AN: *scratches her head and looks at the chapter* I'm not quite sure what
this is. It seems to be a transition piece of sorts, full of things that
aren't really relevant to my story line. Sorry.
Reviews:
Insane1: Wow. I love it when I manage to get people to read my stories when they don't usually read that genre. Thank you so much for giving my story a chance. By the way, I don't do oversexed and I hate it when my characters slip ooc, so you should be safe on that count. I'm not too sure about this chapter, but I'll email you........
Phoenix: I have no intention of stopping. At least not on this story. I like mpregs too, but this it the first time I've really attempted to right one. I'm just hoping it comes out alright.
db17: You just started reading mpregs, hey? Cool. I'm glad my story has caught your interest
Nabiki: Oh, I intend to make sure that Phillips gets his. Don't you worry about that. ^_~
Riley Cat: It almost made you cry? ^_^ I love getting strong reactions........ of the good sort.
SlytherinAtHeart: More reviews is always a good incentive to update. Yes, poor Harry.
mike: No, Jason is definitely the baby's father. You'll find out more about him as we go along.
charzy: Thanks for the recommendation. ^_^
Purple *Passion: A good beginning is always a must. I'm glad you liked mine.
deepforestowl: Thank you for your praise.
raya: There can't be higher praise for me than telling me that my story is different. Thank you.
kimi: *L* Thank you.
VtE: *grins* more is here!
Nikita: Ooo, I like the idea of the WIP writers' support group. Glad I was your first FF.net review and that you find me that promising. ^_^
Persephone: *shudders at the thought of personality changes* Thanks for the warning. I'll be doing my best to avoid all that. Harry was just so teary because he was frustrated and all that........
Saavik! Harry's not covering for anyone. Amused? In that case, I'll have to continue.
Griet: Several people have suggested I post there. I've registered there, but I haven't posted it yet........ Not sure why.
Ayame: Hey. How are you? Sorry I haven't been in touch. *scuffs her toes* I really am. Thanks for reviewing this chapter tho'. ^_^
desertwren: You like HP/SS too do you? *L* I haven't died. Yet.
oneofakindwerewolf: Who could resist puppy-dog eyes?
xikum: *L* well I usually do right Harry/Sev or Harry/Draco when I slash........ not in this case tho' Sorry. But please keep reading. *turns on the puppy-dog eyes* Even if this chapter isn't really worth it.
Schulyr: Sev? Who mentioned Sev? Thanks for the praise tho' ^_^
lexy: my website address is It's not really a site, just a weblog.
plantjunkie: *L* Brilliant!
Teigra: Woo! I'm really getting people to come in from the mpreg groups. Thanks for reviewing/checking out my story. Btw, what mpreg group? I should post there........
frizzy: Thank you for your review. I haven't even thought about Siri's reactions yet. *gnaws her finger nails* Or Voldie. A better plot line? I don't know. Different maybe.
Jess: Oh, I hope you win that bet.
venus4280: You've read my other story? =D You like Draco and Blaise? Cool.
LadyAlyce: *does a little dance* Hey. You like my story? I might have to come to you for advice if I get stuck. Or else? Or else what? *evil glare back*
someonesgurl: Harry and Draco do make a cute couple don't they? Well, not in this case, sorry. Don't know if Harry will get back with Jason, or if I'll find someone better for him........
Terra (Sal): *does another little dance* Yay! The two people from VH I like the most have reviewed my story! *hugs Sal and Alyce* I'm so glad you like my story (so far) You have no idea how happy that makes me! And yes, I haven't encountered a story where Harry doesn't have a nice supportive partner to help him. I wonder why that is?
lillie chan: I don't think I've kept you hanging tooooo long. Sorry if I have. ^_^
Mikee! Yes, always listen to the doctors. =P Directions? Oo, do tell me what you think! And I do like to write things that no one's really ever seen before ^_^
Katy999: Me? Cruel? Never! I've even got a new chapter to prove it!
*stares at all the reviews* 34! *glomps everyone* Thank you so much! I do believe you've saved me from dying. I'm sorry that I left it so long. I'll try and get them out faster, but I can't really make any promises....
Chapter Two.
