at an after-Christmas sale.
Dumbledore simply nodded and pulled Harry even closer, as he reached for the door labled "E". The reporter saw Harry and tried to ask him questions.
"Mr. Potter, how do you feel about the fact that having an Etam Luos will help in the resistance against You-Know-Who?"
Dumbledore quickly squeezed Harry and Renee through the doors without a word, then grabbed Hermione and Ron and pushed them through, leaving the now-annoyed reporter outside.
"Well, that was easy enough." Dumbledore sighed.
Harry was looking all around him. He was standing in the same courtroom that he was in while he was looking into Dumbledore's Pensieve. The same lone chair was in the middle of the room, bleachers of chairs on either side. One side for the jury, the other for the audience. In front was a single chair for the judge.
"Let's sit down and eat. We have about an hour before the trial starts." Dumbledore led them to the first row of seats and they sat down. Nervously, Harry tried to eat the snacks that McGonagall packed for them. Renee leaned on his side, making him feel better.
After an hour, the courtroom filled with people. To Harry's excited surprise, he noticed a fimilular face walk into the room.
"Professor Lupin!"
"Where?" Hermione and Ron said at the same time.
Lupin waved, wearing a smile, and walked over to sit with them. Professor Dumbledore grinned and moved over a seat so that Lupin could sit next to Harry.
"Hello, Harry. Ron, Hermione!" He called over to them. He smiled kindly at Renee. "And you must be Renee, nice to meet you at last."
"Renee, this is Professor Lupin." Harry introduced her.
"Please, just call me Remus. I'm not a professor anymore." He laughed softly and put a hand on Harry's side. "How have you been, Harry?" He asked him, seriously.
"I'm alright." He answered simply. He was'nt in the mood to talk about what all had happened with Voldemort.
Lupin took the hint and nodded.
Suddenly, the courtroom became quiet and a tall wizard took the head seat.
"The trial of Mr. Sirius Black will now come to order." He said loudly. "Bring in the accused."
The large doubledoors, fighting a now much larger crowd of reporters, opened to reveal three figures. In the middle, was Harry's Godfather, Sirius. On either side of him were two very strong looking wizards. They led him to the chair in the middle of the court then walked back to stand by the doors.
"Mr. Black," The judge said. "We have heard the testimonials for your favor this past week. Are there any more you wish to add?"
"No, your honor." Sirius replied.
"Well then, I shall let-"
"Wait, your honor. There is one more person." Dumbledore had suddenly stood up. The whole court had eyes on him.
"Oh?" Said the judge.
"Yes. If he agrees, Harry Potter is here to testify."
Harry's eyes grew wide as the court shifted it's gaze from Dumbledore to him. Dumbledore looked down at him.
"Can you testify?" He whispered.
"Yes. I will." Harry blurted out.
"Well then, Mr. Potter. Please come stand by Mr. Black." The judge ordered.
Harry nodded, and as quickly as he could dispite his shock, he walked down to stand by Sirius. Sirius looked up at him and gave a small hint of a smile. Harry did the same.
"Mr. Potter, is the accused sitting beside you guilty of the charges against him?" The judge asked.
"No. He's not."
"You mean to tell me, that this man did not kill thirteen people, including Petter Pettigrew? That he did not betray James and Lily Potter, your own parents?"
"Yes." Harry answered, defiantly.
"What proof do you have to present the court?"
"Only my word, your honor. Petter Pettigrew is not dead, but alive and serving Voldemort. He's the one that betrayed my parents, my father switched secret-keepers at the last minute, thinking it would throw Voldemort off. Little did he know that it was Pettigrew who was his servant. Pettigrew staged his death, cutting off his index finger as the only thing left of his body. He then turned into a rat and lived out the next twelve years as a pet of my friend. Two years ago, I witnessed Sirius Black and Remus Lupin turn him back into a man. Before they could turn him in, Pettigrew escaped and is now back at his master's side."
The judged looked hard at him.
"The other testimonies contained the same information. How do you know for sure that this information told to you is authentic?"
"Because I've seen Pettigrew since then. He's the one responsible for bringng Voldemort back to power. Pettigrew took my blood and used it to bring him back." Harry pulled up the sleeve of his robe and held up his elbow for the court to see. A faint scar of where Pettigrew used a knife to take his blood was still visible.
Whispers broke out across the courtroom.
"Order!" The judge roared. "Is that all?" He asked Harry as the room became silent again.
Harry nodded.
"Very well then, please go sit down."
Sirius grabbed Harry's hand as he turned to leave and gave him a look of gratitude. Harry grinned and went to go sit down.
"Now, are there any more testimonies?"
Sirius shook his head.
"No, your honor."
"Then I leave it to the jury to decide the verdict." The judge looked at the jury. "By a show of hands, do you find the accused not-guilty?"
Before any of the jury members got their hand half-way in the air, there was a shout from the back of the court.
"Wait!"
The entire court twisted in their seats to see who shouted. In the very back corner, towards the double-doors, was a dark, hooded figure. Very short and pudgy, the figure stepped out of the shadows and walked slowly to the front of the court, standing in front of Sirius.
"This man is not guilty," Came a squeaky voice from under the hood. Slowly, he removed it.
"Oh my God! It's Peter Pettigrew!" Gasped someone in the stands.
Sure enough, standing before the judge, was Peter. Confusion and hate radiated from Harry.
The judge was at a complete lost for words. The whole court errupted with hurried babbling.
"It's true! He's alive!"
"Pettigrew alive!"
When the judge gathered himself, he began to bellow.
"ORDER! ORDER I SAY! There will be ORDER!"
Slowly, the chatter died down.
The judge looked at Pettigrew with disbelief.
"Mr. Pettigrew, by showing yourself in this courtroom you comfirm all the testimonies against you in this trial. I'm afraid I'm going to have to place you under arrest." He motioned to the guards that had led Sirius into the courtroom and they walked briskly over to Peter. They began to lead him out before Peter suddenly jerked himself to become face-to-face with Harry.
"You now owe me!" He whispered, then laughed evily. Harry recoiled and Lupin's lip curled with anger. Renee took Harry's hand.
I owe him? Harry thought to himself as he watched Pettigrew being dragged away. He repaid his debt to me just now, how can I owe him?
"Beware you fools! Lord Voldemort has risen stronger than ever before! All of you shall die!" Peter started to scream as he was pulled out of the room.
When the chaos of the room died down, the judge gathered himself.
