JK Rowling Owns Harry Potter

FASA Owns Earthdawn

Harry's fourth year will alternate between having 'summary' sections and detailed sections focusing more on where divergence from canon occurs. I do not want to re-tell what most readers already know, but I will spotlight where significant divergence occurs. I also want to cut back on the angst and advance the story. I find that stories with 300K+ words can be hard to get through. In this regard, summaries keep the word count under control. Year five will be a full split and this is where I would rather focus the detail.

Dumbledore has finally told Bill about the Horcrux and the fact that there are likely more. Bill knows Dumbledore is still keeping secrets, but he now has something to work with. Given all of Dumbledores secrets and how he is so possessive of Harry, Bill is eager to get Harry away from him.

Bill has been working with Sirius and Ted Tonks on ways to free Harry from Dumbledore's control. Bill has noticed many odd inconsistencies in how Dumbledore acquired guardianship and some of the unusual decisions made. He is also concerned about the growing strength of the animosity curse centered in Harry's scar. Use of a Corporeal Patronus dampens the effects, but only when in its presence. Also, the Horcrux's influence is somehow being projected throughout the castle. Bill assumes it is linked to the curse on the DADA and theorizes that removing Harry from the castle will prevent the Horcrux from strengthening.

Harry was stood up by Cho and ended up spending the Yule Ball at the Astronomy Tower with his closest friends. Before he left, he showed signs that the Hocrux was beginning to affect him. Bill used multiple castings of the Patronus Charm to assist Harry in getting the Horcrux under control.

Currently, Harry is preparing to move into a small hastily constructed house on the edge of the school grounds to prevent the Horcrux from projecting throughout the castle and gaining in strength. In addition, Harry is trying to decipher the riddle in the egg. Bill isn't allowed to help and he is not having much luck.

-DoD-

Hogwarts

Hagrid's Hut

January 5th, 1995

Harry had enjoyed staying in Hagrid's hut. He would still have to attend classes, but he could relax and spend time outside more frequently. With most of the school on break, he didn't have to worry as much about being targeted or mocked. No sleeping in the Chamber of Secrets either, that gave him the creeps. He only needed a thick coat with a few warming charms and he was good to just enjoy the great outdoors. His only complaints were in how his scar affected Hagrid and the sleeping arrangement.

The Scar affected Hagrid's self-confidence badly. He tended to drink more and get depressed. Rita Skeeter printed a nasty article about him in the Daily Prophet, 'outing' him as a half giant. Harry had to spend hours consoling the poor man, but his cursed scar was countering his kind words. Harry felt that Hagrid would recover faster after he moved out. As for sleeping, Hagrid snored so loud the walls vibrated. Harry ended up casting a silencing spell on his pillow, but he hated the idea of not hearing anything. Harry's fears over being attacked had resulted in his being a light sleeper, and not hearing anything just seemed dangerous. On the positive side, his new 'house' was nearly complete.

It would be a two room set up near Hagrid's hut. Nothing fancy, just a place for three beds plus Dobby's bunk bed and a kitchen area. Harry would alternate between bunking with Remus and with Bill. They were planning to stay nocturnal and use their Patronus on Harry while he slept. He could even dream about his mother and occasionally enter his 'dream training' when he slept under a Patronus. Harry would move into the house once the classes resumed.

Bill had visited and stayed with Hagrid and Harry the last weekend before Harry was to move into the new accommodations. Bill had Harry repeatedly cast the Patronus charm until he was exhausted. Harry was in a great deal of pain from the scar's reaction to his Patronus casting, even though he had only managed a weak mist. Still, it was helping. The Patronus casting and sleeping underneath Bill's Owl Patronus allowed him to re-connect with his Mother's incarnation.

Hagrid's Hut

Harry's Dreamscape

Late at Night

Harry was able to access his dream scape and slowly became aware that he was in his 'dream-vault'. The last time he had visited, the vault looked like it was barely holding itself together. Thankfully, it looked much better now. The cracks in the walls has been repaired and were now sound and solid. The stains and signs of intrusion had been removed and painted over. The Door to the vault had been re-enforced and strengthened.

Harry's mum looked over at him and smiled. She appeared vivid and whole. Far less 'faded' than the last time he had seen her. She walked over and took him in her arms. As they held each other, Harry realized how much he had missed this.

"Hello, Harry. It is so good to see you again." After a moment, they broke apart. "I've recovered the vault of your dreamscape. As long as you can remain out of the castle, I can continue reinforcing the room."

"It looks better. Will you be able to reverse the rest of the damage? Can you get us back into the rest of the house?"

She looked distracted for a moment. "I don't know, Harry. Keep practicing the Patronus. Do NOT enter the castle again. No matter what!" The last bit she said forcefully. She meant it.

"But, my classes? What if I need to meet with Dumbledore?" Harry didn't know if he could stay out of the castle forever. He thought moving out was temporary.

"Find a neutral point. Maybe in the area around Hagrid's hut. But don't go back in. Harry, believe me when I say you were almost lost!" Pausing a moment, she added, "I know I fought you on it, but telling Bill Weasley was the best thing you could have done."

Harry just nodded. "Will I be able to come back here without the aid of someone casting a Patronus on me?"

"Eventually, but it will take time. Stay out of the castle, continue casting the Patronus charm each night, practice your occlumency, and try not to focus on negative feelings. Focusing on positive feelings seems to weaken IT. I suspect that's why it went after Hermione and Ron so viciously."

"Well, Hermione and I are fine. Just friends though. Ron is dead to me, I never want to see him again. Fortunately, Bill can resist IT."

"Harry, let go of the anger and hatred. Those emotions only feeds IT. Focus on your true friends, without fixating on those who let you down." Harry nodded, but he was nowhere near ready to forgive and forget. He just didn't want to waste any of this special time talking about Ron.

Harry wanted to discuss something that had been bothering him all year, "Mum, I have a question for you… Why can't I shift into an owl form? My eyes shifted when I was a child. I even have the hearing and the perception…"

"The Potters were always masters of transfiguration and had a very easy time finding and attaining their animagus forms. But that first change is very hard. It is like casting your first Corporeal Patronus. That first time is the hardest, then your magic tends to remember how it works…" Lily's incarnation then gave him a mirthful smirk. "Of course, I never found my animagus form, so I am just telling you what was told to me. Your father had the hands on knowledge. Truthfully, without taking the potion, it is near impossible for most Wizards or Witches to achieve an animagus form. Like being a Parselmouth, you have to be born with it. If not, the potion helps you get there."

Harry just looked at her for a moment. "What potion? Is it something that I could take?"

"The potion was created to mirror the abilities of a natural animagus. Very similar to how the Polyjuice potion mimics a metamorphmagus' form. When James' father found out he had used the potion, he was furious. It essentially locked him into the form that best fit him as a fifteen year old. A true animagus can learn to assume more than one form as long as it fits them. Most never achieve more than one, although a few can learn two or three if they are talented enough. Charlus believed James could have achieved two or possibly even three forms had he gone about it the right way…"

"So, was dad mad? That he used the potion?"

"No, Harry. Your father knew Remus needed him. For all his faults as a young man, he was surprisingly loyal and generous with his friends."

"So, what is the process? There are no real books on becoming an animagus…"

"No, and there won't be. It is an illegal skill to train without supervision and registration. The potion is just the part of the process that speeds up the identification of the animal you share the most traits with and it aids in the first transformation. Your father achieved his transformation in far less time than Peter or Sirius because he was a natural Animagus. Had James not used the potion, it would have taken at least twice as long."