It was a rather subdued quintet of seventh years that disembarked the train at the Hogsmeade station that evening. Hermione and Blaise were still upset at the faceless muggle who had gotten one of their bestfriends pregnant, then dumped him. Ron and Draco still didn't know quite what to think, and Harry was trying not to think at all.
At least, not about the past. Harry had spent the remainder of the train trip, staring out the window, his hands curled about his abdomen. He was wondering about his child, wondering if he should find out the gender, wondering what he name he would chose, wondering where they would live. His introspection was cut short by the train's arrival at the station.
The five students claimed the first horseless carriage outside the station and all piled in. Naturally, the two couples ended up sitting together and holding hands. Harry wasn't particularly surprised; after all, it had been three moths since they had seen each other. He was just grateful that they hadn't been all over each. That would have really hurt to watch.
The ride up to the castle was brief and silent, and Harry felt bad. He'd managed to dampen his friends' spirits. Mustering a smile, Harry turned to them just as the carriage passed through the school's gates.
"Listen, guys -"
Hermione leapt in without giving him a chance to finish, "It's okay, Harry. We won't mention anything to anyone until you want us to."
Harry smiled at her, "Thanks Hermione, even though that wasn't what I was going to say. I trust you guys not to let anything slip and I really appreciate it.
"But I was going to say: don't feel bad about Jason leaving me. It was probably for the best anyway. I mean, he's a muggle, right? He's only seventeen. How would he cope with the wizarding world, and being a father, not to mention the fact that everyone would be watching him because of who *I* am........" Harry's voice was bitter at the end.
He turned and looked out the window again, "So yeah, don't feel you need to tiptoe around me because of that."
Nobody had a chance to reply as they pulled up at the bottom of the main stairs, but Harry sensed a definite relaxing of tension about his friends. He felt better for it. He didn't want to be dragging them down with him into his well of self-pity. Which he would barely acknowledge in the first place.
The moment the carriage halted, Harry threw open the door and leapt out. His foot touched the ground and he stumbled. He caught himself just barely before he landed face down in the gravel. He took small consolation from the fact that now that Draco was his friend and wouldn't mock him for falling. Tease maybe, but not mock.
Harry sighed and started up the steps. He looked up. Standing in the doorway, glaring down the steps at him loomed a figure. Professor Severus Snape crossed his arms over his chest and lowered his brows further, looking most displeased to see Harry.
The moment Harry set eyes on him, he felt a thrill of anger, however irrational. How *dare* Snape stand there, glaring at him like that. He hadn't even had time to do anything to get on his nerves. Aside from breath, that is.
Harry glared back at him and stormed up the stairs straight at him. He wasn't about to let Snape intimidate him. The man had no right, and Harry refused to be cowed by the black expression on the Potion Master's face. And he intended to prove it right now by not backing off.
He tripped on the second last step.
And this time he knew he wouldn't be catching himself. His arms came about his belly. He prayed that he wouldn't harm his child as he fell, the ground rushing up to meet him. His eyes closed in anticipation of the impact.
An impact that never came.
Something had caught his shoulders and was holding him steady. He opened his eyes, expecting to see hands on him. There were none. Instead, Snape stood three feet in front of him, his wand levelled in Harry's direction. The professor dropped his wand and the steadying grip released Harry's shoulders.
"Do be more careful, Mr Potter," Snape sneered, and his cloak billowed in his wake as the professor turned and disappeared into the entrance hall.
Harry stared after Snape, confused. A hand falling on his shoulder distracted him.
"You okay, Harry mate?"
Harry glanced at Ron and nodded, "Yeah, I'm fine."
"That was odd," Blaise murmured from Ron's far side.
"Snape?" said Hermione, moving past Harry up the stairs, "I know! Usually he'd let someone fall."
"But Harry's not just anyone," Draco mocked softly, "He's the Boy Who Lived, the great Harry Potter."
Harry glared at his Slytherin friend and continued up the stairs and into the Entrance Hall, "What's that got to do with anything?"
Draco smirked and his eyes sparkled, "Snape couldn't let you hurt yourself, now, could he? Dumbledore'd probably fire him for it."
Harry snorted, "You know Draco, if you weren't my friend, I'd have to call you on that."
Draco laughed and slapped him on the back as the group passed into the Great Hall, "Its good thing we are friends then, isn't it?"
Hermione smiled and linked her arm with Draco's, leaning up to kiss his cheek, "Yes, it is," she answered for Harry.
"I mean, how would it look if Harry Potter got beaten up by a Slytherin?" Draco laughed, then darted off towards the Slytherin table, Hermione yelling after him. Harry laughed. It was good to be back at school with his friends.
Hermione and Harry turned towards the Gryffindor table and, after farewelling Blaise, Ron joined them.
A little over an hour and a half later, the starting feast was over and the students had been released to their dormitories. Harry held Ron back as Hermione and the Gryffindor prefects started to herd the new first years up to the Tower.
"Ron, I'm going to see if I can't talk to Dumbledore tonight, okay?"
"Yeah, okay," Ron nodded, "You don't want me to come with you?"
Harry shook his head, "No. I think you'd better help Hermione with the first years." He nodded at two intrepid new Gryffindors who had taken it into their heads to go exploring and had veered off from the group.
Ron nodded again and loped off towards the errant duo, "Oi, you two!"
Harry laughed as the two boys jumped and blanched, and took himself off towards the Headmaster's office. He found Dumbledore before he ever reached the office, though.
As he rounded a corner, he saw the headmaster ahead of him, hurrying to catch up with the head of Slytherin. Harry hung back, not wanting interfere, but not wanting to lose sight of the headmaster either. He couldn't help overhearing.
"Ah, Severus! There you are!" Dumbledore called in a cheery tone. Snape didn't stop, or even turn, but he did slow a little.
"When did you arrive back?" Dumbledore continued as he drew level with the other man.
"Two hours ago," Snape replied curtly.
"Oh? You didn't attend the feast."
Harry only realised that Snape's seat at the teacher's table had been vacant that evening when Dumbledore mentioned it.
"I was in my office."
"Ah," said Dumbledore, and paused, "I had thought you would have been back hours earlier........"
Snape's step speeded up, "There were lose ends that needed to be tied up before I could return."
Harry could hear the smile in Dumbledore's voice, though he wasn't sure what there was to smile at, "And how was you summer, Severus? No mishaps?"
Snape snorted, "My summer was as well as could be expected, Albus. No better, no worse. Now if you'll excuse me, I still have unpacking to do."
Without waiting for a reply, Snape turned abruptly and swept down a side- corridor, leaving the Headmaster smiling after him. After a moment, he seemed to realise someone was watching him and turned.
"Mr Potter," he smiled, "Would you care for some tea before going off to bed?"
He gestured down the hall and Harry realised that they were standing not ten feet from the gargoyle guarding the entrance of the headmaster's office. Harry followed the old wizard to the statue and up the stairs.
Harry graciously accepted the cup of tea that Dumbledore handed him and took one of the seats facing the desk. Dumbledore prepared himself a cup of tea and sat himself.
"How was your summer, Harry?"
Harry grinned. He couldn't help it. Despite its ending, the summer just past had been the best Harry remembered, even including the time the Weasleys had taken him to the Quidditch World Cup. He hadn't held high hopes for it when he'd left Hogwarts at the end of the sixth year, and for the first two days, he'd had those poor hopes amply met.
He hadn't exactly been back in the cupboard again, but he might as well have been. Dudley's second bedroom had gained so many broken items during the school year that there was room only for the bed and a very narrow path to the door. Which had a lock on it again. He had been rained with abuse from the moment he'd stepped past the barrier at the station - only verbal, but still........ No food, but that wasn't surprising.
Yes, the summer had been shaping up to be Harry's worst yet. But then on the third morning, an owl had arrived. Harry wasn't quite sure how it had managed to get inside the room; not only did the window have bars on it again, it had been bolted shut from the outside. And the bedroom door was locked.
But still, he woken up to find a fine old owl perched on the end of his bed, a blue envelope in his beak. The letter was something akin to a howler but more........ sedate. When he had opened it, a metal bookmark had fallen out and Dumbledore's voice had issued forth. The headmaster had decided that it was high time Harry was removed from No. 4 Privet Drive. The bookmark was a portkey (Harry had shuddered at the thought) and would take him to a safe, undisclosed location.
Harry had spent a long time just staring at the bookmark, trying to decide whether or not it was safe. Despite the fact that it was definitely Dumbledore's voice in the letter. Eventually, he had decided to risk it. He gathered up his belongings packed them into his trunk, convinced Hedwig to return to her cage and drew his wand. Then he had picked up the bookmark.
There was the familiar sensation of a hook behind the navel and lurch as he landed. On the Isle of Wight. Of course, he only found out later that it was the Isle of Wight. He was met be Arabella Figg, the witch who had taken care of him as a child. She took him to a boarding house, 'The Cider Groves' and left him in the care of Mrs. Smythe for the summer.
That was where he had met Jason.
Harry smiled at the headmaster, "It was the best summer I remember ever having, sir. Thank you for taking me away from the Dursleys."
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled, "Good, good. I'm glad you enjoyed yourself. Didn't get into too much trouble I hope?"
Harry shifted uncomfortably in his chair and looked away.
"Hmm," apart from that musing tone, Dumbledore ignored Harry's lack of response.
"I take it you wanted to talk to me about something, young Harry?"
Harry set aside his barely-touched tea and fished the Head Boy badge from his pocket. He handed to the professor. Dumbledore looked down at it, then back up at Harry. His bright eyes questioned the boy.
"I'm sorry, sir. I can't be Head Boy this year."
Dumbledore blinked, "Why ever not?"
Harry felt the blood creeping up his face, "I don't think I'll have the time or energy to deal with the duties of the Head Boy," Harry dragged his gaze from his lap, "I'm pregnant."
Dumbledore set down the badge and leant back in his chair, "Pregnant?"
Harry nodded mutely, and had it been any other situation, he would have smiled. He'd managed to take Dumbledore by surprise.
"The father?" Dumbledore asked, his equilibrium quickly returning.
"Jason Phillips," Harry looked down at his hands again, "a muggle."
"A *muggle*?" Dumbledore was thrown again.
Harry didn't bother to nod again. Dumbledore hummed and clasped his hands together. For a long moment, the room was quiet except for the whirr of the devices about its shelves.
Dumbledore sat forward again and picked up the badge.
"I think, Mr Potter, you should make a visit to Madam Pomfery and ask her to check on your baby's health, while I see about appointing a new Head Boy."
TBC.
AN: I'm not sure that I won't take this chapter down again.........
Reviews:
Insane1: Wow. I love it when I manage to get people to read my stories when they don't usually read that genre. Thank you so much for giving my story a chance. By the way, I don't do oversexed and I hate it when my characters slip ooc, so you should be safe on that count. I'm not too sure about this chapter, but I'll email you........
Phoenix: I have no intention of stopping. At least not on this story. I like mpregs too, but this it the first time I've really attempted to right one. I'm just hoping it comes out alright.
db17: You just started reading mpregs, hey? Cool. I'm glad my story has caught your interest
Nabiki: Oh, I intend to make sure that Phillips gets his. Don't you worry about that. ^_~
Riley Cat: It almost made you cry? ^_^ I love getting strong reactions........ of the good sort.
SlytherinAtHeart: More reviews is always a good incentive to update. Yes, poor Harry.
mike: No, Jason is definitely the baby's father. You'll find out more about him as we go along.
charzy: Thanks for the recommendation. ^_^
Purple *Passion: A good beginning is always a must. I'm glad you liked mine.
deepforestowl: Thank you for your praise.
raya: There can't be higher praise for me than telling me that my story is different. Thank you.
kimi: *L* Thank you.
VtE: *grins* more is here!
Nikita: Ooo, I like the idea of the WIP writers' support group. Glad I was your first FF.net review and that you find me that promising. ^_^
Persephone: *shudders at the thought of personality changes* Thanks for the warning. I'll be doing my best to avoid all that. Harry was just so teary because he was frustrated and all that........
Saavik! Harry's not covering for anyone. Amused? In that case, I'll have to continue.
Griet: Several people have suggested I post there. I've registered there, but I haven't posted it yet........ Not sure why.
Ayame: Hey. How are you? Sorry I haven't been in touch. *scuffs her toes* I really am. Thanks for reviewing this chapter tho'. ^_^
desertwren: You like HP/SS too do you? *L* I haven't died. Yet.
oneofakindwerewolf: Who could resist puppy-dog eyes?
xikum: *L* well I usually do right Harry/Sev or Harry/Draco when I slash........ not in this case tho' Sorry. But please keep reading. *turns on the puppy-dog eyes* Even if this chapter isn't really worth it.
Schulyr: Sev? Who mentioned Sev? Thanks for the praise tho' ^_^
lexy: my website address is It's not really a site, just a weblog.
plantjunkie: *L* Brilliant!
Teigra: Woo! I'm really getting people to come in from the mpreg groups. Thanks for reviewing/checking out my story. Btw, what mpreg group? I should post there........
frizzy: Thank you for your review. I haven't even thought about Siri's reactions yet. *gnaws her finger nails* Or Voldie. A better plot line? I don't know. Different maybe.
Jess: Oh, I hope you win that bet.
venus4280: You've read my other story? =D You like Draco and Blaise? Cool.
LadyAlyce: *does a little dance* Hey. You like my story? I might have to come to you for advice if I get stuck. Or else? Or else what? *evil glare back*
someonesgurl: Harry and Draco do make a cute couple don't they? Well, not in this case, sorry. Don't know if Harry will get back with Jason, or if I'll find someone better for him........
Terra (Sal): *does another little dance* Yay! The two people from VH I like the most have reviewed my story! *hugs Sal and Alyce* I'm so glad you like my story (so far) You have no idea how happy that makes me! And yes, I haven't encountered a story where Harry doesn't have a nice supportive partner to help him. I wonder why that is?
lillie chan: I don't think I've kept you hanging tooooo long. Sorry if I have. ^_^
Mikee! Yes, always listen to the doctors. =P Directions? Oo, do tell me what you think! And I do like to write things that no one's really ever seen before ^_^
Katy999: Me? Cruel? Never! I've even got a new chapter to prove it!
*stares at all the reviews* 34! *glomps everyone* Thank you so much! I do believe you've saved me from dying. I'm sorry that I left it so long. I'll try and get them out faster, but I can't really make any promises....
Chapter Two.
It was a rather subdued quintet of seventh years that disembarked the train at the Hogsmeade station that evening. Hermione and Blaise were still upset at the faceless muggle who had gotten one of their bestfriends pregnant, then dumped him. Ron and Draco still didn't know quite what to think, and Harry was trying not to think at all.
At least, not about the past. Harry had spent the remainder of the train trip, staring out the window, his hands curled about his abdomen. He was wondering about his child, wondering if he should find out the gender, wondering what he name he would chose, wondering where they would live. His introspection was cut short by the train's arrival at the station.
The five students claimed the first horseless carriage outside the station and all piled in. Naturally, the two couples ended up sitting together and holding hands. Harry wasn't particularly surprised; after all, it had been three moths since they had seen each other. He was just grateful that they hadn't been all over each. That would have really hurt to watch.
The ride up to the castle was brief and silent, and Harry felt bad. He'd managed to dampen his friends' spirits. Mustering a smile, Harry turned to them just as the carriage passed through the school's gates.
"Listen, guys -"
Hermione leapt in without giving him a chance to finish, "It's okay, Harry. We won't mention anything to anyone until you want us to."
Harry smiled at her, "Thanks Hermione, even though that wasn't what I was going to say. I trust you guys not to let anything slip and I really appreciate it.
"But I was going to say: don't feel bad about Jason leaving me. It was probably for the best anyway. I mean, he's a muggle, right? He's only seventeen. How would he cope with the wizarding world, and being a father, not to mention the fact that everyone would be watching him because of who *I* am........" Harry's voice was bitter at the end.
He turned and looked out the window again, "So yeah, don't feel you need to tiptoe around me because of that."
Nobody had a chance to reply as they pulled up at the bottom of the main stairs, but Harry sensed a definite relaxing of tension about his friends. He felt better for it. He didn't want to be dragging them down with him into his well of self-pity. Which he would barely acknowledge in the first place.
The moment the carriage halted, Harry threw open the door and leapt out. His foot touched the ground and he stumbled. He caught himself just barely before he landed face down in the gravel. He took small consolation from the fact that now that Draco was his friend and wouldn't mock him for falling. Tease maybe, but not mock.
Harry sighed and started up the steps. He looked up. Standing in the doorway, glaring down the steps at him loomed a figure. Professor Severus Snape crossed his arms over his chest and lowered his brows further, looking most displeased to see Harry.
