When I woke I was surround by light. But not like somebody had just flipped on a switch or even natural light from the sun. It was just…nothing. I looked around me and couldn't see anything but whiteness in the distance as far as the eye could see. How did I get here? The last thing I remember was the Killing Curse hitting me when I jumped in front of Daphne.
DAPHNE! Where was she? She certainly wasn't here with me in…well wherever this was.
I checked myself for any sort of wounds but couldn't find anything. How was that possible? I had been hurt so many times over the last day that I should have some wounds. Not even the cut that Joseph had given me was even there anymore.
"Hello!" I called out. The only response was the echo. Like I was in a small space. But how? The whiteness looked as if it went on forever or maybe that was just a trick of the eye.
"Is there anyone there?" I call out again. "Can somebody please just tell me where I am?"
"That's what we were waiting on." A voice said from behind me. "Please."
I whirl to find two people staring at me. It can't be.
"Hello son." My dad said. "It's good to see you."
"T-This is impossible." I stutter. "This is magic."
"You're right that it is magic." His mother smiled at him. "And just because it is impossible doesn't mean it's not."
I slowly take a step forward with my hand out in front of me. My dad rolls his eyes. I keep reaching as if expecting my hand to pass through both their bodies, but it stops firmly on my dad's chest. "You know when we were your age that was dinner and a movie." Dad chuckled. The only response I gave was to throw my arms around both of them in a bone crushing hug that would make Hermione envious.
"Shhhh hush sweetheart." My mom soothed as I began to sob. My dad didn't know what to do so he just started patting me on the back awkwardly. "It's alright Harry it's alright."
"H-H-H-How are you both here?" I sputtered out as tears continued to pour down my face. I was a hot mess right now, but I didn't care. The moment I knew would never happen but wanted more than anything in the world was finally here.
My dad shrugged. "Magic?" He offered and my mom glared at him. "I don't know how to explain it son. I wish I could but we're just…here."
"You suck at this Dad." I replied and all three of us shared a laugh. "Where are we though? Last I remembered was the Killing Curse hitting me and then I woke up here."
"You really have a saving people problem." Mom shook her head. "My Goddaughter is lucky to have you but she's right that you can be an idiot sometimes."
"Y-Your what?"
"As you know me, and her mother were close back at Hogwarts. When Daphne was born, they did me the honor of being her Godmother."
My face went red. "Is it weird then that me and her are together then?"
Mom rolled her eyes. "It's not like you both are related Harry. It's not weird in the slightest. Our families were close and you two would have grown up together in a different life."
That brought them all back to the present. "We're so sorry that we can't be there for you Harry." A tear started to roll down my dad's face. "To not be able to watch you grow up."
"It isn't your fault." I hugged them both again. "It has never been your fault. You guys gave your life for me. I blame nobody but Voldemort."
"There's a piece of him inside of me." I said breaking the news to them. "That night he killed you both and he tried to kill me. That's what this scar is."
"You're wrong son." Dad smiled at me.
I shook my head. "Dumbledore told me there was a Horcrux in me. A piece of his soul attached to my own."
"Correction. There used to be a piece of his soul attached to your own." Dad continued to smile.
"W-What do you mean?" I asked confused.
"When you took the Killing Curse for Daphne it destroyed the first thing it came into contact with." Mom explained. "You felt the Horcrux rise in you when Voldemort returned?" I nodded. "Think of it like this. It was covering your own soul with itself. Ready to take you for its Master. But it made a grave error. It didn't have enough time to retreat back within you before the Curse hit you. So that part of him that was in you. It's gone."
"I-I don't have a Horcrux in me anymore?" I asked.
"No son." Dad confirmed. "That scar is just a scar now."
I wanted to break down crying and I almost did. That monster was out of me. Part of me would miss the ability to talk to snakes. I wouldn't have gotten through the First Task without it. But I was finally free of that evil inside of me. It was gone.
"So, if I'm not dead where am I?" I asked looking around at the whiteness. "Am I in a coma?"
Dad shrugged. "In a way, I guess. You're still in your body but you're not."
I sighed and looked at Mom hoping she would do a better job of explaining. "Can you elaborate."
She laughed softly. "It's not death but it's not life. It's somewhere in between. If you were ready right now to leave with us, then we could take you back. But I don't think you'd want that."
I shook my head. "I'm not ready to die yet and I can't leave Daphne alone with that monster."
"Of course, you're not ready to die." Dad smirked. "You haven't done…well you know yet." Mom hit Dad on the shoulder and glared at him.
My face went red. "You heard us talk about that?" They nodded with Mom having the courtesy to look a bit embarrassed. "How much have you heard?" I wanted to groan.
"Almost everything." Dad said. "We don't want to see you using the loo Harry."
Thank Merlin for that at least. "And just so you know." Dad continued his face contorting into rage. "When I see that fat pig Dursley finally bites the bucket I'm going to teach him a long very painful lesson."
"You were never supposed to go to them Harry." Mom said. She was obviously just as angry as Dad. She was just better at hiding it. "Never. I wished Petunia and I could've mended the bridges between us before I died but I would NEVER trust her or that bloody shit Vernon with you." Well maybe not that much better at hiding them.
"That doesn't matter now." I said to both of them. "I'm going to be living with Sirius from now."
"We know dear. We are so happy that he is finally free." Mom smiled.
"Hannah is going to be living with you as well isn't she?" Dad asked. I nodded. "Quite a beauty she was back a- her son is going to be there as well is he not?" Mom glared at Dad before he could continue. "The boy with black hair?"
"You mean John?" I ask confused. "He has brown hair."
Dad frowned. "Odd. I was just talking to his grandfather on his mothers' side the other day and George was telling me he had black hair when he saw him in the Hospital Wing.
That got my attention. "Is he okay and Hermione too?"
"Hermione is just fine from what I hear. Your friend on the other hand." Dad sighed. "It's not my place to tell. You'll see him when you return."
"So, I will return?" I asked. "What's going to happen?"
"We can't see the future, Harry." Mom smiled sadly. "But we know for a fact that you're going to kick Voldemort's lizard ass and escape with Daphne."
"Mother!" I said surprised at her language.
"What?" She shrugged. "You think you got your mouth from your father?"
I took them both into a great big hug again. "I don't want to leave." I whispered as tears began to stream down my face.
"We don't want you to go either son." Dad sighed heavily. "But it's what's best for you."
"I know." I leaned back and smiled at them. "I love you guys."
"And we love you, Harry." Mom smiled at me sadly. "More than you'll ever know."
"Just know that we'll always be watching over you." Dad smiled and then winked. "We'll try to leave the room when you and Daphne shag though."
