(a/n): I want to first, briefly, reply to an abusive and very vulgar anonymous review. *a - It's been reported *b - Every word; the same to you *c - Have the guts to login and review. 'Nuf said! S/he also cursed JBERN. I am frankly flattered as he's where the Susan/Harry pairing idea (for me) came from. Well, him and OLD-CROW. Both are very worthy reading. IMO

I felt better after venting. Sorry folks. I almost just deleted that, but I figured why not thank two of my inspirations.

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(a/n2): So, moving on. A bit of Melange to everyone who answered Dune for the Hagrid funeral speeches. I think it's a fitting tribute. Although, the very first answer, about Native Americans made for interesting reading. So, I now thank Frank Herbert. Sorry for the frustration WolfMoon, glad you eventually got it.

A negative review I got that considers Seamus' punishment 'barbaric' -- I'd just like to say I feel the punishment fit the crime. I wouldn't call him a child at 16, especially as Wizarding Society considers adulthood to begin at 17. Did Harry act vengefully? Yeah, I can accept that. But he didn't go after it as a vigilante, he acted within the law. Nor, did he instigate it; Hannah did.

I've made a point of saying I appeciate honest criticism in the last few author notes. So this time it's thanks to the golden gushing 'walk-on-water' sort of reviews. They're nice to see, too. The review by Aaron W did a nice job of summarizing much of the current situation Thanx

And now, Harry gets to learn exactly who and what Flamel is.

38 – Advanced Training

"Whoa, daylight!" exclaimed Harry as he shielded his eyes and squinted.

Nicolas was utterly unaffected "Quite so, youth." He said coolly "Just the other side of that hill is my home. Shall we?"

"I don't see how this is all that safe." Harry commented "And why is it suddenly day?"

Offering a pleased grin, Flamel replied "Those two are more connected than you might think, youth. The answer, however, I would like you to work out for yourself tonight. Seeing is believing, that is a quote from one of your philosophers."

"Don't much like mysteries." Harry grumbled. In spite of himself, Harry found himself relaxing during the walk. Except for the lack of wetness, he would have thought the area had just experienced a thunderstorm. The air tingled pleasantly on his skin.

It was a fifteen minute leisurely stroll to the Flamel residence during which the ancient, but early middle-age appearing wizard said little. "Here we are." Nicolas finally announced "It isn't especially large, but it serves my purposes. There is a room---through there---which will be yours for your time here. The wardrobe will supply all the clothes you will need. Just return used clothes at the end of the day. Why don't you rest for a while. I will wake you this evening."

"I'm not really tired." Harry replied. But, he hardly made it into the room before his eyes closed. He fell into a deep sleep.

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Back among Harry's friends, Rita Skeeter had been freed from custody after Hermione's tip had led to a sentence for being an unregistered Animagus. Her first article, in Witch Weekly, sent the Wizarding World speculating.

BOY-WHO-LIVED VANISHES

By Rita Skeeter

I apologize to my loyal readers for my unavoidable absence. But, I have returned. Our world has seen considerable upheaval in the past year. I promise to root out the dirty little facts behind that as well.

However, current events are always first priority. Famous recluse Nicolas Flamel, whose last confirmed appearance dates back to the Grindelwald Era, has apparently made off with Harry Potter. What is truly remarkable about the man is, and this is verified by my sources, he appears little-- if any -- different than fifty years ago.

Flamel's reappearance raises many questions. Among them, Why now? Where has he been? What has he been doing? And, more relevant to now: What is his relationship to Harry? Is he possibly an agent of You-Know-Who?

This reporter wishes to express her deep concern for Harry's welfare. Unfortunately I was incommunicado during the recent disasters in the poor lad's life. But, it seems that returned Headmaster Dumbledore has had entirely too much influence on the boy. Flamel is a known associate of Dumbledore.

