AN: Sorry for the delay, the people that employ me decided that they actually wanted me to do some work and I didn't get out until late, and when I finally got home ff.net wouldn't let me post.
Harry hadn't slept much; his evening spent mentally mapping out his short and long term goals. Exhaustion had finally overtaken him, and he found himself dreaming of the Department of Mysteries again, although this time it was different. He, Moony, Hermione and Dumbledore were all standing in front of the veil, Hermione holding his right hand, Dumbledore and Lupin standing behind both with one hand on his shoulders. He threw the single white rose he was carrying through the veil. "Goodbye Sirius, I love you."
It was a different Harry who came downstairs the next morning to train. His appearance hadn't changed, nor would anyone notice any alteration in his personality, but he seemed to possess an aura of peace and harmony. The millstone of guilt over Sirius' death was no longer hanging around his neck weighing him down. He was finally able to begin the healing process and move on.
Opening himself up to Hermione also had a positive effect; he had hated keeping anything from her, and if he was to make it through the next few years he would definitely need her support. The eruption of thoughts, dreams, fears, guilts and secrets that had spewed forth had cleansed his soul. He just hoped that she wouldn't become overwhelmed with his problems. He didn't want to relieve himself of his burdens only to crush her with them.
As Harry trained he turned his thoughts to another drama, Ron. He, Ginny and their parents would be arriving this evening and staying until school went back. Since both parents would be tied up on order business for most of August, it was deemed safer to have them stay at headquarters rather than by themselves at home. He was at his wits end, he had tried writing to him, he had tried talking to him but nothing would make his friend tell him what was bothering him. He reminded himself that Ginny seemed to know what was happening and that he still needed to speak to her.
Making his way back to his room Harry noticed that Hermione's bedroom door was open, and that she was in the bathroom. This was an opportunity he was waiting for. He sprinted into his room and grabbed the package from his bedside table. Racing back to her parents' room he knocked on the door. Peter Granger answered, still in his pyjamas. "Harry!" he exclaimed "Your not the teenager I was expecting to see."
"Sorry to bother you Peter," noticing Hermione's mother was dressed and applying her makeup, "Good morning Kath, do you two mind if I come in for just a second."
"No, not at all, is something wrong?" Kath was instantly concerned.
"Nothings wrong, its just that I have something to give you, and I would rather Hermione not know about it until her birthday." He moved forward closing the door behind him and handed them the package explaining what was inside, he finished with "Now I have included written instructions on how to use it, but for the first time I will contact you, all you need to do is be standing together holding the mirror at 7.30pm on September 19th, I'll do the rest."
"Thankyou Harry," Kath was tearing up as she hugged him, "You don't what this means to us, its been six years since we have been able to wish our baby a Happy Birthday."
"Peter simply said "Thanks"
"Seriously, I am happy to do it. These mirrors only hold bad memories for me; I really would like to create some happy ones with them. Now remember, not a word to Hermione, I want it to be a surprise."
They nodded their understanding.
Heading back to his room he noticed the bathroom was empty and that Hermione's bedroom door was now closed. Relieved that he wouldn't have to think of an explanation for what he had been doing with her parents he went upstairs. Stripping off his shirt, he opened his door and got a shock. Hermione was sitting on his bed reading one of his textbooks. She jumped when she heard him come in; looking up quickly, only to gaze at his naked chest, she blushed. "I'm sorry" she said, "I came up to see how you were feeling today, and if you needed to talk some more."
Plonking himself down at his desk, he spun the chair around to face her. "If the truth be told, I actually feel more at ease today than I have for ages." He outlined his dream of the night before.
"I'm glad for you, and don't worry, you aren't overburdening me by telling me all these things Harry, I want to be here for you, and if that's my role in the war, that's fine by me."
"How did you know that was what I was thinking?" Harry was shocked, "I thought you hated divination?"
She laughed "I know you too well Harry James Potter, as soon as you get rid of one guilty feeling another one will automatically try and take its place."
"Oh right so I have both a hero, and a martyr complex do I?" Harry pretended to be hurt
"Well your trying to play one now aren't you?" she grinned.
"You've got me there" Harry laughed, "Now if you don't mind I want to take a shower and get dressed, I'll see you back downstairs for breakfast in a half an hour."
"Ok then, I'll see you downstairs shortly." as she headed off she looked over her shoulder and grinned. "Nice look by the way" and then raced off giggling.
