A/N: Harry Potter and his world belongs to J.K. Rowling, Warner Brothers and anyone that has received licensing rights. I am grateful she gives us the privilege of playing in her world.

-oOo-

Chapter 3: The end of the Tournament

-oOo-

February 23, 1994

Daily Prophet

The True Betrayer of the Potters Revealed

By Rita Skeeter

-o-

As if the unwanted entry of the Boy-Who-Lived in the Triwizard Tournament wasn't tragedy enough for the young boy, finding out the man that was his sworn godfather had betrayed his parent to You-Know-Who was an even larger tragedy. In a recent interview, Harry Potter opened up about the shock of finding out about his parents' betrayer. A fact that he only found out by overhearing a conversation last year.

After meeting the smaller boy, with a fringe of black hair over his forehead to hide his distinctive scar, we had a long talk about how devastated he was originally to think one of his parents' closest friends had been the one to betray them. Many that knew the Potters and Black had thought the two men to be closer than brothers. It was a point that caused a few tears to grow in young Harry's eyes as he talked about it, then, the bombshell fell.

It wasn't Sirius Black, but a dead man, Peter Pettigrew, who betrayed them.

You read right! The mass murderer and betrayer, Sirius Black, of the parents of our world's greatest hero, Harry Potter, didn't actually betray the Potters!

As if this wasn't enough, I admit to being flabbergasted when Harry Potter agreed to take veritaserum before providing a memory of what happened. He confessed that Peter Pettigrew was still alive! The man everyone thought Black had murdered. Even more surprising was that Harry Potter and his friends had captured the rat, that was until Professor Severus Snape let the man escape by barging into the scene and taking the wands off the men restraining Pettigrew. Harry doesn't know where Pettigrew went, but without the man, Minister Fudge didn't believe the Boy-Who-Lived, especially after Severus Snape said Potter and his friends had been confounded. As we have all seen this year, Harry Potter has proven to be very reliable and trustworthy.

This story has been confirmed by the MACUSA when they held a hearing about Sirius Black two months ago. During that hearing they found the arrest warrant and kiss on sight order by the British Ministry to be illegal under international standards and the man was exonerated in the American Congress of Nations and the MACUSA. Being free, Black has now sent solicitors to Britain to fight his wrongful incarceration. An incarceration that was done without a trial.

On top of this, Harry Potter has said the reason all this occurred is due to the same man that let Pettigrew escape, Professor Severus Snape. Snape was known to be marked by He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named in the Blood Purity wars of the sixties and seventies. On the testimony of Albus Dumbledore, Snape was exonerated of his crimes, but court records show that he was never tried. Much like the guilt of Sirius Black was confirmed without a trial, the innocence of Severus Snape was confirmed without a trial.

This reporter finds that suspicious.

Even more suspicious is the rumor that it was Severus Snape who told You-Know-Who that Harry Potter could be a child of Prophesy…

-o-

Hogwarts, Scotland

Hermione was looking at him open mouthed over the table as she held the Daily Prophet. Her eyes were wide. Luna was picking at some eggs as she lazily ran her fingers of her free hand over the back of his hand. Harry had never been one much for anyone touching him, but he liked that Luna did and that she seemed to want to be in constant contact with him whenever they were together.

"How…" Hermione managed to get out.

"Luna's father knows some people in the Department of Mysteries. He said there is a prophesy down there with my name. He is also a good friend of Aberforth Dumbledore at the Hogshead. When Luna mentioned some of this and gave her father the interview she had written up about me, he did some background checking. The man is a brilliant investigator and reporter," Harry told her.

"Oh, yes. Daddy found that Professor Snape was there the night the prophesy was thought to be made," Luna said, looking up from her plate.

"I am not totally sure, but I think he was the one that told Voldemort," he added.

There was a commotion up at the head table. Snape had stood while McGonagall was yelling at him. There must have been a silencing charm because they couldn't hear what was going on, but he wasn't sure he had ever seen the woman so upset. Dumbledore was trying to calm them down.

After a moment, Snape made some gesture that clearly meant he was done and then stormed around the table. Harry couldn't keep the smirk off his face, even as his eyes were hard as rocks as the man stalked down the other side of the hall past his Slytherins. They were at the Gryffindor table today, so Snape was far enough away to not hear them. "Do you think Dumbledore will expel me now?" Harry questioned.

"One can hope," Luna told him before going back to her book and her eggs. Her hand didn't stop tracing his.

Hermione looked really concerned. "You really mean to leave, don't you?"

"I told you that months ago, Hermione," Harry said a little annoyed.

"I just thought you were upset and would calm down," she replied.

"Harry and I have been accepted to Ilvermorny. Mr. Black and my daddy has signed all the paperwork. My father and Mr. Black would withdraw us today if Harry wasn't trapped by the contract of the Triwizard Tournament. I personally look forward to going over there. Daddy thinks we might have more luck in finding an Andean snorkack. I would like to see an amaru again, and a firebird. Do you think we will find a wendigo? We didn't over the Christmas Hols," Luna asked excitedly.

"I'll help you look," Harry assured her.

Hermione looked close to tears.

Harry sighed. "If you don't have the application anymore, I have another one," he told her.

Hermione sniffed and looked around. Like Harry, he suspected Hermione was realizing that they had no other friends or anyone to really rely on here. Well, except Neville, who had taken Hermione out to Hogsmeade village Valentine's Day weekend. He wasn't sure if they were dating or not, but he liked Neville and thought he was good for Hermione. As though confirming it, she muttered, "I don't know if I could leave Neville."

"Then don't," Harry told her. "Sirius has told me that the US has integrated many muggle technologies, like telephones. I'll make sure you have my number, and we can send letters back and forth."

She frowned before nodding.

They were interrupted by an angry looking Professor McGonagall. "Mr. Potter, Ms. Lovegood, I think the headmaster would like to talk with you." Her voice was laced with anger, but her eyes were squarely on the old man leaving the hall. He was holding his left arm.

Luna smiled broadly. "Oh, did the headmaster and the professors get the advanced copies of the Quibbler? Daddy said he was going to do that today. The issues should be here Wednesday for everyone else."

Harry had to stifle a laugh at the stricken look on the woman's face. "Yes. I have not had time to read it yet."

"Brilliant. We'll be up once we are done eating," Harry told her.

She looked like she wanted to force them to go now, but just nodded. "I shall wait and accompany you once you are ready."

Harry nodded and turned back to his meal. She waited around for a few minutes, as though wanting to say something else, before walking up to the head table.

"I don't think the headmaster is too pleased," Hermione said before she frowned. "I'm not sure that is a good sign that he was holding his arm like that."

"Why not?" Harry asked.

"Haven't you ever taken a first aid class?"

"What is that?" Luna queried.

"It's a muggle class that teaches you how to heal or stabilize people in the field before they can get to a hospital. A pallid colour, sweat and pain in your limbs could be signs of something really wrong, like a heart attack," Hermione told them.

Harry furrowed his brow. Harry had never seen Dumbledore sweating before and there had been a light sheen on his forehead. "Am I going too far?" Harry whispered to Luna.

"I don't want to see you hurt," she told him, sounding concerned. "There were a few slashkilters outside the wards yesterday. I think they want you to fail and stay here."

Harry moved his hand so that he could put his hand in hers, weaving his fingers into hers as he did. "I won't have you put in danger again," he replied.

Hermione looked at them. There was a look of resignation across her face before she smiled. "What is a slashkilter?"

"Some think Fudge has a secret squad of very dangerous creatures. Sort of like an army or marine elite squad. I have learned not to question Luna," he said, before bringing her hand to his mouth. After kissing it, he asked, "Are you done eating? We should see how the headmaster is doing."

"I think I am going to go see Madam Pomfrey. I have a headache," Hermione told them. She was rubbing her head. Professor McGonagall joined them as they stood up.

As they walked out the Great Hall, Professor McGonagall was distracted as four Aurors walked through the door. "Can I help you?" she asked.

"Professor, Madam Bones sent us here to talk with Mr. Potter and Professor Snape. Do you know where they are?"

"Took them long enough," he muttered. He was wondering how long it would take. Apparently, the Daily Prophet finally had the DMLE and Ministry acting on the notices they received just after Sirius had been cleared by the MACUSA.

They never made it to the headmaster's office as he was taken away to St. Mungo's and Harry got the glee to see Snape taken away in magic suppression cuffs while that happened.

-oOo-

February 27, 1995

London, England

Minerva sat in the waiting room. She had been summoned down to St. Mungo's for a meeting. She didn't like leaving Hogwarts with Albus not there.

"Professor McGonagall?" a short woman enquired. She looked up at a middling age woman with shoulder length hair, hazel eyes and age lines starting to show, as though she often smiled or laughed.

"Healer Ross," she said, extending her hand. It had been almost two years since she had seen her nephew's wife. "I don't think we need to be so formal."

"Michael isn't as pleased that you have blown him off the last two Christmases," the woman replied.

Minerva sighed. "That was not my choosing. How is Natalie enjoying Beauxbatons?"

Their eldest daughter was fourteen now. Their son was scheduled to start next year. Neither were going to go to Hogwarts, much to her chagrin.

"She is liking it very much. She tried to beg us to let her go to Hogwarts to watch the Triwizard Tournament, but Michael and I just didn't think her safe enough up there. I see we were right," Theresa said coolly.

Minerva let out another sigh. "It wasn't always this way."

"No. But ever since Rachael was hurt, Michael and I just haven't felt comfortable," she said.

