The Wings of War

by Kadasa-Mori

Harry is brought to The Nest where he’s taught how to survive the upcoming war. It’s time for him to step out of reach of the powerful hands trying to hold him down and become who he was meant to be… which includes some awesome new powers. HPGW RWHG

11. Chapter 11

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Harry Potter characters, places, objects, spells or plots. I do, however, own the ideas and plots of this particular fanfic.

Last Time:

Harry smiled brightly and hugged the wolf. 'Thank you Aravon.'

The wolf nuzzled his head. 'You're welcome pup. Now,' he stood. 'We must get back to… The Nest? Bah. Silly owl.' Harry chuckled but didn't argue, standing and following Aravon. 'You've a big day tomorrow, yes?'

'Yes I do.' Nervousness covered his features, a head batting his hand made him look down and rest his hand on Aravon's head. He was calm almost instantly and sent the wolf a thankful smile. 'You know… it's actually today…'

'Ah…'

'In thirteen hours…'

'Of which you need at least eight hours of sleep, so hurry it up! Back to The Nest.' Harry laughed and hurried after the wolf. They got to the Nest quickly and slipped in through the door downstairs, padding up the stairs as silent as possible and slipping into Harry's room. Hedwig didn't come in to scold him for being out so Harry assumed she was still asleep.

He climbed into bed, feeling fatigue setting in quickly. As he settled into his pillow, he felt the bed wiggle, Aravon climbing up and stretching out beside him. Harry smiled and reached out a hand, resting it on the wolf's head. Through the touch he could felt his content… or was it Harry's?

'Sleep pup,' Aravon said sleepily, already beginning to doze.

Harry was quick to follow even if his mind pictured a mangy black dog with silver eyes laying beside him rather than the wolf that took his spot.

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The Wings of War

By Kadasa Mori

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Chapter 11

Tuesday, July 23, 1996.

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When Harry awoke early that morning, only seven hours after climbing into bed, he felt his stomach twisting into knots. He had to go see his friends and teachers today. They would give the verdict if he were fine or not… if they said he was, he'd be coming back to live at The Nest. If they said he wasn't… he was supposed to stay at Grimmauld Place. He of course would never stay there if forced to but… by running he'd be breaking many bonds of trust he'd spent the past five years forming. He sighed nervously and ran a hand through his hair.

A quiet 'woof' from the bed made him turn. Aravon was staring at him. He smiled hesitantly and sat down crossed legged beside the wolf who nuzzled his cheek. 'What is wrong wolf pup?'

'I… I am scared Aravon. What if my friends don't want to be friends anymore when I tell them I wish to stay here?'

'Then they are not quite friends after all. You must take a stand Harry. You must do what you know is best for yourself instead of letting others guide you through your life.'

Harry took a deep breath and nodded. 'Thank you Aravon.'

The wolf nodded then curled up alongside him. 'Now back to bed pup. You've less than needed amount of sleep.' Harry lay beside him and quickly feel to sleep. Not two hours later, the door swung open waking both as Hedwig stepped in. She blinked, spotting the wolf then raised an eyebrow. "He's my familiar," Harry announced with a yawn.

"Ah. His name?"

"Aravon."

"A beautiful name." Aravon sent her his nod of thanks as Harry relayed the message. "Does he want food?"

'Do you want food?'

Aravon stood and leapt off the bed. 'I shall get my own in the forest. I've not hunted these past few days, living on what was left of my previous hunt. Today I think I shall enjoy the hunt however.'

'Will I see you later?'

'I will be back by midday wolf pup. No worries. I will see you off.' Harry nodded and watched him step around Hedwig and trot off.

"Does he know where he's going?" Hedwig asked curiously. Harry shrugged. "Ah well. Breakfast is ready!"

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A few hours later, Harry sat in his bean bag chair, mind racing about what might occur once he reached Grimmauld Place. Aravon had come back fifteen minutes ago and quickly fell to sleep on Harry's comfy bed, belly full from the hunt. Harry smiled when the wolf grumbled in his sleep, paws kicking as he dreamed.

