1 WEEK LATER

It had been a week since Harry had written to Sirius and there was no reply. Harry wasn't doing to well. He often found himself down by the lake, alone and he had no idea how he got there. He was having nightmares and night sweats. Harry was doing his best in his school work, but everything else seemed a blur. Except quidditch. Gryffindor had their first match of the year the day before, against Slytherin. Harry had caught the snitch in an impressive five minutes into the game. Everyone was extremely please...they even threw a party. During the gala, Harry was upstairs, lying on his bed. Today, Harry was sitting at the Gryffindor table, picking at his food. He wasn't really hungry. There were several loud hoots up above that signaled the arrival of the post. Harry didn't look up...he just continued to pick at his breakfast. A hawk owl swooped down and landed in front of Harry. It was wearing a badge, just like the last owl. Harry looked up. He had given up trying to guess where these owls were coming from, he just grabbed the letter. The owl took off once again. Harry opened the envelope and read the note.

Harry,

I am sorry it took me so long to reply. I've been really busy. Not to busy for you, just preoccupied. I am very concerned about your last letter. I wrote to Dumbledore and he has given you permission to meet me in Hogsmeade on Saturday. I'll be in the Three Broomsticks. Try and hold on until then.

All my love, Sirius.

Harry sighed as he read the letter again. He folded it up and tucked it into his pocket. He only had to wait another day, then he could see Sirius and talk to him. Harry glanced at the head table, where the teachers were sitting. He noticed Dumbledore staring at him, with an odd expression. Harry wasn't sure which it was...disappointment or worry. He wasn't sure at all.

SATURDAY

Harry pulled on his cloak and tightened his scarf. He glanced in the mirror. He looked...okay. Harry sighed and left the dormitory. None of his friends knew where he was going. He hadn't told them. Abby kissed him gently before he left. Harry shuffled along the empty corridors and out the front doors. The grounds sparkled with frost and the grass crunched beneath Harry's feet as he walked. He stared at his feet as he followed the winding brick path. Eventually, he came to the turnstile. Harry began the climb up the dirt road and after about fifteen minutes, came to the packed street. He made his way through the sea of shoppers and into the Three Broomsticks. No one looked at him twice as made his way to the back of the restaurant, to a booth where Sirius was sitting. As Harry slipped into the booth, Sirius smiled. He looked tired... Harry noticed his split lip and the bruise under his eye. He was about to ask him about it, when Madame Rosmerta arrived with two tankards of butterbeer. Sirius thanked her and drank from his tankard. Harry sipped his butterbeer, but wasn't really in the mood. Sirius placed his back down on the table.

"How're you doing?" He asked quietly, seeing the circles under Harry's eyes.

Harry hesitated.

"Not very good..." He said quietly. Sirius sighed.

"I know that's hard for you to admit, but it's important you did." He said softly. Harry nodded. Sirius stared at Harry and saw how hard it was for him to be doing this.

"Harry?" He asked quietly. Harry looked up from his tankard.

"I'm really proud of you..." Sirius said quietly. He was dead serious. Harry stared at him.

"Proud of me? You have no reason to be proud of me..." He said in barely more than a whisper. Sirius shook his head in disagreance.

"I know grown men that can't admit when they need help. I couldn't when my..." Sirius quickly stopped himself.

"It's one of the hardest things to do and you did it. That's something to be proud of." He said sternly. Harry forced a smile and nodded. They spent the next few hours talking about everything that was bothering Harry. Everything and anything...

FEBRUARY 14TH

Harry stood at the bottom of the girl's dormitory stairs, waiting. A ball had been arranged for sixth and seventh years and almost everyone was going. Ron even had a date! Then again, he had been going out with Lavendar for a month, so he didn't really have to ask anyone. Harry waited nervously. This was his and Abby's first ball as a couple. The dormitory door opened and out stepped Abby. Her hair was pulled back tight and held in place with several clips. She was wearing flowing robes of royal blue and a diamond necklace her mother had sent her for the occasion. She smiled at Harry in his black dress robes and slowly made her way down the stairs, gripping the railing.

"You ready?" She asked shakily, a smile pasted on his face.

