Chapter 50

The dorm was dark and silent when Harry entered with Ron. Even though McGonagall had sent everyone up to their beds before Harry came back, he was a little disappointed that Neville, Dean and Seamus had not waited up to greet him. Harry went to his wardrobe and took off his robes then put on his pajamas. With a sigh Harry climbed into his four poster bed, settled down into the softness and closed his eyes. Out of the darkness Harry heard.

"Good-night Harry." Neville said softly.

"Night Harry." Dean called.

"See you in the morning Harry." Seamus said with a yawn.

For a long moment Harry couldn't answer but he finally managed. "Good-night and thanks guys."

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The whispers at breakfast didn't bother Harry. He was so used to that now he paid no attention to them. But Harry had a hard time ignoring Malfoy as he across the green lawn to for Care of Magical Creatures after Herbology. Hermione's insistent, "Ignore him." Wasn't any help.

"I can't believe they let you come back Potter." Malfoy sneered as the class waited for Hagrid. "A criminal at Hogwarts. This place has never sunk so low."

Ron's hands grabbed onto his arm as Harry spun around to look at the blonde. Strangely Harry felt in complete control of his anger and stared unblinkingly at Malfoy.

"What Potter?" Malfoy squirmed under the intent gaze. "Don't you like the truth?"

"I know the truth, Malfoy." Harry said quietly, carefully considering what he should and shouldn't say. "Hogwarts sunk lower to let you back in. And I know what you are Malfoy." Harry's stare intensified. "I was there. I saw the fear in your face."

Malfoy paled visibly but couldn't break his eyes from Harry's. "I don't know what you're talking about Potter. You're crazy. You should be locked up."

"The thing is Malfoy, I always knew you were a git but I always thought you were smarter than that, more self preserving." Harry kept going like Malfoy hadn't said a word. "Do you think your master will protect you? Dumbledore was willing to die rather than to kill me. Would Voldemort do that for you?" Harry snorted. "Will you protect him? Like Malahide did for Dumbledore, with his life?" Harry stepped closer to Malfoy but with no threat in his movements

Everyone was watching them now and everyone seemed to be frozen in place around them as Harry focused on Malfoy. "He was a fool." Draco said haltingly trying hard not to take a step back but failing and stepping on Crabbe's foot.

"I am very glad I have lots of fools like that around me, Malfoy." Harry still held the blonde's eyes. "Because I have no doubt what they will do for me. And I hope they know I would do the same for them. You are just one little pawn on his chessboard. If he has to sacrifice you he will. No better than all the muggle-born he's killed. No better than a squib to him."

"Shut up! Shut up!" Malfoy flared. "You don't know anything. You don't understand." Harry saw a flash of anger in the pale grey eyes replaced by a growing fear. Crabbe and Goyle stared at Malfoy, looking for him to tell them what to do as always.

"I understand more about him than I really care to." Harry kept his voice calm. "And I understand you have very hard choices to make. Be sure you make the right ones Malfoy, while you still have the opportunity to choose." Harry turned away from Malfoy without saying another word. Ron let go of Harry's arm staring at him in shock.

All during Hagrid's lesson on the augurey, a thin mournful-looking bird resembling a vulture whose cries foretell rain, Malfoy remained quiet and subdued. As Harry, Ron and Hermione were walking back to the castle later Ron prodded Harry in the arm.

"Where did all that come from?" Ron asked still a bit in wonder.

"I must admit Harry I'm a bit impressed myself." Hermione said.

"I've had a few days to think about things. Gives a guy a whole new perspective on things." Harry gave Ron a sideways grin. "You should try it."

"No thanks." Ron snorted. "I'll let you do the talking from now on."

"Thanks a lot." Harry laughed then turned when he felt another tap on his shoulder. "What's up Seamus?"

"What did you mean, about Malfoy? You know what he is?" Seamus's eyes smoldered. "He's a death eater isn't he?"

"I can't tell you one way or the other Seamus." Harry sighed. He had evidently said too much. "Just leave it okay?"

"How can you protect that?" Seamus shouted pointing at Malfoy as he walked past them. "After what they did to my parents?"

"I'm not protecting him." Harry gave a jerk of his head toward the Slytherin now running up the stone steps to the castle. "I'm protecting you from getting into trouble you don't need."

"Who protected my parents?" Seamus yelled at Harry, tears starting down his contorted face. "I'll kill him I swear." He started to go after Malfoy.

"You would murder Malfoy for something his father did?" Harry said quietly blocking Seamus's flight back to the castle by standing in front of him. Ron stepped over to stand beside Harry and Hermione gently took Seamus's arm. "Sins of the father, Seamus? I think our side is better than that." The Irish teen was shaking with anger but grief quickly took over as Hermione put her arm around him.

"Come on Seamus. He's not worth it." Dean Thomas took a firm hold on Seamus's arm when he pulled away from Hermione. "I'll look after him." Dean told Hermione.

