TWENTY-FIVE

As September slipped away Harry got more and more frustrated about not spotting Sirius on the map. He knew he'd be coming in on Halloween, but he was sure he'd have tested the waters out before then. Harry had taken to leaving the map open while he studied, which he had mostly moved to the Chamber of Secrets so as to avoid younger versions of himself or curious Slytherins.

It brought back memories of stalking Draco in sixth year, and every time Harry saw Draco he got a scowl on his face that he couldn't shake. Amusingly enough this ended up working in Harry's favour as Marcus had been rather grumpy with Draco since the duel too. It all came to a head one evening after a Quidditch training session in particularly nasty weather.

Draco had snapped saying if the whole team was against him, then maybe he'd just leave and take his brooms with him.

'They were donated to the team, Daddy couldn't take them back now, whether I kick you off or not!' Marcus snarled.

'But he could make sure you never got to use them again.' Draco said triumphantly. 'Quidditch reps aren't so interested in someone who used to be the house captain.'

Unfortunately Marcus had had enough.

'He would be too ashamed of supporting his son after you get stripped of your house colours.' Harry was surprised at the total lack of vitriol in Marcus' voice. Draco had gone still.

'You've no proof.' he whispered.

Marcus grinned. Harry's eyebrows rose. He hadn't pursued Draco for that very reason, however Marcus reached into his robes and pulled a tiny flask on a chain out from under his robes. It just looked like blood to Harry, but Draco paled drastically.

'It doesn't matter. Potter beat you anyway, and you and Wimple seem to be getting on fine now.'

Marcus shrugged.

'I ended high enough in the Court anyway, and that duel told me how things would have gone regardless.'

Harry was beginning to think they both still thought he was at the other end of the field doing drills, not hovering six meters directly above the argument.

'You still interfered, and Harry has won my loyalty. Congratulations on your plotting Malfoy.' Marcus chuckled meanly.

Harry's jaw dropped.

Harry had slipped away at that point, calling out once he got to the other end. Neither boy had said anything, however contrary to Harry's fears, the argument seemed to solve the issues between the two, not made them worse, and the play between the chasers picked up significantly, which was lucky, because before that Alicia, Angela and Katie would have wiped the floor with them.

October first brought an another annoying distraction from Harry's Sirius hunt. It was pouring down rain and had been all night, so Harry was spending breakfast freshening up waterproofing charms on his things for Care of Magical Creatures when two things arrived at once. This first was a drenched owl that Harry didn't recognise, and the second was the slightly less pleasant Headmaster. Harry pulled the letter off the owls leg passing it some bacon and running a drying charm over it. Once he felt he had ignored Dumbledore for as long as feasibly possible without repercussion he turned to him with one raised eyebrow.

'Headmaster.'

'Beautiful creatures, Owls. Who does this one belong to?' Something in the Headmasters eyes made Harry sure he already knew.

'I don't know.' Harry glanced at the address and had to struggle not to let an eyebrow rise. That was Flamell's handwriting.

'I wasn't aware you knew anyone in the magical world outside of Hogwarts.' Dumbledore sounded disapproving.

Harry opened his mouth, probably to say something sarcastic, however at that moment another owl arrived on Harry's plate. This one he recognised, but surprised him almost as much. Thanking fate for the opportune distraction Harry swallowed his less than polite response and smiled lightly.

'Was there something you wanted, Sir?'

'I was wondering if you might walk with me?'

Harry looked back and freed the new owl of it's letter, then pocketed both and followed Dumbledore from the hall.

'Aren't you going to open your mail, Harry.'

Harry stopped abruptly, just inside the doors to the hall.

'I have asked you politely several times to call me Mr. Potter. In regards to your other enquiry, I do not wish to be rude. You asked for my time. My letters can wait.'

'I don't mind.'

'I do not wish to be rude.' Harry was loosing patience quickly.

Dumbledore finally seemed to deflate under Harry's cool responses.

'Very well, it is a rather serious matter. I am afraid you won't be able to visit-'

Harry had already begun walking away. He was obviously in a poor mood and couldn't deal with it all today. Three steps after Dumbledore broke off Harry realised he was being too obvious. He stopped and turned.

'My guardians have given me permission to visit, Sir.'

'There are things you don't understand, Mr. Potter. The situation is graver than you might realise.'

Harry switched on an obvious sneer. 'The Dementors are essentially at this school for my protection. If you have doubts about the village I will be sure to make the Minister and the citizens of Hogsmeade aware of your worries. I'm sure a few extra guards could be spared.' The unimpressed villagers would be cross with Dumbledore too. Win-win for Harry.

'How did you know of Sirius' plans?' Dumbledore demanded, ignoring the rest.

Harry forced a smirk. 'Arthur Weasley told me.' He wondered whether Dumbledore didn't know about the incident at the Dursleys, or whether he was just playing games.

'Then you should understand the seriousness of the situation we find ourselves in.' Dumbledore said gravely.

Harry met Dumbledore's eyes.

'If you didn't want the Dursleys to have power over me, then you shouldn't have left me on their doorstop in the cold with nothing more than a note.'

Harry took that opportunity to step outside into the pouring rain. Dumbledore didn't follow him.

