CHAPTER 52: THE TRANSFORMATION

Time flew for Harry after the Ceremony of Swords. His practice combined both Martial Arts and Elemental abilities. The day before he was to leave for his second trip home a duel was scheduled with Salazar and Helga. Their fight didn't last twenty minutes with Harry coming out the winner.
When he returned home Hermione was waiting for him alone. She explained that everyone knew that they needed their privacy on his first night back. Harry was so tired that he fell asleep after his dinner when Hermione went for tea. He woke in the middle of the night to find that she transfigured the couch into a bed for the two of them. She put him in his pajamas but left him a robe, just incase he needed it. He went in the kitchen to make tea when he got a flash of something in his mind. On instinct he mentally called to his mentor.
"Albus?" he called.
There was silence for a moment then recognition. "Yes Harry?" he answered.
"Sorry to disturb you but is everything alright?"
"Whatever do you mean?"
"I just got a flash of something. I distinctly recall seeing people fighting on Hogwarts ground."
"I can assure you that we are quite safe here."
"Oh okay Professor. I'm sorry to have woken you."
"No problem Harry. I get up in about a half an hour anyway. Sirius and Remus are here too by the way. The full moon is tomorrow night."
"Yes I know. I'm glad that I could be here for his last transformation. I will let you go now. Hermione and I will see you for breakfast in the Great Hall."
"Very well Harry. Shall I send Arabella for your aunt and cousin? I'm sure they would like to see you."
"Isn't that against the rules?"
"Yes, but I did tell you once that you do have a certain disregard for them. I will send her to collect them after everything is settled with Remus."
"Thanks Albus. We'll see you later."
Harry went back to bed for a few hours and got up at six thirty. He noticed that Hermione was already up and from the sound of it in the shower. He ran upstairs and knocked on the bathroom door. "Morning love," he said.
The shower stopped and she stepped out in a towel. "You are in big trouble Mr. Potter," she said firmly.
Harry looked dumbfounded. "What did I do now?"
"You didn't kiss me goodnight and you weren't holding me when I woke up."
"I was a little tired."
"I know that silly. I'm going to change so would you be a dear and get me some tea? I'll meet you in the kitchen."
He smiled and asked if she needed help and got a pillow in the face for an answer. When she came down he informed her of breakfast and that they would be meeting everyone there. They apparated to the Burrow so he could spend time talking to everyone before breakfast. Harry looked around the kitchen and frowned.
"What's the matter Harry dear?" asked Molly.
"Nothing really," he replied.
"Harry James Potter you are like one of my sons and as such I know you too well. Now out with it."
He smiled inwardly and said, "Well I was looking for the fudge, but I guess Ron ate it all."
"What did I eat?" asked Ron as he and Lavender came into the kitchen.
"Nothing," replied Molly. "Don't worry Harry I made a fresh batch last night before bed and hid them from everyone. I know how you like to have some while you're here."
He didn't answer her. Instead he was staring into the fire. He was aware that everyone was staring at him and that Molly had called for Hermione, but his desire to finish out the vision dominated everything. He suddenly was jerked away as a familiar voice said, "Crucio."
"Aggh!" Harry yelled through the air. He put his hand up to his forehead and felt blood on his scar. "Bloody hell," he said. "I swear I'll get him."
"Harry?" a small voice came to him.
"'Mione?" He looked around the room. "Oops sorry about that," he said. "We need to see Albus." He raised his hand and they were transported to the Great Hall.
Dumbledore stood as Harry and the others made their entrance. "Welcome back Harry," he said.
"Thanks Albus," he replied. "I just had a vision. Tom was looking into my vanishing act and was not pleased that no one had information about it. He has most of the Death Eaters looking for a way to get past the wards."
"Well we know that it is possible that sometime they may find a way around, but not today. For now let's sit down. I do believe there is a lot to do today and tonight."
The group finished off breakfast and hung around the castle waiting for the special event. Tonight was to be Remus' final night of transformation. Harry noticed that both Padfoot and Moony were looking rather tired so he ushered them into their rooms to take a well deserved break.
The rest of the group went up to the Quidditch pitch for a game. After two games in which Harry had caught the snitch both times they went back up to the castle to get washed up and ready for dinner. As they entered the Great Hall they found Remus taking some of the potion.
"Ugh that tastes terrible," he said.
"You say that every time Moony," Sirius replied. "Just think, after tomorrow you won't have to take it anymore."