I groaned. "Please for the love of Merlin, do that for me."
Mom stepped towards me and kissed me on the forehead and held my face in her hands. "My baby boy. Till we meet again." She slowly fizzled out of existence.
I looked over and my Dad was starting to disappear. "How do I get out of here?"
"You had the ability to leave this entire time, Harry." He winked. "All you have to do is say please."
"I love you son." He stepped forward and took me into a hug. It was like hugging smoke. He was slowly fizzling out of existence just like Mom until finally he was gone.
I wiped my eyes before I looked around again. "Can I please leave?" I asked the whiteness. In front of me a door began to assemble out of nowhere. I looked behind it. It was just a freestanding door that led to nowhere but somewhere.
I looked around one last time at the endless expanse. "Goodbye." I said before opening the door.
I thought I heard a reply before I stepped through. "We love you." I heard as I fell through the door and my world went from whiteness to total darkness.
"HARRY NO!" Daphne's screams were the first thing he heard as he came to. "YOU FUCKING BASTARD! I'LL KILL YOU FOR THAT!"
"Oh, hush girl." Harry could feel Voldemort roll his eyes. The dirt around him began to crunch. The Dark Lord was coming to Harry. Obviously to check to see if he was really dead. He had an opportunity here. He couldn't waste it by announcing his survival. He needed to play this smart.
"Crucio." Every nerve ending in his body felt like it was being set aflame. He resisted the urge to grit his teeth and just laid there and took it.
"STOP PLEASE!" Daphne cried out.
"Harry Potter is dead." Voldemort said silently ignoring Harry's girlfriend. "HARRY POTTER IS DEAD!" He announced to his followers who began to cheer. "The new reign of the Dark Lord begins today. Now and Always."
"NOW AND ALWAYS!" They echoed.
"Girl." Harry risked opening his eye just a sliver to see Voldemort walking towards his girlfriend who was still chained to the statue. "I am giving you a second chance. Swear loyalty to me and all will be forgiven. What say you?"
Daphne spit at Voldemort's feet. She was obviously afraid for her life but wouldn't bow down in the face of that fear. "I would rather die a thousand deaths than join the monster that murdered the one I love most in this world."
Voldemort cackled and he was joined by his followers. "Love." He repeated walking back to his army. "What do you know of love? You are only fourte-"
"I'm fifteen you bastard." She snapped.
Irritation took to his face. "Disrespect will not be tolerated. Joseph!" The man stepped forward. "I think it is time to show your niece how to talk to her betters."
"At once, My Lord." Joseph smirked and walked towards Daphne, past his Master. "I've been waiting for this a long time, girl." He drew a wand that looked familiar to Harry. "Recognize this, bitch? I'm about to teach you the value of respect with your own wand."
"Do your worst you fucking cunt." She glared at him. She wouldn't give him the satisfaction of begging for her own life.
"I'll oblige you." He levelled the wand at her, a curse on his lips.
Harry's wand had never left his hand. He was on his feet in seconds. "EXPULSO!" The look of shock on Joseph's face was almost good enough to eat as he went flying in the air and hit a gravestone. "DIFFENDO!" Daphne's chains fell to the ground as she finally saw her rescuer was none other than her boyfriend who was supposed to be dead. "Take cover!" He yelled at her.
"KILL HIM!" Voldemort commanded at the top of his lungs. "KILL THEM BOTH!"
"REDUCTO!" Somehow this trip to purgatory had revitalized him. He wasn't at full strength, but he was damn close. A wall of energy shot towards the dozens upon dozens of Death Eaters. Many of them took cover. Even more started firing off spells at the two students. "GET TO COVER!" Harry shouted again grabbing Daphne by the arm and wrenching her towards him as he pulled her behind the statue she had been trapped against.
"How are you still alive?" She asked as spells impacted around them.
"This really isn't the time!" He responded firing off a spell just around the corner. "We need to get out of here."
"I need my damn wand then!" Daphne yelled. "Joseph still has it!"
"How are we supposed to get to it?" He asked. The second they took a step from behind cover they'd be dead meat.
"Idiot. You trained for this remember? One step at a time."
"It's kind of different than fake arrows don't you think!" He sighed to himself. This was their only course of action. "Stay behind me. On three. One, two, THREE! REDUCTO!" He fired off the spell and shot towards the grave just to a few feet away as he and Daphne ducked for cover behind it.
"Maybe try something else!" She yelled as spells shot around them.
"DAEMONIUM IGNIS!" A small flame shot out of the tip of Harry's wand and straight towards the Death Eaters. He was rewarded with a wall of screams showing it had landed.
"What the hell was that?" She demanded as they sprinted towards Joseph's body.
"LITTLE BASTARD IS THROWING FIENDFYRE AT US!"
"Where in Merlin's name did you learn how to make Fiendfyre?!" Daphne's eyes went wide as they ran.
"A VERY OLD BOOK THAT HERMIONE GAVE ME CAN WE JUST GET YOUR WAND?!" Harry yelled. They were almost there. Joseph's body wa- Where was Joseph's body? This was the grave that he had hit.
"Where is he!" Harry looked around worriedly. "He was here! I saw him."
"And now I'm here you little shit!" Joseph growled stepping from behind a grave. He had a limp now and it looked as if he had cracked his head on the grave, but Daphne's wand pointed at the two of them showed he was very much still in this fight. "I HAVE THEM MASTER!"
Around them the Fiendfyre that had begun to rage out of control shot towards them. It formed into a wall of fire that boxed them in. "Very good Joseph." Voldemort hissed as he stepped through the flames. "And now you die, Potter."
"Is that so, Tom?"
"What did you just call me boy?" Riddle snarled at Harry.
"That's your name isn't it?" Harry smirked at him. "Tom Riddle? Named after your father. Maybe your followers would like to examine that statue I was trapped against a little closer. They don't know do they. That your father was a Muggle."
"You lie boy!" Voldemort roared firing off a Killing Curse at him which Harry and Daphne were only just able to dodge in time.
"What are you doing?" Daphne demanded. "You're making him angry."
"If we're going to die here then I'm going to make sure his followers know the truth." He said grimly. After a moment's hesitation she nodded and squeezed his hand.
"Master, allow me to kill them for you." Joseph bowed. He obviously didn't believe these rumors, or he did, and he was just too afraid of Voldemort to go against him.
"No." Voldemort snapped. "I will kill the boy myself."
"Not today, Tom." An older grandfatherly voice called out. Voldemort looked towards the source of the voice. The flames parted like the Red Sea as another joined them. Albus Dumbledore.
