Chapter 10
'No one will ever find us up here', she thought. 'C'mon, sweetie, come save us!' she thought out to Harry, hoping that he'd somehow receive the message.
"Here, this is the doorway. Open it, nerd!" roared the whiny voice of Dean Thomas. Hermione shook her head. "Do it or I'll start by punching her in the face before I start in on you!"
Hermione slowly drew her wand from her robes, and aimed it at the rickety looking door. "Alohamora" she enchanted. The distinctive click from the lock seemed overly loud in the quiet and deserted hallway.
"You, Bones, open the door." he said pointing his wand at her. Susan shook her head, unwilling to comply with the demands of this bullying asshole.
"Fine." He walked up to her and backhanded her across the face. The pain in her cheek flared and she stumbled to the floor. She held her face, tears streaming down, but she looked up defiantly at her attacker.
"C'mon beaver, open the door or the next time I hit her I'll use my fist. I doubt Potter will like her anymore if her nose is deformed." The two boys, Finnegan and Larkin, grabbed Susan's arms and none too gently stood her up. Hermione, frightened, complied with her tormentor and slowly opened the door.
"There should be a dog there with three heads," said Thomas as he fumbled around in his robes and pulled out a small wizarding radio, "turn the radio on. It should make the thing fall asleep. Let us know when it's asleep."
He pushed Hermione, hard, into the room. Susan was also, none too gently, forced through the door. Susan noticed that Hermione was white-faced in fear and had pressed her back up against the wall. Susan's gaze tracked hers and she almost fainted at the size of the Cerberus before her. The thing seemed to be dozing, so trying to be as quiet as she could; she reached for Hermione's hand and pulled the radio from the death grip she held it in. Slowly, she pulled her own wand and tapped it to the radio. The radio sprung to life and a simple melody echoed in the room. Luckily, the dozing dog fell into a deeper sleep, its snores almost drowning out the faint tune.
The door slowly opened and the boys, led by Dean, entered the room. "Larkin, get the trapdoor." he whispered. The boy gingerly stepped up to the door and lifted it open. Susan felt the hard point of the boy's wand in her back, "move, both of you."
"Jump!" he said. The girls grabbed each other tightly, refusing to jump into the dark hole. "Jump or the three of us will and take the radio with us and make sure we slam the door behind us."
The girls nodded and holding each other's hands, jumped into the dark hole.
OoOOooOOoo
"He was surprisingly easy on us today." commented Harry.
"Speak for yourself, Potter." retorted Neville as he tried to massage the pain on his left butt cheek. "This bloody hurts."
"He warned you, didn't he? He said he'd hex you if you didn't move faster."
"Bite me!"
"Get Hannah to do that for you, Longbottom." Neville's face turned crimson.
"This is torture, I tell you, child abuse plain and simple." Neville said.
"The hexing? You thought it was pretty funny when it was me getting hexed."
"No, not that, we were in class too long, we missed lunch." he said with a pout.
"Cheer up; maybe the girls grabbed us something." Neville brightened at the thought.
They both walked to the badger common room, quickly grabbing their books as they jogged to the greenhouses to make it to class on time. It was two wheezing boys that made it to class with only minutes to spare. Neville smiled brightly when he saw Hannah holding a sandwich for him.
"You know you're the best, right?" said Neville as he eyed the sandwich reverently.
"And don't you forget it!" responded Hannah.
"Where's Susan?"
"Don't know; she walked with Hermione for a bit on the way to the loo. I doubt she's been there this long. She should have been here by now." replied Hannah worriedly.
"Harry?" asked Madam Sprout. She'd seen a look of concern come from her young badger. A look she recognized all too well.
"Susan." Harry said simply.
He'd found, especially of late, that when wasn't near her and his thoughts drifted towards her, Susan's presence filled him from within. It was an odd feeling at first, something he foolishly thought to repress. As he'd grown accustomed to the sensation, he found that her presence filled him even more. Her kindness was like a cooling breeze sweeping over him on a hot summers day, her caring was like a gentle caress on his cheek, and the deep affection that she felt for him washed over him like a beam of sunlight that radiated warmth and tenderness. He'd embraced and accepted these feelings from her with profound gratitude and sent his own emotions to her through their link.
"Susan." Harry repeated as he closed his eyes and searched within.
Neville watched his brother's face, a frown of worry on his brow. When Harry finally opened his eyes, Neville was not at all surprised to see a raging green flames burning in them, powerful and severe in their intensity. He understood what was happening. "Madam Pomfrey, Susan may be in some danger. I'd advise sending for Madam Bones."
"And how could you possibly know she's in danger, Mr. Longbottom?" she asked.
"I don't," he said and then pointed at Harry, "but he does."
"Miss Abbott, please find Professor McGonagall and inform her of this."
Hannah jumped from her seat, "Not the Headmaster, ma'am?"
"He's not in the school at the moment. Go, Hannah, quickly!" she turned to Harry. "Harry?"
"She's in pain. Hermione is with her." he said slowly, Harry stood and bolted from the greenhouse. "Neville!"
"Behind you Harry!" agreed Neville as he chased, running as quickly as he could in an effort to catch up.
OoOOooOOoo
The three boys were dusting themselves off, the soot from Finnegan's fire spell having nearly incinerated them all. The red haired witch was hovering protectively over the obviously injured Hermione.
"It's broken." she hissed painfully, her hands grabbing her ankle.
"Leave her, Bones. We'll get her some help when we come back. Stupid beaver." he spat.
"No, I'm not leaving her behind!" Susan said heatedly.
"You wanna carry her? Fine, be my guest."
Hermione, slowly and painfully, threw an arm around Susan's shoulders and pulled herself up. "If you'd just listened to me instead being frightened by a plant, this wouldn't have happened!"
"Oh, shut up. Move!" retorted Dean.
With Hermione limping along on one leg, the going was slow. The sound of buzzing in the distance seemed to grow louder as the neared the end of the hallway they tread.
"You okay?" Susan whispered to Hermione.
"No, this bloody hurts. I'm done being defenseless, Sue. Nev and Harry are going to be getting a new partner in their class. Hopefully their tutor will allow it." she said trying to sound braver than she actually felt. She looked at Susan, expecting a reply, noticing that her friends had glassed over. "Sue?"
Susan shook her head in an effort to come out of the trance that she'd been in. "It's Harry, he's on his way."
"You and I are going to sit down and have a conversation. How could you possibly know he's on his way?" said Hermione as she winced in pain.
She shrugged her shoulders, "I just do."
Dean had opened the door and had poked his head in to the room. Drawing it back, he looked to his companions and with a jerk of his head indicated they should go in. "Move it, ladies. No time to dally."
The girls were a bit shocked to see the hundreds of birds that circled the room. "They're winged keys." whispered Susan.
"Granger, what are we supposed to do here?"
"How the bloody hell should I know?" she yelled at him. The flash of anger that crossed the boys face truly frightened her and as he advanced on her she silently prayed that Susan was right and that Harry was on his way.