"Well, in light of the new evidence, there is no doubt about the innocence of Mr. Sirius Black. I therefore pardon all accusations against him and he is free to go." He stood up and left the court. Harry, Ron, Hermione, Renee, and Lupin jumped up and their seats and began to cheer. Sirius, beaming ecstatically, jumped out of his seat and ran to Harry. He picked him up and began to twirl around on the spot.
"Thank you Harry, thank you!"
"What I'd do? It was Wormtail."
Sirius put him back down and embraced Lupin in a hug. Dumbledore was beaming and shook hands with him afterward.
"I should never had doubted you, Sirius."
"I don't blame you, Professor."
"Well then, this calls for a celebration!" Dumbledore said.
After fighting the crowd of reporters and leaving the Ministry, all of them returned to Hogwarts and joined Dumbledore in his office for a private party. Half of the Hogwarts staff came up afterward to congratulate Sirius and appologize. Professor McGonagall presented the room with the newly released edition of the Daily Prophet. It stated that Black was innocent, that it was Pettigrew the whole time. The magical communtity appologized and wished him well. There was no mention of Harry and Renee.
Not long before people began to leave, Sirius took Harry to the side.
"You know what this means?"
Harry beamed at him
"Oh, yes!"
"Dumbledore is going to help me get situated. Then we have to have a discussion with the Dursleys. If all goes well, you'll be able to go home with me when school ends next week."
Harry was too excited to speak, but simply grabbed Sirius in a hug. He laughed and hugged him tightly back. Sirius then leaned back and looked behind Harry, Renee was looking at them.
Harry looked back and smiled, and she smiled back.
"Go on," Sirius whispered in his ear.
With a grin, Harry left him and walked over to Renee.
"I'm very happy for you, Harry." She said.
"Just when I think I've had the happiest momment of my life, something happens to challenge it."
Renee smiled.
"What happens now?"
"Well, he has to get situated, then we have to work out the Dursleys. If all goes according to plan, I'll be spending the summer with him. Like I should always have been."
Renee nodded, then a frown started on her face.
"What's wrong?" Harry asked, concerned.
"Oh nothing. Let's um... let's do something special next week? Please?"
"Er.. sure." Harry said.
It dawned on Harry, as he walked with her over to Ron and Hermione, that there was only one week left... and then he and Renee would have to say goodbye for the summer. He did'nt realize just how much he was going to miss her, already he felt torn apart.
Chapter Fourteen: Going Home
The days seemed to go by much more quickly now that it was the last week of school. Harry was determined to keep his promise with Renee, to do something special with her. When he tried to get some advice out of Ron, Ron simply said that he and Hermione were doing something.
"What is it that you two do?!" Harry shouted at Ron one evening.
"Harry... I... I don't know how to explain." Ron said. "All I can say is.. I think I like Hermione."
Harry smiled at him.
"Well, we all know that! It was pretty obvious last year with Hermione seeing Krum!"
Ron blushed.
"Well then, you don't need me to tell you what we do together. All we do is talk and... and be together, that's all."
"Does she feel the same for you?" Harry asked.
"I get the feeling she does.. it's funny though. She talks with Renee a lot. They're much closer now after all we've been through. Maybe you should ask them." Ron looked hard at Harry, considering him for a momment.
"Now, we all know you love Renee. It's plainly obvious and it's not because of the fact that you two are soul mates."
It was Harry's turn to blush.
"Well I... I guess I... er.." He took a deep breath. "Oh Ron, she's wonderful. She's smart, brave, and talented. To me, she's pretty too, but that's not important. What's important is that she seems to like me for me, not because I'm famous."
Ron was nodding and looking dreamy.
"Can you believe this Harry? Three years ago this would be the last conversation we would ever think of having. Yet, here we are, talking about two wonderful girls."
Harry agreed, then remembered what he wanted to ask Ron in the first place.
"So can you help me think of something special to do with her?"
Ron studied him a minute.
"What is it that you both enjoy?"
Harry thought a momment.
"She has a good talent in flying and good eye for Quidditch." He sudgested.
"Well then, go for a ride together. Just the two of you."
Harry blushed again, looking guilty.
"We've already done that once,"
"Try it more romantic like, say... fly your broom up to the girl's window and sweep her off her feet. She gets on your broom and you tour around the grounds."
"That would be hard to pull off," Harry said to him.
Ron shrugged.
"Sounds good!" Harry shouted.
****
Renee was growing more depressed with every evening. Hermione helped cheer her up when they engaged in girlfriend-like conversations. What surprised them both was that they usually ended up talking about Harry and Ron. Hermione admitted that she liked Ron a lot and that she's discovered a side of him that she never would of dreamt had exisited. She filled Renee in on the last four years and her initial thoughts about him... but how she was secretly growing to love him. Hermione was thrilled to have a boy go nuts over her, especially to become jealous if another boy was in her life.
Renee was the same way. She had never had a boyfriend before, and was'nt sure if Harry considered her a girlfriend. Sure, they kissed a couple times... which was true bliss to Renee... but would they have a relationship? Hermione was curious on Renee's thoughts about having an Etam Luos.
"Who would of thought? I wonder if my parents know, they would be tickled if they knew a famous British wizard just so happened to be my soul mate." Renee said to Hermione.
"Emm... it's really exciting, I think." She said, lounging on Renee's bed.
"Harry is not who I thought he would be. I expected the famous Harry Potter to be real stuck up and spoiled... but he's really a quiet, sensitive, caring guy. No where close to what I expected. That's what I really love about him," Renee glanced at Hermione and giggled like a child in a candy store. "And.. he's cute!"
They both erupted into giggles. Hermione suddenly got serious.
"Has he told you that he loved you?"
Renee stopped giggling and shuffled her feet.
"Not.. directly, no." She then looked up to stare at the special rose protected lovingly on her nightstand. "But in other ways, yes."
Hermione followed her gaze.
"Is that what I think it is?"
"Yep. And it's still just as fresh as the day he placed it gently in my hand."
"Wow! Oh Renee, I can't imagine how you two must feel! Is it because you are soul mates?"
"I'm not sure." Renee said simply.
Hermione glanced at her watch, a mixed expression comming across her face.
"Sorry to run out on you Renee, but I promised Ron I'd come spend some time with him before bed."
Renee nodded, remembering the promise Harry had made to her about doing something special together. Perhaps he forgot?
Hermione gave her a hug and left, almost skipping down the stairs. The other girls in the room were off doing things, so Renee was left alone. She decided to keep working on a project that she started not too long ago, so she pulled out a special sketchbook where you could tear out the pages easily. Searching for her pencils in the special box that Harry had given her for her birthday, she sat down next to the window.
"Now, where is that stupid indigo?" She muttered to herself.
