Third One's the Charm

by Aly Teima

Finished. The first of the trilogy, in which we meet the villainess, the situation and the same old characters dealing with changes in their lives

8. Never Trust A Dragon With A Bad Liver

"Never Trust A Dragon With A Bad Liver"
"Third One's the Charm" Pt. 6


Author's Notes;

Nearing the conclusion of this beast, I just wanted to individually thank some reviewers who have encouraged me to finish this. This is my last large HP fic in a long time. I have grad school to think about and the pressures are starting to pile up. I know, so sad, too bad (Aly piles on the sarcasm ;-) )

Thanks to jenny114, 'Mione Granger, cat_in_the_hat, Roxy, Kavish, Paula, Lady Kay, Opaleye, tolkienite and everyone else who has reviewed and helped me to get this far. Your encouragement and feedback are excellent, thank you truly.

One quick note and I'll stop waxing sentimental. I realized something not only by reading but by writing HP fan-fiction. The scope that can be found in Rowling's magical world is unbelievable. I think it can go without end. Relationships, 'Sailing ships, (LOL), Family, Future, Past, Marauders, Dream Team, Four Houses, etc., etc., etc. All can be interpreted in countless ways. I found that I was trying to tailor my fic ideas to suit everyone and found that not only was it very difficult to try and write, I wasn't happy doing it. So, to do what I wanted, I wrote 3rd One, and there came the inspiration for other ideas in the future. Writing what you think is important and emphasizing the characters the way you want is meaningful Don't try and get reviews by putting things in that you think people want to read. Write what _you_ want, what _you_ see in HP. That's what makes it magic.

Example, many think that not only will Percy go bad, but that he doesn't care about his family, he's stuffy, he's boring, he's annoying. Personally, I never did think he was annoying, I thought he was a very real and easy to relate to character. That's why when he dashed out to help Ron in the 2nd Task, I wasn't surprised or like, "Yeah right, like Percy would do that" It's Rowling's character, she put that passage there for a reason (which I'm dying to know more about). It made sense and I was like, "Finally!! Here's the Percy we are not allowed to see." I can only bow to the master for creating a character that acts one way throughout an entire series of books, but that we know is hiding something. That's talent. And, happily, I found that most of my reviewers not only agreed with me, but liked the emotional emphasis on Percy more than almost anything else in the story. You guys rock.

Oh, and to Kavish, absolutely no worries! Like I said, your insights were _very_ helpful and I'd rather know how the characters are viewed from a broader perspective. Thank you, it's sometimes easy to get lost when you're writing different scenes w/ different characters. Sometimes some get lost in the shuffle. I appreciate your comments a lot. Actually, I have a difficult time writing Ginny. I don't know her personality very well, she's almost as difficult to write as Harry, and he's nigh impossible. Maybe its because she's changing and growing up, its hard to know where to place her. You gave me a great idea in this segment for her though, so that's section dedicated to you! (I know, I'm a geek) And Snape, heh....all I can say is a quote from Friends, Phoebe; "Sometimes I think he's the right guy for me, he's great but....I just _hate_ that guy". That's Snape. He's the guy I love to hate. But he's not Voldemort. He's fun because of the challenge and the fact that you can never let too much show with him, because just a little bit will push him out of character. Ah well....Love your comments on Sirius and Remus. They are in a bad way, both of them. How do two emotionally scarred people raise an emotionally scarred boy? Hmm, don't know. Oh, and Peter is once a rat, always a rat :-) On Mappe, you're absolutely right. She's a complex little banshee. You're awesome.

cat_inthe_hat- Harry's hair, ROFLMAO!! Mappe is the Vidal Sassoon of the wizarding world. *giggle*

That's all, forgive please my aimless ramblings. On, on we go!!

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"I must say, Severus, it appears that the Weasleys and myself owe you a debt of gratitude, as well as Miss Granger."

"Well, Headmaster, it was rather disconcerting to receive a message from that same Granger, spilling out nonsensical things about her _dear_ friends being in trouble and if I could contact you, or do something myself, etc., etc. I believe the she was being nosy first and foremost and simply wanted to know what was going on with the darker realm of things."

Snape's sallow face was even more unpleasantly twisted than usual. The constant thanks, weeping, tears and overall disgusting emotional displays had left him in a very, _very_ bad mood. Especially since much of it was directed towards him.

His lip curled in distaste. *Bah.......only too glad to get away.*

There was, however, one matter that was making his very bones ache with resentment, yet.......

"Miss Granger saved that boy's life. There's no doubt, Headmaster. Um....as much as I _detest_ giving that know-it-all any more wanton encouragement, perhaps some congratulatory...something or other, is in order."

Dumbledore, sitting comfortably in a red-cushioned chair, smiled easily at the Potions Master. "If you hadn't suggested it Severus, I'm sure someone else would've have." He paused, eyes twinkling, "Just to put your mind at ease."

*Damn him and his uncanny ability to.....*

Dumbledore fingers were crossed, his hands on his lap. He and Severus Snape were in his old, very secluded and surprisingly small home a distance away from the refreshing sea-coast of Dover.

"And young Ron? I take it that he is recuperating as well?"

Snape nodded curtly. "As well as his foolish pride will allow. Albus, I did not come here to discuss the Weasleys. As far as I am concerned, I have had more than my share of that family as is."

"Of course, of course. You probably realized that they were not the reason I asked you here. Although, your concern is most refreshing."

Snape raised a suspicious eyebrow at Dumbledore's tone. It was a typical remark for the venerable old wizard. You thought it meant one thing, when it could mean something else entirely.

"Do sit down, Severus. I have some lovely new china I've been waiting to try, though I afraid that the tea may not be up to par. I'm afraid Miss Gibbons hasn't quite forgiven me for trying one of the Weasley twins small gadgets on her. And her tongue didn't even get very large! Ah well, perhaps she's overworked, though she's usually an excellent housekeeper."

Snape raised another eyebrow and edged closer to the door.

"Nothing? Fine Professor, we will get to young Harry in a moment. You are not the only one waiting rather, er....unpatiently, Severus." Dumbledore said lightly when Snape opened up his mouth to protest.

"A convicted murderer and a werewolf, concerned for a child's safety?! Next I suppose that you'll be telling me that Voldemort has Harry on his Holiday Card list."

"No, but I do. Except the boy is always at Hogwarts then, so it's not much use is it?"

Snape groaned inwardly.

"Oh, and not to get off track further, but the convicted part is no longer true."

"I heard" Snape practically choked on the words.

"Yes, poor Pettigrew seemed only too happy to confess and be led away, though I can't imagine why. Poppy can mend teeth marks in one shake of....er, a dog's tail, I don't see why the Ministry healers can't do the same."

"So Black is free, Harry is still missing though you and they know where he is. And all of this comes back to me.....?" Snape raised a long, thin hand questioningly. Dumbledore took his sweet time replying, sipping his tea loudly.

"Harry is far away from us right now, Severus. I don't know what this woman has done to so thoroughly convince him that he no longer has any place with the living, but not even Voldemort can find him now."

Snape's expression didn't change. Except if you looked very close. His eyes, black like the Hogwarts' dungeons at midnight, twitched.

Dumbledore looked very old suddenly. "I fear that I led Sirius and Remus to believe what I cannot guarantee, though there were few alternatives left to me. I am not sure that Harry will come back to us. It has to be his own choice, he has to remember, _truly_ remember, and push aside these false phantoms that I fear Mappe has placed in his mind."

"I do not know if even the influence of Sirius, or Harry's dear friends, who are coming as soon as we are able to get the boy back, can return him. He left and did not look back. Severus, I want you to understand what I am saying, his body is there but his soul is gone."

Severus' tone was very quiet, almost a whisper. "So he's as good as dead then, is that it Albus?"

"Right now, yes, he is. I did not have the heart to fully tell Harry's guardians, no Professor, not the Dursleys."

Snape would never get used to Dumbledore's ability to do that. He closed his mouth.

"But I could not tell them last night. Sirius is no good to Harry if he is not free, and although the news may take a dangerously long time to spread, with cursing first then asking questions later, I could only make him wait by not fully telling him of the danger Harry is truly in. If Sirius tries to confront Mappe in his usual style, well...you yourself know how well that worked with Pettigrew."

"Danger? What danger? Headmaster, you said the boy's soul is gone. You've led _me_ to think that Harry has no chance."

"The body cannot live without the soul. But to say that Harry has no chance, well...you recall Lupin's recovery from a similar experience, and that was only a matter of hours. I believe Mappe has been pulling Harry away for days now but he's stronger than we all think. If he does not come back to us soon, however, then yes, he will be gone....forever."

Snape's tone was sharp, even for him, when he replied. "And what do you expect me to do about it? The boy willingly left a protected area, didn't he? Stupid Gryffindors, always believing that they are invulnerable, _especially_ this one. It was only a matter of time......."

Dumbledore looked at the Potions Master with undisguised pity.

"What can I do?"

"I'm questioning the wisdom of sending yet another person who can be....um, let's say....easily swayed by their past and Mappe's unique abilities, my main, indeed, only concern is for Harry. Mappe is dangerous Severus, make no mistake and powerful. Frighteningly powerful, and she is so unbalanced, indeed, she is quite mad."

"Still, what does not make sense to me is the fact that, mad or not, she did not give Harry to Voldemort. For hours I have tried to understand why."

Dumbledore's shrewd gaze fell on Snape.

"You have hated Harry since the first moment you set eyes on him, isn't that true Professor? As you hated his father, and you hate his godfather and Lupin as well. We could lump Pettigrew in there as well but he is not very loved by anyone at the moment. Harry represents everything you despise, everything that you have worked against. He is the embodiment of James' achievements and continues to be every year he is with us."

Snape said nothing, but the silence may as well have been a piercing scream.

"It is not weakness to love a boy like Harry, Severus. I cannot tell you your business, nor will I ever dictate to you, your actions. Harry doesn't know, perhaps he never will. So you have won. And if Harry dies, what exactly is your reward? Revenge on James? Revenge on Sirius and Remus? Or are you still punishing yourself for actions of years past?"

Dumbledore suddenly switched gears with amazing speed. Snape still felt as though he'd been hit in the gut.

"Mappe cares for him.....in her way. This _is_ Harry Potter we are talking about. Dear Harry....." Dumbledore trailed off, wiping his glasses on his robe.