"That is the best news I could ever hope for."
Sirius turned to Harry and smiled as he saw him holding Hermione in his arms. "He looks like James did when he finally found Lily."
"Too true Padfoot. I, for one, miss that relationship."
"Well then you'll be glad to know that they are doing just fine," Harry said walking over with Hermione. "They miss you two. I think they were going to ask Godric if they could come back, but I don't know."
"I think that would be a nice idea," Hermione said. "It would be nice to see the Marauders back together."
"That would be the last thing I would want to see," Professor Snape said. "It's bad enough that I have to put up with you two. At least Mr. Potter is civil enough to have a somewhat intelligent conversation without all the jokes."
Harry nodded at his Potions Professor and smiled. "Dobby tells me that you had a look around the Potions Lab. I would like to ask for your assessment."
"They are well beyond expectations," he replied. "You said that I might be able to acquire some of the ingredients. I was wondering if the offer still stands."
"Of course Professor," he said smiling. "I would like to extend another offer to you. I was thinking of creating a bigger and more private potions lab for you here. We could get supplies from the manor and anything else you would require."
Snape looked at him dumbfounded. "Why would you do that for me?"
"Well you are a Potions Master and someone with that title should have a lab all his own. I was thinking that perhaps I could get some of the ancient books and bring them into the lab. That way we could have a library part to look up the theoretical and then apply that knowledge in a practical sense. Don't forget that with a big enough space we could set up an entire room of caldrons that would hold different potions."
"That's good thinking Harry," Dumbledore spoke up. "We could gather different potions in excess that way if we are in need we won't run out."
"I'll tell you what Professor. If you can design your dream lab then I will create it for you." He saw Snape's eyes light up.
Fawkes flew into the Great Hall and landed on Dumbledore's shoulder. He started to sing a soft tune. Harry smiled and transformed himself into his golden phoenix form and started to sing with him. The sounds vibrated off the walls as everyone listened in. After a few minutes the song ended and Harry was back to his normal self. He looked around the room and smiled.
"What are you smiling for mate," Ron asked.
"Well it has something to do with a gesture of friendship and Professor Snape," Harry replied.
"Why's that Mr. Potter?" asked the Potions Master.
"Well you see sir, my parents have just arrived." Sirius and Remus started to get up out of their chairs, but Harry beat them to it. "You two will stay here," he said sternly. "The rest of you will watch them please. I must speak with them alone." Harry moved out off the table and as he did so his robes began to change to a dark black.
"Did anyone feel the temperature drop just now?" asked Sirius.
"Did you see his eyes?" asked Ron.
"Albus his robes changed as he was walking," McGonagall said. "Did you know he could do that?"
"Alas I did not, but one thing is for sure. I don't think James will be in a joking manner when they return."
"Why would you say that professor?" asked Hermione.
"You well know the past between Severus and James. I think that Harry has gone to prevent that from happening tonight. Not out of anything bad, but instead out of everything good. I'm sure that he wants everything perfect for tonight."
The doors opened as Harry strode through them followed by James and Lily. "Would you all rise for a moment so I can expand the table?" Everyone got out of their chairs and took a step back. "Thank you." He waved his hand over the table and it expanded to fit his parents.
There were smiles all around as everyone but James sat back down. "If I could have your attention for a moment," he said. "First off I would like to say that Lily and I are happy to be back, even if it is only until Harry has to go back. Second, both of us would like to thank you for taking care of Harry since he has come to Hogwarts." He walked next to Snape and extended a hand. "Third and no Severus this is not because Harry just talked to me. I would like to offer my hand in thanks for your efforts to cure Remus of his Lycanthropy, for keeping Sirius and Remus in line over the course of the summer, and for your continued efforts to keep our son safe from Voldemort."
Snape raised an eyebrow and rose out of his seat. "The only reason I tried to keep Mr. Potter out of harms way was for Lily. As for these two, I can assure you that it was and is no easy task to keep them in line. For Lupin's Lycanthropy you have Merlin to thank for finding the cure, and Mr. Longbottom, Ms. Weasley and Mr. Malfoy for helping me brew this very complex potion."
"Then I stand corrected Severus."
"Good. Then for those things we stand together." He took James' hand and shook it. "Just one more thing Potter," he said coolly. "Your pranks are not forgiven. Never think that. Your son has earned my loyalty and respect for the extraordinary things he has accomplished over the years."
