I'm so sorry! I really meant to update much sooner than this but I just really hate this chapter. I want to thank everyone who reviewed and I know you've all been impatient with me. This chapter is the first part of the summer holidays, the next chapter will be the rest of it. I've alreay started writing it and I can promise that the time between this update and the next one won't be as long as I've made you all wait.

Once again, I hate this chapter. Nothing seemed to sit right but hopefully now that I've gotten this chapter up I will be able to get the rest of the second year down. I WILL NOT ABANDON THIS STORY!! I will finish this eventually. Thank you for encouraging me to continue, as well as the ideas many of you have given me. I haven't used all of them but if you squint you may see some of your ideas in there.

Key:

blah twin speak

"blah" normal talking

"blah" phoenix talking

blah thoughts, flashbacks, books/letters, etc.

Harry Potter: Chosen One

Chapter 12

Harry woke up sharply in a cold sweat with a quiet whimper. His breathing was slightly irregular and he was shivering in the early morning chill. Jade was snuggled against his side and Midnight was snoozing over on her perch he had taken out of his trunk.

"It's just a dream, it's just a dream, it's just a dream," Harry kept chanting to himself as he sat up to pull his knees to his chest.

He'd been at the Diggory household for three days already, and had almost completed his summer holiday homework. He had spent his days outside with Cedric flying around or with his new guardians getting to know them.

It wasn't that he disliked his new guardians he just didn't know them very well. He didn't know what their thoughts on werewolves were, or how they felt about magical creatures as a whole. He knew that Amos worked with magical creatures, the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures pretty much explained what he did. It was his reaction that had Harry worried.

He had introduced Midnight to his new family the day after he had arrived in the comfortable home of the Diggory's after they had walked into his room and seen the phoenix sitting on the headboard. They had come in to wake him up for breakfast, to find him already awake and listening to the soothing trill the magical bird made.

Amos had been delighted upon seeing Midnight and Anna had cooed at the sight of the two of them sitting together. The positive reaction from seeing Midnight had given Harry hope that they would be considerate of having a werewolf in their home for a short amount of time.

He had organised for Remus to arrive at the end of the week so that he would have some time with his new family, to get used to them. They wrote everyday via Midnight, so Remus knew to keep Harry's identity as a Potter hidden. As Remus Lupin had been a well known friend of the Potter's they needed to fabricate a story to explain their relationship.

It was Harry who had thought of the story. It was known that Remus had travelled to many places after Hogwarts, though not everyone knew that it was to various werewolf packs, so it was obvious that he would have met many people. Harry's idea was that during one of his trips he had come across a family who were under attack by a group of Death Eaters. Both survived but with grievous injuries. The man had lost his right leg and the woman had third degree burns on her body.

She had a hidden her months old son in a cupboard under a silencing charm so that he wouldn't be discovered. Her other son, who was two at the time, had hidden in his bedroom under his bed. Remus had spent a few months helping the couple, making sure that they and their children were looked after. The woman named him the godfather of her youngest son and when his christening came around three months after the attack, named him Harold Remus Evans.

Remus kept in contact with them often and was with them when Voldemort was defeated by the Potter twins, hence the reason he wasn't around at the time. When he heard the news he rushed back to visit his other godson. He spent a year with the Potter's, making sure that there were no lasting effects from the curse.

For the next few years his time was spent evenly between the Potters and the Evans', until the Potters got rid of their youngest son.

At the time, he had been with the Evans family playing with his godson and the then seven year old Evans' heir. When he heard of what James and Lily had done he had renounced his friendship with them and set out to find Harrison. While he was looking for the Potter child, the Evans family had fallen a part.

Mr. Evans had been feeling resentful for his handicap for many years, and feeling angrier at Remus for constantly being around and dividing his sons' affections for him. His oldest son still worshiped him, but his younger son was completely overawed by the werewolf. His wife was no longer the beauty she'd been before the attack and they no longer had the same affection they had had for each other. After Remus left, hearing of the tragedy of his other godson, Mr. Evans had worked himself into a drunken rage, ordered his family into the car, dropped his youngest son off at a friend's place, and drove home again. On the way home he had hit a truck and he, his wife and oldest son were killed instantly.

Remus was devastated when he found out. He had now lost both his godsons. He disappeared, trying to find either of them and only found Harold Evans a few months before he received his Hogwarts letter. He believed that Harry Potter was dead.

