Chapter 35
It was quiet, far too quiet compared to normal, he realized. There were no sounds of birds in the trees, or the pounding of student's feet as they ran to class trying not to be late. He couldn't hear the sounds of the other occupants of the room snoring, or moving around at all. But the most obvious sound that was missing was that of the voice of Voldemort hissing suggestions or insults to his mind. Blearily he opened his eyes and reached to his right for his glasses, but before he could move more than his hand, he felt someone slip his glasses on his face for him. Blinking as the world came into focus, he saw the drawn and concerned face of Sirius hovering over him.
"Hey" he said, his throat sore and voice hoarse
"How are you feeling Harry?" asked Sirius in concern
"Fine" he choked out "Thirsty" he added, and was relieved when Sirius turned around and picked up a glass of water and handed it to Harry who eagerly drank it.
"Thanks" he said, his voice coming out more clearly and his throat no longer scratchy.
"Now, how are you feeling Harry? The truth this time" said Sirius
"I told you, I feel fine, other than being a bit tired. How long have I been out for?"
"Almost three days, it's Thursday, about five in the afternoon"
"I can't believe that this happened" Harry muttered under his breath
"What are you talking about Harry, you couldn't have prevented this"
"I should have fought harder to keep control" he said in irritation and disgust
"Harry, you were under the imperious curse and from what Hermione and Ron said you had already been under enough pressure that morning, what with you guys fighting, there was nothing you could have done differently" insisted Sirius
"You don't understand Sirius, if only I had fought him harder that I might have been able to stop him!" he yelled
"Harry, listen to me right now. I may not know what was going on in your head, but I do know that you fought so hard that you were physically exhausted. You have been sleeping for three days without a sleeping potion and you haven't even so much as flinched that entire time. If you had fought any harder, you would probably be dead! You did everything you could plus some! No one blames you and everything is fine now!" yelled Sirius in return
"Everything is not fine Sirius. I remember exactly what happened, I could see and hear everything , I cursed you and Remus and Snape, and I tied my best friends and Ginny up, I called Hermione a mudblood, and insulted Ginny. I almost KILLED you Sirius and you're saying everything is fine! Do you have any idea how dangerous I am to all of you?! Voldemort could very easily get control of me again, only next time I might not be able to fight it. I could kill everyone I care about, and destroy the only home I have ever known! I can't risk that happening Sirius, I have to do something to prevent it!" he said, but his voice became less angry as he said these things and more desperate "Do you have any idea how difficult it was to see what I was doing to all of you and not being able to do anything to stop it? If I ever hurt any of you, I wouldn't be able to live with myself Sirius, you, Remus, Ginny, Hermione, and Ron are the closest thing to a family I have ever known, I don't want to hurt you" he said in a quiet voice as he looked intently into his godfathers blue eyes.
Sirius didn't know how to react to what Harry had just said, he had no experience in what Harry was going through, he truly was the only one who stood between good and evil, the only one who had any control over what would happen to the world. It was an enormous weight for anyone to bear, yet this wasn't the first time that Harry's actions would determine the future. He had no idea that Harry would remember what had happened, and he wished with everything he possessed that there was someway he could forget, though he knew that was impossible. All he could do was look into his godsons eyes, desperately trying to come up with the right thing to say, but as he looked into those desperate, pain filled eyes, he knew there was nothing he could say to make everything all right, so he settled for the next option. He stood from his chair and pulled Harry into a tight embrace. At first, the thin boy tensed up, but after a moment, his body relaxed into the embrace. They sat like that for several minutes until Harry had collected himself and Sirius held him out by his shoulders at arm's length.
"Thanks Sirius" Harry said quietly
"Harry, please believe me when I tell you that you did the very best anyone could have expected of you, and that everything is fine now. Nobody blames you for anything, trust me"
"I believe you Sirius" said Harry, though that sentiment was not conveyed in his eyes and Sirius knew it would be a long time before Harry actually believed his own words.
