Disclaimer: This is MY version! This is my version of year 7. I Do not own or profit from anything you see here. I wrote this months ago with a few revisions lately, but it is my version. I will write another version that follows JK's final book, but this is not it! Anything that is similar to book 7 is completely coincidental! Credit belongs to me: ) Plot and OC's belong to me
Author's Notes: sorry for the lack of updates, but after moving across the country, and waiting for my internet to get turned on, this was as soon as I could get back. On a funny note (and to explain the title) I was at work (wondering why in the world I took this job : ( especially the last 2 hours when it was completely dead) and couldn't find my name tag, so I grabbed a random one and it was Emma! I just kept thinking 'I am Emma' which made me happy (and my coworkers' confused), and it inspired my title.
Recap: "But how is Vernon?" Petunia asked worriedly.
Harry looked at Emma to see who should tell her.
Chapter 11: I am Emma
Emma gave Petunia a small smile and left the hospital wing to go to the Room of Requirement. By now Penelope had come to Hogwarts and showed no intention of leaving. Petunia looked up at Harry expectantly. He saw the concern in her eyes. "He is going to be fine, Aunt," and the relief was evident in her eyes. "Uncle Vernon was hit with a very powerful curse, and they said there might be some permanent side effects, but they are doing all they can for him. He is, and has been this whole time, unconscious."
"What happens when he wakes up? He is not going to handle this well," Petunia said.
"They will use a spell to modify his memory, so that he will think he had a heart attack and will have to change his diet to keep from repeating it. The neighbors have also had their memory modified and they do not recall the ordeal. The house was repaired and if you chose, you may go home once you are all well. Uncle Vernon will not remember this at all, and does not even know he was in a magic hospital."
"Where is this hospital, why are we here at your school, and not there with Vernon?"
"You and Dudley were only hurt in minor ways, while Uncle Vernon needed more intensive care. And the portkey you had was made to transport you here. The hospital is in London, and if you wish you may visit him day after tomorrow after Madame Pomfrey has given you both a clean bill of health. She is adamant about people staying in her care until then, I can tell you that," Harry said with a small smile, remembering all the times he had been here in the hospital himself.
"Have you been here, hurt, often Harry?" Dudley asked.
"More times than you can count," he said honestly.
"Because of the same people?" Dudley asked.
"Sometimes from sports, but yeah, these are the people I'm fighting against," Harry said. Harry decided they had enough sad talk, but didn't know how to change the subject. What could they talk about? They were at a cross roads. They were in his world, they didn't understand it, and had always hated it until recently. It was Petunia who broke the uncomfortable silence.
"Thank you, Harry. I am afraid you have shown more kindness in the last few days than we have in the last few years. You truly are like Lily," Petunia said sadly. Harry couldn't help but think this didn't help the uncomfortableness in the room.
"What is he in the hospital for?" Dudley suddenly asked, pointing towards Percy's bed.
"He was under a spell by the same type of people. He is here because it is not safe for him to be in the hospital– but don't worry Aunt, Uncle Vernon is safe. A muggle is not worth searching for in a Hospital. Percy was valuable because he knew information, Uncle Vernon is just a muggle, they won't go after him there." Harry reassured.
"How long has this been going on?" Dudley asked.
"For . . . 6 years now, ever since my first year. It really started getting bad again, though, 3 years ago."
"Do you guys play football here?" Dudley asked. (A/n: European football, soccer to us here in the states)
Harry was surprised he was actually taking an interest in this world. "No, the wizarding world has its own sport on brooms, it's called Quidditch. It's kind of like a combination of football and basketball in the air." Harry explained and then went into more detail when he saw that Dudley actually showed some interest. Petunia was shocked to see her son and nephew having a civilized conversation, and was even more shocked to see she was interested in following the conversation too. In the end, Harry promised to take Dudley out to the pitch to show him when Madame Pomfreysaid he could leave the hospital wing later that afternoon.
