Disclaimer: Not my world, names and locations and a ton of other stuff all belong to J.K Rowling yada yada. A/N at the end.

'Alright. Now, let me explain.'

Harry sat half-perched on the driver's side seat so as to face Ginny without turning his head. He could faintly hear his mother grumbling at the back of his mind about stupid teens and childlike behaviour but he ignored her for now.

Ginny was looking out the windscreen trying not to look at Harry. Her hands were folded under her bum as she continued to feign ignorance.

'Right, so I'm going to be completely honest I have no idea how it happened.' 'Lies' 'I was walking back from my, er, fall in the forest when she showed up. It really is my mum. She tells me stories about my dad and her time at Hogwarts and knows things only a mother could know. She says she's an imprint of a departed soul, like a ghost, but attached to my soul. I have complete control though. No spaces of time where everything goes black or anything of the sort. Ever since the voice appeared in my head I've consciously done everything myself. I know it sounds strange, and I know it probably looks horrible, especially from your perspective and your experience with Tom, but seriously I'll answer any question you can think of. I'm not possessed.' Harry said this while frantically moving his hands and gesturing with each point he made. Waiting for a response from Ginny he leaned back in his seat still facing her.

'Why are you so pale?' she said quietly.

'I lost a lot of blood that night. Madam Pomfrey says I'll be back to normal in a few days. I've got enough blood-replenishing potions to last me a couple of days.' said Harry, proud of his quick thinking.

'And quick lying. Harry, honestly, why can't you just tell them.'

'If I'm going to tell them I'm not going to tell Ginny first. We're barely even friends!'

'I like Ginny.'

'Well that's all well and good mum, I do too, but if I'm going to tell them I have to tell them all at the same time. And I thought you said you'd give me time to figure myself out before I told them.'

'Yes I did say that, but that was before you started lying to your friends.'

'Well, what am I supposed to do? Just avoid the subject? No. I promise I'll tell them but I have no intention of telling them any time soon.'

Ginny watched as Harry finished his explanation and lost focus on the world around him. She really would like to believe what Harry was saying, but he had changed so much in the last couple of days. Was it really all due to a bad fall in the forbidden forest? Was it all related to the discovery of Sirius's innocence? Ginny could not figure out what was causing such a drastic change in character. Reaching deep within herself to draw out her Gryffindor courage she broached the subject with Harry.

'Harry, I know I don't personally know you very well, but I've heard loads from Ron and the twins, and I've been watching you.' She blushed at her admission. 'And I just can't help but notice that you've changed a lot in the past couple of days. Ever since your injury really. That, coupled with your faded scar; it just feels like somewhere along the way we've lost Harry Potter. So you can see why I find it hard to believe that this shift in behaviour is solely due to your Mum's presence.'

Harry frowned and then looked deep into Ginny's eyes. 'The thing is… I agree with you. I don't know why but ever since my… erm… fall, in the forest, I've felt different. And not for the normal reasons either, and it's certainly not because of my mum's appearance. I don't know how to describe it but the front of my mind feels… emptier.' At her inquisitorial stare, Harry persisted. 'I don't mean I've gotten somehow thicker. I mean, it feels like something was always there and now it's gone. It feels great actually. Everything is clearer and less… off. Do you get what I mean?'

Truthfully, Ginny knew exactly how he felt. It's how she felt upon waking up in the Chamber after finding out the diary had been destroyed. Maybe Harry wasn't possessed now, but had rather finally awoken from possession, or some other form of dark magic. Naturally, she voiced her thoughts to Harry.

'Well, Dumbledore did say that my scar was more than what it seemed. That Voldemort had left it… Hang on, what if I had some form of connection to Voldemort before I fell.' said Harry. It was becoming increasingly easy to fall into step with his cover story of falling in the forest. 'If you're saying that once the diary was destroyed you felt clear, and like yourself for the first time in months, maybe something like the diary was in me.'

The thought that a memory form of Voldemort was left behind in Harry made him shudder. The good news permeated through the dark however as he was now probably rid of it. He really had to ask Dumbledore about all this. Not worrying about Ginny's reaction now that she was aware of the mum in his head Harry asked aloud so that Ginny could follow the topic of his mental conversation. 'Mum, can you tell me if there's another presence in my mind?'

'I've been looking around since the thought broke through your head dear. Haven't found anything yet.'

'She says she's looking around. I'll ask Dumbledore about it later this summer when I get back to the castle.' Harry told Ginny.

Ginny frowned. 'Why are you going back to the castle in the middle of the summer?'

'Oh, er, Remus is teaching there again next term so I'm going to be hanging out with him…' Harry thought this was a pretty good cover story but it certainly didn't explain why Harry was going to be spending any amount of time with Remus over the summer. Something Ginny realized straight away.

'Why are you going to be spending time with Professor Lupin?' she asked.

'Well, he's a family friend see, and well…' Harry really didn't have much to say. He could tell him about his father? Not good enough now that Ginny knew about his mum. That he wanted to strengthen his friendship with their Defense Professor? Again, why? He had all year to do that. Luckily for Harry, he didn't need to explain further as Ginny nodded her head in understanding.

'I get it, Harry. You've always wanted to have your family. Now, in a way, you've got your mum back. And some of your dad's best friends are in your life again. I don't blame you for wanting to get to know Professor Lupin.'

'I'm just glad you understand. I can't imagine Hermione would be as accepting. She just doesn't think that way.' said Harry, smiling to himself at the thought of what Hermione's response would be.

