A/N: I own nothing. Thanks to all my readers for the wonderful reviews. You guys make my day so much better. Please keep them coming. I think this story is nearing its end unfortunately two chapters left after this one, who knows. On the other hand don't listen to me, because I usually never know what I'm talking about. LOL. Here's the next chapter Enjoy! And remember Review, review, review. No flames, only constructive criticism and others are welcomed. Schools starting tomorrow so I don't know for sure when the next chapter will be out, but I promise you it will come.
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"Dad, C'mon what are you waiting for just throw it already." The voice of an impatient teenager rang throughout Snape Manor's gardens.
"I'll throw it Mr. Potter, when I'm good and ready to throw it." James chided his son, and with that he threw the freezing Frisbee (Which freezes the person if they drop it) at an unexpecting Harry.
Even though surprised Harry was able to catch it thanks to his seeker flexibility. "Nice try." He cried triumphantly, his face and body all covered with dirt while playing the game. He pushed his fringe out of his eyes, and threw the Frisbee back to James.
"Don't you worry Harry, this time I'll get you. Prongs never misses twice." He threw the freezing Frisbee back at his son.
Harry caught it and rolled on the lavishing green grass with laughter. His father could be quite amusing at times.
It had been two days since he was brought here and things were going much better than he expected them to. Him and James were getting along better; his father even insisted that they both just eat finger foods and not just Harry. James had made life for Harry as comfortable as possible. He never tried to push Harry to talk, but listened with a kind ear when Harry decided to open up. Little by little Harry was making a rapid recovery. Being out here with his dad, being able to act his own age was making Harry forget what happened to him at the Dursley's. Here he was no longer 'the freak' nor was he 'the boy who lived' he was just Harry. And Harry was more than grateful for that.
"Oh yeah, we'll see about that." James pounced on his son and began tickling him until Harry could not breathe.
"I. Give. Up." Harry panted through each breath. Sure it may have been childish to be tickled at his age, but he would not trade this moment for anything. He only wished that his father was there with him while he was growing up.
"See I do win." James stopped tickling Harry as soon as the teary – eyed boy claimed defeat.
They both just lay there on the billowing grass, trying to catch their breaths, while watching the clouds roll by.
"It's perfect." Harry exclaimed so quietly that James had to lean in to hear what Harry had just said.
"What is?" James asked already knowing what Harry's answer would be.
"This." Was the only word that came out.
"I know. It's like looking at a little piece of heaven." James smiled.
Harry rolled onto his side to look at James in the face. With a pleading look in his eyes he asked. "Dad can I go flying afterwards? Please." Harry begged, he still had to abide by the boundaries, and at times he was still being babied, but now he could see where his father was coming from. He was just being protected, and it felt nice, he had to admit to himself. As a child he was always deprived of everything, and now he lavished the attention he so longingly missed.
"We can go for a ride after lunch if you want. I'll ride beside you, and Harry no trying to run away. You must promise not to get too far from me." James could not take the memory of having Harry falling purposefully off of his broom, and he did not want another encounter like that happening today.
"I promise. And then maybe we can play a game of Quidditch. You can transfigure a rock to turn into a snitch, or something. Potter against Potter. Then we can see who really is the best." Harry laughed.
James joined in. It was nice to hear his son laughing and acting so excited over a simple thing like Quidditch. "Whatever you want to do Harry we'll do. Today is your day, and you can decide on anything you want to do."
Harry beamed. He was never allowed to choose what he wanted to do; it was usually done for him. He had to admit his dad was the best.
"Food." Harry cried all of a sudden, as a picnic blanket and a picnic basket filled with delicious food appeared before them both. Displaying itself magically as if it were a banquet made for two hundred people and not just two.
"I'm starving." And in response James' stomach gave an almighty growl.
This time they were both on the floor laughing again. When they were finally able to control their laughing Harry settled himself by the blankets and started putting on heaping amounts of food on his plate.
James followed suit very quickly as he thought his son would eat it all up at once, and never leave a bit for him. He knew how growing boys were; after all he used to be one himself.
"Dad?" Harry called his father, as he finished taking a bite from his cucumber and tomato sandwich.
"Hmmm." James replied as he himself picked up another chicken leg. How he loved chicken.
"I was wondering what made mum change her mind about you? All Sirius ever said was that you grew up and you changed. But how exactly did you change. I mean mum really really really hated you."
