Sorry for the delay but I had to update my LotR fic first, but I've had a
lot of inspiration for this fic. I hope you guys will like it. My thank you
notes will be at the end of the chapter.
DISCLAIMER: Not mine though I wish they were, I'd revive Sirius and kill Voldemort.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The two landed in a dark corner of the Leaky Cauldron and they made their way to Tom, who was cleaning some glasses with a towel.
"Hello Tom." Said Remus. "We'd like some breakfast for two. Rolls with marmalade and some pumpkin juice to with that please. Could we sit somewhere quiet?"
The friendly bartender led them to a table hidden from sight by a few barrels of butterbeer. "Good to see you Mr. Lupin, you too Mr. Potter. I have to say, it took a lot of guts to give that interview about You-Know- Who. Your parents sure would have been proud of a boy so brave as yourself."
Harry smiled at Tom and he felt the adrenaline from his latest angry outburst disappear. Hearing people talk about his parents always managed to make him smile.
"Thank you Tom, the interview was just something I had to do."
Nodding, Tom bustled to the kitchen and they could hear the clattering of plates and the opening and closing of cabinets. Soon their order was placed before them and Tom winked at them both as he went to attend to some new customers.
Picking up one of his rolls it was Remus who broke the silence. "Well that was quite a show. Poor Molly, she really isn't having her week I'll say."
Harry's tone of voice was cold as he answered. "It's her own fault. She shouldn't have said those things about you. Not only is it untrue and hateful, I saw that it hurt you and I just got really angry."
Shaking his head Remus decided not to comment on this, knowing Harry felt he was right and was not about to change his mind. If there was one think that Harry Potter was, it was stubborn.
"What is on our agenda?" He asked, thus changing the subject to a safer subject.
Harry thought for a while before answering. "I need to go to Gringotts first to get some money. I need to speak with a goblin as well. After that I need books, potion ingredients, robes. . . well the lot. Maybe I'll pick up some extra things as well.
"All right." Said Remus after mulling things over in his head. "If you go to Gringotts then I'll go on an errand Dumbledore asked me to do. Then we'll meet at Flourish and Blotts and do the rest of your shopping."
"Sounds like a plan." Harry said and he wanted to get up to leave but Remus stopped him by putting a hand on his arm.
"Eat your breakfast Harry. I'm not blind, nor am I dumb. I know you have barely been eating and I left the matter like it was for I knew this was a reaction to Si. . . to Padfoot's death."
Harry didn't react and Remus continued. "But your behaviour will not bring him back cub, no matter how much you punish yourself. Paddy would have wanted you to stay strong so you could fulfil your destiny."
Seeing Harry's questioning gaze Remus nodded. "Yes Harry, Padfoot knew about the prophecy. James told him after Albus had informed him and Lily about it. I was informed after Paddy's death and at that time I vowed I would help you in every way I could."
He shook his head. "But I'm going off the topic. Now you will need your strength for the times to come. You will have to work hard this year Harry, should you want to prepare yourself properly."
Sighing Harry grabbed a roll and started eating slowly at first and later faster. He had underestimated his own hunger. Once he finished he and Remus got up and walked into the alley where Remus tapped the necessary bricks with his wand.
No matter how many times he saw it, Harry found Diagon Alley always a wonder on it's own. He smiled as he remembered the first time he had come here.
Before they split Remus pushed a dungbomb in Harry's hand. "Now don't go and use it, this is a portkey I designed myself. Just say the word refuge if you are in trouble and hold it in your left hand. Then you'll be transported to the Shrieking Shack. Should you have to use it and you land there, immediately make your way to Hogwarts were you'll be safe."
Harry nodded that he understood and pocketed the dungbomb/portkey. After exchanging a see you later with Remus, Harry started to make his way to Gringotts.
Since it was still early it was fairly quiet at the bank and Harry was helped immediately. "Good morning." Said Harry to a goblin. "I would like to make a withdrawal from my account."
"Do you have a key?" asked the goblin in a bored voice.
Harry took out his key and handed it to him. "I would also like to speak to someone about my account. With whom should I take this up with?"
"You'll have to speak with my supervisor Griphook, I will call him for you." The goblin stood and left, only to return with another goblin, who Harry recognised as Griphook, the goblin from his first year.
"I heard you wished to speak with me Mr. Potter, follow me to my office."
Harry followed him to a huge office where he took place in one of the comfortable chairs. "I'd like to discuss the state of my vault. I have no idea how much money I have or what for other things are in it."
Griphook nodded and grabbed a file from a drawer. "Your vault was founded on July 31st 1980 and several times large sums of money have been deposited and smaller amounts have been withdrawn. The total sum of your vault is at the moment 800.024 Galleons, 17658 Sickles and 90871 Knuts."
At hearing this particular information Harry had to swallow a few times. He always knew he had a lot of money but hearing the total was different from knowing.
"I have another question." Harry said. "It's about the protection of my vault. I have noticed that it is very easy for someone to buy things and then send the bill to someone else's account. Say I would buy an expensive broom but would write on the bill to take the money from someone else's vault, it would work wouldn't it?"
"This is indeed one of the weaker points." Acknowledged Griphook. "And therefor we have developed the password system."
"The password system? What do you mean with that?" asked Harry.
"A wizard must choose ten random words as his password. Whenever he wants to bill something from his account automatically he must write these word down with a special quill."
Seeing Harry's interest Griphook explained further. "This quill writes with invisible ink so nobody can copy your words, yet it will look like an ordinary quill. Once we receive the note we will make the ink visible and verify the password before taking the money from your account. Should I take your interest as a fact you want this system to be activated for your vault?"
"Yes, I believe this would be wise." Answered Harry.
"Very well, I will gather the papers while you think of your random words. Write them down on this piece of paper please."
As Griphook left Harry started to think and one by one the words popped in his head. When the goblin returned he had the list ready.
"Very well Mr. Potter, if I may have your list." Harry handed it and Griphook started to copy the words down on an official looking parchment.
"You have chosen ten words, all random. Your chosen words are the following: Prongs, Firebolt, Snuffles, Moonchart, Nightmare, Vigilance, Destiny, Sacrifice, DA and Love."
Harry nodded his affirmation and Griphook burned the piece of paper. "The only record of these words will be well-protected. Know you do not have to write the words down in a specific order. I will have your specialised quill when you return from your vault."
It was Griphook himself who led Harry to the cart. "Mr. Potter I will prepare a parcel for you with all the information on your vault, interest, investments and so on. You can look these papers over in peace."
"Thank you Mr. Griphook." Harry said as he stepped in a cart in which a goblin already was waiting for him. "And thank you for your time."
Griphook disappeared after informing the goblin in the cart that Mr. Potter wanted to withdraw some money from his vault. The goblin nodded once curtly and the cart zoomed down the tracks.
Smiling as the wild ride went on Harry started to make a list of all the things he needed to buy when the cart stopped in front of his vault.
After the door was opened Harry stepped in with his moneybag in his hand. He scooped up hands full of Galleons and Knuts and put them in his bag, leaving the Sickles for when he wasn't shopping with Remus.
He picked up the promised parcel and quill, which were put in a Gringotts bag and rushed to Flourish and Blotts where Remus already was waiting for him. "Finish your business Harry?" asked Remus.
Harry nodded and the two went into the bookstore. Harry knew Hermione had bought him all the books he needed, but he was sure that she didn't know to get him books for potions since he still had to get an O before he could officially enter the class.
However, he was positive that one of these days he would get that for one of his essays, he put a lot of work in these.
Remus wandered off and Harry found a book he had wanted since his first year; Curses and Counter-Curses (Bewitch your Friends and Befuddle your Enemies with the Latest Revenges: Hair Loss, Jelly-Legs, Tongue-Tying and much, much more).
He couldn't help himself by getting it. Next he went to the potions section from which he picked up several volumes. Among them was a book called 'Lycanthropy and those who tried to cure it'. In it was every potion created to 'cure' lycanthropy and what these potions did.
By the time he hit the DADA section of the store he already had a huge stack of books that would make Hermione proud. He brought the stack to the shopkeeper saying he wanted to browse some more.