Her nephew had met and married Theresa later in life than many wizards, thus they had some friends with children in Hogwarts before her great-niece was ready to go. Racheal Turgeon was the daughter of one of Michael's friends from Hogwarts. She had been a very precocious girl, a Gryffindor and popular. That was until she had an accident that had found her at the bottom of the stairs. Whatever happened caused severe head trauma and evidence of an assault. They had never been able to find out who. There had been a few odd instances in the year or two after the war. Incidences that Albus said he investigated, but she was starting to have her doubts. That had happened over a decade ago now.

"I know. You didn't call me down here for that though, did you?" Minerva questioned.

The shorter woman shook her head. "No. Let's go to my office."

A short bit later they sat with a cup of tea each. Theresa started, "The Board of Governors asked for a report on the condition of the headmaster, and you are his primary contact and Deputy Headmistress. I will put it bluntly, Headmaster Dumbledore is not well."

Minerva frowned. "How not well?"

Theresa took a sip of her tea before placing it down. "He is showing signs of being under tremendous stress for a while now. It has affected his heart. He is also showing signs of having his magic fail."

"Fail?" Minerva said, the cup starting to shake in her hands.

"There are signs that there has been a strain on his magic for months now. Many of our most knowledgeable healers have looked at him over the last few days. They think it has something to do with this tournament. The Goblet of Fire is known as a very powerful magical object and there is some evidence from past competitions of those that helped the Champions cheat or hindered them in some way paid a price, instead of the Champions," Theresa told her.

Minerva closed her eyes. "I told him," she said quietly. "Are others affected?"

"We are unsure, but I want to send up a medical team to look at the champions, the other professors and judges. We have sent out a notice to the Ministry for anyone involved with the tournament to report here within the next few days. We are taking such extreme measures because Headmaster Dumbledore is starting to show some rather advanced stages of magical failure, but it should be reversible," her niece said. "I doubt it will take less than a month or more for him to recover once we break the contract. He needs to be removed from the environment causing all this stress in the meantime."

"You can break the contract?" Minerva asked.

"We can, but it is only to be done in extreme cases. It is painful and has the chance to permanently damage his magical core. It takes thirteen wizards in a ritual circle and a new moon. There is one in two days' time, but we cannot prepare the circle in that time. The next opportunity will be March thirty-first, then it will take about a month for his core to heal," her niece told her.

Minerva sighed. She had hoped this could be used on Harry, but it didn't sound like the right path. "Whatever you need. All the professors and staff of Hogwarts will submit themselves," she guaranteed.

"I will have a team up there this afternoon to start. As for his heart failure, that is something we can't do much about. We have made him comfortable, and he will have to take another week or two to let the potions do their work, but if he doesn't find a way to start relaxing and reduce his stress, I am not sure his heart will last another year," Theresa said in a rather serious tone. "Do you know why he is so stressed?"

Minerva snorted. "I have a guess," she said cryptically.

Theresa looked at her, waiting for her to go on.

"This whole tournament, ever since Harry Potter's name has come out of the cup, has been very stressful for Albus," she told him. "It's been very stressful for all of us."

"Ah, yes, I have been following the papers. Is it true that Sirius Black really wasn't their secret keeper and Peter Pettigrew is alive?"

"It would appear so. The Ministry is an uproar and they arrested Severus and Bartemius Crouch the other day. This year has just been one debacle after another. I am starting to think Albus should have expelled Mr. Potter for the year," she replied.

"Expelled?"

Minerva sighed. "I'm sorry, Theresa, I shouldn't have said that. We should be protecting students' privacy."

"Indeed?" Theresa said in a curious tone. "That is a different policy considering how the Daily Prophet does its reporting." She held her hand up. "I won't pry, Aunt Minerva. Back to the Headmaster. If the stresses of the tournament cannot be reduced, my recommendation to the Governors will be to put Headmaster Dumbledore on rest until June, that is if he is done with his treatments by the end of April. I will evaluate him at the end of June to see if he can return next year."

The woman put a folder before her. Minerva sighed. "I understand, Theresa. I will bring this to Poppy, and we are meeting with the Board tomorrow."

Theresa nodded her head before taking up her tea again. "Michael would like you to come by as soon as you can. You are about all the family he has left."

Minerva took up her own cup again and leaned into the chair. "Maybe over Easter. I can't leave the school right now."

"It's easy just to make a dinner," the woman pressed.

Minerva nodded. "Perhaps next weekend?"

-oOo-

March 1, 1995

Hogwarts, Scotland

Harry sat on a large ledge of the window in the elf quarters. His feet were up and on either side of a very warm figure. His toes were brushing her bottom. He was feeling he was doing something sneaky. Luna didn't seem to mind as she was writing in a journal, her own legs between his and her toes tucked just slightly under him. She kept wiggling them and Harry had a hard time concentrating on the muggle survival guide he had gotten his hand on. Her toes kept brushing the bottom of his crotch. Jolts of pleasure rode up his spine every time she moved her toes. It didn't help that she was only in her button-down shirt and skirt, which had slid down her legs to show more than usual, and her blouse had a few buttons undone, hinting at what was underneath. Luna had said it was warm in here, and he had to agree.

He wasn't sure she knew what she was doing or not. Usually, she had a slightly teasing smirk when she realized what she was doing to him. Today, she was chewing on a wisp of her hair as she concentrated.

He tried to concentrate on his reading but found himself focusing on the wand in her hair as it balanced precariously behind her ear. It kept moving as the strand of hair she was chewing on was pulled and released. Unfortunately, with how her toes were moving as she tucked them further under him, all he could think of were all the bad wand jokes Dean and Seamus had started to spout earlier this year. After a moment, he watched as she started to suck on her hair, and he suppressed a shiver.

Harry liked kissing those lips. Luna liked kissing.

She had already encouraged wandering hands over their clothes. He agreed that they should follow what the hunknerples encouraged. A point she freely practiced. Nothing had gotten too out of hand... yet.

Now, today, she was pushing it further than she had before.

"I hope my feet aren't too cold?"

He had another shiver go up his body. "You're evil," he replied.

Her sky-blue eyes took on a pleased quality. "And you're warm."

He was about to say something when a clearly unimpressed throat clearing interrupted them.

Luna scrambled up and Harry fell to the floor as he tried to swing his leg over her. He hit his head hard into the stone of the floor. He was dazed only for a moment before he was up and his wand out. He realized that they could have been hexed in that time, but Dobby and Winky had said only elf friends could enter.

Professor McGonagall was standing in the center of the room, a house elf they didn't recognize standing next to her. The elf was moving uncomfortably from foot to foot, looking distinctly unhappy. Dobby and Winky were right behind them, looking very upset. "Professor," Luna greeted. "The nargles around you are less, but you have many wrackspurts and rose-tinted hornswaggles now."

Harry found himself chuckling, despite the unhappy tone in Luna's voice, but he wasn't sure if others would catch it.

Professor McGonagall looked around the room. "This is where you have been staying? Some of the old elf quarters?"

"Dobby said I could," Harry defended himself.

She nodded. "Yes. The elves have the right to do that. I take it this is where you and Ms. Lovegood have also been doing most of your studying and learning the impressive magic you have displayed this year?"

"Well, it's not like the professors were willing to teach me," Harry said in a snarky voice.

She pursed her lips. "Yes. A decision that some are regretting," she said. "You did not show for the Champions meeting this morning."

"I said before I don't care," Harry replied.

"You may want to care," Professor McGonagall pressed.

Luna cocked her head. "Harry, I think you want to know this."

Harry finally let his wand drop to his side. If Luna said it was important, then it probably was. "Fine. What did I miss, or do I need to go to another meeting?"

"There will be another meeting in a few days to decide how the tournament will end, but there are some issues with cheating and manipulations of the tournament. Some have been arrested and some have been admitted to St. Mungo's. I would like you and Ms. Lovegood to report to the hospital for a checkout," she told them.

He frowned. "I have not cheated or done anything against the rules. Neither has Luna," Harry said in a hard voice.

"I tend to believe you, but we are requiring everyone that has been involved to do so," Professor McGonagall told him.

He looked to Luna, and she shrugged. "Give us a few minutes and we will make our way down."

"Very good, Potter. Now, as for you staying here Ms. Lovegood..."

"Luna is not leaving here," Harry told her. "Not unless Professor Dumbledore has decided to expel me?"

She sighed. "I am sure he wishes he had. Professor Dumbledore is on leave for the rest of the year. I am the acting-Headmistress. After Madam Pomfrey clears you, I would like to talk with you about your decisions and actions this year and what we are to do going forward."

Harry was a little shocked. "Dumbledore is gone?"

"Headmaster Dumbledore is on leave. The stresses of this year have affected him greatly," she said, giving him a hard look.

"I never entered," Harry replied petulantly, getting the hint.

The professor's lips almost disappeared as her lips pinched in displeasure. "I understand, but some of the games you have played are ruining people's lives. The Minister is in a right fit with revelations and accusations that you seem to have leveled against the Ministry, and in turn, him. Professor Snape has been brought into the DMLE for questioning."

Harry snorted. "I'm sure Dumbledore will get him off."

"Professor Dumbledore has faith in Professor Snape," she told him.

"Well, I don't. I told no lie. And as far as ruining lives, what about me? What about my parents or Sirius? What about Luna? Why is it only fair when they are ruining me, but once I am finally sticking up for myself, I am the bad guy?" he challenged.