"Ready to go Harry?" Hedwig asked as she entered his room. He nodded, running a hand over a green tee shirt and denim jeans, pulling his cloak on and stuffing his wand into his pocket. He glanced up at her and sighed.

She wore her thigh high white boots with the thin pointed heel, a white dress with no sleeves that came up to her chin with a hole cut out from her breastbone to the top of her chest without showing anything. The bottom came to mid thigh on her left leg and knee length on the right so that the bottom half of the green snake tattoo on her left thigh showed clearly. A thin silver bracelet was around each wrist and ankle, her 'doughnut' stone entwined in her hair. Bright red lipstick adorned her lips, black eyeliner making her eyes even more vivid.

"You make this seem like we're headed to a fancy restaurant," Harry muttered. "Or a bar, both of which Grimmauld Place is not."

"Bah." She pulled on a white cloak. "You're just jealous I can pull it off." He rolled his eyes and held out an arm. She reached out to take it and he pulled his arm back quickly. She yelped as her arm suddenly hooked with air and nearly sent her off balance. "The hell?!"

He turned to Aravon. 'Do you want to come?'

The wolf cocked his head. 'Do you want me to come?'

'I've no problem with either decision.'

'Then I hope you don't mind my bowing out. It seems as though this will be a… confusing affair.' He hopped off the bed and trotted over, allowing Harry to rub his head. 'Good luck wolf pup.'

'Thank you Aravon. I will see you when I return.'

Aravon nodded and trotted out the door. Harry held his arm out. Hedwig eyed it suspiciously before taking it. She looked a bit queasy when they apparated in front of the house. He walked up and knocked as she regained her breath. After a few moments, he was about to knock again when the door opened. Molly blinked… blinked again… and blinked once more for good measure before squealing and drawing Harry into a hug.

"Oh Harry! We've missed you so much!"

"Mrs. Weasley! Can we get inside please?" he asked quickly. She sniffled and stepped back, allowing them both in.

She blinked at Hedwig and looked her up and down. "Who is this?"

"She'll be introduced when everyone's around. I'd rather not explain fifty times."

Molly nodded. "Well, come, come. We're all gathering in the living room. We even expanded the room to add the kitchen table!" She bustled into the room, Harry following.

Hedwig suddenly stopped dead. Harry glanced back at her, then to where she was staring. 'Who is that?' she asked mentally, spotting the Slytherin seated at the kitchen table, looking over papers.

'That's Snape, the Potions Professor at Hogwarts,' he replied.

'Hm… he is adorable!' Harry twitched violently as he entered the room, the people who were in it looking worried. He spun around and sent her an incredulous glare but she maintained an innocent look.

'Merlin! Don't EVER tell me anything like that again! I don't need to know it!'

'But he is! Look at him! Those deep dark eyes, long gorgeous hair.' She squealed it echoing across his brain. 'Oh merlin he's cute!'

'You've either got a sick sense of humor or a really sick sense of what's cute…' Harry dropped into his chair and covered his face with his hands, sure it was bright red by now. Hedwig sent him a smirk as she passed by and he stiffened. 'Don't you DARE…'

'Oh Potter. You should know by now that I always dare.'

She took a seat across form Snape and smiled. "Good evening."

He raised an eyebrow. "Evening…"

She extended a slender hand. "And you would be?"

He shook her hand cautiously. "Severus Snape."

"Ah. The Potions Master at Hogwarts. I've heard a lot about you."

"Oh?"

"Oh yes. You're supposedly the best."

Harry let out a weak moan, silent to the two at the table, and covered his face, sinking into his chair. "Harry mate!" He turned and was enveloped in a headlock, Ron ruffling his hair. "It's good to see you!"

"It'd be good to see you too were you not blinding me!" Harry cried, shoving him off and rearranging his glasses, then grinning. "Hiya Hermione!"

"Hello Harry." She gave him a hug and whacked Ron's arm. "You should be more careful around Harry! He's delicate!"

