Hey everyone,
So the original plan for this was to have a Pureblood or someone else from a rich family – maybe Narcissa as she was my first pick – recap the last chapter like I started doing at the end of the first book. But because this chapter has the whole thing with Roxas coming out and giving Sora a flashback, I will skip that.
Okay, enjoy,

Venquine1990

Chapter 35
Past, pain and pride

Amelia's POV

I wonder what the boy could be on about as he and his friend laugh about his Swelling charm during the summer of 1993-1994. All I know is that I, myself, feel glad we believed Sirius Black to be a dangerous criminal back then, as it allowed Harry to stay at Hogwarts, which enabled him to learn for two more years and perform the Time Reading Spell.
I then wonder how someone sitting on his bed while he's supposed to be non-existent – something that raises my hackles and makes me sneer just thinking about it – can help the boy in anyway, let alone prove he deserves at least a slightly clean bill when it concerns his use of Underage magic. Deciding to find out, I ask:
"Mind if I read next?" But Potter smiles widely and says: "No Madam Bones, that would fit the chapter perfectly." Making me wonder what the hell he is talking about – and whether or not to trust that self-satisfied smile he has on his face currently as I remember James Potter having the same plenty of times without positive results.

But then Sora groans, grabbing his head and shrinking his entire body down into itself. He then grabs his head, at the temples I notice, with both hands, while Riku and Kairi ask him what's happening and if he's alright. But for some reason do I get the feeling he isn't even hearing them, as if his mind is somewhere else.

Roxas' POV

Running away from Axel is the hardest part of my decision. But my patience has reached its limit and even he won't answer my questions. And I no longer care whether he doesn't answer them because he doesn't know or because he does. He won't answer me on the questions that CONCERN ME!
But still, while Axel has his head low, while the sight of him so defeated hurts me more than I can describe, do I hear him mutter something I know he didn't want me to hear. "I would." Tears appear in my eyes, like they have for the last few days, but I swipe them away, focusing on my way out of this realm.

I look back quickly and see that Axel has his head all the way down. Taking this as a chance, I run into an alleyway near him and hide behind the sidewall, looking at the only man that made me feel as if Xemnas and all others are wrong. That Nobodies aren't born without hearts or forever without hearts.
The man keeps his head low, standing there on the dark pavement courtyard, near that old hotel where he was leaning against the wall when I passed him. I wonder how long he's going to be standing there and for a minute I believe he said those words in a last effort to convince me not to do this and to walk back.

But then the man sighs again and says: "Xemnas will hate me for this. But – if he dares to order me to kill you, Roxas – I'll refuse whatever order he gives me. I will do everything I can to keep him from ordering me to do so." He then looks up, the fire he is so well known for burning in his eyes and he says:
"I'll get you back, Roxas, and then – we'll be friends again – and everything will be back like it was. Just like the old days." And with that he turns around, looking over his shoulder and says: "No matter what it takes, I'll find you and get you back, Roxas." And with that the man slowly walks back to the castle.

Tears are leaking out of my eyes and I think: "Oh Axel." Before shaking my head, knowing I can't give in now, my face to the ground and my eyes closed, as I say: "If only that were possible." I then resolve myself and say: "But I must find out who I am and where I came from. I got to go home first."
I then cringe slightly and the despair that has haunted me for the longest time returns as I whisper: "Wherever my home really is." And with the firm resolve that my home can have all the answers – as to why the Keyblade chose me and who the hell Sora is – do I walk out of the other side of the alleyway.

After a long walk, crossing, battling and defeating many shadow Heartless – which make me feel relieved as they don't produce Hearts, so can't let the Organization know my location and can't let Xemnas know that I have commited treachery – do I find a portal to a whole other world at a dead end in a lost corner of the world.
I turn my face again, still being able to see the Castle of Oblivion – the Headquarters of the Organization and a place Xemnas wanted me to believe was my home ever since he took me here so many, many, many days ago now – and whisper: "Once I know all I need, I'll be your friend again. Goodbye Axel." And I step through the portal.

