Okay. So I uh, I have no idea if I'm actually going to share this or not (If so please note that all Author's notes are typed up at the same time as the chapter they are posted with). I don't really even know where this idea came from... Well not entirely anyway, given the fact you could find my favorite stories and notice the massive number of them that are Harry Potter related. But what I was meaning is that I don't know what prompted me to write this story.

Most of the things I've thought about for this story have been done before, though not necessarily all together like this. But for a basic synopsis of this story (just in case you read this but not the little description blurb), here's what I've got. The horcrux in Harry's scar was destroyed by the basilisk venom. Because near death experiences allow you to see your loved ones that have already passed on, Harry gets to meet with his parents. They explain things to him as best they can with what time they have before he wakes up. Really, it's a 'Harry gets his shit together and is very OP' story. Also because I like redheads but dislike Ginny (I'm 100% behind the idea that she used love potions on him in canon), I'm making his love interest a Hufflepuff.

Anywho here's a disclaimer just in case. I DO NOT OWN HARRY POTTER. I DO NOT OWN ANY OF THESE CHARACTERS. I DON'T EVEN CLAIM OWNERSHIP OVER THE IDEAS THAT WERE PUT TOGETHER TO MAKE THIS STORY.

XxXxXxXxX

Inky blackness surround him. It was all he could see, no matter where he looked, even as the pain he had been feeling slowly began to evaporate. Not wanting to stare at nothing, he simply closed his eyes. With no idea what was going on he knew it was important to stay calm and not panic.

"Harry."

Right when he was on the cusp of giving in to the mounting despair brought on by the isolation he was feeling he heard a voice. Blinking in surprise Harry was startled to find that while he was trying to maintain his composure his surroundings had changed. Well, not really changed, it was more along the lines of he finally had company. But his surprise didn't fade. Facing him were two people it should have been impossible for him to meet. One was a woman with flowing red hair and eyes that matched his. The other was a tall man with the same messy hair that he knew he had.

"Mum? Dad?"

The sound of his voice cracking as he spoke made the two tear up slightly. Harry was their precious child and he had no idea what was happening. Despite his efforts to stay strong, they could tell he was scared. They both wanted nothing more than to hold him close. Yet they knew in their hearts that they couldn't. Harry was Magic's champion. If he were to be embraced in death, then the world was doomed.

"Oh my sweet baby boy, I wish I could hold you close and tell you everything will be alright."

Lily commented brokenly as she looked towards her son. James was also looking pained, which Harry didn't notice until he saw the hand his father had held up to stop him from rushing to hug them.

"We can't actually touch you Harry. Not until you are dead and can join us permanently."

The forlorn tone he heard in his Fathers voice made Harry choke back a sob even as he muttered how it wasn't fair.

"I know baby. But the only reason we can speak right now is because Fawkes has chosen to help you."

Even through the tears that were threatening to fall they could see the confusion in his face at his mothers words.

"Harry, what is the last thing you remember?"

Instinctively Harry knew they were trying to help him. His gut feeling was that they wanted what was best for him. A part of him was blown away by the fact he could somehow feel their love for him, that they wanted him to succeed and be happy. So even as he was shaking from the emotions rampaging through his body, he closed his eyes. Taking a deep breath so he could think straight Harry tried to remember. It didn't take long for the details of his battle to come back to him. His eyes widened to the size of dinner plates when he recalled the basilisk fang entering his arm.

"I was bitten. I should be dead. But you said Fawkes helped me? How? What can he do that would stop me from dying from basilisk venom?"

Despite having been watching over him and seeing the moment themselves, both Lily and James flinched at the mention of their son being bitten by what was known to be the most dangerous snake in existence.

"I could kill that bearded fool. I know my boy should be smarter than this."

Lily muttered to herself as she realized that thanks to Dumbledore's influence and manipulations Harry was completely unprepared for everything the world would throw his way. Privately agreeing with his wife, James was the one to answer.

"Fawkes is a phoenix Harry. Aside from being reborn from their ashes, a phoenix has powerful healing abilities. Their tears are able to heal any wound. By crying into your wound he was able to cleanse the basilisk venom from your body. Actually, you were still vaguely conscious during that, and managed to destroy the diary that was stealing Ginny's life. But pretty much the moment you stabbed it with the basilisk fang from your arm you passed out."

"Oh."

Was all Harry could say in response to finding out why he wasn't dead, even as his memory of the event flashed through his head almost exactly as his father said. But then he realized there was something they hadn't told him yet.

"If I'm not dead, then how are we talking right now?"

"Near death experiences like the one you just lived through tend to cause a person to be visited by the spirits of their loved ones that have passed on. The adrenaline has faded and now you're just fatigued. Once enough of the fatigue goes away your body will wake up again."

Lily answered quickly, enjoying the chance to actually speak with her son. The topic wasn't really one she would have liked to talk about, but it was fine, simply because she was getting to spend time with her son.

"I see."

"Before that happens there are a few things we have to tell you about."