Now his hands were free he picked up book after book and leafed through them until he found the thickest book he had ever seen, it was even thicker than Hogwarts: a History.
The title of the book was short. 'Total Defence' was written with golden letters on the blue spine. When Harry opened the book he read the foreword.
'In this volume you will find every curse, hex, charm and their counters that will aid you in the protections from the Dark Arts. From Aureo Gladius to Zamia Visor, you will find it all in here. All collected and with careful instructions on how to do it.'
"Wow" Harry said in awe. It was exactly what he was looking for. Not only was this perfect for him, it would be a great help for the DA as well, should the members want to continue with it.
He saw Remus waiting at the counter, paying for his order, and grabbed a few more books before he went there as well. As the shopkeeper started to ring up the sales Remus looked at Harry with raised eyebrows.
"You weren't kidding on the extra reading were you? There must be over 30 books that you've chosen. Are you planning on starting your own library?"
Harry rolled his eyes. "I bet you'll find some of them interesting as well, I found this amazing book about Dementors and other creatures. They seem very interesting. I can't believe I teased Hermione about her love for books so often, now I know better."
Without blushing Harry paid the bill of 29 Galleons and 18 Knuts. There was only one problem, how was he going to carry them all? He still had more shopping to do.
Luckily Remus had anticipated something like this happening and brought an enchanted bag in which you could store as many items as you wanted and the bag still wouldn't be heavy.
Their next stop was the apothecary where Harry went in alone. Remus admitted that he could never go in there since his lupine senses made him literally sick if he stepped a foot in there. It was also the reason why he had done so badly at potions.
With replenished ingredients and some extra for practice Harry had to get new school robes. Though he was still shorter then most n his year, his robes from the year before were now too short.
Allowing Madame Malkin to pull on his arms and turning him around over and over again Harry prayed that she would be done soon. He stuck out his tongue at Remus who was silently laughing at him.
Finally he was done and he was told to pick up his new robes at the end of the afternoon. Looking at the clock on the wall Harry was shocked that it already was 12:30.
"Is it that late already?" he asked Remus who looked at his watch to tell the time.
"It seems it is Harry. Let's get some ice cream and then we'll finish your shopping. We'll eat dinner at home."
Home. . . the word seemed odd to Harry but he shrugged it off. One day he'd have a real home, a home of his own.
Sitting down at a table outside of Florean Fortescue's Ice-Cream Parlour they both ordered a large coupe of ice cream. Harry got the Fruit Loop, it had every fruit flavour you could think of. Remus got the Chocolate Paradise and when the coupe was put on their table Harry knew why.
It was every flavour of chocolate doused in chocolate sauce and chocolate sprinkles. When he took a bite Remus closed his eyes in delight and let out a small groan.
"There is nothing better, nothing, than a Chocolate Paradise. It is a must for every chocolate addict."
Harry laughed at this and rolled his eyes when he heard a voice behind him. "Hey Harry, would you mind if I sit down?"
Turning around he saw Terry Boot standing there and he motioned to the chair. "Sit down Terry, how are you doing? You didn't get into trouble with the DA thing did you."
"No" the Ravenclaw said. "My mum and dad thought it was a good idea. I got an O for DADA so they were extra happy, especially when I told them what a dreadful teacher Umbridge had been. I really owe you for that mark Harry."
"Congratulations Terry, but you did the work, I just taught you a few handy spells. Oh, I'm very rude. You remember Remus Lupin right? He was a friend of my dad's and is taken me for my supplies."
Terry shook hands with Remus who had been quiet during the conversation between the two boys. "It's good to see you professor." Said Terry. "It really was a shame to see you go, you were the best teacher we had, hands down."
"Thank you Mr. Boot, but I am certain there would be several problems with the parents because of my. . . condition."
Harry frowned and Terry snorted indignantly. "That's a load of dung, you never put any of us in danger. I can't see why people are so stupid sometimes. But that's not why I'm here actually. I wanted to ask you Harry if we are going to continue with the DA."
"It depends." Harry said. "On who wants to continue. I'll do it again if you want me to, it was the best thing that happened to me last year actually."
Terry nodded in understanding. "Actually I am very anxious on working on my Patronus again. I have an aunt who works as an auror and I was eavesdropping and heard her discussing with my mum and dad. The dementors are on the loose. Fudge lost all control of them. Now I don't know about you but I'd feel a lot safer knowing I could produce a Patronus as a defence against them, My silvery cloud isn't enough."
"I'll see what we can do. Let's say we meet at 19:00 on the day after we arrive? Same place. If you ask any other Ravenclaws who still want to attend I'll write to Ernie or Hannah about the Hufflepuffs. I'll ask the Gryffindors myself."
"Brilliant Harry. Oh there's my mum, I'd better go. See you September 1st." Terry hurried to meet up with a blond-haired witch and disappeared in the crowd.
Remus looked at him with an interested look on his face. "What is this I hear about the DA and you teaching again? You were covering the Patronus with them? You do know that most grown wizards can't perform that particular spell do you?"
"I know, but I think there are a lot of talented witches and wizards in the DA. Most of them can produce the silvery cloud and Hermione and Cho even managed to produce a solid Patronus."
"Really now, well that doesn't surprise me. Those two ladies are quite smart. So this means you will continue teaching?"
Harry shrugged. "It's not as much as teaching as it is coaching. I mean I just tell them a spell and how to perform it and help them practice."
"And that is exactly what teaching is." Remus pointed out.
"Never mind, just don't tell Dumbledore. I'd like to keep this to myself, I don't want to make a big fuss about it and don't want to risk being told off for holding the DA again."
"Actually Harry" Remus said in a low voice, keeping it down so nobody could hear. "I heard from Albus that he was quite pleased with the entire matter. Told us that it was good that there were students who were willing to stand up for themselves."
Harry smiled and they paid for their ice cream before they went to pick up Harry's last supplies. Ink, parchment, quills and owl treats for Hedwig.
They stopped in the Quidditch store as well but Harry wasn't sure if he could play that year again, as he didn't want to torture himself and left hurriedly.
Picking up his robes that were now ready they went into a dark and deserted alley and held the portkey that would transport them back to Grimmauld Place.
Harry heard Remus say 'Pax' before he felt the now familiar pull around his navel and he closed his eyes. When he felt solid ground beneath his feet again he opened them again and saw they were in another deserted alley, a few blocks from Grimmauld Place.
He heard Remus mutter a spell and asked him what it was. "It's an invisibility charm your mum developed actually. It works like the cloak only, without the cloak obviously. It would be weird for the muggles to see us walk around in our robes wouldn't it?"
Harry agreed and made their way to Grimmauld Place talking animatedly since the charm had an extra feature or so Remus explained.
"It's an advanced invisibility charm that does not only hide us from sight but keeps people from hearing us as well. It was quite a brilliant discovery, it's not a surprise that she got an O+ for her NEWT in charms."
"Speaking of NEWT-classes." Said Remus. "Which classes will you be following this year? You only told me about Potions, Charms, DADA and Transfiguration since you needed those subjects to become an auror."
"Well, I'm taking those four classes and also Care Of Magical Creatures, Herbology, Astronomy, History of Magic and Divination, my old schedule actually only in NEWT level."
"Divination? I thought you said that was one OWL you were sure you had failed for?"
"So did I but as it turned out Professor Marchbanks did meat a round, soggy stranger. A Boggart who had been hiding in her cold and wet cellar. Plus I informed her she should have died the previous Tuesday of the exam. As it turns out she had been here at Hogwarts at the time, but on Tuesday there was an explosion in her office of the Ministry. She was so certain I had seen this instead of making it up she gave me an O, completely forgiving me for not seeing anything in the crystal ball."
They had finally reached Grimmauld Place and entered it quickly and Remus took the charm of them so they wouldn't scare anyone.
"So I guess a career as a seer isn't out of the question yet." Remus snickered.
"Not funny!" Harry exclaimed and he pushed Remus against the wall. "How was I supposed to know that what I made up came true. At least I'll have Firenze as well as Trelawney. I bet she's happy, whose death would she have predicted if I had left?"
