Harry was dropped off at the Dursleys by Hermione, Harry knocked and waited to be let in, this was more of wanting to be on good terms.
Dudley opened the door and grinned widely, "Harry! Welcome back mate, you got a minute for a cup?"
Harry grinned and high fived him, "Yeah Duds, how have a good year? You're looking good now!"
He was honestly surprised at how happy he was to see Dudley, even though their letters slowed down a little, it wasn't so bad, they had much to talk about. Dudley told him about his classes and the new friends he's made, and how Piers was still his best friend and the trouble they got into. Harry told him as much as he could and gave him the left over treats he had in his travel bag.
They had moved from the foyer to the parlor and just chatted along, neither had noticed that Petunia stood there watching, she had a flash back to a similar teenage scene, but it was about her and Lily fighting whenever she returned from her school.
She cleared her throat and pursed her lips in her usual sneer.
Harry and Dudley both flinched and looked abashed, Harry clapped Dudley's back and said, "Sorry, Dudley, but I have to go, my godfather is waiting for me after all."
Dudley nodded and thanked him for the sweets and walked him up to the bedroom, they promised to continue writing and wished each other a great summer.
Dudley closed the wardrobe door and sighed, he headed out of the room and downstairs to talk to Petunia.
"Mum, why don't you like Harry? I have my reasons, so what are yours?" Dudley was genuinely curious.
Petunia crossed her arms, she had never held anything back from Dudley, but this was something not even Vernon knew.
"You're too young to understand Dudders, but the main reason is because he is dangerous. And never forget that, ever!" She gave as her reason.
Dudley watched as she walked away, he shrugged, he figured his mother was never going to tell him so instead left it alone and went to play on his Sega Pico, a welcome back home gift from his mother.
When Harry arrived at the Patria, he greeted Sirius happily, and when he asked him of his school year. Harry was taken aback that someone else was interested in him and he excitedly told him of his year.
He told him the success of his and Hermione's clubs, and how Gilderoy resigned just before the end of the year tests, after many students pointed out every error in his guide preparation for the exams. Hermione was not happy finding out that he lied about his tales and using Rita's help and the Quibbler exposed the truth about him. Gilderoy left the morning the article was published, he didn't come down for breakfast and when he didn't show up to his first class that morning, everyone knew he had left town.
Harry mentioned Hermione's intention to search for the real people who performed the great feats, and give them the real credit they deserved.
He told him how the Brigade members have progressed; especially Neville, and how he was thinking of inviting Luna for the summer when Hermione came over, and maybe a few other members too.
He complained about Draco too, how he was still being an arse and how Ron had become kind of odd. Sirius told him he would talk to Arthur about Ron, maybe he could keep an eye on him for the summer.
And it clicked in Harry, he was doing all the talking and he was watching Sirius keep quiet and just smile and laugh.
"What's wrong?" Harry asked.
Sirius crossed his arms and sighed, "You're going to find out soon, some way or another, I didn't want to worry you, but Harry…" He paused and took a deep breath, "Harry...Voldemort is coming back, we think he performed some resurrection spell."
Harry felt his blood run cold from the top of his head to his toes, his breath tightened in his chest and he felt light headed, Sirius caught him before he hit the floor.
"Harry, Harry!- Kreacher!" Sirius yelled. Kreacher appeared with a snap and as he saw Harry as white as a sheet, he quickly conjured up a large cushion and small pillow, they laid Harry on top of it and waited for him to slowly regain his strength.
"It's ok Harry, it's ok." Sirius whispered to him, he regretted telling him, his heart ached from fear and worry. He understood what the therapist had told him, he finally understood and he held Harry tightly. "Harry I am so sorry, I thought I was doing the right thing."
After a few minutes Harry finally regained his senses. He heard Sirius mumbling over and over the word 'sorry'. Harry gave a weak grin, "It's ok, I knew this was going to happen," He took a deep breath as he sat up, "It's still a shock you know."
Harry then told him he was going upstairs to lay down, which he did, he didn't bother to bring up his trunk, Kreacher took it upstairs for him and took all his clothes to be washed.
"Sir Harry, Kreacher will make a soup." And he left the room then.
Harry thanked him and closed his eyes, he told Sirius the truth, he knew this was coming, but it was still a shock. He was scared, he took out the journal and flipped through it. He stopped when he got to the fourth year.
