How one conversation turned his life around:

When Harry Potter first arrived at Hogwarts, he was very unsure about everything, he especially didn't know what to expect. He did not like the attention he received, but after a while he got used to the stares and people pointing at him or staring at his scar. He began to make friends, something he could never do before. The Dursley's always made sure no one would want anything to do with the freak.

Now after being part of the magical world for two years, going on to his third year, Harry knew he wasn't a freak, the Dursley's were. He was in the world he was meant to be in, the world his parent's belonged to. He was finding his place in the world and he was finding himself. The Dursley's always told him he wasn't wanted, nor would anyone want him. He found many people genuinely wanted to know him. Some naturally only wanted to become his friend due to his fame at being the-boy-who-lived but some were real.

One thing Harry decided to do now that he was a little older, he planned to run away from the Dursley's. He had money, especially once he converted his galleons into pounds. All Harry needed to figure out was where to stay and how to get food. He could look after himself, he had been since he was four. He knew how to cook, so all he had to do was buy the ingredients to make things. He did wonder if there was someone in the magical world that could help him, maybe the goblins. Even if they couldn't, they might know of a place he could live, in secret. Harry would need to think more about this before he could decide what to do.

Harry began thinking about his friends and even though Harry really liked Hermione and she was a great friend, she had a lot of flaws. Her biggest, in Harry's opinion was her belief that adults deserve to be listened to, respected and obeyed. Harry had seen enough living with the Dursley's to know that respect needs to be earned and so far very few adults inside Hogwarts deserved respect. He would never obey someone like Snape. He didn't like Dumbledore or McGonagall due to their attitude and how they allowed bigotry to run rampant inside Hogwarts, not to mention they allow bullying, even by a member of staff.

Harry might get annoyed at Hermione but the teachers allowed little idiots like Draco Malfoy to call her mudblood, a disgusting name and meant to be insulting. So Harry could never take anything most of the teachers of Hogwarts said seriously. Hermione's other flaw was how she believed she was always right because she read it in some book. After Harry read the books that mentioned him and his parent's, he realised that most of these so call facts were either lies or a few facts that had been twisted to make them sound better, along with a lot of speculation. Hermione would never believe that any book that was sold as truth to be anything but truthful. Harry knew better. He tried to tell her once, she refused to believe him so Harry decide to give up. He knew one day Hermione would learn the truth. He knew that no one can always be right, it was impossible.

Harry's other friend, Ron Weasley turned out to be a bit of a bully and he seems to get jealous of the attention Harry receives. Even though Harry tries not to stand out, it happens more than he would like. That is something Ron didn't seem to like. He had begun to slowly distance himself from Ron and Hermione and started to get to know other kids, like Neville Longbottom and Luna Lovegood. He had met and become friendly with kids from other houses, but only Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw. He thought some of the Slytherin's were probably okay, but with the way Draco Malfoy runs that house, with the support of their head of house, no one in Slytherin could be seen being friendly with the-boy-who-lived. It didn't worry Harry too much, he just decided if they wanted to be lead around like sheep by Malfoy, then they weren't worth knowing.

Harry found so many things wrong with the magical world. Because he did not grow up in the magical world, as he should have, he still didn't feel like he quite fit in and hoped things would change. So far nothing had changed, yet the adults in the school and the ones that run the magical world weren't helping the situation. The pure-bloods believe they could dictate how everyone should live and who should be at the top of the food chain, the pure-bloods. Where people like muggleborns shouldn't even be there, as far as the pure-bloods believed. The separating of the students into different houses just made the problem worse. Harry knew he could have a lot more friends and great friends if he could spend more time with kids from other houses. Being separate made that almost impossible.

Now that he was getting older he had began to make plans for the future. But he also began to know what he wanted. The magical world will always be part of his life, that will never change since he was a wizard. But he didn't really like this world. He hoped it would get better, but with the way the adults just seemed to allow things to go on as they are, Harry knew there would never be any good changes, at least not in his lifetime. He would try, but he didn't believe he could do much. He had decided to keep learning things from the muggle world since he had decided to work and live in the muggle world, which he believed would either be after he finished his o.w.l.s at the end of fifth year or if he decided to continue until he finished his seventh year after doing his n.e.w.t.s.

While staying in Diagon alley before returning to Hogwarts Harry had snuck into London where he bought a lot books to keep up with his muggle education. He knew having a teacher would be better, but he couldn't do anything about that, so he had to teach himself and from books.

When Harry first walked through Diagon alley, he thought it looked magical, no pun intended. One thing that stood out that day was how most woman seemed to dress and act like ladies he had seen in some old fashioned movies. Harry liked how the muggle world constantly moved forward, but one thing he hated was how it was difficult to tell who was a boy and who was a girl if you were looking at them from the back. Not always, but it was just the way girls dressed that made them seem more masculine instead of feminine. But there was also girls who dressed provocatively, which is something Harry did not like at all.

Harry knew he had old fashioned beliefs and one was girls should be girls and look feminine. He thought girls looked better wearing dresses. He didn't mind if they wore tights under their dresses. It got very cold in winter so the girls needed to stay warm any way they could. But now the girls seemed to always wear trousers of some type, just like the boys.

At first he thought it was just the muggle world where girls seemed to be losing their femininity. But now as he sat in the great hall eating his breakfast on Sunday morning, he realised the magical world was the same. Once the girls were out of their robes and in casual clothes, they too wore jeans. It made Harry feel that he wished he lived in the past.

'You seem deep in thought Harry,' Neville said as he sat down opposite.

'I am, in a way. It's taken me a while Neville, but I realised that even though I grew up in a modern muggle world that is always advancing, very different from this world. There is one thing I don't like about the modern world that seems to be part of the magical and muggle world. And it's not something I like, but I'm in the minority.'

'It's way too early for all this. But explain or it will bug me all day.'

Harry's eyes swept around the great hall before he turned back to his friends, 'I like girls who look like girls, to be feminine. But when I look around, I see them wearing trousers and acting like tomboys. I know when I begin dating, I want a girl to be a girl. I want her to act like a girl and dress like a girl. I might enjoy playing quidditch and the girls on the team are great, but to me, they don't act like girls should. So I've worked out that I will only date a girl who acts like a girl. I won't date a girl who plays quidditch, they're tomboys, or to me they are. I don't like girls acting tough, yelling, hexing, swearing. It's just not right in my book. I look around here and I'm lucky to see a handful of girls who look feminine. But another thing I hate is how some girls dress provocatively. It's like they want the boys to look at their...well, chests. I suppose not many boys think like this, but it's how I am. I want a girl that's feminine, not a tomboy but also not flaunt herself. I'm all for equality and believe a woman can do whatever a man can. They should be paid the same as men as well. I don't know, I just know I want a girl to be a girl.'

'My gran does not like the way girls act and dress. So if this is how you think, then your aunt must be a proper lady.'

Harry gagged, 'Oh blimey, no, she's an old horse.'

'You talk that way about your family.'

'There not my family Neville, thank god. No, I'm just unlucky enough to be related to them and that I'm stuck with. I'm forced to live in there home, at least for another couple of years but they are not family, I have no family. That place is not my home, I have no home. Anyway, let's get off the freaks. Do you have an hour or so to spare today to help me?'

'Sure, but how can I help you?'

'With herbology. I'm getting better but I still have trouble with some plants.'

'You're good with plants Harry, I noticed that straight away.'

'Since those people I live with make me do all the gardening, I've developed a green thumb. When I'm older and have my own place, I plan to have a nice garden filled with lilies, but I also want a green house filled with plants like what we use in potions. I don't bother learning potions now, I'll hire a good teacher when I've left this place. So I still need to learn about magical plants and you happen to be a genius at herbology.'

Neville beamed with pride at Harry's praise, 'Then we can go down to the greenhouses soon if you want. I usually help out on weekends, so Professor Sprout allows me in her greenhouses without any supervision.'