"I think I can accept that."
"Then we are in agreement."
They both sat down as dinner resumed. As dinner went on the conversation turned to the night's big event. It was decided that Harry, James and Sirius would accompany him for his final transformation.
"How are we to know if the potion worked or not?" asked James.
"I was wondering that myself," Harry said.
"Do you have any idea how long the potion will take Severus?" asked Dumbledore.
"With Mr. Logbottom's help, we've narrowed the time to fifteen minutes after the final installment of the potion is taken. Mind you that complete transformation will have to take place before the potion kicks in."
"That's if the potion works," Harry said.
"There is something that you can do to monitor the change though," Neville said. He saw all eyes were on him and he looked down at his plate.
"Please continue Mr. Longbottom," McGonagall said.
"L-Look Harry I'm not the greatest wizard in the world like the Headmaster or Professor McGonagall, but I've though this through." He looked out of the corner of his eye and saw Dumbledore smiling. "Without permission," he started again, "I went into the Restricted Section to look up Lycanthropy. I found a book that said something about magical auras of different magical beasts. No offence Professor Lupin."
"None taken Neville," Remus replied. "I think it would have been wise to ask permission to look in the Restricted Section, but we'll skip the expulsion this time."
Neville saw Remus and the others smiling and continued. "Well my theory is that if you can read Professor Lupin's aura now you can get a feeling as to what it is like. Then when he's fully transformed you can take a look again. My guess is that the aura will change from a slight dark to black. Once the potion takes effect you should be able to sense the magical change. I wasn't sure that my thinking was accurate so I asked Draco for help on proving my theory." Neville looked to Draco.
"Listen closely Harry," Draco started. "What we came up with is this. You need to look at the aura of a non werewolf anamagus like Professor McGonagall. If you can, sense her aura now. Then when she changes into her anamagus form see if the aura changes."
"If it does Harry then you must remember what the change looked like in order to sense the same type of changes in Remus," added Ginny.
"It sounds as if you all have done extra Transfiguration homework," Dumbledore said. "That's good team work."
"Yes it is," added Remus. "Minerva would you like to accompany us tonight?"
She smiled at her old student. "As much as it would be nice to see I think that this night should belong to the Marauders, both old and new."
It was ten o'clock when Harry got up form his nap. He smiled at Hermione's sleeping form not wanting to wake her. He tried to slip out of bed but she opened her eyes and smiled. "It's time then?" she asked.
"Yes," he replied. "I really hope this works."
"It will Harry. I know it will."
He sat on the edge of the bed and took her hand. "I promise that I'll be very careful. That is what you're thinking, right?"
"Yes."
"I will. It's time to go. I'll see you on top of the Astronomy Tower. I love you."
"I love you too."
Harry left and walked down to the Entrance Hall. He saw the others waiting, and noticed that Remus wasn't looking very well. "It's almost time Harry," James said.
"Should I transport us to the Quidditch Pitch?" he asked.
"I don't think Moony would be able to handle that," Sirius said. "I think the best thing would be to run as fast as we can to the open ground. As soon as we leave we all switch to our anamagus."
"Harry," Remus said wearily. "I need to know what you're planning to transform to."
"There's nothing to fear Remus," Harry replied back. "You'll know it's me, but for now let Padfoot and Prongs guide the way. I will be watching. When it is time I will show myself and I think you'll be shocked. It's time to go."
The doors to the castle opened and the three ran outside. Harry stayed behind to lock the doors just incase something happened then apperated to the top of the Astronomy Tower where he was greeted by the others. Fawkes drifted onto his shoulder and nudged him with his head.
"Hello Fawkes," he said.
"Greetings Lord Gryffindor," Fawkes replied. "Hedwig tells me that you will join your father and the others for the final transformation but you are not there. Why is that?"
"In just a few minutes the darkest part of his transformation will be upon him. That is when I must arrive. I must force the darkness to come out of him. The potion will rid him of his curse but only the purity of friendship and love will destroy the darkness forever. I must go now."
"Good luck Harry."
Harry looked to the others and smiled. "Don't wait up." With that he jumped off the roof and transformed.
Moony, Padfoot and Prongs looked up to see something fall from the sky. They ran over as fast as they could, continuing to look up. Sirius and James realized it was Harry, but Remus in his half transfigured state didn't. As Harry closed in on the ground he seemed to disappear. The trio looked in disbelief as a large shape took his place.