Later, lunch was served and they all ate in comfortable silence. Only Ron, Hermione, and Ginny held a conversation. After lunch, Madame Pomfreysaid that it would be alright if the Dursley's went for a walk, but nothing too strenuous or long. Dudley wanted to see the pitch. Hermione came up to Harry and whispered something in his ear. "Would you like a small tour of Hogwarts, so that you know better where you are staying?" Harry asked. The Dursley's nodded. Harry led them out of the hospital wing and showed them some of Hogwarts like the Library and Great Hall. Then they went outdoors and saw the lake and Harry explained about the forbidden forest.
"If it is forbidden, you sure seem to know a lot about it, Harry," Dudley commented.
"Yeah, I guess I do" Harry said laughing.
Then they made it to the quidditch pitch. Harry took out the quaffle and Snitch and showed them the bludger (but left it in the box– he didn't feel like dealing with it at the moment). "And you do all this flying on brooms" Dudley said unbelievingly.
"Yeah, we do– why? You want to see?" Harry asked and Dudley nodded.
Harry went to the broom shed and took a school broom since he didn't have his. He mounted and flew a little bit to show them that yes, flying was real.
They headed back up to the hospital wing because Harry knew if they were gone any longer Madame Pomfreywould have a fit.
Madam Pomfrey gave them a potion to let them sleep– she insisted that they needed to rest a lot. Harry noticed Emma was still gone, and he went looking for her. He knew the room of requirement was her refuge (like the library was Hermione's) and looked there first. He got there and he saw a door and knew he was right. He went in and saw that Emma was curled up on a divan in front of a blazing fireplace, with a book in her lap and some classical music playing. She was asleep, but woke up when she sensed someone come in.
"Hey Emma" Harry said.
"Hey Harry"
He took a seat in a chair that appeared across from her. "I'm sorry for what I said earlier. My anger just kind of took over," he said.
She snorted. "I know. I'm use to the way people react, remember Hermione's reaction when she first found out? It just hurt coming from you," she admitted.
"I know. I'm sorry I hurt you," he said.
Emma smiled. "I wonder if this is what sibling fights are like."
Harry smiled. "I think we would have to ask Ron about that one."
"Do you know what Dudley's worst fear was?" Emma asked changing the subject. Harry shook his head. "Us, well, our world. He is afraid of magic killing him, attacking him and his family. Can't blame him considering every time he seems to be around it he gets pig tails or super-sized-tongues."
"How did he use magic then?" Harry asked curiously.
"He didn't freeze up when they were attacked," Emma pointed out. "I think that shows something about him. I don't know about the magic. It's not unheard of for adults to display magic later in life, but I don't know. I don't think he is a full-fledge wizard."
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September the first arrived and everyone had returned to The Burrow for their luggage and a last minute check by Mrs. Weasley. They decided to ride the train back to Hogwarts since it would be their last time. It also made the adults feel like their rebellious stage was over. Riley and Remus gave Emma equally tight hugs and long lectures making Emma laugh. They ended up getting a carriage with Neville and Luna.
"Where were you guys all summer?" Neville asked. "Everyone was asking me! Like I knew where you guys went of to!" He said sounding disappointed and angry.
"Sorry Neville. How was your summer other than that?"
"It was great. That herbology internship you got me Emma at the ministry was fantastic. It is why I came back. I want to finish my schooling, especially with Vold. . . . Voldemort going about we all need to know as much as we can. And I want to be able to help you guys.
"What do you mean help us, Neville?" Harry asked
"I know you guys are fighting him. I figured that is what you were doing this summer. Right?" Neville asked. "I didn't tell anyone my suspicions, either." Harry, Ginny, Hermione, and Ron all exchanged a look. They didn't expect this of Neville.
Emma wasn't surprised.
"What about you Luna?" Ron asked.
"I'm with Harry." Luna said.
The trolley lady came and they got some snacks. "We know you want to help. We will have to wait to see what happens," Hermione said. "We don't even know what we are going to do anymore."
"Just don't forget to ask us for help," Neville asked. Emma could tell that it was important to him to do his part.
"There is no turning back now, is there," Hermione said.
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The sorting ceremony was shorter than normal, because there were hardly any first years. A lot of the older students were gone as well.
'How Ironic. One would think that the fewer students would be a blessing for me– finally not as much stress and teenage hormones to deal with, but instead it is one of the most tense school years.'
