AN here's chapter four of the story, thanks for all of the support. Let me know what you think of the story, and if you like it check out my other story 'The Codex'! Thanks so much rate and review.

He could already feel it, before his eyes began to open. His head pounding in a way he had only been described. At that moment he understood the dread that some of the older students and Sirius had talked about as far as 'hangovers' went. But he knew sooner or later he would have to open his eyes… and like a Gryffindor he faced it head on and opened them widely. Luckily for him the room wasn't bright, and he was met with only a dim light to his left. He thought about before… but he couldn't find the will to be mad anymore, for now at least. Exhaustion had proved a good weapon against anger.

He turned his head and saw her outline; one he didn't know well enough yet. But he could put together the pieces well enough to know that it was Susan Bones, Hufflepuff, his bride to be. He could feel the embarrassment of what had happened, and before he could try his luck at pretending to sleep.

"Good evening." He heard the redheads melodious voice. He considered not replying, but his heart won out when he considered what he must have put the innocent young woman through.

"Before you say anything, you don't have to say anything, or even explain what happened. I gave you some potion and your hands are fine, and I imagine your head will be as well. You don't owe me anything, and I don't want to know why you did what you did. What I want is for YOU to tell me because YOU want to, and not because you think you owe it to me. But regardless, I still want us to talk, about anything." Susan explained in an unreadable tone… or at least unreadable to a member of the male race.

"Okay, what do you want to talk about?" He asked hesitantly as he sat up and faced her. She was truly beautiful, a girl that many had dreamed about around Hogwarts, not to mention out of his league entirely. And if it were any other circumstances, he would consider himself one of the luckiest wizards in Hogwarts. But it wasn't so, and this was their circumstance.

"Well I thought we'd play a game; I want to get to know YOU and not so much your history and past. If you know what I mean? I want to know who the Harry in front of me is." Susan said with a small smile, turning to face Harry.

"So how do we play?" He asked turning towards her while giving a small smile.

"Well I'm going to ask you a question, anything I want but it can't be specific to you because I have to answer it after you do." Susan explained

"How do you win?" He asked, the competitive glint in his eyes shining through.

"Whoever can't think of a question loses." Susan explained simply.

"I'll go first then?' Harry asked and she nodded.

LINE BREAK

They had played for game for over three hours, neither of them willing to give up. Finally, the game was put on hiatus and they agreed that tomorrow night they would continue. Amelia had returned an hour ago and peaked her head in and was happy to see the two so happy.

But now he wrote… he had asked Susan about writing Hermione and Ron and seeing if he could invite the two over. She had agreed happily, hoping that seeing his friends would help make him comfortable.

They had also agreed to keep their contract a secret from the wizarding world. The only ones that would know would be Hermione, Ron, Hannah, Amelia, and Dumbledore. They were confident that all of them would keep the secret, they just didn't want everyone knowing that they were together because of a contract, they could have that.

Dear Hermione,

I hope that you have recovered well, and you aren't hurt too badly by the curse. I am sorry for getting everyone involved and hurt but I am sorry most of all for you. You have been my best friend since I was eleven, second to nobody. You have been there for me since first year and have not left me in my many times of need. And I promise I will be there for yours. There have been..., developments and I want to talk to you about them in person in case the post is intercepted. So, I want you to come to The Leakey Caldron on the first of July if possible. Just write me and let me know.

Love,

Harry

He wrote a similar, but shorter and less emotional letter to Ron, who he knew was not the type of bloke to really care for all of that. He sent the letters on their way with Hedwig and instructed her to wait for reply's before coming back.

But now it was time for something they had been thinking about the whole day, sleeping. Her aunt had convinced him to share a room, which at first, he was hesitant about. But now that they were here and ready to sleep, he was even more sure he had been right.

"Um… why don't we just lay down and get comfortable. And we'll figure it out from there?" Susan suggested. They had changed into their pajama's moments before. She wore a nightdress that was made of a silver silk and it ended around her knees leaving her legs bare, which was a torture to the teenage boy across from her. Her skin was pale, but that probably wouldn't last long now that the sun was out and about. He did his best to avert his gaze from her bare legs before he made it obvious that he was staring.

"Um… yeah I'll try." Harry was clad in a black t shirt and sweat pants. He made his way towards the right side of the bed. Slowly he climbed in and did his best to stay as far as he could from the beautiful redhead. Susan didn't seem to mind, considering she herself was embarrassed about how little her night gown hid. Her bust was hardly hidden and her legs bare, so she immediately dove under the blankets to hide them.

They laid there, wide awake for a while but without speaking a word. They were in darkness, even so they both suspected the other was awake.

"Harry?"

"Yeah?"

"Let's just go to sleep, this is weird, I'll be the first to admit that. But I think if we just relax, we'll fall asleep. Plus, isn't it every girl's dream to be in bed with the best seeker in a century?" She laughed nervously. He laughed with her to ease both of their nerves and did his best to relax.

"Goodnight." He said softly.

"Goodnight."

