Disclaimer:  Still have no claim on anything but this specific storyline.  All things belong to J.K. =)

A/N: SO sorry for the long wait in between chapters.  Life has been very hectic lately but I hope you are all sticking with me!  I will try to update sooner, though nothing is certain ^_- 

Chapter 19: Second Chances

A cold circular chamber surrounded Harry.  The few candles that were lit cast an eerie and faint glow upon the rest of the room.  Harry realized he was standing, and the only piece of furniture in the room was a pair of bookshelves that had been knocked over to his left.  A door to the right suddenly opened.  A man appeared, leaving the large stone door slightly ajar behind him.  Harry immediately recognized his long pale face.

"Dolohov," Harry knew he had spoken, and yet it had not been his voice that had spoken.

"Yes master?"  The man quivered slightly.

Again Harry heard the unfamiliar voice, "Bring him in."

"Yes master."  The man nodded quickly before leaving through the stone door. 

Harry felt somewhat removed from himself, as he inhabited the body of another.  But before he could ponder this further the large stone door opened once again. 

The man he had addressed as Dolohov entered, dragging something behind him.  A man was being dragged by his legs from the adjoining room.  Harry almost gasped at his decrepit appearance.  His clothes were bloodstained and torn.  He moaned slightly against the cold stone floor upon which his head rested.  Harry looked in horror at the head that was adorned with an unusual amount of grungy red hair.

Harry sat up in bed, gasping for breath.  He had been having this particular dream for several weeks but it had never gone further than him being in a chamber.  He was reminded of his dreams from the previous year when he had seen the door to the department of mysteries.  Thus far he had neglected to talk to Dumbledore or anyone about the dreams he had been having.  The first time he had the dream Dumbledore had been away from Hogwarts, and each consecutive time he had dismissed the dream, forgetting it several moments after waking.  But on this morning he knew something was very different and very wrong. 

Determined to not forget what he had seen, he reached over to his nightstand to retrieve a quill and some parchment.  Quickly, he wrote down every detail which was still fresh in his mind; what the chamber had looked like, even the sort of robes the prisoner had been wearing.  The prisoner, Harry thought, happened to look an awful lot like Percy Weasley.  He knew that if this dream had actually been a vision, he might hold the key to where Percy was being kept.  

Harry jumped out of bed as quietly as he could.  The sun had still not fully arisen in the sky and his room was still shaded in darkness.  He could hear his roommates snoring quietly.  Quickly he pulled on the nearest trousers and shirt. 

Harry smiled to himself as he left the room.  They were supposed to be going to Hogsmeade later that morning.  Valentine's Day was later in the week and Ron had enlisted Harry and Ginny's help in making the day perfect for Hermione.  Harry and Ginny thought it was sweet, if not slightly out of character, for Ron to be doing something for her like that.  But they had wholeheartedly agreed. 

Harry slipped past the empty common room and made his way to the statue outside of Dumbledore's office.  He whispered the password quietly and hopped onto the moving staircase.  Harry knew that Dumbledore would be awake.  After coming back to the new term following vacation; Dumbledore seemed to always be doing something. 

Several times in the few weeks since returning he had been called away from the castle for a few days, addressing needs of the Order.  Unfortunately, there had been no important developments.  They were no closer to finding answers than they had been.  It seemed that after storming through Penelope's apartment the death eaters had either found what they were looking for or had decided to take a permanent vacation.  But in the back of his mind, Harry doubted both options.  He guessed they were just waiting. 

He knocked on the door and it opened slightly, allowing him to enter.  Harry walked through the room to where Dumbledore was sitting behind his desk.  The old wizard looked up Harry expectantly.

Automatically Harry took a seat across from him

"Professor, Er... I think I might have had some sort of vision last night."

When Dumbledore said nothing Harry continued.

"You see, I think I have had this dream before… I'm standing in this chamber… and it's really dark.  I recognized someone that was there. I remember his name being Dolohov… and I think Percy Weasley was there too." 

Dumbledore nodded, "Well Harry, I guess I do not have to inquire about how well your Occlumency has been progressing."

Harry looked at the floor, "Well we just got sidetracked with everything that has been going on.  I still have them with Professor Snape once in a while…"

"I think that I will have to have a talk with Professor Snape about priorities.  I strongly suggest Harry that you try and put forth more effort into these lessons."

Harry met his eye, "Excuse me Professor, but I sort of thought this was a good thing… I mean, maybe we can figure out where they have Percy."

"Harry, this is not the way that we are going to go about doing things anymore…"  He stopped talking abruptly and stared at the young boy.

"Learning from past experiences of withholding information I am going to tell you something.  I trust you to not tell anyone, including Ron and Hermione for the time being."  When Harry nodded he continued.

"As you know, over the holiday the residence of Miss Clearwater was broken into. The death eaters were apprehended upon discovery and brought to the Ministry of Magic.  I specifically asked for their identities to be concealed until I questioned them myself," he smiled to himself, "The minister has wisely decided to give me much more say in matters than I once had."

"As soon as I could, I arrived at the Ministry to question the culprits and unfortunately my guess was confirmed about their respect identities, at least one in particular.  You see, there were actually three of them.  As you may recall, the final Ministry report stated there were only two apprehended."

Harry vaguely remembered being surprised at only two death eaters being caught when Moody had already told them three.

"Well, there were in fact three of them, but I am hoping that after my rather lengthy explanation, during which I beg for your patience, that things will become clearer."

Dumbledore folded his hands and rested them on his chin pensively.  He looked down, presumably collecting his thoughts before starting.

"Harry I have for quite some time suspected young Mr. Malfoy was on the verge of following in his father's footsteps, though I have always reserved some hope that I had been mistaken.  Do not think I have been completely blind in regard of his attitude and actions toward fellow students in the school.  He is a very smart boy with unmistakable potential."

Harry bit back a comment and instead dug his nails harder into the arm of the chair that he was sitting in. 

"However I am not blind to his cruel disposition.  Mr. Malfoy is a person who has been bred in all kinds of prejudices.  He has been brought up to look down upon those he believes are below him, and to lack any respect for those he deems inferior.  Still, as I have reiterated, I have hoped that his boyhood beliefs would be repressed after coming here and being in the presence of a large group of fellow students with a plethora of backgrounds.  Unfortunately, thus far, my hopes have been diminished."

He rested his hands back in his lap and stood up, and began uncharacteristically pacing behind his desk.  "I do not suppose that you have to guess that third death eater that was apprehended from Miss Clearwater's flat was indeed Draco Malfoy.  I can also guess you are feeling very angry seeing as he was obviously let go."

Harry was indeed testing the limits of his self restraint as he had never done in his life.  Not even his many encounters with the Dursley's could match the anger and confusion that coursed through his veins. 

"I guess I should start by retelling the encounter at the ministry with Draco.  When I arrived he was bound and under a spell that had put him in a twilight sleep.  His head was covered as I had requested in order to keep his identity hidden.  Upon waking, he was his usual boisterous and rude self, demanding that he had been falsely apprehended.  I knew that he would not comply with my wishes of cooperation.  He informed me that he had seen and talked to his father over the holiday and did not hesitate in threatening that I would pay for his apprehension.  This was when I first realized that Mr. Malfoy could be used for good.  You see, Draco is still a young boy… a young rich boy who is extremely arrogant.  He wants to come out on top no matter the situation.  That is his evil.  I do not think that he holds the same propensity for evil that is held by his father or the death eaters.  Because of this I decided to let him go.  I did not see the point in revealing him to the world or sending him to Azkaban.  If anything, it would only give his father more reason to strike out."

Harry found he could not stop the words that came spilling out of his mouth, "Excuse me for being blunt Professor, but why on earth did you let him go?  He was one of the people who broke into Penelope's house! He is a death eater!"

Dumbledore sat back down in his seat, "No Harry, he is not yet a death eater, remember Voldemort is not unwise.  He does not idly bestow his trust on others."

Harry accidentally mumbled Snape's name but Dumbledore either had not heard or chose to ignore it because he continued.  "Draco is not in Voldemort's inner circle.  He probably knows little or no information which could help us."

Harry interjected, "But Professor, how do we know he doesn't know anything?  For all we do know he could be helping to bring down Hogwarts from the inside!"

Dumbledore shook his head lightly, "No, I myself am very skilled in knowing when others are lying, as is Professor Snape who has been keeping me abreast of any activity concerning young Malfoy.  He is not yet high enough to be considered a viable threat.  Professor Snape is using the remaining part of the school year to attempt to steer Mr. Malfoy in the right direction without the boy becoming suspicious.  I still believe that there is hope in him yet."

"Professor, I have to disagree! Malfoy and I have never seen eye to eye and we never will.  He treats everyone like his own personal house elf and he will do anything in his power to hurt me or anyone I know!"

"I don't expect you to understand me Harry, and I don't ask you to.  What I do ask for is a little trust.  There was no point in keeping him in Azkaban.  He would only be there for a short amount of time before he is reunited with his father.  That would only end up speeding up a process which I am trying to stop altogether."

Harry stood up from his chair and began pacing as Dumbledore had done earlier, "But now he knows that you know about him.  He is going to tell everyone how you let him go."

Dumbledore shook his head, "I preformed a memory charm on him after our encounter.  He remembers only being caught by the Aurors and he thinks that he was then able to escape their hold before I had even arrived.  As far as Mr. Malfoy knows, we never even spoke."

"But Professor, what is the point of all of this?  Are we just waiting for him to turn evil?  Are we waiting for him to kill someone here?"

Dumbledore did not appear taken aback by anything that Harry had said.  Instead he stood and walked around the desk, "Harry, as I have said I do not think there is real reason to fear him.  He is not yet of importance to them.  However, he has already played an extremely important role in our cause so I cannot help but repay him."

Harry saw the spark of the familiar twinkle illuminate the old man's eyes.  "Professor I don't understand.  How has Malfoy helped us?"

Dumbledore reached his hand out and slowly guided Harry toward the door.  "He has already let slip that he had seen his father over the holiday.  Professor Snape and other members of the Order have been watching him closely.  We know that he seldom went anywhere except his home."

Harry looked at Dumbledore in confusion.  Dumbledore smiled slightly before concluding the conversation, "It leads me to believe that Lucius Malfoy has been hiding in plain sight… at Malfoy Manor.  Pair this information with the dream that you have just related and I have little doubt that Percy is being held anywhere except for there."

Harry felt an enormous weight being lifted off of his chest.  He felt lighter than he had in weeks. "So that means that the Order can go in and get him back! I can't wait to tell Ron and Ginny!"

Harry and Dumbledore had reached the door to his office.  Before Harry could turn to leave Dumbledore had rested a hard hand upon Harry's shoulder. 

"No Harry, remember you must not tell anyone about what we have discussed.  We cannot act rashly.  I said I have little doubt, but that does not mean I am certain.  We do not want to make them suspect we know anything.  The risk is simply too high.  I will confer with the Order within the next couple of days and form an appropriate plan of action.  I am asking you to keep quiet until we have sorted out the matter.  Remus is back in Hogsmeade and he is keeping me informed of any strange activities.  I will contact you as well as the others as soon as I have anything new to discuss."

Harry walked through the door and down the moving staircase.  A million thoughts were running through his head. 

Harry couldn't believe that Dumbledore had let Malfoy go.  With each year Harry was starting to question Dumbledore's omnipotence.  But, he reasoned, he knew that there was nothing that he could realistically do.  What did he think he could do anyway?  Go to the Slytherin common room and make him pay?  The best thing that he could do was to enjoy the weekend while he could, and somewhat unwilling put all of his faith in Dumbledore.  Deep down Harry knew that Dumbledore knew what he was doing.

Harry soon reached the portrait of the fat lady and waved to her.  "Jobberknoll," he called out and the portrait swung open.  He ducked inside and felt the warmth of the room.  There were a couple of groups of younger students playing games and others that were engrossed in books.  Realization struck him suddenly.  He was supposed to go to Hogsmeade with Ginny and Ron.  He hoped that he hadn't missed them, but judging by the lack of older students in the room he realized he had.

The Professors, after much complaining from the students, had decided to allow the fifth years and up go to Hogsmeade.  There were teachers assigned to groups of students however, as the teachers were not taking any risks.  Harry was sincerely disappointed.  He did not realize how long he had spent in Dumbledore's office.  Perusing the room quickly he found a familiar head of hair protruding over the top of a fairly large book. 

Making his way over, his footsteps alerted the person of his arrival. 

"Harry, where have you been?"

Harry shrugged, "Hey Hermione… I went to Dumbledore.  I had to talk to him about… er, stuff."

Hermione appeared to be unsatisfied with his response but remained silent nonetheless. 

"Did everyone leave for Hogsmeade already?"

Hermione nodded, "They went down to breakfast about twenty minutes ago… They were going straight to Hogsmeade from there.  Professor McGonagall was separating people into groups after they ate… but if you hurry you might be able to catch up."

Harry shook his head and instead took a seat across from Hermione.  "I don't think I'm gonna go.  I don't need anything anyway; I was just going to help Ron…"

Hermione's eyes lit up, "Help Ron with what exactly?"

Harry shook his head, "You are not going to get anything out of me… I don't think he would appreciate it, and besides I rather like being on his good side.  I'll leave the fights between you two."

Hermione pouted before turning back to her book.  "Honestly," she murmured to herself.

"Oh come on Hermione, give him a break.  He is doing this for you, don't act so self righteous."

"Excuse me Harry but I don't see why I have to be kept in the dark.  You, Ron, and Ginny have been all secrets lately, and then to top it all off Ron practically forbids me from going to Hogsmeade."

Harry raised an eyebrow at her.  Seeing his reaction she added, "And lucky for him I just so happened to have tons of work to do.  Otherwise he wouldn't have had a choice but to let me go."

Harry chuckled quietly which resulted in Hermione slamming the book shut. 

"Excuse me Harry, but I'm going to the library."

Harry watched her as she rose from her chair, "I'm sorry Hermione, and I didn't mean to tease you.  And come on, you know why Ron is being all secretive don't you?"

Hermione shook her head abruptly.  Harry just continued to look at her in shock, "Hermione, don't you know what is coming up later this week?"

Again he received no answer except the shake of her head.  He laughed inwardly, as Hermione, the brightest witch in school, could probably tell you the long boring history behind Valentine's Day.  However, she still had no use for the date herself. 

"I thought all girls had some sort of biological clock when it came to remembering these types of holidays."

Hermione screwed her face up in confusion before realization dawned across her face.  She breathed lightly, "Valentine's Day…"  She trailed off while an unmistakable blush rose to her cheeks.  He watched as the corners of her mouth slowly curled up into a small smile. 

Harry remained silent for a few moments, allowing Hermione to stare into space dreamily.  Before Harry lost the breakfast he never had he cleared his throat, drawing her from her reverie. 

"Hermione lets go do something."

"Harry there is nothing to do.  And besides we have a very heavy workload this time of year, I personally don't want to fall behind."

A sudden thought jumped into his mind.  "I'll be right back."

With that he dashed up the stairs to his dormitory and retrieved the necessary items.  He sprinted back down and ran to where he had left Hermione, who had again taken up reading from her book. 

"Come on Hermione, we are leaving."

She stared up at him, "Where are we going?"

He smiled, "Hogsmeade, of course!"
She looked at him incredulously, "Harry they probably left, and we are not allowed to go by ourselves!"

Before she could continue her argument he grabbed her arm and pulled her toward the portrait hole.  "No one can catch us the way we are going, and besides, I have my invisibility cloak and the map in case we run into any trouble."

~~~***~~~***~~~

After many arguments and pulling, Harry managed to arrive at the Shrieking Shack with a reluctant and slightly annoyed Hermione.  Harry had taken Hermione through the tunnels, so that no one would see them.  He had managed to convince her that they could find out more information by seeing Lupin, and that they wouldn't be in any danger.  He missed seeing Remus, and he had heard that he was home from Dumbledore.  They both turned toward the kitchen as a small crash was heard, followed by a distinct feminine voice.  Harry pushed forward, making his way toward the kitchen.  He pushed open the door to see Tonks, swearing to herself softly, covered in a greenish fluid substance.

Harry cleared his throat and watched as the young woman jumped backwards in surprise, "Harry! What are you doing here?"

Harry tried to hide the grin on his face, "Err… just stopped by for a visit.  What happened?"

Tonks threw her hands up in defeat but smiled, "So much for being a cook huh?"

Harry could feel Hermione silently shaking with laughter beside him.  The kitchen door swung open suddenly, causing Harry and Hermione to jump to the side.

"Tonks, what on earth happened?"  Remus Lupin examined the scene before him.  "Harry!  Why are you here?"

Harry smiled, "Hello Remus, Hermione and I decided to visit.  We weren't going to Hogsmeade with the other students but we didn't want to stay at the castle all day."

Hermione murmured behind him, "Some of us wouldn't have minded."

Ignoring her, he stepped forward to shake Lupin's hand. 

The man greeted Harry warmly, "It's good to see you Harry, and Hermione.  I'm glad you came.  You are always welcome here.  Please excuse me for one second."

Lupin left the kitchen leaving Harry Hermione and very green Tonks.  She muttered a quick cleaning spell over herself before offering refreshments.  Harry and Hermione obliged and sat at the table with her.  Several minutes later Lupin returned and joined them at the table.

After several minutes of pleasant conversation Lupin turned to Harry.  "Harry, do you mind if I have a word with you?"

He shook his head and Tonks, sensing the conversation was to be private, offered Hermione a tour.

Harry followed his old teacher into an adjoining room.  It was warmly decorated with several bookcases and sofas.  Harry turned toward the mantel and noticed several pictures. 

"Harry, I just spoke with Dumbledore… I just thought he should know you are here… as I figured you had neglected to tell anyone about your little outing."

Despite his words, Lupin was smiling.  "You are so like your father.  But anyway, the real reason I wanted to talk to you was because Dumbledore informed me of the conversation the two of you had earlier.  I just wanted to make sure you weren't going to do anything rash.  I know you have many issues with Draco Malfoy, as I'm certain most people do.  But we can't let personal squabbles cloud our judgment."

"Squabble?"  Harry cried out incredulously.  "I think what we have is a little more than a squabble."

Lupin just nodded and sat down on one of the sofas, "Well I just hope you can display some self control when it comes to Draco."

Harry shook his head, "Haven't I been doing a pretty fine job already?"

Lupin nodded his head.  After several more moments of silence Lupin spoke again, "You know you really are such a mix of your parents… and Sirius."

Harry ignored the slight sting he felt but forced himself to answer, "How?"

Lupin smiled, "Well, you seem to show some reserve and patience, and you care a great deal for others.  I think you get that from your mother.  And you are courageous and dependable, that comes from your father." 

Harry looked at him when he stopped, "And what do I get from Sirius?"

Lupin stared into space thoughtfully for a second before replying, "There is a definite stubborn streak inside of you."

Harry laughed at the comment despite himself.  It felt good to feel happy when thinking about his godfather.

He passed the last picture on the mantel and stared in disbelief.  It was a picture of his parents in Hogwarts robes.  His father had his arms around his mother and they were laughing at Harry, momentarily disengaging themselves to wave. 

He turned to Lupin, "I've never seen this picture before."

Lupin smiled, "It is one of the few that I have of them from Hogwarts.  They were like that for almost the whole of seventh year."

Harry joked, "Must've been hard to get to classes connected like that."

Lupin laughed and motioned for Harry to take a seat on one of the sofas.

Harry carried the picture with him as he sat.  "Prof… I mean Remus, what were they really like?  I mean, I know you and Sirius told me a little about them after I saw Snape's pensieve.  But, I still don't understand how they fell in love."

Remus stretched his neck slightly to glance at the picture.  He settled himself back down into the sofa and crossed his arms.  "Well they never really got along in the beginning; mainly because they were from two different backgrounds.  Lily was a muggleborn and James was pureblood.  Neither of them held any prejudices, they just tended to stay in different crowds.  They were probably two of the brightest students in our year.  I guess it was during fifth year that their mutual annoyance escalated."

Lupin motioned to Harry, "You saw that for yourself in the pensieve.  I was a Prefect with your mother that year.  I guess I was the first one to really get to know her.  She was very studious and she always stuck up for people.  I guess that is where they clashed, considering your father and Sirius' preoccupation with practical jokes.   And of course, because of her honesty and attitude toward your father, he inevitably fell for her.  She was the only one who could put him in his place."

Harry had an involuntary flash of Ginny pop into his head.  But it disappeared as quickly as it had entered.

Remus continued, "It all changed when Sirius tried to play the joke on Snape the following year.  When Sirius thought it would be amusing for Snape to be introduced to my other state.  It was supposed to be kept a secret, but Lily found out.  It changed the whole way she saw James.  Despite his hatred of Snape he had saved him.  She got to see the real James, the man who would risk his life for anyone he cared about.  Of course, he didn't care about Snape, but he didn't want me to be in trouble.  Nonetheless I decided to bow out of my Prefect duties.  I didn't feel right when I thought about what I could have been responsible for that night.  Dumbledore tried to advise otherwise but I insisted.  So James was awarded Prefect in my stead for the remainder of sixth year.  And if I must say so myself, the title fit him perfectly.  Obviously he had to spend more time with Lily and they got to know each other better.  He was still rather sly mind you, convincing her to tutor him in charms.  I knew for a fact that he did not need any help and I'm pretty sure she did as well, but she helped him anyway."

Remus reached for the picture, which Harry set in his hand, "Seventh year they were a couple.  James went over Lily's house during summer before seventh.  I believe that he had several colorful encounters with her older sister.  But they were definitely very fond of each other.  We were worried that it would change him at first.  Especially Sirius, I mean they had been best friends, so he didn't warm up to Lily right away.  But she fit perfectly, and eventually became one of us, an honorary marauder."

Harry watched as his old Professor smiled fondly at the picture.  He opened his mouth to say something but was silenced when the door to the room opened.  Hermione and Tonks were giggling softly.  Tonks sat herself next to Lupin and Hermione remained standing at the end of the sofa. 

Tonks smiled brightly, "So what are you boys talking about?"

Lupin smirked, "Oh you know the usual boy stuff, Quidditch and girls."

Tonks nudged Lupin's side playfully and flashed Harry a warm smile.  He felt himself blush slightly and he met Hermione's eye.  She looked slightly uncomfortable and they silently agreed it was time to go.  Harry was very happy for Tonks and Lupin, but that didn't mean he should have to watch them start snogging. 

~~~***~~~***~~~

A short while later found Hermione and Harry entering the common room.  Ron and Ginny looked up from where they were sitting.

Ron got to his feet as they made their way over, "And where have you two been?  We came back early only to find you weren't here! And not even a note!"

Ginny laughed at her brother, "Ron! You sound just like Mum!"

Ron went red but laughed as well.

Hermione plopped herself on the sofa, where Ron had previously been sitting.

"Sorry," she stated, "we went to visit Remus and Tonks…. How was Hogsmeade?"

Ron smiled widely, "It was good… but we weren't allowed to go anywhere by ourselves! I thought we were going to have to line up and hold hands."

Ginny scoffed, "Ron, don't be so dramatic.  They are only doing this to be safe."

Ron remained silent and sat down next to Hermione.

"Well," Ginny stood up, "I think I'm going to get some sleep before dinner.  It's exhausting following my brother around Hogsmeade."

Ron smacked her playfully on her arm.  She smiled, "I'll see you all in a little while."

Harry stood up as well, "That's a good idea.  I'm a bit tired myself."

He gathered his invisibility cloak and map and made his way up to the boy's dormitory.  He had learned a great deal of information in one day.  And like any other sixteen year old boy, his head started to ache.  Thankfully, with all thoughts of Malfoy temporarily put aside, Harry fell asleep thinking about his parents. 

Thanks to my beta, Junglejim, who has been waiting patiently for me to send him something to beta ^_^