Sora's POV

"Goodbye – Axel?" I mutter, shaking my head and wondering where the hell that came from, as the vision I just had becomes blurry the more I try to think about it. Riku seems shocked at these words, while Kairi is just confused and while I can sense that many others are closeby and looking at me worriedly, does Kairi says:
"Sora, Axel died years ago, remember? He died giving his whole being to an attack that saved you, Goofy and Donald of all those Nobody Dusks. He even opened a portal to the Land that Never Was and told you where to find me."
I nod and say: "I know, Kairi, I know. It's just – I had this, this vision. I think it's something that – happened to Roxas before he merged with me." I then look at her and Riku and ask the two questions I can almost read in their eyes that they are wondering them as well as I ask: "But why would he show me this? Why now?"
The two look at each other and I can tell by Riku's eyes he seems more aware of the situation and what's behind it than the two of us. I tilt my head a little, hoping to convince Riku to share his knowledge, but he simply turns to Madam Bones and says: "We got this, you start reading." And I wonder what he knows.

Amelia's POV

The headache, or whatever was hurting Sora, seems over and Riku raises his arm to me, telling me Kairi and him got Sora and that I should start reading. Wondering what they discussed before he said so, I decide to either see if they are willing to discuss it later or if I first need to remain here a little longer and earn their trust.
But then my eye falls on Erica, the woman who brought them all here a few days ago from a special room in the Department of Mysteries when Dumbledore got locked away and I decide to first see how much she knows about Sora and any possible illnesses he could have. And with that plan in mind do I start reading.

Dobby's Warning

"Warning?" Fudge asks and I mutter: "What warning?" But all teachers seem to know – along with a lot of the students – as they all share knowing looks with everyone older than a Second year. Wondering what could have happened that made this Dobby feel the need to warn our national hero, do I continue reading.

Harry managed … the stairs. He spared a quick glance back at the door, but heard the voices continue.
"So long … are you?"

"Mr. Potter, you had a creature breaking into your room of which origins you had no awareness of and still you refused to be rude to it?" Fudge asks and Harry shrugs as he says: "I didn't see any need for it." The man looks amazed while Potter's parents and friends smile at him and I too send a quick smile at the kind boy, before reading on.

"Dobby, sir. … living room. It made Harry feel relieved as it meant that she and his family weren't aware of the situation he was currently in. The elf … the bed.

"Potter, what on earth made you offer a seat to a House Elf?" Fudge asks, which I consider nothing but a rude question and Harry says: "Oh, I don't know. Maybe the fact I was Muggle-raised and was never taught a thing about treatment of House-elves or their history." The man blushes red and I smirk, before reading on.

To his … downstairs falter. A shiver of terror ran through his entire body.
"I'm sorry," … ugly doll. Harry was at a total loss of what to do.
At last … watery adoration. This too gave Harry the chills as it meant the creature was one of those that heard his story and seeing last year, that might make the creature's actions quite unpredictable.

Everyone looks at the boy and he says: "Hey, don't look at me like that! Last year had made me very wary of those who liked me for my fame. And with all that others thought they could expect of me because of my reputation and how they treated me when they thought I didn't live up to it, you can't really blame me."
The Hall nods, most of the Hogwarts Fourth years and higher looking quite guilty and I wonder how much time it's going to take for Harry to heal – not physically, but mentally and emotionally – but then look at the group around him, Sora and his friends, Erica and Mss. Crenson, Viktor and his new parents, and realize that he will be just fine.
This makes me smile and I look at my niece, knowing she was the one who helped me get over the death of my brother and his wife just before the end of the war and think: "My niece helped me heal, Harry's family and friends will help him heal." And with that I see my niece smile at me and smile back before reading on.

"You can't … knew, sir—"

I see the Malfoys share a shocked glance, while other Purebloods seem to agree with the little magical creature and think: "Is that their House-elf? Would explain his fear of his masters finding out, seeing what the relationship between the Potters and the Malfoys was like. But did they really find out by help of that punishment?"
Then Narcissa sighs as she turns to Hermione and says: "And there you have it, dear. proof that, while to some the History of the House-elves and their fate has been forgotten, others just prefer to ignore it through any means possible." Everyone looks at him, most of the Purebloods confused and the other students intrigued and Hermione says:
"Long story short, House Elves are actually stronger than wizards, but one wizard bound an army of House Elves to him, then cursed them to make sure they could never use their full power as it would overwhelm them and then destroyed all the knowledge in regards to this curse as well as the counter curse before getting killed."
Everyone looks shocked and Hermione says: "Trust me, I was just as shocked and disgusted when I heard the tale." Then Malfoy whitens and he asks: "So – my, my House-elves are –." And Zabini says: "Incapable of overthrowing you only because of one right bastard of a wizard." And while this makes the blonde cringe, do I read on.