TAP TAP
Nearly sending the box and the contents flying, Renee jumped in her seat at the sudden sound.
TAP TAP
She twirled on the spot to look at the window, but there was no one outside.
"That's silly, I'm at least one hundred feet off the ground. How could anyone tap the window?" As if in response, a head suddenly appeared out of no where.
"AHH!" She yelped.
A body soon appeared after the head to reveal Harry Potter, sitting on his broomstick. He waved and smiled innocently. Renee immediately opened the window.
"What on earth are you doing?"
Harry flew his broomstick inside the window, Renee jumping to the side to avoid him. He landed expertly in front of her.
"Just taking an evening stroll." He shrugged, grinning. "Thought you'd might want to come along."
Renee was at a loss for words.
"Uhh, sure.. I'm game."
Harry smiled broadly and reached for her hand. She took his and he gently assisted her in climbing behind him on his broomstick. Hesitant at first, not knowing if she should, she put her arms around his waist. He turned and gave her a small smile, which she returned.
"Ready?"
"Ready as I'll ever be,"
Harry launched the broomstick and they were speeding out of the window and into the moonlight. Renee held on tighter, fearing she would fall off. She heard Harry laugh silently as he flew them over the castle.
"I've got the invisibility cloak in my pocket, if you see anyone, whip it out quick and put it over us." Harry told her.
"Right," Renee replied.
They did'nt see anyone outside that night. In quiet bliss, the two soul mates flew silently over the school grounds. After what seemed like forever, Harry quietly landed them beside the lake. They walked together, and to Renee's delight, he held her hand. Both of them seemed very happy.
After walking together for a while, they found a fallen log and sat down, Harry putting his arm around her shoulder.
"So, what do you think?"
"I think this was one of the best nights of my life." Renee whispered.
Harry nodded.
"Harry? The summer is going to be so long without you." Her chin fell to her chest.
Harry picked her chin up with his finger and gave her a smile.
"Hey, you're fogetting that I'll be living with Sirius now. We'll be able to visit! Not to mention write. I'm sure Hedwig would be crushed beyond reasoning if she was'nt able to visit with Keto."
Renee beamed at him and nodded happily.
They were silent for a while, staring at the relection of the moon on the lake.
"Renee, I... I feel complete now. Like a gap is now filled. You fill that gap." Harry whispered suddenly in her ear.
Renee's eyes went wide and she grinned.
"You're the missing piece to my puzzle, Harry." She kissed him on the cheek. He sighed contently and Renee felt it right to rest her head on his shoulder. She felt him kiss her on her forehead and hug her tightly.
I don't want this to end. She thought to herself.
Yet, like all good things, they sadly agreed after a while that it was time to go back. Harry flew her up to the girl's dorm window and assisted her off his broom.
"Thank you, so much Harry."
"I really enjoyed myself, let's do this again, shall we?"
"Yes, definately."
He smiled then leaned forward and kissed her on the lips, Renee kissed back. After what seemed like forever, not wanting to part, Harry reluctantly parted and smiled. Blushing, he waved and pulled the cloak over himself, dissapeering from Renee's sight.
She sighed, mixed with pure joy and sadness. Getting undressed in the bathroom, she got into her pajamas, then walked back into the room and slipped into bed. Before falling off into the dreams she often had of her flying with Harry, she stared at the rose.
"He loves me, and I love him. That rose will last forever."
Sighing, she fell asleep. Little did she know that the one she loved was watching her from the window, silent tears of happiness splashing on the sill.
****
The day Renee and Harry were dreading came almost instantly. The whole of Gryffindor house was buzzing as people packed their trunks and bid farewells to the people they would'nt see on the Hogwarts Express. Harry was full of mixed feelings. He was very, very excited, for the Dursleys agreed to give Sirius custody in a heart beat, on condition that none of "their kind" ever came near them again. But there was something holding him back. Renee. He did not want to leave her, he felt he needed to be by her side, to protect her if any harm should come near. The only thing that made him cope with that fact, was Sirius promising him that he could visit with her over the summer.
Harry followed Ron and the other boys out of the dorms. Both Ron and Harry ran to be with the people they would miss the most. Hermione and Renee. Together and acting much like they did when they all became friends with Renee, they headed to the Hogwarts Express.
Once long into their journey, the two couples slid next to each other, engaging in conversations over their summer plans.
"So, what do you think of your first year at Hogwarts, Renee?" Hermione asked her.
"The best decision I've ever made so far," Renee replied. "Sure, it was hard at first. Moving to a completely new country and climate. Not only a new school, but one where you did'nt go home at the end of classes. New people and culture. I don't think I've ever drank so much tea in my life!"
Harry and the others laughed.
"But the best part... the best part was meeting all of you. Having three best friends." Renee added, blushing.
The others nodded in agreement, looking from one to the other.
"What are you doing over the summer, Renee?" Ron asked.
"Oh, my parents are comming to visit my brother and I in London, where he has a large apartment. I think 'yall call those flats. Anyway... they won't stay long. Dad has a meeting in Sydney. So, basically, I'll be sketching Big Ben... and writing to you all of course."
"You'll have to come over my house, all of you." Ron said. "I'm sure my dad would love to see your sketches, Renee."
"That would be fun... we could all do something together." Renee sudgested.
Not long afterward, much to their dismay, the Hogwarts Express screached to a hault at Platform Nine and Three Quarters. Slowly, they gathered their things and hopped off the train. Waving eagerly was Sirius Black, looking clean and healthy. He reminded Harry of the man laughing in the photo of his parent's wedding. His hair was cut short, clean shaven, and wearing brand new robes. Sirius happily hugged Harry and helped him with his trunk.
"Harry! Oh, Harry dear!" Mrs. Weasly was walking over, followed closely by Ron and Ginny. "Oh, Harry... look at how much you've grown! You'll have to come by for a visit, if your Godfather permits." She was hugging him and smoothing out his hair.
"I'm sure it won't be a problem," Sirius said, smiling.
"I.. I would like to apolo-" Mrs. Weasly began.
Sirius held up a hand to silence her.
"Don't worry. That's alright."
Mrs. Weasley blushed then turned to Harry again.
"I'm sorry dear, I'd love to chat longer but Mr. Weasley has put out his back at home and I'm afraid he insists on healing the Muggle-way." She sighed, annoyed. "So, I'm afraid we have to make a quick exit." She bent down and kissed Harry and turned to leave.
"Bye Harry!" Ron called. "I'll write and we'll see each other soon!"
"Bye!" Harry called back.