"We can take care of Mappe, several Aurors were dispatched to go with Sirius and Remus as soon as I left Lupin's home. Sirius did not even seem to mind that they still think he's the infamous criminal...."

"Headmaster, he _is_ still the....."

"I wish you to go with them. And you know that you don't have to. You, Severus, are still a link to Harry's past, and to his present. A strong one...."

"The boy despises me."

"Yes, as only Harry can. The true malignance of a boy who argued for the life of the man who had betrayed his parents and later gave him to Voldemort to torment."

Snape's hair fell in long, greasy strands over his face. His expression was unreadable.

"The idiots will need all of the help they can receive."

"Certainly"

"If Black is killed then I could be saddled with the boy, since they shouldn't let the werewolf near him."

"It is a possibility"

"If Potter dies then his little _friends_ will be more intolerable than ever."

"You will even have to see them sooner than you think."

"Where did I put my wand?"

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Remus was having some problems. And most of those were named Padfoot, or Sirius Black to his friends.

Which Remus didn't count himself as right this moment.

The huge, black dog was frantically trying to get away from the werewolf's strong grip, shooting baleful glances at Lupin when the former Marauder wouldn't let him go.

Lupin kneeled down, out of earshot of the preparing group. "It was _your_ choice to go right away, and I'm not blaming you Padfoot, but you're going to have to wait and trust Dumbledore on this. Last time we got lucky....and, I....I can feel something. We need to wait."

Padfoot was only half listening. A deep growl and some vicious barking made Remus jump back in surprise, almost tripping over the tall, sinister figure of Snape.

"Careful, _Lupin_, you and your pet have already stepped on my toes enough to last a lifetime."

Remus shook his head. *Is that his idea of a joke?*

Snape didn't waste time on small talk. "We're ready then? And yes, Dumbledore has contacted the Ministry, he's there waiting.....if he's needed. Move carefully. You two!"

Two young Aurors whom Snape didn't know jumped and stepped back like they were young Hogwarts students.

"Names?"

"Winston Wanship" A short, rather plump wizard piped up. He had jowls like a bulldog.
"Er...Roberto Gendalme" This one was taller, with a darker complexion, black hair and a slight accent.

"Yes, fascinating. You, Roberto, I want you to take your partner and scout inside. _Very_ carefully. Consider that an order."

The two walked closer to Maleficent Manor gingerly. The over-grown yard concealed Snape, Lupin and Padfoot from view but something deep inside told Remus that Mappe knew they were there.

Again, he was feeling the cold chills, the suffocating thickness of the moors and the wolf, howling incessantly, demanding release. Remus wiped sweat off of his brow and forced himself to concentrate, patting Padfoot on the head when his friend whined in concern.

"What exactly are you expecting, Snape?" Remus asked quietly.

"I thought you could tell me. I believe you two are, er..old friends?"

Sirius bared his teeth and Snape fingered his wand purposefully.

Something stirred in the bushes and Padfoot's ears went up. Silence. Then they heard it, a strange ringing noise like a small bell. It was moving farther away from them, accompanied by a high-pitched squeaking.

"What in hells bells was that?" Sirius had transformed.

Snape looked sinister, even for him. "A distraction." With a quick wave he motioned the other two towards the door. It was wide open, like a gaping mouth.

A high-pitched giggle echoed around them. Remus felt as though he had a hammer in his head, something was pounding, pounding to get out. He pulled out his wand and followed Snape and Padfoot inside.

"Where do we look for Harry?" Remus was silenced by an upraised hand.

A low groan made them look into the accompanied room. Roberto lay there, a trickle of blood coming from his mouth. It looked as though he'd been thrown from the room.

Remus and Snape tried to pull him on his feet but his head lolled and he lost conscious. A heavy tread on the steps caused the two to spin around. Padfoot growled deep in his throat.

Winston stood there, arms outstretched. "Fools!! Did you think I couldn't feel it! I'm in control, I can see what you feel, what you are.....I know why you are here." Winston's voice didn't sound right. His eye kept twitching.

"I'll drain this one for fun, then perhaps I'll give you a sporting chance to leave. Leave this place....this is _my_ home, you are trespassing!! Leave HERE!" Winston's body twitched and he too collapsed on the steps.

Snape went to assist but before Remus could help, he felt.....

~You have returned. You remember~

Remus felt as though he were swimming. A tall, thin figure stepped out of the shadows of the room. Her eyes swirled, and then began to glow.

They lit up the musty library, at odds with the sunlight behind the heavy curtains.

~Leave here. You are nothing to me, you rejected me....I loved you and you turned away. Dark Creature....I know you, I've always known you.~

Remus was on his knees. One skeletal hand touched his head and he flinched. He couldn't see, it was so dark and the wolf, it howled again. No mercy, no pity....NO!! *Not real...it's a trick, she's trying to trick you, Harry.....remember Harry!*

Mappe snarled with hate as her eyes returned to normal. She drew back her hand and slapped Remus, causing him to lose his balance.

"The boy is MINE!! How _dare_ you! You doubt what I can do? Sending in your pathetic little warriors. They are like toys, that is only a taste of what I will do to you!!" A scream of fury and Mappe descended on Remus, only to be knocked away by a huge black form.

Mappe screamed again and flung Padfoot away, but he was ready. He landed gracefully and turned.

"No! Sirius, you have to find Harry! Get to Harry, you and Snape." Remus grabbed Mappe's wrist as she came after him, her hands like claws.

She struggled like a fury. "MINE!! He is mine...." She suddenly went limp like a rag doll. Remus nearly over-balanced again trying to hold her up.

A hand went through Remus' hair, giving him goose-pimples. "You think it will do any good, pet? He is gone, gone away...forever. He left you, he is mine. Leave him to me, what did you care for him? So much pain....so much."

Mappe's sing-song tone gave the werewolf the chills. She grabbed his chin and forced him to look at her. Her eyes, they were so deep.....

She put her mouth close to his ear and Remus felt paralyzed, though every instinct told him to get away.
"Won't do any good. He is gone, it was so very easy, love. So easy."

Remus shoved Mappe away forcefully. She laughed, even as she hit the floor and continued to laugh. Those eyes, they were still fixed on him. Lupin kept his wand fixed on Mappe but couldn't remember a spell to use.

He couldn't remember.....nothing mattered though, but those eyes.

They were so magnetic, calling to him, like opium for his soul.

~Forget~

*NO!!*

Roberto was coming too. He pulled his own wand out, though shakily.

"Avoid her eyes! Keep your mind focused on something, don't get distracted!"

Mappe hissed.

"Fools! I'll kill the boy for this....."

It was the wrong thing to say.

Snape was in the doorway, though Remus didn't know why. His expression went beyond furious. "Stupefy!" The spell burst out with a dazzling light in the dim room, powerful and aimed towards the witch.

Mappe hit the far wall and her eyes seemed to diminish. Remus felt his head clear a bit. She didn't seem hurt though. In fact, she had a look of glee that made Lupin unwary.

Remus, eyes on his wand but hand steady, spoke up. "I'll only ask once. _Where_ is Harry?"

Mappe laughed, a horrible, high-pitched sound. "I told you dearie. Gone"

Chills went through the former professor. "What do you mean?" He asked, teeth gritted.

Mappe took a step towards the werewolf. "Watch it!"

Roberto's wand was covering Mappe also, and he had a look of wounded pride about him. Mappe paid him no mind.

"You know what I mean, love. You know.....better than anyone." She smiled and began walking towards the werewolf.

Remus tried with all his might to avoid her gaze. It was so powerful.......

A thin hand brushed his cheek.

A loud bark interrupted his jumbled thoughts, snapping him out of Mappe's trance before it was too late.

Snape was desperately trying to hold the dog back as it tried to get to Mappe, snarling viciously.

"Lupin, call off your mutt. If he kills her it will take that much longer to find Potter."

Remus glared at Mappe. "Mappe....listen to me, if that boy is hurt, in _any_ way...."

"Hurt? Me? Hurt a child? Why the poor soul was tortured, I merely set him free."

Remus turned to Snape, never taking his wand off of Mappe. "Try upstairs, one of the bedrooms. I'm betting Harry is in a deep trance."

Padfoot whimpered once before bounding away, followed quickly by the Potions Professor, his sallow face full of anger.

Roberto and the freshly-recovered Winstong turned to Remus. "Er...what should we do with her?"

A loud cry of pain from upstairs answered that question. Mappe, her eyes now positively glowing, had a terrible smile on her face. She appeared deep in concentration.

Remus felt a fury that he didn't often allow, take control. The wolf howled inside of him and he rushed forward, grabbing Mappe before he knew what was happening.

"What did you do?!"

"He's _mine_ I told you. You can't have him back, he's gone. Gone! I won't be alone anymore.....it won't be like you."

Dry sobs could be heard as Mappe's body shook. "You.....you left me. They all left me. He's mine! He's like me....I won't let him go!! Never, NEVER!!!!"

Mappe broke free of Remus' grip. The others in the room looked very shaken.

Mappe, sinking to the floor, began massaging her forehead, making horrible whimpering noises and muttering to herself.

"No...NO! He's mine. Don't fight it, child. Stay, stay where it's safe. You can't trust them."

Another far-off cry, someone sounded as though they were hurting terribly. Harry......

Mappe suddenly threw her head back and screamed. The windows shook with her fury and the fire lit itself, roaring and igniting the curtains.

Winston quickly doused it with a spell. Mappe was convulsing on the floor. A small figure crept nearly unnoticed to her side.

"There, there missus. Lets him go, lets him go. T'ain't yours, missus. Lets him go, he's needing to live, t'ain't yours. There now, missus."

The house-elf nearly toppled over when Mappe threw her arms around her. "He's mine! My Harry."

The two young Aurors gently grasped her arms, pushing the house-elf away. They led her out and she offered no resistance. One last cry of terrible loss was heard before Mappe remained silent....silent for the rest of her days in St. Mungos.

"Please _stay_!!"

Remus began shivering violently, painful memories hitting him with the force of a tidal wave.

A soft hand on his shoulder brought him back, jolting him to reality. He realized there was moisture on his cheeks.

A weathered face looked into his. Sirius looked so aged, especially in human form. Luckily, Lupin and Snape were the only ones left in the abandoned room.