LINE BREAK

"Nice one James!" He heard his godfather yell; a small smile plagued his face before dodging another stunner from Malfoy. With a wish of his wand the Malfoy was disarmed and held his hands in the air. Without a word Sirius banished him into the nearest wall knocking him out cold. Then Sirius engaged with her cousin, bantering with her as they both shot spells her way. But when she landed a spell dead on his chest he was struck through the veil. Disappearing before his very eyes. Before his passing the two looked each other in the eyes, but before Harry could charge through the veil to retrieve his godfather he was being held. He fought, he fought with all he had against him and when he broke free, he could only hear the laughing of Lestrange.

So instead he chased her, he chased her wherever she went into the atrium. And when he back was turned, he did something he never imagined he would.

"Crucio!" He yelled with hatred. Lestrange fell to the ground withering in pain for what felt like hours but was mere seconds. But the spell ended without him doing so, he fell sick for a moment. He had used the spell that had destroyed families in the last war on his enemy, he had sunk to their level.

"You have to mean it Harry."

He burst from his dream, a yell escaping his mouth. He was covered in sweat, not unusual since starting Hogwarts considering each year, he had a new reservoir of new fears and experiences. He felt an arm around his shoulder and looked to his left at Susan. In the darkness he couldn't tell what she was thinking but he felt the comfort all the same.

"Harry are you okay? Do you need anything? Water?" She asked concerned pulling him slightly closer.

"No, no. It was just a nightmare. I'm sorry for waking you… it's kind of common." He explained hesitantly.

"It's okay, I understand." She said while encouraging him to lay back down with her arm.

"Thanks."

"Do you want to talk about it?" She asked when she got him to lay back down. He was a bit… surprised by the question. Nobody had ever asked him before, but that was mostly his own fault. At school he silenced his bed and if he was at the Weasley's, Ron could sleep through the apocalypse.

"Um… yeah I do." He answered softly, after all, if they had to spend the rest of his likely short life together.

"Well it was the ministry, and… I was remembering the fight and when Sirius died. I remember the look he gave me… and to be honest I see it all the time. But I chased after Lestrange and I… I used a curse on her, one of the unforgivables… but it didn't quite work right, I guess I didn't mean it enough. Or so Voldemort said." Harry began, and without realizing it he had moved closer and started to cry.

Susan put a hand on his head and rubbed it, she played with his hair and did her best to comfort him and let him cry.

"Hey it's alright, I know… I know we don't know each other great. But from what I do know I can tell you you're not a bad person Harry. You are kind and loving and selfless. You were angry, and you did what you thought would make you hurt less. We all make mistakes, and if anyone deserved to feel that… it would be her." Susan comforted him and let him vent.

He cried, for longer than he could ever remember. He cried for Sirius, he cried for his parents, most of all he cried for himself. He let out all the pain he had been holding back in his emotional dam. And it burst, flowing freely through his eyes.

Susan held him, she held him right as was her nature to comfort those who needed it. And if anyone needed it, it was him. She could tell he had never been comforted like this, which made her wonder even more about his home life. But that was for a later discussion. But she held him until he stopped crying, and until they both fell asleep.

LINE BREAK

Harry could feel the morning rays peaking through the blinds. The warm rays caused him to open his eyes and he was met with Susan. She was sound asleep, a small smile playing her lips as the sun danced on her face. It was normal for him to be the first one awake, but considering the sun was already up he had slept in more than usual.

He wanted to run, not like had before. He wanted to run so he could think about them. But not like he did yesterday. He wanted to think of the fond memories, he wanted the fresh air to remind him that life continued on, and all of them… they'd want him to keep living his life as best as he could. He owed it to them…

So, he wrote a quick note to Susan so she wouldn't worry, after everything yesterday… it was the least she deserved.

Susan,

I'm going on a run around the grounds to clear my head, and if I am still out by the time you wake up, I thought I'd write you this so you wouldn't worry. Thank you for last night… it was nice to have somebody to talk to about it. Talking to you about all the random little things felt nice too, and I can't wait to continue our game tonight. Thank you, I'll be back soon.

Harry

LINE BREAK

Susan had awoken, and for a moment she didn't realize that another should be sharing her bed, but then she saw the note, taking his place. She groggily read it and smiled, happy to hear that they had both enjoyed last night and that he was feeling better.

She thought back to the night before, she thought back to holding him and remembered how it felt… it felt almost right holding him the way that she had. She knew she was a comforting person; she had always been there for Hannah when she needed a shoulder to cry on, but this was different… this was… real. His issues were real ones, not about boys or fights with her mother. This was about… evil and darkness that she had never witnessed. The closest thing being last years takeover of Hogwarts. But they were bound to each other… and she wished they weren't because regardless of that, last night in the same position she would've done the same.

But this was the situation, regardless. But they had agreed to do their best and forget about the contract as much as they could. So, she tried, she pushed it out of her mind and focused on something truly important… breakfast.

She made her way out of the room and towards the kitchen to find herself something too eat. Her aunt sat at the table, with the usual cup of coffee in the morning. Something she had been introduced to by a MACUSA ambassador many years ago.