"Well, I guess I had better let Albus know you are awake, he wants to speak with you, as does a certain red headed girl and a pair of Gryffindor seventh years and a Slytherin" said Sirius with a small smile as he released Harry's shoulders "Is it all right if they come to see you now?" he asked before he left
"Yes, I would like to talk to all of them, but please get the headmaster first, I need to tell him a few things" said Harry as he settled back into the bed with his back propped up against the headboard.
"Ok, I'll be back in a couple of minutes" he said as he left the hospital wing, glancing over his shoulder to make sure Harry was relaxing as he did so.
Not long after Sirius left, Dumbledore entered the infirmary with a small smile on his face as a greeting.
"Hello Harry, how are you feeling" he asked kindly as he settled in the chair next to his bed
"Fine sir, just a bit tired" answered Harry, resigned to the fact that he would have to tolerate the pleasantries before the old wizard would be willing to speak about the point of this meeting.
"Good, can you tell me what happened during your defense class?" he asked, and Harry was amazed that the pleasantries were over so soon
"Well, I was helping Remus and Sirius demonstrate how to throw off the imperious curse and everything was fine until Remus put me under it. I was already angry at Ron and Hermione, and when the curse was cast, I was thinking about what I had said to them that morning, and by the time I realized what was happening, it was too late to do anything to stop it." he began quietly, looking straight ahead as though he were watching the events he was speaking about on the wall in front of him
"At first, it was just like the other times, when Moody cast the curse on me, but then something happened. It was like my blood was on fire, I don't know how to describe it, but I felt a part of myself being pushed back, and there was nothing I could do to stop it. I tried desperately to fight him, and apparently I lost control of my magic when I lost control of him, because I saw all the glass shatter and the wall fall. My scar hurt and so did the dark mark on my arm, but I couldn't stop him and before I knew it he was in control. I could hear what he was thinking, and saying, and see what he was doing, but I couldn't stop him. I could only watch, it was like I was trapped and I couldn't get out. But then something happened, I was standing over Sirius and he was about to kill him, when Ginny started pleading for me to try and beat him. He heard her and cast a silencing spell on her, but it was too late for him. I had heard her words and I knew that she at least still had faith in me, and I started to fight him. The pain was even worse than when he got control to start with, the dark mark was burning and it felt like my head would split along my scar, but I couldn't stop fighting him, if I did, then Sirius, and Ginny, and everyone else would die. After what seemed like eternity, I beat him and was back in control. You know what happened after that better than I do, sir" he finished, only now meeting the blue eyes of the headmaster "Sir, I'm sorry, but I can't let this happen again, I can't risk the lives of everyone in the castle like this anymore. Is there anything I can do so nobody is at risk anymore?" he asked desperately
"Harry, I have already considered this and I respect your decision on this matter, and I agree with you. Your magic has been completely exhausted, and if Voldemort were to try to take control again, I doubt you would be able to fight him off. His remaining followers know something is happening with their master, and they know that the reason for the return of their marks is residing at the castle"
"How did they find out!" exclaimed Harry, interrupting the headmaster
"Don't worry Harry, I told the ministry and the rest of the students that a powerful dark wizard cast a mind control spell on you and tried to make you take over the castle in Voldemort's name. They don't know that he is here, but they think his successor is, and that that person is the one who took control of you"
Harry sighed in relief at this statement "So they don't know the truth?" he asked hesitantly
"No, only the professors, Ron, Hermione and Ginny know. I didn't know if you wanted Mr. Malfoy to know the truth as well so I haven't told him"
"I'll ask Ginny to tell him later" he said "So what have you decided to do? I can't very well stay here, at least not until my powers return and the death eaters calm down"
"Well Harry, nowhere in the wizarding world is safe right now, it would only take one exposure to a dark curse, or potion, for Voldemort to take control again" at Harry's baffled expression, he elaborated "Miss. Granger discovered that every time you are exposed to dark magic or negative emotions Voldemort draws strength from these negative things" he explained
"Well, now things make more sense" Harry muttered under his breath, causing Dumbledore to smile faintly
"I hope they do Harry, but back to your question, the wizarding world is not safe for you right now, and won't be until you regain your powers, and since you are not of age according to muggle law, there is only one place you can go until your powers are strong enough for you to return, or you come of age" but before he could continue, Harry interrupted him again
"NO! You can't be serious sir!" he yelled
"Calm down Harry, it is the safest place for you to be" he said in a gentle tone
"Calm down!? What do you mean calm down!?" he demanded "You know the hate goes both ways there, I will not go" he said, sounding almost like a defiant five year old
"Harry, it is the only place that you will be safe. Don't worry, there will be someone coming to check on you everyday and help you with your studies, so you won't be entirely cut off from the wizarding world" he said with a small but reassuring smile
"Who will be coming?" asked Harry
"Either myself, Sirius, Remus, or Severus will come at least once daily. Between the four of us, we will help you refocus your powers, as well as continuing your schooling as much as possible away from school"
"What about my NEWTS?"