Finally, far be it from me to create more drama. But it is a remarkable coincidence that Virginia Weasley, Harry's former girlfriend, has also dropped out of sight. One would have expected her to appear at graduation ceremonies where her two famous (or infamous) brothers formally ended their educations.

Fred and George were quite delighted by the reference, while their mother was less than pleased. "That woman!" Mrs. Weasley growled "She has no place making comments like that!"

"Really, Mum we can use all …." said George.

Fred concluded "…the free advertising we can get."

"And when are you two going to settle into respectable careers?" she asked, disapprovingly.

Arthur scolded his wife "Now, Molly, while I agree with you about Skeeter…the boys are doing quite well. And I foresee them becoming successful businessmen."

"Ouch! Father!" Fred exclaimed.

Melodramatically, George clutched his chest and whined "You wound us!"

"I have heard some interesting things from Amos Diggory." Arthur commented, ignoring the overacting "You know, among other things, his office handles taxes on businesses. So, he would be the first to know that a new one was opening."

The twins looked at each other, and their father "We combined our ideas---" began George.

"--- with stuff from Lee Jordan---" Fred continued

Proud grins covered their faces "And our magnificent patriarch!"

"As much as I love Grandpop Gideon," said their Mother "He has always taken risks and been heedless of the consequences."

Ron, just coming down for breakfast, took in the scene and said "Oh boy, you told her about the store."

"STORE!?!" exclaimed Mrs. Weasley, glaring alternately at her youngest boys.

Fred glared at Ron and said "We hadn't gotten that far yet!"

"oops." Ron said with a smirk. "Then I can't wait til the part about Harry funding it."

Turning red, Mrs. Weasley screeched "WHAATTT!!"

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"Ruddy! Bloody! Stupid magazine!" exclaimed Susan Bones as she threw the thing into the fireplace. She felt a certain grim satisfaction as the image of Rita Skeeter screamed as the flames consumed her. "Wouldn't mind if it were her for real."

Frank, her brother, swallowed the last gulp of a butterbeer. As a Squib, it affected him more than his sisters. To them, the product their father was responsible for producing was no more intoxicating than a Coke. "Wish this stuff didn't have such a kick." He complained lightly. He patted his knee and ordered "Park it."

"Don't you think I'm a little big for that?" she asked, as she complied.

Frank gave his sister a light nudge. "So, want me to give that boyfriend of yours a few bruises?" he offered.

"I seem to recall someone saying something like no one better." Susan said in a contemplative tone. "Anyway, no, after a chat with Ron and Hermione I understand."

Frank frowned a little and asked "You're just gonna let him off the hook?"

"He overreacted and I coulda handled it better." She replied "I'm not angry anymore. I just miss him." Her shoulders slumped and she leaned against him.

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Harry jumped out of bed, startled out of a sound sleep "Lumos!" he said, and his wand glowed brightly. After spinning around, he realized he was alone in the room. He quickly changed clothes and opened the door.

"Good evening, youth." Flamel said calmly "I congratulate you on your rapid response to my touch on your mind. You closed me out quite effectively."

Harry narrowed his eyes and countered "Rude to go poking around in other people's heads."

Flamel nodded fractionally "No intrusion was intended. Nor, did I read any one of your thoughts. I merely did the mental equivalent of touching your shoulder. Help yourself to something on the table and follow me."

"As bad as Dumbledore." grumbled Harry "But, if I'm gonna get any answers., I guess I got no choice." He picked up a bunch of grapes, pulled one off and tossed it into his mouth.

Harry's host was standing a short distance from the door "Come, youth, it is a pleasant evening." Flamel said "You should find my night sky very interesting."

"If you say so." Harry replied, grumpily. He chewed and swallowed another grape. "And while we're at it… What is it with constantly calling everyone youth?"

Not exactly smiling, Flamel had yet to show any emotion, he replied "Compared to me, everyone at Hogwarts is. Even Albus."

"Except for your wife." Harry observed "By the way…will I get to meet her?"

Shaking his head, Nicolas replied "No, Perenelle is involved in another project."