Ginny frowned. 'I don't think you give Hermione enough credit. On the surface, she's bossy and only sees the logical side of things, but underneath she can be quite emotional. I think she'd understand just as well as I do.' She paused and focused back on Harry. 'Ron, on the other hand, needs some work.'

Harry smiled despite himself. 'Well, maybe you don't give Ron enough credit. I think he'd react just like you.'

Ginny laughed. 'Well, then I suppose you're surrounded by perfectly understanding and reasonable people with absolutely no flaws whatsoever. Harry Potter and his perfect group of friends.'

After companionable laughter, the two fell silent. Staring out their respective windows before Harry let out a huff.

'Is the view not meeting your expectations Potter?' asked Ginny, still staring out the passenger side.

Harry chuckled and then sighed dramatically. 'No, 'fraid these clouds aren't meeting my precipitation requirements.'

'Precipitation?'

And so Harry tried valiantly to recall his primary muggle education to explain the weather cycles.

'So… all of the water… in the whole world… It just goes right back up?'

'Yeah, and it gets all compressed into a sort of half liquid.'

'How does it all stay up?'

Harry furrowed his brow, deep in thought. 'Mum? Any ideas?'

When he received nothing more than a mental huff of indignation Harry understood.

'Mum's blocking me out.'

'What? What for?' asked Ginny incredulously.

Harry sighed. 'I reckon she's trying to punish me for taking the car home. She missed some thirteen years' worth of minor offenses so I guess this is her idea of grounding me.'

Ginny laughed. 'Well, let's just try and figure it out ourselves then.' The two spent the next hour or so, high above the clouds in a beaten-up 30-year-old muggle vehicle making up increasingly improbable solutions to how clouds stay up. Eventually, the topic tired itself out and they went back to gazing aimlessly at the sea of white and grey.

'Care for a game of exploding snap?' Ginny asked in a bored tone of voice.

Harry slowly turned to look at her with a horrified expression plastered across his features. 'Are you mental?'

Ginny seemed surprised at Harry's reaction. "Last I checked you were the one with their dead mum talking to them inside their head. And you call me mental for wanting to do something to pass the time?!'

Lily broke her prolonged silence. 'Oh… I really like her.'

Scowling Harry turned to look out the windscreen. Then, sighing he turned back to Ginny who was still glaring at him. 'Exploding snap is a card game.' he paused to see her recognition. She was not pleased to be spoken to like a child. 'In this game, you play with cards, that explode.' Harry was now speaking in an obnoxious child-minding voice. 'Explosions can cause fires.' At the word "fires" Harry used his hands to mime flame. 'A fire, in a contained space all the way up here with no chance of rescue is not an ideal way to kill ourselves. If that were the task at hand, I'd recommend simply jumping out your door.'

Ginny's scowl deepened in intensity which was followed by an aggressive attack of the "Harry Blush" as her twin brothers had dubbed it. Why could she not function whenever he looked into her eyes. It was intoxicating. At least, she thought it was. She had never been intoxicated. Finally, to complete the circle of confusion, Ginny's lips tugged upwards into a reluctant smile which turned to a full grin, which was then followed by more laughter.

Harry found that he quite enjoyed making Ginny laugh.

'Oh dear…'

Harry did not know why his mother would respond to his thought in such a way.

Ginny quickly continued to unload questions about muggle science onto Harry and he did his best to give her answers. His mum, now having given up on her mental punishing, would occasionally add small details here and there to the delight of an ecstatic Ginny Weasley. Who now had an impressive repertoire of facts to share with her father upon her return home. The conversation never took a break all the way to Kings Cross, and it never came close to discussing a possibly possessed Harry Potter, or a dead connection to a certain Dark Lord.

Hermione Granger was incredibly worried. It had been precisely thirty-eight minutes and Harry and Ginny were not on the train. Considering the fact that both herself and Ron were ready long after Harry had left the boy's dormitory, it was definitively strange that she and Ron had gotten on the train before them. She had caught a brief glimpse of Ginny and Harry talking near the fire in the common room but was insistent on getting Ron to Hogsmeade station before it was too late.

Looking back, she should have called over her shoulder, ran over and grabbed them, told them in some way to get a move on, because now they were missing. Ron's constant reassurances that they were last at Hogwarts and that even if they missed the train they'd get home fine fell on deaf ears. Eventually, she stopped her pacing. It had been exactly forty minutes now and Harry and Ginny still had not made their presence known. She had tried to convince Ron that they should go look for them but he had continued to say that if Harry didn't want to be found, then so be it.

Ronald Weasley was watching his distressed best friend pace herself sore across the compartment the two shared. He had tried to comfort her, reassure her, but he knew she didn't believe him. That is because he himself did not believe what he was saying. Sure, Harry can handle himself, and for that matter so can Ginny, but his brotherly protective instincts were going haywire. He knew Harry didn't fancy Ginny. Honestly, the bloke never showed any interest in other girls. No, that wasn't what was troubling him. Not knowing his sister's whereabouts was highly distressing. Finally, he caved to Hermione's request for a full sweep of the train.

The two slid open their compartment door and made their way into the narrow corridor. They peered into multiple compartments but didn't ask about their missing friends. Hermione figured it wouldn't be a good idea to spread concern. Finally, they came into a compartment that had only two occupants. An exhausted-looking Remus Lupin with a great scruffy black dog curled up at his side.

'Should we tell them?' asked Hermione. She was wringing her hands, not wanting to wake up Professor Lupin from his much-needed slumber.

Ron thought for a minute before replying. 'Let's be honest, they either already know, or they'd kill us for not telling. I won't forget the look in Sirius' eyes when he was looking at Scabbers any time soon.'