Them, and an unconscious Harry in Snape's arms. Sirius' eyes were slightly red as he grasped both of Remus' shoulders tightly.

Lupin looked at the Potions Professor in fear. Snape, staring at Harry for a long time, finally turned to meet his gaze.

"He won't wake up. I don't think he wants to come back."

Remus gripped Sirius' shoulder as the other man's eyes also fell on his godson. Sirius made his way over and gently took Harry from the wizard. The three's deep animosity seemed to melt away.

"Please Harry, come back to us....we need you."

******************************************************************************

Sirius knew who had cried out before he and Snape could find the room where Harry was located. It drove into his heart like a stake.

*_Harry_, god, please let him be all right!!*

He and the professor began throwing open doors to empty rooms in a frenzy. Finally, at the end of the hall, they reached a door to a small room with only a canopy bed inside.

A canopy bed and a young boy lying on top, completely still.

Sirius was at Harry's side with one step. Snape stayed back, wand hand twitching. Even he couldn't help but notice how pale and thin Harry was.

There were deep shadows under those vibrant eyes, which were now closed. The young wizard's chest slowly rising and falling was the only clue that he had life still in him.

"Hurry up Black, we need to wake him and get out of here."

Sirius didn't answer.

Harry suddenly arched his back and cried out again, louder this time. The pain on his young face sent a shock wave of agony into Sirius.

Sirius gathered Harry into his arms and held him tightly, cradling him like a small child. Harry didn't stir.

"Harry? Harry, can you hear me? Harry?!" Sirius' voice became more unsteady as he continued to say his godson's name. Nothing.

Sirius buried Harry's head into his neck, placing a cheek on the soft, thick hair and stroking the unruly locks with one hand.

"Harry, please....please wake up. Harry, come on. I need to hear your voice, tell me you're all right. Please Harry, I'm begging you!"

No response. The boy hung limply in his godfather's embrace. Salty tears began making their way down Sirius' face.

He ran a finger down the boy's cheek, staring into the face he had tried to memorize since seeing it that first night long ago on Privet Drive.

"What did she do to him?" Snape's voice shook with fury. Sirius didn't take his eyes from his godson.

"I-I think she's trapped his mind somehow." Sirius could feel Harry's presence, but it seemed so far away.
He willed it to come back, trying to radiate his love and caring into the boy's abused mind.

Commotion downstairs, followed by a bone-chilling scream that penetrated through the walls.

Harry's eyes flew open. Sirius cradled the boy's face with his hand quickly. "Harry! It's me, Sirius. Do you recognize me?"

Harry's eyes were two vacant pools of green. All of the sparkle, kindness, everything that had been in them was completely drained away. There wasn't a hint of recognition or even a delayed response to Sirius' plea.

He lay there like a zombie before finally closing his eyes again.

"Harry!! Please, wake up! NO!" Sirius' tone was desperate. Snape didn't speak, only pulled Black back with little sympathy and tried to take Harry from him.

Sirius snarled frightfully at him before turning back to Harry, pleading with him to come back. Snape's lip curled, he didn't feel sorry for that blasted, arrogant convict. Imagine an idiot like that taking care of a child. It was nothing to get worked up over, the boy wasn't dead. There was no regret and certainly no pity for either, hearing the heart-rending loss in Black's voice.

"Pull yourself together Black, we have to get out of here. Potter needs help, you can't just walk out carrying him and I have reached my tolerance for injured brats this week."

Sirius looked as though he wanted to punch Snape but stepped back, relenting. "All right, for Harry."

Though Black was an arrogant bastard, Snape knew that the only way Sirius would ever give up his godchild was in the case of an emergency, consequences be damned. Still, he kissed Harry's head and rocked him gently in his arms for some time before handing him over gingerly.

"Potter....Potter _wake up_. Boy, I know you can hear me, you caused trouble for me for the _last_ time. Damn him!" Sirius made a move to grab his godson back from Snape but the Potions Professor swooped out of the room like a dark shadow, his face a thundercloud.

Black kept his hand on Harry's head as Snape walked downstairs. He couldn't quite break the connection, though he knew to be seen in anything but his dog form could be nothing short of suicide right now.

When they came back to the old study, Remus stood in the middle of the room looking as haggard as he usually did right after a full moon.

Sirius habitually made his way over to his oldest and dearest friend. He needed Remus' support right now. They needed to bring Harry back and Remus was the only one he trusted whole-heartedly to help him do it.
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Again, for the countless time during the past week, the front door of Malfoy Manor opened. But this time it did so, very, very carefully.

One set of light footsteps, followed by a pounding and stomping that felt as though a safari had made its way through central England.

Whispers, sounding in an angry hiss, coughs, clearing of throats, and finally, a candle lit to reveal four wizards sneaking in, sopping wet, filthy and rather disgruntled.

Narcissa grabbed Draco and hugged him to her, making a small sound. She sniffed her son's rather pungent odor, however, and her typical facial expression returned.

A sharper voice came from behind her. "Don't coddle the boy." It was cold and promised nothing good for the bedraggled group.

"Draco, _where_ have you been. And do not lie to me, if you do not wish for me to avoid getting......_angry_."

Draco gently pushed his mother aside, who's eyes moved from father to son in an uneasy manner.

"Lucius, he seems all right, I'm sure...."

"I did not ask your opinion, Narcissa. Wasn't it you who let that other Weasley riff-raff into our home! Now I have to cover our tracks, and it will not be easy. Now, Draco..."

The pale boy flinched. "Let me rephrase my question. Did you do anything to cast shame on our good name, that is, any more than usual?"

Draco didn't respond.

"Oh yes, that couldn't be, since Harry Potter has gone missing. You must have messed up entirely on your own."

"I didn't _mess up_, father!" Two pink spots of anger appeared on Draco's thin cheeks.

"Explain yourself....NOW!!" Lucius looked furious, his own mouth twitching.

"You, you said I couldn't be a part of what you do. So....I....."

Lucius' eyes fell on the three, large Slytherins behind his son and a small gleam of understanding appeared in his pale eyes.

"Ah...well, you certainly know how to surround yourself with incompetents. Percival Weasley is in deep recovery, that was your first mistake. You should have made sure he was dead. Also, Ronald Weasley has told the, er....authorities, what happened and they are preparing to press charges. It was all I can do to gain temporary immunity for you in this home, Draco, and you'd better be grateful boy"

Lucius rounded on his son but Draco held his ground, his chin held up defiant and shaking.

"Therein lies your second mistake. You should have taken the other boy, you outnumbered him and I do not believe a pauper like that whelp could have bested all four of you when his brother was badly hurt. Master wanted that boy, if not Harry Potter, then he was the next best thing. And since his hopes have been buried twice in a short time, he is....er, disappointed with us."

Narcissa winced and backed away further.

"You will _never_ be a competent Malfoy, Draco, if you do not learn not to underestimate your enemies."

"What about the other Weasley? You let him escape."

The slap casued Draco to fall to the floor. Narcissa stepped towards her son but was held back by Lucius' outstretched arm.

"He is nothing to us! It is the other boy that is the way to Harry Potter. Or, it was. The Dark Lord is not pleased. Potter is as good as dead, though not by his hand. There will be hell to pay." The wizard concluded darkly.

"Still, of your pathetic plan to draw Potter's friends out and humiliate them, I believe something can be salvaged. Who did you address your letter saying that you have Weasley, Draco?"

Draco, holding his bleeding mouth, answered. "Professor Snape."

"Ah....Severus. Truly the one to contact for revenge against those particular brats. Everyone knows how he hates them. So, what went wrong my boy? Hmm, can you tell me, have you figured it out yet?"

Draco glowered. Lucius acted like the other three weren't in the room and indeed, they were about as helpful as the hallway furniture.

"Think, Draco. Who rescued the brothers? Whom did you see?"

Draco swallowed painfully. Oh boy....

"Nnnunn"

"Speak up!!
"No one, father. He.....escaped."

"So, you do not know who helped them? Strange, that information was not readily available to me either?"

"You....you think that Professor Snape is a....."

"A spy? Hmm, that would be a bit too obvious, in an inobvious way wouldn't it? But you, cowardly little spore that you are, fled from a boy that could barely walk and had only four years of magic training when you outnumbered him and had the advantage in countless other ways!!"

Draco's mouth kept opening and closing.

"I am completely surrounded by idiots. I married one then spawned one. First, your dear mother lets the my mortal enemy into our home and practically tells them that we know something of his son's abduction, and then my son, instead of aiding our cause, does more to hurt it than perhaps, Harry Potter."

"I left, if I hadn't left then mother wouldn't have...."

"Don't defend her, boy! Neither of you are on trial, _yet_. Hmm, I should contact Arthur to clear up some things, and of course to offer my condolences on the condition of his son." An evil smirk crossed Lucius' cold face.

"You want so much to be one of us, Draco? Your first order of business is to train these three to something that I can use, instead of floor space."

"Uh...'Enry, I t'ink I gots the 'ang of 'is dryin' spell." A few bright sparks accompanied Knodd's whisper, coming from his wand.

Wynken and Blankton tried to shush him but all three were knocked back by the bright spark of electricity that bolted from Knodd's hard-wood wand.

Draco felt as though he'd been given the worst punishment of his life.

"Oh...and one more thing. If all of you deny that you had any dealings with this, I give you my word that you will not take any of the blame."

A dangerous smile. Draco and Narcissa recognized it. The other three, however, didn't.

"Uh..sure."

"Yessir, glad ta see yer comin' 'round, sir."

"Tha's a better plan than 'Enry's fer sure."
"Shaddup!! Do, we..uh, have yer word on 'is, then?" Henry squinty eyes narrowed even more and his frizzy hair stuck out from his broad forehead. He was as different from the polished Malfoy as possible.

"Of course, of course! Everyone is welcome to join in our struggle. A promise after all, is a promise."

******************************************************************************

Cornelius Fudge, Minister of Magic sat up from his desk and adjusted his pin-striped suit.

He casually brushed aside the papers on his desk, with all of their inaccurate and successively pessimistic news.

The Daily Prophet would sell their copyright benefits to get their hands on a part of the news. But as their newsrooms were still abuzz with the contradicting news of Harry Potter then Fudge was blessfully out of the fire for awhile.