James commented, his voice reminding Lily about what they had to do.

"Dumbledore thinks he's being helpful, but really he's made things worse. James and I both screamed our voices raw when you asked him why Voldemort had come after you and he didn't answer. Honestly, that man has let his age and authority go to his head."

Part of Harry wanted to agree with his mother, but another part of him was loyal to the man because Dumbledore was someone he could look up to. Yet he cocked his head to the side all the same.

"Shortly before you were born there was a prophecy made. It predicted the birth of the person who would defeat Voldemort. That is why we were attacked. That prophecy is why Voldemort is after you. Dumbledore knows this, because the prophecy was given to him when it was first made."

A spike of anger shot through Harry as he listened. The idea that someone he trusted was keeping such an important secret from him was infuriating. His mind was screaming for him to lash out the next time he saw the headmaster. What right did the old man have to keep this information from him?!

"Son, you need to keep your temper in check for now. We still have more to say in regards to what that man has done to manipulate and control your life."

James chided him when he saw Harry's eyes darken with rage.

"Besides, you need him on your side for now. You can do whatever you like to him after you defeat Voldemort for good."

Lily chimed in. While they wanted nothing more than to let Harry destroy Dumbledore, it was important that the older wizard still be in his seats of power until Voldemort was dead. Despite the bad things he had done for and towards Harry, there were still good things he had done as well. Things that needed him to have as much influence as possible to maintain.

Harry snorted heavily, but he closed his eyes and tried to calm himself. It took a bit, but eventually he was calmed enough for them to continue.

"I'm not sure exactly how we know this, but the majority of what Dumbledore has done in regards to you since that night was done for one reason. That reason is gone, thanks to the basilisk venom. When you go back, make sure you tell him about this conversation, and have him check to confirm for himself."

Confused, Harry nodded even though he really didn't want to see the headmaster of Hogwarts any time soon. James frowned as he started to talk about what the 'reason' was in regards to how it pertained to Voldemort.

"Voldemort is technically immortal right now. You see, he delved so deeply into the Dark Arts that he learned of a way to gain immortality through a dark and gruesome ritual. Each time he performs this ritual he can tear a piece of his soul out of his body and put it inside of an object. So long as a single piece of his soul remains in the living world he can't properly die."

Harry frowned at that, the look on his face making Lily want to chuckle. It was the exact same as his fathers. The only reason he didn't outright being to panic about having to deal with an immortal psychopath was because they had already told him about the prophecy. Either the things Voldemort had used would be destroyed by the time he was ready to confront Voldemort, or he would be the one to destroy them.

"Now, remember how we said Dumbledore's actions in regards to you were because of something that was no longer the case? That night Voldemort had intended to use your death as part of the ritual to make another one of these objects."

Having noticed that Harry was picking up on things a little quicker now that they were talking, James knew his son would connected the dots.

"Rather than the piece of his soul going into whatever it was he had intended it to, it latched onto me right? That's why I have this scar isn't it?"

True to his thoughts, James watched proudly as his son pointed to his scar knowing that it was Voldemort's horcrux.

"Yes. Now there are only three known ways to destroy these things, which are known as horcruxes, with the singular being horcrux."

Lily commented as she took on the role of a teacher for the conversation.

"I take it basilisk venom is one of them?"

Nodding at her son, she preceded to name the remaining two ways.

"Yes. Another is a very powerful spell that cannot be fully controlled once cast. That spell is known as Fiendfyre. The last way is to use the Killing Curse. Normally I'd suggest taking some of the basilisk fangs with you, but because of the way you killed it, the sword you used is coated with venom already. Just keep it, and don't let anyone else touch it."

Harry nodded at that.

"So because I was bitten the horcrux in my scar is gone. I take it that Dumbledore knew about it, and because of the prophecy, he was trying to set up a scenario where I am the last of Voldemort's Horcruxes. Then because of the prophecy Voldemort would kill me, destroying his last horcrux unknowingly and then Dumbledore would swoop in and finish him for good?"

"Yes. But he needed you to follow him with absolute obedience, so he's set up your life in such a way that you would look to him as a savior and follow him blindly. He also used several curses to keep your magic bound and weak. Thanks to the basilisk venom though, those bindings are broken. So when you wake up, you will need to be careful. You'll be much stronger magically and mentally. Not to mention you might find some new skills since magical bindings also block of familial magics. Oh, and you might need to replace your wand. Because you didn't have complete access to your magic, your wand might not be suitable anymore."

James replied with a grimace. The very idea of someone preventing his son from reaching his full potential was frustrating. Harry however rolled his eyes. He didn't know Dumbledore as well as his parents did, but he knew one thing.

"I'm guessing I was lucky. Considering how things turned out, I have no doubt that Riddle's Diary was a horcrux. It had it's own sentience. Which means I wouldn't be surprised if Dumbledore is trying to keep me weak in case the horcrux were to take over my body."

Lily nodded.