"Let us know if you need any help." Harry called after them as Dean led Seamus up the steps to the castle.

"He hasn't broken down like that in a month." Hermione said as they entered the great hall for lunch.

"Remus said sometimes things just hit you out of the blue." Harry said quietly, sitting across from Ron and Hermione. He looked around for Ginny but couldn't see her or many of the other fifth years.

"I guess Ginny went to the library." Harry said still gazing at the doors to the great hall. Then he realized the doors were new. A flash of guilt washed over him but didn't linger as he took the bowl of stew Hermione had dished out for him. "What?" Hermione had been staring at him with a peculiar look on her face.

"I was just thinking." Hermione glanced down at her bowl.

"I hate it when you do that." Harry said between his clenched teeth. "Do I always have to drag it out of you? Just tell me."

"Well," Hermione took a breath then let it out. "How do you feel Harry? About what happened a month ago?"

"Uh? What has that got to do with anything?" Harry glanced at Ron to see if he knew what Hermione was on about but Ron looked as confused as he felt.

"Humor me and answer." Hermione smiled.

"I'm fine. I did my time." Harry shrugged.

"He was right." Hermione said in amazement giving a quick glance to the staff table then back at Harry.

"Who was right about what?" Ron was getting as impatient as Harry.

"Ron, I told you what Dumbledore said when I went to see him." Hermione said.

"Yes, but it didn't make any sense then so why does it now?" Ron shrugged and went back to his stew.

Before Harry could say anything Hermione leaned toward him and said. "After Dumbledore told us you had to do a month in solitary, I went ballistic." Ron snorted but didn't interrupt. "I went to the library and looked up all I could about the charges and you pleading guilty." Harry nodded. Of course Hermione would go to the library. "They had to sentence you to something but they could have suspended the entire sentence. You didn't have to serve any time."

"Surely Dumbledore knew that." Harry said. "The others must have…."

"Let me finish then you'll understand." Hermione said. "Be quiet Ron. So anyway I went to Dumbledore and threw the biggest argument at him I could." She frowned. "By the way, you were right about that calm demeanor being irritating when you're angry."

"Glad you noticed." Harry snorted.

"He told me to sit down and he'd try to explain. I never saw Dumbledore look so sad." Hermione leaned back a bit. "He told me the Wizengamot wanted to suspend the entire sentence but he felt the month was necessary for you?"

"What?" Harry gave a quick glance at the headmaster sitting at the staff table.

"That's what I said." Hermione nodded. "I asked, you think a month in solitary is necessary for Harry? Then Dumbledore said. 'No, Harry thinks a month in solitary is necessary'."

"See I told you it didn't make any sense." Ron mumbled.

Hermione continued as if Ron hadn't said anything. "Of course I asked Dumbledore to explain and he said, 'It is because of me, Harry sees this as a necessary punishment. Because he spent so much time in a cupboard under a stairs, Harry feels he deserves this." Hermione swallowed and blinked hard. "I almost burst out crying right in front of him."

"Total rubbish." Ron said shaking his head.

"You feel better don't you, Harry? About yourself? That you did your time?" Hermione asked still ignoring Ron. "Dumbledore was right. I didn't want to believe him. I thought his explanation was ludicrous. That you needed absolution, a way to forgive yourself for what happened."

Harry sat stunned and silent for a long time staring at Hermione. "I did think a lot about my time in the cupboard under the stairs at the Dursleys'." Harry said slowly. "About how much better the cell was and at least this time I deserved it." He stopped and gazed to the staff table again. Dumbledore was talking with McGonagall.

"Dumbledore said if you hadn't been punished by the Wizengamot you would have come back to Hogwarts with a load of guilt." Hermione said then added. "He also mentioned now and then, time alone gives a person a chance to heal physically and grow emotionally."

"So Harry, do you forgive yourself?" Ron questioned as if asking him to pass the salt. Hermione slapped Ron's arm but Harry laughed.

"I think I do." Harry blinked a few times. "Dumbledore might have done something right this time."

"I'm glad Harry." Hermione sighed. "It really wasn't your fault." Immediately Hermione knew she shouldn't have said that but Harry wasn't the one to disagree with her.

"No, it was my fault." Ginny sat down beside Harry. Her words caused the smile on his face to vanish. "If I hadn't broke up with you…" She closed her eyes and her jaw was clenched. "I should have been in that cell with you."

"Believe me Ginny, you were, every night." Harry put an arm around Ginny's shoulders and gave her a sly grin. Ginny's face went bright red.

"All right Potter. I allowed you to snog my sister senseless last night but I don't want to hear about any dreams you had about her." Ron growled.

"Oh, I wasn't asleep." Harry grinned as Ron's mouth fell open and Hermione dissolved against Ron in a fit of giggles.

"Stop! Stop right there!" Ron put up his hands to block Harry and Ginny from his view, his face almost purple. "Please tell me you're joking. Because if I even think of…I can't say it."