Harry scowled darkly at her. "Thanks Hermione. So good to see you too." She sent him an innocent look.

"Harry!" Ron hissed. Harry glanced at him then towards where he was pointing. His eyes widened, jaw dropping. Hedwig had a sly smile on her face, one elbow on the table, chin in her palm, the other swirling a glass of something in front of her. Snape sat across from her, glaring darkly but blushing furiously. He hadn't thought she'd get this into it only three minutes into the game.

'What are you doing?' Harry sent. He saw a brief flicker of annoyance cross her features.

'I'm enjoying myself. Take a hike Potter.' She opened her mouth and murmured something to Snape that had the Potions professor blushing even more and snapping something angrily at her.

'Seriously. He's gonna pop a blood vessel in his face.'

'Seriously. Stay out of it Potter.'

Harry sighed heavily and rubbed his face, for once feeling bad for the Slytherin. "Who is that?" Ron asked suddenly, nudging Harry.

"Someone who will die very soon," he murmured. Hermione shot Ron a dirty look then Harry a confused look, obviously trying to spot the connection between her emerald eyed friend and the pale woman seated at the table.

"No seriously. Who is she?"

"I'll tell everyone at once. I don't feel like retelling the story seventy times."

Slowly the room began to fill, Snape's eyes closed as though trying to will the red on his cheeks away. It did slowly, disappearing once the rest of the Weasley clan entered. Hedwig had given up trying to ruffle Snape any further and walked over to lean against the wall beside Harry.

"HARRY!" A voice suddenly shrieked loudly. He turned and found an angry red head racing for him. She skidded to a stop in front of him and snarled. "Why didn't you take me with you?!"

He blinked in confusion. "Erm… hi to you too Gin?"

She slapped her hands onto the arm rests. "I've been stuck here all summer while you got to escape! Why didn't you take me with you?!"

"I didn't exactly have a choice to suddenly veer off towards Grimmauld Place," he argued, hands up in defense. "I would have if I could have but I couldn't so I didn't."

She growled and stood straight, crossing her arms irritably. "Next time bring me with you. It's no fun being cooped up here."

He rolled his eyes. "Yes Gin."

"Us too," Ron said, punching his arm.

Hermione shot him a look then looked sheepish. "It has been boring here…"

Harry grinned. "Fine. The next time I'm abducted I'll make sure to ask them to stop round your homes and pick you up."

"And that's all I ask," Ginny said coolly, then took a seat on the armrest of his chair.

Once Dumbledore walked in, Harry realized that most everyone was there. The old wizard spotted Hedwig right away and sent Harry a questioning look. Harry motioned to the crowd and Dumbledore nodded. "Everyone! Everyone please. Please be seated. We've quite the busy agenda today and I know most of us would rather be eating Molly's wonderfully prepared lunch." Molly blushed ferociously. "So, without further ado, Harry? Would you introduce this lovely young woman to us?"

Harry twitched slightly as everyone in the room turned to him. "Uh… hi." He heard Hedwig's snickering in his mind and mentally threw a bomb in her direction, enjoying the ruffled look she sent him. "None of you are going to believe me when I tell you what I didn't believe at first. So… everyone, I'd like you to meet Hedwig." He motioned to the woman who dipped her head gracefully.

There was a moment of silence before Ron laughed. "Is this who you named your owl after?"

"No… she… she is-was my owl." The room burst into laughter and Harry glared at Hedwig. 'Transform!'

'But I don't wanna…'

'If you don't transform then… then they'll kick you out and guess who you'll never see again!'

'Who?'

'Snape, you moron! Who else would you worry about never seeing again?!'

She sent him a horrified look and took a step forward, smoothly transforming into Hedwig and fluttering to land on his shoulder. Slowly the room began to notice the white owl seated on Harry's shoulder. As soon as everything quieted, she fluttered off and transformed, landing lightly before them.

She put her hands on her hips. "My name is Hedwig. Yes I was Harry's owl but I wasn't really an owl. Some idiots put a spell on me that lasted five years. I've been an owl for five years. I don't want to transform back for some time so don't ask me to do it again!"

