Author's Note: Okay everyone semi-important!! Wiccan PussyKat won some very cool tickets to go to a book fair thing with JK ROWLING!!!!!! AHHHH!!! regains composure So, they're taking audience questions (from a very small audience, I'm so jealous, PK!!!) and so she's trying to think of a good question. So if any of you have a suggestion, pop it in a review!! We're thinking of ones she's actually likely to answer here, rather than, "is Harry going to die in the last book?" Thanks everyone and think hard!! Oh, and thank you so much to NightSpear and Christine for giving me quick Latin lessons in nouns vs. possessives, and thanks to all the others who went to all the trouble to try looking it up online!

The blood drained from Draco's face as he stood frozen like a deer in headlights. Harry grabbed the bag in one hand and Draco's arm in the other and pulled him into the closet. He quietly pulled the door closed behind them just as they heard Draco's bedroom door crash open.

Harry pulled Draco down into the back corner of the closet. He took out his invisibility cloak and draped it over them, making sure it completely covered their sitting forms.

"The treacherous little bastard," Lucius hissed followed by the sound of glass breaking. Harry could hear drawers being thrown open and paper rustled.

"So it's a dragon with ruby eyes?" someone else asked.

"Emerald eyes you imbecile. Check his desk," Lucius's voice barked. Suddenly, the closet door was thrown open. Harry clapped his hand over Draco's mouth before he could yelp. Draco was shaking like mad but Harry didn't know what he could do to calm him down at the moment.

Lucius began throwing things from the shelves, opening every box and dumping out the contents.

"Is this really worth it Lucius?" a voice asked nervously. "The ministry could show up any second, or even worse, the Order!"

"That is the purpose of the distraction we set up over in Little Hangington. The Order will not be here because they are currently busy dealing with Death Eater activity over there," Lucius sneered as if speaking to a bunch of morons.

"There could be trigger-spells to let them know we're here."

"Lucius, maybe we should leave."

"We can't find it."

"Keep looking," Lucius growled. "I want that amulet."

Harry glanced questioningly at Draco who shakily pulled a silver chain out of his shirt. The pendant that hung from the long chain around Draco's neck was a dragon whose emerald eyes seemed to glow slightly. Harry's eyes widened. The two met each other's eyes, each seeing fear in the other's.

"Lucius, are you sure it's here?" a deep voice asked.

"Crabbe, you said your son hasn't seen Draco with it. Draco had no idea what the amulet does and he wasn't overly impressed with the gift so he probably just threw it somewhere with the rest of the gifts he didn't like. He had no appreciation for finery," Lucius said irritably.

He turned toward the two huddled boys and walked up to them. They pulled their legs as close to their bodies as possible and held their breath as the older Malfoy drew closer. Draco grasped Harry's forearm so tightly it was painful. The blond was shaking so hard, Harry was afraid the cloak would fall off.

Lucius stopped mere inches from the boys' feet and began sifting through things on the shelf above them.

Both boys covered their mouths with their sleeves in hopes that the man who was so close to them wouldn't hear their panicked breathing. Harry's heart was pounding so hard, he was almost certain the elder Malfoy would hear.

A box fell off the shelf landing right next to Draco. The blonde boy buried his face into Harry's upper arm in unbridled terror. Harry's hand had gone numb from Draco's vice-like grip, but he hardly noticed.

Lucius slowly reached down to pick it up. Harry pulled Draco's upper body toward him, just as Lucius's hand was about to brush against Draco's elbow. Draco was trembling violently as his father picked up the small box and quickly looked through it.

The man's face contorted with rage and frustration as he hurled the box against the closet wall. It smashed right next to Draco's head, causing the boy to jump and Harry to pull the blond further toward him.

"The little bastard must've taken it," he growled.

Suddenly, a new voice was heard, sounding a bit out of breath.

"They're here! They must've put up alarms or something, but Dumbledore and his people are here!" the voice called frantically.

There were several curses, including several from Lucius.

"Apparate back to headquarters," he ordered reluctantly.

There were several pops from the room as Lucius walked out of the closet.

"Incendio. Incendio," he spat before there was a loud pop announcing his exit.

Harry helped Draco to his feet and swung the bag over his shoulder. They ran out of the closet. In seeing the empty room, Harry ripped off the invisibility cloak.

"Noooo," Draco moaned as the room began filling with smoke. His room was now in pieces and as a last act of revenge by his father, he had set the room on fire. The flames were quickly spreading as Draco watched his room and possessions being devoured by the flames.

Harry looked up to see the fire traveling across the ceiling.

"We need to get out of here!" he coughed, the smoke filling his lungs.

"Oh gods," Draco murmured, frozen in shock as he watched the place he had grown up in being destroyed.

Harry grabbed the Slytherin's arm and pulled him out into the hall where they both gasped for fresh air.

They ran along the hall. Draco's expression was pained and as he looked along the walls, he had to fight back tears. The cause of the small explosions they had heard earlier was made obvious now. Every picture along the hall that had contained Draco was destroyed, blown to pieces.

The two got to the staircase and nearly ran into somebody, causing the two to gasp and skid to a halt. Before them stood a very shocked Snape.

"Sev!" Draco cried in relief and threw his arms around his godfather who continued to try and register what he was seeing.