"Come to die old man." Voldemort asked with a smirk. "Now after today none will live who can challenge my power."
"I'm giving you one last chance, Tom." Dumbledore responded. He bore a neutral expression. "Give up this conquest and face punishment for your crimes."
"Hmmm enticing. But I'm afraid I'll refuse." Voldemort leveled his wand at the Headmaster. "Time to die old man. A pity you'll have to die alone."
"I'm afraid he's not alone!" A voice rang out. From behind a grave stepped Professor McGongal. With her were dozens and dozens of people many of whom Harry recognized. There was Professor Flitwick, Madam Bones, Kingsley from the Trail, Hannah, Daniel, Jane, Tonks and with them he saw-
"Remus!" He whispered to himself. There was his father's dear friend. He looked like he had seen hell and back, but he stood tall, ready to do battle.
"The Order has come to die then." Voldemort smirked as the flames around them began to fade. "TO ARMS!"
The Death Eaters rushed to their Lord but not all of them. Many of them fled in fear at the sign of Madam Bones and her Aurors. Their fear of Azkaban and the Dementors Kiss outweighed their fear of Voldemort.
"Destroy them!" Voldemort demanded and he fired off a series of spells towards Dumbledore who moved to block them. "All of them!"
"They won't reach you in time boy." Duffy smirked as he leveled Daphne's wand at Harry. "Time to-"
"Get the fuck away from my Godson, you son of a bitch."
All three of them turned to see an enraged Sirius before he knocked Joseph on his ass, with Daphne's wand going flying through the air. Blood spurted everywhere as the distinct sound of a crunch came from the Irishman's now broken nose.
"DUFFY!" Daniel cried out. The man thundered across the graveyard towards his foe as everyone around him dueled each other.
Duffy looked around and realized his options. Either stay here and die or retreat and fight another day. He would choose the latter. "Till we meet again." He spat bloody spittle at them.
"ACCIO HERMIONE'S WAND!" Harry cried out as the man disappeared. His best friend's wand barely cleared the man's form as it shot into Harry's waiting hand.
"Where the hell is he?" Daniel demanded as he finally arrived. He searched the area almost expecting Duffy to be hiding behind a grave.
"Escaped." Daphne said. Daniel finally noticed his daughter and moved towards her in the blink of an eye. He picked her up in a tight embrace not wanting to let her go.
"I thought you were dead." He whispered as he held her close. "I thought- I thought they had killed you."
"I'm alive, Dad." She smiled. "But we need to get to cover before they get a spell off on us."
"No." He shook his head as he sat her down. "Black. Get them out of here. We'll finish up here."
"Come. Grab unto me." Sirius ordered Harry and Daphne. "We're heading straight to Hogwarts."
"I thought it wasn't possible to Apparate directl-" Harry began as he started referencing one of the million fun facts that Hermione had cited to him over the years.
"IT'S HARD TO EXPLAIN WILL YOU PLEASE JUST GRAB UNTO ME, JAMES?!" Sirius ordered. Harry and Daphne grabbed the man's hands. "Let's get the hell out of here." With that they were off. The last thing any of them saw was Daniel dodging a stunner and severing the Death Eater's head off with a cutting curse.
Apparition was nothing like Floo travel. It was like every little bit of you was being broken down into atoms and forced through a pipe. The world broke itself down and rebuilt itself in moments. Suddenly he was in the Hospital Wing.
"HARRY!" The familiar voice of Hermione cried out and seconds later one of her bone crushing hugs was wrapped around him.
"'Mione." He smiled weakly and stumbled. It wasn't going to purgatory that revitalized him. It was adrenaline. Do or die tended to do that to you. Now it slowly left his body. "I think I need a nappppp." He drifted off and then he fell to the floor hitting his head hard.
"Get him into the bed!" He heard Madam Pomphrey call out as he slowly drifted off.
When he came to, he was in a very familiar place. The third bed from Madam Pomphrey's office. The sun was shining high and bright. It was probably around noon. Lunchtime most likely.
"Look who's finally up and at em." An Irish brogue commented. He looked up at the bed across the room and saw a familiar face. "Nice to see you're not dead, Potter."
"John?" The boy looked definitely worse for wear than when Harry had last seen him on that street in Hogsmeade. "Merlin wha-"
"I know." John sighed touching the area around his right eye. It was covered in an eye patch. "I think it looks pretty sexy if I do say so myself."
"I-Is it permanent?" Harry asked.
John didn't respond for a second but then he nodded. "Bastard did so much damage to it that Madam Pomphrey says it won't ever work again. What happens I guess when you stomp repeatedly on the thing."
"Other than that, I'm fine brother." He smiled weakly at Harry. "A couple of broken bones at the time but easily mendable. They weren't bad as Tori's at least. Could be worse. I could look like you."
"Devilishly handsome?" Harry tried a joke.
"Harry, have you looked in a mirror lately?" John picked up a mirror on his nightstand and held it at Harry.
"Wow." Was all Harry could say. He had cuts running up and down his face, including on that ran from his nose all the way down to his chin. He looked down at his arm and where Joseph had cut him was bandaged up nice. He guaranteed it still would scar though. Just another one for the collection he guessed. "How long was I out?"
John thought about it for a second. "About three days."
"D-Did they get him?" Harry asked.
"Who?" John asked.
"Voldemort?"
"What are you on about?" John asked confused. "The Dark Lord is dead." He obviously had been out of the loop.
"How long have you been out John?" Harry asked.
"Since they brought me back. Woke up about a half hour ago and Madam Pomphrey filled me in on the situation." John answered.
Harry sighed. "There's a lot I need to tell you."
"MR. POTTER!" Madam Pomphrey cried out as she left her office. "WHAT ARE YOU DOING AWAKE? AND YOU MR. DUFFY. I INSTRUCTED YOU TO INFORM ME THE SECOND HE WAS AWAKE."
"Please be calm, Poppy." A familiar voice asked. All three of them turned to see the Headmaster walking towards them. Besides a few cuts here and there he looked the same.
"Headmaster I feel I must remind you that is my Wing." Poppy challenged.
"Oh, I remember." He almost looked amused. "But I still would like a word with young Harry."
"It will only take a moment." He added when he saw her about to raise an objection.
"Make it fast." She turned and went back to her office treating the man with a glare.
"That was brilliant, Headmaster." John grinned.
"Thank you, Mr. Duffy." Dumbledore smiled at the boy. "If you wouldn't mind, I'm going to speak to Harry privately." He started to pull the curtains around the bed.
"No." Harry shook his head. "John has my complete trust. He can be here too."
"Very well." Dumbledore said. "First things first. I regret to inform you that Voldemort did escape."