No one made a sound, all staring incredulously at her. "You were his owl?" Hermione suddenly spoke.

She nodded. "For five years."

Harry sighed heavily and rubbed his forehead. "Transform once again for good measure."

"What did I just say?!"

"Do it anyways." She shot him a dirty look before transforming and flying to the other side of the room and back, transforming and falling to the ground lightly, stepping around Harry and crossing her arms irritably.

"What kind of spell was it?" Hermione asked curiously.

Hedwig shrugged. "As far as I can tell it was a simple transformation spell followed quickly by a time lapsing spell that lasted five years."

"Then how can you still transform?" Tonks asked.

"I think it was my animagus form but I'm not sure. That's what I'm figuring it was. Maybe the spell triggered wrong and instead just bound me to my animagus form." She shrugged again. "I don't know. I'm just happy I'm not an owl 24/7 anymore." A few people looked suspicious but didn't question it.

"If you wouldn't mind my dear," Dumbledore said, standing with a smile. "Perhaps you could allow me to speak with you privately?"

"I would mind, horribly in fact," she growled, crossing her arms angrily. "If you cannot trust Harry's word then whose can you trust?"

"And what if you put him under an imperio?" one of the more recent additions to the team asked.

Harry held up his hands. "I can guarantee I am not under an imperio."

"That doesn't help at all," he scowled.

Hedwig bristled. "You dare accuse me of being a Death Eater?!" she shouted.

He got to his feet. "I do! None of us have ever heard of you before-"

"I was an OWL! I lived in the Northern country!" She took a step forward getting into his face. "I don't know who you are! How do I know you're not a Death Eater?"

He spluttered. "I'm an auror!"

"And Lucius Malfoy is of good standing in the eyes of the community! Yet look where his loyalties lie!" She spun on her heel and stomped over to Dumbledore. "Let's go. I'll show you where my loyalties lie."

Neither moved for a long moment, several people looking at each other in confusion, before Dumbledore's eyes slid over to Harry then back at her. "I can guarantee her loyalties are with us MacDougal." The auror bristled. "I cannot inform you all of how but please believe she's on our side." Dumbledore's eyes flickered over to Harry once again before turning away.

Harry stiffened, suddenly realizing what the staring contest really had been and looked at her sharply. 'What did you show him?'

'Nothing bad, I promise.'

'Hedwig!' She glanced at him then back to Dumbledore who was still trying to assure MacDougal of her loyalties. An image of him sitting in Dudley's second bedroom looking nearly dead and exhausted popped up followed by the both of them in the kitchen, a bowl of food in front of him, a book on the other side and looking much healthier and happier. 'That's all?'

'I promise Harry. I told you I wouldn't tell without your permission remember?'

"Now. We've all been introduced to Miss Hedwig… you've not a last name?"

"Svetlana," she announced, arms crossing. "You won't find it as a last name anywhere. I've forgotten my old name and taken up a new one. Hedwig Svetlana." When MacDougal opened his mouth to argue, she shot him a deadly look. "Don't even start kid. You will find yourself buried headfirst in the sands on the beach of the Americas before you get a word out." His mouth snapped shut and he seethed.

"So, Harry, Ms. Svetlana-"

"Hedwig's fine Headmaster," she interrupted.

"Alright, Harry, Hedwig… I just need to know a few things."

"Like?" Hedwig asked suspiciously.

"Well, where you are staying for one, in case we need to pick you up in a hurry."

"You can't get to The Hive."

'The Hive?'

'Don't risk telling them what it's really called in case someone else can get in, like Remus did. It would be near impossible to get there with the wards as strong as they are but just in case…'

'Kay.'

"The Hive?"

"It's a place my brother and I created, a clubhouse if you will."

"And where is it?"

She smirked. "Wouldn't you like to know." MacDougal bristled but didn't say anything, looking uneasy at Dumbledore who was sending him a warning look.

"Yes I would. That's why I'm asking."