Remus waved his hand in the air, rubbing an imaginary crystal ball and spoke in a misty voice. "I have foreseen that you will. . . oh dear. . . you will be bludgeoned to death by a feather. . . the grim. . . the death omen is upon you."
Not able to help himself Harry burst out in laughter as they burst into the kitchen together. His laughter must have been infectious since Remus couldn't keep a straight face either.
The two nearly rolled around the floor howling with laughter and this, of course, attracted the intention of several inhabitants of the house.
Harry and Remus tried to get up when Tonks and Hermione walked into the kitchen, wondering what was going on, but they made the mistake of looking at each other, thus bursting out laughing once again.
After five minutes they had calmed down and were drinking a cup of tea that Hermione had prepared. They all sat around the table drinking their tea slowly.
"The Weasley's have gone for a few days." Said Tonks. "I believe it had something to do with their son Percy wanting a good conversation with them all."
Remus nodded and Harry felt oddly relieved. At least now Mrs. Weasley wouldn't be fussing over him and he wouldn't have to deal with Ron's temper yet.
"Well Harry. Let me see what you got. Oh and Hedwig came with a message for you. She put it on your bed and I gave her some food and water." Hermione said.
"Thanks Hermione. And I wasn't mad at you for getting my books you know. I just wanted to get some extra books."
Remus scoffed. "Some is an understatement Harry, you bought over 30 books."
Seeing Hermione's astonished gaze Harry was quick to explain. "If I'm expected to kill Voldemort I need to know how don't I? Besides, I need to do good on my NEWTS if I want to be an auror."
Tonks and Hermione responded at the exact same time.
"You want to be an auror Harry?"
"How can you be so calm about you having to kill V-Voldemort?"
"Yes I want to be an auror, it's why I'm doing all the extra work on Potions. I'm sure I'm only a few essays away from an O so I'll be in the NEWT class as well."
Harry then answered Hermione's question. "I've had the whole summer till now to let it sink in. Dumbledore told me about the prophecy after Sirius, well after he died. I'm not sure if I can do it but I am not going down without a fight either."
"Why does it always have to be you? We've never had a normal year, and now we have this on our plate." Hermione had tears in her eyes.
"WE have nothing on OUR plate, I have on MY plate. It said that I alone have to defeat him, not me and other people."
Hermione huffed. "I'm still going to help you."
This time Remus answered. "As much as I wish it wasn't so Hermione, this really is something Harry must do on his own. The only think we can do is help Harry prepare and support him in every way we can."
Reluctantly Hermione nodded and Harry was happy to have been able to avoid that particular discussion. He decided to go on another subject entirely.
"You'll never guess who I ran into today, Terry Boot. He wanted to know if I was going to continue the DA."
"Are you?" Hermione asked.
Harry looked at Tonks who put her hands up. "I won't breath a word." She promised.
"Yeah, I guess it would be good to have some extra practice. I'm going to write Ernie or Hannah about the Hufflepuffs and Terry promised he'd ask the Ravenclaws. I'll ask the Gryffindors September 1st."
Harry brought his stuff upstairs and when he came down again he started to help Remus cook dinner and laughed outright at his face when did so.
"If there is one thing I learned at the Dursley's, it's how to cook. Now what can I do to help?"
Remus directed Harry and Hermione to cut the vegetables and peel the potatoes while he and Tonks would start with desert and the meat.
At Grimmauld Place it was never certain who would show up so they always made extra food. The four chattered when they heard footsteps coming from the hallway as dinner was just about done.
Moody, Shacklebolt and a few others Harry didn't recognise came in and took a place on the kitchen table, which Tonks had enlarged so there was place for everyone.
There were conversations at the table about all kinds of things, though nothing too serious since harry and Hermione were there.
Suddenly there were footsteps in the hall once again and Moody jumped up, his wand aimed and ready for whoever had got in.
The door opened only to reveal. . . .
"Professor Snape!" Harry exclaimed with horror in his voice and he jumped up and pushed the man in his chair.
Now it wasn't as if Harry had taken a sudden liking to his most hated professor, it was just that the man looked downright awful.
He was paler then ever and there were large blue rims around his eyes. He was unsteady on his feet and looked about ready to drop dead.
The adults took control immediately and Hermione and Harry were ushered upstairs with the mission of finding some potions to help Snape.
Those potions were easily found since Harry kept them all together and they sneaked downstairs where they listened at the door.
"It will be starting soon." Hermione and harry could Snape say with a raspy voice. "Voldemort is preparing his forces. The giants will help him, until their current leader has been overthrown that is, as will the vampires and of course the dementors."
"Anything else happen?" Moody asked in his gruff voice.
"Not that I know of, but I am still not accepted back into the Inner Circle. I do know that he is very angry with Potter, but then again, what else is new?"
Harry took that as a good time to come back in and he motioned for Hermione to creep back with him before he thundered down the stairs, Hermione close behind him.
"Here's some potions that might help. Pain relief and bruise remover. My supply is running a bit out though I still have about a hundred bottles of Dreamless Sleep potion." Harry said.
Snape took the vials from him and swallowed the potions without as much as a grimace. "Good to know that the potions I'm forced to brew by Mrs. Weasley are good for something. Potter. . . I have some bad news."
"What?" Harry was anxious to know of course.
"It seems." Snape sneered. "That I am stuck with you in my class for another two years. Your last essay has gained you the O you needed to enter my class."
The grin on Harry's face got so wide he thought his jaw would break from the pressure on it. Snape, seeing Harry's happiness (which he couldn't stand of course) sneered once more.
"We'll see if you're as happy once classes start Potter, just wait and see."
Harry rolled his eyes at Remus at this remark, out of sight of Snape of course, and went upstairs with Hermione behind them. It seemed like they weren't wanted in the room.
Once they got to Harry's room Hermione squealed in delight and hugged Harry. "I'm so proud of you. I knew you could get great marks if you put the work in it. I won't have to suffer potions on my own now."
"I bet you'll have some competition from me this year Hermione, with all the extra work I'll be doing. What classes are you taking this year?"
"I passed all my OWLS so I'll pretty much have the same schedule. I got an A for Astronomy but with everything that went on during our exams I pretty much calculated that in. How did you do on your OWLS? You never told me."
Harry grabbed the parchment with his grades and handed them to Hermione who looked them over with a smile.
"These are good Harry, even History of Magic to my surprise. But how did you get an O for Divination?"
"Don't ask!" Harry groaned. "Just. . . don't ask please. Help me unpack my books?"
Looking like Christmas had come early at hearing the word books they started to unpack the seemingly endless supply out of the one bag.
Hermione commented on every book but she got quiet when she reached 'Total Defence'. "This" she breathed "This must have cost you a fortune. Look at this, it must be at least a hundred years old. And a first edition as well. You are lucky to have found in such a good shape."
Plucking the book from her clutches Harry teased her. "Stop drooling Hermione, I'll let you borrow it sometime." He yawned and when he looked at the clock he saw it was 23:00 already. "Time sure moves fast today." He said.
Hermione looked at the clock and yawned as well. "Night Harry." She said.
"Wait Hermione, are you alone in your room now?"
She shook her head. "No, Tonks took Ginny's bed for now. I don't care that this is the Order's Headquarters, the place gives me the creeps."
Harry agreed and bid Hermione a good night. He changed into his pyjamas and wanted to crawl into his bed when he saw the letter on top of it and immediately remembered Hermione telling him about his mail.
He ripped the envelope open and found a note from Professor McGonnagall, to his great surprise.
'Harry
To my satisfaction I just received word from Severus that you managed to get the acquired O for NEWT potions. I am pleased to see you working so hard for your dream and therefor I have enchanted the parchment attached to this one. It works like a muggle movie. To activate it you have to get an adult (I suggest Mr. Lupin) to point his wand against the words and say the incantation 'Video'. This will reveal my present to you.
Now I know this falls under favouritism, but I must say I am very proud of you Harry, you do your parents proud.