Harry felt at ease as he flew through the air. He smiled as he saw Prongs and Padfoot running towards him. He finally saw Moony and changed into his form. He closed his eyes and concentrated on the most loyal thing he knew of. Ron labeled him the 'king' at the fight of the Burrow. Now as he descended, the 'king', as it were landed, shaking the grounds of his castle.
Padfoot, Moony and Prongs rounded the corner to see what caught their eye. As they did they stopped dead in their tracks. There was a loud roar as an enormous griffin stood before them giving off a golden glow. The glow ensnared the four animals into its soft light.
James, Sirius and Remus looked at each other in their human forms not believing what was happening. A room of sorts shimmered in around them. As they looked at each other they failed to notice the fourth person in the room.
"Who are you?" asked a voice.
The trio turned to face the voice but no one was there.
"Who are you?" the voice asked again.
The each looked again, but continued to find nothing. James however concentrated an answered. "The Marauders," he said.
"Your answer is true, but it is not the correct answer. Now, who are you?"
"Who are you?" growled Sirius.
"Your anger is not needed. Who are you?"
Sirius was about to yell when Remus put his hand on his shoulder. "My name is Remus Lupin, and I am a werewolf." He waited and there was no response. "These are my friends Sirius Black and James Potter. We were accompanied by another, but he is not with us."
"I will always be with you Remus," Harry's voice echoed through the room. "Especially now." Harry walked out into the center of the room. He was wearing black armor outlined in gold. A phoenix and griffin were adorned on either side of his chest plate and a crown was on his head. He motioned for someone behind the Marauders and smiled. "I would like to like to introduce the creator of your potion Remus. I would like to introduce Merlin."
A blue mist formed in front of the Marauders. Merlin stepped out and smiled. "Hello you three," he said. "I didn't put this in the journal but I spoke with Harry here and said that I would visit to see how everything went. I see he didn't tell you."
"Sorry, but I didn't want to spoil the surprise," Harry said in his defense.
"Can I ask a question?" Sirius said.
"Anything you'd like Mr. Black," Merlin said.
He leaned in to Merlin and whispered, "Why is Harry dressed like that?"
Merlin had a twinkle in his eye. "Ah yes that. Well you see, with his station it is his destiny to wear that armor and crown. He wears the Armor of Gryffindor and the crown is there because he is Lord of Hogwarts."
"Is there anything else you forgot to tell us?" asked Remus.
"Nothing. I thought that you'd like to meet the person that is giving you your freedom. That's all."
Remus looked at Harry and then to James. "You really are your father's son Harry. Thank you." He walked over and gave him a big hug then did the same with the others. "Merlin I do have a question to ask."
"What would that be Mister Moony?"
"Do we have a chance in this war?"
"Absolutely. You must always have faith that the light will conquer the dark. Sometimes it looks hopeless, but then life gives us a bit of hope. That hope turns into a cry of justice, and eventually justice rules." Merlin reached in his pocket and pulled something out. He flipped up the edge as planets came into view. "Well now, it seems my time is almost up." He turned to Harry. "I won't see you for a time, but when you least expect it I'll turn up. Good luck to all of you." He waved and disappeared without a trace.
"Why are we still here Harry?" James asked.
"There is something I must do." He eyed Remus and smiled. "The darkness is gone Moony, but you've suffered more than anyone should. That goes for you too Padfoot." Harry pulled out his sword. "You are both powerful wizards in your own right. As Lord of Hogwarts it is within my power to grant certain...advantages to you while you are on these grounds. Therefore I give you the ability to apparate on school grounds as well as a power boost of sorts. When you really need it the power will flow through you. I have seen the final battleground and know that it will be here. Your augmented power will be useful."
"What about your dad?" Sirius asked.
James smiled as a tear ran down from his face. "My time is done here my friends," he said looking to the two Marauders. "You will have to be Harry's parents from now on."
"It's time to leave from here," Harry said. "When we do we will be joined by another. I can feel her presence."
There was a bright light from where they were standing and they were gone. The landscape changed to the outside of the castle and they were back in their anamagus forms. There was a clicking sound coming from in back of them so they turned to see what it was. A beautiful white unicorn trotted up to them. It looked from one to the other and finally nudged its head against Prongs, who in turn did the same.