'Wonderful. I promise not to touch anything, I just need to know things about certain plants.'

'Then I'll finish my breakfast and we can go.'

While Neville was eating he wondered about the way Harry spoke of his relatives. He already knew from overhearing the twins that they had to rescue Harry from the house before their second year. He also heard the rumour that Harry had blown up his aunt a few weeks before they returned to Hogwarts. He found out Harry didn't blow her up as in kill her, she blew up like a balloon. Neville decided he might speak with his gran about Harry and his home life. If his friend was being mistreated then maybe his gran could do something about it.

As Harry and Neville left the great hall and headed outside, Ginny Weasley, who had overheard what Harry said about girls, was a little surprised at Harry's attitude. She liked Harry, she had for a while, but one of her dreams was to play professional quidditch. By the way Harry sounded, he would never look at her in a girlfriend type of way if she played quidditch. So now she had to decide if she went with her heart and tried to get Harry to notice her she would need to give up a lot of things she liked. If she went after her dream to play quidditch and forget about Harry, then she would have the career that she always dreamed about but not the boy she liked. She also realised that if she did end up with Harry she would have to wear dresses and she hated dresses. She had a lot of thinking to do and maybe she should talk to someone who could help her decide. She would not talk to Percy or Ron and trying to talk to Bill and Charlie was difficult since they didn't live in England. Ginny decided to talk to the twins, see what they would say.

Neville had just finished explaining about some different plants when he turned to look at Harry. After a minute, the dark haired boy noticed.

'Is something wrong Neville?'

'Um, well, I was thinking about what you said earlier, about your…um, your relatives. It sounds to me as if you don't like them or have a good life with them.'

'I don't, I'm there slave. I'm the muggle version of a house elf,' Harry looked around before he stared back at Neville, 'If I tell you something will you promise to keep it to yourself?'

'I promise unless I believe it's dangerous to a person.'

'That's fair,' Harry ran his fingers through his hair, 'after escaping from them and got to Diagon alley and how I was allowed to stay there for a couple of weeks, I decided something. While I was there I decided to get a lot of money out of my vault and change it into muggle money. I still have a lot of wizarding money, but I needed both. I'm sure you saw the clothes I used to wear, they were all I was given. They were Dudley's old clothes. They can afford to buy him designer stuff and buy him everything he asks for, yet they won't buy me anything. Well, I did buy some decent stuff while I was in Diagon alley, I just can't let them know or they'll destroy them. Anyway, I've decided to run away. I plan to work on where I'll stay but I know it will be in the muggle world as there are more people so it's easier to hide. Having the scar makes it impossible to hide in the magical world. I overheard Lavender and Parvati, they mentioned a magical tent and how they are like a house inside. I figured I could get one of those and stay in forests or even camp grounds. It's only two months, so I can keep moving around so the muggles don't get suspicious. But I'll be nearly fourteen by then so I don't think it will look too suspicious if I'm seen alone. Since it will be during the summer holidays, I doubt anyone will think it suspicious if a teenage boy is camping during the holidays.'

'What about cooking and stuff?'

'I've been cooking for them since I was five. I know how to look after a house and even wash clothes. Until I overheard the girls, I hadn't worked out where I was going to stay. Another reason for leaving that lot is they lock up my trunk and wand. We get holiday assignments but I can't do them. I get no marks since I couldn't do them, but there is no use telling any of the teachers here. I mean McGonagall and Dumbledore already know I don't have a good life with the muggles so it's not like they will do anything to help me do my work.'

'What do you mean they know?'

'My first Hogwarts letter, before they destroy it. It was addressed to my cupboard. That is where they kept me until Hagrid turned up, then they gave me Dudley's second bedroom.'

'He had two bedrooms and they kept you in a cupboard. Harry, you realise that could be classed as child abuse, right?'

Harry shrugged, 'Yeah, but it does not good to tell anyone. They've been questioned about me before, they lie and everyone believes them. I had the school nurse report my condition as she knew I wasn't fed enough and she noticed that I often turned up covered in bruises. I found out that one of the policeman is an old friend of my uncle's. Naturally the police believed the Dursley's and not me. I got locked up for two weeks without any food because of that.'

'That is child abuse, if the muggles won't help maybe someone in this world can help.'

'I doubt it, so far I haven't been impressed with any of the magical world, especially the adults. If any of the muggle teachers acted like the ones here, most would be sacked instantly, some would be jailed. I told the goblins to cancel my tuition since I didn't want to pay for poor teaching. That's for potions, history and defence even though we finally have a decent teacher in defence. I would pay for herbology, astronomy, charms and transfiguration but I just don't think Dumbledore does enough to keep students safe. I figured I would have been called to McGonagall's office, but I haven't heard anything.'

'Can I tell my gran what you said?'

Harry sighed, 'Okay, but it won't do any good. But like I said, I'll be leaving anyway,' Harry turned to glance out the door, 'Can you feel that?'

'Yeah, it's getting colder.'

'The dementors, let's get back to the castle.'

'Stay here you two, I've sent a patronus up to the castle,' Pomona said pulling her wand, 'I knew you were here Neville, so I came to make sure you were okay.'

'The minister is an idiot for putting them things near a school,' Harry said.

'He is, but it's not like he will listen to us,' Neville said but he kept staring at his professor.

Pomona would never normally listen in on students while talking about something personal. But when Harry began to talk she could not walk away. She could not believe what she heard but after seeing how Harry used to dress and how thin he was, she knew he was telling the truth. It was time she did what some of her colleagues should have done and have Harry removed from his home.

Neville noticed that his professor was in deep thought. At first he figured it was to do with the dementors, until he saw her glance at Harry. He realised that Professor Sprout had overheard what Harry said. Neville thought this might be a good opportunity, he would talk to his professor and mentioned how he planned to speak with his grandmother. His gran was a member of the Wizengamot, she was the head of a very old family and the Longbottom's had a lot of money which gave his gran a lot of influence. Neville hoped she could use that influence to help get Harry out of an abusive home.

'That's the third time the dementors have come near me. First on the train, then at the quidditch match, now here. We were told they would stay at the boundary, but they're not,' Harry sighed, 'If these things are dark creatures than they shouldn't be near kids who can't protect themselves. But it looks like the ministry can't control them.'

'It sounds like it mate. I figured the quidditch match was just because of all the happy and excited people. Now though, it's quiet and early in the day when most kids are still eating breakfast. So why have they drifted onto the grounds?' Neville looked at Harry, 'On the train they seemed to concentrate on you, even if we all felt it, it was you they went after. It was the same with the quidditch match, now here.'

'Can dementors be ordered to go after a specific person?'

'They can Mr Potter, when the Wizengamot give the order for them to deliver the kiss to a prisoner. But Neville, you make a good point. It seems to me that they are attracted to Mr Potter, more than they should. For now it might be wise to stick to the castle, as much as possible Mr Potter.'

Harry sighed, 'I had hoped this year would be different, but it seems I can't go long at Hogwarts without someone or something trying to kill me. If I can survive until after my o.w.l.s, I might have to consider leaving. I could hire tutors to continue my education, which I plan to do with potions since there's no use trying to learn here.'

'Even if you learn from tutors you won't be able to sit your n.e.w.t.s,' Neville said.

Harry shrugged, 'I know, but with the way the ministry is run I don't really see my self working for any place where I need my n.e.w.t.s. I've still got time to think about it. But it's not as cold anymore.'

'The teachers are sending the dementors back to the boundary's and it looks like a few aurors are here. I believe you should speak with one Harry, explain how in three separate incidents that the dementors seemed to go after you.'

'I doubt Dumbledore will allow me to speak with an auror. He wouldn't let me after I killed the basilisk.'

'Basilisk,' Pomona squeaked, 'Are you telling me the monster that petrified the students was a basilisk?'