Minerva McGonnagall'
Harry was eager to find out what the present was and took the letter and the parchment to Remus's room where he knocked on the door.
Seeing Harry at his doorstep Remus ushered him in and made him sit on the bed. Remus was also wearing nightclothing but didn't seem to care that Harry had disturbed him.
"What is it Harry?" he asked. Harry handed him the letter and Remus read it, a smile coming to his face as he read. "To imagine she is called the Stone-hearted witch from Hogwarts. . . I swear there isn't a more heart- warming witch then Minerva."
He got his wand from the cabinet and moved so he was sitting next to Harry, Harry leaning his head on Remus's shoulder. "Video." Remus said while holding the wand against the parchment.
At first it seemed like the spell hadn't worked but then it seemed like a movie was playing on the parchment, just like McGonnagall had said.
In the parchment there was a younger version of the Gryffindors head of house in front of a class. "Potter." She said. "Come up here and show us how well you can transfigure this rose into a cat."
Harry watched as his father trudged to the front, hand ruffling through his already messy hair as he sneaked some glances at none other than Lily Evans.
"I remember this." Whispered Remus and he smiled as Harry was wrapped up in the parchment completely.
James waved his wand at the rose and suddenly it turned into a tiny and cute brown kitten. The kitten yawned and James picked her up, holding her in his arms.
Professor McGonnagall had a rare smile on her face as she watched her star- pupil do such a complicated transfiguration with such ease. "Excellent Mr. Potter, that will be 30 points for Gryffindor."
A lopsided grin came on James's face and he went back to his seat where the other three Marauders were sitting. Sirius slapped him on his back and Remus just grinned knowingly as James kept petting the kitten while gazing at Lily.
The bell rang and the class piled out. James 'accidentally' dropped the kitten, which on it's own devices walked over to none other than Lily Evans and started to cuddle against her legs.
James walked to Lily; the two were now alone in the classroom besides the professor. "She seems to like you." James said.
Lily picked the kitten up and rubbed it behind its ear, causing it to purr. "I love cats." Lily said. "I can't believe you can transfigure a cat from a rose so easily. It's hard to imagine that this cute kitten was a rose only 20 minutes ago."
"Would you like to keep it?" James asked, running his hand through his hair once more. "I mean I already have an owl, so I won't be able to keep her and since you don't have a pet I thought you might like her."
Looking at him as if she didn't know this was a prank or not Lily stared at him for a long time until she finally nodded. "You know Potter, I wish you were like this more often. Your actually bearable like this."
She stepped around him and started to walk away but turned around again and kissed his cheek quickly. "Thank you." she said and she disappeared. Leaving James with a dreamy look on his face, his hand pressed against his cheek.
Then Sirius burst into the room again. "Prongs, come on mate or you'll miss the effect of our hair-dye charm on the Slytherins."
Waking from his stupor James ran after Sirius with glee written across his face. "I wouldn't want to miss that for the world Padfoot. I can just see their faces when. . . . "
Then the voices drifted off and the movie seemed to have reached its end. Harry had tears in his eyes as he saw his parents and also Sirius.
Remus's eyes were moist as well and his voice hoarse as he explained the scene to Harry. "That was in our sixth year and James's crush on your mother was still going strong. For days he raved about the fact she had kissed him and we would just nod and smile. He was head over feet about that girl. Of course, he ruined his chances that year by hexing some unsuspecting Slytherins."
"I've never heard my mum and dad talk, well besides from what I hear when the dementors come close to me. It's nice to hear their voices."
Closing his eyes Remus squeezed Harry's shoulder, inwardly howling that it wasn't fair for the boy to have lost so much and to be expected so much from.
"Lily did love that cat though. She took Rosie, that's what she called the kitten, everywhere with her. It really hurt her when Rosie was run over by a muggle car a few weeks before you were born. She was depressed for a week and I don't think I have ever seen James worry as much over her as in that week."
Harry yawned. "Sorry." He muttered.
"That's quite alright cub. Do you want to stay here tonight? Tonks is with Hermione, this house is very uncomfortable to stay alone in and I speak from experience."
"I wouldn't want to bother you and there's only one bed so. . . "
Remus pulled his wand again and pointed it at the bed after he told Harry to get off of it. "Duplico" he said and immediately an exact copy of the bed stood beside the real bed.
"And you call yourself a wizard." Remus joked and he led harry to the bed and drew back the covers. Harry climbed in and lay in a comfortable position.
Then Remus tucked the blankets around him and plucked the glasses from Harry's face. He then saw the surprise on Harry's face. "What is it Harry?" he asked.
"Nothing, it's just. Nobody has ever tucked me in before, it's nice though."
Remus gritted his teeth as he suppressed his anger with the Dursley's. "Well then, now you have been tucked in. Try to get some sleep."
He climbed in his own bed and put out the candles in the room with a wave of his hand. He heard Harry mumble in the bed beside him.
"Night Remus, thanks for the nice day."
"Good night cub, and you're welcome." Remus answered him. He listened as he heard Harry's breathing even out and only when he was sure the boy was asleep he allowed himself to drift off as well.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
A/N: Well??? What did you think, was it too much??? Too boring, too nice???? Please let me know what you think of this, I'm really anxious about this. I will update soon since I have some more ideas but I love reviews so please do that for me.
Achilles4: Thanks, ff.net can get annoying can't it?
Kimmaree: I'm happy you like it and hope this one will live up to your expectations.
Leitheindel: Hey Lei, thanks for taking to read my HP fic and I'm happy you like it even though it's different from protector.
Serpent of Light: Don't worry I will never, EVER, kill Remus. He's my favourite character!!! *blushes* Thanks for the compliments.
ADJ: I'm happy you think that this is realistic, I try to keep it like that as well. Please let me know when I go all AU.
Lissie89: I'm not sure if I'll put the romance in, I'll just have to wait and see what my muses tell me. Thanks for tip on the quotation marks but ff.net has cleared up (Thank GOD!!!!!)
Elvish princess: Yay, you read my HP-fic!!!! I'm happy you like it and hope you'll like this one as well. Well, see you later!
Ariana Dumbledore: Well, nothing bad happened in Diagon Alley, I just wanted to give them some time to bond you know.
Blahblah: I know I get very annoyed with Molly as well. Thanks for the compliment, you know how I get about my chapters when I'm not sure about them so it was a reassurance.
Arwen-evenstar2: You're number 2 huh? Well I'm now Tara6 so, 2 isn't that bad. I decided to leave the OC's out of this fic, I wnted to make this very different from Protector. I'm happy you still like it.
Laerwen: I know #these# were very annoying but if I put in quotation marks I would get something like &fa@this&fa@ It was ff.net going crazy so I decided to solve it like this. It's all normal now though.
TYCHO13: *bows* Thank you for your compliments and I'm happy you like it.
Silverleaf: I'm happy you like the bonding between harry and Remus, I think this will be very important as well. I'm not sure if this is a romance at all so I'll just have to see f I pair Harry up with anyone. Thank you for pointing the problem you had. I hope you like the way I fixed it. I don't mind criticism at all as long as it has a reason and you had that, so thank you.
Sharazhad Potter: I know JK said that and that's why I am doubting there will be any real romance in this fic. I'm happy you like it.
Porphyrophobic Grape: Thanks for letting me know about the mistakes, I was in a hurry to remove all the quotation marks since ff.net kept screwing them up that some things went wrong. It's better in this chapter though. I know leaving the Dursley's was suden but I was stuck there and needed to get him out of the house. I'm happy you like the rest though. No you weren't too mean, I enjoy it when people think with me on my fic.
Muusicgrl: Thanks for letting me know about the mirrors and others forgetting about them as well, I feel a lot less stupid now. ;)
Mella deRanged: Thanks, that meant you liked it right??
Yoshi-fan2003: I'm happy you like it, hope you like this one as well.
Joe: I had to put I am instead of I'm because ff.net kept screwing it up like this I$&djt$m. It was so annoying to read like that that I had to redo my fic and remove all the ' thingies and replace them . Hope you understand.