The griffin gave off a loud roar and opened its wings. He saw the others look on as he took off. He rose up to the top of the Astronomy Tower and looked at everyone there. McGonagall gasped as she recognized Harry's green eyes. "It's done. I've unlocked the doors so you may all come out to see Remus' and Sirius' new forms. Oh and Professor McGonagall would you like a ride? I'm sure my mother is anxious to show you her anamagus form." Harry let McGonagall and Hermione on his back and flew down to the ground. They got off his back and he changed back to his normal self.
At that point the others came around the corner and stopped staring in disbelief. There was a beautiful white unicorn rubbing its head on a stag while a wolf and a grim dog looked on. The dog gave out a yelp and started to jump at the other three.
"Professor the unicorn is my mother," Harry said. "Also you might notice that Remus is now a wolf, but there is a surprise that I neglected to tell him of."
"What might that be Harry?" asked a curious McGonagall.
"He can change from wolf to werewolf if he wants. Both he and Sirius have been given extra abilities as will all of you who stand with me. I will save that topic for another time though."
The Marauders and Lily changed back to their human forms and walked up to the rest of the group. "Thank you so much Harry," Remus said.
"You're welcome Remus," Harry replied. "I have something to tell you though, but I don't know if you're going to like it."
"Well tell me and I can let you know."
"When we left the room we were in I changed you from a werewolf to the wolf form you were just in. What I didn't tell you is that you can also change into your werewolf form if you want. I thought it might be a bit more acceptable if you found yourself caught in a bad position. Also you might want to know that you are now immune from the effects of a werewolf bite. Just in case it happens again you have nothing to fear."
"That's fantastic Harry," Remus said. "What about the other stuff you did to Padfoot and me?"
"Well you can do what I told you. You can both apparate and your power levels have gone up. As an example you might want to try your Patronus. I'm sure you'll be pleasantly surprised."
The two Marauders smirked at each other and whipped out their wands. "Expect Patronum!" Two silver bolts fired out of the end of the wands. There was a moon for Remus and a dog for Sirius, but what came out with them they couldn't explain. Their Patroni split and formed the shapes of a unicorn, stag, wolf and a griffin.
"Five forms?!" Sirius yelled. "We have five forms?"
"It appears so Padfoot," Remus said smiling.
"Actually," Harry started. "I do believe that you will have this particular Patronus on Hogwarts ground. Other than that I think only your original Patroni will form."
"Well I for one don't care," Sirius said. "I have the best Godson on the planet. Thanks kiddo." Sirius messed up Harry's hair and then gave him a big hug.
"I think that now the fun is over we should head back to our rooms," Dumbledore said. "Harry I would like to personally thank you for giving Remus a new lease on life as it were. Also I don't think I need to remind you that your relatives will be here tomorrow morning. You might want to meet them in Hogsmeade to tell them about your parents being here."
"Or you might not want to," Snape spoke up. He saw them all turn to face him. "What? I happen to think that the face your Aunt Petunia would have seeing her sister and Potter would be priceless." He turned to James and said, "After all, aren't you supposed to be dead?"
The Marauders looked to Snape with their eyes wide open. "Impossible," James said.
"Unbelievable," Sirius said.
"Unthinkable," Remus followed.
"I never thought I would see the day when you Severus would think of a prank the Marauders didn't," Dumbledore said chuckling. "One would think that Sirius and Remus were rubbing off on you."
"Merlin forbid," McGonagall said. Once they reached the castle she quickly turned around. "Mr. Potter, Mr. Black, Mr. Lupin my office, now," she said. "Harry you may go with your mother and your fiancé back to Gryffindor Tower. The password is Quidditch Champions."
"Yes Professor," he replied.
"Let's go you three," she said sternly. "I assume you still remember where it is?"
"Yes Professor McGonagall," they said in unison. They went off arguing with one another about being out of school, but still being treated like they were.
"Mr. Potter," she turned to face Harry. "That was another excellent anamagus form, and that goes for you as well Lily. I would think that could be possibly another N.E.W.T. if you both were in classes now."
"Thanks Professor," they both said.
"I think we'll leave you to talk with the Marauders professor," Hermione said. "Goodnight."
"Yes of course. Goodnight."
The morning came very quickly as no one went to bed early. Harry was automatically up at his usual six, but let Hermione sleep until seven. He was down by the lake doing his exercises when he felt the presence of Arabella, Dudley and his Aunt Petunia arrive via portkey. He did not stop the training though. He continued on until they were close enough to see him. With a wave of his hand his things were transported to the common room. He walked over to greet them. "Thank you for bringing them Bella," Harry said first. "Good morning Aunt Petunia," he said.
