MadJupiter: Well Raiza; you think that chapter was long, when you get through with this one you will want to kill me. This chapter is my longest yet and I do hope you like it. I hope this update was quick enough
Lourdes: I will take the teenage comment as a complement; I will be 46 in Nov but I do try to make the story enjoyable for all ages. I am so glad to hear that you are enjoying the story and as you put it my youthful enthusiasm. When I sit down to write my chapters I just let what comes to mind go into the story. I make very few planned events in my story; so most of these chapters are off the top of my head. Thanks again for reading and reviewing.
Ren: I did go back and correct the Honeyduck's to Honeyduke's and I thank you for pointing that out to me. You don't ever have to say you are sorry for not reviewing every chapter. I love to see the same people review and the new readers too so if you miss a chapter don't worry about it. II love Neville and I do hope that JK will bring him into the mix in the next two books. I am so sorry I confused you and anyone else but I had to finish off Harry and Ginny in the beginning; Hermione and Ron's fight was in the middle that is why it was there. I am not sure why you would say that Ron would have his head screwed on right because the fight was Hermione's fault this time; she let her jealousy cloud her mind and went over board. The broach did belong to Sirius's mother but the charm did not and the broach and the coat saved her life but the spell going back was not due to either; that is coming in this chapter. I hope you will have your answer after you read this chapter. Thank you again for reading and reviewing.
Zayne:Thank you for reviewing my story and being part of Can Love Find Me Now. Happy belated Birthday to you and I hope that you have enjoyed the other chapters. Thank you again for reading.
Flame Talker: I am so sorry that you felt chapter 32 was cheesy but a lot of my readers wanted some fluff and I did try to give them that. I am glad that you are enjoying the story so far and will continue reading. Thank you again.
Kristen: Thank you so much and I am glad you are enjoying the story and hope you will continue reading. I did go back and change the Honeyduke's mistake and reposted the chapter. Yes that is so my readers know that they are blushing as they are talking; which Jk herself has done in her books. I am glad that you do enjoy the story and hope that you will read more chapters as they are posted. Thank you again for reading.
Just want another friend (enelra4) Thank you for the e-mail and you sound like me when I find a story I like. I stay up until I read every chapter that is posted. So far I have answered all my reviewers; from all my chapters and hope that I can keep up with everyone as the story goes on. I do hope that you like the new chapter and chapter 36 will be out soon. Thank you again
Bloodless Ace: Thank you so much for reading and I do hope that when you find any other mistakes you let me know what they are so I can fix them. I love to hear the good and the bad. Thanks again
Silvercrystal77: Thank you; well if you don't mind long chapters then you will love this one…LOL…and my dear silver you are a smart on and win a nice big fat cookie….Thank you again
johnmenefee21: I do hope that this is what you were looking for; my longest chapter and more to come soon. Chapter 35 is being worked on right now and I hope to have it up in two weeks maybe less if I spend most of my days working on it. Thanks again
Can Love Find Me Now
Chapter 34
After the attack, Animagus Transformation and the Night before Christmas
Harry was shocked to see so many people in the headmaster's office; he wondered why there were Auror's that had been in Hogsmeade and his professors in Dumbledore's office; was there more to the coats then he though or had Fred and George bought illegal coats. Harry had met with Dumbledore that night along with professor Snape, professor Flitwick, professor Lupin, and professor Hagrid, professor McGonagall, Tonks, Kingsley Shacklebolt and Mad-eye Moody. The group looked over each parchment; not sure what they were looking for but after reading the receipt and the instructions that came with the coats; there was no doubt that there had not been a charm or spell on the coats that would have caused the curse to come back and kill the deatheater that had attacked Hermione Granger.
There were many spells and charms on the coats; that would indeed protect the wearer from most common spells, charms and hexes; the coats also had protection charms and spells to protect them from fire spells, dragon fire, severe cold, cutting spells and if some one threw a knife or tried to cut them with they were protected (that was the benefit of using dragon hide, it was hard and protected); to say the least they were all baffled.
The group discussed the Ena-odite-protecto charm and how it worked. Harry informed them that the charm worked off the love and pure heart of the person performing the charm. He told them the books that they had found the information in. They had found the jewelry in two books; Magical Jewelry and where they came from Vol. 1 and Jewelers and their Magical Jewelry; he and Ginny had found more information on the Ena-odite-protecto charm in three other books. Advanced charms for protecting, The Best Protection Charms in the World and So you Want to Protect your Loved Ones (This is the Book for you); there had been plenty of information in these books on the charm. He let them all know that the charm would protect the wearer from every charm, hex and spell that had ever been invented; except for the unforgivables but would not rebound them back at the sender.
After being asked a lot of questions about the coats by Dumbledore, Kingsley Shacklebolt, Tonks, Moody and professor Snape; Harry got the idea that they thought he might have some how caused the deatheater to die. Dumbledore dismissed the two teachers and asked Harry and the others to stay to stay; once they were gone he started pacing his office (stopping every now and then to stroke his phoenix) than sat at his desk; the look of a defeated man sat before the boy-who-lived. Dumbledore clearing his throat brought Harry back from his thoughts and he gave him his full attention.
"Harry, I asked Remus to stay since he is your guardian and I have asked the others to stay because this is still part of their investigation into what happened. Know that I am not accusing you of anything but I must ask you these questions. Do you know how the curse came back to the deatheater that cursed Miss. Granger; I believe his name was Greg Rutherford."
"No sir, we were walking back to school when we heard that guy screaming."
"Then what did you do?"
"All of us turned around and came running back; we thought there was another attack but there wasn't."