He smiled after her and got ready for his shower. As he completed his morning's ablutions he pondered about what was happening between him and Hermione. There was no doubting in his mind that they were becoming closer, he just wasn't sure whether they were becoming better friends or if there was something more. For a few years now people had assumed that they were a couple, but then last year he himself had thought that maybe Ron had feelings for her, and had distanced himself slightly not wanting to cramp his style. In the last few months however he had felt something growing between them, but was scared to act upon it. "Oh well, "he thought, "I'll just leave things as they are and see what develops."
Dressing and heading downstairs he found everyone else already in the kitchen. "Morning all", not wanting to let on that he had greeted the majority of people already. Taking his place at the table he was instantly inundated with a heaped plate of food which he ate ravenously. There wasn't much talk at the table, Hermione and her parents sat together in silence, enjoying the last of each others company for another year. Moony, although having had a good nights sleep the night before, was still recovering from the weekends transformations. Tonks was not present as she had to go and report in at the ministry. Technically she was on sick leave after having been injured the previous month, but they liked her to check in once a week still.
The sound of someone tripping over the coat rack in the hall signalled Tonks' return, she entered the kitchen, "What time is your flight again?" she asked of the Grangers.
"2pm, we have to check in around 11.30"
"Ok, listen I borrowed a car from the ministry for the day, I thought it might be nice for Hermione if she came and saw you off, and this way we can all go."
"You can drive?" Harry raised a questioning eyebrow
"Of course I can drive, my dad was a muggle remember."
Hermione raced around the table to hug her friend, "Thank you Tonks."
"Yes, thank you Tonks," said Kath "It will save us having to get a taxi, and give us a few more hours together."
"While we're out we can make a stop for Harry to get some larger muggle clothes, that way we won't have to make a third trip outside of the wizarding world." Lupin grinned, "Either that or we stop feeding him."
"Ooooo" squealed Tonks excitedly, "I know just the place to take him, it has the trendiest clothes, and its got the best leather pants and vests in London." Noticing the sceptical expressions on everyone else's faces she added "Or not."
Lupin chuckled, "Tonks, while I love your sense of fashion, it just wouldn't work for Harry."
An hour later saw them bundling into the shiny black ministry car parked in the street outside.
"Me and Remus in the front, you four in the back" said Tonks.
"Are you sure we'll all fit?" Peter asked hesitantly eyeing car, "I mean, it'll be a tight squeeze, maybe Hermione should ride up front with you two."
"Nah, plenty of room in the back" was the reply.
Harry got in first, followed by Hermione and then Kath. Peter stuck his head in the door. "My god! He exclaimed, "You could fit another 5 or 6 people in here."
"I said there was plenty of room" Tonks winked, "Its almost like magic isn't it"
Peter laughed at got in the car and they were underway.
Tonks had allowed enough time to make it to the airport by normal muggle driving so there was no need to shock the Grangers with some of the more "practical" features that the vehicle was equipped with. Proceeding at a steady pace they drove through the streets of suburban London, onto the motorway and out to Heathrow.
Arriving in good time, the Grangers checked in and they settled down into one of the coffee shops waiting until it was time to go through to the boarding area. This was Harry's first time at an airport, and he was intrigued by the masses of people that it held. People from every race and culture were represented there, Heathrow being one of the world's busiest ports, and everyone seemed to be in a rush.
Making their way to the Customs Entrance, they pushed through the heaving crowds of American tourists, Asian business men, antipodean backpackers and family groups preparing for their summer holidays.
Hermione tearfully bade farewell to her mother whilst her father shook Harry's hand and whispered, "Take care of my little girl please."
"Always" Harry replied as he released his grip only to find himself being captured in a tight embrace.
"Goodbye Harry, we'll speak soon."
"Bye Kath, yep, in a few weeks"
Stepping up behind Hermione he wrapped both his arms around her waist and pulled her into him, resting his chin on her shoulder. They watched together as her parents faded out of sight, being swallowed by the crowd, until finally they were gone.
The rest of the day was spent in a blur of shopping, eating and ignoring Tonks clothing suggestions must to her chagrin. "Purple is the new black don't you know" was heard quite often.
They headed home to prepare for the imminent arrival of their guests, Dumbledore was already there when they came bustling through the door laden with bags.
"Harry, a moment of your time if I may, I have some news to share with you."
As they walked into the lounge room Harry asked "Is it about the custody hearing?"
