Chapter 9 – Back Home
Harry and Remus walked up to the front door. Remus opened the door slightly harder than he had intended, and it slammed against the wall. This gathered the attention of everyone in the house, but surprisingly didn't wake Mrs. Black's portrait. Looking at the wall, Harry noticed it was no longer there. 'I wonder how they got it down,' thought Harry. He was shocked from his musings by an excited scream.
"HARRY! Good to see you, Kid!"
Looking over, Harry grinned. "NYMPHET! Great to see you again!" He crossed the hall, hugged her, then picked her up and spun her around.
"Jeez, Harry, you've gotten strong."
"Nah," said Harry with a smirk. "You just don't weigh anything." He grinned when she responded to his comment with a blush.
"Happy Birthday, by the way," she whispered into his ear. Feeling her breath on his ear, it was Harry's turn to blush.
"Thanks," he muttered.
Harry noticed that quite a crowd had gathered around and was watching them, some amused, some slightly angry. He saw Ginny in a corner as well. She didn't look angry, but she did look ...disappointed? Deciding to ponder this later, he set Tonks down, turned and greeted everyone. After being hugged by Mrs. Weasley, hugging Sirius, and smiling at everyone else, Harry made his way over to Ginny. Nearly everyone had dispersed by this time.
"Hey, Gin. How've you been?" The smile that had crossed her face as he made his way over, flickered for a moment, and then was pasted back on.
"Good. Bored. You know."
"Ron and Hermione still leaving you by yourself?"
"If that's a polite way of asking if they're still constantly snogging, the answer is yes," said Ginny with a smirk.
Harry laughed. "Well that's good, I guess. At least they're not fighting."
"Oh but they are. Whenever they're not snogging. Meals are pretty bad. Anyway, you're in the same room as last time. Want a hand with your stuff? Uh...Where is your stuff?"
"I shrunk it. It's in my pocket. Want to come up with me?"
"Uh...Sure. OH! Happy Birthday. You're of age now!"
"Thanks" said Harry with a smile.
They both turned and started for the stairs. Tonks, who had been watching them, grinned happily. "Ah, young love." She muttered, loud enough for both the teenagers to hear her. They both glared at her before continuing up the stairs. Upon reaching Harry's room, Ginny paused.
"I hope Ron and Hermione aren't still in there," she muttered before turning the handle. To both Harry and Ginny's immense relief, the room was empty. Harry set down the trunk and expanded it.
"Want to go inside?"
For a moment, Ginny looked terrified. Then her face became blank again. "No, we should probably stay out here. Lunch will be ready soon."
"Alright," said Harry sitting down on the bed. "So what have you been doing?"
Awkwardly sitting down on the other side of the bed, Ginny replied, "Reading, mostly. And talking to Tonks. She's very nice."
Harry smiled. "Yeah, she's great isn't she."
Ginny nodded stiffly. "So, how did the Dursley's treat you? Not well, I'm guessing, since I heard about your letter to Dumbledore."
"I cursed them," said Harry solemnly. Then he grinned. "It was fun! I've been waiting to do that for years!"
"WHAT? HARRY! Why didn't you tell me? I would have come to watch!"
Harry started laughing. When he finally calmed down, he told her what he had cursed them with. He left out certain parts, such as the violet and the word carved on Dudley's chest, because he hadn't told Ginny of the diary or of what the Dursley's did to him. Ginny laughed at Harry's animated descriptions. She was still giggling when the two arrived in the kitchen for lunch. Ron and Hermione were already seated, and arguing about something. Exchanging an exasperated look with Ginny, he sat down.
"Hello Ron. Hi, Hermione. How are you?" Neither Ron, nor Hermione noticed Harry was even in the room. Harry, however, seemingly oblivious continued, "I'm fine too, although slightly bored. I didn't really have much to do at the Dursleys. But thank you so much for your letters. All one of them. Between the two of you." He paused again, as if listening to an answer, then continued talking. "Yes, you must have been quite busy, especially with all the homework we had. It is completely understandable that you had no time over the past month to owl me."
At this point Ginny was no longer able to hold in her laughter. Hearing the sound of her laughter, Ron and Hermione looked up. They both stared at her, and then Hermione launched herself at Harry.
"Harry! You're here! We had no idea you were coming. Dumbledore said it was better if you stayed at your relative's for the summer."
After Hermione had disentangled herself, Ron looked at him. "Good to see you, mate. How'd you get Ginny to laugh? She hasn't laughed the entire summer."