"Harry, now think very hard for an answer to this next question and please be as honest as you can when you answer it."
"Ok"
"What were you thinking at that time; while you were walking back to school; before you heard the screaming?"
"Just like everyone else; I was upset that she had been hurt. She had her broach on and she still got hurt."
"With the research that was done on the protection charm; did any of you find any information that would indicate it would rebound a curse on the sender?"
"No sir"
"Harry, you can call me Alastor or Moody."
"Ok"
"Harry, was there anything else; that you might have been thinking of at the time?"
Harry started to think about what he had been thinking at the time they were walking back to the school. It all came back to him in a flash;
"As they walked he found his mind going back to the four masked figures; sneaking up on his friends as they tried to help the others; he could see the spell shoot out of the wand and go towards Hermione. As he was thinking these thoughts; he could almost feel power running through his veins; he ignored the feeling and in his minds eyes thought about the spell. He remembered Tonks calling that deatheater by the name of Greg Rutherford; he was one that had been in the graveyard the night Voldemort had regained his body; in his mind he made the spell turn and go back towards the fallen body of the deatheater. He could see the spell hit the man and hear him scream out in pain."
Harry sat there for a long time before he even tried to speak; to many things running through his mind. Did he let his anger get out of control? Had he killed this man with just his mind? Was this part of his power growing and not being controlled? As he sat there he wondered if it was him; would the Auror's take him to Azkaban for the rest of his life and never see his friends or Ginny again. He thought of how Mrs. Weasley would react when she found out they had taken him to prison. He knew the Dursley's wouldn't care; they would be happy that he would never come back to their home. Dumbledore clearing his throat brought Harry back to his senses and the room of people waiting for him to speak.
"Harry, can you tell us what you were thinking at the time; you and the others were walking back to the school?"
"Harry I can see the fear in your eyes; no matter what you tell us; It will not be repeated."
"Sir, if it was me then I murdered a man; won't I be sent to Azkaban?"
"Harry, you must understand that you did not use your wand and send the curse. If the curse was some how sent to him because you thought about it; that my dear boy cannot be proven with out your permission."
"Well we were walking back to the school and the girl's were so upset about Hermione. I started thinking about the four deatheater's sneaking up on Hermione and Luna when they were helping the other students get away and I could see the spell heading for her and I don't know why but I just made the spell turn around and hit the guy on the ground; I could hear him screaming in my mind and then I could hear screams coming from where you all were. I thought there was another attack and when we got there he was covered in blood."
"Is there any thing else that you need to tell me Harry?"
"I could almost feel the power flowing through my veins but I ignored it."
"Albus, what can this mean?"
"Ah Minerva, I do believe what Harry has experienced was a power surge of sorts. We knew that his power was starting to grow and I do believe that this is only the beginning of what he will experience over the next two years. Harry I know that you have been working hard to control your feelings of anger and remorse but with this new information; I do believe you will need to have a little training in this matter. I know that you keep your friends informed about certain things but I feel at this time you should not tell them about this."
"I understand sir but do you really think that my thoughts caused that to happen?"
"I am not certain but I do believe that is what happened. I would guess that because you care for Miss. Granger as you do; that somehow as you were thinking of this happening to Mr. Rutherford your powers being heightened may have caused the curse to destroy him."
"That means that if I'm not careful that I could hurt someone by mistake if I were mad at them?"
"I am not certain about it being that bad but you must be very careful; we don't want to find out if that will happen or not."
"I promise that I will be careful sir. Sir, do you think that it would be safe for students to finish their Christmas shopping tomorrow?"
"I am afraid that I cannot allow you or the other students to return to Hogsmeade tomorrow. I am sure that if you and your friends did not finish your shopping then it will have to wait until you return to your home at headquarters."
"I thought that was what you would say."
"I am truly sorry but I have to make sure my students are safe and not in harms way. The hour is late and I know you have some friends waiting for you; go and meet your friends and try not to worry too much."
"Yes sir and thank you"
"There is no need to thank me; it is getting late and your friends are waiting for you; go and see your friends and enjoy the rest of your evening."
Harry said good-bye and good-night to the Auror's, the professors and Remus then headed to the room of requirements. He was shocked to see Luna and Ginny sitting on the floor beside a chair; Neville no where in site. As he got closer to the chair he could hear a low and if he didn't know better a sound that was a mix between a growl and a purr. Before he could get any closer to the chair he was pounced on by what he thought was a dog; to his great surprise it was a wolf and not just any wolf but Neville in his Animagus form. While the girl's showered Neville with attention; Harry sat on the chair with a big grin on his face.
After about ten minutes of watching his friends; he wondered which one in the group would be the next to accomplish their transformation; he just hoped it would be Ron. Both Ron and Neville needed the extra ego boost; they were both great friends but had little confidence in themselves and he knew it would mean a lot for them to be the first to accomplish their transformation. Harry was glad that Neville had been the first to accomplish his transformation. Harry had just started thinking about how long Neville had held his form but the giggles coming form the girl's brought him from his thoughts and to his friends.
"How long has Midnight been in his wolf form Bright-eyes?"
"I would say that it's been close to thirty-five minutes Blitz."
"How long did it take him to change after you got here?"
"About ten minutes"
"Rosebud, have you and Bright-eyes had any luck with your transformation?"
"Not as well as Midnight has but we're doing better. How did things go in Dumbledore's office Blitz?"
"Well we know that the broach and the coat did what they're supposed to do but that's about it."
"So either the charm on the broach repelled the curse back to the deatheater or the coat did"
"No, they aren't sure what caused that curse to do that; all that matters is that Pureheart wasn't hurt and that her and Braveheart have quit fighting."