"I'm joking." Harry said without hesitation. Ron lowered his hands and eyed him.

"You're lying." Ron slumped then said quickly. "But you're a good friend to lie to me about it. I appreciate that."

"Anytime." Harry chuckled. He turned his attention to Ginny. "I thought you were going to the library."

"I wanted to have lunch with you." Ginny admitted. "It is your first day back. I can do a little studying here."

"Good I like watching you." Harry smiled then nudged her and darted his eyes to Ron. "Gives me material for later." Hermione choked on her pumpkin juice and Ron sprayed stew across the table.

After lunch Harry walked Ginny to her next class. Sometimes she seemed almost shy around him, like when she was in her first year at Hogwarts. When Harry saw an awed expression on her face as Ginny gazed at their clasped hands he asked. "What's up?"

The expected flush rose on her cheeks and Ginny shrugged as they stopped just out of ear shot of the other students in her year. "I'm just happy you're back." Ginny said lamely. When Harry gave her a look of disbelief she relented. "I know it's only been a month but…" The blush on her face darkened. "You seem so much older. I know it's silly." She stared at the floor after glancing up at him a couple of times.

Harry tipped her chin up to make her look at him. "Even if I am, I still love you." He whispered. He felt her swallow and Harry knew the only thing that kept Ginny from flinging herself into his arms were the other students waiting nearby.

"I love you too." Ginny put her hand on his still cupping her chin. Her eyes grew bright. "Did you really think of me every night?"

"Yes." Harry smiled.

"What about?" Ginny dared.

Harry bent and whispered in her ear. "I'll tell you mine if you tell me yours."

Ginny gave a squeal which she stifled quickly. "You are so bad." She grinned. "What makes you think I thought of you, like that?"

Harry laughed and looked up as if thinking. "Let me see, could it have been the way you, as Ron so delicately put it, snogged me senseless when I got back?"

"Well, maybe we can discuss them later." Ginny grinned but Harry noticed a slightly worried look cross her face. "I have to go. See you at dinner?"

"See you at dinner." Harry gave her a quick kiss on the cheek and watched her go. Then he turned and made his way to the transfiguration classroom for animagus training. Just outside the door he met a tabby cat with bespectacled markings around its eyes. Then Professor McGonagall appeared.

"I though you might have forgotten Potter." She eyed him over her glasses.

"No, I walked Ginny to class. Sorry, Professor, I didn't mean to keep you waiting." Harry said.

"I see. Come along then." She opened the door and entered with Harry following her into the classroom. Professor McGonagall gazed at him for a few moments.

"What?" Harry set down his schoolbag. Was he going to get eyed by everyone?

"I have never known anyone to come out of jail looking better than when they went in Potter." She smirked then asked. "Have you changed into your animagus form since you have returned?"

"No." Harry answered. "But I know I won't have any problems."

"I doubt that you will too." McGonagall walked to a window and opened it wide. "Fly away little bird." She grinned at his confusion. "You've been cooped up for a month Potter, take a little time and go fly."

"Really!" Harry broke into a wide smile. "You mean it?"

"I certainly do." McGonagall eyed him reproachfully. "But you are not to leave the Hogwarts grounds and do not fly over the Forbidden Forest. If you get tired, land immediately. Understood?"

"I sure do." Harry laughed and his next breath he soared out of the open window.

"Remember what I said Potter. Keep your head about you." McGonagall's call came after him.

Harry laughed again and the pure tones of a phoenix drifted back to her. Before Harry knew it he had climbed high above the Hogwarts castle, the many towers and turrets clearly visible at this height. Tucking his wings Harry went into a dive then pulled out turning and twisting in shear delight. Now Harry was doubly glad of his exercises during his month confinement. His wings felt stronger than before and he eagerly tested their limits.

Staying high Harry flew with all the speed he could muster from one end of the quidditch pitch to the other. It was a way for Harry to gage his speed, comparing in his mind, to how fast his firebolt could make the same trip. Although the test was not very scientific Harry thought he might be a little faster on his firebolt but his phoenix form was definitely more maneuverable.

A little out of breath after racing around, Harry dove toward the lake and skimmed its glass like surface dipping his bill in the water as he flew the length of it. Then he climbed above the whomping willow and found a thermal to take him higher. He had seen birds ride hot air currents and it didn't look hard but Harry found it did require him to pay attention even though he didn't have to flap his wings to stay airborne.

One feather out of place sent him plummeting like a stone several meters before Harry managed to pull up. It took some practice but Harry soon had the hang of it. He discovered if he let his body feel the air and not think too much, his phoenix self would automatically adjust his wings correctly. But if he thought about flapping and flying and the mechanics of the whole business, he became extremely clumsy and everything was ten times harder.