Aquitaineq: I'm happy you think I did a good job with Mrs. Weasley but now I have another question. . . do you think Remus is in character??????
DISCLAIMER: Not mine though I wish they were, I'd revive Sirius and kill Voldemort.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The two landed in a dark corner of the Leaky Cauldron and they made their way to Tom, who was cleaning some glasses with a towel.
"Hello Tom." Said Remus. "We'd like some breakfast for two. Rolls with marmalade and some pumpkin juice to with that please. Could we sit somewhere quiet?"
The friendly bartender led them to a table hidden from sight by a few barrels of butterbeer. "Good to see you Mr. Lupin, you too Mr. Potter. I have to say, it took a lot of guts to give that interview about You-Know- Who. Your parents sure would have been proud of a boy so brave as yourself."
Harry smiled at Tom and he felt the adrenaline from his latest angry outburst disappear. Hearing people talk about his parents always managed to make him smile.
"Thank you Tom, the interview was just something I had to do."
Nodding, Tom bustled to the kitchen and they could hear the clattering of plates and the opening and closing of cabinets. Soon their order was placed before them and Tom winked at them both as he went to attend to some new customers.
Picking up one of his rolls it was Remus who broke the silence. "Well that was quite a show. Poor Molly, she really isn't having her week I'll say."
Harry's tone of voice was cold as he answered. "It's her own fault. She shouldn't have said those things about you. Not only is it untrue and hateful, I saw that it hurt you and I just got really angry."
Shaking his head Remus decided not to comment on this, knowing Harry felt he was right and was not about to change his mind. If there was one think that Harry Potter was, it was stubborn.
"What is on our agenda?" He asked, thus changing the subject to a safer subject.
Harry thought for a while before answering. "I need to go to Gringotts first to get some money. I need to speak with a goblin as well. After that I need books, potion ingredients, robes. . . well the lot. Maybe I'll pick up some extra things as well.
"All right." Said Remus after mulling things over in his head. "If you go to Gringotts then I'll go on an errand Dumbledore asked me to do. Then we'll meet at Flourish and Blotts and do the rest of your shopping."
"Sounds like a plan." Harry said and he wanted to get up to leave but Remus stopped him by putting a hand on his arm.
"Eat your breakfast Harry. I'm not blind, nor am I dumb. I know you have barely been eating and I left the matter like it was for I knew this was a reaction to Si. . . to Padfoot's death."
Harry didn't react and Remus continued. "But your behaviour will not bring him back cub, no matter how much you punish yourself. Paddy would have wanted you to stay strong so you could fulfil your destiny."
Seeing Harry's questioning gaze Remus nodded. "Yes Harry, Padfoot knew about the prophecy. James told him after Albus had informed him and Lily about it. I was informed after Paddy's death and at that time I vowed I would help you in every way I could."
He shook his head. "But I'm going off the topic. Now you will need your strength for the times to come. You will have to work hard this year Harry, should you want to prepare yourself properly."
Sighing Harry grabbed a roll and started eating slowly at first and later faster. He had underestimated his own hunger. Once he finished he and Remus got up and walked into the alley where Remus tapped the necessary bricks with his wand.
No matter how many times he saw it, Harry found Diagon Alley always a wonder on it's own. He smiled as he remembered the first time he had come here.
Before they split Remus pushed a dungbomb in Harry's hand. "Now don't go and use it, this is a portkey I designed myself. Just say the word refuge if you are in trouble and hold it in your left hand. Then you'll be transported to the Shrieking Shack. Should you have to use it and you land there, immediately make your way to Hogwarts were you'll be safe."
Harry nodded that he understood and pocketed the dungbomb/portkey. After exchanging a see you later with Remus, Harry started to make his way to Gringotts.
Since it was still early it was fairly quiet at the bank and Harry was helped immediately. "Good morning." Said Harry to a goblin. "I would like to make a withdrawal from my account."
"Do you have a key?" asked the goblin in a bored voice.
Harry took out his key and handed it to him. "I would also like to speak to someone about my account. With whom should I take this up with?"
"You'll have to speak with my supervisor Griphook, I will call him for you." The goblin stood and left, only to return with another goblin, who Harry recognised as Griphook, the goblin from his first year.
"I heard you wished to speak with me Mr. Potter, follow me to my office."
Harry followed him to a huge office where he took place in one of the comfortable chairs. "I'd like to discuss the state of my vault. I have no idea how much money I have or what for other things are in it."
Griphook nodded and grabbed a file from a drawer. "Your vault was founded on July 31st 1980 and several times large sums of money have been deposited and smaller amounts have been withdrawn. The total sum of your vault is at the moment 800.024 Galleons, 17658 Sickles and 90871 Knuts."
At hearing this particular information Harry had to swallow a few times. He always knew he had a lot of money but hearing the total was different from knowing.
"I have another question." Harry said. "It's about the protection of my vault. I have noticed that it is very easy for someone to buy things and then send the bill to someone else's account. Say I would buy an expensive broom but would write on the bill to take the money from someone else's vault, it would work wouldn't it?"
"This is indeed one of the weaker points." Acknowledged Griphook. "And therefor we have developed the password system."
"The password system? What do you mean with that?" asked Harry.
"A wizard must choose ten random words as his password. Whenever he wants to bill something from his account automatically he must write these word down with a special quill."
Seeing Harry's interest Griphook explained further. "This quill writes with invisible ink so nobody can copy your words, yet it will look like an ordinary quill. Once we receive the note we will make the ink visible and verify the password before taking the money from your account. Should I take your interest as a fact you want this system to be activated for your vault?"
"Yes, I believe this would be wise." Answered Harry.
"Very well, I will gather the papers while you think of your random words. Write them down on this piece of paper please."
As Griphook left Harry started to think and one by one the words popped in his head. When the goblin returned he had the list ready.
"Very well Mr. Potter, if I may have your list." Harry handed it and Griphook started to copy the words down on an official looking parchment.
"You have chosen ten words, all random. Your chosen words are the following: Prongs, Firebolt, Snuffles, Moonchart, Nightmare, Vigilance, Destiny, Sacrifice, DA and Love."
Harry nodded his affirmation and Griphook burned the piece of paper. "The only record of these words will be well-protected. Know you do not have to write the words down in a specific order. I will have your specialised quill when you return from your vault."
It was Griphook himself who led Harry to the cart. "Mr. Potter I will prepare a parcel for you with all the information on your vault, interest, investments and so on. You can look these papers over in peace."
"Thank you Mr. Griphook." Harry said as he stepped in a cart in which a goblin already was waiting for him. "And thank you for your time."
Griphook disappeared after informing the goblin in the cart that Mr. Potter wanted to withdraw some money from his vault. The goblin nodded once curtly and the cart zoomed down the tracks.
Smiling as the wild ride went on Harry started to make a list of all the things he needed to buy when the cart stopped in front of his vault.
After the door was opened Harry stepped in with his moneybag in his hand. He scooped up hands full of Galleons and Knuts and put them in his bag, leaving the Sickles for when he wasn't shopping with Remus.
He picked up the promised parcel and quill, which were put in a Gringotts bag and rushed to Flourish and Blotts where Remus already was waiting for him. "Finish your business Harry?" asked Remus.
Harry nodded and the two went into the bookstore. Harry knew Hermione had bought him all the books he needed, but he was sure that she didn't know to get him books for potions since he still had to get an O before he could officially enter the class.
However, he was positive that one of these days he would get that for one of his essays, he put a lot of work in these.
Remus wandered off and Harry found a book he had wanted since his first year; Curses and Counter-Curses (Bewitch your Friends and Befuddle your Enemies with the Latest Revenges: Hair Loss, Jelly-Legs, Tongue-Tying and much, much more).
He couldn't help himself by getting it. Next he went to the potions section from which he picked up several volumes. Among them was a book called 'Lycanthropy and those who tried to cure it'. In it was every potion created to 'cure' lycanthropy and what these potions did.
By the time he hit the DADA section of the store he already had a huge stack of books that would make Hermione proud. He brought the stack to the shopkeeper saying he wanted to browse some more.