"Yes child, they have set the matter down for the 12th of August at 11am. I have recused myself from the hearing due to my being your current guardian in absentia." Dumbledore had been recalled to the Wizengammot, the Wizards court, the month before.
"Who will be representing me?"
"I have asked Algernon Chattingly, the wizard handling Sirius' probate to be your representative for the matter; he will be arriving here on Thursday morning to speak with both yourself and Professor Lupin regarding the arrangements. I believe he will also be dealing with the matter of Sirius' estate in the same meeting. I have informed him that there is no requirement for a formal reading of the will."
"Ok, is there anything else you need me to do for the trial?"
'I have all the necessary evidence for them if they require proof of our relationship, all you will need to do is prepare yourself for the fun and games afterwards."
Harry sniggered, "No problems there, I have it all planned out."
"In order to strengthen our claim I shall be spending the rest of the summer here, only leaving if I have a pressing matter to attend to," his eyes twinkled as he added "I believe that should also reassure Mrs Longbottom enough to allow Neville to stay until school returns."
Just then they heard the doorbell. "That must be the Weasleys" said Harry
"I believe the Longbottoms were travelling with them, this being Mrs Longbottom's first order meeting she needed someone to show her how to gain entrance."
Stepping into the hallway, Harry took note of Ginny, along with Molly and Arthur Weasley standing next to Neville and his grandmother. Neville appeared to have lost a little of his baby fat, and grown a few inches over the holiday break so far. Harry also noted the absence of Ron from the group in front of him. Before he could ask any questions he found himself engulfed in a Molly Weasley special.
"Harry dear, its good to see you looking so healthy, normally at this time of year I have to get ready to fatten you up."
Harry laughed, "Dobby and Winky do enough of that"
Harry escaped from her clutches winked at Neville "Hi Nev" and gave Ginny a quick hug before turning to Neville's rather formal and imposing looking grandmother, her distinctive vulture hat and large red handbag prominent, deciding to play the proper host he began with. "Madam Longbottom, I'm Harry Potter, it's a pleasure to meet you. Please, leave your bags where they are and the house-elves will take them to your room." bowing slightly as he took her hand. "I assume you know Headmaster Dumbledore" he introduced her around the room, "we also have Professor Remus Lupin, Professor Nymphadora Tonks and Hermione Granger. If Neville stays here for the rest of the summer the two Professors and the Headmaster will be our supervisors and chaperones."
"Mr Potter, the pleasure is mine" and with a stern, but wry smile she added "and there is no need to charm me young man, I have been around for too many years to fall for that, it didn't work for your father, and its not going to work for you either"
"My apologies Mrs Longbottom," his trademark lopsided grin on his face, "Its just I have never had the chance to play the formal host before. It was too good an opportunity to pass up."
Noting her grandsons shocked expression at the easy banter between his friend and his grandmother she exclaimed "Oh relax Neville, I have known young Mr Potter here since he was born, though I daresay neither of you would remember your visits together. Practically inseparable you were, you both used to cry if we put you into separate cribs."
"I believe your respective fathers were Aurors together, and before the Potters went into hiding had been partners" commented Dumbledore.
"That's correct," continued Mrs Longbottom, "Lily and Alice both found out they were pregnant within a week of it each other, and the two of you were born two days apart."
"So yesterday was your birthday Neville," exclaimed Harry, pretending not to know.
Neville nodded shyly, "Yes, I've never told anyone before, falling in the holidays it meant that no-one from school was around anyway."
'Well Happy Birthday for yesterday, I insist that the party tomorrow be for both of us. I'll tell Winky to add your name to the cake."
"Thanks Harry," Neville was genuinely happy, never having celebrated his birthday with anyone but his family before.
As they walked into the kitchen Harry asked "Where's Ron?"
"Oh he'll be along before the meeting with the twins dear; they are closing up the shop and will grab some dinner in Diagon Alley before it starts."
They sat with Harry and Dumbledore at either end of the table, Hermione on Harry's left with Ginny, Neville and Mrs Longbottom alongside her. Tonks was on his right, then Lupin, Mr and Mrs Weasley beside him.
"So Neville" Harry asked between courses, "Have you got your new wand yet?"
Neville looked guiltily at his grandmother, "No, not yet, I'll get it when we go to Diagon Alley to get our school things."
"Yes, and he wouldn't want to snap this one either." Mrs Longbottom said, her voice stern, "Honestly Neville, I have never known a child in all my ninety years to lose or damage as many possessions as you, and I've never heard of ANYONE clumsy enough to snap their own wand."