"S-So he's actually back?" John asked a touch of fear creeping into his voice.
"I am afraid so Mr. Duffy." Dumbledore nodded. "I regret to inform that your father was there that night as well."
"I don't care about him, sir." John responded coldly. "Is he still alive?" Dumbledore nodded. "Good. He and I still have things to "discuss"." With that John lay back in his bed shoving a pillow over his head.
Dumbledore raised an eyebrow. "He must be very tired." He commented.
"Headmaster, how did you find us? At the graveyard I mean." Harry asked.
"When Voldemort returned, he didn't try to hide it." Dumbledore answered. "We were already searching for you and Miss Greengrass when it happened. It was most difficult but we able to trace the energy to the graveyard."
It was good to know Voldemort couldn't keep his return secret. Otherwise he and Daphne might be dead right now.
"Sir, who was that that kidnapped me and Daphne?" Harry asked. "He said his name was Barty."
"Barty Crouch Jr." Dumbledore sighed. "A man that was presumed dead in Azkaban."
"Mr. Crouch's son?" Dumbledore nodded. "I didn't realize he had a son."
"It's not something he likes to talk about. When his son was thrown in Azkaban after the First War, it humiliated his father. He had been considering a run for Minister but no one wanted the father of a Death Eater serving."
"Where's the real Moody sir?"
"He has been located in his office. Apparently, he was being kept prisoner in his trunk the entire year." Dumbledore responded. "He will make a full recovery I'm delighted to say."
Harry was filled at the seam with questions and for the first time ever, Dumbledore seemed willing to answer every single one. "Sir, what about the tournament." Harry gulped. If his math was correct, then the Third Task was only days away. He didn't really fancy going up against a Death Eater recruit.
"Rest assured Harry, you will not be taking part." Dumbledore smiled. "You should never have been involved in the beginning. As strange as it sounds however the Goblet has rejected you from any competition as of three days ago."
"Rejected me?" Harry blinked. "How is that possible?"
"I'm not entirely sure." Dumbledore admitted. "The only thing I can think of is that something about YOU changed. Something about your very being."
"Could it be the Horcrux?" Harry asked.
This got Dumbledore's attention. "Has it been destroyed?" Harry nodded. "That is wonderful! Yes, that would definitely do it. The Goblet wouldn't have recognized you as the person whose name was entered. It now just assumes that you are most likely dead."
"I-Is my magic still intact?" Harry asked concernedly. He had talked before about living as a Muggle but now that possibility was here it terrified him.
Dumbledore reached into his pocket and produced a wand. Harry's wand. "Why don't you give it a go?" He smiled.
Harry took it and sighed. Here goes nothing…except his whole life. "Lumos." He almost wanted to cry when the tip of his wand lit up.
"Interesting." Dumbledore said. The light wasn't staying the same. In fact, it was getting stronger and stronger.
"What's happening sir?" Harry hadn't put that much power into the spell. It was just a small illumination spell after all, but the light was becoming blinding. "Nox." The light dimmed immediately.
"I would like you to try something, Harry. If you feel up to it that is." Dumbledore asked and leaned forward and whispered something in his ear.
"Are you sure, sir?" Harry asked glancing at the bed across from him. Dumbledore nodded. "I can give it a go then." He had done Levitation Charms dozens of times but never on something this size.
"Just concentrate on the clothing." Dumbledore encouraged.
Harry nodded. Swish and flick. "Wingardium Leviosa."
"OI!" John cried out as his clothes, and him by extension, began to rise in the air. "What the fuck is going on?!"
"Hey John! How's the weather up there?" Harry grinned but was still shocked, nonetheless. Where was all this power coming from?
"Put. Me. Down. Potter!" Duffy snapped. "Before I-" RIPP.
John's shirt went flying into the ceiling as the boy himself hung upside down by his pants.
Harry was struggling to keep his laughter in and doing a very poor job of it. "Is that a tattoo mate? What is that?"
"It's me kicking your ass if you don't put me down shithead." John barked. "Be quick about it all the blood is rushing to my head."
Harry released his hold on the magic and let John fall back to his bed. "I'm goi- NOT AGAIN!" This time the bed began to rise off the ground until it was several feet in the air.
Dumbledore chuckled. "I think we may leave Mr. Duffy alone for now Mr. Potter." Harry nodded and this time released the spell for good. The bed hit the ground.
"What is going on out here?!" Madam Pomphrey stormed out of her office. "Where is your shirt Mr. Duffy?"
"Was becoming a bit hot so I took it off." He answered and shot a glare at Harry who only shrugged.
"You have five minutes, Headmaster." She informed Dumbledore and her tone clearly meant this wasn't a suggestion as she slammed the door of her office behind her.
"That was my favorite shirt you damn berk." John growled.
"I'll buy you a new one." Harry offered.
John gave him the two fingered salute before throwing two pillows over his head.
"How did I do that?" Harry asked turning to Dumbledore. Him levitating John by his clothes wasn't uncommon but after everything Harry had been through the past few days, he would've expected to be a bit low on energy. He definitely didn't think he should've been able to lift a bed of that size with ease, especially with someone in it.
"I have a theory." Dumbledore started. "I appear that the Horcrux within you not only resided there but was a sort of leech."
"A leech?" Harry asked. "So, it was drawing energy from me?"
Dumbledore nodded. "Quite an amount it would seem. You have always been an extremely talented young man Harry, but I think with you, we've only scratched the surface. Now that the piece of Voldemort's soul is gone, it would not surprise me if in the very near future you were casting spells with ease, that were meant for seventh years."
More power meant he would be better equipped to fight Voldemort.
"I wish to make you an offer Harry." Dumbledore said suddenly. Harry waited for him to continue. "I know that you are planning on living with your Godfather from now on. Due to recent events, you are very much at risk."
Harry snorted. "No offense but I've been at risk my whole life, Headmaster."
Dumbledore nodded. "And much of that is my own fault. I wish to help make up for it. I would like you to train with me, Harry."
"Pardon, sir?" Did the most powerful wizard since Merlin just offer to train him?
"In a perfect world you would be allowed to live a normal life. This isn't a normal world. You need to be ready and I wish to help you."
Harry thought about it for a second. "I'll have to talk about it with Sirius."
"Sirius and I have already discussed it." Dumbledore informed him. "He said he would support your decision. Now I only need your answer."
"I say yes." Harry grinned. "Under one condition." Dumbledore raised an eyebrow. "I want my friends with me."
"I will of course need to speak to all of their parents, but I don't think that will be an issue." Dumbledore nodded. "It is good for them to learn as well. It is unfortunate but I have no doubt that they will be involved in this war as well."