Now his hands were free he picked up book after book and leafed through them until he found the thickest book he had ever seen, it was even thicker than Hogwarts: a History.
The title of the book was short. 'Total Defence' was written with golden letters on the blue spine. When Harry opened the book he read the foreword.
'In this volume you will find every curse, hex, charm and their counters that will aid you in the protections from the Dark Arts. From Aureo Gladius to Zamia Visor, you will find it all in here. All collected and with careful instructions on how to do it.'
"Wow" Harry said in awe. It was exactly what he was looking for. Not only was this perfect for him, it would be a great help for the DA as well, should the members want to continue with it.
He saw Remus waiting at the counter, paying for his order, and grabbed a few more books before he went there as well. As the shopkeeper started to ring up the sales Remus looked at Harry with raised eyebrows.
"You weren't kidding on the extra reading were you? There must be over 30 books that you've chosen. Are you planning on starting your own library?"
Harry rolled his eyes. "I bet you'll find some of them interesting as well, I found this amazing book about Dementors and other creatures. They seem very interesting. I can't believe I teased Hermione about her love for books so often, now I know better."
Without blushing Harry paid the bill of 29 Galleons and 18 Knuts. There was only one problem, how was he going to carry them all? He still had more shopping to do.
Luckily Remus had anticipated something like this happening and brought an enchanted bag in which you could store as many items as you wanted and the bag still wouldn't be heavy.
Their next stop was the apothecary where Harry went in alone. Remus admitted that he could never go in there since his lupine senses made him literally sick if he stepped a foot in there. It was also the reason why he had done so badly at potions.
With replenished ingredients and some extra for practice Harry had to get new school robes. Though he was still shorter then most n his year, his robes from the year before were now too short.
Allowing Madame Malkin to pull on his arms and turning him around over and over again Harry prayed that she would be done soon. He stuck out his tongue at Remus who was silently laughing at him.
Finally he was done and he was told to pick up his new robes at the end of the afternoon. Looking at the clock on the wall Harry was shocked that it already was 12:30.
"Is it that late already?" he asked Remus who looked at his watch to tell the time.
"It seems it is Harry. Let's get some ice cream and then we'll finish your shopping. We'll eat dinner at home."
Home. . . the word seemed odd to Harry but he shrugged it off. One day he'd have a real home, a home of his own.
Sitting down at a table outside of Florean Fortescue's Ice-Cream Parlour they both ordered a large coupe of ice cream. Harry got the Fruit Loop, it had every fruit flavour you could think of. Remus got the Chocolate Paradise and when the coupe was put on their table Harry knew why.
It was every flavour of chocolate doused in chocolate sauce and chocolate sprinkles. When he took a bite Remus closed his eyes in delight and let out a small groan.
"There is nothing better, nothing, than a Chocolate Paradise. It is a must for every chocolate addict."
Harry laughed at this and rolled his eyes when he heard a voice behind him. "Hey Harry, would you mind if I sit down?"
Turning around he saw Terry Boot standing there and he motioned to the chair. "Sit down Terry, how are you doing? You didn't get into trouble with the DA thing did you."
"No" the Ravenclaw said. "My mum and dad thought it was a good idea. I got an O for DADA so they were extra happy, especially when I told them what a dreadful teacher Umbridge had been. I really owe you for that mark Harry."
"Congratulations Terry, but you did the work, I just taught you a few handy spells. Oh, I'm very rude. You remember Remus Lupin right? He was a friend of my dad's and is taken me for my supplies."
Terry shook hands with Remus who had been quiet during the conversation between the two boys. "It's good to see you professor." Said Terry. "It really was a shame to see you go, you were the best teacher we had, hands down."
"Thank you Mr. Boot, but I am certain there would be several problems with the parents because of my. . . condition."
Harry frowned and Terry snorted indignantly. "That's a load of dung, you never put any of us in danger. I can't see why people are so stupid sometimes. But that's not why I'm here actually. I wanted to ask you Harry if we are going to continue with the DA."
"It depends." Harry said. "On who wants to continue. I'll do it again if you want me to, it was the best thing that happened to me last year actually."
Terry nodded in understanding. "Actually I am very anxious on working on my Patronus again. I have an aunt who works as an auror and I was eavesdropping and heard her discussing with my mum and dad. The dementors are on the loose. Fudge lost all control of them. Now I don't know about you but I'd feel a lot safer knowing I could produce a Patronus as a defence against them, My silvery cloud isn't enough."
"I'll see what we can do. Let's say we meet at 19:00 on the day after we arrive? Same place. If you ask any other Ravenclaws who still want to attend I'll write to Ernie or Hannah about the Hufflepuffs. I'll ask the Gryffindors myself."
"Brilliant Harry. Oh there's my mum, I'd better go. See you September 1st." Terry hurried to meet up with a blond-haired witch and disappeared in the crowd.
Remus looked at him with an interested look on his face. "What is this I hear about the DA and you teaching again? You were covering the Patronus with them? You do know that most grown wizards can't perform that particular spell do you?"
"I know, but I think there are a lot of talented witches and wizards in the DA. Most of them can produce the silvery cloud and Hermione and Cho even managed to produce a solid Patronus."
"Really now, well that doesn't surprise me. Those two ladies are quite smart. So this means you will continue teaching?"
Harry shrugged. "It's not as much as teaching as it is coaching. I mean I just tell them a spell and how to perform it and help them practice."
"And that is exactly what teaching is." Remus pointed out.
"Never mind, just don't tell Dumbledore. I'd like to keep this to myself, I don't want to make a big fuss about it and don't want to risk being told off for holding the DA again."
"Actually Harry" Remus said in a low voice, keeping it down so nobody could hear. "I heard from Albus that he was quite pleased with the entire matter. Told us that it was good that there were students who were willing to stand up for themselves."
Harry smiled and they paid for their ice cream before they went to pick up Harry's last supplies. Ink, parchment, quills and owl treats for Hedwig.
They stopped in the Quidditch store as well but Harry wasn't sure if he could play that year again, as he didn't want to torture himself and left hurriedly.
Picking up his robes that were now ready they went into a dark and deserted alley and held the portkey that would transport them back to Grimmauld Place.
Harry heard Remus say 'Pax' before he felt the now familiar pull around his navel and he closed his eyes. When he felt solid ground beneath his feet again he opened them again and saw they were in another deserted alley, a few blocks from Grimmauld Place.
He heard Remus mutter a spell and asked him what it was. "It's an invisibility charm your mum developed actually. It works like the cloak only, without the cloak obviously. It would be weird for the muggles to see us walk around in our robes wouldn't it?"
Harry agreed and made their way to Grimmauld Place talking animatedly since the charm had an extra feature or so Remus explained.
"It's an advanced invisibility charm that does not only hide us from sight but keeps people from hearing us as well. It was quite a brilliant discovery, it's not a surprise that she got an O+ for her NEWT in charms."
"Speaking of NEWT-classes." Said Remus. "Which classes will you be following this year? You only told me about Potions, Charms, DADA and Transfiguration since you needed those subjects to become an auror."
"Well, I'm taking those four classes and also Care Of Magical Creatures, Herbology, Astronomy, History of Magic and Divination, my old schedule actually only in NEWT level."
"Divination? I thought you said that was one OWL you were sure you had failed for?"
"So did I but as it turned out Professor Marchbanks did meat a round, soggy stranger. A Boggart who had been hiding in her cold and wet cellar. Plus I informed her she should have died the previous Tuesday of the exam. As it turns out she had been here at Hogwarts at the time, but on Tuesday there was an explosion in her office of the Ministry. She was so certain I had seen this instead of making it up she gave me an O, completely forgiving me for not seeing anything in the crystal ball."
They had finally reached Grimmauld Place and entered it quickly and Remus took the charm of them so they wouldn't scare anyone.
"So I guess a career as a seer isn't out of the question yet." Remus snickered.
"Not funny!" Harry exclaimed and he pushed Remus against the wall. "How was I supposed to know that what I made up came true. At least I'll have Firenze as well as Trelawney. I bet she's happy, whose death would she have predicted if I had left?"