'Yes Ma'am, really big as well. Voldemort was possessing Ginny who had his old diary. He released the basilisk, um, he made her do it. He set the basilisk free fifty years ago when Myrtle was killed. That's how I found out that Tom Marvolo Riddle, half-blood with a muggle father became Voldemort. If you rearrange the letters of his name you can I am lord Voldemort. He came up with that not long after killing his muggle father and grandparent's. I figured I should tell the aurors but Dumbledore wouldn't let me.'

'I will organise for you to speak with an auror Mr Potter. They should have been informed that a dangerous dark animal like a basilisk was inside Hogwarts. For now I will escort you both back to the castle. I will send you a note when to come to my office.'

'Thank you Professor,' Harry gave her a smile. He always like Professor Sprout, she was one of the good adults he had met and so far the only decent one inside Hogwarts.

When Harry and Neville walked into the castle they noticed that Ron looked angry. Neither of them paid him any attention, just thanked Professor Sprout before heading up to the library. They found Hermione at her normal table, so they got their books and sat at the same table.

'Did you hear what happened?' Neville asked Hermione as he sat beside her.

'No, what happened?'

'Neville and I were in the greenhouse when dementors came onto the grounds. Professor Sprout found us, she stayed with us then sent her patronus to the teachers,' Harry said.

'They seemed to go after Harry, Professor Sprout thinks something is wrong since they only go after a specific person when they are ordered to by the ministry.'

'They did go after Harry on the train then during the quidditch match. But who at the ministry would want to kill Harry?' Hermione asked.

Harry raised his eyebrows, 'There are death eaters in the ministry Hermione, ones who bought their freedom. All of them would want me dead. But it really is getting ridiculous. How many times do I have to face death before I die?'

'Don't talk like that Harry.'

'It's true, this place is not safe, at least for me. Let's forget it, I need to finish my assignments.' Harry knew there was no use trying to convince Hermione that the teachers were useless.

Neville noticed Harry's look and the way he sounded when he spoke with Hermione. He knew Hermione seemed to respect the teachers, but Neville was surprised she didn't support Harry when she had seen or been involved in some of the things that almost killed Harry. He hoped something could be done to help Harry and sooner rather than later.

Just as dinner was finishing, Harry had been given a note from Susan Bones, 'Thanks Susan.'

'You're welcome, Harry,' she gave him a smile before she returned to the Hufflepuff table.

Harry read the note then slipped it into his pocket. He could see Hermione and Ron were curious, but he just went back to his dinner. Harry did notice Neville glance at him, so Harry just nodded hoping Neville understood that the note was from Professor Sprout.

When Harry left the great hall, Ron and Hermione followed, 'Where are you going Harry?' Hermione asked when she noticed Harry wasn't walking towards the stairs that would lead to Gryffindor tower.

'Professor Sprout needs to see me. I'll see you later,' Harry didn't wait, he just hurried away. He knew Hermione would begin to ask questions, questions he wasn't ready to answer, also, he didn't want to answer because it would just cause an argument.

When he entered Professor sprouts office he saw not only his professor he also saw two aurors and a woman with a monocle.

'This is Madam Amelia Bones, head of the department of magical law enforcement. These are Aurors Proudfoot and Hammer. Take a seat Harry, then we can get this over with.'

Harry nodded then sat down, he turned to face the woman with the monocle who was staring at him like the two aurors.

'Professor Sprout explained the situation with the dementors. I would like to hear exactly what took place during the trip on the train, the quidditch game and what happened today.'

'Yes Ma'am. Okay, well, I was on the Hogwarts express with Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley. Professor Lupin was there even if we had no idea who he was at the time. When it began to get cold and dark, Neville Longbottom and Ginny Weasley came into the compartment. They just sat down when the door opened, it was a dementor. It seemed to just stare at me. It was hard to tell since you can't see it's eyes. It moved towards me then I began to hear a woman screaming, I passed out. When I came too, the others told me what happened and how Lupin sent the dementor away. They said the dementor ignored them and just seemed to go after me. After Lupin sent them away they gave me some chocolate that Lupin had handed out. I asked about the woman I heard screaming, but no one had any idea what I was talking about. I found out during the quidditch match.'

'We spoke with Professor Lupin earlier. He explained how the dementor did seem to focus on you and no one else. Go on to the quidditch match.'

Harry began to explain, 'Then I heard the woman scream again, this time though I also heard a man's voice,' Harry sighed as he looked down, 'It was my father, telling my mother to take me and run that Voldemort was there. My dad said he would hold him off so we could get away. I heard what sounded like fighting and yelling, then my mother was begging Voldemort to spare me. She was the one I heard screaming. I remember pain in my head then I passed out. I woken up in the hospital,' Harry didn't know when it happened but Professor Sprout was now sitting beside him with her arm around him.

Amelia took a few minutes to allow Harry Potter to get himself calm, 'Even though Professor Sprout explained about this morning. I need to hear it from you.'

Harry took a couple of deep breaths, 'Um, I needed some help with identify some plants and Neville is brilliant at herbology. We were in the greenhouse for about half an hour when we felt it getting colder. We both said we should head back to the castle which is when Professor Sprout turned up. She used her patronus to send a message to the other teachers but she stayed with us to protect us. There were no other kids on the grounds since it was still early.'

'Three instances, all involve you. It does seem like they are focused on you and no one else. I will investigate to make sure no one has given them specific orders which involve you Mr Potter. Now, Professor Sprout told me about the basilisk. It would be easier if I saw this for myself.'

'Um, do you mean you want to go down to the chamber of secrets?'

'Even though I would love to see the mythical chamber. No, I mean watching your memory of what took place.'

'We can use an item called a pensieve Harry. You can place a copy of your memory in that then others can be immersed into the memory. They cannot interact, just watch and listen,' Pomona said.

'Oh, okay, how do I give you my memory and will I get it back?'

'It does not take your memory, just makes a copy of it. To remove a copy of the memory you need to think of it, really allow it to fill you up. I know it may be difficult, but it should help. Once you have the memory firmly in the front of your mind, you place your wand to your temple and slowly pulled the memory away. I have a vial here to use. I will take that back to the auror office to view it. It will remain in my evidence safe in my office until I finish my investigation. When it is no longer needed, I will destroy it.'

'Okay, um, Ginny won't get in trouble will she? She didn't mean to do anything, she was possessed by Voldemort.'

'I doubt the girl will be in trouble. And if I see proof that Voldemort is somehow involved then I will make sure her name does not get mentioned.'

'Thanks,' Harry shrugged then closed his eyes. He thought of the chamber of secrets, but just as he was about to finish where he got Ginny out, he remembered that Lucius Malfoy had tried to kill him. Harry figured if this woman was going to investigate, then maybe she just might be able to do something about old man Malfoy. When he had the full memory firmly in his mind, he put his wand to his temple and saw silver stuff coming away from his head. Madam Bones directed his wand to the vial where the silver memory was placed.

'Before I leave to investigate this, has there been any other instances that could have placed the students in danger?'

'Um, Quirrell in my first year, he was possessed by Voldemort. Dumbledore hid the philosophers stone here and Quirrell went after it. When I tried to tell McGonagall about the danger to the stone, she blew me off. Hermione, Ron and I decided to try and save it because we didn't want Voldemort to get hold of it. We only decided to do that because Dumbledore had left Hogwarts. We got through the first few obstacles before Ron ended up unconscious, then Hermione and I had to separate near the end. I found Quirrell, Voldemort told him to kill me. When Quirrell put his hands around my throat he…um, well, he died, sort of disintegrated. Voldemort's spirit or whatever it was left, I ended up unconscious, woke up two days later.'