Harry wasn't sure why he was so grumpy, but was inclined to blame it on the weather (mostly because the weather couldn't fight back).

The double was again spent taking care of Flobberworms, and by the time the Slytherins and Gryffindors had spent two hours alternating between nitpicking each other and drawing things that essentially looked like lumpy worms Harry was no longer just grumpy and had progressed to a completely foul mood.

Draco, along with Pansy took this inopportune moment to make a final attempt on the lounge while fewer students were in the common room between class. Harry stalked over to them and rounded on Pansy (surprising nearly everyone).

'Parkinson.' Harry barked.

She and Draco exchanged surprised looks.

'Er- Yes?'

'While his language skills are less than ideal, you dramatics are costing Slytherin one of the few teachers in this school at all inclined to teach Dark Magic in any form.'

'Wha-'

'Not only,' Harry talked over her, 'are your acting and lying skills pathetic, but you are degrading the name of Slytherin by such a blatant lack of subtlety.' To Harry's pleasure Pansy flushed. 'You will not get Hagrid fired, and even should you miraculously manage it Dumbledore would just replace him with Grubby-Plank or someone similarly ingrained in teaching us only the safe, fluffy and dull creatures that the ministry deems below the X category of boring.'

'That creature was dangerous!'

'Yes. It is a dangerous creature when provoked, however if you had been paying attention to something other than your blonde pet, you would have learnt how to manage it. I am beginning to regret healing your arm, and should I have to sit through one more lesson on Flobberworms I shall be forced to approach your father for payment.'

There was a sharp withdrawal of breath around the room.

'Unlike in your muggle culture, we Purebloods take these things seriously Potter. Lord Parkinson would not accept.' Draco spoke up. Harry suspected he hadn't enjoyed being referenced as Pansy's pet.

Harry kept his face blank and his tone (patronisingly) just curious.

'But Pansy here has insisted, publicly, that it was a near death experience. I could call in a life debt.'

Draco sneered, but Pansy looked worried.

'Oh, and Draco?' Harry said sweetly.

'What?'

Harry's voice went loud and cold. 'Get. out. of. my. seat.'

Draco looked around the room. No one else was interfering. Flint had been obvious in his loyalty, and not that he had been thinking of it at the time, but snubbing Dumbledore that morning had done wonders for Harry's house rep. Draco looked across at Pansy for support, but Pansy was verging on tears, and without a glance at Draco hurried from the room.

Harry's mood improved slightly after a double of Arithmancy though he spent more time staring than working and for the first time all term had more than two subjects worth of homework on his to do list. Despite this, Harry took the opportunity to turn back two hours with Hermione and used the free period to open his letters.

Mr. Potter,

You may remember me from your first year at Hogwarts, My name in Nicolas Flamell. I have been reading over some of the essays I had students hand in during my short teaching career at Hogwarts to pass some time (I have an awful lot of it you see), and I have come across your essay. I was intrigued by some of your more unusual arguments, then shocked once I realised that you weren't a sixth or seventh year, but in fact were a first year at the time. My wife is always telling me to keep in touch with the youth of our society, and as such I would like to offer you the opportunity to come to a Christmas gathering we hold every year for a group of up-and-comings that intrigue our old minds.

If this is of any interest to you we would be happy to pick you up from Platform 9 and 3/4 and could ensure any further travels.

Its a bit of an casual affair, so don't worry too much over formalities.

Sincerely,

Nicolas Flamell.

Harry snorted. Even Dumbledore would have trouble arguing against such an opportunity. Harry sent off confirmation immediately and made plans for telling a few well placed adults before any holes could be made in the plan. He then turned to the next letter.

Good Afternoon Mr. Potter,

I was most surprised to hear from you, but rather flattered that Daphne had so much faith in me. I still have a few things in the air in regards to a review, however I met with the Seeker from the Hollyhead Harpies and she had nothing but positive reviews for the broom. She said it does list slightly to the back tilt when not being controlled, however she stated that a good seeker should never entirely let go of the control of their broom anyway. I didn't tell her who I was enquiring for, and she was surprised that you had little faith in Nimbus, but agreed that the Firebolt was the only other option out there for any serious Seeker. Apparently her team mate swears by the Discourse 30 for keeping, as it has much quicker starting reaction times and holds in the air steadier, but after the initial acceleration it peaks early, so isn't any use for anyone except Keepers. Otherwise the team all recommend a Nimbus or Firebolt.

I also spoke to the Seekers from the Welsh National Team as I had a meeting with them earlier this week. They both had only good things to say on the Firebolt, though they haven't ridden one professionally yet, only on their own time.

I hope this has been of some use,

Perhaps you could submit your own review of the broom, should you buy one. I suspect Quidditch Weekly would be interested in hearing from you and I would be quite happy to put you in contact with their representative.

Good luck with finding a suitable Broom,

Dorian Peneus

Head of Quidditch Quality Supplies, Cardiff

Harry grinned there was no mention of Blaise at all and in the very least it sounded like Daphne's Uncle put more faith in the Harpies than not. He'd heard in the original timeline that it had been love at first sight, so hopefully that would start them off early. Harry spent another thirty minutes plotting how to get Daphne to convince her family (extended) to Christmas together, before realising he had spent nearly an hour essentially matchmaking. He then spent ten minutes trying to convince himself he was just trying to get one up on Draco, and that he wasn't just turning sappy.