Two sharp pounds on his door made him pause while he was putting on his lime-green bowler hat. The arguing voices sounded rather familiar.

*Oh yeah gods no, not again.*

The door burst open and two figures rushed in. They were both tall and thin but the resemblance definitely ended there.

Arthur Weasley, his remaining red hair messy and sticking up, was rumpled and looked as though he hadn't heard of sleep for a very long time.

Lucius Malfoy calmly adjusted his spotless expensive robes and smoothed his already impeccable hair.

Fudge regarded both of them warily.

"Minister, I have to speak to you. It's urgent! I have news about _Malfoy's_ involvement with my sons!"

"Cornelius, before you listen to this rambling fool slander my family's good name, I suggest you hear _me_ out first."

Fudge shoved the bowler hat down over his ears. "Stop, both of you! I'm sick to the death of all of this. What are you bothering me about this time?"

"Malfoy" Arthur, ears red, pointed to Lucius, "held my son prisoner and I believe he has connections to Harry Potter's disappearance!"
"Harry Potter has been located, isn't that right Minister?"

"Er...yes, but....."

Fudge stopped and mopped his brow with a bright purple handkerchief. "These are serious accusations Weasley. Can you back them up?"

Arthur fished around in his pockets and took out a rumpled piece of parchment. Lucius' face didn't even twitch as Fudge read it, the Minister's expression one of shock.

"My..well, my goodness. But, I must say Weasley that I don't see Mr. Malfoy's involvement in this."

"He forced Percy to write this! I know it, I believe he threatened my youngest son."

"Young Ronald? Are you certain?"

Lucius smirked. "Yes _Arthur_, are you certain? Where is your proof, except your son's word. And of course there is no reason to believe that family loyalties will sway him."

Lucius continued. "I agree however, that this _does_ look bad. I wonder what young Percival was thinking, this is a very bold plan even for such a young Death Eater."

Arthur gave up all pretense of diplomacy and lunged at Malfoy.

"Stop Weasley! But...this note, it sounds as though Percy is writing it against his will."

"Yes, ingenious isn't it? What a easy way to get to Harry Potter. The brother of his best friend, innocently pleading for Ronald's life. The tone of the letter is a nice touch."

"How _dare_ you....."

"Does Percival know any of these men, Arthur?" Fudge looked very grave.

Arthur turned white. "Minister, you can't possibly believe that my son would have anything to do with this. He would never do that to Harry."

"Hmm, but how well do you know your son, Arthur? Didn't he divulge important information about Harry Potter only a short time before the boy's disappearance, as I was informed?" Lucius' cold face looked very smug, with a glance at Fudge who looked sheepish.

"Against his will!! He was taken from this supposed safe place, here in the Ministry!"

"So you say. And by whom? Or didn't he know?"

"His memory was tampered with! He was given veritaserum."

"How convenient."

Arthur looked sick. "You....Percy is _innocent_."

"Where is the boy, Arthur? We may need to question him."

Arthur ran a hand through his hair, he was shaking. "He's.....unconscious. He was _beaten_, he almost died. The healers don't know when he'll wake up."

"I'm sorry Weasley, I didn't know the boy was hurt. Perhaps, some exceptions....?"

"Now, now Minister! Another one for Azkaban, you shouldn't give the impression of becoming soft. It would encourage more of this. What pleasant news for the boy when he wakes up."

Arthur lunged for Malfoy again.

"Arthur, stop!! Since Potter has been found, I don't see the long-term harm. And there really isn't much proof either way. We don't want to throw an injured boy into the gaol, doesn't look good you know, er..for the Ministry."

So that was it. Public relations. Damn Fudge......

Arthur grit his teeth.

"What about my other son! This one's" A contemptuous gesture towards Malfoy, "son was involved in abducting him! He....he could have been hurt, or killed...." Arthur trailed off, not wanting to reveal anything in front of Lucius.

"_My_ son? I though your son's _statement_ said that there were three others involved."

"Along with your son!"

"Doesn't young Ronald not get along with Draco?" Lucius drawled easily. "Why, with Harry Potter missing, it only makes sense that Ronald would try and blame a school rival. What an easy way to get him out of the way."

"But he _saw_....!"

Fudge was looking over the second piece of parchment Arthur had produced. "These three, I seem to recall...."

"Yes, they are neer-do-wells of the vilest sort. Envy, it is a terrible thing" A significant glance towards Arthur, "trying to drag my son into all of this."
"Ask him where his son was last night." Arthur asked quietly.

Fudge was looking from one wizard to the other, scratching his head. "Er...has to be done, um...keep things equal, Lucius?"

Lucius smiled coldly. "Where else would he be except at home?"

"Really?" Arthur asked. "Because my two eldest sons and I, and you can ask Gus Fletcher Minister, paid a visit to Malfoy Manor, where your lovely wife seemed anxious that Draco had been gone for quite some time."

Lucius' mouth twitched.

Fudge looked intrigued. "Is this true, Lucius?"

Malfoy held his hands up apologectically. "He's a teenage boy! If he had anything to do with this, I'm betting it was the Confundus Charm, or this one's sorry attempt to blame my family for the trouble his own offspring got themselves into."

"You _bastard_...."

"Now, now! Ah, yes...Confundus Charm, devil to shake off, why I could tell you....."

"You can't seriously believe him, Minister?!"

"Well....I.... truthfully these three you've named couldn't plot their way out of their own trunks. Still.....with only your son's word."

"What are you so concerned with Arthur? So two of your brats got into a spot of trouble. You have plenty more don't you? As well as a daughter? Why don't you keep an eye on them in the future?"

Arthur met Lucius' eyes, seeing what Fudge refused to. That threat, a memory came back to Mr. Weasley.

~You can't protect them, any of them. You'll pay Weasley, you and your family....~

Lucius was still speaking. "I'll tell you what. You just let all of this nonsense drop and I will neglect to mention to the press young Percival's involvement with Harry Potter's vanishing."

Arthur felt sick. "But...he's innocent."

"Of course, of course. Then he has nothing to fear, doesn't he? The wizarding community will be _very_ understanding."

Percy....his life would be over. If he was connected with threatening Harry......

He was still young, Arthur gulped painfully.

"I'll even show you where you can find these three pot-stirrers. Looks good Minister, three future criminals for Azkaban in one blow. How about it?"

Fudge looked pleased.....and relieved.

"Arthur?" Arthur hesitated. Percy....he couldn't do it.

A curt nod.

"Excellent!" Fudge made to leave again.

"Minister?" Arthur stopped him. "Percy's job, he...can he still expect."

Lucius smiled maliciously. But Fudge nodded, a trifle reluctantly.

"Oh, I suppose. He'll be demoted you understand. But, yes, he can come back."

The smirk was wiped off of Malfoy's face. "Cornelius, I must object! The boy is a danger, why...."

"Come now, Lucius. Bygones and all that. He's is a dedicated worker....perhaps too dedicated."

"Thank you Fudge." Arthur said, still looking away.

"Certainly! Now that all of that unpleasantness is cleared up, I must speak to my secretary before jotting home. Good evening to you both."

Arthur waited for Fudge to leave, before grabbing Malfoy's shoulder as the Death Eater turned to follow.

"Weasley, what do you think..."

"I'm warning you Malfoy. I know you, your tricks. Not even your own kind will trust you now. You bicker and squabble amongst yourselves and then throw each other to the wolves. That's why you'll lose. You and your _master_" Arthur spit the word out, "can't win. You should study Muggle history Lucius. It's fascinating. There are lessons to be learned as well. Never start a war concerning race, social status or blood without being certain you'll win. And you won't. Come near my family again, I won't bother with forms, or the Ministry or anything else. I guarantee it."

Malfoy's cold eyes followed the other wizard as he walked out.
******************************************************************************

Ron and Hermione sat in the sterile waiting room, both looking like they were about to scream from the tension.

Ron had been pacing for a long time until Hermione had snapped at him to stop, that he was making her dizzy. They had almost gotten into another argument but they had both been just too disheartened.

Harry had been found, he was at Lupin's home. Sirius had been cleared, Peter Pettigrew was in custody.

Percy was even awake, but only for a few minutes before he sank down again. Molly Weasley was sitting with him right now, tense and anxious.

Ron didn't know where the twins, Ginny or his two older brothers had gone to. His dad, though, was at the Ministry.

Ron had given a statement, written it down with his father's help and turned it in. Mr. Weasley, looking haggard, had tried to inject confidence into his demeanor but there was something about both of his parent's behavior that said they weren't telling him everything they knew.

Hermione was looking out of the window, a finger twirling a long, curly strand of hair. Ron slouched in his uncomfortable chair. He wanted to see Harry, to talk to Percy, to walk around..._something_.

He felt utterly useless sitting here. The memories of his captivity didn't haunt him too much. He'd deal with it all later.

It was his family who was treating him like he was made of glass. Especially since word had come in from Dumbledore that Harry was recovered.

Recovered. Not safe. Those words ran around in Ron's head. His parents had been acting strangely around him and Hermione ever since, avoiding their questions and pleads to see their friend.

Ron was worried. And despite his constant objections that he was fine and that he wasn't worried about his best friend, who'd pulled through worse situations, he couldn't follow some advice and fall asleep.

Disturbing dreams kept haunting him. Not just the recurring one of the Quidditch Match, but others, of looking at a grave with a blurred name, was it Percy's? Or....Harry? There was another of him walking around the Hogwarts halls, looking for something. Someone he knew was far away and needed help. But he didn't know.

Voices taunted him but he couldn't understand them. That someone or something was drifting farther away. It was dark, and he stumbled, then he woke up. Except that one time when he'd fell asleep earlier that day and woken up screaming and with Hermione desperately trying to calm him down.

The final part of that dream, where he had found Gryffindor Tower, and had walked up the stairs to his dormitory. Harry had lain there on his bed, eyes and mouth open, pale as death. There was a steady line of people walking past his bed. It was eerily like a....viewing, or...a funeral.

The people Ron recognized, they were all stony faced. After a bit, they turned and walked away. Harry, his trunk, his bed, everything that had shown that the boy had a place in this world vanished without a trace.

Ron had had a horrible idea and had frightened Hermione just as badly with his sudden entorage of questions about Harry. He had to see if...well, she remembered him. He wasn't gone, he just couldn't fade away.