"You're so right Blitz and I hope they will never fight like that again."
"Midnight time to change back mate; we only have about forty-five minutes before curfew."
It took Neville twenty minutes to change back to his normal self and for the rest of the evening they all asked him questions about his transformation. To say the least; Neville was in heaven. The once clumsy boy; who thought he had no friends and was made fun of by almost every student in Hogwarts; had been the first one of the group to become an Animagus. The four decided since Hermione and Ron were in the hospital wing; that tomorrow they would just relax but if anyone wanted to try and transform they could. The day had been a long one for all of them and they all knew it was time to call it a night. They walked Luna to the hall where the entrance to the Ravenclaw house. She and Neville walked towards the entrance and said their private good-night. Ginny was feeling very protective and would not leave until Neville was back at their side and then headed to the Gryffindor common room. Neville said good-night as they entered and left Ginny and Harry alone in the common room. The two only stay up for about fifteen minutes; just sitting on the couch and holding hands. This was what they loved the most; just spending quiet time with each other. There was no need to say a thing; it was like they each knew what the other was thinking. Harry stood and pulled Ginny up with him; they walked up to the landing where the entrance to the girl and boy's dorms were and said good-night. With a light kiss on the cheek from Harry; Ginny headed up to her dorm and Harry headed to his.
The next morning Ron and Hermione were waiting in the common for the rest of the Gryffindor's; they had been released from the hospital wing an hour before. Once Ginny had came down the stairs; they all headed down to breakfast; Luna was standing at the bottom of the stairs and was off in her own world. Neville just walked over to her and placed his arm in hers and started towards the great hall. As they ate breakfast they chatted; the four had agreed not to say anything about Neville to Ron or Hermione until they were back to the room of requirements. They took their time to eat and Harry informed them that Hogsmeade was off limits since the attack yesterday and they would have to finish their shopping next week during break.
Once they were through with breakfast; they headed out of the great hall and headed up stairs to the room of requirements. Luna was given the honor to tell Hermione and Ron about Neville's transformation the day before; they both congratulated him on his success but you could see in Hermione's eyes she was upset that she hadn't been the one. She chose to spend most of her day reading and rereading the parchments on how to become an Animagus. Ron asked Neville for a private word over in one of the corners and they disappeared. Harry was stretched out on one of the couches; if anyone asked what he was doing he would tell them nothing but he was trying to think of his parents and Sirius; he wanted to talk to their spirits about what had happened in Hogsmeade yesterday. He didn't know if they could settle the fears that were creeping into his very soul (had he killed a man yesterday) and didn't like the feeling. He didn't want to loose control of his emotions again; now there could be dire consequences (there was the possibility of killing an innocent person) and he couldn't stand the thought of hurting anyone.
Ginny and Luna were practicing the transformation exercises; they were both doing fairly well. They had been there for just over and hour when the girl's noticed a commotion coming from the corner (Harry was lost in his own world on the couch); the next thing they knew; there was a wolf came running out of the corner followed by a Black Unicorn with a red mane and a Silver horn; the eyes were deep blue. The Unicorn trotted over to Hermione and nuzzled her cheek with the side of his head. There were squeals of joy from all three girls' (which brought Harry off the couch); the wolf could be seen prancing around the group and barking his approval. Neville then changed back into his human form and started telling them about how his transformation had went.
"You should have seen it Blitz, it was amazing once he got over his fear."
"Midnight what do you mean once he got over the fear?"
'Well Pureheart, you do feel a bit of pain with the first transformation and when he started; I could see the fear in his eyes. I told him that it was normal with the first transformation. I just talked to him about how great it would be and there he was; standing in front of me in his form. It was so great to watch; I know what Bright-eyes and Rosebud felt yesterday when I did it."
"Ok let me get the chart I made and see if I figured it out right for you two. If I was right about you and Braveheart then the rest of us should follow the pattern of completion I have on the parchment."
"Braveheart, try and change back to your human form"
"Just relax and see yourself as yourself Braveheart; that will make it easier; if not you will be like me and take a while to accomplish it."
"Thanks Midnight, you helped me keep form panicking before."
"That's what friends are for Braveheart"
"Ok, I've got the chart."
"Well Pureheart, don't keep us waiting what does your chart say?"
"Let's see, I figured that Braveheart and Midnight would be successful by the twenty-first of December; you two are a week ahead of the chart. This is great and if the four of us keep up the pace we could be Animagus by January twenty-fifth; give or take a week; with Christmas break and all."
"But Pureheart, couldn't any of us do like they did and transform early?"
"Yes Rosebud, any of us could transform early; we just need to work hard at it and see what happens."
"Pureheart, one thing that parchment doesn't say about trying to transform is that the person has to have faith in their self; if you don't have the faith that you can transform you won't."
"What makes you say that Midnight?"
"Because I couldn't do it until I knew I could; once I knew I could transform, I did it."
"He has a point, when he told me that while we were over in the corner practicing; I knew I could do it and then I was transforming."
"Now you four need to have faith and then it can happen for you too."
"Midnight, what happened to our shy, bumbling friend?"
"He had the faith of his friends and faded into the person before you."
Neville and Ron decided to explore the forbidden forest (they wanted to see how it was as an animal) in their Animagus form; they told their friends they would be back (Ron telling Hermione he had faith in her and that he loved her; more then life it's self) in a few hours. The others told them good luck and went back to practicing; they all wanted to be able to run around the grounds at night or even explore the forbidden forest in the day time. By the time Ron and Neville came back from their fun; only Ginny, Harry and Luna were in the room. Ginny just looked up at the two as they walked in and gave them a sly smile and went back to what she was doing. Ron, being the overly protective person he was started asking where Hermione was; no one answered him and kept their heads down and whispered to each other. Neville joined the four and was told what was going on.