Remus had been impressed with the story Harry had fabricated and agreed to abide by it. He also tried to reassure the child that he and Amos had worked together during the war and there was no problem with his werewolf status.

A knock at the door brought Harry from his memories and he crawled from his bed to open the door. He spotted Cedric on the other side, looking tired but concerned. Harry let the older boy enter and went back to sit on his bed. He pulled his knees to his chest and watched as Cedric settled himself at the end of the bed.

"You had another nightmare?" Cedric asked softly. Cedric's room was right across the hall so he would be available to Harry during the night if he needed it. It was also easy for him to hear any nightmare Harry had.

"Yes," Harry said equally soft. He pulled Jade onto his lap and played with the reddish-black fur on her head. Her purrs echoed around the silent room.

"Do you want to talk about it?" Cedric asked. Harry shook his head, not looking at his new brother. "You know we won't treat you like your relatives did, right? You don't have to be afraid here."

"I know," Harry whispered.

"I don't think you do," Cedric said and put one of his hands on Harry's knee. "I doubt you've been anywhere where you could feel completely safe. Even at school there was some element of danger. But I can promise you this, we will never hurt you."

Harry smiled at the boy, not really believing the statement just yet, but not disbelieving it either. Cedric stared at him piercingly for several moments before nodding. He stood up with the intention of returning to his bedroom, but was stopped by Harry's small hand grasping the sleeve of his shirt.

"Wait," Harry whispered. "Don't leave."

Cedric sat back down on the bed and brushed the hair off Harry's forehead. He gently maneuvered the boy until he was lying down under the covers, Jade against his side once again and Midnight still sleeping silently above him.

"I'll stay until you go back to sleep," Cedric promised. "You need to be well rested for tomorrow. Mum and Dad have a surprise for you."

Harry tried to get the boy to spill the secret but was gently ordered to go to sleep in reply. He pouted but did his best to obey his brother. He would worry about everyone's reactions at a later date, for now he was safe. His new brother was looking after him, Midnight was trilling softly in her sleep, and Jade was snoring gently against his side. He fell asleep again with a soft smile on his face.

The next morning Harry bounced along in front of Cedric towards the kitchens. Jade was still sleeping in their room and Midnight was exploring the grounds that surrounded the property. Cedric walked steadily behind his little brother, marveling at the difference of the Harry he had to reassure the previous night and the one smiling in front of him now. He knew they still had a long way to go before Harry felt completely safe with them, but he believed they were making good progress judging by how happy the boy looked now.

Not knowing how to behave in a new home those first few days, Harry had often been seen in the corner of a room at a loss of what to do. The first day he had been in the house he had made breakfast for everyone and cleaned the kitchen before anyone had woken up. Anna had been impressed with his cooking skills but had afterwards spoken with Harry and told him that if he wanted to cook, to have someone in the kitchen with him in case he got hurt.

Harry had gotten teary-eyed at her words and surprised them both by hugging her around the neck. Since then he and Anna bonded in the kitchen, making meals and snacks they had found in various magazines and cook books that made the other two males in the house drool with the smells that escaped the kitchen.

When he wasn't in the kitchen Harry was in his room doing his homework. Cedric, not wanting his new brother to be alone, had taken his own homework into the younger boy's room and had worked together, Cedric providing assistance if it was needed. After a few hours of work, Cedric pulled Harry away from his homework and they went flying in the empty fields surrounding the house. They were careful not to fly too high or too far away as there was muggle village nearby.

After dinner was over and all the dishes cleaned up, a chore that Cedric and Amos had to do as Anna and Harry had cooked, Amos spent some time with Harry discussing his work or family history. Harry liked learning about the history of the Diggory family but preferred to find out where his guardian stood in his views of magical creatures.

Amos had calmed the boy's worry when he had mentioned that despite working with dangerous creatures, he was aware of several "dark creatures" who wouldn't harm a fly if they could help it. In his explanation he had mentioned Hagrid, who was a half-giant and already acquainted with Harry; Sohrab, a vampire Harry hadn't met but worked as an ambassador between vampires and wizards during the war. He was still seen around and had become a sort-of advisor to Amos when rogue vampires were captured by the ministry. The last "dark creature" Amos mentioned had dispelled any fears Harry may have had as the man had spoken of Remus Lupin and how he hadn't seen the werewolf for years, not since the younger Potter twin went missing.