Hanging lazily on a thermal, Harry gazed down toward Hagrid's hut where he saw movement. Students were standing around. Harry focused his eyes and spotted bright red hair. A feather shifted slightly and he glided silently high over the class. He had too much respect for Hagrid to swoop in and disrupt the class, though he wished he could. He focused his sight even tighter on Ginny. His phoenix vision zoomed in on the parchment she was taking notes on. O.W.L. Review was the subject heading and underneath were the names of the many creatures studied over the past five years. Then Harry saw some writing on the edge of the parchment. He focused harder and in very small handwriting was; Mrs. Harry Potter, Ginny Potter, Mrs. Harry J. Potter, and Mrs. Harry James Potter. Harry laughed sending phoenix song echoing over the grounds. He saw Hagrid looking around for the source of the cry.

His wings shifted and the thermal took him higher and closer to the castle. Lost in thought Harry wondered how he could use this information to tease Ginny. She was so hard to tease having so many brothers Ginny was invulnerable to Harry's meek attempts.

A shadow from above passed across him, bringing Harry out of his musings. He looked up concerned but gliding above him was, another phoenix. For a moment Harry stared then laughed. "Fawkes?" His phoenix form must have translated his mental question correctly and Fawkes's response, because Harry understood when the scarlet bird beckoned him to follow.

To Harry's surprise Fawkes headed towards the mountains near Hogsmeade. At the edge of Hogwarts's boundaries Harry stopped and told him he wasn't allowed to go further. Fawkes sang an understanding tone and flew in a wide arc toward the castle, in the direction of one of the largest towers. Focusing on a window, Harry realized it was Dumbledore's office. Beating his wings hard to come along side Fawkes, Harry hoped the phoenix would understand what he wanted to do.

Harry erupted into Dumbledore's office and soared to the golden perch by the door like he owned it. As he ruffled his feathers and started preening, Harry saw Dumbledore give him a glance then a slow smile spread across the headmaster's face.

"Good afternoon Harry." Dumbledore nodded to him.

"How did you know it was me, Professor?" Harry laughed after he had changed back.

"Fawkes and I have been together much too long for me to mistake another phoenix for him." Dumbledore's eyes twinkled. "Besides your head feathers are a much darker scarlet and they stick up a bit in the back."

"I should have known better than to try to trick you." Harry chuckled.

"I would think." Dumbledore smiled. "I'm glad you stopped by though. Professor Snape will be here promptly at seven so to keep him as calm as possible, please be on time."

"I'll be here even if I have to fire travel." Harry assured him. A flash of flame announced the real Fawkes' returned and the beautiful scarlet bird took his place on the golden perch with a twitter to Dumbledore.

"He wanted me to follow him to the mountains." Harry said.

"Really?" Dumbledore stared at his phoenix. "I wonder why?"

"Maybe I could find out." Harry said then there were two phoenixes in the headmaster's office. Now Harry could fully comprehend what Professor McGonagall meant by not really talking to other cats but understanding their intent. It was much different communicating with Fawkes than the runespoor. Harry changed back into his human form after a couple minutes and turned to Dumbledore. "He just wanted to show me around. So I wouldn't get into trouble." Harry looked back at Fawkes.

"Thank you Fawkes." Dumbledore nodded at the scarlet bird. "For thinking to look after Harry."

"I better go back to the transfiguration classroom." Harry said. "Professor McGonagall will be getting worried I slammed into a tree or something."

"Good day Harry." Dumbledore said as Harry changed to a phoenix then burst into flames.

Harry appeared outside the window to the transfiguration classroom so he wouldn't startle his teacher. He glided through the window and changed back.

"I was beginning to wonder Potter." Professor McGonagall said obviously relieved.

"Sorry Professor. I met Fawkes and he wanted to show me the mountains." Harry hastily added. "I told him I wasn't allowed so I tried to fool Professor Dumbledore by trading places with Fawkes."

"A foolish attempt no doubt." McGonagall said. "Are you tired?"

"No." Harry grinned. "It was great!"

"Good." McGonagall gazed in disbelief at Harry.

"What?" Not again. Harry frowned.

"The headmaster was right about…" McGonagall let out a breath. "About your confinement." She seemed very irritated.

"Oh, that, Hermione explained it to me." Harry gave her a wry smile.

"She did, did she? Perhaps I should get her to explain it to me." McGonagall snorted. "Oh, by the way." She searched on her desk and pulled out a scroll. "These are the assignments you must make up for each of your subjects." She held it out to him. "A paper is due on reversing the affects of transfigured people next Monday. I expect you to have it finished." She eyed him.

"Okay." Harry nodded as he unrolled the scroll and read down the list. He sighed. "I better start some of this now. I have to meet with the headmaster later. Thanks for your time Professor." Harry picked up his book bag and swung it onto his shoulder.

"You're welcome Potter. Good day." McGonagall called after him.

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Working steadily on his homework until dinner, Harry went down to the great hall with Ron, Hermione and Ginny. To his hidden disappointment Ginny ate quickly and left for the library, Harry tried to keep an encouraging understanding look on his face when she told him she had to go.