Ron paced back and forth, he ranted and raved for five minutes before the soft giggles from Luna and Ginny drew his attention. He stopped mid step and turned on his sister; the look of a possessed man could be seen in his eyes.
"And what do you think is so funny; with what happened to Pureheart yesterday you should be as worried as I am."
"There is no reason to worry Braveheart; Pureheart is fine and I am sure she would like to talk to you."
"Well"
"Well what"
"Where is she?"
"Just stop being an overly protective prat and think about her; you know search out her life force."
"Rosebud what in bloody hell are you talking about?"
"Oh god you are so…so"
"Dense"
"Yes dense, thank you Bright-eyes."
"Close your eyes and turn around; think about her and follow that feeling and you will find her."
"If you lot are playing around I will have all of your heads."
Ron did as Luna had instructed him to do; he closed his eyes and turned around. Thinking of no one but Hermione; a smile came across his face and he walked towards a wall. Standing in front of the wall his smile faded; there was no way she could be where he felt she was. A voice in his head told him to touch the wall and when he did his hand went through it. He wasn't sure what was happening but knew he had to go through the wall; Hermione was on the other side. He hoped that she was not upset about him and Neville being able to transform; he wanted to share this with her but he couldn't until she was able to transform. Once he walked through the wall; he tried to adjust his eyes to be able to see; it was just to dark and searched for his wand. Once he found his wand his spoke the word "Lumos" and the room filled with light. There in the corner; on a bed of straw was the most beautiful site he had ever seen; there sat a silver Unicorn with a golden horn and hazel eyes. Ron transformed and joined her; they sat there lost in their own world; communicating in a way they never thought they would.
Twenty minutes later Ron and Hermione rejoined the group; everyone smiling at the pair. Three of the group had become Animagus and the other three were trying as hard as they could to join their friends. Ron and Hermione disappeared (they went for a romp in the woods); while Neville tried to help the others with their practice. Dobby and Winky had brought them lunch and when dinner time came around they reappeared with dinner for Harry and his friends. Harry made the two house-elves stay and eat dinner with them; Dobby was in heaven and Winky ate slowly and would let out a squeak when Harry or one of the others would look at her and smile.
Harry informed the two house-elves that they would be coming with him for Christmas break; they were to catch the train at noon on the twentieth and then Dumbledore would bring them to headquarters on the twenty-first. Dobby was excited to be helping out his friend and in his opinion the greatest wizard (next to Dumbledore) he had ever meet. Harry had to smile; even though she might fight him about the help he was providing; he hoped that Mrs. Weasley would accept it none the less. Harry just wanted to make her life easier and for once he wanted her to be able to relax and enjoy the holiday with her family. The friends worked together until eight o'clock; Ron and Hermione left at eight, Luna and Neville left five minutes after they did; leaving Harry and Ginny alone. They were glad for their friends but were feeling a little low that they had not been able to make the transformation. They sat in their comfortable silence until eight-thirty; they decided it was time to just head back to their common room and head to bed.
The week before the Christmas holidays were to begin, the days going by way to slow for the entire school. Snape, McGonagall and the rest of the professors were relentless on their students; you would think by their actions that on Friday they were going to have a final exam in each of their classes and by the grace of Merlin himself there was not any holiday homework. Ginny and Luna could be seen going over their notes and talking in whispers (owls were coming) and giving people dirty looks when they disturbed them. All of the sixth years felt sorry for the fifth years but were glad (dear god and Merlin N.E.W.T.S. were coming next year) that they were through that part of school.
Remus had been working them to death in Defense against the Dark Arts all week long. It was like he had been possessed by Mad-eye-Moody (quoting "Constance Vigilance") since the attack in Hogsmeade. Everyday he drilled them on blocking charms, shield charms, hexes and spells that would help them in a fight. Their professor had promised to help out with the D.A. when they returned from Christmas break; he had to make sure that Harry and the rest of the school was prepared for the up and coming war.
Every night Neville, Ron and Hermione would explore the forbidden forest while Ginny, Luna and Harry would go to the room of requirements for Animagus training. By Wednesday night; the three were getting a bit worried that they were never going to accomplish their transformation. Each of them had been trying the positive approach to their training (Neville's suggestion since it had worked with Hermione); one would try to transform while the other two told them how well they were doing and that they had faith in them. It was Luna's turn to try to transform and Harry and Ginny were giving her words of encouragement; she was five minutes into the processes when she let out a scream. Ginny and Harry knew she was getting close; it had to be the pain Neville talked about. They both wrapped their arms around her shoulders and started whispering into her ear.
"I have faith in you Luna" this was Ginny
"Come on Luna, let the pain go and become the wolf." This was Harry
"Just remember Luna, were are here for you" this was Harry
"Remember I love you Luna" this was Ginny
With in minutes Luna's form was changing into her wolf form; you could see the pain in her eyes but in the end she became a silver wolf with electric blue eyes. Harry and Ginny kneeled down beside their friend; showing her with their eyes and smiles that they were proud of her. Ginny stroked her fur; not knowing if she could understand what she was saying but continued with her words of praise. Before either Ginny or Harry could suggest that she turn back into her human form; she was sitting between them looking like the old Looney Lovegood with the biggest smile plastered across her face. At nine o'clock Ron, Hermione and Neville came back so they all could walk back together; before they left Luna surprised the others with her wolf form. The four that had already achieved their transformation walked and talked about what it felt like and what they were going to do Thursday and Friday night for fun. Ginny and Harry walked behind the others a bit sad that they still had not been able to transform. Two more days and they all would be leaving for the holiday; it was going to be hard for Harry with Sirius gone but he knew that Remus would do his best to take his mind off of Sirius.