'I believe I should see that memory as well Mr Potter,' Amelia sighed but pulled out another vial from her pocket. Harry once again though of the memory, from the moment they were in the corridor on the third floor until Dumbledore explained why Quirrell couldn't touch him. Once he had the memory in his mind he allowed it to attach to his wand, he slowly pulled it away and placed it in the vial, 'Thank you Mr. Potter. I will keep Professor Sprout informed so you will know what is going on, without anyone finding out what I am doing.'

'Thank you Ma'am.'

'You can go now Harry.'

'Thanks Professor,' Harry said as he got up.

Pomona waited until the door closed before she turned back to Amelia, 'As you just saw, he is smaller than he should be and much too skinny. After what I heard about where he's living I knew I had to do something. A cupboard Amelia, they kept him in a cupboard.'

'All we were told was he was placed with family who would keep him safe and protected. Muggles could not protect him. Then think of James Potter. He is from an old pure-blood family, an ancient and noble house. There is no way he would allow his son to be raised with muggles.'

'They must have made out a will.'

'I'm sure they did since many were dying around that time. I will need to speak with the goblins and find out if a copy of the Potter's will is filed with them. There is no use trying to find it at the ministry or it would have already been executed. Now though, I have cause to have the dementors removed from Hogwarts. If the minister wants to protect Harry, or the students from Sirius Black then he will just have to give the auror department more funds. I'll speak with old Matilda in department of magical children and see if there is anything we can do now in case the will takes a while to find. I better go and start working on all this. I will keep you informed.'

'Thank you Amelia.'

Harry was once again sitting with Neville, Hermione was sitting close by, 'Hey Hermione, do you have any idea what's gotten into Ron this time?'

'Not really, but I did hear him say that you seem to be changing into another bookworm.'

'I know I'm working more but I'll never be like you. I do like to read but after reading for our classwork the last thing I want to do is read more.'

'I think it's because you're been working alongside Neville more than reading more. I think he's jealous.'

'I'm sick of his jealously. He's jealous that I'm known yet he forgets why I'm known. He's jealous I have money, again he forgets why I have money. But it's not a lot and since I don't have parent's, or family, that money has to last until I can get work. I don't have anyone to count on to help.'

'You have family Harry,' Hermione said.

'I don't have family, Hermione, they died.'

Hermione huffed, 'The Dursley's are your family.'

'No, they aren't. I'm just unlucky enough to be related to the bitch,' Harry growled then got up and walked up the stairs.

'You aren't very smart Hermione,' Neville said as he stood, 'You know more than others how they treat him. Family wouldn't do that. I agree with Harry, he has no family,' Neville left and followed Harry up the stairs to the dorm room, 'Harry mate,' Neville sat on the end of Harry's bed, 'Your father's family is an old ancient and noble family, which means they had money. Now I have no idea how much the Potter's had but I can say with certainty that you probably never have to work if you didn't want to.'

'But the vault I went to wouldn't be enough to live on for more than a few years. I asked Griphook about a statement, he said it had fourteen thousand galleons. In the magical world that will last for a while. In the muggle world it would last me for about ten years.'

'It could be like my trust vault. See, I have my own vault which was set up by my parent's when I was born. Many old families do that when the child is born. There is a family vault though, I can't touch that until I'm seventeen. It has restrictions on it so I can only touch so much money until I'm twenty five. Your family is older than mine, so there has to be another vault, a family vault. When you were first told about this world and taken to get your school supplies, McGonagall should have informed you about anything you owned, even if you can't touch it until your older.'

'McGonagall didn't take me to get my things, Hagrid did.'

'But it's the deputy head's duty to take all muggleborns or muggle raised to get their school supplies and explain about Hogwarts. I think you should mention that to Professor Sprout as well. Something is going on, more than just dementors.'

Harry sighed, 'I think you're right Neville. I also think all this is why Hermione acts the way she does.'

'What do you mean?'

'The way she believes Dumbledore and McGonagall, even over me who is supposed to be her friend.'

'So you think she might have been told to watch you or something?'

'Something like that, but I just don't know. She refuses to believe me over them. She wouldn't listen when I told her those books weren't full of truth or facts and were mostly lies. I mean I found out that no one was at the house that night, apart from me and my parent's. If that is true then how does anyone know what happened? I get someone like Dumbledore could have done some type of revealing spell to determine what spells were used, but he wasn't there to see it and I don't remember much. I know more now mainly due to the dementors.'

'Which shouldn't have happened,' Neville said, 'Something isn't right and maybe Hermione is involved someway. So what did she say about Ron?'

'He's jealous and he hates that I'm spending more time studying. He doesn't get it, I have no family to help me, not like he does so I have to do what I can for when I leave. Whether I work in the magical world or the muggle world, I only have myself to rely on. He also forgets why I'm famous and why I have money even if I'm not sure how much I have. My parent's were murdered, yet all he thinks about is what I got out of it. If he lost his family and got famous he might realise that we would rather have our family than be famous. But if what you said is true about another vault, how would I find out?'

'Write to the goblins, they will have to tell you. Now since you didn't know anything about your family then you didn't know to ask if you had another vault. The moment you ask they have to tell you, but there could be restrictions. I'm not talking about stopping you from finding out if you have another vault. But the restrictions could be how much you can use and when you can use it, like you have to be a certain age. It could be about what else is in there besides money. Now I know my mother's jewellery was put in the family vault, gran told me that. Since the Potters were an old family then I'm sure there are some family heirlooms or jewellery, so it has to be somewhere.'

'Alright, can you help me with the letter?'

'Sure, let's do that now then you can send it before it curfew.'

A few days later the dementors left Hogwarts, much to the relief of everyone. But Harry sagged. He didn't realise how tense he was until the dementors were gone. Aurors turned up, they were spread out on the grounds and inside the castle. Dumbledore tried to get the minister to remove the aurors by saying the staff could protect the students from Sirius Black. The minister refuse to back down and the aurors remained, on orders from Madam Amelia Bones.

Over the following week, Ron ended up angrier and often had a go at Harry and Neville. If he caught Neville alone, they he tried to make it seem like Harry was just using him. Neville knew that wasn't true and he would tell Ron this then make sure Ron knew he planned to tell Harry what Ron has been saying.

Neville began to watch Hermione as well. He realised she would watch Harry when Harry wasn't paying her any attention. She tried to listen in on their conversation but if she noticed Neville watching her she acted like nothing happened. He also saw Hermione follow Harry a lot so he would try to distract her so Harry could have some privacy.

Harry received another note from Professor Sprout, so after telling Neville he hurried to her office. He saw the same two aurors along with Madam Bones and Professor Sprout. He was gestured to take a seat.

'I have arrested Lucius Malfoy for attempted murder. I was not expecting to see that Mr Potter. Can you explain why my office wasn't told right after it happened?'

'Dumbledore said I couldn't prove it and Malfoy was friends with the minister, so no one would listen to me over the minister.'

'All it needed was to see you memory of the incident, which I showed to the minister. He realised he had been used and manipulated. Now you will have to be in court, as the main witness. Even though Professor McGonagall is your head of house, I have organised for Professor Sprout to bring you to the ministry. You will be notified when a date has been set.'

'Yes, Ma'am, thank you, Ma'am.'

'You're welcome. Now as to the chamber of secrets and the basilisk. It's in the charter for Hogwarts that any danger to students then the castle must be searched by people in my department. We were not even notified of what the monster was, just that it had been taken care of and all those students who were petrified ended up fine. The headmaster and deputy head will be facing charges, but not just for that. When I leave this room I will be arresting Professor Dumbledore and professor McGonagall. At first I planned to arrest all the teachers who were involved in the protection of the philosophers stone. Once I spoke to Professor Sprout and Professor Flitwick, I found out that neither of them knew about the stone or that there was a Cerberus inside the castle. I'm telling you first to give you warning. I'm hoping to keep your name out of it, so if you can act as surprised as the other students that would help.'