"ARE YOU SERIOUS?!" John couldn't hold it in any longer. "I'm going to be training with you guys this summer?"
Harry sighed. "Who said you were my friend?" He joked.
"I guess I won't let you date my cousin then, Potter." John shrugged.
Harry snorted. "Fine you can be there too." John blew him a kiss and then went back to pretending to sleep. "You know that you can apart of this right?"
"I'm tired but I'm not ready to fall asleep." John moaned through the pillow. "Piss off."
Even though he had been invited into the conversation, Harry wanted to keep this next topic between him and the Headmaster. "Sir I have one more question."
"Ask away Harry." Dumbledore said. "Although I would keep it short. Madam Pomphrey wouldn't hesitate to curse me."
"Voldemort killed me sir. Or killed the Horcrux that is." Dumbledore raised an eyebrow but beckoned him to continue. "While I was…erhm dead I saw something."
"What did you see Harry?"
"My parents." Harry finally said. "I saw my parents."
"Interesting." Dumbledore scratched his beard. "Hmmmm."
"Do you believe me sir?" Harry asked.
"As a matter of fact, I do." Dumbledore nodded. "If it were anyone else, I would call them a liar, but you don't strike me as a liar Harry."
Harry explained everything that he had seen in the whiteness. "I felt them sir. They were real."
"They will always be real, Harry." Dumbledore placed a hand where Harry's heart was. "In here. But no one can bring back the dead. Not even Voldemort."
Harry nodded. In the back of his mind he already knew that he just wanted to make sure. Even if there had been a one in a trillion shot, he would've taken it.
"I feel it is time for me to go." Dumbledore rose from his chair. "I will of course discuss the matter of this summer with-"With that the door slammed open and in rushed about a dozen people. "It seems that they are all here." Dumbledore said amusedly as a blonde blur sped past him and threw herself unto Harry in his bed.
"Daph-?" Harry started before her lips captured his own. She threw her arms around his neck braced by the pillow and pulled him close.
After what seemed like an eternity she drew back and he finally got a look at her face. The bruise she had received when they were captured was almost nonexistent. However, she looked like she had been crying nonstop for days and the tears were starting up again. "I thought I lost you." She croaked. "In the graveyard and when you collapsed when we got back. I thought- I thought-"
"Shhhhh." He whispered pulling her closer. "I'm alive. It's going to be okay." She buried her face into his neck not wanting to let him go.
"Good to see you brother." Neville grinned and clapped Harry on the shoulder. "Bloody hell." He swore. "Not going to lie but you look like shit."
"Glad to see you're not dead, Harry." Tracey greeted him. "I actually like you. Don't die just yet."
Harry rolled his eyes. "Thanks Tracey."
"He's too stubborn to die." Blaise commented. "Nice to see you back though, Potter." At his side, Susan greeted Harry with a smile.
"Hey Harry." She said.
"Nice to see all of you." He grinned still holding on to his girlfriend. He looked past them expecting to see someone else as well. The adults were standing back momentarily letting the children get their greetings in, but they were still missing one person. "Where's He-"
He was interrupted by the sound of two people shuffling across the way. Everyone followed the source and there was a most curious sight: Hermione's lips locked against John's.
"Brave idiot." She said after she finally drew back. She lightly hit him on the shoulder. "You know that right?"
"I'm sorry 'Mione." He said to her. "I'm so sorry p-" She interrupted by mashing her lips against his again.
"It's okay." She smiled at him.
He shook his head. "No, it isn't. I'm a mess I'll be the first to admit it." He sighed. "I can understand if you don't want- OWH!"
"I'm not leaving you again, Jonathan Duffy." She glared at him. "You're stuck with me now. Accept it."
He smiled weakly at her. "Mighty tough pill to swallow." He joked.
"Hey!" Daphne called over drawing back from Harry. "You maybe want to put a shirt on?"
"I'm good thank you though." He blew her a kiss.
"I'm glad to see you're alright John but maybe you'd like to explain that thing on your shoulder?" Hannah raised an eyebrow.
John's face went red. "Would you believe me if I said it was fake?"
"No."
"Bollocks." John muttered.
Daphne frowned. "Did you dye your hair?"
He looked over at her confused. "Noooo…why?"
"Because your hair is black." Blaise pointed out.
"Are you two drunk?" John asked taking the mirror off his nightstand. "My hair is reddish br- what?" He looked into the mirror again. "What the hell?" He looked to Dumbledore. "Could this have been a spell, Headmaster?"
"With magic anything is possible Mr. Duffy." Dumbledore responded. Nobody noticed the nervous look on Hannah's face. Nobody but Hermione.
"I like it." Hermione admitted moving the focus over to her. "It's very distinguished."
John shrugged. "It's just weird is all."
"I agree with Hermione." Sirius said. "You wear it well."
"Thanks Black." John responded.
"How are you feeling Harry?" Sirius asked his Godson taking Dumbledore's vacant seat next to the bed.
"Like a million pounds." Harry responded. "What about you? Did you get injured?"
Sirius shrugged. "A few bruises but nothing major. I went back just after Poppy assured me that you would be alright."
"Nothing major?" Remus shook his head. "Lucius Malfoy almost killed you, Sirius."
"Good thing I had Daniel there to back me up." Sirius grinned at his friend who nodded back.
"I think the little bastard might've shit himself before he croaked." Daniel snorted along with Sirius.
"EXCUSE ME!" Jane snapped. "Can we save war stories for another time?"
"H-He's dead?" Harry asked interestedly. "Mr. Malfoy is dead?" They nodded. "What about Draco?"
"What do you mean?" Daniel asked confused.
"Did he die too?"
"Draco wasn't there that night, Harry." Sirius responded.
"But he was!" Daphne insisted. "The slimy little git swore his life to V-Voldemort."
Those who didn't know about the Dark Lord's return gasped. "W-W-W-W-" Blaise started to sputter.
"Krum was there too." Harry added cursing the older boy silently.
The adults in the room looked at each other. "We'll investigate this don't think we won't." Sirius said. "But all those little bastards have to do is say they were under the Imperious Curse. They'll most likely have an alibi so it will be extremely difficult to prosecute them."
Harry shook his head in anger. This was bullshit. "Guess we'll see them on the battlefield then." He said almost darkly.
Sirius nodded. "I daresay you might."
Dumbledore finally spoke. "Just know that neither of those boys will be welcome back at Hogwarts as long as I am Headmaster. Also, since I have all of you here, I would like to make a request that Harry and I discussed. How would all of you children feel about training with Harry and myself this sum-"
"YES!" A resounding answer from all of Harry's friends came. "You really mean it?" Blaise asked the fear evident in his face. "The Dark Lord has returned?" Dumbledore nodded.