Hermione nodded and entered the compartment, followed closely by Ron. As gently as she could she reached out and lightly grabbed Lupin by the shoulder before shaking him slightly.

'Professor Lupin? Professor Lupin, we need your help.'

Slowly his eyes opened as he focused on the girl in front of him. Blinking himself awake he cleared his throat before kindly asking, 'Sorry, Hermione, what is it?'

Hermione worried her bottom lip before replying. 'It's Harry.'

'And Ginny!' said Ron from behind her.

'Yes, and Ginny. We haven't checked the whole train yet but we can't find them anywhere. We don't think they made it aboard.'

Remus's eyes widened before jumping to his feet to the shock of Hermione and Ron. 'When did you last see them?' he asked frantically.

Ron spoke up. 'Hermione was pulling me down the stairs from my and Harry's dormitory. We were rushing past and I saw the two of them talking quietly near the fire. I thought it was strange because Harry and Ginny barely ever talk, and on top of that, Harry was finished packing and down the stairs a good five minutes before me. Anyway, we just sort of kept running and just barely made it onto the platform. It was once we were settled down in our compartment that we realized it had been a while into the train ride and Harry and Ginny still weren't with us. I kept telling Hermione that it should be alright because the last place they were seen was Hogwarts and if they were truly that late getting out they can't have made it far, but then Hermione said that once the last student leaves, the gates close and the school remains closed for the summer without special access. So now we're both worried because if Harry and Ginny got out of the grounds but never made it to the station, they could be anywhere between the gates and the village.' Ron finished and took a long breath.

Remus brought a hand up to the bridge of his nose. 'Damn. First day and I already lost the pup.' he muttered quietly enough for Hermione and Ron to pass it off as a sigh. 'Alright, let's search the train proper, and then we can regroup here. I'll head to the front of the train as you've already searched that part and you two head to the back. Sirius can come with you.' At this last pronouncement, the black dog yawned and twitched before rolling off onto the floor and looking up expectantly at Ron. 'That means he agrees.' said Remus.

The two students and the dog headed right while the professor headed left to the front of the train. As Ron, Hermione, and Padfoot reached the back of the train they ran into Draco Malfoy.

'Well well well. If it isn't the mudblood and the weasel-' Padfoot growled and Draco paled. Ron laughed.

'Scared of a dog Malfoy? Get out of our way. We're not looking for you.'

This was the wrong thing to say. 'So Potter's missing then is he?' Malfoy leaned against the door of a nearby compartment and folded his arms across his chest smirking. 'Hasn't been looking too healthy as of late.'

'Why've you been paying such close attention to him? Interested in some tips on making real friends? Where are your two overstuffed house-elves?' said Ron, looking around in mock curiosity.

Malfoy scowled. 'None of your business Weasley. And you're not really friends to the brat either. Just his little sidekicks to keep up appearances. We all know he's an arrogant prick under all that orphan shite.' Padfoot barked menacingly. Malfoy flinched.

'Listen, Malfoy, have you got anything important to say? We don't care for this useless tirade.' said Ron in a bored tone of voice.

Malfoy's scowl faded slightly when he asked 'What's wrong with him? He looked horrible at the leaving feast. Is he dying?' his tone was flat, uncaring.

'No he's not dying you blithering idiot!' spat Hermione. 'He lost a lot of blood and had to take loads of potions. He'll be fine by next year so you can keep antagonizing all three of us then. Now, if you don't mind, we'd like to go find our friend.' And with that, she shouldered past Malfoy and hurried down the hall. Ron and Padfoot followed.

After a thorough search of the train, and no more encounters with loathsome students, Hermione, Ron, Padfoot, and Professor Lupin met back in the professors' compartment.

Remus was running a hand through his thinning hair as he paced back and forth. 'Well neither of them are anywhere on the train. I've spoken to the driver, he has a list of all magical presences on the train, and neither Harry nor Ginny, have boarded since September 1st, 1993.'

Hermione frowned. 'If the driver has a list of names for each magical core registered, why didn't Pettigrew show up? I mean, even in his animagus form he appeared on the Marauder's Map.'

Ron perked up. 'That's evidence! That's irrefutable evidence! If we get that, and all of us under a truth potion, we can get Sirius freed!'

Remus and Padfoot both snapped their heads up to look at Ron. 'Ron! That might actually work! We could use memory samples as well, and we might be able to convince Snape to aid us. He was a spy for the Order after all…' Remus trailed off as he stared at the floor. Ron and Hermione were dumbfounded as to what "The Order" was but at that moment they didn't care.

'Alright. We'll just have to wait it out until we get to King's Cross. In the meantime, we can try and plan a trial for Sirius.' said Ron. He wasn't enthusiastic about giving up on his best mate and sister, but realistically what was he supposed to do. The Trolley Witch had made it quite clear that any student who would leave the train would face dire consequences, though none other than Fred and George seemed to understand what those consequences entailed.