"...he took my blood and then he could touch me. But I guess Dumbledore was relieved this happened. Because, well this is not the right time for it, but you will know, for now you must know, you have a horcrux in you. You are going to have to find a way to get it out, you're going to have to be brave, it will be ok, you have Hermione on your side and I'm sure now, you should have others."
He re-read the passage, and felt a sudden calmness, it was true, Hermione was on his side, and so were many others. But he was also a danger to them. He read the first and second years again, and skimmed through the third, but he closed the journal with a sharp snap.
They were almost done, the snake will be found so it won't be used as a Horcrux, Umbridge was removed from the Ministry after the Reform came out, she was very vocal on her opposition.
And before the battle, he had to deal with himself.
So many people were removed or made aware of what's going to happen. Harry placed the journal in his closet, there was nothing else for him to do with it. It was the end of that, he went to the mirror and looked at his face, took his hands to his cheeks and gave them small slaps.
"You have to snap out of it, you can't get daft now." he took deep breaths and squared his chest.
His next breath was steady and he gave himself a nod, the school year flew by, he took out his books and started to do some homework, as stupid as it was, he needed something to control.
He forced himself to get distracted, yes who knew if he would go to Hogwarts next year, but at least he wouldn't be stupid.
And Voldemort could come any time, maybe tomorrow, maybe in two years. And he planned on surviving, and that meant planning for the future.
After an hour Sirius went upstairs to check on Harry, he knocked on the door and after hearing Harry's permission, he went in and saw him doing his homework.
"You sure you want to get started on that now? You have time." He offered as a joke.
Harry grinned and shook his head, "Once this is over, I have to have good grades for any job right?"
Sirius grinned and sat on his bed, "That's right Harry."
They chatted a bit over homework, Sirius offering input in subjects he remembered pretty well.
Once Harry got halfway through most of it, he took a break, Kreacher had kept the soup warm when he could hear the laughs and chatter from upstairs.
Harry gazed outside as he watched a gray squirrel jump from tree to roof, "Sirius, can I ask you two questions?" He asked.
"You can ask more than two." Sirius replied.
"Can you have Professor McGonagall to stop by?" He asked quietly. "And do you think we can work on the Animagus transformation?"
Sirius opened his mouth, his first instinct was to say it was too dangerous, but re-thought about what happened earlier and nodded. "Very well, it'll be very tricky, and we have to hurry, if you want to do this before school starts. And I'll contact Minerva to stop by tomorrow."
He grabbed one of Harry's arms, "We'll need to get Hermione too."
Early the next morning, Harry felt a weight on his shoulders as he got dressed; he stretched his shoulders, and while standing in front of the mirror he pushed his chest out and pulled his back up straighter. He'd grown a few inches he thought to himself.
He met with Sirius outside, whom gave Harry a slight nod. And let himself be guided with apparition; when they arrived at Hermione's they told her parents it was an important school project and quickly explained the spell.
They were a bit hesitant, but Sirius promised he would be watching all the way. They relented and Hermione quickly packed her bags, she promised them that come Christmas, she would be there.
Harry hugged Emma and thanked her for the help and shook Dan's hand, he invited them over for dinner later that week and they agreed, but to a new place they discovered in their neighborhood.
Sirius quickly apparated them to Luna's house, Pandora opened the door holding on to her son and her wand in the other hand making bubbles.
"Pandora, so sorry to come unannounced, but is Xeno available, I have a special request to ask?" Sirius told her.
She nodded and looked over the hill, "He's gone with Luna to the clover patch, they decided they wanted clover honey for breakfast tomorrow."
They thanked her and headed over to the hill, Hermione struggled with her bag, Harry reached over and took it from her, she sang her thanks, and Harry grinned to himself. Sirius caught the looks and said nothing until they saw Xeno.
They waved at each other and met halfway, Sirius and Xeno stepped aside to talk, whereas the kids stood by chatting themselves.
"So nice to see you again so soon." Luna chimed happily.
Harry and Hermione agreed, "Have big plans for the summer Luna?"
Luna shook her head, "None, mum has been feeling tired, and dad said staying home for this summer would be helpful for her. But I think they just need some alone time, no kids."
Hermione blushed at Luna who proved to be more intuitive than her, and then gasped. "I have an idea!"
She reached out for Luna to take her hand, and once Luna had hold of it, Hermione pulled her, Luna giggled and using her wand had Harry lifted and floating along.
Xeno had stopped paying attention to Sirius and started to laugh loudly, Sirius turned and the sight he saw had him doubled over laughing.