"Training sounds more than good then." Neville said to everyone's agreement.
"I'm sorry I made you all targets." Harry sighed. They were at risk because of him now. Voldemort would hurt them to get to him, Harry just knew it. "I can understand if you-"
Susan snorted. "I swear to Merlin Harry, if you say that we need to distance ourselves from you, I'll scream." She looked around at all of her friends. "Hermione is a Muggle-born. To the Death Eaters she's nothing but dirt beneath their boots. Blaise's mother has spoken out repeatedly against the Pure blood supremacy going on in the world. Death Eaters killed my parents. I can't speak for Daphne, John, Tracey, Nevill-"
"They tortured my parents." Neville spat. "Bellatrix Lestrange, her husband, and his brother." Rage was coursing through his body. "I'll fight those bastards until I die." Tracey nodded showing that this was her fight as well.
"No way in hell am I ever joining the side that Joseph is on." John shook his head. "I'm fighting."
"You see Harry?" Daphne asked finally getting off of him. "Even if none of us knew you this would still be our fight. We're in this for the long haul."
Harry looked around at all of his friends. "Thank you, guys." This fight would be easier with them at his side.
Dumbledore looked to the parents. "Only with all of your permission will they be all-"
"Are you serious, Headmaster?" Daniel looked aghast. "If my little girl is going to fight, she might as well get trained." Hannah and Jane both nodded. They agreed.
Dumbledore nodded. "Excellent. No-"
"WHAT IS GOING ON HERE?!" Madam Pomphrey cried out leaving her office. "OUT ALL OF YOU! NOW!"
"My Lord, I-"Joseph screamed in pain as his Master flicked his wand.
"I don't wish to hear your excuses." Voldemort spat. "You fled like a coward from the field."
"MY LORD PLEASE!" Joseph screamed. "I ONLY WISH TO SERVE!" With a flick of his wand, Voldemort cut the curse. "Give me another chance, My Lord. Let me fight for you." He went to his knees.
Voldemort raised an eyebrow. Duffy hadn't been the only one to flee from the battle. All of these soldiers had come back to his side. Oh yes, he had killed two of those to set an example, but he hated to admit it. He needed his followers. This war was just getting started and he required everybody he could find. "Rise." He bid and the Irishman went to his feet. "Barty!"
"Master." Barty bowed.
"You must find us suitable accommodations." The Dark Lord looked around with disgust. "I will not remain in this…building."
"As you command." Barty bowed again.
The battle had gone against them as soon as his Death Eaters had begun to flee. He had been locked in a harrowing battle with that old fool Dumbledore, but the man had gotten the upper hand. It was most strange. After Potter had risen from the dead, he had felt…weak. Almost like someone had drained his power from him. It was almost like-
No. Impossible. They couldn't have known about his Horcrux's. Nobody knew except for him. The old fool had just been the better fighter that night as much as he hated to admit it. It was true that he couldn't die, but he could be sent back to that sorry state that he had been put into thirteen years ago. Never again.
"Duffy." The man bowed. "Call everyone who is worth anything together. The war has begun."
Dolores wanted to scream.
MONTHS. Months of careful planning out the window! All because that idiot Lucius wanted to play Dark Wizard again. She didn't believe the reports of course. The ones that said the Dark Lord had risen again. Those couldn't be true. What was much more likely was that Lucius and his comrades from the war had gotten together to kill Potter. Unfortunately, they had been stopped. Shame. The boy was a nuisance. He would need to be dealt with.
She and Lucius had made plans. At the end of the month they would've moved against the Minister. She had more than a few files of dirt on him that with a little push, he would run from office with his tail between his legs. Lucius would've been that push. What's more the files had disappeared. She was convinced the Minister was involved. He had power over the several operatives in the government that specialized in stealth. Cornelius was proving why he was in office in the first place. Not because of a do-good attitude or brains. But cunning. He was a politician through and through.
It wouldn't matter in the end. He might've been clever, but he had a history of making mistakes. All she needed was to wait for one and she would pounce.
Soon, that office would be hers. She swore it.
"'Arry!" Harry turned to see Fleur walking towards him. "A moment?"
"Sure." He turned to Daphne and the rest of his friends. "I'll just catch up with you guys on the train. Save me a seat?"
Daphne nodded and kissed him on the lips. Rather forcefully actually and a bit longer than was necessary for the amount of time they were going to be apart. "Don't be too long." She smiled sweetly and then looked over at Fleur with an unfriendly look.
"That is your girlfriend?" Fleur asked with an amused look. She was used to the glares that she received from other girls. It was to be expected with her Veela blood. Harry nodded a bit embarrassedly. "She seems…kind."
"Sorry about that." He apologized. "She's very nice when you get to know her."
"Think nothing of it." Fleur waved off his apology. "I only wished to say goodbye to you."
"Thank you." He smiled. "And congratulations by the way. I don't think I ever got a chance to say it." The tournament still went on. The only difference being that it was just Cedric and Fleur. Krum had to drop out due to an injury that he suffered while training. Harry knew the truth. He had suffered it fighting against the Order of the Phoenix. Harry didn't know if the boy had lost his magic for not competing. At the very least he bet it was weakened. Cedric and Fleur had competed valiantly but in the end, Fleur was the one who came out on top.
"Thank you." She returned his smile. "I only wish I could've competed against you although I am glad that they did not make you compete because of your injury." That had been the story that Dumbledore had told him to tell. It was a bit more believable than saying, "Oh yeah so this soul was attached to my soul, but it's dead now so you don't have to worry".
"I would like to ask you a question." She said getting very serious all of a sudden. "I've heard many rumors about what happened that night. Your Daily Prophet has been denying them all. I was hoping you could provide some insight."
He sighed. If Voldemort won against them, he wouldn't be just okay with Britain. He would eventually conquer the mainland, including France. She needed to be ready. "They're true." Harry said. "He's back."
"He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named?" She whispered.
"His name is Voldemort, Fleur." She shuddered. "You shouldn't be afraid of a name. He is just a man. He might be powerful but when it all comes down to it, he's nothing but flesh and bones. You only give him power when you don't say his name. Do you understand?"
After a moment's hesitation she nodded. Her mother and father didn't raise her and Gabrielle to be cowards. "So, you are going to fight Yo- V-Voldemort?" He nodded solemnly. "I wish I could help you 'Arry. I really do."