'I am sorry I can't be there. Do you need me to have Snape make a disguise potion?'
'Let us hope it doesn't' come to that. I just want you to stay safe.'
'I don't like being in a box, Emma.'
'I know. I don't like it either.'
'Besides, here, there, everywhere is dangerous.'
'But not everyone at school is as understanding as Harry after last year, and we would still have to hide our relationship anyways.'
McGonagall stood up in front of her Headmistress seat. "Welcome to the beginning of a new year. I am happy to see so many familiar faces have returned, and I am most pleased to see that we have some new students. Our old rules have not changed; the forbidden forest is still forbidden, and Mr. Filch has still placed a ban on all Weasley Products. However, due to the war and Voldemort's activities, there has been an increase in security. Aurors will remain around the premises and neighboring towns. No students are allowed outside the castle after dark, and at this time Hogsmeade trips have been cancelled as extra precautions," McGonagall said. No one was really surprised, even if it was disappointing.
"This year, I have a sad announcement to make. There will be no defense against the dark arts professor," she said and a gasp of surprise went through the school.
"I guess they couldn't find anyone who would be willing to risk it," Ron whispered.
"As this is an important subject, though, in present times, I do hope, however, that people will pursue the subject on their own, and the older students will help the younger ones," she said. McGonagall took her seat and the feast started. Everyone started talking about the absence of the DADA professor. "Does this mean we'll have the DA?" Dean asked Harry.
Harry shook his head. "I don't know. I am still going to do stuff on my own, but I don't know about an actual club," he said. It was the last thing he needed on top of finding the horcruxes
"Em, are we still having the Society?" Seamus asked.
"Of course," Emma said. She glanced around and found Kathleen and Sinead, the two other triad members. They ran into each other on the way inside the castle and had already discussed it.
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Author's Notes: Dung Dung Dung . . . big twist : ) So many were upset at Harry's anger. I think I intended it to be just to show how Harry is more emotionally expressive than Emma, and how he is at a low point (emotionally exhausted). Plus, siblings always have spats and say stupid things : )
mothergoosefanforever yay! Thank you! Hope you like this chapter too. Anime crazy Molly is fun to write, especially when she is yelling at people! She has another great scene later on : ) KRP JK had said we would see someone use magic later on in life. I debated between Dudders and Mrs. Figg, but decided Dudley would be more interesting. I think seeing his mom attacked as oppose an invisible enemy (the dementors) would push what magic was in him to the surface more. Midnight rain I don't think it is jealousy, so much, as Harry is just emotionally exhausted. I'm glad you liked it! It's nice to know I cheer someone's day up. BornBlue I think I will add a scene just like the one you described at the end! It actually works perfectly with how I was writing my ending. Thanks! Childofthekng I think Emma's lack of emotional expression sometimes wears on people. Especially people, like Harry, who are very emotional. Iceball Ah, DH was great! I already have so many ideas for things to do with it! I can't wait to start writing, but with school starting this week, and work driving me crazy, we'll see how things go. As for Emma being ignored, it is something I have always tried to emphasize, but I think I have gotten away from it in the last few school years. readerwriterwhatever I miss SoCal : ( I'm glad you liked the Dudley bit : ) I almost went with Mrs. Figg, but that wouldn't be nearly as entertaining. Year1989 Thanks! Hope you enjoyed this chapter too! Erica I updated the Covenant story before I left (about 2 weeks ago) and I have the next update ready too. Most of my stories (except my Criminal Minds one) are already written, it's just a matter of betaing them and posting them. I like having them written out so I can plan all the twists ahead of time and put all the hints in that I can. Twilightloverkaren thank you! That is what I try to do, show some other dimensions of JK's characters. I lover using her minor characters (Cedric, -cough- Cedric) and giving them a life. SongxofxGlory I am so glad you liked and understood it! LoL Thank you! Professor Epona I'm glad you liked it. I figured it would probably be the last place they would ever want to go : ) Hatsue Cybanne thank you! I'm flattered! It's nice to know I have that effect on my readers! Essaouire January? Where do you live? Ah, I feel horrible for you. I think you will be happy with DH, though, and it will definitely be worth the wait (in my opinion, anyways).