"But won't … almost human.

Every head in the Great Hall turns to Harry and he says: "I said ALMOST!" To which Hermione says: "Harry, even I stopped calling those relatives of yours human when I first met them." And the two smile at each other, while Harry shrugs and I think: "Too kind for his own good." Before I cough, get everyone's attention and read on.

Can't anyone … of gratitude. Again he turned his head slightly, trying to tune out the wails in order to listen downstairs, but he still heard nothing that proved the Dursleys were coming at him. All he heard was a female voice laughing softly that he didn't recognize – Mrs. Mason must actually be having fun.

"Is that even possible?" Ron asks shocked and Harry says: "I know, back then I was shocked too." The boy looks at his friend confused and Percy asks: "Back then?" And Harry says: "Then I met her. Even Crouch looked more exciting at the Quidditch World Cup." Everyone laughs and I smile at the humor of the boy before reading on.

"Please," Harry, turning back to the situation at hand and pushing the question of how that was possible to the back of his mind, whispered frantically … Harry nodded, trying again to push the thought of those terrible eyes out of his mind as he remembered them enough times during the night and Dobby's … go Hogwarts."

This silences me, together with the entire Hall, the very concept of Harry Potter not going to Hogwarts and all its consequences settling in with us and Viktor says: "Not a chance in hell." Everyone looks at him and he turns Harry to him as he says: "I am so glad you went against those words. I would have never met you if you hadn't."
Harry smiles at him and happily lies his head on the older boy's shoulder in gratitude, before Sirius says: "Same here, son." Harry turns to his mum as the sound of despair is sounding clear in the man's voice and he says: "Well, we met in your third year and it was really because of you that I didn't turn into a real killer, remember?"
This makes me wonder what happened between the two and then I remember some people telling me that Sirius Black had kidnapped Harry Potter before the Dementors had gone wild and someone unknown had saved them all. Wondering about the true story behind that, do I look at the young boy one last time and then read on.

There was … me going.

This silences me again, even though it probably wouldn't have had it not been for what we read about in the last book and this time tears blurry my vision as I realize what I had just read. Many girls gasp or shriek and many boys curse – some worse than others and causing girls to glare at them – as they must be realizing the same.
Then, while I grab onto the book extra tightly to keep my emotions in check, does Erica pull Harry close and whispers: "Please tell me that was just desperate attempt to keep him from this plan. Please tell me you didn't mean it." But Harry shakes his head and frowns as he whispers: "I won't lie to the one who saved my life."
The woman hugs him tightly and mutters: "I really thought you were over those thoughts. I really believed you no longer lived like that." But the boy says: "Finding home in the Magical World and then having to go back to that Muggle hell just – it just brought back all those memories and thoughts all over again."
The woman nods and Sora, Riku, Kairi, Sirius, Remus, Viktor and Mss. Crenson all go sit around him, Sora having a strange look as if understanding the boy's feelings. Wondering how someone so deeply loved could feel like that, do I decide there are a lot of questions that will come up during this reading and with that I read on.

You don't … in surprise. Immediately his mind went out to Hermione, Ron and Ron's family and he instantly feared for them – whether they forgot about him or not.

The two teens in question smile at their best friend in care and Hermione says: "We'd worry about you instantly too, Harry, if we were told something like that." And Ron nods, making Harry – still being held by Erica – smile at them and they all share a moment of honest friendship before I turn their attention back to me and read on.

"There is … months, sir.

