CHAPTER THREE: THE MOST MODERN MODEST HOUSE OF POTTER

The rest of Harry's week ran in a relatively ordinary fashion by Hogwarts standards. That is confusing, strange and oddly comforting.

Friday night he sat in the Gryffindor common room with Ron and Hermione, reflecting on his week. He had received his Potions mark back for his first piece of work and was relieved to see an 'Acceptable' next to his name, especially as the other two potions he had made that week, he felt surely had earned him a 'Dreadful'.

The normal Defense Against the Dark Arts had now become a very boring subject, with a lot of theory and little practical work, something even Miss Snape (who taught both) had appeared to loathe. Harry however, had begun silently warming to Miss Snape who seemed to think quite highly of him (which Harry considered extremely peculiar as she was both a Snape, and seemed to be very close to Malfoy).

Harry thought this all mutely though as Ron still seemed certain that she was just as bad, if not worse than Snape. Hermione, no doubt due to her emerging relationship with Ron, was reluctant to argue Miss Snape's case.

Harry was sure that if he did not have to partner Malfoy in Advanced Defense Against the Dark Arts, it would be his favorite subject.

Draco Malfoy had become an even larger unknown quantity in the last week than ever before. He had always been far too complex to predict in the past, but his moods had now become extremely fickle. Harry had found this slow unfolding situation very interesting and had been observing Malfoy carefully. Malfoy had appeared almost pleasant in the first Advanced Defense Against the Dark Arts lesson, but the last two, he was his old vindictive self - jinxing Harry whenever he wasn't watching or was distracted by Parvati, begging him for assistance.

Crabbe and Goyle were still no where to be seen. In one Potions lesson in which Harry was sitting close to Malfoy and pug-faced Pansy Parkinson, he strained his ears the entire class in hope of hearing something about their whereabouts, but either their fellow Slytherins had not noticed their absence, or were ignoring it. Harry favored the latter.

"Grr" Ron moaned "I hate this! It's useless, I'm not gonna get it done tonight." Ron had been struggling through his Divination homework since dinner.

"You know" said Harry. "We should go see Hagrid, we haven't seen him yet. Plus, he might know something about that kidnapping thing."

This was something that had been on Harry's mind for some time. However, no one would talk to him about it. Much to his frustration. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley had stayed very tight lipped about the situation, and Ron and Hermione did not seem to think it was a very big deal. ("It was only an attempt. And it happened a long time ago.")

"Doubt it" Ron said. "But it'll be better than homework."

Hermione shrugged in agreement and Ron went to put his homework in their dormitory; he came back with Harry's Invisibility Cloak.

"Just in case we stay late."

They headed down the corridors and stairs and out of the castle without running into anybody. It was a warm night, and the last remains of summer broke through the sky. Harry unbuttoned his cloak to let in a breeze.

When they reached Hagrid's little wooden hut, Ron rapped his knuckles on the front door loudly. There was rustling and barking and finally the large face of Rubeus Hagrid peeped out through the door.

"'Bout time" said Hagrid smiling happily at them as he opened the door. His little beady eyes bright and his bushy face turned up in a smile. "I thought yer'd forgotten 'bout me."

Harry, Ron and Hermione took their usual spots around Hagrid's massive table and Hagrid bustled away in the little kitchenette making tea.

"So, how was yer firs' week, then" asked Hagrid.

"Pretty good" said Harry. "Nothing too horrific."

Hagrid laughed heartily. "That's wha' Salima said "firs' week says 'ow the res' is gonna be.""

"You talk to that hag" said Ron loudly.

"She ain' no hag, Ron" Hagrid said a little taken aback. "She's love'ly. Made this for me she did." Hagrid pointed at a large yellow pearl sitting on the window. It was causing little patterns across the opposite wall as the moon reflected off it.

"Oh, but that's really hard magic!" exclaimed Hermione.

"What is it" Harry asked.