"Well you won't know. That's why I'm not telling you."

"We just want to be sure your home is hidden and that Harry is safe."

"It's hidden. Take my word for it. You cannot get to it unless you know exactly where it is and you don't know exactly where it is unless you're the owner and guess who the owner is."

"You?" Tonks asked dryly.

"Nope." They all blinked. "The earthworm in my closest who may have died cause I kinda left him there before I left… hm…" Harry whapped her upside the head. "Ow! Fine! Yes. I am the owner."

"If the Dark Lord finds out this information," Snape hissed. "You'll be the first on his list."

"Well unfortunately for Lord Dark and Gloomy, even I can't tell him where it is. The Fidelus Charm holder died years ago and so the place stays hidden even from the ones it hides. If someone did find out about The Hive and tried to apparate in, they'd find themselves in a door-less, windowless room that only the owner can enter depending on when she remembers that she should check to see if anyone's home."

"Have you ever found any-ouch!" Ron yelped as Hermione smacked his arm.

"Only once but only a robe was left." She smirked at the horrified looks she received. "I'm just kidding. An alarm goes off and announces that someone apparated in. Actually, that room's not even part of The Hive. I have to apparate to the house it's in to get them out."

"Hedwig," McGonagall sighed. "Please just tell us where it is. We want to be sure we can get to you both should anything go amiss."

"No." She leaned forward, eyes glimmering angrily. "The Hive is unplottable. It's untraceable. It's unfindable. It stays that way for reason. I don't tell anyone where it is. Not even Albus Dumbledore."

"And if you were captured?" Kingsley asked smoothly.

Her lips curled into a smile with no humor. "That's what suicide is for." Harry shot her a dark look, others looking horrified. "Oh come now. All of you. If a Death Muncher grabs you and tosses you at his Lord of Moldyness's feet, what do you do? Whimper and hope help arrives? No. You leap to your feet and punch him in the face, hope you break his nose-"

"He doesn't have a nose," Harry said calmly then yelped as her hand smacked his face.

"-steal his wand and cause all sorts of hell, hopefully killing a few before they take you out."

"What if they cast crucio before killing you?"

"Then in a brief moment of relief, you kill yourself." She grinned brilliantly. "Failsafe plan!"

"Except for the part about stealing his wand," Harry grumbled, rubbing his nose. "That's pretty hard to do."

"Then you steal someone else's." She poked his head. "I'd find a way."

"Why not just apparate out?" Hermione asked.

"Why take the chance of losing the opportunity to try and apparate and fail if there are anti-apparation shields?" She shook her head. "No. Hell first, safety later."

"That should be Harry's motto," Tonks chimed in. Many laughed, Ron and Ginny the loudest.

Hedwig laughed as well and slung an arm around his shoulder. "Aw. My poor nestling."

"Nestling?" someone asked.

"Well I was an owl and he's a kid and kid owls are called nestlings." She hugged his head. "My nestling!"

"Gonna adopt him too?" MacDougal sneered.

She shot him a dark look. "What is your problem boy?"

"Boy?! I'll have you know I'm 22!"

"And I'll have you know I'm 12 years your elder, boy!"

"I'm an auror!"

"And I'm not!" She took a threatening step forward, wand in hand and eyes flashing dangerously. "Which means I won't get into trouble for whatever spells I cast!"

Harry, even though he knew she wouldn't hurt him, quickly reached forward and grabbed her arm. "Hedwig…" A few Order members were doing the same to MacDougal. Hedwig quickly backed down, glancing at him.

"Well!" Dumbledore clapped and turned to Molly cheerfully. "Would you like to start lunch Molly?" She nodded and hurried into the kitchen, many following to get out of the tension filled room.

'Tell Dumbledore to get him out of here before I really do kill him,' Hedwig ordered.

Harry looked at Dumbledore sharply, who was watching him. He glanced to MacDougal then back at Dumbledore who nodded once and took the young man's arm gently, leading him to the hallway. Harry turned to look for his friends, spotting them quickly and hurrying off to join Ron and Hermione. "That… was…" She looked at a loss for words.