This makes Harry look up and he groans as he pulls out of Erica's embrace and on wobbly leg, does he walk over to the two, Hermione having joined Ron on the circular couch. He then whispers something to them and Ron motions for his dad, which makes Harry look from the elder Weasley to the Slytherin table and nods.
He whispers something else at the two and they both nod, as if the three just decided something and then Harry walks back to his own group and sits back down, smiling at the group surrounding him innocently, showing that he won't reveal his secret conversation, but also that walking tired him out again. I sigh, shake my head and read on.

Harry Potter … struck him, making his eyes widen as that high cold, cruel laugh rang through his mind again. "hang on … his head.

This makes everyone, except Ron, Hermione, Harry, Minerva, Ginny and her father relax and Erica asks: "Is something wrong?" To which Harry answers with the question: "Who names their kid Voldemort?" I wonder what he means, but then read on and gasp loudly. Everyone turns to me, some necks cracking as they turn and I read.

"Not – not … a hint.

I look wide-eyed and Astoria Greengrass, a girl I know from the many parties the Purebloods always give, asks: "So this has something to do with the Dark Lord, but on the same time it doesn't? How does that work?" No one, but the aforementioned group seems to have an answer and one of the Seventh year Slytherins says:
"Maybe it has something to do with the Dark Lord before he became the Dark Lord." But a Ravenclaw Seventh year shakes his head and says: "No way. Not even You-Know-Who would be powerful enough to travel that far forward or back in time." The Slytherin nods and I decide to unravel this mystery by reading on.

Harry, however, … than ever. Harry's tense shoulders, tense of fear of having to deal with that madman again, relaxed and he smiled at the House-elf, hoping to calm him down too.
"Well then, … ever had.

"All Heads of Houses of the last three centuries together wouldn't even be able to teach that old coot how to be an acceptable Headmaster, let alone the greatest we ever had." Harry growls and everyone in the hall nods, but then Hermione asks: "How exactly is it possible that Dumbledore had so much power till now?"
Everyone looks at each other, none of them seeming to have an answer and I first look at the teachers before looking first at my niece and then at the three kids that solved the Philosopher's Stone mystery when they were only eleven. None of them seem to have a single clue, but then Luna Lovegood speaks up: "It's the past."

Everyone looks at her and she says: "Dumbledore is known to be a true leader, because he defeated people and was feared by people that most of the masses thought indestructible. Because of how he did this, everyone thought he was always right and constantly listened to him, never once questioning a single one of his actions."
Everyone looks at her, shocked that she stated such amazing facts in such a dreamy, out-of-the-world way and I look at the book in front of me and the ones in the corner, thinking: "I do not want to know what Dumbledore would have led us in had these books not arrived." But then the girl suddenly goes on and says:

"It's also his own past." We all look at her and she says: "Dumbledore is known to be the last of his family, but he still has his younger brother Aberforth. Because of his own fame, people get shocked when they realize Dumbledore has family and with the way Aberforth doesn't strive for popularity or heroism, they stay apart.
But that's mostly done by Dumbledore himself. He doesn't like the idea of sharing his own fame, so he probably shows the darker side of it to his brother and that keeps Aberforth from seeking it out himself. Dumbledore has become addicted to his fame and how people look up to him, so he fights anyone being a threat to that."

Everyone looks at her and she turns a little more serious in her gaze as she says: "Madam Pomfrey is obligated to tell the Headmaster of who she had as patients every month. The pestering of Harry in First year lasted more than three, meaning that Dumbledore knew and that he allowed it to happen, Harry's excuse aside.
He also allowed Harry to be put with Abusive, Magic-hating Muggles, not even discussing this with Harry's family, his family's friends or the Goblins, who hold control over the Potter will. And finally, did he allow our whole country all to run amok with crazy and ridiculous stories over what the Great Harry Potter could do.
This caused Harry, when he first entered the Wizarding World, to hate his fame and seek out guidance with other known heroes – thus resulting in his loyalty to Dumbledore, who would probably lead him to his death and then defeat Voldemort himself, regaining the fame and glory he must believe Harry took from him on Halloween 1981."

