A/N: First chapter i've loaded since my 16th birthday! Yay! Thank you for all your reviews, and sorry for the wait. I had 16th birthday things to do :) I did read all your reviews though, and somebody yet again assumed im american. I'n not, i live in England! I do have american spellcheck though, which is probably where you guys have got it from ;) So here we go, another chapter. It's the day Harry goes home for Christmas. Not alot of drama i'm afraid, i'm saving that for next chapter! Keep reading! Always, Angel.

Chapter 36- Rain on my parade

Harry watched the coal in the fireplace sizzle. It was early morning, obviously too early for the House elves to have done their rounds, and Harry was sitting alone in the dreary common room. He spiked up his wand and shot a fireball of a charm at the grate, which relit the blackened embers and awoke the whole room.

Empty butterbeer bottles littered the floor, and half eaten packets of jelly beans and chocolate frogs sat at every table and chair. The banners and streamers still flashed red and gold, but the glowing phantom adaptor which Hermione had made to link to the speakers was gradually fading.

Harry listened as soft tired footsteps trod their way down the girls staircase, and a sleepy figure appeared clad in snuggly yellow pajamas.

'Oh, Morning Harry.' Erin said, when she noticed his presence. 'I thought it was too early for the House elves to have been yet. They aren't due for about an hour.'

Erin took a seat next to Harry, right beside the hot licking flames.

'I lit the fire, it was getting cold.' Harry mumbled, putting his wand away.

'Why are you up so early, anyway?' Erin asked, raising a familiar eyebrow.

'No idea. I wish I wasn't.' Harry said with a smile. He couldn't stay in a bad mood with Erin around. She was so bright and filled with energy and fun.

'Leaving today.' Erin stated. 'I hope you've packed.'

'Yeah, whatever.' Harry said, rolling his eyes.

'Mum and Dad are going to be well chuffed when you tell them how you slaughtered that snake.' Erin grinned. 'I can't wait to see their faces. You're bound to get that new broomstick now!'

'It's not a big deal.' Harry shrugged, turning away from the conversation. 'It's not like it's the first time I've killed a Basilisk. I did it in my world too, second year.'

'You're kidding!' Erin exclaimed, jumping in her seat. 'How? Oh tell me!'

'It's a long story. ' Harry said tonelessly, folding his arms. 'I'll tell you on the train.'

Erin took this as the end of the conversation, and sort herself a book from the table. She flicked boredly through the pages, and Harry watched as last nights curls fell hopelessly out of her hair.

'Did you have fun at the ball?' He asked after a while.

'Yeah.' Erin answered, still reading her book.

'Did Dean keep his hands to himself?' Harry pursued.

'Yeah.' Erin replied, then grinned. 'Did you keep your hands to yourself?'

Harry shook his head dismissively. Ginny. He'd kissed her. He'd kissed her outside. He'd tried to inside but Ron had caught him. What was he doing? Since when had the thought ever crossed his mind? It hadn't…Ron was going to kill him.

'I'm going to go and get dressed.' She said, then trampled lazily back up the girls staircase.

Erin didn't immerge again for perhaps half an hour. Harry sat going over scenes in his head: kissing Ginny, dancing, the door opening, Draco crying, Isabel lying so stiff, and the Basilisk. The Basilisk lightened a new beginning for this world: the beginning of the end. Ginny was the least of his problems, he needed to save this world and his own.

Erin sat herself down in her previous seat when she re-entered. Her hair was straight and wet, and she wore daytime clothes with her favorite boots. Harry hadn't moved the whole time. He merely watched the clock above the fireplace, wishing it would roll back 24 hours.

'You still sitting here?' Erin grinned.

'No, I'm sitting over there.' Harry said sarcastically, as another early riser descended the girls staircase.

'Good morning all.' Hermione smiled, as she hopped down the last few steps. 'Did we all sleep well?'

'No and…no.' Erin replied, chancing a sideways glance at a very disgruntled Harry. 'Did you?'

'Yes, kind of.' Hermione replied, hovering beside the sofa. 'Is Ron up yet?'

'No.' Erin laughed. 'You're a bit hopeful aren't you?'

'I suppose.' Hermione said shyly, knotting her hands together. 'I just…we need to talk…'

'About last night I'm guessing.' Erin smiled teasingly. 'I thought for a moment the Hermione and Ron I know were back! What happened with you two?'

'I told him I loved him, and he kissed me.' Hermione grinned, blushing brightly.

'Is he a good kisser?' Erin asked, on the edge of her seat.

'Mmmm...' Hermione sighed.

'Excuse me!' Harry interrupted. 'Boy present! I don't want to hear about Ron kissing anyone!'

'Then close your ears.' Erin said. 'So is he romantic with you? I've heard that about my Ron, but this is your Ron.'

'He's sweet.' Hermione said simply. 'I like him a lot. I just have no idea what he's going to say today.'

'Well you're his girlfriend now, aren't you?' Erin assumed.

'Not exactly…'

'Good morning!' Chorused Ginny and Daisy, as they entered the common room.

'Run for cover, Ginny.' Harry joked in a grumble. 'They're talking about Ron's kissing skills.'

'Gross.' Ginny gagged, as took a shifty seat next to Harry.

'Why are you two up so early?' Erin questioned, sounding slightly put out.

'Thought we'd get up and do some packing.' Daisy replied. 'I haven't even started.'

'Dreadful.' Harry sighed, thinking humorously of his half empty trunk.

'And I suppose you've finished?' Ginny asked, raising an eyebrow.

'Yeah…' Harry mumbled.

'Dusty!' Erin exclaimed, making everyone jump, and an old gray house elf came shuffling out of the shadows.

'Dusty doesn't usually have to hide in the shadows this time in the morning, Miss Erin.' The house elf rambled. 'Dusty usually finds nobody is up.'

'It's alright, Dusty!' Erin giggled. 'Go about your work. We wont disturb you.'

'But Miss Erin,' Dusty stammered. 'House elves aren't supposed to be seen.'

'We wont tell.' Daisy grinned, and Dusty scampered away, returning only a moment later with twenty or so other helpers.

'Lacey will have this tidied in no time!' Another elf squeaked, and they went about their work.

'I will miss the house elves over Christmas.' Erin sighed. 'They're great company. Lacey taught me to knit the other day. Pretty clever.'

Harry laughed under his breath as he pictured Erin sitting down with a house elf, knitting a bobbley green jumper.

'Wow!' A voice said from across the room. 'I didn't expect all you lot to be up!'

It was Dean with Seamus, slumping down the last few stairs in warm winter sweaters.

'Could say the same for you.' Daisy smiled, and the boys grumbled in return.

'You're lucky I didn't come down in my boxers.' Seamus said. 'That's what I usually do when it's this early. Made a second year jump out of her skin once. Taught her for leaving her homework till last minute.'

Erin and Daisy shook their heads in dismay, but the others didn't even make a sound.

'What's up with your guys this morning?' Seamus raved. 'Why are you all so quiet?'

'Because we want to be.' Harry confirmed, bowing his head.

'Hermione?' Seamus questioned.

'I have my reasons.' She answered primly, swaying her weight from foot to foot.

'Who rained on her parade?' Dean asked as an aside, as him and Seamus took the remaining seats around the fire.

'Any hangovers from the endless butterbeer?' Daisy asked to amuse herself.

'Oh definitely.' Seamus faked, lolling his head to one side. 'Endless headaches.'

'Can hardly move.' Dean added, and the girls all grinned.

'Good morning everyone.' Came a friendly voice, and the group turned to find Ron at the bottom of the staircase. He looked exactly how he usually looked: Messy haired, wearing jeans, a Cannons t-shit and a smile. Hermione paled.

'Morning Ron.' Erin cheered characteristically.

'Right mate?'

'Hey Padfoot.'

'What are you lot doing?' Ron asked normally, putting his hands into his pockets and padding towards his friends.

'Not a lot.' Harry replied. 'Nobody seems able to go past these chairs. They've all come downstairs and stopped here. There must be some sort of a curse or force field here of something...'

'Why don't we all head down for breakfast?' Ron suggested, conversationally. 'I'm starving!'

'You would be.' Daisy said, rolling her eyes.

'Come on!' Ron exclaimed. 'Last breakfast all together before Christmas.'

'Sounds like a great idea.' Erin smiled. 'I say full steam ahead!'

The troop slowly stood up from their chairs, shuffling and mumbling. Ron let them begin to saunter away, but stopped Hermione as she passed him by.

'Not even a good morning?' He asked, with a lopsided grin.

'Sorry…' Hermione said slightly, her hands twitching at her sides.

'That's ok.' Ron smiled, before grabbing her waist, kissing her passionately, pulling away, and then adding: 'You'll just have to make it up to me later.'

Hermione's face was a picture as Ron took her hand and led her away as if nothing had happened. Harry chuckled to himself, having seen the whole thing. Ron really was oblivious to the world.

Breakfast was non descript: just the gang hanging out, eating and laughing. Harry didn't care much for their banter, nor understood how his best friends could be so cheerful. Surely Ron and Hermione had realized what the release of the Basilisk had meant? And Ginny, she was chatting so normally. Were worries not floating through her mind, too?

Harry watched the emptiness of the Great Hall. A few Hufflepuffs littered their table, and Susan Bones sat with a Quidditch player at hers. The Slytherin table was in mourning: not a single student sat there. Harry thought it was sad; there was always at least one occupant at that table, but today the early rising boy could surly be found in the Hospital Wing, watching his frozen sister sleep immobiley.

'I'm going for a walk.' Harry announced, and left without a reply.

He wandered towards the Hospital Wing, wanting to check up on the monsters damage. It was amazing that the Basilisk had run so freely and somehow nobody had been killed. Harry couldn't help but think about how lucky they'd been.

Harry took a few flights of stairs and wondered across a few hallways, very much in a world of his own. The Hospital wing was his destination, yet his thoughts deemed too consuming, and before he knew it he was getting lost in the depths of the castle.

A secret passage the map showed Harry led him out of trouble, and he was thankful for the Marauders help, for now he found himself down a familiar corridor. Too familiar. Harry trod quickly and roughly on the stone level, before quitting to face the portal to a room he was sure he'd find empty: Riddle's office.

Harry's curiosity got the better of him, and he creaked open the wooden entrance to the tomb. He dustily sank his foot into the dread, taking a soundless step inside, before a clear voice made him jump:

'Good morning, Harry.'

Harry flung the door open, and found none other than Albus Dumbledore behind Riddles desk.

'Good morning.' Harry hesitated, unsurely.

'It seems our History of magic teacher has found himself a new situation.' Dumbledore mused, reading a curling piece of parchment. 'And at a most unfortunate time. I was hoping to take a holiday in Paris this Christmas, but now it seems I shall have to spend my time replacing him.'

Harry took a few uneasy steps inside, and Dumbledore finished his reading.

'He's gone.' Harry stated, noticing that Riddle's thick travel cloak had disappeared. 'And he set the Basilisk free before he went.'

'Now Harry,' Dumbledore began. 'Theres certainly no need to jump to conclusions.'

'But it's true, isn't it?' Harry questioned, his temper flaring.

'I suppose we ought to have seen it coming.' Dumbledore sighed tiredly. 'He'd been speaking of a new disposition for quite some time.'

'But it was him.' Harry continued, searching for comfort. 'You know it was.'

'I'm afraid I don't, Harry.' Dumbledore said honestly, and Harry felt lost. 'It's certainly an odd coincidence that both incidents took place on the same evening, but we have no proof and I can think of no reason why Professor Riddle would put the students in such danger. I'm afraid it makes no sense.'

Harry backed cautiously away, every fiber of him rejecting Dumbldore's words, his old smile and his glittering eyes, his half moon spectacles. How couldn't he know? Dumbledore knew everything.

'Is something the matter, Mr Potter?' He asked almost knowingly through his glasses. 'Is there something you'd like to tell me?'

'No.' Harry stunted. What good would it do telling a man who knew nothing? How could it help? 'Just answer me one question: Have you ever heard a prophecy?'

'I can honestly say that I have.' Dumbledore answered.

Harry froze for a moment, a cold chill rising in him.

'Well, think about it.' Harry said, before exiting the room. 'Think about it.'

Harry wandered back to the common room, which was much busier then before. Students were streaming the edges of the place, and only the Marauder's and other popular scholars gathered around in the middle.

'Prongs, my friend!' Dean shouted across the room. Him, Ron and Seamus were sitting on a table surrounded by others. Erin was perched by Ron's side, Daisy nearby, and the rest of the girls were to their left, boys to their right.

'Hey, err…everyone.' Harry said falsely, as he pushed his way to the center.

'Important news mate.' Seamus insisted, shoving over to make room for Harry to sit, pushing Erin off in the process. 'We've decided to cancel the end of year prank.'

'Why?' Harry asked.

'All this bad stuff happening.' Dean explained, looking shiftily around. 'That giant snake, and Riddle's done a runner too, if you hadn't heard. Must've shit a brick when he heard about that Malfoy girl, left in a hurry.'

'Some people reckon he left before that snake thing though.' Seamus explained. 'One girl thinks she saw him run away in a hooded cloak. He was limping and everything. Maybe the snake got him.'

'Which girl?' Harry asked, curiously.

'One over there.' Ron said, pointing to a girl with long strawberry blonde hair. 'She's an Edgecomb. Marietta Edgecomb's cousin, I think.'

'How'd you know her?' Dean asked.

'Never mind.' Harry stated, before calling out: 'Lavender! Can you get that Edgecomb girl for me?'

Lavender smiled, and with a flick of blonde hair disappeared to get the requested girl.

'Do you think it really could've been Riddle?' Ron asked Harry. 'He couldn't just leave like that.'

'I've been to his office: he's gone.' Harry stated. 'I just want to check where.'

'Harry, you wanted me.' A pretty girl said. She twiddled her long straight hair, and had her friend on her arm: a girl, Misty, whom Harry recognized. They were both perhaps fourth years.

'What's your name?' Harry asked, trying his best to act cool.

'Indiana Edgecomb.' She said proudly, straightening her fringe.

'I heard you saw Riddle go.' Harry said. 'What did you see?'

'Oh, not a lot.' Indiana gossiped. 'I was busy with my date. All I saw was him rush away in that dreadful traveling cloak. He'd didn't have his bags or anything, so I'm sure he'll be back.'

'Where did he go?' Harry questioned, perching on the edge of his seat.

'Towards the forest, I think.' Indiana said vaguely. 'In that general direction. He was shuffling around the outskirts. There's a pathway there, maybe he was looking for it.'

'Thanks.' Harry smiled, as best he could.

'Glad to be of service.' Misty giggled, before dragging her friend away into the gathering.

Harry turned to Ron, about to tell him what Ginny had seen, before he noticed that Ron was already occupied.

'So maybe you could spend an extra few days at mine this Christmas.' Ron was sweet talking. He was still sitting on the table with his legs open, and Hermione was standing in the gap. They both had their arms around each other, and seemed to be in their own little bubble.

'Ron! Hermione!' Harry exclaimed, swiping his hand between their faces. 'Did you just hear that?'

'Sorry Harry?' Hermione asked, her eyes glazed over.

'Never mind.' Harry huffed, before storming away to find Ginny.

She was standing with a group of bright, giggly girls: Lavender, Parvati, Mitzi, Skye, and Brooke, among others. Her hair was up in a messy working bun, and she looked most unamused.

'Ginny.' Harry breathed. 'Can I have a work?'

Several girls huffed as Ginny escaped the gossip.

'What's up, Harry?' Ginny asked in a friendly way. How was it that all Weasleys acted like nothing had changed?

'I've been talking to Indiana Edgecombe.' Harry explained, feeling unsettled by Ginny's ease. 'She said she saw Riddle too.'

'So I heard.' Ginny smiled unfortunately, and Harry felt his cheeks redden.

'Oh, sorry to disturb you then.' Harry mumbled, scratching the back on his head.

'No problem.' Ginny chuckled. 'I needed to escape anyway. I've not even started packing yet.'

'Well, if you want, I could help you pack.' Harry suggested, for no apparent reason. 'I've got nothing else to do.'

'Sure.' Ginny grinned widely. 'That'd be great! Thanks.'

'Well…let's go.' Harry smiled uneasily, and the pair trooped off to do Ginny's careful neat packing, only appearing when they'd finished folding everything perfectly, leaving Harry just enough time to throw his own things in his trunk before they left.

The Marauders boarded the train loudly, choosing themselves the biggest and best compartment. Seamus, Dean and Erin sat opposite Harry, Daisy and Ginny. Ron and Hermione disappeared to do 'prefect duties.'

'I can't wait to get home.' Daisy beamed. 'Mum and Dad are taking me and Neville out ice skating, then we're going to see a West end show!'

'Lucky you.' Dean replied. 'When I get home I'm doing absolutely nothing. I'm going to lock myself in my bedroom, and ignore my brothers and sisters all Christmas.'

'Christmas is a time for family, Dean.' Erin warned. 'Which is why Harry and I are going to go out and do our annual Christmas break flying, aren't we Harry? Harry?'

'Oh, oh yeah.' Harry mumbled, taking his gaze away from the window.

'Are you alright, Harry?' Ginny asked childishly, just the way she would at home.

'I'm fine.' Harry lied.

