Author's Note: Here is another chapter as promised. Going through has been a good thing; I have changed so much as a writer that I am glad to have this opportunity to improve upon my original material. So thanks for sticking with this because I think it is a lot better.
Posted 2/28/16
Standard disclaimer about not owning anything! JK I love you.
The timing couldn't have worked out better in Harry's mind. He had just been able to have an entire week at Grimmauld Place where nothing too atypical took place when Remus had come to live with him. Which was exactly what he had needed after the hectic start that he had had to begin his eleventh year.
The somewhat more settled atmosphere allowed Harry to appreciate Remus all the more and together they settled into a comfortable routine at the ancestral home of the Blacks, a family that had ended up having a large influence on both of their lives.
Also, Harry was finally able to process everything different about his life at a more reasonable pace while he was settling in. It was a marked contrast to the rushed nature of earlier events.
For instance, one day after a laid-back lunch with Remus and Kreacher, Harry had retired to his room and had brought out the list of questions that he had previously written to see how many of them had been answered, what remained to be addressed, and how many new ones he now had.
While reading through them, he decided to get some practice with the antiquated writing device that he would be expected to use at Hogwarts and so slowly worked through each question as he wrote out a response with his quill.
* Pet to bring? Says owl, toad, or cat – nothing else? Snake? Would be nice to have something to speak with. Should confirm you can speak with a snake.
* Have an amazing owl, Hedwig. Also, confirmed that I can speak with snakes and that ability is called Parseltongue. Finally, bonded with Kaa, a powerful and deadly Egyptian Asp.
* Is it normal to talk to snakes?Can witches or wizards talk with other animals?
* Not THAT normal to speak with snakes. Voldemort could speak it – awkward! Still undetermined if it is possible to speak with other animals, though Hedwig seems very intelligent. Possible that she can understand me and maybe Kaa?
* Four houses at Hogwarts? How are we sorted into a house?
* Remus and Minnie described the houses for me. Ravenclaw is for the intelligent or those with the predisposition to treasure knowledge above anything else. Hufflepuff is full of hard workers and those that are loyal. Slytherin is where those who hope to further themselves with cunning and ambition get placed. Gryffindor is the home of the brave and the fearless. Minnie is head of Gryffindor and Snape is head of Slytherin. They did explain some of the problems within and between the houses. Remus said not to worry about where I get placed. One is sorted based on a hat that looks at a person's true characteristics and decides where that person would best fit. May or may not take your opinion into account.
* Did my parents have any friends that are alive now? Any other children that I might have known while younger?
* Neville Longbottom was someone that I had play dates with before my parents went into hiding. His parents were tortured into insanity after my parents died for information about were the evil bastard was. He is in my year and was apparently raised by a very strict grandmother according to Remus. Potential Friend?
* Who brought me here? How did Petunia react? Does Vernon know about Magic?
* Dumbledore brought me there with Minerva. Petunia said that my mom wanted me there because of the protection she cast that is no longer good because that tosser made Horcruxes, which opens up a very large can of worms (see below).
* Money? Gold? What is Gringot's (sp)? Vault?
* Don't think I need to worry about that! Have Potter and Black vaults at Gringotts. Did some more digging into the nature of money or gold and how the world works. Hogwarts, Minnie has indicated, is expensive to attend because of the supplies that are needed. For instance, a wand is very expensive and most witches or wizards only ever buy one. Some of the children from poorer families get their wands second hand or carry those that are passed down through the family (which may not work the best for them). Asked about how Muggleborns afford to attend and she said that only those from wealthier families are able. Which led to a discussion on what happens to those that couldn't afford it. In short, there are other magic schools that are mostly attended by Muggleborns since those raised in the magical world often do everything in their power to attend Hogwarts because of its reputation (and ask wealthier family members for money or become indebted to certain institutions).
Have a new account manager, Sharptooth – who is a goblin and gets straight to business – also told me about my family vault that I can get into when I turn 14. Wonder what could possibly be in there?
* Dragon hide gloves? Dragons?!?