"Dean!" said one of the boys. "There are brooms over here, you reckon we gotta fly to catch a key and use it to open the door?"
"Well I can't fly for shit, any of you two?" a small argument broke out amongst the trio of boys, when the smallest of the bunch shrugged his shoulders and took up a broom.
"What the hell am I looking for, all these things look the same?" he yelled as he circled above.
"You think it's that one with the broken wing, Hermi?" whispered Susan.
"Probably, but I'm not sure if we should tell these guys or not." she replied.
"Bones, Granger, something to say?" asked the boy named Larkin. The girls just shook their heads at him. "Just tell me, I'll make sure he doesn't get physical with you guys again."
Susan glanced at Hermione who could only nod her head. "The one with the broken wing."
"Thanks," said the boy as he walked up to Dean and whispered in his ear.
"Oi, Finnegan, grab the one with the broken wing." the boy on the broom could only nod, as most of his concentration was focused on keeping himself aloft. Luckily for him though, that particular key seemed to be hovering near him. Lurching, with his hand outstretched, he grabbed the key. And all hell broke as the remaining keys, angered, quickened the pace of their flying making the things dangerous for the boy on the broom.
OoOOooOOoo
By Neville's estimation, Harry and he had run flat out for almost a mile. It was a testament to the physically grueling sessions of Master Bode that neither of them was winded, much. He stood next to his brother, the close proximity allowing him to feel the magic that seemed to be swirling around him. The glow in Harry's eyes seemed to have intensified.
"Stairs."
"Well let's go then." said Neville.
"Wait." Harry said holding back Neville with a hand on his arms. A marble staircase slowly approached the duo. "That one, when it's in place, take that one."
The jolt of the stairway settling into place sent Neville and Harry running towards it, where they ascended the stairs quickly, not wanting to risk them moving again.
"The twins said the first problem was a big dog." said Harry as he stood before the rickety door. Ready?"
Neville pulled his wand and bobbed his head. He grabbed the handle, amazed that it was unlocked, and pulled it open. "Ready!"
Harry quickly moved in, hugging the far wall of the room, Neville right behind him. "I thought you said it was a dog?"
"Well, yeah, look at it." answered Harry.
"That's not just a dog, you asshole! That's a freaking Cerberus!"
"Okay fine, big dog. Keep quiet, I think the music from that radio over there is keeping it asleep." said Harry as he pointed to the little wooden box that was emitting a merry tune. Scooting along the wall, he made for the only obvious exit. "Trapdoor?"
"Trapdoor." said Neville as he followed behind. He picked up the door, wincing every time the thing squeaked. "Jump."
"I'll hold it open, you go first." said Harry.
"Together." Neville countered.
Both landed hard on the stone floor below their journey halted, briefly, by the remains of some sort of plant that seemed to be smoldering.
"Ow!" Neville said eloquently. He grabbed a piece of the plant that had fallen to the floor and examined it. "Devil's Snare; someone must have blasted them out of that trap. You hear that?"
"Sounds like, I don't know, lots of birds or something." said Harry as helped Neville up off the floor. "They're close."
"Well, let's get a move on then. If we hurry we can still make dinner."
"Do you ever not think of dinner?"
"Yeah, when I'm thinking about breakfast...or lunch; can we go get your girl already?"
Harry ran down the long corridor, his mind reaching out to her, searching for her. Her pain was less, he could tell, but she was really mad. Seething mad. Harry burst through the door, and was shocked by the amount of birds in the air.
"Are those...are those keys?" wondered Neville.
"Nev, look," pointed Harry, "blood. If even a drop of that belongs to Susan or Hermione, their lives end today."
"Agreed. Hey, over there, looks like the door is still open. Guess we don't need a key,"
OoOOooOOoo
"He's passed out." Larkin said to Dean. "Look, Thomas, it was a bit of fun and all, but he could die if we don't get him to the infirmary. Seamus has a key sticking out his back!"
"Leave him, he'll be fine. Bucky, you stay with him, Bones with me. C'mon Larkin." Dean none to gently grabbed Susan by the wrist and dragged her towards the checkered floor before them. "Damn it, figures Weasley isn't here to deal with this. He's the only one I know that plays chess."
"Don't look at me; I was playing with dolls until I came to Hogwarts." Susan lied. In truth, Amelia loved the game and had shared her passion with Susan. She wasn't as obsessive as her Auntie, but she did know the basics.
"How 'bout you Larkin, chess?"
"Well, I'm no master, but I do know the basics. I'll give it a go. Dean, this is wizards chess, it could get messy."
"Just get us through, okay? Just keep your mind on the goal. Weasley said there's supposed to be tons of gold and jewels or something."
'How would Weasley know?' wondered Susan. Her mind worked overtime, trying to understand what that slip of the tongue might mean.
Larkin sighed in defeat. "Fine. You, Bones, take the Queen's position. No. Over there. Stop. Dean, take the Bishop's position. Good, everyone ready?"
What followed was perhaps the worst game of chess she'd ever witnessed. The boy obviously knew very little of the game, more concerned with keeping himself safe than actually strategizing a win. His mistake though, was that he'd placed himself at risk and didn't even realize it until the Black Queen viciously destroyed the piece he was playing. The unconscious body was flung from its perch to land in a painful pile at the edge of the board.
OoOOooOOoo
"Hermione!" screamed Neville and Harry as they ran and kneeled before their friend.
"Harry, Dean Thomas took her! She went that way, across the chessboard and through that door on the other side." she said in obvious worry.
Harry nodded and went to check on the boy. A key was protruding from his shoulder, the wings on them still flapping lazily. "He's still alive. Neville, can you stay here with these two?"
"Yeah, I got this. Go, go get Sue."
He gently rose, patted Neville on the back and placed a kiss on Hermione's forehead. "I'll be right back."
Neville saw the look of worry that crossed Hermione's face. "He'll be fine. Haven't you noticed that saving people is kind of his thing?"
The pieces on the board were still as they were when the last game was played. Harry thought that it hadn't reset because of the Larkin kid lying in the middle. Annoyed but still needing to check, Harry quickly trotted to the boy. Larkin had a nasty cut above his left eyebrow but seemed otherwise unharmed.
Harry made towards the door and was instantly overwhelmed by the hideous smell. 'Troll!' he thought to himself. What surprised him though was the fact that said troll was lying knocked out on the floor, the none to gentle sounds of its snoring echoing in the small room. The troll's massive arm was blocking the exit, Harry heaved the door open barely enough so that he could pass through it.
A wall of flame blocked his path. Six or seven feet tall, they encompassed the whole doorway. He was drawn out of his trance when he noticed the body in the corner. "Oh, no, Susan!" he yelled.
OoOOooOOoo
"Move it Bones!" said the boy who was poking her with his wand. "Ugh, what's that smell?"
"Troll." whispered Susan.
"Troll, huh? Yeah, well I guess we'll see. Open the door."
She did as asked and was almost overcome by the smell emanating from the downed beast. Rancid troll sweat was not a smell any one wants to ever remember or experience. "It's passed out."