"You will take them when you return, we can't very well administer the practical aspects of the exams in a muggle house"
"When will I be able to come back?"
"Whenever your powers have returned to their full strength"
"Can I see my friends while I am there?" he asked hopefully, but he already knew the answer
"I'm afraid not Harry. No one except the five of us should know where you are hiding, and there is too great of a risk of you being found if anymore people knew you were at your families house" he said gently
"I figured as much. How are you going to convince the Dursley's to allow magic in their house?" he asked with a mischievous smile on his features "You know they despise anything 'abnormal'"
Dumbledore chuckled at this "Leave your relatives to me Harry, I'm sure I can convince them that this is for your good, as well as their own" said the headmaster with a mischievous glimmer in his eyes as well
"I guess things will work out for the best then" sighed Harry "How long before I have to leave?"
"Sirius will take you later tonight if Madame Pomfrey sees fit to release you"
"So soon? Will I be able to see Ginny and my friends before I leave?"
"I'm afraid there is no time for you to see them all, but I will allow Miss. Weasley to come in for a few moments" he said with regret as he stood and went toward the doors "I will come to your home tomorrow morning" he said over his shoulder as he went out the door.
A few minutes later, the large oak doors were pushed open once again and a small red haired blur came running into the room and launched herself onto Harry.
"Oh Harry! Thank goodness you're all right!" she exclaimed into his hospital pajamas and he could feel her small frame being racked by silent sobs. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close
"Sh Ginny, it's all right" he said softly into her bright red hair "everything will be fine"
"Oh, Harry, Dumbledore said he was sending you away. Please say he was lying, you can't leave me again" she said desperately
"Ginny, I'm sorry, but I have to leave. None of you are safe as long as I'm in the castle, I have to go, but I promise you that I will come back. I can't live without you, I will come back" he said forcefully, and she removed her face from his clothes and looked him in the eye.
"When are you leaving?" she asked with a tremble in her voice as she directed her tear filled gaze on him, and she was surprised to see that his eyes were shining with unshed tears.
"Soon, Sirius is taking me tonight" he said softly
"Where are you going to go?"
"I can't say Gin, I'm sorry" he said as he looked down to the floor "But Sirius and Remus will know where I am and I'll send you letters through them" he promised
"I'm going to miss you so much Harry" she said again as she broke down into a fresh set of sobs "I was so scarred that you were gone for good, I was so afraid I was going to loose you" she muttered quietly
"I'm sorry Gin, but you know what?" he asked her gently
"What?"
"You were what helped me fight him, I heard your voice and saw your face and I knew there was still at least one person who had faith in me, you were the reason I was able to fight him" he confessed, and she rewarded him with a teary smile
"Really?" she asked
"Really, I owe you more than you can know" he acknowledged
Just then, the hospital wing doors opened again and Sirius and Dumbledore entered, levitating Harry's trunk behind them.
