Harry Potter and the Coming of Fate

by Laeka

Harry Potter discovered his fate, but had he come to terms before his accident? Everyone has their own agenda, there are plots within plots, and while paths align the goals of those involved are quite dissimilar.

7. Reunion

Reunion:

Resigning to the fact that he would never get used to the sensation of portkey travel he waited with slight apprehension for the tug behind his navel, and then, he was gone and standing in the living room of Remus Lupin's flat.

Remus Lupin, not having expected anybody today and certainly not someone shrouded in a black cloak had his wand out and aimed it at the figure.

"Put that away would you?" Harry asked.

"Har.." Remus tried to get out.

"Shhh, I'm pretty sure you're being watched here," Harry stated.

"Is that you?" Remus said, still not lowering his wand.

"Cast 'lumos' and look under my hood, I'm not about to reveal myself here," Harry said coolly.

Remus did just that, but it wasn't the Harry he was used to seeing and that made him a little worried about all of this.

"You've changed," Remus stated, his wand still raised.

"Come on Professor, I'll explain everything, just take this," Harry said while holding out the portkey.

The professor remark sealed it for Remus Lupin and he was sure that this was Harry Potter. Looking around the room before reaching out for the portkey Remus said to no one in particular, "Albus, if you are watching me, or any of us..." then he just stopped and shook his head, turned back to face a robed Harry who was wearing a wide grin, held the portkey and waited for Harry to said the word.

"Moony."

Remus had to smile when he heard his marauder nick name used as the trigger for this portkey, and then the smile faded as he too felt the pull and they both vanished.

The roundtrip portkey had not worked as properly as Harry would have liked it too. He had programmed it so he would leave the manner from his wardrobe and return to the same place. Instead they arrived on the landing at the top of the stairs leading to the second floor. Remus stumbled back, and Harry only barely managed to remain steadfast.

Harry threw back his hood and stepped forward to Remus and grasped his hand before he toppled backward from his stumbling and landed on his arse.

"Thanks. It's good to see you Harry," Remus said his voice dripping with affection.

Harry used the grip he still had on Remus' hand and pulled him into a one arm hug before Remus could do the same, and told him how happy he was to see him and how well he looked for it being so soon after the full moon.

Remus smiled, "A certain potions master is being extra cautious at the advice of your headmaster and has seen fit to enhance the properties of my usual Wolfsbane potion. Makes the transformation even easier for me and makes the wolf more docile. Even has me up and ready to return to life in a day."

"That's good to hear, but you should find out how to brew the potion for yourself soon," Harry said grinning maliciously.

Remus smiled as well as said, "I suppose I should."

However Remus knew that it actually took a Potion Master to properly brew 'Wolfsbane', it was not the everyday witch or wizard that could perform this task; and he had been one to try.

"So, are you going to tell me where we are and why you brought me here, hmm?" Remus asked.

"I'll answer the second, only because I only know the answer to the second. I still don't know where I am or where I've been for the past month besides knowing that I've been here," Harry said trying not to laugh.

"I see," Remus said still smiling. He found it a little odd that he was now eye to eye Harry Potter.

And that this version without the glasses, without the gaunt features and sallow look, exuded confidence and power. Remus was starting to ask himself how powerful Harry could have gotten in the time-span of one month, but thought better of just asking outright and waited with happy patience for when Harry would either tell him or demonstrate.

"I can tell you that we are in Potter Manor, wherever the bloody hell that is! But that's as much as I know about the location of my own home. As to the reason I asked you to come here, or rather told you to come with me, I'd like to ask for your help with my training," Harry stated merrily.

"Oh, well you look to be getting on alright with yourself at the moment, why do you need me?" Remus simply asked playing coy.

"One, to take advantage of your mind, two you're a werewolf and training myself against someone with your kind of strength is a skill that I can not go without, and thirdly I'd actually like to have you around, and have a human instructor."

"Can't say no to you can I?" Remus said before fully digesting everything Harry had said he wanted from him.

'Human instructor?' Remus asked himself.

"Of course you can, if you don't want to be here I'll hand you another portkey and you can go back to Manchester and the order. If you want to stay and not help me that'd be excellent, but I'd like you help."

"I am definitely not leaving, you can count on that. But as to helping you I'd have to see what you've done to yourself so far, and what do you mean when you say a human instructor?" Remus asked curiously.

"Follow me, and I mean exactly what I say," Harry stated, slightly grinning, knowing that Remus would not believe what he was about to see.

"Lead the way kind sir... you are the lord of the manner," Remus said with a mock bow.

"You've been here for nigh on five minutes and you're already messing with me," Harry said chuckling before he turned and started leading the way.

"It is my right now, my inheritance," Remus said smiling.

"Fine, make fun of me now, but you'll get your comeuppance sooner than you think, and I am looking forward to the look on your face when you do," Harry said a little too confidently for Remus' like.

They stopped at the door to the training room and Harry made sure that it didn't look anything more than a normal sitting room with a fireplace and furniture, put his hand on the gold handle, turned to Remus and said, "I hope you're going to enjoy this because I most definitely will."

Remus swallowed and made an audible gulping sound that did nothing to hide his apprehension and only increase Harry's cool smile and teasing behavior, he was even more like his father now. The Harry he knew was still there, but there was now a lacing around at least part of him. Remus nodded to go ahead and open the door and made himself ready for some sort of prank ambush that might have been set up.

They both walked into the room, and 10 feet in, close to the sofa, Remus jumped one hundred and eighty degrees to face directly behind him and then in succession ninety degree hops to cover all his sides, and seeing that there was no apparent threat and that Harry was simply standing there staring at him with open amusement he warily asked, "Where's the catch, I know you didn't just bring me in here to talk?"

"Actually Moony, you could not have been more wrong, but the conversation will not be solely between you and I, there are two others that would like to speak with you. I'll be here at least for the beginning, but I have an appointment with an instructor one floor down, so I hope you won't be too disappointment when I slip out and leave you to fend for yourself," Harry stated mockingly, he was now blatantly using Remus' apprehension for this room against him and it was giving him a slight thrill. Something he hadn't experienced in a good while, even with Sirius' constant badgering that he should sneak out one of these nights and find a pub and some girl and shag her brains out, and Harry was tempted to do so until he saw the look of disbelief on his father's face at that remark. Sirius then countered that James and him used to do it all the time at Hogwarts, he'd go on and on about hopping on their brooms with Moony and taking off for an hour and landing in St. Ebbs and having a 'funky' time, until of course the portrait of James would grab Sirius by the lapels of his cloak and hoist him in the air forcing him to stop the regalling.

"Sure, Harry," Remus said still eyeing the room and sniffing the air.

Harry then mentally asked the room to project both his father and Sirius into the room directly behind Remus now.

They stalked up behind Remus and both put their hands on his shoulders and pulled him back onto his lying flat on the ground on his shoulders secured in their grasp.

"Isis Mooney you got old!" James nearly shouted at the shock of seeing his friend.

"Hi Moony, sorry about dying last month," Sirius said smiling.

"Wha... How... Huh... When... Huh?" Remus stammered out incoherently.

"I do believe Remus that your articulation is even worse now than Harry's was when he first came here. Do I have you to thank for his poor education in the English language?" James mocked accusingly.

"James, show the man some pity, he looks like he's about to pass out," Sirius said laughing at his friends current predicament.

"Fine, but you really do look old Moony, you should have died like us," James said laughing but with a hint of seriousness in his voice.

Giving in to the insanity of it all Remus looked at a younger version of James, and then Sirius, and said, "What, and leave Harry to fend for himself?"

The projections of James and Sirius looked at each other, smiled, then looked at Remus snorted and then looked to Harry who was watching all of this with great amusement, then they both said, "Looks like he's doing pretty well without you at the moment."

"Geroff!" Remus said, and then moved to pushed the two men off and found that they were transparent projections.

The projections looked to Harry and asked accusingly, "What'd you do that for?"

"You got to have your fun, and I got to have mine, see, just looked at how much more confused he is now," Harry said smiling and pointing to Remus who was now sitting up.

James and Sirius both beamed proudly at Harry's new found cunning and appreciation for the Marauder sense of humor.

"Well done," stated Sirius and now that Harry had asked the room to re- solidify the projections he patted him on the back lightly.

"Yes, that's my boy," James stated happily. This was the first time that the portrait of James had ever made any kind of comment like that and Harry suddenly felt his heart start to beat a little faster at gaining even the portrait version of his father's acceptance.

"Ok, someone needs to start explaining things to the friend that didn't die, and preferably before he does pass on," Remus said heartily, now coming into to fold slightly that this had all been planned. Even though it hadn't been planned at all Harry had just hoped that it would end up like this.

James turned to Harry when Remus finished and said to him, "I believe you have a lesson with Silus soon, and you do not want to be late."

Taking his cue for dismissal Harry said, "Yes sir," and promptly left the room for his training session with Silus.

Before he left he turned and made sure that the room did not revert to an empty training hall, and that the projections were sent back to their portraits. Then he finally left the training room and went to meet Silus.

Back inside the training room the three once separated best friends were now reunited and engaging animatedly on the topic of why Remus had simply refused to die and chosen to end up on a wall as well. There was a light teasing, a sense of happiness and from Remus most of all was a sense of subtle completion. Here they were again, James, Sirius and Remus and they were all discussing the state of the wizarding world politics, witches and wizards that they missed, and of course Harry's prophecy.

"So what's Dumbledore been up to lately Remus," Sirius asked.

"Well after he received your letter..."

Sirius slightly winced at the memory of what he had put into it, and then thought everything justly deserved, just harshly served.

"... and I confirmed that everything in the letter was true, he performed Legilimency on me."

Both James and Sirius snorted and looked slightly amused.

"I knew both of you knew that I didn't have anything beyond an idea as to what you really did, and where you disappeared to and what kind of training he was undergoing, and Dumbledore couldn't sift through idea's, just solid thoughts and memories. So thank-you James for not telling me anything, I'm still a little sore that you didn't... but I understand none the less I guess."

"Sirius emancipating Harry sent the order into a kind of sudden stupor for a day; until Albus made up a story and fed it to most of the order members, and most of them swallowed it as well, save for Tonks, Snape and I. Tonks was pissed that Harry played her, Snape's afraid of what'll happen although he's doing his best to hide it..."

They all looked at each other smiling at the thought of who they still considered Snivellus being frightened of a nearly 16 year old wizard.

"... I've enjoyed almost every minute of this, save for the guilt..."

"Oh tin it up Moony, you didn't have anything to do with what happened to me, the only two people here in the manor that get to carry around any guilt are Harry and I, although neither of us really deserves it, it was a mutual agreement of sorts. He thought he was saving me, I thought I was saving him- which he was and I was as well, I just ended up the one that needed it more, and I'm glad it was me and not him. So no more feeling sorry for yourself, you understand?"

James watched the by play.

Remus responded with, "It isn't that simple Paddy, but I understand what you're trying to say."

"Hey, I am not trying to do anything, I am saying it," Sirius said indignantly.