Without the chaotic scramble to the station that usually accompanied her visits, Molly Weasley arrived at King's Cross with time to spare. Walking purposefully through the barrier between platforms 9 and 10, she took her usual place among the other parents scattered about the platform and waited. Only a few minutes passed when the whistle blared. Another minute and the beautiful scarlet locomotive slowed its way into the station. Finally coming to a stop, the carriage doors opened and students began to stream out. Molly thought about each of her children in turn. Percy had graduated this year. Head Boy and more O.W.L's than she was sure any of her younger boys would ever receive. She was so proud of him. He was such an ambitious boy. Then, there were Fred and George, her troublemakers. They were so much more than that simplified term. Despite their grades, the twins were brilliant and uncommonly resourceful. She was hard on them but they never ceased to impress her. Ron, she was so proud of him. He had always been rather jealous and cynical but when he saw a boy in need he had pushed it all aside to help a total stranger out of a horrible situation. Yes, this friendship with Harry Potter had led to many dangerous situations, it had done nothing but strengthen Ron's resolve and his loyalty. And last but certainly not least, her daughter, Ginny. She had suffered more than anyone could possibly understand. They had all tried valiantly to help her. Bill and Charlie had put in the most work, but neither could relate, neither could get her to open up about her experience. She had nightmares nearly every night and Molly had been extremely concerned that such a sleep pattern would harm Ginny's academic success. She had been proven wrong. Ginny's mid-term grades had been the best in the family next to Bill. The professors said she had a knack for magic. They said it almost seemed like she had already known what they were learning in class. When Molly had asked her daughter about her success she had received a decisively negative reply. It seemed Ginny was disappointed in her success, but for the life of her, Molly could not comprehend why she could be ashamed of good marks. Shaking herself at the sight of Ron, Hermione, and the twins she plastered a broad smile across her face. Immediately she knew something was wrong. She could not see the messy black hair that marked the arrival of what she considered another son. Harry Potter continued to amaze her with every passing year. The last letter she had received from Ron contained one line which read "Big news. We'll explain at home." She knew it had to do with Harry because everything seemed to go to the poor boy. She could confidently say that she loved Harry like one of her own, and always looked forward to his occasional letter full to the brim with politeness and generosity beyond his years. The boy was a delight. But he was not visible among the spattering of red hair. She walked towards them and was met with a kind-looking man with deep scars along his pale face. He was accompanied by a large shaggy black dog. Her children and Hermione formed around the pair.

'Hello, Mrs. Weasley. My name is Professor Remus Lupin. I am the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher and I was wondering if you've seen either Harry or Ginny yet?' The professor said this in a kind voice but Molly could hear the concern coursing through it. Then it hit her.

'Ginny! What do you mean "have I seen her?" I have not seen her because I assumed she would be with my sons on the express!' She all but shrieked. Her breathing grew ragged as she was brought back to the last time her daughter had gone missing along with Harry. A whine and a nudge came from around her knee and she looked down to see the dog looking up at her with watery eyes. Ron snorted and Molly snapped her head up to face her youngest son. 'HOW DARE YOU FIND SUCH A SITUATION AMUSING RONALD WEASLEY! YOUR SISTER AND BEST FRIEND ARE MISSING! IS THIS NOT SERIOUS TO YOU?' Ron's demeanor completely shifted into one of despair.

'We don't know what happened mum. We thought they were with us.' he croaked.

'Why are both Harry and Ginny missing… Together… Again?' said Molly.

Ron gave Hermione an indignant look. 'See! I'm not the only one who's thinking it.'

'Oh for heavens' sakes Ron! It doesn't mean anything that they went missing together. They probably aren't even missing! The first place people tell you to check is your own home. Why don't we all go back to the burrow to look for them.' huffed Hermione.

Molly agreed and was somewhat surprised when the Defense professor turned to follow. 'Professor?' she asked.

Professor Lupin flushed before answering. 'I was a good friend of his mother and father, I've been tasked with bringing him to his… relatives. We've grown quite close you see… Harry and me.'

'It's true Mrs. Weasley. Harry's been receiving private lessons with Professor Lupin and they've bonded over Harry's parents all year.' said Hermione.

Molly nodded and continued towards the barrier back to the muggle world. Hermione quickly grabbed her parents by the wrists and pulled them along to the exit of the station.

Only a dozen minutes earlier one would find Harry and Ginny thoroughly enjoying themselves over a box of Bertie Botts Every Flavor Beans. They had landed in a deserted alleyway and had the car once again become visible and drive "The strange way" as Ginny had referred to regular driving, to the front of King's Cross station. For appearance's sake, Harry had his hands hovering over the wheel. One would have to look closely to notice that Harry was not putting in any input to the car. Now, the two sat on the hood of the car, legs crossed beneath them, finishing their three-player Beans guessing game. (Lily had joined in halfway through) Every time one of the kids would hear the opening of a door they would glance up to confirm the identity of the latest meandering muggle. They had both watched as Molly Weasley had entered the station having completely glanced over the two students sat perched on the hood of the Ford Anglia, but on Ginny's input had decided to let her discover the situation herself. Harry found this to be a rather poor plan. He truly respected Mrs. Weasley and was eternally grateful for the way she had treated him even before he had formally met the woman. Purposely invigorating her wrath was not something Harry had ever wished to do. He remembered all too well the last time he had witnessed her fury unleashed on her sons. It had involved the very car the two were currently lounging on. He had voiced his concerns but had only received a dismissive wave from his companion. His mother on the other hand was in full agreement with Harry. Why would he purposefully hurt the woman who had been so kind to him? But Ginny would not be swayed. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the doors opened for a final time, and a pile of people burst through the doors, only to come to a sudden stop.

Molly Weasley was frantically running to the exit alongside her school-aged sons, the defense professor, an uncommonly understanding black dog, one of her sons' best friends, and her parents. Bursting through the doors she came to a halt at the sight that lay before her. Her only daughter, sitting cross-legged laughing uproariously at something the raven-haired Harry Potter who wore a lopsided grin across his slim features, had said. The two children sat atop the front of her husband's ridiculous (and until now) lost magical car. Startled into stunned silence she failed to notice her twin sons' identical grins and the large black dog's joyous barks as it bounded over to the pair. She turned to look up at Professor Lupin to find him chuckling and pulling a hand down his face in exasperation. He noticed the Weasley Matriarch's glare and explained, 'That is the most James Potter thing I've ever seen Harry do.'