'Um, okay, I should be able to. But I'm glad Professor Sprout and Flitwick aren't going to get into trouble. Um, you never mentioned Snape.'

'He is being arrested as well. Just seeing your memory I was able to identify those potions. Two of them would have killed you if you drank them. It's just lucky Miss Granger worked out the riddle.'

Harry sighed, 'I have no proof, but I don't think she did. When we were first trying to figure out what Fluffy was guarding, it was Hermione who just happened to have this huge book in her dorm room that mentioned Nicolas Flamel and the stone. With the chamber, she was the one that figured out it was a basilisk. See, I could hear it, but no one else could. I thought everyone would believe I was insane or something. But what got me suspicious of Hermione this time was when she ended up petrified, I found some paper in her hand. It was a page torn from a book and I could tell it came from a very old book by the look of the page. Now Hermione has a go at everyone if they so much as hold a book the wrong way, yet she ripped a page out of a book. Also, she always takes Dumbledore's side even about me staying with the muggles. She is still arguing that they are my family, when they aren't, not as far as I'm concerned. I don't know, but I think she was told how to get passed the potions riddle and about the basilisk.'

'It does seem suspicious. Hopefully I may get the answers from one of the staff when I question them. I will question her if I need to. Now onto your home life.'

'Pardon,' Harry squeaked, making him blush.

'I'm sorry Harry. I overheard you and Neville talking that day. I spoke with madam Bones to see if there was a way to remove you from those people,' Pomona said kindly.

'People have said that before, but nothing is ever done,' Harry shrugged but he was looking down and not at the people in the room.

'This time you will be removed. I did not know the truth about what I am going to tell Mr Potter, about what I found. But first is this and I doubt you were told, but I was close friends with your parent's. My brother Edgar worked beside your parents in a secret group called the order of the phoenix. Since I was the head auror at the time, I had enough to do without joining another group. What this is about Mr Potter is I was able to read your parents wills. Your godfather and godmother were named first, but in the event that neither could take you then there was a list of people named. I was named next, so I organised to have you transferred to my custody.'

'Oh blimey,' Harry stared up at the woman, 'I really don't have to return to them?'

'You will never see them again and I have friends in the muggle world who will be working on evidence so they will pay for their treatment of you. Do you know my niece, Susan Bones?'

'Um, yeah, not well since we're in different houses, but we say hello if we see each other.'

'I raised Susan when her parent's were murdered, my brother was her father.'

'Oh, I'm sorry Ma'am. I never want to ask things about families since I hate people asking if I remember that night.'

'Thank you. Now Susan is planning on leaving Hogwarts for Christmas, but I will leave that decision up to you.'

'I would like to get away from here. I've been so stressed lately that I think I need a break. Would I be able to go to my vault then go shopping?'

'I already planned a few days for Susan to shop so that will be no problem. Now you should get back so I can arrest three members of the staff.'

'Okay, can I ask you a question first Ma'am?'

'Of course.'

'Um, the night I got my scar. No one was at the house that night except me, my parent's and Voldemort. How does anyone know what happened? See, I read up on the killing curse and it says that it leaves no marks of any kind, it's a clean spell, yet I have a scar. I'm just wondering how anyone found out what happened and how people knew I had the scar?'

Amelia sighed, 'Believe it or not Harry, none of us ever thought to question Albus when he informed everyone you survived the killing curse. Yet we should have because you are right, the killing curse does not leave any marks what so ever. Albus informed the ministry of what happened and he mentioned your scar.'

Harry sighed, 'The thing is, since he told everyone I survived that night and stopped Voldemort, he basically painted a target on my back. If he was really trying to protect me then keeping quiet about my looks or scar would be the smart thing to do. I had many strangers say hello to me, some even bowed to me when I was with my aunt in the muggle world. They recognised me due to what was told.'

'Yes, they did and that was dangerous. We were all told you resembled your father yet you have your mother's eyes. We were all told you received the lightning shaped scar when you survived the killing curse. I believe it's time we try to find out exactly what happened that night. Even though you and the other students should not have been subjected to the dementors, you now have those memories. They are not memories like the ones you gave me, those are repressed memories brought forward by the dementors. I will need to cast a spell on you that will help you bring those memories forward. If this is too painful for you, then we can just leave it.'

'No, I'd rather find out, one way or another.'

'Then during the holidays I will work on the memory. For now, try to forget about that and enjoy your free time.'

'Thanks Ma'am, oh and I realised I would like to be an auror when I finish here, if I can get some tutoring in potions. Maybe you can tell me what books would be good to buy.'

Amelia smiled, 'I have many books at home that you can borrow whenever you like.'

Harry grinned, he said goodbye then went to find Neville, who was in the common room catching up on homework. Hermione gestured for Harry to join her and Ron, but Harry went to sit beside Neville.

'I got really good news,' Harry whispered.

Neville gestured towards the stairs so the two boys headed up to their dorm room. They sat on Neville's bed as it was furthest away from the door and Ron's bed. If Hermione and Ron came up to the room then they should not be able to hear what Neville and Harry were saying, as long as they spoke softly.

Harry explained how he had a new guardian and how he had to act surprise that some teachers were being arrested. Neville sat there in shock which made Harry laugh.

'So when we hear, you have to act shocked as well, or at least surprised.'

'Yeah, I'll try, blimey mate, it's never dull with you around.'

Harry laughed, 'Even though I wish it was, no, there is always something going on.'

'Let's get down to dinner,' Neville said then walked out with Harry. They both laughed when Hermione and Ron jumped.

'We knew you were listening, which is why we made sure you never heard what we were talking about. Come on Neville, I'm getting sick of these two.'

Neville smirked but followed Harry down the stairs and out the Gryffindor tower. They didn't talk about anything that was happening as Hermione and Ron were following. They sat down at the Gryffindor table, but when Hermione and Ron sat beside them, they moved onto the other side of Fred, George and Lee. The twins instantly noticed that Harry wanted to get away from their brother and Hermione, so they had the girls from the quidditch team sit on Harry's other side.

'Thanks,' Harry sighed.

'We caught them listening in on us before, yet they still followed us,' Neville said.

'They've been acting strange since the start of the year,' Fred said.

'Yeah, they're secretive as well,' George said.

'We heard your name mentioned a few times Harry,' Lee said.

'Hermione is always trying to tell me what to do and want's to know everything I do. Ron is pissed for some reason. Hermione thinks he's jealous of me.'

'He is, but he's also a prat,' Fred said.

'Don't let him worry you. But if he does get too annoying, we'll prank him.'

Harry grinned at the twins. He knew just what the twins could do when they wanted to prank someone. It could be harmless, or really embarrassing. If they were going to prank Ron, it would be something embarrassing.

Harry and Neville acted surprised when Professor Sprout announced that Professor's Dumbledore, McGonagall and Snape have been arrested. Even if they don't go to jail, they will not be back at Hogwarts. As of right now, Professor Sprout announced that she is acting headmistress until the governors work on who will take the post. Transfiguration and potions will be cancelled until new teachers were found. Harry did get to see some strange looks between Ron and Hermione. It made him believe he was right, Hermione was basically spying on him for Dumbledore, now Dumbledore has been arrested. Harry hoped it would make Hermione realise she was listening to the wrong person.

As Harry and Neville were about to leave the great hall, Fred took Harry's arm while George took Neville's then pulled them towards an unused classroom. Lee cast a lot of charms on the door which would prevent anyone from entering or hearing.

'Spill,' Fred and George said together but they were staring at Harry.

'I was told not to say anything.'

'So you knew they were going to be arrested?' Lee asked.

'Yes, part of it is to do with when the philosopher's stone was here, also the basilisk.'

'Why now and not when it happened?' Lee asked.

'Madam Bones didn't know,' Harry sighed but saw Neville nod, 'Professor Sprout overheard me talking to Neville about the Dursley's and what my home life was like. But we were also talking about the dementors and how they seem to come after me.'

