"It's perfect." Susan said as she looked at the house set on small hill.
"Oh yes." Amelia agreed. "This is much nicer."
Harry nodded his agreement and the three of them walked up the path and stepped into the cottage to look around. This was the second of two houses they had to look out that day. The first had been in Brighton, and was disgusting, and eerie. It was caked with filth, and They had sworn they smelled something rotting, though they couldn't find the source. Harry didn't even want to ask poor Dobby to attempt to clean it.
But this house was bright, and cheery and just beautiful. It was remote, and surrounded by woods. It looked like something out of a story book to Harry. He couldn't believe that Sirius had once lived here. It just didn't seem his style, though Harry confessed he didn't really know his godfather's style.
When they entered the house, they were unsurprised to find it stuffy and everything covered with dust, but there was no rotting smell. All the furniture was covered with sheets, and the windows had the curtains closed.
It was smaller than Susan's former house, but it was very comfortable feeling. Susan was the first to check out the upstairs where she noted four bedrooms and two bathrooms. One in the master suite, which she thought would belong to Harry, and then a hall bathroom. She would miss having her own bathroom, but she also knew this was temporary. Going into one of the bedrooms, she opened the curtains and saw that while there was no pool, there was a nice looking stream only a small ways from the back door of the house. There was also a very nice looking deck where Susan thought they could have a cook out.
The redhead went back downstairs to find that Harry had already called on Dobby, and was giving him orders to carry out. Susan thought it was adorable how Dobby nodded emphatically as Harry spoke, showing he understood his new master's orders.
Dobby disappeared with a crack and Susan's Aunt looked towards her niece.
"It appears we will be staying here for the rest of the summer, if it's ok with you." Amelia said, and Susan grinned as she nodded, but it faded quickly.
"Are you alright?" Harry asked.
"Yeah. It's just… seeing Dobby, I missed Emy."
"She was a wonderful little elf." Amelia said sadly. "I honestly don't know how we'll get along with out her."
"I'm really sorry." Harry said, and Amelia gave him a look that told him they were not going to have that conversation again. Harry shrank back, and then suddenly brightened.
"Hang on. I think I know of an elf that might be in serious need of a family to serve. She got freed by Barty Crouch when he was trying to cover up his son's escape at the World cup, and she's been miserable ever since." Harry said quickly. "She's wasting away on Butterbeer."
"Oh my god!" Susan said, her hand going to her mouth in horror.
"Barty Crouch's elf?" Amelia asked. "You mean Blinky?"
"Winky." Harry corrected. "Yeah. I mean, I'm not trying to replace Emy, or anything, but if you need help...and I know she really wants to be serving a family again. She's so miserable, and if what Dobby told me is true, she's going to die without a family."
"It is true that house elves lose their magic if they aren't bonded to a family, but it takes a fair number of years before their magic to disappear completely. But if she's drinking as much as you say, then she might be trying to kill herself." Amelia said contemplatively.
"We can't let her do that. Can we help her?" Susan asked.
"We do need a house elf." Amelia said. "And It isn't often that one is just available."
There was a crack from upstairs, and Harry looked up. He heard the heavy clunk of a trunk being set down, and he called up to Dobby, who came racing downstairs, eager to please his new master.
"Master Harry is calling for Dobby?"
"What have I told you about the master business?" Harry said, with a wry smile. Dobby shrank back a tad, but he gave an embarrassed smile.
"Dobby is to be calling you Harry at all times." Dobby squeaked as he shuffled his feet, and Harry smiled.
"Dobby, how is Winky doing these days?" Harry asked
Dobby's bat like ears sank as he shook his head. "Winky is not doing very well at all. Dobby is afraid that Winky is so heartbroken that she wishes to be finished with her life, and it is breaking Dobby's heart."
"Dobby." Amelia said, and the little elf turned his bright green tennis ball sized eyes to look at her.
"We are in need of a house elf, and I'm curious if you think Winky would be willing to serve my family?"
Dobby's ears shot back up and his eyes got bigger as he smiled.
"Dobby thinks that Winky would be most overjoyed to be bonded to a new family. She is missing serving deeply."
"Would it be too much to ask of you to bring Winky here?" Amelia asked.
Dobby didn't reply. He simply disappeared with a crack.
"I guess we should pick out bedrooms while we wait for him to return." Harry smirked.