The moment Harry set eyes on him, he felt a thrill of anger, however irrational. How *dare* Snape stand there, glaring at him like that. He hadn't even had time to do anything to get on his nerves. Aside from breath, that is.
Harry glared back at him and stormed up the stairs straight at him. He wasn't about to let Snape intimidate him. The man had no right, and Harry refused to be cowed by the black expression on the Potion Master's face. And he intended to prove it right now by not backing off.
He tripped on the second last step.
And this time he knew he wouldn't be catching himself. His arms came about his belly. He prayed that he wouldn't harm his child as he fell, the ground rushing up to meet him. His eyes closed in anticipation of the impact.
An impact that never came.
Something had caught his shoulders and was holding him steady. He opened his eyes, expecting to see hands on him. There were none. Instead, Snape stood three feet in front of him, his wand levelled in Harry's direction. The professor dropped his wand and the steadying grip released Harry's shoulders.
"Do be more careful, Mr Potter," Snape sneered, and his cloak billowed in his wake as the professor turned and disappeared into the entrance hall.
Harry stared after Snape, confused. A hand falling on his shoulder distracted him.
"You okay, Harry mate?"
Harry glanced at Ron and nodded, "Yeah, I'm fine."
"That was odd," Blaise murmured from Ron's far side.
"Snape?" said Hermione, moving past Harry up the stairs, "I know! Usually he'd let someone fall."
"But Harry's not just anyone," Draco mocked softly, "He's the Boy Who Lived, the great Harry Potter."
Harry glared at his Slytherin friend and continued up the stairs and into the Entrance Hall, "What's that got to do with anything?"
Draco smirked and his eyes sparkled, "Snape couldn't let you hurt yourself, now, could he? Dumbledore'd probably fire him for it."
Harry snorted, "You know Draco, if you weren't my friend, I'd have to call you on that."
Draco laughed and slapped him on the back as the group passed into the Great Hall, "Its good thing we are friends then, isn't it?"
Hermione smiled and linked her arm with Draco's, leaning up to kiss his cheek, "Yes, it is," she answered for Harry.
"I mean, how would it look if Harry Potter got beaten up by a Slytherin?" Draco laughed, then darted off towards the Slytherin table, Hermione yelling after him. Harry laughed. It was good to be back at school with his friends.
Hermione and Harry turned towards the Gryffindor table and, after farewelling Blaise, Ron joined them.
A little over an hour and a half later, the starting feast was over and the students had been released to their dormitories. Harry held Ron back as Hermione and the Gryffindor prefects started to herd the new first years up to the Tower.
"Ron, I'm going to see if I can't talk to Dumbledore tonight, okay?"
"Yeah, okay," Ron nodded, "You don't want me to come with you?"
Harry shook his head, "No. I think you'd better help Hermione with the first years." He nodded at two intrepid new Gryffindors who had taken it into their heads to go exploring and had veered off from the group.
Ron nodded again and loped off towards the errant duo, "Oi, you two!"
Harry laughed as the two boys jumped and blanched, and took himself off towards the Headmaster's office. He found Dumbledore before he ever reached the office, though.
As he rounded a corner, he saw the headmaster ahead of him, hurrying to catch up with the head of Slytherin. Harry hung back, not wanting interfere, but not wanting to lose sight of the headmaster either. He couldn't help overhearing.
"Ah, Severus! There you are!" Dumbledore called in a cheery tone. Snape didn't stop, or even turn, but he did slow a little.
"When did you arrive back?" Dumbledore continued as he drew level with the other man.
"Two hours ago," Snape replied curtly.
"Oh? You didn't attend the feast."
Harry only realised that Snape's seat at the teacher's table had been vacant that evening when Dumbledore mentioned it.
"I was in my office."
"Ah," said Dumbledore, and paused, "I had thought you would have been back hours earlier........"
Snape's step speeded up, "There were lose ends that needed to be tied up before I could return."
Harry could hear the smile in Dumbledore's voice, though he wasn't sure what there was to smile at, "And how was you summer, Severus? No mishaps?"
Snape snorted, "My summer was as well as could be expected, Albus. No better, no worse. Now if you'll excuse me, I still have unpacking to do."
Without waiting for a reply, Snape turned abruptly and swept down a side- corridor, leaving the Headmaster smiling after him. After a moment, he seemed to realise someone was watching him and turned.
"Mr Potter," he smiled, "Would you care for some tea before going off to bed?"
He gestured down the hall and Harry realised that they were standing not ten feet from the gargoyle guarding the entrance of the headmaster's office. Harry followed the old wizard to the statue and up the stairs.
Harry graciously accepted the cup of tea that Dumbledore handed him and took one of the seats facing the desk. Dumbledore prepared himself a cup of tea and sat himself.
"How was your summer, Harry?"
Harry grinned. He couldn't help it. Despite its ending, the summer just past had been the best Harry remembered, even including the time the Weasleys had taken him to the Quidditch World Cup. He hadn't held high hopes for it when he'd left Hogwarts at the end of the sixth year, and for the first two days, he'd had those poor hopes amply met.
He hadn't exactly been back in the cupboard again, but he might as well have been. Dudley's second bedroom had gained so many broken items during the school year that there was room only for the bed and a very narrow path to the door. Which had a lock on it again. He had been rained with abuse from the moment he'd stepped past the barrier at the station - only verbal, but still........ No food, but that wasn't surprising.
Yes, the summer had been shaping up to be Harry's worst yet. But then on the third morning, an owl had arrived. Harry wasn't quite sure how it had managed to get inside the room; not only did the window have bars on it again, it had been bolted shut from the outside. And the bedroom door was locked.
But still, he woken up to find a fine old owl perched on the end of his bed, a blue envelope in his beak. The letter was something akin to a howler but more........ sedate. When he had opened it, a metal bookmark had fallen out and Dumbledore's voice had issued forth. The headmaster had decided that it was high time Harry was removed from No. 4 Privet Drive. The bookmark was a portkey (Harry had shuddered at the thought) and would take him to a safe, undisclosed location.
Harry had spent a long time just staring at the bookmark, trying to decide whether or not it was safe. Despite the fact that it was definitely Dumbledore's voice in the letter. Eventually, he had decided to risk it. He gathered up his belongings packed them into his trunk, convinced Hedwig to return to her cage and drew his wand. Then he had picked up the bookmark.
There was the familiar sensation of a hook behind the navel and lurch as he landed. On the Isle of Wight. Of course, he only found out later that it was the Isle of Wight. He was met be Arabella Figg, the witch who had taken care of him as a child. She took him to a boarding house, 'The Cider Groves' and left him in the care of Mrs. Smythe for the summer.
That was where he had met Jason.
Harry smiled at the headmaster, "It was the best summer I remember ever having, sir. Thank you for taking me away from the Dursleys."
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled, "Good, good. I'm glad you enjoyed yourself. Didn't get into too much trouble I hope?"
Harry shifted uncomfortably in his chair and looked away.
"Hmm," apart from that musing tone, Dumbledore ignored Harry's lack of response.
"I take it you wanted to talk to me about something, young Harry?"
Harry set aside his barely-touched tea and fished the Head Boy badge from his pocket. He handed to the professor. Dumbledore looked down at it, then back up at Harry. His bright eyes questioned the boy.
"I'm sorry, sir. I can't be Head Boy this year."
Dumbledore blinked, "Why ever not?"
Harry felt the blood creeping up his face, "I don't think I'll have the time or energy to deal with the duties of the Head Boy," Harry dragged his gaze from his lap, "I'm pregnant."
Dumbledore set down the badge and leant back in his chair, "Pregnant?"
Harry nodded mutely, and had it been any other situation, he would have smiled. He'd managed to take Dumbledore by surprise.
"The father?" Dumbledore asked, his equilibrium quickly returning.
"Jason Phillips," Harry looked down at his hands again, "a muggle."
"A *muggle*?" Dumbledore was thrown again.
Harry didn't bother to nod again. Dumbledore hummed and clasped his hands together. For a long moment, the room was quiet except for the whirr of the devices about its shelves.
Dumbledore sat forward again and picked up the badge.
"I think, Mr Potter, you should make a visit to Madam Pomfery and ask her to check on your baby's health, while I see about appointing a new Head Boy."
TBC.
AN: I'm not sure that I won't take this chapter down again.........