I'm not going to say anything except, please don't kill me. I am so sorry for not updating this story and I honestly don't have a valid excuse. I simply lost interest in it and my other Harry Potter story. My Harry Potter muse, Tucker, left me. I was very sad and heartbroken about it. He packed his bags and left. And hasn't returned until just very recently.

What I am in desperate need of is a beta. Someone who will not only edit my stories but will also make sure I update on a mostly regular basis. Someone who will encourage me and not let me give up. If you think you are up to it then please send me a message.

So without further ado, here is chapter 13.

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The following night Harry was plagued with nightmares of his time with the Dursley's and all that they had done to him through the years. He would only sleep for an hour or so at a time before he would shoot up in bed, his eyes wild, looking for his Uncle. It would take Sylvia and her soothing words to get him to calm down enough so he could try to falling back asleep.

Finally at 5:00 Harry gave up trying to sleep and got up to get ready for the day. He grabbed a pair of jeans and a simple white t-shirt and his converse. He pulled out the potions book that held the potions he would be brewing over the next few months. He picked up Sylvia, who was still sleeping, and wrapped her around his neck. He made his way down to the common room and sat down in the chair in front of the unlit fireplace.

He let his thoughts drift to the night before. After his confrontation with Fred and George he had spent the rest of the day with Ron and Hermione. He had been mostly silent, working quietly on homework with them. He was just grateful that they had respected his silent request and had not asked why McGonagall wanted to see him in the Hospital Wing.

He hadn't noticed his eyes had closed until he felt someone shaking his shoulder gently. He blinked his eyes open and two faces hovered over his, making Harry think he was seeing double.

" Harry, mate wake up."

Harry blinked a couple more times before his vision cleared and he realized that Fred and George were standing above him.

" Fred, George. What are you doing?" Harry asked, he sat up and looked at them with a curious gaze. He was a little nervous being around them after the night before.

" We saw you sleeping and wanted to make sure that you were okay." George said, his worried filled eyes taking in Harry's haggard form.

" And to give you this." Fred said, holding the map for Harry to take.

" Thanks." he took the map from him. That was one less thing he needed to worry about at least." I'm fine by the way. I just didn't get a lot of sleep last night."

Both of them were looking at him with raised eyebrows but didn't say anything else. Fred took a seat next to him while George sat down in the chair. The three just sat in near silence. Fred and George talked quietly and Harry let their voices lull him into a haze. Harry felt his eyelids start to grow heavy and couldn't fight against the fatigue much longer and he drifted between wakefulness and unconsciousness. Somehow he had fallen to the side and his head now rested against Fred's shoulder.

He was only partially aware of feeling someone moving him so he lay length wise on the couch. He felt a blanket be draped over him and soft foot falls moving away from the couch. He didn't know how long he slept for but the next time he became aware of his surroundings he felt someone gently shaking his shoulder.

" Harry, wake up. Come on. It's time for breakfast."

Harry opened his eyes and saw Hermione standing over him. He noticed that he had fallen asleep in the common room for the second time that morning. He saw that one of the twins had draped a blanket over him. He felt something move against the back of his head and knew that Sylvia had moved from her spot around her neck.

Harry looked back up at Hermione. " What time is it?"

" Its about 7:30. Fred told me he and George found you sleeping down here a little after 5:30 and that you fell back asleep less then ten minutes later. You've been sleeping for almost two hours. Did you get any sleep last night?"

" Not really." Harry answered honestly. " Where's Ron?" Harry noticed that his friend seemed to be missing.

" He went down to the Great Hall already. He's been gone about ten minutes." Hermione noticed the change of subject but decided not to comment on it. " Hurry up and get ready before he eats all the food before we get the chance to eat."

Harry smiled up at her. He stood and folded up the blanket and put where his head had been. He picked Sylvia up and wrapped her around his neck.

" Ready." Harry gave her a large grin and headed for the portrait hole with Hermione following him.

" Does Sylvia go everywhere with you?" Hermione asked, eyeing the black snake that was around Harry's neck with apprehension. She still had mixed feelings about deadly snake but kept them to herself.

Harry stroked her head and gave his friend a smile. " Just about. I think yesterday was the first time I left her in the dorm since term started."

Hermione didn't mention it again and the two of them walked down to the Great Hall in silence. They walked in and made there way to where Ron was sitting.

The two sat down and filled their plates with food, Harry less then the others.

Hermione looked at his plate, " Harry aren't you going to eat more?"

Harry looked down at his plate then glanced at hers, noticing the difference in the serving sizes. Ron's plate was nearly overflowing with food and was a poor comparison. Hermione's was better portioned and he quickly compared hers to his, he had about half of what she had.

