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A/N- Hello everyone! I'm really sorry I took so long to update! But here it is, at last. A sort of Valentine's Day present to everyone out there! Again I'm really sorry I
had so much work this month and the end of last month with midterms and term papers and all these essays I was swamped! I'm really sorry! I'm going skiing
tomorrow so I'll write even more in my notebook because sadly I'll be secluded from television and computer for four days! Jeeze! Well without further ado here is
the longest chappy yet! I mean would you take a look at that scroll bar! Jeeze right, *gasp* LoL! Thanks for all the reviews everyone!
Disclaimer- No money-making involved, because the HP universe is not mine, but JKR's. I just play in her playground.
Dedication- To my sister Emily for taking my story and helping me edit it and fix it to make it better! *hugs*
*~*~*~*~*~*~The Key to the Answer*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Hey Harry," Ginny asked curiously as they were clustered in the living room the next night.
"Yeah Ginny," Harry questioned as she didn't continue.
"Where did you learn how to make something like this?" Ginny questioned looking closely at the wooden stick.
"Um, I've had a lot of time on my hands." Harry answered, "And Hagrid gave me a wooden flute he carved in first year, so when I was cleaning out my trunk I found it and tried." Harry said uncomfortably in front of the Weasley's and Remus. They were all sitting around the fire place and doing various things, Ginny, Ron and Hermione were finishing up their homework, (or were supposed too in Ron and Ginny's case) and all seemed pretty shocked that Harry had already finished his. Remus appeared to be reading the Quibbler but was actually staring intently at Harry. Mrs. Weasley was knitting a sweater in her lap, and Arthur was reading the Daily Prophet.
"It's brilliant." Ginny finished as she looked at the Lily, carved elegantly into the side and the other various designs.
"Thanks" Harry said simply wishing that he had never brought it out of his trunk, so what if Ron had to play with a stick at least he wouldn't be made uncomfortable by everyone admiring his stick.
"May I see it?" Remus asked as Ginny wordlessly handed it over to Remus at Harry's nod. Harry watched as brief recognition passed through Remus' eyes at the marauders roughly sketched in their animagus forms and the Lily.
"It's beautiful." Remus said and Harry took it back. There really was nothing attractive about it, but since they all seemed so keen on glorifying it Harry gave up on denying the ability he just kept to himself.
"Are you going to make another?" Ginny questioned.
"Possibly." Harry said shrugging.
"Good I think it makes a good outlet for you." Ginny responded as Harry suddenly found the patter on the rug interesting.
"An outlet for what?" Harry questioned darkly.
"Your feeling's Harry." Ginny answered nonchalantly as Ron and Hermione emerged from their homework glancing nervously between Harry and Ginny. Harry shook his head at the flippancy of Ginny's approach.
"I'm fine. I don't need an outlet." Harry said darkly moving from his spot on the floor to the door in the kitchen that lead to the porch. He heard Mrs. Weasley bicker at Ginny and Ginny defend herself loudly claiming that he was finding an outlet right now by going outside. Harry sighed as he acknowledged Ginny's thoughts grudgingly. He heard Remus mutter something and everyone quieted down. Harry moved off the porch and walked down to the now familiar path to the lake and looked deeply into the water's reflection where the stars were clearly shown. He dropped onto the shore and listened quietly as footsteps slowly came toward him.
"Harry" Harry heard his name just as Remus sat down softly next to him.
"Yeah?" Harry asked.
"How did you do that with those sticks, you almost perfectly copied what was on your parents gravestones except for the simple fact being that you made that beforehand am I correct?" Remus questioned. Harry was glad that Remus had decided to change the subject in order to make Harry comfortable so he took that into consideration before answering.
"Well, it wasn't as if I'd known, it wasn't that hard to think of either. My mum's name was Lily so I carved a Lily, Moony, Padfoot and Prongs I just carved in their animagus forms, and I copied Godric Gryffindor's sword. That's all, can we please drop it?" Harry questioned softly.
"Yes of course." Remus answered quickly making Harry feel guilty, it wasn't as if Remus had been badgering him.
"Sorry." Harry mumbled promptly.
"That's ok." Remus said as they both drifted off into a comfortable silence. "It's lovely here," Remus commented, "You're very lucky to be able to visit here." Remus told Harry who agreed.
"Do you want to talk about it?" Remus asked suddenly after another thoughtful silence.
"What do you mean?" Harry asked too quickly.
"Sirius." Remus said quietly as the words floated off with the breeze swirling around Harry's head so he could hear the name echo softly in the breeze.
"Not yet." Harry said thoughtfully surprising Remus who must have expected an outburst, by the look of shock on his face that he couldn't mask quickly enough.
"Next time." Remus agreed shaking his head.
"So any ideas about the next DADA teacher?" Remus asked with a knowing coy grin on his face.
"Not a clue, though you seem to know." Harry guessed correctly.
"You do seem to go through them quite often don't you Mr. Potter?" Remus asked only partly kidding, Harry nodded in agreement.
"Are you planning on continuing your club?" Remus questioned ignoring Harry's comment.
"I'm not sure yet, if the DADA teacher is competent I don't see the need, though I suppose I'll wind up continuing since everyone I talk to insists that I do." Harry sighed as another weight was added onto his already burdened shoulders.
"Should we head back in?" Remus asked as they lapsed into yet another agreeable silence.
"All right." Harry answered as they walked back in the house, the only people left in the living room were Ron, Hermione and Ginny.
"So Harry what did you get on your OWLs?" Hermione asked suspiciously as Harry and Remus sat down.
"You mean those two haven't told you already?" Harry asked skeptically.
"Gryffindor loyalty your dealing with mate." Ron grinned at Harry.
"So it seems the tables have turned, Ron Weasley knows something that the great Hermione Granger does not." Ginny taunted Hermione playfully.
"Harry don't give in right away. I'm basking in the glory." Ron said causing Ginny to burst out laughing.
"More like the only glory." Ginny said to Harry in a staged whisper so Ron scowled at her.
"Harry you have to tell me." Hermione said with all the authority she could muster, causing her to sound distinctively like McGonagall.