Molly did not care how characteristically "James Potter" anything was. This was, simply put, unacceptable behaviour. Striding towards the car, ready to give a thorough tongue-lashing, Harry turned to face her. 'Mrs. Weasley! Thank goodness you've found us. We were abandoned you see. Ron and Hermione just up and left!'

Picking up where Harry left off, Ginny continued. 'Yes. We were ever so worried for our own return from the school when Daddy's car came out and seemed to know what we needed. So, after some casual conversation-'

'With the car.' put in Harry.

'Yes, with the car. We got in and told it where we wished to go. You see, I think the car was missing dad. He's-'

'Or she.' added Harry.

'Yes, or she, is clearly distraught over its lack of contact with its creator.' As if proving Ginny's point, the car shuddered sadly.

'Anyways,' Picked up Harry from their perfectly rehearsed speech. 'Just, don't blame Ginny. It was all my idea to use the car but I figured after everything you've done for me, the least I could do was give Mr. Weasley his car back. As it was partially my fault that he had lost it in the first place. We got here in one piece and the invisibility booster remained intact the whole time. We landed in an alleyway to re-appear, and drove the rest of the way the muggle way.' Harry grinned up at Mrs. Weasley. She just didn't have the heart to yell at the pair.

'Well alright, as long as you're both safe.' She engulfed both Harry and Ginny in a single motherly hug. She didn't miss Harry stiffen under her touch, nor did she miss his lack of reciprocating the hug.

Ginny's brothers watched the whole scene with gob-smacked expressions. Never had one of Molly Weasley's children evaded punishment so flawlessly. The twins were impressed, Percy wore a disapproving glare, and Ron grinned. Harry didn't use his status often, but he had to admit that that show was something to behold. Remus was barely suppressing his smirk as he watched the situation unravel itself. Padfoot was making sounds that could only be described as laughter, though, as a dog, it could be passed off as soft barking.

Finally, Molly unwrapped her arms and held both children by their shoulders, and examined each separately. Harry was extremely pale but that horrible scar of his seemed to finally be healing. Ginny looked perfectly healthy and for the first time since the Chamber, her eyes were ablaze like they were in her youth. Molly had missed that fire. She didn't know what had brought it back to her daughter's expression, but at that moment she didn't care. 'Oh Ginny!' she said heartily, throwing her arms around her daughter once more. Ginny grinned and glanced over at Harry, receiving a wink in return. Sensing an incoming Harry Blush, she buried her head in her mother's chest.

Harry turned to glance at the other spectators. Harry was surprised to see Remus and Padfoot standing among the crowd. 'Moony!' yelled Harry. Delighted beyond words. The entire car ride had been filled with blissful ignorance of his condition, it had threatened to come crashing down upon him as he and Ginny sat and ate, but upon seeing his father's friend, a sense of overwhelming hope exploded through his body. He needed this man, and he was lucky that the man in question was willing to help. Harry ran towards his (likely) new guardian and held out his hand. Remus took it and pulled him into a hug.

'You had me worried there, Harry.' whispered Remus into Harry's ear.

'Moony?' asked one of the twins. Harry and Remus turned to look at them. They were both wearing disbelieving expressions.

'Oh yeah, didn't you know? The creators of the Marauder's Map are Harry's dad, Professor Lupin, Sirius Black, and... er' Ron faltered at Harry's warning glare. 'Peter Pettigrew.' said Ron, slightly subdued.

Fred and George turned, gaping at each other. History would record the short-lived event as a first. For neither Fred nor George, had anything to say. The moment passed however because both then bore quizzical looks. 'Hang on… Sirius Black? asked George

Remus cleared his throat. 'Yes. Erm, Molly, you had something to ask Harry? I think?'

Molly faltered a bit. 'Well, Harry dear, I don't know if anyone has told you but Arthur got tickets to the Quidditch World Cup. We have a ticket for two others and you and Hermione are invited. It'll be a fantastic match and you'll all get to go camping for a couple of nights.'

Harry hesitated. He really did want to go, but with his being a werewolf, he didn't know if he could reasonably place himself near his friends without the safety of the shrieking shack being readily available. As if sensing Harry's thoughts, Remus stepped in.

'When is the match, Mrs. Weasley?'

'I believe it's the 19th of August. We were thinking of inviting you over to the burrow a few weeks ahead. That way we could celebrate both Ginny and Percy's birthdays as a family.' replied Mrs. Weasley.

Harry was touched at being included in her statement of family. He only wished he had the heart to tell her that he shouldn't be a part of her family as he was a living risk, a monster, and a catalyst for disaster. Not only did he seem to attract trouble at every waking minute, but he was now carrying a terrible curse that he'd never risk spreading.

'That sounds lovely Mrs. Weasley. I'll keep in touch and let you know what my schedule is for the summer. I have a lot planned.' said Harry.

"A lot planned? What have you got planned Harry?' said Hermione.

'I'll let you know when I can.' said Harry evasively.

An awkward pause later, and Remus had had enough small talk. 'Alright, well, it was lovely meeting you Mrs. Weasley, all of your children were a delight in my classroom, yes, even Fred and George. Once a prankster, forever a prankster in my eyes. I have to bring Harry to his relatives now as we're on a bit of a tight schedule. Have a good summer all!' Remus clapped his hands together after gesturing to his other students.

Harry dutifully followed Remus and Padfoot to a secluded alleyway when Padfoot shaped back into Sirius.