"Gee thanks for that lovely commentary on your mother's feelings." James joked and then he considered Harry for a moment and he slowly placed down his chicken leg on the Styrofoam plate. "If you must know, you're mother did not hate me, she just never approved of some of the things I did. Then as the years at Hogwarts went by things started changing very slowly. I stopped being such an outright prat. I realized that if I ever wanted to gain Lily's affections I would have to start behaving properly and become serious in my studies. The middle of sixth year I buckled down, and my grades went up. Sure I partook in the occasional prank, how could I not? But I never let my emotions control me. I gave up on tormenting the kids younger than me, and that's when Lily started paying me more attention. During the summer our families went to a cottage like we did every summer, and me and your mother started hitting it off. We discussed what we wanted to do when we were out of Hogwarts. I said I wanted to become an Auror, and your mother wanted to become a Professor at either Hogwarts or Beauxbatons, she refused Durmstrang. That's how our summer passed. With the best conversation and panoramic view that you could imagine. At the end of the summer we officially became a couple. The last year went by fast, and before we knew it we were married. Two years later I became an Auror, and another year later your mother had you. She did not have time to be a professor, but honestly she could care less, she was so happy Harry. When you were born it was like she became a totally new person, more beautiful, more loving, and definitely more caring. Even though she was already all of that before you, you seemed to bring forth more from her. You were her world Harry. Everything in her world revolved around you. I remember coming home one night from work, looking for supper, which by the way she usually had made already, when I asked her where it was, she said she didn't have time to prepare it, she had been watching you sleep for three hours. She could not take her eyes off of you. She loved you so much." James smiled. " Then there was the time when you're mother was sleeping and I decided to take you out for a walk, you were only two months old. When I came home with you there were about three Aurors taking down a description of what you looked like. She thought I kidnapped you. When the Aurors had left, I got the biggest reprimand I ever had in my life." James chuckled.
"Wow, mum let you have it didn't she?" Harry laughed. "I miss her." He said as an afterthought.
"I know son, but just remember that she always loved you. She sacrificed herself to save you, and she would do it again if she could."
"I know." Was the only reply that came from Harry as he grabbed another sandwich from the basket. Not really hungry he just nibbled on the food, he needed something to do, and the silence was getting awkward.
"Dad can I ask you another question?" Harry looked fearfully, wondering if he would get in trouble.
"Anything. You can ask me anything, whether or not I answer is a whole other topic." He knew he would tell Harry anything though, there was nothing that he wanted kept secret.
"If your parents and mum's parents were both wizards and they got along fine what happened to Aunt Petunia? How did she turn out the way that she did?"
"You're Aunt was always jealous of her sister. There was never a time when Petunia Evans would try and hurt Lily, or try to get her into trouble, but every time she failed miserably. Her jealousy turned into hatred and from then on they never really spoke a word to each other. One day at the cottage I overheard my parents talking to the Evans, apparently Petunia got her Hogwarts letter, but she refused point blank to attend, she stated that wizards and witches were 'freaks' just like all of us. Your grandparents could only gawk at her they had no clue where they went wrong. That was the last I ever saw of her. The next summer when we arrived at the cottage we noticed that one person was missing. With pursed lips your grandfather William Evans said that Petunia went to live with her Aunt and Uncle who lived in the muggle world on your grandmothers side. Your grandmother was a muggleborn witch the only one in her family. Apparently Petunia said that she could finally be around people worth knowing." James sighed. He had no clue how one such as Petunia Dursley who grew up in the wizarding world could abandon it without ever a glimpse back, he knew of course that their were cases, but it was still sad.
"Wow." Harry said. "All this time I never knew. All Aunt Petunia would ever say was that how mum got her letter and she never did. But the whole jealousy thing makes sense. So that's where Dudley gets it from." Harry stated.
"I guess so." Was James' only reply. "But like I said Petunia did get her Hogwarts letter, but she threw it in the fireplace. And now she tells people like us that that never happened. It's usually easier to tell a lie when you don't want people knowing the truth."
"Dad if for some reason they do find us. They won't take me back to the Dursley's will they?" Harry stared at his father, changing the subject altogether. He did not care anymore about his Aunt, his main concern and what was eating up at him was knowing that he could be separated from his father again. Knowing what the answer would be he began trembling.
"Harry, if we are found which is highly unlikely because of all the security I've got placed here, you will never go back to the Dursley's, I'll make sure of it. Plus if I know Dumbledore he won't let his Saviour get away from him again. He'll want to keep you where he can see you and he won't be able to at the Dursley's." James said smiling.
Harry stopped his trembling knowing he was safe his father would not let any harm come to him, but that left still one more question. "What about returning to Hogwarts, how will I do that?" Harry thought about his friends who were still probably at the castle right now wondering what had happened to him.
"I thought it over." James said, after a couple of minutes without
anyone talking. "For your seventh year you won't be attending Hogwarts."
"What do you mean I won't be attending Hogwarts?" Harry screamed. He jumped from his place that he was sitting, and looked at his father with his emerald green eyes ablaze. He should have known that that was what James was going to say, but Hogwarts was still his home and he desperately wanted to go back.