Harry nodded. The message was clear – avoid the potion. "So Dad lost the ability to assume a second or possibly a third animal form."

"Yes, but there is more. A natural Animagus is like a natural Metamorph. Undetectable. Using the potion works, but it is not perfect. And you can never use the potion and have more than one form. Once you use the potion, you are what can be called an 'induced' animagus. There are charms that can reverse the transformation and force the animagus into human form – if they used the potion. There are also wards to prevent the transformation of an 'induced' animagus.

If an animagus is transformed the natural way, without the potion, they could resist the charm that forces them into human form and there is no known ward or charm that can prevent the transformation. Just like there is no way to keep a parselmouth from understanding snakes. It is a part of who you are. And, apparently, being an animagus is also a natural part of who you are, Harry. How else could you have started the process when you were so very young?" The last part was said with exuberant pride.

Harry ran his hand through his hair. "I still don't completely understand the difference, but I do see the limitations."

"Ok, think of it this way, Harry. If induced with the use of the potion, the animagus changes from his natural form to an animal form. But he or she is really a human. To a 'natural' animagus, his animal forms include the human form. Had your father never used the potion and transformed the natural way, the stag would not just reflect his human form, his human form would reflect the stag form. If he had eventually found a different form, it would be like changing jackets. Just one more layer of the onion…"

"Ah. But really, maybe one form is enough. And it sounds like even natural animagus probably only ever learn one form. So why bother with the long way?"

"Well, I've never heard of an induced animagus partially transforming. Like you do with your eyes. It is just natural to you. An induced animagus could never do that."

Harry thought about that, then realized he had been forced out of a partial transformation. "When I first came to Hogwarts, Professor McGonagall reversed the partial transformation around my eyes. I thought that wasn't possible if I was 'natural'."

Lily's incarnation just smiled. "Harry, you were eleven. You actually wanted your eyes to transform back so your reading vision would improve. She just helped you with what you were trying to do."

"So, why would anyone ever use the potion?"

"To become an animagus, silly. Harry, being a 'natural' animagus is a magical talent that runs in very few families. It is only slightly less rare than being a parselmouth. And it is a very handy skill to have, it just lacks a few perks that the natural animagus enjoys."

Harry loved discussing magic. "If a natural metamorphmagus used the Polyjuice potion, would that impair them from using their ability?"

Lily's incarnation thought for a moment, then answered, "Probably not permanently. But until the potion wore off, it would probably lock them into that form. Remember, the Polyjuice potion does not confer a permanent effect like the animagus potion gives. It would be an interesting experiment to see what it would do, though. We'll have to ask a metamorph if we meet one." She was really enjoying this. Harry realized his mum really loved academic problems and puzzles. Similar to Hermione, but less pushy.

Harry smiled. He loved discussing magic with his mum. "Last question. Is it a metamorph or a metamorphmagus?"

Lily's incarnation grinned mischievously. "Yes. Either. The long name is technically correct, the shorter one is easier to say and everyone knows what it is when used in the correct context. Like saying Automobile or Auto. Well, maybe 'Car' is the best name."

They goofed around until the room lights started flashing. Lily said, "My early alert. Bill's Patronus is wavering. For now, don't attempt a transformation. Just read up on owls. Behavior, anatomy, predator and prey. Just research. It will help. Off you go, Harry. Hopefully, we can talk soon." She hugged him and kissed his forehead.

And Harry was now back in his bed. It had been a good night. His memory would soon fog up like it does with all dreams, but he felt much more emotionally 'balanced'. He took out a sheet of paper and wrote down what he could remember. After that, he realized felt good. Happy. Harry just rolled over and closed his eyes under the soft glow of Bill's Patronus. He thanked god every day that he met Bill all those years ago in Diagon Alley.

When Harry woke up, he reached over to review his notes. It had been a spur of the moment decision to write down the important points so he wouldn't forget them. Harry knew he had gone to his Dreamscape and covered a lot of useful information. He eagerly reviewed his notes :

1. Keep your feet out of Hogwarts.

2. Focus on Happy thoughts.

3. Keep Practicing the Patronus.

4. Metamorphmagus is a funny name.

5. Study owls.

6. Don't use the Potion.

'What the hell? Is this it?' Harry looked around to see if there was more information somewhere… Nope. The metamorph point seemed odd. Why was that important? Avoid a potion… but which potion was he was supposed to avoid. Keep my feet out of Hogwarts. Harry assumed that meant just stay away, not actually keeping his feet out. Happy thoughts… hmmm. Study Owls – must be in relation to the animagus transformation he had been expecting in the near future. Patronus practice was a given, it wore him out, but it was worth it. It was like he was casting through a rock, but the results were there. Something was missing, but at least two out of six seemed to make sense. The rest may make sense later if he thinks about it.

Bill looked over. "Harry, everything alright?"

"I'm looking at my notes from last night. It doesn't all make sense."

Bill chuckled. "You woke up and seemed driven to write something down. Sometimes, when we sleep in or near a tomb, dreams have meaning. Keep taking notes, it gets better. Just remember to 'over detail'. When you first wake up, everything is fresh, but you write in a series of random thoughts. It improves with practice. Is this from your mother's protection?"

"Yeah, but I can't remember it very well." Harry handed Bill the list.

Bill read the list. "Hmmm. Stay out of the castle because it is weakening your defenses. Use positive emotions to combat the negative feedback. That kind of what a Patronus does, actually. More Patronus work. Glad that seems to be working, at least something good came from that night." Bill concentrated, then shook his head. "No idea about the rest. The metamorphmagus concerns me a lot. That is one dangerous magical talent. Do you think it is referring to an actual person? I know of one metamorph who was friends with Charlie."

"I really don't remember, Bill. Hey, is it metamorphmagus or metamorph? Seems like I hear it either way."

Bill casually answered, "The full name is Metamorphmagus, but it can be shortened to Metamorph or abbreviated to MMorph." He seemed to be a bit nervous about that. "Metamorphs are nothing to take lightly, Harry. Let me know if you remember anything else. This could be serious." Bill looked genuinely rattled by the idea that Harry was dreaming about Metamorphs.

"Sure thing, Bill."

"I wonder if the potion factors in. Polyjuice? Maybe?" Seeing no recognition, "Just be careful, Harry. Metamorph mages tend to be assassins or spies. Damn near impossible to detect."

"Was the one Charlie knew an assassin?"

"No, she went the Auror route." Bill still seemed to be lost in thought. "Rumor has it, Metamorphism is a Black family trait. We should visit London and meet up with Sirius. He might be able to shed some light on what this could be. Oh, bring the egg too. If you haven't figured it out, Sirius might be able to help. I'm not allowed."

Harry grinned and asked, "Is 'Metamorphism' a real word?"

Bill laughed out loud at that. "Stop."

—DoD—

12 Grimmauld Place

January 7, 1995

Saturday

Remus Lupin and Sirius Black looked a bit perplexed. They had just heard the horrific sounds coming from the golden egg Harry had retrieved in the first task. Remus appeared to be in a bit of pain as well, likely due to his sensitive hearing.

Sirius laughed a bit and shook his head, "Merlin's sack! That was awful. You really should have given us a bit more notice." Straightening up and laughing a bit, he added, "Hey, maybe we can set that beside the lovely portrait of dear old Walburga. My loving mother. Drown the bitch out."