Harry didn't have to choose, as Dobby had placed Harry's things in the master bedroom. Harry wasn't upset. It was his house after all, and Harry thought he might really enjoy living here. It was peaceful. He opened all the curtains and allowed the sun to poor into his new bedroom, which was twice the size of the dorm he shared with four other boys at Hogwarts.
The bed was huge and Harry found it to be very soft as he sat down on it. Harry found that Dobby had already put all of his belongings away already, so Harry went back downstairs and through the back door onto the wooden porch. He could see a small stream not to far away, and thought it might be fun to go swimming in it. At once his mind flashed back to swimming with Susan, and having her body pressed up against his back. He thought for a moment about what in might be like to have her pressed up against his front, and then shook bis head to clear his mind before it was allowed to wander further. They had a long way to go before he felt he should be thinking like that about Susan. Then again... they were going to be married. Was it really so bad to imagine kissing her?
"This place is amazing." Susan said coming outside to join him. "Did you see the stream?"
"Yeah." Harry smiled.
"I wonder how cold it is." Susan said. "Do you think it would be a good place to swim?"
"I don't know. We'll have to find out later." Harry said.
"Why not now?" Susan asked, before grabbing Harry's hand and darting back to the door calling to her aunt they would be going down to the stream and that she'd be able to see them from the porch. It only took a few seconds before the were standing on the bank of the stream, and Susan was taking off her sandals and wading in.
"Oh!" She grimaced. "It's a bit cold, but not too bad. Come in with me, Harry."
Harry kicked off his trainers and took off his socks before he waded into the water. It was a very warm afternoon, and the water did indeed feel brisk, but it was also invigorating. The stream bed was soft, with very few rocks, and the ones he encountered were smooth and round. Susan offered her hand, and Harry took it without thinking. It was nice, and in that moment, Harry didn't have a single care in the world. He was just a teenage boy with a pretty teenage girl, enjoying a nice summer day.
"It gets deeper here, and the current is almost non existent." Susan observe red. "We'll definitely be able to swim out here.
"We'll also be able to practice magic outside. The house is surrounded completely by trees." Harry said.
"Not that there's a single soul for miles." Susan pointed out.
"Still doesn't hurt to be cautious." Harry shrugged.
"I know Auntie will feel better once all the wards are in place." Susan nodded. "I guess we should head back. Before she comes looking for us. I know she's still on edge, even though she won't say it. I can just tell."
"I can't blame her." Harry nodded.
"Thank you for taking us in, Harry. I know why you did it, and I know that you know that none of it was your fault, but thank you anyway."
Harry blushed, but he nodded and they walked back up to the house together and arrived just in time to see Amelia bonding with a very tipsy looking Winky.
"Winky is very grateful, and honored to be serving you mistress. What would you have Winky be doing first?" The elf hiccupped. She was wobbling badly on her feet and her eyes were drooping shut. Susan felt really bad as she looked at the elf's condition, yet, she couldn't help herself from giggling softly.
"Your first assignment is to get rested and sober up. I will not have my elf disgracing my house by being drunk." Amelia said sternly, though she was smiling at the little elf who nodded, and scampered off, running into a doorway with a heavy thud.
Both Harry and Susan stifled their laughter, and Amelia shook her head.
"She'll be alright in the morning." Amelia said. "In the mean time, I think we could give Dobby a hand in cleaning up this place."
The next few hours were spent removing dusty covered sheets from furniture and using their wands to clean all the years of neglect from the house. They also made a list of things they would need for the rest of the house. Dobby was sent to purchase food to fill the kitchen, which the house elf did with gusto.
However, instead of letting Dobby cook their evening meal, Harry took over the kitchen while the Bones women helped create their evening meal. Susan had never really been allowed into the kitchen because Emy would go ballistic, but she was finding that she was truly enjoying it. She didn't know if it was the actual work that she liked, or the fact that she was enjoying the company, or some combination. Susan felt that in those moments, she was getting a glimpse of what her life with Harry could be like. He was warm and sweet and funny as he talked with both the Bones women. She felt at ease and comfortable, and as they put together their supper, she just felt at peace, despite all that had befallen her in the last few weeks. In those few hours, Susan felt like she was at home.