Harry hadn't told the Diggorys the name of his godfather, only that he would be visiting at the end of the week.

"Good morning boys," Anna said as she spotted the two boys enter the kitchen.

"Morning Mum," Cedric replied while Harry had just smiled and waved. He immediately went to the pantry for some bread and other ingredients and set them on the counter. Anna smiled over her morning coffee. Usually breakfast was a small affair, with each member of the house making their own food. Harry hadn't understood the concepts just yet and always made more breakfast than required for one person. Anna let him make breakfast for the family, as long as she was in the kitchen to supervise.

Harry was still too thin in Anna's opinion but nothing she did seemed to have much effect. The potions he took had given him some height and he now looked like a healthy ten year old, despite being almost twelve. Anna had a suspicion that Harry would always be thin. His body had yet to figure out that it didn't have to store all food it consumed for energy, and could store some as fat. Anna was determined to make sure that by the time Harry returned to school in December he would look closer to his age than he already was.

"What are we having this morning Harry?" Cedric asked as he sat down at the breakfast table.

"French Toast," Harry replied. "My Aunt used to make me make it with whatever I was making for my Uncle and Dudley. I always thought that French Toast was much better than eggs and bacon in the morning."

"Sounds good," Cedric replied. His voice was tight and his mother recognised that the boy was angry about how candidly Harry spoke of his childhood. Anna wasn't too pleased about it either but knew better to bring it up before Harry was ready to talk about it.

It was only ten minutes later that the Diggory family was sitting down to eat breakfast. Amos had stumbled down at the smell of food, complimented Harry on his skills like he normally did, and turned his attention to his wife to ask if everything was set for the day, ignoring Harry's usual blush.

"Yes dear," Anna replied. "We'll leave after breakfast."

Amos nodded in understanding and focused on his breakfast. Harry really was a good cook, but no one in the Diggory family liked to think about why he was so good.

Once everyone was done and Harry had taken his potions, the Diggory family went about getting ready for the day. Cedric told Harry what to wear and tolerantly allowed Harry to ask whatever questions he had, not that he would answer them. He led Harry downstairs, Jade running ahead of them. Midnight would remain behind but would be available if she was needed.

"Where are we going?" Harry asked again as they got downstairs.

"It's a surprise," Cedric replied with a smile. Anna chuckled and started to fix Harry's clothes, much to his embarrassment.

"We decided that you didn't need something extravagant," Anna started to explain. "So today we're going to do some family shopping, have a picnic for lunch, after lunch we will burn those old clothes of yours, and after that you are free to do whatever you want."

Harry stared up at her silently, allowing his eyes to look over at the other two members of his family. Finding himself unable to speak around the lump in his throat, he gave Anna a quick hug and a smile. When he released her he asked how they would be getting there. The Diggory's smiled and gave him an explanation of a portkey before their day of family fun began.

The rest of the week passed with much enjoyment. The picnic had been the first of many, or so Anna implied. She promised that once a week they would go on a picnic as a family and then do something special in the afternoon. Harry had great fun burning his old rags, though he imagined that Cedric enjoyed it more.

Every day Harry and Anna would slave away in the kitchen cooking up various foods that they had found or something that Harry had seen when they went into town. Cedric took Harry into town every so often to get food, look around the shops, and introduce his little brother to his muggle friends. Cedric was obviously very popular with the local kids, and most particularly the girls. Harry watched in amusement as Cedric was overwhelmed by young girls, at least, it was in amusement until Cedric had seen fit to introduce him. The girls had then squealed and tried to hug him, declaring how cute he was.

Harry had refused to speak to Cedric for two days and in that time he would fall silent if Cedric was in the room, even if he was in the middle of a conversation with Anna or Amos, and stare at the older boy until he got too uncomfortable being in the same room. Harry forgave him after Cedric had begged for forgiveness, promising to never do it again.

Amos was home most nights, and Harry spent most of his time in the man's study, just talking and getting to know one another. They had started to talk about his childhood, growing up with the Dursleys. Harry didn't go into details, only talking about small things, such as his room and chores. He didn't even touch on his punishments, even though he knew that they were aware of them.

At night, when everyone was in bed, Harry would talk to his twin, passing on news of the day and finding out anything new. He found out that Hayden would be going to the Weasley's for his birthday, and would be sending an invite to Harry and Cedric soon. He also found out that Hayden hadn't received a single letter all holidays. Harry tried to reassure him that it was only the first week and that his friends would write eventually, to which Hayden had asked how many of his friends had already written. Harry had no reply as he had received letters from Terry, Justin, Zach, Neville and Hermione, and of course he had his letters from Uncle Moony.