Remus and James looked at each other and started laughing over Sirius' scowling face. "The Minister of Magic, if appearances are to be believed is actually doing something useful and following what appears to be a standard protocol for a pre-war nation. If I were to wager, I'd bet that Dumbledore had something to do with Fudge's now constant progress in warning people and making preparations. The Death Eaters that were at the ministry last month were all tried and convicted, we had thought for a moment that without Harry's testimony that most of them would have walked, but with Fudge's sudden turn around everyone of them that was caught has been sentenced to serve between 15 years to life, and if you're wondering Sirius, Malfoy was the only one of them that was sentenced to a life term. Albus was the order member present at their hearings and he's so far refused to give details. And with the trials being closed to the press there isn't much information out there, other than the few rumors; but the things I've heard are highly doubtful to have come from a member of the Wizengamot. There have only been a handful of raids so far since Harry suddenly up and left, and that still isn't public knowledge, otherwise we're sure that the attacks he's staged in the past would pale in comparison to the havoc he would wreak right now. Harry's known friends, or those that were at the ministry were identified somehow by someone who infiltrated the hearing. Neville Longbottom, Luna Lovegood, Hermione Granger, Ron and Ginny Weasley were all summoned in, were there a need for them to testify- thankfully their presence was not required. But with whomever that had identified the kids; there were raids on the Weasley's and Granger's..."

James and Sirius both looked on waiting for Remus to continue.

"Hermione Granger's father was killed, and her mother seriously wounded before the order apparated to their home. The girl wasn't hurt and she's been transferred to a safe house for the time being, and her mother is at St. Mungo's... the prognosis is that she'll probably end up in the same ward as Longbottom's, only slightly more coherent that Alice..."

All of their heads dropped when then remembered Frank and Alice, they deserved the utmost respect.

"... the rest of the kids are with their families except for the Weasley's that seem to have taken up permanent residence at your place Sirius," Remus said flatly.

"It's Harry's now and he wouldn't leave the people he considers to be his family out in the cold, you know that! So don't look at me like you're questioning me letting them stay there," Sirius said almost a little too forcefully.

James placed a hand on Sirius' shoulder to calm him, and it seemed to work.

Remus continued, "Albus has sparsely been seen. Other than the odd meeting where he shows up to collect information, he's doing something that none of us are informed of... and between us, I'm more than convinced he's looking for Harry."

Sirius smiled at that looking to James, "No doubt he remembers what happened when he crossed you after a couple years after graduation!"

"I'm pleased to have had the effect on him that was needed... but in retrospect it might have been done differently," James said without a hint of any kind of emotion.

"If you say so Prongs," Sirius said, although he was still smiling.

"Like I said before, no true sign of Voldemort just a few Dark Marks where his Death Eaters have been exercising their impatience," Remus wanted to vomit the moment he said that. Death Eaters exercising their impatience meant innocent muggles and muggle-born people being tortured and ending up dead.

"That's one way to put it," James said raising his left eyebrow and looking a little stunned at what Remus had just said.

"I'm sorry Prongs, it just, I've been having to be politically correct lately when it comes to talking about what's been happening and it just... well anyway, that's pretty much everything that has happened, besides Harry showing up in my flat looking like a Sith Lord and informing me that Dumbledore is more than likely watching all the order members in their homes- no shock really. That would explain a little as to why he never seems surprised by what we report to him, or why he always gives off the air that he knows everything before we say it."

James and Sirius nodded in agreement at both Harry and Remus' assumption.

They all stood as if it was an unspoken command and look from one to another, and then Remus broke the silence, "I've missed you both, I don't know if I can fully explain how much..."

Their arms went to each others shoulders and they embraced in a kind of three way huddle, heads touch and eyes closed.

James started to smile, and even through closed eyes and the fact that he was a projection of a portrait Remus could feel it, and James said, "Now you know where to find us at least." And they all startled chuckling lightly at the off hand comment.

"So, what exactly has Harry been doing here," Remus quite seriously asked.

"Training of course under my great tutelage," James said with the air of a King and turning his head up to strike a dramatically regal pose.

"Stuff it James," Remus said laughing a little.

"I keep trying to get him to become a man, but yours truly here has him under strict lock and key," Sirius said accusingly and shaking his head in the direction of James. "That is something that he does not need to deal with at the moment, you know exactly what is at stake here," James was pointing out.

"Don't be so cinematic when you describe the situation James, please, I'm begging you," Sirius fell to his knees and with his hands clasped in front of him pretending to beg.

"Gah, it's like being back in school all over again!" Remus said exasperated.

"I don't see any professors here..." Sirius was looking around the room, "do you James?"

"Only one and I'm looking at the turncoat right now," James said with a grin as he stared at Remus.

"One year, one bloody year, and your son needed it," Remus pointed out quickly.

"Settle down Moony, just having you on a bit," Sirius said trying to pacify his friend.

"Will you please give me a straight answer James?" Remus asked quietly.

"If I were to make an accurate assumption as to the level of wizard that Harry has reached I would say that he's a close to being at the level of an Unspeakable two years into training."

"IN ONE MONTH, WHAT THE BLOODY HELL HAS BEEN GOING ON AROUND HERE!" Remus shouted.

"Easy Moony, breathe in, breathe out..." Sirius was saying.

"Harry seems to have an aptitude for learning and putting into practice the things he reads quicker than you can snap your fingers; its his confidence that is holding him back, and there just happens to be a list a kilometer long with names of those responsible for his lack of confidence and pride. You should have seen him yesterday, he's mastered a handful of languages, he makes mention of studying a goblin book- although he hasn't said yet as to how he can read Gobbledegook, and if he can read it I'm guessing he can speak it. His study of magic is incredible but he uses it so tentatively, if he would only open or break down that door that's holding him back, I would wager my portrait that he could duel Dumbledore and walk out with only a few scratches to show for it... well scratches and one hell of a tale! That is if he'd ever really open up about anything. The kid is incredible, and Lily just has to be the one responsible for that. You remember what I was like until I was little older than sixteen? I was arrogant, a git and prat all rolled into one. Sure I was proud of course, but Harry, after everything he's done in his life he has only a shred of pride in him, he's completely humble; and I'm been teaching him to drop that feeling when the time comes. For all his trouble he was sent back to the Dursley's every summer where what he's done means absolutely nothing. There's a sense of good in that so he doesn't think that he's more than he is, but he is more than what they and Dumbledore have made him. LOOK AT ME, I'M A BLEEDIN' MEMORY AND THAT KID MAKES ME WANT TO BREAK DOWN AND WEEP! Paddy thanks for going after Peter, after you know... no offense though, you should have been thinking of Harry. Why couldn't you have stopped being noble for one fucking night and make sure my son was better taken care of?" James said, it looked like he wanted to cry but was holding it back and showing contempt for the entire situation.

For Remus this was a new development, he couldn't remember a moment after James came back from his own training and being an Unspeakable where he showed any emotion that wasn't positive.

Sirius however did let a few tears out of his projected eyes, and hung his head in shame.

"I don't blame you Sirius. I even respect you more for what you did, BUT PETER WILL DIE! AND BOTH OF US WILL HAVE MY SON TO THANK FOR THAT!"

They all nodded and silence enveloped the room.

All of their heads were bowed, and each of them had their arms across their chests with a standing posture that was the exact same for each one of them. They truly were brothers reunited in a way.

Remus was the one to break the silence again, "Why does Harry need me here?"

"We are nothing more than projections of our portraits. This room is an actual perfect replica of the Room of Requirement at Hogwarts. Sirius and I are confined to all of the portraits in the house until we are in this room and Harry can ask for a corporeal version of us. At present Harry is progressing at an amazing rate, even if he doesn't see that himself, but in this room when we duel he only makes me twice as strong as he currently is, and that works to a point, but there will be a point where loses the mental battle and uses the rooms ability against me. I am also not completely solid, and therefore not suited to teaching him hand to hand defensive techniques, you can also help him with his personal studies and allow him to have someone to practice his Occlumency and Legilimency on..."

Remus cut in, "Is that what Silus is doing, wasn't he your Great- Grandfather?"

"... Yes he was, he is also the one who made Albus the master he is of Occlumency he is today, and Dumbledore passed that skill and Legilimency onto Tom Riddle. So who better than the original master to instruct him."

"But, I'm sorry for saying this, if the portrait is not in this room what good is Silus as an instructor unless he is able to probe Harry's mind and test him, in order to find his weaknesses and develop his defenses?" Remus asked.

"Moony you will find that this manor is more than a simple home," James replied flatly, "You have kept up with your fighting haven't you?"

"Yes, but it is not often that I can find someone willing to spar, considering what I am," Remus remarked sadly.

"That is exactly why you are here, I don't expect Harry to be able to take you on hand to hand, but if he is able to defend himself aptly against you, that is a step in the right direction. And Harry is aware of this all already, so don't worry about hurting him, he's become quite a healer," James said proudly at the last statement.

"Oh," Remus said simply, "Should I go find him so we can discuss this?"

"No he's still...," James looked up at the clock in the room and was amazed to see they had spent three hours talking, "second thought he's probably finishing up with Silus and headed to the kitchen in search of Tory."

"Tory?" Remus asked.

"The house elf that works here."

"Well... Good-night I guess," Remus said not knowing what else to say.

James and Sirius embraced Remus once more and told him that he'd find his bedroom by asking for Tory, so he left the training room and asked for Tory, who seemed shy but kind at the same time towards and was lead to his own incredibly large bedroom. It was the exact same design as Harry's room; only the colours were changed from crimson red and white, to a very light blue paint on the walls and matching comforter. The furniture in front of the fireplace was all the same as Harry's save the colour. The bathroom with the white marble countertop, deep porcelain stand alone bath tub, and a large walk-in shower with three fountain heads and an assortment of dials for soaps and soothing ointments. The wardrobe, as completely stocked as Harry's was with the finest robes and muggle suits on the market, and a slew of everyday and training wear. The copious amount of shoe boxes made Remus snort and say, "This has to be Padfoot's doing." Instead of a vast waist high cabinetry system, in Remus' wardrobe was a six foot tall by four foot wide bureau. The doors opened to reveal mirror panels. On the left side of the inside were a stacked series of drawers that housed tie clips, socks, jewelry, cologne, muggle suits, ties and bow ties. The open space to the right on the drawers had a pair of shoe trees hanging from a hook and a note stuck to the back panel addressed to him.

Remus

This isn't charity so don't take it as such, I did the same for Harry, but you should be able to tell what everything is, and if he has questions help him out. And I know you're asking yourself how I knew that you were thinking that and the answers simple, after I finally saw Harry and got myself confined to Grimmauld Place I started to plan for everything, and if you're reading this I'm sorry to say that I did plan for everything. Enjoy life Moony, and watch out for Harry please, I'm sorry that I'm not there for you both but... have a good life my friend.

Love,

The Last True Marauder and your Idol Sirius Black.

Remus had a few tears sliding down his slightly scarred cheeks, but still laughed when he read the sentiments his friend left him. Then looked around and decided to take Sirius' advice and sought out anything that wasn't made out of tweed.

He settled of a pair of finely made black slacks and white buttoned down dress shirt. Then headed for the shower, he'd hoped to get showered and change in time to eat with Harry, and he ended up entering the kitchen and almost the exact same time as Harry only from a different entrance.