"I'm really sorry. I've just got so much homework." Ginny said as she ate hurriedly.

"I know. Actually, so do I." Harry sighed. "And I have to meet with Dumbledore at seven."

"I'll see you later in the common room?" Ginny asked as got up from the bench.

"I'll be there." Harry grinned when Ginny gave him a quick absentminded kiss. He sighed as she left the hall.

"She really does have a lot of homework Harry. O.W.L. year you know." Hermione said anxiously.

"I remember Hermione." Harry gazed at her. "I'm not going to put any pressure on her."

"Good." Hermione said softening her tone with a smile. "I expect you and Dumbledore will have a lot to talk about."

"Ah, yeah." Harry glanced around and whispered. "I'll tell you later about that. Not here." Both Ron and Hermione's eyes widened.

"You aren't mad at him again are you?" Ron asked.

"No. Nothing like that." Harry said then said firmly. "I'll tell you later."

"Alright. It better be good with that kind of build up." Ron warned.

"I don't think you will have any complaints." Harry snorted.

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At twenty till seven Harry arrived at the stone gargoyle which guarded the entrance to Dumbledore's office. "Chocolate covered almonds." The stone statue sprang to life and jumped aside. Harry took the spiraling stairs up the headmaster's door. He knocked.

"Come in." The door swung open on its own and Harry went inside. Snape stood at one end of the desk with his wand tip in the roots of his lank hair. A silvery strand followed the wand as he moved it to the stone basin before him. The cloudy substance swirled as Snape added his thoughts to the pensive.

"Excellent Severus." Dumbledore said. "I'll let you go first, Harry will follow then I will." He spoke quickly as if not to give Snape a chance to back out.

"Fine." Snape snapped then leaned over the basin and touched his large nose to the surface. Harry was startled to see Snape disappear into the pensive. He knew something like that would happen but he had never seen it from this point of view.

"After you Harry. And please do not go nosing around Snape's quarters." Dumbledore cautioned.

"I've been there often enough. I don't know what I could do with you and him standing there." Harry said as he moved to the pensive. He took a deep breath and leaned over the gray surface. But instead of peering down into Snape's quarters he saw the face of a clock. Harry moved closer to see if he could see anything around it. Just as he touched the surface and felt himself being tumbled into the pensive, Harry saw a name in very tiny loopy writing in the clock face near a key hole. It read F. Potter.

The second Harry landed he looked around for the clock. Snape was bent over the corner of his desk and Harry hurried over to see. 'Professor why?" Harry broke off. This was the pensive Snape. He was adjusting dials on the elaborate potion timer.

Before Harry could confirm what he had read and hard grip clutched at his arm. "That is not why you are here Potter." Snape growled angrily pulling Harry around.

"Sorry but I saw." Harry turned his head to look at the clock.

"Harry, attend to what the runespoor is saying." Dumbledore said as he appeared next to him. Quickly Harry turned to see the great serpent almost pacing back and forth in front of the fire. As the heads spoke Harry translated the hisses.

"Fool." Giza hissed.

"We must stay. Our young master is getting better." Hapa insisted. "The dark one says so."

"How many men in countless millennium have said the same thing?" Giza raged. "And how many have spoken the truth."

"He needs us." Hapa said softly. "If he awakes and we are not here, what will he do?"

"And if he does not awake and we are here I know what I have to do?" Giza returned. "I do not want to live through another Vaynor Motte."

"Nor do I." Hapa agreed. "But the dark one knows not to touch the shield."

"There are too many here." Giza spat. "The first master was wise. Think of him."

"Kesho, speak your thoughts." Hapa turned to the third head.

"It is cold here. I would like to feel the heat of our hatching ground." Kesho hissed softly. "The years in the egg were long and cold. We need to leave."

"Faithless worm." Hapa sputtered. "You would abandon our master?"

"He loves us. He will find us." Kesho turned her great orange head to Hapa. "It is time to go home."

"Home." Giza echoed her head also turned towards Hapa.

Hapa gave a resigned nod and said. "Home." The runespoor and the shield next to the couch dissolved silently away.

Dumbledore, Snape and Harry stood in quietly for a moment. "Where is home for a runespoor?" Harry finally asked. Snape snorted in contempt.

"The trouble is Harry what is home in our time might not have been at the time your runespoor broke shell." Dumbledore took Harry's arm and a moment later the three of them were back by the desk in the headmaster's office.

"So where is home today?" Harry asked again ignoring Snape's smirk. He had read about the runespoor's origins but couldn't remember at the moment.

"Burkina Faso, a small poor country in western Africa is where there are several forest set aside for its use." Dumbledore said then in concern. "Harry?"

With his heart beating rapidly like he had sprinted up every step in the castle, Harry had gone pale and his eyes had glazed over. With the headmaster's voice he shook his head and looked at him in triumph. "That's where my Mum, found the runespoor shield!" Harry said excitedly.