Harry shrugged, while Hermione smacked Ron, and Ginny glared murderously at him. Harry sat down. Soon, the adults began drifting in. Sirius and Remus came in first, followed by Tonks.
"So Harry," said Sirius cheerfully. "I see you've gotten to come here. We didn't expect it would be so soon."
Harry snorted. "You mean you didn't think I'd be here at all."
"Well...no... Who told you that? I mean...you would get here eventually...of course, we had to make sure it was safe...your relatives are much safer..." Sirius stuttered.
"Don't bother; I know Dumbledore wanted me to stay there the whole summer. Hermione told me. When is he coming anyway?"
Looking faintly embarrassed, Sirius replied, "This afternoon. He wanted to talk to you. So anyway, what did the Dursleys do to you? Need me to pay them a visit?"
"I got slightly mad because they were insulting Mum and Ginny..."
"Fallen for the redhead, eh Harry? You're becoming more and more like your father. Only you don't curse Slytherins often. Pity that. Seriously, do you want me to pay them a visit?"
Harry grinned. "Nah, already taken care of. When you're free, and I've finished Hogwarts we'll drop in for tea."
"What do you mean 'already taken care of?' Did you do something to them without waiting for your poor old godfather?"
Harry smiled stiffly. "Yes."
"Really? What'd you do?"
Not wanting to tell Sirius that the Dursleys used to hit him, he just smiled. "Oh, nothing much. Uncle Vernon will be hearing voices though. And Aunt Petunia may be having slight problems with acne again..."
Sirius laughed. "You're creative, Kid, I'll give you that much."
The smile disappeared from Harry's face. He merely nodded. "So, what has been going on? With Voldemort and everything?"
"Uh, nothing much." At Harry's pointed look, he continued. "Harry, I really don't think there is anything you need to know. Voldemort has been really quiet, and we're not sure what he's planning. It probably has nothing to do with you though."
"That is where you're wrong Sirius. It always has something to do with me. He knows that he needs to kill me. And he hasn't been able to before. So he will try again. And again. Until I finally defeat him. Quite useful really. This way I never have to go looking for him." Sirius looked shocked. "What? Don't tell me you don't know that I eventually have to defeat him."
"Uh..."
"So have the deaths been random? Or is he killing certain people off again?"
Sirius sighed. "Harry, I can't tell you. You know that. It's only to protect you. And we can't risk Voldemort finding anything out..."
Harry snorted derisively. "Right." He didn't really need to ask any of these questions, of course. He had figured out most of it, and whatever he didn't know, Tonks had told him. Nevertheless, he had wanted to know if Sirius would tell him anything. Apparently not.
Suddenly he felt someone brush against his back. A feminine voice whispered in his ear, "Meet me in the Living Room." He turned and looked into a pair of fuchsia eyes. Nodding, he turned and followed her out of the kitchen. Neither noticed that every pair of eyes followed them out. Nor did they notice a single pair of chocolate-y brown eyes looking as if Christmas had been cancelled.
Once they reached the Living Room, Tonks quickly cast a Revealing Charm, and once she was satisfied that there was nothing in the room to spy on them, she cast a Silencing Charm, as well. "Well we can't have everyone knowing what you can do," she said in response to Harry's questioning look. Then she sat down and waited for Harry to do the same.
"Okay, I just thought you should know that everyone in the Order knows about your letter to Dumbledore. And, as a result, they think you're slightly crazy. They expected you to stay at the Dursley's happily for the entire summer. Well, I don't think Sirius and Remus did, but the majority of them did. Sirius wants to tell you what's going on, but doesn't want to go against Dumbledore. So, don't be too hard on him, okay? And secondly, the Order still hasn't worked out a pattern for the killings. If you think of anything, please tell me."
Harry nodded slowly. "Do you know what he did to me?" Harry said suddenly.
"Who?"
"Dumbledore. He...He set the wards, so that if they Dursleys hurt me, I would forget it the next day. They could do nearly anything they wanted to me. ANYTHING!" he snapped furiously. "And they did." Tonks looked shocked.
"WHAT?"
"The Dursleys told me. We got into a fight before I left. Vernon accidentally let it slip, and I threatened Petunia into telling me everything. He even TOLD them. But I can remember what they did now." He looked up sadly. "Everything they did..." he whispered.
"Oh, Harry..." Tonks moved over, in order to sit next to Harry, and slid her arms around him in a comforting hug.