'Did you hear?' Hermione asked Harry cheerfully as they turned back after a double History the next day.

'Hear what? And who did you get for your essay?'

'Darrick the Dull. Parkinson dropped the charges against Hagrid!' Hermione cheered.

'That was quick.' Harry muttered, truly surprised. He wondered just what Pansy thought he'd have requested off her father.

'What was that? Oh, never mind. Apparently Hagrid had to sign to say that any XXX or above creature had to be approved before being used in class, and any XXXX or above would only be observed from a distance unless pre-approved. Plus he is getting assistance from Grubby-Plank about lesson structure!'

Harry grinned. 'That's great!'

'Isn't it?' Hermione grinned. 'Anyway, I wish I'd gotten someone a little more useful for my essay. I've been doing lots of research into modern law, trying to avoid Blacky's trial, and it's been quite interesting.'

'Ministry work for you then?' Harry groaned.

Hermione scowled. 'You make it sound like a death sentence.'

'I just disagree with a lot of what goes on there.'

'So what are you planning to do? Become a Quidditch star?'

Harry shrugged. 'Maybe.'

Hermione rolled her eyes. 'What a waste. So, who did you get then?'

'Herpo the Foul.' Harry grinned.

'What's so funny?'

'He's the Parselmouth who discovered the Basilisk.'

'What's so funny about that?'

Harry just laughed and headed in to Herbology. Herpo was also the Dark Lord who created the Horcrux ritual, and there was also a standing theory that he dabbled in time-travel. Harry already had a long list of things he couldn't possibly put in his essay without raising some eyebrows. Although perhaps Binns would be interested in hearing Herpo's theories on how murdering a Goblin wouldn't be effective for creating a Horcrux, and the many trials he went through to come to that conclusion.

'You know I had heard of instant gardens before.' Harry said, absently watching as Justin flicked another fat pink pod to the ground behind Sprout's back in the Herbology. As soon as the beans burst out and made contact with the earth they sprouted into a single flower and bloomed instantly.

'So pretty.' Susan sighed.

Harry glanced up and pretended not to notice as a bright red Susan quickly looked away (from him not the plant) and Hannah and Megan started giggling. He didn't really know how to deal with this. He didn't think he'd been so sought after in his original time and couldn't for the life of him figure out why it was so different now. It didn't help that while he would have been exceptionally interested in dating Susan then, every time it crossed his mind now he felt like a pedophile.

'So, Harry, are you going to Hogsmeade?' Megan asked abruptly. If possible, Susan went even redder.

'Yes. I've heard a lot about it.'

Harry was careful not to mention a specific place. He'd overheard an awkward conversation between a third year Ravenclaw and a fifth year Slytherin just that morning. Perhaps we could meet there? Oh, um, I… well, you see-...

'Are you taking-'

'Could you pass the pail,' Harry interrupted Megan loudly. 'I think this pod might explode straight off the plant.'

More giggling ensued and Harry sighed.

'I don't see why you don't just pick a date.' Daphne laughed as they headed to the Care double the next morning, passing the Hufflepuff girls in the entrance hall. Harry awkwardly waved back at them and held the door for Daphne.

'I want to go alone. I have things to do. Hmm… Hey, Tracey said you're meeting your Aunt for lunch?'

Daphne gave him a sly look. 'Was that actually a change of topic, or are you asking me to Hogsmeade.'

Harry gave her a flat look. 'I have no desire to be dragged from one clothes shop to another all day.'

Daphne laughed. 'That's Tracey I'll have you know.'

'Suuure. Just Tracey.'

'Oh shut up Potter.' There was something odd in Daphne's tone, but Harry pushed on.

'Anyway, does your Aunt have much to do with Dorian Paneus?'

'Not really, they are only connected through my parent's marriage. And don't think I've forgotten that letter, Harry!' Daphne poked Harry's arm.

'Hmm.' Harry avoided. 'Is there a reason your Aunt isn't married?'

Daphne straightened and her eyes flashed angrily. 'Most men wouldn't see the continuation of her Quidditch career as politically correct.'

Harry had been studiously pretending that their conversation was nothing more that distracted thought, but as Hagrid's class came into view Harry was given the perfect help along.

'It's a pity Dorian is marrying Blaise's mother, he would probably be one of the few to encourage your Aunt. Excuse me, we are studying Thestrals, and I suspect that Hagrid is going to need some managing to keep the classes attention. Only Blaise and I could see them. Of the Slytherin's at least.'

'Wha-'

Harry rushed off before Daphne could ask, so he didn't find out whether she was going to comment on his plots or on Hagrid's atrocious lesson plans. Harry was looking forward to new influence on that front. Really. Hagrid knew so much about magical creatures, but he was utterly hopeless at planning classes. He had only just gotten off from one run-in with the Deprtment, why he insisted on another XXX above creature. Though, to be fair, that Thestrals were rated as XXXX was almost purely because they had the association with Death.