There was a hard look in her eyes before she closed them for a moment. "Sirius Black has not been proven to be innocent by the Wizengamot. What happened with your parents was a tragedy in the time of war, and as far as I can tell, I don't understand why your life is ruined? Or Ms. Lovegoods?"

Harry snorted. "Did you ever see the address of the first letter saying I was accepted to Hogwarts? Did you read the Quibbler earlier this year? How about how most of the school had treated me in the past? Maybe if you start there you will understand. Then look at the first three years here. Or maybe ask people in Ravenclaw why Luna's stuff kept wandering off. Or how about the times they locked her out of Ravenclaw tower? Or why she had been offered a room here for when she didn't feel safe in Ravenclaw? I doubt many would even know her name, since most call her Loony. Winky found her mother's necklace, an heirloom of her house, in the personal jewelry of another student. You once said our Houses would be like our family. Well, if this place is like family, then I don't want a family."

She pursed her lips again.

He heard Luna get up and her hand found his. "Do you think we can get some pudding after we see Madam Pomfrey?"

Harry gave a smile to her. "I'm sure we can ask Dobby or Winky. We are still welcome here."

"I must insist on a meeting as soon as possible. We must talk about the rest of the year and your lack of grades," she told him.

Harry turned back to the acting-Headmistress, his face not as pleased. "I am not breaking any rules and I think I have earned outstandings as outlined in the tournament rules in transfiguration, charms, DADA, Care of Magical Creatures and Ancient Runes, even though I am not taking that course."

"Yes. You have shown a very high aptitude in those, but you have done none of the work for Divination, Astronomy, History of Magic, Potions or Herbology," she replied.

Harry shrugged. "I am doing a lot of Herbology studying for the next task. I figure I will earn at least an exceeds expectations in that by the end of the year. As far as potions, anything I might have liked about that class, especially since my mum was supposed to be really good at potions, has been squashed by Snape. I really don't care if I ever take that class again."

"We shall talk about this later," she told him, starting to look worried.

"If you want," he said coolly.

Luna looked between them for a moment before asking, "Professor, how did you find us here? I didn't think a professor could order the elves to do that?"

The elf next to her had his head droop, and his ears touch his shoulders. "There should not be any place in the castle a professor should not be able to get into. But not all wizards and witches treat the elves so poorly as Ms. Granger believes. I just never thought to ask until now."

"No," Harry said simply. "Most don't think about them."

Dobby gave him a small smile as Harry winked at Dobby.

"Now, I have to get you to the hospital and then Ms. Lovegood must move her belongings back into the dorms," McGonagall told them.

"No." Harry left no room for doubt in his word.

"She is not a champion and must adhere to rules of the school," McGonagall countered.

"That is funny the snufwargles are requiring that. You would think everyone would have the same standards," Luna said, her spacey eyes looking straight into McGonagall's.

"I will talk with Professor Flitwick about your accusations," Professor McGonagall told her.

Harry snorted. "When has any professor ever done anything about bullying or even listened to me or any student?"

McGonagall bristled. After a moment, Professor McGonagall's stiff demeanor lessened. "Listen, Potter. I am not trying to be your enemy or give you a hard time. I assure you that I take all accusations seriously and do my utmost to fix all problems. My main concern is to ensure you get the best education possible."

Harry's hard glare met the professor's. "I'll believe that when I actually see the problems addressed. Come on, Luna, get your socks and shoes on."

Luna let go of his hand and did a hopping step over to the chairs by the fireplace. McGonagall was still staring at him, but Harry thought he saw real concern in her eyes this time. "What have I done that you have so little faith in me?"

"You have done nothing, and that is the problem," Harry told her, finally breaking his stare and stepping over to the chairs to retrieve his own socks and shoes. As Harry and Luna went to leave, he turned to Professor McGonagall. "Luna is not going back to Ravenclaw tower until she can feel safe, and no one will take her stuff again."

McGonagall, who had been looking very pensive, replied. "That is not your decision, Mr. Potter. We have rules. Rules Ms. Lovegood needs to follow."

"Not if she isn't a student here anymore," Harry retorted.

"Oh, I do hope to go into the woods of British Columbia again. We didn't find any wendigos, but daddy and I saw a few other interesting things," Luna said excitedly as they left.

McGonagall looked stricken.

-oOo-

March 6, 1995

Hogwarts, Scotland

"Did you hear?" a wide-eyed girl said as Harry walked past a gaggle of them in the hallway. Luckily, they were too intensely involved in their little circle to see him.

After a moment, he stopped outside Professor McGonagall's office and knocked on her door. After their conversation the other day and being cleared by the Healers from St. Mungo's that he was not experiencing any negative effects from the tournament, he had sat down for another tense talk with McGonagall. Though, by then, Harry was fuming that Luna had been forced to go back to Ravenclaw tower while she was still a student and about the only thing he wanted from McGonagall was to expel him.

Now he had been called to another meeting about the tournament. He was going to blow it off, but Luna had told him he should go. That was the only reason he was knocking on Professor McGonagall's door. Hermione had said the same, but she wasn't Luna.

When the door opened, he found more than a dozen people in her office. Fleur was standing by a window with a relatively short man with dark hair and a mustache. Next to her was a woman that looked very much like Fleur, but not nearly old enough to have a seventeen- or eighteen-year-old daughter. Krum was leaning against a wall next to a woman that was equally as short. She didn't have a slim figure, but she wasn't fat either. She had the same dark hair and eyes though. Cedric was stood behind two chairs. Harry recognized Mr. Diggory, and the sandy hair woman next to him must have been Cedric's mother. Besides them was Professor McGonagall, then a woman with greying red hair and a monocle hanging on her robes, a very contrite looking Percy Weasley, a woman with a vulture on her hat, a tall man with an impeccable countenance and suit type robes. It reminded him of Head Crouch, but this man actually looked approachable.

"Glad to see you made it just on time," Professor McGonagall told him.

Harry just shrugged and took up a spot against the wall next to the door. He wanted a quick way out, just in case.

"Before we get going, I would like to make some introductions. This is Monsieur and Madam Delacour. Madam Delacour is the Senior Delegate of the French Department of Magical Cooperation." She indicated the people next to Fleur Delacour.

"Mr. and Mrs. Diggory. Mr. Diggory is Head of Magical Creatures." The man next to Cedric nodded.

"Lady Krum, who is here with Mr. Krum," McGonagall stated.

"The woman next to me is Head Bones of the DMLE. Then there is Madam Longbottom, representing the Hogwarts' Governors..." she indicated the woman with a vulture hat, "...and finally, Head Penderel, recently appointed to Head of Magical Cooperation. Lady Krum and Mr. and Mrs. Diggory have agreed to join us in this meeting."

Harry tried not to roll his eyes. Of course, all the other champions would have their parents. Who did Harry have?

"Thank you, Assistant Headmistress McGonagall," Head Penderel replied. "We have called you all here today to talk about the tournament and how we plan to end it."

For once, Harry kept his mouth shut. Madam Delacour did not though, "You know 're displeasure at the tasks," she stated.

"Yes, we know. The tasks have been far more dangerous than expected," Penderel agreed. "And after the last task, where the audience couldn't even see what went on, the judges and I have reviewed the final task and the competitors. Mr. Potter, it has been brought up that you were entered against your will and do not wish to compete?"

Harry snorted. "I think I have made that very clear."

"Yes. Quite," McGonagall said. Harry just gave her a cheeky grin.

"For someone that doesn't want to compete, he has sure been the leading competitor," Mr. Diggory said to the group.

"Be that as it may, it was never the intention to put anyone into this against their will or force someone to compete. My predecessor and Headmaster Dumbledore made some mistakes in rule interpretations. I have talked with the Assistant Headmistress, and she has agreed to expel you for the rest of the year with nothing on your record. The staff and her would like to offer you a home-schooling spot where you can attend classes here for the rest of the year," Head Penderel said.

Harry brightened up. "Really? When can I leave?"

"Mr. Potter, this is an exception we are making so that you may keep your wand," the Headmistress replied. "You will have to enroll with the Department of Education as a home-schooled student that is taking independent classes here at Hogwarts," she stated.

Harry was grinning. "Sure," he agreed, knowing that if he was going to be expelled, he could work on booking his ticket to Canada or the United States and then Ilvermorny today. He would just need to know when he could leave and start at Ilvermorny. Luna and him had missed the current semester... maybe after Easter? For the first time in a while he felt excited. To think, it only took a few months of bad stories in the Daily Prophet and him acting up to get here.

McGonagall eyed him suspiciously. "You will need to stay at Hogwarts."

"Sure," he said, giving the same cheeky grin he had a moment ago.

Diggory and Krum didn't look as pleased. "You vould just expel him?" Victor questioned.

"Where is this boys guardian? I would not approve of that," Mr. Diggory exclaimed.

"My godfather is in the United States. I'm sure he will approve," Harry replied.

"The boy really should have a representative here," Mr. Diggory pressed.

"That is between Mr. Potter and Professor McGonagall. Now, for the last task. It was originally going to be a maze, but it would be nearly impossible for the spectators to see anything, so we are changing it to a dueling match..."

Harry tuned the man out. He was going to get what he wanted and needed to go find Luna.

-oOo-

March 7, 1995

Hogwarts, Scotland

Harry sat in a classroom with Hermione and Luna. Hermione had her brow scrunched. "So, they are going to expel you?"

"McGonagall has agreed to expel me next Friday, that way I have time to apply for home schooling and to apply here for independent study classes. I am going to send an owl to Ilvermorny today to see when we can start there," Harry told Hermione.

