Chapter 33: Dementors over Little Whinging

June 26th, 1995

"Wait, who is registered to that floo?" demanded Harry incredulously.

Harry was just outside the Hogwarts Express, waiting for Daphne and Hermione to arrive. Hermione had decided that she wanted to try to meet Harry during the holidays, so she and Daphne had gone looking to see if there was a floo on the Floo Network near Little Whinging. What they had found was a bit shocking.

"The Floo Index says Arabella Figg," said Daphne, "Of Wysteria Walk, Little Whinging."

"She used to babysit me when the Dursleys went out of town!" said Harry angrily, "Are you saying she's a witch?"

"She might be a squib," said Daphne, "In fact she probably is! The Figg family used to have a presence in the magical world during my grandfather's day, but I can't think of one who is part of it now. Whole lines squibbing out has become increasingly common."

"It's because wizards are inbreeding," said Hermione, "You have to see that, right?"

Daphne nodded glumly, "I know, it's just a bit difficult for me, you understand? This is very personal for me. It could seriously impact my options for marriage, if I want to have children."

Late last night Ginny had shown Harry how to remove the Trace. It was simple actually, if you knew what to do, but it required you to not have the Trace on you. Harry had removed the Trace from Ginny, and soon the entire war council (plus Blaise and Seamus) had the Trace removed.

Ron, Seamus and Blaise were all talking together, as Harry, Daphne and Hermione approached them. Ron's face lit up. He sort of skipped over his luggage to hug Daphne and kiss her on the cheek.

"Ron's apparently an attentive boyfriend," said Hermione so quietly only Harry could hear her.

"Mind if I ride with you guys?" asked Ron.

"I don't object, but it might be a little tight," said Harry.

"That means I can sit in Ron's lap!" said Daphne.

"So if I ride with you guys I can sit in Blaise's lap then?" asked Seamus his eyes glinting mischievously.

"Go for it," said Ron.

"That does sound nice," said Hermione to Harry quietly, "Sitting in your lap, I mean, not Blaise's."

When they found the compartment that Tracey had saved for them, they found Tracey there with Ginny, Luna and Justin.

"How's this going to work?" asked Tracey.

"Oh, I don't mind sitting in your lap Tracey," said Luna, "Oooo, Ginny could sit in Justin's lap!"

Ginny scowled at her. Harry did notice that Justin didn't seem to mind that suggestion. Justin didn't press it though. Soon they were all arranged and seated.

"This is going to be rough next year," said Blaise.

"Next year Harry and Hermione will be prefects," reminded Daphne.

"Does that mean I don't get a lap to sit in next year?" Luna pouted.

"Don't worry Luna," said Justin, "You can sit in my lap even if there's a seat available. We Hufflepuffs know the value of a good cuddle."

"Thank you Justin," said Luna happily, "I can see why Ginny likes you."

Ginny blushed furiously at that. Then suddenly she reached into one of her bags. "I almost forgot again! Harry, I recovered this when I broke into the DADA office," Ginny handed Harry the Marauder's Map.

"Thanks, Ginny, this means a lot to me," said Harry.

"It also means a lot to all of us that you removed the Trace," said Blaise, "Especially me."

"Do try to not get into too much trouble, Blaise," said Ginny.

"I hope you guys aren't going to get too physical," Luna said to the couples, "I would hate to have to start kissing Tracey just to fit in."

"Yeah I agr… wait, what?" said Tracey.

Everyone laughed.

"Oh one last thing Harry," said Ginny, "I have an idea for a thing to try. To deal with your, uh, big problem. We need to get together some time this summer."

Harry nodded. "Once my godfather takes over my guardianship I'm sure we can arrange it."

"Big problem?" asked Ron.

"If you don't know it probably isn't any of your business dear," said Daphne.

"Oh, okay," said Ron, though he sounded a bit deflated.

XXXXX

As Harry got off the train, he proffered his hand to help Hermione down. She took it, but once she had stepped down she didn't let go. Well, why should she? They walked hand in hand as they searched for her parents.

As Harry looked around for Hermione's parents, he saw the Weasleys, and he saw Justin's dad glaring at the Weasleys. His glare grew positively murderous when he saw Ginny walking next to Justin. Harry noticed that most families were snatching their children up as quickly as possible and then leaving. Not a bad idea really, though Harry didn't think Voldemort was anything like ready to start attacking public targets.

"Harry!" said a familiar voice.

"Sirius!" shouted Harry as he ran to hug his godfather.

"Thank you so much for what you did for me!" said Sirius as he returned his godson's hug and then some, "You cleared my name, and I will never forget it!"