"With my warrant out, and with Dumbledore still in control I don't want you going back to Hogwarts, it's not safe for either one of us."
"But Dad, Hogwarts is my home. You can't do that to me. All my friends are there. Ron, Hermione, Neville, Seamus, Dean, and Ginny. I'm going back there. Dumbledore can't do anything to you or me. This is my family. You just said so yourself. That Dumbledore won't let anything happen to me again because I'm the saviour." Harry was panicked. His breathing turning very ragged.
"Yes but that would mean he would never let you return to me." James said, seeing the desperation growing inside of Harry. James had no clue what to do, but if it meant their safety over Harry's happiness he would have to forfeit it. "I'm sorry Harry, but I've decided, and my decision is final."
"Doesn't my opinion count for anything?" He cried. "I promise dad that once I'm back Dumbledore will take the warrant off. And then he'll have to let me go back to you. Please don't do this to me. I've already lost so much."
James hated to see the boy look so haggard, but he could not take the chance. "I'm sorry Harry, but there's no point in arguing anymore, we'll be moving to France in a couple of days, and you'll be attending Beauxbatons. They can't separate us there."
"I don't want to go to some stupid French school. I don't even speak any French." Harry cried.
"You'll learn. It's not so hard. Trust me."
"I don't want to trust you. I hate you James. I hate you. You can't do this to me."
"You listen to me, and you listen to me good, Harry James Potter. You will do as I say, and what I say will go. We are leaving in two days time. I suggest you start packing your belongings."
"I don't have any. My loving uncle took them all away, or don't you remember." Harry hissed in anger.
"I meant your clothes. And I would watch your mouth if I were you, if you keep talking to me like this you'll be in a lot more trouble than you already are. Now go. Gleazle will take you to your room."
A loud pop was heard as a new house – elf appeared before the two distraught men. "What can Gleazle do you for Master Potter?" The house – elf squeaked.
"Take Harry to his room. That will be all."
"Yes sir." Gleazle nodded to Harry who followed the house – elf into his room. Where he was once again a prisoner.
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Harry was more than angry. This was the worst summer that he could ever remember having. It felt like one long-winded nightmare that never seemed to end. His father knew how much he lost, so for the life of him he could not figure out why James would take away the rest of his family. He wondered what Beauxbatons would be like. He had no clue how he would cope, when all he knew in French was "Bonjour, Au Revoir, Oui, and Non." That would be great if he was always coming, leaving, or if the professors asked yes or no questions. He was sure to fail. Then he thought of the red headed girl his father was asking him to leave behind. He really cared for Ginny and had wanted to ask her out ever since the whole department of mystery fiasco. Now that would be impossible, and if he did ever have the chance, she would most likely be taken. Life was not fair.
He flung himself on his bed, and cried.
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James was furious. More than furious he was ready to blast the next thing that came into his view with his wand. It seemed every time him and Harry were making any sort of progress it would be ruined. And instead of taking two steps forward they would take three steps back. Why couldn't Harry see what he was doing was for the best? France is such a beautiful country and Harry would be able to experience things he never had a chance to before.
James just wanted what was best for Harry, like any father would want for his son, but of course Harry had to make things so frustrating that James was ready to rip his hair out. Gone were the days when Harry could be told what to do and he would comply without much protest. Now here was the adolescent Harry who was rebelling with a much faster pace than James and Sirius combined could do or cope with.
He wondered if Harry had grown up with him if he would still act this way. It was hard to tell, it could go either way.
Still fuming James walked the gardens, and came to the spot that was the most calming. High up on top of a very big hill, where it looked like the earth touched the sky, James made himself comfortable and just stared across at the beautiful horizon before him.
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The Leaky Cauldron in Diagon Alley was alive with noise. Tom the barkeep was overjoyed business was booming. Apparently with the news of He – Who – Must – Not – Be – Named returning wizards and witches alike were turning to drinking or coming to his inn to get away from life, or to meet up with friends or have a family reunion. Either way business was booming.
In the very back sat a lone man. His salt and pepper hair was the only thing that people were able to make out. If a person did get a good look at the man they scurried away as fast as they could. The man looked foreboding. The only person that had the wits to go up to him was Tom. The others looked at the old barkeep with great respect. Yet again it was his job. Tom looked at the man and could see the days Daily Prophet propped up against the napkin dispenser.
"Anybody disappeared today, Remus." Tom asked the man before him.
"Not today. Thank Merlin." Remus replied giving Tom a halfhearted smile.
"Anything I could get fer ya." Tom tried again, trying to brighten the man up.
"No thanks, Tom. I'm good. I've got to get going soon anyways. Lots of things to do today." Remus said again, looking at the Daily Prophet, and watched as Tom walked away.