"Hold on just a minute, I was just opening the door to my bedroom, how'd I end up here?" Remus worriedly asked while deciding the leave the top three buttons undone. The slack and white dress shirt with the buttons undone did a lot for the prematurely aged man. With his slightly graying auburn hair still wet and slightly tussled he was looking every bid the regal man he used to.

"It happens. The manor is like that," Harry said while sliding onto a school at the kitchen island waiting for Tory to pop his food into existence. He had met her as he exited Silus' room and asked her to prepare and extra helping for Remus this evening.

"So, what's for supper," Remus asked, as if the events of today never took place and they were reacquainting old colleagues.

"You'll have to wait for Tory, but I'm afraid with my fathers strict nutritional plan and ban on anything that is considered comfort food we're limited to something pretty simple. Most likely a chicken or fish meal," Harry said getting more accustomed to having Remus around.

"Sounds much better than what I'm used to, but why do I have to be on the nutritional plan, I'm not the one willingly subjected myself to torture?" Remus mused.

"Can't be tempted, trusted with a great many things, but tempted with food at this point, absolutely not," Harry pointed out.

"Oh," Remus lost his amused state, but still smiled. It was good to be here, among his friends, and Harry who was turning out to be more and more like a friend to him.

The only thing troubling Remus was having to tell Harry about Hermione's parents. He knew that even with what Harry was doing there would still be a part of him that blamed himself for her parents getting hurt and her suffering the loss.

"Remus, tell me what happened to Hermione's parents," Harry told him.

"What, how did you, you don't even have a wand on you?" Remus did not believe that Harry had been in his mind without him knowing it and without even making a gesture that he was doing anything.

"I don't need a wand to enter someone's mind, contrary to what both Sirius and my father think... I have left the manor; now tell me what happened to Hermione and her parents before I actually start delving into your mind."

There wasn't a single hint that Harry was feeling anything other than peace when he asked this question, and even Remus couldn't sense anything around him that would betray the armor of tranquility that he wore so easily.

There was nothing he could do, if he didn't willingly answer Harry's question there wasn't a doubt in his mind that Harry would tear his mind to pieces trying to find the answer, so he chose to hand over the information.

"Harry, there was a raid at the Grangers home, Hermione's father was killed, her mother was subjected to the cruciatus curse and is now in St. Mungo's. Order members apparated into the Granger home and successfully protected Hermione, and she's now in a safe house... and before you ask if its Grimmauld Place it isn't, and she is also not with the Weasley's," finally sighing when he got it all out.

Harry didn't even blink; he stared straight at Remus, "Where is she, Remus?"

"Harry, you need to know... she's safe," Remus stated feeling a slightly cold sensation run up his spine.

"Tell me where she is."

"Harry, she is safe," Remus stated again.

Suddenly without the difficulty that Remus had sense Dumbledore had had when he tried at first to break into his lycanthropic mind he felt that his entire brain was being violated, and as quickly as it had come over him, it was over. There wasn't any residual feeling of pain, and even the violation of his mind didn't occur to Remus, the only thought he had was of what Harry was going to do. Harry made to rise, but Remus caught his arm, but that same electric current that forced Vernon to release Harry during his previous summer at the Dursley's coursed through his veins with the force of someone knowing that it was there and willing to be focused.

Remus' hand was shot back in the air, and the sound of his shoulder popping was clearly audible.

Harry gave a slight grin to his friend and his soon to be instructor once more. Not a smile of triumph at having made Remus release Harry, but a genuine grin that everything was going to be perfectly fine. As if he did this sort of thing every day. He then rose from his stool and apparated up to his room with the sound of a slight breeze of air where there should have been a loud crack.

Remus stared dumbfounded at where Harry had been and the realization that Harry had already mastered apparition with knowledge to also contain the air displacement around him. He had only ever seen one man apparate like that, and that man was Albus Dumbledore. Was his compassion truly the key for releasing his potential? Or did he simply manage to overcome the sound obstacle through trial and error? He couldn't stop Harry anymore than he could stop a lorry traveling at top speed, even with his werewolf strength. He needed an answer and they were upstairs in the training room, so he decided that knowledge was more important and chose to forgo the food.

Harry had his wand out and was using the knowledge he extracted from Remus' mind to program the destination into the portkey that was one of his many fake muggle identification cards. He had no need for robes but he removed one of his father's old dragon hide forearm wand holsters and strapped it on, then spoke, "Haven," with the piece of plastic in his right hand.

He landed outside the gate of a modest cottage, in what appeared to be somewhere in southern England, judging from the landscape and the accent that one woman who hadn't seen him appear was speaking with to her companion. The portkey he placed in his right front pocket then pushed open the gate and strode up the gravel pathway to the front door, on either side stood two order members that he didn't know. He knew they weren't Aurors because they wouldn't have been assigned guard detail for one girl; they had to be new recruits for the order he thought.

'If this is too easy, I'm going to be extremely pissed with Dumbledore,' he said to himself

'Or if you're using her as bait to draw me, so help me Albus I'll hurt you in a way you haven't imagined since you met Grindelwald...'

Even with what he'd been learning he hadn't yet broached the topic of threats under invisibility cloaks, but at least he could see into their minds and that's how he could determine he didn't know them, and that's what saved him from being stunned and bound the moment he got with range of the front door.

He wasn't ready to reveal anything that he had learned yet beyond his accomplishments with Legilimency and he used that to his advantage and overloaded the guard's minds until they collapsed. No lasting damage besides a headache, a hurt sense of pride and the loss of their invisibility cloaks.

'...to the victor,' he thought, although he also knew this wasn't a victory or any sort.

The front door wasn't even locked; there wasn't even a secondary guard inside the cottage waiting to see who came through the door so he threw his new cloaks into a pile near the front door. There was however an order member he knew seated on the couch in what appeared to be the living room of this home. Elphias Doge, who had volunteered to escort Harry to Grimmauld Place last year, was just sitting there reading a muggle magazine, not even paying attention to the boy standing in the same room with him. If this is what the order offered as security for being marked just for being friends with Harry Potter then he wasn't even willing to do justice and allow the man to defend himself. Harry removed his wand from the holster strapped to his left forearm and stunned the man, then bound where he lay unconscious.

'Dumbledore is probably watching all of this,' he thought

'At least I didn't show up wearing a black robe, I'd probably have brought the whole order down on me in under a few minutes.'

Harry turned his attention to the sound coming from upstairs, a sound that he knew all to well. Hermione was here, and she was upstairs trying to cry herself to death. He knew that feeling, and he knew that drowning in your own grief only helped for few fleeting moments.

He would be there for her when she needed him, like no one had been there for him when he had discovered what the screams he heard when he got close to Dementors truly were; and had to find a solitary place in the castle. When he thought he couldn't have saved Ginny in his second year and constantly relived the moments where she did die and Tom Riddle came back, when Cedric died, and whenever he used to close his eyes and try to sleep only to see Tom Riddle laughing maniacally as he slaughtered people in their homes at night. Hermione would not experience more than she had to, and Harry would find some way to take her pain from her, willingly or not, she did not deserve this.

'NO ONE DESERVES THIS!'

He ascended the stairs in search of one of his best friends, the one he had hurt by simply being associated with him. On the second floor there was only the feeling of grief, and the grief wasn't masking anyone else. Harry stood in front of the door where the crying was coming from, and paused; causing his trainers to sink into the shaggy grey carpet. He sighed, expecting the worst from this encounter, locked away the stray emotions that may try to escape when he saw her and thought of what he'd do to Tom Riddle in the end. His hand touched the cool circular silver door know, turning the latch, and the creaking door reluctantly opened against the carpet trying to keep it closed. What he saw he prepared for, but it still did him no good to see her like this. His heart sank when he saw her bushy brown hair sprawled all around her shoulders and head, her body curled in a fetal position with her skinny arms hugging her knees close to her chest. Her sweater and jeans wrinkled from having slept in them. Her eyes shut tightly but the tears still came. He had tried that himself, tried to squeeze his eyes shut so tightly the tear ducts would be damned up as a result, it never happened; it only made you look more tired and sickly than you were. The duvet and top sheet had been flung wildly away from where she laid and they were hanging over the golden rods that made up the rickety bed frame.

If he didn't speak soon, he didn't know if would be able to control himself from the rage that was welling up in the back of his mind.

"Hermione." Harry said

She didn't open her eyes, or shift her position, simply stuttered through her gasps for air, "get out... I don't want anything... can't you understand that?"

His resolve had chosen an odd time to desert him when he stood outside the door, and it chose an even more strange time to return to him now, "I don't care what you want. I wont let you stay here a moment longer."

Dramatic though it was, he said it with enough conviction to more than drive his point into her soul.

She stopped sobbing and gasping for air through her nervousness of her uncertain future and slowly opened her eyes allowing her pupils to dilate and focus on the man standing in the door frame.

Getting up slowly Harry took a step towards her, but then stopped when she looked at him like he was ghost and asked, "Harry?"

"Yes," he answered.

Hermione jumped from the bed with more speed than he assumed she could considering how she looked and launched herself at him.

He was about to step forward and embrace her, when she raised her right hand, palm opened and swung at his face with every ounce of strength left in her.

Harry caught her open palm mid air with his own and pulled her in with it, when she whirled against him and tried attacking him with her other hand. This one he caught as well but not as quickly and he was barely saved her palm imprint on his right cheek. He swung her around and pulled her into him holding her wrists with his arms around her, Harry let her vent. It was what she needed right now. There was no doubt in his mind that he wouldn't like what she was about to say, but he'd bear it to help her; he'd bear it to help anyone in the same condition.

"I HATE YOU! I HATE YOU SO FUCKING MUCH... YOU SODDING BASTARD! DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOU'VE DONE, DO YOU! IT'S NOT ENOUGH FOR YOU TO HAVE YOUR OWN FUCKED UP LIFE IS IT, NO... EVERYONE WHO GETS NEAR YOU IS DAMNED JUST AS SURE AS YOU ARE. WHY DID I HAVE TO BE FRIENDS WITH YOU, I KNEW WHAT WOULD HAPPEN AND NOW LOOK..." she paused for a moment standing rigidly with her back to his front letting out another fit of tears before trying to get out, "my father...he's...he's... oh god...HE'S DEAD!, and my mum SHE'S AS GOOD AS! AND... (hiccup)...ITS YOUR... (hiccup)..."

Hermione's body slackened and she nearly fell back into Harry until he turned her around and truly held her. In an embrace that he had longed for his entire life and had never come to him when he needed it, he freely gave something he didn't know he had to the girl he was holding who was still telling him much she hated him. How she hated even knowing him. Dumbledore had done it again; he had placed another person in need of emotional comfort in the last place that it would ever be found. Albus had taken a broken Hermione and placed her in what he thought was a safe location and jailed her without any form of help. Harry silently hopped that he was happy with himself for what he'd done to this girl. Maybe she would be the one to finally make him see that he was wrong. Harry didn't care that Hermione hated him; he hated himself for what he'd done to her.

On some level, she had been right; it was his fault that his had happened to her. But the true blame rested with Voldemort and the Death Eater that killed Hermione's father and tortured her mother in madness. This was another wrong that he had to make right, and he would do good on this right.