'Professor Sprout wanted Harry to contact the aurors, but he told her Dumbledore wouldn't let him. We worked out that someone stops Harry getting mail and we think any mail he sends out is read first. Professor Sprout contacted Madam Bones then had Harry go to her office where Harry was able to explain about the philosophers stone, Quirrell, Voldemort and the enchantments that had been set to protect the stone,' Neville said.

'Professor Sprout said it sounded like those enchantments were set up for me, Ron and Hermione. When I explained about that, Madam Bones asked if anything else had happened that could be dangerous so I explained about the basilisk, the diary, Ginny and Voldemort. She promised to keep Ginny's name out of it since she was a victim. But she wasn't told and her office is supposed to be notified if anything dangerous is here at Hogwarts that could injure or kill students. Dumbledore never told anyone. When Lucius Malfoy tried to kill me, Dumbledore said no one would believe me, not when he was friends with the minister. All Madam Bones did was watch my memory, Malfoy has now been arrested and Fudge realised he had been used and manipulated by Malfoy. Madam Bones basically guaranteed he will end up in Azkaban.'

'Okay, Dumbledore did wrong. But why arrest McGonagall?' Angelina asked.

'Because she supported Dumbledore. But about the enchantments to protect the stone, none of the staff were told about the cerberus, or what they were protecting. Snape and McGonagall knew and should have informed the aurors that a cerberus was inside the castle, but also that the so called headmaster was using a school to hide an artefact that would have every dark witch or wizard would kill to get. McGonagall was told, by me, Ron and Hermione, well, it was more me that told her the stone was in danger, she didn't do a thing except say it was safe. It wasn't and Voldemort almost got the damn thing. That night, the old man decided to go to the ministry, but instead of using the floo or apparating, he decides to take a leisurely flight on a broom.'

'Sounds suspicious,' Fred said.

'Definitely suspicious,' George said.

'But you started off by saying Sprout heard about your home life,' Lee said.

'Madam Bones is now my guardian. She was named in my parent's will. Dumbledore had it sealed and went against what my parent's wanted. So he was arrested for not only putting every student in danger, but for going against a magical document from an ancient and noble house.'

'We also think, but we have no proof that Ron and Hermione are spying on Harry, for Dumbledore.'

'I also think my meeting your family was set up, probably by Dumbledore. When I stayed at the Leaky Cauldron, Tom explained that I could floo from there to platform nine and three quarters. I asked if magical families could do that, he said they could and do. He said most pure-bloods always floo from their home straight to station. It got me thinking, is that the only platform?'

'It is, everyone knows that,' Lee said.

'Not muggleborn or raised,' Neville said.

'Anyway, I asked Tom and he told me it was. It made me wonder why your mother asked what the platform number was. Then it made me curious as to why a woman who would know the laws about keeping the muggles from finding out about us was shouting about muggles.'

'It wasn't McGonagall who went to tell Harry he was a wizard and take him shopping, it was Hagrid,' Neville said.

'He barely told me anything and forgot to tell me how to get onto the platform.'

'Deliberately?' Fred asked.

'Or just forgetful?' George asked.

'So he may have been told not to tell you, then you arrive, lost and confused. You see a family with trunks and an owl, who are talking about muggles and platform nine and three quarters,' Lee said.

'Right. Mrs Weasley made sure to tell me Ron was starting. Also, the Hogwarts express is never full, but I didn't know that back then. Ron comes in and says everywhere is full, so he asked if he could sit. I caught him staring at me, or my head, then he asks about the scar. He began to tell me about Scabbers, his family, his wand, how it belonged to one of his brothers, like everything else he owned. He stopped talking, suddenly and I thought he was embarrassed. I told him how I never had anything before, all I had was old secondhand clothes from Dudley and how they never once got me a gift. Ron kept going on about how all Slytherin's were evil and how Gryffindor was the best house. He even said Dumbledore was in Gryffindor which proves it was the best house. Hagrid had kept telling me about how great Dumbledore was and how my parent's were in Gryffindor. See, the hat couldn't decide where to put me at first. That's why my sorting took so long. It said I would suit every house, but he was leaning more towards Slytherin. After hearing that the man that murdered my parent's was in Slytherin, I was determined I wouldn't go into that house. I kept saying over and over, not Slytherin, not Slytherin. I keep thinking of Gryffindor because of what Ron and Hagrid told me,' Harry shrugged, 'It finally said Gryffindor. The thing is, even though I will fight if I have to and protect those who can't protect themselves, my biggest trait is loyalty and honesty. I hate being lied to.'

'You should have been in Hufflepuff,' Alicia said.

'Yeah. Anyway, we need three teachers and now I get to live with the head of the DMLE.'

'At least you're away from those muggles,' Fred said.

'We saw what was written on the wall when we got your trunk out of the cupboard,' George said.

'We never told anyone and never will.' Fred said.

'Thanks. I do have to go through it all with Madam Bones, who has people in the muggle world who will investigate abuse of witches and wizards from muggle families.'

'Then hopefully they will pay for how they treated you,' Fred said.

'But just know that none of us will ever say anything,' George said.

'Thanks.'

'Come on, let's get out of here. We have to figure out who needs pranking next,' Lee said.

'I think our little brother is due for a good pranking, don't you Fred?' George asked.

'I do George, along with little miss know-it-all,' Fred said.

Lee unsealed the door, the girls from the quidditch team gave Harry a smile before they left with Fred, George and Lee following. Harry and Neville left the room after the others. It was time they finished their homework. But Harry couldn't stop thinking about the holidays. He was finally leaving the Dursley's. He finally had a teacher and someone in law enforcement listen to him. Things were looking up. But having Professor Sprout and Madam Bones helping him, Harry knew now he would remain in the wizarding world so he was determined to learn all he could so one day he could become an auror and protect the innocent.

Harry and Neville joined Susan and Hannah in a compartment on the Hogwarts express. Susan knew some locking spells and also a notice me not spell. She put them on the door to stop Hermione trying to sit with Harry.

Over the last week, Hermione hadn't stopped asking Harry questions. He never answered and a lot of the time acted like she wasn't around. The one time Ron began to have a go at Harry, then blamed him for Dumbledore leaving, he ended up pranked. Whenever he entered the great hall, he would lose his trousers and the back of his robes would end up split open. For two days Ron couldn't eat since he refuse to enter the great hall. The twins told him what he had to do for them to reverse the prank. From then on, Ron left Harry alone. Hermione never stopped, until she ended up bald. What she didn't know due to her hysterics, was her hair would grow back, slowly over the next few months. If she left Harry alone the twins would reverse the prank, but she would have to give a magical vow. Harry was really thankful to the twins for helping him and couldn't help saying thanks to them.

'Even though the twins pranks worked, I don't trust that Hermione will find a way around it,' Harry said.

'Which is why we wanted to seal the door. Ron is staying at Hogwarts so we don't have to worry about him,' Neville said.

'We're glad to help and since Harry is basically going to be my brother, I have to help,' Susan grinned.

Harry spluttered, then smiled at Susan. He realised she was right, she would be like his sister now he would be living with her and her aunt.

'I always wanted a sister and brother.' Harry couldn't help smiling making the others smile as well. Harry, Neville, Susan and Hannah were all the same. None of them had any siblings.

After Harry said goodbye to Neville and Hannah, he and Susan were walking towards Madam Bones. They were only a few feet away when Harry saw the spells coming their way. He grabbed Susan and pulled her down to the ground. Neville and Hannah along with Neville's grandmother and Hannah's mother hurried over to the two teens. Amelia along with Auror Hammer and Auror Proudfoot, who had been hiding, had two people stunned, their wands taken and they bound. Dumbledore and Snape had been the ones who had fired spells at Harry and Susan. They knew it was more Harry they had been aiming at, but Susan was beside Harry.