"It was Mrs. Figg. She knew. She gave me healing potions every time I was there. I always thought her tea tasted funny. It was the healing potions. Why didn't I realize it?"
They sat like that for a few minutes, until Tonks, who was facing the door, noticed Dumbledore enter. She pulled away from Harry and discreetly removed the Silencing Charms. "Hello, Albus!" she said brightly.
"Good afternoon, Nymphadora. Would you mind leaving, so Harry and I can talk?"
"Of course. See you later, Kid." She gave one last hug to Harry, and left the room.
"Hello, Harry," said Dumbledore calmly.
"Hello sir."
"How are you, my boy?"
Harry felt his anger start to boil. "First of all, I am not 'your boy', and secondly, I am not alright at all. If it weren't for the fact that your dear Potions Master didn't know where I lived, I would not be here right now, I would most likely be in a dungeon somewhere. Or perhaps not, but Number 4, Privet Drive certainly wouldn't be standing."
"Why is that, Harry?"
"Because, SIR, blood protections do not protect you from people who SHARE YOUR BLOOD. Such as Voldemort."
Dumbledore looked shocked. Harry smirked inwardly. He seemed to have that affect on many people today. "I hadn't thought of that. I'm truly sorry. How do you know Professor Snape doesn't know where you live? Did you see something? Is your Occlumency not working?"
"No, it is working fine. However, it doesn't block visions that Voldemort doesn't know I can see. Now he knows that I was protected by a blood spell. And that he can break through it. Also, I had a sudden barrage of memories today. It seems that I conveniently forgot every time the Dursleys ever physically harmed me. I wonder why that is?" asked Harry sarcastically.
"Why do you think it?" Damn the old man for being so calm.
"You tell me. You are the one who set up the wards aren't you?"
Dumbledore's face fell. "Harry. I had to do it. You needed to stay safe. I never thought that they would actually hurt you. It was only in place as a precaution. If they accidentally did something, you wouldn't be able to tell anyone and be removed from their care. That was far more dangerous than a slap every now and then."
"Only it wasn't just a slap every now and then. And you knew it," Harry accused. "You had to be the one to supply Mrs. Figg with the Healing Potions. And why didn't you do anything once I arrived at Hogwarts?"
"I couldn't, Harry. If I removed you from their care, their protection would fade, and you would be vulnerable."
"Really," snapped Harry coldly. "Vulnerable enough to be kidnapped from Hogwarts grounds and forced to watch HIS resurrection? Vulnerable enough that he could possess me?"
"I'm sorry, Harry. I truly am. I have made dreadful mistakes, but I only had your best interest at heart. I know my efforts failed, but I didn't know what else to do."
"Whatever." Harry stood up, turned and walked towards the door. He stopped when the Headmaster called his name.
"Harry. I am really sorry. However, I am worried about your Occlumency; would you like to continue training over the holidays? We can work on preventing your mind being read."
"No, thank you." Harry raised his head and met Dumbledore's eyes. He felt Dumbledore reaching into his mind, but didn't project any images. Instead Dumbledore met a brick wall."
"Impressive," admitted Dumbledore. "I see you have been busy." Harry pretended to allow his control to slip, and an image of blue hair flashed though his mind before he lowered his eyes. He had done this on purpose of course, but Dumbledore didn't seem to realize that.
"Who is the Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher this year, Professor?" Upon Dumbledore's questioning look he elaborated, "Well 3 of them have tried to kill me, one tried to erase my memory, and another picked on me in an effort to fail me. I would like to know if anymore teachers are going to make attempts on my life."
"No, Harry, I do not believe this one will harm you. Her name is Violet Cross. She is quite young but has an impressive resume. She actually attended Hogwarts with you for two years. I do not believe you met her, since she was a sixth year Ravenclaw when you arrived. No, you may have played Quidditch against her. She was a chaser."
Harry nodded. "Thank you." He quickly left the room, his mind whirling. Violet? Was she the same one? The last name didn't mean anything; the Cross' had probably adopted her. She was the right age. Could this be his cousin?
He was pulled from his reverie after a collision with someone. His eyes focused on the person, and he realized it was Tonks as she started apologizing profusely. They she grabbed his arm and started to drag him away. "Tonks!" he finally got out. "Where are we going?"
"You'll see," was the cryptic answer she gave him. He followed along behind her and thought her heard a few muffled voices. Finally, she stopped outside a door. Smacking her head with her hand she exclaimed, "Oh Crap!"
