AN: I would like to apologize in advance for this slow update. It has been a hectic week, and more will follow, and I am still a bit dazed. Fear not, for this story will not be abandoned as I have it all planned out. The downside is that instead of two to three times a week as I intended, I will update once, if that. If you stay with me, I hope you enjoy it as much as I will!

CHAPTER 3: HEADQUARTERS

When Harry entered #12, the first thing he thought was that he wouldn't live there for whatever reason. One could clearly see the mold forming on some furniture, while the wallpapers were barely hanging there. The lighting was non-existent, and whatever light was there came from really old oil lamps. The place could really be describes as a grim old place.. Harry almost laughed at the double irony as a grim lives in here, in Sirius in his animagus form, and the house is called Grimmauld Place. While the house did not seem livable, or even homely, it didn't deter him from being excited to see the only person who supported him throughout his hardest summer yet. The only family he could have.

Following Remus and Moody, while Tonks, Kingsley and the other two sycophants brought up the rear, through a narrow hallway Harry, took note that the only decoration was a painting with curtains which were closed for some reason, and an umbrella stand with feet that Tonks swore move just to trip her. Definitely not homely, Harry mused.

They ignored the room to their right that lead to what he presumed was the drawing room, and at this point he could hear muffled voices coming from the room they were approaching. It sounded like there was an argument going on and Harry couldn't explain why there would be one. Passing by the staircase to their left that led upstairs and downstairs, the voices became more intense. They were immediately silenced when Moody yanked open the door and marched in without sparing a glance at the other occupants. Harry was about to proceed, when he was intercepted by an admittedly furious looking Molly Weasley who brightened up the moment she laid her eyes on him.

"Oh Harry dear!" she exclaimed while hugging the stuffing out of him. Before he even had a chance of greeting her back she let go and placed him at arm's length obviously checking him out for any obvious injury.
"Are you OK? Are you hurt anywhere? And why haven't you been eating anything?" Harry rolled his eyes fondly. While he couldn't claim he was eating like a king at his relatives', the fact that he was taller, leaner and more well defined in general, certainly didn't point to the fact that he wasn't eating.

"Everything is fine Mrs Weasley, I am fine for that matter. How about you?" By this point they were the only ones left outside what he could barely recognize as the kitchen.

"Everyone's here now and we are all fine. It's still a bit cramped and dirty, but Albus insisted we all stay for safety purposes. Now of you go, upstairs the kids are waiting for you and you are rooming with Ron." She said smiling, while pushing him to the staircase.

A shadow passed over Harry's face when the Headmaster's name was mentioned. Molly either ignored it or didn't notice it. Either way he quickly schooled his features, and disentangled himself from her grip.

"Actually I want to go to the kitchen first if you don't mind. I presume Sirius is in there and I want to see him." He tried leaving without her consent, so he didn't notice the scowl that adorned her face at the mention of Sirius. She was quick to stand in his way again though.

"Now Harry, we don't have the time for this now, the meeting is starting soon. You can see him later." She insisted, smiling a strained smile.

Harry though, couldn't care less what the "meeting" was or its importance. Plus he was starting to get angry at her manhandling him and the fact that she is clearly trying to prevent him from seeing his godfather. None of them heard the slight creak of the kitchen door opening.

"Listen, Mrs Weasley", he said patiently, "I just want to-

"Harry Potter" a smooth and somewhat emotional voice interrupted Harry. It came from the door to the kitchen. They turned their eyes on that door, and there stood Sirius Black with his arms wide open, looking unrecognizable. The last time Harry saw him in the caves of Hogsmeade last year, he was malnourished, dirty and looking every bit the serial killer he was accused of being. Now though it was as if a different man was standing in his place. Gone was the oily dirty hair and scraggly beard, replaced by a neatly tied ponytail, and a well trimmed goatee. His malnourished figure became lean, more muscled and his posture was -almost- as confident as it should be. The moment they met each other eyes however, Harry didn't even think of asking any kind of questions. He just launched himself in the ready-made hug of his godfather. They hugged each other with despair, as if they would disappear. It wasn't an overbearing, bonebreaking hug, but a firm, more emotional one. Remus and Tonks were looking on proudly while even Moody had a smug(?) grin on his face. Molly looked as if she tasted very sour grapes, but no one paid attention to her.

They eventually separated both beaming, holding each other at arm's length. Sirius' smile faded slightly remembering the events that led to Harry being there.
"How are you coping Harry? Has anything else happened in these four days?"

"The Dursleys are still tense every time they want to leave the house, or every time they see me for that matter, but I think that's and improvement really." He replied smirking.

The scowl caused by those accursed relatives of his was replaced by a smile that was screaming "mirth" when he mentioned the emotional torment of those people. "Well as much as I really want to talk about your.. adventures this summer.." he said giving him an once-over pointing out the fact that Harry looked different but better "..we actually have an Order meeting in about five minutes. We can talk afterwards as much as we please." He gave a pointed look to Molly who was still scowling. "For now go upstairs and have a.. talk with your friends eh?" He said giving Harry an understanding smile having been told that basically his friends abandoned him in his worst emotional state. He encouragingly squeezed Harry's shoulder, who nodded decisively, and watched him go up the stairs. Giving the fuming Molly a lopsided grin, he left her standing alone in the hallway, entering the kitchen to wait for another pointless meeting.


Hermione was feeling overwhelmed. She was excited, because she would finally see Harry today, she was anxious because she would see Harry today and she was scared because, well, she was going to see Harry today. The last one was the most dominant since she knew he had every reason in the world to be angry at everyone, especially her since she was the one that stood by him the most, last year. But at the same time she reasoned that since the Headmaster asked her not to confide in Harry too much and without details about the Order or Sirius etc, she had nothing to worry about. Dumbledore really cared about Harry and he knew what was best after all. The fact that no person, no matter the mental strength they possess, should be left alone with no support during a period of grief, kept screaming at her to at least make a valid effort at comforting her friend instead of making vague suggestions with pretty words.

She shook her head. There was no point in dwelling back to these thoughts. Harry would understand that she had no choice. He always understood. He respected the Headmaster and knew he cared about him. Later everyone, especially Hermione, would realize that hindsight really is 20/20.

When the door to Ron and now Harry's room opened, Hermione needed only one glance at the emerald green eyes and the untamable hair to launch herself at him, screaming his name and hugging him as hard as possible. She immediately noticed that he stiffened and didn't relax for the duration of the hug and that he never actually hugged her back. He just stood there, waiting. Feeling more than a little hurt by his behavior and even more anxious and scared than before, she let him go and started her usual.. ritual.

"Harry! Are you OK? Is your family OK? What happened to you, you look different! I have looked everything up the charges against you are ridiculous, they can't punish you for defending yourself even if it was in front of muggles and-" She snapped her mouth shut when he just raised his palm ordering her to stop. He was looking at her with an impassive face, showing no emotion. Her stomach sunk even more when she heard the tone of his voice while addressing her. Even Ron wasn't dumb enough to pipe up..yet.

"I am fine, my relatives are fine" he spat out "I have been working out and I know that the charges are ridiculous."

"Working out? You mean you left your home regularly? Oh Harry, you know very well that in order to be protected at all times the Headmast-" she started saying exasperatedly but she didn't get far.

"Let me stop you right there. I know what your esteemed Headmaster has ordered and I couldn't care less. Neither should you for that matter." Before she could retort that, he turned to Ron who was looking quite squeamish himself.

"Alright there, Ron?" He asked with the same impassive, almost cold tone.

"I am doing fine mate, but you seem to be thriving- well c-c-considering" he stammered as he remembered in what kind of situation his friend was in… again. "I mean you seem to have changed, for the better of course." He recovered carefully.

Harry barely acknowledged that with a nod and made a show of looking around.
"So, what is this place exactly and why are you all here?" He asked pretending to be oblivious.

Hermione, of course jumped at the chance to explain anything to him.
"This is the Headquarters to the Order of the Phoenix, the secret organization Dumbledore started back during the First War and has reestablished it to prevent the coming one. The Weasleys have been here all summer since the wards are almost impenetrable and I have been here a few weeks. This is actually Sirius' house as you have guessed, you won't believe how much he changed actually-"

"You seem to be very open in sharing this information given the fact that you could barely form five coherent sentences in the last few letters I have received. You really couldn't be bothered to share any of this? How come?" Harry interrupted while still inspecting the room. He almost smiled victoriously noticing that Hermione flinched and double-backed at his voice. Ron though wasn't deterred or was a true Gryffindor indeed.

"We wanted to mate, we really tried only.. well" He looked at Hermione helplessly but she was looking at her feet.

"Let me guess, The Headmaster made you not to tell me anything of significance? He also made you forget that Cedric died in front of me, that Voldemort was resurrected in front of my eyes and with my own blood, that my relatives wouldn't be of any help and that I would be dealing with yet another, even more traumatic experience by myself? While you were here all nice and cozy, I was staying in my cramped up room starving myself, while you had someone to talk to or turn to for help, I was speaking to myself. And now that I am here only because I am in danger yet again I am expected to listen to you telling me that everything was for the best? Are you really that naïve, or straight up stupid?" He ended his rant calm and collected but the tone of his voice grew colder and bitter with each word.

Taking a deep breath to calm himself before he started shouting, he took his time to observe their reactions. Hermione was still looking at her feet, her hands stuck to her side, eyes closed with a hint of moisture to them and was shaking slightly. Ron was looking past Harry's shoulder with a solemn look. He was a bit red from shame at his actions, and anger at being told of like that. Seems like being told bluntly the effect their actions had on their friend had the desired effect. The fact that this had to happen for them to realize it, saddened Harry. From Ron he could expect naivety and ignorance given his behavior last year, what really was grating on his nerves was Hermione. He really expected better things from her, considering the time they spent in each other's company last year. He had shared with her what little information about his relatives, so it was mind-blowing that she just left him to rot with them. He could tell her intentions were good, as were Ron's, but the means don't justify the ends sometimes.

They stood in uncomfortable silence for a while. Hermione slowly looked up, a bit teary eyed and was about to say something when the twins popped into the room. The trio turned their attention to them and no one saw Hermione quickly wipe away her tears.

The twins' jovial welcome to Harry was a nice change of pace. Even Harry himself managed to put on a smile, albeit a strained one. After they exchanged pleasantries, they made a show of showing how much Harry had changed. Harry just tried to dismiss them explaining that it was necessary but the twins wouldn't be deterred. They then talked about their up and coming products and Harry had to say he was very interested in some of them. There was one in particular which really caught his eye.

"Tell me more about these Extendable Ears? Have you tested them?"

The twins exchanged amused glances before they answered his question.

"Instead of a verbal answer would you like to see a demonstration?"

He nodded eagerly and following the twins he left the room with Hermione and Ron behind him. After gathering Ginny from her room, where Harry had to suppress a cringe and a shudder at the hungry look she gave him, Harry finally asked what were they going to do.

"Well even though we are of age, we aren't allowed into the Order and I am guessing you are as curious as us about their meetings" Fred answered while George was setting up the "prank"

"But we can't-" The pointed look Harry gave her was enough to shut her up and make more ashamed. Hermione wished he would just shout at her. Scream at her face that she is a disappointment, that she let him down and abandoned him. The calm, collected and cold behavior, as if they were strangers, was even more painful to her. She managed to hold in a sob and turned her attention to the twins.

Turns out the Ear worked perfectly, until Crookshanks bit it off that is. From everything they heard very little was of significance. The only valuable piece of information came from the cryptic messages of Dumbledore, which speaks for itself, and Snape who reported that Voldemort was laying low slowly gathering allies and biding his time. Other than that the only noteworthy thing was that Sirius was oddly quiet. Harry would ask him about that later, along with so many more questions.

"Well, that was pretty much pointless. If every meeting went like that are they really doing anything to be prepared for a war? It seems as if they want Voldemort to make the first move" Harry commented after they all returned to Ron and Harry's room. The rest nodded agreeing with Harry Hermione frowning in thought but keeping to herself. Ron though had something to add.

"I can't believe they allow that greasy git Snape in the Order but we aren't even allowed within hearing distance." He said with evident disgust and bitterness.

While, again, they all agreed, Harry thought it made sense. If Snape was on their side, which he still doubted, they had a valuable spy within Voldemorts Inner Circle. Dumbledore always said that the man had changed his ways and now he was being put to the test. That didn't mean he had to like or even respect the greasy, oily, bastar-..git, because of one conniving Headmaster's word. Still, if Snape was of any use Harry wouldn't complain, at this point every little bit helps.

They heard commotion downstairs which meant the meeting was over and that people were leaving. Harry was willing to wait a little before heading downstairs. He didn't want a confrontation with Snape or Dumbledore yet. Their time would come eventually. It must have been ten to fifteen minutes before the house went silent again and Harry, without a word, decided to head back to the kitchen. He knew the rest were following him but he couldn't care less.

He entered the kitchen and scanned the room while the others immediately grabbed a seat and got ready for dinner. He noticed that Molly was cooking and that only Moody, Kingsley, Tonks and Remus remained from the Order and were all seated near Sirius at the head of the table. Harry saw Sirius nod at the chair next to him and Harry happily obeyed.

"How much of that did you hear?" Sirius whispered with a knowing smirk.

"How did you know about that?" asked a surprised Harry.

"Who do you think helps the twins with their products? I have to keep myself entertained too you know. Now tell what did you make of the things you heard."

'Fair enough' thought Harry but he should have known Sirius would get involved with the twins' work. "To put it bluntly, you said nothing, you learned nothing, you are doing nothing and you seem to be waiting for Voldemort to come out of hiding to do something. Pretty disappointing if you ask me!" To say he was surprised when Sirius laughed was an understatement. Everyone turned their attention to the laughing animagus who only had enough willpower to nod at Moody. The latter gave a smirk and nodded back but said nothing. Harry would question that later.

"Well I am glad we are on the same page. Don't worry everything will make sense after dinner when we will have a talk." Sirius reassured a slightly confused Harry.

Smalltalk continued around the table as people ate but Harry noticed that the newspaper Kingsley was reading had a picture of him in the back. He asked what that was about and immediately everyone in the table looked uncomfortable. Kingsley looked questioningly at Sirius who nodded, and gave the paper to Harry. There, above his photograph what the title:

"THE-BOY-WHO-LIES?"

The article gave the picture of a crazy Boy-Who-Lived that has turned into an attention seeking brat claiming that He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named is back. The fact that the Minister himself came out damning him and reassuring the people, gave the impression to Harry that the campaign against him has been going on for a while. The more he read of the article the more his anger was slipping away and with it, his control over his magic. The table started shaking and before anything else could happen, Sirius placed a comforting hand on his godson's shoulder, and took the paper away. Harry took deep breaths to calm himself before he spoke. He didn't get the chance though, as Sirius addressed the issue himself.

"Fudge's campaign against you has been going on for a few weeks. He is denying all the claims you and Dumbledore made that Voldemort" everyone cringed at the name except for Moody, Tonks, Remus and Kingsley. "has returned. Why is he doing this you may ask? Well, fear can do a lot to people, but also having Lucius Malfoy as your friend answers that question. He also believes that Dumbledore wants his job and now thinks you two are working together to spread panic and bring down the Ministry." Harry wasn't actually surprised. Given how Fudge reacted to the news that Sirius could be innocent and when Barty Crouch Jr was exposed, this behavior was predictable.

"So am I not to expect a fair trial next Monday? Because judging by this article alone and the readymade letter they sent, this won't be just a hearing and it certainly won't be fair." He pointed out.

"Don't worry about that dear, Albus has it all under control, I am guessing he will be the one defending you." Molly piped.

"Respectfully, Mrs Weasley I don't need nor want him defending me. I want to be able to defend myself." He replied patiently. He didn't give her a chance to reply as he turned back to Sirius.

"What is Voldemort really doing though?" Sirius again looked at Moody and received a nod.

"Well, we can only guess as even our resident spy isn't willing to share, -that he is after something. Not exactly a weapon of sorts, but more like-

"NO! Stop, he is just a boy he doesn't need to hear this" Again Molly said, standing up.

Before Sirius could retort that, Harry defended himself. "Now, listen here Mrs Weasley I have been patient enough with your attitude since I arrived. What you need to understand is that I am by no means just a boy. I have seen things that you wouldn't believe, hell this war will be centered around ME. So excuse me if I want to know my enemy, if I want to actually fight instead of keeping a household!" The occupants were shocked into silence. No one expected, no one believed, that Harry would stand up to Molly's overbearing mothering. It seemed that neither did see, because the shock quickly left her face, replaced by an angry, red complexion.

"Young man I did not raise you to be-"

"You didn't bloody raise me for Merlin's sake! I have spent no more than four weeks at the Burrow and, while I appreciate it, it doesn't mean you get to play mother with me! You have no right to decide whether you want to replace a woman that sacrificed her own life to save mine!" The last sentence was delivered with enough power to knock out a person. Everyone in the room went even more still, if that was possible. Molly went from red, to ash white and stepped back as if punched. The infamous Weasley temper returned, though, this time aimed at Sirius.

"Surely you can't condone this behavior. You might think he is, but he is NOT James, Sirius."

At first Harry would have let Sirius deal with the annoying witch, but the moment her words registered into his brain, he stood up. He didn't know but everyone in the room went cold. It seemed as if the temperature dropped significantly and the cupboards where shaking. This was accentuated by Harry's hushed, cold, menacing voice.

"How dare you say that to him. He probably knows better than all of us who my father was and who I am. He spent 12 years in hell thinking exactly about that. Before you say anything else you would do well to remember who this house belongs to and what could happen if you… misspoke again." He sat down again, but kept staring at Molly, challenging her to say anything else. When she recovered from the verbal punching she huffed and left the room. Only then did Harry relax and looked apologetically at his godfather. He needn't have worried, as the grateful smile he received was all the encouragement he needed.

"That. Was bloody wicked" exclaimed Ron voicing every occupant's thoughts. "No one is ever able to stand up to her anymore. Now if only you could do that when she makes us clean the house without magic.." he looked suggestively at Harry, who in return just raised an eyebrow.

"Why would you not use magic here? With all these wards, surely the Ministry can't detect anything here right?" He looked at Sirius for confirmation, and got it as he nodded.

"They know that but we believe that our mother's screeching isn't worth the effort if she caught them using magic." George piped up.

"She still berates us who are of age when we use magic in the house so you can imagine what would happen if you lot did as well." Added Fred.

"Well, I couldn't care less about what she thinks and I ain't bloody cleaning without magic just because she said so, and neither should you." Harry said addressing Ron, Ginny and Hermione, the latter still avoiding eye contact with him. It really hurt him seeing her like that but she needed, and still does, a reality check. Ron said they would try and stand up to their mother but he didn't make any promises.