"Well, go on, open the other door."
"I can't." she complained. "It's too heavy."
"Move, let me give you a hand. We'll do it together."
"Is all this really worth it, Thomas? Getting us both killed over some fool's errand."
"It's not a fool's errand! And you wouldn't understand anyway. Not all of us have been raised with silver spoons in our mouths. Besides, I can't go back home."
"C'mon Dean, why can't you go home? We can stop right here and go back for our friends and make sure they're all okay. I'll even convince Hermione to go a long with whatever story you want to come up with, okay? Tell them we accompanied you without you needing to have kidnapped us. All of this was just some stupid adventure." pleaded Susan.
"Wow, those are some hot flames!" complained Dean. "How the hell do we get through those?"
"We don't. This is the end of the line Dean. My Harry is close, and he's coming to get me. If you're lucky, all he'll do is break your arms and legs; maybe your face, too."
"Humph...yeah, I'm not that lucky, Bones. I gotta keep going. But I'll be nice and leave you here. If Potter wants revenge, he can come after me." Dean made towards the row of potions, leaving Susan behind. But she wasn't strong enough to get the door open again, even in her adrenaline charged state.
"What the f..." muttered Dean as he noticed the flames turn blue and slow down. "Professor Quirrell?
"Ah, Mr. Thomas, correct? Well, that's just too bad for you, I was expecting Mr. Potter."
"Harry? Why Harry?" asked Dean as he backed away from Quirrell.
"Because Mr. Potter will help me solve the last clue, and I will have all I desire...forever."
"Oh, hell no! I made it down here; I'll help you solve the puzzle or whatever it is! Let me help, I only want a bit of gold to run away from this place and my parents." pleaded Dean.
"Sorry, Mr. Thomas." said Quirrell in an evilly icy voice. "Avada Kadavra"
Susan screamed in absolute panic. The professor walked over to her and eyed her curiously. "You, my dear, could be valuable, unlike Mr. Thomas. Yes, I do believe I'll hold you as my hostage. Harry is sure to come and rescue his fair maiden, don't you think?"
OoOOooOOoo
The boy, eyes open in shock, lay dead on the floor.
Harry was astonished. Why would someone kill and eleven year old? Harry reached out and closed the boy's eyes. "I'm sorry I was too late." he whispered.
Susan's scream from the other side of the wall of flame brought Harry back into the present. Holding a hand up to his face to block the searing heat, Harry began investigating the potions on the wall. He read through the riddle quickly and did his best to decipher it. He thought he'd narrowed it down to two small bottles. Crossing his fingers, he grabbed one, uncorked it, and drank it down. The chill that ran up and down his body surprised him, as did the fact that he was no longer shielding himself from the heat.
"For Susan." he said and walked through the flames.
OoOOooOOoo
"Well, well, well, if it isn't Harry Potter come to rescue his princess."
"Professor Quirrell?" he said, eyeing the professor. "Susan!" in an instant he was upon her, enveloping her in a tight hug. His hands grabbed her face and he looked into her eyes.
"What took you so long, sweetie?" she asked with tears staining her cheeks.
"Nothing, I got here as soon as I could. Did stop for lunch though, you know how Neville is."
"He killed Dean. Used an unforgivable." she whimpered.
"Don't know what that is, I'm assuming it's not good. Give me a second while I deal with him, okay."
"No, Harry, he'll kill you!" she pleaded. "Don't leave me."
Harry gave her a kiss on the cheek, "Never going to happen. You and me always."
"I figured you'd come when your wench was in danger. You've been a hard one to manipulate, Potter, surrounding yourself as you have with those who blindly follow and foolishly try to protect you." he spat in disdain. "But, in the end, the superior wizard always wins. Getting those three clowns to do my bidding was simpler than I thought."
"Did you need to kill Dean?"
"Need? No, I suppose not. I found him annoying, so I shut him up. Now, come over here Potter, I need you to look in the mirror. There is an item that I need you retrieve from within. Do this, and I shall let you both live. Fail me, and I will kill her first while you watch."
"The mirror, what is it?"
"It is called the Mirror of Erised. It shows one their ultimate desire. I believe the old man charmed this to hold the stone I seek."
"No, I don't think so. Get it yourself."
Quirrell pulled his wand and aimed it at Susan. "Do it, or she will die, Potter."
Resigned to follow the man's orders, Harry reluctantly placed himself in front of the mirror. "What am I looking for?"
"A stone, red, about half the size of your palm."
Looking into the mirror, all Harry saw was swirling mist. But the mist cleared and he saw an older version of himself sitting on a blanket in the middle of an impossibly green meadow that was liberally sprinkled with flowers. He saw children running around, a pair of redhead girls with vividly bright green eyes. A young woman sat laughing next to him. She took his hand in hers, leaned over, and gave him a deep kiss. It was Susan. And she looked so beautiful. The children leapt into their laps, crushing them in their hugs, laughing. The Harry inside the mirror stood and walked to face him, and smiled.
"What do you see?"
"Me. Me and Susan, playing with some kids on a field somewhere having a picnic." he answered.
"He lies!" said a sibilant voice.
"Master...?"
"Let me speak to the boy."
"Master, you're not strong..."
"I am strong enough for this, Quirinus. Release me."
"As you wish, Master." Quirrel began unwrapping his turban leaving only his bald head. He turned around and Harry had to stop himself from throwing up. He began to back up, fingering the wand in his back pocket. Whatever was sticking out of the professors head was not going to be pleasant.
"We meet again, Mr. Potter."
"I know you?" asked Harry.
"Indeed, it was I that killed your parents all those years ago."
"Voldemort...!" gasped Harry, who instinctively pulled his wand and aimed it at the professor.
"Expelliarmus!" roared the professor. Harry's wand shot from his hand and landed across the room. "If you do not want to see that young lady perish here this evening, you will do as I have asked and retrieve the stone, Mr. Potter."
Anger, such as he'd never felt, coursed through his body and filled every cell. He found his magic enveloping him, its warmth wrapping itself around him. With a roar, Harry raised his arms and poured his magic out of his hand like a hose. The pure and raw power slammed into the chest of Quirrell, who was thrown backwards with great force, his momentum only stopped when he smashed into the mirror behind him. Voldemort howled in indignation and frustration. The Mirror of Erised was no more.
OoOOooOOoo
"Amelia?" spoke Pomona through her floo.
"Pomona? Oh please, don't tell me Harry has done something ridiculous again?"
Pomona could only shrug her shoulders and smile half-heartedly. "We're not sure. He says he felt that Susan and Hermione were in danger, and took off."
Amelia's demeanor instantly changed. "You said Harry 'felt' Susan in danger? He felt she was in danger?"
"Yes, why? Is that somehow significant." she asked in concern.
"Step back, I'm coming through. Shack! Tonks! With me, now!"
The floo roared bright green as the three cops stepped out.
"Where?" Amelia asked the stunned Pomona.
"From the direction they were running, I'd say the third floor corridor. Albus had a few of the professors come up with some obstacles meant to impede anyone from going in search of whatever it is he's got hidden up there."