"Ready Harry?" Sirius asked, hauling his trunk onto a cart.
"Just one thing.." Harry searched the crowd of students and families.
"Harry! Wait, Harry!"
Renee was bounding out of a crowd, her brother keeping an eye on her.
"Oh, there you are! I was afraid..."
"I would'nt leave without saying goodbye." Renee said.
"I'm going to miss you." Harry sighed.
"Me too, but like you said.. we can visit!" Renee tried to keep the tears back.
"I'll write you all the time..."
Renee nodded and pulled something out of her robes.
"I made... I mean... this is for you, Harry."
Harry took the package and looked at her, gratitued and sadness washing over him.
Renee grabbed him in a hug, squeezing tightly.
"I... I love you Harry." She whispered in his ear, and without a backward glance, she raced off into the crowd again.. leaving Harry in a state of shock.
He could'nt move, until a hand was gently laid on his shoulder.
"C'mon Harry, let's go home." Sirius said gently.
As Harry followed him through the gateway to King's Cross, he gently pulled the wrappings off the package Renee had given him. It revealed another portrait, completely drawn in graphite pencil. Sitting closely to one another, were two people. Harry and Renee. The only color seen, was the green of Harry's eyes. If he had not known it was a drawing, he would of thought it was a photograph. Smiling, he turned it over to read a note.
When a witch or a wizard creates a pieve of art, the only way the contents will move is if both the artist and the first viewer agrees that it's perfect. The picture I made you for Christmas won't move because I did'nt believe it was perfect. Only you can decide if this picture moves. I hope you like it.
Love Always,
Renee
When Harry turned the picture over again, to his surprise, the drawings of himself and Renee were smiling broadly and looking from one to the other sheepishly. They were moving.
As Harry and Sirius piled into a waiting cab and were driving off, Harry pulled out a piece of parchment and a quill. Sirius, obviously, tried to look clueless and stare out the window. Harry quickly wrote a letter.
I have never seen a more perfect pieve of artwork. Of all the magical pictures I've ever seen, your portrait moves most of all. It, like youself, for lack of a better word, is perfect. I hope to hear from you and see you soon. You did'nt let me tell you one thing before you left. I love you too.
Affectionately Yours,
Harry
..... The end is only the beginning .....
A/N: The 2nd series is entitled: Hatred's Prisoner. Go read that now! Nice peeps!
~OrcaPotter
DISCLAIMER: I only own Renee Springs, everything Potter belongs to the genius known as J.K. Rowling!
Chapter Thriteen: The Stranger In the Back
Testing for the O.W.L.s took three days, within that time, fifth years had little time to do anything else but study and eat. This frustrated Harry and Renee, for they really wanted to have a talk with Ron and Hermione. It made it even more difficult since they were seperated into different classrooms.
By the end of the third day, Harry was'nt sure how he did at all. He was so worried about Sirius that he had a very hard time concentrating. Renee was'nt as bad, but it was hard for her anyway because the test was somewhat different than the standard tests in Florida. Harry helped her out the best he could, but his mind kept tracking back to Sirius. No one had told him anything about the trial's progress... and that was making him loose hope minute by minute.
There was a special party for the fifth years after the last hour of testing, and Harry was hoping to at least get to talk with Ron and Hermione.
"Harry, there they are." Renee said, as they walked into the Great Hall. She was pointing a dark corner, much like the one they sat at durring the Blossom Ball. Ron and Hermione were talking softly to each other, and Harry noticed that they were holding hands. When they noticed them walking up, they let go of each other and gave them a weak smile.
"Hey," Harry said, sitting down. "How are you?"
"Oh, we're fine." Ron said.
For minutes, no one said anything. Uncertainty was thick in the air. Finnally, Renee sighed and broke the silence.
"Look, none of what happend was any of your fault. Both of you were hostages of Voldemort, you did'nt do any of what you did, Voldemort did."
Ron and Hermione glanced away, not entirely convinced. Harry was looking at her with mild surprise, she was speaking Voldemort's name freely and without fear. Few people actually did that.
Ron seemed to gather courage and looked seriously at Harry and Renee.
"Thank you, for saving us. We would of been dead right now."
"Yes, you saved us when it was us that led you into that trap." Hermione whispered.
"Of course we saved you! Do you think we would let our best friends die? What are friends for?" Harry said.
Both of them laughed quietly.
"Now let's drop this matter and get back to normal," Renee said, brushing her hands together. "What happened happened and it's in the past, let's move on."
The group nodded in agreement.
Soon afterwards, snacks were served and everyone got up for something to eat. While serving themselves, Ron whispered in Harry's ear.
"Is it really true?"
"What?" Harry asked, silently.
"That Renee's... you know,"
Harry slowly nodded.
"Wow, what do you think about it?" Ron gasped.
Harry stopped what he was doing. He had'nt really thought hard about it, because of Sirius and the O.W.L.s.
"I... I'm not sure," He finnally said.
Ron nodded and they finished gathering food. Harry stayed back to pick up napkins when a figure suddenly appeared before him.
"Hello Harry, how are you doing today?" It was Professor Dumbledore.
"Hello Professor, I'm doing Ok."
"I have something for you," He reached into his robe and pulled out a letter. "I'm afraid Sirius is not allowed to send out owls durring the trial."
Harry forgot everything and grabbed the letter, ripping it immediately open.
Harry,
I am unsure on how the trial is going, it seems no one is sure who to believe. There have been testimonials in my favor, but it just seems to confuse the jury. Without Pettigrew, I'm not sure how I can win.
Dumbledore said that it would be alright if you wished to come to the last day of the trial. It may help for the jury to see you there. You don't have to, I'm not sure if you'd want to.. I don't want to dissapoint you again.
Whatever you decide, I want you to know that you have my love forever, no matter what happens.
Sirius
Harry looked up at Dumbledore, and he smiled down on him.
"You and the others are pardoned to leave school with me on Friday." With a last smile, he left the Great Hall.
Harry ran back to the table to tell the others.
"You guys! We get to go to the last day of Sirius's trial!"
"Really?" Renee asked.
Harry nodded and handed her the letter. Ron and Hermione looked over her shoulder as she read. When they were through, they looked up at Harry with uncertainty.
"Harry, it does'nt seem like it's going too well in his favor." Renee said gently.
"I know, but it may cheer him up to see us. He says it may help!"
"Well, we're behind you one hundred percent." Hermione said.
"Yeah, we'll go with you." Ron added.
Renee smiled at him, agreeing.
