Oh my god its been so long since my last update you guys must hate me! The only defence i have is that this chapter was a complete arse to wirte it just would not go right and even now i don't think it's brilliant but... it does kinda set the tone for the rest of the story so i guess it had to be done.
You'll be pleased to know that despite the wait chapter 10 is already underway and seems to be writing better than this one. It should be up soon though i can't promise anything because i have exams and i really should be revising not writing...but what the hell!
Right now i've finished grovelling let's get down to it...
Disclaimer: I Don't own Harry Potter i do however own the plot...
Now to the best people on the planet... My reveiwers...
Can i just say that you guys totally rock i love you all:
Pandasruletheworld: Thanx for the review! First one in again! I really have no idea how you do it. Anyway thanx and after the long wait the update is finally here. Hope you read on!
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Loonytunes: Thanx for the review! Yes it is going to be hard for Harry when James has to leave and as for Sirius coming back he's not making an appearence yet but he will be soon hope you read on!
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Thanx for the review! Glad your enjoying the story and most of all thanx for the heads up on my grammar it really sucks at times its quite embarressing. Hopefully i've improved in this chapter! Hope you read on!
Alalsid: Thanx for the review! Glad you like the story the bit where Harry meets his parents for the first time was the best bit to write! I've really had fun wiv this fic and its good to know that people are enjoying it! As for Sirius and Harry togetherwell you'll just have to read and find out. Don;t worry he'll be back soon!Hope you read on!
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Can i just thank everyone that reviewed you guys totally rock and i'd like to say hi to all those guys that are reading this story and don't review i hope you're enjoying this story as well. Well here it is for everyone waiting for an update here is Chapter Nine...
Mirror Image
Chapter Nine: Dangerous Past Times
The summer seemed to pass too quickly for Harry's liking and for the first time in his life he found himself dreading the 1st September. He didn't want to leave the happiness he had found that summer.
Sure, he loved going to the Weasley's but he had a proper home now and he was going to have to leave it. More importantly he was going to have to leave his dad for the time being and Harry found himself hating it.
He knew he didn't have forever and that made it worse. The Order meeting that Harry was meant to be part of never took place because the Order members were out on a raid, which meant that Harry would be picked up from school whenever the need arose.
Harry trudged down the stairs with a heavy heart dragging his trunk with him. He met James and Remus at the bottom of the stairs and they smiled at him. "Oh it's not that bad Harry. You're going back to Hogwarts!" "What if I don't want too?" Harry sulked.
"You're not going to be here forever and it just seems so unfair!" James smiled gently. "Hogwarts is where you belong son. Besides you'll see me soon I'll be coming to get you for the next Order meeting. "You promise?" Harry asked brightening almost at once.
"Of course!" James said ruffling Harry's hair. Remus appeared from out of the kitchen and smiled before saying, "Come on Harry we've got to get you to the platform."
Remus shrank Harry's trunk and ushered him out of the house. "How are we getting to the station?" "The Ministry is sending cars." James smirked. "They're doing what?" Harry asked his eyes wide. "The Ministry is sending a car to pick you up." "Oh wonderful." Harry rolled his eyes. "Just what I wanted. To be the Ministry's favourite! Can't I tell them where to stick it?"
James chuckled. "Not resentful in the slightest are you?" He asked. "Not at all." Harry said without missing a beat. James laughed again. "I already have. Doesn't mean you should do the same thing though."
"I would have regardless of what you decided." Harry shrugged and James reflected that Harry had never uttered a truer word.
For all the Ministry had caused him pain and embarrassment over the year Harry still believed in truth and honesty as much as he ever had.
James winced wondering whether the Ministry truly knew what they had unleashed by betraying him.
"At least make use of the transport it'll get us to the train station in time." James smirked reminding Harry strongly of Sirius and suddenly got the feeling this was why people had swore they could have been brothers regardless of their blood differences. Harry smiled. "They'll be my best friend now." I have something they want. James and Remus turned and looked at him. "And what do you think that is?"
"My status. I'm The-Boy-Who-Lived after all." James didn't miss the bitterness that edged Harry's tone and it broke his heart. "Who better to have singing the Ministry's praises? They think I'm stupid."