"The entire summer? I'm sorry you won't see her." said Harry.

"Think nothing of it, youth." Flamel said, dismissively. "Now, tell me about my night sky. Consider it a sort of preliminary exercise." He pointed the young man to a telescope mounted on a tripod.

Astronomy was another subject that Hermione was number one in. But, Harry wasn't bad either. Looking at the stars had been one of the few things that had given him peace during his years with the Dursleys. His Aunt and Uncle cared little for where he was or what he did as a child. Sometimes he would lay out at night just looking up at the stars. Looking up, he immediately noticed something odd. Harry directed the telescope toward the sky and stared intently for several minutes. Then, he pointed it at another spot in the sky. "Nothing's where it should be." He finally said with a frown. Beginning to feel suspicious, he asked "Where are we? Australia? India? The Falklands?"

"The southern hemisphere is a correct assumption, youth. But, might I suggest redirecting your investigation to the group of stars just above those hills." The older man suggested in his calm tones.

Harry's eyes narrowed as he looked "The Big Dipper doesn't belong in the south." He declared "And, why is it backwards?" He turned on his host and pulled out his wand.

"Well done, youth." Nicolas said. And, ahead of his words, he launched a mental attack.

Harry screamed in pain and fell to his knees.

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"We got him!" Alastair Moody flung the door of the Director's office open and shouted without introduction or preamble.

In the aftermath of the coup against Fudge, Amelia Bones had to take more of an active role in the day-to-day operations of the MLE Department. Fighting had cost the lives of ten Aurors, and one of her most useful administrators had become Minister of Magic. Several retired Aurors, including Moody, returned to active duty. She did not immediately react to the intrusion. After unhurriedly signing a document, she looked up and asked "You needed something, Auror Moody?"

"You think I'd just come in for no reason, Amelia?" he growled impatiently "Snape's been sighted at Spinner's End!"

Amelia grabbed her armor; it always stood in the corner of her office. "Report!" she commanded as she climbed into it. Chasing down little things like exploding toilet seats and other Zonko products was a job for civilians under Arthur Weasley's office. This was something she lived for.

"I imagine he's gained access to his former home." The battle-scarred veteran said. "If only Potter had hung around long enough to re-ward the place."

Chuckling lightly, she countered "Come off it, Alastair. Even you were a boy, once. He had a lot on his mind."

"That's no excuse!" Moody snapped "There is no substitute for---"

Amelia cut him off with his own words "CONSTANT VIGILANCE! That is for paranoid veterans like you and me. Let's go get him."

"Director, do you really think you should be participating in this?" asked Moody.

She turned around and said "Make sure, I'm tight. And yes, for two reasons. You know how short of manpower we are. And, besides, Snape nearly killed my niece." With that, the pair disapparated ---

--- And reappeared in the middle of a battle. A red spell whizzed by Amelia's ear. The tree behind her exploded, spraying bark and leaves everywhere. A moment later, she was tackled and a flippant voice exclaimed "Lookie I got!"

"Sirius!" she yelled "What're you doing here? Lemme up!"

Deadpanning, he replied "Nice to see you, Sirius. How's your days, Sirius? Thanks for saving my arse, Sirius."

"Thank you." She said, dusting herself off. "Now, you really don't belong here. Explain."

Another spell shot by them and Sirius pulled her down again "This is fun." He quipped "Anyway, I came here to see Harry's new property. Maybe pick up a clue or two on Snivellus. REDUCTO! When some ward yanked me outta the house."

"CRUCIO!" came from the house, then the same voice cackled "Come out and play cousin! Just like when we were children!"

Sirius taunted back "Bella! Still Voldie's whore!"

"You dare insult The Master!" the witch screeched "AVADA KEDARVA!"

Sirius shoved Amelia one way and fell the other. The spell sizzled between them. "Not even close!" he shouted "Staring at Snakeshit is bad for the eyes Cuz!"

