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Hey guys, Lacy here! Finally updating Heid after a long time away and getting into a groove with Grace. Two chapters in two days for her. It was shocking. And I have plans for more posting in another fandom. Katie figures I'm dying. Hopefully not, as I still have a way to go with Heidi. Which brings us to this chapter! We're introduced to the potions book belonging to the Half-Blood Prince, Dumbledore reveals his next task for Harry and Heidi gets a surprise once back in her dorm for the night. Things are getting bumpy, but not nearly as depressing as they have been. Promise. Read on!

Disclaimer: I only own Heidi.

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Heidi poked at the Potions book. "Why is it always books?"

Sirius chuckled. "I can't say I've ever heard of a Half-Blood Prince, Harry. But clearly he was excellent in Potions."

Tonks picked up the book and turned some of the pages. "He really was. His notes are as detailed and smart as Lily's were."

Harry looked over his aunt's shoulder. "The writing looks familiar but I can't place it."

"I had the same problem." Sirius admitted. "I want Moody to take a look at it this weekend, if you don't mind, Pup."

"Not at all." Harry agreed. "Do you think it's alright for me to keep using it?"

Sirius exchanged a look with Tonks. "We don't see why not. Just, make sure you're careful and if there's anything you're uncertain about, ask a teacher or bring it back here and we'll figure it out together."

Heidi tucked herself into Sirius's side. "I don't like this."

"I'll be careful, Bug." Harry said. "Promise." he pulled a piece of parchment from his pocket. "By the way, I got a note from Dumbledore. He wants to start meeting with me this Saturday at 8." he shifted in place. "I don't wanna go alone."

"I have patrol Saturday night," Tonks admitted. "or I'd go, Pup."

"Padfoot and I can go." Heidi offered. She saw the startled looks from her family. "Look, I know I'm not talking with Dumbledore right now but this isn't for him, it's for Harry."

"You both have detention with Severus on Saturday." Sirius reminded. "And while I'm sure Albus rearranged Harry's, Heidi-"

"I'll do mine," Heidi agreed. "after I make sure Harry's okay. I need to talk with Professor Snape, anyway and it would be best if I don't wait."

Sirius nodded. "Alright." he looked at his nephew. "We'll be there."

Harry smiled gratefully. "Thank you."

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Eight o'clock Saturday night found Harry, Heidi and Sirius sitting in front of Dumbledore in the Headmaster's office.

"You want Harry to what?" Sirius managed to sputter out.

"It's really quite simple, Sirius." Dumbledore said. "We need to understand what made Lord Voldemort the way he is. And Harry deserves to know why he was targeted for death. A target that, if you'll forgive me, killed his parents."

The siblings went stiff while Sirius's face darkened.

"I am more than well aware of what cost my niece and nephew their parents." Sirius said slowly. "My best friends. What I fail to see is why Harry needs to know any more than what will keep him alive when he must finally face Voldemort."

"The past can reveal more than you think, Sirius." Dumbledore said vaguely. "Ultimately, it is up to Harry."

Harry sighed. "Alright, I'll do it." he looked at Sirius and Heidi. "I'll be okay."

Sirius echoed Harry's side. "Okay, Pup." he kissed Harry's head, forgetting for a moment that his nephew was sixteen and not six. "Come back to our chambers afterwards. I want both you and Heidi there for the night."

Harry nodded his agreement and gave Heidi a hug before watching his godfather and sister leave. Then he faced the Headmaster.

"You said, at the end of last term, you were going to tell me everything, Sir."

"And so I did,"

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Once Harry returned from Dumbledore's office, he filled his godfather and sister in on what he'd seen. All about the Gaunt family and some man named Ogden. Harry said most of what he heard was in Parseltongue. And it was hard for him to remember it all. Then he told them about the ring and Dumbledore's hand and how they were connected.

"The ring could be cursed." Sirius speculated. "If Albus was wearing it and triggered the curse, it would explain the state of his hand."

"He wouldn't tell me." Harry said. "Told me I'd hear the story next time."

Heidi scrubbed her hands over her face. "I don't have a good feeling about this. About any of this."

"I agree, Heidi." Sirius said. "Harry, you don't have to keep doing this if you don't want to."

Harry sighed. "As crazy as it sounds, I want to know more. I want to know more about Voldemort and what made him the way he is."

Sirius smirked a bit. "Just like your mother, always needing to know more." he clapped his hands on his knees. "Alright, that's enough for tonight. You both have classes in the morning." he groaned. "I have class in the morning."

Harry grinned. "Not as young as you used to be, Pad?"

Sirius glared as Heidi giggled. "Mouth. To bed, both of you."

The Potter children hugged their godfather and darted out of the common room. Heidi shut her door and flopped down on her head, only to hear her name from her two-way mirror. Shooting up, she grabbed it from her nightstand and instantly broke into tears.

"Hey Ladybug,"

"Uncle Moony," Heidi grinned at her missing uncle. "I'm so glad to see you."

"I'm glad to see you, too, Heidi." Remus smiled. "Are you okay?"

Heidi laughed weakly. "I'm not sure I've been okay in a while. But, I'm better now."

"Talk to me, Bug," Remus said. "You always feel better after talking it out."

So Heidi talked. And talked.

All night, she told Remus everything she'd gone through in the week since returning to school. About Snape and Slughorn. Dumbledore and the stress of OWLs. They talked the entire night and it wasn't until Remus noticed the sun rising on his side of the mirrors that he realized Heidi hadn't slept.

"Time for some rest, Heidi." Remus said reluctantly. He saw her face drop. "Bug,"

"I know," Heidi said softly. "I just miss you. It's a lot harder without you here."

"You'll be okay," Remus assured. "you're a lot stronger than you give yourself credit for, Heidi Lily. You just have to believe that."

"Okay," Heidi smiled. "I love you, Uncle Moony."

"I love you, too, Ladybug. Sleep well."

The mirror went black and Heidi dropped back on her pillows. She grabbed her stuffed wolf and hugged it close. And as the sun began to shine in her room, her eyes slipped shut and she finally fell asleep.

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One day, I'll make a happy scene that doesn't end sadly. I swear. Probably not for a while, for Heidi, but one day! So, she finally got to see Remus again, and we'll see her detention with Snape next chapter. Along with a shift between her and Draco that doesn't end in him being hexed. For now, let me know what you think, flame policy stands and thanks for reading!

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