The class ended up going better than Harry expected it to. They were in the old stables, so out of the downpour that was attempting to drown Hogwarts, and with all the associations and misnomers associated with Thestrals, it made for an interesting lecture. The only exception was when Hagrid announced towards the end of the lesson that they would be sticking to the usual schedule. That was, having listened to the lecture, taken turns handling the animals (amusing when Dean tripped over a foal landing under an adult, then tried to get up), and feeding them ('This is slightly disturbing Potter, and I'm yet to decide whether I regret you rounding on Pansy.': Tracy as she watched (to her) raw steak disappearing into thin air), they would now be drawing the Thestrals.

'But we can't see anything!' Draco whined.

Hagrid had faltered slightly, but then his eyes had alighted on Harry with a gleam.

Harry spent the rest of the lesson with the entire class leaning over his shoulder and trying to copy his rough sketches.

Harry told himself that at least the Aethonan they would be studying the following month should be fine. They were known for being mild tempered and were, rather usefully, Harry thought, visible.

It had been steadily raining for two weeks now and Harry was beginning to feel cooped up in the castle. Being Thursday morning he had essentially sat through a full week's worth of classes. Monday's Quidditch practice had been called off, as while Flint was equally as passionate about Quidditch as Oliver Wood, he was slightly less… crazy. They had got to the entrance hall, but when Theo and Loki had been blown off their feet simply by opening the door Flint had reverted to an hour long lecture on tactics in an abandoned classroom.

Harry made his way to the History double looking morosely out the windows looking over the road to Hogsmeade.

'Another day of cyclonic rain. Depressing. Look, it's even got your Lions down Harry.' Theo teased.

Harry dragged his eyes away from the dementor he could make out drifting above the Hogwarts gates like it was in a calm summer breeze (instead of in the centre of a malestrom). There was indeed a disturbance at the front of the line outside Binns door.

Lavender Brown seemed to be crying. Parvati had her arm around her and was explaining something to Seamus and Ron, who were looking very serious. Harry was rather glad Blaise, Theo and he were the only Slytherins to have arrived yet.

'What's the matter, Lavender?' said Hermione anxiously as she, Neville, and Dean came around the corner and went to join the group.

'She got a letter from home this morning,' Harry had to lean in as Parvati was talking very quietly. 'It's her rabbit, Binky. He's been killed by a fox.'

'Oh,' said Hermione, 'I'm sorry, Lavender.'

'I should have known!' said Lavender tragically. 'You know what day it is?'

'Er-'

Harry's jaw dropped a little as he caught on.

'The sixteenth of October! That thing you're dreading, it will happen on the sixteenth of October! Remember? She was right, she was right!'

The whole class was gathered around Lavender now. Seamus shook his head seriously. Hermione hesitated. Harry made an abortive movement, but she was too far away.

'You- you were dreading Binky being killed by a fox?'

'Well, not necessarily by a fox,' said Lavender, looking up at Hermione with streaming eyes, 'but I was obviously dreading him dying, wasn't I?'

'Oh,' said Hermione. She paused again. Then-

'Was Binky an old rabbit?'

'N- no!' sobbed Lavender. 'H- he was only a baby!'

Parvati tightened her arm around Lavender's shoulders.

'But then, why would you dread him dying?' said Hermione.

Parvati glared at her. Harry sighed internally. He loved Hermione, and the girl could be brilliant... But she really wasn't a people person. Kind of hilarious when you consider the field she ended up with a degree in.

'Well, look at it logically,' said Hermione, turning to the rest of the group. 'I mean, Binky didn't even die today, did he? Lavender just got the news today -' Lavender wailed loudly. '- and she can't have been dreading it, because it's come as a real shock.'

'Don't mind Hermione, Lavender,' said Ron loudly, 'she doesn't think other people's pets matter very much.'

The enchanted classroom door opened at that moment, which was perhaps lucky; Hermione and Ron were looking daggers at each other, and while Harry had to admit Ron getting owned in a hallway duel would probably be quite funny, he would have felt guilty about it.

He was pleased that his decoy rat seemed to be achieving similar results at any rate.

Binns drawling voice drew Harry's attention away from his skill with highly illegal magic, but couldn't distract him from his other thought. While Hermione was right, and Lavender obviously hadn't been dreading her baby rabbit dying, it didn't distract from the fact that something she didn't like had happened, and Trelawney had essentially predicted that. Harry was really beginning to wonder about the seer. She was clearly barmy, but perhaps Harry should take what she said a tiny bit more seriously. He sighed and made a quick note to re-do his Divination homework without simply stealing ideas from Death Omens (no matter how good the text had been for that).

At least Harry could completely ignore the heated glares being sent across the room between the Gryffindors. He had continued sitting at the front next to Draco, much to Draco's confusion; he was still refusing to believe Harry wanted to actually hear the history lesson and was highly suspicious of some extra plot. Harry had done nothing to disabuse him of this thought.

Hermione, it seemed, hadn't been distracted enough by the Leeds Campaign of 1303, as she spent the entire spin back complaining about how unfounded several fields in divination were, and how real seers were so rare that they were easily funded by government organisations and would hardly need to find employment at a school. Harry found this particular train of thought a little too amusing, and got himself a healthy glare for sniggering. No doubt a lesson with McGonagall would do Hermione good, and Harry felt rather relieved that thursday was the one Runes class he had without Hermione.