Remus sighed. He had taken residence at the Leaky Cauldron three days ago since James had taken Harry to Snape Manor. He was closer to James if he needed help, and he was also closer to one of their greatest allies, Ollivander, but still it was mostly for Harry and James' benefit.
The last day that he was there and Harry screamed made Remus realize that he needed to be closer just in case.
Remus laid his edition of the daily prophet flat on the table; with a courteous nod to Tom he made his way to the backroom. Remus tapped on the bricks that led to Diagon Alley in a sequential order. The hidden door swung back revealing the most beautiful sight that Remus could see.
The small town with its cobbled streets and old fashion stores looked as if it came out of a fairy tale. The windows were all decoratively displayed alluring the shoppers to take a peak. For a moment Remus got lost in Flourish and Blott's where one book in the display kept changing its colour and form, and another one kept jumping up and down.
The next store that Remus passed was Quality Quidditch Supplies that once again reminded him of his best friend and his son. A snitch was zooming across the window and a newer model of the firebolt was hovering in its place. The Firebolt 2.
Remus made up his mind. True he still was not employed, but he was able to save a great deal by shaving off his rent cost when he went to live at the Order's Headquarters. So he would be able to afford this.
The chime on the door rang alerting the salesperson that a new shopper had entered the store.
"How may I help you sir?" The older wizard asked from behind the counter where it was positioned right by the door.
"I'd like to purchase the Firebolt 2 please." Remus said getting out his galleons.
"Are you sure that one sir? Maybe I can interest you in another one that would be more suitable to your needs." The clerk looked Remus up and down and noticed the state of his clothing.
Remus not oblivious to what was going on shoved the three hundred galleons towards the man. "Yes that one and a snitch to go along with it."
"Yes sir. Right away." The salesman said as he jumped to retrieve the newest model broomstick and a small golden snitch.
Remus gathered his newest purchase and made his way to Ollivanders. As he was closing in the small distance between Quality Quidditch Supplies and Ollivanders he felt an eerie presence from behind. Remus' back grew taut going on the defensive. A few more steps and he whipped his head around to see if he was being followed. When he scanned the area and saw that it was cleared, he continued on his way. His wand held more tightly in his hands. If it came down to it he needed to be prepared.
Remus entered the store wanting to get the daily report on Diagon Alley and the activities and than he just wanted to go to Snape Manor and have a relaxing day there.
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Lucius Malfoy watched the Werewolf enter Ollivanders. The moment he thought of whom James could possibly tell his hiding place to he had apparated to Diagon Alley. Remus Lupin would be the best secret keeper around. He had been following Remus for three days ever since Draco was killed. After Lucius was able to form his plans, Narcissa had come home from a day of shopping, and gossiping with Matilda Parkinson (Pansy Parkinson's mother). Enquiring about Draco's whereabouts Lucius had to tell her the truth. He told her of Draco's failure and what the Dark Lord made him do. She had been more enraged then she had ever been in her life. She threw the new crystal vase that she had just bought that day at Lucius' head. It made a nice shattering sound as it hit Lucius on the side of his temple, causing a small gash to appear. The rest fell to the floor. She then slammed the door to their room shut and cried herself until she fell asleep. When Lucius went to comfort her he found the door locked. He wanted to give Narcissa time and privacy so he let her be. The next morning there was still no progress. Narcissa was taking Draco's death way harder than he thought she would, but then again she had actually cared for the boy, no she had actually loved the boy. Which was quite surprising because at the beginning of their marriage he was the one that was all for children and heirs while Narcissa could not care at all whether she conceived or not. Narcissa sat in bed, her eyes glassy and red rimmed, her nose and cheeks all puffy and raw. She looked a horrible mess. Lucius knew how to fix her, and to do that he would have to get started. Where to start? He would need Diagon Alley. The first afternoon Lucius had come up empty – handed, looking for the impertinent Werewolf. He had come to the Leaky Cauldron ready to take up a room and just call it a day, when he saw the said person entering the bar. So for the other two days Lucius followed Remus like a hawk, learning his daily routines, where he went and where he'd go. He was quite surprised today that Remus would take on such a defensive stance, when he never did that before. Then Lucius remembered that it was nearing the full moon so his senses could have heightened. For now he would stay huddled behind the store and wait for Remus to come out of Ollivanders. Then he would strike, and Remus would belong to him.
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"Hello Mr. Lupin." A grave voice cut through the still silent air, announcing its presence from behind the backroom.
"Hi Ollivander." Remus replied his voice equally as grave as the other's. Jumping into business Remus started, "Any news this morning, or has everything been alright?"
The balding, know it all man came out from the back room holding numerous wands and shoving them into a large trunk that seemed to have no bottom.
"No, everything is not alright Remus. You must listen to me very quietly. I can feel it in my bones. Somethins' a brewing, and it would be wise to leave. Just like I'm doing." He waved his hand to prove his point.