" I'm just not that hungry Hermione."

Hermione frowned at him, " You should really eat more Harry. Your going to get sick if you don't."

Harry ignored her and started eating. Hermione huffed at him and ignored him for the rest of breakfast. Ron started a conversation with Harry about the upcoming Quidditch tryouts. Harry had a hard time keeping the knowing look off his face when Ron mentioned the open Keeper position. He decided to simply indulge Ron and when he tried out for the position to support him wholeheartedly.

They had finished breakfast and Harry was currently trying to get Hermione to forgive him.

" Come on Hermione," he begged. " I'll do what ever you want for the rest of the day. Even homework."

She continued to ignore him.

He jumped in front of her and gave her a puppy dog look. " Please."

Hermione who had been fighting a smile gave in and laughed at him, Harry grinned at her.

" Homework? Harry you can't honestly want to spend your day in the Library doing homework." Ron whined, not enjoying the prospect of spending the day in the Library.

" Ron it won't kill you to spend one day doing homework." Harry said, " Besides the sooner you get it done the more time you have to do something else later."

Ron seemed to think about it for a moment before he nodded, albeit reluctantly, " Alright, besides I've got to work on a dream diary for Trelawney anyway."

The trio went up to their dorms to gather their belongings before they headed for the Library. They found a table in an out of the way corner and settled down. Harry worked on his potions essay and his Charms and Herbology homework. They spent the next three hours working quietly, with Harry helping Ron with his dream diary. He remembered some of the more outrageous predictions they had come up with before and suggested a few of them to Ron. Hermione frowned at them but decided not to say anything, Harry grinned at her and she just rolled her eyes at him and turned her attention back to the book in front of her. Three hours later they had all finished and had, had Hermione check over everything they were finally done and headed back to the dorm.

" Hey you want to play a round of chess?" Harry asked.

Ron grinned, " Sure. You know I'm going to win right?"

" Yeah probably." Harry said laughing.

They spent the next few hours playing chess, with Ron winning all of the games but a few of the games where Harry didn't loose quite as bad as he could have. They were about to start their ninth game when the portrait opened and McGonagall entered. She spotted Harry and walked over to him.

" Mr. Potter. The Headmaster would like to see you in his office." she said.

He looked up surprised, he wasn't supposed to report to the Dumbledore's office until after

dinner. " Okay Professor. I'll see you guys later." Harry said to Ron and Hermione. He picked up Sylvia and wrapped her around his neck, ignoring the look McGonagall gave him.

" Dumbledore thought it would be easier if we did this before dinner." McGonagall told him, answering his unasked question.

He followed her quietly out of the common room and through the halls. He didn't want to do this, he really didn't. They made it to Dumbledore's office faster then he had thought possible.

They stopped in front of the griffin statue and McGonagall gave the password, "Bloodpops." and it moved out of the way revealing the spiral staircase. Harry slowly walked up, McGonagall trailing behind him. Once they reached the Headmasters door he stood to the side and allowed McGonagall to go inside first before he quickly followed.

The inside of the office was very much the same as it had been after Dumbledore revealed the prophecy to him. One thing was out of place though. Harry noticed that Dumbledore's pensieve sat on his desk and was almost sure of what he was going to be asked to do. He then noticed Snape standing off to the side. Harry couldn't quiet read the expression on his face and wasn't even going to try.

" Harry, how are you today?" Dumbledore asked as a greeting.

" I've been better Professor." answered Harry softly.

Dumbledore nodded, " Of course. This must be very difficult for you Harry and I want to thank you for going through this. Not many would be willing to face this after so many years. I asked you hear because I would like for you to show us some of your memories of the Dursley's abuse."

Harry grimaced, he really didn't want to share those particular memories with anyone let alone Dumbledore, McGonagall and Snape. Especially Snape. The thought of being forced to relive the abuse he suffered was a lot to ask, even more so with an audience to watch it.

Snape noticed his hesitance and decided to speak up, " Potter this is the only way we will be able to take your relatives to court. We wouldn't be able to convict them in the muggle world but it's much easier to do so in the magical world. To do that, we need to view your memories."

Harry looked at him, wondering why Snape seemed to care. " They're muggles. How can they stand trial in the magical world? They're not apart of it."

" You are though Harry." McGonagall answered. " Any parent or guardian that is responsible for a magical child is subject to our laws."

" How many memories do I need to show you?" asked Harry as he eyed the pensieve.

" We need you to show us the first time you were hit by your uncle and the worst beating you received from your uncle." Dumbledore told him.