"Do you know what?"
"No, sorry, I don't. Minerva might know, although as closed lipped as he is, I doubt Albus would have told her anything either."
"Well let's see what's going on, if Harry says Susan was in danger than you can be sure that it is true." said Amelia as she ran out, followed closely by her Aurors and Pomona.
Amelia was first into the corridor and launched herself at the door, disregarding years of training in an effort to get to Susan and Harry.
"Amelia, stop!" roared Shack. "You don't know what's behind there. I'll go first, Tonks you follow me, Boss you're behind her. Ready?"
Kingsley slowly opened the door and snuck a peek. "Damn!" he said as he quickly withdrew his head.
"What?" asked Tonks and Amelia.
"Cerberus." he said.
"Oh, it's probably Fluffy, that's Hagrid's dog. Just conjure something to play music and it will put the thing to sleep. Big boy's all bark anyhow." said Pomona as she drew her wand. Flabbergasted, the three Aurors watched the 'Puff Head of House walk into the room.
"Come in," she said a couple of minutes later. "Just be quiet and we'll be fine. Somebody left a radio behind, it just ran out of magic to power it."
"Trapdoor." said Tonks as she pointed at the floor.
"Hang on." said Pomona. "My puzzle should be next; Devil's Snare." she cast the light charm and illuminated the tunnel below them. "Someone killed my plant!" she said through clenched teeth.
"Pommie, worry about that later; Susan, Hermione, and Harry, remember?" implored Amelia.
All four jumped through the hole, incanting the 'arresto momentum' spell. They landed and started toward the next door. All were again surprised by the puzzle before them.
"Who exactly is this supposed to stop?" wondered Tonks aloud. "Besides, the next door is already open."
"Later, Tonks, we'll figure this all out later. Move out."
"Yes, Boss." said Tonks as she took the lead and made toward the door. "Hermione, Neville!"
"Tonks, oh thank god! Go help Harry and Susan, they went that way. The three Gryffindors that got suspended kidnapped me to help them get through these puzzles and took Susan too when she tried to stop them." cried Hermione.
"Auntie Amelia, Harry took off through that door. He said Susan was close." added Neville. "This boy, Seamus, got hit in the shoulder with one of those flying keys. I think he's just passed out, but the key is in there pretty deep and he's still bleeding pretty badly."
"Pomona, stick with the kids, Tonks and Shack with me!"
"Oh hell no, I'm coming too!" roared Neville in defiance.
"Heir Longbottom, as Director of the DMLE I am ordering you to stand down and remain here."
"I'm sorry, Director Bones, but I cannot follow that order. Lord Potter is friend and brother. I am Longbottom, where Potter goes so does Longbottom!" said Neville to the astonishment of all. He turned and raced toward the next room.
"Dammit! Let's go!" shouted Amelia as she and her companions gave chase.
OoOOooOOoo
"NO!" roared the voice of both Voldemort and Quirrell. "What have you done you stupid boy?"
"Protected my family." said Harry, voice filled with conviction.
"Your girl shall pay! Kill the girl! Kill them both!"
Professor Quirrell, with a bellow of rage and urged on by his Master, rushed across the room, intent on reaching the cowering redheaded girl. Harry stood in his way.
"You will not harm her." Harry said intently.
The charging DADA professor was unconcerned by the child standing before him, forgetting that this child had just blasted him across the room without need for his wand. Reaching out to choke the boy, spittle coating his smile, he grabbed Harry by the throat and began to squeeze. The bravery on the boy's face was not something Quirrell would have expected from en eleven year old whose throat he had enveloped. It took him a minute to realize that his hands were burning. With a squeal of pain, Quirrell quickly removed his hands.
"Do it, Quirinus, or face my wrath!" intoned a hissing Voldemort.
"Master, it burns!" cried the professor.
Harry quickly went on the attack and reaching out both hands, placed them on the face of the wailing professor. Harry saw that the professor's hands had burned away to ash leaving nothing more than two stumps and the man was slowly losing the rest of his arms as well.
The sight of his missing hands was nothing compared to the excruciating pain he was feeling on his face. Feeling as though he'd been dipped in molten lead, Professor Quirrell yelled in agony. As the blackness approached, he was thankful that death meant the pain would cease. With a last trembling keen what was left of the professor turned into dust.
Harry stood there in utter shock, his eyes going from his hands to the pile of ash before him. He was overcome with remorse, feeling the guilt starting to overwhelm him at the death of the professor, a death that he had caused. And just when he thought he would fall to the despair a warm feeling of love and hope filled him.
Susan lay prone and helpless on the floor, overcome with horror at the scene being played out before her. Reprimanding herself for her weakness, she stood to offer Harry some assistance. When Quirrell had charged her she wasn't at all surprised that he had interposed himself between the charging professor and herself. The cry of pain from Quirrell shocked her, as did the sight of the man turning into dust before her eyes. She was overcome by feelings of shame and guilt that sprung from Harry as he stared at his hands. Doing the only thing she could think of, she rushed to his side and grabbed his hand in hers, forcing all the love and affection she could through this simple act.
When Harry turned to look at her, she could see in his eyes the guilt he felt. "This is not your fault, Harry. He was trying to kill me; he was trying to kill you."
Harry was surprised by the gentle breeze he felt. Odd, he thought, considering the sealed room they were in. When Susan gasped, he turned to where she was looking and was surprised to see the black cloud that seemed to be growing in size and coming out of the ash pile that was once Quirrell. He quickly forced Susan behind him, trying to protect her from whatever the smoke was. The cloud took on a vaguely human shape, its face contorting into a shrill scream. Harry realized that it was some sort of spirit, a spirit whose face resembled that of Voldemort. Realizing that he might soon be attacked, Harry pushed Susan away with a not so gentle push. The cloud seemed to solidify for an instant before it charged at Harry. Crying out in pain, Harry felt the evil presence pass through his body; his last thought before succumbing to the darkness was hoping that Susan was okay.
OoOOooOOoo
Amelia knelt beside the body, a look of sorrow on her face at the sight of one so young having lost his life. She looked toward the fiery wall. "Shack, any ideas how to get through that?"
"A flame freezing spell should do it. The potions that we have here are, well, not something that should be left out in the open. Half of them are poison, the other half useless for trying to get through." he said, as he picked up a tiny bottle. "If I had to guess, this one was the one that got Harry through."
"Okay, cast it and you and I will go through. Neville, you will stay here, do you understand me? I know you need to be helping Harry, but you will stay here." Neville looked as he was ready to jump down her throat, until he caught the look of determination on her face. "I'll not let him fall, you got me? Me, Shack and Tonks will be there with him, okay?"
Shack began his incantation, waving his wand at the wall of fire. As he released his spell, the flames seemed to slow, their color faded from their natural red and orange into a light blue color. With a nod to his boss, he walked through the flames. Steeling herself and hoping that what they found beyond the flame wall was a safe and healthy pair of kids, she stepped through the conflagration followed by a stern looking Tonks.