"It's a Vigilant Pearl. Alerts you when anything within a one mile radius is being hunted" said Hermione, sounding as if she had swallowed a text book. "But what do you need that for, Hagrid"

"Bloody centaurs are fightin' with the nymphs! Nymphs aren' a brave sorta lot. Come runnin' 'ere. Don' wan' 'em to attack a student in panic, so..."

"There are nymphs in the forest?" asked Harry.

"O' course"

"Why are they fighting" Ron asked.

"The nymphs let Firenze stay in their part o' the fores' in the holidays, for one thing. Centaurs didn' like tha'."

"So they still haven't forgiven him, then" said Harry.

"Nah, cruel lot are centaurs. Differen' to nymphs - they're fine, jus' not bold."

Hagrid then asked for a full account of their holidays, and Harry and Hagrid laughed at Ron and Hermione blushing when they told him that they were an item. Harry then told the story of the envelope with the Dark Mark on it being given to him. Hagrid was just as bewildered as the others as to how this muggle both came to get it, and why he gave it to him. Then Hermione asked a question that had evidently been niggling at her since they arrived at Hagrid's:

"Umm ... Hagrid. A bit out of the blue but - what's happened to Grawp"

"Well his still in the fores' ain' he" Hagrid beamed.

"And you told Dumbledore about him, didn't you" said Hermione tentatively.

"Well, not exactly" said Hagrid awkwardly.

"Hagrid, you really should say something" Hermione scowled.

"Yeah ... well ... it's getting' late an' you lot should be on yer way now."

Hagrid ushered them out the door, Hermione and Ron went under the Invisibilty Cloak, waiting for Harry to join them but Hagrid held Harry back.

"I forgot to tell yer Harry" Hagrid said. "This Sunday, Lupin's gonna take yer out. So make sure yer done yer homework by then."

"Take me out? Where? Is that allowed"

"He's yer guardian, o' course it's allowed. An' I can' tell yer where yer going - that's a surprise" Hagrid said secretively. "Now get along with yer."

Hagrid closed his big wooden door on them and Harry looked at Ron and Hermione and shrugged. "I didn't even get to ask him about the kidnapping."

"A man of few words" said Ron. "And a few marbles too."

"I can't believe he still thinks he can tame that giant" said Hermione, frowning.

"Well, actually, it looks like he can" said Ron quietly.

"How do you know"

"Well, he doesn't have minced beef for a face anymore, does he"


Harry woke up very late Saturday morning. He was getting ready to yell at Ron for not waking him when he saw that the red head was also only just rising himself.

"What's the t-t-time" Ron attempted to stifle a yawn.

"Eleven" said Harry looking at his watch.

They got out of bed and slowly started pulling their clothes on.

As they were trudging down the stairs with their Transfiguration homework under their arms, ready to start studying, they were pulled aside by Katie Bell.

"What are you doing up here" asked Harry.

"Looking for you two" said Katie. "We're having Quidditch tryouts tonight - you both have to be there. We start training on Wednesday."

"Okay, but why so early" said Ron.

"I'm not allowed to say yet" said Katie.

"What do you mean" asked Harry.

"Don't worry about that, just make sure you're there" said Katie. "Oh, and have you thought about getting another broom, Harry? You've had that one for three years now - you should update at least every three years - even a firebolt."

Harry frowned"I wouldn't give that firebolt up for a million Galleons."

Katie looked apologetic"Sorry, I didn't mean"

"It's okay" said Harry quickly.

"Listen Harry" Katie said a little pleadingly now, attempting to cut Ron out of the conversation"I'm a bit scared about doing this, you know? I mean, Oliver and Angelina both went bizzerk at least ten thousand times. And you and I ... we're like the only two originals left."

"I'll help you out" Harry reassured"Wood, Alicia, Angelina, the twins ... they were nothing - it was all us."

"Hey" said Ron indignantly.

Katie laughed and gave Harry a little hug"See you later then."

Katie ran off down the stairs and Harry and Ron followed slowly in her wake.

"Whaddaya think is going on" said Ron.

Harry shrugged"Maybe we're going to play more games this season or something."

"Maybe" said Ron. "It'll be good to start playing again though, eh? I mean you only got one game last year."

"Don't remind me" Harry grumbled as they entered the common room and joined Hermione at the desk by the window.

Hermione looked up at them with a frown"About time you two got up."

"Long week" Harry excused.

Ron dumped his homework in front of Hermione and looked at her expectantly"So what are the functions of the Attenuation Spell"

Hermione frowned, "How will you learn if you don't do it yourself!"

Ron sighed, "See, this is the problem Hermione. You have this crazy assumption that I actually care about this stuff."

Hermione smacked Ron across the back of the head and dropped her homework in front of Ron.

"You should've got together with Hermione ages ago," Harry said quietly. "She never used to let us copy."

"I was saving it for the stressful years."


There were many things that made Hogwarts the best place in the world in Harry's opinion. Firstly, it was a place where he was allowed to be himself. He had been suffocated, and yet neglected at the same time as a child. Never allowed to simple act and follow his own whims.

Secondly, Ron and Hermione were at constant call - he rarely felt alone. But undoubtedly, the best thing was Quidditch.

Harry found it exhilarating, uncomplicated and in a sense, freedom, all at the same time. He was a natural, the best seeker in the school. And he knew it, and took comfort in it.

So as he, Ron and Ginny walked down to the Quidditch pitch he felt the happiest he had in weeks.

"It's going to be so much better this year" Ginny said. "I've always preferred chasing to seeking, and Katie said that there are a couple of really good people coming tonight to try for the third chaser position."

"I don't care about any of that! I just wanna play" declared Ron.

"Hear, hear" Harry replied.

They reached the change rooms and walked inside to find Katie waiting for them, apparently wanting to give a speech. The three sat next to the fifth year beaters, Andrew Kirke and Jack Sloper (who were looking a little sleepy), and Katie began;

"Okay guys. We've got a lot to live up to this year; I'm expecting all of you to give me one hundred percent at every training session and especially at the matches. So tonight, we've got to choose another chaser - KIRKE"

Andrew Kirke, had just fallen asleep on Ginny's shoulder. He jerked awake quickly and hung his head sheepishly at the look on Katie's face.

"If you are not serious about playing on this team" Katie said, eyes narrowed"Then we'll find another beater while we're here."

"Sorry" Kirke muttered.

"Anyway, we're going to work our way through the list of people who wish to try out, and pick them … hopefully … tonight."

Katie went on and Harry's eyes began drifting until he was looking outside to the sky. He was remembering one of the first times he saw Sirius. It was in his third year, the game against Hufflepuff. When Cedric Diggory was still alive.

To Harry, it seemed like a whole other life ago.

He was awoken from his thoughts as everyone stood up and began walking outside to the pitch.

The sky appeared to be having trouble making its mind up about whether or not it wanted to be night or day, and so had compromised with a deep purple. Harry ran his eyes over the nervous group of people waiting in the stands. He was slightly surprised to see Parvati Patil there. He voiced his surprise to Ginny.

"I didn't know Parvati played Quidditch" said Harry.

Ginny snorted"She doesn't."

"Then why is she here"

"Don't you know Harry"

"Know what"

Ginny laughed"She's totally in love with you. Ever since the Yule Ball. She's probably just trying out so she can spend time with you."

Harry had not been expecting that"But ... but ... she was annoyed at me after the Yule Ball. How do you know for sure"

"Well Parvati told Lavender, of course. And Lavender told Hermione and Hermione told me."

"Why didn't any of you tell me? The Yule Ball was almost two years ago."

"Well we thought about it, but decided not to. I mean, Parvati's not the only girl who likes you. Plus, it was pretty clear you liked Cho Chang - Parvati was so annoyed when you had that little fling with her."

"How did you guys know about that" Harry asked, surprised. "And who else likes me!"

Ginny raised her eyebrows"Girls talk Harry. Besides it was obvious, and Cho was more upset than usual."

"Yeah I seem to have that effect on her" Harry said a little bitterly.

"It was her problem, Harry," said Ginny. "Now … who else likes you? Well, Susan Bones and Hannah Abbot. Although Hannah not so much anymore…"

Harry looked at Ginny wide eyed.

"And then Heidi Gardiner and Mandy Brocklehurst – you know the two Ravenclaws in your year?"

"Uh …"

"And then Brittany Woods and Rebecca Silverspoon – the third years. But you should know about those two, the follow you all over the common room."

"God" Harry said. "This is bizarre … I thought the only person who'd ever liked me was you … oh, I mean …"

Ginny went an interesting shade of red, "Yeah … well, I'm not the only one. I mean … I wasn't."

Harry missed the shake in Ginny's voice as he looked up at the spectator stands again and saw the two third years, Brittany and Rebecca looking down at him ("Oh my God! He looked at us! Did you see that Brits!" "Argh! He never looks at us! I told you the red t-shirts would work!").

"So" Ginny asked, trying to take the subject far away from her"Are you interested? In Parvati I mean."

"Not really" Harry said truthfully. "But don't tell her that! I mean, I don't want to upset her."

"Yeah, but if you don't tell her you're not interested, she'll keep on liking you" Ginny said. "That's not fair, Harry."

Harry was denied the opportunity to reply as Katie began yelling out names and instructions. Harry stole a look at Parvati. She waved at him merrily as if she had been waiting for the opportunity to grab his eye. He quickly looked away embarrassedly. He then looked over at Ginny who had gone slightly red again and was determinedly looking in the other direction. Harry shook his head, knowing this was not going to turn out smoothly.

"What's wrong with you?" Ron asked.

"Did you know that … apparently … there are a few girls …"

"That would like you to deflower them?" Ron suggested.

Harry went bright red, "Please do not ever say that again."

Ron laughed loudly.

"When did I become a … a …"

"Teen heart throb? Yes, I can see why you're embarrassed. It is rather like a bad American teen movie …"

"Gary Jules is right … a very, very, mad world."

Ron looked at Harry, "Who's Gary Jules?"


Harry woke on Sunday morning, and lied in bed just thinking. He had taken to doing this a lot lately.

It was almost half an hour before he remembered that Lupin was taking him out today. He quickly got changed and headed out of the dormitory.

When he got to the Great Hall, he found that he was one of about ten students that had gotten out of bed this early. The only teacher out was Professor Flitwick who was reading the Daily Prophet in a very awkward fashion as his little frame could not hold the paper up properly.

Harry was eating some toast and marmalade when he received a sharp tap on the shoulder. He looked around and saw Argus Filch, the caretaker, standing over him.

"C'mon Potter" he said. "Unfortunately it's my job to take you lot down to the gate."

Harry looked over his shoulder and saw two younger students behind Filch. He obviously wasn't the only one going out today.

Harry got up and followed the caretaker out of the Great Hall and into the crisp morning air. They walked down the steps and stopped in front of one of the carriages that were carried by Thestrals. Harry patted the Thestral closest to him and was pleased to see Filch squirm. If you could see a Thestral, you had seen death.

Harry got inside the carriage and the two younger students followed. Filch scrambled in after him. They didn't speak on the short journey down to the gate, and this did not bother Harry at all. When they pulled up a few minutes later, Harry quickly got out and ran into the open arms of Remus Lupin who was waiting just inside the gate.

"How have you been" Lupin asked.

Harry stepped away from Lupin and shrugged his shoulders. He had never been able to lie to Lupin, and he didn't really want to. Lying was not as easy with someone so observant as Lupin.

"Well, Mr. Lupin" Filch said"Get the boy back by 6pm." And Filch walked back into the carriage and out of sight. Harry saw the other students walking off with their parents.

Harry looked at Lupin expectantly"So where are we going"

"It's a surprise."

"Well how are we getting there"

"Train."

"How long will that take" They began walking towards Hogsmeade Station.

"Not long."

"Why are we going"

"You'll see."

"Why are you being all secretive"

"Because it'll be better if it's a shock."

"Why don't you just tell me and I'll act all shocked when I see it"

"No."

"Are we doing something illegal"

"No."

"Can I guess and you say warm or cold"

"No."

"Is anyone else going to be there"

"No."

"Why don't you"

"You know, Harry" Lupin interrupted. "Your father was an expert at this game and even he couldn't break me."

"Fine, whatever. I don't care."

"Have you done all your homework"

"Yes."

"Are you keeping up with Potions"

"Yep."

"And Occlumency"

"Yeah."

"No dreams"

"Nothing relevant."

"What does that mean"

"It means, no."

"You being nice to Professor Snape"

Harry swore under his breath.

"Sorry"

"Nothing."

"What about ADADA"

"Fine."

"It's not hard"

"N"

"Not struggling"

"N"

"Are you"

"Alright, I get it"

"Good, now say you're sorry."

Harry hit Lupin across the head playfully and quickly ran into the Station.


Harry was looking at a modest two storey house. It was brown brick with a black tiled roof. It looked sturdy and safe. He was standing in the front garden that was neat and natural with a big apple tree to the left that had a tire hanging of it. He could not believe he was here, after years of wondering what it would be like.

"They're around the back Harry" Lupin said quietly.

They walked around to the back of the house, Harry's eyes wandering everywhere - taking it all in. The life he should have had.

He stopped in front of several elegantly carved cement blocks. The three that were the closest ... Harry dropped to his knees and read the inscriptions on his parent's and godfather's tomb stones.

James Thomas Potter Beloved Father, Husband Friend 1957-1981

Elizabeth Amelia Potter Beloved Mother, Wife Friend 1957-1981

Sirius Phineas Black Beloved Friend ... Godfather 1957-1996

Harry touched the ground where his family lay buried. The sun had made the grass warm. He lay down on is back across their graves, and looked at the sky. The clouds were making odd patterns and it was frustrating Harry, he knew those shapes. But his mind couldn't work it out.

He kept raking his brain but the answers weren't there. Tears of irritation threatened to run down his face, but he held them in – not wanting to cry in front of anyone.

He was vaguely aware of the closest thing to a parent he had left taking his hand. But this made it worse. He never cried in front of anyone. He would not do it.

His throat began to hurt painfully as he held a sob down. He would not cry. He was stronger than that.

Then, all of a sudden, Harry felt a surge of electricity-like magic surge through him, and everything went black.


Daniel Buoy fell to the ground with a resounding thud.

"Enough" a nervous, squeaky voice said. "He's said everything he knows. Go to the Dark Lord, tell him."

"What about his family ... the little girl. Can I play"

"No. Leave them."

"Very well."

Bellatrix left the room and quickly walked up the stairs. She walked into the room and was surprised to see her master smiling at her.

"What is it, my lord"

"Call my faithful Death Eaters; go to the wharf by Azkaban prison. They've escaped."


Harry was slowly waking up. His eyes attempting to focus as best they could without his glasses. He saw the faint outline of them on a coffee table in front of him. He picked them up and quickly put them on.

He did not recognise where he was, and began to panic as he wondered how he had got there. He looked around, taking in his surroundings. He had fallen asleep on fluffy red sofa, with yellow cushions. The coffee table in front of him was cherry wood and there was a small vase with three white roses in it, sitting on top.

The room itself was not overly large, but bigger than average. The fireplace in the back wall had fresh wood inside, waiting to be lit. The drop curtains were wide open, letting in the afternoon sun.

"Hmm ... now which one of us do you belong to" a strange voice came from behind Harry.

He swung around quickly, but there was no one there. He pulled out his wand from his back pocket.

"You're far too young to be my William's ... maybe you're not one of us..? No, you look like us."

Harry searched around the room for the speaker. "Where - who are you"

The strange voice was chuckling now. Harry turned around to where the voice appeared to be coming from. He looked up at a painting. The painting was of a man of about fifty. He had jet black hair with several grey lines, and a pair of glasses sat on his pointed nose. Right now, the man was chortling appreciatively.

"Oh..." Harry said a little embarrassed.

The man took a good look at Harry and began nodding his head in what appeared to be comprehension.

"There it is" he said. "You must be little James' boy."

Harry looked up in surprise"How did you know"

"You inherited the most attractive feature of your mother - her eyes."

"You knew my parents"

More laughter"In a manner of speaking. I left before your time; I passed a few weeks after James told us Lily was pregnant. I was his grandfather - Alfred Potter, a pleasure to meet you ... now what was it they called you? Hamish"

"Harry" said Lupin walking into the room.

"Ah, yes. Good, strong name" Alfred said nodding his head, and then seriously"Now, are you at Hogwarts and what house are you in"

"Don't worry Alfred, he's a Gryffindor" Lupin said.

"Good, good! Beating them all I bet."

"Yes ... well. Harry, why don't you come with me into the kitchen"

"Oh, alright Remus. Well see you later then" Alfred said.

"Bye" Harry said timidly, following Lupin out of the drawing room into the kitchen.

Harry walked through the archway at the back of the room, into the dining area and through to the kitchen. Lupin had put the kettle on and was making some tea. Harry sat down at the round kitchen table.

"So this was my mum and dad's house," Harry said.

Lupin gave Harry his tea and sat opposite him. "Yes, Harry, this was your parent's home. In Godric's Hollow ... Alfred, who you just met, he was your dad's grandfather - he built this place, to be handed down, son to son. Or daughter - should the occasion arise."

Harry shuffled awkwardly in his chair"I'm sorry about before. I - I didn't mean to ... I mean I'm sorry. I don't really know what happened."

"Don't be sorry, Harry" Lupin said quietly. "I probably shouldn't have brought you here this soon. But I wanted you to see that we put Sirius with your mum and dad. Like he would've wanted. Plus, we need to start..."

"But you can't - you can't have Sirius' bod -I"

"It's the memory that counts, Harry. The respect."

"Yeah, yeah you're right."

"Harry, I don't know what to say to make all the pain go away. And even if I did, I wouldn't, because you need to feel that. That pain will be your biggest weapon. But you can't bottle everything up; you need to let people know" Lupin said in a slightly lecturing manner.

"I talk to Ron and Hermione all the time" Harry said indignantly

"They owled me Harry"

"What"

"Harry, just listen. They owled me to say that they were worried. They said you spoke to them, but that you were rarely honest, they said you were … straying, sometimes."

"Straying? What do you mean straying! I'm not straying ... sodding fools ... fucking straying-"

"Harry! Please" Harry stopped grumbling, but crossed his arms angrily. "We need to start training you."

"What? Training me"

"Yes" Lupin said looking at Harry seriously. "From now on, every Sunday, you will come here and learn."

"Learn? What type of stuff"

"Well, we'll continue Occlumency for a start. Then spells, charms, and the most powerful magic against Voldemort - the Ancient Enchantments of the Brethren."

"Come again"

"It's an old magic, the most ancient there is. They use more natural, prehistoric magic. Only four are granted the power of the Ancient Enchantments at birth, and only those four could teach it … it has been that way from the start. After the many wars in which dictators abused their powers – they hid out. Only to be found if they wished to be. But luckily for us, we found one."

"Who"

"Salima Snape. With Dumbledore's encouragement, she has agreed to teach you as much as she can. You of course, will never be able to learn it all as you're male. But it will help."

"Well, is Snape one too"

"No. Males are not part of the Brethren. But he comes from an ancient line of them, if he had had children, they could've been. Plus, only four ever exist. No more, no less."

"If there aren't any males then why is it called the Brethren"

"In ancient times, wizards and witches were much stronger than we are today. We'd be lucky to possess even half of their power. On top of this, wizards were always much stronger than witches. There were several reasons, the main one being that women, like in old muggle times, were not expected to learn as much as the men. Anyway, the four most powerful wizards - Gryffindor and Slytherin amongst them - created the Brethren. It was to be an exclusive society, only the children of these four wizards were to be apart of it and taught the most powerful enchantments known to man. But then something happened; only three of the wizards bore children. Gryffindor and his brother, and Slytherin. And guess what"

"They were girls"

"Got it in one. Slytherin left of course, and so the line was passed down through the Gryffindor women instead, there hasn't been a male with the power since."

"Hold on! You said Snape came from an ancient line? Does that mean he's related to Slytherin too"

"No. He comes from the line of Grederic Gryffindor, Godric's brother."

"What! Then why was Snape in Slytherin and not Gryffindor"

"Actually, it's believed that if Grederic was anything, he was a Ravenclaw. It's the characteristics Harry, not the heritage. Salima was in Ravenclaw, though. Slytherin's only known relative is Voldemort."

"Only known"

"Well Harry, Salazar Slytherin lived hundreds of years ago, there are most likely many decendants wondering around - most likely unaware of their true heritage. Same with Grederic and Godric."

"And Grederic's known heirs are the Snape's"

"Yes."

"And Godric's"

Lupin smiled"I'm looking at him."

Harry could have been shocked, he should have been surprised. But he had suspected for sometime - that this was a possibility. "So my father and I are descendants of Godric Gryffindor"

"No Harry, not your father. Your mother."

Now he was surprised"But she came from a muggle family"

Lupin laughed a little at this"Every "so-called" muggle born who comes to Hogwarts, had magic in their family at some stage. People don't just wake up one morning and have the magic, it's in their blood. But sometimes, it skips several generations before coming out again. Your cousin could have magical children."

"That's not a pleasant thought ... oh God, does this mean I'm related to Snape"

"Very distantly, but yes I suppose it does."

Harry groaned"Does he know that we are distantly related"

"Yes, he does."

"Fantastic" Harry said quietly.

"That's how your mother saved you Harry. She was part of the Brethren; she used the ancient magic that Voldemort rejects. He rejects it because his predecessor did too. Your mother was astonishingly powerful once she was a fully fledged witch."

"My mum hated my dad, so why did this powerful witch marry him."

"She didn't hate him Harry, she hated what he did. It's true, he was pretty horrible to the students of the other houses, but he was fiercely protective of Gryffindors, so was Sirius. That's why everyone wanted to be in Gryffindor in the days of your father - guaranteed security. They were so much more powerful than everyone else. They were better than the seventh years in their fourth."

"Well when did she stop hating what he did"

"When he stopped doing it. I mean he didn't really have to in the last year - the memory of what he had done was enough for most" Lupin laughed.

"Why did my dad like her so much"

"Your dad didn't like her at first, a bit like Ron and Hermione in those first few months at Hogwarts. But in the third year, I don't know, he was just smitten. He wouldn't even look at other girls, much to their dismay. Your father was a good man Harry, he really was. Even Professor Snape knows it, deep down. And your mother? She was the most beautiful person in the entire world Harry. I've never meant someone with such a patient disposition, perfectly matching your father's famous temper" Lupin laughed at Harry"not unlike your own temper."

"I don't have a..! Okay, maybe a little one."

"Lily was clever, pretty and kind. Plus, she was never afraid of standing up for herself or those around her. She was never submissive. All us boys had a bit of a crush on her, and all the girls wanted to be her friend. Bit like you really."

"Well why didn't you or Sirius ever try to - well, you know"

"We had a crush on her; your father was in love with her. Plus, she chose him. I remember the day Lily agreed to go to Hogsmeade with him," Lupin smiled. "He didn't jinx Professor Snape for two weeks."

Lupin laughed reminiscently. Harry didn't though, "I hate living in their shadow..."

Lupin stopped smiling at this comment and looked at Harry"You don't live in their shadow Harry. You are their shadow. You look like them for a start. You have James' loyalty, courage and talent. And Lily's heart. These things, your experiences, your own heroics - make you an extraordinary individual, which came from two other extraordinary individuals. You're loved Harry, for who you are, not what you are. But James and Lily will always live on inside of you - as you will live on in your children."

"I don't want to be a hero," Harry said quietly.

"A true hero never asks to be so, but nevertheless you are." Lupin looked thoughtfully at Harry"You're our hope Harry. And I don't just mean the Order, I mean everybody. Hope runs through you so ferociously and in such liberal amounts that it pours out of you into those that surround. You bring people hope, that's why you're a hero. Not because of your Quidditch wins, or Voldemort defeats. But because you offer us a light."

Harry looked at Lupin, "I still don't understand this Brethren stuff."

"Don't worry, Salima will explain more to you. And on that note Harry … be weary of Salima. Like all with great power, she is not what she seems."


"I've never been down here before," a drawling voice said.

"Peeves showed me, he's a sweet little thing really," a more mature voice said. "Well, when he has a wand pointing at him anyway."

"Sweet? Yeah, if you're in the 17th century and a psycho."

"You don't have to be so cynical all the time, Draco."

"And you don't have to be so optimistic, Salima."

Salima Snape frowned at her young male companion"Do you remember the night before you left for Hogwarts? That owl you sent me"

"Vaguely" Draco Malfoy said indifferently.

"I've still got it you know. It made me cry."

"Yeah well, we're even then."

"You still hungry? I don't think you're eating enough."

"Nah, I'm good. Better go." Malfoy stood up and headed for the painting that opens up the Hogwarts kitchen.

"Draco, where's Crabbe and Goyle"

Malfoy turned around, frowning"I don't know." Anyone else would have believed him; his talent for lying was so great.

Salima raised her eyebrows"I taught you well. But don't play with me, darling boy - has he got them"

Malfoy went to the painting and tried opening it. It would not budge"Let me out."

"Come here."

"No."

"You can come here on your own free will or I will make you."

Malfoy turned around and spat out aggressively"I hate you"

"No you don't. And that's the problem, isn't it? It's very easy to hate Draco. Now, come here."

Malfoy tried frantically to pull the frame out but was suddenly flying back towards Salima before he could even scratch it.

She turned him around with a flick of her hand. He wore an unreadable expression. She grabbed his left arm and pulled the sleeve up.

"You promised me" she whispered. "You promised you wouldn't do it. You promised you would come to me when this was asked of you – so I could stop it."

"And you promised you wouldn't leave - but you did."

"I had to! You know I had to! I didn't have a choice, it was that or death! Death for you"

"Exactly. Our situations are more alike than you think."

She let him go. "And the boys"

"He's got them."

"What for"

"What will you do if I tell you"

"I don't know..."

"Tell Dumbledore" said Draco.

"Maybe."

"I'll tell you, if you tell me."

"Tell you what" Salima asked.

"What I'm meant to find out."

"What are you meant to find out" Salima asked quietly.

"Who's loyal and who's not. Is your brother loyal, Salima"

"What will you do if I tell you"

"I don't know."

"Tell Voldemort" retorted Salima.

Malfoy shuddered"Maybe."

"Then I'll tell you nothing."

Malfoy shrugged indifferently"Suit yourself." He headed for the painting again.

"What happened to you"

He turned around to face her once more"You left."


A/N - Reviews are greatly appreciated! Sorry, the comma's, etcweren't working when placed after quotations.. No idea why not. Sorry if it made reading difficult.

AbundantFear