Thursdays (by far Harry's favourite day) involved four free periods, or rather, only two clashes. Harry was just considering heading via the kitchens down to the chamber to work on censoring down his history essay, when McGonagall appeared out of thin air.

Harry supposed she might have merely transformed out of her Animagus form, but he'd had a spontaneous dinner with Luna (pudding for every course) the night before in the kitchens and was feeling whimsical now he was contemplating lunch.

'Mr. Potter, if you could follow me to my office, please.'

'Yes professor.'

Harry desperately tried to remember what he'd done with the list Peeves had given him and if he should be panicking. As it turned out it was something less his doing, and more Dumbledores.

'I have heard from Professor Snape that you will be going against the better judgement of several adults and will be participating in the Hogsmeade weekend.'

Harry was slightly startled at the attack, so there was an awkward silence for a moment. Once it had started Harry felt no need to interrupt it. After quite a long time in which Harry contemplated whether or not, by his reasoning, the Animagus transformation could be considered Dark magic, McGonagall sighed over her square spectacles at him and spoke again, this time slower and clearer.

'Potter I beg you to reconsider. Sirius Black is a dangerous man.'

'Perhaps. However I find it unlikely for him to attack me in Hogsmead, especially when there will be so many competent eyes distributed amongst the students.'

'Your mother and father would have wanted you to remain safe.'

Something inside Harry twisted and to his utter shame he found himself answering sharply before he could even think.

'Then they shouldn't have died.' He snarled.

McGonagall reeled back as if Harry had physically hit her.

Harry stood.

'I have my Uncle's signature and my Head of House's approval. Is there anything else, Professor?'

McGonagall recovered herself to a disappointed look. 'I ask that you spend some time to consider the possible consequences and ramification, but otherwise you may go.'

'Thank you Professor.' Harry bit out, still sharper than it should have been.

Harry seethed for the rest of the afternoon and spent a very unproductive afternoon in the Chamber complaining to Belleza, whose only response was pointing out ways in which Dumbledore's manoeuvres had become so obvious to Harry. It did calm Harry down a little, but he was harsher than his three Hufflepuff girls were used to in Herbology, and almost exploded their DayDream Draught in Potions when he told Neville to add Dried Billywigg stings instead of fresh ones. Not to mention how he rounded on Daphne during lunch when she'd demanded to see his Thestral drawing for the hundredth time, but only needed to know how to call them. It took him until Defence to admit to himself that he was more annoyed at himself for the lack of progress than actually McGonagall for saying a perfectly reasonable comment about his supposedly dead parents.

Harry had almost forgotten it by the end of an interesting class on cutting curses and which could be used against what, but then he was called back by Remus.

'You did quite well on your curses today, Harry.'

Harry nodded, but otherwise kept his face blank. He did well on everything in Defence every lesson. Remus looked at him intensely before turning to collect the pile of homework on his desk.

'I hear you had some sort of disagreement with Professor McGonagall.'

Harry gave him a heavy stare.

Remus let out a little aborted laugh. 'Now that look was all James.' Remus frowned as Harry's knuckles went white around the cup. Harry had to look away when he saw bits of Teddy again. He sighed.

'I don't know why you-, look, it doesn't matter. We just worry.'

'I will be fine.' Harry drawled, still looking out the window.

There was a long silence before Remus spoke. 'Fudge seems so sure that Black is after you specifically.'

Harry groaned internally, probably his own doing then. He turned back to face Remus. 'Had you already accepted the job? He's at Hogwarts. It might not even be me.'

Remus looked utterly stunned for a second, before he switched to a contemplative look. 'You are nothing like I expected. Which I suppose, only makes sense. Perhaps Slytherin suits you.'

Harry inclined his head. 'Coming from a marauder, I should probably take that as an insult.'

But Remus hadn't said it like one, and as far as Harry knew, it was Sirius and James who hated Snape. Snape only had a problem with Remus' furry side.

'So you've spoken to the minister then?'

'Yes. Before I came to school.'

Remus frowned. 'I thought Arthur Weasley told you at the platform.'

Harry shrugged. 'I was curious about that. He seemed to believe that Fudge didn't want me to know.'

Remus was silent again, but Harry could practically see the thoughts rushing.

'Why aren't you worried?'

Harry grinned. There was the right question. But how to answer it. Hmm…

'How is a Fidelius Charm performed?'

Remus frowned at the avoidance, but answered. 'It binds the secret to the soul. It is actually living magic, though it is called a charm. I believe the secret is written with a black quill, and instead of ink one says the incantation which uses some sort of soul magic. Only the secret Keeper can see what is written, though there are theories about people involved when they are part of the secret.'

Harry was thrown off by that a little, as he hadn't heard it explained like that, but he pressed on.

'And how is it broken?'

'Broken?'

'Yes. Everybody knows where my house at Godric's Hollow is. There's a public monument in the town and a message embedded in the gate.'

'I-' Remus' frown deepened. 'I don't know.'

Harry had been meaning to point out that Sirius would have had to share the secret with the world before going off to kill Peter. Of course, in reality Peter must have broken the charm after running into the sewers… though that wasn't right either, because someone else had been there first. Sirius and Hagrid had assumably just been told the Potter's location, but-

'Snape.' The name passed Harry's lips unwillingly.