* Dragons and werewolves! And many other things are real. All sorts of things. And vampires! Vampires! AND NOT ALL OF THEM ARE BAD!
* Is it possible to bring a backup wand? Do they break? Can Muggles use a wand?
* Didn't ask because my wand shares something in common with that tosser and it freaked me out and the man who sold them was creepy. Wands can break and would need replacing (again, see cost discussion above). Muggles cannot use a wand because they have no magical core.
* Broomsticks? We can fly! Do I have to be a second year to buy one?
* We can fly and everyone has to wait until second year to bring one to school. Minnie said first years take lessons. Looking forward to that, how wicked.
* Pointed black hat, really? Do they help with magic?
* Unfortunately blacks hats are required for special occasions but do not help with magic.
* Books? Can we bring more than what is on the list? Last name of author and subject they write about are similar, coincidence?
* Problem solved because I have a portable library. And I should raid the Black Library. Who knows what is in there?! Author and name are purely coincidental, what are the odds?
* Can Muggles see magic? What makes us magical?
* No. I also learned that there exist Muggle-repelling charms. So fascinating! No idea what makes us magical though.
* Potions? Is that like chemistry!
* Yes! And Snape is teaching! He seems like he really knows his stuff. Really looking forward to this class, as the potions our text said that we would brew are so cool.
* How far behind will I be? Is there a difference between those raised in the magical world and those like me?
* I will be fine. Especially with some of the tutelage that Walburga and Orion have given me. Not to mention very few people typically have training with their wand and I have. And I will have read the course books by then (hopefully). What do magical kids study before they go to Hogwarts?
* Glasses, any way to magically fix eye site?
* Unknown.
* 'Wizard' health - would that explain why I hardly get sick? What are the other differences between wizards and Muggles.
* Again unknown. Remus did say there was a healer/nurse there. Guess I will find out.
* Wizard suitcases - how will I carry all of these? Can we have things shipped to Hogwarts?
* Got a great trunk. And a library. Muahahaha.
New Questions/Observations:
* Have a very powerful companion in Kaa. He can kill someone by sucking their soul out. Kaa can also give life… have explicitly forbidden him from using it on me.
* Voldemort has Horcruxes. Fantastic. Just a few small details to be worked out: How many, what they are, and where they are. No problem, should only take a week!
* Why is Voldemort after me? They have begun training me to use magic. Also, I am even aware of Horcruxes, but there is something else that they aren't telling me that sounds very serious. What could be worse than Horcruxes? I have even been learning about Occlumency and now I have that ring to protect my mind somewhat. Need to learn more…
I did see a section on Divination at Flourish and Blotts… My parents seemed to know that Voldemort was after them… or after me… was there a prophecy? A History of Magic does detail their occurrence. What could it have said? If I were going to kill an infant (not that I would), it would probably be to take them out before they became a problem. Okay... Was there a prophecy about me being able to destroy Voldemort? That would seem logical given everything that has happened or has been said/not said. Probably certain at this point. Well, I suppose that could make sense given my possession of Kaa and his ability to kill souls. That seems suspicious in and of itself… probably the strongest piece of evidence besides my family going into hiding is having a snake that can do that AND having the knowledge that the tosser may have made more of these objects that house his soul. Great. Well, I at least have a motivation to study and learn all I can.
What was Voldemort like when he was my age? Did anything happen to change him or make him turn out the way that he did? What was his family like?
* Still have to read those letters that my parents left me…
* Remus is a werewolf but a really great guy. My dad and his friends became Animagi to comfort Remus. Need to learn about how to become an animal because how freaking awesome would that be!
When he had finished going over his thoughts, Harry had then immediately owl-ordered some books on anything that would help him become an Animagus. He couldn't wait to begin that endeavor and pondered what kind of animal he would become; as much as he would have loved to be something similar to his dad's form, he sincerely hoped that he could be an animal with the power of flight.
In addition to his order for texts related to the Animagus transformation, Harry had also requested as many books on defensive magic as he could find. On second thought, he had purchased anything else he could think of that would help him with an unknown future that likely included dealing with more of these Horcruxes. Of note were a few key texts on Voldemort's rise and one or two books on divining the future and prophecies.