Hermione had ceased beating against his chest and was content to now cry against his chest with her balled fists against his shoulders and his right hand on the small of her back holding her up. His free hand was reached into his trouser pocket and pulled out the fake muggle i.d., holding half between his thumb and forefinger he offered her the other half. She knew what it really was through her half closed eyes, and she hesitated.

"Take it," he said.

She didn't have it in her to fight, and she didn't want to either. Hermione hated it here, and as much as she hated Harry right now, he seemed to be the lesser of two evils. So she tentatively gripped the card and thought she heard him mumble something about heaven which caused her to smile and fall asleep against him before being transported.

Harry did not know that it was possible to sleep through a portkey, but with the amount stress Hermione had endured she needed the rest. They arrived back in Harry's wardrobe where Hermione had nearly slumped to the floor before Harry caught her and picked her up in his arms so he could carry her to the bed. He laid her down gently on the side closest to the window, slipped off her trainers and pulled the spare blanket from the foot of the bed over her. Harry waved his hand at the double doors that were the entrance to his room and said 'colloportus' sealing them from the inside so that a simple locking spell from the outside could open the door. Then he conjured a privacy bubble around the bed so that she could rest peacefully without disruption. Harry summoned an inked quill and blank parchment and wrote Hermione a note explaining where she was so that when she woke she would not be overly worried.

He then wrote a note of some length to Dumbledore, explaining the similarities between both Hermione and his abandonment and even delved into accepting the blame for what had befallen her. That the aftershock emotional pain was Albus' doing and those would be the truly lingering effects. The solitude, the feeling of abandonment, guilt and sorrow laced together with others only caused a person to run away mentally, and he made sure to make Dumbledore see this.

Harry grabbed the portkey and transported back to the front gate of the cottage. The first two guards were still passed out, so Harry collected the invisibility cloaks and went upstairs to leave the note on Hermione's bed. Inside the room that she was given and then confined herself too, Harry placed the parchment on the center of the bed, and then twirled around hoping that Dumbledore did have surveillance in here, and was speaking coolly and calmly about how he hoped he was happy with what he saw, grabbed the portkey and disappeared back to Potter Manor.

He reappeared in front of the entrance to the manor, which confused him again about the Portkey until he made the sudden connection that the manor sense where you needed to be. That sense allowing the wards- however many or which ones they were, caused the destination of portkey's into Potter Manor to shift slightly. Even though this was slightly disconcerting to understand, knowing that with portkey's destination could shift with the add in of wards, Harry chose to just accept it and head to the kitchen- which was directly to his left through the double doors.

He entered to find two plates and two goblets sitting on the kitchen island and wondered where Remus had gone.

'To talk to my father,' he thought.

Harry slid onto the stool for the second time this evening and glanced at the clock seeing that it was a little after nine, thankfully the food had a warming charm on it. He tucked in and was halfway through the chicken breast and plain eliche when he head Tory pop into the room.

"Hi Tory," Harry said happily.

"Harry left before his food was finished, and Mr. Remus disappeared as well, is everything alright?" Tory asked.

"Yes, everything is fine. I didn't mean to worry you," Harry apologized.

"It is quite fine sir, as long as you are safe." Tory said while looking at him oddly when she said safe.

Tory was about to pop out again before Harry caught her and asked, "Is Remus still in the manor?"

"Yes sir, Mr. Remus is still here and will be here until you escort him out sir," Tory said and then popped away.

'Remus is trapped here? I must be some sort of key to this place.'

Harry finished his meal and drank the last of the pumpkin juice in the goblet and had the urge to steal Remus' food for his own as well, but thought somehow his father would know and some sort of unfathomable punishment would be enacted. Probably something he could learn from, but something he could learn an easier way that finding out the hard way... although the food was awfully tempting. Harry was finding himself tapping his fingers on the butcher-block style kitchen island debating whether or not to feast or flee. But before he could make a decision he felt the hairs in the back of his neck, hidden by the pony tail he wore start to stand on end, and then the plate and goblet vanished.

'Tory,' Harry thought, she must have been close to sense his debate, and if she could get into his mind he must have let his guard down over the food. Another lesson learned.

His plate as well vanished from the island, so Harry summoned a pitcher from the top left cabinet next to the sink, caught the glassware and filled it with water and apparated upstairs to his room. Hermione was still sleeping soundly, and she looked somewhat at peace, he could still see the tear tracks from the corner of her eyes down her cheeks.

'I'm sorry,' he thought as he sighed and sat the pitcher on the nightstand close to her.

Harry untied the holster from around his arm and slid the wand out so he could conjure a glass for when she woke up, he also conjured a bin and sat it next to the end of the bed in the event that she woke up sick. He banished the holster back to its place in his wardrobe, waved his hand to extinguish all the candles in the room, and then realized that he didn't want to sleep in what he was wearing so he dragged himself to the wardrobe room for the third time that day. This mornings circuit, his assessment test, and the emotional rollercoaster of bringing Remus here to meet the portrait version of his father and godfather, and then Hermione's outburst towards him when he collected her from the cottage all caught up with at once and he was more than slightly fatigued.

Harry Potter damn near collapsed and fell asleep in middle of his wardrobe, but somehow he managed to change out of what he was wearing and into a pair of white silk pajama bottoms. He thought about putting on a shirt for Hermione's sake, but she had confessed to hating him not more than half an hour earlier and thought that what he wore didn't make a difference. Where he slept though did make a difference, it was his bed, and there was the threat his father impressed upon him his first day here, but maybe he would make an exception for being chivalrous.

'It's only a bed and I'll be out by the time I lay down anyway.'

His reasoning that he would pass out as soon as he fell asleep was a sound one, and once he slid under the sheets and pulled the down comforter up to his sternum Harry fell asleep.

At four thirty in the morning, as usual the portrait of James Potter left his own in search of the empty sentry portrait in Harry's bedchamber. Having no abilities beyond his own personality encased in a portrait outside of the training room, he was unable to sense the protective spells that Harry had cast the previous evening. Upon entering the sentry portrait that hung above the now dimly lit fireplace James was surprised to see his son lying flat on his back half naked with a fully clothed girl clinging to his side. Harry's rest seemed to be a peaceful one, although there was no expression coming from him that would suggest otherwise, and James was more that sure that Harry had sealed his mind before falling asleep. The girl however, who he assumed to be Hermione Granger from what Remus had told him last evening about Harry's abrupt and quick furlough to retrieve her, looked like she had been in an self-induced purgatory and was only now letting go. He knew what this girl had suffered from his friends report on what happened to her parents, and he was aware that Harry having been through this himself was not about to allow Dumbledore repeat his mistake again. This only served to make James proud of his son, and he hoped that the real version of himself was somewhere with his wife watching this and experiencing the same pride that now encompassed him.

He was tempted to rouse Harry from his sleep and force him to get ready for his day, but something held him back. Harry had earned a temporary reprieve, after all he had put himself through and all that he had accomplished in so little time, one day to himself where he could tend to his friend would not damage his training. So James returned to the training room and informed Sirius what he had seen, and seeing the maniacal grin the slowly starting to grow on Sirius' face James pointed out that it was an entirely platonic situation. This only caused Sirius to nod his head and placate his best friend's concerns.

Harry, waking himself at four forty five in the morning per usual, was surprised that his father had not already been in his room waiting for Harry to get up and chang so he could start his training. He was also surprised by the weight that he felt of very smooth arm draped over his abdomen and the warmth of a body clinging to him on his left side.

'I'm a scapegoat and a comfort plush,' he thought to himself, but not in a derogatory manner.

He enjoyed the sense of another body pressed up against him, it was... comforting in a way. But it was also strange for his best friend who was obviously completely broken emotionally had taken to the opposite end of the spectrum where it concerned him. Harry had never had anyone that he could cling to, only those that he yearned for; and now that he was doing this for Hermione he felt cheated by the lack of support that hadn't been there for him.

Harry slowly and softly edged himself from under Hermione's arm and slid out of his bed, and made his way to his wardrobe with the only sounds in the room being the soft taps of Harry's bare feet landing on the hardwood floor. He changed into a pair of running shorts and laced up his trainers, and having decided the previous week that running with a shirt only annoyed him when it started to cling to him because of the sweat he completely ignored them during his morning circuit.

From inside his wardrobe, once he was dressed he apparated outside of the training room and made sure that all of the necessary equipment was inside and waiting for himself, and with the sullen mood that he found himself in when he thought of what Dumbledore had done to Hermione after her parents were taken from her... a training room with a storming view of outside would fit his needs for motivation today.

He entered the room to the surprise of both his father and Sirius' portrait gaping at him and asking him what he was doing here. Sirius was pointing out that Hermione was in her bed and that he should be there for her when she wakes up.

Harry answered with something that sounded like he needed to work off some steam, and was met by James telling him that they were doing well with his emotions at the moment and said something about what would have happened to Albus had he been in Harry's place. Although the portrait of James had no idea of the letter that Harry had left for him on Hermione's bed. Harry was grateful that he would have at least done something in the manner that his father would have.

Finishing with nearly a seven and one quarter kilometer run, and going through the motions with his weight training that had been upped to levels which caused his routine to switch from simply performing 10 repetitions of each exercise three times at each station to an increased strength routine that started at 10 reps and descended by 2 each time as he had the room add weight onto the bar, or change the dumbbells on the rack to the proper weight. He wasn't sore when he was done with his new routine, but he knew that he would start to feel the effects of the lactic acid building up in his muscles if he didn't stretch out, which he reluctantly did.

He left the training room a little after seven in the morning. The implementation of his new routine and longer than average run had taken a little longer than his usual routine, and he was ready to shower and get to the library.

Apparating back to his room and landing in the bathroom he waved his right hand and had the great white double doors close themselves silently, disrobed, reached into the shower and waited for the hot water to start before he stepped in himself. Being shocked by a blast of cold water was something of a technique he had used to wake himself up when he did not particularly feel up to training in the morning but he did not need that kind of endorphin shot to his system right now.

Seeing the steam start to rise, Harry stepped in and rinsed off, lathered up and rinsed off again, washed his hair and got out. Grabbing a purple towel that Tory laid out for him to use when he got back from his training in the morning, he wrapped and patted himself down and tied the towel around his waist then apparated into his wardrobe room.

Harry didn't think to close the wardrobe doors, and didn't even notice that Hermione had risen from her sleep, so when he removed the towel from his waist and standing completely naked with his back to his bed, he didn't notice that Hermione was now standing at the door to his wardrobe room staring at his form. This was something that Harry was going to berate himself for, for the entirety of the rest of the time he spent at the manor.

He turned to face her and then asked himself, 'how the hell did I not sense her coming?'

'Don't be so naïve to yourself, you know it's the house that blocked you,' Harry told himself.

Hermione stood at the threshold to his wardrobe room and stared into his eyes, not once trying to look away from him or at the rest of his body.

Harry likewise stared back at her, the contacts he wore allowed him to sleep in them and now without his glasses he gave off the impression that he was staring into somebody's soul when he fixed his eyes on them. Harry was not practicing Legilimency, he would not violate Hermione's mind. He made no move to cover himself, he had no need to be ashamed of how he looked, but when Hermione's eyes traveled down his body and her mouth slowly opened in shock, he decided that he didn't need Hermione staring at his manhood and quickly re-summoned the towel and wrapped his lower torso.