Without thinking she hugged him. "Good morning Harry," she replied. "How are you?"
"I'm okay." He smiled and extended a hand to Dudley. "Dudley, how've you been?"
"Tired, but things are okay," he said.
Harry noticed that he was holding something back. "I can tell something's wrong." He looked at Petunia. "Please tell me."
She and Dudley both looked at their feet. "Harry," she began softly. "Dudley and I are just getting by. The money from Vernon's life insurance covered the funeral, but not much else. When your girlfriend's parents stopped by last week and said that you sent them to check on us I had hopped that they wouldn't notice how bad the house was."
"Harry we're doing all we can, but it isn't enough. I took on a job at Grunnings after school. They wanted to do something for us so they gave me a job. I don't make all that much. Mum took on a job at a diner too. As I said we're doing all that we can, but it just isn't enough."
Harry pulled something out of his pocket and opened it. He saw Dudley and Petunia look confused at the small solar system floating around. "This belonged to my dad. It's a watch and right now it says that breakfast is in ten minutes." He was about to say something when he quickly glanced into he forest. "Arabella will show you the rest of the way. There is something I need to look into."
Arabella instinctively pulled out her wand. "Harry?" she asked.
He shook his head. "I don't know. Get them to the Great Hall. You will find my parents waiting for them in the hallway." He looked at Petunia. "It's a long story that they will tell you about." There was an explosion in the direction of Hogsmeade. "Damn! Go now." He apperated in back of The Three Broomsticks and looked around the corner. He was about to take a step in the direction of the noise when there was another explosion in the direction of Zonko's Joke Shop.
"Take that old man!" a voice yelled.
"We'll show you what happens to people who don't support Lord Voldemort," another voice said.
Harry looked around the corner and saw the masked man lift his wand in the sky. "Mordes-"
"Don't even finish saying that," Harry vented coming around the corner. The first man flew into a tree without even a wave of Harry's wand. He looked at the flames and willed them to die out. He was about to bring his wand to bear on the second man when they both apperated away."
"Harry!" yelled a group of running people.
There were several pops all around as the Ministry Aurors started to come. Mr. Weasley popped in and immediately went over to Harry. He arrived with everyone else to find Harry on the ground screaming with tears running down his face.
"Nooooooooo!" he screamed. "Nooooooo!"
They all looked at the site before them. In Harry's arms was a small girl around the age of five or six. She had burns marks all over her body. She was branded with the dark mark on her arm four times. She was covered in slash marks from a knife.
Ginny turned and buried her face in Draco's chest as Lily did the same with James. There was anger and grief in the eyes of the Hogwarts teachers. Ron quickly took hold of Lavender and Hermione and took them away from the scene.
The child was taken from Harry by Madame Pomfrey. He looked at the ground and dug his fingers into the dirt. "No," he said softly. "I won't let this happen." His voice was getting louder. "I must show these people that they are not alone in this fight." Harry stood slowly. The radiance of his power was flowing off him. His eyes started to glow as his workout clothes changed around him. His once bright aura was now turning dark.
"Albus look," Minerva said running over to him.
"Oh no," he said. He tried to take a step forward but couldn't. "Harry," he called out. "You must listen. Please calm yourself."
The darkness that surrounded Harry was growing. He could hear all the voices around him, but it didn't matter. He let the darkness surround him.
"Not this way," a voice cried out.
"You are not like him," another voice said.
"Remember who you are," a third voice said.
"Peace and serenity are needed," a fourth voice said.
"Who are you?" a fifth voice asked him.
Harry snapped his head towards Dumbledore and smiled. "Calm myself?" he asked. His voice was now deep and dark. The ground began to rumble. "He has gone too far Dumbledore. He must be stopped."
"He will Harry," Hermione said. She saw him turn and a look of surprise caught her. "Where is my Harry?" she screamed. "You aren't him."
"It's me 'Mione," he said. "Ask Albus if you doubt me."
"Adeara," a small voice called.
"You are not my Harry," Hermione said again. "He is full of love and understanding. You are definitely not him.
"Adeara, where are you?" the voice came again.
Harry started to look around. He grabbed his head. "Stop playing games with my head!"
"What are you talking about? I'm not doing anything," answered Hermione. She saw him look around as his gaze stopped at a house that was about to collapse. "What's the matter?"