"Then they under-estimate you." Remus said clapping him on the shoulder. "Come on Harry quit stalling." Harry grinned. "One more minute." "No." Get out the house!" He pushed Harry and James followed the door closing.
As the door closed a car pulled up by the curb. The Ministry of Magic insignia was clear on the front of the bonnet and the car doors. Harry squared his shoulders and walked down the steps as the driver got out the car. "Mr. Potter." Harry nodded his head but said nothing.
James nodded at the driver and then Remus followed him ushering Harry into the car. The drive to King's Cross was uneventful and took less time than expected because of the car's ability to seemingly fit through the smallest of spaces.
At 10:45 the car pulled up at King's Cross and Remus discreetly enlarged Harry's trunk and put it on a trolley. "I'm okay from here if you want to leave." Harry said miserably. He was so used to wanting to get back to Hogwarts and the home he knew that the alien feeling he was experiencing now was frightening.
He didn't want to go back to school. But as he was getting depressed for the first time in his life he heard his name being yelled, "HARRY!" He was engulfed in a hug so strong he felt like he was about to stumble. "Hey Herminone." "We missed you!" Herminone said letting go after a huge amount of time. Ron was stood smiling and clasped Harry in a one-armed hug.
"Great to see you mate!" Ron said hugging him again. Harry returned the hug back with abandon. He really had missed them both. "It's great to see you too." He said hugging his best friends and then turning to his father and his guardian.
"You remember my dad right?" Ron nodded to James and grinned. "Of course. The Potters have been the talk of the summer." James and Harry exchanged significant looks it would only be so long before Voldemort made it clear he knew James was back.
"Hey Remus how are you?" Herminone said politely. "Great thanks Herminone." Remus smiled. "Right kids on the train." Harry grumbled and moaned but his father and his godfather were having none of it. "On the train Harry." James said firmly.
Harry closed the door and James, totally oblivious to the staring, looked at his son. "You know what to do if you need me." Harry wrapped his hand round the stone that was now draped round his neck with his house key. He nodded and the train started to move.
"Be good son," James yelled. "Don't do anything I wouldn't do!" He winked and Harry laughed and within seconds the train had picked up speed and James was no longer in sight.
Harry pulled his head back in the train and set off with Neville to find a carriage as both Ginny and Luna had been made Prefects that year. They put their trunks away and then Neville asked the question Harry had been expecting since he had met up with him on the train.
"Harry are the rumours true?" Neville asked in an un-characteristically blunt way. "What about?" Harry asked evasively. Neville grinned and punched him playfully in the arm. "About what? He says!" Neville said to the ceiling. "About your dad of course!"
Harry grinned. "Oh that! Yeah they are." Neville's face held such awe that Harry had to laugh. "But how?" Neville asked confused. Harry shrugged his shoulders but he couldn't help grinning all over again.
"I have no idea but I'm pretty sure Dumbledore and dad do. I've tried to ask and dad has tried to tell me but something always stops him. Afterlife law or something I don't know."
Neville and Harry talked about their summer and Neville spoke excitedly of how after the events in the Ministry his gran had never been prouder of him. "She thinks I might be finally living up to my dad." Neville said excitedly. Harry smiled. "You always were Neville. I'm sure if your mum and dad could see you now they would be proud of you."
Neville smiled and blushed slightly. "Thanks Harry." At that moment the compartment door swung open and Ron, Herminone, Ginny and Luna walked in. "Hey guys." Harry said. "How was Prefect duty?" "Oh bloody brilliant!" Ron said shortly. "One of the Slytherin's Is Head Girl the Head Boy is a Ravenclaw. "And?" Harry wanted to know.
"And?" Ron looked like he wanted to be sick. "Harry its Slytherin!" "We have trouble with Malfoy and the others in our year but the other Slytherins have never caused us any bother. Not everyone in Slytherin is evil you know." "Alright who are you and what have you done with my friend?"
Harry shrugged. "Malfoy is the epiphany of bad Slytherins but we've never had any problems with any of the others really. They just join in the taunting if the rest of the school is doing it."
Harry said thinking of his second and fourth year. Not to mention all the shit that went on in the fifth year. Then he grinned at Ron and said,
"Hope springs are eternal right?"
Ron grinned. "Keep wishing mate."
"Oh well look at this…" A voice drawled Harry spun round and snarled as Draco Malfoy entered the compartment.
"Oh piss off Malfoy." Harry said getting his wand out. "I can hex you, really I can but I really don't want too. Get out of my face and we'll call it a draw yeah?"
Malfoy's eyes went round and he said, "Am I hearing right? Is Potter actually admitting I am better at him?" Harry waved his wand and suddenly Draco found himself under the jelly leg jinx. This wouldn't have been as amazing, after all Harry was brilliant at them but he hadn't uttered a word.
"When my father hears about this Potter… When he gets out of Azkaban you'll be sorry." Harry grinned. "If Your father makes it out of Azkaban my father knows enough to put him back on that god-forsaken spit of land and then you'll both be sorry."
Draco's eye's bulged. "Are you threatening me Potter?" Malfoy said pulling out his wand. Harry rolled his eyes and then Malfoy yelled as his wand was ripped off him and Harry caught it. "No, Malfoy I'm not threatening you. I'm simply stating that we're on the same ground here."
He tossed the wand back and said, "I'm not going to fight with you anymore. I have better things to do. You can go and blow off stem somewhere else but don't bother me this year I can't be arsed with you."
With that Harry turned his back and started talking to his friends. Draco snarled and Harry turned back. "Oh yeah. Sorry forgot about that." and Draco felt the feeling seep back into his legs." Malfoy and the others in the carriage stood dumb founded.
Harry looked at Malfoy expectantly. It only then dawned on Draco that Harry was waiting for him to leave. But he didn't move. Harry crossed his arms and rolled his eyes before saying,
"Look Malfoy is there anything you need? Other than to insult me I mean. Because that I'm not even gonna bother with anymore. I'm offering you the perfect opportunity to leave us alone and get on with what ever snaky ambitions you have."
Draco looked like was going to say something but then changed his mind and said, "Let's go." They stalked out the compartment and Harry closed the door behind them.
It was only then he realised they were all staring at him. "What?" "Harry…" Herminone said staring. "What?" he asked again getting annoyed. "You did wandless and speechless magic!" "And?" Harry asked shrugging his shoulders. "I know we're leaning speechless magic this year. Yes Herminone I actually have read my school books before we've even started."
Herminone still looked shocked but impressed by Harry's obvious studying. Neville, Luna, Ginny and Ron just gaped. "Yeah but you did wandless magic." Ron said admiration still evident in his eyes. "And?" Harry said still not understanding. "I did wandless magic when I was smaller. I did wandless magic in third year. You know that. I thought everyone did wandless magic; look guys what am I missing? What's the big deal?"
Herminone just stared. "Harry the big deal, as you put it is that you did wandless magic!" "And I blew up my aunt in third year you guys all new that!" "I know that Harry," Neville said standing up from where he had been sat quietly listening with Luna. "But you just did wnadless just then. You controlled it." "Yeah?" Harry said still confused.
He knew it was hard to do wandless magic but he'd never found it difficult. Every time his emotions ran high he was able to pull a stunt like the one he'd just pulled on Malfoy. He was fed up with the constant power struggle between them and he'd just snapped.
He couldn't be bothered with Malfoy anymore. He was not gonna rise to the bait from this day forward. Malfoy was a prat, a Death Eater wannabe like his father but Harry wondered, after spending time with his father and Remus whether he could help it. He was not about to become best friends with the git but he understood now that the prat might not necessarily be evil. He might just want to impress his father.
He had seen the power struggles for himself in the Death Eater ranks and it wasn' hard to imgine Lucius and Bella pushing their son and nephew respectively into the Death Eater inner circle to better their chances with Voldemort.
Harry shook his head. Malfoy may have never had a chance. But Harry was also willing to bet that even if he thought it was wrong he would not back down either. Pureblood family honour.
He turned to his friends. "I don't understand why I did wandless magic but that is not an issue right now. I'm asking you all for a favour and you might not like it but I am going to ask regardless of what you think."
He took a deep breath and looked at Ron and Herminone as he said this. They were the ones that this concerned the most.
"This year things are changing we all know it after my stupid cock-up in the Ministry. Voldemort is back and what's more he's active. I don't have time to be playing power struggles with the self-proclaimed Prince of Slytherin so I'm calling a truce. What you guys do is up to you."
He looked at them and Ron's mouth was on the floor for the second time in so many minutes.
"Harry you're just gonna let all that crap Malfoy has thrown at you for the last five years?" "Yeah." Harry said simply. "Look I have bigger things to worry about than Malfoy right now." "Like what?" Herminone picking up his reluctance to say anything else.
"A lot." Was all Harry said before he picked up the latest copy of the Quibbler and began to read it.
"Harry can you honestly say that Malfoy won't get a rise out of you this year?" Ginny asked her eyes wide. "Yeah." Harry said shrugging. "He's a pray and I'm not about to become his best friend but I'm not going out of my to fight with him either."
Herminone and Luna beamed. "That's great Harry!" Herminone said. Harry grinned I'm pleased you approve. "Well I'm not about to stop fighting." Ron said crossing his arms. Herminone looked like she was about to say something so Harry jumped in and said, "That's fine Ron but don't go out of your way to provoke it he's not worth it."
"Whatever." Was Ron's sullen response.
Soon after the topic of conversation moved onto more important subjects like the summer holidays Harry's dad and games of exploding snap. The sweet trolley came round and soon the compartment was full of sweets that the teens eagerly devoured between them.
All too soon the train pulled into the station and the teens made their way towards the threstral-drawn carriages and Harry winced as he saw that a few more of the students were now staring at the threstrals. Out of Harry's group only he Neville and Luna could see them. The Ministry hadn't changed that since only Neville had been present when Sirius had fallen through the Veil and he could already see them anyway.
Harry and his friends got into a carriage and soon they were being pulled towards the castle. It was then that Harry started to feel excited about the prospect of coming back to Hogwarts. He really couldn't not feel excited this was his home after all they got out the carriages and walked into the entrance hall.
Peeves was cackling above them as usual and Harry rolled his eyes. It was definitely good to see that some things never changed. Harry waved his friends forward and together they entered the Great Hall. It looked spectacular as ever and despite everything Harry felt a rush of affection for his home.
It was good to be back.
The Gryffindors took their place at the Gryffindor table and Luna waved to them before moving towards the Ravenclaw table.
The hall was filled with sounds of students and before long Magonagall lead the new first years into the hall. Harry noted with sadness that there was significantly fewer this year and the school itself seemed to have shrunk as fewer of the students had returned.
Harry knew from what Remus had told him that parents were too scared to send their kids back to school preferring to keep them at home where they could be sure of their safety. Voldemort truly had stepped up his campaign over the summer and it was heart wrenching to see the devastation it was causing.
Magonagall put the Sorting Hat on the stool and the whole school waited and then the hat's mouth opened and the song began:
I remember the time when Hogwarts was strong and new
The Founders knew magic so powerful that few could do
They created a school where those who knew magic could be taught
Where they would have little fear of being caught
Gryffindor wanted those with bravery and courage that was sure
Ravenclaw wanted those with intelligence that defined who there were
Hufflepuff said she'd teach them all it really didn't matter to her
For years and years magic was taught in peace and calm
Witches and wizards entered the world knowing that they could practice safely and without harm
Then came strife,
Believe us when we say that betrayal cut through their bond like a knife
They did not agree and from then on they fell in despair
You could almost feel the static in the air
Great wizards The Founders Four
United in creating a place where young witches and wizards could go
United they stood strong
Together they could do no wrong
Divided their magic seemed to fall apart
Cutting Hogwarts to the heart
Even now the loss of that bond is visible
It makes the whole school miserable
Now I warn you
It is up to you what you do
Hogwarts is under threat
The Greatest evil you have never met
I am here to split you into houses because that is what I'm for
But I worry it is the right thing to do anymore
Hogwarts in danger from outside her walls
Now you must stand together within her halls
Listen closely to this tale they leave behind
You all need to unite before you're destroyed by your own kind
Listen closely to this song
I know they all did you all a great wrong
Hogwarts is wavering; today the house rivalry threatens to break it from within
Listen to what I say stand together and you and all your kin
But now I am done I warned you I have told you now at last the Sorting must begin.