"FOOL!" Bellatrix screamed. She charged out of the house, enraged by her cousin's disrespect for her Lord.

She was struck by an Imperio from the one-eyed Auror. Moody commanded her "Drop the wand, Bellatrix."

"Stupid woman!" sneered the former Potion Master. "FINITE INCANTATUM!!"

Bella's expression immediately started clearing. She threw herself to the ground, seized her wand and fired another Killing Curse.

Madam Bones flicked her wand and a rock hit the spell in mid-flight, protecting Moody. She also shielded herself from a hex from Snape. Then, she fired an Imperio at the man who'd become her personal enemy. "Snap your wand!" she ordered, vengefully.

"I think not." Snape countered, emotionlessly. He twisted the mental channel opened between them and reversed it. "Kill Black!"

Amelia, stunned by the tactic, couldn't help obey the order. But, she cleverly used it to her advantage by firing a Killing Curse at Bellatrix (whose pre-marital name was Black). Unfortunately, it missed its mark.

"RICTUSEMPRA!" Sirius bellowed. He grinned maliciously as the spell exploded against Snape, blasting his longtime nemesis through a wall.

Bellatrix hit him with a Cruciatus and cackled insanely while her cousin twisted in agony. That was when the air filled with pops. A veritable army of reinforcements, led by Kingsley Shacklebolt apparated into the area. "Anti-apparation wards! NOW!" the huge black man ordered

"SERPENSORTIA!" Snape yelled, and a dozen snakes leapt from his wand. He and his ally used the momentary distraction to vanish. Destroying the snakes took precious seconds during which the Aurors didn't put up the Anti-apparation wards. By the time the last conjured snake was killed, the dark pair was gone.

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Harry's brain was on fire. The completely unexpected attack had torn through his automatic shields. Surprisingly, though, he found the pain tolerable. "Bastard!" he snarled. He fired a disarming spell, but missed. The pain seemed to last forever and he finally sagged in defeat.

"Well done, youth." Nicolas Flamel said "Rest for a moment."

Slowly, Harry shook off the effects. "What the fuck was that!?" he cursed. He trained his wand on the man, completely confused.

"You need to maintain active shielding at all times." Flamel said, instructively. "You did manage to strike back while under attack, which was excellent. NOW! SHIELD UP!"

With the minimal warning, Harry managed to concentrate all the Occulumency he'd been taught by Aurors acting on Madam Bones' instructions. It felt like someone was pounding on his forehead. He held up through several attacks before again collapsing. "Well, finish it!" he growled.

"You mean kill you?" asked Flamel, as casually as if he were talking of the weather. "That is not, and never has been, my intention, youth. Surely, you have enough enemies."

Beyond fear, Harry sneered at him "So you just do this for fun, huh? You're no better than Snape!" He lashed out with a mental attack of his own.

"Well done, youth." Flamel praised. There was no indication that he'd had any trouble blocking Harry's attack "Now, tell me, did you know how to do that before you came here?"

Harry thought about what he'd done and realized he had done something completely new. He nodded curtly and admitted "No, I didn't. But I had to do something. I guess I…I saw what you did, and---"

"Exactly, youth, exactly." A pleased Flamel confirmed "Now, while you recover your strength, I will answer the mystery I posed. The appearance of constellations depends upon your frame of reference. It is also the reason I could say with certainty that the entity calling himself Lord Voldemort cannot reach you here. We are approximately three thousand light-years from Earth."

Harry, who had been drinking a glass of water, dropped it, sprayed it, and choked for several seconds. "I---I don't b—b—believe it!" he exclaimed.

"My world is unknown to your scientists at this time." Flamel said, completely unperturbed by Harry's outburst. "It will be quite some time before your people will be ready to meet mine. But, from time to time, we do assist without directly interfering. You, Harry Potter, are the first Human to visit here."

The calm tones convinced Harry that he was telling the truth, he asked "Not even Dumbledore?"