"We knew that if Voldemort attacked us there would be no running. He always did whatever it took to prevent people from escaping. So instead we carved runes all over the house and set up a ritual of our own. Our deaths would activate the ritual, as we were willingly sacrificing ourselves for you. It invoked an ancient protection, which is what saved your life. After all, Voldemort was interrupting the ritual by attacking you as well. Magic wouldn't let the ritual be stopped before it could be finished, so his body was destroyed, and though part of his soul latched onto you, the ritual protected you from it."

Just hearing about the fact they were willing to die so he could live made Harry's heart break. He wasn't used to such affection and love. Knowing they couldn't personally do anything about it was breaking Lily and James heart as well. But they didn't dwell on it. There were still more things to be said while they had the chance.

"Now, let's move on to a more cheerful topic. Ask Minerva to go with you as an escort, especially seeing as how she is technically your guardian while you are in school since she's your head of House. But really, go to Gringotts the first chance you get. Inform them that you were only recently told about familial responsibilities and ask that they perform an inheritance ceremony for you. This will help you get away from the Dursleys."

James stated as he clapped his hands in an effort to bring them away from the painful emotions they were experiencing. Lily just rolled her eyes, despite the tears that were still falling.

"James dear, how is that more important than telling him about his godfather?"

Harry had to chuckle as he watched his father lift a hand up to his face before smashing his palm into his forehead.

"Right I forgot about Sirius. Anyway, because of Dumbledore's shenanigans in regards to your guardianship, and the fact that people just wanted the war to be over, no one has told you about your godfather."

Even though he was curious Harry decided to wait for the full explanation.

"The wizarding world believes that Sirius was the one that betrayed us and led Voldemort to our home that night, but he wasn't. He was thrown in prison without a trial though it seems everyone has forgotten that fact."

Harry wasn't happy to hear that someone was in jail illegally because they didn't have a trial. Of course he believed his father when he said that Sirius was innocent, but that was besides the point. Where was the justice?

"How can I help him? There's got to be something I can do to get Sirius out of prison."

James and Lily both smiled at that, proud of just how quickly he was willing to do what was right.

"The inheritance ceremony at Gringotts. Once it's done you'll be introduced to a few people who you can talk to about Sirius's situation. Not to mention our will and journals are inside the family vault. Those will help too."

Harry nodded even as Lily smacked James upside the head.

"Don't leave out the most important part!"

She scolded him even as Harry's father gave her a sheepish grin. When she saw the look, Lily huffed and rolled her eyes.

"You'll meet a lot of people because of political alliances between our families, or because they were business partners. But you'll also meet someone that is important to you. Magic often forces us to seek out the best possible life partner based on magical compatibility. Rarely two people will be so compatible that their magic will connect so deeply that they form an instant bond, causing their bodies to glow with a brilliant silver light. This happened with you and the daughter of one of James co-workers who I was looking after for the day shortly before we went into hiding. Because it meant you were perfect for each other in every possible way, and because it would add an extra layer of protection for you if something happened to us, we made a betrothal contract for the two of you."

Harry started to blush as he listened. The idea of being married to someone was still a bit embarrassing to him.

"When Dumbledore placed those blocks on your magic, he weakened the bond you had, which was probably a good thing considering you were with Petunia. I don't know much about this 'Soulmate' phenomena, but from what little I could find with the two of you being apart like that, your magic would call out for each other. Your dreams would be filled with how the day of the other was. Meaning she'd experience your time with Petunia and her husband. That's not something anyone should witness, let alone live through."

Harry's head bobbed up and down rapidly in agreement with that statement. Though he did have to ask why no one had done anything about the betrothal contract.

"Oh, that's because aside from Isaac, Katelyn, James, and myself no one knows about it. The contract is in the Potter family vault, which can't be opened until you do the inheritance ceremony. They were attacked and killed the night they had intended to tell Edgar's family about it. Their copy of the contract was destroyed that night, so until you can get to the one in the Potter vault there's no way for anyone to know."

"Have I met her again?"

Harry asked, wondering if the binding on his magic prevented the bond from returning.

"Not officially. You're in the same year here at Hogwarts, but the two of you are in different Houses. You've got some classes together, but you haven't sat next to her or spoke to her yet."

Lily commented before James could. Of course she was elbowing her husband as she did, knowing he was going to say something about how Harry's future wife looked. She didn't want Harry to look forward to being with a girl just because of her appearance.

Harry opened his mouth to ask which House his apparent fiancée belonged to but found that no sound would come out. As the confusion raced through him, he failed to notice the sad smiles on his parents faces. They could see that he was fading as his mind began to return to his body so he could wake up.

"We're always watching over you Harry. Remember we love you."

Lily softly spoke to him, as his vision went black. It didn't stay that way for long, as suddenly he could feel his eyelids moving. Though he couldn't identify what he was looking at as his vision was still a little blurry. There was a lot of red however. Blinking a few times to make his eyes adjust, Harry found that he was looking right at Fawkes. Slowly he sat himself up, all the while thinking that the phoenix had been worrying over him from the moment he passed out.

'Worrying? No, I knew what was happening with you. I was instead checking you over to see if your body needed healing anywhere else. Even bruises will fade when a phoenix's tear is dripped over it.'

Harry nodded at that, believing it to be a reasonable excuse. Then he looked towards the bird with his jaw unhinged in awe at understanding it. A trill of sound came from the bird that sounded suspiciously like laughter.

'Of course you can understand me. As a descendant of the Gryffindor family, you are what is known as a natural animagus, meaning that you can instinctively take your animagus form instead of having to do the normal way. Anyway, because of your power level and the purity of your heart, you were taking your animagus form while in the crib. I was the only one to see it though, as you only did it when I was looking over you. But then my familiar was stupid and bound your magic, preventing you from taking your form or using any of it's special abilities.'

"As interesting as it is to know that you looked over me while I was still in the crib, what are you talking about with my animagus form? From what I've read on the process there are no 'special' abilities. You are only capable of doing the exact same things the animal you turn into is capable of."

Harry responded to the avian creature in front of him.

'Very true. But natural animagi are capable of communicating with the species they become. As we are conversing right now, that means you are a phoenix animagus, which means you have all the same special abilities I do… Well, you will, once you learn how to mimic me.'

Once more Harry's jaw fell in shock. He recalled reading that it was impossible to become a magical creature as an animagus. Not even Merlin, the supposed greatest wizard ever, was a magical creature.

'Not true. Merlin was a dragon. Specifically a Welsh Green. Magical creature animagi exist, but they are rare. Also they require an extreme amount of magic to take their animagus form. Even if a person COULD become a magical creature, it doesn't mean they have the power to successfully become one. So rather than gets peoples hopes up, the Transfiguration experts say it is impossible.'

Snorting at the reason Fawkes gave for the apparent lie from the Transfiguration books, Harry gently rose from his seated position. Given everything he'd just gone through, it was a smart idea to move slowly and cautiously.

"That's some interesting info you just gave me Fawkes. But could you please stop responding to my thoughts? It feels weird having a conversation without it being out loud."

Once more the bird just laughed at him. Harry just rolled his eyes.

"Hey Fawkes, would you mind staying close by in case we need your help to get back out?"

A quick chirp of acknowledgment had the phoenix landing on Harry's shoulder. Instinctively he reached out with his hand and stroked the side of the birds beak. Then after taking a deep breath to center himself, Harry looked around and was relieved to see that the color was returning to Ginny's body. He could even see the rise and fall of her chest to show that she had started breathing again. Nearby he could see the Sorting Hat resting on the ground. It wasn't until he moved towards it that he realized he still had the sword gripped in his hand. Shaking off the surprise, he continued moving as had intended.

"Sorry for dropping you like that. I'm also sorry if you were trampled by accident during the chaos."

Harry told it as he picked the hat up before gently dusting it off.

"It's alright Mr. Potter. I knew the situation wasn't the greatest. It's why I gave you the sword."

"Still. Also thanks for coming to my aid. I'm not sure how to return the sword though."

That caused the hat to laugh.

"Return the sword? You can't. Godric hid that blade inside me with a specific enchantment. The enchantment would break when one of his descendants would prove himself worthy of using the blade. As he lived in a time before signet rings were a thing, being bonded to the sword is the only way to claim the title of Lord Gryffindor. I gave the sword to you because you proved worthy, ergo, you are now bonded to it. Which makes you Lord Gryffindor."

As the hat finished speaking Harry noticed that Ginny was starting to shift as if she were waking up. Not wanting to risk her becoming an even bigger fan girl than she was he looked down at the hat.

"We can continue this conversation later, and in a more private setting. Now that Ginny is stirring I can lead her out of this place."

"Of course."

Harry just barely resisted groaning when he was tackled by a sobbing girl. He really didn't like being this close to her, and he had no idea what to do to calm her down. All he knew for sure was that he had to let her cry a bit so that she wouldn't break down when they got far enough back through the tunnel to meet up with Ron. When he couldn't stand it any long her gently pushed the girl back and placed his palm over her mouth to keep her from spluttering any more apologies.

"Ginny! Calm down. It's alright. You don't need to apologize anymore. Besides I don't know how much time has passed. We need to get moving. Hopefully Ron has cleared enough of the cave in for us to get back through."

It took him a bit of prodding but he was eventually able to get the girl to follow him back down the path towards Ron and the obliviated professor Lockhart. As they walked Fawkes was trilling a soft encouraging song so as to keep Ginny from breaking down again. By the time they reached the collapsed portion of the tunnel, Harry was glad to see Ron's face. It meant there was finally someone else that could handle Ginny. The red headed boy had cleared enough of the stones that Harry was confident he and Ginny could crawl though the opening. It would be a bit of a tight fit, but still doable.

Thankfully Ron didn't ask about what happened, instead focusing on making sure they were able to get to Madam Pomfrey in the hospital wing. It was a good thing his friend was bigger than he was. With how tired he was feeling, Fawkes resting on his shoulder, and partially dragging Ginny behind him to get to that point, Harry was ready to collapse. But Ron was able to handle him and Ginny both. The amnesiac Lockhart might have had no clue what was going on, but he was helpful as well, clearing the way for them as they moved back towards the entrance.

"How are we going to get back up?"

Ron quietly muttered to himself as he looked up at the open end of the tunnel. Harry opened his mouth to suggest calling up to Myrtle and asking her to fetch a professor, but Fawkes lifted himself off of his shoulder.

"Right well I think Fawkes is saying he'll fly us back up."

Harry commented as the bird trilled in agreement. Even though he had no memory, Harry and Ron both were adamant not to be carried by the man to make it so Fawkes would need to make less trips up and down the pipe with them. Plus Harry didn't want to risk hurting Fawkes, so they did it one at a time. As he was the last one to be brought up Harry turned to the bird with a smile.

"Thanks for the help Fawkes. You've done a lot today, so feel free to go rest now."

Chirping once the bird vanished in a burst of flame. 'When I get around to asking Fawkes to teach me about what I can do as a phoenix animagus, that will be the first thing I ask about.' Harry thought to himself. With a shake of his head Harry lead the way towards the infirmary, hoping that Madam Pomfrey would let him sleep rather than force him to answer questions. He didn't actually learn the answer to that prayer as the moment the doors to the hospital wing were in sight he passed out as he was still bone tired. Thanks to his connection with the sword of Gryffindor it magically shrunk itself down and clipped to his side, before becoming invisible. Thanks to being distracted by Harry falling forward as he collapsed, no one noticed the sword doing so.

XxXxXxXxX

Harry could hear the voices of several people pestering the school nurse as he slowly woke up. He jolted awake entirely when he heard the voice of Dumbledore.

"I must insist on speaking with him Poppy."

As he recalled his talk with his parents, Harry felt his anger flooding through him. Yet he knew it wasn't time to rip into the old man yet. He did a few calming exercises before moving in such a way that everyone in the room could see he was awake.

"Good morning Mr. Potter"

Madam Pomfrey spoke as she moved towards him. Right at her side was Dumbledore who was smiling softly as if he were happy to see Harry again.

"Harry, my boy, I understand you must be tired. But I have to ask-"

That was as far as Harry let him get before speaking.

"No you don't. Even without my input I know you've heard from Ron and Ginny about it, so you have a general idea. What you should be doing right now is stepping out of Madam Pomfrey's way so she can look me over like she so clearly wants to."

There was a bit of shock from everyone present at the heat in his voice, but they quickly justified it as being pissed off that no one seemed to want him to have any medical attention after such dangerous events.

"Mr. Potter is correct. Now step back so I can check up on my patient."

the medi-witch commented as she pulled the bed curtains around her and Harry. Then just to be safe she applied a few privacy charms as well.

"I did a few scans while you were asleep. Putting what I found together with what Mr. and Ms. Weasley have said has lead me to one conclusion. You should be dead right now Mr. Potter. How are you still alive?"

A shudder ran through him at the reminder of how close to death he was yesterday.

"Headmaster Dumbledore's phoenix, Fawkes, used his tears to heal me."

The elderly witches eyes went wide at that. She knew that phoenix tears were considered to be one of the most powerful healing agents in the world, but to hear that it could treat basilisk venom was a shock. But she recovered quickly.

"I see. It doesn't seem like the tears were able to remove the bite wound entirely, and everything I've tried has had no effect on it, so you now have a permanent scar on your arm."

He wasn't really expecting to hear that, but he nodded, not really put off by the idea either. He'd grown used to having his famous scar, so what was one more.

"Aside from that, I was only able to diagnose two other things. Physical exhaustion, which was expected, and will go away with more rest. Your body will be stiff for a while but it should fade as you recover from the fatigue. Now would you like to get some more rest, or do you think you're feeling up to talking with the headmaster?"

"Madam Pomfrey, I won't speak with him without you and professor McGonagall present. A few, unexpected, things happened yesterday and to be honest I'm worried that even with both of you present I may try to curse him."

There was a steel to his voice that surprised her. But the determination in his eyes told her that the coming discussion was going to be on his terms no matter what. She was also touched that she was one of the few people he openly declared to trust. Nodding to the boy, she gave him a quick once over just to make sure there was nothing that she had missed. When she was done, rather than pull back the curtains she just stepped out. Her wand was pointed at Dumbledore as he took a step forward.

"Headmaster, he still needs to rest. Not to mention he point blank told him that he refused to speak with you alone, stating that unless both myself and Minerva were present he will not utter a single word. If you want your answers about what happened so badly, you will wait until I give you permission to speak with him. I still have to examine Ms. Weasley to make sure it's alright for her to be released."

With that she turned towards the Deputy headmistress. She gave a single nod before walking towards another bed and puling the curtains closed again as she began to look over Ginny.

Dumbledore huffed at the attitude that was being displayed and moved towards the bed, hand out and raised as if to pull the curtains around Harry's bed aside so he could speak to the boy, but the voice of his deputy cut him off.

"You take one more step towards Mr. Potter without Poppy and myself, and I will declare you unfit for your position as headmaster and ask the school to remove you."

He turned to her in shock, completely ignoring the fact that the Weasley family members that were present had done the same.

"The fact that he refuses to speak with you alone tells me that I would be failing in my duties to protect my students if I don't stand up for Mr. Potter right now. Every time something happens involving him you immediately sweep it under the rug, or brush it off, and it seems this time he refuses to give you the chance."

Magic was sparking off of her wand as she spoke, showing that one wrong move would have her stunning him. But that wasn't the thing that shocked them. No, the moment she finished speaking the castle itself rumbled slightly before an ethereal sounding voice cut through the air.

"The Lord Gryffindor has returned. As such, the castle itself will protect him."

Striding through the wall came the House ghost of Ravenclaw. With an elegant yet forceful stare, she made direct eye contact with Dumbledore as she positioned herself between him and Harry's bed. Thanks to her actions the elderly wizard flinched and moved further away from the bed where Harry was laying. Of course he was the only one in the room to know her presence was part of that protection. After all he was the only person in the entire school that knew the Grey Lady was the ghost of Helena Ravenclaw, the one and only daughter of Rowena Ravenclaw. Thanks to her blood connection to one of the founders her ghost was unique in that Helena could still use magic.

As much as they wanted to know what was going on, the Weasleys who were present couldn't say a word. It was as if the magic of the castle was forcing them to stay out of the matter.

Half an hour later, Madam Pomfrey was standing in front of Dumbledore and Minerva as she opened the curtains around Harry's bed so that they could talk. Albus having been chastised by both women, the Ravenclaw House ghost, and been rebuffed by the school was a touch nervous. His gut was telling him that his plans were starting to fail when it came to young Harry Potter.

"Thank you for not letting the headmaster chase yourselves off, Madam Pomfrey, professor. I'm still not sure I can keep my temper under control so it's probably a good thing you two can act as a buffer between us."

All three of the adults raised an eyebrow at that. Whatever happened yesterday must have really affected how Harry saw the Headmaster.

"Harry, my boy. Would you please explain where all this anger towards me has come from?"

Neither of the two witches prevented him from asking, though both of them moved to stand between the two wizards as a precaution.

"Considering it's part of yesterday's story, let me just start from the beginning that way we don't have to backtrack later on in the conversation."

After saying that, Harry took a deep breath before launching into an explanation of what happened. He started with how he and Ron found the paper crumpled up in Hermione's hand and all the details that she had worked out about Slytherin's monster. He moved on to them realizing that it was Ginny that had been taken and how they forced Lockhart to go with them. All three of the adults frowned when he explained how shortly after they got into the tunnel that lead to the chamber, Lockhart stole Ron's wand and attempted to Obliviate them. Though they were pleased to hear that because of the fact the wand was broken the spell backfired. Horror set in on the two witches faces when they learned that it caused a collapse of the tunnel separating Harry from the Ron and Lockhart. Even Dumbledore grimaced at that information.

From there Harry continued, describing how he found Ginny, pale and still, almost lifeless. He pointed out how Tom Riddle approached him, recalling the conversation perfectly, and even using his wand to do the same thing Riddle did to explain how he was Voldemort. Because he was paying attention to Dumbledore expressly at this point, Harry noticed the gleam in the man's eye even as his face warped into a concerned expression. 'Bastard probably thinks things are going according to his plan.' Brushing the thought away, he waited for his transfiguration professor to calm down, as he knew the next bit of information was going to set her off even more.

"Once he was done talking, Riddle used Parseltongue to call for the basilisk. It was hard to avoid being killed because I had my eyes closed, but just barely a minute after the snake appeared I heard a screeching sound. Fawkes had appeared. He dropped the Sorting Hat into my hands and then flew right at the basilisk and gouged out it's eyes so that I could open my eyes and see what I was doing."

Dumbledore let his pride show clearly, thinking he and his familiar where the reason Harry was still with them. Madam Pomfrey sighed, she already knew the next portion of the tale, but hearing it within the context of the full story made her want to cry. Professor McGonagall was feeling nothing but pride in how Harry was handling the situation, but a part of her felt like a big shock was coming.

Harry glossed over everything that happened before he pulled the sword out of the Sorting Hat, before continuing in more detail again.

"After I had the sword, I figured I needed to get to someplace the basilisk couldn't get to me, yet I could still poke at it. So I climbed up the statue's head. Before I could get to the top however I had to turn and defend myself. It moved as if to swallow me whole and I stabbed the sword through its mouth up into it's brain. Then I felt the most agonizing pain ever. One of it's fangs had pierced my arm."

Once more Horror showed on their faces, though this time it was on Dumbledore's face as well. Despite the fact he was sitting right in front of them, the only thing they could think about was how basilisk venom was fatal. The school's nurse was the first one to recover, as she had already known this fact, though hearing how it happened exactly had caused tears to roll down her face. McGonagall was also crying at the thought of Harry having been bitten by the basilisk. Dumbledore was pale at news. While part of him was horrified by what happened, another part realized that his earlier feelings about his plans falling down around him might have been true.

"I slumped down, feeling nothing but pain and exhaustion. Just as my vision began to dim however I noticed Fawkes leaning over my arm and crying. Despite the pain I reached out to gently stroke his beak, telling him not to cry for me. But as I did, the pain receded and my vision cleared again."

Understanding bloomed on Dumbledore and McGonagall's faces as they heard. Dumbledore was still pale, and Minerva had gone pale when she realized a phoenix was the only reason they were still talking to her lion cub.

"Because the battle wasn't over, I took the fang that had been in my arm, and I stabbed the diary with it. A horrifying sound came out of it as Riddle's body began to crack and fall apart in bursts of light. Then I fell forward and passed out."

Silence passed between them for a moment. Then Dumbledore finally spoke.

"That is a truly courageous story my boy."

"We aren't finished yet headmaster. This next bit is the reason I wanted Madam Pomfrey and professor McGonagall here."

Confused as to what else he had to say to them, the three adults looked towards him with concerned faces.

"It was explained to me that after near death experiences like the one I had just gone through, when a witch or wizard passes out, they are visited by the spirit's of their loved ones that had already died."

Sorrow hit all three of the adults like a bludgeoning spell. The first time he could actually speak with his parents, and it was only their spirits. Fresh tears spilled down McGonagall's face as she thought about the cruel fact that he couldn't even touch them when they had met. Madam Pomfrey was worried about his mental state after having such an ordeal.

Dumbledore however flinched. If Harry had spoken to his parents, then he now knew of all the manipulations that had been done to keep the him under control. A sigh escaped him as his mind began to prepare his apologies. Steeling himself for the conversation to come, Dumbledore shifted in his seat as he waited for Harry to continue.

"First, I just want to point out that when you finally cross over, my dad has threatened to punch you in the face until he's satisfied. Mum on the other hand… She didn't say what she wanted to do, instead telling me 'you're too young to hear what I plan to do'."

Of course he was lying about that as neither of his parents said anything about their plans for the man. He was just giving them ideas as he knew they were watching over him. Minerva and Poppy both frowned. Given the fact that neither James or Lily seemed to be happy with Albus, they both understood something big was about to be revealed to them. Dumbledore on the other hand sighed and nodded in understanding.

"Now then. Because I had basilisk venom running through my blood for a short while, it caused a bit of a mutation when Fawkes tears healed me. I am immune to basilisk venom now. But that's not the biggest thing. Dad said to tell you and I quote 'I'm not sure exactly how we know this, but the majority of what Dumbledore has done in regards to you since that night was done for one reason. That reason is gone, thanks to the basilisk venom. When you go back, make sure you tell him about this conversation, and have him check to confirm for himself.'"

The two witches were confused, but neither moved to stop Dumbledore when he drew his wand as Harry suggested. Because he was casting silently they didn't figure out what he was looking for, but they were surprised when he slumped back in his seat crying.

"I didn't think it was possible."

He muttered to himself.

"Wrong. You just didn't care to find out. You thought you knew everything, and acted without getting a second opinion. Mum didn't say it, but I know she thought your actions in regards to me were going to doom the world. Even if it were to cost my life to vanquish Voldemort, how the fuck could I take him out being as unprepared as I am."

The heat in his voice alone prevented McGonagall from scolding him for his outburst. Madam Pomfrey was just shocked to hear Harry talking about the Dark Lord as if he were still around. Dumbledore however flinched violently in reaction to Harry's accusations. Glaring, Harry waited for the elderly wizard to respond. When he didn't the boy just huffed.

"You've got a god complex and you don't even realize. Holding information to close too you chest, never getting a second opinion, never admitting that you've made a mistake. Honestly, the only reason I've even bothered to explain this shit to you is that I happen to agree with mum. Until the prophecy is completed and Voldemort is gone for good, you are a better ally than and enemy."

"Watch your language Mr. Potter."

the transfiguration professor warned him, though they all knew it was a gut reaction, as she was just as confused as Poppy.

Harry just nodded towards her to show he was listening and accepted the rebuke. Then he turned back to Dumbledore, and explained what his parents had told him about the night he survived and they didn't. Despite the sorrow they felt as they were reminded of the loss of James and Lily, they were all proud to have known the two. Proud and awed at the lengths they went to protect their child.

"Their sacrifice protected me from the horcrux that was in my scar. I know you were scared that it could take over my body, so you bound my magic to keep me as weak as possible in case it did completely take over. Again thanks to the basilisk venom, those bindings have been removed. I have complete access to my magic now and not just a small portion of it. My mind is also a lot clearer than it was before. Dad mentioned that I had some familial magics that were locked away by the binding, so I'm guessing one of them had to do with my mental abilities."