"Daddy said Mr. Black has a house for us. I will stay with you during the school year. Daddy doesn't want to give up the Quibbler," Luna reiterated. She had told him last week and Sirius had sent him a letter explaining all that. The British Ministry still hadn't cleared his godfather yet, which irked Harry to no end.

"My parents are still unsure if I should go all the way over there. They have asked me to apply to Beauxbatons as well, since getting to France is easier," Hermione informed them. "Mum said the Chunnel finally opened so we can take a train to France."

"Really? That is wicked," Harry replied.

Luna looked at them oddly. "How can a train go over the English Channel? I thought that was really wide."

"It actually goes in a tunnel under the channel," Hermione said. "In about twenty-one minutes you can go from England to France."

There was a bemused smile on Luna's face. "I don't understand why muggles aren't magical. You said we will fly like muggles? How do muggles do that?"

"Planes, Luna. I hope you can come, Hermione," Harry said to her.

"I hope so too," Hermione replied.

-oOo-

March 9, 1995

Daily Prophet

By Doris Tart

Yesterday the Ministry released details about the upcoming trial of Severus Snape. The man will be charged with the deaths of two wizards and one witch from the Blood wars, all acts committed between nineteen-seventy-nine and nineteen-eighty-one. No names have been released as yet, and the Daily Prophet has been unable to gather any other details given the volume of unsolved cases from nineteen-sixty-nine to nineteen-eighty-two.

There is also an investigation from the Department of Magical Education into former Professor Snape and Headmaster Albus Dumbledore. An anonymous source in the department was quoted as saying, "A review has been undertaken after a number of complaints were brought to the department. There is evidence that there has been a sharp decline in Potion OWL and NEWT grades, and only eighteen potion masters have been certified in the last thirteen years. Typically, there are four or five a year."

This drastic decline in skilled potion makers has also been highlighted by St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and departments in the Ministry, most notably the Magical Reversal, Auror and Muggle Artifacts departments. All of whom have to offer remedial potion classes to most new recruits...

-oOo-

"I told you he was a bloody nob," Harry said to Hermione as Luna took the paper from him.

Hermione frowned. "This is awful."

"Why is this awful? I would rather enjoy a better potions professor. My mother was rather skilled, and I do not feel I am at her same level. I am pretty sure it is the insufficient methods by our teacher why," Luna said, though she looked a little more confused than certain.

Harry snorted. "Insufficient... sure, that's how we can describe it."

Hermione still looked worried as she buried her head into the Daily Prophet again.

-oOo-

March 11, 1995

Godric's Hollow, England

Minerva sat at the round table that the young elf indicated, across from her was her longtime friend and mentor. Looking at him, he didn't look much better than he had in the hospital almost two weeks ago.

"How are you today, Albus?" she asked him.

The left side of his face ticked at random times. "It would appear that there are things magic cannot fix in an expedient manner," he said, sounding amused.

"Yes, quite. Our bodies are not indestructible and certain laws hold true about the natural order of things and how magic can affect them," she replied.

He nodded. "Yes. I remember how stubborn you were all those years ago to learn those lessons."

"I was barely eighteen when you took me on as an apprentice. Youth has a much different perspective on life and magic than those of experience," she countered.

He looked amused, before another tick ruined his expression. "I am afraid I lost perspective on that fact over the years."

"I would rather say you have." She was not going to pull any punches today.

He let out a sigh. "Minerva, the Healers do not think I have more than a year or two before my heart gives out. Apparently, I have been developing a weak condition."

"My niece has told me. I had to give a report to the Governors the other day," she informed him.

"There are a few things I need to accomplish before I can pass onto the next great adventure. Having Severus unavailable will complicate these matters. I must ask your help in probably the most important task you will ever have," he put to her, sounding very solemn.

She frowned as the elf put some tea and small cakes on the table. A small potion vial was put before Albus. "Master must take his potion first."

Albus nodded to the small elf. "Thank you, Rosie."

Minerva prepared her tea as he took the potion and grimaced. She couldn't help but notice the way he freely showed his feelings. This was not the man she had known for over fifty years. She waited as he got his own tea ready before saying, "My first priority is to Hogwarts and her students, Albus. I am too old and stuck in my ways to do anything else before I retire myself. Cleaning up the mess you have left will occupy me or the next headmaster for a few years."

Albus regarded her for a few minutes before seeming to sink in on himself some. "Have I really been that poor of a steward to our home?"

She pursed her lips. "I have had a few long discussions with the Department for Magical Education. Did you know that our scores have dropped almost across the board for the last twenty years? Only charms, herbology, Arithmancy and Transfiguration remain at the top of the other schools in Europe, but even then, less earn NEWTs each year in our top subjects."

Albus looked pained for a few. "Surely you are not serious? Hogwarts is the premier school in Europe."

"Was the premier school. Beauxbatons and Grecnobles in Greece are at the top for grades and general studies. Hogwarts ranks fifth of all the major schools in Europe now, even lower if you include the smaller schools and covens. I didn't believe it at first, but it is true." She watched his reaction.

The piercing blue eyes of the man seemed to dim. "How is that possible?"

She snorted. "How many years have we told you Severus was doing more harm than good? The staff stopped bringing up Binns when you kept refusing to replace him. Right now, we get less student in Magical History getting an Acceptable against the international standards than we do Divination students. I followed you blindly when you said it would be address next year, year after year."

This had Albus wincing.

She continued. "There has not been a stable Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher since you became Headmaster. Grizelda is besides herself when some young Muggleborns put all this before her using a Muggle mathematics called statistics. If the Governors approve, I have years of work to fix this."

She was angry with the man. She was angry with herself for letting this happen. As Deputy Headmistress she should have seen this, but with performing three jobs, two of which were full time drains on her time, she had missed this. She had been doing too much for years, much like the man before him.

When Albus didn't say anything for a few minutes, she said, "I have put in a proposal that the Headmaster and Deputy Headmaster have no other responsibilities than at the school and in their positions. I think this is lain at both our feet and I will not see it happen again."

There was a long couple of minutes that she sat, drinking her tea. Eventually Albus cast his eyes down and rubbed his left arm. "Perhaps I was trying to do too much. I thought I had learned my lesson that I should not be in charge of such important things but forgot that lesson in my hubris."

She felt some compassion to see this great man look broken. "If you had given your attention to only one of your major positions, I think you would have done very well, and our world would be in a better place. Now, I fear it may be as unstable as it was when You-Know-Who rose to power."

Albus frowned. "Is it really that bad?"

"There are other goings on that are even making it to Hogwarts. The Minister is under siege about the Tournament, the trial of Severus and the French pressing their threats to put punishing tariffs on us due to the treatment the Delacours have had and the kidnapping of their daughter," she informed him. "What were you thinking to take an eight-year-old girl and put her at the bottom of the lake?"

"I have not heard all that. The Healers won't let me read the paper yet, afraid I will have a relapse, but Rosie has been able to gather some information for me," Albus told her.

She nodded. He was holding his left arm tighter. Perhaps this was enough accusations and information today. She would inform him next time of her plans for Harry Potter and others.

-oOo-

March 17, 1995

Hogwarts, Scotland

Harry sat in the office of Professor McGonagall. Professor Flitwick had joined them.

"You understand why we are meeting today?" Professor McGonagall asked.

"I am going to be expelled," he said happily.

His soon to be former-head-of-house pursed her lips. "Yes. Normally students are not as pleased with this. Can I ask why I have not received any requests to do your homeschooling at Hogwarts?"

"I'm sure it just hasn't made it through the Ministry yet. It took me a few days to understand the forms. Maybe I could have been quicker if I had a guardian here," Harry said, not quite able to get the smile off his face. He had received a letter this morning that they had been filed incorrectly and that he had to resubmit the forms. Luna had helped with that. Harry couldn't understand what they did wrong...

McGonagall pinched her nose. "See that is done. Now that you are not in the tournament, you need to be evaluated and have passing grades to be in the same year group next year."

Harry shrugged.

"Was your time at Hogwarts truly that poor?" McGonagall asked.

"I think I have made that clear. I doubt many will be too cut up about me leaving," Harry replied.

"I think you misunderstand your importance to our world," she replied. When Harry didn't say anything, she went on. "Potter, you do understand that you are a hero that saved us from one of our darkest times in our history? If not for you and your parents, I would think that You-Know-Who would have won, and we would all be the worst for it."

Harry snorted. "Well, most have a funny way of showing they are grateful."

"Minerva, I have said many times we should not put this onto his shoulders. Potter was only fifteen months old at the time," Professor Flitwick rebutted.

Harry flashed the man a smile.

"There is no avoiding it. I have tried to shelter him like Albus asked us too, but we have seen where that has gotten us," Professor McGonagall replied. "I will not deny that expelling Potter will probably bring a backlash on us."

"Professors, I really don't care. No one has ever really cared about me, so I don't see why I should care about everyone else. Are you going to expel me or not?" Harry put to them. He really didn't want to be here.

Professor McGonagall sighed. "In lieu of not having any magical guardian..."

"I have Sirius Black," Harry interjected.

"Yes, but he is not able to be here. In lieu of having no magical guardian able to attend, Professor Flitwick has offered to act in Mr. Black's stead. Do you agree to this?" she put to him.

"Yes," Harry replied.

"Very well, Potter. I have your official expulsion letter and the reasons. I have removed as much as I can from your records, but there is a long history of detentions and other rule violations. I had to give valid grounds that the Governors could sign off on," Professor McGonagall informed him, passing him a few sheets of paper. "I do want to say that this was not a unanimous decision, nor is it one that any of the professors agree with, but I agree that getting you out of the Triwizard Tournament is the best for you."