Remus seemed lost in thought for a moment. "Drown her out. Maybe…" Snapping out of his thoughts, he looked directly and Harry. "Harry, have you listened to the egg under water?"

Perplexed, Harry shook his head and answered, "No, sir. I didn't even think of that."

Remus nodded, looking more confident, "Supposedly, merpeople sound horrific above the water. Sirius, do you have a tub or deep container we could put this in?"

Sirius just scowled and yelled out, "Kreacher!"

A horrible looking house elf appeared. "What does filthy Master want?"

"Silence! I need a tub at least three feet deep. Go find it." Sirius was in no way kind or humorous. Harry was surprised at just how harsh Sirius was. That house elf was nothing like Dobby. He was a horrible and pathetic all at the same time. That's a discussion for another day.

Sirius looked at Bill and Harry. "While Kreacher is searching for a tub, this is a good time to review the legal plans for 'Operation Prongslet'."

Harry didn't remember his quest to gain freedom having a project name, but that worked. "Sure."

They all sat around the kitchen table. Sirius kicked it off.

"Ok, so the Black family lawyers are locked and loaded, ready to strike. They now have all they need to inflict maximum damage and, more importantly, epic levels of chaos. A few of the 'darker' families will be unaffected, but most will be found in violation of some ridiculous treaty or agreement. The British Malfoy, LeStrange, Notts, and Selwyn families will be hit the hardest. They'll have the greatest reparations. Especially the Malfoy family. The Black Lawyers confirmed my suspicions that they have been making promises and deals against the Black holdings for years. Apparently, they firmly believed Draco to be the Black Heir. When the suits get filed, they will likely have to sell off a few assets. Assets the Black family is ready to buy up through holding companies. Let me tell you, pup, those Black lawyers are pure evil geniuses."

"But, can't they just tie it up in court with their own lawyers? Also, now that I have been publicly identified as the Black Heir, does that hurt the case?" Harry asked, but had no idea how wizarding or Muggle law really worked. This all just seemed too easy.

Sirius had a real twinkle in his eye as he elaborated, "Nope. Well, mixed bag really. The business dealings can be tied up in court, but the financial backing will be blocked. Most contracted payments appear to have been deferred until Draco reaches the age of maturity, which is 17 in the Black family. That means, the Malfoy family will have to cover the payments with the interest accrued. That's the easy part."

Harry was smiling now. He could only imagine how insanely angry the Malfoys would be.

Sirius continued, "Over the years, after Arcturus died, Lucius was able to liquidate a few Black family assets somehow. He did that through various shady deals and my lawyers will be fighting to get back every knut, but it will take time." Sirius smiled and added, "Fortunately, he did not sell any of the 'prime' assets held by the Black family. They were either too well protected or he was saving them for Draco. So, these are the areas that are pure legal and bureaucrat laden mumbo-jumbo. Repayment is in question and will be a prolonged battle. I'll let the lawyers worry about that and set my sights on the prize. And Harry, you going public as the Black Heir only made Lucius stop. The damage is done."

"What about the Allowance you had mentioned?" Harry really wanted this to be personal. Like that damn Badge Draco had handed out.

Sirius laughed loudly and intensely, "You have a mean streak, pup! I like it! At the end of every month, Draco and Narcissa get their stipend. A very generous one at that. Very soon, the stipend will end. I had wanted to end it now, but I didn't want to give away my hand. The Malfoy family is rich so the impact will be minor, but it will require Lucius to pay for their way of life. I imagine both of them have no concept of money or budgeting. Still, over a decade of reimbursement of money paid will hurt."

Harry nodded, "No more money. Big payback. Love it."

Sirius continued, "Like I told you before, Lucius violated the marriage agreement when he took the mark and fought against me, the Black Heir. That means he owes the Black family the Dowry and all Stipends paid since inception, with penalties and interest. Now that will make a sizable dent in his Vault. The British branch of the LeStrange family will be held accountable as well. Add in that both failed to assist me while in Azkaban and Lucius even appeared to work at keeping me locked up… The Malfoys are now 'Oath Breakers'. That title alone will smear their name for generations. There is even a chance of getting a case of attempted 'Line Theft' to stick."

Harry had heard most of this in his last visit, but it was no longer just theory and speculation. "Can't they just say 'no' to the repayments and fines?"

Sirius smiled, "Nope. We covered this last time. I really need to get your some tutoring, pup. Andromeda will be good for you." Sirius was serious, but only for a moment. Harry knew he had a lot to learn. "The oaths and magic contracts will affect their personal and family magic if it is ignored. Arcturus may have been a rotten bastard, but he was a shrewd rotten bastard. All family agreements, alliances, and contracts he presided over were magical in nature."

Now Bill added, "Meaning they will lose a significant part of their magical abilities. To a wizard or witch, especially a pure blooded one, that is a horrific turn of events. These families will pay up. They may not like it, but they won't make the mistake of damaging their own magic."

Harry thought about this, "How were they able to break the contracts to begin with?"

Remus now added his two cents, "No one objected. The last Heir to the Black family was in prison and until he chose you, Harry, Sirius Black, the newly minted Lord and head of the Ancient and Most Noble house of Black, had no heir himself."

Harry began to realize just how corrupt the ministry was. "That's why you have a 'Kiss on Sight' order. Your presence interferes with their income. Those Bloody bastards!"

Sirius smiled in a predatory manner, "According to my lawyers, Lucius had apparently planned to fund a few of Fudge's private little 'charities'. Charities that Fudge would head and manage when he retired. With Black family money."

Harry was furious. "Oh my god Sirius, you had twelve years of hell in Azkaban, just so Lucius Malfoy and Fudge could pad their wallets!" He didn't need to mention that Dumbledore also let him rot… "So, when do you start the process?"

Sirius took a deep breath. "Well, that's where it gets tricky. You see, all of this is for nothing if I can't get you free."

Bill cleared his throat. "So, Ted apparently hit a snag. The most damning failures Dumbledore has made in your care is in the Wizarding Orphans Department. Ted can request everything he needs, but when he does, the magical guardian will be notified. Harry, your magical guardian, Dumbledore, would have the right to withhold any documentation he saw fit not to share. We could try to get the information through litigation, but he's also in a position to block that. Or at least delay it until he can get his documentation in order. We could move forward, but without the proof of Dumbledore's failure to document and protect… your case would be compromised. It is likely he would be fined and given a warning."

"Shite!" Harry couldn't believe his luck. Maybe something else could be done. Maybe Dumbledore could be… removed.

Bill cast a Patronus Charm. His huge eagle owl landed on Harry's shoulder. Everyone was looking nervous. Harry slowly calmed down.

Bill looked very serious, "You need to control your anger, Harry. Deep breaths." He didn't see any point in telling Harry that his eyes started glowing again. That there was a red point in the middle of each eye where the pupil was.

Harry practiced his occlumancy exercises until he was calm. "Alright. So what can we do?"