"I have to tell you . . . nothing." Harry said his voice mimicking Hermione's playfully sounding terrible.
"Come on Harry." Hermione pleaded, "why won't you tell me?"
"Ah bliss." Ron laughed laying his head on the back of his chair and closing his eyes.
"Harry that's so unfair if you don't tell me I'll hex you when we go back to Hogwarts." Hermione said seriously.
"Oh well in that case," Harry said holding his hands up in surrender, "I'd say no." Hermione scowled deeply at all three of them and let out a noise of frustration hitting Ron on the shoulder.
"Hey it's his scores you want. You've got mine already." Ron exclaimed indignantly rubbing the spot on his arm.
"Now we're resorting to violence Miss Granger?" Harry questioned his question being answered as Hermione hit him on the shoulder.
"Lovely." Harry commented dryly.
"Think of what Dumbledore would say seeing you like this Hermione! All worked up over simple grades." Ron laughed.
"There is no need to imagine Mr. Weasley for I am here." Dumbledore's deep voice said causing everyone to freeze at the unexpected visit, "and if you must know I find it quite amusing." Dumbledore added turning to Hermione whose cheeks were bright red and she threw glares at Ron and Harry as if they arranged for this to happen. Harry looked up at Dumbledore his good mood quickly vanishing as the old man met his eyes from Remus' side.
"How are you sir?"Ginny asked quietly.
"How kind of you to inquire Ms. Weasley, I'm doing well thank you." Dumbledore said inclining his head.
"Have you all had a satisfactory vacation this far?" Dumbledore asked.
"It's been all right." Ron said with Hermione and Ginny nodding along in agreement.
"And you Mr. Potter?" Dumbledore asked.
"It's been fine." Harry answered looking down at the floor.
"Ah very well." Dumbledore said looking closely at Harry.
"I must have a word with Arthur and Molly, but I would like to speak with you Harry." Dumbledore said looking almost reluctant to leave.
"All right Professor." Harry answered as Dumbledore and Remus left the room.
"That's nice of him, right Harry?" Ron asked, "this year he seems to be taking out of his just to speak with you." Ron finished uncertainly.
"Yeah sure great." Harry said distractedly he couldn't possibly imagine what Dumbledore would want to talk with him about.
"Well, Harry why aren't you telling Hermione you score, its going to be a real let down when she finds out what it really is anyway." Ginny teased Harry.
"Right mate, gravely disappointed." Ron laughed.
"All right fine then, if you both think to low of me I'll just have to prove you wrong won't I?" Harry laughed and turned to Hermione.
"I got nine." Harry said simply as Hermione's eyes lit up.
"Harry that's brilliant!" Hermione exclaimed and then hit Harry on the shoulder.
"You stupid prat, and here I was thinking that you had failed them." Hermione said angrily.
"Let me see your results." Hermione said impatiently.
"One second I'll go and get them, then maybe you could help me pick my classes for next year." Harry said shrugging.
"I'll go and get mine too, Ron get yours." Hermione said and ran up the stairs.
"No please, what a surprise" Ron commented sarcastically. "I'd better run." Ron added walking extra slow.
"Ginny!" Hermione called from upstairs.
"Right." Ginny said, "Coming." Ginny called and pushed Ron up the stairs so he tripped.
"Gin" Ron said angrily.
"Sorry." Ginny said rolling her eyes and continuing up that stairs.
"Right well come on." Harry said walking with Ron. Harry stopped and turned off the stairs and Ron continued his climb to the top, as Harry neared his room he heard voices coming from a room nearby.
"It's vital he doesn't find it." Dumbledore's muffled voice came from Remus' room.
"Don't worry I've got it safe with me." Remus answered.
"Dumbledore I don't understand he's gotten in before he can get in again, it's not safe." Mrs. Weasley argued. Harry wondered curiously why Dumbledore had not used a simple silencing spell.
"There will be various order members watching at all times." Dumbledore said with finality.
"Nothing better happen." Mrs. Weasley warned with anger evident in her voice.
"Nothing will I assure you."Dumbledore answered. Harry walked into his room quickly as he heard shuffling inside the room. He opened his trunk and looked through it pushing various items aside until he found a strange key. He picked it up and looked at it closely he'd seen it before he just couldn't remember. Then he dropped it suddenly as if it had burned him, what lay before him was the key in which Dumbledore had given Harry and Remus as a portkey from Sirius and his parent's graves, he didn't remember keeping it, he was almost positive that Remus had pocketed it. Harry picked it up and examined it, it was a plain bronze key with no significant markings expect initials carved into the side, G.T. As Harry looked at it the key started to change and inside the handle an intricate design was forged, like some sort of crest. It appeared to be a sword through a skull, which in itself was a single eye. Harry felt a sort of ominousness when he held the key and dropped it into his trunk where he covered it up with various other items, he quickly retrieved the papers with his OWL results and hurried downstairs.
"Hey Harry what took you?" Ron asked.
"Oh er, I had to run to the loo." Harry lied quickly.
"Really Ron." Hermione tutted. However Ginny was looking carefully at Harry and as Harry made eye contact her gaze never wavered. She tilted her head to the side and Harry looked away. He'd gotten past Ron and Hermione but not Ginny, Harry felt her eyes on the back of his head but took the papers out of his pocket and handed them to Hermione who took them without looking up.
"Harry we have to arrange our schedules so we have the same classes together, except for bloody potions, but hey at least I never have to sit and listen to grease head drone on and on." Ron said laughing.
"Yeah it'll be really weird without you in Potions with me." Harry said disdainfully.
"I am going to be in the class, or do I not count?" Hermione huffed. "Honestly!"
"It'll be great to have you in class Hermione. I'll just miss Ron trying to pummel Malfoy with bits of potion ingredients." Harry said grinning at Ron who laughed.
"The ol' wanker." Ron said and laughed.
"It won't be too bad with Hermione Harry at least you can be sure to pull off a decent grade." Ginny laughed at her glaring friend.
"Thanks Hermione." Harry said picking his forms off the floor where Hermione had threw them and put them back in his pocket.
"Anytime." Hermione smiled sweetly and walked into the kitchen with Ginny who turned to Harry and gave him and inconspicuous nod and Harry grinned in response.
"So, Ron reach any interesting conclusions lately?" Harry asked casually as Ron brought over his chess set and poured out the pieces who immediately moved into their positions. It was all part of the plan Harry and Ginny had been forming in their correspondence to get Ron and Hermione together before they drove both of them mad.
"Besides the fact that you're crazy?" Ron asked, "never mind I already discovered that years ago, must've slipped my mind until now." Ron said sarcastically.
"Ron your such a daft git, how about the bushy brown-haired girl you've been pineing over for the last two years, have you asked her out yet?" Harry whispered viciously.
"I don't know what your talking about Harry care to enlighten me oh high and mighty one?" Ron questioned scathingly the tips of his ears turning red.
"Pawn to E3." Ron said and the pawn obediently moved forward.
"Ow!" Ron yelped and turned around to face a grinning Ginny, who lowered her hand.
"What did you do that for?" Ron exclaimed holding his ear.
"Please Ron all I did was flick your ear don't have a fit." Ginny said seriously and then quickly into a teasing voice.
"Why was Ronnie blushing?" Ginny laughed at Ron's scowl.
"I was just telling him about his crush on the girl in the kitchen." Harry whispered the last words.
"Oh, and blush because of this? How cute Ronnie has a crushie, Ronnie has a..." Ginny paused straightening her dress. "I'll stop now." She said calmly.
"Good idea." Harry laughed.
"Ok so anyway." Ginny said quickly smirking at Harry, "did he happen to confirm this situation?" Ginny asked moving around the chair Ron was sitting in to face him.
"Not a word, well except for the ears, which you helpfully pointed out." Harry said smiling widely on purpose.
"Oh Harry, I can't take this, our little Ronnie-kins all grown up?" Ginny said in a mother's voice, wiping a fake tear from her eye. Harry moved out of his chair and to Ginny and put his arm over her shoulder in a comforting manner.
"I know our young son in growing up." Harry said in a raspy old voice. Ginny curled into Harry so that she was pretending to weep onto his chest, Harry awkwardly patted her back.
"Ah well now that that's done." Ginny said quickly walking away from Harry and sitting on the floor in front of Ron.
"Nicely done Harry." Ginny said turning to face him.
"Anytime." Harry laughed bowing.
"But back to you." Ginny said turning back to face Ron who was looking on at the two with shock.
"Shut your mouth Ron you don't want to catch any flies," Ginny said as Ron stared at her. "Tois-toi, toi." Ginny snapped in perfect French surprising Harry who didn't know that she could speak another language.
"Sorry" Ron muttered and closed his mouth.
"Operation H+R" Ginny said, "is now started." Ginny finished.
"This is going to be fun." Harry grinned evilly.
"Now I've told Hermione that mum needs her help washing, we have a while before she returns." Ginny said promptly.
"Excellent" Harry answered.
"First off Ron, cut the act, it's obvious you have feelings for Hermione, the whole family knows." Ginny said as Ron's ears turned redder.
"The whole school knows." Harry added.
"Exactly." Ginny said smiling briefly at Harry and then turned back to Ron.
"For the smartest witch in your years she's really quite as daft as you are." Ginny said as Harry nodded in agreement.
"Ron I want you to admit that you have been crushing on Hermione for the past two years." Ginny said seriously looking at Ron.
"Though I'm not telling, somebody who trusts me, feels the same way." Ginny said nodding her head toward the kitchen and looking back a flushed Ron.
"Are you serious?" Ron asked amazed, "I thought she liked Harry, I mean who would like me when they could get with the boy who lived?" Ron said with frustration evident in his voice and then turned to see Harry's furious face.
"Sorry, of course I don't mean like that, its just well how it is . . . " Ron tried to justify himself lamely just stopping because of Harry's glare and behind his eyes the slightly hurt look that flashed through just for a moment before the mask was put back on.
"Ron you are a complete git." Ginny said darkly to Ron about Harry and also Hermione.
"Well, now that you know are you going to do anything about it Ron?" Harry asked coldly.
"No." Ron said quickly as Ginny threw her hands up in frustration and Harry shook his head slowly.
"Ron you are such a prat, you've liked Hermione for five years and you finally learn that she returns your feelings and your just going to sit on your bum and let her drift away, when all she's waiting for is you? What happened to your Gryffindor courage? Did you forget that courage is part of you? You have to do something about it. I don't know if you realize but you're not the only one after Hermione, she'll only wait for you so long." Harry said seriously shaking his head in apparent disgust of his best friend. However right when Ron was about to answer Hermione walked in, Harry sent one last glare at Ron and stayed silent.
"I was talking with your mum and she said to give the supply list to her and she'll take care of it." Hermione said briskly walking into the silent room where Ron was blushing and scowling and Ginny was starring at Harry who kept his eyes on the chessboard in front of him.
"Great" He mumbled to the board, Hermione didn't seem to notice their odd behavior and took a seat next to Ginny on the floor.
"So Harry your taking NEWT Transfiguration, Charms, DADA, Potions and an elective your choice, also you could've taken Herbology but it's not required to become an Auror, though it might be a good idea so you could recognize poisonous plants, but that's not really one of your strong areas." Hermione continued holding up Harry's OWLs. "I'm really glad you did so well." Hermione said.
"Thanks." Harry muttered looking up into the eyes of Ginny who shot him a curious smile.
"Ron you'll be taking all of those except for Potions and your choice of elective, if you wanted you could replace Potions with Herbology." Hermione started and Ron interrupted her.
"I'll take whatever Harry's taking." Ron mumbled also looking down at the chessboard.
"Pawn to F5." Harry muttered and the pawn scrapped up two spaces. Ron glanced up and shot Harry a hopeful smile who shrugged but didn't return the smile.
"Really I'm trying to help you two." Hermione butted in.
"I think we should do our homework, I still have to complete two essays and Ron you have three." Hermione said, "you've finished all of yours correct Harry?" Hermione questioned.
"I think I'll go see what Dumbledore wants while you do your assignments." Harry said.
"Professor" Harry said surprised as he walked into him. "Sorry" he muttered taking a step back.
"Harry just whom I was looking for." Dumbledore said clapping his hands together. "Come for a stroll with me?" Dumbledore asked as Harry nodded in agreement.
"How have you been Harry?" Dumbledore questioned once they were outside.
"Fine thanks," Harry answered as Dumbledore stopped to look at Harry who met his eyes and Dumbledore seemed to look right through him. Dumbledore started walking once again and Harry continued to reluctantly follow.
"Congratulations on making Gryffindor quidditch captain." Dumbledore said.
"About that, I don't think I should take it." Harry said looking at his trainers.
"I feel you could. Your father was." Dumbledore said, "and I won't take no for an answer." Dumbledore added eyes twinkling and Harry found himself smiling in spite of it all.
"Besides I don't think Mr. Weasley could be able to handle any more responsibility on his shoulders." Dumbledore said. Harry nodded not really sure what he was out here for, so they walked in silence for a while till Dumbledore paused and looked down at Harry.
"Harry I understand that you've experienced a great loss, one so powerful it could consume you if you let it, you have a tendency to take blame for things that are not in your control, you must not take this weight on, Harry you must let go and accept." Dumbledore finished looking somber. Harry sighed in frustration he wouldn't forget Sirius he wouldn't let it go, and it was his fault, it always was.
"Miss Weasley seems to make a profound difference in your behavior, it is helpful for you." Dumbledore said smiling.
"You were spying on me?" Harry asked in disbelief, here even at the Burrow. Dumbledore sighed and answered.
"Harry you are always being watched, I would recommend spending more time with Miss Weasley you get along very well." Dumbledore said again Harry looked up into Dumbledore's face and back down again.
"Yeah and add another person to Voldemort's list." Harry muttered to himself angrily.
"I believe you should let Miss Weasley make that decision in the matter." Dumbledore said looking pointedly at Harry, "but, like you Harry, Ginny has met Voldemort twice and survived both encounters, I believe she is already part of this list." Dumbledore said pensively, as Harry contemplated his words.
"Yes Professor." Harry answered as he realized that this was true.
"Very well, I'm not pressuring you to do anything you do not want to Harry, but you must realize that being around Miss Weasley had shown the most difference in your demeanor." Dumbledore finished with the pleasant part of the conversation.
"Is that what you brought me out here to talk about Professor?" Harry questioned doubting that highly.
"No you are correct in your assumption's Harry, I've brought you out here to warn you against a possible threat, I'm telling you this because I've decided to keep nothing from you Harry, I have faith that you will not tell a soul." Dumbledore said looking grave. "It is called the Green Flame Torch, and as legend goes the flame could wipe out all evil things. Voldemort knows this and fears what the torch could accomplish. He will try and put the flame out for the first time since its birth, from Merlin, the torch if put out will never be lit again." Dumbledore stated gravely and continued.
"The problem is that we do not know where this torch is kept, we have only one advantage over Voldemort, the key." Dumbledore finished.
"The key will open the case in which the Flame is kept to burn eternally, and it is in Hogwarts." Dumbledore said with finality. Harry dawned a look of recognition to the key located in his trunk, G.F., the carving on the side, Green Flame.
"Professor I've . . . " Harry started only to be interrupted by Dumbledore.
"Harry," Dumbledore said with a wink, "I know what it is you posses, I can only ask you not to go looking for this torch, danger is axiomatic, you will only put yourself in unneeded danger if you go after it." Dumbledore said and once again repeated himself.
"I have complete faith in that you will comply with my wishes." Dumbledore answered and turned back to the house with Harry in shock over the news that Dumbledore knew he held the answer for the end of the war yet he let him still keep it.
"You can tell your friends that you have agreed to continue DA and have accepted the position of Gryffindor quidditch captain." Dumbledore said smiling warmly at Harry.
"All right Professor, good evening." Harry said uneasily as he walked back into the house. He didn't see as one of the Order members emerged from a bush nearby and went to Dumbledore's side, nor did he hear Dumbledore say, "The pieces are in his hands, all he needs to do is piece them together," and disappeared into the night.
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Thanks so much for the reviews:
Melindaleo- Thanks for liking the whole stick thing, I was a little speculative about putting that in but my sister convinced me that it was good, so I just went with it! I actually read your story! On Sink Into Your Eyes! *wink* Great story may I add! Thanks so much for the review!
Jeff- Thanks so much for the review!
Bob33- Aw thanks so much! I'm glad you liked what happened in Lily and James' time! LoL, thanks so much for the review!
Ckat44- Aw thanks for recommending my story Kate! You're so kind! I really like yours too there all so good! I know me either! I can't wait for summer to end I've
been writing the start of school and I wrote about 12 pages but I hated them and ripped them up! LoL, so now I still have to start writing the beginning of school! Aw Kate you're so considerate! Not making me rush to update! *gushes* Thanks so much! *hug* Don't worry I don't plan on ending this story for a while! Thanks so much for the review!
Hpz26- Thanks so much for reading and thanks so much for the review as well!
Cyher- Whoops sorry! I didn't catch them and I guess word didn't either! But I urge you to continue reading I don't think I used Grammar check in the beginning but I do now so please don't let the beginning of the story rate the whole story! If you like it I would love to have you continue to read my story! Thanks so much for the review!
Oceangirl1661- Lmao Chelsea! I'm glad you like my story! *hugs* Yes I love your reviews too, there so cool! Gotta love 'em! Thanks so much for the review! *pats head* we already knew you were special *winks*! LoL!
Missers- Aw Missy! Thanks so much for the review! I haven't spoken to you in ages! Thanks again for the review! *hugs*
Kitty254781- Oh really? I'm sorry I just assumed! Sorry about that, but thanks for letting me know I'll be sure to change it! Thanks again for the review!
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Stay tuned for the next chapter that is currently unnamed, it should be up sooner than this one took! Hopefully! Thanks again for all the reviews!
A/N- Hello everyone! I'm really sorry I took so long to update! But here it is, at last. A sort of Valentine's Day present to everyone out there! Again I'm really sorry I
had so much work this month and the end of last month with midterms and term papers and all these essays I was swamped! I'm really sorry! I'm going skiing
tomorrow so I'll write even more in my notebook because sadly I'll be secluded from television and computer for four days! Jeeze! Well without further ado here is
the longest chappy yet! I mean would you take a look at that scroll bar! Jeeze right, *gasp* LoL! Thanks for all the reviews everyone!
Disclaimer- No money-making involved, because the HP universe is not mine, but JKR's. I just play in her playground.
Dedication- To my sister Emily for taking my story and helping me edit it and fix it to make it better! *hugs*
*~*~*~*~*~*~The Key to the Answer*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Hey Harry," Ginny asked curiously as they were clustered in the living room the next night.
"Yeah Ginny," Harry questioned as she didn't continue.
"Where did you learn how to make something like this?" Ginny questioned looking closely at the wooden stick.
"Um, I've had a lot of time on my hands." Harry answered, "And Hagrid gave me a wooden flute he carved in first year, so when I was cleaning out my trunk I found it and tried." Harry said uncomfortably in front of the Weasley's and Remus. They were all sitting around the fire place and doing various things, Ginny, Ron and Hermione were finishing up their homework, (or were supposed too in Ron and Ginny's case) and all seemed pretty shocked that Harry had already finished his. Remus appeared to be reading the Quibbler but was actually staring intently at Harry. Mrs. Weasley was knitting a sweater in her lap, and Arthur was reading the Daily Prophet.
"It's brilliant." Ginny finished as she looked at the Lily, carved elegantly into the side and the other various designs.
"Thanks" Harry said simply wishing that he had never brought it out of his trunk, so what if Ron had to play with a stick at least he wouldn't be made uncomfortable by everyone admiring his stick.
"May I see it?" Remus asked as Ginny wordlessly handed it over to Remus at Harry's nod. Harry watched as brief recognition passed through Remus' eyes at the marauders roughly sketched in their animagus forms and the Lily.
"It's beautiful." Remus said and Harry took it back. There really was nothing attractive about it, but since they all seemed so keen on glorifying it Harry gave up on denying the ability he just kept to himself.
"Are you going to make another?" Ginny questioned.
"Possibly." Harry said shrugging.
"Good I think it makes a good outlet for you." Ginny responded as Harry suddenly found the patter on the rug interesting.
"An outlet for what?" Harry questioned darkly.
"Your feeling's Harry." Ginny answered nonchalantly as Ron and Hermione emerged from their homework glancing nervously between Harry and Ginny. Harry shook his head at the flippancy of Ginny's approach.
"I'm fine. I don't need an outlet." Harry said darkly moving from his spot on the floor to the door in the kitchen that lead to the porch. He heard Mrs. Weasley bicker at Ginny and Ginny defend herself loudly claiming that he was finding an outlet right now by going outside. Harry sighed as he acknowledged Ginny's thoughts grudgingly. He heard Remus mutter something and everyone quieted down. Harry moved off the porch and walked down to the now familiar path to the lake and looked deeply into the water's reflection where the stars were clearly shown. He dropped onto the shore and listened quietly as footsteps slowly came toward him.
"Harry" Harry heard his name just as Remus sat down softly next to him.
"Yeah?" Harry asked.
"How did you do that with those sticks, you almost perfectly copied what was on your parents gravestones except for the simple fact being that you made that beforehand am I correct?" Remus questioned. Harry was glad that Remus had decided to change the subject in order to make Harry comfortable so he took that into consideration before answering.
"Well, it wasn't as if I'd known, it wasn't that hard to think of either. My mum's name was Lily so I carved a Lily, Moony, Padfoot and Prongs I just carved in their animagus forms, and I copied Godric Gryffindor's sword. That's all, can we please drop it?" Harry questioned softly.
"Yes of course." Remus answered quickly making Harry feel guilty, it wasn't as if Remus had been badgering him.
"Sorry." Harry mumbled promptly.
"That's ok." Remus said as they both drifted off into a comfortable silence. "It's lovely here," Remus commented, "You're very lucky to be able to visit here." Remus told Harry who agreed.
"Do you want to talk about it?" Remus asked suddenly after another thoughtful silence.
"What do you mean?" Harry asked too quickly.
"Sirius." Remus said quietly as the words floated off with the breeze swirling around Harry's head so he could hear the name echo softly in the breeze.
"Not yet." Harry said thoughtfully surprising Remus who must have expected an outburst, by the look of shock on his face that he couldn't mask quickly enough.
"Next time." Remus agreed shaking his head.
"So any ideas about the next DADA teacher?" Remus asked with a knowing coy grin on his face.
"Not a clue, though you seem to know." Harry guessed correctly.
"You do seem to go through them quite often don't you Mr. Potter?" Remus asked only partly kidding, Harry nodded in agreement.
"Are you planning on continuing your club?" Remus questioned ignoring Harry's comment.
"I'm not sure yet, if the DADA teacher is competent I don't see the need, though I suppose I'll wind up continuing since everyone I talk to insists that I do." Harry sighed as another weight was added onto his already burdened shoulders.
"Should we head back in?" Remus asked as they lapsed into yet another agreeable silence.
"All right." Harry answered as they walked back in the house, the only people left in the living room were Ron, Hermione and Ginny.
"So Harry what did you get on your OWLs?" Hermione asked suspiciously as Harry and Remus sat down.
"You mean those two haven't told you already?" Harry asked skeptically.
"Gryffindor loyalty your dealing with mate." Ron grinned at Harry.
"So it seems the tables have turned, Ron Weasley knows something that the great Hermione Granger does not." Ginny taunted Hermione playfully.
"Harry don't give in right away. I'm basking in the glory." Ron said causing Ginny to burst out laughing.
"More like the only glory." Ginny said to Harry in a staged whisper so Ron scowled at her.
"Harry you have to tell me." Hermione said with all the authority she could muster, causing her to sound distinctively like McGonagall.
"I have to tell you . . . nothing." Harry said his voice mimicking Hermione's playfully sounding terrible.
"Come on Harry." Hermione pleaded, "why won't you tell me?"
"Ah bliss." Ron laughed laying his head on the back of his chair and closing his eyes.
"Harry that's so unfair if you don't tell me I'll hex you when we go back to Hogwarts." Hermione said seriously.
"Oh well in that case," Harry said holding his hands up in surrender, "I'd say no." Hermione scowled deeply at all three of them and let out a noise of frustration hitting Ron on the shoulder.
"Hey it's his scores you want. You've got mine already." Ron exclaimed indignantly rubbing the spot on his arm.
"Now we're resorting to violence Miss Granger?" Harry questioned his question being answered as Hermione hit him on the shoulder.
"Lovely." Harry commented dryly.
"Think of what Dumbledore would say seeing you like this Hermione! All worked up over simple grades." Ron laughed.
"There is no need to imagine Mr. Weasley for I am here." Dumbledore's deep voice said causing everyone to freeze at the unexpected visit, "and if you must know I find it quite amusing." Dumbledore added turning to Hermione whose cheeks were bright red and she threw glares at Ron and Harry as if they arranged for this to happen. Harry looked up at Dumbledore his good mood quickly vanishing as the old man met his eyes from Remus' side.
"How are you sir?"Ginny asked quietly.
"How kind of you to inquire Ms. Weasley, I'm doing well thank you." Dumbledore said inclining his head.
"Have you all had a satisfactory vacation this far?" Dumbledore asked.
"It's been all right." Ron said with Hermione and Ginny nodding along in agreement.
"And you Mr. Potter?" Dumbledore asked.
"It's been fine." Harry answered looking down at the floor.
"Ah very well." Dumbledore said looking closely at Harry.
"I must have a word with Arthur and Molly, but I would like to speak with you Harry." Dumbledore said looking almost reluctant to leave.
"All right Professor." Harry answered as Dumbledore and Remus left the room.
"That's nice of him, right Harry?" Ron asked, "this year he seems to be taking out of his just to speak with you." Ron finished uncertainly.
"Yeah sure great." Harry said distractedly he couldn't possibly imagine what Dumbledore would want to talk with him about.
"Well, Harry why aren't you telling Hermione you score, its going to be a real let down when she finds out what it really is anyway." Ginny teased Harry.
"Right mate, gravely disappointed." Ron laughed.
"All right fine then, if you both think to low of me I'll just have to prove you wrong won't I?" Harry laughed and turned to Hermione.
"I got nine." Harry said simply as Hermione's eyes lit up.
"Harry that's brilliant!" Hermione exclaimed and then hit Harry on the shoulder.
"You stupid prat, and here I was thinking that you had failed them." Hermione said angrily.
"Let me see your results." Hermione said impatiently.
"One second I'll go and get them, then maybe you could help me pick my classes for next year." Harry said shrugging.
"I'll go and get mine too, Ron get yours." Hermione said and ran up the stairs.
"No please, what a surprise" Ron commented sarcastically. "I'd better run." Ron added walking extra slow.
"Ginny!" Hermione called from upstairs.
"Right." Ginny said, "Coming." Ginny called and pushed Ron up the stairs so he tripped.
"Gin" Ron said angrily.
"Sorry." Ginny said rolling her eyes and continuing up that stairs.
"Right well come on." Harry said walking with Ron. Harry stopped and turned off the stairs and Ron continued his climb to the top, as Harry neared his room he heard voices coming from a room nearby.
"It's vital he doesn't find it." Dumbledore's muffled voice came from Remus' room.
"Don't worry I've got it safe with me." Remus answered.
"Dumbledore I don't understand he's gotten in before he can get in again, it's not safe." Mrs. Weasley argued. Harry wondered curiously why Dumbledore had not used a simple silencing spell.
"There will be various order members watching at all times." Dumbledore said with finality.
"Nothing better happen." Mrs. Weasley warned with anger evident in her voice.
"Nothing will I assure you."Dumbledore answered. Harry walked into his room quickly as he heard shuffling inside the room. He opened his trunk and looked through it pushing various items aside until he found a strange key. He picked it up and looked at it closely he'd seen it before he just couldn't remember. Then he dropped it suddenly as if it had burned him, what lay before him was the key in which Dumbledore had given Harry and Remus as a portkey from Sirius and his parent's graves, he didn't remember keeping it, he was almost positive that Remus had pocketed it. Harry picked it up and examined it, it was a plain bronze key with no significant markings expect initials carved into the side, G.T. As Harry looked at it the key started to change and inside the handle an intricate design was forged, like some sort of crest. It appeared to be a sword through a skull, which in itself was a single eye. Harry felt a sort of ominousness when he held the key and dropped it into his trunk where he covered it up with various other items, he quickly retrieved the papers with his OWL results and hurried downstairs.
"Hey Harry what took you?" Ron asked.
"Oh er, I had to run to the loo." Harry lied quickly.
"Really Ron." Hermione tutted. However Ginny was looking carefully at Harry and as Harry made eye contact her gaze never wavered. She tilted her head to the side and Harry looked away. He'd gotten past Ron and Hermione but not Ginny, Harry felt her eyes on the back of his head but took the papers out of his pocket and handed them to Hermione who took them without looking up.
"Harry we have to arrange our schedules so we have the same classes together, except for bloody potions, but hey at least I never have to sit and listen to grease head drone on and on." Ron said laughing.
"Yeah it'll be really weird without you in Potions with me." Harry said disdainfully.
"I am going to be in the class, or do I not count?" Hermione huffed. "Honestly!"
"It'll be great to have you in class Hermione. I'll just miss Ron trying to pummel Malfoy with bits of potion ingredients." Harry said grinning at Ron who laughed.
"The ol' wanker." Ron said and laughed.
"It won't be too bad with Hermione Harry at least you can be sure to pull off a decent grade." Ginny laughed at her glaring friend.
"Thanks Hermione." Harry said picking his forms off the floor where Hermione had threw them and put them back in his pocket.
"Anytime." Hermione smiled sweetly and walked into the kitchen with Ginny who turned to Harry and gave him and inconspicuous nod and Harry grinned in response.
"So, Ron reach any interesting conclusions lately?" Harry asked casually as Ron brought over his chess set and poured out the pieces who immediately moved into their positions. It was all part of the plan Harry and Ginny had been forming in their correspondence to get Ron and Hermione together before they drove both of them mad.
"Besides the fact that you're crazy?" Ron asked, "never mind I already discovered that years ago, must've slipped my mind until now." Ron said sarcastically.
"Ron your such a daft git, how about the bushy brown-haired girl you've been pineing over for the last two years, have you asked her out yet?" Harry whispered viciously.
"I don't know what your talking about Harry care to enlighten me oh high and mighty one?" Ron questioned scathingly the tips of his ears turning red.
"Pawn to E3." Ron said and the pawn obediently moved forward.
"Ow!" Ron yelped and turned around to face a grinning Ginny, who lowered her hand.
"What did you do that for?" Ron exclaimed holding his ear.
"Please Ron all I did was flick your ear don't have a fit." Ginny said seriously and then quickly into a teasing voice.
"Why was Ronnie blushing?" Ginny laughed at Ron's scowl.
"I was just telling him about his crush on the girl in the kitchen." Harry whispered the last words.
"Oh, and blush because of this? How cute Ronnie has a crushie, Ronnie has a..." Ginny paused straightening her dress. "I'll stop now." She said calmly.
"Good idea." Harry laughed.
"Ok so anyway." Ginny said quickly smirking at Harry, "did he happen to confirm this situation?" Ginny asked moving around the chair Ron was sitting in to face him.
"Not a word, well except for the ears, which you helpfully pointed out." Harry said smiling widely on purpose.
"Oh Harry, I can't take this, our little Ronnie-kins all grown up?" Ginny said in a mother's voice, wiping a fake tear from her eye. Harry moved out of his chair and to Ginny and put his arm over her shoulder in a comforting manner.
"I know our young son in growing up." Harry said in a raspy old voice. Ginny curled into Harry so that she was pretending to weep onto his chest, Harry awkwardly patted her back.
"Ah well now that that's done." Ginny said quickly walking away from Harry and sitting on the floor in front of Ron.
"Nicely done Harry." Ginny said turning to face him.
"Anytime." Harry laughed bowing.
"But back to you." Ginny said turning back to face Ron who was looking on at the two with shock.
"Shut your mouth Ron you don't want to catch any flies," Ginny said as Ron stared at her. "Tois-toi, toi." Ginny snapped in perfect French surprising Harry who didn't know that she could speak another language.
"Sorry" Ron muttered and closed his mouth.
"Operation H+R" Ginny said, "is now started." Ginny finished.
"This is going to be fun." Harry grinned evilly.
"Now I've told Hermione that mum needs her help washing, we have a while before she returns." Ginny said promptly.
"Excellent" Harry answered.
"First off Ron, cut the act, it's obvious you have feelings for Hermione, the whole family knows." Ginny said as Ron's ears turned redder.
"The whole school knows." Harry added.
"Exactly." Ginny said smiling briefly at Harry and then turned back to Ron.
"For the smartest witch in your years she's really quite as daft as you are." Ginny said as Harry nodded in agreement.
"Ron I want you to admit that you have been crushing on Hermione for the past two years." Ginny said seriously looking at Ron.
"Though I'm not telling, somebody who trusts me, feels the same way." Ginny said nodding her head toward the kitchen and looking back a flushed Ron.
"Are you serious?" Ron asked amazed, "I thought she liked Harry, I mean who would like me when they could get with the boy who lived?" Ron said with frustration evident in his voice and then turned to see Harry's furious face.
"Sorry, of course I don't mean like that, its just well how it is . . . " Ron tried to justify himself lamely just stopping because of Harry's glare and behind his eyes the slightly hurt look that flashed through just for a moment before the mask was put back on.
"Ron you are a complete git." Ginny said darkly to Ron about Harry and also Hermione.
"Well, now that you know are you going to do anything about it Ron?" Harry asked coldly.
"No." Ron said quickly as Ginny threw her hands up in frustration and Harry shook his head slowly.
"Ron you are such a prat, you've liked Hermione for five years and you finally learn that she returns your feelings and your just going to sit on your bum and let her drift away, when all she's waiting for is you? What happened to your Gryffindor courage? Did you forget that courage is part of you? You have to do something about it. I don't know if you realize but you're not the only one after Hermione, she'll only wait for you so long." Harry said seriously shaking his head in apparent disgust of his best friend. However right when Ron was about to answer Hermione walked in, Harry sent one last glare at Ron and stayed silent.
"I was talking with your mum and she said to give the supply list to her and she'll take care of it." Hermione said briskly walking into the silent room where Ron was blushing and scowling and Ginny was starring at Harry who kept his eyes on the chessboard in front of him.
"Great" He mumbled to the board, Hermione didn't seem to notice their odd behavior and took a seat next to Ginny on the floor.
"So Harry your taking NEWT Transfiguration, Charms, DADA, Potions and an elective your choice, also you could've taken Herbology but it's not required to become an Auror, though it might be a good idea so you could recognize poisonous plants, but that's not really one of your strong areas." Hermione continued holding up Harry's OWLs. "I'm really glad you did so well." Hermione said.
"Thanks." Harry muttered looking up into the eyes of Ginny who shot him a curious smile.
"Ron you'll be taking all of those except for Potions and your choice of elective, if you wanted you could replace Potions with Herbology." Hermione started and Ron interrupted her.
"I'll take whatever Harry's taking." Ron mumbled also looking down at the chessboard.
"Pawn to F5." Harry muttered and the pawn scrapped up two spaces. Ron glanced up and shot Harry a hopeful smile who shrugged but didn't return the smile.
"Really I'm trying to help you two." Hermione butted in.
"I think we should do our homework, I still have to complete two essays and Ron you have three." Hermione said, "you've finished all of yours correct Harry?" Hermione questioned.