He had a sense she was trying to say it was best for them all.

Harry took the parchments. The top sheet pretty much said what she just had. The others were copies of his records.

"Do you wish to protest this?" she asked.

"No," he replied, putting the papers on the desk and looking for a quill. She pushed a quill and ink bottle to him. He signed it and then passed the papers to Professor Flitwick.

"Mr. Potter, I have never seen a student make such advancements like you have this year. I look forward to seeing you in class again next week. If you want, I can evaluate you and see if you can take your OWL in Charms at Christmas and do some independent studies after that," the man offered.

Harry gave a non-committal grunt.

Professor McGonagall's lips just about disappeared with how tight she was holding them. Professor Flitwick looked rather displeased. Once the diminutive man signed the forms, Harry gave them a huge smile. "I am going to just go get my stuff and say my goodbyes. Mr. Lupin is going to pick me up at the gates about four."

"Potter, I expect to see you back Monday morning." There was a pause before Professor McGonagall went on, "I am sorry that you think we failed you so. Your parents were some of my most favorites students in many years when they came through here. If you apply yourself like you have in the tournament, I see becoming so yourself," she said with a smile.

Harry shook his head as he stood up. "We'll see. I'll send Luna up."

They both looked a little confused. "I don't have an appointment with Ms. Lovegood," McGonagall put to him.

"She didn't tell you? Luna will be leaving with me and Mr. Lupin today. Oh, I also think Hermione will be asking for a meeting soon. Good day, professors," he said rather jovially to see their shocked faces.

Harry made it to the bottom of the stairs to see Luna reading the latest Quibbler. "I think they are ready for you, luv," Harry told her.

She lowered the magazine and gave him a small smile. "I'll meet you for lunch?"

Harry moved in and gave her a small kiss. "I'll have my trunk ready. I really only plan to say goodbye to Hermione and then go spend some time at the Quidditch pitch for a while."

She gave him her mischievous smile as she pecked him back. "Can I ride with you?"

He returned her smile. He always liked having her arms wrapped around him. "Sounds like a date."

"Oh, will there be pudding then?" she asked excitedly.

"I can arrange that," he promised. She gave him a deeper kiss before skipping off to the still open gargoyle.

Harry headed off towards the kitchens. He was sure Dobby or Winky would find a way to get Luna her favorite sticky toffee pudding. Except for a small travel backpack and his broom, everything was already packed, and Dobby had sent his trunk to Sirius' house this morning.

-oOo-

March 12, 1995

London, England

Luna had insisted that Harry take the window seat. He didn't find himself that surprised though as she leaned over him, her hair in his face and her chest firmly against his arm. They may still be in that mostly innocent boyfriend-girlfriend stage most fourteen-year-olds would be in, that didn't mean that Harry wasn't becoming more aware of her body and his reaction to it. Especially with how Luna pushed that bubble at times.

The row they sat in on the large plane had three seats on their side of the cabin. Remus gently reached over to take Luna's arm. "Luna, you need to sit as the plane takes off," he informed her.

"What do all those signs mean on the runway? Is that how they tell the wispkneezles where to go?" Luna asked, at least putting her bottom back into the seat.

"I don't know what a wispkneezle is," Remus remarked.

"They are large balloon like animals that like to feed on birds and flying fish that live in clouds. They have to land to mate in the fall. I was wondering if they use those signs when they come down," she said rather seriously.

Harry smiled at the confused look on the werewolf's face. "Are you sure they would land around here? It seems rather busy and dangerous with all these planes coming and going," Harry put to her.

Her dreamy eyes became a little more focused as she fully sat down. "Perhaps. It would seem rather unusual. Daddy says they are quite reclusive most of the year. Hmm. What are those signs for?"

"I think they tell the planes were to go," Remus told her. "Now, pay attention. We are about to take off and the stewardess is giving us a safety display."

That was enough to distract her until the roar of the engine started. Luna grabbed his hand. He looked back to see her eyes wider than he had ever seen as they were pressed back into the seats. Looking back out the window, he watched as the plane sped down the runway and suddenly it felt like his stomach was dropping to his knees as they left the ground.

"I like flying on your broom more," Luna said in a small voice.

Harry squeezed her hand. "Look out the window. Everything is getting so small."

She turned her head to bury it in his shoulder. The plane suddenly banked to the right and she shivered. "I like brooms more."

"I'll take you flying on a broom as soon as I can," he whispered back.

"Remember we are on a plane," Remus reminded them.

Luna didn't calm until the plane leveled out and the captain said they could remove their seat belts. She shuffled as close to him as possible. After he was sure she was alright, Harry looked out the window again. It was getting close to night, but Remus had said they would mostly be chasing the sun for the next few hours. They would be in the air for about eight hours. Leaving London about six-thirty in the evening meant they would land in New York about nine-thirty New York Time.

The land quickly faded, and all Harry could see was water and clouds.

"Would you help me with a crossword puzzle?" Luna queried. She was still pressing into him as much as the seats allowed. He thought he would have to warn her about taking out the Quibbler on the plane, but found she had a thick muggle crossword book and a pencil she must have gotten in the airport.

"Sure," Harry told her.

It wasn't until the captain said they had crossed over into international airspace that he finally relaxed.

They were free.

-oOo-

About the same time...

Hogwarts, Scotland

Tonight, was going to be the night. It had taken him a few weeks to finally get some hair from a third-year girl on a Hogsmeade visit. Barty Crouch Jr. had told him that this girl was a friend of Potters and would allow him to get close enough to trick the boy to going near the edge of the wards. Peter didn't think the girl and Potter had ever really talked. It was too bad that Barty had to run when his father had been taken in. Moody had seemed to be closing in on the man as well. Their master had thought a student from Durmstrang would be the perfect cover.

He did not want to fail like Barty had. After weeks of torture, Peter had to finally bury what was left of the man last weekend.

As he approached Gryffindor House, he had to scurry behind a set of armour when he heard foot steps. It was a tall boy and two of the worst terrors he had ever faced. He itched to turn into a human and hex them. The Weasley twins had used him for more experiments than Peter wished to remember.

"Are you sure she can do it?" the tall black boy asked.

"Gin? She is sneakier than us. Tomorrow morning all of Slytherin house..." Fred said and his voice trailed off as they walked further down the corridor. From the sounds of it, this would be the perfect time to get Potter out of the tower.

Once he was sure the hall was clear, he transformed and took the vile out of his pocket. Trying not to gag, he took a big swig of the polyjuice potion. Once he was a thirteen-year-old girl, he transfigured his robes to look like he was a Hogwarts student.

He had to admit he was disappointed. He thought Ginny Weasley would be a little more developed by now. She had seemed to be going that way last year... that was neither here nor there though. He had a job to accomplish and wanted to be out of here as fast as he could.

Slipping out, Peter looked around and rushed off towards the tower. He had snuck in here twice this week and gave the portrait the password. He hated how his voice sounded. Once in the tower, he looked around and found no sign of Potter. He did spot his mudblood friend though.

Walking over, trying to be as inconspicuous as possible, he slid into a chair across from Granger. The girl was writing away, but occasionally wiping tears off her face. When she looked up, Granger quipped, "What do you want, Ginny? I don't have the time tonight."

Peter tried not to frown. Last he knew they were friends. "I'm looking for Harry."

Hermione sniffed. "Maybe you should have done that months ago. I told you he needed a friend."

He had to bluff. "You...you know I like him. It's not... you know... that easy to talk with him."

Hermione snorted. "I told you before, Harry doesn't care."

"Well, I want to talk to him now," Peter said in the girl's voice.

"It's too late. I need to finish this essay for History of Magic," Granger stated and leaned over her parchment again.

There was something in her tone that brought up a panic in Peter. "What do you mean it's too late?"

"He's gone, Ginny. Now let me get this done," Granger said in a harder tone.

Peter blinked. "Gone?"

"Gone."

"What do you mean gone?" Peter pressed.

"As in, he should be to the States soon. I am going to follow him there next year. Now, leave me be," Granger snapped.

Peter Pettigrew had never been a very brave man. At one time he had been loyal and idealistic. He had had great friends that had shared that idealism... then his mother had become sick, and the Dark Lord had offered a way to heal her. For that, all he had to do was betray his best friends. That betrayal was going to get him what he finally wanted when the Dark Lord rose again. For almost fifteen years now his mother had been in a coma at St. Mungo's. With the rise of his Lord again, she would be healed.

If Potter was gone though...

"Dumbledore would never allow that," he said, hoping to be right.

"You know Dumbledore is on leave right now. Professor McGonagall expelled him yesterday and he was going to the United States last night. If that is all," Granger huffed and took a book closer to her.

Peter was in a full panic right now.

Unsure what to do, he got up and made his way towards the portrait.

He managed to make it to the portrait, down a flight of stairs and then came face to face with one of the people he probably should not have tonight. "Why do you look like me?"

His eyes shot up to see a suspicious looking Ginny Weasley. The real Ginny Weasley.

He didn't think about it. His wand was out of his pocket and the girl was flung backwards by an overpowered Stupefy hex. After that, his flight instincts took over. He could not revert back to his rat form until the polyjuice wore off, so he needed another way out of here. Looking around, he realized he was not far away from the humpback witch.

That would be his first objective... after that he had to rethink his second. The Dark Lord would not be merciful to know that Harry Potter had left the country. As much as he loved his mother, he was not sure it would be worth it to go back to the Dark Lord empty handed.