"Morning Susan, Merlin! Did you wear that to bed last night! You probably gave Harry fits!" Her aunt laughed when she saw her in her usual nightgown. Susan blushed scarlet red but giggled in response.

"I always wear this!" She laughed before sitting down and Wanda asked her what she would like for breakfast. She ordered some French toast with fruit, while her aunt just smiled.

"Well I hope you know how much that tortured him! Maybe that's why he was running like the devil was chasing him this morning!" Amelia laughed, peaking Susan's interest.

"How long ago?" She asked curiously, trying to figure out how long he had been out of bed for.

"Only around two hours ago, but I don't know how long he has been up." Amelia answered before taking a bite into the pastry she nursed.

"How are things between you two? I know… I know this is hard for all of us. But if there is anything, I can do please let me know." Amelia inquired in a pleading tone. Susan thought for a moment, if they weren't contractually obligated to be married soon, she would say yesterday was a great day with a cute boy. Considering all that was on their mind… it had gone as well as anyone could hope.

"I… I think it went great as far as everything is concerned. And if this wasn't a contract… I'd be very happy with it. I don't know exactly how Harry feels about it all, I imagine it's the same dread that I feel. But he's great, he's working with me on this and I don't feel like I'm in it alone, which is more than I could ever ask for. As long as he tries… I'll try." She explained to her aunt, who only had the deepest sympathy for her young ward.

"Well that's good, both of you. I couldn't imagine being in your position. But both of you handling it so well… it makes me so proud. It makes me proud that I have raised someone as strong as you… I know… I know your father would be proud of us both." Amelia said emotionally, putting a hand on her shoulder and giving it a squeeze.

At that moment Harry barged through the door, so sweaty that it looked like he had soaked in a pool for an hour.

"I can smell you from here Harry! Go and shower then have some breakfast with us?" She asked, Harry just smiled and made his way upstairs towards their bedroom which had a bathroom connected.

"Told you he was running like the devil was after him." Amelia laughed after seeing him. Susan rolled her eyes at her aunt and continued to eat her morning sweets.

LINE BREAK

The run had been nice, and he understood the saying of a 'runners high'. When he was running it let him think with a clear mind, it let him remember all of the good times he had with those he had lost. It was an experience that he needed… if he was being honest. Just like last night with Susan, he didn't want to cry in front of her, especially since he didn't know her well. But he had, and he didn't harbor any regret for it.

He was always told as a child not to show any emotion; it was the last thing his relatives wanted to see out of him after all. And maybe that had contributed to his outburst. But he promised himself one thing, he would let it all out more often so that he didn't explode like he had yesterday.

His stomach was rumbling, which was no surprise considering he had been hungry the moment he had left for his run this morning. But the feeling he had now was well worth it, even though his limbs wanted to quit on him.

He made quick work of the shower and made his way down the stairs, ready to tear into whatever he was allotted to eat.

"Good morning flash, how was your sprint?" Amelia laughed when he took a seat across from her and next to Susan.

"It was refreshing…" He answered before scanning the room for the source of food, lucky for him, Susan immediately noticed his silent plight.

"Just ask for Wanda and tell her what you want, and she'll bring it to you." Susan answered the unasked question. Harry smiled and gave her a nod of appreciation before thinking hard on what he was hungry for. Actually, having a choice making it all the more difficult.

"Um Wanda?" He asked aloud, a small pop had him face to face with the short elf. Like all elves she had the traditional long ears, but she wore clothes unlike those of other houses like the Malfoy's or Crouch's.

"What can I get you dear?" She asked sweetly which made Harry smiled.

"Um, could I please have some bangers and eggs?" Harry asked, slightly uncomfortable with how similar this was when he was the one serving his relatives. But unlike him she seemed very happy about cooking for them. With a pop she was off and a moment later she was back with a large plate of food. Harry couldn't help but stare at the food with large eyes, having worked up a large appetite.

Susan and Amelia did their best to hold in their smiles at the boy tearing into the food like he had never eaten before. Harry didn't seem to notice their looks, and before long his entire plate was gone.

"Still hungry Harry?" Susan asked with a smile, Harry looked down to his plate in thought, debating whether or not he needed anymore food. But after the long pause he shook his head which made Amelia lose it. Harry looked confused, he didn't know exactly what was so funny but after a moment he got it and laughed with them.

"So, what are you two kids going to do today?" Amelia asked.

"I'm not really sure, we have some planning to do for… you know. Other than that, maybe we'll go for a WALK around the grounds?" Susan wondered out loud. When Amelia looked to Harry for some sort of confirmation, he just shrugged… he was ready for marriage already

"Well I only have a few things to do at the office today. Maybe we could all go out and have dinner? We'll see." Amelia suggested to the teens who nodded along. Amelia then got up and flooed to work and they were alone…

They looked at each other in what only could be described as awkward. They were alone again, and they could feel a layer of tension enter the air. It was familiar, it had happened the last time they were alone together. But this time it was lesser to a degree.

"So… how'd you sleep?" Harry asked nervously