THAT NIGHT AT HOGWARTS

The grounds were enveloped in darkness as the carriage Harry and Sirius were in, lurched to a stop. Harry's trunk had already been taken up to the school and he just had a backpack slung over his shoulder.

"Are you sure you don't want another week?" Sirius asked as Harry climbed out of the carriage. Harry nodded.

"Alright, go on up to your dorm. I'll come see you before I go. I want to talk to Dumbledore." Sirius said as he hugged Harry. Harry nodded and made his way up to the castle. Sirius watched as he disappeared into the Entrance way. Harry made his way past the chatter of the Great Hall, where everyone was eating. He had the password to Gryffindor tower, Dumbledore had told him at the hospital. Harry made his way through the shall corridors, taking shallow breaths. He stopped in front of the portrait of the Fat Lady.

"Coddswallop." Harry muttered. The portrait swung forwards and Harry clambered through the portrait hole. The common room was deserted and Harry climbed up the stairs to his dorm. He opened the door and saw that there was no one in there. He changed into a pair of sweats and a long sleeved, loose shirt. Harry laid down on his bed and stared up at the ceiling. There were so many things running through his head. So many thoughts, questions and worries. Was Voldemort gone, or was he just as strong as ever, but in hiding? Harry pondered this as he removed his glasses and covered his eyes with his hands. He felt tired...not physically, emotionally. Harry sighed. He heard the dormitory door open and muffled footsteps. Sirius sat beside Harry on the bed.

"Harry..." Sirius he said quietly. Harry didn't say anything.

"I don't think you're ready for this. Why don't you come home? Give it another week..." He said shakily. Harry lowered his hands and shook his head.

"No, no I'm fine." He said wearily. Sirius eyed him and had no choice but to believe him.

"Alright, I have to go, but if anything happens or if you decide you want to come home, send me an owl, okay?" He asked sternly. Harry nodded and hugged Sirius one more time before his godfather disappeared. After a minute, Harry closed the hangings around his bed and crawled under the covers. It was still early, but he just wanted to sleep all of this away. Only thing was, Harry couldn't sleep...

A few hours later, Harry was still laying in bed, awake. Just then, the dormitory door opened. There was chatter that was suddenly silenced.

"Who closed the hangings around Harry's bed?" Ron cried angrily. He pulled back the curtains and gasped. There was a lump underneath the blankets. Ron hesitated, then pulled on the blankets. They slipped off of Harry and the four boys gasped.

"Harry!" Ron yelled. Harry sighed and lifted himself up off the bed. He slipped his glasses on his nose and allowed his friends to slap him on the back.

"Where the hell were you?" Dean asked, a stupid grin on his face. Harry felt a lump develop in his throat and his hands started to shake. He shoved them into his pockets, but Ron had noticed.

"Uh...that doesn't matter Dean. Come on Harry, there are loads of people that will want to see you." Ron said hastily, grabbing Harry by the wrist and dragging him from the dorm. Harry was pushed into the crowded common room. He was immediately surrounded by people, asking him questions and welcoming him back. Hermione pushed her way through the group and wrapped her arms around Harry. She was quickly pulled out of the circle by Seamus. Harry almost smiled when he saw them bickering. It appeared they were a couple. Harry was forced into many conversations and each time, he hurried off to avoid answering the question 'Where were you?'

Harry was halfway up the stairs, when he saw something that made his heart skip a beat. Abby was standing on the staircase to the girl's dorms, her hand cupped around her mouth and tears pouring down her face. Harry bit his bottom lip and his eyes began to sting. Abby hurried down her staircase and up Harry's. Harry had backed up so he was hidden from view. Abby sobbed as she wrapped her arms around Harry.

"I was so scared..." She whispered through her tears. Harry pressed a finger to her lips and shook his head.

"Don't say it..." He begged. Abby nodded and kissed Harry passionately. There were footsteps on the stairs, so Harry grabbed Abby's wrist and dragged her into his dorm. They climbed onto Harry's bed and shut the hangings. There was a moment or silence, then...

"Harry?" Ron called.

"Yeah...um, I just wanna sleep, okay Ron?" Harry asked, his voice shaking. Ron sighed.

"Okay pal..." He said before leaving. Harry turned back to Abby. They were both sitting cross legged on the bed. Abby looked into Harry's eyes.

"Are you okay?" She asked, wiping away the tears. For the first time in days, Harry answered honestly.

"No..." He said, holding back the tears. Abby sighed and wrapped her arms around Harry. He pressed his face into her hair. He was hurting so much...

Harry and Abby sat there, on Harry's bed for a while in complete silence. Harry was holding Abby tightly in his arms. He was afraid to let her go.

"I should go..." Abby said sadly, after a while. She stood up on the bed, but Harry grabbed her wrist.

"Please don't go." He said hoarsely. Harry wasn't ready to be alone. Abby looked at him, then crouched back down.

"Okay sweetie. I'll stay..." She said softly. Harry thanked her and climbed out from behind his hangings to get a shirt for Abby to wear. He grabbed a long blue one and handed it to her through the hangings. After a minute, Abby opened the hangings. Harry had stripped down to his boxers. He climbed under the covers and Abby snuggled in next to him. They closed the hangings and pulled the covers over their heads. Abby rubbed the small of Harry's back soothingly as he drifted off to sleep. Tears were flowing down her face as Harry's arms tightened around her. She had been so scared when Harry was missing. And now he was back and everything was back to normal.

Harry inhaled the smell of Abby's hair as he drifted off to sleep. He couldn't be alone right then...he just couldn't be alone. He tightened his grip around her waist and closed his eyes. Tears were fighting to get out, but Harry wouldn't let them. He drifted off to sleep...

When Harry woke the next morning, he was alone in the bed. He slipped his glasses on his nose and saw a note folded up beside him. Harry unfolded the scrap of parchment and read what it said.

Harry,

I thought I should leave before the others woke. I hope you're feeling better. See you later sweetie!

Love Abby

Harry sighed and put the letter back on his bed. He pulled back the hangings and grabbed a pair of black sweats and his red shirt. Harry pulled them on just as Ron was waking up.

"Where ya goin?" Ron asked groggily. Harry shrugged as he pulled on his jacket and wrapped his scarf around his neck. It was Saturday, so Harry didn't have any classes. He was glad the rule about wearing uniforms on the weekend had been revoked. Harry needed something loose. He shuffled down the stairs and through the common room. Harry climbed through the portrait hole and made his way down to the entrance way. The few people that were up, were whispering as he walked past. Harry shoved his hands in his pockets as he went through the open front doors. The cold October air whipped across his face. Harry made his way around the lake...several time. Finally, he stopped at a slope on the opposite side. He sat cross legged on the moist earth, staring at Hagrid's cabin across the way. Harry's eye wandered to the glassy surface of the lake. Finally, he closed his eyes and rested his chin on his knees. Harry's mind kept wandering back to that cold cement room. He forced his thoughts to his career in quidditch. He had received a letter the other day saying that the training camp was in America. Harry would be in America for nine months. He hadn't told anyone but Sirius. Harry didn't know why, but he had a feeling about it. He had been sitting by the lake for two hours and his cheeks were pink from the cold. Harry opened his eyes. There were a few more people outside. Some were walking along the other side of the lake. Harry didn't know what was wrong with himself. Why was he so sad? Voldemort was gone and Harry was back with Sirius. He had a great relationship with Abby and he and his other friends were doing really well! What was wrong? Harry knew the answer to that question, but he pushed it out of his mind. He was going to focus on catching up on school work and working on his relationships with the people closest to him. Harry sighed and decided to go back up to the school, but he didn't. He just sat there on the edge of the lake, staring into space, thinking. This was a good thing. Thinking about what was troubling him was a good thing...

ONE WEEK LATER

During Harry's first week back, he was very subdued or...quiet. He was often found standing by the lake, just staring off into space. He was pretty distant from everyone. This day was no different from any other, Harry was standing by the lake. He had just finished his last lesson and had his hands stuffed into his pockets, protecting them from the cold. The cold wind slapped his faced menacingly. It was daring him to slap back. Harry exhaled loudly. A pair of arms slipped around his middle from behind. Harry closed his eyes briefly, then opened them. Abby rested her chin on his shoulder.

"Hey sweetie..." She said softly.

"Hey..." Harry said quietly. Abby sighed and released her arms from Harry's waist. She went around to the front of him and stared at his eyes. They were sparkling green, but they had a lost look to them.

"Harry, talk to me. Tell me what's going on!" Abby begged as she took Harry's face in her hands. Harry looked into Abby's eyes. The looked like the ocean. His eyes glazed over. He wasn't going to cry in front of Abby. He wasn't going to do it. Abby sighed and stood on her tip toes. She kissed Harry passionately, their tears mixing. When they separated, Abby hastily wiped her eyes, as did Harry.

"Can you tell me?" She asked shakily. Harry glanced at her, then quickly back over the lake. She knew his answer.

"You have to talk to someone." She said, before leaving and heading back to castle. Harry sighed as he slumped down onto the grass. Maybe she was right. Maybe he needed to talk to someone. No, they wouldn't understand.

A few hours later, Harry was making his way up to Gryffindor tower, when someone grabbed his arm. He turned around to see who it was. Sirius.

"Sirius, what..." Harry began. Sirius looked angry.

"Come on." He said sternly, dragging Harry down the hall. Harry was pulling on his arm.

"Sirius, you're hurting me!" He said, pulling on his arm. Sirius ignored him and pulled him over to the stone gargoyle. He muttered the password and the gargoyle jumped aside. Harry was pushed onto the moving staircase.

"What are you doing?" Harry asked, rubbing his now sore arm. Harry tried to get past Sirius, and down the stairs, but it was too late. He was pushed through Dumbledore's open door and into a room filled with people. Harry looked around as Sirius closed the door. Dumbledore, Lupin, Ron, Hermione, Abby, Mrs Weasley and Professor McGonagall were staring at him. Harry glanced towards the door, which Sirius had shut.

"What is this?" Harry asked shakily. Lupin sighed.

"This is an intervention. We all care about you and notice your withdrawn attitude. We all need to and want to know what is going on." He said sternly. Harry was backing up. He reached for the doorknob, but Sirius grabbed his arm.

"No, you're gonna listen. This is for your own good." He said, his voice quivering. Harry stared at Sirius.

"What? I'm in trouble?" He asked, his voice now filled with anger.

"You're not in trouble. We're trying to help you before you get in trouble." Sirius said forcefully. Harry looked around. His eyes fell on Abby. She quickly looked down. Harry shook his head.

"I don't need this!" He said, making another move for the door.

"You do need this!" Hermione said in a high pitched voice. The group started to list things off.

"You've been withdrawn..." Hermione said.

"Stare off into space..." Ron added.

"Don't talk to anyone." Lupin said. Harry shook his head.

"You have become the opposite of who you are. Quiet, withdrawn..." Dumbledore said. Harry became livid.

"I'd like to see you all hopping around with stupid smiles on your face after you were shackled to a wall for a month, tortured and starved! You think it's easy! Being strangled in your home and stabbed before being dragged past your unconscious godfather? Realizing there's no hope? When you lot have been through what I have, then bring me to your little intervention. Until then, just leave me!" Harry yelled. There were tears leaking down his face as he pushed Sirius out of the way and left the office. Ron closed his eyes as he leaned against the wall. Tears were leaking down Abby's face. Hermione was staring out the door, open mouthed. Lupin was staring out the window. Mrs Weasley was wiping away tears, Professor McGonagall was just standing there and Sirius was standing near the open door, biting his lip. He turned and hurried down the stairs.

"Sirius, no!" Lupin called. It was too late though. Sirius was already after Harry.

Harry was breathing heavily as he climbed the stairs to the Astronomy tower. He heard heavy footsteps behind him. Harry quickened his pace and soon arrived in the empty tower. He went over to one of the open windows and rested his elbows on the ledge. He dropped his face to his hands, trying to calm down. There was a minute of echoing footsteps, then heavy breathing.

"Harry, you're gonna talk to me!" Sirius panted. Harry sighed and turned around. He stared at Sirius, stray tears leaking down the side of his face.

"Talk, Sirius? What do you wanna talk about?" Harry asked as his voice broke. Sirius sighed and took a step forward.

"I want to know what's wrong! I want to know why you're acting so different!" He said firmly. Harry rolled his eyes and ran his fingers through his hair. Sirius was sure he wasn't going to answer, but then...

"Do you know how hard it is? Wondering if he's still out there?" Harry croaked. Sirius stared at him.

"Do you know how hard it is for me everyday, wondering if Voldemort is just gonna show up at the house and kill you? Or, what's stopping him from coming here? How do we know he's gone?" Harry asked, now yelling. The tears were coming down faster, but he wiped them away. No more came. Sirius had no idea what to say.

"I was shackled to that wall for almost a month! Every curse that was shot into me, just reminded me that he'll never be gone. He'll never die! He can disappear for thirteen more years, but he'll be back! How am I supposed to deal with that?" Harry asked, his voice still strong. There was a minute of complete silence.

"Harry, he is gone. He may come back in a few years, but right now, he's gone. Focus on that. You are going to kill yourself wondering about the future. Can you please, please focus on the present?" Sirius begged. Harry stared at his godfather. It was stupid, but his words made sense. Harry had no control over the future...he should deal with the present. He should live his life as it was. Sirius could tell Harry was considering this.

"I...I can try." Harry said shakily. Sirius looked relieved.

"I'm not promising anything Sirius. You don't know what goes through my head...you don't know the memories I have. If they overcome me, there's nothing I can do." Harry croaked. Sirius nodded.

"Just do me a favor. Try and have a little fun..." He said with a twinkle in his eye. With that, he pulled Harry into a tight hug. Have a little fun? What was he talking about?

THAT NIGHT

Harry was laying in bed, looking up at the ceiling. For some reason, he felt happy. What was going on with him? His emotions were all over the place. Harry sighed and closed his eyes. Almost immediately after this, the hangings around his bed were torn back. Harry grabbed his glasses and squinted, trying to see who was there. It was Ron.

He pulled back the covers on Harry's bed and grabbed his ankle. Ron pulled Harry off the bed and Harry landed with a 'thud' on the floor.

"What are you doing?" Harry asked. Ron grinned and threw some clothes at Harry. A pair of black jeans and a black shirt with red writing across it.

"Get dressed!" He laughed. Harry stared at him for a minute.

"Why?" He asked. Ron had an evil twinkle in his eye.

"It's not everyday Gryffindor house gets a signed note permitting us to have a party!" He laughed. Harry stared at him.

"What?" He asked, shocked. Ron shook his head and motioned for Harry to get dressed. Harry hesitated, then pulled the pants on over his boxers. He pulled the shirt on. Ron stared at Harry as he stood up and was wearing a big grin.

"What the hell happened to you?" Ron laughed. Harry shrugged and followed his read headed friend out of the dorm and down the stairs. Ron had been telling the truth when he said there was a party. All the couches and chairs had been pushed to the side and people were dancing in the middle of the room, listening to a magical stereo that had been conjured. Harry had a wide smile on his face as he jumped the couch that was placed at the bottom of the stairs. A couple of people glanced nervously at him, but Harry ignored it. He was scouring the group of people, looking for someone whom he owed a thousand apologies. Harry soon found the person. Abby was standing in the corner, a cup of soda in her hand and she was talking to Lavendar and Parvati. Harry smiled at her. Abby was staring at him. He put her drink down and grabbed her hand.

"Come on baby..." He said with a grin. Abby couldn't believe this 360 that Harry had done as he led her into the middle of the dancing group. A fast song was playing and their bodies were bumping and grinding against each other. It had been a long time since Abby had seen Harry this happy...or since Harry had felt this happy for that matter.

The music slowed and Harry wrapped his arms around Abby's waist, not caring that other people were glancing at them. Abby wrapped her arms around Harry's neck. She hesitated, then spoke.

"What happened to you?" She blurted out. There was a minute of silence when she was scared Harry would get mad, but he laughed.

"I have no idea! It's like someone put me under a cheering charm!" He laughed. Abby's heart melted. She loved that laugh. She rested her head on Harry's shoulder as they swayed to the music. The other girls were watching jealously. They were beginning to wonder if there was something going on between Harry and Abby. Soon the song ended and everyone started dancing to the fast song again. Harry and Abby, left the group. They had decided not to hide their relationship anymore and if people found out, they found out. Harry bent down and Abby jumped onto his back, wrapping her legs around his waist. They were soon surrounded by people. Ron, Lavendar, Hermione, Seamus, Dean and Neville. None of them spoke of what had happened to Harry. The mostly talked about quidditch and that sort of thing. Finally, around two in the morning, Professor McGonagall came in and told them all to go to bed. She had to hide a smile when she saw Harry laughing with a bunch of his friends. After she left, Harry and Abby snuck into one of the far corners of the room.

"I'm glad to see you're happier." She said, tracing his bottom lip with her pinky finger. Harry grinned.

"When I find why I'm so happy, I'll let you know." He whispered. Then, their lips connected. It was a brief, but passionate kiss. Then, Abby disappeared up to her dorm. Harry lingered in the corner for a minute, then climbed the stairs to his own dorm. Smiling as he passes Ron, Dean, Seamus and Neville. Yes, his spirits were definitely higher..

NEXT MORNING

Harry was glad it was Saturday...and the first Hogsmeade trip of the year. He went down to breakfast dressed in his school uniform, just like everyone else. They all had to wear their uniforms when they went to Hogsmeade. Harry plopped down at Gryffindor table with an expressionless face. Abby heart dropped. Had last night's happiness been a one night thing? She glanced at Harry, who was sitting beside her. He noticed her looking at him and smiled.

"Morning baby..." Harry said quietly. Abby smiled.

"Morning sweetie." She laughed. Harry grasped her hand and laced their fingers.

"So you're still happy?" Abby asked nervously. Harry laughed and nodded.

"Yeah, I'm still happy." He replied. He dished some eggs onto his plate and started eating. A few minutes later, Ron and Hermione appeared. Hermione was staring at Harry and the smile on his face.

"What's going on?" She asked shortly. Ron let out a snort of laughter.

"Right...you didn't come to the party last night." He laughed. Hermione shot him a dirty look.

"I didn't want to get in trouble. So what do you guys have? Two weeks detention?" She asked with a grin. Abby shook her head.

"Why would we have detentions? Professor McGonagall gave us permission for the er...gathering." She laughed. Hermione's face fell.

"What? Why?" She asked, shocked.

"To try and cheer Harry up." Ron blurted. Harry looked at him for a minute and then back to his food.

"And did it work?" Hermione snapped. Abby smiled.

"I dunno. Baby? Did it work?" She asked, c0cking her head to one side, looking at Harry. Harry smiled and turned to face Abby. He kissed her gently and then continued eating. Hermione's eyes nearly fell out of her head and Ron was in fits of hysterical laughter. Hermione opened her mouth to try and say something, but just then there were several loud hoots up above.

"Mail's here." Dean called. Several people had packages or letters dropped in front of them. A large eagle owl landed in front of Harry. It was wearing a harness with a gold badge fixed in the middle. The badge had a Phoenix on it.

"What's this about?" Ron asked, reaching for the letter it was holding. The owl nipped his hand angrily and turned to Harry. Harry hesitated, then reached out. He grabbed the thick letter with no problem. Then, the owl took off. They all stared after it. Harry tore open the envelope and pulled out a letter. It was from Sirius.

Harry,

These were left in your old room...

Harry didn't read the rest of the letter. He checked to what else was in the bulging envelope. Harry's heart fell. They were his letters from Abby.

All the color drained from his face.

"Harry, what's wrong?" Abby asked. It took a minute for Harry to get his voice back.

"Sirius knows..." He said quietly. Abby stared at him. Harry turned back to the note.

...Don't worry, I'm not angry. I've known for a while. I found the letters a few weeks ago. I just didn't want you to get your heart broken. If you think this girl is worthy of your time, then you have my blessing.

Love Sirius.

Harry felt very relieved as he tucked the letters away into his pocket. Everything was falling into place.

HEADING TO HOGSMEADE

Harry and Abby passed Filch, who was standing in the entrance hall making sure no one was going if they weren't allowed. The stepped out into the sunny grounds. It may have been sunny, but it was wicked cold. Harry had his arm firmly around Abby's waist as they walked across the grounds. Ron hurried to catch up. He grinned stupidly at them.

"So what? Did you guys hook up over summer?" Ron asked with a laugh. Harry had a twinkle in his eye.

"Actually, today is our one year anniversary." He said quietly. Ron's mouth dropped open and Abby was staring at him.

"What!" She asked. Harry laughed.

"I thought it was guys who were supposed to forget this." He said with a grin. Abby shook her head.

"I have your present...I just thought it was next week!" She said with a smile. Harry shook his head.

Ron was still staring at them.

"Wow...time flies when you're having fun!" Abby laughed. Harry kissed her gently. They walked ahead a bit, leaving Ron, who had stopped walking.

"A year!" He yelled after them. Hermione bumped into Ron.

"What about a year?" She asked. Ron was mouthing wordlessly and pointed at Harry and Abby. He grabbed Hermione by the wrist and hurried after Harry.

"A year!" Ron panted as he finally caught up. Harry smiled and nodded.

"What about a year?" Hermione asked angrily. Harry didn't say anything, but Ron did.

"They've been going out for a year...today!" He said loudly.

"Hey, hey, hey! Just because we aren't keeping it a secret anymore, doesn't mean everyone needs to know." Harry said pointedly. Hermione was staring at them.

"You've been going out for a year?" She asked quietly. Harry nodded.

"We had to keep it a secret though because if Sirius found out, he would've killed me. But, he did find out, while I was..." Harry trailed off. A lump developed in his throat.

"Long story short, he's okay with it." Abby said hastily. She ran her hand up and down Harry's back. He forced a smile.

"Yeah..." He croaked. They all just continued up to Hogsmeade.

Harry, Abby, Ron, Lavender, Hermione and Seamus all went into the Three Broomsticks. It was already packed with people, but they managed to find a booth. Harry and Ron went and got the butterbeers. Ron was a little peeved that Harry had kept his relationship with Abby a secret, but soon lightened up. They all sat down at the booth. Harry wrapped an arm around Abby's shoulder as he sipped his butterbeer. Hermione was sitting with Dean and wouldn't make contact with Harry and Ron...Ron was flirting with Lavendar. Harry would normally have laughed, but he had a feeling in the pit of his stomach. He quickly shook it off. Harry wasn't saying much and this was beginning to worry Abby. Harry drained his tankard and sat quietly.

"You okay sweetie?" Abby asked quietly as everyone else chatted. Harry nodded.

"Yeah, I'm just gonna go for a walk. I'll meet up with you later." He said quietly. Harry stood up and left the Three Broomsticks, his hands tucked into his pockets. Abby stared after him, biting her lip.

"I'm sure he's fine." Ron said, noticing Abby's looked. She forced a smile and nodded.

Harry walked along the packed street and headed towards the shop he wanted to be in. Harry stepped into the small shop and looked around. There were necklaces, watches, rings and bracelets everywhere. There was a particular collection Harry wanted to look at. He made his way to the far corner of the room and peered into the display case. The last Hogsmeade visit of the previous year, Harry had picked out what he was going to get Abby for their anniversary. The sales lady came around.

"Can I help you with something dear?" She asked. Harry nodded.

"Er..yeah. Can I get that one there?" Harry asked, pointing in the case. The lady nodded and grabbed the piece of jewelry and put it in a box. Harry had it wrapped and paid her. He tucked the gift into his pocket and headed out of the shop.

THAT NIGHT

Harry and Abby were walking along the lakeside, their fingers entwined. The moon was casting a beautiful reflection on the glassy water. They stopped walking, near a rose bush. Harry ran a finger down Abby's cheek.

"Want you present?" She asked. Harry grinned.

"You didn't have to get me anything." He said with a grin. Abby rolled her eyes and shoved a small box into Harry's hand. He opened it. Inside, was a gold ring. Harry grinned.

"It's great. Thanks babe." He said before kissing her. Abby took the ring and slipped it on Harry's right index finger. The same finger her gold ring from Harry was on. Harry smiled.

"Okay...now time for your present." He laughed. Abby shivered excitedly. Harry withdrew a box from his pocket. It was wrapped in silver paper. He handed it to Abby. She carefully removed the beautiful paper, then opened the box. She gasped. Inside, was a diamond bracelet. Harry took the bracelet and slipped it around her wrist. Abby had tears in her eyes.

"Harry! This must have cost you a fortune!" She whispered, wiping away tears. Harry smiled.

"Do you like it?" He asked. Abby looked into his eyes, her own glittering with tears.

"I love it!" She said softly, before kissing him passionately. Harry grinned and kissed her back. The bracelet hadn't been that much. Diamonds were actually reasonably priced in the wizarding world. Harry didn't care about price though. He would move mountains for Abby. Unfortunately, he didn't know that there would be one mountain that he couldn't budge.

Harry and Abby sat by the lake for a while longer, wrapped in each other's arms. Abby had her face resting on Harry's chest, her eyes closed, but Harry was staring out across the glassy lake. The moon was casting a beautiful reflection against the still water. Abby shivered as the wind picked up a little. Harry tightened his grip on her, still staring across the lake. Abby sighed happily and inhaled the smell of Harry. She didn't know the things he had on his mind. She didn't know that Sirius's words had fallen in a black pool of nothingness. Abby had no idea that Harry was beginning to worry again. Beginning to worry about Voldemort... Harry gave an involuntary shudder. Abby's eyes flashed open. She did not move, but glanced upwards. Harry's eyes were tightly closed and he was taking deep breaths. Abby closed her eyes again.

"Harry?" She asked, not opening her eyes.

"Y-yeah?" Harry asked, trying to pull himself together.

"Why don't we go inside..." Abby said quietly. Harry hesitated, then nodded. They stood up and walked towards the castle. Abby was beginning to see warning signs. Harry was staring at his feet as he walked and he was becoming very quiet. They entered the warmth of the entrance hall, with pink cheeks. Their fingers were laced as they headed up to Gryffindor tower. They clambered through the portrait hole and into the empty common room.

"I'm gonna go up to bed." Harry said quietly, turning to his dorm. Abby grabbed his arm and pulled him around.

Their eyes locked.

"I don't think you should be alone..." Abby said quietly. Harry looked into her eyes. He could get lost in them...

"Abby..." He said quietly. Abby shook her head.

"I'm not gonna let you slip away again." She said forcefully. Harry sighed.

"I'm fine!" He said quietly. Abby rolled her eyes.

"You are not! Jesus Harry, let me help you!" She said sternly. Harry closed.

"You can come upstairs, but no one can help me." He said calmly. Harry turned and climbed the stairs. Abby hesitated, then hurried after him. The rest of the boys were asleep already. Harry was already laying in his bed. Abby eyed him for a minute, then smiled. She pulled off her jeans and shirt and climbed in the bed next to Harry. He blushed a little. They had never been on an 'underwear only' basis. The curtains were closed and Abby pressed herself against Harry. Harry closed his eyes and rested his chin on top of Abby's head. Slowly, they drifted off to sleep.

When Harry woke up the next morning, Abby was once again gone. He sighed and fell back onto his pillow. After a few minutes, Harry slipped his glasses on his nose and climbed out from behind the hangings. Harry pulled on some slacks and a shirt and the rest of his clothes. He shuffled out of the dorm and down the stairs, into the common room. Ron and Hermione were playing Exploding Snap, while Abby watched from a safe distance.

"Hey baby..." She smiled when she saw Harry. Harry crossed the room and kissed her gently.

"See you later..." He murmured before climbed through the portrait hole. Harry shuffled along the corridors and climbed the stairs to the owlery. As soon as Harry stepped into the drafty room, Hedwig swooped down. Harry scratched the top of her head and pulled out some spare parchment and a quill he had brought from his dorm. Harry hesitated, then scribbled a note.

Sirius,

You told me to write you if anything happened and, well...I'm beginning to feel like I was...I don't know. If you figure out what I'm trying to say, write me back.

Love Harry

Harry folded the letter up and handed it to Hedwig.

"Take that to Sirius, okay girl?" He said quietly. Hedwig let out a soft hoot before flying off into the light morning sky. Harry stood there for a few minutes, then he heard footsteps. Harry didn't look over his shoulder to see who was coming, he didn't care. Then, the footsteps stopped.

"Harry?" It was Lupin.

"Yeah?" Harry asked.

"You okay?" Lupin asked nervously.

Harry turned around. He was wearing a small smile...a triumphant smile.

"Nope..." He said quietly, before walking past Lupin. Lupin stared after Harry. He quickly sent his letter off with an owl, then chased after the teenager. Harry was almost to the Great Hall when someone grabbed his arm. Harry stopped working and turned around. Lupin was standing there, pale.

"Y-you're not o-okay?" He asked. Harry smiled.

"Nope..." He said. Lupin just stared at him. What was with this smile?

"Th-then what...?" He began. Harry rolled his eyes.

"If I'm not okay, why am I smiling?" He asked. Lupin nodded.

"Because I know I'm not okay...that's why I wrote Sirius. I told him I'm not okay. I know I need help, so I asked for it." Harry explained. Then, he turned and headed in to breakfast.

A/N: I made this chapter longer because I wont be able to update until Friday, sorry about that. I promise as soon I get out of my final I will update this story.