Aside from his twin's lonely summer, Harry had really found a place where he was happy and could call home.

By the end of the week Harry was nearly bouncing in anticipation. He was waiting for Remus to arrive excitedly and couldn't seem to stop smiling. Cedric was amazed at his demeanor and did his best to divert all of Harry's energy into something that wouldn't have him acting like a kid on a sugar high. He took him outside to play some one-on-one Quidditch and included one bludger to ensure Harry paid attention.

The rules of the game were that it was ten points per "goal", the goal posts were two tall trees on either side of the "pitch" that were taller than the others. The bludger had been charmed to bruise but not break any bones; Anna would have kittens if they had been playing with a real bludger. They had a snitch floating around but until it showed up they were playing a normal game. When the snitch appeared, Harry had spotted it first, the two boys sped after it, with Harry catching it a full half a metre in front of Cedric. Harry released the snitch and they continued playing.

That activity took until lunchtime when both boys were feeling the affects of hunger. Cedric ordered Harry to the ground and they put their brooms in the broom shed before going inside. Cedric had an arm across Harry's shoulders as they walked in companionable silence back inside. It was as they were near the back door that a familiar voice echoed across the yard.

"Hello Cub." Harry turned around with a brilliant smile on his young face at the sound of his godfather's greeting. Cedric turned as well, partly in confusion but mainly because his little brother had suddenly disappeared from his side. He was frozen to the spot as he saw Harry wrap his arms around the neck of a kind looking man dressed in casual muggle clothes. He lifted Harry easily from the ground and spun him around happily, Harry laughing the entire time.

Cedric walked forward to greet the man, his hand extended and a smile on his face.

"Hello, you must be Harry's godfather," he said as the man took his hand. "I'm Cedric Diggory. Harry hasn't stopped talking about you since he learnt the day you were coming."

"It's a pleasure to meet you Cedric," Remus replied as he juggled Harry so that the boy was sitting on his hip. "I'm Remus Lupin. I must thank you for taking care of my Cub at Hogwarts. I wasn't quite sure how he'd cope being surrounded by so many other kids. In fact, I still don't see how he did it."

"I had help," Harry stated with a frown. "Aunty Minnie helped me, and all the teachers were nice, and I made friends in Hufflepuff."

Remus chuckled and ruffled Harry's hair, making it stick up in all directions. Harry smiled as well and wrapped his arms tighter around Remus' neck.

"You fly very well Cub," Remus said as he started to walk indoors, Cedric at his side. "Though I will admit it easily enough, you gave me a heart attack with some of those stunts you pulled."

Harry didn't bother replying; instead he tightened his grip and started to explain what he had done during the summer as if they hadn't been writing every day. Remus listened indulgently as Cedric led them to the kitchen.

Amos had taken the day off work, knowing how important it was for Harry to have his new family meet his godfather. As such, he was somewhat prepared for a strange man to walk into his house, but completely unprepared when he recognised the well dressed man with Harry in his arms.

"Remus J. Lupin," Amos said slowly. "You're still alive."

"Amos Diggory," Remus replied, turning away from Harry. "Still working with the Ministry?"

"Yep!" Amos stated cheerfully. "How about you? What are you doing with yourself?"

"I'm a tutor in America," said Remus as he sat Harry on one of the chairs in the kitchen before sitting next to him. "As soon as I found out where Harry here was I came back. I was surprised that he remembered me actually."

"Weren't you the Potter boy's godfather? The younger one's?" Amos asked. "I heard that's why you left."

"I had two godsons," Remus replied. "Harrison Potter and Harold Evans, ironic huh? Harry here was two months old when I met him and his family. Death Eaters were attacking them, I leant a hand, the Death Eaters ran, and in gratitude Harry's mother named me godfather and used my name as Harry's middle name."

"I'd like to hear the full story later," Amos stated. Remus nodded with a smile.

"After Harry's in bed I think," he said. The two men looked to where Harry had disappeared to, having slid off the seat when neither man was watching. He and Cedric were in the kitchen making up some sandwiches for everyone to eat. While they were busy Amos leant across to speak quietly with Remus.

"We'll set up the guest room for you," he whispered. "I haven't seen Harry this carefree before. He obviously loves you."