Harry awoke in the middle of the night. He sat up, his mind still fresh from the dream he'd just had, and without warning, tears came to his eyes as he hugged his knees to his chest.
The dream had been so real to him. He could smell the grass, and feel the warmth of the breeze. Harry was fully aware he was in a dream, which seemed odd, but unlike his usual nightmares, this was rather nice.
He had heard a voice call to him, and he turned to find that he was standing on a small hill looking down to a small stream, not unlike the one behind the new house he was staying at. There beside the river was a table with a large umbrella similar to the one in Susan's back garden before the fire, and a somewhat familiar figure waving to him.
Harry walked down the hill and the man rose from his seat to greet Harry. The man smiled so warmly and he held his arms out, ready to embrace the young man. Harry couldn't stop himself as he wrapped his arms around his godfather.
"I know this is a dream, but I'm so happy to see you." Harry said when Sirius let him go again.
"I'm happy to see you as well. Sit down." Harry complied, and Sirius took his seat again.
"I really miss you." Harry said. "I could really use your help with more than a few things."
"I think you're handling things pretty well." Sirius said easily. "I don't have a lot of time, Harry. First off, I want you to know that it isn't your fault that I'm not with you anymore. You did what you felt you had to do, and that's admirable. I chose to disobey Dumbledore and come help you. I got cocky, and it was my mistake, not yours. So, I want you to let go of all the pain you're clinging to, because it isn't doing you any favors, got it?"
Harry began to protest, but Sirius held up a hand.
"I don't want to hear it, Harry. Death is part of life, and sometimes people we care about are taken away from us before we're ready to let go. But you can't keep holding on to them or your guilt, It'll turn inward, and eventually drive you mad. The best thing you can do to honor me, and your parents, is to live your life."
Harry nodded his understanding and sighed. He knew that Sirius was right. He wasn't doing himself or anyone else any good by clinging to his guilt over causing Sirius' death, and he knew that Sirius and his parents would be terribly disappointed in him if he didn't try to live a good long life.
"Good. Now on to the second thing. You need to let your walls down, and allow this girl into your life. It's imperative that you do this. She's going to provide you with things you'll need. She'll give you strength."
"What do you mean?" Harry asked, looking confused.
"You've been given a great weapon Harry, but you need to choose to use it."
"You're being really vague, Sirius." Harry said. His godfather shook his head.
"You've already got all the answers, pup. Your relatives didn't do you any favors, which is going to make things harder for you both, but you need to let her in. Let her be a part of you. Trust in her, and yourself."
"Are you telling me to fall in love with Susan?" Harry looked very puzzled, and Sirius smiled.
Sirius rose from his chair, still smiling at Harry, and began to walk towards the stream.
"Wait!" Harry said getting up and chasing after his godfather. "I don't understand what you mean! Don't go!"
"She'll help set you free, Harry. I'll tell your mother and father what an amazing young man you're turning into." Sirius said over his shoulder before becoming mist and disappearing.
Another voice spoke, mingled with rising wind as the sky in his dream darkened. A cold, emotionless voice telling Harry that he would always be alone, and that Susan could never love him. Harry thought he recognized the voice, but it was so soft, that he could barely make it out.
Another voice could be heard. A soft gentle sweet female voice that promised Harry that he was loved, and that he would always be loved.
That was when Harry awoke, overcome with a tornado of emotions, he had broken down into tears. He tried to be as quiet as he could. He didn't want to alarm Amelia or Susan, nor did he want to be found crying like a child in his bed with no clear explanation of his state.
He wasn't sure what the dream had meant, but he felt like it had his subconscious talking to him as Sirius. Deep down, Harry had always known he wasn't fully to blame for Sirius' death. He'd been lured into a trap, and Sirius had died trying to save him.
The second part of the dream was the confusing part. He couldn't make sense of it at all. How would Susan give him strength? Harry recalled the conversation he had with Susan over hot chocolate the other night when she had pointed out the power that Love could give, and he wondered how that would help him in his current situation. It was true that Voldemort hated the idea of love, and Harry knew it was as Dumbledore explained, that he didn't understand it.
But how was Susan supposed to give him strength? How was she going to set him free, and from what?
Questions without answers, that's all Harry had.