"I'm sorry to interrupt, but we have a great idea for Xeno and Pandora, can we talk?" Hermione quickly said, Sirius and Xeno nodded and barely were able to walk as they saw the odd train they made as they ran through the field with Harry floating eerily behind bobbing high and low depending on the level of the ground.
Pandora herself laughed on the floor and as soon as Xeno and Sirius apparated at the gate.
Sirius waved his wand and Harry was released and landed with a thud on the ground, "You know I was getting used to that." He laughed as everyone joined in, the adults laughing harder.
After catching their breaths and Pandora pouring them some cold pumpkin juice, Hermione told them their idea. "Luna said you two might need some time alone together, and well I know how we can do it, Luna can stay with us at Sirius' house, and Darius can be watched by my parents."
Pandora smiled sweetly at Hermione and gave her a hug and a quick peck kiss on the head; "Hermione dear, I love that you thought of this, but Darius is starting to show magic and it can give your parents some trouble, but I don't mind Luna going with you two for the summer."
Pandora glanced at Xeno who wanted to object, but gave in, "Yes, Luna you're welcome to head out today if you'd like."
Luna smiled just like Pandora, "Thank you! Hermione please help me pack." And the girls took off to pack enough items for the summer.
Harry slightly frowned, but didn't say anything, Pandora noticed it and gently stroked his hair, standing beside him, "Yes Harry dear?"
Harry sighed and reluctantly looked at Pandora and Xeno, "That means that you won't be able to spend time alone, Luna said you really needed it."
Pandora gave Darius to Sirius who was a bit shocked but very pleasantly surprised, she took Harry's hands and looked him deep in the eyes, "Harry, we don't need to be alone, we just needed to make sure Luna, Darius, and everyone we care about are ok, and seeing you today and hearing everyone laugh is enough."
Harry continued to look worried and Xeno held on Pandora's shoulder and leaned in, "It's true Harry, we were worried about Luna spending her first year at Hogwarts and she was just so happy to tell us everything when she came back."
Luna and Hermione came bounding down the stairs with Luna's trunk floating behind them. But before they left Pandora insisted they eat brunch together, and before they knew it, the quiet affair turned into a loud party.
Sirius apparated to the building of the flat to get to Diagon Alley quicker, ran into Tonks and passed the message, Tonks went to the Ministry and told Amelia's assistant about the lunch, and Amelia took it to mean it was a meeting and sent owls to everyone else.
Even Severus made an appearance, upon seeing the festivities made his way back to where he came from, but not before Sirius gave him a bottle of Firewhiskey and told him to lighten up.
Severus gave him a dark scowl, but kept the bottle as he apparated.
Meetings were postponed, appointments rescheduled, Bill, Charlie, Fred, and George gave duel demonstrations and a firework display once evening fell.
"I wondered where you had gone." A cold voice cut through the noise and laughter.
Everyone looked up and saw Molly standing just a few feet away from where they were gathered, Arthur who was sitting next to Amelia stood up quickly and went over to Molly's side.
"Molly dear! This was just an unexpected gathering, unplanned." The tips of his ears started to get red as he got closer to her, but everyone could see Molly's eyes shooting daggers out of them, her hand gripped her wand tightly.
"I wanted to make sure there was no danger over here, you didn't arrive home as usual and then I heard loud noises from over here, we have to be neighbourly after all." She said with forced joy.
She glanced around the table, her gaze lingering at Amelia and then Harry.
"Harry I would love for you to come by for your birthday, we can have a party just like this at the Burrow." She said with genuine amiability.
Harry shifted uncomfortably in his seat, Sirius quickly intervened, "So sorry Molly, but we have already made plans for Harry's birthday, can't miss them I say, see we made plans to have a Muggle party at Hermione's house."
Molly wrinkled her nose, "How in any way is that fun?"
Hermione cleared her throat, "But it is, we have party favors that make noises, we have ice cream cakes, and there are some very nice games we can play."
Molly ignored her, and Arthur seeing how she was about to press finally reached her and said, "Molly let's go home, I'm rather tired."
Percy who had kept quiet and stayed in the background went over with his dad, "Hello Mother, I agree with Father, it's been a long day, we can use some of your favorite tea before bed."
Molly smiled at Percy, "Of course dear." She waved goodbye and leaned on Percy as they made their way back home.
The party ended at that point, the food was cleared and dishes put away, they held a short meeting as the remaining Weasleys left.