Everyone looks at the girl in pure shock and I can barely believe that the girl, who I heard nothing but bad rumors about, is so intelligent and onto things we could have never seen. I look at the girl again and then realize something. By distancing herself from most of the masses, she has the ability to see the greater picture without being led around like a sheep.
I look at the teachers and my theory is confirmed by the looks on their faces. Ravenclaws seem most surprised by the girl's words and look at her as if she has grown three extra heads or suddenly started talking Chinese, the students who barely know her look just as shocked, but the teachers seem only surprised at what she said.
"They must have seen her perform this intelligently before. I really got to talk to them later about what they think of some of the students." I then smile at the girl before reading on, really believing that these books bring out the best and the worst in everyone here and while I hate the treatment she gets from her House, do I still feel proud.

Dobby knows … decent wizard…"

I see Harry and Snape share a knowing glance and I send the elder man a questioning glance, but he shakes his head, slightly motioning it to a small group of First years that is sitting together at the Head Table side of the Hufflepuff Table. Fearing how terrible the magic could be that the two discovered, I nod and quickly read on.

And before … earsplitting yelps. This was it, Harry knew this was a noise that would surely notify his uncle.
And indeed, a sudden silence … golfer joke….

"Is that any better than the bomb joke?" Fred and George chorus at Harry and the boy gives them a look as if they're crazy and he asks: "You do realize it's Vernon we're talking about, right?" The two look at each other and then chorus: "Never mind." Making everyone laugh and causing the two to look around in pride, before I read on.

One more … born, boy!"
He then moved the cup of steaming hot coffee that he had in his other hand and poured it over Harry's shirt, the buttons unbuttoned earlier because of the heat and thus the liquid falling onto Harry's chest. Harry instantly bit his hand to keep his scream in, knowing if he made another sound his uncle would punish him further and while his teeth were strong enough to draw blood, did he only let out a few whimpers.

Everyone's anger flares up again and I hear Tonks cursing, making me look up as she says: "I went through my scroll." And quickly Charlie Weasley stands up and offers her a new roll of parchment, telling her: "Bill and I saw it coming. Here, we charmed this one to be indestructible." The woman smiles, continues writing and I continue reading.

Uncle Vernon snorted and left, glaring at him threateningly in the doorway before closing it loudly.
Shaking and buttoning up his shirt again, Harry let … Dobby slyly.

"How does he know?" A First year Hufflepuff asks and one of the older years says: "Seeing how he was keeping an eye on Potter earlier, I think it's safe to say that he was keeping Harry his mail." The boy does make sense with this and I wonder how far the elf is willing to go to keep Harry at Privet Drive as I read on.

"I expect … gamekeeper, Hagrid.
His anger at the House-elf for stealing was shortly pushed down by the gratitude and relief he felt for the fact he was still part of the Magical world, if only through his friends wanting him there.

This makes me smile at the three that have the ability to make Harry feel at home in our world, before looking at the boy in question, amazed at how easily he is to please and how much importance he lies in things we take for granted. Feeling bad for the boy for never having had this chance, do I decide to help him with this and read on.

Dobby blinked … wasn't listening. His need to reconnect with his friends was overpowering all of his senses and his sensibility.
He made … stomach lurching, and a shiver of pure terror going down his spine Harry sprang … for Dobby.

Cornelius and I share a glance as the whole use of a Hover charm suddenly makes a lot more sense. We then look at the boy and wonder how he could have saved himself out of this situation – but then concerning the actual fear he must be feeling for his uncle. Deciding to find out as fast as possible, I quickly read on.

From the … stomach disappear.

"Is that a bad thing?" A First Year Badger year asks his friend and the girl, who is actually a Raven, answers: "The speaking of someone losing his stomach is usually a reference of that person feeling really scared of something." To which the Badger says: "You could have just said yes, you know." And while I snicker do I continue reading.

Aunt Petunia's … crouched Dobby.

"And there we have the proof that I was innocent in the whole affair of the Hover Charm." Harry says, but his tightened voice shows how scared he is of what he will surely have to hear and, through his imagination and memory, remember again. Feeling sad for the boy and hoping the book won't be too explicit, do I read on.

"No," croaked …"Dobby…please…" Harry tried his patent hurt puppy dog look; a look that could actually even make Uncle Vernon keep painful punishments to a minimum. He lowered his lashes a little, tilted his head so his chin rested on his chest, shivered in true fear and put out his lower lip, letting it tremble – all to convince the Elf not to do this.