Remus waved his hand in the air, rubbing an imaginary crystal ball and spoke in a misty voice. "I have foreseen that you will. . . oh dear. . . you will be bludgeoned to death by a feather. . . the grim. . . the death omen is upon you."
Not able to help himself Harry burst out in laughter as they burst into the kitchen together. His laughter must have been infectious since Remus couldn't keep a straight face either.
The two nearly rolled around the floor howling with laughter and this, of course, attracted the intention of several inhabitants of the house.
Harry and Remus tried to get up when Tonks and Hermione walked into the kitchen, wondering what was going on, but they made the mistake of looking at each other, thus bursting out laughing once again.
After five minutes they had calmed down and were drinking a cup of tea that Hermione had prepared. They all sat around the table drinking their tea slowly.
"The Weasley's have gone for a few days." Said Tonks. "I believe it had something to do with their son Percy wanting a good conversation with them all."
Remus nodded and Harry felt oddly relieved. At least now Mrs. Weasley wouldn't be fussing over him and he wouldn't have to deal with Ron's temper yet.
"Well Harry. Let me see what you got. Oh and Hedwig came with a message for you. She put it on your bed and I gave her some food and water." Hermione said.
"Thanks Hermione. And I wasn't mad at you for getting my books you know. I just wanted to get some extra books."
Remus scoffed. "Some is an understatement Harry, you bought over 30 books."
Seeing Hermione's astonished gaze Harry was quick to explain. "If I'm expected to kill Voldemort I need to know how don't I? Besides, I need to do good on my NEWTS if I want to be an auror."
Tonks and Hermione responded at the exact same time.
"You want to be an auror Harry?"
"How can you be so calm about you having to kill V-Voldemort?"
"Yes I want to be an auror, it's why I'm doing all the extra work on Potions. I'm sure I'm only a few essays away from an O so I'll be in the NEWT class as well."
Harry then answered Hermione's question. "I've had the whole summer till now to let it sink in. Dumbledore told me about the prophecy after Sirius, well after he died. I'm not sure if I can do it but I am not going down without a fight either."
"Why does it always have to be you? We've never had a normal year, and now we have this on our plate." Hermione had tears in her eyes.
"WE have nothing on OUR plate, I have on MY plate. It said that I alone have to defeat him, not me and other people."
Hermione huffed. "I'm still going to help you."
This time Remus answered. "As much as I wish it wasn't so Hermione, this really is something Harry must do on his own. The only think we can do is help Harry prepare and support him in every way we can."
Reluctantly Hermione nodded and Harry was happy to have been able to avoid that particular discussion. He decided to go on another subject entirely.
"You'll never guess who I ran into today, Terry Boot. He wanted to know if I was going to continue the DA."
"Are you?" Hermione asked.
Harry looked at Tonks who put her hands up. "I won't breath a word." She promised.
"Yeah, I guess it would be good to have some extra practice. I'm going to write Ernie or Hannah about the Hufflepuffs and Terry promised he'd ask the Ravenclaws. I'll ask the Gryffindors September 1st."
Harry brought his stuff upstairs and when he came down again he started to help Remus cook dinner and laughed outright at his face when did so.
"If there is one thing I learned at the Dursley's, it's how to cook. Now what can I do to help?"
Remus directed Harry and Hermione to cut the vegetables and peel the potatoes while he and Tonks would start with desert and the meat.
At Grimmauld Place it was never certain who would show up so they always made extra food. The four chattered when they heard footsteps coming from the hallway as dinner was just about done.
Moody, Shacklebolt and a few others Harry didn't recognise came in and took a place on the kitchen table, which Tonks had enlarged so there was place for everyone.
There were conversations at the table about all kinds of things, though nothing too serious since harry and Hermione were there.
Suddenly there were footsteps in the hall once again and Moody jumped up, his wand aimed and ready for whoever had got in.
The door opened only to reveal. . . .
"Professor Snape!" Harry exclaimed with horror in his voice and he jumped up and pushed the man in his chair.
Now it wasn't as if Harry had taken a sudden liking to his most hated professor, it was just that the man looked downright awful.
He was paler then ever and there were large blue rims around his eyes. He was unsteady on his feet and looked about ready to drop dead.
The adults took control immediately and Hermione and Harry were ushered upstairs with the mission of finding some potions to help Snape.
Those potions were easily found since Harry kept them all together and they sneaked downstairs where they listened at the door.
"It will be starting soon." Hermione and harry could Snape say with a raspy voice. "Voldemort is preparing his forces. The giants will help him, until their current leader has been overthrown that is, as will the vampires and of course the dementors."
"Anything else happen?" Moody asked in his gruff voice.
"Not that I know of, but I am still not accepted back into the Inner Circle. I do know that he is very angry with Potter, but then again, what else is new?"
Harry took that as a good time to come back in and he motioned for Hermione to creep back with him before he thundered down the stairs, Hermione close behind him.
"Here's some potions that might help. Pain relief and bruise remover. My supply is running a bit out though I still have about a hundred bottles of Dreamless Sleep potion." Harry said.
Snape took the vials from him and swallowed the potions without as much as a grimace. "Good to know that the potions I'm forced to brew by Mrs. Weasley are good for something. Potter. . . I have some bad news."
"What?" Harry was anxious to know of course.
"It seems." Snape sneered. "That I am stuck with you in my class for another two years. Your last essay has gained you the O you needed to enter my class."
The grin on Harry's face got so wide he thought his jaw would break from the pressure on it. Snape, seeing Harry's happiness (which he couldn't stand of course) sneered once more.
"We'll see if you're as happy once classes start Potter, just wait and see."
Harry rolled his eyes at Remus at this remark, out of sight of Snape of course, and went upstairs with Hermione behind them. It seemed like they weren't wanted in the room.
Once they got to Harry's room Hermione squealed in delight and hugged Harry. "I'm so proud of you. I knew you could get great marks if you put the work in it. I won't have to suffer potions on my own now."
"I bet you'll have some competition from me this year Hermione, with all the extra work I'll be doing. What classes are you taking this year?"
"I passed all my OWLS so I'll pretty much have the same schedule. I got an A for Astronomy but with everything that went on during our exams I pretty much calculated that in. How did you do on your OWLS? You never told me."
Harry grabbed the parchment with his grades and handed them to Hermione who looked them over with a smile.
"These are good Harry, even History of Magic to my surprise. But how did you get an O for Divination?"
"Don't ask!" Harry groaned. "Just. . . don't ask please. Help me unpack my books?"
Looking like Christmas had come early at hearing the word books they started to unpack the seemingly endless supply out of the one bag.
Hermione commented on every book but she got quiet when she reached 'Total Defence'. "This" she breathed "This must have cost you a fortune. Look at this, it must be at least a hundred years old. And a first edition as well. You are lucky to have found in such a good shape."
Plucking the book from her clutches Harry teased her. "Stop drooling Hermione, I'll let you borrow it sometime." He yawned and when he looked at the clock he saw it was 23:00 already. "Time sure moves fast today." He said.
Hermione looked at the clock and yawned as well. "Night Harry." She said.
"Wait Hermione, are you alone in your room now?"
She shook her head. "No, Tonks took Ginny's bed for now. I don't care that this is the Order's Headquarters, the place gives me the creeps."
Harry agreed and bid Hermione a good night. He changed into his pyjamas and wanted to crawl into his bed when he saw the letter on top of it and immediately remembered Hermione telling him about his mail.
He ripped the envelope open and found a note from Professor McGonnagall, to his great surprise.
'Harry
To my satisfaction I just received word from Severus that you managed to get the acquired O for NEWT potions. I am pleased to see you working so hard for your dream and therefor I have enchanted the parchment attached to this one. It works like a muggle movie. To activate it you have to get an adult (I suggest Mr. Lupin) to point his wand against the words and say the incantation 'Video'. This will reveal my present to you.
Now I know this falls under favouritism, but I must say I am very proud of you Harry, you do your parents proud.
Minerva McGonnagall'
Harry was eager to find out what the present was and took the letter and the parchment to Remus's room where he knocked on the door.