"Harry, we must be going" said Sirius sadly
"I know" he said to his godfather "Just give me a minute to get ready" he said, and untangling himself from Ginny, he got to his feet and went behind the curtains to change. When he was dressed, complete with his robes and cloak, though he decided to leave his hair down if to accomplish nothing other than to frighten his family, he returned to Ginny's side.
"Ginny, I'll be back before you know it" he said as he pulled her into a hug "I love you"
"I love you too Harry, I'll miss you" she said into his robes
He then released her and nodded toward Sirius who approached him. Harry waved his hand at his trunk and shrunk it small enough to put into his pocked, but was shocked to be light headed after just doing that small amount of magic. He looked to Dumbledore in alarm.
"Like I told you Harry, your magic was all but exhausted, it will be some time before you can do even simple spells without becoming tired"
Harry nodded his head with a weary smile before looking to see that Sirius was holding a portkey in his hand. Without saying another word, he looked to Ginny who still had tears running down her cheeks and touched the portkey and with the familiar tug behind his navel and a blur of colors, he left Hogwarts and found himself standing next to his godfather on a dark Privet Drive, a street he hadn't seen since the summer after his fifth year.
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A/N: Please don't hate me! Just imagine how much fun Harry is going to have being able to do magic at the Dursley's house! It will be good, I promise. Thanks for your reviews on the last chapter, and I'll answer a few questions now: let's see, yes I did see the movie (very good in my opinion); everyone now knows just where I'm sending Harry, but can anyone guess where I'm going to send him next (if you can, you win all the money I have, but it's not much); I'm 20 years old, and a full time college student; no, Malfoy is not a relative of either Voldemort or Slytherin, at least not in my story (but I think he is in the books) I think that's most of them that weren't answered in this chapter. Next chapter should be up tomorrow or Tuesday, so enjoy! And please remember to review, I really appreciate them!
It was quiet, far too quiet compared to normal, he realized. There were no sounds of birds in the trees, or the pounding of student's feet as they ran to class trying not to be late. He couldn't hear the sounds of the other occupants of the room snoring, or moving around at all. But the most obvious sound that was missing was that of the voice of Voldemort hissing suggestions or insults to his mind. Blearily he opened his eyes and reached to his right for his glasses, but before he could move more than his hand, he felt someone slip his glasses on his face for him. Blinking as the world came into focus, he saw the drawn and concerned face of Sirius hovering over him.
"Hey" he said, his throat sore and voice hoarse
"How are you feeling Harry?" asked Sirius in concern
"Fine" he choked out "Thirsty" he added, and was relieved when Sirius turned around and picked up a glass of water and handed it to Harry who eagerly drank it.
"Thanks" he said, his voice coming out more clearly and his throat no longer scratchy.
"Now, how are you feeling Harry? The truth this time" said Sirius
"I told you, I feel fine, other than being a bit tired. How long have I been out for?"
"Almost three days, it's Thursday, about five in the afternoon"
"I can't believe that this happened" Harry muttered under his breath
"What are you talking about Harry, you couldn't have prevented this"
"I should have fought harder to keep control" he said in irritation and disgust
"Harry, you were under the imperious curse and from what Hermione and Ron said you had already been under enough pressure that morning, what with you guys fighting, there was nothing you could have done differently" insisted Sirius
"You don't understand Sirius, if only I had fought him harder that I might have been able to stop him!" he yelled
"Harry, listen to me right now. I may not know what was going on in your head, but I do know that you fought so hard that you were physically exhausted. You have been sleeping for three days without a sleeping potion and you haven't even so much as flinched that entire time. If you had fought any harder, you would probably be dead! You did everything you could plus some! No one blames you and everything is fine now!" yelled Sirius in return
"Everything is not fine Sirius. I remember exactly what happened, I could see and hear everything , I cursed you and Remus and Snape, and I tied my best friends and Ginny up, I called Hermione a mudblood, and insulted Ginny. I almost KILLED you Sirius and you're saying everything is fine! Do you have any idea how dangerous I am to all of you?! Voldemort could very easily get control of me again, only next time I might not be able to fight it. I could kill everyone I care about, and destroy the only home I have ever known! I can't risk that happening Sirius, I have to do something to prevent it!" he said, but his voice became less angry as he said these things and more desperate "Do you have any idea how difficult it was to see what I was doing to all of you and not being able to do anything to stop it? If I ever hurt any of you, I wouldn't be able to live with myself Sirius, you, Remus, Ginny, Hermione, and Ron are the closest thing to a family I have ever known, I don't want to hurt you" he said in a quiet voice as he looked intently into his godfathers blue eyes.