Thursday morning the four talked again with excitement; while Ginny and Harry ate quietly. The day went by so fast and before they knew it the four were off to play around in the forbidden forest. Harry and Ginny made their way to the room of requirements but didn't bother to practice; Harry had let Ginny think of what they wanted the room to become. When they opened the door; it was like steeping into the past. The room reminded Harry of a movie that his aunt had watched just weeks before he had finely gotten his Hogwarts letter. The room was small but richly done; it was a small sitting room and a fire was burning in the fire place. The colors of the room were that of a summer's day; fresh flowers in vases on the four tables there were in the room. On the walls hung three pictures; the one over the fire place was a large family portrait, a mother, father and son. Harry knew that picture, it was one that Remus had given him of his parents; just months after he was born. The second was a wedding portrait from the day his parents had gotten married and the last was of his parents, Sirius, Remus and baby Harry in the arms of Sirius, these paintings were smaller but he loved seeing them anyway. The love seat was made from brown leather and had a few soft pillows on each end; the place felt almost like home. Harry was glad that he had let her decide how the room looked and he decided that he was glad that he and Ginny had not been able to transform yet. This would give them a lot of alone time and he was looking forward to it but felt guilty for not wanting to spend some time with his other friends.
Friday morning found the students of Hogwarts packing their trunks and getting everything ready for the train ride home; it seemed like more kids were staying this year. The Marauders had talked about what to give Mark for Christmas and had decided to give him one of the baby owls that Neville's owl had over the summer; they found Mark in his dorm sitting on his trunk with the saddest face; he would be stuck with no way to keep in contact with the friends he had made at Hogwarts and they knew he would be smiling soon. They took Mark back up to the sixth year boy's dorm and told him to take a seat. Neville came over with the two owls and introduced him to them.
"Mark I would like to introduce you to Hope and Romulus. Now all you have to do is see which one you like or which one likes you."
"How do I do that?"
"Well you could hold each one and see what happens"
"Oh ok"
Before Mark could stand Hope flew to him and landed on his shoulder; she gave a friendly nip to his ear and hooted in acceptance. Luna had been the one to say that Hope would chose him and once the owl had let them know that this human was hers; the six told Mark she was now his owl and that she was his Christmas present from all of them and the rest of his present was already at his parents house on Privet drive. He gave hugs to the girl's and hand shakes to the boys. Harry transfigured a stick into a cage for the owl so Mark could take it on the train home. With promises of letters over the holidays Mark headed back to his dorm to finish his packing. Luna headed to her back to Ravenclaw to get her things ready for the train ride home; telling the others she would see them in the great hall at eleven-thirty. Ginny and Hermione made their way back to their dorm to make sure they had everything they would need. Harry had packed his things the night before and helped Ron get his things packed. At eleven-thirty the six were standing in the entrance hall waiting for the carriages to get there to take them to the train.
The first part of the ride home was peaceful; no one bother the six as they sat in their compartment until around four o'clock; Malfoy and his goons showed up trying to start trouble. Luna took care of the three with a simple threat of turning them all into ferrets and bouncing them down the halls of the train. By the time the train reached Kings Cross station they were all ready to get home and eat dinner and get into bed. Mark introduced the Marauders to his parents and made sure that they knew who Harry was (the so called bad kid that lived with the Dursley's) and that he was not what everyone thought he was. His parents thank them all for being kind to their son; who because of Harry's cousin had not had any real friends. When Mrs. Weasley; followed by Tonks, Dedalus Diggle, Emmeline Vance and Hestia Jones came rushing over to the group Harry got scared that something had happened.
"Hello everyone, sorry we're late, nothing to worry about. Have you got all of your things so we can get you home?"
"Yes ma'am" came from them all
"Good, now Neville you and Luna will come with us until later. Neville your grandmother will pick you up tomorrow morning and Luna your father will be by on Tuesday; something about a story in Dublin."
'Yes ma'am"
"Aunt Molly I would like you to meet Mr. and Mrs. Evans; they are Mark's parents. He's a first year and lives down the street from my Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon."
"Oh, I am so sorry where are my manners. I am Ron and Ginny's mum and call me Molly please."
"Hello Molly, it's nice to meet you but we didn't know that Harry had other relatives that were magical."
"Well he is not blood related but he and Ron have been best friends since their first year. We adopted him into our family in his second year and now he and Ginny are dating."
"That is so nice to hear; I am so glad to hear there are good people in his life."
"Not to be rude but we have to get going; Mark's grand parents are coming in on a flight from America at ten so we have to get his stuff home and then go and get them from the airport." Said Mr. Evans
"It was nice meeting you all and I do hope we can chat again when the kids go back to school."
"I would like that very much Molly and Harry it was nice to meet you."
"Thank you Mr. Evan's and I will see you later Mark"
"Bye every body, I'll see you after Christmas."
The guards and Molly Weasley steered the group towards the exit and walked down the street towards Grimmauld place. When they finely entered into the house; they all took their trunks up to their rooms and then headed back down to the kitchen. Molly Weasley was in her element; she had many pots going at once and was talking to her husband and two of her sons as she cooked. Ginny, Luna and Harry offered to help out and to their surprise she let them; in no time at all they had the food on the table and everyone sat down to eat. Harry made sure he sat by Mrs. Weasley. There were four different conversations going on at one time and Harry just watched how everyone was at home with each other. He decided it was time to let her know about the house-elves that would be arriving some time tomorrow.