Harry then quickly was faced with the sudden realization that he would be soon filling his library to the brim, especially after finding out that the Black Library contained some five thousand or so various texts. Some of which dated back hundreds of years and were housed in a special bookshelf in what had become his study area.
Therefore, Harry thought it would be rather prudent to owl-order another trunk that could contain a few thousand books and he would fill this library with books dedicated solely to Voldemort and anything he could find on Horcruxes. This was going to be his batcave, so to speak, and part of his defense against that Voldemort, which he hoped would be enough to ensure his survival.
However, he was having a problem finding many books that contained information, let alone a passing mention, of Horcruxes at Flourish and Blotts. Walburga and Orion had then pointed him to some helpful texts within the Black Library but had restricted his access to most of the books for the time being. For one, they said that he wouldn't be able to understand their content yet, and the other was that he was far too young to see the kind of magic that was in there. So they had put their collective foot down, well as much as a painting could and Harry indulged their suggestion for the time being.
Speaking of portraits, Harry had asked Remus if there were any that were of his parents in his Potter Vault and asked about how that whole process worked in general. Except that Remus was unsure if James and Lily had done this but could see Lily planning for any eventuality. He then explained to Harry that portraits were not the real person but had some of their memory and personality stored in them at the time when the painting was done. Harry's future DADA Professor explained it in similar terms to a Horcrux, except that there was no soul present. It simply involved duplicating some memories and storing them using magic.
But Harry would look forward to get to know his parents in any way that he could and hoped that those portraits existed.
A week later, and after finally feeling like he had adjusted somewhat to his new world, Harry felt that he was now able to handle what his parents had thought to write him.
Since he would be off to Hogwarts in a little more than a week he planned to go through them that evening, and told Remus about his plans during dinner. Harry told him that he would want to do this alone but that of course he knew that he would come to him if he needed anything.
Remus had thought that it was a wise decision and appreciated how Harry had grown to think of him so quickly. Although, he could also feel the nerves that were rolling off of Harry as he finished his meal in silence. The only thing that Remus could really do was hug Harry and give him an encouraging pat on the back as the younger boy finished and headed up to his room to find out what was in those letters. In the meantime, Remus would make himself available should the boy need it and moved to sit by the fireplace, lost in his own thoughts about his departed friends.
Harry entered his room and saw that Kaa was stretched out on their bed. Harry soon joined him, lying down on his stomach wile propping himself up with his elbows. The letters were still sealed in front of him, the last vestiges of doubt gnawing at him.
Kaa was being supportive and staying close to Harry's side while giving him the privacy to read through his letters first. He had wanted Harry to have a personal experience with this and didn't want to intrude on his mind and thoughts by taking his usual place on his arm. Though, he would remain close by in case Harry wanted to talk about anything but he wouldn't force the issue and let Harry proceed at a pace he was comfortable with. Harry was appreciative of the sentiment but had become used to sharing most everything with the snake and getting immediate feedback. It was nice having someone that he could trust in completely and not fear that they would judge him without understanding everything.
Finally the time came and Harry swallowed his fear and opened one of the sealed envelopes. He had decided that he would start with his father's letter.
He slowly slid his finger under the seal and removed the folded sheets of parchment, staring at his father's handwriting longingly for a few moments. He was going to try and savor this one-way conversation that he would get to have with his dad for as long as possible.
The letter turned out to be more like a series of journal entries and he noted that the folded sheets of parchment contained many more pages than he had originally thought. It was then that Harry realized that magic was involved and he smiled knowing at how much effort his dad had gone through to leave him so much. It was possible that Harry wouldn't be able to get through everything in one night.
Not able to resist beginning to read any longer, he gripped the cover page and slowly unfurled it to start what looked to be the first entry.