Draco broke the hug and stepped back to look at his godfather. Snape's expression quickly turned from shock to anger. Draco took another step back and Harry gulped.

"All clear, find anything Sna—"

Sirius came around the corner and froze, staring at the two boys.

"Harry? Draco?" he asked blankly. He glanced to Snape and realized that the Potions master didn't know about this and figured out what must have happened. His expression too turned into one of barely contained fury.

"We're in trouble," Harry said quietly to Draco, looking back and forth between the two godfathers.

"You can't even fathom what an understatement that is," Snape growled.

.

Snape and Sirius quickly found Dumbledore, who assured them that the rest of the Order could wrap up. Remus decided to go with them, ignoring Snape's protests.

They were now all back in Draco's room at Snape Manor. The two boys were sitting on the edge of the bed, heads hung in shame, while their two godfathers stalked the room in a rage. Remus was trying to calm the two, but they were ignoring him.

"What were you two thinking? I should have expected this sort of behavior from Potter…"

Harry winced as Snape reverted to his old way of addressing him. It was obvious the man had completely lost his temper, and Harry knew he deserved it, but it still hurt.

"…but you, Draco. I thought you would be more responsible than to compromise your safety like this!"

"Sneaking off to go to the house of a man who would gladly kill you both?" Sirius continued off Snape's rant. "Are you bloody mad? How could you do this to me Harry after knowing what your death did to me the last time? Do you ever think of anyone but yourself?" he bellowed.

Harry looked up at his godfather sadly, but Sirius shot him such a furious glare that Harry immediately looked back at his lap. Remus warned Sirius not to lose his temper, but the animagus ignored him as Snape continued their raving.

"What would have happened if we weren't there? I thought you two were smart, but there must be nothing in between your ears. Draco, I thought you were trying to change for the better, and then you go do something as foolish as this. Was a stupid book worth your lives? And Potter, you really are the idiot show-off I originally believed you to be," Snape bellowed. "I should have known it when you went off throwing punches and starting fights in Diagon Alley where you not only dragged in Draco, but the Weasleys as well just so you could show off how cool you are."

"What?" Sirius asked, turning to his godson angrily.

"You promised you wouldn't tell!" Harry yelled to Snape with a hurt look.

"Shut your mouth, Potter. I am your professor and I do not owe you the courtesy of keeping my word when you go around and recklessly break the rules of my house and put my godson in danger," Snape growled furiously, sticking a finger in Harry's face.

Harry hung his head.

"Of course you'd automatically assume it was Harry's fault," Sirius sneered at Snape. "I believe it was Draco's things they went after. I knew this friendship would be a disaster. Harry, I think it's time you re-evaluated who you choose as friends."

Snape whipped around to tell Sirius off for the comment, but Harry jumped to his feet.

"It was my idea, not Draco's. It's all my fault. If anyone should be re-evaluating who they choose as friends it should be Draco," Harry insisted.

Snape's mouth snapped shut and a gleam of triumph entered his eyes, proud that it wasn't his godson causing the trouble.

Sirius's fury grew even more at the revelation.

"So it's not enough putting YOUR life in jeopardy every chance you get, but now you're dragging others into it as well? James would NEVER have done something so stupid," Sirius said in angry disappointment. "I guess you're less like your father than I thought."

Snape snorted at this.

"I-I'm sorry," Harry said weakly.

"Sorry's not good enough. I am so disappointed in you, Harry! I thought you had learned better than to do this sort of thing! What will it take to knock some sense into you? You better pray that I simply lock you in your room for a month rather than give you a punishment you really deserve."

Harry's heart practically stopped at this comment, but neither of the two furious men noticed.

"Sirius, I think that's enough," Remus said warningly, standing up sharply.

"No, Moony. Harry's got to understand what a horrible thing he's done. Harry, we'll discuss your punishment later. I can't even look at you right now," Sirius said, shaking with fury as he strode out of the room.

Snape turned to Draco. "Don't think you're getting off easy for this, Draco. I'm very disappointed with your behavior. Once Black and Potter leave, I'll determine what your punishment shall be," he said coldly before leaving the room, slamming the door so hard behind him, that the frame rattled.

Harry was now shaking with terror. Draco had his face in his hands, trying to fight off tears, but Harry looked close to having a panic attack.

"Harry?" Remus asked gently. Harry flinched and his head snapped up.

"Oh my God, it's happening," Harry said wildly, eyes darting around the room as if looking for possible exits. Draco looked up at the Gryffindor worriedly.

"What's happening, Harry?" Remus asked softly.

"I-I screwed up. He knows what I'm really like now and it's going to start being the same, just like Uncle Vernon said!" he said, panicked. Remus's eyes darkened, wondering what exactly Harry's horrible uncle had told him.

"Harry, you know that Sirius would never hurt you. He would never treat you like the Dursleys did."

Harry closed his eyes and shook his head. "I knew this would happen! I knew he would start to hate me too! Oh God Moony please, I can't take it again! I don't want it to be like it was at the Dursleys! I'll be really good from now on, Moony, I promise! I—I just can't take it again, please," Harry pleaded madly.

"Harry, I promise you that Sirius won't hurt you. I swear it. He loves you," Remus insisted.

Harry sat back down and buried his face in his hands, clearly not believing his Defense professor.

Remus sighed and turned to the blonde. "Draco, how are you feeling?"

The Slytherin looked up at him sadly. "Sev's going to kick me out, just like my family did, and I don't have anywhere to go," he said, choking back a sob.

Harry's head snapped back up. The blood had quickly drained from his face.

"What if Sirius sends me back to the Dursleys?" he asked in a horrified whisper.

"Harry that wo—" Remus started but was ignored by the boys.

"Then I'll come with you," Draco stated firmly.

"My aunt and cousin hate me so much though. They'd hate you too because you're a wizard," Harry said shakily. "Or what if my uncle comes back? They didn't keep him in jail last time, what if they let him out again? He'd kill me."

"Harry, you're not going back to the Durs—" Remus tried to interject. The two boys were ignoring him completely.

"I won't let him, are you kidding? Nobody treats my friends that way. Besides, there's no way I'd live in a cupboard. We'd run away. You have money in the bank so we'd live off that until we figured something else out," Draco told Harry firmly, putting his arm around the raven-haired boy's shoulders to try and calm him.

"I just thought I finally had a family," Harry said sadly.

"Me too," Draco muttered in the same tone.

"No running away yet boys. Just try to calm down a bit, all right?" Remus said gently, though he wasn't sure if either boy had even heard him. He sighed and left the room, turning toward the stairs. His anger rose as he heard the two men raging downstairs.

He walked into the room to find the two men screaming at each other.

"Shut it, both of you," Remus snapped angrily, grabbing their attention. "Sit down," he ordered menacingly, letting the wolf in him come to the surface just enough to get his point across.

They both reluctantly and indignantly sat.

Remus paced back and forth in front of them angrily as they had done in Draco's room, turning the tables a bit.

"So, you two decide you're going to be tough godfathers, eh? Lay down the rules and enforce them with an iron fist? Lose your tempers at the boys' first mistake? What the hell were you two thinking up there?" he yelled, pointing furiously to the ceiling.

"They could have been killed. They need to realize what they did," Snape said in defense but Remus shot a glare at him that surprised Snape enough to silence him.

"You, Severus. The boys aren't your students right now. Draco is your godson and Harry seems to look up to you for Merlin knows what reason. They are NOT for terrorizing into obeying your rules! You are the only family Draco has now. He's been cast out and disowned by the Malfoys, and now, because of your behavior, your overreacting, Draco is up there thinking you're going to kick him out, that you're going to disown him too! All because you wanted to play the role of tough guy. And then, reverting to calling Harry, "Potter." It was like you were dehumanizing him and I think he's had enough of that in his life. You would have seen the hurt in his eyes when you did that if you hadn't been so wrapped up in your ranting and raving," Remus said sharply.

Snape looked shocked and guilty. Sirius was now the one looking triumphant. Remus rounded on the animagus.

"Wipe that bloody smirk off your face, Sirius, because you were ten times worse than Severus. Asking Harry, 'do you ever think about anyone but yourself '? For Merlin's sake, that's all Harry does! And now you've got him thinking he's selfish. He's never going to put his own needs before anyone else's now! Oh no, but you didn't stop at destroying his self-esteem, you had to keep going," Remus growled angrily. "I really love your choice of words. 'Knock some sense' into him. Saying he should pray that you 'simply lock him up for a month,' rather than a punishment he 'really deserves.' Oh that's just great, Padfoot. Did it perhaps slip your mind that Harry was ABUSED?!" Remus bellowed. "He's up there having a panic attack thinking you're going to take him home and BEAT him. I hope you're satisfied that you got your message across because at least Harry promises to be good from now on if I keep you from hurting him," he spat, voice dripping with sarcasm. He hadn't gotten this angry in a very long time.

Sirius stood up quickly. "He does NOT think that! He knows I wouldn't hurt him."

"Sirius, you and Severus both need to realize that Harry and Draco aren't just your average boys, but both have been abused both physically and emotionally. They need even more reassurance and demonstrations of love than most children. You also need to swallow your pride and realize that you need help. You two need to work together on this because if you stopped and thought about it, Sirius is the best person to help Draco, and Severus is the best person to help Harry."

Snape actually seemed to be listening to Remus, but Sirius just scowled at him angrily. "I can take care of Harry myself. He doesn't need him," he spat, gesturing at Snape, "he needs me, his godfather. And he knows I would never hurt him. He knows I love him. You don't know what you're talking about Remus, and I can't believe you would accuse me of…of…whatever you were accusing me of."

"Sirius, would you just listen to me?" Remus yelled.

"No, I'm taking Harry and getting out of here," he declared, walking quickly to the stairs.

"Fine Siri, but when you decide to pull your head out of your arse and help your godson, come to me," Remus shouted heatedly.

Sirius stomped up the stairs, his mind buzzing with disbelief of what his supposed best friend had just accused him of.

He threw open the bedroom door, too involved in his thoughts to notice Harry jump and pale.

"Come on, Harry. We're going," he growled, unable to fully contain his anger at Moony.

Harry quickly jumped to his feet and followed his godfather, trying to stop shivering with fright as he didn't want to incense Sirius further.

Sirius led him quickly to the fireplace. Remus and Snape were having a conversation in which Snape looked quite concerned. Remus looked up at Sirius angrily and gave Harry a sympathetic look. Harry could only gather that he was done for.

He shakily said "the Lighthouse" as he stepped into the fireplace.

The living room at the Lighthouse usually made Harry feel inexplicably happy and comforted, but now it only felt cold and menacing as Sirius emerged from the fireplace behind him.

"In the study," he snapped. "We need to discuss your punishment."

Harry tried to remember to breathe as he walked into the study. As Sirius shut the door behind them, Harry's blood ran cold.

Harry shakily turned to face his godfather, absolutely petrified.

"Now Harry," Sirius started angrily, taking a step forward. Before Harry could stop himself, he had stepped back.

"I-I'm s-sorry," he stuttered with fright, tensing up.

Sirius blinked at him blankly, as if trying to comprehend something.

"Are you scared?" Sirius asked in disbelief. Harry shook he head from side to side vehemently, but his trembling betrayed his true feelings. He took another step back.

Sirius saw that with another step back, Harry was going to hit the rubbish bin. He reached out to grab Harry's arm and pull him away from the bin, but the motion only scared the boy further.

He yanked his arm out of reach and quickly stepped back, falling backwards over the trashcan. Sirius ran forward to help but succeeded only in terrifying his godson who began apologizing like his life depended on it and scooting back until he hit the wall.

"Harry no, please. I'm not going to hurt you," he said desperately, stepping toward the boy. Harry threw his trembling arms up to protect his face.

"I'm so sorry. Please, I didn't mean it. I'm sorry," he whimpered.

Sirius's eyes widened in shock as Harry cowered from him. He held his palms out in front him as a sign of peace.

"Harry, I'm not going to hurt you, I promise," he said shakily as he walked slowly forward. Harry nodded in acknowledgment but Sirius could tell by the terror portrayed in those bright green orbs that the boy didn't believe it.

As Sirius got closer to him, Harry shook violently. It was obvious he was trying to suppress his trembling, but his attempts were having little effect.

Sirius suddenly knelt down in front of him, causing Harry to jerk at the sudden movement, as he did so often ever since the incident with his uncle.

"Harry…" Sirius started sadly. The raven-haired boy flinched.

"I'm sorry," Harry whispered shakily. "I—I—"

Sirius pulled Harry into a hug. Harry stiffened in the embrace, his whole body tense as if waiting for something else; waiting for Sirius to decide that a fatherly hug was not what Harry deserved.

"Shh," Sirius said, rubbing small circles on Harry's back to try to calm him, "it's okay. I'm sorry too."

"Please don't hate me. I-I'll be better. Just give me another chance and I'll be more like my father was or whatever you want me to be, I promise. Just please don't hate me yet," Harry pleaded.

Sirius grabbed Harry's shoulders suddenly and pushed them apart so he could look into Harry's face in surprise. Harry yelped at the sudden movement and held his breath, looking terrified as he subconsciously waited to be struck.

"Harry, I would NEVER hate you! Never! What you did tonight was very stupid and dangerous. I'm mad because if something had happened to you, I couldn't…I would be…" He took a deep breath to keep himself from getting emotional and tried again, looking into Harry's nervous eyes. "I would never hurt you, you know that, right?"

Harry looked down sadly, having calmed down now. "Yeah, I know," he said quietly.

Sirius sighed.

"We still have to discuss your punishment, which will be being grounded or having some chores or something, not anything like your uncle did to you," Sirius said gravely.

Harry looked doubtful, but nodded silently.

"How about we just go to bed and talk about it tomorrow?" Sirius suggested gently. "It's been a long night."

The two climbed to their feet and made their way awkwardly out of the room. Harry kept his gaze steadied on the floor as he walked, looking quite shaken. Sirius followed him wordlessly, mentally kicking himself for not listening to Remus and for believing that Harry had escaped years of abuse at the Dursleys' unscathed.

Sirius said goodnight to Harry at his door and left, allowing the boy to change and go to bed. He made his way downstairs to the living room and collapsed in a chair, burying his head in his hands. He just couldn't believe what an idiot he had been. How could he have thought that Harry hadn't been deeply affected by the way his family had treated him. Remus was right; Harry wasn't just an average teenager, and Sirius felt lost. He had thought this would be easy since Harry was such a good kid. Now, for the first time, he realized that he had thought about it all too simplistically. Harry was a good kid, but he had emotional scars that ran under the surface that Sirius had somehow missed. He didn't even know where to start to fix it.

He got up and grabbed a piece of parchment from a drawer and whistled for Hedwig as he sat down to compose his letter.

Remy,

You were right. I need help. I'm ready to listen and do whatever you think I should. I'm sorry.

Siri

Hedwig landed on his shoulder, nipping Sirius's ear for making her leave Harry's side.

"I know, I know. But I'm trying to help him now," he said softly, tying the note to Hedwig's leg. "Now go take that to Remus."

The snowy owl soared away through the open window out into the night sky.

Sirius absently watched the flames flicker in the fireplace for a while before quietly making his way upstairs.

He cracked open Harry's door and peered inside. The room was dark, the only light coming from the moon outside. Sirius walked over and knelt by Harry's bed, studying his sleeping godson.

Harry looked so innocent and peaceful, yet even in sleep, his eyebrows were slightly knitted as they had been so often in the past few weeks. Sirius's heart clenched as he saw that Harry's pillow was slightly wet and he had the remnants of tears on his face. Sirius gently wiped away a teardrop that was still clinging to Harry's cheek, frowning as the raven-haired boy flinched at the touch even in his sleep. With all the pain in Harry's life, Sirius noticed that he tried to never reveal his emotions to others. Sadness was a secret that Harry hid like it was a sin.

"Oh Harry, why do you always make yourself suffer alone?" Sirius whispered, running his thumb over Harry's famous scar.

.

The next morning, after a night of potion-induced dreamless sleep, Harry woke up and shamefully came down to the kitchen, only to find Sirius getting ready to leave. He said he needed to talk over some serious things with Remus but that they'd be having a long talk soon. Harry didn't even bother believing his words but nodded anyways since that was what he was supposed to do.

He knew he should feel grateful that Sirius had neither hit him nor sent him back to the Dursleys, but he could only feel pained that Sirius had just left him like he didn't even matter.

Maybe he really didn't matter.

.

An hour or so later, Sirius returned and told Harry to floo over to Snape Manor. Harry started to protest, not wanting to face Snape after the previous night, but when Draco came through the fire, looking equally confused, Harry realized what they were doing. He knew it would be good for Draco so he said goodbye to Sirius and flooed over to Snape Manor. He stumbled out of the fireplace, thankfully managing to stay on his feet this time.

"Good afternoon," Snape said, greeting him. Harry avoided his gaze and muttered his hellos.

"Harry…" Snape started, but Harry cut him off.

"Oh, it's Harry again? I thought it was Potter. You know, all this flip-flopping around with my name might trigger an identity crisis of sorts," he said coldly.

"Harry…" Snape started again, guiltily.

"I'm not an idiot. I know why I'm here. Remus convinced you and Sirius to work together and swap godsons for the day. Sirius was disowned from his family for switching to the light side. So was Draco. Voila, it's perfect. They should have had this conversation ages ago. And hey, Sirius hasn't had much luck with me, so he might as well give you a shot. I'm still not sure about what you're trying to do exactly, but I think I've got the general plan down, haven't I?"

"Yes, but there's…"

"Well, sir, before you waste your day, let's just end this now. I really hope Sirius can help Draco feel better, but whatever you're trying to do with me isn't going to work. That would require some sort of trust between us, but unfortunately, we seem to be lacking in that lately. I can't trust somebody who can't even make up their mind whether they hate me or not."

Harry felt his throat constrict, but he forced away any emotion.

"Harry, I don't…"

"I think it would be best to stick with Potter. That way, I remember my place as your student, an idiot, show-off, arrogant student, who doubles as a science experiment. And don't worry, this time, I won't forget it, so don't waste your time. You can go do whatever it is you'd be doing if I wasn't here, and I'm just going to sit here until Draco gets back so I can leave. That way, I'll be sure not to overstay my welcome."

Snape closed his eyes and took a calming breath.

Harry looked down at the floor, letting his cold exterior drop momentarily.

"But, um…Professor, I really am sorry about last night. I didn't mean to put Draco in danger. I promise it won't happen again."

"You put yourself in danger too," Snape pointed out.

"Yes, but I put Draco in danger too, and that's what matters," Harry said with a sigh. "But as I said, it will never happen again."

"It matters that you were put in danger too, Harry," Snape tried.

"That would be 'Potter', Professor," Harry said, putting back up his barriers once again. "And this conversation you're trying to start is pointless, so you might as well quit now and try to make something out of the afternoon before you completely waste it."

"Don't take that tone with me, Harry," Snape said warningly.

"Potter," Harry corrected. "And you should say it with some feeling. Maybe you could accompany it with an insult or a death glare or something."

"Stop this, right now. I'm not in the mood for this," Snape snapped.

"So give me detention. You could start up a tally sheet or something so you remember how many to give me when we start school again. You could even take points. I don't really care. Just do whatever catches your fancy," Harry said, his voice only slightly tinged with anger.

"Harry, just give me a chance to…"

"Why? You never gave me one. Or was this summer my chance and I blew it? Whatever, you know what? I don't even care."

"Why are you doing this, Harry? This isn't like you," Snape asked desperately.

"You want to know why?" Harry asked angrily. "Do you know what the absolute worst pain in the entire world is? Worse than the Cruciatus curse, worse than getting beaten with a chair leg or stabbed or thrown through a glass table? It's thinking that someone cares about you and then suddenly finding out they don't. It's humiliating and it hurts like something I could never even describe. And yet, it keeps happening to me over and over again because I'm such a freaking moron. I even thought my relatives loved me, can you believe that? After all they did, I still thought…" He broke off and closed his eyes, getting his emotions under control. "Well, I'm not letting that happen again."

"So you're cutting yourself off from the world and pushing everyone away just because you're afraid of getting hurt?" Snape asked disappointedly.

"Not very Gryffindor of me, is it?" Harry concluded with self-disgust.

"You're not being fair to the people who are trying to help you."

"News flash: life isn't fair," Harry said harshly. "Sometimes, just when you think everything's going to be great, it all falls apart. Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, it's just not good enough. Sometimes the people you care about don't care about you in return. People will always disappoint you if you're dumb enough to count on them. That's life, and it's time I learned to deal with it rather than believe in something that isn't there."

"What about the flawed perfection you were telling me about?"

"It was crap, something I used to believe in when I was stupid and naïve. Besides, you're forgetting what the main ingredient for flawed perfection is," Harry said.

"Didn't you say it was having people you loved?" Snape asked, trying to remember the conversation better.

"And people who love you back. It doesn't work without that, no matter how much you try to get it to," he said bitterly.

"Harry, there are people who love you," Snape insisted.

"Don't patronize me, Professor. I'm not an idiot anymore," Harry said coldly. Snape decided to try another route.

"Harry, I was angry last night. I said things I didn't mean."

"Well it's becoming a nice little pattern, isn't it? But see, when you keep saying the same things when you lose your temper, it tends to mean you really think they're true," Harry said numbly. "I learned that one from the Dursleys."

"I don't know how to make you believe that I'm telling the truth," Snape said desperately.

"Don't bother. It's not worth the effort. Now if you please, I brought my book and I really should get to reading it," Harry said, opening up the tattered copy of Treasure Island that Kota had leant him. He had started reading it so he could tell the story to Anna, who seemed to like pirates, but he wouldn't admit that now. It would be like admitting a weakness that he cared about anyone, and he didn't want Snape to know. He wanted Snape to see him as strong and invulnerable. Maybe then, Snape would at least respect him, not that Harry cared what Snape thought.

"Harry, put the book down," Snape commanded.

Harry ignored him and tried to block him out.

"Put. The book. Down!" Snape growled through clenched teeth.

Harry turned the page. Even if he now couldn't focus on reading, he wanted to make it seem like he was.

Snape suddenly grabbed the book out of Harry's hands and Harry flinched violently, tensing up as he anticipated pain.

He quickly regained his composure once he realized he wasn't going to be hit and crossed his arms casually, staring into the fire.

"Harry, talk to me."

Harry sat there stone-faced and tight-lipped.

"Harry, I can't help you if you won't talk."

The Gryffindor didn't speak or move. Snape snapped.

"You know what? Fine! I tried. I've done my duty. If you feel like digging yourself into a giant hole, then go right ahead. I'm certainly not the one to pull you out of it. I don't know why they thought I could get through to you anyway," Snape said in frustration. He threw the book into Harry's lap, causing the raven-haired boy to jump. Snape then stormed out of the room.

Harry turned and watched him leave. He desperately wanted to call him back. He didn't want to be alone. But he forced those thoughts from his head. He was meant to be alone. He had to be alone. It was the only way not to get hurt again, because he just wouldn't be able to take it if he had to face rejection one more time, and he was finally beginning to realize that rejection was all he'd ever get from people. It was better not to take the risk of getting attached.

He swallowed back tears and picked up his book once again. He looked around the big, empty room and shuddered, feeling very, very alone.

Wiccan PussyKat: Lol, yes, Harry's definitely one hot number! I wish Harry was real so I could have the Witch Weekly mag…or Harry himself, whichever. Poor Harry, he went to all that trouble to have his magazine reconnaissance mission, and it just failed miserably, even though he thought he succeeded. I don't think Harry looks at giving Ron the captaincy as a duty. I think he's happy to do it because he doesn't need another title to prove his worth, he's looking for something else. You must remember that Ron doesn't know that Harry handed it over to him. He just thinks Angelina named him captain and that Harry agrees with the decision. Harry doesn't want Ron to have to be jealous of him, so Harry's more than happy to give Ron a little time in the spotlight. Lol, you're no more evil than me, rest assured. Not a mental disorder, that's all I can say. I like the sleuthing though! Lol, yeah, Harry's idea definitely was not a brilliant one, but hey, it seemed decent at the time. Well, you got the Sirius being mad scene! Lol, and we got mental suffrage for Harry as well! Isn't life grand?

Lactuca: Nope, I'm serious about the turkeys. They're kinda cool unless they're in the road blocking your way and you're in a hurry. Wow, a cockerel sounds very fun…sort of. Yes, I've seen that Pride and Prejudice movie and Colin Firth looks might fine indeed in that scene. I loved writing the comments for the Teen Witch mag. Harry's so completely clueless. Lol, don't you wish you were one of the girls in the closet, or is it just me? Yes, Eloise was a traitor, but Ginny didn't think so, I'm sure. I'm sure Harry could just ask Neville to do it as a favor and Neville would after all Harry did for him the previous year in Potions tutoring and such. Don't worry, I'm not bashing Shakespeare. I really like Hamlet. But you must admit, it's not the best material to keep you awake when sleep-deprived, especially if you're not used to reading it. Lol, can't answer your questions, but good sleuthing! Keep it up. Oh wow, that's a bummer. I can't wait until you get back and can read all the chappies you've missed and tell me what you think! Have fun on your trip!

Myr Halcyon: lol, oh trust me, I'm not nearly through throwing clues at you, but I like that you're recognizing that some of these things are clues. I'd sure love to see you call Snape a lovable furry old teddy bear to his face. I think he'd beg to differ, even though Anna would definitely agree with you. Lol, yeah, movie-Remy's mustache was very creepy. Interesting theory. Keep on sleuthing, even though I can't confirm or deny your guessing. I can tell you that the bloody nose is happening pretty much every time he gets one of these headaches now, to different degrees depending on how violent the attack is and what little thing Hr. Callahan's trying out at the time to help him. Needless to say, none of it's really worked yet. I really enjoy your sleuthing though! Keep it up, Sherlock!

Thunder's Shadow: Oh, you're right! I didn't even catch that, thanks! Lol, yeah, well try telling Harry that. It definitely wasn't a brilliant suggestion. Yup, this story's definitely starting to go down serious road, and will be taking few detours. Yeah, I don't really like it when people start including Ginny into the trio either. Come on, Ron doesn't want to be hanging out with his sister! Harry does, but that's not the point. Lol. That's hilarious about your friend.

Eowyn of Ithilien: Wow! Hi! I thought you'd dropped off the face of the planet! I'm glad to have you back! I'm so glad you like the sequel so far! I'm glad you found Vernon's motive clear, since many didn't understand why he'd come back. Yeah, Siri's having some parenting issues he needs to deal with. Well, he's starting to at least! I'm glad you like my H/D friendship going on, and lol, them jumping each other would certainly make many of my readers happy (and probably me as well, lol), but I'm sticking with H/G! I'm so glad you like my characterization, as that's a very key point to the story. Lol, yeah, it's about time Eloise and Neville got together. The "you're off your rocker" look? I get that quite often. Let's just say I always test out dialogue I'm thinking about for my story by speaking out loud, and if my sis didn't know what I was doing, she'd probably think I had multiple personality disorder or something, lol. But I still get weird looks when she walks in and I'm sitting there looking in the mirror going "Harry, I can't help you if you don't talk." Lol, don't worry, I'm doing a pretty good job of figuring out how to create a world of pain for Harry right here. It's great to have you back!

alternativelyspliced: no, I never get sick of hearing people say they like my chapters! I love it each time. Lol, don't worry, the main conflict in this story is impossible to predict really, though someone got really close to another thing I've been leaving clues for, though before you start frantically looking through my reviews, I should mention that it might not have been in a review. Hahaha! A "frustration hammer." I love it! Of course, my story is the epitome of peace and togetherness. No, Eloise and Neville aren't going to find out about it. Harry needs someone who doesn't know about it, and it would just be redundant if I did, as I doubt there's really a wide variety of ways to respond to that that I haven't already covered. I think you've got a pretty good idea of why Harry can't ask for help. Cliffhangers are definitely fun for me, and well, at least it keeps you all on the edge of your seat, and you must admit, it's much more exciting to get the next chapter when the previous one had a cliffie! Lol, don't worry, I'm highly sarcastic myself, which is not always great, because once I thought this flame was really just being sarcastic, but then I figured out it wasn't, lol. I'm so glad you like the fic though!

Savoy Truffle: Lol, thank you! Yeah, Eloise and Neville were dating as of Chapter 9. Yeah, the testing is very painful and very stressful for Harry. His headache attacks are just horrible, and all Hr. Callahan's really succeeded at is making Harry be able to not pass out during them, which though Callahan says is actually a good thing health-wise, Harry doesn't agree as he actually has to be conscious for all the pain. Draco's not insulting Harry, he's just showing off and being his high-class little self, and Harry knows it and doesn't take offence. Sirius does have a huge manor, but as it says in Chapter 1, he doesn't like it there (it was his parents old house) and the Lighthouse is a cottage he bought after spending a bit with the Potters after he ran away and he loves it, and so does Harry, so they just ignore the manor Sirius has. Lol, I too have different ideas of what the characters look like than their movie versions, though my idea seems a bit different than yours, lol.

DumDum124: Thanks! I'm so glad you like it so much!! Your review made me go all giddy! Lol, I'm so happy I made you cry…in a non-sadistic way, I assure you! I'm really happy you liked my characterizations, especially Eloise, since I really wanted to bring her out a little more. I'm so relieved you didn't think Kota was a Mary-Sue, because that's one of my biggest fears with this story. Lol, I'm glad you don't despise my H/G pairing here! I'm glad to have shown you the upside to that pairing, because really that was my goal in putting them together. I'm so glad you never lost interest. I'm glad you're not disappointed in the sequel and hope you continue to like it. Lol, yeah, now that you're all caught up, you're going to have to wait for updates with the rest of 'em, but I hope you continue to review and enjoy it! Really, thank you for your awesome review. It really made my day and put me into a really good mood.

Dana (SerpentandtheLion): no worries, it's nice to get a review from you to let me know you're still with me! Answering your question, Harry hasn't really dealt with the Dursley's abuse. He's just bottled it all up inside and just sort of ignored it all. Harry's had all this stuff that he's just forced himself to live with, but this last event just passed the limit of what he could take. It wasn't really the event itself, it was many things the event brought up. There was the shame of having everyone there when it happened. He once again felt like he had put his friends in danger. What Vernon said to him sort of brought to surface all these doubts he'd been having lately, several which he hadn't really had before this summer. Also, it was the aftermath of it, how nobody talked to him about it (which previous times he could tell himself it was because they didn't know what was going on, but now there's really no excuse). And he has major insecurities about his friends right now, especially Ron, which you'll see later. Hopefully that answers your question. I could go on longer, but I think you get the point. I'm glad you agree with my reasons for taking away Harry's super-powers.

