**Before we dive into the next chapter: I've gotten a few reviews (thank you for those! They make my day!) that have asked about what happened to Harry to get him into the condition he's in now. I realize that's very confusing, and I should have cleared that up before now, but I got sidetracked with other parts of the story that I wanted to write Anyways, I'm hoping to explain the situation about two chapters from now. Thanks for reading, and onto the story!

"Don't, Ron—you'll wake him!"

Harry grinned sleepily, the wave of anxiety he always felt when waking dispelled immediately by Hermione's familiar tone and Ron's equally familiar, defensive (but slightly abashed) retort.

Ron apparently saw Harry's reaction. "Hey, mate."

"Hi, Harry," echoed Hermione.

Harry opened his eyes, and the sight of his friends brought a bigger smile over his face than he had felt since that fateful day that he had been captured.

"How're you feeling?" Ron asked cautiously.

"Much better," said Harry honestly. He could even sit up with only a slight wince and a little help from Ron.

"Professor McGonagall and Mr. and Mrs. Weasley and Sirius are nearby if you need anything, Harry, and anyone else is just an ask away if you need them," said Hermione hurriedly.

"Yeah, just let us know," added Ron.

Harry nodded his thanks, but felt secure with them. The pain was mild enough that he could force it to the back of his mind today, for which he was grateful.

A silence fell between the three. It wasn't awkward; each drank in the presence of the other two, the knowledge that they were, finally, together and safe.

"I really missed you guys," said Harry suddenly, not out of a desire to break the silence, but simply because he wanted them to know that he had thought of them in his darkest moments, that they were comforting him by merely being present.

"We missed you too," said Ron earnestly. "And obviously…really worried…"

Hermione gave Ron a look that said"you're not supposed to say that," but Harry didn't mind. He knew what he'd been through, and he knew that Ron and Hermione wouldn't have had much knowledge of what he was going through, only vague, dire whispers.

They must have imagined the worst, he thought.

"What've you been doing?"

"Mum's been sneaking us sleeping draughts," griped Ron.

Harry smiled, relieved to hear that someone had been taking care of his friends.

"Have you all started your homework?"

"Hermione tried…"

"I…couldn't," said Hermione dejectedly.

The three fell silent. That statement alone testified to the absolute exhaustion of the group.

"Dumbledore's kept us posted on how you've been," put in Ron a little more optimistically. With a slight grin, he added, "He had a go at Snape the other day. You know, not loud, just that awful, quiet anger—"

Hermione cut him off sharply, "Ron."

He reddened.

Harry had a feeling he knew where this was going. "You're…not supposed to tell me?"

Ron and Hermione shared a glance. Ron said slowly, "Mum told us not to bring up Snape…"

The silence that fell contained an awkwardness for the first time. Ron and Hermione eyed Harry suspiciously, and Harry searched desperately for a change of subject.
"What've the twins been up to?"

Ron grinned, and an unwilling smile crept over Hermione's face. "They're making some breakthroughs on their products. Extendable ears came in handy

Hermione added earnestly, "They've been brilliant with Ginny. Really making sure she's okay."

Without warning, a sharp pain stabbed his chest and a cry escaped his lips. He fell heavily back against his pillows, but the pain was gone a moment later.

Hermione leapt up before Harry could protest. "I'll get McGonagall," she cast hurriedly over her shoulder as she rushed from the room.

Ron remained where he was, for which Harry was grateful, though his friend's face was pale and more serious than Harry had ever seen it. "You okay, mate?"

"I'm fine; it wasn't anything, probably."

Ron's face didn't relax. Before either could say anything more, though, Professor McGonagall swept into the room, followed closely by Hermione.

"Where does it hurt, Potter?" She asked briskly, her tone even, not betraying the tension in her face.

"Just a twinge in my chest; I think it's fine."

McGonagall nodded crisply. "Miss Granger, Mr. Weasley, would you step out? I think Mr. Potter should rest."

Ron and Hermione nodded.

"We'll see you soon, Harry," said Ron earnestly with that serious look that was so ill-suited to his face.

"Feel better, Harry," added Hermione.

McGonagall

"Professor…" began Harry hesitantly.

"Yes, Potter?" Her tone was gentle, and Harry slowly put his words together.

"Is there a chance that it wasn't…real? You, know, that I just imagined the pain?"

"I've…heard of such things. I'll ask Professor Dumbledore. For now, though, you should rest. Do you think you can fall asleep on your own?"

The pain was at a low hum, and he felt suddenly drained. "I think so. Thank you, professor."

"Of course, Harry. I'll stay, though. Just to make sure you're all right. If you'd rather Mr. or Mrs. Weasley or Sirius, though…"

"No, it's all right, professor. Whatever you prefer."

McGonagall gave him a searching look. "I'd prefer it if I stayed. I'm sure you're all right, but I would feel better knowing."

Harry nodded and closed his eyes. He was asleep by the time McGonagall had settled into the chair by his side.

Sirius had taken McGonagall's place when Harry awoke.

"How're you feeling?"

"Same as yesterday—er, that was yesterday, right?"

"Three days ago."

"I've been out for three days?"

"Harry, you were unconscious for a week at a time just a while ago. It's okay—to be expected, really. And it means you're healing steadily, not fast, which is good long-term."

Harry took a moment to process that. Half-dreading the answer, he asked, "How long ago was…you know…how long ago was I rescued?"

"You were taken on the twenty-fourth of June, rescued just over a week later, and it is now the seventh of August."

Harry stared at him. "That's not possible."

"If it's any consolation, it feels much longer than that…But I also have some good news. Dumbledore thinks you're ready to move to Hogwarts. Hermione, Remus, and the Weasley's will go with you."

The shock disappeared and his spirits soared. "Really?"

Sirius smiled at the joy apparent on his godson's face. "Yes, really."

That joy deflated as a different thought occurred to Harry.

"I can stay here if you'd rather, Sirius," said Harry, worriedly studying his godfather's face.

Sirius shook his head. "I can visit, check in on you, that sort of thing. It'll be quiet—it's the summer—and you'll be under Madam Pomphrey's care, which will make me feel better, at any rate.

"Besides…you've been stuck in this room for far too long. And Hogwarts is your home."

"Sirius…"

"It was mine too." Said Sirius softly. Then, with a grin, he added, "The Potters' house was home as well."

"Are you going to be okay?"

Sirius looked at him sternly.

"What?"

Sirius sighed, exasperated. "Harry James Potter, I am ordering you to worry about absolutely nothing for the next…well, until you are officially and entirely cleared of any medical concerns. Is that clear? And certainly no worrying about me."

"Sirius, I know this must have been so hard—"

Sirius interrupted fiercely, "You are alive, Harry. And you are going to get better. You're going to make a full recovery. Dumbledore has said it, and, looking at you, I believe it. I have not and I will never ask for more than that. I get to see you—not as much as perhaps I'd like, but still, I can see you and talk to you and know that you are and will be okay. I repeat: do not worry about me. Do you understand?"

"I…I think so."

"Good."

"So…when do I leave for Hogwarts? And how am I getting there?"

"As soon as you feel ready. And you'll be apparating."

"I thought you couldn't apparate into Hogwarts?"

"That's why Dumbledore will be taking you. The rules don't seem to apply to him."

Harry smiled at that. "And you'll come visit?"

Sirius nodded. "As often as I'm allowed."

"As a dog or, you know, a person?"

"I can transform once I'm within the castle. Hogwarts is safe, Harry. For both of us."

Next chapter will come very soon! (It's mostly done) Thanks for reading!