'Alright Harry, here's the plan. You're never going back to the whale and his horse-faced bitch of a wife, your lovely aunt.' Sirius paused and grinned at Harry. 'Me and Moony are going to… legally, in the eyes of Professor Dumbledore, kidnap you and train you up. By training, I mean that I will teach you everything I know about the wizarding world and how it functions, and Moony will help you along with your… furry little problem.' Sirius winked. 'I expect we'll be having a lot of fun this summer despite… er, well, everything. Now, we're going to head to my dearest mother's most cherished residence and check up on everything. It's a horrible, dark, decrepit place but it's… well it's certainly not home but it's a house.' Sirius grimaced. Harry didn't know the full story of what was going on in front of him but he couldn't help the smile spreading across his face. He was getting to live with his godfather and favourite professor. This is how it should have been all along. No Dursley's, no beatings, or unnecessary chores. A life with his dad's best mates.

'Honestly Sirius, anything is better than Privet Drive.' said Harry enthusiastically.

'Say Moony.' said Sirius with a mischievous glint in his eye. 'How about we pay a visit to Lily-Love's horrendous horror of a sister?'

'Oh yes, please. I would love to pay a visit to Tuney. I'm sure we have a lot to talk about.'

'Mum, realistically, how will you be able to speak to her.'

'Ginny attempted to enter your mind, there's nothing stopping me from entering hers.'

An evil grin tugged Harry's lips. 'Oh yeah, we're going to pay a visit. But let's see this house of yours first. At least I can put my trunk down somewhere.'

'Have you ever traveled by Apparition before?' asked Remus.

'Only thing I know about it is that you can't apparate in Hogwarts, and that mum says it's like teleportation.' said Harry.

Remus smiled while Sirius looked confused. 'Muggle thing.' said Remus at Sirius's questioning look. 'Alright Harry, hold on to both of our hands. We're going to apparate straight to Grimmauld Place. That's Sirius's ancestral family home.' Harry nodded and grabbed both Sirius and Remus's hands before his entire body felt like it was collapsing in on itself and the air in his lungs vanished. Just as he became convinced that he was going to suffocate and die right here in a deserted London alleyway, the air came flooding back into his lungs and he opened his eyes to find himself standing in a small plaza. His stomach churned and he felt bile rising in his throat but he valiantly fought it down. He turned to see Sirius and Remus staring intently at him. Swallowing, Harry looked from one to the other.

'What?' he asked.

'Damn! James was emptying his stomach for a good ten minutes when he first apparated.' said Sirius. He pulled a small copper Knut and tossed it to Remus who grinned.

' 'Fraid I have a bit more confidence in your abilities than your dear godfather, Harry.' said Remus, pocketing the small coin.

Harry smiled at their antics and stared intently at the row of decrepit townhouses the trio now faced.

'This is your ancestral home? I figured it would be some grand manor, not a run-down hovel.' said Harry.

'Harry! Tell them about the Potter vault! You've inherited loads of ancestral properties. You can live in one of them with Remus and Sirius!'

'Hang on!' Harry yelled to his two companions who looked at him quizzically. 'The Potter vault! I've got loads of family homes that have been passed down in the family. We can go to Gringotts and pick a house and live there!'

Sirius grinned. 'Oh ho ho! Potter Manor will at last return to her former glory!

'You know where it is?' asked Harry.

'Sure thing! Lived there with James and his parents remember? I had my own room there and everything. So did Remus.' said Sirius excitedly. 'Say, Moony, you reckon I'm still keyed into the wards?'

Remus thought for a moment. 'I can't see who would have removed you after all this time. It's worth a shot. And I'd wager it's a right shot better than this hell hole.' Remus wrinkled his nose at Number 12.

Sirius grabbed hold of both Remus and Harry's arms and turned on the spot. They appeared on a wide dirt road in the middle of a forest.

'Erm, Sirius? Where are we?' said Harry, eyeing the unfamiliar surroundings apprehensively.

'Welcome, my dear child, to Marauder's Headquarters. Potter Manor. The finest establishment in Wizarding Britain. Your ancestral home. Your birthright. You-'

'Your home, Harry.' interrupted Remus, grinning at Sirius. He loved to see his best friend's eyes so full of life after the haunted state he had seen them in at the Shrieking Shack. Merlin. That night. Remus hid his sentiments about Harry's affliction quite well. The reality of it all had yet to really hit him, but the fact that he was responsible for Harry's eternal suffering was weighing heavily on his soul. He was disgusted with himself but knew that Harry, and even more frighteningly, Lily, would not put up with his sulking behaviour. Yes, he was guilty. Yes, he despised his actions, but Harry was right. They were not his own; and with the help of the Potter estate, the Wolfsbane potion would not be nearly as difficult to procure. He needed to be there for Harry. He wanted to be there for Harry.

'I don't see a house anywhere.' said Harry, swinging his head left and right.

'Well that would be because there are anti-apparition wards and other enchantments that surround the grounds, so we have to apparate outside of the wards. Only those keyed into magic can pass through. The manor is just up ahead.' explained Remus.

Harry, Remus, and Sirius trudged up the drive when a large wrought iron gate appeared. It was carved and twisted into a large family crest. As Harry approached he could feel the wards pushing in on his middle. It felt like there was something inside of him being pressured to act. He cringed at the feeling. Remus and Sirius showed expressions of relief as they felt the wards accept them. Turning to look at Harry they noticed his predicament.