What they didn't know was Hermione had been right behind Susan and Harry and was ready to push Harry towards Dumbledore but make it look like she tripped. When Harry pulled Susan to the ground, Hermione had been hit by one of the spells.

Amelia had Connie get Susan and Harry home straight away, she called extra aurors before she sealed the floo and the gateway. No one would be able to leave until her aurors investigated. The first thing she did was check on Hermione Granger. She was dead, hit with the killing curse. She tested both Dumbledore's wand and Snape's, both had used unforgivables. The killing curse was fired by Snape, the imperius curse had been fired by Dumbledore. After finding out where they were standing, Amelia realised the truth. Snape had been attempting to kill Susan, who was on the right, while Albus Dumbledore tried to control Harry Potter using the imperius curse. Those two men will now do life in Azkaban. Her two aurors who had been hiding would be able to show their memories to prove what Dumbledore and Snape had tried to do.

Connie watched the two teens as they continued to hug each other. She could tell they were both shaken up, but Susan seemed to be really scared.

'When I looked up after you pulled me down, the green curse was heading towards me. The other curse was heading towards you,' Susan turned to face the auror, 'Was it the killing curse?'

'You know I couldn't say without investigating. There are spells that are green that are harmless.'

'Your opinion please Auror Hammer,' Harry said.

Connie sighed but she knew these two are used to keeping secrets, 'Yes, I believe one of the spells was the killing curse and the other the imperius curse. That is just my opinion and can't be verified until their wands have been checked and the investigation is over. I cannot say who cast which spell, that's if they were the unforgivables. The aurors and Madam Bones will find out. How about you two go get a cup of tea and a snack. It'll help you both relax.'

Harry kept his arm around Susan and led her from the room. He had no idea where he was going so he stared down at her until she realised what she needed to do. Susan finally got herself together than showed Harry the way, but she kept her arms around him as they walked, just as Harry kept his arms around Susan.

It didn't take long before reporters and photographers were at platform nine and three quarters. But they were forced back by aurors while the rest of the aurors began to question every person on the platform. She questioned the Abbott's first, then the Longbottom's. She figured once they provided their statements and handed over their memories, they could go see Susan and Harry. Amelia was reminded that Hermione Granger was a muggleborn and her parent's were probably on the other side of the barrier. Even though she was extremely busy, as well as angry, she needed to see Hermione's parents to explain what happened to their daughter. She knew she could tell another auror to take care of it, but she felt this was her responsibility.

When the Abbott's and the Longbottom's arrived in the kitchen, they were surprised to see Susan sitting on Harry's lap. It only took them a minute to realise why. Susan was upset, Harry was comforting her.

'Are you both okay?' Hanna whispered.

Harry and Susan looked up, everyone saw how red Susan's eyes were, 'We will be,' Harry said.

'It was so scary,' Susan said then blushed when she realised where she was sitting. She scrambled off Harry's lap and onto the seat beside him.

'We were interviewed before. It looked like the killing curse, or how it's described in the book,' Neville said as he sat at the table.

'Auror Hammer believes it was but they have to check the wands to make sure. We didn't see who did it, did either of you?' Harry asked.

Hannah and Neville looked at each other before both nodded, 'Dumbledore and Snape,' Neville said.

'But one of the spells hit the person behind you, it was Hermione.' Hannah said.

'Is she…?' Susan asked but not able to finished the question.

'She's…dead. That's all we saw before we were questioned then sent here,' Hannah said.

'She was always following you mate, this time it cost her,' Neville said.

The four friends fell silent, all of them thinking about Hermione and how she died. They were also thinking about why Dumbledore and Snape would try to hurt Harry and Susan. Those answered would come when they were interrogated, but the four teenagers didn't really care right now. They were just glad they were safe.

Even though it was the holidays, Harry and Susan wasn't really in the mood to do anything. Amelia was only home from the afternoon with so much she had to investigate. Hannah and Neville came over every day just to stay with their friends.

Harry did go to the ministry for Lucius Malfoy's trial. It was really quick once Malfoy was forced to take veritaserum. The man was sentenced to life in Azkaban. His wife, Narcissa was informed that their vaults were confiscated to pay the victims from when he was a death eater and his attack on Mr Potter. By the time every family who was in any way a victim of Lucius Malfoy, the vaults were almost empty. Draco Malfoy would not be able to return to Hogwarts since he would not have the money to buy things like his equipment or robes. Even though he was glad Lucius Malfoy was locked up, Harry still couldn't stop thinking about how close he and Susan came to being killed. They still didn't know who the killing curse was aimed at, they just believed it was Harry. Hermione was right behind them and she died they just weren't sure which spell was for which person.

Even though Susan and Harry were due to return to Hogwarts, Amelia thought they should take them away on a small holiday. She had Gawain Robards take over for her for a week so she could take Susan and Harry away. As Amelia watched the two teenagers, she knew she had been right. Those two needed some time away. When they got back, it wouldn't be long before both will be witnesses in the trials for Albus Dumbledore and Severus Snape.

'Aunty had a great idea,' Susan said as she sat on the sand staring out over the ocean.

'Yeah, she did. I'm not so tense anymore. I also think part of the reason is that you're my girlfriend.'

Susan giggled as she moved and sat on Harry's lap, 'I think that helped as well. Snogging really is good for getting rid of stress.'

Harry grinned then snogged his girlfriend. He thought he was gaining a sister but he ended up gaining a girlfriend and a woman who was like his aunt but a good aunt, not like Petunia Dursley'.

Amelia told them she approved of them becoming a couple but did warn them that it will probably give both of them a lot of attention. It will be headlines on the front page of the Daily Prophet. The-boy-who-lived has finally found love or something along those lines.

Harry and Susan blushed but they did smile at each other. They had only just began dating but both knew they really liked the other. Maybe soon they would be in love. Both of them knew it would be news but they were ready for it.

Amelia used all her expertise when she was in the courtroom. She played memory after memory, from many different people, including her two aurors. Those were the worst memories as they showed Albus Dumbledore and Severus Snape using unforgivables on Harry Potter and Susan Bones. The aurors found out that it was Severus who fired the killing curse and at Susan. Albus used the imperius curse and he was aiming at Harry.

Susan and Harry were questioned and they even offered to take veritaserum so no one could accuse them of lying. Amelia had her aurors cast silencing charms on everyone apart from her, Susan and Harry. She would use the veritaserum but she wanted to make sure no one tried to ask the two teens any questions that they had no right to ask. With who Harry was, the-boy-who-lived, many would ask him personal questions that they had no right to ask.

It ended up unanimous, both were found guilty and would do life in the maximum cells at Azkaban. Amelia made sure to mention that Azkaban had new wards added. No phoenix could get near the jail. No prisoner could turn into an animagus and no house elves could get inside the jail to help a prisoner.

Amelia was able to have Connie take Susan and Harry home while she finished up. Connie was able to use the floo in Amelia's office that way they would not have to go through the crowds or be hassled by reporters who were waiting in the atrium of the ministry of magic.

Neville and Hannah hugged their friends the moment they arrived, 'What happened?' Hannah asked.

'Both life in Azkaban,' Susan said.

'What your aunt didn't say Susan was one of the wards meant that no magic could penetrate the island. It would be like a muggle being in Azkaban,' Connie could see the four teenagers did not know what that meant, 'It's our magical core that allows us to live longer than muggles. Albus Dumbledore is already over one hundred. Without access to his magic, he will probably die within a year, maybe two since he is healthy.'

'I knew magic helped us live longer, I didn't know there were wards to stop magic,' Susan said.

'It doesn't stop or take it away, it's sort of like a block that magic can't penetrate. Think of it like the shield charm, it will stop most spells from reaching you, except for the killing curse. The unspeakables were able to create this ward, just for the prison. Many believe that since almost all the prisoners in there are doing life, then dying a few years earlier is better. The ones doing on short stints are in the low security level, so they will only be affected for the few months or few years they are in there.'