"You'll have to thank Fleur," said Harry, "She was the one with the presence of mind to pick up the rat's head."

"I would be delighted to meet Miss Delacour," said Sirius, his eyes sparkling.

"Sirius!" chided Harry, "She's much too young for you!"

"Oh, I wasn't thinking in those terms," said Sirius hastily, "But she does seem to be a good friend of yours."

"Uh huh," said Hermione unconvinced.

"I see the two of you are getting pretty cozy," said Sirius.

"We figured we should give the two of us a shot," said Harry.

"Good for the two of you!" said Sirius.

"Am I going home with you?" asked Harry.

"Soon, but not quite yet," said Sirius, "You saw the state my home was in two years ago. It's even worse now. We're trying to get the worst of it cleared out before we bring in any minors who can't use magic."

Translation, thought Harry, Dumbledore managed to convince him to keep me at the Dursleys for a week or two.

"Well, make it quick," said Harry, "I'd prefer not to spend much time at Privet Drive."

"Don't worry, I'll be having a word with them before you go with them," said Sirius, "And maybe we don't have to mention that I've been cleared for murder."

Harry's hand slipped back into Hermione's as they searched for the Grangers together. They finally found them near the entrance to muggle King's Cross.

"Mum, Dad!" shouted Hermione. Her parents turned to see Harry and Hermione holding hands.

"And what is this?" said Helen Granger.

"We decided to get together," said Hermione.

"I mean, how can any of the other girls compare to Hermione here?" asked Harry, "That was a huge hole in our 'let's date other people plan.'"

They introduced Sirius to the Grangers, and they all made their way through the barrier to King's Cross proper. Upon seeing his relatives, Harry turned to Hermione. They'd shared a rather intense kiss back on the train, but suddenly, Harry couldn't quite help himself, and they were kissing again. This wasn't quite as intense, but it did last long enough that Hermione's father began clearing his throat. Harry pulled back.

"Stay safe," he said.

"You too," replied Hermione.

Harry and Sirius walked over to the rather indignant looking Dursleys, Harry dragging his trolley.

"Mr. and Mrs. Dursley," said Sirius, "My name is Sirius Black…"

XXXXX

As her parents began to drive away from King's Cross, Hermione began to look out the back windows, scanning for anyone following them.

"Is something wrong Hermione?" asked Helen.

"Yes," said Hermione, "I'm making sure we aren't being followed."

"Who would follow us?" asked Robert.

"Death Eaters," said Hermione, "Listen, the last few days have been crazy."

"You could have written and said you were dating Harry now," said Robert.

"We only got together yesterday," admitted Hermione, "After what happened in the third task, well, neither of us was willing to wait. Harry came closer to death than ever two days ago."

"What do you mean?" asked Helen.

"Harry and Fleur were abducted from the task, and Harry's blood was used in a ritual which resurrected Lord Voldemort," said Hermione, "Fortunately, Voldemort got arrogant and tried to duel Harry. In the process of the duel Harry and Fleur managed to not only escape, but kill Peter Pettigrew and bring back proof that Sirius hadn't killed him."

"What sort of proof?" asked Robert.

"Pettigrew's head," said Hermione, a bit sheepishly.

"Harry cut off Pettigrew's head?" demanded Helen.

"He had Fleur under the Imperius curse! If Harry hadn't killed him Fleur would have been Pettigrew's slave," said Hermione, "And it was Fleur who thought to bring his head back."

"His slave?" asked Robert, though his voice betrayed that he indeed suspected what that meant.

"Yes father, I mean exactly what you think I do," said Hermione, shuddering at the thought of Fleur under Pettigrew's control.

"Well, in that case, good for Harry," said Robert.

"Robert!" protested Helen.

"I don't condone killing, but I think preventing a friend from being used as a sex slave is a pretty damn good exception to that," said Robert.

Helen looked a bit outraged still, but she couldn't say much to that.

"Is the war back on?" asked Robert.

"Not quite yet," said Hermione, "The Ministry, and by Ministry I mean Fudge, doesn't want to admit that Voldemort is back. But the evidence is pretty overwhelming. We'll need to take some precautions though."

Her parents both nodded. Hermione decided not to bother telling them about her plan to visit Harry. No need to stir the pot right now.

XXXXX

June 27th, 1995

Harry knocked on the door to Mrs. Figg's house. It was the day after he had returned from school. She opened the door quite quickly. She seemed rather surprised to see him.

"Harry Potter, is there something you need?" she asked.

"I'd like to use your floo," said Harry.

"Uh, my floo?" she said rather unconvincingly.

"It is in the Floo Index," said Harry.

"Well, I don't think Dumbledore would want you going anywhere," said .