"I don't.aggh!"
"Who are you?" a voice asked.
"Adeara, please help me," the small voice said. "I can't move. Help me."
"No," Harry said. "I'm not like him." He closed his eyes and felt the power deep within him. "I will not let it end this way."
The others watched as the black aura that surrounded him turned a bright yellowish red and pushed outward. There was an energy ripple across the area as the power flowed freely. His clothes changed as his armor appeared from nowhere. His crown materialized on his head as there was a blinding streak of silver that flew across the sky. Harry held up his hand and caught the sword with ease. As his hand touched the sword there was a brilliance of energy that took the form of a golden phoenix. "I am the Lord of Hogwarts Castle." His voice boomed across the area. He pointed to the aurors closest to the collapsing house. "There is a child trapped and alone in that house. I will hold the structure together so you can get to him. His name is Rineth." He held up his hand at the house. Golden tendrils wrapped around everything and tethered themselves to Harry. "Go my friends."
The group of aurors launched into the house calling for the child. After a while they emerged holding him in a blanket. Harry released the house as it crumbled into nothing. "Hey there was someone else in there," one of the men came running. "We have to get her. She's his sister."
"I know, but she was the girl I was holding. She's gone from us." He walked over to where the healer and Rineth were. "Rineth," he started but was cut off.
"Where's Adeara?" the boy asked. "Where's my sister?"
Harry looked solemnly at the young boy. He was about to answer him when Hermione walked over to them. "Harry we found his parents," she said.
"Where are they?"
"The Death Eaters killed them too." He sighed and looked deep into the boy's eyes. "Rineth, your sister."
"Is she gone like mum and dad?" Tears started to fall and stream down his face. "Those men made us watch what they did. Adeara looked at one of the men and he flew into the wall. That's how the fire started."
"They are gone from us Rineth, but they will never be forgotten." Harry smiled and waved Mr. Weasley and Dumbledore over. "Albus," he started to look down.
"There, there Harry," he smiled at him. "I seem to recall the best of us, at one time or another, have a time to choose which path in life we will take. I'm glad to see that you have found yours."
"Thank you Albus. I would like to make arrangements for Rineth's guardianship."
"What did you have in mind Harry," asked Arthur.
"I was thinking of asking Aunt Petunia and Dudley to look after him." He saw the curious looks from the others. "I know what you are thinking, but I think it will be good for everyone involved. Aunt Petunia and Dudley are in financial trouble. If she agrees to look after Rineth we could make arrangements for them to be compensated. That's all I'll say for now. I would like to discuss it only once."
After Hogsmeade was declared all clear Harry transported everyone to the Great Hall. Petunia gasped as she looked at her nephew in his battle armor. "Harry is everything alright? Do we have to go somewhere?"
"No Aunt Petunia everything's fine now." He motioned for the table and they all sat. "I was wondering if I could run something by both you and Dudley after we eat."
"Of course cousin," Dudley said.
When breakfast was done Harry, James, Lily and Hermione took Petunia and Dudley for a tour of Hogwarts. "Petty I know that you have questions about us being here," Lily said. "Feel free to ask anything you'd like."
"You haven't called me that since before you got to come here," Petunia said. A small tear ran down her cheek. "I was so bitter that you got all the attention. After you died and we got Harry it all came back." She turned to Harry, "I hope you can forgive me."
"I told you when I left Privet Drive that I hold no grudges against you." They had reached the Astronomy Tower and looked out over the grounds. "I sometimes come up here just to look around. It seems that my burdens somehow are trivial when I look into the sky."
"It's beautiful up here Harry," Dudley said. "What a fantastic view."
Harry only nodded his head. "I think we should head for the common room now. There still is the matter I want to talk to you about." He waved his hand and they appeared in the common room. They found that Mr. Weasley and Professor Dumbledore were already there. He sat in a chair and motioned for the others to do the same. "I want you to listen to what I have to say before you answer, alright?" Petunia and Dudley nodded their heads and he continued. "Today when I left you there was an attack down at the village, and a family minus a son was killed. The boy's name is Rineth."
Mr. Weasley shifted in his seat. "There is a concern for the boy's guardianship. Under our laws, since the boy is now an orphan, the Ministry of Magic is now his guardian, but there is a loophole."