Sirius clapped his hands together. "Well, for starters, we wait until Albus is so distracted he ignores his mail. I remember the man well from the Order of the Phoenix, he is at best disorganized where his office is concerned. I've seen mail stack up on the man for days. I used to admire his maverick tendencies… Best case, we wait until he is distracted and traveling on ICW business. A time when he has so many problems popping up, he can't focus on something as unimportant as owl mail. First I launch my legal attacks, then Ted slides in and requests the documents. Albus will have three days to block the forms. We request them on a Friday just before the office closes, which makes it near impossible that the letter will go out Friday. Then, assuming we time it right, Albus will be international. That is at least a 24 hour delay, assuming he has a 'Banishing Box', which I really don't think he does." Thinking a moment and looking at Remus, Sirius amended that statement, "Actually, he might for Ministry mail… Then, we only would have to distract him for one day. At which point Ted can re-apply for the records."

Taking a deep breath and smiling, Sirius continued, "So, I make sure to kick up so much political and ministerial dust he can't think straight. I'll also be bringing legal action against the ministry where Dumbledore is named as a person of interest. As a member of an Ancient and Most Noble family, the ministry was required to give me a trial. I'll be going after the current administration as well as the previous one. Factor in that I was the Heir of an Ancient and Most Noble family and you have a very serious crime. Or In my case, a Sirius crime." He took a moment to laugh at his own joke. "I think I might try and bankrupt Fudge, Dumbledore, Bagnold, Crouch, and anyone else that has ever annoyed me from the ministry. HAHAHAHA."

Harry really understood the humorous side of his godfather. Now he was seeing a different side as well. Yes, Sirius had a malicious and vindictive streak, but who would blame him? Over a decade in Azkaban…

This delay wasn't what Harry wanted, but it was better than nothing. He could wait a few more months if needed. "So, we wait."

All the men in the room nodded.

Harry thought for a moment. "Wait a moment. Maybe I can get a house elf to lift the mail from his office. Then he won't even know he has it. That way, Ted can review the documents thoroughly before acting on them." Bill looked impressed, Sirius broke into applause and Remus looked stunned.

Sirius laughed again. "Definitely the Prongslet! We'll make a Marauder out of you yet! James would be so proud. You are a chip off the old block!" And he proceeded to put Harry in a bear hug.

Sirius added, "Now, the down side. I have to leave Britain. There are a few Black holdings in Switzerland. My lawyers are setting up shop and arranging for me to request asylum. Once there, I can act publicly. But I can't return to Britain until everything is worked out. I've already re-instated Andromeda and Nymphadora and given them a nice stipend. Andromeda also has been given the Dowry she should have had… They will contact you for me when the Hell breaks loose."

Harry was now concerned. "Will it be safe? Surely the Malfoys will be gunning for you."

Sirius looked touched. "Very safe. My home will be heavily warded. Like most of the Black Properties, and I'll have an ICW approved trial. With Veritaserum! Fudge will be internationally embarrassed. Especially when my lawyers began distributing the evidence of corruption and conspiracy to keep me in Azkaban for personal gain…"

Harry smiled, but was nervous. "Just promise me you will be careful! Please… don't take chances."

"Marauder's honor, pup. Once it's safe, I'll come back."

They group then covered other topics. The only Metamorphmagus Sirius knew of was Andromeda Tonk's daughter, Nymphadora. She was the one Bill had mentioned. Lycoris Black had been one, but passed away in the service of Grindelwald. In Sirius' own words, 'Good riddance'. Harry noted the Sirius seemed far less squeamish about it than Bill had.

Maybe assassins and spies are just normal dinner conversation in the Black house. Harry showed Sirius the note he wrote after his dream, but he didn't seem concerned. He just said, "Don't worry, Pup. We all dreamed about metamorphmagus' at your age. Some of us still do… Want an introduction?" and wiggling his eyebrows. Harry only had one silent thought about that: 'Ewwww'.

Kreacher had brought in a tub earlier and set it in the corner. They used a simple 'Augamenti' charm to fill it with water. Once full, he placed the egg in the water and opened it. Harry stuck one ear under the water and heard the riddle:

Come and seek us where our voices sound,

We cannot sing above the ground,

And while you're searching, ponder this:

We've taken what you'll sorely miss,

An hour long you'll have to look,

And to recover what we took,

But past an hour – the prospects black,

Too late, it's gone, and won't come back."

Sirius and Remus listened as well and they decided it had to be something in the lake. Apparently, the lake is full of merfolk and other creatures. Remus gave him the name of a charm called the 'bubblehead charm'. The wand movement was simple and the incantation was 'Bulla Capitis!' Sirius told him to use warming charms and practice swimming.

But what he have to retrieve? After a bit of thought, he decided it had to be his father's cloak. The picture album was a possibility also… The four of them finished dinner (Chinese takeout) and Bill took Harry back to Hogwarts. A couple more nights in Hagrid's hut, then Harry would be in a similar house with Remus and Bill. Onward and upward.

—DoD—

Hogwarts

Hagrid's Hut

Sunday Morning

January 8th

Harry had been practicing the Bubblehead charm Remus had shown him, 'Bulla Capitis!' The trick was keeping it up under pressure and making it resilient enough to withstand contact with objects without popping or breaking up. Harry expected to have it mastered well enough within a day for shallow dives, as long as he practiced it continuously. Within two weeks' time, he should be able to maintain it under the pressure of the lake for at least an hour. Hagrid was out, so it was just Harry and Bill. Remus would show up on Tuesday.

Bill approached him as he was practicing. "Got a minute, Harry?" Bill looked nervous. He had summoned his Partonus as he frequently did when it was just the two of them.

"Sure, Bill. What's up?"

"I wanted to discuss your scar with you. You know we talked about the animosity curse and how it seems to be centered on your scar… How it turns people against you. Well I think it is more than that. Actually, I'm, sure of it." Bill sat and stared at the wall. Harry realized this couldn't be good.

After an uncomfortable moment where Bill started to speak but kept stopping. Looking of the words… Harry was getting scared.

"Bill, just spit it out. How bad is it?"

"It looks like the curse is actually a… piece of Voldemort. Like a tiny splinter of him got imbedded in your forehead when he was destroyed thirteen years ago." Bill was looking at Harry now. Directly. Harry could see how upset he was.

"So, I have a small piece of him stuck… well, that kind of fits, right? I mean, it hates me, but it doesn't want to kill me. It even let me cast the Patronus Charm to keep from dying. It wants to 'punish' me, I think." Harry was surprised at just how 'unsurprised' he was. Maybe he had 'dreamed' about it. Still, not what you want to hear. A part of the man who killed his parents is in his head.

Bill looked at Harry and saw him deflate. But at least he didn't freak out like most people would. "Look Harry, this is kind of my 'stock in trade'. Curses and such. After this damn tournament, we'll get you away from Dumbledore and travel to a few areas with renowned healers and mystics. Tibet, Peru, the Navajo nation… Just don't give up hope. Nothing really changes, but we now understand it better."

Harry had a sudden thought, "Why is it stronger now? It was almost gone at the beginning of the year…"

Bill went into work mode, "Well, near as I can tell, whoever ambushed you the night before Halloween somehow linked IT to the curse on the DADA position. That curse is kind of legendary among curse breakers, because it keeps coming back. Voldemort cast it years ago and no one has been able to permanently remove it. I suspect it is somehow feeding the soul splinter with Voldemort's own magic. That's why we had to get you out of the castle."

Harry nodded. Suddenly, he couldn't concentrate. This was all so stunning. So stunning and so unsurprising. "Wait a minute, does anyone else know?" Now he was getting a little scared.

Bill nodded and softly said, "Dumbledore knows. But that's it."

"Shite! No wonder he wants to control me! He's probably scared I'll go dark!"