"I'll only stay for a couple of days," Remus replied just as quietly. "Being here has been good for him; I wouldn't want to detract from that."

"You won't challenge the guardianship?" Amos asked.

"I wouldn't be able to even if I wanted to," Remus said sadly. "I'm a werewolf. I'm not allowed guardianship of any child without a third party present. Besides, you know what I am once a month. Harry will be much safer and happier here than he would be with me."

"You'll be welcome here anytime," Amos said with a smile. "Don't be a stranger."

"I doubt I could be," the werewolf stated with a laugh. "Harry could just order Midnight to come and fetch me."

Amos laughed as well as the boys brought over the plate of sandwiches. The man called for his wife and lunch was a noisy as the Diggory's asked a range of questions about Remus and his line of work. Harry managed to con the man into looking over his now finished homework while Cedric somehow suckered him into giving him some Quidditch moves to try out. Harry had no idea how he had managed that as Remus had never played Quidditch in his life, and preferred to have his feet on the ground than dangling in the air.

The rest of the afternoon was filled with laughter as Harry watched his godfather attempt to help Cedric by covering the ground with cushioning charms before giving out any advice. Harry had been amazed to see that despite never playing the game in his life, Remus was an excellent coach. As Cedric was a Seeker, Remus gave him several agility-type exercises and conjured up phantom players and bludgers that would look real but had no substance. Several times Cedric would accidently fly through one of them or a bludger would go through him, and he would shiver. He later told Harry that it felt like walking through a ghost.

As the sky began to darken they moved back inside and Harry pulled out his homework for the American tutor to look over, Cedric bringing his down moments after Harry did. They went over the different subjects, having various quizzes and debates over the relevance of a spell, or a comparison between something more effective. It was while Remus was testing Cedric that Harry disappeared into the kitchen. Remus noticed immediately and looked to where his godson had gone to.

"He's going to cook dinner," Cedric whispered as he spotted the man's eyes following Harry. "He does it every night, and every morning. We let him because he obviously enjoys it and what he does cook tastes bloody brilliant. But every time he goes off to cook, or clean, I can't help but hate his relatives. Why would they treat him like…how could they hurt a child?"

"There are a lot of cruel people out there Cedric, not everyone is as fortunate as Harry is to have someone close to help him," Remus replied softly. "Most children who are abused never tell anyone about it, others die from their injuries or their own hand. Harry's only been with his relatives for six years, before that he had a family who…loved him most of the time. Harry is very lucky to have you as a friend, give him time and he will recover."

"When he told me about his first Christmas, about how his family had abandoned him, about his uncle…I had hoped that he was lying or exaggerating. But I knew he wasn't. I felt like crying, like taking him away and hiding him for the rest of his life. I couldn't, and still can't, understand why anyone would want to harm a child like Harry. I doubt he's ever done anything bad in his entire life!"

Remus put an arm around Cedric's shoulders comfortingly. Cedric brushed away the angry tears in his eyes and rested his elbows on his knees.

"I think you should talk to your father about how you feel," Remus whispered. "Rant at him for a while, go flying, something that will make you feel better. If you want you can talk to your father about some investments that will help children with unfortunate childhoods. There are organisations out there, particularly in the muggle world that are set up to help abused children of all ages. Maybe you could have one set up in the wizarding world."

Remus left him to think about what he had said and walked into the kitchen where the mouth-watering smells were coming from.

Harry looked up as he entered and grinned happily. The small boy was covered in flour as he stirred a giant bowl filled with what looked like chocolate moose. On the stove was a large pot of chicken in boiling water and a smaller pot with rice in it. There was also a pot of what looked like soup bubbling away next to the rice. The sink was stacked neatly with dirty dishes to be done later, and any ingredient used was either already put away or stacked up on the bench ready to be put away. Anna was sitting at the bench and talking about her days in Hogwarts, making Harry laugh with some of the embarrassing things she or her friends had done.

"Smells good Cub, what are we having?" Remus asked as he sat next to Anna.

"Chicken Noodle Soup for entrees, Chili Chicken over rice for mains and for dessert we're having chocolate cake and ice-cream," Harry said as he started to pour the chocolate moose look-a-like into another bowl. "By the time we finish dinner the cake will be ready."