"You can." He smiled at her. "You and the rest of your country just need to be ready." He thought about it for a second. "Do you have any big plans this summer?" She shook her head. "If you like we are actually going to be training at my Godfather's house. We would love to have you."
"Training? You and your friends?"
"Dumbledore will be there too. He put it together." Harry had already made the offer to Cedric who had graciously accepted.
Fleur thought about it for a second before nodding. "Thank you for the invitation, 'Arry. I will discuss with Mama and Papa when I return home." She leaned forward and kissed him on both cheeks. "Jusqu'à ce qu'on se ressétisse." With that she left blowing him a kiss as she joined her friends.
"Look at you, Potter. Getting all the girls, are we?" Vivian smirked as she walked up.
Harry shrugged. "I guess. I'm surprised you're still here. I thought you guys would've left already."
"Finishing our preparations. I was about to head down." Vivian said. "I wanted to talk to you before I left anyway."
"Everybody back home is freaking the hell out." She continued. "About well…you know."
"It's all true." Harry responded immediately.
He could see how her heart dropped into her stomach. "Shit." She sighed. "So, he's really back then." Harry nodded. "I was hoping for a different answer."
"You could come train with us this summer if you like." He offered. "My friends, Cedric, and maybe Fleur have agreed."
"Thanks for the offer but my parents would never allow it." She smiled weakly. "They're afraid and they have every right to be. You-Know-Who never came to us but the stories they heard from people seeking refuge are horrifying."
"Just be safe, Vivian." He said. He didn't have to tell her that he knew but this was all serious. "Things are going to get bad. Real bad."
"Thanks Harry." She leaned over and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "Be safe yourself. You're not really known for avoiding trouble."
He shrugged. "It always seems to find me."
She laughed. "Yeah it does." She smiled at him. "I better get going. Don't want them to have to wait on me."
"Yeah me too."
She smiled at him again. "Until we meet again." She waved to him before walking off towards the Forbidden Forest.
"Hey Potter." He sighed and turned to see Claudius walking towards him. "Spare a moment?"
"I'm sorry Claudius I really can't talk. I have to make the train."
"We'll walk and talk." He promised.
"Aren't you lot leaving soon? I don't want to keep you."
He snorted. "Perks of being the coach. They kind of have to wait on me."
"I know people have told you this a million times already but be careful Harry."
"I know." Harry nodded as they started to walk.
"I don't believe you do." He shook his head. "Out of all these people that have told you that, only a few have actually fought in the last war. I'm one of them."
"I'm not going to mince words it's going to get bad. Real bad. The shit I saw those bastards do still haunts me. These people are no joke. They will stop at nothing to get what they want and what they want most of all, is you dead." Harry didn't speak so Cladius kept going. "I'm not going to tell you to run and hide because that won't do a dammed thing. Fight these bastards but don't do it alone. You'll have help."
Harry nodded. The time had passed quickly, and they were almost to the Express. "When the time comes know that I'll be there with you fighting them."
"You're going to help us?" Harry asked. Cladius nodded. "But that means your family would be in danger."
"My family will be in danger regardless." Trevels replied. "Voldemort won't stop until every person in this damn world is under his thumb, especially people like me. Rest of my family are No-Mages so he'll either kill them outright or use them as slave labor."
"No-Mages?" Harry asked.
"Non-Magic. They'd be Muggles over here." So, he was a Muggle-Born or No-Mage Born. Whatever they called themselves. "I will give my life to defend them if I must."
Harry wished he could say the same for his family. He hated to say it but if Voldemort would kill his Uncle to try to get at him, Harry didn't know if he would try to stop him. His Aunt and even Dudley were a different story. He would at the very least warn them.
"This is where I leave you." Trevels said. Most of the students had already boarded the Express. It would probably set out in the next couple minutes. He put a hand forward which Harry accepted.
"It was nice meeting you this year sir." Harry nodded.
"And you, Potter." Trevels smiled at him. "I meant what I said. Your parents would be proud of you."
They said their goodbyes and Trevels went off towards the Forbidden Forest where his students were awaiting him.
"Everything alright?" Daphne asked when her boyfriend finally joined them. They had all wanted to sit together so their compartment was filled to capacity after he arrived.
"Yeah." He smiled at her as he took his seat next to her. She made a bit more room when she moved and sat in his lap, her arms draped around his neck. "A lot better now actually."
Hannah impatiently tapped her foot as she waited outside the Platform. The Express always arrived the same time every single year but still she hated waiting. "Would you relax, love?" Sirius told her. This was a first for him. The first time he had been on this Platform since school. But he knew that it had the same schedule. "They'll get here soon."
"You can't reason with her, Sirius." Daniel told him. "Like speaking to a brick wall."
"Shut up." She glared at her brother. "I'm just ready to head home is all."
"Already home for you then?" Sirius grinned at his lady, draping an arm around her. "That warms my heart." They had just finished moving the rest of her belongings into his old family home. Ever since she had agreed to move in with him, he had conscripted a trio of elves to make the home ready for occupancy. He would've had Kreacher do it all, but he had found the old bastard dead in the attic the day he came to inspect the home. He was clutching a portrait of Sirius' mother to him. Everyone in the family knew how much he had worshipped her. He had never cared for the Elf, but it was still a poor way to go.
"After John collects all of his things you'll be gone then?" Jane asked a touch of sadness in her voice. She was happy that her sister in law had found someone who loved her, but she would miss her company.
Hannah nodded. "Knowing him, he'll take a week. I'm sure it'll be tough for him to say goodbye."
"You both will always have a place with us just remember that." Daniel smiled at Hannah.
"Thanks Dan." She replied.
They were suddenly joined by two other people. They looked to be around their own age, and they were dressed in Muggle clothing. The man was wearing a suit and the woman was wearing jeans and a t shirt. "Hello." The woman said politely.
"How do you do?" Hannah smiled kindly at them. She noticed that they were staring at where the entrance to Platform Nine and Three Quarters was located. "Have a child coming back from Hogwarts as well?"
The two Muggles looked over surprised. "Yes!" The woman said. "Our daughter. She's just finishing up her fourth year. You as well?"
"My son." Hannah nodded. "My niece is as well." She put a hand forward. "Hannah Greengrass."
"Emma." The woman smiled and shook the offered hand. "This is my husband, Matthew."
"A pleasure." Matthew nodded at them all.
"We're the Grangers." Emma finished.
The Grangers. Hannah's eyes went wide. "You must be Hermione's parents then?"
The two looked surprised. "Why yes we are. How do you know our Hermione?"
"She's actually da-"
"Looks like the students are arriving." Sirius suddenly said and sure enough here they came. One by one and two by two, the students came out of the Platform. Passing Muggles were so busy with their own business they didn't pay it any mind.