The next day was hard to go through, knowing that the following day will decide Harry's future. Harry was so desperate to leave the Dursleys, that he was'nt sure how he would react if Sirius was still found guilty. He had already lost a father he never knew, he did'nt want to loose his Godfather. Renee, Ron, and Hermione tried their best to keep his mind off it. Before they went up to bed, Renee pulled him to the side.
"Now, don't make fun of me, but I'm going to give you some advice that has helped me for a long time."
"I would never make fun of you," Harry smiled.
Renee blushed, but became serious again.
"Now, close you eyes and push everything out of your mind. Good, now tell me exactly what you are doing at this very momment."
"Standing here, with my eyes closed, listening to you."
"Good, now focus on that. You are standing in the common room, talking with me. Now, forget the past, there is nothing you can do about it. Now, forget the future, you can't do anything about that right now. Only focus on this very momment you are living. Make time stand still."
Harry opened his eyes and looked straight into Renee's. She blushed again, and smiled.
"I used to do that a lot, before I moved. It helps relieve stress. Don't ask me where I got it from, I came up with it myself."
Suddenly, Harry leaned forward and gave her a kiss.
"You are one wise American," He whispered.
Renee turned beet red.
"Nahh, just an American with too much spare time."
They laughed together and Harry walked her up to the girl's stairs.
"I'll see you tomorrow, Renee. And thank you."
"Anything, Harry, anytime."
Harry had a hard time sleeping that night, but he managed to get some sleep using Renee's advice. However, when dawn broke, Harry jumped out of bed and got dressed. He ran downstairs to wait in the common room. To his surprise, Renee and Hermione were waiting.
"Good morning!" They both said cheerfully. Strangely, they exchanged looks with each other and giggled. Harry was about to ask what was so funny when Ron bounded down the stairs.
"Well, this is it folks."
Everyone nodded and followed each other out of the portrait hole to wait in the Great Hall. As if Harry was'nt surprised enough that morning, Professor Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall were waiting for them.
"Good morning, everyone." Dumbledore said kindly.
"Good morning." They all said in union.
"I was hoping you all would wake early, we need an early start." Something seemed to trouble Dumbledore, and he gently placed a hand on Harry's shoulder, taking him to the back of the group as they headed downstairs. "Somehow, news leaked about you and Renee. Reporters from around the wizarding world will be at the trial for Sirius's purpose, but I suspect they are just as eager to talk with you and Renee. We are going early to avoid them, but if we should get bombarded, don't say anything... let me do the talking."
Harry nodded and they soon found themselves walking up to the huge fireplace in the Great Hall. Professor McGonagall then handed each of them a paper bag.
"There is no time for breakfast, so I prepared some snacks for all of you."
"Thank you Minerva, we should be back before the day is through." Dumbledore said kindly, throwing Floo Powder into the fire.
"Good luck, Harry." McGonagall whispered in his ear.
Harry smiled.
"We are going to the Ministry, so be clear when you tell the fire." Dumbledore instructed. He went first, then Ron, then Hermione. With an encouraging smile at Harry, Renee followed. Harry, grinning to himself, stepped in afterward.
"The Ministry!" He yelled.
His surroundings swirled before him and he found himself being hurled past fireplaces until finnally comming to land outside a large fireplace inside a giant lobby.
"Alright, Harry?" Dumbledore asked, comming to his side.
Harry nodded, looking from Dumbledore, to Ron, to Hermione, and then to Renee, who was comming to stand beside him.
"Alright, follow me everyone. Stay close." Dumbledore led the way through the Ministry's many zig-zagging halls. Wizards and witches walked briskly from one place to the other. Many took double-takes as they saw Harry walk past. Harry tried to ignore that.
After going through endless hallways and when it seemed they would walk forever, Dumbledore stopped in front of a door which read:
COURTROOMS
A-E
"Now, there's still the possibility that there may be some early reporters here. So if they ask you anything, ignore them and continue to follow me." With that, Dumbledore opened the door and walked through, the rest of them following closely behind.
It was another large hallway, with huge double-doors labled with a letter. While the hallway was virtually empty, there were one or two people at the end of the hall.
"Wait, there they are now!" Yelled one of them.
Dumbledore quickly pulled all of them closer to him and he contined to walk towards the last door.
"Professor Dumbledore, how do you feel about the way the trial is being handled? Do you think Black has a chance?" A female reporter was on top of him like a shopper at an after-Christmas sale.
Dumbledore simply nodded and pulled Harry even closer, as he reached for the door labled "E". The reporter saw Harry and tried to ask him questions.
"Mr. Potter, how do you feel about the fact that having an Etam Luos will help in the resistance against You-Know-Who?"
Dumbledore quickly squeezed Harry and Renee through the doors without a word, then grabbed Hermione and Ron and pushed them through, leaving the now-annoyed reporter outside.
"Well, that was easy enough." Dumbledore sighed.
Harry was looking all around him. He was standing in the same courtroom that he was in while he was looking into Dumbledore's Pensieve. The same lone chair was in the middle of the room, bleachers of chairs on either side. One side for the jury, the other for the audience. In front was a single chair for the judge.
"Let's sit down and eat. We have about an hour before the trial starts." Dumbledore led them to the first row of seats and they sat down. Nervously, Harry tried to eat the snacks that McGonagall packed for them. Renee leaned on his side, making him feel better.
After an hour, the courtroom filled with people. To Harry's excited surprise, he noticed a fimilular face walk into the room.
"Professor Lupin!"
"Where?" Hermione and Ron said at the same time.
Lupin waved, wearing a smile, and walked over to sit with them. Professor Dumbledore grinned and moved over a seat so that Lupin could sit next to Harry.
"Hello, Harry. Ron, Hermione!" He called over to them. He smiled kindly at Renee. "And you must be Renee, nice to meet you at last."
"Renee, this is Professor Lupin." Harry introduced her.
"Please, just call me Remus. I'm not a professor anymore." He laughed softly and put a hand on Harry's side. "How have you been, Harry?" He asked him, seriously.
"I'm alright." He answered simply. He was'nt in the mood to talk about what all had happened with Voldemort.
Lupin took the hint and nodded.
Suddenly, the courtroom became quiet and a tall wizard took the head seat.
"The trial of Mr. Sirius Black will now come to order." He said loudly. "Bring in the accused."
The large doubledoors, fighting a now much larger crowd of reporters, opened to reveal three figures. In the middle, was Harry's Godfather, Sirius. On either side of him were two very strong looking wizards. They led him to the chair in the middle of the court then walked back to stand by the doors.
"Mr. Black," The judge said. "We have heard the testimonials for your favor this past week. Are there any more you wish to add?"
"No, your honor." Sirius replied.