Harry grimaced. 'Of course they want to make me relive two of the worst moments of my life.' he thought. Sylvia seemed to sense his discomfort and poked her head out of his robes. Harry raised a hand and stroked it across her back. He was glad that he hadn't passed her off to Hermione before he left the common room. He was going to need her silent support if he was to get through this.

He pulled out his wand and raised it to his temple, the whole time focusing his thoughts on the first time his uncle had ever raised a hand to him. He pulled the now glowing wand tip away from his head and placed it in the pensieve. He repeated the process twice more, this time though, his thoughts were focused on the two worst beatings he'd ever received. At the slightly curious look he received from he simply shrugged in response.

" I couldn't decide which was worse." he said simply. He missed the looks of shock that passed over their faces.

" Mr. Potter you do not have to come with us. If you think reliving these memories will be to difficult for you, we'll understand." McGonagall told him.

Harry opened his mouth to reply but quickly shut it. He didn't really have any desire to relive those memories again and he knew he would. In his nightmares.

" I'd rather stay here Professor. If that's not to much trouble?" Harry said.

Dumbledore gave him a sympathetic smile, " Of course not Harry."

The three professors placed their hands in the basin and disappeared. Harry sat down on the couch and stared down at his hands. The sound of flapping wings startled him into looking up and saw Fawkes sitting on the arm rest looking at him.

" Hey Fawkes." Harry said.

He raised his hand and gently stroked the birds head. Fawkes bumped his head against Harry's hand, a sure sign that he didn't want Harry to stop. Harry was happy to oblige.

" I don't know if I can do this Fawkes. I know I thought I could do all of this but now?" Harry told Fawkes softly. " What if I can't save him? What if after everything I do this year he still dies. Selene gave me all of these advantages but what if they aren't enough to save him. I've had to watch him die once I can't do that again. I'd rather die then watch him die again." Harry wiped a stray tear from his face.

Fawkes sensing his distress let out a calming trill. Harry smiled appreciatively at him.

" Thanks Fawkes." Harry took a shallow breath. " I need to believe that I can do this. I have to be able to do this. Not just for me but for Remus and Tonks. I don't want them to have to go through that loss again."

He was about to say more when the pensieve tossed out the professors. When he saw there reactions he was shocked. Dumbledore walked slowly to his desk and sank wearily into it, a sorrowful look on his face. He noticed McGonagall's eyes seemed misty, like she was holding back tears. It wasn't these two reactions that had him the most surprised though, no that dubious honor went to Snape. The potions masters hands were clenched tightly into fists, his jaw locked so tight that the tendons in his neck were starting to stand out. Seemingly senescing the mood, Fawkes let out a calming trill. Dumbledore smiled at him in appreciation and turned his attention to Harry.

" Harry I first want to apologize for the part I played in your suffering. When I placed you on the Dursley's doorstep that night, I really thought that Petunia would put aside her differences and care for you." Dumbledore looked him in the eye and Harry started back. " I wish I could take back that decision so you wouldn't have to go through those years of suffering. I hope you can except my deepest apologies."

Harry gave the old wizard a small smile, " I except professor. You couldn't have known what they were doing to me."

" Harry I hate to have to ask you this but I need to ask you a few questions about what you have showed us." Dumbledore asked.

" Okay." said Harry.

" How old were exactly in the memories?"

" I was four the first time he beat me. The second one you saw I was six and the last one I was nine." Harry answered.

" Would you be willing to allow these memories to be shown in court?"

Harry gave a mental wince, of all the things he didn't want, that was high on the list. Instead of answering verbally he gave a small nod.

" One last question Harry then you are free to go. Are you willing to take the Dursley's to trial?"

" Yes." he whispered.

Dumbledore smiled at him. " Thank you Harry. You are free to go."

Harry stood and said goodbye to McGonagall and Snape and walked out of the office. He made his up the staircase, passed the seventh floor and continued up until he reached the Astronomy tower. He walked over to the low wall and looked out over the sprawling grounds. He could make out Hogsmeade in the distance and when he looked out over the Forbidden Forest, he watched as a Thestral flew over the treetops. He ignored all of this slid down the wall. He kept his knees bent and his arms wrapped around them. He didn't cry, just sat there in silence, his mind reliving the memories of abuse over and over again.

It was well after dark before he pulled himself up and stumbled back to Gryffindor Tower. The common room was empty, and Harry realized that everyone was probably at dinner. He briefly thought about going down to the Great Hall but decided against it and continued up the staircase to his dorm room.

He fell into his bed without bothering to change his clothes and was asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow.

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Important. Must Read.

Not my best chapter but after so long I figure something is better then nothing. R&R. I already have the next few chapters mapped out and will get busy writing them. Harry Potter or Harry Lestrange will be updated by the end of next week. So keep an eye out for it.