"Why? What's happening?" Remus asked getting frantic. If something were going to go down like a Death Eater raid he would have to warn the Order then they would have to evacuate all of the residences that lived in or near the Alley. They would all have to be warned.
"I don't know just yet Lupin, but I can tell you I feel it in my bones. Something is going to happen, something horrible and it would be better if you left now when you still had the chance."
"I can't just leave everybody behind. They all need to be warned."
"No time, there isn't anytime. DO YOU HEAR ME BOY? LEAVE NOW. IT'S YOUR ONLY HOPE FOR SURVIVAL." Ollivander said with a person who had just been possessed. Then with a sweep of his wand the rest of the remaining unpacked wands leapt into the trunk, and it disappeared along with Ollivander.
Remus raced out of the store getting ready to floo to Dumbledore's office when he was hit with a stray curse. He fell down in a crumpled heap of robes.
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Lucius was not expecting Remus to come out of the storeas fast as he did. If it were not for his great reflexes Remus would have gotten away. Usually he would wait at least half an hour before the werewolf came out, looking mildly happy. Today he looked like he had just witnessed the most horrifying death imaginable. Lucius gathered the crumpled form in his arms, ignoring the newly wrapped packages that had fallen out of the werewolf's hands, and he apparated them away to Malfoy Manor.
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After careful consideration James still knew what he was doing was the right thing for the both of them. He stood up from his spot took one last glimpse of the serene view and went to meet his headstrong son.
He found Harry sitting at the desk writing with a very blunt quill that James made sure to place in his bedroom. Harry had asked for something to write with to let his friends know he was fine.
"Whatcha writing Harry?" James asked moving in beside the boy.
"Nothing." Came Harry's monotone voice. He did not look up from where he was writing, but continued on with his letter in a flourish of hurried scratches from the quill.
"Come on Harry. It won't be that bad, I promise you. Beauxbatons has a lot of really nice kids; you'll make new friends. Think of this as just one of your normal adventures one that you, Ron, and Hermione used to go on. Madame Maxime is a lot better at being a headmistress than Dumbledore ever was, we would be safe."
"Dad." Harry cried tears rolling down his face, swivelling in his chair to get a proper look at his father. "You don't understand. I won't have anybody there. No one I can say is my friend. Ron was my friend even before I said I was the famous Harry Potter. Hermione became our friend after we helped to save her life. Don't you see that the other students are only going to want to be my friend because of my name, not because of who I am. I can't Dad. You say it will be an adventure, but I usually have those with them, I've never been completely by myself and now I will. Please Dad Please don't make me go. It's only one more year left." Harry begged.
James looked at his sons imploring eyes. "Alright Harry. I'll make you a deal. I'll go and fire call Dumbledore, if we can make an agreement where we'll both be safe from him, I'll agree to let you return. If he refuses then you will go to Beauxbatons. Deal?" James held out his hand waiting for Harry to shake on it.
Harry too excited and surprised that James actually would agree to this jumped from his spot by the desk and hugged his father. "Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, Thank You." He kept repeating those two words over again.
"Your welcome, my son." James whispered in the boy's ears.
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Dumbledore stared at Fawkes as if he were to be blamed for everything that was going wrong in the wizarding world. Fawkes having had enough of this treatment gave Dumbledore one last look of deepest loathing and flew out of the open window and headed for the Forbidden Forest.
"Figures." Dumbledore murmured to himself. "The most loyal pets such as a phoenix would go and desert his master." But then again how could Dumbledore blame Fawkes, when it was Dumbledore that had been betraying everybody else. He just figured that Fawkes was smart enough to know what was going on and did not like it one bit when Dumbledore was playing the Potters for a fool, since it was them that used to be the loyalist out of all the Order Members.
What a day this day was turning out to be. First the ministry and himself could still not find the Potters; which probably meant that James had put on a Fidelius charm around his hideout. Second Remus did not show up for his daily report on how things were faring in the world (yes he did think of Remus as the Potters secret keeper, but he thought it would be too obvious, his next choice was Hagrid. He would have to explore the Giants mind later) and now Fawkes. He wondered what else could possibly go wrong this day. He hoped nothing more he could not take it. He was just too old for these games.
Albus decided that he would need to go to make a trip to Weldash a magical community that excelled in carrying unusual types of magical creatures. That is where he got Fawkes and that's where he would get another Phoenix. One that was more loyal than that traitor.
He tied his travelling cloak around his neck and he picked up the floo powder that would take him to Hogsmeade where he could apparate to the magical community.
Albus was just about to throw the floo in when he was taken aback by a head floating in his fireplace. He gathered himself off of the floor where he had just fallen, and sat crossed legged having a feeling that this conversation could last awhile.