'What?' Remus looked up confused. Harry shook his head.

'I will be fine in Hogsmead. I have to go.'

Harry didn't give Remus time to stop him, only just refraining from running as he headed down to the Dungeons.

Harry found Snape quickly (consulting the map) in a classroom with four seventh years who were working on finishing what was meant to be, judging from the ingredients, Liquid Luck.

'Potter! What are you doing?'

Harry probably should have knocked, but he was too distracted.

'That night-' Harry started, with a slight pant having rushed down so many levels.

'Which night?' Snape interrupted with a growl.

Harry glanced at the four students, who were all failing at being subtle in snooping. Harry thought carefully.

'When Red didn't die.' By Snape's flinch Harry could only assume he understood. 'How did you know where to go? Were you told?'

Snape glared. 'Clockwise Stewards!' One of the Seventh years jumped in his seat. 'No. I just… remembered how to find-' her. Harry finished in his head.

Harry frowned. So Peter must have destroyed the charm then, assuming it wasn't the backlash from Voldemort's failed curse. So was Peter there? Or had the secret been linked to Lily and James in a way which meant Peter knew. Harry sat down at a spare bench with a huff. More questions. For a moment there Harry thought he'd found a way to prove Sirius innocent without eve needing his elusive Godfather.

'Is that all, Potter?' Snape drawled, clearly unimpressed.

'No.'

Harry felt a bit disgusted with himself, but he didn't want any trace of an obliviate to ruin Peter's eventual trial. Questioning the Rat would have been so useful. He really needed to find Sirius. At least it was only two weeks until Halloween.

'Potter!'

Harry looked up startled to find Snape practically boiling over with anger. 'Er, I beg your pardon?'

'Three points from-'

Harry was about to be outraged, but was distracted by the Hufflepuff boy.

'Protago!' Harry yelled.

'Sly- Hufflepuff!' Snape changed his mind half way through turning on the seventh year. The Bay Leaf slid over Harry's shield to the floor, thankfully not landing in the potion. Harry found himself attached to life and didn't feel like being blown up today, thank you. Perhaps later, if he couldn't find a way to answer all these damn questions. Idly Harry stood up and started making his way to the door. In the very least he would send another letter to Harris Noir's private detective. So far the man had been useless.

Harry got as far as putting his hand on the door handle before he became aware that Snape had finished yelling at the shaking Hufflepuff, and the whole room was staring at Harry.

'Can I help you?' Harry asked politely.

'Why shouldn't Stewards have added Bay Leaf?' Snape demanded.

Harry frowned. 'Because the Luck component is due to the Little Magic involved if you write a wish on a Bay Leaf then burn it. He should have added Bay Leaf Ash. The fresh leaf would likely have reacted extremely poorly with the crushed Faerie wings and Litomac acid.'

Harry was confused when Snape pinched the bridge of his nose and the seventh years remained silent with open mouths. He was sure he got that right. In fact, Snape yelling at the seventh year Hufflepuff implied-… Oh. Oh, bugger. Seventh year potion.

'You shall not be doing the exam on Monday.' Snape bit out.

'Yes Sir.' Harry thought it was probably best to just go along with things. Snape looked like he was about to explode with wrath. Harry didn't want to clean bits of Snape of terrified seventh years.

'You shall bring nothing to class.'

'Yes Sir.'

'I will have you brew a potion.'

'Yes Sir.'

'I will not be telling you what it is in advance.'

'Yes Sir.'

'You had best be prepared.'

Harry could hardly see how that would work, but- 'Yes Sir.'

'Get out! All of you. Out!'

Harry was more than happy to oblige. He had been trying to leave anyway. Well, at least that was one more class he probably wouldn't be bored in. Although, to be fair, partnering with Neville had made it challenging enough.

'What do you mean, you won't be sitting the exam?'

'Again, Theo, I can draw you a diagram if simple sentences get too complicated.'

'Gods, you're insufferable.'

'You sound like Granger.'

'Perhaps when you two stop quibbling you wouldn't mind explaining why you won't be sitting the exam with us.' Blaise spoke over them loudly.

'You don't even care.' Harry grinned at Blaise, 'You just want to get out of it too.'

'I never claimed otherwise.'

Harry wrinkled his nose.

'We shall allow this upon two conditions.' Blaise said loftily.

'We shall?' Theo whined.

Harry just gave Blaise a flat look.

'Yes.' Blaise grinned. 'Firstly, you shall still help us with studying at mere mortal levels.'

Theo nodded along, but Harry just smirked. 'Sure. Sounds like a favour.'

Blaise froze, then winced. 'Ah.'

Harry grinned. 'I want books on Lords. Dark and Light.'

'Negotiable.' Blaise nodded slowly.

'Secondly.' Theo prompted gleefully, having let Blaise take the slack. Blaise glared.

'Secondly, I shall be neither informing, nor partnering Longbottom.' Blaise went rather red, and Theo blanched.

Harry laughed.