Moody growled, "She's going to tell Dumbledore."
Minerva nodded, "I wouldn't be surprised if he knew tomorrow."
Aurora saw this as an opportunity to bring up partnering with Dumbledore, "Would that be so bad? If You-Know-Who really is back in some way…"
Amelia shook her head, "No, it's not safe. Dumbledore is playing his own game, for his own purposes."
Remus shared a glance with Tonks and she gave him a nod, "He's recruiting, he sent me a letter to be a teacher for next year; Defense Against the Dark Arts." He took out the letter from his robe pocket, he received it earlier and only had time to discuss it with Tonks.
Everyone pored over it, but there was nothing special in it, except the words.
"Blah, blah, blah, as Hogwarts once served you, I ask of you to serve it…" Sirius growled.
"This is blackmail!" He pointed at the letter, many agreed, but it was Aurora who calmed everyone down.
"Take a moment everyone, do you really think it's blackmail? He's merely asking if Remus could repay a favor. And he's only asking for one year, whereas Remus stayed at Hogwarts for seven." Aurora raised her voice to be heard.
A few people nodded grudgingly, she continued, "We mustn't forget despite what we know of Dumbledore, he's done everything for a brighter future."
She stumbled over her words, she was about to let slip she knew of Remus being a werewolf when no one had told her anything. But it clicked, Harry and Hermione were seen to quickly confer over Hermione's journal. And they agreed with her sentiment.
"I'll teach then, for a year, the students need some proper training, Harry, Hermione you've both been wonderful, and I'll do my best to raise your standards and to test you." Remus promised them. Tonks agreed to move to Hogsmeade for the year to be close to Remus and it wasn't too hard on her to travel to the Ministry.
The air changed from the jovial freedom to one of tense night; while others made revised plans they had made or brought up old plans that fell through. Sirius gently tapped Aurora's shoulder and gave a nudge of his head to indicate a private conversation.
They walked a couple feet away before Sirius spoke, "You strongly believe then, that Dumbledore looks for a brighter future?"
Aurora's back tensed, but she kept her voice calm, "Yes I do."
Sirius placed his hands behind his back, "Then why are you here?"
Aurora opened and closed her mouth softly, she had no response to his question. Sirius eyes narrowed and he moved over until he was inches away from her face.
"If my godson or any of the Brigade members are hurt in any way, because of something you've done. You will know me Sinistra." Sirius warned her in a cold whisper, he pulled away from her, with a full mind of telling Minerva.
But a tug to his arm made him stop and then Aurora had thrown herself at him and kissed him hard, she wrapped her arms tightly around his neck, he felt himself stagger from being caught off guard, but he hugged her tightly and ducked with her behind a couple of trees.
Aurora's mind was screaming for her to stop, that this was not part of the plan, that she could be in danger.
Sirius on the other hand had forgotten everything they had just talked about and instead ran his arms up and down her back as they kissed.
Shivers went up and down Aurora's spine as Sirius' fingers gilded easily and when they rested on her hips to pull her in closer, Sirius felt the small waist that was underneath.
Aurora ran her fingers through Sirius' hair, undoing the pony tail he had, the hair felt smooth and silky, and his chest felt large under the robe, she inhaled his musky scent, one of wilderness and open plains. She dropped her head back as Sirius kissed her neck and she gasped as his lips lingered a little too long at the edge of her robe.
"SIRIUS!" Called out Kingsley
They both jumped apart from each other, Aurora quickly straightened her robe, and came out of the clearing first.
"Thank you Mr. Black for that advice, I will bear it in mind," She went over to the rest of the group; with a wave of her hand said, "I wish everyone a happy summer." Aurora said and without a backward glance hurried off the property and apparated to her home, where she quickly rushed for a cold shower to hide her embarrassment.
Sirius on the other hand slowly made his way out of the trees with almost a dazed look, Kingsley finally found him, and after seeing Aurora clearly make her escape easily assumed what transpired.
"Sirius, you may want to fix your hair." Kingsley said with a poker face. After guiding Sirius back to the group; and after catching him up on the summer plans, Kingsley left for home, where he rubbed his eyes and smiled. Despite everything it gave him a small ray of hope that people found time to love.
Once back at Patria, Sirius had tuned the kids out, he didn't even tell them to get ready for bed, he just waved at them and disappeared in his room.
"What is wrong with him?" Said Harry looking confused as he heard the lock turn.
Hermione shrugged and turned to Luna, "Luna you can stay with me."