'Harry, do you see that needle on the gate?' prodded Sirius. Harry inspected the center of the family crest. Sure enough, in the center of the ornate "P", was a peak in the metal. 'Prick your finger on the needle there. These wards are old magic. Blood magic. It's the type of thing the current Ministry frowns upon, and rightfully so. Blood magic can get very, very dark. But for this purpose…' he paused and stared fondly at the Potter gates. 'Anyways, the blood wards will recognize you as the rightful heir to Potter manor. Currently, the wards are built to recognize James' magical core. Go on, prick your finger.'

Harry reached out and touched the tip of his index finger to the center "P". He felt the blood leave his body and drip onto the peak. Suddenly, the pressure on his middle dissipated, and the gates swung open silently.

Remus hummed in surprise. 'I'd have expected the gates to groan. I don't know who's been oiling the gates.' he said as the three began to walk through the gates.

'Who knows, Moony. It just might be magic!' said Sirius while wiggling his fingers around his friend's face.

Harry stopped dead as he walked through the gates and like a switch had flipped, Potter manor and the estate's grounds came into view. The grass was trimmed, not too short but had definitely been taken care of. Rows of lilies lead the way on each side of the drive which had now become a paved cobblestone road. The actual manor was magnificent. Two floors with more windows than Harry could count. Dozens of chimneys, (no doubt for the Floo network) lined the oxidized copper roof of the stone manor. Two distinct wings were visible, the stone walls covered in rising ivy. The plant life gave a comfortable, alive feel to the manor. It was beautiful. And enormous. Harry had never seen a house so large. 'Wow.' was all he could come up with. The smell of the sea permeated the air and Harry couldn't stop the smile from pulling his lips.

CRACK! Two house-elves. One, (the taller of the two) was dressed in a three-piece suit, while the other was wearing a sundress, appeared before Harry and bowed low. 'Master Harry Potter sir! Master Harry has inherited Potter manor! We is welcome to serve! Welcome to aid!' said the smaller of the two house-elves.

Momentarily taken aback, Harry bowed back. 'Oh, er, Hey guys… What are your names?'

The elves were startled at Harry's bow, but blushed furiously at their young master's wishes to learn their names. The female elf answered first. 'Well sir, my name is Flappy. For the earses you see.' She indicated her bat-like ears.

The male elf shook himself and replied, 'And I'm Floppy. I tend to be rather clumsy.'

Harry chuckled and got down on one knee and offered his hand to each elf in turn. 'It's a pleasure to meet you Flappy and Floppy. Have you been keeping all of this maintained on your own?' Harry asked, gesturing to the immaculate grounds of Potter manor.

The house-elves were in a state of shock at Harry treating them as equals. Though not nearly as taken aback as Dobby had been, (Harry assumed his family had treated them better than Lucius Malfoy had treated his elves.) they were still awestruck. Harry, having dealt with House-Elves in the past, sat patiently, waiting for their response, wearing a kind smile. Remus and Sirius were nearly as astonished as the elves were. Here was a boy who had most certainly been mistreated his entire young life, treating nearly everyone he met with respect before making a decision of character. He truly was a perfect blend of both his parents.

After some time the Elves beamed with pride at their young master. 'Yes, Master Harry. Me ands Flappy have worked tirelessly ever since Mistress Lily said goodbye.' The elf's face suddenly turned somber. 'Buts we have done our jobs, sir! Just as Master James had taught us to sir!'

Harry beamed in gratitude at the two elves. 'Well, you two have done a marvelous job keeping everything clean from what I can see here. Thank you so much for taking care of my home while I've been away. Say, I've never been here before. Do you think the two of you could give me a tour? I'd be ever so grateful.' Harry had mastered speaking to House-Elves and though he knew both Sirius and Remus could have given him a full tour of the property, Harry thought his Elves (for they were his) would want to give the tour. And Harry figured that after considerable years of neglect, both Flappy and Floppy were in dire need of some much-deserved attention. As expected, the Elves were overjoyed with the prospect of teaching their Harry the lay of the land.

Harry, Remus, and Sirius all followed closely behind the excitable Flappy and Floppy as the elves guided the three wizards down the cobblestone drive up to the beautifully carved and polished oak doors of Potter manor. When closed, the doors would complete the family crest. Harry, as the true Potter of the estate, felt a surge of energy flow through him as he grabbed hold of the handles. Pushing the doors inwards, he was met with a grand entry hall. A beautiful marble staircase ran up and divided to the left and right for each wing respectively. The back of the staircase held a large window that overlooked the sea. Wherever Potter Manor was, Harry had never expected to be so close to the ocean. He loved the smell of the seawater that blew through the house's many open windows. Flappy showed Harry all eight (eight!) fully furnished bedrooms, each including its own private ensuite, which were all held on the top floor. (four per wing). Back on the main floor, Floppy showed Harry through the common room and a meticulously well-decorated ballroom. The extravagant dining room, which according to the elves, was fit for royal parties, was settled in next to the kitchen. The kitchen itself was magnificent. Though Harry was forced to cook for the Dursleys, he actually quite enjoyed it and was rather gifted with it. It had a smaller table than the 30-seater in the dining room. The table in the kitchen had enough room to work but also held six chairs.

From the kitchen, they walked back to the entry hall and entered the West wing. Flappy confirmed that this was the game wing. The entire West main floor was an entertainment hall. Billiards tables sat next to various other hands-on games. Poker tables modified for exploding snap decks were scattered about, and a small bar was all held in the enormous room. A round table sat in the center with five chairs around it. Each chair had a symbol engraved on the seat. A wolf, a dog, a stag, a rat, and a flower. Harry stared at the chairs in astonishment.

'Yup, welcome to the Marauder's den. Though it's not officially what this room is for. Naturally, it's to entertain esteemed guests but your family never did much of that. It became our round table discussion zone; as you can see.' said Sirius. He smiled sadly at the chair with the stag on the seat. He traced the engraving with his finger. 'We'll need to replace two members.' he muttered softly.