Her heart fluttered briefly in fear, as she had not yet seen her kids. Shack, standing before her, moved to the side allowing her to see beyond the large man and spot Susan and Harry standing hand in hand. She was once again startled at the look of absolute love that each was giving the other. She almost didn't notice the dark shape that had formed before them, caught up as she was in observing the two, until that is she saw Harry forcefully push Susan behind him.
The cloud seemed to coalesce into something loosely humanoid. The face took on features that she recognized, features that she hoped she'd never see again. The inhuman wail the cloud let out almost froze her blood until the shape started heading toward Harry at speed. She saw Harry place his arms before him in defense, but the gesture was futile as the cloud passed through him. He tumbled backwards and landed heavily upon the stone floor.
What frightened her even more was the second cloud that appeared, seemingly coming from the wound in Harry's forehead. That misshapen cloud appeared to merge with the other cloud before passing through one of the walls and disappearing from sight. The awful cry from her niece had Amelia once again in the present as she raced toward her and her intended.
"Harry." cried Susan as she gently lifted his head and placed it on her lap. "Don't leave me Harry, please don't leave me."
"Tonks, get Poppy down here as quickly as you can. Susan, look at me. Susan!" she insisted. "He's fine, it looks like he just passed out, is all. He hit his head pretty hard against the floor too."
"Why is it always him, Auntie? Why is he the one that has to face all this?" she cried as she placed her forehead against Harry's.
"I don't know Sue, but you can bet I'm going to get to the bottom of this!" she promised. "Can you sense him?"
The young girl nodded, "He's okay, happy even. He saved me and that's all that he cared about. I'm going to yell at him for a bit when he wakes up though for placing his life in danger like this."
"Do you really think your boyfriend would have really stood back while you were in danger?" she asked.
"No, of course not, but I'm still going to yell at him. Not a lot, just a little. Merlin, Hermione, Auntie we have to help Hermione!"
"She's fine Sue, just a broken ankle. I just hope she sticks around Hogwarts, she's been in as much danger here as Harry has, and I'm not sure her parents will let that stand."
"Well, we'll see what we can do to help her out, if we need to."
"Amelia?" asked Professor Dumbledore as he and Professor McGonagall passed through the fiery wall.
"Headmaster, Minerva...I see that you've finally deigned to join us." she said acidly.
"Later, Amelia, for now let us tend to Lord Potter and your niece. Miss Granger and Mr. Finnegan are already on their way to the infirmary. I will leave poor Mr. Thomas in yours and the DMLE's hands." he cast a glance at Harry and Susan before his eyes widened at the sight of the broken mirror. "Miss Bones, I imagine you have quite a story to tell us?"
Susan ignored him; her only focus was the young boy whose head now lay on her lap. Intermittent teardrops stained Harry's face as they fell from her watery eyes. "Harry first; story later."
"As you wish Miss Bones; Minerva, would you mind making is a stretcher, I believe our young Lord would be more comfortable on that than he is now. A call has been placed to Lord Black and Dame Longbottom, with any luck they will already be waiting for us in the infirmary."
Amelia nodded at the insufferable old man, "Very well, Headmaster. Shack, call for back-up please, get me a detail of Aurors into the castle to begin an investigation. Tonks, sorry, but I'm going to need you to stay with Mr. Thomas until the investigative detail gets here. I'll be back down in a bit, as soon as I see Susan and Harry are okay."
"Yes, Boss." said the two Aurors.
OoOOooOOoo
"Poppy, how is my godson?" asked a worried Sirius.
"He's well, Sirius, magically exhausted for some reason. Susan said he hadn't been casting that much..."she pondered. "As it is, he should be up and about tomorrow morning, early afternoon at the latest."
"Thank you. He's always saying how well you take care of him, so thank you." he told her sincerely.
"As reckless as the boy seems to be, I have a feeling I'll be seeing him a lot more over the coming years. You'll do me a favor and talk to him? Let's see if we minimize this necessity he seems to have to come visit me every few weeks."
Sirius chuckled, "I don't know, he seems to be like James in those instances, I'll see what I can do to bring out more of the Lily in him."
"Don't you dare change a thing, Sirius Black. That boy is just fine the way he is." said Amelia as she grabbed his arm. "Poppy, the boy and Miss Granger?"
"They're both fine. I imagine Hermione will be let out sometime in the morning as well. Mr. Finnegan will remain an extra day. His parents will have to come get him as he'll miss the Express. You'll both excuse me? I've other patients to attend to." she gave them both a nod and ambled away to look after her other patients.
"They look peaceful, don't they?" asked Sirius as he watched his godson and Susan sleeping. No one seemed to mind that they were both sharing the same bed. It just seemed natural.
"It's overwhelming sometimes..."
"Ami?"
She took a deep breath, "they faced Voldemort, Sirius! Voldemort! And Harry won. An eleven year old kid stood up to the darkest wizard of the last hundred years and came away with a bump on his head. He could have been killed; Susan could've been killed..."
"But why is the question I want answered. A professor, in Hogwarts, possessed by Voldemort, teaching?" he said in anger. "You and Augie might have had a good point in thinking about taking our kids out of this place."
"I think they'd resent us if we do. Despite the fair amount of danger all four...five now if you count Hermione, have been in, the truly do love this place." she said with a resigned look.
"You know, way back when, it was me and James and Remus, Peter too I suppose, who came to this school intent on changing the world. The greatest wizard alive was our headmaster. The world seemed so full of possibilities and despite the mischief the four of us got up to, we really thought that the world could be a better place. How wrong we were." he said with regret. "But I look at my godson and his friends and I know that the dreams of the Marauders will not be just that with them. They will not settle for anything less than achieving their dreams, unformed though they are at this age. Harry is the leader that James was. Neville is the heart of the group, much like I like to think I was. Hannah and Hermione are facets of Remus who was our soul; intelligent, sharp, insightful, and wickedly humorous as in Hannah's case."
"And my Susan, she's Lily isn't she?"
"Hmmm...yes, I suppose in some ways she is. Lily was what James needed, he what she needed. Harry needs her in his life, just as she needs him in hers." he said thoughtfully.
"Susan has mentioned on more than one occasion that she's felt safe ever since Harry has come into her life." Sirius chuckled and Amelia rolled her eyes. "Yes, regardless of their propensity for getting into trouble. She knows that he'd sacrifice himself for her."
"And that's why he needs her. The love and devotion she has shown him was and is what he needs; someone whose loyalty will be unwavering despite insurmountable odds or danger. She will hopefully curb his need to go charging 'where angels fear to tread'." he said.
"Come love, they'll be alright and we have a headmaster to beat the crap out of. I think we just let Augie lead the charge, what do you think?"
"Once she gets a head of steam Merlin help anyone who gets in the way of the Dame Longbottom!"
"My thoughts exactly, love. I think Fudge has invited himself over as well. He seems to think that if he ingratiates himself to you and Augie he might be able to keep his job for a bit longer. Shack will be there too as DMLE representative. It might look odd if I preside over an investigation in which a family member was involved."