"Have we ever been victim of that look?" Ron asks Hermione and the girl says: "No, I can't really remember ever seeing that look on Harry's face." Then suddenly they hear Viktor say: "Aaaw, my adorable little love." And all eyes in the Great Hall turn to look at the group at the left back corner of the Great Hall.
Harry has the same look on his face, the look itself actually gripping at my heart and making me want to aaw for the first time since Susan's birth and is using it on Viktor, who is cuddling with him and holding him close as if he's some kind of teddy bear. A single tear is even hanging down the side of the boy's eyelid and Viktor says:

"Don't cry, little one. I'll protect you. You're safe, darling. I love you. We all love you. You're always loved, Harry my sweet. You're just too sweet of heart not to be loved. Even your enemies respect you. Not that someone like you really has enemies. And anyone wanting to harm you will meet me – and I won't be gentle on them. And."

But then Harry kisses his cheek, silencing his rant that makes many girls go aw and Viktor's friends snicker. I myself can barely believe how that one look can turn a rock-hard man into Prince Charming extraordinaire. Then Harry says: "I get it, Viktor. Thank you. I needed to hear that." The two smile at each other and I read on.

"Say it, sir—" … own good."

"That elf needs to learn the definition of for someone's own good." Susan grumbles and Harry says: "Don't worry, Dobby has his good sides too. He really helped me this year when I needed him." My niece and I accept his words and I read on, while thinking: "A little late to make up for what will be the consequences of this action."

The pudding … him a mop.

"Tell me he didn't." Sirius demands of his son, obviously lost in his anger, while Viktor is cursing words of someone insane with fury, obviously still somewhat under the influence of Harry's hurt puppy dog look and while this combination seems to actually scare some of the younger years, does Harry morosely answer:
"No, the arriving Ministerial owl gave him other ideas." This doesn't appease me in the slightest and I ask: "What exactly?" But Harry answers: "It made sure he was barely physical." Again I am not appeased, even though I am sure that is why he said this and I mutter: "You really shouldn't defend them." Before I read on.

Aunt Petunia … kitchen clean, hoping a clean kitchen and a hurt puppy dog look could save some of his skin.
Uncle Vernon … his deal – something that would have surely lessened the punishment Harry was to have – if it … the owl.

Fudge cringes and I think: "We really have to change our methods. Maybe bringing back some old laws and combining those with Muggle justice – but then without giving either side too much leeway. If we can somehow combine the laws –." And while thinking my plan through and how to discuss this with Fudge, do I read on.

Aunt Petunia … tiny eyes, giving his legs perfectly good reason to shake worse than a leaf in a Fall storm.
"Read it!" …
Ministry of Magic

"We really have to change our policy on what to do when Muggleborns perform Accidental Magic. And, I think, we have to reassign Mafalda to a new position." I tell Cornelius and he nods, muttering: "It was, after all, her idea to instantly send a letter, making us stop investigating the cases. That really has to stop." We nod at each other and I read on.

Harry looked … great bulldog, all his teeth bared. Had his eyes been red, he could have passed as Voldemort's twin. "Well, I've … back upstairs.

Everyone looks shocked and then the twins chorus: "We told you they were locking him up!" Arthur looks at them shocked and Harry says: "Guys, that's something you told her, but I never heard her mention it to your dad." The two growl as they must realize this as well and I shake my head as I continue reading.

Uncle Vernon … a day.
The cat-flap already having been installed before the man came must have brought up the impression that a bad pet was living in this room – and Harry, lying under his bed and hiding from his uncle's wrath while trying to wish for his bones to heal and using torn up cloths as bandages over his torn up back didn't help bringing the man onto other thoughts.

Everyone's shocked and Sirius asks: "How many bones were broken?" But Harry whispers: "Only the ones in my wand arm. They healed pretty quickly." Then Remus asks: "And the torn up back?" And Harry mutters: "Open belt." Infuriating me further than what I just read. Vowing, again, to make this man pay, I read on.