"I... I'll... let you get dressed," Hermione stammered before turning around and walking towards the chair nearest the bathing room, and out of site of the wardrobe.

Harry summoned a pair of boxers from his cabinetry and then a pair of tan khaki cargos. He pulled on the boxers and then the khakis and secured them with a grey web military style belt with gold gate. And choosing comfort over manners he decided to forgo the shirt again. He stood in front of the large mirror perched on top of his cabinetry system, retrieved a hair tie from its drawer and loosely pulled his hair back and secured it in the style that he decided did much more for him that his old always tussled hair. He knew that his body was in much better shape than it used to be, but he had no comparison to make with anyone since he was living in the manor alone, well, Remus was here now, and this afternoon was sure to be an interesting experience he thought to himself. His chest was well defined and taut showing off well formed pectorals, broad shoulders and developed arms that flexed his biceps and triceps whenever he performed the slightest action. His abdomen was the most defined set of muscles on his body, save his legs, and they were clearly what were referred to as a washboard set of abs, and justly earned as well. Even though there was nothing to trim down when he started his training, instead it was the constant toning and building of his abdomen muscles instead of working off fat. Harry was proud of the way he looked, and he had earned this. He had so few things in his life to feel proud of, and his own body was something for him to feel accomplished about. Harry Potter was not a vain person, but his thinking that he looked better than just ok did wonders for his confidence. And he was still training and developing; he would only get stronger, faster, and more intelligent. He was a weapon according to the prophecy and he was making sure that he was sharp enoughto cut down anything that stood in his way.

He left the wardrobe feeling more confident than when Hermione had walked in and saw him standing there naked. Harry had figured he should have just waved the doors closed and resumed his business of getting dressed, but he was still a near sixteen year old boy and having been naked in front of a girl he was happy that he had not lost control of himself in front of Hermione and become aroused. The feeling on his blood boiling in his veins and the sensation that he was becoming aroused when he saw Hermione standing there took him by surprise and he reacted by raising every Occlumency shield that he could muster to block the feelings of what he wanted to do with Hermione, had she been willing. He thought he was being incredibly stupid and insensitive for even thinking those thoughts with all that had happened to her since he left. And he was partly responsible for what she suffered. He wanted nothing more than to have his father start beating him with a bokken the moment he thought of Hermione in a manner more than friendly, but thankfully she had left the room and was now sitting in front of his fireplace waiting for him to come out.

When he left the wardrobe room, he had expected to see another crying angry version Hermione Granger staring at him and waiting for him to get dressed so she could attack him again. But the Hermione he saw was collected. She still looked like death warmed over, and without the manor secretly blocking his mind he could feel only sadness coming from her now, no anger.

Hermione watched the wardrobe doors, and was shocked to see a half dressed man exit the room. This was not the boy that she had remembered, and when she had seen him naked, she did her best to conceal her blush when she saw that Harry was definitely not a boy anymore. The person that stood in front of her was at peace, and radiated power, something that she felt when she was around Dumbledore; which scared her more than a little. She hated herself for what she had said to Harry the previous night, she hated that she had meant every word of it, and she hated Harry for being so calm. But him bringing her here, wherever she was did more for her than what Dumbledore had done after she had forcibly been separated from her mother's bedside at St. Mungo's.

Hermione knew in the back of her mind that Harry had experienced every feeling that she had for the past two weeks, more than ten times over, and she didn't know how could stand up straight and keep going... and that was something else that she hated him for.

'How can he stand there looking so calm with everything that's happened to him, and everything that's happening to us NOW!?' she asked herself.

Hermione knew that her hate towards him would not last, that he wasn't the one who had pointed the wand, but it was her open friendship with him that had inadvertently caused her unending agony, and she hated not knowing how she was going to get passed this stage of her life.

She did not know that she could hate like this. Hermione had never thought of being capable of hating anyone. All the torment that she had endured for being bookish and odd in grammar school never led to these emotions. Even at Hogwarts where she was singled out for being overzealous with her studies and insulted by Draco Malfoy and the rest of the bigoted 'pureblood' students for being a muggle-born, she always rationalized that they were just ignorant and jealous of what she was capable of and this was their only outlet. Hermione had never let what happened at school effect her in the slightest; she always had Ron and Harry to step in try to protect her. Although she would stop them and tell them to ignore the taunts and the insults; Hermione was secretly pleased that she had friends that would be willing to fight on her behalf, over something as inane to her as 'words'. Words with meaning, but just words she told herself when she thought of what they said to her.

Now she was in the sitting area of an elegant bedchamber where she had just awaken, and was caught staring at the naked form of Harry, then left him, only to be staring at him half-dressed now and trying to organize her thoughts so she would be able to confront him with everything she had bottled up for this specific occasion.

Harry could sense the apprehension that Hermione was holding onto while she stared at him from the seat she was curled up in. He was in for another thrashing, and this time he wouldn't stop her from hitting him, she needed to get let everything she was holding in, out. And if hitting him was the only cathartic means available, then he was willing to sacrifice his body.

Hermione wasn't making a move, just staring at him, and he realized that he was going to have to be the one that started this.

"You know that I've been there Hermione... you know that I want to help... and you know that I bear blame in what happened..."

Hermione had turned her head from him and was looked to the fire as soon as he started speaking.

"... don't you," Harry said almost accusingly, but with comfort in his words.

A single tear streaked its way down Hermione's left cheek, she made no move to wipe it away or to star breaking down in a crying spell, but she did start talking while facing the fire, "We were about to have dinner. I was still in my room upstairs when my mother called me down trying to study apparition for next year... I was only in my room a few moments longer and then I opened my door and was at the top of the stairs when I heard someone say 'it' and I... I just stood there listening. There was this sound, oh god..." Hermione's eyes were now glistened over and starting to spill over, "... it was... my father, someone had... they just... and when he fell back... I'm never going to forget the sound. There a was crash then of something breaking, a glass serving bowl perhaps, and my mother screaming my father's name once before she stopped and started screaming for herself. I still hear it now... and last night was the only night since, that I haven't heard her in my dreams. GOD HARRY!..." Hermione was hugging her knees to her chest staring directly at him forcing this memory into him, trying to force him to live it. He could have saved her the trouble and just let himself into her memory and seen it for himself, but she needed this, as much as it hurt, it needed to be done this way so she would start to accept it.

"... there were supposed to be wards against them getting in, there were supposed to be order members guarding us, WELL WHERE THE FUCK WERE THEY THEN! WHERE WERE THEY WHEN MY FATHER WAS MURDERED IN FRONT OF MY MOTHER, WHERE THE HELL WERE THEY WHEN THEY STARTED PHYSICALLY BEAT MY MOTHER AND PUT HER UNDER THE CRUCIATUS! WHERE WERE THEY...WHERE WAS I!?" she yelled at him.

Hermione's tears were stayed for the moment, but she clung even tighter to her knees, and then she started again, "... I was at the top of the stairs, that where I was. I DIDN'T EVEN MOVE TO GET MY WAND AND TRY TO HELP! I stood there at the top of the stairs, I was stuck there... I was afraid, GOD I WAS SO AFRAID!" the dam that held her tears back burst and she did nothing to hold them back.

Harry had the urge to go her and take her in his arms, but something was holding him back.

'No, not yet, let her finish,' he thought, he didn't know where the thought came from, but he was willing to trust it.

"... I kept thinking that I should be doing something, asking myself where the order was, asking myself where you were. Whoever was in the house didn't know I was there until they were satisfied with my mother... they were watching her writhe on dining room floor, then they heard me, I don't know what I did, I can't remember if I was crying or screaming or cursing... I was in shock and I was stuck, and then there was a wand pointed at me from the bottom of the stairs. I heard it... I heard it start... 'avada'... and I was ready for it, but I kept asking where you were, why weren't you there, why hadn't you come, you... you and Ron, I was about to die and neither of you were there to help me," she stopped crying again and really looked at Harry, not just staring or glancing at him, but truly looking at him, trying to see past his walls and see the same hurt inside of him; and he was tempted to show her what she was looking for. What she was looking for in him made her experience pale in comparison, and no one deserved to have the death and torture of their parents belittled in any way, and that's what stopped Harry from giving her what she wanted but did not ask outright for.

"... then Kingsley apparated onto the stairs right in front me and put the death eater... grabbed me before there was anything I could do and forced a portkey on me... they locked me in Grimmauld Place for a day, and then took me to see my mother... or, what was left of her. I didn't want to leave, I was holding onto my mums hand so tight that I was drawing blood with my nails and I didn't even know it... they stunned me to make me let go and I fell asleep... then I woke up in the room where you found me... I don't even know how long I've been there, no owls, no news except that Professor Dumbledore said that I'd be safe there with full time guards..."

Harry wanted to laugh at the mention of safety for Hermione and full time guards. He decided to nod and let Hermione continue.

"... and then you finally came... and I attacked you... now I'm here, and I don't know where here is. I don't know anything more Harry; I want to hate you... I can feel it, I want you to answer all my questions, tell me everything's going to fine, and I want you to take this all back, I don't want it... please Harry?" she pleaded with him.

Harry finally closed the distance between them and knelt down in front of her chair, placed a hand on one of her bare feet to make physical contact, looked directly at her and sighed before answering her, "Hermione... I am sorry that by knowing me," he almost stopped and left the room before he went on. "... that by knowing me your parents were stolen from you, if you want to hate me or beat me, if that will help you... then I wont stand in your way..."

Hermione was staring in shock as he was saying these things to her.

"... I will do my best to answer you questions, and as long as you are here everything will be fine, nothing will harm you here... and..." Harry breathed deeply, "... if it was possible for me to take this away from you and I did...I'm sorry... I can't, you have to learn to deal with this. You know I've been where you are now, more times than I care to dwell on, and I will help you learn how to cope, but you are the one that has to make peace with this in the end," Harry spoke softly to her not believing that he was rehashing the same words he believed were lies when they were spoken to him the first time- only to accept them for the truth now.

Hermione's forehead pressed to her knees as she took everything Harry said into her. He was right, and all he wanted to do was help, he'd even answer her questions; and she knew he had answers to questions that no one would have told her before. She just needed time.

"I, I just need some time to think," she said to her thighs.

"Take all the time you need, if you need anything just ask, ok," Harry said taking his hand from her small foot and standing.

"Can I be alone for a while, please?" she asked looking up at Harry now.

"Of course," he said soothingly, "I have to see to some work, if you need me please ask Tory and I will come."

Hermione looked down again, "Thank-you."

The tears had completely stopped, and she had let go of her knees and was starting to lean back comfortably into the chair.

Harry saw that she was getting slightly more comfortable and took his leave for the library. She was doing much better than he would have thought, alone for two weeks, and the first thing she asks for is temporary solitude.

'Perhaps she does not hate me as much as she says,' he thought.

Harry spent the next four hours running through his notes on where he stood on his studies and what steps he needed to take to make it to the next stage or to completion. He checked the status of the various potions he had brewing at the current time and bottled and labeled those that were finished for storage in his ever growing personal apothecary. Harry was sure that whatever malady he would befall during his training he would be prepared with the salve or potion to release the primary effects and side effects of particular curses and spells.