"So you work for him?" asked Harry.

"Well, he asked me to keep an eye on you," Mrs. Figg admitted, "I am sorry that I couldn't be nicer to you, but if those muggle relatives of yours thought you were having a good time at my home…"

"Yeah, they'd have had me out real quick," admitted Harry, "Anyway, I don't want to go anywhere, I just want to talk to my girlfriend. And maybe let her come here?"

"Oh, in that case you are more than welcome to use my floo," said Mrs. Figg, "I suppose I owe you for not really being able to help you before, and I don't get many visitors."

"You're a squib, aren't you?" said Harry, his voice sympathetic.

Mrs. Figg nodded unhappily. "You know, I was the last chance for my family. The last chance for our family line to continue. Luckily my parents weren't stuck up like some of those pureblood supremacists. They loved me even without magic. But I never did adapt to the muggle world. Only thing I'm good at is raising cats."

"I like cats," said Harry, "My girlfriend has a cat named Crookshanks, he's a big mean furball, and I love him to death."

"You seem to like mentioning your girlfriend too," said Mrs. Figg a bit slyly.

"Well, we did just get together," admitted Harry.

"I once had a boyfriend," said Mrs. Figg sadly, "He was a wizard. Said he didn't care I was a squib. I think he did love me. But I couldn't bear the thought that our children might not be magical, so I turned him away. So here I am, just me and my cats. Stupidest thing I ever did, turning down his proposal of marriage. Now I'm not saying that his girl is the one for you, but I am saying you shouldn't let love pass you by. No matter how fleeting it may be."

Harry ended up spending the afternoon talking to Mrs. Figg. He felt sorry for her, and angry at the magical world for practically driving her out. Stupid wizarding bigotry once again.

XXXXX

June 30th, 1995

Hermione was sitting on her bed reading a book. Daphne had loaned this book to her, and it was on Wizengamot procedures. The Wizengamot had once been a body well ahead of its time, but that had been almost 200 years ago. As it was now, it was a relic, though perhaps some of the foundations might be useful for the future. It would have to be radically overhauled to be of any use. And that was the eventual goal, to reform the Wizengamot and the Ministry. Voldemort had the same goal, but in the opposite direction.

Her mother opened the door to her room. "Headmaster Dumbledore is here to see you," she said.

That was odd. Perhaps this was some security matter? Hermione got up and straightened her shirt. It seemed odd to speak to the Headmaster of Hogwarts in a t-shirt and shorts, but that was what she was wearing.

Coming downstairs, she saw the Headmaster sitting in a chair in the living room. Her parents were not there. Apparently he wanted to talk to her alone.

"My, my, muggles do have rather comfortable furniture these days, don't they," said Dumbledore, "I find that I haven't been able to spend very much time visiting muggle homes, not since I became Headmaster."

"I think most wizards would benefit from the experience," said Hermione, "though undoubtedly many would come away with the wrong idea."

"I agree," said Dumbledore.

"Excuse me, Headmaster, but you didn't come here to discuss muggles," said Hermione.

"Regrettably not," said Dumbledore, "I have heard a rumor that you and Mr. Potter have decided to pursue a romantic relationship. Is this true?"

"Yes," said Hermione, "Not that it is any of your business."

"It is only my business in that you are also a student of mine, and that being associated with Harry brings risks," argued Dumbledore, "Not that I am suggesting that you abandon Harry or any such thing. He will need your support more than ever now, but I am concerned for your safety."

"Sirius hired some wizards to put up wards all around the house," said Hermione, "Gringotts sent a cursebreaker to inspect them."

"All that might be enough, if you weren't Harry's girlfriend," said Dumbledore, "But you are. We have a safehouse that I have established with Sirius Black and the Weasleys. In a few weeks, we will move Harry there. You, on the other hand, could be moved at almost any time, as there is no need for you to remain here for these wards to function."

"You want me to move to your safehouse?" asked Hermione, "I'd have to ask my parents, but they would probably be happy to let me go, if it really is safer."

"The location is under a Fidelius Charm," said Dumbledore, "I am the Secret Keeper."

"That is some serious protection," admitted Hermione.

"However, until we move Harry there, I would have to ask you that you not say anything to him about what is going on," said Dumbledore, "There are certain dangers if certain information was to be intercepted."

"You can't possibly expect me to not contact my boyfriend," said Hermione, "Right now he's trapped at Privet Drive, and I'm his main lifeline into what is going on."

"I know this is a big ask, but you are also aware of the… connection between Harry and Voldemort," said Dumbledore, "I am not sure Harry is able to protect his mind well enough to hold Voldemort off."