Hermione was deep in her own world. Ron thought that this was the longest he had ever seen her without her nose in a book. The late afternoon sunlight shone on her hair, bringing out the different shades of brown, outlining the shape of her cheek.....her lips.

Ron just looked at her, feeling a wave of depression. When would they be able to see Harry? Why wouldn't this terrible feeling in the pit of his stomach leave him alone?

Hermione's eyelashes, long and curled, were very bright suddenly. They sparkled. Tears, Ron realized.

She rubbed her eyes with the back of her hand and glanced to Ron, as though she didn't want to bother him with her own worries.

And _that_ did bother Ron. He stood up and put a long hand on her shoulder. She put her own hand on top of it and they held onto each other.

"They'll tell us soon, Hermione. Just hang on."

"I have such a bad feeling inside Ron! It was like....when Harry was gone so long in that maze, before...well, the portkey. I feel like he's so far away! I can't explain."

Ron nodded, he understood. He could remember very well how he'd felt when Harry had been missing in action for so long.

All of the slights, the coldness, the anger that the two had had between them before the First Task came back to him. That terrible argument when Harry had been talking to Sirius and Ron had interrupted.

~What you've always wanted, isn't it Ron?~

"Ron? Ron where are you? Come back!" Hermione's light tone didn't match her worried eyes.

"You were drifting there."

"Hermione, do you ever regret things?" Hermione blinked in surprise. Ron looked so serious.

"Yes, of course I do."

"Like what?"

"Like....oh, things." *Tell him!* Her subconscious screamed at her. She batted it away, willing it to keep silent.

"Did you ever wish you'd never said somethin' to someone?"

"Yes, I've wished that." *Or wished that I _had_ said something to someone.*

"I think Harry didn't know....stuff."

Hermione's lip quivered. "We didn't tell him that we love him?"

Ron looked so sad. All the young witch wanted to do was hug him and make him smile like he used to. Before last year. But he wouldn't do it, she knew.

"I don't think he knew. I think....he was, alone." Hermione felt as though her tear ducts were overflowing.

"Don't cry 'Mione." Ron said softly. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have brought it up."

"Ron......"

"I only told Perce I was sorry for making fun of him and being so resentful when I thought it might be the last conversation we would have had."

"But it wasn't, was it?"

"Thanks to you. You and Harry are now honorary Weasleys. Just gotta learn a hair-color transformation spell."

"But we didn't tell Harry anything?"

"Hermione.....that's not, I mean. Harry knows, right? And er...so do you, right?"

Hermione gulped, her heart was pounding in her throat. *Calm DOWN! Don't assume. Just imagine your taking a test, or learning a new charm, something.....don't look at him, not the eyes!*

But she was looking at them. She loved the changing colors and depth of Ron's eyes. And there was depth there, as much as he tried to convince people otherwise sometimes.

She loved the fierce show of emotion one could see in them. Now....they were almost green, deep. He was saying something......

"Sure I know Ron." But she didn't

And he knew it. "I..good."

The light was dying, the waiting room was so still. Molly was talking to the twins in Percy's room, they had returned there.

Ron felt so lonely suddenly. Suddenly it was all too much. Harry gone, in trouble, maybe seriously hurt. Hermione in danger, being threatened. Percy, nearly dying. His family, the pressures he was feeling. It was all too much.

He grabbed Hermione and held onto her, as she did to him. He lay his cheek on her bushy hair and wondered at the comfort of it, the familiarity of her body against his.

Hermione could hear Ron's heart beating, his long arms practically engulfed her. His bright hair reflected the last beams of sunlight. She may have only been 15, but....she knew what she felt.

"Ron......" A new voice. Ron gave an affirmative grunt that he'd heard but didn't let go of Hermione.

"Ron, Mum wants to talk to you and Hermione." Ron looked at Ginny as though seeing her for the first time today.

She was chalk-white, every freckle standing out. She was shaking and there were teeth marks on her bottom lip where she'd been biting it.

"Gin-"

"Just go talk to Mum, Ron! I just want to sit here." Ginny sat in a chair pulled her legs up, putting her arms around them.

She wasn't crying, but that expression.

She shrugged off Hermione's soft touch on her shoulder and looked past the two. She looked older than Ron remembered. When had his little sister ever looked like that.
Mrs. Weasley was standing outside of her son's room, just listening to him and the twins' argue. He was telling them about how shoddy the financial workings of their new joke shop would be without proper help and they were asking him to be their guineau pig, some poor Muggle animal that was tested on.

She felt like she'd been thrown from one maelstrom to another.

"Mum? Is Perce okay?"

"Fine Ron!" Percy's annoyed voice came through the door. Molly brushed him in quietly, waiting to tell him the news she was dreading to reveal.

Fred and George were in identical positions on the far wall, looking relaxed and gleeful, definitely back to normal. As for Percy, he was still pale and bruised but he was wearing a new pair of glasses and above his bed was small homemade plaque that read, 'Head Boy's Bed'.

He looked rather proud of it as he pointed it to Ron.

"You and Perce will have to fill us in on the little details of your ill-timed escapade." George piped up, putting an imaginary monocle to his eye and speaking in a pompous voice.

"Sure....now get outta here, how can I possible recover with you two bothering me?"

"Great to have you back Perce"

"Yeah, we were worried that you may have mellowed out."

"Near-death, Percy laughs at thee!!"

Ron shook his head. He glanced to his brother who had lain back down.

"Um....you okay?"

"Yes. Although I don't know if I will be when I find out the status of my job and the work-load that I've piled on."

"Important stuff?"

Percy sniffed. "Of course. Can't have as much _fun_ as I've had this past week."

Ron shifted his feet guiltily. "Sorry."

"Don't be." Percy looked at Ron from behind those glasses and Ron could see his brother there. His _real_ brother. Annoying git though that may be.

"I was worried about you."

"Why? I can hold my own. Everyone around here baby's me and I'm ruddy well sick of it!"

"Nobody baby's you, except when you're acting like an infant and I saw how you held your own. You could have been killed."

"You're lecturing _me_....."

"You did great Ron. I was proud of you. They way you stood off against them."

Ron felt something choking him again. "I wish you hadn't done what you did."

Hermione and Molly were standing at the foot of the bed, silent. They wanted to hear what was being said but.....the idea that it was a very private moment interfered.

"I had to. You're my brother."

"I know. Hermione saved you." Percy looked to Hermione and beamed.

"Yes, I heard. Thank you." Hermione blushed dark red and shrugged. "I also heard that you helped Ron out."

"I heard he'd been kidnaped and....." Hermione coughed suddenly. She couldn't describe what she'd felt. Harry missing and then Ron. With Harry it had been so terrible but with Ron.......it was something else entirely.

"It was nothing." She said softly.

"Ron" Percy's hazel eyes were back on his brother. "About Harry. I'm sorry. He's a good kid. A Prefect's worst nightmare, with the two of you making fools of yourselves on a daily basis, but a good kid."

"Why are you sorry? He's with Remus and...." Ron trailed off, his stomach hurting again.

"Percy, you need to get some more rest. You should be able to go home, they said, by tomorrow." Percy nodded tiredly and closed his eyes.

Ron rolled his own and took Percy's glasses off of his face.

"It'll be okay, love you."

Ron nodded. "Yeah, uh...same, uh, whatever."

Percy smiled smugly and was asleep a few minutes later.
"Mrs. Weasley?" Hermione looked very concerned. She and Ron followed Molly out of the room, where Fred and George were trying to comfort Ginny, who was oblivious to all of them.

"Something is.....wrong." Molly said quietly. "Harry is in a kind of trance. Dumbledore says that Harry was tricked into believing some terrible things, felt some even more terrible feelings and is now....far away. He also said that if Harry doesn't choose to come back soon, it'll be too late."

Molly had to sit after saying all of this. Hermione looked terrified.

"I don't get it." Ron said, too confused to let his fear take over. "Gone? Gone where? What do you mean, too late? You mean he'll die? Harry can't die, he can't. He's Harry! Why would he go, who did this? And why him, huh? I don't get you, Mum. Why don't you just say it. He's as good as dead......"

"Stop Ron" Hermione said, her voice breaking. The others were looking at the youngest Weasley brother as though they'd never seen him before.

"I...Want.....To....See....Him." The tone left no room for argument.

"Of course dear. I just wanted to prepare you. Fred and George, stay with Percy. I'll be back. Ginny?"

Nothing.

Mrs. Weasley picked Ginny up and set her on the floor, though her daughter was almost as tall as she was.

"Ginny?" She said again, as though afraid to startle the girl.

"Mummy" Ginny held onto Molly and cried, a dam had broken inside of her.

"Mr. Lupin is there, so is...um, Mr. Black." Molly still had to get used to saying that. "We should go."

******************************************************************************

(A/N This section dedicated to Kristin, who drew the most wonderful picture and I was inspired by it. Thank you!! Please keep drawing, please! See if you can guess what she drew, then go view it!! :-) Please )


Harry Potter was dreaming. The dark phantoms that had surrounded his mind and held him back still circled him, taunting him.

He didn't care. It didn't mean anything anymore. They were faces, voices, nothing real. He was drifting in a peaceful wake. Nothing mattered.

Still, it was odd, the scenes that occasionally passed by him. A woman singing. A man's laugh.

A warm place with a fire and a dog. A loud, booming voice and other voices. But it didn't matter. He didn't know them and didn't care.

Mappe's siren call had been silenced. That had been frightening for awhile, without that voice to guide him and keep him away from the others, those confusing voices he kept hearing that lied to him and that he felt he should know.

He could still feel her dark tendrils of power ebbing away at his strength. But without the emotional capacity to activate his magic, it was useless. He didn't care. She was gone, but it didn't matter.

He could feel it when she was wrenched away, like a tooth being pulled by a Muggle dentist. _Without_ painkillers.

But it was over now. But it was strange. Images drifted by him. These seemed different than the other one.

There was a baby, crying in a crib. The little boy had messy dark hair and large green eyes. He was wailing, large tears falling down chubby cheeks. A man with longer, dark hair came bursting into the room.

~What'sa matter, Harry lad? Did you have a bad dream?~

The baby held his little arms out and hiccoughed, then sneezed. An expression of tenderness crossed the rather hard-looking man's face. He picked the baby up and smoothed his hair.