Harry,
I can't tell you how sorry I am if you are reading this. I do hope that whatever happened has left you in a good state. Though, I can't really imagine the many things that could have happened to you. Your mother and I tried to plan for everything that we could think of, even if we thought it unlikely to happen. Now, I don't know how much you know or are aware of what happened and why, and so I will start from the beginning.
But don't think that is all that I will tell you! For I want to pass down as much as I can about Hogwarts and life and would like to think I can pretend to give you advice as you go along – like I could have if things had been different. Your mother is quite gifted with charms you know and we will both write as much as possible in these and over time you will be able to read more and more. It was the only thing we could think of to be with you as much as possible…
Harry lifted his head for a moment as he processed that his parents had done more than he could have imagined to draw this process out and tell him things over time, just like if they were still here and interacting with him on a daily basis. His heart felt warm knowing that they had done all of this for him. When he was at Privet Drive, he had never thought that he would ever get this kind of love and support and he had so much of it now. He had Remus and Minnie and Kaa, and now these letters that would be able to keep giving him a connection to his parents. It was an indescribable moment.
Eventually, he got his emotions under control and returned to the letter with a very thankful smile upon his face.
First, just know that there are things that we wish to tell you but the information is quite sensitive in nature. We want to make sure that you will be able to handle it and that you can protect it. You see, Harry, there is this type of magic called Occlumency that can protect your mind and also help to organize it. Both your mother and I studied it and it really helped our memory, though your mother became even sharper with her recall of information. Something I hope you have inherited!
Your mother has charmed both of our letters and they will provide you with more information depending on the level of Occlumency that you have learned. Our letters therefore have been smartly charmed to probe your mind and test your progress. Also your mother's doing.
Harry thought this was very reasonable and wondered if the Black Heir ring he wore would allow him to hear things sooner than he would have been able to learn otherwise. This also seemed to indicate that his thinking process in regards to the prophecy was on point if they had taken all of the time to make this possible.
Next, I hope that all of this will be easier for you to hear and that you should know some of this because Sirius and Remus should be there to take care of you along with Petunia…
Harry had to force himself not to scream out in disgust at reading the name of the man that had betrayed his parents. It broke his heart that the man that his parents had had such faith had cost them their lives. Only after several deep breaths was he able to return to the letter.
You no doubt will know all about the Fidelius Charm that we cast and how at the last minute Sirius had the brilliant idea of using Pettigrew instead…
'What the hell?' Harry thought, thinking he had misread something.
Pettigrew wasn't the Secret Keeper? That didn't make any sense since; both Remus and Minerva had told him otherwise. But… his mind was trying to think of an alternative. What if they had changed who the Secret Keeper was and not told anyone? Could Sirius have then killed Pettigrew out of anger and revenge because he had been the one to betray his parents?
He hesitantly kept reading – not sure he was going to like what he had found out.
…because no one would have expected it to be anyone other than Sirius. But if you are reading this and didn't know that, then Pettigrew must have been tortured and given up our location. Don't judge him to harshly if he is still alive, though I doubt it if Voldemort would let him live. Your mother and I knew that we were only prolonging the inevitable and that Voldemort would find us. I bet you are wondering or have wondered or have even been told why Voldemort was so interested in us, and you. Though I am afraid your Occlumency is not good enough for this based on reading this sentence because if you were ready another sentence would have appeared.
If you do know, then Sirius must have had his reasons for telling you and raising you to be prepared.
'Here it is again,' Harry thought.
His heart began to race at the thought: was Pettigrew really the Secret Keeper? Harry would have to ask Remus later.
Though something didn't sound right about all of this and he had a very bad feeling in the pit of his stomach. And that wasn't the only thing causing this very bad feeling. He was almost one-hundred percent positive that there was a prophecy now and that it centered on him and Voldemort.
Harry sighed; it explained so much.
In reality, he thought that he was far too young for any of this and didn't know how he felt about being destined to fight someone. Although, his mind had been getting more and more used to this idea that there had to have been a prophecy. The only thing that made it better was that at least he would know about it going forward.