"Harry!" Sirius started waving excitedly. There was his nephew and his beautiful young girlfriend. Both smiled and waved back at him. He ignored all the fearful looks that he received from some of the students. It looked like a couple of Harry's friends were missing as well. They must've been caught up talking to their families by the Express.
"What are you guys doing out here?" Harry asked walking up. "Why didn't you wait on the Platform?"
"It's such a beautiful day." Daniel answered. "It wouldn't be nearly as nice on the other side."
"Mr. and Mrs. Granger. It's good to see you." Harry greeted both his best friends' parents. He had only met them once before in his second year, but they had been kind to him then and they were kind now.
"Harry." Emma smiled warmly at him. "You must come over this summer. We would love to have you."
"That would be lovely." Harry smiled. "This is my girlfriend by the way."
"Daphne Greengrass." She said politely.
"Oh, you must be Hannah's niece." Emma put two and two together. Daphne nodded. "It's so nice to meet you dear."
"Harry my boy." Matthew said looking past him. "Have you seen Hermione? Was she with you?"
"Yes sir. She was just behind me I believe." Harry answered.
"Oh I think I see her no-" Matthew stopped mid-sentence. There she was. His little girl. Coming out of that Platform. But she wasn't alone. She had her arms wrapped around a tall black-haired boy. And her lips were on his. "HERMIONE!"
Her head snapped back and finally she saw her father. "D-Daddy." She sputtered her face going redder than an apple. "I didn't see you there."
"Obviously not." Emma smirked. "And who is this handsome young man?"
"John Duffy, ma'am." He said uncomfortably and put a hand forward.
"None of that." She waved him off and brought him into a hug. He awkwardly returned it. "It is nice to meet you dear." She was happier than words could say. She had been wanting her Hermione to go out and experience life. Namely date. She always thought it would be Harry to be honest. The letters that Hermione wrote about him made Emma feel like there was something between them. But she would enjoy getting to know this young man. As long as he treated her baby right, then that's all that mattered.
Matthew cleared his throat getting their attention. "John Duffy. It's a pleasure to meet you sir." John put a hand forward. Matthew paused for a second before accepting it. A nice firm handshake and the boy looked him in the eye when he did it. Commendable.
"Matthew Granger." The man said and raised an eyebrow. "You are friends with Hermione?"
John looked nervous. Mainly because he was. "You could say that sir. More accurate to say that we're together." He said and then immediately stopped talking. The most any other relationship that he had before lasted at most, three months. He never had to do the whole meet the parent's thing.
"Interesting." Matthew replied sizing the boy up. "Well we would love to have you over for a cup of tea to get to know you better."
"I would love that sir. Thank you for the invitation." John replied. He felt Hermione take his hand and squeeze. "This is my mother by the way." He said trying to steer the conversation over to something else.
"We just had the pleasure of meeting her today." Emma smiled. "We would love to have you over as well, Hannah."
"That would be lovely." Hannah had to resist the urge to smirk. Her son was nervous, and it was adorable. He wanted so badly just to make a good impression on Hermione's parents.
"BOY!" Their entire group turned to see a Walrus walking straight towards them. At least they thought it was a Walrus. He was a rather overweight man and it was definitely fat, not muscle that made up most of him. "Are you going to make us wait all bloody day? Get in the car!"
"I'm not going with you." Harry all but spat at his Uncle. He had been looking forward to this moment ever since he found out he would be moving in with Sirius.
"What did you say boy?" The man snapped. "Come with us now or you'll be out on the street!"
"Are you Vernon Dursley?" Sirius stepped in front of Harry. It was more of a growl than an actual question.
"Who's asking hippy?" Vernon asked. He thought the joke was rather clever with the man's long hair and all.
"Sirius Black." Vernon's face went white. The dammed Godfather was supposed to be on the run.
"W-W-We're just here for the boy." He sputtered trying to take a step back. "N-No need-"
The right hook from Sirius dropped the man to the ground before anyone could tell what was going on. "He's not going with you." Sirius spat. "And let me make one thing clear. If you ever touch my Godson or make any attempt to contact him, EVER AGAIN." With that he went down to his haunches so only Vernon and Harry could hear what he had to say next. "I'll pay you a visit in the night. One that I don't think you'll very much. Are we crystal clear?"
Vernon stumbled to his feet and began running back towards the parking lot. "I think he got the message." Daniel smirked and then frowned as he started to sniff the air. "I think he might've-"
"I think you might be right." Harry laughed but stopped when a constable came over and treated them with suspicious looks.
"What was that all about?" The man asked. "Wait! I know you. You're Sirius Black."
"Yes." Sirius said simply.
"Heard they just cleared your name and they're searching for the real killer." Sirius nodded. "Be that as it may, you can't just go around assaulting people. I'll have to book you."
"The man assaulted Mr. Black here." Matthew stepped forward. "He was only defending himself." Everyone else in their group started to nod.
"That true?" The man asked. Sirius nodded. "Well then I'm going to speak with the man. Probably in the bathroom wiping himself up." The man laughed before walking off.
"Thanks for that." Sirius said to Matthew.
"Don't mention it." He responded. "I've never liked that man in the first place." Hermione had told him before that Harry's relatives were abusive. He had thought before about going to the police.
"We best get going." Sirius said to Harry but suddenly was taken into a big warm embrace.
"Thanks for that Padfoot." Harry grinned up at him. "That was awesome."
"Don't mention it, Prongslet."
As they started to walk towards the exit, Harry finally broached the question. "Sirius how'd you get here? Are we Apparating?"
Sirius shook his head. "Took a taxi though I think we'll just call the Knight Bus. Somebody had vomited in the back seat of the cab Hannah and I were in."
They all shared a laugh much to Hannah's disgust.
As they left the station, Harry felt someone wrap their hand around his. "This year was one of the craziest I've ever been through." Daphne said to him as they walked.
He interlocked his fingers in hers. "I'm glad. In any other life I would've never have met you. Hell, I might've ended up married to Ginny."
She snorted. "Thank Merlin for craziness then."
She leaned over and they shared a kiss.
As he, Sirius, and Hannah all boarded the Knight Bus and after promising Daphne and Hermione he would write every day, he smiled.
The future was uncertain and dark but there was light in that future, and he was ready for what it would bring.
A/N: Can't believe this story is finally over. I remember first typing the outline for the first chapter. I was drunk at about 3 am. I woke up the next morning and found it and was like "Hmmm…that's actually a good idea." Thank you everyone so much for loving this story as much as I've enjoyed writing it. Get ready for the next two books in the trilogy!