The four teens realised just how serious this new ward was. They had been told how many prisoners go insane, now with the ward, older witches and wizards will die a lot quicker than they normally would.

It was to days before Susan and Harry had to return to Hogwarts when Amelia sat them both down and explained what else her and her aurors found out.

'So Dumbledore paid Ron to be my friend and basically spy on me?' Harry sighed, 'I never had friends before. The Dursley's made sure I wouldn't. I thought Ron was genuine until he began to act strange and that started right after we got to Hogwarts.'

'It was during the holidays when Albus spoke with Ron. We believe he spoke with Hermione after she returned to Hogwarts. Albus might have manipulated both of them but Ron Weasley easily said he would do it for money. Hermione wasn't given money just told that Albus needed to know everything so he could make sure you were safe. Her parents told me that they noticed a change in her from the time she began at Hogwarts and planned to move overseas. She would not be told until they had settled in. They are still moving but now without their daughter. They did ask if their daughter was under some spell or potion. It seems she showed her parents her books. She wasn't under any spell or potions. She was just manipulated.'

'She was easily influenced by authority figures like the teachers.'

'Yes, she was and it cost her her life. Now the Dursley's have been arrested, that includes your cousin. After a big of investigating, many neighbours came forward with information on what Dudley Dursley and his friends did. After searching the house, they found enough evidence of their abuse towards you. Being under sixteen, they know it can be extremely upsetting if you had to be a witness. Our...friends slipped them veritaserum so they told the muggle police everything they did to you. Since they admitted their guilt, there won't be a trial. Vernon Dursley will do fifteen years. Petunia Dursley will do twelve years. Margery Dursley will do seven years. Dudley is now in a juvenile detention centre, for at least five years. He may end up in an adults jail, it will depend on how he behaves inside.'

'He won't, his parents gave him everything and he always believed he could get away with anything.'

'Yes, we know. I believe he will end up transferring to an adult jail the moment he turns eighteen.'

'Unless he does something so student that he ends up badly beat up, or worse.'

'It does happen, here and in the muggle world. Now there is one more bit of information I need to discuss with you. As you know, I read your parents wills. I got some information on two people but since I had enough to investigate, I had to wait before I could deal with it. Where you ever told about how Voldemort found your home?'

'I overheard Mr and Mrs Weasley talking in the Leaky Cauldron before we returned to Hogwarts. Mr Weasley wanted to tell me about Sirius Black so I would know not to go looking for him. I couldn't find out much, just that he was supposed to be my parents friend yet he betrayed them.'

'That is what we all believed, it is not true. Sirius Black was not the one who betrayed your family, another friend did. Peter Pettigrew was the one and he was the one to kill those muggles. He was confronted by Sirius but had another wand hidden. Sirius was in shock that night. He was taken straight to Azkaban and never got a trial. We were lucky, we were able to find him due to some other information we received. Right now, he is in St Mungo's for long term exposure to dementors. The healers explained that he will be fine but he will have episodes where he may not know where he is, or what he's doing. He may believe he is back to being friends with your parents. Harry, he is your godfather and he was supposed to be your guardian if anything happened to your parents. It will take him a year or more before he would be well enough to become your guardian. Also, your parents did not want you to be moved around so they said whoever got to be your guardian, in this world, should stay your guardian, just so you are not disrupted all the time. You can see Sirius, spend time with him but going on what your parents wanted, you will stay living here with us.'

'I would prefer to stay with you and Susan. I finally feel like I'm where I'm meant to be. I do want to know my godfather, so I'll visit, when I can. Did you find that Peter bloke?'

'We did due to that other information we received. You see Harry, your father, Sirius and Peter were animagus, they never registered. Peter has been hiding out with a wizard family in his animagus form. They had no idea who he really was so that family will not get in trouble. Peter was caught and is now in Azkaban. All we had to do is question Sirius with veritaserum to know Peter was guilty. Since he made everyone believe he was dead, he lost his rights, so again, we used the truth potion. He is now in Azkaban in the same cells as Dumbledore and Snape. The family has been put under a secrecy oath not to reveal anything about him including his animagus form. It's just for safety but also for the family so they don't get persecuted.'

'I get that. We know what rumours can do, whether it's true or not.'

'Yes, Hogwarts rumour mill is very well known and mostly for lies. Just know that the people responsible for your life and for helping Voldemort are all paying for their crimes. All you need to do now is return to Hogwarts, learn what you need but also have fun at the same time. So how about you two go enjoy yourselves while I get back to work.'

Susan hugged her aunt, but Harry hugged her as well but he also thanked her for everything, especially for wanting him. He hurried from the room with Susan following.

Harry, Susan, Neville and Hannah were on the Hogwarts express heading back to Hogwarts. Even their holidays was a lot more tense and full of information, they did enjoy their time away from the castle. Now they were returning but to a new Hogwarts with a new headmistress and some new teachers.

At one time during their trip on the train, someone knocked on the door to the compartment. It was Neville who unsealed it and opened the door.

'Um, Harry, um, I just wanted to thank you,' Ginny said in barely a whisper.

'What for?' Harry was confused as to why Ginny would thank him.

'Because of what you told Madam Bones, she organised for me to see a mind healer, paid by Dumbledore's vaults. The mind healer has been working with me over the last two weeks. She said if I wasn't seeing her, my mind could end up fractured. I have to keep seeing her for a year, minimum.'

'Oh, then I'm glad you're getting the help you need. I thought it was strange that nothing seemed to happen after all that. Aunt Amelia, um, Madam Bones, she's been helping me deal with all that but you needed a professional since...well, you know.'

'Yeah,' Ginny sighed, 'Even though mum's angry because of Ron, dad told me to tell you thanks.'

'Um, okay but why is your mum angry and what's it got to do with Ron?'

'Ron was expelled. Apart from being paid to be your friend and spy on you, he was to make sure you didn't learn. He was supposed to destroy your homework, make sure you go in trouble for things like fighting. I overheard dad and Bill, he's my oldest brother, they said it was leading up to you being expelled where Dumbledore would be able to make it right and officially become your guardian. It seems he's wanted to be your guardian since your parents died but magic wouldn't allow it. If you were expelled, then the Wizengamot could have stepped in and given custody to him. I didn't hear why all this was planned just that it was all to do with Dumbledore and how he wanted to be your guardian.'

'I know he was the one causing all the problems, I just didn't know he would go as far as he did. Thanks for telling me. Are you going to be okay?'

'Yes, the healer said I just need time. She did suggest that I try not to spend any time with you as it's part of my problem. My mother has been telling me about you since I was five. Then just before I turned 8, she explained that eventually I would be your wife. It seems mum and Dumbledore planned it, somehow. So I've sort of been brainwashed into believing we'll be together. But I wanted to thank you, personally. Um, okay, bye.'

Ginny turned to leave, 'I hope everything works out for you Ginny. None of this is your fault. The adults in our lives have caused all this, not us. Once you're feeling better, I hope we can at least be friendly.' Harry said then gave the girl a smile.

'I'd like that but it will only be friends,' Ginny gave a small smile before she finally left.

'I hope that's the end of all this. So many had suffered,' Harry sighed.

'I think it's all finally over mate. The ones who did wrong not only by you but people like Ginny as well, they are paying for it,' Neville said.

'Neville's right. People like Dumbledore and Snape are locked up. Ron was expelled, Hermione paid the ultimate price and now Ginny has to see a mind healer due to all that. I saw how much it affected you when we were away,' Susan said.

'Let's make this trip our beginning of a better life at Hogwarts,' Hannah said.

The four friends smiled. They were going to do just that. This was now the start of their new lives at Hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizardry.

The end: