Harry laid there, breathing so hard his lungs hurt. Everything else hurt anyway. The scar was throbbing under Harry's hand. He couldn't move to save his soul.
"He'll behave now," he heard Voldemort say above his head.
"Harry?" Harry heard in front of him and felt a hand fall on top of his head. "Harry can you hear me?" It was Snape.
"Is he gone?" said Harry. Through the pain Harry couldn't tell if Voldemort had left.
"Yes," said Snape. "Move your arm so I can look at your head."
"I can't move yet, Severus," said Harry. "Give me a minute. And yes, you know it's bleeding."
"Is he all right?" It sounded like Mr. Johnson.
"Of course, he isn't all right, you idiot," snapped Severus. "He's just been tortured."
"Are you telling me that's the way he's been controlling the boy?" said Johnson.
"No, Johnson," said Severus. "That's the way he punishes him when he steps out of line. Voldemort can't control Harry. All he can do is keep him here and make everyone think he can control him."
"But, how-"
"Exactly the way Harry told you," said Severus. "Extortion."
"This is good news," said Johnson. "When the Ministry finds out-"
"You fool," barked Snape. "Do you think Voldemort will let you leave now after what you've seen?"
Harry heard a gasp from a different direction and groaned. He had almost forgotten about her and she had seen the whole humiliating scene.
"You should have kept your mouth shut, Harry," said Severus.
"I didn't think he'd actually do it," said Harry.
"Well he did and now the Johnson's are in danger," said Severus
"I'm sorry," choked Harry. Just what he needed, more guilt.
"Not that kind of danger, Harry," said Severus. "They are here under a wizard's white flag which Voldemort accepted. But he may use them against you now."
"Great." Harry managed to push himself to his hands and knees. He heard another gasp as he looked up.
"How bad is it?" Harry asked Severus. He could feel the blood flowing down his face.
"It's pretty bad." Severus grabbed his arm. "Help me with him, Johnson."
Harry looked blankly around.
"What's wrong with him?" said Matthew Johnson.
"Well aside from still being in great pain and bleeding profusely, he can't see," said Severus.
Harry heard another gasp as he was hauled to his feet. That was the last sound he heard.
Harry woke up feeling something being gently held to his scar.
"How are you feeling?"
Crystal Johnson was the person sitting beside him on his bed, holding what ever it was to Harry's head.
"What are you doing here?" said Harry.
"Severus told me to stay with you," she said. "He went to make a potion. How are you feeling?" she asked again.
"I'll live," said Harry.
"That was very scary to watch, Mr. Potter," said Crystal Johnson. "But I'm glad to know that you haven't joined him."
"Him," said Harry, feeling cynical again. "Miss Johnson, he killed my parents, treats me like a pet, takes great satisfaction in seeing me in pain and keeps me from my family and friends against my will. Why would I ever want to join him."
"So it's true. He's not using the Imperius Curse either."
"That doesn't work on me," said Harry.
"And you can counter the Cruacius Curse, too?"
Harry wondered what Snape had been telling them. "It knocks me off my feet but that's about all."
"No wonder everyone is worried," Crystal said. "You must be a very powerful wizard."
"So, you're awake?" Harry heard Snape say from across the room. "And it sounds like you've got another fan."
Harry sighed. "Since you're about to put me in pain again, Professor, do you think you could spare me from the 'famous Harry Potter' routine."
Severus Snape actually laughed softly. "Voldemort's right, Harry. You are becoming quite cynical."
"What does he mean 'pain again?'" said Crystal. "What are you going to do?"
"These drops," said Severus. "Are to restore his vision. They hurt."
"At least they work," said Harry.
"Are you sure you're ready, Harry?"
"Yes. I don't see well to begin with but it's better than this total blackness."
"Oh, yes. I almost forgot," said Severus. "Your lenses, Harry. You'll have to take them out. I don't know if the drops will work with them in."
Harry heard movement at the flap of the tent.
"What do you want, Wormtail," said Severus.
"Get out, Pettigrew," said Harry.
"The master wants to know how Harry is?" said Wormtail.
"Tell Voldemort to go to-":
"Harry," Severus cut him off. "Tell the master he'll be up in a couple of days."
Wormtail left and Harry took out his lenses. He endured the drops and looked around for his glasses. Severus left Harry and Crystal to overcome Harry's sight problem and while Crystal couldn't find Harry's glasses for him, she did find a few replacement lenses that Harry had left.
"I thought it was odd that you weren't wearing glasses when I met you," Crystal said. "All the pictures I've seen of you showed you wearing glasses."
Crystal handed him the envelop containing his contact lenses and Harry gave her a brief detail of how he started using them. She listened intently, sitting in a chair next to Harry's bed. Harry felt oddly comfortable talking with her. Maybe because she had seen him at his worst which could be considered at his best and had stayed by him anyway.
Harry reached up and the Saline flew from his dresser into his hand. He wet the lenses and put them into his eyes. He looked up at Crystal.
He had forgotten how lovely she was. Why was she being so nice to him? She tossed her very long hair over her shoulder, looking very surprised at him.
Harry became nervous suddenly. "What?" said Harry.
"You just – well – summoned that bottle," said Crystal. "Without a wand."
"Oh," said Harry, feeling relieved. "Voldemort won't let me have a wand here," Harry explained. "So I have to do without."
"Wow," said Crystal. "He really doesn't scare you, does he?"
"Of course, he does," lied Harry. "I just don't show it."
Crystal smiled at him, looking as if she didn't believe him.
"Crys?"
They both turned toward the door.
"Come on, my dear. I'm told Harry needs to rest."
"I'm coming, Dad," said Crystal. She stood up but looked down at Harry. "May I borrow a book from your library, Harry?"
"Sure," said Harry. "Although it isn't my library. This is just the tent Voldemort assigned to me."
"Come on, Crys," said the ambassador. "You can talk to you new friend tomorrow."
Crystal Johnson looked back down at Harry. "Are you my friend, Harry? Will you let me be your friend?"
Harry was afraid the question was moot. Looking into those ice blue eyes, he knew he was all ready lost. He could no more stop her than he could Ron or Hermione. He also felt that he didn't want too.
"I'd be honored to call you my friend, Crystal," said Harry.
She leaned over him and kissed his cheek. "I'll see you tomorrow then, Harry," she whispered.
Warm spread over Harry and he smiled. She smiled back and left with her father.
When Harry woke the next morning, he managed to get cleaned up and changed then he collapsed in a chair in the library. He had just summoned a book to him when he heard Crystal.
"Harry, can I come in?"
Harry, desperate for company, especially a beautiful girl's company eagerly called her in.
"Harry," said Crystal, after she took a good look at Harry. "You shouldn't be out of bed."
"It's too boring in there, Crys," said Harry, tiredly, not realizing that he had just cut Crystal's name in half. "It's making me nuts."
Crystal walked over to him, took the book out of his hands and lifted his face with a touch so gentle, Harry sighed.
"All right, Harry," said Crystal. "You sit there and I will read to you."
"You are going to read to me?" said Harry, feeling floored.
"Yes," said Crystal. "It isn't difficult. Don't tell me no one has ever read to you."
Harry looked at the ground. OK, so he wouldn't tell her that no one had ever read him a bedtime story. That no one had ever taken the consideration to read to him when he was young.
Harry closed his eyes and leaned back against the chair. Crystal began to read.
The softness of her voice as it fell on his ears as well as the fact that it was one of Lockhart's books made Harry doze slightly. The dull burn on his forehead woke him up.
"Ah, Harry, my pet," said Voldemort. "Good to see you out of bed."
Harry stood up so quickly, if Crystal hadn't grabbed him, he would have fallen. "Don't call me that, Voldemort."
Voldemort chuckled, studying Harry then looking at Crystal. "Well this looks cozy," said Voldemort.
Harry noticed Hedwig then, sitting on his arm and raised his own. Hedwig flew right to him.
"What a beautiful owl," said Crystal.
"Are you reading my mail again, Voldemort?" said Harry as Hedwig rubbed her head under Harry's chin.
"No, my boy, I merely borrowed her," said Voldemort, holding up the card that was addressed to Voldemort. "As the ambassador will be staying for an extended visit, I have arranged through the Headmaster for Miss Johnson to attend Hogwarts for the semester."
"I'm going to school here?" said Crystal.
Voldemort looked to her as she settled Harry back into the chair. "Yes, my dear."
Crystal looked excited as she looked down at Harry. "Did you hear that, Harry?" said Crystal.
Harry stared hard at Voldemort. What was he doing now? "I heard him."
"I can see you aren't strong enough yet, Harry," said Voldemort. "But once you are, Crystal will need to purchase the supplies she needs for school."
Harry's brows shot up. "Are you asking me to take Crystal to Diagon Alley for her supplies?" said Harry.
Voldemort smirked at his choice of wording. "You might say that."
"Will you beg me?" said Harry, then immediately regretted it. He held out a hand as Voldemort stepped toward him. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean that. It was automatic."
Voldemort studied him and smiled. "I believe you. You aren't that stupid," said Voldemort. "Nor are you strong enough for me to get close to you." He turned to Crystal. "When he is strong enough, notify me and I will arrange transportation."
Voldemort left and Crystal began to pummel Harry with questions about the school. Harry told her about the four houses, some of the courses and about his friends. Crystal seemed very interested in meeting Ron and Hermione. Harry was surprised to learn that she was in fact a year below him.
"Ginny will look after you," said Harry. "That's Ron's sister."
Crystal was so excited that Harry made sure he was strong enough the next day. They traveled via floo powder to Diagon Alley and Harry felt like he was seeing it again for the first time.
Crystal had brought nothing into the camp with her (such was the white flag arrangement) so they had to visit all the shops. Voldemort had given him plenty of money (Harry wasn't sure if it was the Johnson's or his own) but Harry made sure Crystal had everything she needed, including her own owl so she could write to her father.
Harry had even taken her to Gringotts to get some money out of his own vault in case he saw something he needed. He ended up buying Crystal her own copy of Hogwarts, A History. Crystal loved the gesture and kissed Harry's cheek.
When they got back to the compound, Harry was exhausted. Voldemort didn't look pleased.
"Harry, you have over-exerted yourself."
"It was worth it," said Harry. "I can sleep on the train tomorrow." Harry looked at Voldemort. "You will let me take her by the Hogwarts Express?"
"What's the Hogwarts Express?" said Crystal, sounding excited again. She hadn't read the book yet.
"Will you beg me, Harry?" said Voldemort.
Harry stared at him. "I'm asking," said Harry.
Voldemort chuckled. "All right, Harry," said Voldemort. "I will arrange it."
Crystal's reaction to Platform 9 ¾ was about the same as Harry's had been the first time he had seen it. They found a compartment and settled Crystal's stuff into it, and set the owls on seats beside them. Hedwig didn't have a cage but the conductor knew Harry and let her in anyway. Harry gave Crystal the window seat.
Crystal pulled out the book on Hogwarts. "You get some sleep, Harry. I'll be fine."
Harry nodded and stretched out on the seat across from hers.
He woke to an irritating voice.
"You must be new."
It was Malfoy. Harry didn't move. He'd rather pretend to be asleep then deal with him. Apparently, Crystal had laid a blanket over him up to his ears. He was pretty sure Malfoy couldn't tell it was him. One wrong word from Malfoy, though and Harry would trounce him, even if Crabbe and Goyle were there.
"Hello," said Crystal. "Yes. This is my first time going to Hogwarts."
"My names, Malfoy. Draco Malfoy."
"Oh," said Crystal, sounding disappointed. "Are you related to Lucius Malfoy?"
"Yes," said Malfoy, who didn't seem to notice. "He's my father."
"Oh," was all Crystal had to say.
"And you are?" said Malfoy.
"Crystal Johnson."
"Oh," said Malfoy. "The ambassador's daughter. That must be Potter then," said Malfoy.
"Yes and please be quiet. He's very tired."
"Tired, is he," Harry heard Crabbe say.
Harry almost sat up that. Then he heard another voice.
"Who are you harassing now, Malfoy?"
It was Ron. Harry just waited, listening.
"None of your business, Weasley," said Malfoy. "Go away."
"Weasley?" said Crystal. "Ron Weasley?"
"Er – yeah," said Ron. Harry could bet his ears were turning red.
"You're Harry's friend then," said Crystal.
"HARRY!" shouted Ron, as if he had just noticed the body laying on the other seat.
There was no way Harry could pretend to still be asleep after that. He sat up.
"Hey, Ron." Harry looked at Malfoy. "You can leave now, Malfoy."
"All right, there Harry?" said Ron. He looked Harry over. "Well I can see you aren't."
"Get yourself punished again, did you, Potter," said Malfoy.
That statement seemed to upset Crystal. She looked at Ron. "Can't you make them leave?"
"We can," said Fred as he and George came up behind them. "Move along boys. Professor Lupin is coming this way."
The trio left as Remus approached the door. "Problem gentlemen?" said Remus. He eyes moved over the compartment. "Harry!"
"Hi, Remus," said Harry. "Are you teaching again?"
"Yes," said Remus. "Albus sent Moody out so I've got DADA again."
"That's great," said Ron.
"And Sirius is temporarily teaching Transfiguration," said Remus. "McGonagall had to go to her grand-daughter's. Some sort of mid-wife problem."
"What's going on, Remus?" Harry heard from the hall. Remus just stepped back to let Sirius into the doorway.
"Hello, Sirius," said Harry.
Sirius didn't say a word. He merely pulled Harry into his arms.
"I'm fine," said Harry.
"You don't look fine," said Sirius. He glanced around and Harry finally got around to introducing Crystal. She looked very pleased with the warm reception she received from Harry's friends and family.
Harry told them all what had happened and Sirius and Remus listened with interest. Then Sirius turned to Harry. "All right, I'll deal with it. You go back to sleep." He turned to the rest of them. "You leave him alone." He turned to Remus. "We have to check the rest of the train."
Remus nodded and moved away down the hall.
"Sleep. I mean it, Harry," said Sirius.
"I will. I will," said Harry.
As they dispersed, Harry laid back down.
"I like them, Harry," said Crystal.
"So do I," said Harry, tiredly. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a fist full of gold. "When the lunch cart comes by, get a bunch of stuff. I'm starving."
Crystal smiled at him. "All right, Harry."
*************
"So what are you doing on the train?" said Harry.
He, Ron and Crystal were going through the fare Crystal had bought from the lunch trolley.
"We had to go home," said Ron. "Dad got a promotion and we had to go to this huge ceremony."
"That's great," said Harry. "Where did they put him?"
"They gave him Crouches old job," said Ron. He's the head of the Department of International Magical Cooperation," Ron said..
"Your father works for the Ministry?" said Crystal.
"Yeah."
"That's wonderful," said Crystal. "Your father can tell them that Harry hasn't joined him."
Ron blinked at her. "Well of course my father knows Harry would never join You-Know-Who. Fudge is being a jerk though. Ever since that ambassador didn't respond."
"Er, Ron," said Harry. "Crystal is the ambassador's daughter."
Ron looked at Crystal. "Really? What happened?" said Ron.
Harry sighed and told Ron the whole story.
"He punished you in front of the ambassador?" said Ron.
"He tortured him," said Crystal, breathlessly.
"No wonder you're done in," said Ron. "But-"
"Ron," said Harry. "Voldemort won't let the ambassador leave now because he knows the truth. He doesn't want the Ministry to hear his testimony."
"But my entire family knows you, Harry," said Ron. "Half of them work for the Ministry. Even Percy likes you."
The train was pulling to stop.
"We've got to get robed," said Ron. "We'll talk again later. I guess Crystal will have to be sorted."
Harry looked at Crystal. She looked scared suddenly. "Don't worry. It'll be fine."
"What house are you in?" said Crystal.
"We're in Gryffindor," said Harry. "But who knows where the Sorting Hat will put you. Just hope it isn't Slytherin."
"Why?"
"Well for starters, that's where most of the Death Eaters came from," said Harry.
"Well that's enough for me," said Crystal.
Harry went to the Gryffindor table as Snape (who was apparently acting as temporary assistant headmaster in McGonagall's absence) escorted Crystal to the front of the room.
Dumbledore stood up and addressed the Great Hall. "We begin the semester by welcoming a temporary guest to the school. This is Miss Crystal Johnson from the colonies. Please make her feel welcome."
The students all applauded and Snape directed Crystal to the stool. She sat down and the sorting hat was placed on her head.
"Ah, a guest student," said the hat. "Right then. You're in the House of Kent at home I see. Which is equivalent to GRYFFINDOR."
Snape took the hat off her and directed her to their table. Crystal happily took a seat next to Hermione across from Harry.
"Oh, I'm glad that's over," said Crystal. She laid her book on the table which immediately got Hermione's attention. "What did he mean though, the Colonies?" said Crystal, looking a little insulted. "I believe we've come far enough-"
"Don't take it personally, Crystal" said Ron. "Dumbledore is just old enough to probably remember them as colonies."
Harry was glad that Crystal laughed.
"So you're reading Hogwarts, A History," said Hermione.
"Yes," said Crystal. "Harry bought it for me."
Hermione looked at him oddly. So did Ginny.
"You never read it yourself and now you're buying it for other people," said Hermione, not without sarcasm.
"I don't need to read it, Hermione," said Harry with a smile. "I've got you."
Apparently that satisfied Hermione because she smiled back at him then turned to Crystal.
"You must be Hermione Granger," said Crystal. "Harry told me about you. I love books too. I was practically drooling over Harry's library."
"It isn't my library," said Harry but the girls had ignored him. They had both submerged themselves into discussion about the book.
Later, as Hermione and Ginny, who had been looking at Crystal cautiously, settled her into the girl's dormitory, Harry pulled Ron aside in the common room.
"He's threatening you with turning Sirius?" said Ron, utterly aghast. "That'll never happen, Harry. How could you even think that?"
"I'm just not sure how far Sirius would go to protect me, Ron," insisted Harry. "And Voldemort's been able to manipulate so many things in my life all ready."
"And now he's thrown Crystal into the picture," said Ron astutely.
Harry looked at him, puzzled.
"Well, it's obvious that you like her, Harry."
"It is?" said Harry, feeling his face go red.
Ron laughed. "If you saw your face just now, you'd see it."
"Great," said Harry. "And Voldemort's holding her father hostage now."
As they left for classes the next morning, Harry leaned down toward Ginny. "Look after her Ginny," said Harry.
Ginny glared at him. "Why? Is she stupid or something?"
Harry blinked at her. "No. I just remember the first time I got here. It can't be easy going to a new school in the middle of the year."
"Oh, all right," said Ginny and she huffed off.
Harry turned to Ron. "What's with her?"
Ron shrugged and Hermione snorted on the other side of Harry.
"I swear," said Hermione. "You boys can be so dense."
They went to Transfiguration and took their seats. Sirius entered a few minutes later.
"My name is Sirius Black," said Sirius. "I am not a fully qualified Professor, so I'm instructing my classes to simply call me Sirius." He glanced down at the list of students on the roll on his desk. "I see most of you are in Gryffindor." Looking back at the class, he said, "As most of you know, I caused quite a stir a couple of years ago after I escaped from Azkaban – which is a place I urge you all to avoid – when I was allegedly hunting down Mr. Potter over there."
"As the whole truth has been made public, I don't expect any odd looks or curious whispering. Problem Mr. Weasley?"
Since Ron had been hiding his face to whisper something to Harry, Ron choked.
"Er – no, Sir," said Ron.
"Good," said Sirius. "I may not be fully qualified as a Professor," Sirius continued. "But I am fully qualified at all – and I mean – all aspects of Transfiguration." As a demonstration, he instantly became the large black dog and took a stroll around the room before changing back in front of his desk.
"The art of self transfiguration is very complex and dangerous, which is why it is monitored so heavily by the Ministry," said Sirius. "It requires a great deal of Arithmancy and a large amount of magical talent. You shouldn't even be learning it until your 6th year but I've been granted permission to whet your appetites on it now in case any of you are interested."
"Why?" said Neville.
"Interesting question, Mr. Longbottom," said Sirius. He glanced around the room. "Can anyone tell me what some advantages could be for an unregistered Animagus, such as myself?"
Hermione's hand shot up.
Sirius gave her a look that was half amused, half frustrated. "Aside from the obvious, escaping from Azkaban, sneaking into Hogwarts and avoiding the dementers."
Since Hermione's hand didn't go down, Sirius sighed. "All right, Hermione."
"Spying, of course," said Hermione. She turned to the class as they murmured. "Well that's what Rita Skeeter was doing last year when she was making up all that stuff about Harry."
"And she's right," said Sirius. "Placing a very innocent looking animal at the right place at the right time, can produce some of the best information there is."
"As a dog, I can't communicate with humans but I'm still Sirius Black. I can hear and I can comprehend what is said around me. And I remember everything. I also gain the positive attributes of the animal. The keen senses of smell and hearing."
He looked up Harry. "I knew you were there, Harry," said Sirius. "If you had stayed 2 minutes more, I would have found you."
Harry knew he was talking about when he saw Sirius in Hogsmeade.
He turned back to the class and started detailing the benefits of different animals one could transfigure into and he had the class rapt until the very end.
As the bell rang, the class hesitantly got their books together.
"He's a really good teacher," said Ron beside him, looking impressed.
"I'm not-"
Pain exploded in Harry's head and his hand hit his scar. The whole class stared at him as he hit his knees.