"The situation was not as critical then as it is now." Flamel explained "There was little doubt Albus would defeat Grindelwald. Your situation is very different. Without help, you are quite outmatched. I mean no insult, you have great potential. Voldemort has fifty years experience on you."

Harry swallowed nervously and nodded "I know, I never understood how I beat him in the first place. And, how can I do it now? I'm just a kid."

"That is what I brought you here for." Flamel answered "Consider what you were doing with your Defense League. You…very correctly… taught your group to build up their defenses by resisting repeated attacks. Now, we will be doing the same for you."

Harry glared angrily at his host "It would have helped if you told me that in the beginning." He complained.

"Then, youth, I would not have gotten your true measure." Flamel replied, as calmly as ever. "You were both tenacious in your defense and composed in defeat. Now, I will push you to the utmost. But, be assured I will not, at any time, raise the severity to the point of permanent damage."

Harry became ever stronger during the repeated grueling sessions. The assaults had increased in intensity. He was absorbing, easily, thrusts that would have burned out his brain at first. His life had narrowed to eating, sleeping and fighting off Flamel. Often, he wasn't sure whether it was day or night. During a surprisingly long quiet period, he happened to have brushed his chin and found it rough. Quite disturbed, he sought out his host and without any sort of introduction, demanded "Just how long have I been here?"

"Thirty-six Earth days, youth." He replied.

Furious, Harry launched an attack of his own. He felt no satisfaction as he watched his heaviest bolt ricochet harmlessly off Flamel's shield. He wasn't angry at the alien, but at himself. "For a whole month!" he yelled, frustratedly "Hagrid and Hedwig are dead and I haven't thought about them all this time! And I had that stupid fight with Sue before I left! AARRRG!! What's the matter with me?!"

"I must take responsibility for that particular incident, youth." Flamel explained coolly. "It was necessary to have you focused---"

Harry cut him off angrily "You're worse than Dumbledore! I thought he was a manipulative old man!"

"Thus far, you have compared me to your former Potions instructor and, now to Albus." observed Flamel "Will you next compare me to Voldemort?"

Harry threw up his arms in disgust and stormed off. He ran outside and ran until he was exhausted. Then he fell on the grass and cried. All the forgotten emotions, things he just hadn't had time for, rushed back. Hours later, he made his way back to Flamel's home and said "It's time for me to leave."

"You have come far, youth." Flamel said "And learned much---"

Interrupting, he put in "And my name's Harry! Try using it once in a while!"

"---however, I do not believe you have learned to apparate home." Flamel pointed out.

Harry's retort died in his throat. And he did something he hadn't done in spite of all the mental duels he'd had with Flamel. He drew his wand on his host. "I do know the Killing Curse." He said, dangerously.

"That is one important item I hope you have learned, youth." said Flamel, he was completely unafraid.

Harry couldn't bring himself to do it, he just let his wand fall to his side. "Wha'd'ya mean?" he mumbled.

"It has been decided that I can give you a thought, which, properly studied, will change the way you think about what is called magic." Flamel said. "List for me the courses offered at Hogwarts."

Harry thought for a moment and replied "Potions, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Wizard Government, Charms, Transfiguration, Astronomy, Runes, Herbology and Divination. Don't think much of that last."

"All knowledge, youth, is one." said Flamel "I recognize that you gave me that list based on your schedule. But, allow me to rearrange that somewhat --- Runes, Astronomy and Government in one category. Herbology and Potions in another. And, we are left with Divination, Defense, Charms and Transfiguration. Note that those four require intense concentration, and can change your reality. Defending your mind against attack, as we have been doing, is another phase of that."

Confusion replaced Harry's anger "I don't understand, sir." He said "I don't see any connection between Divination and the others. And Transfiguration and Charms are about changing one thing into another. Defense isn't."

"You might learn something by having a chat with one Lavender Brown when you return to Earth." Flamel suggested "And, I would think, learning to defend yourself in a duel has a strong affect on your reality. Losing could leave you departing this plane of existence."