~You want Mom, huh? She'll be back soon but I'm afraid it's just your godfather tonight, you and me kiddo. I'll take care of you.~

Something odd passed over the young wizard. Harry believed him. This.....figure in this dream. He believed him.

The man went downstair, still talking to softly to the baby, before laying on the couch with the little boy on his stomach.

The baby laughed as he was lightly tickled and his tiny head snuggled against the man's chest.

~"Pah?"~

The baby had grabbed a part of the man's shirt and was chewing on it. The man laughed and took it out of the boy's mouth.
~You want to talk, huh? Lily says you've been chatting up a storm. How about a good ol' man to man?~

"Do!!"

Oh, you don't say? Hmm, well, you're quite right, whatever you're saying.

"Pahfoo!"

Yup, that's right. That's me. You're a smart one, Harry lad. I love you.

The baby snuggled against the man and fell back to sleep but the man kept watching the baby, softly stroking the soft hair, a deep emotion in his eyes.

Harry watched the scene, not understanding. But it didn't matter.......

******************************************************************************


"Er....are ye sure it's all righ'? My bein' here an' all, Professor?"

Remus sighed and ran a hand through his thick, though mussed hair. "Of course it's all right Hagrid. You're just as much a part of Harry's life as the rest of us. I think he...would want you to be here."

Hagrid, sporting a tent-sized red polka-dotted handkerchief, blew his nose noisily. His beard was frizzing from the tears that had been soaked up into it.

"Woulda' gotten 'ere sooner but, lots ta do afore school's startin'." Hagrid's rough voice got rougher. "Wanna make sure tha' Harry an' his mates see how things are jus' waiting' fer 'em, normal as you please. Brooms and Banterin's, Lupin sir, I can't take 'is!! This is worse 'n when Norbert...er, a friend, very dear friend, 'ad ta leave. Thought I'd never get o'er it."

Remus, who'd heard of Norbert many times but didn't want to add to Hagrid's distress, only nodded and patted a huge arm sympathetically.

"Don't worry Hagrid. We'll think of something."

"Ya know, I never minded tha' you were a werewolf, Lupin sir. Though it was interestin', you belongin' to the same group as many o' my favorite creatures."

"Er....thank you Hagrid. You don't have to say anything. In fact, please don't, my nerves are a little frayed."

Indeed, Remus looked the worse for wear. He hated to think of how draining this next full moon would be. And it was coming up in a few days. Hell's bells......

"Gotta write ta Olympe. She's still workin' with the giants from inside Beauxbaxton's sending corresp-, correst-, er...notes, see? But she was fond o' young 'Arry too. Bless 'im!" More sobbing and a house-rattling sneeze.

"Um....I'll go and see how things are. Sirius has been, uh, trying for a while. Make yourself at home, Hagrid."

"Than' you kindly, Lupin sir. I'll watch fer the other young 'uns, they'll er....be wantin' ta see 'im too."

Remus nodded shortly. Every muscle in his body ached. More than that, his head..his heart.

Harry was losing weight, which was very bad, since he was already so thin. He was pale and cold and didn't respond to anything whether it was touch, sound, etc.

He was fading.

Remus steadied himself before pushing open the door to his guest bedroom. Sirius was exactly as he'd left him, still holding Harry and talking softly to him.

Sirius had talked to Harry almost non-stop since they had brought him back. Occasionally Lupin had taken over, his soft, calm voice like a balm, but it was torture to drag Black away from Harry for more than a few moments at a time.

Harry lay in his godfather's arms as Sirius smoothed his hair. They had been this way since Harry had been brought here. During that time Sirius wracked his brain for anything, _anything_ at all that would make Harry return to them.

He told Harry about James, about their time at Hogwarts, about all of their adventures. He told him about seeing him that first night, how startled he was at the boy's resemblance to his father.

He spoke to Harry about friendships, he spoke about Hermione and Ron, how much they reminded him of Remus and himself. He spoke of those on the outside that were waiting for Harry to come back to them, how much they all missed him.

Remus only hoped that help would get there soon. Sirius looked dead exhausted but Lupin knew that his friend wouldn't stop until Harry had come back.

Lupin stood in the doorway, observing what he saw with a heavy heart. It brought back memories, although of an uneasy time when he'd felt that Sirius didn't quite trust him, before that terrible Halloween night.

Remus sighed. He could still hear Mappe's voice echoing in his mind, pleading, begging, mocking, and those hypnotic eyes. If only he'd remembered sooner, or been able to prevent Harry from falling into the same trap.

He didn't know if he could forgive himself. Just as Sirius couldn't.

Sadly, Remus remembered that when James had named Sirius as Harry's godfather, the werewolf hadn't quite understood why. He loved Sirius like a brother, but.....the rowdy, arrogant Black wasn't exactly someone whom he would have pegged as fatherly.

Yup, Sirius. Leather-wearing, motorcycle flying, occasional cigarette smoking, Sirius. But, there was something that came out in the Marauder that Remus could see when Black was around Harry.

It wasn't just Azkaban that had changed him. Something about the baby, then the boy, had done something to Padfoot, matured him somehow.

And James, who knew Sirius better than anyone, had known it would be. *James....where are you and Lily now? Harry needs you, he needs you now more than ever. You both should be here, I don't know what's going to happen.*

"Moony, you don't have to lurk in the doorway."

"I'm not, I just didn't want to disturb you. Anything?" Sirius shook his head. Remus knew it, but he had to ask.

"I suppose our help will be arriving?"

"Yes, Ron, Hermione, anyone else who could come."

"It'll be hard on them." Sirius brushed Harry's hair back again.

"It's hard period. Sirius, you....you can't...you need to think of the future."

"Moony, don't. Just don't. Not now. Maybe later but now I'd do something we'd both regret and I care too much about you for that. Just let me do things my way and the 'what ifs' that I've been fighting off can come later. I can't take it now."

A door opened and shut downstairs. Several muted voices and Hagrid's booming bass sounded out.

Footsteps on the stairs and a splash of bright red. *Impossible to miss that color* Ron, his little sister Ginny and Hermione were suddenly beside the former Professor, looking uncomfortable and scared.

"How are you three?"
Three nods.

Remus kneeled down. Hagrid was sniffling behind the three. "We don't know if Harry can hear you. We don't know exactly where he is right now. You three aren't children but I need you to understand. Harry has to come back on his own, that's what Dumbledore said. He needs you to be there for him."

Mrs. Weasley had joined the small group, a handkerchief of her own in her hand.

Ron and Hermione looked down at Harry and glanced to Sirius who gently placed his godson on the bed.

Ron felt dazed. Harry looked.....bad.

"Harry? Harry? It's us, please talk to us. Please, we miss you!" Hermione grabbed Harry's hand, her eyes leaking yet again.

Ginny Weasley, Remus noticed, just stood in the room. He felt a flash of concern for the girl, looking at her face.

She was too young to look like that.

"Harry, mate. It's us, Ron.....and Hermione. Harry, it's me, it's Ron. C'mon, talk to me. You....Harry?" Ron glanced to Sirius uncertainly. Sirius was only watching Harry, though.

"Harry? Ginny's here, and Hagrid, and Mrs. Weasley. You want to talk to them, don't you? We want to hear your voice, please Harry?"

Ginny felt as though her world was spinning. A mantra was forming in her head. *That's not Harry, that's not Harry, that's not my Harry, that's not him, it's not, it's not....* Harry didn't look like that.

Harry was kind and sweet and with eyes that were sad but noble and wonderful all at the same time. He helped her carry her books even though she was so shy she could barely stutter around him as she went to class. He never teased her, even though he had more reason than anyone. He had said....that perfect day, when Harry *not this person, this isn't Harry, Harry is full of life, this isn't him.* when he had told her that she looked pretty in a simple white blouse she was wearing under her robe that peaked up over it's collar.

Mrs. Weasley was holding her, helping her downstairs. She could hear another voice, a nasty, demeaning voice that she recognized, asking questions when they got there.

"I arrive and it's chaos yet again. Molly, what is wrong with that child?" Professor Snape. What was he doing here?

"She's upset." Mrs. Weasley was stroking Ginny's hair. Ginny was suddenly embarrassed. She wasn't a baby, but.......

"Where's Potter?" Snape was holding some vials, a large black case, and a bag of ingredients. Potions. But for what?

"_Harry_ is upstairs." Molly said emphatically.

"That's not Harry. That isn't him." Ginny said automatically. She was shaking so bad she thought her teeth would come out of her head. She pushed her mother away. "Harry's fine because that's not him, it's not, it's _not HIM!!_"

"Calm down, girl! Here, give her this." Snape handed Molly a small, blueish-green tablet. "Luckily I came prepared for hysterics." His tone had softened a bit, though.

"Where is your Muggle-loving husband?"

"At the Ministry. He'll be here soon." Molly shot the professor a dirty look.

"Soon, well...." Snape opened his mouth to say something, then glancing at Ginny thought the better of it. "Won't be any need for it, _soon_. Potter will just wake up, stop his theatrics quickly enough. Typical."

With a swish of long, black robes, Snape ascended the stairs.

The scene in the room before him turned his stomach. Hagrid was talking to Harry, blubbering like a baby all the while. *Fool* Snape bared his teeth.

The other two were sitting on the sides of Harry's bed. Black was watching Potter. Not even Snape barging into the room caused a reaction.

"I need some privacy. I've brought some..things, that may help." Nobody moved.

"By Grindelwald, the boy's not dead yet. Leave me in peace."

The others filed out, casting anxious glances from Snape to Harry. Ron's was more than anxious. He openly scowled at the Potions Professor.

"Is it such a good idea to let _him_ near Harry right now? Wouldn't that be addign insult to injury? I mean....he might try to poison him, or...c'mon, he's always hated Harry!"

Lupin was leading Ron down his well-worn steps with an air of long-suffering.

"Black, I did not mean that you were exempt. Get out."

"No"

"Now you listen to me" Snape hissed vindictaviely. "Dumbledore isn't here to cushion any blows for you. Either we bring this boy's mind back, or he dies. Do you really want that Black? He can join dear old mum and dad. A family reunion in the ceme-"

Snape was cut off when Sirius slammed into him, knocking him into the far wall. One hand was latched onto the professor's neck.