Harry wiped his eyes as his tears stopped and he settled down again. He allowed himself to think about Susan now. Clearly she was on his mind, if his dream was anything to go on. She was a very pretty girl, and Harry definitely felt attraction to her, physically speaking at any rate. But Harry was sure that any relationship based solely on physical attributes was destined for failure. Cho was proof of that.
Harry knew the answer to the problem. He'd figured it out the day Susan's house was attacked, and he'd told himself in his dream. He had to allow Susan to become part of his life. He had to allow her to become close to him the way Hermione and Ron were. He had to be more open, not just to Susan, but others as well. He needed to accept that people were going to fight at his side, no matter how he might protest. People had the right to choose for themselves, and he was an idiot if he believed that they didn't understand the risks. He wasn't the only one who'd suffered, and he wouldn't be the last.
Harry lay back onto his bed and settled into the blankets. Perhaps this is what the dream meant. Susan would help set him free from his own isolation. After all, it was a big world, just full of people. He knew he'd miss out if he didn't become more social, Right?
It was two day before Dumbledore, and Bill Weasley came to Harry's home to erect wards and protections. Bill carved a rune base stone which he placed in Harry's cellar, explaining how it would make Harry's house unplottable, as well as provide the house with a few special protections.
Dumbledore cast the Fidelius, this time making Harry the secret keeper. Harry allowed Amelia and Susan know, especially as Amelia was returning to work the next day. She had grown tired of her forced vacation and was anxious to return to the Ministry so everyone could see that not only was she alive and well, but that she was not hiding out of fear. She was ready to fight.
After Dumbledore finished his enchantments, he met with Amelia in the house while Harry and Susan were outside enjoying the weather.
"May I ask how things are going between your niece and Harry?" He asked after a few minutes of idle conversation.
"I'm not really sure, though I think they've warmed to each other. Nearly getting killed does tend to have that affect on people though." Amelia smiled.
"That it does." Dumbledore agreed, looking pleased, and disappointed all at the same time.
"You can't expect them to fall in love in just a few short weeks." Amelia said, and Dumbledore nodded.
"I know." He sighed. "And if it weren't so important, I would not even wish to urge them along, but you know our situation, Amelia. If we are to defeat Lord Voldemort..."
"I don't know what to tell you, Albus, other than to tell them what's at stake."
"And as I already told you, it would ruin any chance they possibly have of pure love. There is only one other alternative, and I do not wish to have to use that. It is cruel, and pointless."
"What is it?" Amelia asked curiously, and Dumbledore hung his head sadly.
"The only other option that could possibly destroy Lord Voldemort would require Harry to be killed by Voldemort." He said, his voice so soft to be near a whisper.
"You're out of your mind." Amelia hissed, and Dumbledore sighed wearily.
"It is not my wish to see Harry sacrificed. He is a remarkable young man, and I care too much for him for that to happen. I would sooner throw myself in front of the killing curse than to allow it to hit Harry, but it may be our only hope, should all else fail."
"You never told me this when I first came to you, Albus. What makes you think that Harry being killed could save us all?"
"You remember what I told you about Voldemort taking Harry's blood to recreate his body?"
"Yes." Amelia gave a slight nod.
"There is more to the tale."
Dumbledore then confided all he had learned from his years of research, and the answers held within the diary of Regulus Black. Amelia sat in stunned silence as Dumbledore then presented his theory about Harry's famous lightning bolt scar.
"So, you mean to tell me that Harry has a piece of him inside of him?" Amelia asked.
"I do, and it is of the utmost importance that Harry not know of this. He would at the very least, try to remove himself from our world, and I have no doubt that if he were to run, it would take a great many years to find him again. He is a very clever young man." Dumbledore said as he finally took a seat.
"He also is not dangerous to either you or your niece. The part within Harry is very small and it is my belief that all it may be capable of is suppressing Harry's true power. It is too small to actually possess Harry, and I believe it can be destroyed."
"If Susan and Harry fall in love." Amelia said, and Dumbledore nodded.
"The same magic that Harry was imbued with when Lily Potter sacrificed herself and can help to weaken Lord Voldemort, will ultimately destroy that piece of Voldemort hidden inside Harry. But, it has to be natural."
"I know." Amelia said, rubbing her temples. "How am I going to deal with all of this?"
"You asked that I, how did you put it? Level with you?" Dumbledore smiled softly. "Simply remain as you are now. Support the two of them. It is enough that they are being forced to marry, adding more weight to their burden is unfair to them both."