Hermione frowned at the mention of that connection. It was, after all, a horcrux that Dumbledore hadn't even mentioned, much less done anything about.

"Voldemort would have to be very stupid to try entering Harry's mind again after what happened at the graveyard," said Hermione.

Dumbledore's eyes widened at her use of the Dark Lord's name. He didn't seem shocked, just a bit surprised.

"Anyway, Harry knows enough Occlumency now to keep him out," said Hermione, "I can understand not wanting to put something down in writing, or not wanting me to discuss sensitive matters over the floo, but are you asking me to not communicate with my boyfriend for several weeks?"

"Yes," said Dumbledore.

"I won't," said Hermione, "I will not do that to him."

"Very well then," said Dumbledore, "Sirius suspected you would say as much. Given that we are using this location as a secure headquarters we cannot allow you there until you do agree to this, or until it no longer matters."

"Once Harry is there you mean?" demanded Hermione.

Dumbledore, rose and walked towards the door. "I wish you had been more cooperative," he said, "If you change your mind, you can contact me and I will retrieve you."

And with that, he left.

Hermione's parents walked in. "He said he was going to take you someplace safe," said Robert angrily.

"His conditions were unacceptable," said Hermione, her voice filled with disgust, "He will come back to get me once he has moved Harry later in the summer. Apparently he doesn't trust Harry."

"The fool," said Helen, "After all Harry has done?"

Hermione was quivering with anger at this point. Something was very, very wrong with Dumbledore. She didn't know why he was doing this but she knew something had to be done. Just another thing to bring up with Harry.

XXXXX

July 4th, 1995

Harry looked at the letter from Percy. Apparently, the Daily Prophet was walking a very fine line to avoid violating the settlement they had signed with Harry. This had actively angered Fudge. He wanted the paper to smear Harry now, but they were limited in what they could print to things that were definitely true. Percy had warned Harry that Fudge had asked his Senior Undersecretary a woman named Dolores Umbridge, to get something they could "use against Potter," supposedly by any means necessary. Daphne had also mentioned Umbridge. She'd warned Harry about her. Repeatedly. Apparently Umbridge had a nasty reputation, and Fudge had named her Senior Undersecretary to increase his control of the Ministry in general. The Wizengamot was not having it for the moment, but they really couldn't do much unless they intended to remove Fudge.

The interrogation of Barty Crouch had gone poorly for Fudge apparently. Indeed, it had confirmed that Barty Crouch Sr. had used Polyjuice Potion to disguise his dying wife as his son so that Barty Jr. could escape Azkaban. But she died days later. Which meant that the dementors hadn't been able to tell close family members apart from each other, as Harry had suspected. That was useful to know, but also a bit disturbing.

Harry was also sad to note that Percy had broken up with Penelope Clearwater. He'd known there had been some tension there, but apparently Percy taking the job with Fudge had been the last straw. Arthur Weasley also had words with Percy recently as well, and it hadn't gone well. Percy however seemed unfazed by this, well, more or less. He knew that this was going to be a hard road, but until Fudge started showing sense, Percy was in for a nasty time.

Harry put this aside. Today was the end of his first week with the Dursleys, and he was planning on meeting Hermione for the first time today. Nothing was going to get him down today.

He made his way to the park near Mrs. Figg's house, carrying a backpack. He had a few things stowed in there, just in case something went wrong. A few minutes later Hermione arrived. She was wearing a rather pretty sundress. The weather was rather suited for it, Harry noted.

"Hermione Granger, late?" he asked.

"I had to wait for my parents to leave," said Hermione.

"Hermione Granger, breaking rules?" Harry teased again, "It's a topsy turvy world, I tell you."

He walked up to her and kissed her rather thoroughly.

"Well, I guess that's one way to apologize for teasing me," said Hermione.

"Want to take a walk?" asked Harry.

Hermione smiled.

XXXXX

It was strange, Harry had snogged Hermione on beaches in southern France. They'd had a date in Hogsmeade. They'd even had a rather personal day once in Paris. Yet the time Harry spent with Hermione today, in Little Whinging, was probably the best time Harry had ever had in his life - and it was easy to see why. Almost all of his memories from this place were bad, but with Hermione here, he was making good memories. Just walking, holding her hand, talking, the occasional kiss; it was all so much better than he had ever dared hope. He was in love, and for the first time he could admit it freely, and could live a normal life.

Harry had been very angry to hear what Dumbledore had asked Hermione, and even angrier when he learned that he had refused to let Hermione into this headquarters. Still, Harry begged Hermione to reconsider agreeing.