"Get...Out...Of...Here." Sirius' teeth were gritted. Snape actually felt a little alarmed. The man's eyes didn't look right. Maybe he really was mad.

"I came because of the Headmaster's request. Don't think I'm doing anything for you or Potter."

Sirius growled. "We don't need or want your help."

A raspy cough from the bed silenced the two. Harry's breathing was coming in short gasps, his lips were turning blue.

"HARRY!!" Sirius yelled, terrified. "NO! Harry, no! NO, NO, please...."

Snape pushed Sirius away and grabbed a vial, calmly shaking it before grasping Harry's head none too gently and forcing it down the boy's throat.

Harry coughed and spluttered, with most of the mixture ending up on the front of his robes and on his pillow, but it seemed to work.

Sirius, dazed from his fear, looked at Snape. "What the hell did you give my godson?"

"It relaxes the muscles, makes them believe that they are receiving messages from the brain. I have many other varieties, that was for the lungs."

Sirius looked from Harry to Snape and back again, nodded once and stepped out. Black remained in the doorway, however, grateful but not quite trusting.

To his utter shock, Snape rested a hand on Harry's head before taking out a rag and wiping up the spilled mixture.

"Gotten yourself into quite a mess, eh Potter? You're a very stubborn boy, just like your father. You'd better come back, though......Po- Harry. Potions without deducting points just isn't the same."

For a minute Sirius thought Snape was under the Imperius Curse and nearly barged back in to knock the Potions Professor's hand off of his godson's head.

Snape continued talking, however, as he mixed different concotions and forced them down Harry's throat.

He had hidden his real feelings for the boy very, _very_ well.

******************************************************************************

Dawn's cold light had made its way to Remus Lupin' small cottage. An exhausted, disheartened group sat in his kitchen. Hermione's head was on Ron's shoulder and he had an arm around her.

Hermione's tears had finally dried up. She just stared, one of Lupin's books open in her lap. She hadn't found anything, but the former professor's resources weren't those of Hogwarts.

Ron was white and shaking. He didn't want to go back to school, he didn't want to be here, he wished this past week had never happened. He didn't know what he wanted yet he knew perfectly.

It was all very confusing.

Sirius and Snape were still upstairs with Harry. From time to time, the sounds of arguing had been heard, but had quickly died down again.

No one said anything when Snape appeared downstairs. His sallow face had deep lines in it. He spoke softly, as always.

"I've done what I can. He doesn't want to come back. Dumbledore asked that I contact him if things got this far. He had an idea, for....emergencies."

Arthur, who had arrived a few hours earlier, held his sobbing wife. He didn't look so good either. Out of all of them, except maybe Harry or Percy, the week had been hardest on him.

"Lupin, an owl please?"

Remus stood up and let Hedwig out of her cage. She hooted and nipped his finger when he stroked her feathers. Her large, amber eyes looked to Snape distrustfully but she held out her leg just the same.

When he attached the note, Hedwig hooted again, like an inquiry. "Just do it and stop pestering me."

Snape followed the owl out, grabbing his cloak. He apparrated away without a sound.

******************************************************************************

"How could it not have worked?"
Fawkes, the beautiful phoenix, was sitting on Dumbledore's knee. Lupin had his head in his hands. He didn't say anything.

Ron, however, was livid. "I _saw_ what it can do! I was there when it pulled us out of that chamber, remember Ginny!"

No response.

Ron was getting angrier. "Professor!! You know something else that could work, I know you do! If the phoenix...."

"Ron"

"NO! I'm _not_ giving up. Harry may have but I'm not."

"I'm sorry Mr. Weasley, it's too late." Ron's eyes were huge. He even pushed Hermione away when she went to hug him. He then just sat, before glancing at Ginny.

They were always close. Now they could have been Fred and George with how alike they looked.

Dumbledore stroked the cooing Fawkes, who let out a quavering note that sounded heart-broken in the quiet house.

Not even the phoenix's tears, the small group's last resort, had worked to bring Harry Potter back from where ever he was.

Arabella Figg had stopped by, spoken quietly to Dumbledore, and had left dabbing her eyes. She felt responsible, Remus knew it. But they all did.

In fact, Arabella was at the Burrow at that moment, breaking the news to the three oldest Weasleys. Bill and Charlie had stayed with Percy. The oldest didn't know Harry very well, but Percy did. No one how he would react.

Remus hadn't raised his head from the table all morning. He had prayed that Fawkes could do what they could not, bring James' son back.......but it had failed.


So, upstairs, in a small but comfortable room, one man sat with the most precious thing he had. His godson, the son of his heart.

Dumbledore had told him to prepare. He was trying.

None of it had done any good. Not even the beautiful red and golden phoenix, with his magical ties to Harry and his amazing powers, could bring the boy back.
Sirius had cried then. He hadn't known that he still had it in him to cry like that, deep, heaving sobs.

Now, all he could do was hold Harry and cry. Him, a grown man. Someone who had survived the horrors of Azkaban. Someone who had worked in some very dangerous situations before the incident that had taken James and Lily away from him.

Nothing compared to the pain he felt now. He rocked his godson in his arms, kissing the boy's forehead and holding him to his chest tightly.

And he began to speak, words coming from a place inside of him he had locked away. He needed to keep it safe to survive in a place like Azkaban. Only one person could have ever unlocked it again.

"Harry, I've never told you what it was like for me in Azkaban. I told you how I kept my mind, but I never told you the whole story. It was cold there, Harry, the kind of chill that you can never get rid of. The place seems so empty and lonely. Have you felt like that lately? Like you were completely alone? I would give my life if I could change things, if I could have known before this happened."

"I screamed for James and Lily, for Remus to believe me and for Peter's blood the first few years. In the years after that, I began listening to the wind and when it began to say things to me I became afraid. I began to lose myself, not even Padfoot could help. I forgot my past, forgot why I was in there. I forgot that I was once a person, with a life and a family. I forgot because I wanted to, the pain was too much to bear and I left it behind. I became a shell, someone who looked like Sirius but was actually just an empty hull with no soul."

"It was like the Dementors had already given me the kiss. The apathy was the most terrible thing of all. Not the loneliness, not the memories and nightmares, not even the cold and filth. Harry...."

Sirius had to stop and compose himself. His voice was breaking.

"I know you want to forget. I know where you are because I was there. I know you, I know better than anyone. And I know you can't live like that. You can't, it's living death. You know what brought me back? I remembered a little boy. I saw his smile and his bright green eyes. I saw that hair and those little arms stretched out to me for love and comfort. I heard that sweet laugh and finally, I began to feel things again. All I saw was this boy. I couldn't even remember his name but I knew how I felt about him."

"Then, one night, in a dream I remembered his name, who he was. The pain all came back remembering how I lost James and Lily. I loved your father like a brother, the way you feel about Ron. Lily was like an angel, perfect. But I still held onto those feelings because I needed to know you. Harry.....my godson. Then I knew I had to escape from that place. Don't you see? You wouldn't let me live like that, and now I won't let you either. And I know you Harry. I know you love to fly, to feel the wind in your face and be free. I know you'll do anything for those you care about. I know how you feel about right and wrong, your sense of justice."

Black was sobbing, terrible and deep.

"I know your heart. I know you're good and strong and that all of the evil in this world can't touch you. You're Harry Potter, not just the name but the person. I love you. You're a gift to us.....especially to me. I did something a few nights after I had escaped from Hogwarts with Buckbeak. I hadn't done any real magic, strong magic since before I was in Azkaban. But I managed to borrow a wand and for therapy I suppose, I tried a Patronus. I returned the wand eventually but I had to try this. I tried for days and couldn't do it. But when I felt like throwing the damn idea out of the window, I had a very happy thought. I thought of you, the way you had turned out, the person you'd become. I remembered that you had Lily's eyes and James' mannerisms but you were Harry. And I realized I loved you and I would stay with you until death took me away. Then I managed my Patronus."

Sirius couldn't feel anything past this, his face was gray with exhaustion and pain. He kissed Harry's forehead before laying him down on the bed and turning to leave the room. "We need you, I need you Harry."

Harry Potter stirred. Sirius' heart stopped.

Somewhere, far away, Harry remembered what it was to feel again. He saw two people, one with bright red hair, the other with bushy brown. They were smiling at him but they were crying. 'Come back to us Harry' Why were they so sad?

Two other people, a pretty lady with long hair and a tall man with glasses held their arms out to him, begging him to go back, to live his life and be happy. They told him that they loved him and he believed them.

He saw a kind-faced person with graying brown hair who was a true teacher to him, believing in him. A friend.

A very large man who had first opened a boy's eyes to a wonderful world, who had seen him as more than just an unwanted child, was crying great tears, blubbering like a baby. Harry wanted to smile but hug him at the same time. Silly, good-hearted soul....who was he? How did Harry know him?

Another man, much older, with twinkling blue eyes and a long, silver beard. Harry instinctively trusted him, he knew this man was his mentor. The wizard told him to go back, that he couldn't live in dreams. Life was about feeling and experiencing, the good and the bad.

Arms outstretched, pleading voices. Then Harry vaguely saw himself in a dark room with a tall, thin man who had dark hair to his shoulders. It was like seeing something in a dream.

The man's burning eyes were full of pain and unshed tears. He was begging Harry to come back to him. He told him things that Harry already knew and understood.

The fog was lifting, the voice that had called to him, lied to him, was gone to leave him in peace. Harry Potter opened his eyes.

He met his godfather's gaze and smiled. Sirius didn't seem to be able to hold back his choked sobs as he held Harry to him so tightly that Harry had to fight to breathe. The young wizard didn't mind though.

" 'lo Sirius"

Harry wrapped his arms around his godfather, almost to comfort him more than vice versa. Sirius was muttering something into Harry's hair, kissing the boy's forehead and holding onto him with all his might, all at the same time.

"Harry....my Harry"

"Rough day?"

Sirius laughed as a dam opened up inside of him. Joy he hadn't felt for a very long time bubbled up as he held the boy. His godson.

"I love you, Sirius. I'm really, really sorry" Harry couldn't quite grasp what it was he should be sorry for, but his mind was gradually starting to piece together what had happened to him and he shuddered.

"I believed all of those bad things...." The teenager stopped when he realized that Sirius would have no idea what he was talking about.