Bill just looked at Harry and gave a short nod. "Harry, on two separate occasions, your eyes glowed with red dots in the center. This means you have been somewhat affected by the scar. You need to be very careful not to give in to negative emotions." Bill intentionally avoided calling it a Horcrux. Keep it vague.

"Happy thoughts, right? Like the bullet from my dream notes." Harry realized he knew more when he dreamed than when he was awake.

"Yeah, Harry. Sounds about right. Keeping yourself calm and casting a Patronus charm seems to help significantly. And remember, somewhere in this castle, there is a person that attacked you. Don't let your guard down."

"What else can I do about this?"

"Focus on casting the bubble head charm. 'Bulla Capitis!' you get through the tournament and I'll use the restricted section to look for ways to extract that nasty little shard. Every night – Patronus Charm, Occlumency, and focusing on people you care about."

That night, Harry wasn't able to reach his Dreamscape or the comfort of his mother. His occlumency had been crap and he made only decent progress casting 'Bulla Capiti'. He slept fitfully and woke up the next morning to Hagrid making bacon and eggs. Well, something good was coming his way. Hagrid discussed the return of the students later that afternoon and how the Beauxbaton and Durmstrang students would be returning back as well. Harry decided to review his tactics books and make sure he was not caught in any ambushes.

—DoD—

Hogwarts

The Great Lake aka The Black Lake

Monday Late Morning

January 9, 1995

Harry had sufficiently mastered the 'Bubblehead' charm the day before well enough to allow for shallow dives and swimming. Bill very firmly directed Harry to spend the next 3-4 hours practicing the bubblehead charm, the warming charm, and his swimming in the lake. He was most emphatic that Harry should not return until he was competent. Certainly not before lunch.

Harry had never actually done much swimming, so it was new. Quite frankly, he stunk at it. Harry was far too lean to be buoyant and all he knew was the 'dog paddle'. If it hadn't been for the bubblehead charm, he probably would have drowned. Dobby had told him to pretend to be a fish, but that seemed crazy. Like telling a fish to walk around on dry land by pretending to be a human. Pipsey just told Harry to stay warm and clean… Well, ok. On the bright side, he had almost two months to learn how to swim…

Harry finally gave up on swimming and went to check on the new house. Yeah, Bill told him to stay at the lake practicing for at least three hours, but Harry was exhausted. Swimming was unbelievably tiring when you don't know what you're doing. The new hut was built, he just needed to move his stuff into it.

As Harry approached the new building, he saw slight silhouette of movement inside through the curtains. After being continuously ambushed and cursed for the first four months of the school year, Harry was rather paranoid. A quick 'Hominum Revelio' scan showed two individuals inside. Harry quietly approached the window and shifted his hearing to that of an owl. He heard heavy breathing and intense activity. After a moment of confusion, he suddenly understood what he was hearing and backed away quickly. At some point, the Beauxbaton students must have returned. Bill and Fleur apparently needed a little 'private time'. How in the hell was he going to sleep in the new hut now?

Harry decided to just walk the lake. The castle was beautiful and so few people were here. That would end in a few hours as people returned. Then there would be a feast, but he'd skip it. Apparently, his eyes were glowing red after Cho pulled her little trick and everyone now thinks he has some kind of infectious disease. Hopefully, that would keep folks away. Harry sat down on a dry patch of earth and just relaxed with a warming charm. He savored the quiet. The calm before the storm that would come when hundreds of his peers were running about.

Professor Flitwick agreed to allow him independent study and would check in occasionally. McGonagall offered, but Harry had declined. He would also send his assignments in for Runes and Arithmancy through Hermione. She didn't mind as Harry was far more advanced in Runes, but she was gaining ground. Hermione is one competitive witch. Harry was also learning a bit about curse breaking from Bill and hoped to sit for his Journeyman test along with his NEWTs. Now that Harry was no longer sitting in Runes and Arithmancy, Hagrid agreed to let him audit Care of Magical Creatures. He'd missed too many classes for a grade, but Harry liked the fresh air and working with some of the animals. Not those insane Blast-end Skrewts, but the rest were OK.

After a few relaxing hours, he had lunch with Dobby and Pipsey. They talked about swimming and how his mum was great at it, but his father was not. Eventually, harry went back to the new hut. Bill and Fleur were there decorating the small hut. And they were only decorating, thank god. After a while, Pipsey and Dobby came to lend a hand and moved Harry and Dobby's things in. Fleur looked oddly at Dobby's tiny bed, but didn't say anything. Eventually, Pipsey brought food in and they had a small feast away from the large welcome back feast at the school.

After Fleur left, Bill got a funny look. "Sooo, Harry. I noticed you couldn't look directly at Fleur without blushing. What gives?"

"Oh, No. She didn't notice, did she?" Harry sounded near paniced.

"No… but why the change?" Bill wondered if Harry's immunity to the Allure had changed. And yes, Fleur had definitely noticed.

"Well, after I went swimming for a while, I came back early. I... kind of heard you guys." Now it was Bill's turn to look horrified.

Harry continued, "Just tell me how long you need me to make myself scarce. I don't mind." He now couldn't make eye contact with Bill.

Bill spoke up, "Right! OK. Will do." Changing the subject, he said, "Let's practice that 'Bulla Capiti' charm some more.

Pipsey just shook her head and tutted away. She muttered something like "Master Weasley needs to be more carefullll…" Harry burst out laughing. Bill threw a biscuit at him. Dobby had no clue.

Hogwarts

Care of Magical Creatures

Third Years – Gryffindor and Ravenclaw.

Harry volunteered to help Hagrid with his third year class. Harry greatly preferred this to the Blast-end Skrewts the fourth and fifth years were dealing with. Ginny came over and gave him a hug. Harry only flinched a little. She had Luna Lovegood with her. Apparently, they both preferred this class to Arithmancy.

Ginny beamed, "Hi Harry! I'm so glad to see you. Since you were quarantined, no one knows where you are." Stepping back a bit she asked, "Are you still contagious?"

Harry gave a sheepish grin and said, "No, not really. But I think it best if I avoid the castle. You know, not having a house makes it kind of unpleasant."

Ginny looked embarrassed. "You know, Dad and mum both lit into Ron and the twins. I still can't believe they did that."

"Yeah. Well, they can get along just fine without me." Harry knew it came out a bit darker than he intended. Happy-thoughts, happy-thoughts, happy-thoughts. "How was your holiday?"

"It was fine. Oh, thanks for the bracelet. Did you get my sweets?"

Harry almost forgot. He picked out a few gifts in Diagon Alley when he was last at Gringotts. Before the Ball. "Yeah, Ginny! They were amazing. Where did you find them? I need to thank your mum for the treacle tart and the new quills."

"Thanks, I'm glad you liked them. I actually baked them myself. Mum showed me how." She was blushing now.

Luna took that moment to speak up. "Hello, Harry. I got the gloves and boots you set to me. They seemed to have a curious feeling when I touched them. I think I will enjoy them tremendously."

"Yeah, well… if anyone else touches them, they come with a nice curse. Straight from the black family." Harry had enjoyed creating those curses with Sirius. He had noticed Luna walking around barefooted or missing key articles of clothing. After what Cho did to him, he suspected theft. Whoever touches her boots now will be in for a nasty surprise. First a nasty jolt, then, in approximately 24 hours, they would lose their hair. The curse was resistant to magical re-growth, so they'd have to grow it back the old fashioned way. Slowly.