"No offence intended Mrs Longbottom, but don't you feel that comment is a bit harsh under the circumstances" Hermione said, her strong social conscience rallying to the fore.
Neville shook his head and whispered to her "She doesn't know"
Harry decided that she deserved to know the truth, "I'm sorry Neville, but if you won't tell her I will."
"Yes Mr Potter, I would like someone to tell me the truth of the matter, from the sounds of things it appears that it is quite a story. Neville told me that he snapped it running in the corridors at Hogwarts." her eyes blazing with a mixture of curiosity and ire.
"I assume you read the Daily Prophet article about how I along with unnamed members of the order thwarted Voldemort, at the Ministry of Magic in June." Neville, Ginny and her parents all cringed at the use of his name; Mrs Longbottom simply inclined her head to show she had heard of the matter. "Well the article wasn't quite accurate, there were five other Hogwarts students there risking their lives against the Death Eaters. Neville was among them, he personally duelled with several death eaters, and even after his wand was snapped continued crawling on all fours in order to fight them with his bare hands if necessary. He is one of the bravest, most loyal and most honourable people I have ever met. He is a true Gryffindor and I am proud to call him my friend, and Mrs Longbottom, I'll not hear of anyone talking disparagingly about him, not even yourself."
"Is this true Neville?" turning to Dumbledore, "Albus, tell me, is it true."
Dumbledore nodded while Neville just sat with his head bowed not looking at anyone.
"Neville" she said softly, "Look at me please dear" he slowly raised his head; everyone could see the tears forming in his eyes. "Why didn't you tell me of this before?"
"I didn't want you to be mad at me" he whispered
"Why would I be mad at you? From the sounds of things you were a hero."
"Because I couldn't stop them" he was crying openly now, "If it wasn't for the order turning up they would have gotten away."
"Oh Neville" and for the first time in Nevilles memory he saw his grandmother cry. Crushing him in a tight embrace she sobbed "Your parents would be so proud of you." Neville stood up straight at this, his confidence slowly returning, turning to Harry she said, "Thankyou Mr Potter, for both your honesty, and your friendship for Neville, he doesn't have many friends, I blame myself for that, but if your offer is still open I would be pleased for Neville to stay here for the remainder of the break."
"On one condition," Harry answered, "You let me buy him his wand as a birthday gift when we go shopping."
"Agreed." they sat back down to finish their meal, eating in silence, remembering those who had gone before.
After the meal the younger generation went into the lounge room waiting for Ron and the twins to arrive. Taking seats, Neville and Ginny sharing a sofa while Harry and Hermione shared opposite them, Harry asked Ginny, "So Gin, do you have any idea what it is I have done to annoy Ron?"
"He's just being a git, don't worry about him."
"Yeah, but you must know something?"
"Ok, but you can't tell him I told you any of this" she leant forward conspiratorially "After the first order meeting of the holidays he asked McGonagal if he would be captain of the Quidditch team this year and she told him in no uncertain terms that he wouldn't be, she also told him that if he failed any core subjects in his OWLS he would lose the Prefects badge as well."
Harry looked guiltily at Hermione, both of them knowing that he must have done so since Harry had the badge offered to him. Harry feeling extra guilty as he had refrained from telling Hermione who was receiving it.
"What's that got to do with me?" Harry asked, "It's not my decision who gets it."
"Yeah, but he thinks your a certainty to get it, he also thinks he failed potions so you'll get his prefects spot as well, add to that the twins making fun of him, asking how he likes working for the boy who lived, and Percy nattering about never getting anywhere in life if he doesn't step out from your shadow, and he's as jealous as hell."
Harry groaned, "What did I do to deserve this?"
"Don't worry about him Harry, he'll get over it. Look at the end of the day everything that has happened is his own fault, McGonagal warned him to pick his act up and stop ignoring his duties, she knew about him letting the twins get away with stuff, and leaving things up to Hermione, but he didn't do it, He's only spent one year on the Quidditch team, and you've been there for five years, so he can't argue with that, and no-one in their right mind listens to anything that the twins or Percy say to them. He can't get angry at himself, so he blames you; it's just how Ron is."
Hermione took his hand and leant against his shoulder, "We're still with you Harry."
"Yeah, I know," he said putting his arm around her waist, "and I appreciate that guys, but it isn't going to be pleasant around here for the next month."