"Nonsense, you have nothing to be sorry about. Look at me! You'll never think I'm your cool godfather again after seeing me blubbering shamelessly like this."

Harry grinned. Sirius' own smile faltered as he touched the young wizard's cheek.

"Welcome back"

"I'm sorry I stayed away so long, am I past curfew?"

The light bantering felt very good after the seriousness of the past week. "Way past, you're grounded for life."

Neither let go of each other, even when Lupin and Dumbledore entered, hearing the pair's voices from downstairs.

Ron and Hermione stood outside of the door, Hermione's face was streaked with tears and Ron's was white. The red-haired boy had dark circles under his eyes. Harry had never seen him look like that. They were hanging back but both were looking at Harry as though they were afraid to take their eyes off of him.

Harry could even see other, familiar red-heads behind them. But it was dead quiet.

The young wizard found himself sandwiched between the two former Marauders as Remus lost his composure and grabbed the boy in a fierce embrace.

"Merlin's beard, Harry!! For a moment I was sure....you, young man are in so much trouble."

"Save it Moony, I already lectured him."

"Well, it's my turn! Besides....."

Dumbledore's eyes twinkled at Harry who smiled back at him. "Welcome back my boy. We've missed you."

As the two younger men continued arguing, the venerable old wizard leaned in closer. "Knew you would come back. You, Harry Potter, always manage to surprise everyone but I knew you wouldn't turn your back on life."

Harry nodded, a lump in his throat. That solid faith again. Dumbledore then took one of Harry's hands and grasped it tightly for a moment before apparating away, allowing Fawkes to cry a joyful, quavering note before the phoenix followed.

Harry couldn't agree more.

******************************************************************************

It was strange, how tired Harry felt when all he'd done for the past few days was sleep. Lupin had told him that he hadn't though, his mind had been awake and active, that was why his body was so tired.

It was natural. What wasn't, in the Boy Who Lived's opinion, was all of the fussing.

When he'd been sick at the Dursleys he'd been lucky to have snuck some medicine into his cupboard without Aunt Petunia screeching at him that it had to be saved for her precious Duddykins.

Now it was like a steady stream of people had come in to see him. He'd felt like that at Hogwarts, wanted. But this was almost different.

McGonagall, Flitwick, other professors from school had visited him. He had candy and flowers, as well as a note from Snape saying that Harry needed to work to pay him back for the Potions the former Death Eater had _wasted_ on him. Typical.

But mainly it was his family that helped him. Ron and Hermione had to be forcefully pulled away from his side, and it was still a battle. Harry noticed that they were cautious with each other though, jumping back whenever one accidentally touched the other.

Sirius had nearly drove Harry crazy, in a good way. He was constantly by his side, with Remus taking over for a brief interval after he had drugged Padfoot to get him to sleep.

Harry giggled over Sirius' reaction and the brawl that had almost ensued. It had been worth it to hear Remus' talk, not as a professor, but as someone who had witnessed and done fascinating things. His life was a mystery, even more so than Sirius.

But it was Ginny, who was sometimes with her mother, but other times not, who had really surprised him.

All of these thoughts weighed heavy on the boy's mind as he struggled to wake up. He hated sleeping so much, but it was nice to be able to relax. He wanted to think about something else then that voice...those eyes. But Remus had told him about that too. He wasn't alone, they could face the repercussions together.

As Harry slowly opened his eyes, he saw a blurry, red-haired shape sitting beside him. Remus was going to get him some new glasses, but he wasn't too comfortable in the meantime.

"Ron?" Harry whispered. No response.

Oh....

"Ginny?" A small nod.

"Is everything okay?" A negative shake.

"Why?" A slim finger pointed to him. Oh....again.

"Me?" Another nod.

"I'm okay, just tired. Things are fine. I....heard about Percy" Harry gulped, "and Ron" Close call, this didn't bode well for next year. Harry needed to keep a closer eye on both of his friends from now on. And vice versa.

"He's okay. He's glad you're fine. He's almost as irritating as before the accident." Ginny smiled. She had such a beautiful smile.

Her face, it was so sweet, so open. She didn't bat her eyes or giggle like other girls. There was nothing but refreshing openness in those brown eyes, nothing but fresh-faced beauty with her freckled face. Probably came from living with six brothers.

She wasn't Cho. But Harry still like it.

"Harry?"

*Snap out of it Potter!! People will think you fall into trances at the drop of a hat.* "Sorry?"

"You were staring at me."

Harry turned a new, experimental shade of red. "Sorry...." He mumbled.

"Do...um, you....remember anything?"

Harry looked away. Bits and pieces, terrible, but they were fading away. They weren't real.

"Some, but it's getting better." He smiled at her and Ginny eyes' clouded.

"Um, sorry!! _Don't cry_!! I...what did I say?"

Ginny shook her head, bright red hair falling over her shoulder. "It's fine, you can say anything you want. Just don't.....say nothing, ever again, okay?"

Harry was confused. He teased Ron for being thick but, this was probably one of those girl things that they held meetings about. How to make a mate feel guilty and stupid at the same time.

"You....that's not you."

Harry's eyes. Those deep, green eyes, fixed on Ginny. She could fall in them.

He finally got it. A little.

"You're.....er, sad I was sick."

Ginny wanted to smack her forehead. "Yeah." *Of course!! What did you think? Don't you know? Don't you!!*

But he didn't.

Harry yawned and blushed slightly. "I'm sorry Gin. Can't...keep my....eyes open. Don't want to.....be rude."

Ginny smiled. He was so sweet. "You're not. Go to sleep."

"I'll see you later? If....you're not busy."
Harry drifted off to sleep again. Ginny felt her lips tremble. *Baby! You're such a baby! He's fine!!*

But he didn't know. Not yet.

******************************************************************************

September 1st
King's Cross Station


"Where _is_ he?"

"Ron! You dropped your book, here..."

"Fine _Hermione_, I'm trying to watch out for Harry!"

"Oh...stop being such a mother hen, he said that Sirius would drop him off."

Ron's indignant sputtering sounded a bit like what she said. The twins chuckled.

"Now, now you two. Stop bickering like an old married couple."

"Yeah, there'll be plenty of time for that later."

"SHUT UP!!" Ron dropped everything and charged after his brothers, who gleefully tormented him, two against one.

A squeaky noise and an irritated voice was heard over the commotion. As well as incessant twittering and hooting.

"RON! Can't you keep your owl quiet? What's wrong with him, anyway?"

"Nothing's wrong with him, _Percy_. Besides, who are you to criticize? You're the one who gave me Scabbers."

"Oh...Look!" Hermione squealed, relieved at the distraction.

A rumbling noise sounded out and suddenly a motorcycle came tearing through the portal. Harry was hanging onto his godfather, looking like he was having the time of his life.

Sirius, wearing an old leather jacket and pants, was grinning away too. The parents, students, trunks and owls that went flying to get out of the way didn't look half as pleased however.

Neither did Mrs. Weasley.
Harry jumped off and ran over to Hermione and Ron. "Hey!!"

"Harry!" Hermione grabbed him in a hug and Harry looked very stiff until she let him go, but he smiled at her.

"Harry, hey mate" Ron clapped Harry on the shoulder and Harry gave him a one-armed hug.

"RON! This bird is driving me _mad_! Shut him up!!"

"Oy, I'm coming. Feathery git, never know...." Ron went stomping over. Percy, adjusting his robes and pushing his glasses up, checked to see if anyone had heard him yelling in such an undignified manner before spotting Harry.

"Hello Harry. Doing all right I see?" Percy asked formally.

Harry couldn't quite suppress his grin, especially when George snuck up behind the former Prefect and began imitating him perfectly.

"Yeah, you?"

"Fine, though I certainly have lots to do to catch up at the Ministry. Honestly, you wouldn't think that being behind on a little work would cause in one being demoted would you?" Percy still looked very put out over this.

Harry managed to turn a snicker into cough and shrugged his shoulders.

"Yeah, right Perce. Cauldron bottoms and vial glass quality can't be ignored. Who else is gonna work on something so boring?" Ron came sauntering back, having shut Pig up with an owl treat.

Before Percy could reply, (thank goodness, since his hazel eyes were spitting fire at his youngest brother) a lazy drawl sounded out.

"Well, well.....fancy seeing you all here. So Potter, still in one piece? Too bad. Where's your babysitter? Didn't think anyone would let you wide the scawy twain wide to Hogwarts."

Two mindless chuckles.

Ron lunged at Malfoy before Harry could grab his robes. Percy, however, held him back.

Even Harry backed away from the virulence in the two brothers' eyes. "Don't Ron. He's not worth it, cowardly little ferret."

Ron was struggling to get away from Percy, looking to pummel Malfoy. He looked furious even by Ron's standards.

Harry was alarmed.

"RON!" Percy grabbed his brother's shoulders to face him. "Let...It....Go. Please, it'll be fine. He's going to regret everything, just believe it."

Ron nodded, glaring at Malfoy who slunk off sullenly.

"Now...about that comment."

Mrs. Weasley, who was finally backing away from a white-faced Sirius (I made him wear a helmet, Molly! What kind of godfather do you think I am?!) signaled to her children.

"Onto the train!"

Harry looked to Sirius who nodded and pulled something small out of his pocket.

"Enlargo" Sirius' wand was apparently still in working condition, even after being in storage for thirteen years.

He looked down at Harry for a minute before hugging him tightly.

"Be careful kiddo. Write often, don't get into trouble" Sirius paused, then winked. "Well, don't do anything I wouldn't..."

Harry smiled. "Love you, Snuffles."

"I love you too, lad. But don't _ever_ call me that again."

Ginny giggled, boarding the train with Harry. "You should have been there, Gin. It was so wicked!" Harry was ecstatic to borrow a Ron-ism.

Hermione clucked her tongue reproachfully from behind the pair. "On come on, Hermione! Sirius put an invisibility charm on it!"

Ron and Percy watched the three get on board, Percy smiling and waving to his little sister as she blew him a kiss.

"Don't get into too much trouble this year, Ron. Sully the family name and all that."

"I won't. Don't work too hard. Remember what the healer's said."

"Deal" Percy hugged Ron for a moment, who turned beet red.

"Perce! Not the mushy stuff." But he hugged his older brother back.

"Love you baby brother."

"Love you too. But don't _ever_ call me that again."