Harry sent sparks at the trunk's lock. It gave a lurch and the lid popped open. The Bogart-Dementor reared its head.

"NOW!" Harry yelled, as the voices of his parents began to fog his brain.

"Expecto Patronum!" Ginny yelled and a misty object appeared.

Harry collapsed to the floor and passed out.

XXX

When Harry awoke, he was looking up at Ginny, "Harry! I'm so sorry, I wasn't fast enough and you collapsed and…"

"Ginny breathe," Harry ordered, shaky from his ordeal and Ginny's hysteria, "We need chocolate."

Hermione gave some she had found in crates to the pair and everyone affected adversely, not pausing to speak, only to give Harry a tight smile. He returned it.

"You did fine, Ginny," Harry assured her after she had eaten the chocolate.

"But you collapsed—"

"I always collapsed when they get too close. I'm fine, really."

He turned to face the rest of the group, "You saw what Ginny did, right?" a few nods, "Then practice for next week."

After the DA left, Ginny asked, "Are you sure you're okay, Harry?"

"I'm fine, Ginny. It happened all the time when we had all those Dementors here."

Hermione nodded, "I'd heard something about that. Are you sure you shouldn't go see Madam Pomfrey?"

"No, really, its fine."

"Well, I'm going to see Ron. He could use some company."

XXX

Harry sat in the Library, writing a letter to Remus,

Dear Remus,

I know I promised that I would stay away from Dementors and I'm sorry that I worried you and Sirius. I was teaching the Defense Association how to drive them off and it got a little out of control. Please tell Sirius NOT to come up here like last time.

Harry

Harry nodded; this would help Remus calm Sirius down. When Voldemort retuned, Sirius had insisted on placing a sensor on Harry. It informed them whenever something possibly dangerous happened and Harry found it annoying beyond belief.

Harry climbed up to the Owlery and located Hedwig's white feathers among a sea of brown.

"Take this to Remus, Hedwig, and when Sirius starts to come up here and yank me out of school, peck him until he says he won't."

Hedwig hooted and took off through the largest window. Harry watched her for a moment and then left to visit Ron.

XXX

If this is short, somebody say something. Is it me? Really? You wouldn't lie to me, would you? HC