Without his father or Sirius having known Harry had transfigured his face and enjoyed a rare daylight constitutional in Diagon Alley where he purchased all of his school texts for the next two years, and the current editions of the older texts in his library that were no doubt to have been expanded upon and revised. His potion work, when he was not being belittled by an overbearing arsehole for a professor was truly extraordinary work. With all of the advancements that he had made so far he was three quarters into the last of his seventh year texts that he had yet to complete. Potions, Herbology, Transfiguration, and Arithmancy were all finished and Harry was now on to more advanced titles in their respective fields. His study of defensive and offensive magic had been put to the test during his assessment examination the other day and he was pleased with his current progress, but knew that he was capable of much more.

Thanks Silus, Sirius and James his confidence in himself had rocketed skyward without bounds. Which only served to cause Harry to push himself further to make both himself and the men training him proud of him.

Conjuring still left something to be desired, where he was only able to create something with a limited time-span, and that was something that required rectifying immediately he thought. So after going over his notes and an hour with honing in his raw magic, he settled down in the center of the library with a few tomes to try and find why he was unable to conjure items indefinitely.

His work with conjuring and the lifeline of the object he conjured was not leading anywhere, and as such Harry was trying to push himself to pour through the texts and find the solution to his problem. He was so involved with his current tome that was discussing the possibilities of a wizard of witch focusing on the lasting time that a conjured item was the direct result of not being able to sustain it until the said item was banished or transfigured into something else. This by far, had been the most reasonable answer that Harry had come across, and he made a note in his progress journal to explore this further when he heard the chime of the grandfather clock in the library strike one in the afternoon.

'Shite!' he cursed himself and the instantly apparated to outside the training room.

He crossed the threshold summoned his bokken from the floor in the right corner closest to the door and prepared for an assault, when none came, he was confused, but still help his guard up.

Remus had already asked the room for everything he needed and turned to see a cautious looking Harry watching him and the projections of Sirius and James.

"I apologize for being late, ran late in the library," Harry said.

"Seeing as how we were going to give you the day off anyway, we won't hurt you too terribly Harry," James stated.

A bokken appeared in the grasp of the projection of James right hand, and when he gripped it a slight grin showed on his face before he asked, "what are you expecting Harry?"

"With Remus being here now, I expected another version of the assessment from yesterday," Harry replied.

"No need Harry, I asked the room for a projected replay of the 'examination' as you call it from yesterday so I know everything I need to know," Remus said before James or Sirius could reply.

"Oh, well that's a load of off my mind," Harry said as he lowered his bokken to his side.

Remus decided to take advantage of this and see where Harry stood when he fought a werewolf at half-strength, which was equal to about five fully grown men. His own bokken that he had crafted the previous evening when Harry left to retrieve Hermione slid down his arm from the concealed position and was now gripped tightly in his hand when he leapt from the sitting area of the room, had the room expand in size to that he would not over jump Harry's position and came striking down on where Harry stood.

Harry had not expected this at all, but the amount of time that Remus spent in the air gave him ample time to raise his bokken and prepare for the downward blow. However, Harry had not calculated in his mind that Remus would strike with more than just above average strength and not half of everything that he possessed and the resounding clash of Remus bokken against Harry tested his ability to hold on to shaking piece of and then try to mount a counterattack.

There would be no counterattack.

It was apparent not more ten seconds into the duel that Remus held the upper hand did not drop or raise his strength from the current level as he attacked Harry with almost greater skill that the portrait James father possessed. The fight lasted all of 2 minutes, which was not a shining moment for Harry who was used to going much longer before ever feeling winded. Remus possessed skill and strength, and Harry was on the defense the entire time until he couldn't stand the assault and beating any longer and banished Remus across the room so that he would land onto one of the couches near the fire. Harry then fell to one knee gasping for breath and used his bokken to help him maintain balance. His upper torso was covered in red welts that if not treated within the hour would turn to gigantic bruises that would have to heal naturally even with a healing and soothing salve. Where the wooden blade had struck him flat across his chest it had cracked his sternum and probably a few ribs, there was probably a fracture in his humerous in his sword and wand arm, another long red welt from where he was struck laid across his abs and stung every time he took in air, his back was also not immune to the assault but thankfully he could feel nothing broken. Nothing was broken besides a few healable bones and his pride, his pride not broken at the loss, but that he had lowered himself during a sword duel to defeating his opponent with outside force beyond the blade.

Finally standing, but only with the aide of his bokken as a walking stick, he walked to where Remus was pulling himself off the couch which looked to be a challenge.

'Maybe I threw him too hard?'

"Harry!" Remus said happily.

Harry obviously had a look of concern on himself over watching Remus trying to get up.

"Harry, don't worry about me, I'm fine, you lasted longer than I thought you would," Remus stated now standing upright without any injuries.

"I didn't mean to use magic, but I couldn't beat you," Harry stated.

"The object of our duel was not for you to defeat me, which would have near impossible for you to do, and I was only at half strength..."

Harry stared in awe, he knew that werewolf's were incredibly strong, but he never once suspected during their duel that Remus was holding back, and that it was probably not a mistake to enter his mind and figure this out before the fight began. But he was dumbstruck that what he just witnessed and experienced was only Remus at half mast.

"I see," Harry said.

"That will be all for today, tomorrow you will return to a curriculum in here that you have become used to with your father and Sirius, go take care of yourself and see to Ms. Granger," Remus dismissed him.

"Yes sir," Harry said, banishing his bokken back to the corner and onto its rack.

Harry left the training room to the sound of silence. He supposed that they did not want him to overhear the discussion of where he stood and what action needed to be taken for him to progress, and he figured this conversation would most likely carry on into the evening with a result of a new syllabus in the morning for him to go over.

Right now, Harry needed to return to the potions laboratory off the side of the library where he could start to heal himself.

He walked the entire way to the library afraid that if here to try and apparate right now he would end up splinching himself.

He half expected when he opened the doors to the library that he would find Hermione with her nose buried in one of his texts and revising his notes for him and trying to make suggestions on how to improve certain ideas that he had come up with. But there was no Hermione, there was no Tory, just him and a room full of half open; closed or stacked on their shelves full of books. Harry stumbled into his personal laboratory, which thankfully did not resemble anything close to a dungeon; instead it was more like a modern day chemist's lab. He made it to the cabinet that held his potions and removed two vials of potion that reduced the effect of bruising, the skin would still be sensitive for a day, but that was better than waiting weeks for bruises to heal themselves. He swallowed both without ceremony and banished the empty vials to a sink across the room. Then he removed a pepper up potion that was 'enhanced' from the average potion so that the after effect of feeling completely drained of energy as the potion ended its cycle in the body was negated, and the user of the potion returned to the their normal every day selves. Harry summoned his wand from the holster on his right calf and started a succession of healing charms where he would point his wand in the general area of the broken bone and endure the pain of the bone resetting itself, then after picking himself up off the cold stone tiled floor, he would repeat the process. Finally, half an hour later his sternum, ribs and right humerus were healed, not completely, but enough to get by on. Then he tilted his head back and swallowed the vile tasting pepper up potion he had made and swallowed. The warmth spread through his body and he could feel the new found sense of energy helping him to regain the composure he lost when he finished dueling Remus.

Feeling much better, albeit from the enhancement of an invigorative/healing potion, Harry set off for Silus' room hoping to get his lesson in early so he could get back to library and get back to his research on conjuring, he knew he was onto something when he left for the training room and he was anxious to return and see where the book led him.

Hermione was still in Harry's room, hopefully Harry thought being tended to by Tory if she needs anything more than the solitude she asked for.

So, with everything seeming to be in temporary order for the moment Harry went to strengthen his mind.

Another surprise was waiting for Harry went he opened the door to Silus' room. Remus was engaged in discussion with the portrait of Silus and apparently waiting for Harry to arrive. Harry had just assumed that Remus would still be in discussion with Sirius and his father not waiting for him in the occlumency training room.

'It's possible he's learning this skill as well,' he thought.

"Harry!" both Silus and Remus said in unison.

"Silus," Harry said nodding in respect, "Remus? What are you doing here?" he asked.

"I'm here to help," Remus stated with a slightly amused tone.

Harry was becoming disconcerted at the seeming lack of seriousness that Remus took when it came to training. Teaching Harry to defend himself against a Dementor with a smile on his face and a piece of chocolate for his accomplishment was fine two and half years ago, but Harry was taking his current training with the thought that this was absolutely necessary and while here and learning there should be no deviation. Although he had already broken his own rule by apparating out of the manor for personal reasons and to bring Hermione here, but this was different, he felt a twinge of annoyance that Remus looked as though he wasn't digesting this situation in the correct manner.

"Help how exactly?" Harry pointedly asked.

Silus broke in at the mention of how, "Harry, Remus will open his mind to you... not that that would be necessary, but you will then show him false memories. You should be able to feed complete memories and thoughts of events that never happened, or events with certain aspects changed to suit your needs, these memories need to be complete with emotional background and the smallest detail you can imagine. Remus here has told him of his incredible ability to notice the small details that usual escape most people, so he is an excellent candidate for you to practice on. Now please take your position, Remus you as well please," Silus said to both of them.

Harry walked over to his usual seat in front of Silus, a knee high, soft circular platform that was upholstered in a light gray felt lining. He arranged himself atop the seat in the 'lotus' position as Silus had informed him with his legs crossed and one on top of the other and his palms face down on top of his knees and his back perfectly straight and shoulders squared. The position was not a requirement for any kind of exercise or tutelage that Silus had give Harry, it was simply a comfortable seating arrangement that helped Harry focus at the beginning of his training. And once Harry had started to return to the exact same position everyday after he had learned it, Silus had accepted it and began his instruction for the day.

Remus, in much the same fashion as Harry sat crossed legged, without one on top of the other though, and his back was in a relaxed state, with his hands on his jean clad thighs.

Harry ready to begin didn't wait for Remus to attempt to open his mind, he simply discarded the lycanthropic shields and projected a completely falsified memory of Harry receiving his first Hogwarts letter and his relatives being happy for him and congratulating him for following in his parents footsteps. He included the details about the address to the boy under the cupboard and the wax seal of Hogwarts and how his relatives looked and what was on the kitchen table, and then exited Remus memory to see how he did.

Remus kept his eyes closed going over the false memory that Harry had just sent him going over the details. After a few moments his eyes blinked open and darted between Harry and Silus before speaking.

"That was incredible, and very well done except for one thing," Remus said.

Harry couldn't think of what he had forgotten to include but remained placid instead of showing his confusion.

"You forgot to show what was happening beyond the windows."

Harry questioned what he meant, "Beyond the windows? I don't follow?"

"The memory you sent me was perfect down to the lint in the carpet, but all of the windows in the house were completely black, there wasn't anything beyond them. I guess most people would have been focused on the scene inside," Remus answered.

"Well done Remus," Silus said.

Feeling that he could do better, was back inside Remus' head in under a second and showing him another memory from inside the Dursley's, this time making sure that he didn't forget anything.

Remus opened his eyes quicker this time and confirmed that Harry had included everything. Everything except that the doormat that read welcome was written upside down and backwards.