"What?" asked Harry curiously. What was she doing?
"Okay, go in there; I need to show you something. I'll be right back, I forgot my wand."
"Uh...okay...?" Tonks turned to leave and Harry pushed open the door.
"SURPRISE!!" came a multitude of voices. Harry turned back to Tonks, who was grinning. "Well go inside, Birthday Boy!"
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A/N: Okay, okay, I'm late. I'm very sorry. This chapter is a little short, but I wanted to get it out. Next chapter, THE PARTY!
Thanks to all my reviewers, I really appreciate you taking the time to review..
Ms.Marvel: Thanks! Yes, Harry is going to stick up a lot from now on. He's tired of being controlled too.
Wytil: Yes! Sleazy Dumbledore!
Elessar: Thank you!
Silvercrystal77: Thanks. Yeah, I wanted to remind her of what she did. Kind of like the Dark Mark, only not..
Jeni Black: This is only going to be a summer fic, so everything will be looking into with slightly more detail. I'm glad you understand Lily's situation. I wasn't sure I explained it very well. Thank you!
lil-DA: Thank you.
Cobalt45: Til now, he was sorta pissed, but now he REALLY doesn't trust Dumbledore anymore. Thanks.
BferBear: Thanks! I'm not sure about medieval, but there will be some yelling in the future.
Dee: Thanks! Glad everyone hasn't figured out my plans! Harry didn't tell Sirius he knows yet, but he probably will next chapter.
Shadow of a Cat: WHOO! Go Harry! Glad you don't think my revenge was too evil.
Jennifer: Thank you! Here's your update. Sorry it's delayed.
RavenPotterBlack: Thanks!
Lilo: Thanks! You find out about that in this chapter. Hope it makes sense.
ElvishGirl18: Thank you! Good, I was worried my revenge would be too evil. Especially the Dudley one.
MidnightJustice: Hehehe, you find out in this chapter. Yes, she will be the DADA teacher. Thanks!
Jenny: Thanks! And yes, I quite agree!
Athenakitty: Harry questions Dumbledore here. Course Dumbledore can't do anything but apologize. Git!
Again, thanks for all your reviews! Hope you like this chapter.
Harry and Remus walked up to the front door. Remus opened the door slightly harder than he had intended, and it slammed against the wall. This gathered the attention of everyone in the house, but surprisingly didn't wake Mrs. Black's portrait. Looking at the wall, Harry noticed it was no longer there. 'I wonder how they got it down,' thought Harry. He was shocked from his musings by an excited scream.
"HARRY! Good to see you, Kid!"
Looking over, Harry grinned. "NYMPHET! Great to see you again!" He crossed the hall, hugged her, then picked her up and spun her around.
"Jeez, Harry, you've gotten strong."
"Nah," said Harry with a smirk. "You just don't weigh anything." He grinned when she responded to his comment with a blush.
"Happy Birthday, by the way," she whispered into his ear. Feeling her breath on his ear, it was Harry's turn to blush.
"Thanks," he muttered.
Harry noticed that quite a crowd had gathered around and was watching them, some amused, some slightly angry. He saw Ginny in a corner as well. She didn't look angry, but she did look ...disappointed? Deciding to ponder this later, he set Tonks down, turned and greeted everyone. After being hugged by Mrs. Weasley, hugging Sirius, and smiling at everyone else, Harry made his way over to Ginny. Nearly everyone had dispersed by this time.
"Hey, Gin. How've you been?" The smile that had crossed her face as he made his way over, flickered for a moment, and then was pasted back on.
"Good. Bored. You know."
"Ron and Hermione still leaving you by yourself?"
"If that's a polite way of asking if they're still constantly snogging, the answer is yes," said Ginny with a smirk.
Harry laughed. "Well that's good, I guess. At least they're not fighting."
"Oh but they are. Whenever they're not snogging. Meals are pretty bad. Anyway, you're in the same room as last time. Want a hand with your stuff? Uh...Where is your stuff?"
"I shrunk it. It's in my pocket. Want to come up with me?"
"Uh...Sure. OH! Happy Birthday. You're of age now!"
"Thanks" said Harry with a smile.
They both turned and started for the stairs. Tonks, who had been watching them, grinned happily. "Ah, young love." She muttered, loud enough for both the teenagers to hear her. They both glared at her before continuing up the stairs. Upon reaching Harry's room, Ginny paused.