Sirius didn't know how to react to what Harry had just said, he had no experience in what Harry was going through, he truly was the only one who stood between good and evil, the only one who had any control over what would happen to the world. It was an enormous weight for anyone to bear, yet this wasn't the first time that Harry's actions would determine the future. He had no idea that Harry would remember what had happened, and he wished with everything he possessed that there was someway he could forget, though he knew that was impossible. All he could do was look into his godsons eyes, desperately trying to come up with the right thing to say, but as he looked into those desperate, pain filled eyes, he knew there was nothing he could say to make everything all right, so he settled for the next option. He stood from his chair and pulled Harry into a tight embrace. At first, the thin boy tensed up, but after a moment, his body relaxed into the embrace. They sat like that for several minutes until Harry had collected himself and Sirius held him out by his shoulders at arm's length.
"Thanks Sirius" Harry said quietly
"Harry, please believe me when I tell you that you did the very best anyone could have expected of you, and that everything is fine now. Nobody blames you for anything, trust me"
"I believe you Sirius" said Harry, though that sentiment was not conveyed in his eyes and Sirius knew it would be a long time before Harry actually believed his own words.
"Well, I guess I had better let Albus know you are awake, he wants to speak with you, as does a certain red headed girl and a pair of Gryffindor seventh years and a Slytherin" said Sirius with a small smile as he released Harry's shoulders "Is it all right if they come to see you now?" he asked before he left
"Yes, I would like to talk to all of them, but please get the headmaster first, I need to tell him a few things" said Harry as he settled back into the bed with his back propped up against the headboard.
"Ok, I'll be back in a couple of minutes" he said as he left the hospital wing, glancing over his shoulder to make sure Harry was relaxing as he did so.
Not long after Sirius left, Dumbledore entered the infirmary with a small smile on his face as a greeting.
"Hello Harry, how are you feeling" he asked kindly as he settled in the chair next to his bed
"Fine sir, just a bit tired" answered Harry, resigned to the fact that he would have to tolerate the pleasantries before the old wizard would be willing to speak about the point of this meeting.