"Well then, I shall let-"
"Wait, your honor. There is one more person." Dumbledore had suddenly stood up. The whole court had eyes on him.
"Oh?" Said the judge.
"Yes. If he agrees, Harry Potter is here to testify."
Harry's eyes grew wide as the court shifted it's gaze from Dumbledore to him. Dumbledore looked down at him.
"Can you testify?" He whispered.
"Yes. I will." Harry blurted out.
"Well then, Mr. Potter. Please come stand by Mr. Black." The judge ordered.
Harry nodded, and as quickly as he could dispite his shock, he walked down to stand by Sirius. Sirius looked up at him and gave a small hint of a smile. Harry did the same.
"Mr. Potter, is the accused sitting beside you guilty of the charges against him?" The judge asked.
"No. He's not."
"You mean to tell me, that this man did not kill thirteen people, including Petter Pettigrew? That he did not betray James and Lily Potter, your own parents?"
"Yes." Harry answered, defiantly.
"What proof do you have to present the court?"
"Only my word, your honor. Petter Pettigrew is not dead, but alive and serving Voldemort. He's the one that betrayed my parents, my father switched secret-keepers at the last minute, thinking it would throw Voldemort off. Little did he know that it was Pettigrew who was his servant. Pettigrew staged his death, cutting off his index finger as the only thing left of his body. He then turned into a rat and lived out the next twelve years as a pet of my friend. Two years ago, I witnessed Sirius Black and Remus Lupin turn him back into a man. Before they could turn him in, Pettigrew escaped and is now back at his master's side."
The judged looked hard at him.
"The other testimonies contained the same information. How do you know for sure that this information told to you is authentic?"
"Because I've seen Pettigrew since then. He's the one responsible for bringng Voldemort back to power. Pettigrew took my blood and used it to bring him back." Harry pulled up the sleeve of his robe and held up his elbow for the court to see. A faint scar of where Pettigrew used a knife to take his blood was still visible.
Whispers broke out across the courtroom.
"Order!" The judge roared. "Is that all?" He asked Harry as the room became silent again.
Harry nodded.
"Very well then, please go sit down."
Sirius grabbed Harry's hand as he turned to leave and gave him a look of gratitude. Harry grinned and went to go sit down.
"Now, are there any more testimonies?"
Sirius shook his head.
"No, your honor."
"Then I leave it to the jury to decide the verdict." The judge looked at the jury. "By a show of hands, do you find the accused not-guilty?"
Before any of the jury members got their hand half-way in the air, there was a shout from the back of the court.
"Wait!"
The entire court twisted in their seats to see who shouted. In the very back corner, towards the double-doors, was a dark, hooded figure. Very short and pudgy, the figure stepped out of the shadows and walked slowly to the front of the court, standing in front of Sirius.
"This man is not guilty," Came a squeaky voice from under the hood. Slowly, he removed it.
"Oh my God! It's Peter Pettigrew!" Gasped someone in the stands.
Sure enough, standing before the judge, was Peter. Confusion and hate radiated from Harry.
The judge was at a complete lost for words. The whole court errupted with hurried babbling.
"It's true! He's alive!"
"Pettigrew alive!"
When the judge gathered himself, he began to bellow.
"ORDER! ORDER I SAY! There will be ORDER!"
Slowly, the chatter died down.
The judge looked at Pettigrew with disbelief.
"Mr. Pettigrew, by showing yourself in this courtroom you comfirm all the testimonies against you in this trial. I'm afraid I'm going to have to place you under arrest." He motioned to the guards that had led Sirius into the courtroom and they walked briskly over to Peter. They began to lead him out before Peter suddenly jerked himself to become face-to-face with Harry.
"You now owe me!" He whispered, then laughed evily. Harry recoiled and Lupin's lip curled with anger. Renee took Harry's hand.
I owe him? Harry thought to himself as he watched Pettigrew being dragged away. He repaid his debt to me just now, how can I owe him?
"Beware you fools! Lord Voldemort has risen stronger than ever before! All of you shall die!" Peter started to scream as he was pulled out of the room.
When the chaos of the room died down, the judge gathered himself.
"Well, in light of the new evidence, there is no doubt about the innocence of Mr. Sirius Black. I therefore pardon all accusations against him and he is free to go." He stood up and left the court. Harry, Ron, Hermione, Renee, and Lupin jumped up and their seats and began to cheer. Sirius, beaming ecstatically, jumped out of his seat and ran to Harry. He picked him up and began to twirl around on the spot.
"Thank you Harry, thank you!"
"What I'd do? It was Wormtail."
Sirius put him back down and embraced Lupin in a hug. Dumbledore was beaming and shook hands with him afterward.
"I should never had doubted you, Sirius."
"I don't blame you, Professor."
"Well then, this calls for a celebration!" Dumbledore said.
After fighting the crowd of reporters and leaving the Ministry, all of them returned to Hogwarts and joined Dumbledore in his office for a private party. Half of the Hogwarts staff came up afterward to congratulate Sirius and appologize. Professor McGonagall presented the room with the newly released edition of the Daily Prophet. It stated that Black was innocent, that it was Pettigrew the whole time. The magical communtity appologized and wished him well. There was no mention of Harry and Renee.
Not long before people began to leave, Sirius took Harry to the side.
"You know what this means?"
Harry beamed at him
"Oh, yes!"
"Dumbledore is going to help me get situated. Then we have to have a discussion with the Dursleys. If all goes well, you'll be able to go home with me when school ends next week."
Harry was too excited to speak, but simply grabbed Sirius in a hug. He laughed and hugged him tightly back. Sirius then leaned back and looked behind Harry, Renee was looking at them.
Harry looked back and smiled, and she smiled back.
"Go on," Sirius whispered in his ear.
With a grin, Harry left him and walked over to Renee.
"I'm very happy for you, Harry." She said.
"Just when I think I've had the happiest momment of my life, something happens to challenge it."
Renee smiled.
"What happens now?"
"Well, he has to get situated, then we have to work out the Dursleys. If all goes according to plan, I'll be spending the summer with him. Like I should always have been."
Renee nodded, then a frown started on her face.
"What's wrong?" Harry asked, concerned.
"Oh nothing. Let's um... let's do something special next week? Please?"
"Er.. sure." Harry said.
It dawned on Harry, as he walked with her over to Ron and Hermione, that there was only one week left... and then he and Renee would have to say goodbye for the summer. He did'nt realize just how much he was going to miss her, already he felt torn apart.