"Brilliant," Ron added with a grin. "Tell Hedwig she's bloody awesome! MacDougal's such a-"

"A what Mr. Weasley?" Ron paled and turned to Snape whose arms were crossed. He leaned down a bit. "Unless you'd like to rile the auror up even more, I'd suggest lowering your voice to a non-existent hum or rather wait until your topic of discussion isn't within the household."

He swallowed. "Yes sir." Snape floated back towards Dumbledore and Harry smirked as Ron made a face.

"Harry!" Ginny's arms wrapped around his neck. "Fred and George said they're sorry they couldn't make it but they want to see you soon." She glanced around and leaned forward to whisper, "they've got a brilliant new invention. You've gotta see it."

He glanced around as well then grinned back. "Tell them 'the map is the key and Zephyr has the key.'" She looked confused but nodded before Molly scolded her to get off Harry and let the 'poor boy get some food onto that skinny frame!' Harry blushed brightly then snarled at Hedwig when she suddenly appeared next to Molly with a "someone else who thinks he's too skinny! I've been trying for weeks to fatten him up! How do you do it Molly?" He groaned and put his face in his hands as Hedwig instantly made a new friend.

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After lunch was almost finished, Harry glanced up from the third helping of lunch that Molly had placed in front of him after a twenty minute discussion with Hedwig about his dietary needs. Ron and Ginny, of course, taunted him mercilessly. He wasn't sure the blush was completely gone…

McGonagall sat with Remus and Hermione by the fireplace, chatting idly about some new book. Ron, Ginny and Tonks sat at the table by Harry, Ginny explaining a new invention by the twins and how she used it on Ron, the red head blushing brightly as Tonks held her stomach and laughed. Arthur was chatting with Kingsley and Dumbledore about something at the Ministry, Snape listening but not contributing in the middle of the table. Moody was absent (Harry frowned at that, wondering what was keeping the ex-auror). Hedwig looked very out of place, seated a few seats down from the group at the fire, staring in the flames, legs crossed.

'You alright?' Harry asked softly. He watched her head pick up a little as she realized he was speaking to her.

'I'm fine… it's just… odd to be part of civilization again…'

He stirred his food around on his plate. 'You've been human for a month now. It shouldn't be odd.'

'No. Not that kind of civilization. I mean going out in public and speaking to people is the same as being an owl and saying a hello to a fellow owl. Here… people actually want to know what you're thinking and be part of a group of thought. It's weird…'

'Well you're a weird person.' He felt the scowl and fought to keep the smirk off his face.

'Thank you Harry, you doll.'

'You're welcome.'

"Harry?" He looked up as Dumbledore walked over. "Shall we all take a seat in the living room to speak some more?"

"Sure." He left the nearly full plate on the table and flopped into the seat beside Hedwig.

"Hullo Harry, Headmaster," she muttered, sipping at the tea and grimacing. "Is there any coffee in this house-ouch! What?" she grumbled at Harry who elbowed her.

"You drink coffee now and you'll be up all night and I don't want to listen to your yowling at the stereo."

She pouted but sipped at the tea nonetheless. "Grumpy pants."

"You'd be grumpy too if I kept you up all night singing Disney songs." He remembered where they were and who they sat with and blushed lightly. "Sorry professor."

"It's quite alright," Dumbledore replied, looking amused. "Well Harry… I don't believe we need to wait till tomorrow to tell you that we believe you're in good hands." Dumbledore smiled when Harry nodded. "I do wish you'd stay at Grimmauld Place though… perhaps you'd visit a few times a week?"

He glanced at Hedwig who shrugged. 'It's your summer Potter. Do what you want.'

He turned back to the Headmaster, mind twisting a few times before he smiled. "How about this; from Sunday morning till Wednesday afternoon I stay at the hive. Midday Wednesday I'll come back here until Saturday night."

"That sounds brilliant, my boy." Dumbledore nodded to him. "Good thinking."