Perhaps he could find another way to heal his mother?

-oOo-

March 18, 1995

Berkshire Mountains, Massachusetts, United States

Harry felt a little disorientated as he made his way down the stairs. The house felt a little cool and he caught sight of snow on the ground as he looked out the window at the bottom of the stairs. Harry had thought the place brilliant yesterday. It was an old New England farmhouse, with a huge barn and about two-hundred acres of land on the backside of a mountain. They couldn't see anyone or the nearest town.

Harry wasn't really thinking of that at the moment though. He was letting his nose guide him to the smell of bacon.

When he walked into the kitchen, he missed the amused smiles from his godfather and Remus when he slumped into a chair at the small table meant for family meals. He hadn't slept the entire day yesterday, and not much the night before either.

"Morning, pup," Sirius said, reaching towards a large mug.

"Is it? What time is it?" Harry enquired.

"About nine, though your body is probably saying it is closer to one in the afternoon," Remus told him.

He yawned and absently thanked Dobby as a plate was put before him with some toasted muffins with eggs and bacon on them. The yoke looked runny, just like he liked it.

"Would the Great Harry like juice or tea?"

He took in the pungent aroma of something in the kitchen. "What is that smell?" Harry nodded towards the cup Sirius was holding. He wasn't sure if we liked the smell or not.

"Tea isn't quite as popular over here. Most Americans prefer coffee," Sirius said to Harry.

"I've never been a fan of coffee," Remus stated, taking his teacup.

"I'll try some coffee," Harry told them.

A few minutes later, Luna came into the kitchen. Her hair was wilder than normal, her wand tucked behind her ear. Harry's eyes widened to see the short shorts and t-shirt she was in. It was apparent she was not wearing a bra.

The poor girl looked even less awake than Harry, which was unusual for her. She didn't say a word as she plopped into the chair next to him and then promptly leaned over to put her head on his shoulder.

Sirius chuckled to see Harry's reaction and the way Luna closed her eyes and snuggled against him. Remus just shook his head and drank his tea.

"Neither of you need to report to the Ministry until tomorrow to get your paperwork for your citizenship and Ilvermorny doesn't want to see you until Wednesday for your evaluations. So, what do you want to do today?" Sirius asked.

Luna reached for the cup of tea that Winky had put before her, took a sip and then leaned her head against Harry again. "Can I put my head in your lap? It's a better pillow than your boney shoulder," Luna said in a tired voice.

Remus' shoulders started to move as though he was keeping in a laugh. Sirius didn't bother, he let out a barking laugh. "Right. Why don't you two get a nap and we can go into town later today."

"Is daddy coming?"

"He said he would be here this weekend. Last I heard he was in Bolivia," Sirius told her.

She tried to snuggle into him more. Harry put an arm around her shoulders. Luna put her head on his chest, and he found himself spitting out her hair. "Good," was all she said. Winky put a plate of food down, but Luna was acting as though she had fallen asleep again.

"I told you you should have taken those potions last night and that it would have helped with the lag," Sirius told them.

"It's six hours later here. Wouldn't that be easier?" Harry asked.

"Not if you were up all that time and half of last night. I saw Luna leave your room about two. Do I need to give you the talk?" Sirius asked, a broad smile on his face.

Harry's face turned a little red. He wasn't sure what to say when Luna replied, "Oh, daddy said I should wait another year or two before I start shagging. I'm only fourteen you know. We just mostly talked last night... after Harry snogged me for a while."

Sirius had brought the coffee to his mouth, inhaled what he was drinking and promptly spat it back out. Remus looked shocked for a second before he started to laugh at the way Sirius coughed up a lung.

"Did you have to say that?" a very bright faced Harry whispered to her. She had suddenly announced that to him as well last night when his hand wandered a little too far under her shirt... though Luna didn't stop him. The way her nipples were showing in her shirt from the cold this morning was the same way they had been last night when she had rather enjoyed his touching.

Luna yawned. "Daddy said our bodies and what we do with them are nothing to be ashamed off."

"Merlin, pup," Sirius managed to get out in a wheezing voice. "She's a keeper."

-oOo-

March 19, 1995

Daily Prophet

BOY-WHO-LIVED FLEES COUNTRY

By Rita Skeeter

In an apparent surprise, your intrepid reporter, Rita Skeeter, has found out some salacious news. Harry Potter, the Boy-Who-Lived, fourth champion of the Triwizard Tournament and darling to the British Magical world has left the country!

You read that right. Harry Potter has left the country!

Various sources have confirmed that the boy was kicked out of Hogwarts for numerous rule violations, most of which are conjectured to be related to various goings on with the tournament and other actions over the last three years.

I might normally label someone a coward for running, but can he be blamed? Taught and ridiculed by a Death Eater! Entered into a tournament that he did not want to compete in! Labeled a cheat, a Dark Wizard and blood traitor by his peers. Left to be raised by muggles that beat and denigrated him. Abandoned by those of us that owe him much, and his closest friends!

What has happened to cause our largest national hero to forsake us. I will expose all in an exposé that will span the next five days, starting with his parents and the apparent betrayal by one of their closest friends...

-o-

Albus Dumbledore read the paper with a growing horror. There were hints of all the challenges Harry had gone through. Hints that said the very powerful were responsible. Hints that Harry had been betrayed by almost everyone around him.

Albus' larger worry was that Harry was gone from Hogwarts. Worst still, he could be gone from the country. What would this do to Hogwarts and the Ministry to know they chased away the Boy-Who-Lived?

Albus felt the tingle in his chest but ignored it as he came to the paragraph that Harry was now living in the United States and the MACUSA had granted him asylum.

Albus rubbed his arm.

Harry had to come back.

Harry had a destiny.

It didn't matter the dementors took the horcrux out of him...

Harry has a destiny.

What had Minerva done?

He was fretting over the prophesy and the panic this would cause when he started to feel lightheaded. To late did he realize he needed to take his heart potion.

Getting up, he stumbled towards his kitchen, not thinking about calling on his elf.

Minerva was set to visit that afternoon. By the time she arrived, all she could do was call St. Mungo's for a body bag.

-oOo-

Later that same day...

Little Hangleton, England

It had been days since Wormtail had been back. Nagini was complaining about being hungry. He was hungry himself and the body he was in was starting to fail. The red cracked skin had started to ooze, and he barely had the strength to lift a finger, let alone his wand.

He had never been so vulnerable since he was a babe, and he hated it.

"Master. I need to feed. I am feeling week," Nagini hissed for the fifth time today.

"You cannot leave my side until Wormtail returns," he commanded his familiar.

"Hungry," she hissed again.

"You will wait, my sweet."

Nagini gave an angry hiss.

Something scurried into the room. Nagini heard it and struck out. Voldemort screamed as his chair was knocked over. There was a commotion as he tried to take in what was happening. He caught site of a brown rat racing past him, trying to scurry out the door. "NO!" he hissed out.

It was too late. Nagini bit his body, half crushing it while striking at the rat. She struck again. The rat cried out in pain for a second before the room was silent. Voldemort saw Nagini rise up. If a snake could show fear and remorse, it would have. Voldemort tried to say something, but it was only a gurgle with the blood in his mouth and his crushed chest. His last thought was that he needed better servants before the pain of being ripped from another body had him succumb to the darkness he had felt after Potter had done the same over thirteen years ago.

Last time it had taken him almost ten years to recover enough to possess Quirrell... how long might it take this time?

-oOo-

March 22, 1995

Mt. Greylock, Massachusetts, United States

They had taken a train into Adams, Massachusetts, which sat at the bottom of Mount Greylock. Unlike the Hogwarts Express and a boat ride across a lake, they followed a map to a carriage. It only took one look to have Luna hopping from foot to foot.

"Are we really going to take that?" Luna queried excitedly, running ahead of them.

"Luna, hold up!" Sirius called after the excitable blonde.

Harry just smiled after his girlfriend. "Let her go, Sirius. She is going to do it anyways."

"Yes, but we should wait for Ms. Norberg," Sirius told him.

"Since when are you so concerned with rules?" Harry asked the man.

"Since I now have custody of my godson and his girlfriend. Are you sure the Granian won't stomp on her?" Sirius actually looked a little worried as Luna ran up to the animal.

"Miss, please don't," a woman yelled out as she got out of the coach.

Luna didn't listen, instead jumping up to wrap her arms around the neck of the large horse. It just whinnied, not seeming to mind the small creature that had just latched onto it.

Harry walked up to the woman, who was looking at the girl with wide eyes. "I've never known them to just let someone come up like that."

"That's my Luna," Harry said with pride.

"Quite," Sirius said, then laughed as Luna got back on her feet, then started to pet its snout and talking to it about the sky.

"Is she okay?" the woman asked concerned.

"She's fine. Animals and Luna just get along. I'm Harry Potter, by the way," he said, holding out his hand. The woman looked to be around thirty with shoulder length golden hair, a nice figure and hazel eyes.

"Ms. Erica Norberg. I take it this is Luna Lovegood?"

"Yes, ma'am," Harry replied.

"And Mr. Black?" the woman enquired after shaking his hand.

Sirius stood a little taller. "Yes, Ms. Norberg. Sirius Black at your service, though you can just call me Sirius."

"I think it more professional for now for me to call you Mr. Black. Now, Mr. Potter and Ms. Lovegood, if you would get in?" Ms. Norberg indicated the carriage.