"Nym?"
"Don't worry, I'll get her to watch guard over our kids." she cast a glance at the bed where her kids were resting and sighed.
"Why the sigh, dear?"
"Is it weird that I'm not angry that my niece is in bed with a boy?"
"Not at all, although I thought Poppy might throw a hissy fit when she saw them like that." he said with a grin. "Besides, with the silly grins they're both wearing, I doubt very much that you'd be able to separate them. It also helps if you think of them as already married, that's what's working for me."
"I suppose we do have a few years before we have to worry. You know, it's going to be you that will have to give Harry the 'talk'. "she said with an evil grin.
"Don't remind me, please, don't remind me. I might just pawn that one off on Moony. C'mon, let's get to the Headmaster, I feel the need to vent and offer violence. Coming?"
"It's a good thing I love you, you know? I could arrest you for saying things like that."
"Ooh, you promise? I love those handcuffs!"
"Sirius!"
OoOOooOOoo
"How's he doing?" asked a worried Hannah. "Oh, and here, I brought you something to eat."
"Thanks, Han. He's fine, really, he was just really exhausted. That thing that attacked him drained him magically somehow. I don't really understand it." she said between mouthfuls of the sandwich her friend had brought her.
"Are you going to yell at him? He probably scared the crap out of you again."
"Had you asked me that yesterday, I would have told you that I was totally going to give him a piece of my mind. Today after being able to think about it for a bit, no, I don't think I'm going to." Susan said as she considered her words. "Everything I like about him, everything that makes him who he is, all those things that are Harry, I couldn't change any of that. I'd never want him to change. He needs to be the hero, not because he wants to put himself out there or for fame or glory or any of that nonsense. He needs to be the hero because it's just who he is. He sees something broken, he fixes it; he sees someone who needs help, he helps them. Hermione and I were in danger, he rescued us."
"You've changed." Hannah said simply.
"I have? Really?"
"It's a good thing, Sue, really it is. Before Harry you were a shy and introverted, self-conscious sometimes too. Since Harry though, you've become more talkative and enthusiastic. You put yourself out there more, insistent that people listen to your ideas and opinions."
"I hadn't really noticed. I guess love can do that to you though, I suppose, I need to be the best I can be for Harry. I imagine he's changed as well, trying to be the Harry he can be." Susan said.
"Love, Susan?"
Susan blushed a little, something that surprised her since she hadn't really done that in a while. "Yeah, Han, love. I love that boy over there, and I know without any doubt in my mind that he loves me. We're going to be together for the rest of our lives and I'm okay with that. I need Harry, Harry needs me. It's quite simple really, though I hadn't really put those thoughts into words before."
"You realize we're twelve, right? How come we sound like eighteen year olds?"
"It is strange, isn't it? You and I should be gossiping and talking about boys and doing all those girly things that all the other girls our age are doing. But we're not. And if you think about it, neither are the boys. Neville and Harry are training hard with Master Bode. Gran Longbottom is training them both hard with all the Head of House stuff. Even Hermione has showed more maturity. Don't get me wrong, she's a thirty year old trapped in a twelve year old body, but she seems to have lost some of that know-it-all that everyone in Gryffindor was complaining about." she explained.
"It's Harry, isn't it?" Hannah asked.
"What do you mean?"
"Well, he seems to be, I don't know, destined or fated to be someone of importance in our world. He may not know it, but the people around him can sense it. I'm just afraid to get left behind." she griped.
"Why would you ever get left behind? He thinks of you as a sister, you know? And despite Harry, there is no one closer to me than you, and I'll never give you up. And Neville, well, that's something completely different and I don't think he's ever getting rid of you." she said with a smile.
"You're right, I'm sorry for complaining. I guess I still feel bad that you had to go through that and I that I wasn't there to go through it with you. Is it true, Sue, was it Vo...He-who-must..."
"Voldemort, Hannah, just say his name. Harry and Auntie were right; it's no use being afraid of a name. But yeah, it was him. And my Harry stood in front of that evil git and blasted him across the room."
"Wow, you get all the cool adventures."
"It was not cool. It was terrifying. And it was most certainly not an adventure. I've never been so scared in my life."
"Yeah, but your boyfriend was there, and it's not like he would have ever let anything happen to you. I'm going to go check on Hermi, she'll probably be let go soon. You'll be alright for a bit?"
"Yeah, go, I'll be fine. Harry's just about to wake up." Susan said as she stood and made her way to Harry's side.
Hannah raised an eyebrow, questioning. "How can you tell he's about to wake up?"
"Don't know, just do." Susan answered in a distracted voice as she grabbed Harry's hand. She smiled down at him, rejoicing at just being able to touch him. She brushed his fringe aside, noticing the fading of his scar. Looking at it more closely, she was surprised to see that it had almost completely faded. It was no longer a harsh red scar, but rather had mellowed into a light pink that almost blended in to his skin making almost invisible. Something to look into, she thought.
"Susan!" was the first word out of his mouth. She smiled at him brightly.
"Here, luv, I'm right here." she said softly to him. He looked out of it, his eyes not really focusing, but when he felt her hand in his and felt her run her hand through his hair, the look became one of relief.
"Uhg." he moaned. "What the hell was that that hit me?"
"It was Voldemort. He possessed Quirrell, attacked you."
"Okay, from here on out what say we don't fight spirits, okay?"
"Sure thing, Harry, whatever you say." she said with smile. "But trolls are okay?"
"Are you making fun of me? I'm lying here injured and you're making fun of me? See if I save you next time you're in mortal danger!" he teased. Harry's face took on a serious mien that startled Susan. "I was so worried. I was so scared for you. I don't know what I'd do if something had hap..."
"Nothing happened to me, Harry. We both made it of there in one piece. Look at me Harry," she said grabbing his face, "something seems to always be happening around you. I'm not going anywhere, you and me always. I know that if you are there for me I am safe and protected. Nothing will ever take me from your side."
She could still see the look of worry on his face.
OoOOooOOoo
The aged headmaster sat in his ivory tower wondering how things could go so wrong. The school board had just informed him that he'd been put on probation until such time as he had demonstrated concern regarding the safety of the children in his care. Had he really put his concern for the children under his care in second place over his fear of a possible return of Tom? In the quiet of his office, he agreed that he had. His school had deteriorated to such a state that the Houses were separated by fear, bigotry, class, and blood, and he was also very much ashamed that he probably had a hand in promoting such beliefs. A child had been murdered in his school and his first thought wasn't regret or guilt about that act, but rather satisfaction that his theory regarding the return of Tom Riddle had proved correct. Satisfaction! What kind of beast had he become?
And with that in my mind, he took a good hard look at himself and his methods. The supposed leader of the light had tinges a grey and black on his soul.
And with that in mind, he hoped to turn over a new leaf with regards to the giving of punishments at his school. He'd long held the belief that everyone could be redeemed, that everyone should be given a second chance. He never once thought about the repercussions such ideology could produce. How many times had people to whom he'd given a second chance edged closer to the Dark and perpetrated again and again the same actions?