"Please understand, I do believe you are right," pleaded Harry, "but I can make it on my own for a few weeks. If you can be even a little bit safer, please, it would be a load off my mind."

They stopped for lunch in a small pub several blocks from Harry's old school. Harry didn't have any muggle money, but Hermione had, of course, planned ahead. After lunch, they headed back to the park. Harry didn't want Hermione to leave, but of course she needed to get home before her parents did. Yet when they got to the park they found that neither wanted to leave just yet. So they sat on the swings, holding hands.

"I wish we could do this forever," said Hermione.

"Me too," said Harry.

Harry looked around the park. All of the equipment had been repaired at the beginning of the summer. It was in fairly good condition. Harry doubted that would last long once Dudley found this place.

"Speak of the Devil," said Harry as he looked out across the park. He could see Dudley and his gang approaching. Harry doubted that Dudley would notice them at this distance though. Harry had seeker eyes after all.

"My cousin and his goons," said Harry, "Why don't we just disappear."

Opening his backpack he pulled out his invisibility cloak. He and Hermione both stood up, and he quickly covered them both up so that they would be hidden. They moved away from the swings, so they wouldn't accidentally run into Dudley or his friends. Harry guided Hermione by putting his arm around her waist. She let out a slight sigh of contentment as he did so, resting her head on his shoulder. Suddenly, Harry heard a loud pop. Someone had just apparated.

Dudley and his friends did indeed see the playground as an unbearable temptation. They immediately set to breaking everything they could. Luckily they hadn't brought any real implements of destruction this time, just Dudley's Smelting stick. That would change. Next time they'd be better prepared for mayhem.

"What a waste," whispered Hermione into Harry's ear.

"Let's go," whispered Harry, "No need to watch this. Let's get you home before you get in trouble." As he said the word trouble, he gave Hermione a brisk pat on the backside. She barely managed to stifle a giggle.

"Sure," she said quietly as they walked off, "Brrr, it's getting cold anyway."

Harry stopped dead in his tracks. It was getting cold. Oh no…

"Dementors," said Harry. Hermione seemed to recoil in shock, then realisation dawned in her eyes. Someone had sent dementors to Little Whinging. But Voldemort hadn't had enough time to recruit them! Which meant…

This was Umbridge's surprise.

Fortunately none of Dudley's friends were looking at them right now, so Harry threw off the invisibility cloak. Just off of himself though. "Hermione, run for Mrs. Figg's house, and go back home. Now! Take the cloak! Just go! You can't be caught here!"

"All right Harry," said Hermione. Harry knew she would stick around until she confirmed that he was safe, but under the cloak at least she would be relatively safe, and would probably be able to get away. But Harry had a bigger problem. A much bigger problem, because Dudley was his cousin. If the dementors were here for him they might target Dudley by accident. Whatever Dudley had done, he didn't deserve to have his soul sucked out.

"Dudley!" shouted Harry, running toward his cousin. He could feel the panic and despair beginning to sink in. The dementors must be close.

"Potter!" said one of Dudley's friends.

The wind seemed to start howling, but Harry knew that wasn't the wind.

"Potter, are you doing this?" said Dudley quietly.

"I am not!" said Harry just as quietly, "There are some very nasty things out there right now, and they are after us. Get rid of your friends!"

There was no need as at that point the dementors sailed into Harry's view. While muggles couldn't see dementors, they could feel them. Dudley's friends seemed to collectively panic and run.

"Follow me now, or it will kill you. No, it will do worse than kill you," said Harry to Dudley. The dementors were just far enough away that some semblance of Dudley's reason still remained. He nodded and he followed Harry.

Harry's goal was simple. He had to get Dudley to a relatively isolated location, and once there he could cast a patronus. He led Dudley towards the nearest alley.

"Why's it after us?" said Dudley.

"It can't see, so it hunts by some other magical sense. It can't really tell the difference between members of the same family," said Harry, "It probably only wants to kill me, but it will kill you too just to be sure."

Dudley gulped. "Why does it want to kill you?" asked Dudley.

"It eats souls," explained Harry hastily, "But the reason it's after me specifically, well, I know how to drive it off. Someone set it after me in the hopes that I would."

"What, why?" asked Dudley.

"I'm not allowed to use magic out of school," said Harry, "They're trying to force me to break the law so they can expel me."

"What?" shouted Dudley, "You mean you've been lying about being able to do magic?"

"I'm so sorry. I know I only did it so that you would treat me at least somewhat close to a human being while I was forced to live here. How selfish of me!"

Dudley didn't seem to know what to say to that. Harry turned them into the alley and ran them back as far as they could go. There was no one in sight. Hermione was probably close by, but no one else.