BabyBlu4, yellowpages, leontine-456, Lorie1101 (oh yes, much angst and more ahead!), angel74 (lol, when I find out you've updated, I generally have to calm myself down before going ahead and reading. Harry's definitely a bit foolish, but what can you do with the kid besides love him to death?), A-Brighter-Dawn, gina87, Idhren (Lol, why thank you! I'm glad you like my portrayal of F&G as I adore their characters and agree with you that there's more depth to them. Of course I can't answer your question, but keep sleuthing, you never know when you may be onto something.), Shawn Pickett, Black-Rose1243, Lourdes (don't let real life steal your sanity, fanfiction's always a good way to escape reality), Blulily07, lilynjamesAAF, lyss33, Mayem El-Diablo, shadowarwen, Dominey (lol, that is my ultimate goal, of course, to drive you all mad by putting in cliffies), musicstarlover, holly, Charlie Quill (I'm so glad you're emotionally attached! Scolding of their lives indeed. Don't you wish you got Witch Weekly now? Lol. Yay! A gold star!!), Shadow Wolf2418 (thank you so much! I used to be like that, but I now imagine exactly how I want my fic to go and then fit any other scene I think of into it, or if it can't fit, write it down and put it away for another story. I don't know, for some reason I was just able to stick with these two all the way through, maybe because I was so excited to write the climaxes for both of them.), Marci018 (Lol, of course! Harry's a hottie, even if he doesn't see it! Well, if things didn't keep happening to Harry, the story wouldn't be all that interesting anymore. A livejournal would be interesting, but I'm not so it would lose its appeal pretty quickly, lol. Not to mention I have no clue about computers.), torifire126, EriEka127, MissLilyStar (lol, Filch quote! Yay! More like a den of snakes, but yes, not the best idea, but then again, haven't we all done really stupid things before? Or is it just me? Hello? Anyone? Oh well. lol, you braved fire for your journal? I think I would have too, so I congratulate you for your dedication and bravery, even if it wasn't a real fire), corinnetkn24, Kfelton, Catiechan, azntgr01, Alaranth-88, DreamersDisease, Lmill123 (Well, now that Harry doesn't have cancer, Ron isn't looking for Harry having those sort of issues because he just doesn't expect them. Just put yourself in their places. They're not getting the same perspective we are and it's harder for them to see this, especially if they see him everyday and it's happening gradually. It's easy to look at the situation and see it for what it is, but it's different when you're involved like the characters are.), pennypacker, Von, Dana a.k.a. Mysticphoenix, Etzgo, shadowsfriend (I'm glad you like Flawed Perfection! I'm always worried people won't think the sequel lives up to the original), later days, therese, lost angel92, Lost Book, kneh13, Luinlothana (hey! Long time no hearing from you! Lol, I don't know if the last scene would have proved Harry's maturity, more like stupidity that everyone has once in a while. Lol, hope you don't have any sleepless nights. Wow, European law! Congrats!), NathanPostmark, tati1 (lol, enjoyed the Krum imitation!), stahchild (don't dislike Sirius! He just doesn't know what he's doing, but he does care!), athenakitty, Dakana Warrior, Elementation, SillyGillie (The shirtless pictures were after all that, but he had concealing charms on to hide it. Yeah, Draco's a good fencer! Woohoo go Dray!!), mickeymoose, ThreeToedSloth, CentralsPrincess15 (No, Harry's spending about equal time with Draco and the Weasleys. I just happen to often write about his times with Draco's since they can be a bit more relative to the plot so I could see how you'd get that. He visits both all the time, and have both of them over to his house a lot, at different times), X-Goddess of Imaginary Light-X (lol, well, they don't quite meet again, thank Merlin for Harry's invisibility cloak! Hehehe, me? Make Harry get worse? Never! Um, just ignore this chapter innocent look), Girlwhoshowspigs (congrats for you and your guy. Ginny and Harry are obviously having a more difficult time of it. Both are a bit too shy for their own good when it comes to each other. I'll explain more later in the fic.), Phoenixmarauder, Siri Kat, SiriusWolf, HP-Azn, Helen, Madame Moony, Earthmom (thank you so much! That really means a lot.), Milenn Cassandra Riddle, Leena7, The REAL Sirius Black (That's very interesting. I never thought about that sort of relationship with James Potter. Very creative. Lol, and you're welcome for writing, er…you with a life no longer in ruins. I'm glad you like the fic and yes, Harry's not only Draco's best friend, but his only friend, the only real friend he's ever known.), Darktiger2, hpfanchrissy1502 (lol, yes I'm still writing this. I update once a week), Crystal113 (well, turns out they didn't move the meeting, but were dealing with some other stuff: distraction in Little Whinging and then Lucius turning up back home.), Velith (Yup, typical of Harry to give up his captaincy, and also typical of him to go find trouble first thing he can. Lol, I left it there because I like to torture you. Hope you have a grand old time in Jolly England! I loved it there!)