"Lily? I don't remember Lily visiting Burkina Faso." Dumbledore frowned.

Snape made a sniff through his overly large nose but Harry ignored him. "Neville told me the scrofungulus strain I had last summer, came from Burkina Faso." Harry saw the understanding in the old wizard's blue eyes. "The spoors were on my Mum's school letters that she had sent to my aunt the same time she sent the trunk with the runespoor."

"I think that is a very reasonable assumption." Dumbledore nodded.

"Headmaster, when one assumes anything, you make an ass out of you and me." Snape sneered.

"Even so Severus." Dumbledore conceded. "It is the best guess we have."

Snape eyed him for a moment then said slowly. "And what are we to do with such a guess, Headmaster?"

"That Severus is a very good question." Dumbledore sighed then frowned. "This will require a bit of thought."

"I have to get her back." Harry insisted, staring at Dumbledore trying to read what the old wizard was thinking, which proved as futile as trying to trick him.

"Harry I do intended to find the runespoor and shield." Dumbledore assured him. Snape snorted again.

"I wish you luck Headmaster." Snape gave him a small bow of his head. "If there is no more need for me I will return to my quarters. Good evening." Snape opened the door to leave.

"I really should go too." Harry sighed. "I have a ton of homework to catch up."

"Good night to you both then." Dumbledore said as he sat down at his desk, still deep in thought.

"Good night Professor." Harry closed the door behind him and stepped on the moving stairs behind Snape. Neither spoke as they rode the moving stairs down and stepped out into the corridor or as they walked on down the corridor to go their separate ways. Harry almost ran into the back of Snape because the potion master had stopped dead when he had come to the staircase that led down to the first floor and up to the third.

Before Harry could ask what was wrong, a meow came from the top of the stairs. Cleo sat in the flickering torch light staring at Snape. Puzzled as to why Snape would be so shaken by a cat, Harry cleared his throat. "Professor?"

"To whom does that cat belong to?" Snape continued the staring contest with the cat.

"Ginny Weasley." Harry looked to the cat and Snape then back at the cat again. "She won't hurt you. Come here Spy Cat." He put out a hand and called.

"I was not worried she would injure me Potter. " Snape stepped back as Cleo came purring to Harry. "Over the last week this cat has been showing up seemingly everywhere I go." He frowned as Harry picked her up. Cleo climbed to Harry's shoulder and stared at Snape again.

"When I get the runespoor back, I'll ask Hapa what Cleo wants from you. She speaks cat." Harry said.

"Of course she does." Snape said derisively. "I'll wait in my quarters if you don't mind." With those words Snape swept down the steps, his robes billowing as he hurried off.

"That's pretty good Spy Cat." Harry stroked the black fur as he climbed the stairs. "Out staring Snape, not many can do that."

"Cleo!" Ginny caught the cat as she jumped from Harry's shoulder to Ginny who was sitting at a table in the Gryffindor common room with books stacked around her. "Where did you find her?"

"She found me." Harry said. "Hang on let me get my books." He sprinted up to the dorm. In a short time Harry returned out of breath with his school bag slung over his shoulder and the book that Ginny had given him for Christmas in his hands.

"Doing some family research?" Ginny asked just as Ron and Hermione came over to sit with them.

Before Harry could answer her Ron asked. "Let's have it Harry. What was the big secret you couldn't tell at dinner?" He sat down and Hermione took a seat beside him.

Harry looked around and pulled out a chair beside Ginny and sat down. Quickly and quietly he told them of the runespoor being missing and of tonight about looking into Snape's though in the pensive. "When Dumbledore said runespoors came from Burkina Faso it was like a light flicked on in my brain." Harry continued to tell them about remembering what Neville had said about his illness.

"Wow Harry. That was really good deducting work." Hermione said. "I can't think why Snape wouldn't agree with it."

"Another thing." Harry turned to Ginny. "Cleo has been dogging Snape. He said she turns up almost everywhere he goes."

"Why would she do that?" Ginny stroked the cat in her lap.

"That's another thing I can ask the runespoor when we find her." Harry said absentmindedly tapping the cover of A Tree Grows in Every Pot. A Potter Family History. By J.K. Potter.

"What did are you looking up in that?" Hermione asked pointing to the book.

"Oh yeah. I didn't get a chance to ask Snape or Dumbledore." Harry flipped open the book to the index page. "Just before I entered Snape's memory, he was looking at a clock face and the name F Potter was written on the face." Harry turned the page and ran his finger down through the names. "Like a maker's name or something."

"Maybe one of your relatives was a clock maker." Hermione suggested stretching her neck trying to read the index

"And when I visited my parents' graves," Harry felt a strange pang saying that. "I saw a headstone with the name Fredrick Potter on it but no dates at all."