"I think I'll go see what Dumbledore wants while you do your assignments." Harry said.
"Professor" Harry said surprised as he walked into him. "Sorry" he muttered taking a step back.
"Harry just whom I was looking for." Dumbledore said clapping his hands together. "Come for a stroll with me?" Dumbledore asked as Harry nodded in agreement.
"How have you been Harry?" Dumbledore questioned once they were outside.
"Fine thanks," Harry answered as Dumbledore stopped to look at Harry who met his eyes and Dumbledore seemed to look right through him. Dumbledore started walking once again and Harry continued to reluctantly follow.
"Congratulations on making Gryffindor quidditch captain." Dumbledore said.
"About that, I don't think I should take it." Harry said looking at his trainers.
"I feel you could. Your father was." Dumbledore said, "and I won't take no for an answer." Dumbledore added eyes twinkling and Harry found himself smiling in spite of it all.
"Besides I don't think Mr. Weasley could be able to handle any more responsibility on his shoulders." Dumbledore said. Harry nodded not really sure what he was out here for, so they walked in silence for a while till Dumbledore paused and looked down at Harry.
"Harry I understand that you've experienced a great loss, one so powerful it could consume you if you let it, you have a tendency to take blame for things that are not in your control, you must not take this weight on, Harry you must let go and accept." Dumbledore finished looking somber. Harry sighed in frustration he wouldn't forget Sirius he wouldn't let it go, and it was his fault, it always was.
"Miss Weasley seems to make a profound difference in your behavior, it is helpful for you." Dumbledore said smiling.
"You were spying on me?" Harry asked in disbelief, here even at the Burrow. Dumbledore sighed and answered.
"Harry you are always being watched, I would recommend spending more time with Miss Weasley you get along very well." Dumbledore said again Harry looked up into Dumbledore's face and back down again.
"Yeah and add another person to Voldemort's list." Harry muttered to himself angrily.
"I believe you should let Miss Weasley make that decision in the matter." Dumbledore said looking pointedly at Harry, "but, like you Harry, Ginny has met Voldemort twice and survived both encounters, I believe she is already part of this list." Dumbledore said pensively, as Harry contemplated his words.
"Yes Professor." Harry answered as he realized that this was true.
"Very well, I'm not pressuring you to do anything you do not want to Harry, but you must realize that being around Miss Weasley had shown the most difference in your demeanor." Dumbledore finished with the pleasant part of the conversation.
"Is that what you brought me out here to talk about Professor?" Harry questioned doubting that highly.
"No you are correct in your assumption's Harry, I've brought you out here to warn you against a possible threat, I'm telling you this because I've decided to keep nothing from you Harry, I have faith that you will not tell a soul." Dumbledore said looking grave. "It is called the Green Flame Torch, and as legend goes the flame could wipe out all evil things. Voldemort knows this and fears what the torch could accomplish. He will try and put the flame out for the first time since its birth, from Merlin, the torch if put out will never be lit again." Dumbledore stated gravely and continued.
"The problem is that we do not know where this torch is kept, we have only one advantage over Voldemort, the key." Dumbledore finished.
"The key will open the case in which the Flame is kept to burn eternally, and it is in Hogwarts." Dumbledore said with finality. Harry dawned a look of recognition to the key located in his trunk, G.F., the carving on the side, Green Flame.
"Professor I've . . . " Harry started only to be interrupted by Dumbledore.
"Harry," Dumbledore said with a wink, "I know what it is you posses, I can only ask you not to go looking for this torch, danger is axiomatic, you will only put yourself in unneeded danger if you go after it." Dumbledore said and once again repeated himself.
"I have complete faith in that you will comply with my wishes." Dumbledore answered and turned back to the house with Harry in shock over the news that Dumbledore knew he held the answer for the end of the war yet he let him still keep it.
"You can tell your friends that you have agreed to continue DA and have accepted the position of Gryffindor quidditch captain." Dumbledore said smiling warmly at Harry.
"All right Professor, good evening." Harry said uneasily as he walked back into the house. He didn't see as one of the Order members emerged from a bush nearby and went to Dumbledore's side, nor did he hear Dumbledore say, "The pieces are in his hands, all he needs to do is piece them together," and disappeared into the night.
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Thanks so much for the reviews:
Melindaleo- Thanks for liking the whole stick thing, I was a little speculative about putting that in but my sister convinced me that it was good, so I just went with it! I actually read your story! On Sink Into Your Eyes! *wink* Great story may I add! Thanks so much for the review!
Jeff- Thanks so much for the review!
Bob33- Aw thanks so much! I'm glad you liked what happened in Lily and James' time! LoL, thanks so much for the review!
Ckat44- Aw thanks for recommending my story Kate! You're so kind! I really like yours too there all so good! I know me either! I can't wait for summer to end I've
been writing the start of school and I wrote about 12 pages but I hated them and ripped them up! LoL, so now I still have to start writing the beginning of school! Aw Kate you're so considerate! Not making me rush to update! *gushes* Thanks so much! *hug* Don't worry I don't plan on ending this story for a while! Thanks so much for the review!
Hpz26- Thanks so much for reading and thanks so much for the review as well!
Cyher- Whoops sorry! I didn't catch them and I guess word didn't either! But I urge you to continue reading I don't think I used Grammar check in the beginning but I do now so please don't let the beginning of the story rate the whole story! If you like it I would love to have you continue to read my story! Thanks so much for the review!
Oceangirl1661- Lmao Chelsea! I'm glad you like my story! *hugs* Yes I love your reviews too, there so cool! Gotta love 'em! Thanks so much for the review! *pats head* we already knew you were special *winks*! LoL!
Missers- Aw Missy! Thanks so much for the review! I haven't spoken to you in ages! Thanks again for the review! *hugs*
Kitty254781- Oh really? I'm sorry I just assumed! Sorry about that, but thanks for letting me know I'll be sure to change it! Thanks again for the review!
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Stay tuned for the next chapter that is currently unnamed, it should be up sooner than this one took! Hopefully! Thanks again for all the reviews!