Deathly silence met the end of the Hat's Song. And Harry shivered as he realised just how similar the Hats Songs had been for the last two years though he got the distinct impression that this would be the last time the Hat warned them of what was coming.
Harry chanced at glance over to the Slytherin table and scowled he could never see himself going anywhere near the Slytherins by choice.
With a start he remembered his promise and his uneasy, albeit one sided truce with Malfoy that had to mean something right? He shook his head. His life was getting too confusing and he couldn't figure it out right now.
With a start he realised Dumbledore standing up at the Head Table instantly there was quiet around the Great Hall and that was enough to push him out of his musings.
"Welcome to another year at Hogwarts." Dumbledore's voice boomed round the great hall. Now I have some announcements to make and since I know you're all wanting to begin the feast I will not keep you long. Now as I'm sure you're all aware due to Professor Umbridge's exist…"
There were hisses round the hall from almost all the tables even some Slytherins. The only ones that were excluded from the hissing where the Slytherins and the others that were involved in her Inquisitorial Squad from last year.
"Yes, Yes I'm sure that you were all sad to see her go." Laughter echoed round the hall. "Well as I'm sure you're aware that once again we are in need of a Defence Against The Dark Arts teacher. I am pleased to say that I have managed to fill this space."
"Here we go again." Ron said rolling his eyes. "Gotta be better than that cow." Shamus said ignoring Herminone's disapproving glance. "Maybe we'll learn more as well." Dean said joining in the conversation. "Harry did well." Herminone said smiling at her friend "but hopefully he'll have a little help this year." Harry couldn't help but grin. They looked back at Dumbledore. "I'd like to welcome James Potter back to Hogwarts."
Harry's jaw dropped and then he grinned. His dad was in Hogwarts! Yeah!
There was a stunned silence and then James came through the side door and sat down at the staff table. He sat between on the other side of Dumbledore and next to Professor Sinsata and found Harry and winked. Harry grinned and waved back.
"Harry!" Shamus staring at the father and son and said, "So the rumours are true?" Harry nodded happily. "Yeah. I can't believe he didn't tell me!" Ron was looking like Christmas had come early. "Harry your dad was an Auror right?" "Of course." Harry said nodding. "So?" "Well he'll show us how to duel!" "We had an Auror before remember?" Harry said smiling "but yeah you're right I can't wait to see what he's gonna teach us."
"Harry," Dean said sensibly "We all know he was a fake we learned things true but it was just a means to an end I'd love to see your dad do that."
Harry grinned and it was then he realised the hall was in up roar and everyone was staring at Harry with undisguised curiosity. Well damn, now they wanted to know now they knew he was telling the truth. Wasn't that great?
Shamus looked at James in something akin to awe and said, "Oh my god wait till mum hears this we didn't know whether the rumours were true after last year you never know what the Prophet will write." He looked at Harry as he said this and Harry knew it was an apology and he nodded his head in acceptance.
Minutes later the hall had settled into some sort of quiet and Dumbledore smiled, "Now that Professor Potter is present and everyone has been introduced some other announcements. As always students are reminded that they are not to go near the Forbidden Forest and magic is not allowed in the corridors." He looked round the hall.
"Now may the feast begin!"
The tables filled with food and everyone began eating all too soon the food was cleared away and Tara and Marcus the seventh year prefects, Ron, Herminone, Ginny and Colin got up and started showing the first years towards the dorms and Harry started to follow when a hand was placed on his shoulder. He looked up and saw his dad looking down at him.
"Dumbledore wants to see you in his office in fifteen minutes. I'll meet you there he says to tell you to remember to bring Skittles." Harry laughed. Dumbledore seemed to have a fondness for other muggle sweets as well as lemon drops.
Harry nodded. "All right just let me tell Ron and Herminone and I'll be with you."
James nodded and set off across the hall and out of sight.
Harry fought his way to the front of the mob of first years leaving the hall told his friends where he was going and then made his way towards the stone gargoyle that houses Dumbledore's headquarters.
Ok so probably not the best chapter i have ever written but it was needed and chapter 10 is in the process of being written i just hope it wasn't a disapointment considering how long i made you wait anyway push that button rite there and tell me what you think
Till next time
Luv you all Blue Fire!