"Maybe he's the same F. Potter." Ginny said excitedly. "Have you found it yet?" She leaned on Harry's arm to read with him. "There." She put her finger on the page.

"Yes." Harry said triumphantly. "Page twenty-three." He turned the pages then read aloud. "Fredrick Potter born 521 A.D. Disappeared in 655 and was not heard of again." Harry's face fell. "I hoped it would tell more."

"At least it explains why there was no date on the tombstone." Ron said.

"But why didn't they put the date of birth?" Harry wondered aloud, closing the Potter book.

"It was a long time ago, perhaps they did things differently." Hermione said, getting out her books to do homework. The others followed suit and for a long time nothing but scratching of quills and tired sighs came from the three of them. Hermione never seemed to tire of homework.

Reading in his charms book, Harry slowly slipped his right hand into Ginny's. He saw a smile creep on to her face. After finishing a scroll, Ginny pulled out her charms book and said. "I'm going to read. I think sit on the couch. It will be more comfortable." She got up still holding Harry's hand pulling him with her.

"You know that's a very good idea." Harry laughed more at the look on Ron's face then Ginny's sorry excuse to sit closer to him.

As the evening grew late the common room slowly emptied. Hermione finally got up and gave Ron a quick peck on the cheek and said goodnight. Harry had long ago stopped reading and was now just waiting for Ron to go to bed. But the redhead was practically asleep at the table Harry noted when he glanced over his shoulder to see if Ron was packing up.

"Ron, go to bed." Harry said sharply when he saw Ron's head drop toward the table.

"I'm awake." Ron shook his head and pulled his book closer.

"If you think Ginny and I need a chaperone, I'll be yours and Hermione's." Harry warned. Ginny stifled a laugh.

"I wasn't….I was just going to bed." Ron stuffed everything in sight in his bag then disappeared without a word up the boys' stairs.

"I didn't think he would ever leave." Ginny sighed and flushed a bit when she looked at Harry.

"Now don't get all shy with me." Harry gently took her hand and rubbed it between his.

"I'm not." Ginny leaned against him and sighed. "It's just that look in your eyes."

"And what look would that be." Harry turned to gaze into her brown eyes.

"Sort of predatory." Ginny grinned.

"Well, you are quite delicious." Harry leaned closer and kissed her lips. "Very tasty." He felt her arms go around his neck.

"You talk way too much." Ginny pulled his head to meet her lips again and Harry felt his insides melt. A full month of anticipating holding Ginny again welled up in Harry as they kissed and he pulled her as close. She ran her fingers through his hair Harry growled with pleasure. When they pulled apart a bit to catch their breath Harry was surprise to find Ginny sitting on his lap.

"I missed you so much." Ginny whispered laying her head on his shoulder and running her hand over his chest and arms. "You've really are solid muscle."

"I missed you too." Harry ran his hand down her back and across her arm. "You're very soft." He swallowed hard. "I love touching you." Ginny gazed at him and stroked his cheek.

"You never really had anybody to hold on to did you?" Ginny voice caught and she blinked hard. "I can't imagine not having someone you could turn to."

"And you can't imagine how wonderful this feels to me." Harry took her hand and fitted his palm to hers then sensuously massaged her palm and fingers. "Just touching you is." He swallowed hard and sighed. "Total bliss." He grinned to lighten his words. A worried look had crossed Ginny's face.

"Is it enough?" Ginny asked gazing at him. "Just touching and kissing. You've obviously thought of doing more…" she blushed.

"Of course I have." Harry laughed. "I'm a guy. It's what we do."

"Not only guys think about it." Ginny protested then blushed deeper, still with a troubled look on her face.

"I suppose not." Harry conceded trying to figure out what she was really on her mind. "Do you want to?"

"Sometimes." Ginny whispered. "It's so confusing." She looked down at her hand in Harry's.

"Tell me what's confusing about it?" Harry put his arm back around her and pulled Ginny against him. "What's has you worried?" He started rubbing her back trying to get her to relax.

"I'm not sure. I want to but I want to wait but then when we kiss like this I really want to." Ginny blurted out. "I know you want to."

"Yes, I want to." Harry pulled Ginny way from him so he could see her face. He smoothed the hair out of her eyes and said. "But until there are no buts in your wanting to, I can wait." Harry looked directly in her eyes. "If you ever feel pressured by me tell me to back off. I know you have a voice so use it. Okay?"

Ginny nodded, a slight smile played at her lips and Harry thought he had succeeded in dispelling her fears but she closed her eyes and sighed. He waited until she opened her eyes and he looked at her questioningly. "Sometimes I want too so much. I know I should wait, especially until after the exams. Then other times I think I should just get it over with so I wouldn't have to worry about it any more."

"That's a bit insulting." Harry said. "Just getting it over with…like a test."

"I didn't mean it to be." Ginny's brow furrowed. "I'm sorry. I don't know how to explain it."