Hopefully, he would have the time to process whatever was said in it and that knowing ahead of time would make it easier to deal with. Besides, he reasoned, if he had the power to defeat Voldemort, he was hardly in the position to do so now. And with what he knew about Horcruxes – Voldemort would need time to recover.
It seemed that he was right to purchase an additional library and was committed to pilfering some of the books from the Black Library now. He would need to be prepared and he would have to start now.
Which was exactly what Harry started to do as he put himself in Voldemort's position if he had reawakened from a Horcrux.
If he had thought that a specific piece of magic that he had performed had made him immortal turned out to work in a slightly different manner, then he would take time to understand what had happened. So that had to add a few months if not years until Voldemort made himself known again.
Moving on, Harry reasoned that Voldemort would then have come back as a younger version of himself, which introduced a lot of unknowns. Would that iteration know about the prophecy, and how much less would he know about magic in general?
This thought process led Harry to wonder when the prophecy had been made and just who had heard it.
Therefore, it could very well be years before this would come to a head and Harry thought he would have enough time to prepare himself.
Which honestly made him feel a little better inside at the thought that none of this was likely to happen overnight. He had already committed to try his best and apply himself at Hogwarts and he loved to read and learn new things. He just had another reason now, though this reason was rather important in that his life literally could hang in the balance.
Though Harry wasn't immediately worried about his destiny, he was more concerned about Pettigrew potentially being the one to have betrayed his parents. He would have to get to the bottom of this, but he couldn't exactly call Sirius innocent. Even if he thought Sirius was justified in killing Pettigrew, he had also killed 13 Muggles and would probably still be in Azkaban for that.
Saddened about losing another of his father's friends, he turned his attention back to the letter and read as his father described some of his childhood and he learned about his paternal grandparents. But he was fast approaching the end of what was currently written and the section just so happened to focuse on Hogwarts.
Now, Harry, don't be nervous about Hogwarts. Learning magic is not that difficult if you go about it the right way. Many texts try and get children to focus on specific incantations for performing the spells to help them concentrate because they are too young to really understand that magic is all about intent and belief. For example, Transfiguration will require a different spell to be said for every change you wish to perform in the beginning but over time – Transfiguration is the easiest branch of magic to use silently because it is all about making what you see in your mind come to life. In your first lesson, you will learn how to turn a match into a needle and nearly everyone struggles with that because they focus so much on the words and the wand movement. While important, you have to want the match to change and visualize it changing in your mind for it to work. Use that same principle in all of your classes and you will go very far.
I wish I could be there for you and watch you grow. Just know that I am with you, always. You have my blood flowing through you and think about that whenever times get to be too much. A part of me will always live on through you. I only want you to be happy, Harry. I don't care if you get sorted into Slytherin or whatever else you could be worried about that I would potentially disprove of. We did everything for you and it was because we love you and you are the most important person to your mother and I. I love you, Harry James Potter, and will always be proud of you.
Until next time, my son.
Harry was quite proud of the fact that he had managed to hold back the tears that had threatened to spill. In the past few weeks, he had felt like he alternated between being surprised, angry, or sad; and this letter proved to be no different. But now that he had this letter, he would be able to hear from his dad from time to time and that was certainly something that he would treasure for as long as he lived.
He would do his best to make them proud and he liked thinking that their blood flowed through him. In fact, he imagined just that for the next couple of moments as he prepared himself to begin reading the letter from his mum.
My Darling Boy,
Your father and I wrote these letters together so I will try not to repeat what he said. There are things I would love to tell you but want you to be prepared for them. I don't want to overburden you with this information at eleven if you are just getting to know this world. I can't imagine Petunia telling you much about being a wizard. I know it might not have been the best childhood and for that I apologize. It was my decision to put you there because of the protection that you would get. I wanted you to be safe Harry. I will tell you the protection that I performed was ancient magic from a very old tome and we have arranged for it to be in the Potter Vault. I feel that fourteen is still too young for that information but can't withhold it from you as I have a feeling it will be important. Just promise me that you will use it well?