"Since Hogsmeade is technically on the grounds of Castle Hogwarts, there is an ancient law that supercedes any laws governed by the Ministry. The law says that if a child that resides on Hogwarts grounds is orphaned, the said child is then under guardianship of the Lord of Hogwarts Castle."
"What does this have to do with us?" asked Dudley.
"There hasn't been a person to claim the title and possessions of this castle in nearly one thousand years," Lily said.
"Until now," James said.
"You're telling me that this boy owns this castle and everything in it?" asked Petunia.
"No Aunt Petunia," Harry smiled. "The castle doesn't belong to him. It belongs to me and therefore his well being is left up to me."
"You own this castle?!" screamed Dudley. "Why didn't you stay here then?"
"The sacrifice to save Harry's life by your Aunt Lily was a blood sacrifice," Dumbledore spoke up. "This ancient charm only works with maternal blood. When he was brought to your home and you accepted responsibility for his welfare there was an extremely powerful protection ward erected around your home. That was the reason for me leaving Harry with you."
"So when mum dies his protection dies with it," said Dudley.
"Actually no," James said. "You see Dudley you hold your mother's blood inside of you. Your children and so on have that same blood so Harry will always have a safe haven if he needs it. That is unless, by some stroke of bad luck, you and your mother are killed."
Harry saw his aunt and cousin's faces pale. "Now that we have the back story we can continue. Under ancient law, I, as Lord of Hogwarts, hold the Rights of Guardianship. I would like to ask of you to take the boy in as a ward since my life is not entirely safe at the moment." He saw that Petunia was about to say something so he held up his hand. "We have talked about what your status is at Privet Drive, but if you were to take on responsibility for him the Ministry and I will see to it that you won't have to worry about anything for as long as you live."
"Petty you said that you held bitterness towards Harry because of me. Harry said that he holds no grudges towards you. I ask you to consider the boy. He has no one now."
"I don't know," she said softly. "I mean what will the neighbors say about this? What about the boy? Does he even know what's happening?"
"No he doesn't," Arthur said. "We felt that if we told him about this he would get his hopes up too high."
"Prudent," Petunia said. "What do you think Dudley?"
He shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know mum. I mean we wouldn't have to deal with anyone calling to collect for the bills. I do like working but over the years I fancied a go at university."
Harry snapped his head and looked at his cousin with awe. "You wanted to go to university? I never knew about that."
"I never really thought about it until.well.I had a talk with someone about it." His face started to get crimson. "We applied together and I got accepted. I got the letter a week after father died." He looked at his mother. "I didn't want to tell you because we were in trouble. Dad said I was the man of the house. I didn't want to let him down."
"If you don't mind me asking Dudley, were did you apply?" Harry asked.
"Exeter College: University of Oxford in London," was his soft reply.
"Oh Dudley," Petunia started to cry. "Exeter. Your father would have been proud."
"Then I say let's not disappoint him," Harry said. "You can do this Dudley, and I will help. We can set something up. I know that having wizards in the house isn't your idea of fun Aunt Petunia, but if you will allow a tutor to come in I will guarantee that he will be dressed in muggle clothing."
"Petunia I know that it is a big decision on your part," Dumbledore said. "I think it best that we let you and Dudley talk about it."
Dudley scratched his head. "Excuse me sir, but I was wondering if we could meet with um."
"Rineth," Harry finished. "I think that is a good idea." He called to Hermione and asked her to bring him to the common room.
After a few minutes they appeared with Dobby and Winki at their side holding sandwiches and pumpkin juice. They talked and ate for a while when a tired Rineth fell asleep without anyone realizing. When they did Hermione conjured a light blanket for him and floated him over to a bigger couch that Harry transfigured.
"What do you think flower?" Petunia asked Lily. "He seemed to like the idea, don't you think?"
"I think so Petty," Lily answered.
Petunia turned to look at the boy then back to Dudley and Harry. "I can't believe how much they've grown up over a short few months. It's like they transformed into two different people." She put out her hand and Lily took hold of it. "Dudley?" She saw him nod his head and turned to Arthur. "We'll do it. Dudley and I will take care of the boy, and this time around things will be different."

A/N: There you have it everyone. My apologies for the delay once again, but I hope to update again sometime this weekend. Have fun trick - or - treating this year!!!!! I'm going to be Voldemort this year. I have to put on my roller blades to make the effect of floating, but everyone I've showed likes it. I hope I don't get hexed by all the Harry Potters this year. Read and Review!!!!!!!