Harry snorted "You mean dead. I get the point."

"Since you will learn this in due time, I will tell you that your training here has made you immune to the effects of the Cruciatus Curse." Flamel offered.

Harry grinned in a way that was both mischievous and malicious. "Voldie's gonna just love that." He commented, then "Now, I have a question…Seems to me --- If you can travel halfway across the universe --- you could beat Voldemort with one hand tied behind your back."

"That, youth, is a speculation --- not a question." Flamel said, distantly. It was like a brick wall had descended between them. "I need a moment of concentration to send you back to Earth."

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"Now just a ---" Harry began. And between words, not knowing how it had happened, he found himself in the kitchen of #12 Grimmauld Place. "---second!" Three additional surprise changes greeted Harry, although he would not be fully aware of them until later.

"EXPELLIARMUS!" yelled a voice.

This was the first surprise Harry perceived. He'd 'felt' someone approaching. And, even before the entire spell had been called out, the attacker's wand flew out of his hand and into Harry's. Although he knew exactly who he was fighting, he didn't pull his punch "IMPEDIMENTA!" Harry fired back. It was over in three seconds. He flippantly asked "That any way to greet your Godson?"

"Harry?" asked Sirius Black. There was more than a hint of mistrust in that one word.

Smirking, he replied "None other. What happened, Padfoot? You get old while I was gone?"

"THA' RUDDY HELL'S GOIN' ON!?" an indignant Ron complained "Two in the bloody morning and you wanna go waking up the whole neighborhood! Lumos! And it's pitch dark in here!"

That was the next surprise for Harry. He hadn't even thought of turning on lights. He squinted for a moment as his vision adjusted. "Hey Ron!" he said, happily. And, unabashedly bear-hugged his best friend.

"Alright, alight" the redhead grumbled "Good to see you, too. Now cut it out."

Harry laughed at Ron discomfiture and embraced Sirius. That led to Harry's third discovery, he lifted his Godfather off his feet effortlessly.

"Been workin'out?" asked Sirius. He squeezed his Godson's upper arms and whistled softly. "Well, I ain't wrestling you unless it's as Snuffles. What'd Flamel do to you?"

Harry hesitated, then jokingly commented "Ya got a few hours? It's a long story."

"You really get to have all the fun." Ron said, a little jealously as Harry concluded his tale. "First person to visit another planet."

Remembering his history, Harry replied "Not true, actually. American Muggles did it way back in the 1960's."

"It wasn't that long ago." Sirius grumbled. Both boys laughed. Overriding them, he added "If I had known he was going to put you through that, Harry, I would've stopped him."

Harry grinned at him and said "I appreciate it…really…But, I learned so much. And, besides, it beats the hell outta summer with the Dursleys."

"Still, when he comes back, I'm gonna give'em a piece of my mind." declared Sirius.

Harry's smile lingered for a moment then faded "We won't see him again in this plane of existence." He said. And, despite the abrupt departure, he felt a pang of loss.

"…This plane of existence…" mimicked Ron "Don't even think Dumbledore uses that one."

Harry shrugged "Flamel gave me a lot to think about. But --- someday --- we'll be out there." He got up, looked out the kitchen window and sighed. "Anyway, what's been going on around here?"

"Harry-wawwy misses his Suzy-woozy!" cackled Sirius.

Harry felt a hot flush of embarrassment, followed by a spike of temper. Then, his Godfather cried out as if in agony and fell out of his chair. Harry rushed over and pulled his head into his lap "Ohhh! GOD!! NOOOO!!!" he wailed.

"Wha'appened?" mumbled Sirius, as his eyes fluttered opened "Feel like a troll been using me-ead for Beater practice."

"S'all my fault…So sorry, Sirius." sobbed Harry.