He heard Hedwig sigh happily in his mind and glanced her way. 'Three days of Snape…'

He scowled darkly at her. 'Do you HAVE to let me know that?!'

'Yes.'

He sighed and rolled his eyes skyward before turning to Dumbledore who was looking between them curiously. Harry paled slightly. "Erm…"

Dumbledore noted the paleness and smiled. "Fawkes and I have a special connection, you know. Sometimes it almost feels as though we can speak to each other. It is a wonderful gift."

"Sir?"

He leaned forward as though conspiring with him. "If you do not want others to know, you should learn to better school your expression. I must say you were doing a superb job earlier. Only faint glances gave it away."

"Thank you sir."

'Ahhh. Snape…' His eye twitched angrily, Dumbledore raising an eyebrow in confusion.

Turning slowly, he caught her gaze. She blinked then smirked wickedly as he sent her a very bloody and gory death threat. Had he given that threat to someone else they may have turned green and fainted but she merely waved it off and turning back to watching Snape.

"If you don't mind my asking… what is she doing that has you so riled?"

"She…" He winced. "She believes a certain Potions Master is… cute."

Dumbledore blinked then let out a laugh. "Well. That most certainly would make anyone else a little uneasy to hear a woman mooning over another."

"Especially when that man hates your guts."

"Professor Snape does not 'hate your guts.'" Harry snorted. "I'm sure he respects you… er… deep down…"

"Yeah. Like center of the Earth down."

Dumbledore merely smiled then motioned towards the table. "I believe I'm to chat with everyone else over a cup of tea. Would you and Miss Hedwig like to join us?"

"I'm sure she would as long as she gets to sit near him."

"There is a seat right across from him that's free."

Hedwig grinned and walked to the table, taking her seat and smiling at Snape who glanced up, realized who was sitting across from him and scowled, looking back at his work.

"Can we sit on the other end?" Harry muttered. Dumbledore just grinned.

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When the six o'clock chime rang through the house, Harry started, not having realized it was so late. "Well, we've got to go," Hedwig announced as she stood.

"We do?" Harry asked in confusion.

She rolled her eyes and cuffed him upside the head. "Do you not recall the reservation I made a few days ago?"

"Oh yeah. That's tonight?"

She sighed heavily and grabbed the back of his shirt. "Leaving now Potter."

"Ack! All right! All right! Let me say good bye."

Dumbledore stood. "Is that wise, Ms. Hedwig? Going out into the public with only yourself for protection?"

Her eyes narrowed angrily. "Do you doubt my credibility to take care of Harry?"

"None in the least. I just wonder if your eyes can spot danger at every corner. Harry should stay inside until school or until there are more guards around." Harry frowned, looking to the ground with a near silent sigh.

"Well Headmaster, I told Harry three days ago that I was taking him to this restaurant. For three days we've waited to go and I will not be telling him 'oh sorry Harry. We're staying inside. It's too dangerous for you.' I've got a wand. He has a wand. We're both trained in the arts of shielding and I'm pretty sure that Moldy Voldy won't be looking for us in a muggle restaurant in the middle of nowhere."

She turned and pointed at one of the aurors. "And if you even think about restraining me, I will pull your innards out through your nose. Believe me. Not a pleasant way to go." The man's eyes darted to Dumbledore's immediately but the effect was broken with Hermione's choking, hands over her mouth. Ron was grinning wickedly and Ginny had scrunched up her nose in disgust. The other people in the room varied from a raised eyebrow to a grin to a nauseous look.

'That was utterly disgusting Hedwig.'

'Shut up Potter.'

Dumbledore frowned then sighed. "I suppose we've no say in this then. But please be careful."

"Actually," she smirked wickedly at Harry. "If you want someone to accompany us, Snape could always come."

Snape stiffened and glared darkly at her then glared even more darkly when Dumbledore turned to him. "No."

"Severus-"

"No."

"But-"

"No."

Dumbledore sighed. "All right." He turned back to Harry. "Please be careful tonight."