"Dumbledore." The voice in the fireplace acknowledged the man.
"Well, well, well. Mr. Potter. I knew I would be the one to find you in the end." Dumbledore could have clapped his hands for all the delight that he was feeling.
"Actually it was I who found you. And you still have not got me yet."
"But I can." The older wizards speech turned nasty. "I can just yank you from the fireplace by your hair, if I really wanted to. It would be so much painful on your part. Or I can just track down the floo that you used." Dumbledore laughed jovially.
"Sorry Dumbledore for bursting your little bubble, but you can't. This floo is untraceable. I'm not as stupid as you may think I am, there is no way in tracking me and if you do decide to yank me out of the floo I can promise you, you will never see your little 'golden boy' ever again. I can assure you that." James hissed through his teeth.
"Is that why you're hear to offer me your son? I thought you were above all that. But you know James I do care for Harry. I want him to win this war, but he is still like a son to me too."
"Then why are you acting this way? Why can't you leave us be?"
"Because right now I'm thinking of the greater good. And the greater good is having Harry here at Hogwarts where he can defeat Voldemort once and for all."
"Don't you think it's bad to hold Harry up so high? He might not even win. For all we know Voldemort might defeat him and then take over the wizarding world like he's always wanted to do. Not everything works out the way that you want it to Dumbledore. Even you should know that by now."
"But this will, my boy. This will. So tell me the real reason why you've decided to visit me today. I'm sure it wasn't to debate about who will win in the upcoming war."
"No it's not. I've came to talk to you about Harry."
"Oh." Dumbledore said, not really surprised. Otherwise why else would the man be there?
"I've come to make you a deal."
"What kind of deal Mr. Potter? As you can see you're not in any real position to bargain with me. I have the upper hand here."
"No you don't." Came the cheeky reply.
"Watch your tongue." Dumbledore demanded. "Or I might just set the Aurors on you."
"I'm not going to argue with you Dumbledore. I am here to tell you want I want. If you agree you get Harry back. If not then we go somewhere your little warrant on me won't be issued."
"What do you want James." The older man sounded broken.
"I have three conditions for Harry's return. My first is that you call off the ministry and say that it was all a misunderstanding, I won't be charged with something I did not commit, and Harry won't be taken from me. The second thing is that you stop meddling in mine and my sons life, you will not regard him in any manner outside the student/headmaster relationship, if I hear that you've even spoken a word to him that does not have anything to do with his school work the deal is off. The third is that you will stop using my son as a puppet. He's still a child and I don't want him being used for any of your schemes. Understood?" James finished with a huff.
Albus considered this for a moment, all the sparkles in his eyes gone. Just as suddenly as they left they returned. "Deal." He said loud and clear.
"I want it in writing Dumbledore. Your word means nothing to me." James' brown eyes turned darker.
Dumbledore grabbed a parchment and quill, and came back to where
James' head was floating. He wrote down all the conditions that James had mentioned. Sneakily without James being aware Dumbledore made a small unusual motion with his hand, and before anything more could be done, he rolled the parchment up and stuck it in James' mouth.
"I've signed it as you saw, now all it needs is your signature. Just send it back by owl once you've signed. And your deal is done."
James nodded as his reply considering his mouth was full of parchment.
Dumbledore let out a triumphant smirk as James went away.
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James pulled his head out of the fireplace, and raced back up the stairs to Harry's room. He saw his son pacing the room waiting in anticipation.
"Well?" Harry questioned. "What did he say? Am I allowed to go back?"
Harry looked so desperate that James could not help but torment the boy a little longer.
"Well…" James said. "You know how it is Harry. All the old coot wanted to know was where you were and when I wouldn't tell him he seemed to repel me from his office. I'm sorry son, but apparently we weren't able to come to a conclusion. I think I'll try him again in a couple of days." James had a hard time trying to keep a straight face when Harry surveyed him as to see if he was telling the truth or lying.
"Did he? So try again now. Plllleeeeaaaasssseeee." Harry begged.
This time James could not hold back his laughter, and he exploded, rolling on the floor. "Just kidding Harry. Look I have the contract right here waiting for me to sign it. When I do then I'll owl it out to Dumbledore." He said pulling the contract out from his robe pockets where he hid it.
"That was not funny." Harry said tears rolling down his face.
James noticing how distressed his son was pulled him into a fierce hug. "Harry I'm so sorry. It was just a joke, a joke. Look at this see I'm going to sign it right now." James conjured up a quill signed it right in front of Harry. He was too busy consoling Harry that neither one noticed the contract glow a different colour than it should have, and than faded and returned to its normal colour.
Two minutes later after James had finished consoling Harry an owl flew into the room, James tied the contract to the outstretched leg and launched the owl out of the opened window.
When James turned around he saw a grinning Harry. "Two can play at that game." Harry said.
"Why you." Came James' reply. He was truly proud of Harry; this was the first time that Harry was ever able to fake him out. He was
becoming a Marauder through and through. Those tears had been fake, a payoff. James now had to think of something to do to get back at Harry.
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Albus Dumbledore beamed in delight when the contract came back without it glowing grey. He waved his wand and muttered "Duplico." An identical contract appeared on the desk.
Albus took the second contract, wrote a small letter to go along with it and called for a school owl to come forth. He tied the duplicated contract and sent it to the ministry for Fudge to look over. Harry Potter was now his.
It was a simple but brilliant idea. The little hand movement that he had done earlier hid a little clause in the contract that nobody could see unless they used a revealing charm. It stated that once Harry returned to Hogwarts James had to give up all parental and visiting rights, until Dumbledore sees in the future that James is fit to be reinstated with those privileges. He, however, would never give James those rights back. Harry was now his to bend him to his will he had his missing link back and that was all that mattered.
The only problem that he could see was Harry. His temper was famous throughout the school. Nobody ever wanted to get on Harry's bad side. But for now he would not worry about Harry. It was not for another couple of weeks until school started, and once it did he would break Harry until he submitted to go along with fate, and defeat Voldemort.
He gave a sigh, remembering how he used to not feel this way about the boy. At the beginning he really truly honestly cared about Harry, and Harry's feelings, but that was when things were going his way. Now that they were not Albus could care less about the boy. His main goal was to bring down the darkest wizard of all times.
Dumbledore leaned back into his chair. There was absolutely nothing that James Potter could do now. The law was on Dumbledore's side, the contract was legal. Yes the facts were misleading, but in the wizarding world it is required for a wizard who is signing a contract to look it over for any hidden or concealing charms placed upon it. If the wizard or witch does not and they sign the contract, then they are binded by magical law, and they cannot go against it.
Dumbledore chuckled again to himself and he made his way to the floo to go where he had been planning to go. Weldash.
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Remus woke up with a groggy start. He remembered leaving Ollivanders after the crazy old man yelled at him to leave. Then he had no idea what happened afterwards or how he got to where he was. He knew one thing for sure he was not alone. He could smell another's presence close to him. It was nearing the full moon and whenever the new moon made its appearance his senses would heighten, on any normal day his senses would work just like everyone else's.
"Who's there?" Remus asked with more conviction in his voice that he felt at the moment. "Show yourself, or are you just cowardly."
"Nice puppy." Lucius' voice drawled soothingly. "I did not bring you here to hurt you. I brought you here to do me a favour."
Remus recognizing the voice was startled. What favour would Malfoy think he would do for him? He would never do anything for Malfoy; he had got to be kidding him.
"And what favour do you think that I will do for you Malfoy?"
Lucius leaned down closer to the crouched man on the floor and whispered in his ear. "You're going to tell me where the Potter's are, then I'm going to obliviate you." He smirked standing back up and taking in the look on the Wolf's face.
Remus' eyes grew wide. He would never tell Lucius where James and Harry were, not even if they were under the Fidelius charm. He could not take the chance. He got up and tried to scramble away to find the door.
Lucius watched Remus trying to find the exit. In all honesty it was quite amusing. He knew the werewolf could see perfectly well even though it was pitch black, but he was looking at all corners of the square room looking for the exit, even though there clearly was none. Lucius had charmed away the door. To leave Lucius would just apparate, after all they were in Malfoy Manor.
"Damn you Malfoy. Damn you to hell." Remus screamed. "You can keep me here forever and I still will not tell you where they are."
"That can be arranged Wolf." Lucius said vindictively. In a quick movement that even surprised Remus to the point that he could not move, Lucius bared down on him and poured something cold down his throat.
Lucius could see the affects of the Veritaserum taking its effect. Remus' eyes became glazed, and his face drew a blank.
"Where are James and Harry Potter?" He asked.
"Snape Manor." Came the hollow reply.
"What wards are set up and what are the counter curses to them?"
"There are many wards that are broken and can easily be brought down."
"Well, well, well. It seems that it would be much easier than I thought it would." Lucius was glowing with happiness.
"No it won't, you maybe able to know where Snape Manor is, but James has a Fidelius charm placed on him and Harry, but only in the boundaries of the house. If taken outside those boundaries they can be found."
"Excellent. Good Wolf. Now what's the password?" Lucius licked his lips in anticipation.
"I don't know. Not the secret keeper."
A growl erupted in frustration. "Well then who is the secret keeper?"
"Harry Potter." A confused voice was sounding.