"Um, about that" Ginny paused, "Ron isn't staying, well he is tonight and tomorrow night, but he wants to keep on working in the shop to make some more money, so he will be staying with the twins from Thursday onwards."
"Oh well" Harry muttered, "As you said, he needs time, so it's for the best."
They continued to chat amongst themselves until with a burst of green flame Ron and the twins arrived.
"Well, well, well" said Ron, his tone neutral, "doesn't this look cosy" he raised his eyebrows in Harry and Hermione's direction.
Realising how closely they were sitting, they quickly moved apart. "Hi Ron" they both said weakly.
The twins, oblivious to the building tension between the trio leapt forward "Greetings and salutations oh business partner of ours" said Fred. "We know it's your birthday tomorrow, but unfortunately we can't be here, so we have put together a present for you? Where would you like us to leave it?"
"I mean it's not safe to leave lying around where anyone could pick it up." added George grinning evilly.
"Just leave it there and Dobby will take care of it" said Harry. Turning back to his angry friend he asked "So Ron, how have you been?"
"Busy" was the terse reply.
"Have you given any thought to what subjects you want to take next year?" Hermione asked, trying to lighten the mood.
"No" he said, if anything sounding even more bitter towards Hermione than he had Harry.
Deciding he was better off not even being in the same room as Ron at the second, Harry stood up. "Come on Hermione, the meetings about to start." To the twins, "Are you two ready"
As Hermione stood up Ron snarled, "Both of you get to join the order and I'm not allowed, bloody typical."
"Well if you'd grow up a bit and stopped being so petty maybe your parents might think you mature enough to join" snapped Hermione still hurt after the tone he had used with her.
As Ron began to rant in reply when Harry roared "ENOUGH" they both stopped and looked at him and in a much calmer tone he said "Ron, while you are a guest in my house, I ask that you not be rude to my other guests or I will make you leave. Now I know you are mad at me and Hermione for some reason, but you are still one of my best friends and I want you to stay, so please, take what ever bug it is out of your butt for the next two days and we will all get along." He grabbed Hermione by the hand and then stormed out of the room.
Entering the meeting room they sat down with Lupin and Tonks. The meeting progressed as normal with no new business of any great magnitude. As it finished Hermione turned to Harry and muttered, "I don't know why he is so upset; I bet he doesn't know how boring it is in here."
"Boring is good, exciting means that Voldemort is on the move." the famous lopsided grin on his face.
As they went to leave Dumbledore called them back. "Harry, Hermione, might you join us for a minute." He was standing at the front of the room talking with Madam Bones and another man that Harry didn't recognise. "Harry, Hermione you know Madam Bones, and this is Dr Rudyard Farswallow from St Mungos, they have the information you were asking about Harry." he said handing some documents to the young wizard to view. "I'm afraid its worse than what we thought, we may have to come up with an alternative to your original idea."
Harry passed the documents on to Hermione for her to view. Looking the other three in the eyes he said confidently, "Professor, Madam, Doctor, the original plan goes ahead with a few slight refinements," he paused, "Instead of a prank, we are having a coup."
Review Answers
HermioneGreen: Got it in one, but Hermione's will be a surprise.
NasserPotter: Cheers :-D
wowsergirl: If you like that concept read Harry Potter and the Looking Glass
Bill: On the money as usual. They say great mind's think alike, but they also say the exception proves the rule ;-P
Renoldo9: Cheers :-D
ears91: Yeah, Neville has always been a favourite of mine too. I always felt that he was going to play a bigger role as, for a peripheral character he was mentioned and included an awful lot.
Jeffb: Harry's animagi training will be step by step and take around 6 month. Will follow natural prograssion, first hands, then feet etc.
HarryReader: It is not physically possible to put on that much defined muscle mass in such a short space of time. I am trying to keep it as realistic as possible. Even training every day it would take at least 3 to 4 months for that sort of a noticeable change. A weight and height increase are well within the realms of possibility as he is 15 going on 16.
PrincessSkywalkerOrgana: Cheers :-D
Ariana Dumbledore: The Grangers
Linky2: As I said in the Chapter 11 Review Answers, I havent decided yet.
Dyrim123: Cheers Chelsea :-D
David M Potter: Your making me blush :-P
Ryusuken: It wont be a magical being, but you've given me something to think about with the idea of "reflecting his soul", I hadn't thought of that.
Azntgr01: I don't have any personal shipping preference, but for the plot I had in mind it needed to be H/Hr