"I hope Ron and Hermione aren't still in there," she muttered before turning the handle. To both Harry and Ginny's immense relief, the room was empty. Harry set down the trunk and expanded it.
"Want to go inside?"
For a moment, Ginny looked terrified. Then her face became blank again. "No, we should probably stay out here. Lunch will be ready soon."
"Alright," said Harry sitting down on the bed. "So what have you been doing?"
Awkwardly sitting down on the other side of the bed, Ginny replied, "Reading, mostly. And talking to Tonks. She's very nice."
Harry smiled. "Yeah, she's great isn't she."
Ginny nodded stiffly. "So, how did the Dursley's treat you? Not well, I'm guessing, since I heard about your letter to Dumbledore."
"I cursed them," said Harry solemnly. Then he grinned. "It was fun! I've been waiting to do that for years!"
"WHAT? HARRY! Why didn't you tell me? I would have come to watch!"
Harry started laughing. When he finally calmed down, he told her what he had cursed them with. He left out certain parts, such as the violet and the word carved on Dudley's chest, because he hadn't told Ginny of the diary or of what the Dursley's did to him. Ginny laughed at Harry's animated descriptions. She was still giggling when the two arrived in the kitchen for lunch. Ron and Hermione were already seated, and arguing about something. Exchanging an exasperated look with Ginny, he sat down.
"Hello Ron. Hi, Hermione. How are you?" Neither Ron, nor Hermione noticed Harry was even in the room. Harry, however, seemingly oblivious continued, "I'm fine too, although slightly bored. I didn't really have much to do at the Dursleys. But thank you so much for your letters. All one of them. Between the two of you." He paused again, as if listening to an answer, then continued talking. "Yes, you must have been quite busy, especially with all the homework we had. It is completely understandable that you had no time over the past month to owl me."
At this point Ginny was no longer able to hold in her laughter. Hearing the sound of her laughter, Ron and Hermione looked up. They both stared at her, and then Hermione launched herself at Harry.
"Harry! You're here! We had no idea you were coming. Dumbledore said it was better if you stayed at your relative's for the summer."
After Hermione had disentangled herself, Ron looked at him. "Good to see you, mate. How'd you get Ginny to laugh? She hasn't laughed the entire summer."
Harry shrugged, while Hermione smacked Ron, and Ginny glared murderously at him. Harry sat down. Soon, the adults began drifting in. Sirius and Remus came in first, followed by Tonks.
"So Harry," said Sirius cheerfully. "I see you've gotten to come here. We didn't expect it would be so soon."
Harry snorted. "You mean you didn't think I'd be here at all."
"Well...no... Who told you that? I mean...you would get here eventually...of course, we had to make sure it was safe...your relatives are much safer..." Sirius stuttered.
"Don't bother; I know Dumbledore wanted me to stay there the whole summer. Hermione told me. When is he coming anyway?"
Looking faintly embarrassed, Sirius replied, "This afternoon. He wanted to talk to you. So anyway, what did the Dursleys do to you? Need me to pay them a visit?"
"I got slightly mad because they were insulting Mum and Ginny..."
"Fallen for the redhead, eh Harry? You're becoming more and more like your father. Only you don't curse Slytherins often. Pity that. Seriously, do you want me to pay them a visit?"
Harry grinned. "Nah, already taken care of. When you're free, and I've finished Hogwarts we'll drop in for tea."
"What do you mean 'already taken care of?' Did you do something to them without waiting for your poor old godfather?"
Harry smiled stiffly. "Yes."
"Really? What'd you do?"
Not wanting to tell Sirius that the Dursleys used to hit him, he just smiled. "Oh, nothing much. Uncle Vernon will be hearing voices though. And Aunt Petunia may be having slight problems with acne again..."
Sirius laughed. "You're creative, Kid, I'll give you that much."
The smile disappeared from Harry's face. He merely nodded. "So, what has been going on? With Voldemort and everything?"
"Uh, nothing much." At Harry's pointed look, he continued. "Harry, I really don't think there is anything you need to know. Voldemort has been really quiet, and we're not sure what he's planning. It probably has nothing to do with you though."
"That is where you're wrong Sirius. It always has something to do with me. He knows that he needs to kill me. And he hasn't been able to before. So he will try again. And again. Until I finally defeat him. Quite useful really. This way I never have to go looking for him." Sirius looked shocked. "What? Don't tell me you don't know that I eventually have to defeat him."