And then, the dementors were there. Coasting down the alleyway. Harry drew his wand. And concentrated. The smell of Hermione's hair. The feeling as he slipped his arm around her waist. That little pat on the bum he'd just given her. All of it brought to the surface pure joy.

"Expecto Patronum," said Harry. His stag burst from his wand. The dementors immediately broke off and fled. They'd played their part.

Harry put away his wand. Hermione dropped the invisibility cloak. "The patronus didn't even get close to them."

"Don't put the wand away boy!" said a voice. It was Mrs. Figg.

"They won't come back," said Harry, "That was what they wanted. They wanted me to break the ban on underage sorcery."

"Oh damn that Mundungus Fletcher. When you disappeared he must've decided you'd gone back home." said Mrs. Figg.

"Hermione, go home now and contact Sirius," said Harry, "I don't have the Trace on me, so nothing will happen until those dementors report in. But that's a couple of hours at best."

"Right!" said Hermione. She ran up and gave Harry a hurried kiss, then ran off with Mrs. Figg in tow.

"Back to Privet Drive Dudley," said Harry, "this day just got a lot more complicated."

XXXXX

Hermione fell through the floo into her own home. Right in front of her parents.

"You're home early!" said Hermione, "Doesn't matter! I have to call Sirius."

"Where have you been?" asked Helen, though she seemed to know already by the tone of her voice.

"I promise you, my floo call to Sirius will explain everything," said Hermione, "but right now I'm in the middle of a genuine emergency, so please allow me to deal with this first."

"Hermione…" started Robert.

"Don't be foolish Robert, if Hermione says it's an emergency let her do what she needs to," said Helen.

Hermione was already grabbing a handful of floo powder. "I need to speak to Sirius Black," she shouted as she threw it in the fire.

Moments later, Sirius's head appeared. "What? Hermione? Why are you calling me?"

"Harry and I were just attacked by dementors!" she said, "he cast a Patronus to drive them off. There's going to be a delay in the Ministry finding out, but they will try to expel him!"

"How did you get to Little Whinging?" demanded Sirius.

"I took the floo to Arabella Figg's house," said Hermione, "You need to move Harry immediately. The dementors must have been sent by the Ministry. Fudge is moving against Harry! If the Ministry is moving against him the wards at Privet Drive may not be enough to protect him!"

"Those wards are stronger than any other I can think of," said Sirius, "But it is possible that they wouldn't protect against Ministry officials. But I think you are in more danger right now, if the dementors saw you."

"They didn't," said Hermione, "I was under Harry's invisibility cloak."

Hermione heard her father clear his throat angrily. Sirius just raised an eyebrow. "I see the two of you aren't wasting any time," he said suggestively.

"We were hiding from Harry's cousin Dudley!" said Hermione, "We didn't even snog once all day. Well, not properly at least."

"Oh, so instead you leave me disappointed in my godson?" said Sirius, "You certainly have a cruel streak, don't you?"

"In any event, stay there!" shouted Sirius, "Regardless of whether you were spotted, those dementors probably know someone else was there. And you're probably the first person they'll look into. I need to get you to safety."

And Sirius's head disappeared.

Hermione turned to face her parents. They both had stony looks on their faces.

"Well, I never said I wasn't going to go visit Harry," said Hermione lamely.

Helen break out into bitter laughter, "Oh no, that isn't cutting it this time."

XXXXX

Ginny was heading towards the kitchen, hoping to hear something interesting. Headmaster Dumbledore had arrived, but the Order of the Phoenix meeting hadn't started yet, so Ginny and Ron hadn't been shooed out yet. Sirius was speaking quietly, but urgently to the floo, so she was still able to observe him. She'd given Dumbledore a piece of her mind the other day when he'd reported that Hermione had refused to not reply to Harry. Sirius had almost taken Ginny's side in that argument. Even Molly, who usually acquiesced to Dumbledore, had considered that a bad idea. Apparently Snape had insisted on those terms however, and as he was the Order's spy, he made the rules.

The Weasleys had moved in here a few days ago. There had been a flurry of activity the first few days as the Order cleared the place out for habitation. With Fudge not openly moving against Dumbledore yet, they'd had a chance to bring in some cleaners. They'd managed to drive out most of the nasty critters that had taken up residence in the 12 Grimmauld place, but Sirius hadn't gone through very many of the dark artifacts yet. Two days ago the Fidelius had gone up.

Sirius pulled his head out of the floo, a look of panic on his face. "Harry was just attacked by two dementors in Little Whinging."

"Was that Arabella or Mundungus?" asked Dumbledore.

"It was Hermione," said Sirius, "Apparently she Flooed over to Arabella's and spent the day with Harry."