Harry missed the raised eyebrow the woman gave his godfather while he watched Luna fall in love with the winged horse. Maybe some would feel jealous of that, but Harry found he liked her even more, especially when she caught him looking at her. She gave him a bright smile, said goodbye to the Granian and then skipped back to Harry. "Are we going to fly in the carriage?"

"Yes, Ms. Lovegood. If you would. The headmaster is eager to talk with you and we have a long day today and tomorrow to evaluate you. On Friday we will have you sorted, and you may start classes on Monday," she told them.

"I do hope I can see Todd again," Luna told her.

"Todd?" Ms. Norberg questioned.

"Todd," Luna said, waving her hand towards the flying horse. Ms. Norberg looked at the girl curiously. "He is a rather nice horse. He told me all about flying and how he loves it. Though he can't recall ever seeing a blithering humdinger or heliotrope in the sky. I will have to ask your other Granians. Perhaps they have seen them."

The woman blinked a few times. Sirius was starting to get used to the slight blonde, but even he looked a little unsure. Harry just took her hand and kissed the side of her head. "We will see what they say. Now, come sit with me."

The two adults didn't know what to make of the situation and followed them into the coach. Luna sat on the outside seat, Harry in the middle to make sure she didn't dive out in excitement if she saw something else that caught her fancy.

As they flew up the mountain, Luna commented, "I like this more than the plane. Can we go flying on your Firebolt later?"

"Let's see what time we get home. Remus and the puckwedgies haven't completed all the wards, so the back fields aren't safe yet," Sirius told them.

Harry's first impression was that Ilvermorny was large. Where Hogwarts was a large castle, Ilvermorny was a large campus with a quadpod field, a quidditch pitch, another field that looked lain out for footfall -he didn't like the term soccer- and Ms. Norberg said the other field was for baseball and softball. Seven large granite buildings dominated the campus. Four on the outskirts, the Houses of Ilvermorny. The three in the center were the class buildings. One of the class buildings was a large tower, apparently the original school.

It once housed about four hundred students, like Hogwarts, but now it housed about fifteen hundred on campus and had about a thousand or so day students.

A dozen large greenhouses went down the mountain to the north. The side of the mountain away from Adams had a few paddocks, the largest one housing a few Abraxans next to about two dozen Granians, and a half dozen barns. The main drive went through a tall gate, with an ivy-covered wall around the school. A few dozen yards from the gate the drive just stopped, as though one time it had gone all the way down the mountain.

"Wicked," Harry said. Seeing it from the air was so much better than in pictures.

"Look! A thunderbird!" Luna exclaimed. Harry had to dive to wrap an arm around her waist to keep her from jumping out.

"I take it Ms. Lovegood loves creatures?" Ms. Norberg asked once she got over the shock.

"You can say that," Harry replied with a chuckle as Luna bounced in the seat. Harry kept his arms around her waist until they landed.

Harry had a feeling he was really going to like it here.

-oOo-

March 23, 1995

Hogwarts, Scotland

Hermione let out an annoyed sound. "Yes! Harry and Luna are gone and are never coming back! I can't wait for the end of next term, so I don't either," she yelled at Angelina Johnson, who had been begging her to say Harry was coming back.

"Just leave her alone," Neville told the tall black girl.

"I still don't get why he ran! I thought he was a Gryffindor," Angelina huffed before stalking away back towards the twins and their friends.

"Thanks, Neville," she said as the boy sat in the chair next to her.

"You're welcome," Neville said.

When he didn't say anything for a few, Hermione offered, "You want to join me? I'm working on History of Magic right now."

Neville smiled. "I would like that."

He quietly took out his revision and she bent over her parchment, praying she would have twenty minutes or so without being interrupted again. When she finished the ten-inch essay, which was closer to twenty for her, she put her quill down.

Neville was still silently sitting next to her, reading some of the history book.

"Do you need me to look over your essay?" she offered.

Neville shook his head. "I think I have it. I don't really want to bother you. It was just nice to sit with someone to do my work."

"Oh, Neville, you know you can any time," she told him, her voice kinder than earlier. She was missing Harry already and found it nice to be sitting with someone that didn't seem to want anything from her. Her parents still hadn't decided if they would allow her to go to Ilvermorny or Beauxbatons. She had received letters from both saying they would be happy to accept her transfer.

"I know, but once you and Harry became friends again, I wasn't sure you would want me around," Neville said a little glumly.

She smiled at him. "I do. I had a lot of fun going to the Yule ball and Hogsmeade with you. Now, do you want me to look at that?"

He shook his head again. "I have it."

"Alright," she backed off.

After looking her essay over again, she put it away. When she took out her herbology books, Neville looked to have finished his essay. "Are you alright?"

Hermione put her stuff down and looked at Neville. She felt caught off guard. "You know, you are the first one to ask me if I am alright."

"I've heard how people keep bugging you. I told Ron, Seamus and Dean to leave you alone," Neville confessed.

Hermione looked over to the three boys, who were playing chess. "Is that why they haven't asked why Harry left and when is he coming back? Everyone else has."

"They shouldn't bug you," Neville said with a finality she had only known Harry to use in his voice. This had her looking at the slightly pudgy boy a little closer... though, he wasn't really pudgy now. In the last year he had grown. Neville was now several inches taller than her and the baby fat that had rounded his face before was going away. She had the thought that in another year or so that Neville might be one of the most fanciful boys in their year.

"I can take care of myself," she told him.

"I know. Just figured you needed a friend. So, how are you?" Neville put to her.

She really did need a friend. Hermione suddenly found herself hugging Neville. Even when Harry had taken her back, he was so distracted with Luna, the tournament and trying to leave, she had felt neglected. Neville was the first one to ask her how she was doing, and mean it, in a while. His arms wrapped around her after a stunned few seconds.

When she pulled back, she wiped a tear from her cheek. "Awful, if you really want to know."

"I figured. You haven't looked yourself since Halloween," Neville commented.

"I haven't felt it. How could I have ever doubted Harry?" she asked him.

"I didn't. I just thought you were shocked, like the rest of us," Neville replied. This time he reached up and used his finger across her cheek to take another tear away.

She gave a wan smile. "I don't think I ever did either, but everyone was saying it and like you said, I was shocked."

"I don't think you a bad person. We all make mistakes. Did you mean it you are leaving at the end of the year?"

"Yes, I am. I am just waiting to talk with my parents over Easter to decide where," she told him.

Neville nodded. "I am going to talk with Gran too. I really don't like it here and with Harry gone, and you leaving, it just doesn't feel right to stay."

"Yeah, it doesn't. Where would you go?"

"Beauxbatons. I have a few cousins that have gone, and I know French. Gran would never agree to Ilvermorny or any of the other American or Australian schools. She still sees them all as revolutionary colonies," Neville told her.

She snorted. "Your gran does realize that the Americans broke away more than two hundred years ago and Australia is still under the crown?"

Neville shrugged, a small smirk on his face. "My gran is pretty old. She probably still remembers when the first wizards went over."

Hermione laughed at him. "Neville!"

He chuckled. The clock above the fireplace chimed nine. "If you ever need to talk, just let me know," Neville told her. "I need to get to bed soon. Professor Sprout wants me in the greenhouses by six."

She nodded and watched as he packed things up, resolute to be a better friend for now on.

When he went to walk away, Hermione reached out and took his hand. "Neville, do you want to go into Hogsmeade with me next weekend?"

His cheeks brightened a little before he straightened out. "I would love to, Ms. Granger," he said, bowing over her hand and kissing her knuckles. This caught her off guard and she flushed this time. "Maybe we can do some more homework together tomorrow night?"

Her smile was broad. "I plan to go to dinner early and be working by seven."

"I'll see you then if we don't see each other tomorrow," Neville agreed.

She watched as he headed towards the stairs. When had he started to get this confidence he had shown tonight? He was still tripping over his words and feet at Christmas. She had enjoyed the two times they had gone into Hogsmeade. Had she missed that he might really like her? That was a bit of a foreign thought to her.

She did snort as she thought about his last comment about his grandmother. Last she knew he feared his gran so much he wouldn't have made a joke about her. Maybe there was more to the boy than she had thought.

In his slacks and jumper, she realized he was thinning out and was as tall as Ron when he passed him. Maybe she would need to look at Beauxbatons harder if he was going. She loved Harry, but maybe they needed some time apart? She didn't doubt they would stay in touch, but she had really hurt him, and she felt she needed some time to really figure out who she was.

Maybe Neville could help her...

-oOo-

March 24, 1995

Mt. Greylock, Massachusetts, United States

Harry could say that this week seemed the best of his short fourteen-years and eight months. Luna looked really cute in the Ilvermorny uniform. It was so much better than the robes and more austere style of Hogwarts. The boys wore black slacks, a white shirt and a dress coat. The coats were trimmed with colours signifying their house, though neither of theirs were yet. Luna wore a pleated dark grey tartan skirts with white lines. She could wear black slacks too, but he was definitely enjoying her legs in black stocking and the way her blouse pulled at her chest as she stretched. Her own dress coat was on the chair as they got ready to leave the house.

Today they would be sorted, but Harry wasn't sure he wanted to stay on campus. Students were allowed to stay at home. For now, Luna and him had chosen the option to come home every day.

"Are you two ready?" Remus asked.

Luna was giving Harry a smirk. "I don't think Harry is ready yet," she said, arching her back just a little more, like a cat.

Harry blushed to realize she knew he had been watching her and realizing she wasn't wearing a bra under her shirt as her nipples were particularly apparent today.

Remus shook his head at their antics. "You can tease him later. You two are due at the school in fifteen minutes to be sorted."