"Ready to go with the most beautiful girl in the world? Of course..." Harry said gently. Abby blushed and took his arm. Harry and Abby made their way through the portrait hole. Harry smiled as they made their way down the stairs. He had been having monthly meetings with Sirius at Hogsmeade, just to make sure he was okay. No one had any idea, except Dumbledore. Harry still had many things on his mind, like his quidditch career, but they were all on the back burner tonight. Abby gripped Harry's arm tighter as they passed all the goggling people in the entrance way.

They made their way into the Great Hall, which was beautifully decorated. Harry and Abby danced to a couple of songs, and then went and sat down. All their friends were there now, and sitting with them at the table. Ron refused to dance, despite the fact that Lavendar threatened to leave with another boy. He muttered something about two left feet. Hermione and Seamus, were all over the dance floor. Harry and Abby were in between. There was one song though...one song that they had to dance to. It was the song Harry had woken Abby up with that morning. He had snuck into her dormitory under his cloak, and sang gently in her ear. When she had opened her eyes, there were two dozen roses and a pair of diamond earrings waiting for her. The earrings she was wearing at the ball. The song came on and Harry and Abby held each other tightly on the dance floor. (Back at One by Brian McKnight)

Abby had tears in her eyes as the song stopped.

"I love you..." She whispered. Harry smiled.

"I love you too..." He said softly.

HOGWART'S EXPRESS

Harry sat in a compartment on the Hogwart's Express. They were getting closer and closer to Kings Cross and Harry knew he had to tell everyone the secret he had been carrying around for months and months. Harry took a deep, quivering breath. Abby glanced at him. Her fingers were laced with his.

"What's wrong sweetie?" She asked softly. Harry's eyes darted to his feet.

"I n-need to tell you guys something." He said quietly. The eyes of Ron, Hermione, Abby, Seamus and Lavendar fell on Harry. Harry felt his ears burning.

"I...I'm leaving for a few months." He said finally. Everyone continued to stare at him.

"Where?" Ron asked finally. Harry's free hand began to fidget with the belt loop on his pants.

"I um...I'm playing for England's quidditch team." He said quietly. Ron and Seamus burst into smiles, as did Hermione and Lavendar. Abby was still staring at Harry.

"How long are you going for?" She asked, her voice shaking. Harry glanced at her. Tears were brimming in her beautiful eyes. Harry quickly looked back at his feet.

"Nine months." He said finally. Just then, there was an announcement over the loudspeaker that they were pulling into the station. Abby quickly pulled her hand from Harry's. A tear rolled down her cheek.

"Nine months?" She gasped. Everyone else had become very serious and very quiet. Harry nodded weakly. There was a minute of silence. Then, everyone else started to leave. Everyone except Harry and Abby.

"How long have you known?" She asked, in barely more than a whisper. Harry rubbed his eyes.

"Since last year." He said hoarsely. Abby stood suddenly. Harry stood too. He reached out to touch her, but Abby brought her hand up and smacked him, hard. Harry impulsively grabbed his cheek.

"Abby..." He said pleadingly. Abby shook her head, tears splashing down her cheeks.

"I can't believe you!" She sobbed, before running out of the compartment. Harry sighed and slumped his shoulders. Why had he expected Abby to look past the fact that they would be separated, and be happy for him? Why?

JULY 3RD

Harry appeared in front of a large, white house. He felt a lump develop in his throat as he climbed the steps and stopped in front of the door. He hesitated, then knocked on it. There was a minute, then the door opened a crack. Harry looked down. A little boy stood there. He had short brown hair and deep blue eyes.

"Hi..." He said quietly. Harry forced a smile.

"Hi, is your sister home?" He asked quietly. The boy bit his lip and gave a nod. The door closed and Harry heard the boy yell up the stairs. A minute later, the door opened. Except, now Abby stood behind the boy. She was resting a hand on her brother's shoulder.

"Luka, Mum wants you." She said quietly. Luka ducked beneath his sister's legs and hurried up the stairs. Abby stepped outside and closed the door. There was an awkward moment of silence.

"Baby, I'm so sorry." Harry said finally. He could see Abby's beautiful eyes glistening with tears. She said nothing.

"I knew it was going to be hard so I...I was just to big of a coward to tell you." Harry choked. Abby brought up a shaking hand and wiped away a tear that had escaped her eye. She nodded.

"Look Harry, I can't really talk now. Um...we can talk at your farewell party tomorrow." She said, trying to manage her sobs. Harry nodded. He hesitated, then stepped forward. Abby was staring up into his eyes. His sparkling green eyes. Their lips connected for one brief moment. One gentle kiss. Then, Harry stepped back. He forced a smile as Abby did and she stepped back into the house. Harry ran a hand through his hair and headed home...

NIGHT OF JULY 4TH...PARTY

Harry sat over in the corner of the room with Ron and Seamus. Each was clutching a bottle. Ron and Seamus were chatting happily about this and that, but Harry was scanning the room...looking for someone. The party had been going on for a few hours now and was getting ready to wrap up and there was no sign of Abby. Harry was just putting his empty bottle on the table, when Parvati Patil came up to him.

"Why so glum? Come dance with me!" She said with a smile. Harry rolled his eyes and slipped out of his chair. He stood and made his way onto the dance floor. It was a slow song and Harry gripped Parvati's hand and waist loosely. They twirled around a little and then Harry spotted her...Abby. She was standing in the entrance to the kitchen watching him. Harry flashed her a hopeful smile. Abby gave a nod. When the song ended, Harry made his way over to Abby. She was wearing a jean skirt and a pink top.

"Hey baby..." Harry said softly. He kissed her gently. Abby kissed him back and then pulled away.

"Harry, we need to talk." She said shakily. Harry felt a jab in his stomach. This didn't sound good.

"O-okay..." He said nervously. Abby laced her fingers with his and led him past everyone and out the backdoor. They stepped onto the terrace. There were a few people outside. Sirius was standing over by the pond talking with Lupin. He glanced over and saw Harry and Abby. Abby started to talk.

"Harry...you know I love you more than anything..." She said shakily. Her eyes were glazing over with tears.

"Yeah...and you know how much I love you." Harry said sternly. He had a horrible feeling.

"Right and that's why...why I can't bear to let you break my heart." Abby said. A tear rolled down her cheek.

"Abby, you know I wouldn't-" Harry began hastily. Abby shook her head.

"You're going away for nine months. Nine months! That's plenty of time for you to meet some hoochi!" She sobbed. Harry stared at her. This wasn't happening.

"Abby, don't do this." Harry begged. Abby shook her head.

"I think...I think I need to end this before you get a chance to hurt me." She said quietly. Harry felt a surge of panic.

"You know I would never hurt you!" He said loudly. Sirius glanced over. Abby nodded.

"I know you wouldn't intentionally, but this...this is for the best." She said, tears rolling down her face. Harry shook his head.

"No Abby..." He croaked. Abby shook her head. She slipped the gold band off her right hand and handed it to Harry.

"I love you so much and...and that's why the hardest thing to say is..." Abby said, staring into Harry's wet green eyes.

"Goodbye..." She whispered. She pushed the ring into Harry's hand and kissed him quickly, before hurrying off. Harry just stood there, the ring in his hand as a tear escaped his eye and rolled down his cheek. His hand tightened around the ring, but he just stood there. He had just lost the only girl he had ever loved...

After a minute, Harry hastily wiped away the tears and pocketed the ring. His hands were shaking as he headed inside. Ron stared at Harry's red eyes.

"What's wrong?" He asked as Harry grabbed another bottle.

"Nothing." He muttered. Harry popped the top and chugged half the bottle. He looked around the room. Abby was no where in sight.

"Where's your girlfriend?" Seamus laughed. Harry felt a lump develop in his throat. He put the bottle down.

"I don't have a girlfriend." He said, before going into the kitchen. Harry grabbed a handful of chips and was munching on them when Ron came in.

"What!" He nearly yelled. Harry closed his eyes briefly and opened them again.

"She broke up with me." He said quietly. Ron smiled.

"That's a good joke. Almost had me there!" He laughed. Harry threw the rest of the chips back into the bowl and reached into his pocket. He pulled out the gold ring.

"Funny how I'm not laughing." He said as he flashed the ring. Ron stared at him. Harry left the kitchen.

An hour later, everyone was gone. Harry was sitting in the living room, staring into the fire.

"Have fun kiddo?" Sirius asked as he sat down next to Harry.

"Yeah, loads." Harry said sarcastically before standing up and climbing the stairs. He passed his old room and went into his new one. There were three duffle bags on Harry's bed. Two of them were full, the other one was half packed. He wrenched open his dresser and rummaged through. He was pulling out a wack of shirts when Sirius came in.

"What's going on?" He asked seriously. Harry rolled his eyes.

"Nothing..." He muttered. Sirius sighed.

"Is Abby worried you two might drift apart in those nine months?" He guessed. Harry faltered as he folded a shirt.

"Abby has nothing to worry about when it comes to us. Since there is no us." He said shakily. He gave up and just shoved the shirts into his back. Sirius was staring at his godson.

"You broke up?" He asked, disbelieving.

"Yup. She broke my heart. Just like you predicted." Harry said. He felt his eyes stinging.

"Look Sirius, I'm really tired and you have to take me to the airport early, so can I just go to bed?" He asked as he zipped up the duffle bag. Sirius snapped back to reality and nodded.

"Yeah...yeah sure." He said, blinking a few times. He said goodnight and then left the room. Harry threw the duffle bags over to his door and stripped down to his boxers. He climbed under the covers and sighed. He felt his heart aching. Harry couldn't help it. As he rolled over and pressed his face into his pillow, a single tear escaped his eye. He was sure they were meant to be. Was he wrong?

NEXT MORNING

Harry and Sirius were standing in the airport, saying their goodbyes. Harry had one duffle bag slung over his shoulder and the other two in baggage claim.

"Don't know why you have to take a plane." Sirius said, looking around. Harry forced a smile.

"They're keeping the camp as downtrodden as possible. Don't want the other teams to know where it is." He explained Sirius nodded.

"I guess this is goodbye." He said hoarsely. A lump developed in his throat.

"Oh Jesus!" He laughed. Sirius pulled Harry into a tight hug. Harry glanced around and saw something that made his heart break. Abby was standing a ways away, watching, with tears rolling down her face. Harry felt his eyes start to sting, but blinked a few times when he and Sirius separated.

"Call me when you get there." Sirius said with a weak smile. Harry nodded and headed for the gate, clutching his ticket. He glanced over his shoulder one last time and saw Abby hurrying out the door. He sighed and turned back to the ticket taker.

"Alright then, first class." She smiled. Harry thanked her and went through the gate. He made his way onto the plane and found his seat. It was beside a boy about his age, with spiked brown hair. Harry put his duffle bag on the overhead rack and did up his seatbelt. He glanced over at the guy next to him. He was looking at a picture...a moving picture. Harry smiled. Looks like he wasn't the only wizard on the plane.

"Develop that yourself or did ya get it done in Diagon Alley?" He asked the guy. The boy tucked his picture into his pocket and stared at Harry. Harry opened his coat a bit and nodded to the wand in the holster. The boy smiled.

"I'm Shane, Shane O'Connely." He said with an Irish accent. Harry smiled and shook his hand.

"Harry, Harry Potter." He said. The boy's eyes became very large. His eyes flicked to Harry's scar, but then quickly back to Harry's eyes. He blushed.

"Pleased ta meet you Harry. Watcha headin' ta America for?" Shane asked. Harry hesitated.

"I um...I'm..." He stuttered. Shane smiled.

"Ay, yeh must be the seeker!" He laughed. Harry felt a rush of relief and nodded.

"What about you?" He asked. Shane wobbled his head back and forth.

"I be the keeper." He said. Harry nodded.

"Are there a lot of new guys?" He asked. Shane nodded.

"There's Liam, Dara, Owen, Aidan, Ronan , Aaron, Cathal and Sean. You and I, we're on the first string. Play all the games. Well as Sean. He's a chaser. The rest of em, they're second string. Only play if we're pulled or injured." He explained. Harry nodded as Shane pointed out eight guys to him. They were all seated around them.

"There are five flats. Three to each cept for one. One of them houses two players and two trainers. Most likely be a flat to you, me and Sean. Since we're all new but on the first string." Shane explained about living quarters. Harry nodded. They spent the rest of the flight talking about the training process.