They let … the clock. And of course Harry used the bathroom more to puke up his own dinner and breakfast, but that was courtesy of Dudley who always punched him in the gut when he let him out.
Three days … to him.
Never more this summer did he long for Hogwarts, but this time without longing for his friends or the lessons or even Quidditch. He longed for the meals and the free use of the bathroom and more than ever – he longed for the amazing showers and baths installed within the school.

"They didn't even let you take a shower?" Hermione asks shocked and Harry shakes his head and mutters: "Probably hoped I would choke on my own smell or something." The girl looks horrified and I see the twins share a look. Realizing they must have known of this I wonder how they could have gotten him out of there as I read on.

What was … his room – or even casting any charm at all that could help his current situation of both location as well as health – if Hogwarts … death anyway. At least then he would see his parents again, but the thought of Neville's worried and angry face made him shake that thought off. The boy had worked too hard when Harry needed him most to make Harry give up now. He might have given up when he was shunned by his own kind, but he wouldn't give up when hurt by people he couldn't care less about.

Neville smiles in pride and Sirius stands up to hug the boy, muttering: "Thank you. Your actions saved my little boy twice in one year. I really don't know how to thank you for that." And Neville returns the hug with the words: "Help him live the life we all take for granted." Sirius nods in a vow and I smile at the two before I read on.

The cat-flap … deep disgust.

"Wait, that's your only meal, it's stone cold, you're almost starving of hunger – and you still share with your owl?" A Slytherin asks and Harry answers fiercely: "She chose me and has been supportive of me since she did so. I wasn't going to make the situation worse on her by letting her starve too." The Slytherin looks shocked and I read on.

"It's no … the soup. It was probably because he was dreading his next visit to the bathroom – or because he was starting to wonder if his relatives would really continue to feed him every morning and night.
The room … questions, Harry turned to Hedwig and saw that she picked at some of the vegetables. He walked over to her cage and softly petted her feathers in such a way he pulled her attention to him. Trying to believe she could really understand him, he whispered, 'If I die of this, Hedwig, may my last left-over magic break all the bonds that keep you here. I won't let them harm you, girl. Not you.'
The owl hooted as if trying to convince him otherwise, but he just smiled at her, feeling better and more confident in his need to protect her and her care for him and stroked her lovingly before going back to bed and with one last loving look at the owl, he fell into an uneasy sleep.

Everyone's shocked to silence and I think: "How much kindness and care can there be in one young boy?" But then I reread the sentences and mutter: "And what twelve year old vows to protect his pet with his own life?" Before sparing a glance at said boy, now hiding from all shocked and incredulous stares. I smile at him and read on.

He dreamed … crowd and tried to get up to get to the bars of his cage, but his body wouldn't even move, so he shouted out … trying sleep…"

"Talk about a bad dream." Zacharias Smith snorts, but the twins and Ron share a glance and Ron mutters: "So that's what he meant." Harry looks at him weird and he says: "We heard you say it all, mate. Even the begging for help. We wondered what you were talking about as that sounded really slurred when you said it."
Harry nods, but then I ask: "Wait, were you three the ones that got him out of there?" The three nod and Smith says: "But how is that possible? If that rattling came from outside the dream you're in front of Potter's window, which is impossible as he's on the second floor." But the entire Weasley family smiles and I read on.

He opened … Harry's window.

"How in the world did you manage that?" Smith almost demands of the boy in question, being rude yet still asking the question that I am sure is on everyone else's mind and Ron retorts dryly: "If you would just read on, you'll find out." The Hufflepuff snorts and says: "Fine, I'll read next." But Harry says: "No, you won't."
Everyone looks at him and he turns to Arthur, saying: "Mr. Weasley, if I know myself, I know the title of the next chapter will concern your House and Family, so I think it more proper if you read next." The man smiles and says: "Thank you, Harry." Before walking over to me. I smile at the man and allow him his seat at the book.

Hey everyone,
WOW! This chapter was pretty hard. If I hadn't made myself the promise that I would post at least 12 chapters for the Christmas special, this chapter might have put me off of editing the whole thing altogether. Yet I am nothing, if not loyal, grateful and dedicated to my fans and I really wanted to thank you for a brilliant year.
Merry Christmas,

Venquine1990