"Hello, Lupin here."

"Mr. Lupin, this is Emma Granger, Hermione's mother. I just received a call from Vernon Dursley informing me that Harry has apparently had an accident at his home. He is breathing but unconscious. He has not been moved. Do you have a means of contacting the physician at Hogwarts, or should I contact an ambulance?"

"Mrs. Granger, don't worry. I'll contact the school healer immediately."

… - …

"Diane, it's Emma. Harry Potter has just had an accident at his home. Privet Drive is only about ten minutes from your house. Could you meet me there?"

"I'm on my way."

… - …

Within five minutes Pomfrey and Dumbledore were at the Dursley residence. Diane and Emma walked in ten minutes later. "Excellent response time, Professor," remarked Emma.

Dumbledore effortlessly switched to muggle-speak. "We came as fast as we could. Dr. Pomfrey is examining Harry now to be certain that he can safely be moved. I'm Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster at the school that Harry attends," Dumbledore said extending his hand to Dr. Turnbull.

"Your name is familiar to me, Sir. Perhaps you knew my grandfather, Wallace MacDonnell?"

"Not well, but I knew his father, Timothy. Excellent man," smiled Dumbledore.

"Excuse me, Professor, this is my friend and colleague Dr. Diane Turnbull. She is the psychologist that I told you about," explained Mrs. Granger

"I'm ready to move Mr. Potter now Professor," said Madam Pomfrey. "Perhaps you want to move the others outside."

"That won't be necessary Poppy. Go ahead."

She activated the portkey. With a soft pop, Harry and the healer disappeared.

"Brilliant," laughed Diane. "I always believed that Grandpa Wallace was telling me the truth,"

"We specifically test nonmagical children of squib witches and wizards for any signs of magical ability. Unfortunately your name did not come up on our list of magical children."

Emma said, "Professor Dumbledore, Diane is aware of Harry's rather unique crises, and I believe she could be of help for him when he regains consciousness. Perhaps it would be in Harry's best interest if she could visit with him again soon."

Dumbledore's eyes twinkled. "Dr. Granger, I think that's a wonderful idea. When we have a better idea of Harry's condition, I'll contact you. Our world could certainly make use of your services. We are facing difficult times right now."

Diane replied, "Professor, I'd be happy to help. Here's my card."

Dumbledore took it, looked at it, put it in his pocket and checked his pocket watch. As he looked at each of the dozen little faces on the watch, he seemed pleased with what he saw. "Thank you both for your concern. Dr. Granger, It was good to see you again. Dr. Turnbull, thank you for your generous offer. I look forward to having you with us. I will be in touch in a day or two at the most."

With that, he turned around and disappeared.

Diane observed, "Sure beats the car park."

Emma replied, "What do you suppose happened?"

"Just now?"

"No, with Harry."

"I don't know, Diane. How could anyone up and leave an injured child like that? That man should be a poster boy for insensitivity. Since no one's home, let's take a quick look around."

At the top of the stairs, Emma found one of Harry's old trainers, unlaced. He only had the one shoe on when they found him. "Let's look at his bedroom."

Inside they found the broken Ogden's bottle and some old clothes on the floor. Harry's new things were in the closet, neatly hung up. The mark left by the bottle hitting the headboard was clearly visible. "It would be interesting to know who drank it and who threw it," said Emma.

"Em, the kid certainly doesn't lead a pampered life. Let me make a few quick notes before we go."

"Thanks Diane. Let me buy you lunch."

"You're on. Is the Black Dog OK?"

… - …

When Harry woke up on Wednesday, he found himself at the Hogwarts hospital wing in the company of Madam Pomfrey, the school healer.

"Hello Mr. Potter. How's my favorite patient today? I do enjoy your company, my child, but I must confess that I wasn't expecting to see you for another six to eight weeks."

Harry was still confused. "How did I get here?"

"Your Uncle said that you'd fallen down a flight of stairs and hit your head pretty hard. You still have a cut and quite a concussion. I have given you some potions to reduce the swelling. You also had a broken wrist, but I mended that already. Your Uncle contacted the Grangers, who contacted Remus, who contacted me, and here you are." She smiled at him.

"How long have I been here?

"You arrived here yesterday about noon. Are you hungry? I was just about to have my lunch."

"Please, if it's not too much trouble."

"No trouble for you my dear. Can I sit with you for a while and keep you company while we eat? It seems silly to eat in separate rooms."

"Please. It will be a first for us."

Pomfrey asked, "Is a ham sandwich, crisps, and pumpkin juice okay?"

"That sounds great. Thank you."

Madam Pomfrey sat by Harry's bed eating in silence. Finally she spoke first. "Harry, during World War Two, my late husband was in the Royal Navy. He was a muggle who loved the sea as much as he loved me. He was one of the few English submariners. He told me that when the boat would submerge, the water pressure would increase on the hull. It was so powerful that they could tape a string from one steel bulkhead wall to the other, and see the line slacken as the boat went deeper. The water would squeeze the boat more and more, the deeper that it went. If they let the boat go too deep, eventually the boat would implode from the pressure. The frightening part was, no one could say with any certainty how deep an individual submarine could go. They varied based in the quality of the construction and the degree of damage that they had sustained. No one wanted to find out the hard way."

Harry looked on in interested silence and nodded.

She continued. "Harry, how deep is your boat? I know your school years have not been easy. You've had some fun with your friends, and your Quidditch, at least when that idiot Lockhart wasn't de-boning you, but also I know that a lot of things haven't been easy. You have met up with dementors, dragons, and lunatics, not to mention that idiot Umbridge. Then in your spare time, you keep finding yourself face to face with he-who-must not be named." She paused for a second and added "It doesn't look like your summer holidays are any easier for you."

Harry nodded. They sat in silence again, eating their sandwiches while Harry thought about what (if anything) to say. Madam Pomfrey was a friend.

"Madam Pomfrey, lately I feel almost ready to implode. Just as I thought I've fixed one thing in my life, two others fly up to bite me. Please call him Voldemort."

She shuddered. "How did you fix the one thing?"

"By talking it out."

She smiled at him, "Spot on Harry. You'll will need to be here for at least a few more days. Please let me know if you need anything."

"Thanks for lunch and for the advice, Madam Pomfrey."

She looked him in the eye. "You're welcome, Harry. I do enjoy your company. You're a very good listener. Please get some rest. I'm leaving you a sleeping potion to take only if you need it. I'd like you to either read or rest for the remainder of the day. There's a quill, ink, and parchment in the drawer of the stand by the side of your bed if you want to write a letter."

"Thanks again, Madam Pomfrey. You always take great care of me. Someday perhaps I can do something for you."

As she walked away she muttered to herself, "Harry, someday I hope you get the chance to and I pray that you'll be successful. Just not today."

After sleeping for three or four hours, Harry woke up and decided to write Hermione a letter.

Dear Hermione,

Thanks again for all of the nice stuff that you got me. I haven't had a chance to wear them too much yet, but I know that I will. Please thank your parents for contacting Madam Pomfrey for me. She informed me that I now have my own permanently reserved bed in the hospital wing. It's an odd sort of honor.

Please tell your mum that I enjoyed meeting Dr. Turnbull. She's an interesting person.

Hermione, I've told you most of my secrets, and I'm grateful that you don't hate me. You mean the world to me. However, I still have a huge secret to tell you. It wouldn't be appropriate for a letter, but I think I'm ready to talk with you about it.

Thank you for listening to me and being the best friend a guy could ever have. You're beautiful too. I think about you all of the time.

Love,

Harry

PS You have great taste in clothing too.

The next day passed quickly for Harry. Remus stopped by after dinner for a visit. He looked thin, underfed, and as always, dressed in too old, but clean clothing.

"Hello Harry. It's good to see that you are on the mend."

Harry was glad to see him. "Hi Remus. Thanks for locating Madam Pomfrey for me."

"Don't mention it. I assume that you received your Gringotts letter regarding Sirius' estate. I'll meet you there Monday at 3:00 P.M.

Harry nodded.

"Harry, you may not know this, but Sirius was a pretty wealthy man. He owned Grimmauld Place, another property, his motorcycle, and a mansion full of personal property. To accommodate his rather "fluid" legal status, he'd quietly liquidated most of the family investments, so I presume that there is a fair amount of cash in his vault. There also are a lot of books in the family library that may be useful to you."

"Harry, I wanted you to understand something about Sirius. I know that you didn't get to spend a lot of time with him in the final months of his life. I saw him almost every day. He was seriously depressed. I think he had too much time on his hands in that house, and just couldn't see that his life would ever be getting any better."

He continued. "The only time that I saw him happy in the last year were the two weeks that you spent with him last Christmas." Remus looked Harry in the eye. "I'm not saying that Sirius went out that night with the intent of not coming back, but he lived to help you. For Sirius – spending the last hour of his life being able to kick some Death Eater arse was nearly as good as it could get. You didn't lead him to his death. Please believe that."

A moment later, he added, "Harry – there are bloody few people on the planet who get to die with any dignity. It's probably not something that most sixteen year olds spend much time thinking about, but it's true. Don't mourn his passing too much Harry. Try to be okay with the knowledge that a really good man believed in you."

Harry nodded. "Okay. Is there anything else?"

Remus suppressed a grin. "As long as you asked, Sirius and I were going to talk with you about a few other things this summer – the sex talk, the risks of casual dating, and a few other things, but Hermione is a remarkably responsible young woman. So how about if we spare each other the embarrassment. Deal?"

Harry smiled. "Deal. I'll let you off the hook this time."

"Harry, you're a great guy. It is an honor to know you. By the way, there's a letter on your nightstand."

"Thanks. Goodnight Remus."

"Goodnight Harry."

Harry wasn't really tired yet so he opened the letter from Neville.

Harry,

You git! I am really steamed at you. You didn't get my nose broken at the Department of Mysteries. I did that on my own when that smelly moron, Crabbe smashed into me. My Dad's wand smashed because that ugly oaf stepped on it. He couldn't even fall down properly when you stunned him!

Harry, I am kind of mad at you because you're feeling sorry for yourself. DON'T! I couldn't be writing you this letter telling you how mad I am if you hadn't led us safely away from all of those killers. Thank you.

At first Gran was furious that I had gotten Dad's wand smashed. Then, when she read about the attack in the Prophe,t she changed her mind, and said that she was very proud of me for bringing honor to the family. Harry, she's never told me that before.

I'm getting a new wand at Ollivander's next week. It will be cool to get one that's really fitted for me. Maybe it will be just like yours.

Harry, I'm not really mad at you. You should go easier on yourself.

See you later,

Neville

… - …

As Harry was reading his letter, Diane was reading hers.

Dear Doctor Turnbull,

Thank you for your very generous offer to talk with Harry, and hopefully help him to realize that he doesn't have to shoulder the weight of the entire world alone.

Harry has recently heard from several people who count him as a friend. I think that it also would do him well to hear from a skilled, objective outsider such as you.

The two pence coin attached to this letter will bring you to Harry this Friday at exactly 10:00 AM. It is necessary that you are holding the coin in your hand at that time. If you wish, you may bring an overnight bag, as well as any non-electrical personal or professional items that you may require. Be certain that you are holding the bag at the same time that you are holding the coin. Your preference of professional or casual attire is perfectly appropriate. We want your visit to be comfortable for you. Meals and accommodations will be provided.

Again, thank you.

Albus Dumbledore

Diane wasn't sure what to expect, but was ready for an adventure in her life. She told her husband that she would be gone for the weekend helping a friend of Hermione Granger's. She had smiled when her husband asked her if she would need a ride. She packed a few books for Harry, her notebook and a change of comfortable clothes.

At 9:55 on Friday she walked outside, and sat on her back doorstep. In one hand she held her overnight bag. In the other she held the coin that Dumbledore had given her. As the minutes passed and nothing had happened, she began to feel a bit ridiculous. Thinking that it was after 10:00, she was about to check her watch when she felt a powerful tug behind her navel. After a few seconds of indescribable sight and sound, she found herself in front of the fireplace in Dumbledore's office.

"WOW!"

"Good morning, Dr. Turnbull. Yes, I have heard portkey travel described in that manner before. I trust that you are well?"

"Fine. Thank you."

"Sir, (she began with significantly increased respect) where am I?'

"Diane, you are at Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where some of your ancestors were educated. The school is in north central Scotland. Please call me Albus."

Diane looked at her watch. It read 10:05. She had just traveled hundreds of miles in less than a minute!

"A portkey sure beats traveling the London Tubes."

"Faster perhaps, but the London underground has its own charm."

Minerva McGonagall entered the office. "Dr. Turnbull, it's good to see you again."

"Professor McGonagall, good morning."

"Minerva."

"Diane."

"Good. Thank you for coming to see us Diane."

"How is Harry?"

"Physically he is largely healed. He had a few broken bones, bruises, a cut, and quite a concussion. Poppy has taken good care of him."

"May I see him now?"

"Certainly. This way please. Dobby will bring your bag to your room." Minerva called to Harry as they entered the Hospital Wing. "Mr. Potter, you have a very special visitor." Minerva left them alone.

Diane Smiled at Harry, glad to see him again. "Hi, Harry. Interesting place you have here."

Harry put down his book and smiled broadly. "Dr. Turnbull, this must be quite a house call. Thanks for coming. Are the Grangers here as well?"

"No. I just thought I'd pop in to see you myself. Wow. You folks really have this transportation stuff done well. Portkeys are amazing."

"I never really have gotten used to magical travel. I've had my share of problems with portkeys," he said darkly.

"Harry, may I sit?"

"For a bit. Then maybe we could walk outside if you don't mind. I haven't been out much lately."

"Harry, you look great! When I saw you on Tuesday you were cut, bruised, broken and unconscious. Now you look to be in perfect health. How did you…?"

"Magic."

"Oh, right. I guess that makes sense. Harry, can I ask you some very frank questions?"

"Yes, but as Dumbledore would say, I reserve the right not to answer them if there's a good reason."

"Fair enough. In kind, you can ask me anything that you wish with the same condition." Diane smiled, and her blue eyes met his. "To start off with, how did you fall down the stairs?"

"I was arguing with my uncle, and somehow I tripped backward. I remember falling down a few of the stairs. The next thing I knew, I was in my bed here."

Diane's experienced ear detected no sense of evasion in his voice. "What happened in your room?"

"I made the mistake of tossing an empty Ogden's fire whisky bottle in the kitchen dustbin. Apparently Uncle Vernon wasn't too impressed with it. He threw it at me that morning."

It was rare to find a teen who so readily owned up to a situation. Emma had been right - His uncle was a sad excuse for a parent. "The bottle throwing incident aside, do you have a decent relationship with your aunt and uncle?"

"No. It's been a lifetime of intimidation and neglect. There have been the little things like never getting proper clothing, or just getting enough food to live on. After I found out that I was a wizard, it has generally been worse. One summer they wouldn't let me out of my room, hence all the locks on the door and the cat-flap for food. I suppose that the last few summers were a bit better. We mostly just stayed out of each other's way."

"I'm sorry that they did not treat you as well as you deserved. When you grow up to be an adult wizard, how do you see yourself? What do you want to be?"

Harry sat in comfortable silence for a minute. He enjoyed talking with her. "I hope to live long enough to graduate from Hogwarts. If I get that far, I'd like to see about becoming an Auror. They're something like the criminal investigation unit at Scotland Yard."

"Who would be in your life?"

"Hermione, Neville, Ginny, Ron, Luna, Remus, and others I guess."

"How do you see getting from where you are to where you want to be?

"I can't say."

"You're not sure?"

"No, I'm not allowed to talk about it."

At that moment Professor Dumbledore walked in, carrying Harry's Firebolt. "Harry, I think its time that you got this back. Perhaps you could show Dr. Turnbull how it is used."

Diane thought that an odd thing to say and her puzzlement showed. 'Why would he care about a sweeping broom?'

Seeing her expression, Professor Dumbledore said, "Dr. Turnbull, Harry has a special affinity with this broom. Please let him show you."

Dumbledore continued, "Poppy, something has come up." He looked at her sharply. "I will be unexpectedly gone for at least the rest of the afternoon. If you see Remus, please have him contact me at the house."

She nodded, concerned at his cryptic message.

"Harry, I trust that you will continue to be completely open with your guest. Dinner will be at six in the small dining hall. Dobby will help you with the selections. Please show her around the castle and grounds as you continue your visit."

"Okay Professor." Dumbledore left and Poppy went back to her office.

Harry and Diane left the hospital wing and walked through the halls and the stairways of the castle. Many of the talking paintings greeted them as they walked by. Diane had the "Deer in the headlights" amazed look that Harry had seen on every new first year. He'd originally attributed it just to being eleven years old. Now he came to realize that it was the magnificence of Hogwarts castle. They walked out past the great oak doors. After a few paces, Diane turned around. Only one word made it out of her mouth – "Wow!"

They walked down to the Quidditch stadium. Diane commented that the seats were quite high up for watching football. Harry agreed and set his broom on the ground. He motioned for Diane to stand beside him.

"Watch this. Up." The broom rose 2 ½ feet into the air and hovered motionless. Harry mounted the broom and invited Diane to get on behind him, like a passenger on a motorbike. Diane got on, and put her arms loosely around Harry's waist. "You might want to hold on a bit tighter."

Harry leaned forward and they rose into the air. Harry didn't have to ask Dr. Turnbull to hold on tight twice. With images of Halloween witches in mind, Diane couldn't believe that she was flying in a sports stadium on the back of a broomstick! It was fantastic, silently moving through the air. They flew three laps around the stadium, flying level with the seats before descending and stopping.

"Wow!"

"Yup, that word about covers broomsticks too."

"Thank you, Harry. That was amazing." She hugged him.

Harry smiled at her. "I like flying. It is one of the few chances for me to relax. I love the feel of the breeze through my hair, and the quiet."

Diane nodded, not saying anything.

"Dr. Turnbull, I live in two completely different worlds. During the year, I'm known as the-boy-who-lived, and am usually treated like some sort of celebrity for surviving an attack when I was about a year old. Most people never see past their magazine image of me. Depending on circumstance, they see me as a hero, the answer to all of their problems, a deranged nutter, a suspected evil wizard, or just an attention grabbing git."

"And Hermione?"

"Harry smiled and his eyes twinkled. "Hermione is the anchor in my life. She's one of the few people who chooses to look past the scar on my face, and sees me, just Harry. She always believes in me, and has always stood by me, no matter what happens, or what the papers say."

"I think you two are good for each other. You probably help her in a lot of ways too. What about the rest of the year?"

"Every summer, I am forced to go live with my aunt and uncle. They treat me like a dog that has rolled in something stinky - unwelcome, unfed, and unloved. As they say, I was landed on their front step, and have made their life miserable each day since. I thought things might be better since I saved Dudley's life last summer, but nothing has really changed. There isn't much that I could do to please them, except leave."

"What keeps you there?"

"When my mother was killed, she cast some type of spell that would help protect me as long as I was in the care of my blood relatives. I need to stay there most of each summer to renew the magic."

"And the broken liquor bottle?"

"Doctor, in all honesty, I have to take responsibility for that. The bottle had been given to me a few weeks ago. I finished it last week, and threw it in the kitchen dustbin where my uncle found it. His communication style regarding underage drinking was to throw it at me."

"How did drinking make you feel?"

"Like I hurt just a bit less."

Diane considered what he said for a moment. "Harry, I don't have any experience with wizard liquor. What are you telling me?

Harry was walking Diane down to the edge of the lake. He pulled a small loaf of bread out of one of the pockets of his robe. "Take a piece of this bread, ball it up, and throw it into the water, as far as you can. Now watch."

Diane did as she was asked. A half a minute later, a gigantic squid tentacle rose above the surface of the lake, grabbed the bread, and submerged. Diane's eye grew wide with shock at what she had just seen.

"Diane, there are monsters in my life. Some are real like that squid, some I have put there myself. I'm beginning to recognize the monsters, and with help, I'm starting to sort out the ones that I have placed in my head. Does that make sense?"

She nodded. "Harry, I don't know if anyone has ever told you, but you really are a great young man. You will make progress. In time you will feel better. You have some very unique challenges, but you have a bigger heart and more strength of character than most. It's within you to face your doubts. Let the people who care for you most like the Grangers help you."

They walked for a while. Finally Diane said, "On a different subject, can we get something to eat?"

Harry picked up his broom and grinned at her. "Come on, let's walk back. You're going to love house elves."

They spent most of that evening, and part of the next morning talking about both ordinary things, and Harry's issues, getting to know each other better. Finally Remus arrived, and announced that it was time for Diane to return to Crawley. "Dr. Turnbull, patient confidentiality will be uniquely important in this situation."

"As with all of my patients, Mr. Lupin. There will be no reports going to anyone. Anything that was discussed is Harry's alone to keep for himself or repeat."

Holding Harry's shoulders Diane said, "Harry, it's been one of my life's dreams to understand the stories that my Grandfather told me. Spending the weekend in this castle has made me feel much more connected to him. Thanks for sharing your world with me. I'd like to visit with you again sometime."

Harry took her outstretched hand. "You're welcome and thank you, Dr. Turnbull. I hope to see you again soon."

Before they left, Remus told Harry that Professor Dumbledore needed to speak with him in the headmaster's office.

"I'm sorry that I wasn't able to visit with you this week, Harry. I had a lot of unavoidable meetings straightening things out with the school board of governors and the ministry. Fortunately their attitudes have changed for the better given Lucius Malfoy's rather publicized imprisonment, and Tom's very public appearance. Fudge was also forced to significantly change his position on a number of issues."

Dumbledore steered the conversation in the direction that he had intended, "You had some other visitors this week however. I hope that you managed to keep busy."

"Yes Professor. Madam Pomfrey has taken very good care of me, and Mrs. Granger seems to have adopted me as one of her projects. She's taken me out for lunch a few times to get to know me and talk with me. Hermione bought me some nice clothes to wear. I got a letter from Neville. Remus stopped by to see me, and you know about Dr. Turnbull."

"I expect that she found you to be quite as interesting a person, as you found her to be. I believe that her weekend here may have filled in one of the gaps in her life. If you don't mind my asking, what did you two talk about?" He offered Harry a tray of sandwiches that Dobby had made.

"We talked about the monsters in my life. I know that fate and circumstance have placed a few of them there for me, but I have started to realize that I may be needlessly holding some there myself. I've carried Cedric's death around for a year. I have come to realize that I didn'tt kill him. Pettigrew killed him on Voldemort's command."

"Precisely."

Harry paused for a moment to collect his thoughts. "Hermione says that I'm slow to forgive myself. I suppose she's right."

"Harry, learning about yourself doesn't mean that you need to change everything. Learning about yourself will help you grow and move on from the things that cannot be changed.

They sat in silence for a moment eating their sandwiches.

"Harry, are you certain that the incident with your uncle was an accident? Please think carefully."

"Yes Professor, I tripped on my own shoelace."

"That's an excellent reason to own a good pair of boots, Harry. Professor McGonagall and I took the liberty of finding you a pair of dragon hide boots that should serve you well. They are not as flashy as something that the Weasley twins might select, but like yourself, they have an understated elegance."

"Thank you, Professor. I really like them." Harry took off the pair of trainers that he had borrowed from the school lost and found, and put on the new boots.

"Think nothing of it, Harry."

"I also understand that you have made the acquaintance of Ogden's. Is that a friend that you need to have?"

"No sir. I was feeling so bad about Hermione getting hurt, and Sirius. I just wish he had stayed home that night." Tears had welled in his eyes.

Dumbledore looked at Harry for a moment, and framed his answer. "Suppose Sirius had stayed home. By the time I arrived, Alastor was on the ground looking for his eye and Tonks had been beaten by Bellatrix. Shacklebolt was down, leaving you and Remus at no better than a standoff against Lucius, Jugson, and Nott. Dolohov and Bellatrix would have certainly killed Tonks, Alastor, and your friend Miss Granger. Harry, Voldemort's followers are all killers. They wouldn't have blinked before taking the life of everyone there. You don't seriously believe that Lucius would have let you all go?" Harry shook his head, knowing that Dumbledore was right.

He continued. "Tom has lied to, deceived, and tricked hundreds, perhaps thousands of sensible witches and wizards in the more than fifty years that I have known him. Surely you don't think less of Arthur Weasley because Tom's snake attacked him? You don't think less of Cedric because Pettigrew murdered him, do you?"

"No sir."

Dumbledore softened his voice. "Harry, inexperience will allow you to get into situations that you may know to avoid later on in life. Once you find yourself in one of those situations, your quick thinking, leadership, and tactical awareness shine through brilliantly. I cannot honestly say that as a fifteen-year-old wizard that I would have done as well as you if I had found myself in the same situation. I was six times older than you when I found myself tested as you have these last few years."

He continued. "Harry, I also wanted to talk with you about your wonderful defense group. Now that it doesn't need to be so secret, I was hoping that you would consider having it as a school sponsored club. I was also hoping that you and Miss Granger would consider leading it again."

Harry smiled. "I'd like that professor, and I'm certain that Hermione would too."

Harry put down his pumpkin juice. "Professor, I need to talk with you about a few things. First, I'm sorry that I got you sacked last term for two months. I'm also very sorry that I wrecked your office that night. I know that you've forgiven me, but I needed to say it."

"Harry, you are slow to forgive yourself. Miss Granger has the ability to see you both for the wonderful person that you are, and the person that you can be. You would do well to always at least consider her advice. With respect to beverages, I prefer cocoa to Ogden's myself. I have found it to be a less destructive means of relaxing myself. With regards to Fudge giving me a few weeks time off, I must admit that it was a refreshing change. Please don't give it another thought."

"Harry, the next few years are likely to be very difficult. As much as possible, try to be a forgiver. It will make it that much easier for you to forgive yourself, for real, or imagined errors. I believe that you have several appointments scheduled for tomorrow. Is that your understanding?"

Harry nodded.

"Remus has offered to escort you to the Ministry. Are you comfortable with him?"

"Yes Professor. We get along really well."

Dumbledore nodded. "He's a good man, Harry. You have developed a very good set of friends. They'll serve you well in your life if you let them. You and Remus doubtless will have some things to discuss after your meeting at Gringotts. You won't have to finalize any decisions at that time, but you two should talk."

Dumbledore had another sip of his cocoa. "Also when you have the time to arrange it, you should consider disclosing the details of the prophecy with Miss Granger. She has always stood by you in the past, and unless I'm much mistaken, has offered to for the future."

Harry's face turned beet red.

Dumbledore smiled at his young friend. "It has been my experience that she can keep a secret. Her experience with the time turner should prove that for you."

"One last thing Harry," said Dumbledore, no longer smiling. "I believe that you will be requested to present your Gringotts key tomorrow. I took the liberty of obtaining it from your uncle's house yesterday. I also packed your trunk for you. You will not be required to spend the rest of the summer there like I had originally told you."

Dumbledore concluded. "I need to meet with Severus now. You of course are welcome to join us, but you're not required to do so, if you have other things to do. We can talk more later."

Harry stood up to leave. "No. Thank you professor. I have a book to finish. Thank you for lunch, and the new boots. I really like them."

"I will mention that to professor McGonagall. Enjoy your day, Harry."

"Thanks again."

Harry and Snape nodded at each other while passing in the doorway, without saying anything. Snape closed the door.

"Good afternoon Severus. Were you able to find any information?"

"The Dark Lord spoke nothing about it sir. I don't believe that he even knows about it yet. It appears to simply have been an accident. Have you told Potter?"

"No I decided to wait. Harry has a hard day ahead of him tomorrow, and I didn't want to distract him."

Snape was a bit surprised that Potter hadn't been told, but asked, "Does anyone else know of the investigation?"

"No. I want to thank you again for looking into this Severus. It has the potential to change a lot of things for Harry."

"Potter's problems are his own sir. I need to take my leave now. I have some lacewings to blend into a potion that I am brewing."

"Good day, Severus."

"Yes Headmaster. I'll see you in a week."

Dumbledore sipped his cocoa. Fawkes flew to his knee. "Indeed," he said to the beautiful bird. "Life will never be the same for Harry. Hopefully he'll see it as better."

On Monday at 9:00 AM Harry was shown into Director Bones' office. The crisp diction of Amelia Bones Director of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement grabbed Harry's attention. "Mr. Potter, may I have your wand please?" For a moment, Harry wondered if he would ever see it again. Then he remembered Emma's' advice that this was a friendly fact finding meeting. Senior Auror Shacklebolt placed a yellow EVIDENCE tape on the edge of Harry's wand, marked Harry James Potter in the owner field and set it in the table. There were nearly a dozen other wands there, each identified with the owner and date of seizure. One of the wands was broken. Harry recognized it as Frank Longbottom's old wand.

"Senior Auror Shacklebolt, Auror Tonks, please leave your wands on the table too. We don't want any accidental use of magic in this room." Tonks blushed. "Mr. Potter, please tell me what happened that night."

Harry described the events of that evening, much the same as he had written to Hermione. He didn'tt mention casting a failed Cruciatus curse at Bellatrix in the lobby.

"Senior Auror Shacklebolt, is Mr. Potter's description of the events consistent with the evidence that you found in the Department of Mysteries rooms on level nine."

Kingsley looked at her and flashed a glance at Harry. "Yes, Director Bones."

"Auror Tonks is your recollection of the evening consistent with Mr. Potter's statement?"

"Yes, Director Bones."

"Auror Tonks, you are excused. Please wait in the outer office for a few minutes."

"Excuse us for a few minutes, will you Senior Auror Shacklebolt?" Kingsley replied that he would return in 15 minutes. He left and closed the door behind him.

Amelia considered everything that Harry had told her and made her decision. She looked Harry in the eye as she spoke. "Mr. Potter, there are two documents on the table behind you. One is an arrest warrant for you, charging you with the use of an illegal curse directed against Bellatrix Lestrange. We have yet to test your wand using the Priori Incantatem test, which can conclusively identify the last spell that your wand has performed. Since you are an underage wizard, it is my expectation that your wand has not been used since June 28. Is that correct, Mr. Potter?"

Harry nodded an affirmation.

"Mr. Potter, are you familiar with the Cruciatus curse?"