Chapter IV: The Past That Was Forgotten and What Lay Hidden Beta

A/n: This Chapter has been beta read.

Harry and Remus found that they were both tired after just two hours of walking around shopping and sat in the Leaky Caldron just relaxing. They kept their conversation light with very little effort. So far they had acquired the robes they would need, and some basic muggle clothing, but they still needed a few more things.

Harry was glad to sit and just for a little bit pretend that he was no more than an ordinary person. The two of them joked about the party that was planned, as Harry had already told Remus that he knew about it. Remus told him most of whom that was expected, it was basically the Weasleys and a few order members that he knew. Harry was glad at the small size, but felt uncomfortable about having to face Mrs. Weasley.

It wasn't that he didn't like her, he loved her as the mother he never had, but Harry also knew that she would try and protect him, which was the last thing he needed now. He also knew that she hadn't approved of Sirius as his guardian, and Harry was pretty sure that she wasn't going to like that Remus, a werewolf, was now Harry guardian.

Harry looked at Remus and asked, "why did you not try and contact me before we met in my third year?"

Remus seemed taken aback at the sudden change in topic, but not surprised. "Dumbledore thought it would be better that you get used to the Wizard world first. I trusted that he would tell me when he thought you were ready, but unfortunately he seemed to have forgot. Every time I asked, he said simply to trust him." Remus's eyes darkened, "if I knew that you had been placed with the Dursleys, I would have gotten in contact with you a lot sooner."

Harry smiled, "glad to hear it. So what do you think will be the reaction to you being my guardian?"

Remus, pulling himself out of thoughts about the past, said "I'm not sure. I bet someone will have a problem with it. The question is whether or not they'll push it during the party."

Deciding to return to getting their clothes, they stopped at a store that sold various pieces of dragon hide. Walking in, one of the employees greeted them, "are looking or are you here to pick up a order?" Saying that they were browsing, the clerk said, "I will be in the back if wish to purchase, feel free to browse our entire collection." With that said, he bowed himself out and returned to his work.

They walked around looking at various pieces of dragon hide. After awhile, Harry asked Remus, "you think it would be a good idea to get some for protection?"

Remus nodded, "yes, most aurors have some as they tend to stop basic curses and reduce the power of stronger ones."

Harry nodded and picked a few pieces to use, both were Hungarian Horntail. Bringing the pieces to the clerk, he asked, "can make these into a pair of pants and a vest or shirt?"

The clerk nodded, "yes, but you seem young to have to worry about needing the protection they can give you."

Harry smiled, "you can never be to careful."

The clerk nodded and gave the price. After getting the measurements he said "We will have it done in an hour." After paying the man, Harry and Remus left to pick up the last of the clothing they were required to get, muggle clothing.

Harry was glad that he was raised a muggle, as some of the clothing available was laughable, and that was just in the men's section. Picking up several pairs of pants and shirts, the two of them paid for them and quickly left. Remus, who had exposure to muggle clothing through Lily, was laughing along with Harry at the designs they had seen for men to wear.

"I can't believe that they consider that to be appropriate wear in front of muggles," Harry said in between laughs. The two of them enjoyed some ice cream as they walked around waiting for the various orders to be finished. They looked at some books and picked up a few that were supposed to be upper level defense and offense spells. Remus was surprised at the selection, as most were borderline dark, but didn't say anything.

Happy with the purchases, Harry saw a piece of jewelry that he thought Hermione would like. Deciding to step in, Harry quickly explained to the merchant which one he wanted.

As the merchant was wrapping it, he asked, "this lady friend of yours must be someone special."

Harry nodded, "she's my best friend."

The merchant chuckled, "that exactly what I said, right up to the day I married her." He smiled, "those were the best years of my life. Thank you."

"For what sir," Harry asked curious.

"For reminding me of better times, for reminding me of why I still get up everyday."

"Did you lose her in the last war?"

"No, thankfully no. She died in an accident trying to protect people, she was an Auror."

Harry nodded his understanding and thanked the man for his time. Returning to Remus, He said nothing about what he had bought and why. About ten minutes later their purchases were finished and they began the walk back to Harry's new home.

After arriving and cleaning up, Winky appeared and informed him the party was ready for him to make his appearance. Thanking her, Harry put on a nice pair of robes over his dragon hide and walked downstairs to face an unknown number of people, some of whom would be the Weasleys, namely Molly Weasley.

Opening the door to a loud round of "surprise", Harry simply stared at everyone. As they realized that he was not surprised and was probably in shock, Ron walked up as if the sacrificial lamb. "You all right there mate?" If it hadn't been for recent events, Harry might have at least had a smile. Now however, he looked at them levelly.

"I'm fine Ron. If you all will excuse me, I will just be a moment and then you can enjoy yourselves all you want. I ask that you try and keep the noise down, as I have things I need to do." If he had been acting, the effect might have been humorous, but he wasn't. Looking at Winky he said, "very nice decorations Winky, thank you."

As Harry grabbed some food, Molly Weasley said, "this party is for you, after all it's not everyday that you turn sixteen."

Harry didn't even spare her a glance, "unfortunately I don't have the luxury of time." The shock from his clear dismissal of what was supposed to be an enjoyable situation, coupled with his complete ignoring of Molly, had people sitting back to see what happened. As he finished a sparse meal, as Winky could provide him some if he required it, Molly grabbed his arm.

"Whatever Professor Dumbledore has you doing can wait for at least one evening," she said in a slightly commanding tone.

Harry struggled to contain his anger that he felt at the presumption that he would obey her. "I was not asked to do anything by Dumbledore, but if you haven't realized I have an insane madman after me, and he doesn't seem to want to give me the luxury of an evening."

Hermione, who had witnessed this before said, "let it go Mrs. Weasley."

Mrs. Weasley turned to Remus, "I can't believe this, what thoughts have you put in his head? He's just a child!"

Harry turned towards her and his anger out pacing his ability to contain it. "Don't you dare blame Remus," he shouted, "he has nothing to do with the fact that right now I do not want to celebrate my birthday!" Harry's eyes blazed, and to the on lookers it seemed as if the fire was barely contained inside him.

Molly, taken aback, "Harry I didn't," she began.

"Correct, you didn't! Winky informed you that a surprise party wasn't something I wanted, and she was right as far as it went. I knew about the party, but I didn't have the heart to say that I didn't want one. Besides, I doubt you would have listened." Harry started rubbing his scar, he could feel the twisted happiness of Voldemort at his rage.

Hermione started to try and get in between Molly and Harry, but Remus had the good grace to keep her out of the line of fire. Once he was sure he wouldn't be interrupted, he turned back to Mrs. Weasley. "Do you want to know what I think about on my birthday? Do you?" At her hesitant nod he said, "I think about how much I wish I could have one good memory of my parents."

Shock was on everyone's face, though Remus bore both shock and sadness. Mrs. Weasley said, "I didn't know Harry."

Harry was not letting her off so easily. "You want to know the really twisted part? For most of my life it was any memory, any that had them in it." The few people who knew about what he saw when he was around a Dementor winced. "You want to know what my one memory is?" Not waiting he said, "I remember their last few moments alive. I remember that my father tried to protect my mother and me. That my mother sacrificed herself to protect me."

Tears started to form in his eyes, "do you have any idea how much I would give just to have a memory of my own that does not have my mother's death scream in it?" A few deep breaths later he continued, "so thank you but no thank you. I will be doing what is necessary, not what is enjoyable." With that Harry walked out.

The bomb that was dropped on the mass majority of those gathered was played out in different ways. Ron, who knew about what Harry saw when faced with a Dementor, was shocked by realizing what he took for granted, his family. Hermione had tears in her eyes and Ginny was beside her, though she looked more shocked than actually in tears. The only person in the room that didn't have a shocked reaction was Neville Longbottom, his was one of understanding.

Harry returned to his room and raised a privacy ward. This last bit of restraint gone, he started to destroy the room. He threw his chair, smashed the desk, he even upended his bed before he had nothing left to destroy. Sinking to his knees, he let out a scream full of all the emotions that he was keeping bottled up inside.

Harry was unsure how long he sat on his knees, his energy spent. He felt someone lay a hand on him as Winky fixed the room. At first he wasn't sure who it was, but the calm he felt caused him to realize that it was Hermione. Nothing was said between them, neither felt anything was so pressing that it needed to be discussed. The last thing he remembered before drifting off to sleep was Hermione sitting quiet beside him with a hand on his back rubbing soothing circles.

As soon as he was asleep, Hermione watched as Winky placed him in the bed. As they left, she turned to Remus, "how can he turn out the way he has, yet have gone through so much?"

Remus hung his head, "what surprises me most is that he didn't blow sooner. I remember when he told me about facing the dementors and what he saw, I felt horrible that he had one memory of his parents, and it was the worse one he could have had."

Returning to the rest that had remained, Remus gave Molly a dark look but said nothing. Hermione walked over to Ron, Neville and Ginny. The four of them sat lost in their own thoughts but drew strength from each others presence. The only people who said anything were Bill Weasley and Moody.

"That was fairly impressive," Moody said quietly.

"I'll say," Bill replied, "I've never seen anyone tear into my mom before."

Moody cocked his eyebrow, "I was talking about his restraint, from what I heard he could have done some rather bad things if he lost it. And I mean to all of us if what I understand from Dumbledore is true."

Bill looked shocked and stood contemplating this new information. Bill came to a decision after a few minutes of thought, he only hoped that the rest of the order understood his reasoning. When he first had heard about Harry from his family, he didn't see a hero, he saw a boy struggling with the expectations that a world that he didn't know place upon him. That boy and the person he saw now were different. The person Harry had become had the look of a man who understood that they might not come out of what was ahead alive, but still went forward anyway.

Alastor Moody thought about the boy that had just blown in the room, stirred everyone up, and then left again. He remembered talking with Lupin about the boy, as Black was prone not to give any information that was desired unless you wanted to wait an hour, and he compared the image to this one. He wasn't one to try and draw conclusions, but he had drawn a picture of a kid struggling to deal with way too much on their plate.

Moody had talked with Dumbledore, after his conversation with the boy about his house elf. His description of not being able to even speak when it was inferred that having the house elf loyal only to the boy was a bad thing, had started his mind to thinking that maybe there were two Harry Potters. One was the boy that everyone knew, he was kind and compassionate and was the typical hero. The other was the type that broke any rule or thing that was in between him and his goal.

When he had overheard Black telling some poor fool who had brought up Potter he vaguely listened to what was being said, and it had paid off. Black was rambling on about the first time he actually talked to Potter. But what caught Moody's attention was Potter's response to Pettigrew. The boy was willing to sacrifice a person, no matter how deserving, to the Dementors.

Meeting Bill Weasley's eyes, Moody recognized the look that said he had made a decision. It was time to see exactly what could be done to push Harry to the point that he could be the person who could face an army who with his own.

"I believe we might need some help my boy. It's time to prepare to go on the offensive," Moody said with mock calmness. Bill simply nodded. Each went to a separate person to begin an offensive campaign to forge the world they wanted.

Remus and Tonks stood beside each other, drawing strength from someone that saw through what was on the outside and gave the comfort they desired. Remus noticed Moody moving through people, talking to them in hushed tones. He couldn't hear all of it, but he heard enough to know what was happening. Moody simply nodded in recognition and continued what he was doing. Few people knew that Remus had long ago been given the task to try and bring the werewolf population on the side of the light for this war, and that he had realized that there might just be a way. He was loathed to use it however, as it involved putting Harry in a position that he hated.

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The next morning Harry found himself in bed and his room restored to right. Winky appeared and greeted him. "Master Harry Potter is needing to get up sir, breakfast is ready."

Harry nodded, "what happened after I walked out?"

Winky shrugged, "master's guest leave, Winky and Dobby clean."

"Anyone stay?"

"Master's Weasleys both stay, and another named Longbottom."

Harry nodded, he assumed the two that stayed were Ron and Ginny, as they were the only two he really felt like dealing with. Showering and getting dressed, Harry made his way down to breakfast. Sitting at the table were Hermione, Remus, Tonks, Neville, Ron and Ginny. Greeting them with a nod, he sat down and began his meal.

Eating quickly, he stood up and made to begin reading his new books. Before he moved two steps, Remus said " I want to talk to you about something Harry, it will take just a few minutes." Waiting until Remus caught up, Harry went into the dueling area and waited until Remus started. "Understand Harry, that I am somewhat the messenger."

Taking a deep breath he said, "Bill and mad-eye both asked to talk to you at a later time in more detail, but the basic stuff is that they want you to help them try and win over various members of the non human races and ministry respectively."

Harry looked surprised, "why me? Surely there is someone else."

Remus sighed, "there might be, but you have to look at it as a war of politics. Dumbledore won't push for equal rights for non-humans, it's his policy to keep his hand visibly off. You however, you can push for equal rights under the law. Like allowing centaurs their right to be recognized as a legitimate organization by the ministry."

Harry nodded, "they deserve that at least. But that can't possibly be all."

Remus nodded, "there are people who want things to be on a level playing field. People who struggle because of their heritage, because their not," his face twisted in disgust, "pure blood." Shaking himself, he continued, "there are a lot of people that want things to change, but don't see a way to get things to change."

"Which means they need a figurehead. Someone to look to as a beacon." Harry closed his eyes, he understood the why, but didn't like the situation this would put him in. "They do realize that I hate using my fame right?"

Harry could hear Remus shift his weight, "yes, but you have to realize that it's there, and it doesn't appear to be going away anytime soon. Since it's there, you might as well use what you have to mobilize forces on your side of the coming conflict."

Harry opened his eyes and looked at him for a few minutes. "They didn't say when they wanted to talk did they?" Harry understood what Remus had said, and it made sense because Voldemort had the Giants on his side. Harry knew that there was no way he could face off with Voldemort if he placed an army in between the two of them, unless Harry had an army to fight for him as well.

Remus wisely decided against celebrating in front of Harry and told him he would contact them and set up a time. Remus also explained about trying to bring the werewolf community on their side by Harry actively trying to change things.

They decided to continue later, as Harry's friends had finally finished their meal and come to find him. Harry looked at Hermione, who bowed her head and wouldn't meet his eyes. Turning his attention back to the rest, he said, "is there something you need?"

Ginny walked up to him and slapped him as hard as she could. "That's for being an arrogant prat."

Harry simply cocked an eyebrow, "feel better now," his tone slightly condescending. Ginny's eyes widened in response, much to the annoyance of Harry. "Did you think hitting me is going to accomplish anything? Sorry, but I have more pressing matters."

Is this about that prophecy," Neville asked. Noticing Harry tense, Ron jumped in, "you know what it says!" Then a look of confusion crossed his face, "but I thought no one heard it when it broke."

Harry sighed, "I know enough."

Hermione leveled a glare at Ron before saying, "you really shouldn't put to much stock in divination Harry."

Harry smirked at her, "I don't, but Voldemort does." Seeing everyone but Hermione wince wiped his smirk away. "Now, do you have anything that you actually want, or can I go back to my studies?"

No one moved, so taking this as his cue, Harry made his way down to the library to pick up some new spell books, as he intended to save the ones he bought for later study. About a minute later, Hermione joined him. They sat in agreeable silence, neither feeling the need to say anymore than they usually did.

It was a couple of days before anyone actually tried to say anything to Harry about his attitude during his 'birthday party', and it was Neville who did it. They were both sitting in the library reading a book. "Thank you," Neville said quietly.

Harry glanced up, "for what?"

"For helping my do well on Defense Owl." Neville smiled slightly, still looking at his book, "and for helping me to gain the confidence to actually relax in class."

Harry smiled and nodded. Soon after Neville left and Hermione came in. She didn't say anything, she never really had to. They sat and read for awhile until they got up to practice dueling. As they walked in, they saw Ron and Ginny involved in a duel.

Both were actually good, their aim was fairly true and they used a good variety of spells, but they obviously didn't want to hurt each other. While it was sweet, it was also restricting them in the way they fought each other.

A quick glance to Hermione, which was agreed with a nod, Harry walked into the middle of the two of them, causing them to pause. Using this to his advantage, he quickly fired stunners and binding spells at the two of them. While they were able to block at first, they quickly succumbed to his onslaught. Harry levitated them side by side and woke them. After waking them he said, "you shouldn't have stopped, I was a foreign element to your fight. You should have removed me as quickly as possible and then continued to duel."

He glared at the two of them, "Your other fault is that you were holding back." As they started to respond, he talked over them, "better to be injured here, than dead out there." He removed their bindings after placing them out of the way. He didn't need to look to see that Hermione had already taken her place across from him.