I am sure your father explained Occlumency and I must urge you to study this. There are things you must know but the information is quite important and dangerous should it fall into the wrong hands. I want you to be prepared for what is to come and I have a feeling that what we did was not good enough. I have a feeling that Voldemort will return even though the magic I invoked would kill him or should have killed him. I don't know how he will return or could, but I want you to be prepared nonetheless. Better safe than sorry!
My biggest regret is not watching you grow up and seeing you live your life. You gave me such joy when you were little and went exploring all over the house. Just know that there is nothing that you could ever do to stop me from loving you. Listen to your heart, Harry, if you are ever in doubt. Especially if you have inherited my way of thinking! Sometimes you can think to the point where it just makes things worse and you have to trust in what your gut tells you.
And don't give Severus a hard time. I know your father doesn't like him and James could be quite mean sometimes though he did grow out of it. Deep down, Severus is a good man. We had a falling out and never made up because of things that were happening in the world. If you can, let him know that I forgive him. We all do things that we regret. James regrets being mean to him and I regret not knowing how much Severus was hurting. Don't let one stupid moment or fight change your relationship with people you love; it isn't worth it in the end.
I hope that you enjoy Hogwarts. Just try and behave more than your father did? And study hard, Harry! The secret to magic is intent – but also belief, especially for charms. You have to believe in them to make the spell reach its full potential.
Until next time sweetheart.
Harry didn't feel like reading anymore and was glad that he couldn't. He took a few moments to silently process everything that he had just read. He had just been given a great gift and though it wasn't his parents in the flesh, it was still something.
He would make both of them proud and would carry a little bit of them with him wherever he went and whatever he did. The more he thought about some of the tips that they had given him about magic, the more he thought that they had made perfect sense. He couldn't wait to get to Hogwarts and see just what he could do with that knowledge and his determination to become a great wizard.
However, all of the information though about Pettigrew and the prophecy had reached a breaking point: he had decided that he wanted to share it with Remus. Right now.
He didn't want to keep discovering things out a little here and a little there. He just wanted to know and he had come to the conclusion that being blunt with Remus was the way to go.
He discussed this with Kaa and he agreed with everything that Harry was thinking.
'It is strange, youngling, how everything does seem to happen around you. I think if you are direct with Remus he will be honest with you.' Kaa thought to Harry as Harry practically stomped downstairs on his mission to get answers to all of his questions.
He approached Remus who was reading by the fireplace on the second floor. Remus noticed the boy coming closer and was startled by the fierce look in his eyes. Whatever was in that letter must have been a shock to Harry; and he figured that himself he was about to find out just what had been so alarming.
"Is everything all right, Harry?" Remus asked, truly concerned as Harry sat down across from him.
The boy's arms were folded across his chest, minding where Kaa was as the snake wrapped tighter around left wrist.
"I just read part of the letters Remus and I would like some honest answers. I am really getting sick of thinking that I have heard everything only just to discover this next huge thing. I think I have demonstrated that I have handled things well so far. I mean Horcruxes, finding out that I remember watching my mother die, and battling Voldemort's soul. Wouldn't you agree?"
Kaa and him had discussed the best way to go about getting their questions answered. He knew that adults were much more likely to treat you like an adult if you behaved like one and it would do no good to just demand answers like a petulant child. He wanted to emphasize that he had dealt with things well so far and wanted to get Remus to agree to that. His goal was to project a more mature person for Remus to deal with.
"Yes, Harry – I think you have done splendid, really!"
Remus could only imagine what Harry was feeling on the inside and really thought it would do more harm than good in keeping things from him. He didn't think Harry had the Occlumency skills just yet, even considering the added boon that his Heir ring provided, but he knew about the Horcruxes already. What was a prophecy compared to that? Remus thought that he deserved to know about the prophecy but he didn't know what it had said, only that one existed.
He was wondering though just how to bring up the subject, and to be honest was a little surprised that Harry hadn't figured it out for himself. Especially when given the other things the boy had amazingly been able to put together, like his demonstrated deductive skill with figuring out that Remus was a werewolf.
Harry remained silent, waiting for Remus to make a decision.