Seeing Harry at his doorstep Remus ushered him in and made him sit on the bed. Remus was also wearing nightclothing but didn't seem to care that Harry had disturbed him.
"What is it Harry?" he asked. Harry handed him the letter and Remus read it, a smile coming to his face as he read. "To imagine she is called the Stone-hearted witch from Hogwarts. . . I swear there isn't a more heart- warming witch then Minerva."
He got his wand from the cabinet and moved so he was sitting next to Harry, Harry leaning his head on Remus's shoulder. "Video." Remus said while holding the wand against the parchment.
At first it seemed like the spell hadn't worked but then it seemed like a movie was playing on the parchment, just like McGonnagall had said.
In the parchment there was a younger version of the Gryffindors head of house in front of a class. "Potter." She said. "Come up here and show us how well you can transfigure this rose into a cat."
Harry watched as his father trudged to the front, hand ruffling through his already messy hair as he sneaked some glances at none other than Lily Evans.
"I remember this." Whispered Remus and he smiled as Harry was wrapped up in the parchment completely.
James waved his wand at the rose and suddenly it turned into a tiny and cute brown kitten. The kitten yawned and James picked her up, holding her in his arms.
Professor McGonnagall had a rare smile on her face as she watched her star- pupil do such a complicated transfiguration with such ease. "Excellent Mr. Potter, that will be 30 points for Gryffindor."
A lopsided grin came on James's face and he went back to his seat where the other three Marauders were sitting. Sirius slapped him on his back and Remus just grinned knowingly as James kept petting the kitten while gazing at Lily.
The bell rang and the class piled out. James 'accidentally' dropped the kitten, which on it's own devices walked over to none other than Lily Evans and started to cuddle against her legs.
James walked to Lily; the two were now alone in the classroom besides the professor. "She seems to like you." James said.
Lily picked the kitten up and rubbed it behind its ear, causing it to purr. "I love cats." Lily said. "I can't believe you can transfigure a cat from a rose so easily. It's hard to imagine that this cute kitten was a rose only 20 minutes ago."
"Would you like to keep it?" James asked, running his hand through his hair once more. "I mean I already have an owl, so I won't be able to keep her and since you don't have a pet I thought you might like her."
Looking at him as if she didn't know this was a prank or not Lily stared at him for a long time until she finally nodded. "You know Potter, I wish you were like this more often. Your actually bearable like this."
She stepped around him and started to walk away but turned around again and kissed his cheek quickly. "Thank you." she said and she disappeared. Leaving James with a dreamy look on his face, his hand pressed against his cheek.
Then Sirius burst into the room again. "Prongs, come on mate or you'll miss the effect of our hair-dye charm on the Slytherins."
Waking from his stupor James ran after Sirius with glee written across his face. "I wouldn't want to miss that for the world Padfoot. I can just see their faces when. . . . "
Then the voices drifted off and the movie seemed to have reached its end. Harry had tears in his eyes as he saw his parents and also Sirius.
Remus's eyes were moist as well and his voice hoarse as he explained the scene to Harry. "That was in our sixth year and James's crush on your mother was still going strong. For days he raved about the fact she had kissed him and we would just nod and smile. He was head over feet about that girl. Of course, he ruined his chances that year by hexing some unsuspecting Slytherins."
"I've never heard my mum and dad talk, well besides from what I hear when the dementors come close to me. It's nice to hear their voices."
Closing his eyes Remus squeezed Harry's shoulder, inwardly howling that it wasn't fair for the boy to have lost so much and to be expected so much from.
"Lily did love that cat though. She took Rosie, that's what she called the kitten, everywhere with her. It really hurt her when Rosie was run over by a muggle car a few weeks before you were born. She was depressed for a week and I don't think I have ever seen James worry as much over her as in that week."
Harry yawned. "Sorry." He muttered.
"That's quite alright cub. Do you want to stay here tonight? Tonks is with Hermione, this house is very uncomfortable to stay alone in and I speak from experience."
"I wouldn't want to bother you and there's only one bed so. . . "
Remus pulled his wand again and pointed it at the bed after he told Harry to get off of it. "Duplico" he said and immediately an exact copy of the bed stood beside the real bed.
"And you call yourself a wizard." Remus joked and he led harry to the bed and drew back the covers. Harry climbed in and lay in a comfortable position.
Then Remus tucked the blankets around him and plucked the glasses from Harry's face. He then saw the surprise on Harry's face. "What is it Harry?" he asked.
"Nothing, it's just. Nobody has ever tucked me in before, it's nice though."
Remus gritted his teeth as he suppressed his anger with the Dursley's. "Well then, now you have been tucked in. Try to get some sleep."
He climbed in his own bed and put out the candles in the room with a wave of his hand. He heard Harry mumble in the bed beside him.
"Night Remus, thanks for the nice day."
"Good night cub, and you're welcome." Remus answered him. He listened as he heard Harry's breathing even out and only when he was sure the boy was asleep he allowed himself to drift off as well.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
A/N: Well??? What did you think, was it too much??? Too boring, too nice???? Please let me know what you think of this, I'm really anxious about this. I will update soon since I have some more ideas but I love reviews so please do that for me.
Achilles4: Thanks, ff.net can get annoying can't it?
Kimmaree: I'm happy you like it and hope this one will live up to your expectations.
Leitheindel: Hey Lei, thanks for taking to read my HP fic and I'm happy you like it even though it's different from protector.
Serpent of Light: Don't worry I will never, EVER, kill Remus. He's my favourite character!!! *blushes* Thanks for the compliments.
ADJ: I'm happy you think that this is realistic, I try to keep it like that as well. Please let me know when I go all AU.
Lissie89: I'm not sure if I'll put the romance in, I'll just have to wait and see what my muses tell me. Thanks for tip on the quotation marks but ff.net has cleared up (Thank GOD!!!!!)
Elvish princess: Yay, you read my HP-fic!!!! I'm happy you like it and hope you'll like this one as well. Well, see you later!
Ariana Dumbledore: Well, nothing bad happened in Diagon Alley, I just wanted to give them some time to bond you know.
Blahblah: I know I get very annoyed with Molly as well. Thanks for the compliment, you know how I get about my chapters when I'm not sure about them so it was a reassurance.
Arwen-evenstar2: You're number 2 huh? Well I'm now Tara6 so, 2 isn't that bad. I decided to leave the OC's out of this fic, I wnted to make this very different from Protector. I'm happy you still like it.
Laerwen: I know #these# were very annoying but if I put in quotation marks I would get something like &fa@this&fa@ It was ff.net going crazy so I decided to solve it like this. It's all normal now though.
TYCHO13: *bows* Thank you for your compliments and I'm happy you like it.
Silverleaf: I'm happy you like the bonding between harry and Remus, I think this will be very important as well. I'm not sure if this is a romance at all so I'll just have to see f I pair Harry up with anyone. Thank you for pointing the problem you had. I hope you like the way I fixed it. I don't mind criticism at all as long as it has a reason and you had that, so thank you.
Sharazhad Potter: I know JK said that and that's why I am doubting there will be any real romance in this fic. I'm happy you like it.
Porphyrophobic Grape: Thanks for letting me know about the mistakes, I was in a hurry to remove all the quotation marks since ff.net kept screwing them up that some things went wrong. It's better in this chapter though. I know leaving the Dursley's was suden but I was stuck there and needed to get him out of the house. I'm happy you like the rest though. No you weren't too mean, I enjoy it when people think with me on my fic.
Muusicgrl: Thanks for letting me know about the mirrors and others forgetting about them as well, I feel a lot less stupid now. ;)
Mella deRanged: Thanks, that meant you liked it right??
Yoshi-fan2003: I'm happy you like it, hope you like this one as well.
Joe: I had to put I am instead of I'm because ff.net kept screwing it up like this I$&djt$m. It was so annoying to read like that that I had to redo my fic and remove all the ' thingies and replace them . Hope you understand.
Aquitaineq: I'm happy you think I did a good job with Mrs. Weasley but now I have another question. . . do you think Remus is in character??????