Chapter Fourteen: Going Home
The days seemed to go by much more quickly now that it was the last week of school. Harry was determined to keep his promise with Renee, to do something special with her. When he tried to get some advice out of Ron, Ron simply said that he and Hermione were doing something.
"What is it that you two do?!" Harry shouted at Ron one evening.
"Harry... I... I don't know how to explain." Ron said. "All I can say is.. I think I like Hermione."
Harry smiled at him.
"Well, we all know that! It was pretty obvious last year with Hermione seeing Krum!"
Ron blushed.
"Well then, you don't need me to tell you what we do together. All we do is talk and... and be together, that's all."
"Does she feel the same for you?" Harry asked.
"I get the feeling she does.. it's funny though. She talks with Renee a lot. They're much closer now after all we've been through. Maybe you should ask them." Ron looked hard at Harry, considering him for a momment.
"Now, we all know you love Renee. It's plainly obvious and it's not because of the fact that you two are soul mates."
It was Harry's turn to blush.
"Well I... I guess I... er.." He took a deep breath. "Oh Ron, she's wonderful. She's smart, brave, and talented. To me, she's pretty too, but that's not important. What's important is that she seems to like me for me, not because I'm famous."
Ron was nodding and looking dreamy.
"Can you believe this Harry? Three years ago this would be the last conversation we would ever think of having. Yet, here we are, talking about two wonderful girls."
Harry agreed, then remembered what he wanted to ask Ron in the first place.
"So can you help me think of something special to do with her?"
Ron studied him a minute.
"What is it that you both enjoy?"
Harry thought a momment.
"She has a good talent in flying and good eye for Quidditch." He sudgested.
"Well then, go for a ride together. Just the two of you."
Harry blushed again, looking guilty.
"We've already done that once,"
"Try it more romantic like, say... fly your broom up to the girl's window and sweep her off her feet. She gets on your broom and you tour around the grounds."
"That would be hard to pull off," Harry said to him.
Ron shrugged.
"Sounds good!" Harry shouted.
****
Renee was growing more depressed with every evening. Hermione helped cheer her up when they engaged in girlfriend-like conversations. What surprised them both was that they usually ended up talking about Harry and Ron. Hermione admitted that she liked Ron a lot and that she's discovered a side of him that she never would of dreamt had exisited. She filled Renee in on the last four years and her initial thoughts about him... but how she was secretly growing to love him. Hermione was thrilled to have a boy go nuts over her, especially to become jealous if another boy was in her life.
Renee was the same way. She had never had a boyfriend before, and was'nt sure if Harry considered her a girlfriend. Sure, they kissed a couple times... which was true bliss to Renee... but would they have a relationship? Hermione was curious on Renee's thoughts about having an Etam Luos.
"Who would of thought? I wonder if my parents know, they would be tickled if they knew a famous British wizard just so happened to be my soul mate." Renee said to Hermione.
"Emm... it's really exciting, I think." She said, lounging on Renee's bed.
"Harry is not who I thought he would be. I expected the famous Harry Potter to be real stuck up and spoiled... but he's really a quiet, sensitive, caring guy. No where close to what I expected. That's what I really love about him," Renee glanced at Hermione and giggled like a child in a candy store. "And.. he's cute!"
They both erupted into giggles. Hermione suddenly got serious.
"Has he told you that he loved you?"
Renee stopped giggling and shuffled her feet.
"Not.. directly, no." She then looked up to stare at the special rose protected lovingly on her nightstand. "But in other ways, yes."
Hermione followed her gaze.
"Is that what I think it is?"
"Yep. And it's still just as fresh as the day he placed it gently in my hand."
"Wow! Oh Renee, I can't imagine how you two must feel! Is it because you are soul mates?"
"I'm not sure." Renee said simply.
Hermione glanced at her watch, a mixed expression comming across her face.
"Sorry to run out on you Renee, but I promised Ron I'd come spend some time with him before bed."
Renee nodded, remembering the promise Harry had made to her about doing something special together. Perhaps he forgot?
Hermione gave her a hug and left, almost skipping down the stairs. The other girls in the room were off doing things, so Renee was left alone. She decided to keep working on a project that she started not too long ago, so she pulled out a special sketchbook where you could tear out the pages easily. Searching for her pencils in the special box that Harry had given her for her birthday, she sat down next to the window.
"Now, where is that stupid indigo?" She muttered to herself.
TAP TAP
Nearly sending the box and the contents flying, Renee jumped in her seat at the sudden sound.
TAP TAP
She twirled on the spot to look at the window, but there was no one outside.
"That's silly, I'm at least one hundred feet off the ground. How could anyone tap the window?" As if in response, a head suddenly appeared out of no where.
"AHH!" She yelped.
A body soon appeared after the head to reveal Harry Potter, sitting on his broomstick. He waved and smiled innocently. Renee immediately opened the window.
"What on earth are you doing?"
Harry flew his broomstick inside the window, Renee jumping to the side to avoid him. He landed expertly in front of her.
"Just taking an evening stroll." He shrugged, grinning. "Thought you'd might want to come along."
Renee was at a loss for words.
"Uhh, sure.. I'm game."
Harry smiled broadly and reached for her hand. She took his and he gently assisted her in climbing behind him on his broomstick. Hesitant at first, not knowing if she should, she put her arms around his waist. He turned and gave her a small smile, which she returned.
"Ready?"
"Ready as I'll ever be,"
Harry launched the broomstick and they were speeding out of the window and into the moonlight. Renee held on tighter, fearing she would fall off. She heard Harry laugh silently as he flew them over the castle.
"I've got the invisibility cloak in my pocket, if you see anyone, whip it out quick and put it over us." Harry told her.
"Right," Renee replied.
They did'nt see anyone outside that night. In quiet bliss, the two soul mates flew silently over the school grounds. After what seemed like forever, Harry quietly landed them beside the lake. They walked together, and to Renee's delight, he held her hand. Both of them seemed very happy.
After walking together for a while, they found a fallen log and sat down, Harry putting his arm around her shoulder.
"So, what do you think?"
"I think this was one of the best nights of my life." Renee whispered.
Harry nodded.
"Harry? The summer is going to be so long without you." Her chin fell to her chest.
Harry picked her chin up with his finger and gave her a smile.
"Hey, you're fogetting that I'll be living with Sirius now. We'll be able to visit! Not to mention write. I'm sure Hedwig would be crushed beyond reasoning if she was'nt able to visit with Keto."
Renee beamed at him and nodded happily.
They were silent for a while, staring at the relection of the moon on the lake.
"Renee, I... I feel complete now. Like a gap is now filled. You fill that gap." Harry whispered suddenly in her ear.