"What say you Fawkes, should we do the job we were intended to do rather than the job I thought I should do?" asked Albus of his phoenix. The exuberant trill of the magnificent bird was all he needed to hear, knowing in his heart and soul that the new course he'd set for himself was the correct one.
OoOOooOOoo
"Before you all start attacking me and accusing me of...well, everything, would it be alright if I offer some explanations?"
"What possible defense or explanation could you have for allowing Voldemort into school? For Merlin's sake Albus, he's been teaching students for almost a year!" roared the Dame Longbottom. "I hate to think of the kinds of favors you had to call in to retain you position, but be warned, I will not tolerate you putting a single child in this school in danger again."
"Dame Longbottom, it has come to my attention that I have been more than negligent with my school. I know you'll only believe it when you see it, but I give you my word that from here on out my only reason for living will be to once again bring Hogwarts into its full glory. Yes I have been, through the smallest of margins, able to keep my post as Headmaster. A position I will retain with several caveats from the board of governors, all of which I intend to follow to the letter. Firstly, Amelia, you mentioned after the troll incident about the wards. It was with that in mind that I took it upon myself to investigate. It turns out that you were right; the wards have been weakened severely over the last fifty years or so. This can account for some of the things happening in the school that I was not aware of. Granted, I am the Headmaster and as such all responsibility lands on me." he said dejectedly.
"What has been the problem with the wards, Headmaster?" asked Amelia.
"At its most basic, negligence."
"Headmaster?"
"I never really paid attention to the wards, Amelia. Oh sure, I could tell when someone crossed the boundary line or came with intent to harm, or things of that nature. But I never had any indication of some of the more obscure abilities that the Hogwarts wards provide. Detecting dark items, alerting me to injured students, things of that nature were never brought to my attention. Now though, since the events of last evening, the wards have been 'reawakened' I suppose you could say. It's an odd sensation really, I can actually feel the castle and its magic. For instance, I know that Harry just woke up and is in the capable hands of Miss Bones." he said.
"Is he alright?" asked Sirius with some worry.
"He's well, Sirius, tired but unharmed." Albus took in a great sigh and considered his choice regarding the disclosure of some of the information he'd gathered since the demise of Tom. "In the interest of full disclosure, I wish to offer you all some explanations as regards our young Lord Potter. Information and theories I have regarding a certain Dark Lord that made his appearance last night and why I think Harry is integral to what will happen in the future."
"What the hell does Harry have to do with any of this, Albus?" asked Augusta angrily.
"I had occasion, many years ago, to be interviewing a potential employee for the position of Professor of Divination. I had already decided to not make her an offer when to my great surprise she actually uttered a true prophecy." Albus started.
"Bullshit! Trelawney is a fraud." countered Amelia.
"True, however, I believe that the words she uttered that night are indeed a true prophecy. Sirius, haven't you ever wondered why James and Lily went into hiding? One of the reasons was because of the prophecy I have mentioned."
"What does the prophecy say, Albus?" asked Sirius with. Albus pulled a parchment from his desk, and with a wave of his wand replicated it. He handed a copy each to Sirius, Augusta, and Amelia and patiently waited for them to read.
"Harry?" asked Sirius with worry.
"Neville?" asked Augusta with a tinge of fear in her voice.
"Augusta, I don't believe Neville is he that is mentioned in the prophecy. You picked that up quickly; it took me a couple of days to figure out that Neville might also fit into the prophecy. No, unfortunately, it is Harry that I believe is the instrument of this prophecy." said Albus. "It was for this reason that we urged Frank and Alice to hide away, the reason that James and Lily hid themselves at Godric's Hollow."
"His scar, Albus, is it his scar that is mentioned as him being 'marked'?" asked Sirius. Albus nodded his head.
"You think Voldemort left his mark on Harry the night he attacked the Potters?" wondered Augusta.
"I do, one of the reasons I had asked Poppy to investigate in further detail his scar." responded Albus.
"What are you implying, Albus? That on top of the Avada Kadavra he left, what, a curse or something behind?"
"No, not a curse, something infinitely more sinister I'm afraid."
"Oh, for Merlin's sake Albus, would you get to the point already without the repartee!" chided Augusta.
"The night of the attack, Voldemort killed both the Lord and Lady Potter. That is fact. He cast the killing curse at Harry, also fact. The curse, and I don't know how or why, rebounded off of Harry and struck Voldemort. Thus, ended that particular reign of Voldemort; I think though that, unintentionally, he left part of himself behind. A part of himself that attached to baby Harry and got stuck or wedged into his scar; a piece of his soul, I do believe."
"Let me see if I understand this, are you saying that Harry is carrying around a piece of that sick bastard in his head?" yelled Sirius.
"Yes." answered Albus simply. "A piece of his soul attached itself to Harry and Harry has been carrying it around ever since."
"Well get it the fuck out him!" said Sirius as he practically foamed from the mouth.
"It is already out of him, Sirius. Somehow, his encounter last night seems to have dislodged the piece that was in his scar. Poppy reports that the scar has shrunk a bit and that the color has changed. It's like it is hardly even there anymore. If that's the case, then that means that that soul piece is out him and not damaging or affecting him in any way."
A large sigh of relief came from Harry's family. "So, he's free of it?"
"Yes, I believe he is..." replied Albus.
"But...?" asked Amelia. "Come on Albus, spill it already. What could be worse than having Voldemort stuck in your head?"
"I think, knowing a bit about Voldemort, that he would never create just one of those vile things. I'm theorizing that he created several of these anchors."
"How many, Albus?" asked Amelia.
"I don't know," he said with a sigh, "I've always thought, as do many in the magical world, that seven is a mystical number."
"So you think he's got more than the one in himself and the one that just left Harry?"
"Correct, so if we assume he made seven and we destroyed the one in Harry, then we can guess that he's got six more."
"Albus, this line in the prophecy, does it mean what I think it means, that one of them must die for the other one to survive? Harry has to face off with that monster and either kill him or be killed by him?" asked a frightened Sirius.
"Unfortunately, yes Sirius, that is exactly what I think it means."
"Well bugger that, I'm going to go get him now and flee England. Ami, Augusta, you and your kids are more than welcome to join us. Harry, Moony, and I are getting the hell out of this place!"
"He won't go, Sirius." said Amelia.
"I agree with Ami, Sirius, Harry will not leave the country. And I'd like to see you try to separate him from his friends. Merlin help you if you even suggest he leave Susan." added Augusta.
"Well, he doesn't really get a say in the matter, does he? I'm his guardian and godfather, he'll do what I tell him to do!" he yelled.
Amelia and Augusta shared a look. It was Augusta who laughed first, followed closely by Amelia.
"What's so damn funny?" he asked dangerously.
"I'm just imagining Harry's reaction when you tell him he has to leave because you said so." chuckled Augusta. "Neville won't leave his side. Hannah won't leave his side. I don't know Hermione very well, but I can pretty much assume that the case will be the same for her. And as for Susan, well, I think you'd have better luck trying to get a niffler to drop a gold coin than see her more than an arm's length from her boyfriend."