He and Ginny made plans to go flying later in the week. She also asked for help with Runes, so he invited her over. As an afterthought, he invited Luna as well. If Hermione and Neville wanted to visit, he would have his new friend group set.

As the class broke up, Ginny hugged him goodbye again. Only this time, she gave him a small peck on the cheek. Now it was Harry's turn to Blush. At thirteen, she was pretty. Harry thought about it and decided they were both too young to be more than friends. But friends were good. He found himself looking forward to the next third year Care of Magical Creatures class.

The next few weeks had Harry struggling to learn how to swim. He slowly improved, but had a long way to go. No way could he swim all the way to the center of the lake without giving out of gas. Victor Krum had taken to swimming with Harry a bit, but he was good at it. Dobby kept up his words of encouragement. Harry needed to focus. Maybe he could just drop to the bottom and walk… After an attempt there, he realized there was too much vegetation. He'd have to swim it.

He started spending more and more time with Ginny. Luna frequently came by as well. Hermione and Neville studied in the hut twice a week. Ginny and Luna frequently joined them. Harry noticed that Luna still had her boots and gloves. Ginny told him that a few Ravenclaw girls had lost all their hair, even their eye-brows! Good, serves them right.

Katie came around the hut a few times, just to say hi and check on him. She was nice, and he didn't forget the way she had pummeled Cho. They talked quidditch a while. Harry's scar flared up and she seemed suddenly meek. Apologetic for not doing more. No matter how much he assured her, she just stayed miserable. Crap. Neville had a similar reaction. Supportive and apologetic. At least Neville had gotten a new wand and his Gran's respect out of it.

Ron and the twins avoided Harry, likely on orders from their parents. Not being in the castle helped. Luna tried to give Harry a note from Cho, but he refused to read it and threw it into the fire. Luna said that was probably for the best. Cedric tried to do the same later. It was an uncomfortable conversation, but Harry refused the letter. His scar flared up a bit and Cedric made a few nasty comments. No loss. Harry couldn't believe he ever looked up to the boy.

Professor Flitwick had worked with him twice a week. The dueling exercises had helped Harry's balance tremendously. He was quick and accurate. According to the small teacher, Harry was a 'Natural Duelist'. Bill gave him plenty of reading material on curse breaking and rune carving assignments. All good. Harry even practiced potions a bit. Without Snape glaring at him, potions were very relaxing.

Practicing the Patronus charm had become a significant part of Harry's night time ritual. He could consistently create a dense mist now, even without Bill having his Patronus nearby. Patronus to exhaustion, then Occlumency, then sleep. Harry entered his dreamscape a few times, but really it was more about getting support and affection. He always woke up feeling more positive and cared for.

The second task was almost upon them and Ginny had been working with Harry on his swimming. She was like a fish! Harry was like a Yak. After a few weeks together, there was no more blushing or embarrassment. Harry liked her. He spent as much time with her as he could. After the tournament, he planned to tell her. By the time February 23rd arrived, Harry still couldn't swim well. He had improved a bit, but not much.

—DoD—

Hogwarts Grounds

Bill and Harry's Hut

February 23rd, 1995

Harry was relaxing with Bill and Fleur. It was a tense evening as the task was the next day and Fleur was on edge. Harry had seen her swimming and she was far better than him. Still, there was the unknown. Harry and Fleur had studied all the freshwater possibilities Remus could think of, but there was always the unknown. One very nice dinner, then the next task would begin at 9:30 AM.

Now or Never, Harry thought. "Bill, I have something I'd like to talk to you about."

"Sure thing." Bill could see Harry struggling. Fleur was pretending to read a book.

After a brief pause, Harry just blurted out, "I like Ginny. I know she's your sister and all, but I like her. I plan to tell her after the tournament and see if she feels the same way." And he just waited for Bill to say something. Harry felt like he was about to be judged and sentenced.

Bill struggled not to smile. "You know there is a standard of behavior expected." Harry just nodded. Bill knew Ginny was mad for him, but he had to lay down the rules. "I don't want either of you to get hurt, but you're the Wizard. That means you have to behave yourself and treat Ginny like a proper Witch. No public displays of affection, not unsupervised time together, you have to treat her right. I expect you to open doors for her, stand up when she enters a room, and never take her for granted."

Harry enthusiastically nodded. "Absolutely, Bill." He started fidgeting under the scrutiny.

Fleur put her book down. She seemed slightly irritated. "And remember, Harry… She is a red head. They are passionate and aggressive by nature. You need to tell her when she is making you uncomfortable. A witch likes to know she can be herself without being judged, but honesty is important. Don't let yourself be pressured into doing anything you aren't comfortable with." Fleur knew Ginny would be the aggressive one. Harry was just so adorably naive and innocent. If only he was a year or two younger, she would pair him with her dear sister. No matter how much she tried, Fleur just didn't like Ginny. Bill was gently playing big brother, but he was warning off the wrong party.

Bill was just starring at her. Now he seemed irritated. The mood was suddenly odd.

Harry got up. "OK, Fleur. I'm going for a walk now. Thanks, Bill. I promise you I will treat Ginny well." And he left the hut. As he left he heard Fleur laugh. Shifting his hearing he heard Bill protest and Fleur saying something about Harry getting attacked by Ginny. Then they started making noises that told Harry to give them an hour or three.

—DoD—

Hogwarts Grounds

9:00 AM

February 24th, 1995

Harry woke up and checked all his things. His father's cloak was still there. His photo album of his parents was still there. What had been taken? Hedwig maybe? No, she would never go under water. He quickly put on the swim suit he had ordered from a muggle dive shop. It was thick and intended for cold water. Yes, he would look unusual, but it would give him some protection and natural warmth. Add in a few warming charms and he would be fine. On a whim, he tucked the pen knife Sirius had given him into his sleeve, opposite of his wand.

Just as he was about to depart, Dobby appeared. "Master Harry, Dobby finds the best way to be like a fish!" he was holding out some kind of seaweed looking leafy mass.

"Dobby, what's this?" Harry had no clue what Dobby intended.

Dobby just smiled and exclaimed, "Gillyweed! It lets yous be like a fish. Master Harry will be able to swim!"

Harry smiled and took the leaves. "Thanks, Dobby!" He had no intention of eating this muck. He'd do his best and if he failed, he failed. All his most important things were accounted for. There was nothing they could have taken that could not be replaced easily enough. Even his broom.

Dobby exclaimed, "Now Master Harry can save his Wheezy!"

"What do you mean, Dobby? My Wheezy?"

"They takes Miss Ginny Wheezy. Master Harry needs to get her back from the merpeople!"

Harry had a look of horror take over his face. It was not a thing, it was a person. And he couldn't swim! He had one hour, then he'd lose her forever! Hell no! "Dobby, are you sure this… gillyweed?"

Dobby nodded his head so forcefully his ears flapped.

Harry sprinted to the lake and followed the crowds. He arrived at the table where the other champions were gathered. Ludo Bagman gave him some encouragement, then squeezed his shoulder. "Good Luck Harry!"

Harry could see Bill on the sidelines. Who had been taken from Fleur? She seemed incredibly upset. Hermione was nowhere to be seen… Damn! Harry looked at Krum and saw determination in the young man's eye. Cedric also looked upset. Shite! Harry hated this damn tournament.