"Aunt Molly, can I talk to you for a few minutes; that is, if you aren't in the middle of anything?"
"Nothing that can't wait Harry, what did you want to talk about?"
"Well, tomorrow professor Dumbledore will be bringing two house-elves from Hogwarts."
"Why would Albus be bringing two house-elves here; we have enough to worry about with Kreacher in the basement."
"Well Dobby is the house-elf that tried to help me in my second year and well Winky was disowned by Mr. Crouch two years ago. You see Winky is now bound to me and will be helping you during Christmas and Dobby will be coming to help too."
"Harry, I really enjoy taking care of the house and all of my children; I could never take advantage of you or your elf to help me."
"I want to help you and you will not be taking advantage of me; I hope you don't mind but during the summer I want them to help you get Running Rivers ready to be lived in. You know take care of the nasty things that might be living in that house."
"Harry, you have already helped us in so many ways and with the money that Sirius left us; I want you to take back the money you gave us."
"No"
"Why not, we have more then we will ever use now; with what he left us and then the house he gave us. You will need it more then we will."
"No"
"Harry please"
"No"
"Harry"
"I'm sorry Aunt Molly but I can't take it back; it was a gift and I don't need it. You heard what he left me and I will never need any of that money I gave you. Please don't ask me to take it back."
"Well we will discuss this later on and I won't say no to the help of the house-elves; heaven knows I will need it during the summer."
"Thank you Aunt Molly and Dobby and Winky will refer to you as my Mrs. Wheezy so don't be offended ok?"
"Don't worry Harry dear, I will not get out of sorts when they call me a Wheezy. Now finish up your dinner so you can get some rest. Tomorrow we have to do some shopping and I know that your shopping got interrupted in Hogsmeade. We will go as a group and stay together; no arguments. I am sure that if you or any of the others have to buy something that is secret we can manage something."
"I guess we don't have a choice do we; so I guess I have to agree."
"You do catch on quick Mr. Potter and I want you to know that I am so proud to have you as part of our family."
Thanks Aunt Molly"
After dinner the six went up to Harry's room and talked about who they still need to get presents for. They only stayed up for about thirty minutes before everyone started to yawn and decided that it was time for bed and they had to be up early for Diagon Alley. Morning came too early for the six teenagers but they got up and got ready so after breakfast they could get their shopping out of the way; that way they would have time to just relax that evening. The plan for the day was to get the present shopping out of the way before the food shopping was done. Mr. And Mrs. Granger would arrive Christmas Eve at around noon; Mrs. Longbottom had sent an owl the night before and said she would meet them in Diagon Ally at noon. They spent five hours going into almost every shop to find their gifts for their friends and family members. By three o'clock they were back home and putting things away; Neville had been aloud to return with his friends; since they would be coming back on Christmas Eve; his grandmother gave into him but was glad that he had his friends.
During dinner, Dumbledore showed up with the two house-elves; he conjured a small table close to Harry and had them sit and eat with the rest of the group. After dinner, Molly made everyone leave the kitchen except Harry, his two house-elves, Dumbledore and her husband. Dobby and Winky tried to stand at the end of the table but Harry made them sit with him and the others. Dumbledore explained to Molly why they were here (she told him Harry had already told her) and expressed the need to let the house-elves help her in any way they could. Harry also added his thoughts on the subject of what the house-elves were to do and not do and that they were expected to eat all their meals with the family. He also told them that they would be part of the Christmas celebration this year and every year to come because they were part of this family now. Dobby praised Harry for being a great wizard and Winky would just make a squeaking sound every now and then.
Remus arrived on Sunday at about noon; he explained to Harry that he had to take care of teacher things before he could leave, He and Harry spent most of the day locked away in Remus's room; just talking about his parents and Sirius. He enjoyed learning more about his parents and how they were when they were young; it helped them both with their grief not only for Sirius but for the parents he never got to know. Harry joined his friends in Ron and Neville's room at about four-thirty and they stayed in there until it was time for dinner. On Monday Remus, Bill, Charlie, Fred and George went out searching for the perfect Christmas tree; at twelve-thirty they arrived with the biggest tree Harry had ever seen (other then the ones at Hogwarts); that would fit inside a house. The tree trimming would take place at two o'clock on Christmas Eve; after the tree trimming they would be aloud to place their presents under the tree.
Harry sat back and watched how everyone was getting into the Christmas spirit; moving the boxes out of storage and into the formal living room where the tree was being set up. This was how the holidays were supposed to be; everyone working together and not leaving anyone out. The love that was in this house was something that had never happened before; that he was sure of. He knew that the Black family probably had love for their family but let the evil of hating muggles and muggle born wizards and witches. He knew that Sirius was watching over him and was smiling down on this house of love and Mrs. Black was turning over in her grave but he didn't care they were carrying on what Sirius wanted. Sirius had talked about love in his Will and now there was true family love in this house and hoped that Sirius was happy; where ever he was right now.
The morning of Christmas Eve was a very busy affair; while Dobby and Winky took care of breakfast; Molly Weasley was busy preparing for the house guest that would be arriving in the afternoon. Neville and Ron were moved into the room with Harry to make room for Hermione's parents, Hermione, Ginny and Luna were moved into Mrs. Black's old bedroom, Remus moved into the room with the boy's. Hagrid had came and took Buckbeak to Hogwarts to spend time with his old friend and the other rooms that they had not used yet were being set up for Mrs. Longbottom, Mr. Lovegood and a few of the order members that Harry had requested to be there for the holiday. Dobby and Winky had been set up in one of the rooms downstairs; by what Remus had told him; these rooms would have been used by muggles for their maid or butler.
At noon the guest started to arrive; Mr. And Mrs. Granger arrived first and was shown to their room by Hermione and Ginny. Mrs. Longbottom arrived at twelve-thirty and Ron and Neville took her to the room she would stay in; followed by Mr. Lovegood; taken to his room by Harry and Luna. By two o'clock the rest of the Weasley (minus Percy) family had arrived; followed by Tonks and her parents, Alastor Moody, Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall and Kingsley Shacklebolt. Molly had everyone enter into the formal living room and had the adults take a seat. Once everyone was seated she turned the floor over to Harry. He welcomed his guest and family to the first Potter/Lupin Christmas celebration and proceeded to explain what was going to happen.
"First of all I want to explain why it is being called to the first Potter/Lupin Christmas celebration. Sirius Black left this house to Remus Lupin and me and we wanted to make this a very special Christmas. So we came up with the idea to invite our friends and family to celebrate with us. Aunt Molly and Uncle Arthur welcomed me into their home and family when I was twelve and over the years many of you here today have joined my growing family. This is only my second real Christmas and I wanted to make it the best. Each of you has been asked to bring a special ornament to add to the tree; which will be put on every year from now on. Ok, I'm going to quit talking now so we can get started decorating the tree. Uncle Arthur would you please start and Aunt Molly you next; each Weasley starting from the youngest to the oldest, then Remus, Hermione and her parents, Neville and Gram, Luna and her father, Tonks and her parents. After Tonks I would like for professor Dumbledore, then professor McGonagall, Alastor Moody, Kingsley Shacklebolt, and then Dobby and Winky. If I forgot anyone please forgive me but do put your ornament on the tree; Uncle if you would please."
It took over an hour for the tree to be completely decorated; with each person putting their own ornament and then adding on what Molly had in boxes. Harry let Dobby put the final touch on the tree; the star that his parents and other family members had used on their Christmas tree (which had been in the trunk Dumbledore had given him on his birthday) for many years. Dobby and Winky were enjoying being part of the celebration and were making sure there was plenty of food and drink to go around. By nine o'clock people started leaving the living room and retiring to their rooms; it had been a great day for Harry; he just wished Sirius had been alive to share in the celebration. Harry had decided to step out into the back yard for some fresh air and to enjoy the feeling of being with people that he loved and that loved him. He had been out side for about ten minutes when he noticed a small spot moving towards him from the sky. At first he though it was his imagination but soon a tiny owl came into view; as it got closer he recognized the owl as the one they had given to Mark Evans before they left school. He held out his arm for the owl to land on and took of the parchment (must be Christmas wishes he thought) and headed back into the house. He sat the little owl down on the table and gave her some water and a piece of bread; he sat down and started reading the letter from his friend.
Harry
I hope that my owl has found you. There is something going on here at Privet drive. There are people roaming the streets in black cloaks and white masks; I'm scared for my family because I remember you talking about the deatheater's and what they do to muggles and muggle born wizards. I didn't know who else to send my owl to and I hope you can get help here soon. Please hurry because they are getting closer to our house.
Your friend
Mark Evans
Harry grabbed the owl and ran for the living room hoping that some of the order would still be there; he was glad to see Dumbledore and most of the others who were in the order still there.
"Professor…Dumbledore…attack…Privet…Drive…Mark…Help…please."
"Harry, calm down, did you have another vision?"
"No…sir, I was…out back getting some fresh air and the owl we gave to Mark Evans for Christmas flew into the yard. He sent this note; deatheater's are on Privet drive and when he sent it they were getting close to his house; we need to get help there now."
"Remus, alert the rest of the order; Molly please contact madam Pomfrey and meet us there; Arthur, Tonks, Kingsley and Alastor come with me."
"Is there any ting I can do to help professor?"
"I am afraid not but we will let you know what we can Mr. Potter."
"Thanks professor McGonagall but please make sure everyone there is safe for me; even the Dursley's."
"We will try Mr. Potter"
With in minutes the order members and half of the Weasley family were gone; Harry just hoped that they would get there in time to save Mark and his family and even though they didn't deserve it he hoped that his family was alright. After telling the others what was going on with Mark; he had to lock the little owl in a cage because she kept trying to fly back to Mark and Harry didn't want her to get hurt. Harry had Winky and Dobby set up sleeping bags in the parlor; they would hear anyone that came in during the night and tried to stay awake for any news of what had happened.
(Privet Drive)
Albus Dumbledore and a few of the order apparitated in front of Mrs. Figgs house; Moody knocking on her door; but there was no answer. You could hear soft pops all around; they knew people were apparitating into the area but were they friend or foe. Moody head under his invisibility cloak and made his way down the road; heading for Private drive; the others following and making sure no one was able to see them. By the looks of things as they made their way down the street; the deatheater's had just been destroying houses in a random order. Some how Voldemort must have found (probably Peter Pettigrew) out that Harry's relatives lived in the area and that he had not stayed at school this year for the holiday.
Dark marks were every where; houses destroyed and dead bodies were spread out all over the street. Remus was just hoping that they had gotten there in time to save Mark Evans and his family; since he was the one that had asked Harry for help. When the order arrived on Privet drive; the deatheater's were standing in front of a house that was only seven houses away from the Dursley's; the order knew that they could not see that house because of the protection charms that were on the house but fear struck the heart of the headmaster of Hogwarts as the dark mark was sent into the air of #11 Privet Drive; he shot sparks into the air for the rest of the order to start fighting back against the deatheater's. Spells, Hexes and charms were shooting across the air as the fight began; Tonks and Remus made their way across the street to start checking for survivors; with hope that Mark and his family were in one of the houses that had not been attacked yet.