Sirius shrunk back in defeat. "What do I do? I can't lose him Ami; it would end me if I lost him. And I'm not giving you up for anything. I've been parted from you for far too long and I won't let that happen again."
"Something you wish to share, Sirius? I hadn't realized you and Madam Bones knew each other." asked Dumbledore.
"Damn! Sorry, Ami, I didn't mean to vent and spill."
"It's alright, dear, I think we can slowly start giving the Headmaster a little trust. Sirius and I have been engaged for a long time, Albus. His exoneration is giving us a chance to be together again. I know the news will come out eventually, but I hope we can trust you with that information for a while, at least until we two are ready to come out to the world." said Amelia.
"I will do as you ask, of course. And congratulations, if I may."
"Well, if we're staying in England, then I am damn sure going to make Harry train and train until he can't train anymore. If he's going to face the Dark Bastard, he's going to have every weapon at his disposal that I can come up with."
"Better add Neville and the girls to your training, Sirius. As close as they are, they'll not forsake each other, even with the danger that they'd be facing." proclaimed Augusta.
"Well...shit!" said Sirius eloquently.
OoOOooOOoo
"Can you believe the year we had?" she asked.
"No, it seems like a dream sometimes, you know?"
Susan was currently in Harry's arms, they'd taken to walking the lake at Alder Glen, and as they watched the sun set had wandered over and taken a seat by an ancient alder tree. With her back pressed up against his chest, she took in the marvelous view before her. She sighed contentedly, feeling safe and warm, wrapped in his arms.
"It's beautiful here." she told him. He squeezed her tightly. "What is it sweetie?"
"Nothing really, it's just...well, it's just that I'm happy. Nothing more than that." he replied. "We should head up to the house, I'm sure Michael is about to have dinner ready soon."
Pouting a little at having to leave her comfortable position, she rose slowly and offered him her hand. He gave her a dazzling smile as he took her hand. "We've got all summer to come down here, Sue."
He placed an arm around her shoulders as he gently guided back toward the manor. She wrapped her arm around his waist and pulled him in closer. She could feel the sense of remorse that flowed from him and was trying with her touch to draw him out of any impending bad mood.
"It's not your fault, Harry. They boy was murdered, nothing you could've done would have prevented that from happening." she said.
"If I could've only..."
"No, Harry, there was absolutely nothing you could've done! You came for me, you stood up against that monster, and you beat him." she told him.
He sighed and nodded. "I'm trying. Besides, I've got you to kick my butt if I get like this, right?"
"And don't you forget it." she said, placing a kiss on his cheek. "C'mon, I'm getting hungry now."
"I'm glad you're moving in. I don't think I would do well on my own without you close by."
"And Neville and Gran will be moving in too once they settle things at their home. Hannah and Hermione will floo in everyday once we start lessons with Master Bode and Sirius promised my Auntie that he'd take us all to Greece or Italy for a couple of weeks."
Harry chuckled, "I thought Sirius and Aunt Ami were going to die of embarrassment trying to explain their living arrangements to us. I thought Uncle Moony was going to hurt himself trying to hold in the laughter."
"They're engaged, so I see no problem with how they spend their nights. They'll have their wedding next summer. Aren't you happy for them?"
"Beyond happy, Susan. Sirius and I have talked about his time in Azkaban. It's not pretty, what he went through. But having Aunt Ami in his life is helping him." he replied.
"Did you talk to him about the Dursley's?"
"I'm trying, really I am. It's hard. It brings up things I'd rather not remember."
"I know, sweetie." she sent feelings of love through her bond.
"Sue...?"
"Yes?" she asked, stopping their walk and looking up at him. She could feel nervousness coming from him, a hesitation to speak his mind. "You can tell me anything, Harry."
"I know; it's just hard for me sometimes. Talking about feelings was not something I ever did in my former life. I have a hard time saying things sometimes. And I don't want to get this wrong." he said with downcast eyes.
"Look at me Harry, and just tell me." she implored.
"I love you, Susan Bones." he said as he stared into her eyes.
"What?" she gasped.
"I met you ten months ago, just a frightened kid out for the first time in a strange world. And then I met you. The pretty girl with the red hair who became friends with me, who gave me my first hug, who held my hand and guided me in this new world that I'd just entered. And the more that frightened kid came to know you, the more he gained in courage and confidence. You're everything to me, Susan. I just thought I needed to tell you that; I love you."
"Harry, I love you too." she said, looking deeply into his eyes. "You're everything to me also."
"Really?" he asked in a whisper.
"Really." she answered. She giggled at the goofy grin he gave her. Slowly, she placed a hand on his neck and drew him towards her. She thought she was going to melt as soon as his lips touched hers. The depth of his feelings for her, despite their connection, was easily felt through this kiss.
It was a smiling Michael who found them, embraced in a sweet kiss that even a non-human like he could understand. He saw the magic swirling around them and was amazed at its power. "I hope you're seeing this, Lady Lily." he whispered.
On a balcony overlooking the grounds, Sirius was looking toward the horizon, a look of worry on his face.
"Siri, love, you up here? Michael says dinner is ready."
"Over here, Ami, on the balcony." he replied.
She ambled up to him and kissed him tenderly. "We'll get through this, you know that right? All the adults in this family will do everything in their power to see the kids survive."
"I know, I know, it's just so...infuriating. The kids are twelve, Ami, how could they possibly stand up to that murdering son of a bitch?"
"Somehow they will. Somehow we will. All of us, together, will do all we have to do to survive what's headed our way."
"I wish I had your confidence." he said.
"You do, you just have to take a leap of faith that we can handle it all as long as we're all together. Look, there's Susan and Harry coming right now."
"Where? Oh, you're right. Guess we should head down to the dining room. Shall we?" he asked as he offered her his arm.
"Shh, hold on, I want to see this." she said quietly.
"Ami, we are not going to spy on them!" he said hotly.
"Says you; Susan has been teasing me incessantly since we told them we're sleeping in the same room. I need ammunition to counter that."
"Actually, that's brilliant. Harry hasn't said anything, but you could tell from the look on his face that he did. You're right, we need ammunition."
"Would you shush? They'll hear us!" she whispered. The adult quieted and watch with amusement as Susan drew Harry in for a kiss.
"Are they glowing?" asked Sirius.
"So it's not just me that's seeing that?" she asked.
"No, it's not just you. They're actually glowing. For the love of Merlin, can those two not do anything normally? Even when they kiss it's a freaking event!"
"It's beautiful. Look at them, Sirius. Just look at them."
"You think they'll come up for air anytime soon?" he asked.
"Aren't you just a damn romantic? Come on, let's let them be. Michael will see that they don't lose consciousness due to lack of air."
"We really need to find Lily's research, don't we?"
"Yup, we surely do."
OoOOooOOoo
A/N
So there, part one complete, I think. I'll start year two soon, I just want to work on my neglected story 'fifth house' for a bit before I do that, though.