Sirius staggered to his feet, helped by Ron and Harry, and leaned against the kitchen table. "I'm fine….at least I will be as soon as the room stops spinning. Wow…I'm pretty good at Occlumency…Wasn't ready for that… But it went through…Don't think I could've stopped it anyway." his thoughts rambled until he was able to focus on Harry, he asked "What, exactly, did you do?"

"Can you teach me?" asked Ron.

Harry explained "Flamel taught me that magic isn't what we think it is. It's all about using your mind to change reality. Spells, wands, crystal balls --- all that stuff --- is just ways to help you concentrate. I never saw him use a wand, not once."

"If he's so powerful, then why don't he just kill You-Know-Who?" asked Ron.

Harry laughed bitterly and replied "When I asked him that, he sent me back. I guess that's my job."

"Not if I have anything to say about it!" Sirius declared "He'll have to get through me first!"

Harry smiled at the protective 'parental' remark. He'd never had that growing up. It gave him a very warm feeling inside. But, in the back of his mind, he felt he had hit on something. He also knew that he had to be very careful in the future. "Let's change the subject. Where's everyone else?" he asked.

"Ginny went off with Trelawney about the same time you disappeared with Flamel." Ron replied, darkly. "Molly went ballistic."

Sirius interrupted "Ron, I know you're not getting along, but she's your---"

After shooting him a glare, Ron continued "She read this Skeeter article that said you kidnapped her and turned her into some kinda sex slave."

"Wait!" Harry snapped "I thought Hermione turning her in put Rita out of action."

Sirius explained "Rita paid a couple thousand Galleons and was freed a couple days after you left."

"Great…just bloody great." Harry grumbled "I need her like I need a ruddy hole in the head. WAIT! Sue --- She musta read---"

Sirius pushed him back into a chair and said "Keep your shirt on, Harry. That girl of yours is too smart to listen to that drivel."

"But we had that stupid fight!" Harry complained "And---"

"What?" asked Sirius "You're going to show up on her doorstep before the sun even comes up. And looking like a Muggle chimney sweep. You're going to --- One, clean that stuff off your chin. --- Two, take a long hot shower. --- And, three, get into some decent clothes. Instead of this weird alien shit Flamel gave you."

"But"

Sirius spoke right over him "And, finally, you are going to have a nice, big, leisurely breakfast…DOBBY!"

"What can Dobby be doing for Harry Potter's Godfather?" the former Malfoy elf asked. There had been a definite change in him while Harry was gone. The stained, thread bare, grimy tea cozy had given way to a one-piece black outfit that would have looked military if it wasn't for the fact that the material looked like velvet. And Dobby's drooping ears now stood firm.

Harry guessed the House-elf looked twenty years younger. Though he really had no idea how old Dobby was. "Good to see you again, Dobby." He said softly, worried about the traditional explosion of emotion.

Dobby's eyes bulged and his ears nearly doubled his height "HARRYYYY POTTERRRR SIRRRRR!" he exclaimed. Then, after a guilty glance at Sirius, and with considerable effort said "Welcome home. Yous needing something?"

"Breakfast, please." Ordered Sirius. "Bacon, eggs, toast --- and Dobby --- remember what I said about overkill. About half an hour."

Dobby looked down at the floor, then vanished in a puff of smoke.

"The first time, he as for a huge helping of spaghetti!" Ron laughed "Dobby made a bowl so big it crushed the table. Sirius had to buy a new one!"

Sirius flipped him a look then ordered "Off with you, Potter!"

"Wake me when Dobby comes back." Ron said while sucking in a big yawn. It wasn't natural to be awake from 2AM to 4AM.

Sirius snickered in amusement at the boy's retreating back "After telling the spaghetti story…" he muttered "Yeah right, snore away kiddo." With the minor bit of mischief done, Sirius was left to consider that his supposedly alot-to-learn Godson had just wiped the floor with him. Both, physically and mentally. And, out of sight of said Godson, he whimpered "Dobby! Headache potion! Make it a double!!"

I'm already into the next chapter and I hope to get it out before I go on vacation at the end of June.