Suddenly a whistle pulled Harry from his thoughts. The other contestants were charging into the water. Harry took off his shoes and dropped his blanket. He cast a warming spell and waded into the lake. He put the nasty mush in his mouth and began chewing. He almost gagged on it. It was rubbery and slimy.

Suddenly he couldn't breathe. While he was gasping, he felt a sharp piercing pain on the sides of his neck. Reaching up, he felt gills! Harry put his head in the water and realized he didn't need the bubble charm at all. He could breathe under water just fine. His feet felt like they were being stretched and his hands felt odd. Looking at them, they both looked longer and webbed. No time to think. Ginny needed him, and he kicked off.

Swimming was so easy now. So natural! Dobby was right, Harry was like a fish. His whole body was moving and undulating – propelling him forward. He was like a dolphin or a seal. He was swimming faster than he could run. As he approached a sea of green weed, he slowed to get his bearings.

He felt something grab his ankle. Looking down, he saw one grindylow had grabbed him and others were approaching him. Harry held his wand out and said 'Relashio!' No sound actually came forth, but sparks shot out and seemed to burn the creature. Once released, Harry kicked off at full speed, they would never catch him. He was getting deeper and deeper in the lake. Hopefully he wouldn't see the giant squid…

Suddenly, he saw movement to his right. Looking over, it was Myrtle! She could even talk underwater! "Try over there, Harry…" She smiled and added, "I won't come, they always chase me away. But that's where you should go."

Harry gave her a wave and a nod. He then launched himself in the direction she had pointed. He was growing tired from the constant 'sprinting', but images were coming into focus through the murky water. Stone dwellings with merpeople moving about in the distance. He heard them begin singing once more.

"… your time's half gone, so tarry not Lest what you seek stays here to rot…"

Hell no! Harry kicked up a bit of speed and surged forward. There were a lot of merpeople all around him. Like he was a contestant in a road race or something. They were watching. Holding spears and pointing at him. They seemed to be talking to each other as well. Harry noted that they looked nothing like the paintings in Hogwarts. They were grey and had dark green hair. Sharp broken teeth with webbed hands.

As he approached the center of their little community, he saw the four hostages tied to the tail of a huge statue of a merperson. Around the statues were armed merpeople and a choir singing the song from the egg over and over. Adding in lines about running out of time…

As Harry approached, the merpeople parted for him. He saw Ginny, Cho, Hermione, and a miniature version of Fleur. It must be her sister, the resemblance was uncanny. Harry approached the little girl. He could free all of them actually. Suddenly, a rather large merman pulled him away. Before Harry could reeact he just said, "You may only take one!" Other merpeople came forward and blocked him.

Harry backed away a bit. He needed a plan. No way was he leaving these people down here. He briefly thought about leaving Cho, but decided to save her as well. Bitch that she was. Problem: how to fight so many merpeople underwater. None of his books on combat and strategy dealt with underwater fighting. And the merpeople knew how to fight and live underwater. He wasn't sure how well his spells would work if he couldn't speak clearly, either.

Then he heard the singing. They were telling him how much time was left. He'd wait. Until the last moment, then he'd save any prisoners that were left. Hopefully they would all be rescued, but handing four unconscious students while fighting off merpeople was not a good plan. Maybe he could manage two…

Cedric suddenly came out of the gloom. He looked at harry for a moment and tapped his watch. The message was clear… 'What are you doing? Time's running out.' He took out a knife and freed Cho. Then, she swam up and out of the area. Harry watched him leave. Good riddance, and one less hostage he'd have to free.

A few minutes later, Victor Krum came out of the gloomy depths and was half transfigured into a shark. He tried to chew through the ropes, but was having difficulty. Harry was getting scared he might accidentally bite Hermione. He tried to call out, but he could only make odd bubbly sounds. Reaching out, he touched Krum to get his attention. Reluctantly, he handed Krum his pen knife. Krum used the knife, then handed it back to Harry. For a minute, Harry was afraid he would keep it or throw it away. But Krum was honorable.

Harry waited. Time ticked by, but no Fleur. According to the singers, he had less than five minutes left. He decided to take both hostages. He'd use the knockback jinx and hopefully he could fend off the merpeople long enough to get to the surface. Ginny and the Fleur's sister were right beside each other. If he was sneaky, he could cut them both free without the merpeople realizing what he had done. Then the fight would start.

Harry looked over the ropes. The penknife was enchanted to unlock doors and untie any knot. The knots were very close together. The minute he opened one set of ropes, he'd have to quickly get the other and turn for a fight. He made quick work of Ginny's ropes. It was good practice on using the knife. Once the knots were touched with Sirius' penknife, they just seemed to 'release' themselves. Fluer's sister had three main knots. Harry quickly turned and swiped the knife across the three knots and turned to fight. The largest merman swam forward and Harry used the 'flipendo!' knockback jinx. It worked like a charm. Four more swam forward, so Harry put a little more power into it and cast 'Flipendo Tria!' and sent them all backward.

Wrapping his arm under Ginny's and grabbling Fleur's sister by the wrist, then he began kicking upward. A few mermen pursued them, but Harry's jinx kept pushing them backward. Harry suddenly saw one merman approaching from the left side, where Fleur's sister was. He pushed the merman back with another 'Flipendo!', but as he did, his scar flared up. The merman appeared to be enraged and threw his spear right at the little girl. It looked like it would hit her dead center.

Harry didn't know how his shield spell would work underwater. Not willing to risk it, he put himself between the spear and the girl. The spear moved much slower under the water and he tried to deflect it, but he moved slower also. It ended up catching him in the arm. Brutally painful. Fortunately, it wasn't his wand hand.

The other merpeople seemed to restrain the one who threw the spear and Harry put his wand in his teeth and grabbed the two girls again. He only had one good arm, so no more casting. He then began kicking once more and swam upward. His kicks lost their strength and he suddenly had trouble breathing. He was now desperate to get to the top. As he broke the surface, he no longer had gills or webbed feet. The gillyweed had worn off.

Ginny and the other girls woke once on the surface, Harry was coughing and sputtering. He had inhaled a bit of water. They both helped him. The younger girl was speaking incredibly fast in French and Harry was only catching every third word. Something about blood and injury. Ginny was talking too. He coughed and managed a bubblehead charm on each of them. That made the trip back easier. Between the three of them, they slowly made their way back to shore.

Once they arrived, Bill ran out and helped Harry to the hospital tent where Mme. Pomfrey was waiting. The spear had been a clean slice and it had not gone especially deep, but it had bled a lot. She gave Harry a Blood replenishing potion, cleaned the wound, and began healing Harry's arm. It hurt like fire when she cleaned it, but the 'knitting' didn't hurt as much. He then was told to rest and recover. Bill cast a Patronus to keep the scar under control. Ginny never left his side.

Fleur came in and hugged Harry. She thanked him for saving her sister, Gabrielle. She had apparently been ambushed by the grindylows and was pretty scratched up. All of the audience had been able to watch the champions through projections. They had seen Harry stay with the hostages and wait for them to be rescued. They had also seen the one merman attack Gabrielle.

Dumbledore entered the tent to check on Harry. "Well done, Harry. Your performance was most impressive. I should tell you, the leader of the merpeople personally apologized for the attack. He is deeply ashamed and wants to apologize personally. They were immensely impressed with your loyalty and selfless nature. Impressing the merpeople is quite an accomplishment."