Hearing that Harry had bindings placed on his magic caused Poppy and Minerva both to round on Dumbledore with furious looks. Neither got to say anything as he held his hands up.

"I know, I know. It's illegal to place a magical block on a person. But I had no way of knowing that James and Lily's sacrifice was preventing the Horcrux that was in his scar from taking over his body."

Both ladies were frowning, but only McGonagall spoke.

"Speaking of, what exactly is a Horcrux? Given that He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named made one I'm assuming it's dark magic."

"It is a dark ritual that involves the murder of an innocent. This ritual allows a person to tear a part of their soul from their body and place it inside of an object. So long as that object is intact, they are effectively immortal. Even if you destroy their body they still live on as a wraith. To make things worse the objects housing parts of a persons soul can only be destroyed by three things. Basilisk venom, Fiendfyre, and the Killing Curse."

Despite himself, Dumbledore answered her question. He really didn't want to talk about Voldemort or the prophecy with anyone other than Harry, but given how things were turning out, he knew that he needed to show he was on Harry's side. Minerva and Poppy reacted as he expected them to. Horrified, and appalled at the lengths a person could go to in their efforts to become immortal. Though he mused to himself that part of their horror was because they had learned Voldemort was still around.

"Right well, I've had enough of the depressing topic of Riddle and his horcruxes. Let's move on shall we?"

Harry commented as he drew their attention back to him.

"If it weren't for my parents protection, the bindings would have been necessary so I won't ask you to apologize for them Headmaster. But I will ask you to do what's right in regards to my guardianship. Everyone thinks you are my guardian, but magically that role is still held by my oath sworn godfather, Sirius Black. Mum and Dad told me what happened with him. They wanted me to have professor McGonagall here escort me to Gringotts and go through the inheritance ceremony so I can gain access to the family vault and find their will. They said it would help with getting Sirius the trial he never had."

A part of her was proud to have two of her former students want her to be there for their son when he went through the inheritance ceremony at Gringotts. But another part of her was stunned to hear that someone the world thought was a criminal might have been innocent. So Minerva just nodded mutely.

Dumbledore's eyes were wide as he heard Harry say that Sirius never had a trial.

"My boy, I assure you I did not know that Sirius never had a trial. Because the threat of Voldemort had faded so abruptly, in the months after placing you with your aunt I was busy handling matters with the ICW."

Harry just nodded at that.

"I had a bit of time to think about how to handle the situation. Dad mentioned that after my inheritance ceremony it would activate the Potter alliances. To be honest I don't think we can hide it from the public. But I don't think vilifying you is a good idea."

"You have a plan?"

Harry just nodded.

"I pulled Godric Gryffindor's sword out of the Sorting Hat. The hat told me that in doing so, as a blooded descendant of Gryffindor, I have bound the sword to me and become the new Lord Gryffindor. We can tell the public that because of being magically declared as a Lord, despite my age, I have to go through the inheritance ceremony now rather than when I reach my majority."

"Because your parents will was sealed away in the Potter Vault and only someone with Potter blood may enter, we had no way of knowing when your parents wanted you to do the ceremony, so it would only make sense to do it once you reached majority. Clever. But what about your lack of knowledge and etiquette in dealing with your families allies?"

"Simple. For my protection you had me raised by my mother's sister. But because of all the different job titles you have, you forgot that as a muggle she wouldn't be able to teach me these things."

Dumbledore nodded softly.

"I agree that is the best course of action now. Also because I know you don't like me, and don't really trust me, I'm going to make an oath right now. I Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, swear on my magic to aid Harry James Potter to the best of my ability. So Mote It Be."

As he finished speaking a blue glow surrounded him as magic accepted his oath. Harry was surprised that the manipulative old man was willing to do so, but then he realized that it was Dumbledore's way of making sure he still had a bit of influence in regards to how the prophecy played out.

"Right. So I'd like to head over to Gringotts as soon as possible. Preferably the moment Madam Pomfrey says I'm free. Sir, I'd like it if you started preparing for when I bring the information in my parents will to light."

All three adults nodded as they stood.

"I will head back to my office for now then. Mr. Potter when Madam Pomfrey lets you leave, you are to come straight to me and we will Floo to the bank."

McGonagall told him.

"Since the news about Sirius will cause quite a stir I'm going to try and finish up what paperwork I can. The ministry will be annoying to deal with without the extra annoyances of paperwork."

Dumbledore commented as he left, not really wanting to but knowing that he had to clear his schedule as best as he could.

Madam Pomfrey on the other hand just sighed as she looked towards Harry. With a small shake of her head she moved away from his bed, pulling the curtains around it back into place. Though before they where fully closed she tiled her head towards him.

"Despite the conversation I could tell you are still tired, and more than likely a bit stiff. I could release you right now, but I'd prefer if you got a bit more rest first. Besides, I think you'd rather be steady on your feet when you go in for the inheritance ceremony."