"Uh..."
"So have the deaths been random? Or is he killing certain people off again?"
Sirius sighed. "Harry, I can't tell you. You know that. It's only to protect you. And we can't risk Voldemort finding anything out..."
Harry snorted derisively. "Right." He didn't really need to ask any of these questions, of course. He had figured out most of it, and whatever he didn't know, Tonks had told him. Nevertheless, he had wanted to know if Sirius would tell him anything. Apparently not.
Suddenly he felt someone brush against his back. A feminine voice whispered in his ear, "Meet me in the Living Room." He turned and looked into a pair of fuchsia eyes. Nodding, he turned and followed her out of the kitchen. Neither noticed that every pair of eyes followed them out. Nor did they notice a single pair of chocolate-y brown eyes looking as if Christmas had been cancelled.
Once they reached the Living Room, Tonks quickly cast a Revealing Charm, and once she was satisfied that there was nothing in the room to spy on them, she cast a Silencing Charm, as well. "Well we can't have everyone knowing what you can do," she said in response to Harry's questioning look. Then she sat down and waited for Harry to do the same.
"Okay, I just thought you should know that everyone in the Order knows about your letter to Dumbledore. And, as a result, they think you're slightly crazy. They expected you to stay at the Dursley's happily for the entire summer. Well, I don't think Sirius and Remus did, but the majority of them did. Sirius wants to tell you what's going on, but doesn't want to go against Dumbledore. So, don't be too hard on him, okay? And secondly, the Order still hasn't worked out a pattern for the killings. If you think of anything, please tell me."
Harry nodded slowly. "Do you know what he did to me?" Harry said suddenly.
"Who?"
"Dumbledore. He...He set the wards, so that if they Dursleys hurt me, I would forget it the next day. They could do nearly anything they wanted to me. ANYTHING!" he snapped furiously. "And they did." Tonks looked shocked.
"WHAT?"
"The Dursleys told me. We got into a fight before I left. Vernon accidentally let it slip, and I threatened Petunia into telling me everything. He even TOLD them. But I can remember what they did now." He looked up sadly. "Everything they did..." he whispered.
"Oh, Harry..." Tonks moved over, in order to sit next to Harry, and slid her arms around him in a comforting hug.
"It was Mrs. Figg. She knew. She gave me healing potions every time I was there. I always thought her tea tasted funny. It was the healing potions. Why didn't I realize it?"
They sat like that for a few minutes, until Tonks, who was facing the door, noticed Dumbledore enter. She pulled away from Harry and discreetly removed the Silencing Charms. "Hello, Albus!" she said brightly.
"Good afternoon, Nymphadora. Would you mind leaving, so Harry and I can talk?"
"Of course. See you later, Kid." She gave one last hug to Harry, and left the room.
"Hello, Harry," said Dumbledore calmly.
"Hello sir."
"How are you, my boy?"
Harry felt his anger start to boil. "First of all, I am not 'your boy', and secondly, I am not alright at all. If it weren't for the fact that your dear Potions Master didn't know where I lived, I would not be here right now, I would most likely be in a dungeon somewhere. Or perhaps not, but Number 4, Privet Drive certainly wouldn't be standing."
"Why is that, Harry?"
"Because, SIR, blood protections do not protect you from people who SHARE YOUR BLOOD. Such as Voldemort."
Dumbledore looked shocked. Harry smirked inwardly. He seemed to have that affect on many people today. "I hadn't thought of that. I'm truly sorry. How do you know Professor Snape doesn't know where you live? Did you see something? Is your Occlumency not working?"
"No, it is working fine. However, it doesn't block visions that Voldemort doesn't know I can see. Now he knows that I was protected by a blood spell. And that he can break through it. Also, I had a sudden barrage of memories today. It seems that I conveniently forgot every time the Dursleys ever physically harmed me. I wonder why that is?" asked Harry sarcastically.
"Why do you think it?" Damn the old man for being so calm.
"You tell me. You are the one who set up the wards aren't you?"
Dumbledore's face fell. "Harry. I had to do it. You needed to stay safe. I never thought that they would actually hurt you. It was only in place as a precaution. If they accidentally did something, you wouldn't be able to tell anyone and be removed from their care. That was far more dangerous than a slap every now and then."
"Only it wasn't just a slap every now and then. And you knew it," Harry accused. "You had to be the one to supply Mrs. Figg with the Healing Potions. And why didn't you do anything once I arrived at Hogwarts?"