Remus grinned and started up a conversation with Anna, all the while watching while Harry made his way around the kitchen as if he had been in one his whole life. He couldn't deny that Harry was brilliant, but watching him just made the werewolf sad. Harry had had his childhood ripped from him, forcing him to grow up way too early. Remus promised himself that he would talk with his godson that night, find out how he really was, and then he would talk with Amos and Anna.

Amos stumbled into the kitchen as Harry was dishing out dinner, making a big deal about following his nose to his seat at the table. Harry laughed softly at the scene, obviously used to it. Cedric came in shortly after, having spotted his father entering the dining room.

Anna helped her new son hand out the plates and gave him a quick kiss on the forehead before he took his own plate. Harry froze at the unexpected contact before taking the last plate for himself and sat down between Cedric and Remus. Anna had kissed him on the forehead numerous times, but each and every time it caused his to freeze in shock. After he had recovered he started to tell his new parents about their day and musing about what he would be doing the next day.

Cedric added his own input asking for another picnic during Remus' stay. Amos promised him that they would have a picnic before the werewolf left, but it would have to wait a few days as he would be busy at work for the next few days.

Once dinner was over Harry dragged Remus to his room while Cedric and Amos did the dishes. Midnight trilled a greeting to the werewolf before landing on Harry's shoulder and playing with his hair. Jade leapt into his arms and licked his nose happily before sitting in his lap as he sat on the bed. Remus sat opposite him and looked around the room.

"This is a nice room," he said in the silence. Harry nodded excitedly.

"Yes, it is," he agreed. "Cedric's room is right across the hall and he comes in every night to see if I'm alright. Amos and Anna are further down but they stop at the door on their way to bed, just like real parents do! And they bought all these things for Jade and Midnight, like food and bedding and stuff, and we go on picnics like a real family, and Cedric takes me into town. Later in the holidays we're going to go and visit the Weasleys, and Hayden's going to have his party there and me and Cedric are invited!"

"Sounds like you're really happy here," Remus remarked with a smile.

"I am," Harry said with a nod. His face then fell as if thinking of something sad. "But…will it last? What if they decide that they don't want me here anymore?"

"I didn't know Amos very well during school, though Anna was Lily's tutor for a few years before she graduated, but I knew both of them very well during the war. So you can trust me on this, when Amos makes a promise, or sets out to do something, he won't change his mind…ever."

"Promise?"

"I promise Cub, this is probably the best family out there you could become a part of."

Harry gently put Jade next to him and gave his godfather a hug. Remus pulled him onto his lap and started to play with his hair. Harry put his head on the man's shoulder and stared into the distance, not really focusing on anything.

"Hayden's unhappy," he said softly. Remus' hand hesitated before he asked the child 'why?' and continued with his ministrations.

"No one's writing to him, he hasn't received a single letter all holidays and his parents are being overbearing. He hides in his room and the only highlight he can see happening this holiday is the birthday party he's having at the Weasley's in a few weeks. Usually how we feel is the complete opposite and he's the one trying to cheer me up. What if, by me being happy, he has to be miserable?"

"Hayden would never ask that of you," Remus said instantly. "He would want you to be happy after everything you've been through."

"But–"

"No buts Harry, I'll see if I can figure what's happening. Everything will sort itself out and you will both be happy. That I can promise you."

"Okay," Harry murmured.

"Now, I know you talk to Hayden still, so tell him this for me. 'Do better at school'. He may only ever have an average magical ability, but after all his training before he started Hogwarts he should be in the top five percent of students in his year."

"He is," Harry said looking at his godfather. "He deliberately mucked up his exams to make him seem like an average student. He has enough attention as it is, he doesn't want to have even more because he is an above-average student. He says it will give him an advantage against his enemies and that his classmates will underestimate him. He did top the Defence class though, that he didn't hold back in because that's where the emphasis of his early training was focused."

"That has to be one of the best pranks ever thought of, and it will last for many years," Remus said with a laugh. "I can't wait to see their faces when he reveals how advanced he is."

"He won't hold back in his OWLs," Harry confessed. "Maybe you can help him in the meantime though. He can send you some of his work with Midnight, the notes he hides for later use, and you can tell him where he needs to improve. He can't ask the professors for obvious reasons."

Remus laughed again and promised that he would be available for the Potter heir to send his work to.

Harry yawned suddenly and rested his head heavily on Remus' shoulder. The werewolf noticed how tired the boy was and ordered him to bed. Harry pouted but obeyed by changing into his pyjamas and taking care of his needs in the bathroom. When he returned Remus tucked him in and left the room. Harry knew that the man would tell the others not to disturb him so that he could sleep without any disturbances.