Lucius could tell that the Veritaserum was wearing off. He did not give his captive much, only enough to give the information. Knowing that Remus was not the secret keeper brought a crestfallen look on the Silver haired man's face. This was not right. If Harry Potter was the secret keeper than there was no way that they would be found. Before the potion wore off completely Lucius dove in for one last question. "Can you bring them to me?"
A half nod came from the man. Remus could have died right on the spot. He knew that it could not be helped, but he felt so ashamed for his weakness. He spat at the man before him.
"You may have got me to answer your questions Malfoy, but that does not mean I will bring them to you." He growled.
"Yes you will. See I'm the one with the wand and you Wolf are not. Imperio."
Remus could not avoid the spell that hit him. Again his eyes turned to glass.
"You will bring the Potters to me." Lucius hissed. "By whatever means you may. Just bring them back here to me."
Remus at first tried fighting back. He questioned himself about why he would want to betray his best friend, and why would he ever do anything Malfoy wanted him to do, but in the end Malfoy's strong voice telling him to do it made up his mind for him. He used Malfoy's fireplace after being given back his wand and called out through a voice that was not his, "Snape Manor."
Lucius watched the man go. The Potters were his.
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James and Harry had finally settled down inside the large house. They were just sitting and talking basking in the warmth that surrounded them.
"Can we go to Diagon Alley tomorrow?" Harry asked from where he was sitting. "I need to get school supplies."
"Maybe, but we'll have to wear invisibility cloaks. One of the house – elves will have to come with us to do the orderings." James considered this thought. The warrant for his arrest would not be lifted until Harry was back at school, which meant that they had to be extra careful, and take extra precautions.
"I know instead can I ask Hermione and Ron to meet us. We'll wear the cloaks, but they're used to me being invisible. Then we won't have to take a house – elf."
James knew that Harry had done much sneaking around in Hogsmeade. He chuckled when he remembered Draco Malfoy running into his office or should he say Snape's, with mud all over his face.
"What's so funny?" Harry asked noticing James' far away look.
"Just remembering your third year. You got Malfoy really good. Yea ask them if they want to come, the more the merrier. Let them know though that you will not be able to be seen. And they must not speak your name or mine when we're out. Give us code names if they must use something. Then after Diagon Alley if you want we can all come back here. Where you can spend some time with your friends before you go back. But the same rules still apply. " James stressed, and by the look on Harry's face, he could tell which rules those meant.
"Thank you so much, Dad. I'm going to go and Owl them right now. Oh and Dad. I was wondering do you think it would be alright if I get another pet. I think I'm ready, just don't know if I want an owl or not."
"That will be more than alright."
Harry rushed out of the room that he did not see Remus standing there. He bumped right into him, knocking Harry to the floor.
"Sorry Remus, I didn't see you there."
"It's fine." Remus said his voice much harsher than it normally was.
Harry gave a puzzled glance at Remus. He was not acting the way that he normally would have. Harry shrugged it off, his father would tell if Remus was in his right mind or not.
He got up off of the floor and went to his room to Owl his friends. He watched until the owl was out of eyesight.
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Remus had overheard the conversation. He flooed just in time to hear that James and Harry would be going to Diagon Alley tomorrow, and not only would it be him, it would include the Weasley and Granger girl. This was the means he was hoping for, a ruse to get them out of the house.
That was when the boy had bumped into him. He did not know why, usually he was friendly with Harry, and he liked the boy. Today he just wanted to throttle his skinny little neck. He heard the boy apologize and then scramble away to his blasted room.
"Well Moony, it looks like you have a way with children." James chuckled, but just like Harry he knew instantly that something was amiss about his friend.
"I just came by to see how you two were doing." Remus' voice sounded like he could care less.
"We're fine." James arched his eyebrows, studying his friend. "How're you doing Remus?"
"Great. Never better." Again there was coldness in his eyes.
James not liking the way that Moony was acting and talking tried his best to get him to leave.
"Moony, I hate to do this to you, but me and Harry we were just planning to spend some time together. Things are progressing well,
and I was hoping that it would just be us tonight."
"No problem James. I have to be going myself. I'll see you tomorrow." Remus walked out of the room.
Once Remus was gone, James re warded the house, excluding Moony from entering. He did not know what was up with his friend, but he was not willing to take the chance.
"Dad?"
James heard a small voice calling from the banister. "Yea."
"Is Remus ok?"
"Yea, he just had too much firewhiskey to drink. He's fine."
"Ok."
James heard the sound of footsteps retreating back into the room. He let out a sigh. Tomorrow they would have to be careful. He did not know what got into Remus, but he sure did not like it.
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Remus returned to Malfoy manor where a very angry Lucius greeted him.
"Well, where are they?" He pushed Remus against the wall by his throat.
Remus coughed and spluttered trying to make his voice come out of his clenched throat. "Tomorrow, Malfoy. I will bring them to you tomorrow."