'What?' asked Harry.

'Well, with Prongs gone, and the rat…' he spat the word with disgust, '...still cringing his way across the country, we'll need new Marauders.' said Sirius.

'Yes, well I'd say we have bigger concerns at the moment. Flappy, do continue the tour.' said Remus.

Harry knew that the elves were only taking him through the main rooms, the ones he would need to know for navigation purposes, but it was still so much! Even after three years outside of Privet Drive it still astounded Harry how some people had so much stuff. None of it felt important without his friends. There was a desperate need in Harry's heart to share what he was now walking around in, what he was supposed to call his home. He wanted to invite his friends over, he wanted to have a group sleepover and have breakfast with everyone he loved.

But he couldn't do that. He couldn't invite friends over anymore. Even if he had never been able to in the first place. Now that he stood here in this amazing game room all Harry wished to do was get Hedwig and send out a pile of letters to invite the Weasleys over for the summer. He had a home now, and it had taken no time at all to feel as such. Harry hadn't even chosen a bedroom and he knew that this was where he belonged. And all he wanted to do was share it. Resigning himself, Harry dutifully followed his house-elves to the next room. His melancholy only grew when he was brought into a wonderful indoor pool. The whole room was surrounded by glass walls and a glass ceiling. It was essentially a greenhouse with a pool in the middle. The longing to be around Ron, Hermione, and the others was torture.

'Alright pup?' asked Sirius. He had noticed his godson's devastated expression.

For a split second, Harry smiled. He liked that nickname. 'Yeah I'm alright.' his frown returned.

Sirius was not convinced as the party made their way back through the entrance hall and out the large glass french doors to the grounds at the back of the manor. The manor sat approximately 100 meters away from the cliffs to the sea below. In this space was a full-sized Quidditch pitch. Which was accompanied by open fields and ponds with footpaths and small wooden trestles winding their way through the gardens that boasted towering magical topiaries that moved and showed just as much emotion as the portraits of Hogwarts.

Harry just stood still in shock. How could his heart feel a little more complete at finding a physical home and yet ring hollow with the loss of the ability to see his friends outside of Hogwarts? Realistically, he knew that no one was enforcing that rule. But for his own conscience, he couldn't risk it. He couldn't risk them finding out.

'The wards were modified for werewolves so that when I transformed I could roam freely around the estate's grounds without being able to escape. You bounce right off the invisible dome. I've checked and I can tell that the very same wards are still flowing and strong. We'll be safe here.' explained Remus as they stared out onto the sunset-lit grounds.

'It's beautiful here. It's overwhelming. I love it. Thank you, both of you, for taking care of everything for me. If you'd like a vacation, please just ask.' Harry said to the elves.

They both looked affronted. 'No! no! no! We finally have our Master with us! We wish to serve! We will serve!' said Floppy in a no-nonsense, albeit squeaky voice.

Harry smiled at the elves. 'Alright, well how about you fix us up some dinner. Anything works, I'm sure you two are excellent cooks.' The two elves disappeared with a pop.

Harry breathed in the salty air, closing his eyes. This is how it should have been. Just him, his mum and dad, and the sea. No Voldemort, no war. No Philosopher's Stones', no haunting Chambers. A normal, blissfully peaceful life. Harry was always gawked at for his exhilarating adventures, but none but he could attest to the horrors of these thrilling mysteries, the exciting and perilous adventures that he and his friends had been thrown into. But Harry always came out, standing alone. Always alone, in the end.

After pushing their way through trials and tribulations to stop Voldemort from getting the stone, Harry stood alone. After Hermione flew to free Sirius it was Harry who was left to fend for himself in the forest once again. Whether by conscious decision or not, Harry always ended up alone. And so by design, none had endured the blunt of their adventures.

That's when it hit him. There was a time when he hadn't ended up alone. There was someone who knew. Someone who understood. The very person who didn't fall for Harry's deceptive attitude after the bite. Had he himself not told Ginny Weasley that she was the only other kid to have fought Voldemort and survived? Had he not himself admitted that he had an equal? And he had pushed her away with the rest.

It was then that Harry came to a decision. He was going to write to Ginny. He was going to be a friend to the girl who, if she was anything like Harry, certainly needed someone of similar history to talk to.

'There's my Harry-James.'

With that thought in mind, Harry turned and walked back through the french doors and, with the help of his mother, began to meander around the manor in the vain hope of remembering where the hell the kitchens were. It seemed that Harry had inherited his mum's dreadful short-term memory.

A/N: I really like this chapter because we get our introduction the Harry and Ginny's friendship, and we get to explore this untarnished version of Harry. For those who haven't already figured out where the whole lack of a presence in Harry's head thing was going well, I won't say outright but it's pretty dan obvious. We'll get some more of Harry's summer and his "training" in the next chapter. Our big Plot Point is Harry's first transformation. Honestly, my search history at the moment is full of "Full Moon July 1994." or "full moon August 1994" I mean honestly, my FBI agent probably thinks I'm part of some cult.

Even though I've only received a few reviews, it still baffles me that more than two people even saw this fic. Every time a notification pops up on my phone and I recognize the email address I get so hyped that someone followed, or faved, god this fanfic writing thing is fun. Please continue to follow and review and all that stuff it's so much fun. Tomorrow I have more time to work on my chapters so I might get chapter 4 up and published by tomorrow night.

Thank you thank you thank you for reading. It's so cool to see people enjoying something I made! afewfwfhiwhgw Aaaaa it fills me up.