The weekend passed quicker than Harry felt it rightly should have. Despite six extra hours and not needing to study for the exam, Harry had more than enough to be going on with. While he was bored in most classes, he still had essays to write. In fact, he might argue that they were harder because they were so boring. At least he knew where to find the reference books. Arithmancy and Runes were sneaking up on him however. It had almost reached a point where his advantage was levelling out. He was far ahead of the rest of his classmates, but he was no longer gaining distance. This week he had a essay and a new alphabet to learn in Runes, and two tables to fill out for Arithmancy. That wasn't even touching on Flitwick. Harry was beginning to suspect the little man might be evil. The last essay topic Harry was sure he had only heard about when working in the Auror office. He had three books to read for Pomfrey, and he'd promised himself to re-do his Divination work too.

It was this last effort that brought Harry to the most interesting find of his weekend.

Family Magicks.

It was barely a reference, in amongst a long paragraph on various omens that followed particular family lines, that led Harry to another text. Amusingly enough From Pheonix to Flame: The History of Ash turned out not to be just another quirky book filled with useless knowledge from the history section. Instead, Harry found a practical book of rituals and magic outside the restricted section guards. The ritual referenced in his Death Omens book looked by far the most interesting, and other than needing to be performed outdoors, looked far less- complicated, than trying to locate illegal but morally fair tongues from wizards of all different cultures.

On Halloween morning, Harry awoke well before the rest of his dorm and went down to breakfast, feeling thoroughly on edge, though doing his best to act normally. The hall had only just opened for breakfast and there were very few people up and about. Mostly below third year, as they could only leave after 9.15 anyway. A particular blond did catch his eye however, so he headed to the Ravenclaw table.

'Morning Lu.'

'Happy Living Shroud Appreciation Day Harry.'

Harry took this all in stride.

'Is that why you're wearing black today?'

'No. That's because it's Samhain tonight. I was going to go to the forrest and collect Thestral breath to use in Death Soup.'

'As long as your cloak isn't going to smother you. Do you know the Patronus Charm?'

'I know of it.'

'I'll have to teach it to you.'

'Maybe when I'm older. Will you walk me to the Thestrals?'

'Once you've finished your oats.'

Harry looked at Luna's breakfast curiously. There were semi dried apricots and strawberries on top, but there was also something fluorescent green mixed in.

Harry decided not to ask.

'Did you want some?' Luna smiled.

'Thank you, but I'm having stewed apple only.'

Not even any cinnamon allowed, sadly. Perhaps rituals weren't all they were cracked up to be.

By the time they had both finished their respective breakfasts it was nearing 7. Harry knew that the other Slytherin boys (and hopefully himself) would be arriving for their breakfast somewhere in the next twenty minutes, so he rushed Luna a little, grabbing her a small Pumpkin pie and collecting the raw meat the elves had provided her in a conjured box.

The sky was only just beginning to light up outside and their breath was coming in clouds as they rushed through the entrance hall.

'Potter! Where do you think you're going?!'

Harry winced but Luna paused to respond to Snape, and Harry was trapped as they had their arms linked (Luna had been trying to get him to skip).

'Good morning Professor Snape. Mr. Hagrid said he'd show me the Thestrals. They are happiest at dawn and dusk.'

'We're going to feed them.' Harry held up the container of bloody meat strips with the most innocent look he could manage.

Judging by Snape's scowl he was highly suspicious, but let them go with a mere. 'Watch your fingers!'

Harry could only assume he was just thinking of possible explosions caused by poor dexterity when brewing in his classroom.

They walked without conversation on the way down to the forest, Luna was humming something under her breath looking upwards and seemingly content to let Harry guide her around possible trip hazards while Harry contemplated his good fortune on the first clear day in nearly a month. Harry hesitated as they came to passing Hagrid's hut.

'Was Hagrid expecting you?'

'No. He said I know enough about creatures to get by. I'm only allowed in the edges of the forest. Something about the Centuars telling him I am permitted, which is silly. Centuars can't talk.'

'What?' Harry said, completely confused.

'Yes. I think he was confusing them with Centururainiuns, who look quite similar, but have the head of a horse and the body of a man.'

'Right.' Harry didn't understand at all. Oh well, that was hardly unusual. 'Will you be alright here? I've got something I need to do further in to the forest.'

Luna looked at him then. Harry always felt… something when she focused completely on him like that.

'You should only do that for which you are willing to live with the consequences of.'

Harry gave her a shrewd look.

'Which ritual are you completing today, Mr. Potter?' Luna added.

Harry laughed. 'Family Magicks.'

Luna lit up all of a sudden.

'Can I watch?'

Harry went rather red. 'Sorry Luna, but only I can be in the circle… as in, erm… Au natural.'

'Naked.'

'Yes.'

Luna smiled. They had reached one of the Thestral's main haunts and she let go of Harry's arm taking out the container of meat.

'I know. Each of the Eight Days are best felt when it is just you.'

Harry closed his eyes and reminded himself that Luna was twelve and wouldn't enjoy being naked with him as much as he would.

'Sorry Lu.'

'Okay. But I get the snake.'

Harry frowned. 'Wha-'

.:I believe that is an excellent idea. The ground is muddy and already cold this year:. Apep stuck his head out .:Early:. he added, as an afterthought.

Harry had almost forgotten Apep. With all the cold weather he'd been sleepier (therefore quieter) than usual.