Dinner continued much calmer and without interruptions. Eventually the only people left were Harry and Sirius. This left them with the opportunity to catch up. Harry learned that Sirius donated his house to the Order in the hopes of somehow helping out, since he was still a wanted man. He was starting to regret it now, since all the Order does is talk and speculate and use pretty words to cover up their inability to act. The reason he was silent throughout the meetings was because there wasn't anything of quality to actually comment on. The house was filled with Dumbledore's sycophants, and Snape. He confided with Harry that Dumbledore was basically keeping him prisoner in his own house, much like he did with Harry at his relatives. He used any free time he had, which was a lot, to exercise, eat and take care of himself. It would do no good sulking around his hated childhood house, waiting for a miracle to happen. He told Harry that whenever he wanted he could join him downstairs where his gym(fully equipped thanks to Remus and Tonks) and dueling area were.

Harry could see that there were a lot of similarities between him and his godfather. They were both prisoners inside their hated houses, they were being kept on a tight leash and Dumbledore had plans that they didn't know yet. For his part, he shared the despair and hopelessness he felt the first two weeks of summer. Of starving himself and wishing for everything to just be different. He explained what led him to start exercising and revising his old school books. He also described what exactly happened with the Dementors and what the Ministry was charging him with. They both came to the conclusion that it was all a set up to add even more bad publicity to Harry's name. Sirius was proud at the mental strength Harry possessed to be able to pull through and find a way to make himself better, training and studying as he did, considering the circumstances.

Eventually talk turned into Dumbledore himself. Both men were disappointed at the Headmaster and the way he handled, not only their lives but the upcoming war.

"Most of the Order is as loyal as ever but me, Moody, Tonks and Kingsley have seen that being passive and reactive instead of proactive will be our doom. Remus is conflicted as he feels he owes Dumbledore a lot, but we are tired of trying to convince him to just let it go." Sirius explained to Harry.

"So what can we do, if everyone is either on Voldemort's side or Dumbledore's? We surely couldn't fight two wars at once."

"You are right we can't but, when the truth comes out that Voldemort is back, people will turn to Dumbledore and you for aid. Do you think Albus would let a chance of showing a united front slip away? Even if he didn't actually help, he would be a fool to publicly come out against you once your version of the story is out for everyone to know."

Harry could see several advantages that would offer. But that was talk for another day. There were more pressing issues that needed addressing.

"You know that my trial is next Monday. Is there a library here or just any book on Wizarding Law? It has been confirmed that the Ministry is biased against me and since the charges are false I want to be as prepared as possible and beat them at their own game."

"There is indeed a library upstairs, but you will not only find books on Wizarding Law, but pretty much everything. From the darkest of curses to the most useless charm. Beware though, some books are still dangerous, not for their content, but by merely touching them. I will give you a tour tomorrow and we will pick out what books are best for you to study. I also suggest you talk with Tonks so that she can contact her father Ted. He might be a muggleborn, but he is one of the best there are to represent you and your case"

Harry accepted the offer and said he would look into it. There was something else bothering him though.

"If I could do enough damage to the Ministry's reputation, would it be possible to press for a trial for you?" he asked tentatively.

Sirius sighed, a deep thoughtful sigh. "It won't be as easy as that. Even if only the DMLE are responsible for setting up trials, the Minister always has the final say. Amelia Bones, head of the DMLE would immediately look into it but Fudge would really have to be in a tight spot to see that giving me a fair trial could benefit him The Dark bloc of the Wizengamot, that has Fudge in its pocket, knows that if the truth gets out a lot of questions they don't want to answer will come out. I am sorry but we should be patient. Let's get you cleared first and my time will come." He reassured his godson with a tight smile. Neither was happy with this arrangement but they didn't have a choice. Either way Harry promised himself that he would at least try nonetheless.
"Very well then. Could I also ask you something else? Would you and perhaps Moody be willing to train me? As you know I couldn't actually practice magic, only study it. And there is only so much school books can offer, I want to extend my repertoire as you say.. I just want to be able to fight the Death Eaters, while aiming to seriously hurt or" he hesitated here still not having come to terms that it would most likely come to that. "kill. Not stun so they can come back in a fight. We can't bring the fight to them if we use tickling charms or tripping jinxes."