Crestfallen, but only getting warmed-up, Harry tried again, and again, and again. He spent six hours creating false memories of the Dursley's, the Hogwarts Express, the Burrow, Dumbledore's office, and meetings with Cornelius Fudge. By the time that Silus had called it a day Harry's mind even with the added effects of the pepper up potion was dragging along. The Occlumency lesson with Remus and Silus turned out to be one of his better learning experiences with the art, and he was happy that he now had someone inside the manor that he could practice on, instead of apparating to the Leaky Cauldron in a transfigured body and opening people's minds unexpectedly from a corner in the bar. No, that was nothing compared to the exercise his mind got this afternoon, and he was thrilled at the possibility of this raising his abilities higher than he prospected for the end of the summer.

Remus as well was feeling drained from being subjected to Harry's false memories and nearly fell over backwards from mental exhaustion with Silus ended the lesson for the day. Harry not as bad off as Remus jumped from his seated position and grabbed the lapel of Remus' shirt and pulled him up and hoisted him over his shoulder in the fire mans carry and headed for Remus room, where Harry kicked open the door and unceremoniously dumped Remus' body onto his bed where he laid passed out.

'Bastard weighs more than he looks like, I need to learn how to take someone with me when I apparate, that was ridiculous!' Harry thought exhaustedly.

Harry sweating from the effort it took to carry Remus down a flight of stairs and then haul him to his room, and that combined with all the effort he put into Legilimency today was glistening with perspiration, and the tail that he kept his hair in had come loose and there were bits of disheveled hair flying around as he walked back down the corridor to his own room.

He entered his bedroom to find Hermione sitting cross legged in the very middle of his beds flipping through the pages of his parents' photo portfolio. He sighed, happy to see that she was moving at least a little and functioning.

Hermione heard the sigh and raised her head from the pictures of Harry's parents holding the baby version of him and waving to look at him. Sweaty, his hair thrown about wildly, his open but obviously tired, and faint red lines across his chest, abdomen and right arm, she had yet to see his back.

She muttered, "hello," seeing him standing at the entry way.

Breathing in deeply and feeling the twinge of the hit to his abs he said, "hi."

Hermione started to close the portfolio, but he raised a hand told her, "it's ok, I don't mind."

Harry hoped that was the right thing to say, and seeing a small smile on her face, he was happy that he was correct.

"Do you... do you know where these were taken?" she asked quietly.

"No, sorry," he replied flatly.

"Oh," she said turning the page and paying attention to the pictures instead of Harry.

"Have you had anything to eat yet?" he asked watching her focus her attention on the photographs of his parents.

"No, Tory came by earlier by I wasn't hungry, but..." she looked liked she was questioning whether or not to complete the sentence.

Harry took the opportunity, "would you like to come with me, I'll make you something."

A faint smile, but a smile none the less appeared, and she just nodded her head.

"I'm going to take a quick shower and then I'll take you to the kitchen, ok?"

Hermione looked a little flush and Harry realized what had caused this, "Don't worry, I'll make sure you don't see me again."

The slight red tint to her cheeks remained and she said, "ok."

Harry apparated into the wardrobe first to get a pair of boxers, khaki's and a plain white t-shirt, then apparated into the bathing room; closed the doors the physical way with his hands. He then turned on the water, allowing it to heat up first, then stepped into the huge stall and cleaned himself up, turned off the water, got out of the stall and dried off and dressed. Harry fully clothed except for socks and trainers apparated to beside the bed without a sound this time and offered Hermione his hand, who then slowly accepted his offer to help her off the bed. She left the portfolio where she was looking and it and once standing let go of Harry's hand.

He led the way down the corridor with her right beside him, down the stairs to the first floor, through the dining room and into the kitchen.

POP!

Hermione jumped and Harry's hand went to her shoulder to calm her from Tory's sudden and unexpected appearance.

"Is there something I can prepare for you and the miss, sir?" Tory inquired.

"No thank-you Tory, I'll be cooking this evening," Harry replied.

"Sir?" Tory said questioningly.

"Please excuse us for the night Tory, we need to be alone," Hermione said quietly from beside Harry.

Harry just nodded to Tory, who then snapped her fingers and popped out.

Hermione walked ahead of him and slid onto one of the stools seated around the kitchen island and brought her hands together and elbows propping her up.

Harry summoned two plates from the cupboard and placed them on the kitchen island, then waved his hand at the refrigerator door causing it to open, summoned the ingredients he would need, cooked chicken breasts, tomatoes, lettuce, pickles, bread, spicy mustard, and a few slices of mild cheddar cheese, waved his hand again and closed the refrigerator door. He was so focused on making a meager meal of chicken sandwiches, that he didn't notice when a strange emotion started coming from Hermione. Had he looked at up and at her face he would have seen a mixture of awe and confusion replace the complete lack of emotion that she possessed when she sat down at the island.

He had used all of the ingredients and now there were only crumbs and empty bottles to show it. Harry was about to clean it all up with a spell when an epiphany struck him. He left the mess for the time being.

Harry handed Hermione her plate, walked to the refrigerator and pulled out two bottles of butterbeer. Then he seated himself a stool apart from Hermione and slid one of the bottles her way, which she caught without effort- something he had expected. He knew know that the emotion he couldn't identify coming off of Hermione was a mixture of determination and focus, it was odd that she wasn't giving off any anger, but maybe she was masking it he thought.

'I'm not going into her mind to find out; I won't violate her like that.'

Hermione nearly swallowed her sandwich whole, it was gone before Harry had even finished the first half of his. Well, Harry was savoring real food with taste, so he might have eaten his as quickly; but he doubted that Hermione had eaten much since the attack. Finished with her sandwich and swallowing the last of her butterbeer she turned to face Harry.

'Why is he eating so slowly?' she asked herself.

Seeing that Hermione was completely finished, Harry reached down for his wand that was tied to his calf again, flipped it around in the air and offered her the handled end of his wand.

The offered wand confused her, but she accepted it, and felt the warmth spread through her when she gripped it tightly not wanting to let go off that sensation. Her own wand did not offer the tranquility that Harry's offered her and she wondered why. She also wondered why Harry had offered her his wand, and why is strapped to his calf with a dragon hide holster no less.

"Use it," Harry said as if using magic for an underage wizard was an everyday and the entire time occurrence.

She hesitated using the wand, but relished the security that it was freely offering to her... that Harry had already given her without asking anything in return.

"I found out that ministry doesn't track the wizard earlier this summer, instead they tracked the wand, and even if the manor wasn't warded against a multitude of detection spells, its my wand and I'd get the owl informing me of my deliberate use of magic and thus breaking the law for the statute of underage witches and wizards some odd paragraph and obscure subsection, whatever amendment..."

Hermione almost laughed at Harry's mocking of receiving an owl hounding him for using magic underage, but held back. It made sense though what he was saying about tracking underage magic. How would the ministry be able to keep watch on thousands of children using magic, but then there was the idea of accidental magic and how there was a magical reversal squad for just that occasion, Hermione was certainly giving credit to Harry's assumption about tracking the wand, but the accidental magic and their ability to detect that magic without a wand raised a contradicting question that she couldn't answer. But it was Harry's wand, and he asked her to use it to prove a point, and he certainly was confident about his decision for her to use magic. So she acquiesced to Harry's request and waved the wand at the dirty plate, empty goblet and mess that Harry had left while making dinner for her- which she was grateful for and shouted, "evanesco!"

Instantly the plate, empty bottle and trash from Harry's sandwich making vanished from site, and Hermione turned her head to stare at Harry, before looking left and right waiting for an owl to come swooping through the window or fireplace.

Harry wanted nothing more than to put Hermione at ease, "Hermione, there wont be any owls, no one knows where this place is located, the Fidelius, and hundreds of additional wards on top of that, so they cant detect the use of magic or who or where we are, you're safe to do as you please here, its ok," he said reaching out and resting his hand on top of hers.

The warmth that Hermione felt when Harry rested his hand on top of hers was the same as the warmth that spread through her this morning when he placed his hand on her foot, and then again when she gripped his wand. There was something about Harry that just put her at ease, and forced her to see past her blaming him, something she had been trying to do all day. She could not forgive him for something he had never apologized for, the only thing that Harry had apologized for was not being able to take away her pain and that was hers to bear. She didn't really want him to have to carry that weight around with him as well. But somewhere in his mind, Hermione was sure that Harry felt guilty for her being hurt because of him. She needed him right now, for everything.

Hermione did not move her hand from under his, and she did not return his wand, but she did finally smile a full smile and that brought Harry his own warmth. His heart that had sunk when he found her in the cottage now properly resumed its place high in his chest.

Harry returned her smile, "I won't need that until tomorrow afternoon, so feel free to go wild with it until then. Or did you have your wand on you when... when I brought you here?"

"No... I didn't even have my wand at the cottage, I don't know where it is anymore," Hermione said sadly which only slightly diminished the smile.

Harry could feel happiness in her again, and if it was because she could do magic, then he'd make it so she could it whenever she wanted.

"We could get you a new wand tomorrow if you want, I could make us a portkey for tomorrow morning when my trainers think I'll be in the library," Harry stated.

"You can't do that!" Hermione said unbelievingly.

"How do you think I brought you here? I haven't learned forced apparition yet, it's a little further down my list of things to learn," Harry asked and stated flatly.

"I... I thought Professor Dumbledore thought I'd be safer where you were and had told you to come and get me, I didn't think you could program portkey's without ministry approval?" Hermione asked coming into the conversation fully.

Harry was ecstatic that Hermione was returning a little bit to her old questioning self, but didn't show more than a sly smile. She'd never be the same again he knew, but a sense of normalcy was adding to her recovery thankfully.

"Albus," he started flatly, "has lost control of something he needs, and it seems that he is covering up for it with half truths nicely. Dumbledore has absolutely no idea where I am, and he never will, this is Potter Manor Hermione, one of the many homes I now own as a legal adult..."

Hermione was about to say something about Dumbledore not knowing where they are and that they should tell him, he was sure of it, so he had to put a stop to it before it came out.

"... when Sirius died, he left in his will papers that if I were to sign would emancipate from the Dursley's as my legal muggle guardian's and Dumbledore's control as my wizard guardian. So the second day home from school, I escaped Privet Drive, and I say escape because I truly was a prisoner there- I don't care what the circumstances are or rather were. So I made my way to Diagon Alley, where I was informed that one Albus Dumbledore had been hiding more secrets from me 'for my own good' mind you. I did not know that my account was being watched for him and that the goblin personnel reported all of my transactions directly to him, and that he tried to make sure that I did not know that there was an actual Potter Family vault, which housed everything about my past. I made a decision upon learning these facts and when returning to Privet Drive I decided that I wouldn't be his puppet any longer..."

Hermione was really about to protest, but he gripped her hand and that seemed to stall her.

"... Hermione, you don't know what he's kept from me, the truth about why Voldemort is really after my life, the reason for not having anything to do with me the previous year, and then at the ministry when Sirius died, and Voldemort possessed me and Dumbledore sent me back to his office to wait so that he could explain everything to me. I'm not even entirely sure that he divulged everything about me at that particular meeting considering my outburst and subsequent rearranging of his office. If you really want to know what I am to the world then I'll tell you and still love you as my best friend the best I can with you knowing, but if you want to see me as your friend Harry I'd love you for the rest of eternity as well. It's you choice, and choice is something that I have never had until I made one for myself at the beginning of this summer. Since I have been here and training, I have made leaps and bounds beyond my own imagination, and I'm only starting Hermione..."