"Arthur hasn't sent word," said Molly, "And he has an ear in the Improper Use of Magic office."

"If Harry used magic, it would set off the Trace," said Dumbledore.

"Granger is probably trying to pull a fast one over on us," said Snape, "Probably as punishment for how the Headmaster treated her a week ago."

Ginny had to head this off immediately. "Harry doesn't have the Trace on him," she interrupted, "Daphne confirmed it the very night he was entered in the tournament. The Trace broke the moment his magical guardian failed to stop him from being entered in a dangerous contest just for overage wizards, even though it was his job to do so, and even though Harry had warned him it was a possibility."

Dumbledore hung his head. "I hadn't even considered… That law stripping Sirius of his guardianship! If it hadn't been passed…."

"Yeah, if it hadn't been passed Sirius would have been his guardian and Harry wouldn't have lost the Trace at that point," said Ginny.

"Hermione wouldn't lie about something as serious as Harry's safety!" said Ron with absolute certainty.

"I'm going to go pick up Hermione and Floo her over here," said Sirius, holding out his hand expectantly. Dumbledore nodded immediately, and quickly wrote down the location of Sirius' home. Sirius took the note. "After that, I'm getting Harry. He isn't safe in Little Whinging, not if this is the Ministry."

"We can't be sure of that," said Dumbledore.

"The Dark Lord isn't even close to being able to approach the dementors about switching sides yet," said Snape, "This is definitely the Ministry."

"I will go to the Ministry," said Dumbledore, "I should be there when the news hits. Do not Floo with Harry! Apparition should still be safe for the time being, without the Trace on Harry."

Sirius nodded, and then left.

Ginny got up and ran up to her room. Time to get ready for Harry's arrival. They had a lot of work to do.

XXXXX

"WHAT DID YOU DO TO HIM!" screamed Vernon at Harry.

"Nothing," said Harry, "I mean I saved his life, but otherwise everything that happened was the dementor's fault."

"Wait, are you saying a dementor tried to attack Dudley?" asked Petunia.

"Yes, well two dementors really," said Harry, "They couldn't tell the difference between him and me. They have trouble telling close relatives apart apparently."

"But you drove it off," said Petunia.

"Yes," said Harry.

Petunia looked very worried.

"What is a dementor?" demanded Vernon.

"They guard the wizard prison, Azkaban," said Petunia, "Lily always said they were bad news."

"She wasn't wrong," said Harry, "If they had caught Dudley they'd have sucked out his soul."

"So you did save my life?" said Dudley, confused.

"Apparently so," said Petunia.

Suddenly there was a sound like a loud crack as Sirius Black Apparated in. He was accompanied by Fred and George Weasley.

"Harry, are your things packed?" asked Sirius.

"More or less," said Harry.

"Fred, George, I want you to go and get Harry's things," said Sirius, "We're relocating you Harry, it's too dangerous for you to stay here with the Ministry out to get you."

Harry nodded. As soon Fred and George left, Harry turned to his relatives.

"Whatever those two say, if they offer you something, especially if it's food, don't take it! They're pranksters who love causing mischief," said Harry.

"That's no fun Harry," said Sirius.

"Much as I dislike my relatives, they've had enough trauma today," said Harry.

"Your father would be livid with you over this, but I suppose Lily would approve of what you are doing," admitted Sirius, as he held out his hand, "You can side-along with me."

Harry took Sirius's arm. "Goodbye for the summer," he said to his relatives.

"Hmph," said Vernon. Petunia just looked shocked.

"Thanks for saving me," said Dudley. He was clearly still in shock over what had happened. He was lucky the dementors had attacked in broad daylight. At night it would have been worse.

"Oh, wait!" said Sirius as he fumbled in a pocket, "Here Harry, I almost forgot."

He handed Harry a note that read: "The Headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix is at 12 Grimmauld Place."

Sirius swept his wand down, and Harry felt like he was being squeezed through a straw again. Suddenly he found himself in Sirius's home in London. It was substantially cleaner than it had been the last time he had been here. He barely had time to turn around though before he was tackled by Ginny Weasley.

"I was so worried!" she said as she seemed to be trying to hug the life out of him. Harry managed to get his arms around her to pat her on the back.

"Well, I came through it all right," said Harry.

"Easy, Ginny," said Ron, who was running down the stairs, "He's Hermione's boyfriend."

"It's okay," said Hermione, who walked in from the kitchen followed by Molly Weasley and Remus Lupin, as well as another witch Harry didn't know, "Harry's brushes with death are a little too frequent. I don't begrudge any of his friends the right to show their relief."