"Good, can you tell me what happened during your defense class?" he asked, and Harry was amazed that the pleasantries were over so soon
"Well, I was helping Remus and Sirius demonstrate how to throw off the imperious curse and everything was fine until Remus put me under it. I was already angry at Ron and Hermione, and when the curse was cast, I was thinking about what I had said to them that morning, and by the time I realized what was happening, it was too late to do anything to stop it." he began quietly, looking straight ahead as though he were watching the events he was speaking about on the wall in front of him
"At first, it was just like the other times, when Moody cast the curse on me, but then something happened. It was like my blood was on fire, I don't know how to describe it, but I felt a part of myself being pushed back, and there was nothing I could do to stop it. I tried desperately to fight him, and apparently I lost control of my magic when I lost control of him, because I saw all the glass shatter and the wall fall. My scar hurt and so did the dark mark on my arm, but I couldn't stop him and before I knew it he was in control. I could hear what he was thinking, and saying, and see what he was doing, but I couldn't stop him. I could only watch, it was like I was trapped and I couldn't get out. But then something happened, I was standing over Sirius and he was about to kill him, when Ginny started pleading for me to try and beat him. He heard her and cast a silencing spell on her, but it was too late for him. I had heard her words and I knew that she at least still had faith in me, and I started to fight him. The pain was even worse than when he got control to start with, the dark mark was burning and it felt like my head would split along my scar, but I couldn't stop fighting him, if I did, then Sirius, and Ginny, and everyone else would die. After what seemed like eternity, I beat him and was back in control. You know what happened after that better than I do, sir" he finished, only now meeting the blue eyes of the headmaster "Sir, I'm sorry, but I can't let this happen again, I can't risk the lives of everyone in the castle like this anymore. Is there anything I can do so nobody is at risk anymore?" he asked desperately
"Harry, I have already considered this and I respect your decision on this matter, and I agree with you. Your magic has been completely exhausted, and if Voldemort were to try to take control again, I doubt you would be able to fight him off. His remaining followers know something is happening with their master, and they know that the reason for the return of their marks is residing at the castle"
"How did they find out!" exclaimed Harry, interrupting the headmaster
"Don't worry Harry, I told the ministry and the rest of the students that a powerful dark wizard cast a mind control spell on you and tried to make you take over the castle in Voldemort's name. They don't know that he is here, but they think his successor is, and that that person is the one who took control of you"
Harry sighed in relief at this statement "So they don't know the truth?" he asked hesitantly
"No, only the professors, Ron, Hermione and Ginny know. I didn't know if you wanted Mr. Malfoy to know the truth as well so I haven't told him"
"I'll ask Ginny to tell him later" he said "So what have you decided to do? I can't very well stay here, at least not until my powers return and the death eaters calm down"
"Well Harry, nowhere in the wizarding world is safe right now, it would only take one exposure to a dark curse, or potion, for Voldemort to take control again" at Harry's baffled expression, he elaborated "Miss. Granger discovered that every time you are exposed to dark magic or negative emotions Voldemort draws strength from these negative things" he explained
"Well, now things make more sense" Harry muttered under his breath, causing Dumbledore to smile faintly
"I hope they do Harry, but back to your question, the wizarding world is not safe for you right now, and won't be until you regain your powers, and since you are not of age according to muggle law, there is only one place you can go until your powers are strong enough for you to return, or you come of age" but before he could continue, Harry interrupted him again
"NO! You can't be serious sir!" he yelled
"Calm down Harry, it is the safest place for you to be" he said in a gentle tone
"Calm down!? What do you mean calm down!?" he demanded "You know the hate goes both ways there, I will not go" he said, sounding almost like a defiant five year old
"Harry, it is the only place that you will be safe. Don't worry, there will be someone coming to check on you everyday and help you with your studies, so you won't be entirely cut off from the wizarding world" he said with a small but reassuring smile
"Who will be coming?" asked Harry
"Either myself, Sirius, Remus, or Severus will come at least once daily. Between the four of us, we will help you refocus your powers, as well as continuing your schooling as much as possible away from school"
"What about my NEWTS?"
"You will take them when you return, we can't very well administer the practical aspects of the exams in a muggle house"
"When will I be able to come back?"
"Whenever your powers have returned to their full strength"
"Can I see my friends while I am there?" he asked hopefully, but he already knew the answer
"I'm afraid not Harry. No one except the five of us should know where you are hiding, and there is too great of a risk of you being found if anymore people knew you were at your families house" he said gently
"I figured as much. How are you going to convince the Dursley's to allow magic in their house?" he asked with a mischievous smile on his features "You know they despise anything 'abnormal'"
Dumbledore chuckled at this "Leave your relatives to me Harry, I'm sure I can convince them that this is for your good, as well as their own" said the headmaster with a mischievous glimmer in his eyes as well
"I guess things will work out for the best then" sighed Harry "How long before I have to leave?"