No one said anything as they got underway. Ron, Ginny and Neville sat in stunned awe at them going at it. Spells flashed faster than they had ever dreamed. Suddenly it became evident that Harry was taking what he told them verbatim, and Hermione seemed used to it.

They watched Harry duck and roll, all the while firing as fast as he could. Harry lips didn't even move as he hurled spells at Hermione, scoring several hits. Hermione was no slouch either, though she didn't dodge nearly as much, she did her fair amount of ducks and rolls. Hermione used more spells to defend, which seemed to be the main idea in her strategy, let Harry wear himself out.

Harry fired various spells, what they lacked in diversity they made up for in raw power. Their intensity was incredible, but Ginny noticed that Harry's eyes, which usually showed a little emotion, were completely dead. Harry wasn't just practicing, he was really trying to hurt her.

Ron must have noticed this as well, as he had started to move in between them. Without breaking stride in their spells, they each sent a spell to stop him. The result was that he was unconscious and bound. Ginny and Neville watched slack jawed as the two slowly closed the distance between each other. It was then that Ginny realized that they were almost dancing, their movements were made in regard to each other almost the same instant that the other moved. It was awe inspiring to watch as they closed to with in ten feet.

Neville noticed Hermione's eyes seemed almost black, their intensity seemed to be trying to boar a hole through Harry. The way she was moving belied her habit of sitting in the library, she moved smoothly, as if she were listening to a tune that no one heard. Her eyes were looking at Harry with intensity, yet he also noticed a slight hesitance in her movements. It was as if she were afraid to hurt Harry, yet she still attacked him as hard as she could.

No one could tell exactly why Harry and Hermione stopped, but they did. Harry stood with his eyes closed, breathing fairly normally given that he had been running around for the better part of two hours. Hermione on the other hand, was taking great gasping breaths and looked like she was trying not to fall down. A couple of seconds later Harry placed an arm around her waist and let her finish catching her breath.

Winky appeared and announced that lunch was ready. This broke the stasis that seemed to have fallen in the room, though Ginny noted that Harry hadn't let go of Hermione. Neville had freed Ron and helped him up. Ron looked confused, but quickly said, "what were you doing Harry? You could have hurt Hermione!"

Harry slowly opened his eyes, exhaustion clear on his face. "Weren't you listening earlier? Which would be better, that I hold back and Hermione get hurt or killed, or that I push as hard as I can so that it will be less likely to happen?"

Ron sputtered, obviously not having thought about it. Harry continued to support Hermione down to the kitchen for lunch. It was obvious that this duel was very hard on her, she looked half-asleep and completely drained. Harry sat her in a chair and filled her plate, clearly having done it before. What surprised the three newcomers was that Harry seemed to respond to Hermione without anything being said.

It shocked Ron that all Harry had to do was glance at Hermione and she would smile, even laugh as if she had been told a joke. He lowered his face, but kept watching them. He could feel envy boil up in him, even though he tried to suppress it. They seemed completely relaxed around each other, seeming to forget that the rest of them were even there. What was worse was that Tonks and Remus acted as if this was completely normal, even going so far as to smile while watching them.

Ginny was doing the same as her brother, she watched the two of them, hurt rising up in her. Hermione knew that she liked Harry, yet here she was flaunting it before her. Hermione had told her more than once that she was not interested in complicating her relationship to Harry by getting involved in anything but a platonic friendship. Hermione had sworn that she wouldn't get in her way! Even though Ginny had made very big steps towards getting over her embarrassment when around him, even coolly saying that she had gotten over him, she still felt for him the same as before, except that it was now even stronger.

Neville held his cup up, covering most of his face. He watched Ron and Ginny glare at Harry and Hermione respectively. He knew that there were going to be some fireworks sooner or later, no one can keep their feelings for someone bottled up for long. He was fairly sure that Harry and Hermione were unaware of Ginny and Ron's feelings, but that wasn't exactly their fault.

Neville happened to glance at Mr. Lupin and Tonks and saw an expression that he knew was probably on his face as well, events were now in play that would either make or break their friendships.

A/n: 4688.Tonight the part of Ginny will be played by Lennier, the part of Neville will be played by Vir Cotto, unfortunately the role of Ron has been strangely vacated. If you know who these characters are, then I suppose you can figure out where this is going.