Luna gave him a smirk before taking on a little more of her dreamy expression. The little minx, a voice said approvingly in his head. Luna got up and put her coat on as Harry shook his head.

"Where's Sirius?" Harry questioned.

"Already left. Something about trying to convince Ms. Norberg about something," Remus said.

"I think he will have to wear her down," Luna told them.

"Probably. June?" Harry asked her.

She seemed to think about it for a moment. "Late May."

Remus whistled. "You think he is that out of practice?" he asked the teens in a teasing tone. "I was thinking three weeks."

"No, I think she wants to make sure he is serious before she allows him to rut her," Luna said.

Remus coughed and Harry just laughed. "You sound like they are a pair of mating deer."

"Aren't they?" Luna was serious. "Though, I thought he was a pup?"

"Merlin, Luna, don't ever say that to Sirius. You would pop his poor ego. He likes to think of himself as top dog," Remus replied while laughing.

Luna shrugged and reached for his hand. Harry took it and they walked down the drive to the house to use the new portkeys that would take them to the school. All day students, or those allowed to go home every weekend, got one.

"Good luck and don't cause too much mischief," Remus said with a wink.

"We won't get expelled," Luna assured Remus, who just shook his head.

When they landed, Harry found he actually was able to stand. Luna gave him a smile, and after meeting Ms. Norberg, they were shown into the center of the old round tower. It was massive, easily a hundred feet or more wide, with dozens of windows visible on five floors.

After going through a pair of massive oak doors, then down a long passage to a circular room in the center, they came to the Founder's room. Four large wooden totem posts were carved into the four mythical beasts that were the Houses of Ilvermorny.

The runes and pictograms on the floor all led into a gorgon knot at the center of the ring. Harry was offered to go first, and he stepped in, not looking up to the totems until he was in the center of the knot. When he looked up, he was staring directly at the horned serpent. It was a magnificent carving of the regal snake. The jewel in its head looked to be almost alive. He felt the pull of the snake, but it was not his path. The serpent was the way of the mind. He didn't know how he knew, but he knew. Next, he looked at the puckwedgie.

The goblins were warriors, feared by most and battle hardened, even if they tended the prestigious banks of Europe. Their teeth were always sharp, skin wrinkled and looked as though they never saw the sun. The puckwedgies totem showed the distinctive black eyes, ears and teeth the cousins shared, but it was carved to look smooth. Its face was more mischievous and caring. They were known to be hunters and to have helped the Native Americans that once lived in the lands, rumored to have shown them how to live off the lands. Fiercely loyal, once you earned the trust of one, they never wavered in their loyalty. Harry knew he could live up to their antics, but he didn't feel the urge to help, heal or connect with the land. They were the way of the heart.

There was no movement, so he turned to his right to face the wumpus. Harry felt it is as he looked at the mountain lion type creature. There was that urge to grab his wand. He wanted to use it to fight and protect those that he loved. Harry was also a very active and physical boy, traits prized by the stealthy hunter. Like the strength and grace of the wumpus, the wumpus were the body. It took Harry a few seconds to look away and then face the thunderbird, the one he most wanted to see.

The bird, its four wings already unfurled and looking as though it wanted to cry out its pleasure at the day, regarded him. It wanted to fly. It wanted to be free. Exploring the sky, the land, the waters. It wanted to use its magic to cover the land in life, and to be part of that life. The thunderbirds were the soul, the thing that gave everything life. Harry took a half step towards the bird before remembering he was supposed to stay in the circle until one of the totems indicated they wanted him.

He was caught by surprise when the wooden bird flapped its wings and the wumpus gave its cry to his side. Harry, uncertain what to do, looked to Ms. Norberg. "You get to choose," she told him.

Harry smirked, "Wicked."

Was he of the body or was he of the soul... what would Luna be?

Unlike at Hogwarts, he had no preconceived notions, so went with his heart...

A short bit later, his blonde girl was looking up between the puckwedgie and the firebird. She looked to Harry, and he shrugged. He knew she loved animals and the puckwedgie were those that cared for the land. On the other hand, Luna had been his soul when he needed one this year. It didn't really matter to him, as long as she was happy. They would see each other every night. When she turned back and bowed to the firebird, it gave out a loud shriek of acceptance of her choice. It had been louder than his. Then she turned to the puckwedgie and said, "Would you accept me?"

The totem let an arrow fly. It left behind a trail of green and blue sparks.

She was beaming as she skipped back to him, taking his hand.

"I look forward to having you in my house, Ms. Lovegood. Your talents with animals will be much celebrated I believe. And you, Mr. Potter, it would appear the Thunderbirds will probably have a new rising star," Ms. Norberg told them.

Harry smiled. "I don't want any popularity or fame."

"Perhaps not, but that doesn't mean you still can't be a leader or help those that need it. Now, let's go tell Mr. Black where you belong, and I will see you here bright and early Monday morning," said Ms. Norberg.

"We'll be here," Harry assured her.

As they were following Ms. Norberg out, Luna leaned over as they walked. "I hear thunderbirds love to fly?"

"They do have wings," Harry replied back cheekily.

"Maybe my new thunderbird could take me up? Daddy never said you couldn't explore before we are both sixteen..."

Harry tripped and found out later that flying with Luna wasn't quite as good as finding a quiet place in the woods and discovering that she really hadn't been wearing a bra that day. The smile on both their faces were hard to suppress, even when Sirius was frantic when they returned after dark.

Harry's smile faded when Sirius had knocked on his door later that night and they shared a very awkward conversation about how babies were made and how to be careful. It was a conversation that Harry wouldn't really need until Luna's sixteenth birthday, but it had helped them bond in a normal parent-figure to teen sort of way.

-oOo-

September 1, 1995

Hogwarts, Scotland

Minerva looked out over the new first years as they lined up. It was a smaller year, but then again, the population of the school had decreased some as well. After the fiasco of the tournament last year, the Death of Albus Dumbledore, the sacking of two teachers, the Minister and other stories about Harry Potter's adventures at the school, Minerva was not surprised at all that the school had lost more than fifteen percent of its populous.

With all this, she had refused the post of Headmaster, instead letting Pomona take up that role, and having Poppy take up Head-of-House for Hufflepuff. She had also stepped down as Deputy Headmistress. It was a role that Filius had wanted for years, and she was pleased to give it to him.

She had come to realize that she had been neglecting her lions and others after seeing two of her favorite students leave. Harry Potter was at Ilvermorny, in the United States. She knew he would never come back to Hogwarts. He was joined there by Luna Lovegood and half of the Muggleborn in the school.

His best mate, Hermione Granger, was now at Beauxbatons. Along with her was Neville Longbottom and most of the other Muggleborn. Looking at some of the tables, Gryffindor and Hufflepuff were missing the most. The refusal letters from Ms. Bones and Ms. Abbot this year were the most surprising though. They, along with Amelia Bones and Mrs. Abbott had moved to Australia.

Looking at who was left, she was afraid there would be issues at the cocky looks of many of the upper-year Slytherins.

She could only hope things would change in the next few years with Minister Nott, but she feared she was now looking at the beginning of the end of Hogwarts and her world.

She hoped it wouldn't be that dire, but those of the light or neutrals seemed tired of fighting it now. She may have thought it a little cowardly of Potter to run, but maybe it was better he fought for a life he wanted than to save the spoiled brats giving her and the staff looks that had her considering retirement.

As she thought that, she also pondered how much of this was her fault, along with Albus', for fostering the beliefs that had killed so many in years past and now had chased their greatest hero away?

Perhaps Ms. Granger had been right in the letter she had sent back on why she was leaving. They had spent many years upholding those on the Light side as virtuous, rule and law-abiding citizens that tried to keep impossible standards while letting the other side get away with almost murder in these hallowed halls.

"Aberdeen, Audrey," Filius called out. As Assistant Headmaster, it was his responsibility to sort the new students.

A girl with straight black hair came up. The Aberdeen's were usually Hufflepuffs or Ravenclaws, so it was with mild shock to see the girl go to Slytherin. The girl herself looked a little shocked but went over. It was more shocking as almost every other student went to the Slytherins. Out of thirty-eight new students, eighteen were now sitting at the Slytherin table.

Pursing her lips as Filius put the sorting hat down one last time onto the stool, she wasn't sure what to make of this. Half the students that went over to Slytherin were not from traditional houses that would. Many of them being only half-bloods. Was this a sign of change?

Her question was whether this was a positive or negative change?

Looking at the hall, Minerva still felt resolute in her decision last year. She had a feeling that if Harry Potter had stayed, their whole world would have collapsed. The boy had become a wrecking ball with is attitude and the way he was able to manipulate Rita Skeeter and the media.

Looking at the half-empty Hufflepuff table and the reduced and subdued Gryffindor table, she wasn't sure if it would have been a bad thing or not to let Harry throw their entire world into turmoil.

-oOo-

-C'est fin-

Thus, the life of Harry Potter became not about the Boy-Who-Lived, but about Harry just being 'Harry'... oh, and about how Harry met Luna... Can't forget about Luna. She is cute after all.

There is an epilog now planned because of the response for this story... it may be a few weeks before posting.

A/N: So, what I originally set out to do was write a once shot of no more than 15K words. 48K words later, and we reach the end of my original idea. It was meant to be funny, irreverent, cute and serious (not Sirius) where it needed to be. In short, something I don't usually do.

I hope you liked it. It has been one of my favorite to write so far.

Until my next great adventure in writing, WolfgangNH. 02 Apr 22