Harry just nodded. "I couldn't just leave them. I know we're expendable, but our friends shouldn't be. They didn't agree to this!" He really didn't know what else to say.

Dumbledore just stared for a moment. "Harry, they were never in any real danger. After an hour, they would have been released…" He realized that Harry was a truly selfless person. He was a hero. if not for the Horcrux, Harry could be his legacy and replace him as the defender of magical Britain. This realization made the sacrifices Harry would be asked to make so much more painful.

Harry suddenly looked angry, "Then why were the mermaids singing that damn song? About them being lost forever to Rot?"

Dumbledore looked embarrassed, "That's just a song, Harry."

Harry suddenly felt deflated. All his fear and anxiety had been for nothing. It was like a cruel prank. He felt tears stinging his eyes. What the hell is wrong with these people? "I'd like to be alone, please…" He knew his voice was breaking. He was holding back his emotions, but he was close to cracking. Everyone filed out with words of congratulations.

Ginny turned and came back. She leaned over and hugged him. She could tell how upset he was. Harry broke down in her arms. She held him tight and refused to let go. Bill snuck back to check on them and smiled. He hoped things worked out for them. Harry really was a selfless and innocent young wizard. Ginny was a fiery tempered, stubborn, and extremely moral young witch. He truly loved them both. Fleur took his hand and led him away.

Fifteen minutes later, Harry was asleep and Ginny was beside him. Slowly rubbing his forehead. The task had been bad, but something good came from it. Harry had opened up and let her help him. Given time, everything would be OK.

—DoD—

Hogwarts

Gryffindor Common Room

8PM

Angelina Johnson had called a meeting to discuss the situation with Harry. Many students didn't bother to attend, but the important ones were there. Professor McGonagall had also been invited as the head of house. Over the break, they had enough time and distance to really evaluate the way Harry had been treated. The actions many of them had made were deplorable and everything just seemed so much clearer since the break.

Angelina started the meeting, "I don't want to drag this out. We screwed up and we need to fix this. I still think he should be penalized for entering the tournament, but the Declaration of Eiectio was too much. I've asked Professor McGonagall to attend so we can bring Harry back into Gryffindor."

McGonagall shook her head, "If only it were so easy. Mr. Potter doesn't want to come back, and he must be the one to request it. Reversing the Declaration of Eiectio would require a three quarter majority from the entire student population!"

Angelina closed her eyes in frustration. No way would Slytherin house vote to reverse the Eiectio. Then there were the people Harry had cursed. Yes, it was mostly their own curses sent back at them… but the odds of getting three quarter majority was slim to none.

Katie spoke up, "What can we do? After you all shat on him, surely you can come up with something!"

McGonagall took offense at Katie's language, "Miss Bell, while I appreciate the sentiment and loyalty, I would ask you to present yourself appropriately." Basically, don't have a potty-mouth.

After a brief pause, Hermione said, "Harry has been kicked so much, he doesn't even notice it anymore. He expects it. Gryffindor or not, Harry deserves our support. People are still wearing those badges that say 'Potter Stinks'. At a minimum, throw those things away. Maybe even go the extra mile and cheer for him in the next task."

Ron and the twins had been quiet. The break had been awful, their parents had really ripped into them. Once away from Hogwarts, they saw how horrible they had been. The trick Cho pulled was just over the top. But having the majority of Gryffindor curse him in the common room was just as bad, really. The entire Weasley family owed Harry, and they had… not repaid his generosity.

Ron sheepishly added, "Maybe we can make banners or something…" The twins seemed to like the idea. Likely thinking about fireworks and over the top displays.

Ginny glared at Ron. "Do you even know Harry? It's too late for that kind of support. Really, it would just confuse him or set him off."

McGonagall looked at the young lady. The youngest Weasley knew Harry better than most. "What would you suggest Miss Weasley?"

Ginny shrugged and said, "Just be nice! It's not hard, just be considerate and supportive. Nothing over the top, though. Wish him luck. Say hello. Stop cursing him in the halls and class rooms. Honestly, if Harry ever loses it, people are going to be hurt badly. Maybe even permanently."

Everyone had heard about his eyes glowing when Cho had her trick. The official statement called it an 'infection', but no one really believed that. The unofficial rumor was Harry had been banned from the castle because the Yule Ball was over the top cruel. In his grief, he broke down and was going dark so Dumbledore was afraid he would kill someone. Then the second task came and he refused to leave any hostages behind. He saved that little girl… Nothing dark about that.

McGonagall agreed, "Supporting Harry is a good start. Now we just have to convince him to come back next year."

Based on the looks she saw, no one ever considered that Harry would drop out. Angelina seemed especially down, she had been the ringleader. In reflection, she was mostly jealous that she hadn't been chosen.

Minerva McGonagall knew Harry wanted to leave Hogwarts for good. Albus was against it, but what could he do? Harry could just refuse to get on the train. The boy could take his OWLS tomorrow and pass with flying colors. Now that he is the official heir to the Black and Potter families, Albus couldn't just expel him and snap his wand.

Bringing Harry back without belonging to a house would be limiting. He would always be an outsider. An outcast. Minerva hated to admit it, but she thought Harry might be happier at a different school. Still, she had hope that things would turn around. When Harry declared that he hated her, she had been devastated. How do you come back from that?

The meeting slowly broke up and no one seemed happy. Well, classes start again in the morning. Harry Potter or not, life goes on.

—DoD—

Notes:

'Bulla Capitis!' = Latin for Bubble Head.

I wrote Harry's dream notes in a way that showed how difficult it was for him to access the memories. Quite honestly, it is hard for most people to recall a dream and writing it down when you are half asleep doesn't always net the benefits expected. But at least he is getting back a little ground now that he is out of the castle.

Fleur and Bill are now in a solid relationship. I like them as a couple and didn't want to wait. Ginny made her move and the timing was right. I'll now make this a pairing. They are still very young, so don't expect this to be anything other than crush and puppy love. Fleur called it right when she gave Harry advice. For you Ginny haters – Casting shadows starts with a break up. The first crush shouldn't be the last. Sorry to Hinny fans. But hey, you can enjoy it here. And this Ginny will diverge from Cannon in Harry's seventh year in a big way.

So, Harry and Sirius' plans are delayed until Dumbledore is distracted. Then Sirius causes even more distractions so Ted Tonks can get the documents he needs without interference. It really only seemed normal for a guardian to be notified. I restated quite a bit of what had been declared in an earlier chapter, but now it is confirmed and not just probable.

I decided Bill would most likely trust Harry enough to tell him what the scar was. At fourteen years old, he is young, but keeping it from him would ruin any trust. Bill is not Dumbledore. He likes to work above the board with his friends and family.

Why the emotions when Harry found out the hostages were actually safe? Well, he had been frantically trying to save them for hours. Mentally, physically and emotionally exhausted. And it was all for nothing! I can definitely see raw emotions there.

Last Point, without Harry being in the castle, the other students are no longer affected by the Horcrux. His means they are realizing how badly they behaved. Most will just rationalize it to some degree or another, but the attacks will be cut way back. The Gryffindor house was the most affected by the Horcrux, so those students have the most to reflect on. As does their head of house. I'd rather not focus too much here as the Angst is tiring (and yes – my own fault).

Heading toward the final task and the end of the fourth year. I am debating about 'summarizing' my way straight to the fourth task or having an interim chapter. Honestly, not much divergence from Canon until the task… Just Harry not being in the castle.

Till next time.