She had an awed and slightly comforted look about her now.

"... I don't want any one's pity, and I'd be surprised when this summer is over if I ever show an ounce to an undeserving person again," Harry paused and took a deep breath before finishing with, "Albus Dumbledore, has made great mistakes when it comes to the people he supposedly cares for, I won't give you examples because I don't want to taint you with my own distrust for that man, you are more than capable of making up your own mind and I leave that to you. You have a choice Hermione, and I won't stand in your way when you make it. I brought you here because this is where you needed to be, I told you I know what you're going through, and the day after I bring you here look at you, you're up and engaging in theoretical debate about the ability of the ministry to track the use of magic, so you're already emotionally stronger than I am. You never truly saw how I was when I returned to my relatives' house at the end of fourth year, and if it hadn't been for the choice I made this summer I'd be back there, in that closet of a room, a broken 15 year old boy, and I'd probably be dead Hermione, I would have killed myself rather than go through that again. I'm in awe of you, I respect you and you're my best friend and I love you, so what do you want to do?" Harry asked her smiling as he did.

Hermione blushed at the complements and the awe that Harry had said he was proud of her, Harry Potter; the Boy-Who-Lived, savior of the Philosopher's Stone, Slayer of Basilisks, time-altering Hippogriff saving corporeal Patronus casting Godfather saving, co-winner of the first Tri-Wizard competition in over a hundred years, Death Eater dueler, and resisting the possession of Voldemort, this Harry Potter respected her and was proud of her and loved her. Loved her how she wondered, and blushed even deeper. Surely not in any manner other than brotherly? He was willing to do whatever she wanted, and with Harry's use of wandless magic in the kitchen, new found confidence and abilities that dumbfounded her, she wanted nothing more than to stay here and learn. If Dumbledore was responsible for just the things that Harry was listing out loud, then there must be more that he isn't telling her about, that was just something that Harry did, something to understate the true force behind the pain. If she were to ask how he was feeling, he would always respond with, "I'm fine," even if something was broken or bleeding. Hermione made her choice.

"I want... I'd like your help. I may look better, and I feel safe and warm when I'm holding your wand and you touch me..."

Harry did not loosen his hold on Hermione's hand, although he thought about it.

"...it hurts Harry, it hurts so much, but at least around you... it doesn't hurt as much. And, I want you to tell me everything you can. I understand there are some things that you probably can not or will not tell me, but I want you to try and confide in me. I want to help..."

Harry was seriously contemplating letting a tear fall in happiness.

A sly grin came across her face and her head bowed slightly when she said, "And I want... I want to get a wand that does to me, what yours does for me."

Harry nearly fell over at hearing this unintended double entendre, but gently squeezed her hand and maintained a calm exterior, when in his head he was laughing out loud and rolling around on the floor while praying that Sirius never got wind of this, otherwise he'd been for unceasing teasing.

His other hand reached over and cupped her face and raised it so he could look into her honey colored eyes and said softly, "Tomorrow, after my morning circuit, I'll wake you up and we'll go to Diagon Alley to get you anything you want. Then I'm taking you into muggle London so we can get you a wardrobe and have a fancy lunch and talk about anything and everything that has absolutely no meaning or means the world."

She smiled at him leaning in slightly to his palm, trying not to close her eyes and imagine there was something more between them.

Hermione didn't say anything after his last statement so Harry asked, "is it a deal then?"

"Hmm, a deal?" Hermione basically purred.

Harry was started to get confused over his feelings right now, and he definitely didn't need that so he tried to force the conversation on and ignore the feelings while remaining composed, "You help me, and I help you?"

Hermione snapped out of the fantasy state she was wallowing in and said sheepishly, "it's a deal."

'Her mother was tortured and her father is buried in a cemetery somewhere and you're getting all warm and fuzzy, what the hell is wrong with you man, snap out of it,' he told himself forcefully, but not really wanting to.

'Your mother is lying in St. Mungo's not knowing who she is or who you are, and your father was murdered because you know Harry, and you're daydreaming and the comfort of his embrace, what the hell is wrong with you, get a bloody grip,' she told herself with conviction, but not forgetting how good it felt for Harry's hand to touch her face; she could still feel the tingling sensation he had caused her and the hairs on the back of her neck to stand on end.

The rest of time that they were in the kitchen they engaged in small talk, avoiding the topic anything in the outside world. Hermione was curious to know everything that Harry had been studying and was grateful to have something to take her mind off the unending sense of grief that she had been filled with these past two weeks. She started to really question why Dumbledore had left her completely alone, and smiling at the thought that Harry knew exactly what to do to help her.

By the time Harry had finished the last of his sandwich and explained why exactly he took his time with the food and silently accepted Hermione's laughter over the idea of a Harry being on a nutritional diet, it was half past eight at night. Hermione once again used Harry's wand to clear the island and then slid the wand into her right jean pocket.

'She needs the safety of it, so don't make mention of it git,' Harry told himself when he saw Hermione place his wand in her pocket.

Hermione didn't think anything of it and asked if he would show her the library, which he decided wasn't a bad idea considering he wanted to go there to study on conjuring again, but it was late and the pepper up potion was wearing thin. He was more than happy to do anything she wanted that would keep her pain at bay, and he more than thankful that the manor realized how tired he was and simply took them to the library when they exited the kitchen. Which resulted in Hermione questioning him and him explaining that the manor can sense things about the occupants, and then explaining that the manor must also have a sense of humor to block his ability this morning so he wouldn't sense that Hermione was coming and caught him in the buff. She started to giggle, and that confused Harry greatly.

'Hermione doesn't giggle... does she?'

Harry showed her the books that he was currently using and some of the notes he made, and could see that she wanted explanations as to what brought him to the conclusions he made but told her that he'd sit down with her tomorrow and discuss everything at length until she was absolutely satisfied, and given the opportunity to try and improve on his work. He silently doubted that without the prior studies that Harry had done Hermione would be rebuffed when he offered her a reason as to why what she thought wouldn't work. Sure Hermione Granger read anything and everything she could get her hands on, but this library was practically identical to Hogwarts with the exception there was no barrier to the restricted section, all knowledge was available here.

Next he showed her through the door that led to his potions laboratory which caused her to drop her jaw in disbelief and mutter something that sounded and awfully a lot like, "I wish the potions lab at Hogwarts was like this." Harry opened his apothecary cabinet to her and pointed a the potions he had brewed that she did not know of, or how he had managed to accomplish brewing so many obscure potions that he shouldn't have been capable of. So he told her again that tomorrow he would explain everything, which seemed to please her.

With the conclusion of the potions lab tour and the brief exploration of the library, and Harry explaining that Remus Lupin was here but passed out in his bedroom from overdoing it a bit, Harry was ready to lay back on his bed, close his mind, and pass out in a comfortable fashion.

So a now satisfied and tired Hermione, and very tired Harry, exited the library to enter Harry's bedroom and he silently thanked the house again, now absolutely sure that the house could hear him. Harry hadn't given a thought as to sleeping arrangements so he told her that she could have the bed and he'd sleep on the sofa.

"It's your bed Harry, I can sleep on the sofa," she said.

"Hermione, allow me this chivalrous notion, take the bed, I'll sleep on the sofa, I don't have it in me to really argue right now," Harry yawned.

"I will only sleep on the bed if you do as well," she said flatly while staring at him.

"Hermione..." Harry started.

"Harry, we're friends, I'm not going to do anything and you wouldn't take advantage of me, would you?"

"Of course not!" Harry stated excitedly.

"So there's no problem, and if I end up clinging to you, don't push me away alright?" she said and asked.

"I just want to sleep," Harry said tiredly.

"Fine you go to sleep; can I use your bath tub?"

Harry was walking towards his wardrobe room so he could change for bed when he turned and walked back to her and placed his hands on her arms and looked down to tell her eye to eye, "so long as you don't try to burn down the manor you can feel free to do whatever you want, ok?"

"Ok," she said sheepishly trying to look away from him,

Harry dropped his hands and turned for the wardrobe again, but she was following him.

Hermione was standing at the threshold again and Harry raised an eyebrow questioningly.

"Can I... borrow a set of pajamas, until tomorrow?" she asked.

"Yes, of course," he said feeling guilty that he hadn't thought of that and summoned a pair of white silk pajamas, bottoms and top to him and then handed them to her.

Hermione turned and left after she said thank you for the pajamas and Harry slipped off his clothes and pulled on one of his many pairs of black silk pajama trousers, then he looked up at the open door, half expecting to see Hermione there again.

'Damn it, forgot to close the doors again!'

Harry was closing his mind as he strode from his wardrobe room to his bed, and just like the previous night, and most nights before since he had arrived at the manor, Harry fell asleep with a now content look on his face and the comforter wrapped around his waist exposing his upper body.

About an hour after Harry had passed out, Hermione had finished the first bath she had taken in over 2 and half weeks, and felt completely relaxed. Halfway into the bath, she had started to slip back into her grief, but the site of Harry's wand that was within her reach calmed her and let her enjoy the rest of the experience. She reveled in the feel of warm water encasing her and cleansing away the grime that she had built up, found a bag disposable razors took one and depilated herself nearly everywhere below her neck, save one part of her body. And the thought that Harry was asleep in the other room gave her a slight thrill and sent her into a series of giggles, something she hadn't done since she was eight years old.

'I must just be attaching myself to Harry as a sort of coping mechanism,' she reasoned to herself.

But the warmth that she felt when she held Harry's wand and when he touched her could not be explained as a way to cope. It was too difficult a question to answer so she did what Harry had told her to do earlier this night and she made a choice, and chose not to think about where it came from or what it was and to just let it run its course. A choice to let Harry in, to really see her and help her.

Hermione stepped out of the deep porcelain bath tub and toweled off, dried her hair with a different towel, found a comb in the middle drawer under the sink and combed her usually bushy brown hair that was now straight. Then she dressed in the silk pajamas Harry had given her and incredibly comfortable with the sense of 'freeness' that they offered, grabbed Harry's wand and sent her clothes to the hamper and headed for the bed.

Harry had extinguished the candles that lined the walls, but left the fireplace lit big enough to allow Hermione to find her way to bed without stubbing her toes on any of the furniture. She was standing next to Harry's side of the bed and staring at the passed out version of Harry Potter. He had looked so collected and calm all today and yesterday, and even in his sleep he seemed confident about something... himself maybe? Hermione felt slightly out of sorts staring at a sleeping Harry so she walked around the enormous bed, set Harry's wand on the nightstand, slid under the sheets on her 'own side' as she called it and tried to fall asleep as soundly as Harry now was.

Fifteen minutes later and completely frustrated; Hermione grabbed Harry's wand from the night stand and slid across the bed next to Harry. She set his wand next to his body, draped her right arm across his chest so that her hand was close to the wand, entwined her legs against his left one and rested her head in the crook of his shoulder. Then after she let the warmth the Harry radiated fully encompass her, she fell into the most content and peaceful sleep she had ever had.