With the sound of sirens coming from the muggle police; deatheater's that had not been stunned or captured were disapparating. Auror's were apparitating on the seen and taking the few they had into custody and taking them away; while the order members started in the search for survivors and the Evans family. Madam Pomfrey and a few Auror's that had a medical back ground were helping with the wounded and getting them stable before they moved on to the next house; #15 Privet drive was the next house the medical team went to. Albus Dumbledore hated what they found there; this house had belonged to the Evans family. On the living room floor were the bodies of the elderly grandparents of Mark Evans; as they made their way up the stairs a feeling of dread washed over the group. As they walked down the hall they would open the doors and then move on when nothing was found. In the last bedroom; there on the bed were Marks parents; both killed with the killing curse. The look of pure fear still could be seen in their eyes. With a single tear falling from his eye; Albus Dumbledore concentrated on the boy that was still unaccounted for. Moving back down the hallway towards the; hoping that they would find the boy alive.
Albus Dumbledore was known for his fascination for magical trinkets and the one he always carried with him on nights like these would prove to be a god send. He pulled out a small object; that most muggles would think was a small magnifying glass but truth be told it was a way to find magical energy; even in a house or building that had been destroyed. He searched the back yard first; at the hopes the boy had gotten out of the house; there was no sign of any magical aura; so he returned to the inside of the house. There were weak spots; places where Mark had been in the house over the past seven hours; the spots got stronger as he got closer to the stairs but would go weak again when he started up stairs. There was only one place he could be and he just hoped he was not hurt; he walked back down the stairs and stood in from of a door; this house was set up just like the Dursley's house. There behind boxes; sat Mark Evans and he was alive but he was hurt. Madam Pomfrey checked him over and discovered that he was suffering from shock, had a broken leg, broken arm and a concussion. In his left hand was his wand and he had it pointed at the door but did not move; Remus tried to get him to come out but he did not move. Finely he had to be levitated out of the cupboard so madam Pomfrey could give him medical attention. The headmaster of Hogwarts stood there as the nurse worked on the boy; a stray tear rolling down his cheek. He called for Remus and Tonks to follow him into the kitchen; they would have to decide a few things before moving him.
"Remus, this will be the hardest thing you will have to do tonight but I wish for you to be the one to inform Harry and I think it would be best if we take him back to headquarters until we can talk to the boy and find out which family members know about him being a wizard."
"I agree Albus, if his family doesn't know then we should ask him where he wants to go. You know that Harry will want him to live with us; he won't want him to grow up alone."
"That Remus is what will have him defeating Voldemort in the end; he has so much love with in him that the evil of Voldemort will not survive."
"You know that Harry will blame himself for this; even though it had nothing to do with him."
"Yes he will and I hope that Mark and his friends can convince him other wise; he is not at fault for what Voldemort does and I hope he will understand that soon."
"Harry, help me, Harry please"
"Mark has came back to us; we need to cheek on him and then take him to headquarters"
"Yes sir"
"Remus, please call me Albus" he said with a twinkle in his eye
When they came back into the hall; madam Pomfrey was trying to quiet Mark down. When the headmaster caught his eye; he stopped fighting the school nurse. She looked up and understood why the boy had gotten quiet.
"Mr. Evans, how are you feeling?"
"Much better but what happened?"
"For some reason deatheater's were here on Privet drive; we came as soon as Harry informed us he had received your note. I am truly sorry that you and your family were attacked. Voldemort's followers have killed and wounded many tonight."
"They…killed…my…parents…and…my nana and papa."
"Yes they did and I cannot express enough how sorry I am that you have lost your family but tonight Remus will take you to the home of a friend. You will be safe there until we can talk about where you will go to live. Do you feel well enough to travel?"
"Yes sir but where am I going?"
"You will see soon enough; I dare say that you will be comfortable with the people you will stay with."
"Yes sir"
"It was not an order Mark; you will be staying with friends"
"Thank you sir and thank you for coming"
"You do not need to thank me son; just promise me that you will let your friends help you through this time of grief"
"I'll try sir"
"Remus, are you ready to take Mark to headquarters?"
"Yes"
Picking up a piece of the broken door; Albus Dumbledore made a portkey that would take them to the living room with the Christmas tree; he activated it as soon as both Remus and Mark had a finger on it. Tonks gathered his school trunk and some of his presents from under the tree and apparated to the back yard of Grimmauld Place; she walked around the house and gave the password; Molly opened the door for her. She gave her a small nod and headed to the back door to bring in Marks things; she had left them in the back yard for security reasons. She asked Molly where to put his things and was told just to take them to Harry's room. All Molly could think about was how this poor boy was going to handle Christmas and the days to come; he was going to have to say good-by to his parents and grandparents and they all would be there for him. She knew Harry would be there for the boy but knew deep down in her heart he would blame himself for what had happened to Marks parents. This was to be a time for celebration and love; not about war and the loss of loved ones. Tomorrow she would make sure that the arrangements were being made for his family and that he would have people around to help him through his grief.
I just want to thank all of my reader for reviewing. I do hope that if you find a mistake in any of my chapter you will let me know. By count in my word document this chapter is at 9811 words and let me tell you I had to really work this chapter over to get it that low. By the time I tweaked it here and there I think it was at 10,590. Even with all the editing and rewording we still have the longest chapter to date and I didn't even get Christmas morning in there but it is coming in the next chapter. I hope that everyone enjoyed this chapter and aren't to mad at me for what happened to Marks family; believe me I cried while I typed it out. Please be gentle when you review; I do want to hear the good and the bad. Thanks again for reading my story.