Harry blinked then shook himself and nodded. "Yes sir. I'll send an owl as soon as we get back."

"Thank you." He nodded and followed Hedwig out. As they crossed the threshold to the house, she grabbed his arm and apparated back to The Nest. Once they were sure Harry and Hedwig were gone, Ginny, Hermione and Ron raced upstairs to talk. The Order dispersed, some going back to the Ministry, others heading to the kitchen for some more food.

McGonagall turned to Snape with a sly grin. "So Severus… it seems you have a fangirl."

Snape glowered at her but before he could open his mouth, Dumbledore added, "a very pretty fangirl."

"She's smart as well as sly."

"Must be powerful as well and practice occulmency since I couldn't get into her mind."

"Caring and protective."

"Wealthy enough to provide for herself and a teenage boy."

"Cautious not to reveal too much to put anyone in harm's way."

"And she is quite pretty."

"You've said that one already Albus."

"Ah. Have I? The brain tends to forget in my old age… she's quite young, your age I believe or a bit younger."

"She's thirty-four," Snape sneered then froze when Albus and McGonagall sent him identical grins. "She said she was!" he argued back then spun on his heel. "I've got work to do!"

McGonagall grinned. "Albus, my dear friend… I do believe we've found our next pet project." Many people believed Albus Dumbledore to be a Gryffindor through and through but the laughter that escaped his lips was purely Slytherin.

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"And in… and out… breathe in… and out…" Hedwig peeked open an eye, Harry completely calm, chest moving in rhythm as though he were asleep. "Brilliant Harry," she said a few minutes later and he peered open an eye. She smiled and ruffled his hair. "Now that you're relaxed and occluded, time for rest." He nodded and slid into bed quickly, Hedwig standing and heading for the door.

"Hedwig?" She glanced over with a 'hm?' "Was all that stuff you told the Order about The Nest true?"

"Partially… see…" She sighed and walked back over, seating herself on the bed at his knees. "All of the apparating stuff was true, but why they couldn't reach The Nest wasn't explained right… You know how Phoenixes can travel through realms and stuff? Well it's because they're so ancient and because they're the closest to having humanic magic. When I was an owl, I was still a human so I could see things humans couldn't, or wouldn't, and therefore passed through into another realm where The Nest is located. Remember that sudden jolt you had and you looked up to find the sea? You passed through the realm with me and into the next."

"I passed into another world?"

"No. Realm. Like a chunk of our world outside the actually world. Like…" She looked around for something to compare it to before snapping her fingers. "Remember you went to the World Tournament and the tiny tent was huge inside? That's like a smaller version of what I've found." He nodded, still not understanding but sorta kinda getting it. "I know it's hard to grasp. I had a difficult time as well… but just know it's not about to collapse anytime soon and you're one of few who can pass through the realm. I don't think even Lord Moldyface can get through."

Harry sniggered then grew serious. "How did Remus get through?"

"Like I said, the wards had grown weak, enough so this realm was beginning to bind to the other. It was easy for Remus to follow Erebos through whereas if the wards were strong, like they are now, he'd have been watching Erebos then suddenly not seen the owl anywhere and he couldn't get through." She smiled. "So don't worry. You're safe here."

"I know."

"Good." She moved to stand, hesitated then turned and kissed his forehead. He blushed in surprise. "Good night Harry," she said softly as she stood. "Sweet dreams."

"Good night Hedwig... and thanks… for everything." She smiled warmly and closed the door behind her.

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To all readers and reviewers,

Merry Christmas everybody! I know it's been months! :( I'm sorry! Junior year in college is literally sapping my life. For serious, I got like 16 hours of sleep spread over three days between finals and projects and packing and studying… blargh… And as soon as that was over, it was back to work and Christmas shopping!

So it's winter break! Other than work my slate is pretty much clean! I'm hoping to get a lot of work done during our three week (now two week) vacation!

I hope everyone's had a fantastic holiday (or will be/still finishing a fantastic holiday!) and have a great new year if I don't see you before then!

Kadasa Mori