Sirius gave a thoughtful look before answering
"No we certainly can't and that is a major flaw of the Order's ideals. Let me tell you first that you needn't have asked, I would have taken it upon myself to properly train you. But as luck would have it me and Moody were most displeased by the way Albus handled your situation after the Third Task and were already planning on training you, if you were willing. I warn you though, I and your father were trained by Moody so I can tell you now that it won't be pleasant."

"I don't need it to be pleasant, I need it to be effective. War in not pleasant so there really isn't much of a choice here" Harry piped up.
Sirius nodded approvingly at his godson grateful that he wouldn't have to break the speech he had prepared in case Harry wasn't as willing to.. well kill.

"We could even have some of your friends join us, if you are willing that is." Sirius added hastily seeing the dark look on Harry's face.

"I still want to have a proper chat with some of them, but I wouldn't be against them being ready for war if they want to. I want some time alone for now."

"I can't really blame you, I know how you feel…" he trailed of there and his eyes became glassy obviously remembering Azkaban. "..Well, 'nuff about that, we will talk about your training tomorrow with Moody. Our first priority though will have to be the trial. I am going to help you get ready and teach you how to present yourself in formal situations. Plus having some blackmail material on some of the Wizengamot members wouldn't hurt, but you didn't hear anything from me" He added with a wink as he stood up. "Now off you trot, it has been a long day."

Harry nodded and started leaving but then he thought of something.
"I really don't want to room with Ron. Is there any other room available?"

Sirius muttered something about Molly taking over his own house, but answered anyway.
"You can of course take the room next to mine, it was my brother's. If you want it, it's yours, although we would have to change the decorations- oof"

He was interrupted by Harry hugging him, having forgotten what his words really meant to Harry. He hugged him back warmly and lingered there.

"Thank you Sirius. Really." Harry said with a smile as he left the kitchen. He missed the wide grin on his godfather's face, the widest in 14 years.


Upstairs Harry told Ron and Hermione, who were waiting for him, that he would stay in the room next to Sirius'. They weren't really surprised but they were a little hurt. Saying goodnight to Ron, Harry and Hermione exited, to go to their respective bedrooms. As Harry's was on the floor above, they had to split up eventually.

Hermione still wouldn't look at him or speak to him as they walked, but when they reached her and Ginny's room, she gathered what courage she had left and raised her eyes to meet his. The sadness that radiated from her brown eyes made Harry want to hug her and comfort her, tell her that everything is fine, but he had to remain strong. She needed to come to terms with her own actions before anything else happened.

"Goodnight, Harry.." she whispered and entered her room without waiting for an answer. Harry's shoulders deflated and sighed deeply. He really didn't like seeing her like this… Squaring his shoulders ignoring the slight tightness in his chest, he went up the stairs to the room next to the Master Bedroom. The sign on the door wrote R.A.B. He didn't know Sirius had a brother but judging from the fact that Sirius didn't even mention him until today, his story wasn't a pleasant one. He entered and was attacked by the Slytherin green shaded room. It really needed re-decoration. He shrugged thinking that this was a job for another day, and went about his nightly routine before lying on the went to sleep that night thinking that things would start looking up soon, and hoping a certain someone would just wake up from her dream world.

AN: This was a hard chapter for me because it had a lot of interactions among the characters. I am sure there are some mistakes, or I that I got repetitive, but I am trying to improve lol. I hope I at least got my points across!

I have decided on the pairing topic and as you probably guessed from this chapter, HHr. If some people are disappointed, I assure you that either way the romance wouldn't be the main focus of this story. But I guess many are pleased since this was what was supposed to happen anyway..

I need to know something. Is the length of the chapters OK? Are they too short, too long, or anything? My problem is that I really struggled breaching 5k words on a chapter, as I did here, and I think it shows. This chapter is a bit choppy but it had to be done. Thank you for your patience!