Renee's eyes went wide and she grinned.
"You're the missing piece to my puzzle, Harry." She kissed him on the cheek. He sighed contently and Renee felt it right to rest her head on his shoulder. She felt him kiss her on her forehead and hug her tightly.
I don't want this to end. She thought to herself.
Yet, like all good things, they sadly agreed after a while that it was time to go back. Harry flew her up to the girl's dorm window and assisted her off his broom.
"Thank you, so much Harry."
"I really enjoyed myself, let's do this again, shall we?"
"Yes, definately."
He smiled then leaned forward and kissed her on the lips, Renee kissed back. After what seemed like forever, not wanting to part, Harry reluctantly parted and smiled. Blushing, he waved and pulled the cloak over himself, dissapeering from Renee's sight.
She sighed, mixed with pure joy and sadness. Getting undressed in the bathroom, she got into her pajamas, then walked back into the room and slipped into bed. Before falling off into the dreams she often had of her flying with Harry, she stared at the rose.
"He loves me, and I love him. That rose will last forever."
Sighing, she fell asleep. Little did she know that the one she loved was watching her from the window, silent tears of happiness splashing on the sill.
****
The day Renee and Harry were dreading came almost instantly. The whole of Gryffindor house was buzzing as people packed their trunks and bid farewells to the people they would'nt see on the Hogwarts Express. Harry was full of mixed feelings. He was very, very excited, for the Dursleys agreed to give Sirius custody in a heart beat, on condition that none of "their kind" ever came near them again. But there was something holding him back. Renee. He did not want to leave her, he felt he needed to be by her side, to protect her if any harm should come near. The only thing that made him cope with that fact, was Sirius promising him that he could visit with her over the summer.
Harry followed Ron and the other boys out of the dorms. Both Ron and Harry ran to be with the people they would miss the most. Hermione and Renee. Together and acting much like they did when they all became friends with Renee, they headed to the Hogwarts Express.
Once long into their journey, the two couples slid next to each other, engaging in conversations over their summer plans.
"So, what do you think of your first year at Hogwarts, Renee?" Hermione asked her.
"The best decision I've ever made so far," Renee replied. "Sure, it was hard at first. Moving to a completely new country and climate. Not only a new school, but one where you did'nt go home at the end of classes. New people and culture. I don't think I've ever drank so much tea in my life!"
Harry and the others laughed.
"But the best part... the best part was meeting all of you. Having three best friends." Renee added, blushing.
The others nodded in agreement, looking from one to the other.
"What are you doing over the summer, Renee?" Ron asked.
"Oh, my parents are comming to visit my brother and I in London, where he has a large apartment. I think 'yall call those flats. Anyway... they won't stay long. Dad has a meeting in Sydney. So, basically, I'll be sketching Big Ben... and writing to you all of course."
"You'll have to come over my house, all of you." Ron said. "I'm sure my dad would love to see your sketches, Renee."
"That would be fun... we could all do something together." Renee sudgested.
Not long afterward, much to their dismay, the Hogwarts Express screached to a hault at Platform Nine and Three Quarters. Slowly, they gathered their things and hopped off the train. Waving eagerly was Sirius Black, looking clean and healthy. He reminded Harry of the man laughing in the photo of his parent's wedding. His hair was cut short, clean shaven, and wearing brand new robes. Sirius happily hugged Harry and helped him with his trunk.
"Harry! Oh, Harry dear!" Mrs. Weasly was walking over, followed closely by Ron and Ginny. "Oh, Harry... look at how much you've grown! You'll have to come by for a visit, if your Godfather permits." She was hugging him and smoothing out his hair.
"I'm sure it won't be a problem," Sirius said, smiling.
"I.. I would like to apolo-" Mrs. Weasly began.
Sirius held up a hand to silence her.
"Don't worry. That's alright."
Mrs. Weasley blushed then turned to Harry again.
"I'm sorry dear, I'd love to chat longer but Mr. Weasley has put out his back at home and I'm afraid he insists on healing the Muggle-way." She sighed, annoyed. "So, I'm afraid we have to make a quick exit." She bent down and kissed Harry and turned to leave.
"Bye Harry!" Ron called. "I'll write and we'll see each other soon!"
"Bye!" Harry called back.
"Ready Harry?" Sirius asked, hauling his trunk onto a cart.
"Just one thing.." Harry searched the crowd of students and families.
"Harry! Wait, Harry!"
Renee was bounding out of a crowd, her brother keeping an eye on her.
"Oh, there you are! I was afraid..."
"I would'nt leave without saying goodbye." Renee said.
"I'm going to miss you." Harry sighed.
"Me too, but like you said.. we can visit!" Renee tried to keep the tears back.
"I'll write you all the time..."
Renee nodded and pulled something out of her robes.
"I made... I mean... this is for you, Harry."
Harry took the package and looked at her, gratitued and sadness washing over him.
Renee grabbed him in a hug, squeezing tightly.
"I... I love you Harry." She whispered in his ear, and without a backward glance, she raced off into the crowd again.. leaving Harry in a state of shock.
He could'nt move, until a hand was gently laid on his shoulder.
"C'mon Harry, let's go home." Sirius said gently.
As Harry followed him through the gateway to King's Cross, he gently pulled the wrappings off the package Renee had given him. It revealed another portrait, completely drawn in graphite pencil. Sitting closely to one another, were two people. Harry and Renee. The only color seen, was the green of Harry's eyes. If he had not known it was a drawing, he would of thought it was a photograph. Smiling, he turned it over to read a note.
When a witch or a wizard creates a pieve of art, the only way the contents will move is if both the artist and the first viewer agrees that it's perfect. The picture I made you for Christmas won't move because I did'nt believe it was perfect. Only you can decide if this picture moves. I hope you like it.
Love Always,
Renee
When Harry turned the picture over again, to his surprise, the drawings of himself and Renee were smiling broadly and looking from one to the other sheepishly. They were moving.
As Harry and Sirius piled into a waiting cab and were driving off, Harry pulled out a piece of parchment and a quill. Sirius, obviously, tried to look clueless and stare out the window. Harry quickly wrote a letter.
I have never seen a more perfect pieve of artwork. Of all the magical pictures I've ever seen, your portrait moves most of all. It, like youself, for lack of a better word, is perfect. I hope to hear from you and see you soon. You did'nt let me tell you one thing before you left. I love you too.
Affectionately Yours,
Harry
..... The end is only the beginning .....
A/N: The 2nd series is entitled: Hatred's Prisoner. Go read that now! Nice peeps!
~OrcaPotter