"I think I can. Your dad said I'd have to be the strong one." Harry hugged her to him again. "I think the only person putting pressure on you is you. I won't deny I would love to…in Ron's vernacular 'shag you senseless' but I will not wither away if we don't. The way I see it when we finally cross that bridge the other side will be very green indeed."

"Anticipation?" Ginny lifted her head from his shoulder to look at him. "Mum said anticipation is what makes things even better." She looked thoughtful and stared into his eyes. "I know some girls in my year that have gone all the way and it seems like that's all they do with their boyfriends."

"And that's wrong because?" Harry raised his eyebrows trying to appear innocently ignorant then grinned. Ginny giggled and hugged him.

"It doesn't seem like it should be the focal point of a relationship." Ginny said tentatively.

"Just sometimes?" Harry pleaded.

Ginny laughed again but looked at him sternly. "Can't you be serious? I'm glad we're able to talk about things." Ginny said soberly.

Harry put his hands on her cheeks and gazed intently into her eyes. "So am I. And I'll say this to avoid any misunderstanding. Never ever think I don't want you. But never ever think you have to give yourself to me to keep me happy or keep me loving you."

Tears filled her brown eyes and Ginny flung her arms around his neck. "You do understand!" She kissed his cheek. "I was beginning to wonder."

"I'm not that thick." Harry closed his eyes as she kissed his neck. "You have too many brothers for me not to understand. Ouch. Vampire!" He laughed and started tickling her after she had nipped his neck. Ginny caught his hands and tried to pull them away from her waist when Harry proved too strong she tried tickling him.

"That's no fair you aren't ticklish." Ginny squirmed off his lap and soon found herself pinned.

"Your dad isn't here to interrupt us this time." Harry grinned down at her then nuzzled her neck. Ginny giggled and put her arms around his neck.

"Ahem." Ron's voice came from the boy's stairs.

Harry looked up to see an angry fist heading toward him. His seeker reflexes caught the fist and held it tightly. "Ron stop." He slid off the couch still holding Ron's clenched hand.

"Stay off my sister." Ron said angrily. "I can't believe you! The second I left…" He tried to pull his hand away but couldn't.

"Ron, it's none of your business." Ginny said hotly standing beside Harry.

"When I caught you and Hermione should I have slugged you?" Harry asked.

"She isn't your sister!" Ron glared but a guilty look flashed across his face.

"She's the closest thing I have to sister." Harry said firmly. "I trust you not to hurt her Ron. Trust me." He finished simply. Harry felt the tension leave Ron's arm and he released his fist. "What are you doing back down here anyway?"

Ron snorted and held out a piece of parchment. "I accidentally put this in my bag. Sorry Harry. I just over reacted, especially after reading this." He shoved the parchment closer to Harry's face.

The light of the fire made the page readable and Ginny gasped and grabbed it quickly, her face bright red. Harry burst out laughing and Ron grinned then snickered to see his sister embarrassed.

"Good night Mr. and Mrs. Harry J. Potter." Ron smirked and left back up the stairs while Harry was still laughing and Ginny had begun swatting him with the rolled up parchment.

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Author's Notes: I love reviews!! Thanks all!

Someone just asked if the runespoor was a real fictional snake (I just had to use that wording LOL.) I found the creature in Rowling's book Fantastic Beasts and Where to find Them by Newt Salamander.

The mistake isn't:

Neville's birthday. I found out after I had written that his was the 30th but being so close I didn't think it was so ill-conceived that their parents would celebrate together.

No godmother. Again I found this out after I had written one in but Alice Longbottom is hardly a 'real godmother' being how she's mentally gone, so that isn't it.

Harry's patronus is a stag not his animagus form.

If Hermione's parents take a magical port key into the castle I pretty sure they could see it.

Mark Evens being at Hogwarts, I guess I should have read more of JK's interviews. But that isn't the mistake I'm talking about.

It isn't that Dumbledore didn't go to Hogwarts the same time as McGonagall. The age thing was in an interview too.

The video they watched at Christmas, video cameras were around in 1981 and being wizards of course they could get it to play on today's VCRs even if it wasn't the same format.

Neville's Gran did send him a howler in fact we know of at least two. Before Ron opened his Neville said he had gotten one once and waited and it was horrible. And in PoA when Neville left the list of passwords lying around his gran sent another howler.

Did I write that Fudge sent Sirius to Azkaban? I re-read things (scanned it) and couldn't find where I had written this. If I did that is a mistake but not the one I found. LOL But I'll say you are warm to feeling a bit sweaty about the information coming from the third book.

Mad-Eye is a retired Auror, He is isn't he? Hummm, uhhh.... he came out of retirement to guard Harry for a while. So that's not it.

Mistake clue for this chapter: It occurs before Chapter 40.

Clues from other chapters.

It occurs after Chapter 25.

The information can be found in one of the first three books, not in an interview

It involves someone who has been to number twelve Grimmauld Place