"They're making good progress in getting to know each other. They've been spending a lot of time together since we got here. I think it's partly because there's no one else around. That'll change when they get back to school. Their in different houses, and they have different friends."
"Ah yes." Dumbledore smiled. "I had several thoughts on that. Perhaps we can offer them a special suite they could share, not unlike what the Head Boy and Girl use. Separate bedrooms with a shared common room."
"You don't think that's giving them a bit too much freedom?" Amelia arched an eyebrow and Dumbledore laughed.
"They are young, and I have no doubt that the temptation would be there regardless of their living situation. We can only hope they will be wise in their choices, and trust that they will make the decisions that are right for them. Regardless, they are engaged to be married, and as such, we do not have much say in how they now conduct their relationship." Dumbledore steepled his fingers, smiling softly. "Though it is merely a suggestion. If you feel at the end of the summer that they need it, or can be trusted to behave themselves, we could discuss it further."
"There would be talk." Amelia stated and Dumbledore agreed.
"There is always talk. I am sure we could come up with ways to minimize the rumors and whispers. But the truth will come out on its own eventually."
"I guess I'm not ready for her to be so grown up yet,"
"Parents often aren't ready when the time comes." Dumbledore said wisely as he followed Amelia's gaze out the window to where Harry was doing his best to keep something away from Susan as they both laughed and ran in circles. Both adults smiled at the way the two teens played and laughed, completely unaware they were being watched by two pairs of concerned and hopeful eyes.
It was decided that it was too dangerous for Harry to go to the Ministry anymore. However, Amelia intended to keep her promise to Harry and said she would arranged for Tonks to come see him there at the house. Harry remembered that Moody had also offered to come help him train.
As the cellar had not yet been equipped for training, Harry, along with Susan who wished to be more prepared in case of another attack, stood outside with Tonks was explaining what they would be working on for the day. Tonks explained that one of the best weapons in an Auror's arsenal was stealth.
"A lot of fights are won with the element of surprise." Tonks said, "Being able to get the drop on your opponent can give you a big advantage. So, we're going to work on hiding and concealed pursuit. We're going to play a little game of hide and seek. I'll give you both ten minutes to hide yourself. No invisibility cloak Harry." Tonks looked pointedly at Harry, who sagged a bit.
"Off you get." Tonks said, and both Harry and Susan ran in opposite directions.
Tonks had not given them any rules to abide by other than not using the invisibility cloak. So that left glamour charms and disillusionment charms. Harry didn't know how to do disillusionment charms he realized as he ran into the nearby forest. He scrambled up a tree, thinking suddenly of the last tie he'd hidden in a tree when Aunt Marge's dog, Ripper had trapped him in a tree after Harry had stepped on the dog's tail.
Harry found a good spot where he could see Tonks coming and began to glamour himself to resemble the tree. It was a poor job he knew, but as he was not very adept at glamour charms, it would have to do.
Harry waited and watched for any sign of Tonks. He thought he'd come up with a very good hiding spot. So long as he didn't move too much, or make any noise, he might be hard to spot. Harry thought about a few tricks he could pull on Tonks if she didn't spot him right away.
Harry began to wonder where Susan had chosen to hide. He'd been having a good time with the redhead who was to become his wife one day. They'd spent the last two days just hanging out like normal teenagers, or so he had thought. As his life had been anything but normal, it was hard to determine.
Susan had helped him order his new broom, as he'd lost his Firebolt in the fire. Susan told him that he should get a new Firebolt. Despite the expense, Susan felt it was like his signature broom, and she couldn't imagine Harry riding anything else. She also made him promise to take her for a ride when the new broom arrived.
Not only that, but they also spent time working on their summer homework, and just talking. It was awkward sometimes, but most of the time it was fun. Susan turned out to be fairly easy to talk to once he got it through his head that she was no different than Hermione or Ron. Well, she was a bit different, but she was just as comfortable to be around as his other friends.
Harry heard something that made him stiffen, and he quietly looked to see if Tonks was nearby, but there was nothing to see. But Harry wasn't going to assume that he was safe. Tonks was an Auror, and he suddenly realized that she'd never said she wouldn't be easy to spot.