"Oh, I could kill Mundungus Fletcher right now!" said the unknown witch.

"Harry, this is my cousin Andromeda's daughter Nymphadora Tonks," said Sirius.

"Just Tonks," said Tonks, "I'm an auror, and part of the Order."

Harry shook her hand after extricating himself from Ginny, then gave Remus a friendly pat on the back. Molly then engulfed him in a hug.

There was a pair of pops from upstairs. A few minutes later Fred and George appeared on the landing above.

"Awfully unsporting Harry..." said George.

"...warning the Dursleys' like that," finished Fred.

"Sorry," said Harry, "I thought they'd been through enough today. Any other day…"

The twins nodded.

"Well we aren't monsters, so I guess we understand," said Fred.

"But that being said, you still owe us for this!" said George.

"I'll do my best to make it up to you," said Harry.

"I'll show Harry his room," said Ron.

"Hermione and I can tag along," said Ginny. Hermione seemed startled to hear this, but didn't say anything. Ginny clearly had something on her mind.

Ron led them upstairs. He brought them to a room that had clearly once been Sirius's. It had pictures of scantily clad muggle girls all over the walls.

"Well, this is an interesting room," said Harry.

"I thought you'd like it," said Sirius as he passed by.

"Ginny wanted me to give you guys as much time as possible," said Ron. "I'll do what I can."

With that, Ron left the room, closing the door behind him.

"Harry, we have to destroy that horcrux in your head now!" said Ginny suddenly, "Now that Voldemort is alive he will eventually use the connection between you to attack you. And if he does it while you still have that thing in your head, you'll have more trouble than you might be able to handle."

"I'm all for that, but how do we do it?" asked Harry.

"How did I destroy a Horcrux?" asked Ginny, "You suck it dry. Use legilimency on it. I've confirmed from books the Black family has here that it will work. It will try to drain your life force and instead you can drain it. You already know you can do it, it would be almost the same as when your wand locked with Voldemort's."

"But that will give Harry Voldemort's memories," said Hermione, aghast.

"Adult Voldemort's memories," said Ginny, "including the horcruxes he created, and where they are."

Hermione's face turned despondent. "I don't want it to change Harry though," she said, her voice sounding tiny and scared.

"Hey," said Ginny, "I've been through this. It won't change him, not who he is at least. He'll just have new information. Yes, it will take getting used to. But, the only other way I could think of to get rid of the horcrux is to let Voldemort use the killing curse on Harry and hope it kills the horcrux instead of Harry."

Hermione nodded. That would be far too dangerous.

"All right," said Harry, "I'll give it a go. Keep an eye on me."

He pulled out his wand and pointed it at his forehead. "Legilimens."

Suddenly he could feel Voldemort's mind. For a moment it was so shocked that it did nothing, but then it struck, trying to claw its way free and into his mind. Harry held firm though and slowly pushed back with his will. As desperate as the horcrux was, it was only a fragment. It couldn't defeat Harry as long as he stayed focused.

When he had finally 'pushed' it as far as he thought he could, he saw a wisp of black… something coming off of his forehead. And then he felt them. A whole host of memories where none had been before. He almost plunged into them, but the first few he saw stopped him cold.

"Merlin! I want to throw up," said Harry, "Voldemort is… I can't even…"

"Easy Harry," said Ginny as she put her arm around him, "It's all right. You're still you."

"I agree," said Hermione, also putting an arm around Harry.

But one memory bubbled to the surface, the one thing Harry wanted to know most of all. And suddenly Harry was on his feet, his fist clenched in anger.

"There was a prophecy!" roared Harry, "It predicted that I would face Voldemort! It's the reason he came after me. But he didn't hear the whole thing."

Harry tried over and over to control his temper, but it wouldn't go down.

"Snape was the one who told it to him," roared Harry, still out of his mind with rage, "Snape was the one who set Voldemort on the path to kill my parents."

Author's Note: And there's another big twist. Though I have been heavily foreshadowing it for a while. But Harry getting Voldemort's memories and using them against him was always the plan for this story.

Now, time for some backstory! Originally Sirius was supposed to die in 3rd year, and Harry would have blamed Snape for turning him in. So once he discovered Snape's involvement with his parents' deaths, he was going to ban Snape from entering 12 Grimmauld Place. In the end I dropped that whole arc. In some of the earlier outlines this story had a bit of a Dark Harry vibe and one idea was for Harry to kill Snape. I rejected this idea pretty quickly, as it would mean completely rethinking the ending of the story.

I also think I should warn people, starting with 5th year the kid gloves are coming off. People are going to start dying this year. And not all of them are going to be bad guys.