"Sirius will take you later tonight if Madame Pomfrey sees fit to release you"
"So soon? Will I be able to see Ginny and my friends before I leave?"
"I'm afraid there is no time for you to see them all, but I will allow Miss. Weasley to come in for a few moments" he said with regret as he stood and went toward the doors "I will come to your home tomorrow morning" he said over his shoulder as he went out the door.
A few minutes later, the large oak doors were pushed open once again and a small red haired blur came running into the room and launched herself onto Harry.
"Oh Harry! Thank goodness you're all right!" she exclaimed into his hospital pajamas and he could feel her small frame being racked by silent sobs. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close
"Sh Ginny, it's all right" he said softly into her bright red hair "everything will be fine"
"Oh, Harry, Dumbledore said he was sending you away. Please say he was lying, you can't leave me again" she said desperately
"Ginny, I'm sorry, but I have to leave. None of you are safe as long as I'm in the castle, I have to go, but I promise you that I will come back. I can't live without you, I will come back" he said forcefully, and she removed her face from his clothes and looked him in the eye.
"When are you leaving?" she asked with a tremble in her voice as she directed her tear filled gaze on him, and she was surprised to see that his eyes were shining with unshed tears.
"Soon, Sirius is taking me tonight" he said softly
"Where are you going to go?"
"I can't say Gin, I'm sorry" he said as he looked down to the floor "But Sirius and Remus will know where I am and I'll send you letters through them" he promised
"I'm going to miss you so much Harry" she said again as she broke down into a fresh set of sobs "I was so scarred that you were gone for good, I was so afraid I was going to loose you" she muttered quietly
"I'm sorry Gin, but you know what?" he asked her gently
"What?"
"You were what helped me fight him, I heard your voice and saw your face and I knew there was still at least one person who had faith in me, you were the reason I was able to fight him" he confessed, and she rewarded him with a teary smile
"Really?" she asked
"Really, I owe you more than you can know" he acknowledged
Just then, the hospital wing doors opened again and Sirius and Dumbledore entered, levitating Harry's trunk behind them.
"Harry, we must be going" said Sirius sadly
"I know" he said to his godfather "Just give me a minute to get ready" he said, and untangling himself from Ginny, he got to his feet and went behind the curtains to change. When he was dressed, complete with his robes and cloak, though he decided to leave his hair down if to accomplish nothing other than to frighten his family, he returned to Ginny's side.
"Ginny, I'll be back before you know it" he said as he pulled her into a hug "I love you"
"I love you too Harry, I'll miss you" she said into his robes
He then released her and nodded toward Sirius who approached him. Harry waved his hand at his trunk and shrunk it small enough to put into his pocked, but was shocked to be light headed after just doing that small amount of magic. He looked to Dumbledore in alarm.
"Like I told you Harry, your magic was all but exhausted, it will be some time before you can do even simple spells without becoming tired"
Harry nodded his head with a weary smile before looking to see that Sirius was holding a portkey in his hand. Without saying another word, he looked to Ginny who still had tears running down her cheeks and touched the portkey and with the familiar tug behind his navel and a blur of colors, he left Hogwarts and found himself standing next to his godfather on a dark Privet Drive, a street he hadn't seen since the summer after his fifth year.
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A/N: Please don't hate me! Just imagine how much fun Harry is going to have being able to do magic at the Dursley's house! It will be good, I promise. Thanks for your reviews on the last chapter, and I'll answer a few questions now: let's see, yes I did see the movie (very good in my opinion); everyone now knows just where I'm sending Harry, but can anyone guess where I'm going to send him next (if you can, you win all the money I have, but it's not much); I'm 20 years old, and a full time college student; no, Malfoy is not a relative of either Voldemort or Slytherin, at least not in my story (but I think he is in the books) I think that's most of them that weren't answered in this chapter. Next chapter should be up tomorrow or Tuesday, so enjoy! And please remember to review, I really appreciate them!