Ultimately, Remus couldn't deny Harry the truth.
'And he won't go through this alone,' Remus thought.
"You have my word that I will answer your questions to the best of my ability." He got up and moved to sit down next to the boy and held his right hand to show his support.
"Thank you, Remus."
Harry took a deep breath before going on.
"The letter said that Pettigrew was the secret keeper, not Sirius. Could that have been true?"
Remus' entire face immediately went white.
'Yep,' Harry thought – more than likely it had been true.
Which meant it would have been Pettigrew that had betrayed his parents and not Sirius. And that Sirius had gone after Pettigrew in retribution.
Remus was thinking very quickly about all of these things and had come to a similar conclusion: Sirius was innocent of the betrayal but guilty for the murder of Pettigrew and those 13 Muggles and would still remain in Azkaban.
It also made more sense for Pettigrew to betray Lily and James, though still hurtful, it had been so hard thinking that Sirius had done that to someone who was practically his brother.
"Would Sirius remain in Azkaban for killing Pettigrew and those Muggles?" Harry then asked, just wanting confirmation of his suspicion.
"Yes, Harry," Remus had whispered back.
They both were dealing with the weight of this knowledge and both had sat back into the couch, trying to find comfort in the plush cushions.
"Though I will inform Dumbledore, it would be wrong to let Sirius be classified as a traitor though he did kill people. It would also help to be honest about Pettigrew, though I'm not sure what good words in a letter will do. What happened that day has pretty much been established as fact and would need more evidence to overturn any decision. Though, the words are more than enough for me…"
Remus gave a silent apology to Sirius for thinking the worst of him – and mentally scolding him for killing in revenge, but he imagined Sirius had not been thinking straight if his suggestion led to the deaths of his friends. Remus didn't know what to think about Pettigrew… Pettigrew, it seemed unlikely now that Voldemort had tortured Pettigrew for the Potter's location. He really must have betrayed them if Sirius had gone after him and found him. He would have to bring this up with Dumbledore and the others as well.
"So," Harry began after a while, wanting to know the answer but thinking of no better way to ask than to just come right out and say it.
"Was there a prophecy about me and Voldemort saying that I could defeat him?"
Remus sighed deeply at that. He didn't have to answer yes at that point, but he did anyways.
"Yes, Harry…" there was a significant pause before Remus continued. He was unsure of what to say.
"But I don't know what it says. Only the gist of it was that you had the power to defeat him."
Remus turned to look at Harry wanting to know how he was taking everything.
"I'm fine Remus, honestly. I think a part of me has always known, especially lately. I always wondered about that dream and ever since I learned what it meant, I can't say I am surprised. It explains everything that has happened to me – when you think about it."
There was another pause as they both thought about things; the only change was that Remus had slightly tightened his grip on Harry's hand, something for which Harry was appreciative of. Harry would be more concerned if he had to go through this alone.
Mainly Harry was just exhausted at this point. He had been through so much and didn't recognize himself from the boy who had begun this summer. He couldn't wait to get to Hogwarts and have something else to occupy his mind with.
Remus and Harry had ended up falling asleep on the couch, as they had talked well into the night. Harry told him about the letters and how they had been charmed by Lily to reveal information if his Occlumency shields were strong enough and that more information would appear over time. Harry thought it was neat that it would seem like his parents were going to be there with him as he grew over time and be able to provide more information to him.
After that night, the last week at Grimmauld Place seemed to fly by and Harry had spent all of his free time after finishing his course books practicing his meditation for Occlumency. Part of the reason was to learn more about what was contained in the letters or to be told more by Minnie. But most of it was because it was required for his Animagus transformation. He was keeping that secret from the others because Minerva had told him it was dangerous but the thought about transforming into an animal was too wicked to pass up, let alone how it could further protect him. He told himself that he would take it slow, and it was going to help him with Occlumency. It was a win-win he thought.
Before he knew it, September first arrived and Remus escorted Harry to the train station and they boarded the Hogwarts Express.
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Next Chapter is sorting and we get to meet Cedric for the first time :)