'Do you want to talk?' Ginny asked timidly. 'We could go for a walk.'

Harry nodded his head and they both began to leave.

'Oi! Where are you two going?' Dean called, as they opened the compartment door.

'We're going to make out in a spare compartment.' Ginny said sarcastically.

'Ok, have fun.' Seamus joked. 'If you see Ron and Hermione snogging, remind them to breathe.'

The duo stepped outside and Ginny slid close the icy door.

'What's the matter Harry?' She asked, looking rather nervous and pale. 'Is it about…?'

Ginny didn't finish her sentence. She was too busy watching Harry's shiny eyes as they littered the ground.

'I'm just thinking about going home.' Harry said, unable to find the right words. 'That's all.'

Ginny distanced herself a little, looking rather confused and put out. Harry wanted to tell her how he was feeling, he really did, but he didn't want to worry her.

Dumbledore was Harry's security blanket, and now Dumbledore was useless, Harry felt all his hope run down the gutter. Dumbledore wasn't even suspicious of Riddle, even after the Basilisks release, and hearing the prophecy. The prophecy. Harry should have known. If Trelawny was hired then of course the prophecy had been made. In this world Riddle wasn't evil before, but it was only a matter of time.

'Harry?' Ginny whispered, and he turned his attention to her. 'If there's something you want to say…'

'No.' Harry stated, leaning against the wall. 'I just need some space.'

'Fine.' Ginny huffed, looking almost hurt. 'Then I'm going back inside.'

Ginny abandoned Harry, something which he hadn't been expecting. Harry felt every little bit of comfort she gave his disappear, and let himself into a cold empty compartment somewhere down the other end of the train.

Harry sat quite alone, fiddling with the pattern of his jumper. He could see the snow falling again out of the window, and wondered how many more times it would care to call this winter.

'Harry?' A little voice questioned, and Harry turned his head. 'What are you doing here all by yourself?'

'I wanted some space, Erin.' Harry humped.

Erin wandered purposefully inside in silence, and took a seat opposite Harry.

'Ginny looked pretty upset when she came back inside.' Erin toyed, snuggling her knees up to her chest. 'What did you say to her?'

'I didn't say anything.' Harry said thoughtfully.

'I guess maybe that's why.' Erin said, and was met with no response. 'Are you thinking about Ginny?'

'No.' Harry replied bluntly. 'I can honestly say Ginny is the last thing on my mind at the moment.'

'I guess that's fair.' Erin said simply. 'I'd be thinking about Mum and Dad too, if I was in your position.'

Harry mind suddenly paused. He'd been so wrapped up in the future that he'd somehow forgotten about the present. This train ride today didn't lead to a holiday of ignorant relatives and cleaning; he was really going home.

'I'll leave you alone.' Erin smiled, kissing her brother on the head then walking away. 'Just remember not to eat too many sweets. Dinner will be ready when we get home.'

Home.

Erin left the room in silence, and Harry turned away from the window.

Where did he live? Where would he have grown up if he'd led the life he should have led? Would it be a big house? Would there be a big garden where they could play Quidditch? A tree house they stayed in as kids?

Could this be the chance for Harry to live a family life? He'd always dreamed of eating a Sunday roast dinner surrounded by his relatives. Maybe he'd even get to meet his grandparents, after his mum and dad, of course: the famous Lily and James Potter.

He wondered how he'd recognize them when the train stopped, if he'd spot them in a crowd. His mother wearing the same smile she wore on her wedding day; his father holding her hand.

The train jolted in an instant, hours melting into only snippets of thoughts, and this moment living up to years of dreams.

Harry scampered franticly out of his compartment and stole a look in the busy hallway window. Hundreds of people jumbled outside the train, fidgeting in circles and clumps. Winter jackets lead to bright ruddy faces; grandparents, aunts and uncles, younger siblings, all smiling.

Harry turned to run and retrieve his trunk, but found that someone had already done it: Erin. She lugged it to his side, and signaled in the direction of the frenzied crowd. This was it.

Harry chugged out of the train and trailed his trunk across the wet stone. He searched couple after couple, face after face with no avail, until a giggle caught his attention.

A young couple stood on the outskirts of the platform, huddled under an umbrella. The man wore a business like muggle composition, while the woman was clad in a fashionable green winter jacket. She giggled as her husband wiped her snowy red hair away from her face, before something caught her eye.

'Harry!' She called out with glee.

He smiled.

'Hi Mum, Dad.'