Harry really wanted to speak with his twin brother, so he was appreciative that no one would disturb him until the next morning when it was time to get up.

Hayden? Harry thought softly so as to not disturb his brother if he was in the middle of something.

Yes Harry? Hayden replied almost immediately.

How are you?

Bored, was the abrupt reply. No one is writing, mum and dad are smothering me, I'm not aloud to leave the house because "Voldemort is out there and just waiting for an unguarded moment to strike at you and kill you". What parent tells their kid that?!

Harry was silent as he had no reply at all. He could feel how lonely and betrayed his brother felt and didn't know how to help him out.

Maybe my "friends" are only my friends because I'm the one who saved them, a hero, a celebrity, famous…

That's not true! Harry though furiously. You stop thinking that right now Hayden James Potter! I don't know your friends very well but I do know that they wouldn't befriend you and then forget about you just as quickly. Hermione has written to me upset that you haven't replied to any of her letters! So there! Your friends have written. Something is blocking those letters from getting to you though.

…Thanks Harry, Hayden thought, his emotions more positive suddenly. Oh!! Uncle Moony was coming over today wasn't he? How did it go?

Harry laughed mentally and told his brother about his day, and the conversation he'd had with his godfather moments before contacting his brother. Hayden had agreed with Remus instantly and ordered his younger brother to stop thinking like that. Hayden then told his brother about his day, how bored he was with his homework finished for the teachers, and the advanced notes he had written to be hidden at the bottom of his trunk in a portfolio that only he could open.

I'll be seeing you in a few weeks right? Harry asked when Hayden had finished and they'd been silent for several minutes. Cedric and I are going over to the Weasley's in a few days, but you'll be there for your birthday right?

Yep! I'm counting down the days, Hayden replied. It'll be the first time I'll be allowed out of the house all holidays!

Anything in particular you want for your birthday? Harry asked.

For you to be there, Hayden replied without hesitation. That's all I've ever wanted.

Something materialistic, Harry prompted. I'd look pretty selfish or cheap if I got you nothing.

Surprise me, Hayden ordered. I haven't gotten anything from you in six years, so anything you do get me I will cherish.

Now you're starting to sound sappy, Harry stated helpfully. I think I'll ask Cedric what we can get you when we get an invite from you.

Sounds good, Hayden replied. I'll get you something as well, I won't let anyone know about it either if you don't want me to.

It's not yet time for the truth to come out, Harry said sadly. In a few years we'll be able to acknowledge each other. But for now we're just acquaintances from school who became friends. And I would like to see a change in your parents behaviour before we tell everyone.

They were once your parents too, Hayden murmured. Do you think you'll ever be able to call them that again.

I'm sorry Hayden, I really am, Harry thought with real remorse. But until they acknowledge that they were in the wrong, that they did, once, love their youngest son…I can't.

I'll get them to see, Hayden thought passionately. I want you back with me. I want them to feel everything that you've been through. I want my brother, my twin brother, back with me.

I want that too brother, but we can't always get what we want.

The two brothers were silent for a long time after that. Their connection remained open so that they could draw comfort from each other but no words passed between them. It was Harry who finally closed his side of the connection so that he could go to sleep, saying goodbye to his brother and promising to get him a good birthday present.

Harry pulled Jade against his chest under the covers and listened to Midnight singing softly. He wanted to be completely happy at his new home, but he knew that until his brother was happy as well, there would always be something that held him back. He knew that until he and Hayden could acknowledge each other, neither would be completely happy. That was just the way twins were.

"We'll see him again soon Jade," he whispered to the kitten. "We just have to be patient."

Jade purred in his ear softly and gently licked it. Harry laughed quietly and settled down completely. He would worry about his brother tomorrow. Until then, he would sleep and plan for the following morning, and everything he could do with his godfather until he left. Harry fell asleep with a smile on his face.

Ta da! I'm really sorry this took so long. I just hate this part of the story. It should get better in the next few chapters.

I have a surprise in the next chapter that I'm hoping to get out in the next few days. I'm on my semester break at the moment so the only thing I have to deal with is work (eight hour days are drainers) and the various places I volunteer at. But I can promise that I won't wait six months to update again. It was killing me and I'm the writer!

See you again next chapter!