.:It's the Dementors. They encourage the cold:. Harry looked up to see Luna petting one of last seasons foals. There were mainly younger Thestrals, the adults off getting ready for the trips to Hogsmeade. Luna's current friend was a little taller than her, and a lot heavier, but obviously letting her win the tug-o-war.

.:You're sure?:. Harry asked Apep. Luna was wonderful, but he was worried he'd come back and find Luna had discovered the Chamber, made friends with Belleza with plans to take over the world to promote scaly skin as a fashion… or something equally as unexpected.

.:She would make an excellent dictator, but it is only a few hours:.

Apep couldn't read Harry's thoughts, but since the familiar bond had been set up they often thought along the same wavelength.

.:You had better discourage her from anything drastic!:. Harry said with a sigh.

Apep let out a noise that Harry suspected to be a sort of cackle and started unwinding out of Harry's robes.

.:Come along Moon spirit:. Apep said impatiently.

Luna smiled focusing to the left of Apep, then bowed.

.:Ah, finally the reverence I deserve:.

Harry snorted. .:Actually I think she wants you to be a living-snake-crown:.

.:Hmph!:. Apep wrapped around her middle.

'Be good.' Harry added, for both of them. He then turned his back and started heading to the west, where he knew there was a old overgrown set of standing stones.

'Leaving those two together was probably a terrible idea.' Harry added to himself. there was no response, and Harry took that to mean it wasn't too ominous.

The ritual itself wasn't too hard, though Harry found himself to be rather nervous. It was the first time in over two years he was trying entirely new magic. Even Runes and Arithmancy he had dabbled in lightly before. Besides, they were both mostly theory at this stage, and run with a teacher present. This was all him.

Despite knowing he was alone, stripping made Harry more nervous. Not that he wouldn't be able to just wandlessly transfigure at least a pair of pants if someone came, but being so vulnerable made this very real.

Rituals were illegal. They were also considered Dark magic.

Both of these categories were ridiculous. The first was due to the fact that when a ritual went wrong it went very wrong, but also because of old politics. Various rituals were outlawed back before the Statute of Secrecy in 1689, then all of the rituals had got classified as Dark after a Duke's daughter, also a witch, had delved a little too deep and ended up possessed by demons. In actual fact rituals, like magic such as Runes or Potions, were broken up into Light and Dark as well as many shades in between dependant on the individual work.

Technically Harry's ritual was Light, however it did involve some of his blood.

Putting his clothes in a neat pile Harry pulled out five silver bowls he had bought over the holidays. Letting out one last huff of nervous air Harry shivered and stepped into the stone ring.

He had already walked across it when he arrived at the clearing, but as if sensing his intentions, this time he could feel a shift in the magic as he entered.

Placing the first bowl to the east Harry used wandless magic to pull water from his breath. It was made easier due to the cold weather.

'Clense my own soul.' Harry said in a low tone.

He moved clockwise to the south spiralling inwards towards the inner ring of stones. This time the bowl already had something in it. Thestral hair (something Harry hadn't known existed, but turned out to be more of a two millimetre long fuzz that was invisible).

'I call on the spirits without body.' Air.

Harry spiralled again, this time he stopped at west directly on the line of inner stones in the ground.

'I communicate with the eternal.' Fire. The bowl this time had a pile of ash made from burning an apple with fire called up by magic.

Spiralling to the north Harry was half way to the centre of the circle.

'Connect me to magic.' This time bowl of earth. By far the hardest item for Harry to get. For this ritual it had to be earth from exactly six feet below the surface. Not exactly subtle, and Harry hadn't been able to dig in the protection of the forest due to all the roots.

Finally Harry circled to the centre of the circle and stopped placing the last bowl just off the dead centre in front of him to the east. Rather creepily, the last bowl had to be completely coated on the inside with his blood, then allowed to dry.

'I speak of my own.'

Harry then sat on the slight mound in the middle of the circle facing the bowl of his blood and bringing up his occlumency shields dropping into a state of disconnected meditation. It felt rather stupid at first, but despite feeling nothing as he was doing the ritual he could now feel his magic reacting to the five points spiralled around the circle. Slowly, he felt less and less connected to his body, like it was simply going numb. There wasn't a distinct moment where spirits of his family suddenly appeared before him like the ghosts of the resurrection stone, but there was a growing feeling of warmth and acceptance in amongst a swirl of frigid air that didn't exist in the outside world.

Harry faded back into awareness slowly, his body tingled like it had pins and needles opened his eyes slowly once the tingling stopped, then reached forward to the closest bowl. His blood, much to his horror, was liquid again and had turned purest black with eddies of clear swirls disturbing the otherwise still bowl. For a moment he hesitated, but then with a mental shrug he picked up the bowl and brought it to his lips. In for a knut, in for a galleon. He drained the bowl down. It was thick and sticky and he almost gaged, but surprisingly it didn't taste of anything at all. Not a drop stuck to the bowl and despite not being aware of any tension before, Harry felt a great release as the last drop passed his lips.

He had all of two seconds of blissful relaxation before a snide voice shattered his world.

'Give me one good reason not to see you expelled this instant!'

Harry's newly singing blood ran cold.