Together they all went upstairs and changed into their pajamas, it was very late at this point but since school was out, they decided to celebrate their way.
"Dobby? Kreacher?" Harry called out softly in the library, both house elves appeared, Dobby with a popping sound.
"Yes Sir Harry?" Kreacher croaked
"Harry Potter!" Squealed Dobby.
Harry told them of his plans, Dobby and Kreacher both nodded.
"Harry Potter sir, is it ok if Dobby asks a friend for help?" Dobby looked nervous at Harry.
Harry nodded, and Dobby quickly disappeared and reappeared with another house elf. This one had more softer features than Kreacher and Dobby, and it looked better taken care of.
The unknown house-elf curtsied and squeaked, "I is Winky, Dobby said you need help." She looked at Dobby, "But Winky must stay no more than a few minutes Dobby." She said sternly.
Dobby nodded, "Yes Winky. Dobby and Kreacher will fetch Harry and Hermione's friends, and Winky can make food."
Kreacher gurgled in his throat, "Kreacher can do it all by himself."
Hermione who was staring intently at Winky turned to look at Kreacher, "Of course Kreacher, but this is faster, now let's hurry."
And soon Winky had quickly prepared finger food for the Brigade members, as they arrived with all their bags and were sniggering and giggling trying to find places to sleep in the library, Hermione had grabbed Harry's hand and snuck to the kitchen.
"Winky?" She called out.
Winky was cleaning up the dishes she used to cook and looked over at Hermione, "Yes Miss?" She squeaked and walked over to them.
Harry was confused as to why they were there, he wanted to head back to eat; he wanted to take as much advantage of Sirius being in his room and have fun.
Hermione sat down at the table and gestured for Winky and Harry to do the same. After they did, Hermione looked cautiously at Winky. "Winky, your Master is Barty Crouch Sr, is that right?"
Winky's eyes lit up bright and she nodded, "Miss knows my Master?"
Harry was still a bit confused; he didn't say anything though he wanted to know where Hermione was going with this.
Hermione leaned closer and so did Harry, he could barely hear her as she spoke, her pink lips barely moving, he caught himself staring and forced his mind to clear.
"Winky, you look after him don't you, after his wife died. You promised to always take care of him, no matter the cost." Hermione's words were heavy weighted, Winky seemed to understand and squeaked.
"I is speaking no more, Master Crouch is a good master, he loved the missus very much. And Winky is a good elf!" She jumped off her stool and went back to finish cleaning the pots and pans.
But Hermione didn't stop, she followed Winky, "Winky, we know, we know Barty Crouch Jr is at your home right now." Hermione bit on her bottom lip as Winky gasped and a few pots and pans dropped from the air.
"You know!" She squealed.
Harry's head snapped up, he finally understood, before he could jump to Hermione's side, he felt a small hand on his arm squeeze and then let go. It was Luna, her long silvery blonde hair trailing behind her.
She stood by Hermione and smiled softly at Winky, "Of course they know miss, Harry and Hermione are such good people, they are heroes, they save everyone. They know more than us, and don't want to hurt anyone.
Luna knelt down to Winky's height and gave her a sweet smile, "It's ok, you can leave now if you want. We're so happy you came to help."
Winky put the pots down with a snap of her fingers and looked at Luna before looking at Hermione, "Winky will not speak ill of her Masters."
Hermione nodded, "We know Barty Jr is at home, under your care, please Winky, we know he's not a good person, he has hurt others-"
She stopped when Winky clapped her ears down. "I'm sorry Winky, but if there's ever a time you need our help, you can find us."
Winky released her ears she didn't say anything, but instead snapped her fingers and was gone.
"Thank you Luna." Hermione said.
Luna smiled, "I saw you leave…"
Harry patted her back, "Thank you Luna, at least she knows we're here to help."
Kreacher came into the kitchen then, he complained about the mess and set himself to finish cleaning up.
Luna, Harry and Hermione headed back to the library, Harry took Hermione's hand absentmindedly as they made their way back.
Blaise nudged Daphne in the ribs and he pointed over with his head using the excuse of drinking butterbeer. Daphne grinned and whispered in his ear, "I bet you five galleons they won't realize until fifth year."
Blaise grinned and said "Ok, but I say it'll be this year."
They got called to join the fun and indeed joined, lights were off except for their wands, attempting to whisper among the giggles and snickering. They fell asleep just as the sun was creeping through the windows.