There was a flash, and Harry's limbs snapped to his side, and he tumbled out of the tree only to be stopped inches from the ground. He was released from the body bind spell, and then he fell the few short inches to the ground.
Tonks cancelled the disillusionment charm on herself and laughed as she helped Harry to his feet.
"Good spot." Tonks said, helping dust him off. "Not many people would look up above them, so good on you."
"How'd you find me then?" Harry asked.
"Hominus Revelio." Tonks said, which is the second part of today's lesson.
"Did you find Susan?" Harry asked as Tonks led him back towards the house.
"Oh yeah." Tonks smiled. "Her spot wasn't as inventive as yours, and she didn't use glamour charms. By the way, you should cancel those. You look like Swamp Thing."
"What?" Harry looked confused.
"Oh, don't tell me you've never seen Swamp Thing. It's the best!" Tonks gushed, looking not unlike some first and second year girls who fawned over Gilderoy Lockhart.
"I missed it." Harry said sadly, and Tonks looked aghast.
"I have much to teach you, grasshopper." Tonks laughed and Harry simply rolled his eyes. "Why not take your pretty lady to London for a movie marathon. There's a cinema that plays old movies all the time. It's a great place to snog as well."
"I don't know that we're ready for that sort of thing." Harry said, blushing madly.
"But you've thought about it." Tonks sing songed.
"I...That's...SHUT UP!" Harry stammered, his face burning crimson.
Tonks fell to her knees holding her stomach as she laughed, making Harry look up to the heavens pleading for any deity to strike him dead.
"Ah, Harry I'm only teasing. Honestly, I'd be worried you played for the other team if you didn't think about that sort of thing. Especially with a girl like Susan. When I was her age, I would have killed half the castle for a figure like she's got."
"Couldn't you just, you know... give yourself that type of thing? You know, being a metamorphmagus?" Harry asked and Tonks rolled her eyes.
"Sure, but then boys would have fallen for that, and not me. Guys would fall over themselves if they knew I could be whatever they wanted me to be. That's not to fair to me, and I didn't want to deal with that sort of thing. I want a guy to be interested in me, and not some false version of my femininity, get it?"
Harry nodded and Tonks gave him a playful shove. "It's ok to be turned on by ber looks Harry, just remember there's more to a girl than boobs and butt. From what I've observed of you, I don't think I need to worry too much about that."
"Why do you say that?" Harry asked.
Tonks gave him a sideways smirk and then rolled her eyes.
"Castle full of beautiful witches. Sharing the Gryffindor locker room with three gifted young specimens, and you're still pure. I think it takes more than just a hot body to get your attention, Harry." Tonks snickered.
"You're the third person that's made it sound like there's all kinds of shenanigans going on in the locker rooms." Harry looked at Tonks with curiosity.
"Maybe times have changed, but back when I was at Hogwarts, there was quite a few stories about what teams got up to after games. If you ever get the chance, ask Charlie Weasley about the bet he and I made about the Gryffindor Hufflepuff match."
"Why can't you tell me?" Harry asked, a smile on his face.
"A lady doesn't talk like that." Tonks said simply, and laughed at Harry's dejected expression. Before she could apologize however, her smile faded and she reached into her pocket, withdrawing a coin, similar to a galleon. "Sorry Harry, but I'm needed at the Ministry."
"That looks like the coins we used in the DA," Harry said, and Tonks smile returned.
"Hermione told me about how you lot communicated, and I brought the idea to Director Scrimgeour. He liked it, and we made the communicoins. Every Auror has one. They also act as emergency port keys if we're hurt. I made sure that Hermione gets all the credit too. I think she's going to get a couple thousand galleons for the idea. I'll see you next week."
Tonks apparated away, and Harry went into the house to find Susan sitting in the sitting room.
"Boy that took a while." Susan said. "You must have been hidden really well."
"Actually, I wasn't." Harry admitted.
"Where's Auror Tonks?" Susan asked when she noticed their tutor wasn't with Harry.
"She got called away. Ministry business. "She was supposed to show us Hominus Revelio. That's how she said she found me." Harry sighed, slumping on the sofa next to Susan.
"That's how she found me too." Susan said. They sat in silence for a few minutes as Harry remembered everything Tonks had talked to him about, and his own thoughts over the last few days in regards to his redheaded companion.
"Have you ever heard of a movie called Swamp Thing?" Harry asked suddenly.