"I couldn't, Harry. If I removed you from their care, their protection would fade, and you would be vulnerable."
"Really," snapped Harry coldly. "Vulnerable enough to be kidnapped from Hogwarts grounds and forced to watch HIS resurrection? Vulnerable enough that he could possess me?"
"I'm sorry, Harry. I truly am. I have made dreadful mistakes, but I only had your best interest at heart. I know my efforts failed, but I didn't know what else to do."
"Whatever." Harry stood up, turned and walked towards the door. He stopped when the Headmaster called his name.
"Harry. I am really sorry. However, I am worried about your Occlumency; would you like to continue training over the holidays? We can work on preventing your mind being read."
"No, thank you." Harry raised his head and met Dumbledore's eyes. He felt Dumbledore reaching into his mind, but didn't project any images. Instead Dumbledore met a brick wall."
"Impressive," admitted Dumbledore. "I see you have been busy." Harry pretended to allow his control to slip, and an image of blue hair flashed though his mind before he lowered his eyes. He had done this on purpose of course, but Dumbledore didn't seem to realize that.
"Who is the Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher this year, Professor?" Upon Dumbledore's questioning look he elaborated, "Well 3 of them have tried to kill me, one tried to erase my memory, and another picked on me in an effort to fail me. I would like to know if anymore teachers are going to make attempts on my life."
"No, Harry, I do not believe this one will harm you. Her name is Violet Cross. She is quite young but has an impressive resume. She actually attended Hogwarts with you for two years. I do not believe you met her, since she was a sixth year Ravenclaw when you arrived. No, you may have played Quidditch against her. She was a chaser."
Harry nodded. "Thank you." He quickly left the room, his mind whirling. Violet? Was she the same one? The last name didn't mean anything; the Cross' had probably adopted her. She was the right age. Could this be his cousin?
He was pulled from his reverie after a collision with someone. His eyes focused on the person, and he realized it was Tonks as she started apologizing profusely. They she grabbed his arm and started to drag him away. "Tonks!" he finally got out. "Where are we going?"
"You'll see," was the cryptic answer she gave him. He followed along behind her and thought her heard a few muffled voices. Finally, she stopped outside a door. Smacking her head with her hand she exclaimed, "Oh Crap!"
"What?" asked Harry curiously. What was she doing?
"Okay, go in there; I need to show you something. I'll be right back, I forgot my wand."
"Uh...okay...?" Tonks turned to leave and Harry pushed open the door.
"SURPRISE!!" came a multitude of voices. Harry turned back to Tonks, who was grinning. "Well go inside, Birthday Boy!"
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A/N: Okay, okay, I'm late. I'm very sorry. This chapter is a little short, but I wanted to get it out. Next chapter, THE PARTY!
Thanks to all my reviewers, I really appreciate you taking the time to review..
Ms.Marvel: Thanks! Yes, Harry is going to stick up a lot from now on. He's tired of being controlled too.
Wytil: Yes! Sleazy Dumbledore!
Elessar: Thank you!
Silvercrystal77: Thanks. Yeah, I wanted to remind her of what she did. Kind of like the Dark Mark, only not..
Jeni Black: This is only going to be a summer fic, so everything will be looking into with slightly more detail. I'm glad you understand Lily's situation. I wasn't sure I explained it very well. Thank you!
lil-DA: Thank you.
Cobalt45: Til now, he was sorta pissed, but now he REALLY doesn't trust Dumbledore anymore. Thanks.
BferBear: Thanks! I'm not sure about medieval, but there will be some yelling in the future.
Dee: Thanks! Glad everyone hasn't figured out my plans! Harry didn't tell Sirius he knows yet, but he probably will next chapter.
Shadow of a Cat: WHOO! Go Harry! Glad you don't think my revenge was too evil.
Jennifer: Thank you! Here's your update. Sorry it's delayed.
RavenPotterBlack: Thanks!
Lilo: Thanks! You find out about that in this chapter. Hope it makes sense.
ElvishGirl18: Thank you! Good, I was worried my revenge would be too evil. Especially the Dudley one.
MidnightJustice: Hehehe, you find out in this chapter. Yes, she will be the DADA teacher. Thanks!
Jenny: Thanks! And yes, I quite agree!
Athenakitty: Harry questions Dumbledore here. Course Dumbledore can't do anything but apologize. Git!
Again, thanks for all your reviews! Hope you like this chapter.