Ramblings and Dribbles

by WolfgangNH

This is a posting of ramblings, dribbles, one-shots, unfinished ideas or other stuff I just don't think deserves it's own storyline. Some I plan to finish someday, others are what they are. This is mature reading for some posts. Some items may be well developed, others are not yet, and may never be. There will many different pairings, and sometimes none.

15. House of Potter-Greengrass

A/N: This is a story I plan to continue at some point. For now, it has been relegated to my Rambling and Dribbles while it takes a backburner so I can finish other works I have going on. Oh, if I didn't have to work then I would be able to publich more...

Chapter 1

January 22, 1994

Hogwarts, Scotland

Harry was upset with Ron and he was upset with Hermione. Hermione had done it because she cared, but he still found it inexcusable that she had gone to McGonagall and McGonagall took his Firebolt. For all he knew it was sitting on a bench somewhere, taken apart and never to be put back together again.

Harry had finally relented so he could practice with the team and ordered another Nimbus 2000. It was the best broom he could afford without using the rest of the money in his pouch. He didn't need much, but he liked having at least ten galleons left just in case. If he had to run from the Dursley's again, it would get him to Gringotts at least.

Ron, on the other hand, had upset Hermione so much again that she had run out of the Common room the other night crying. As upset as Harry was at her, she was still his friend and he had gone looking for Hermione. The row he had had with Ron when he couldn't find her and went back to the common room left him furious with his other best mate.

So, on a blustery January day when much of the school was braving the weather to get to Hogsmeade, Harry was trapped in the school with the first and second years and unwilling to venture through the secret tunnel again. What fun was it if he couldn't go with friends and had to hide under his invisibility cloak? Besides, he wasn't sure if he could handle another shock like the last trip. He was still reeling to understand the mass murderer Sirius Black was his godfather.

Even with all this, he couldn't help but look out the window in the library at the snowy grounds. All he wanted to be was a normal boy. He didn't want to be hunted or ridiculed or demented by his relatives anymore.

He was wallowing in those thoughts when someone cleared their throat. He turned to see a dark-hair girl with dark eyes that had curious light green traces in them. Her hair was shoulder length and her expression haughty and cool. She might be really cute without that expression.

The other girl was blonde, slight and blue eyed. Her expression wasn't much different from the first. Again, if a smile cracked her face she would be cute as well.

What got Harry's attention was the Slytherin House badge on their knit jumpers. He wasn't sure if this was a trap by Malfoy or something else.

"Scion Potter," the dark hair girl greeted. He knew her name, but hadn't ever talked with her before.

"Greengrass," he answered, unsure what this scion thing was.

She stared at him for a few. "Scion Potter. Ms. Davis and I noticed you are here alone. Would it be possible for us to have a little of your time?"

Harry had never heard a Slytherin be so nice to him. His guard was definitely up now. His anger at his friends coloring his response. "Is this some joke? Why do you keep calling me Scion? Is it as bad or worse than mudblood?"

Both girls looked taken aback for a moment.

He didn't miss Daphne's eyes flashing down to his hands for a few seconds before looking back up. Her eyes searched for the scar hidden in the fridge of his hair. "You are Harry James Potter? Son of James Fleamont Potter?"

"Ah, my father is James Potter. I don't know his middle name," Harry confessed, feeling embarrassed he had never asked and no one had ever told him.

The girls eyes brows rose some. "Why would you not know his middle name?"

Harry shrugged. "I don't know. Could be the fact I'm an orphan," he said hotly. "Unless you have a point, I really don't feel like being called names. I've had enough of that lately."

Daphne took a step back at his outburst. "Daph, maybe this isn't a good idea," the blonde said next to her warned. Davis. Tracey Davis. That was the girl's name.

"We need the help," Daphne whispered back. Her mask was back in full force as she approached him again.

"Scion Potter, that title is not a joke nor is it an insult. It is a mark of your station being the heir of the House of Potter. I am paying you a compliment in acknowledging your heritage. If you like, I can recommend a book or two that will help you understand and to respond appropriately when an Heiress is addressing you as such," she instructed him.

"Perhaps many Purebloods and those of respectable Houses would not treat you as poorly if you pay the proper respect."

It was Harry's turn to blink and lean back. "Are you saying my friend and such are not respectable?"

"I never said that. I am only referring to those that have heritage that can give them a seat in the Wizengamot or Councilor position. Your friends, as you call them, are respectable in their own way. I do wonder where they are though if you have cloistered yourself in here for the last week," she commented. "Ms. Granger is quite bright and has her own spot we join her at for study sessions, but she seems to be avoiding you as of late."

Harry pursed his lips. He had to parse through her words for a moment before he came to the conclusion she was not belittling Hermione. He cocked his head to look at her. A Slytherin had never been nice to him before. Why now?

Over the last two weeks, Harry had found he had to engage his mind more to keep up with his work, not having Ron or Hermione around to either commiserate with or help. He was feeling lonely and maybe he could use other company to keep him from going spare.

"Ms. Greengrass, I did not mean to offend you. Things have just sucked lately," he admitted for reasons he didn't know why. "How should I address you if you are trying to be as kind to me as you say?"

The girl's face broke just enough to let a small smile creep onto it. "Heiress Greengrass, or if you must, Miss Greengrass will do. This is Ms. Davis. Would it be alright if we could join you for a bit? We are struggling with the essay on werewolves. We could also use some help in practicing the freezing hex and some charm work as well."

He blinked a few times. "Hermione is the real genius on this stuff," he told them.

Daphne's eyebrow rose. "You do know you have edged Granger out in DADA and it is only your theory keeping you from topping her in Charms? If you help us with the practical, we can help you with the theory in Charms and Transfiguration."

Harry never paid attention to his grades. He had come to the conclusion he didn't have to do worse than Dudley anymore, but he couldn't bring himself to know how much better most of the time. What would happen if he started getting better grades? Would Hermione finally start talking to him again. Yes, he was upset, but she was his friend. "You can help me with my transfiguration practical as well," he asked, knowing he struggled at times, but Daphne was one that got the spells almost as quickly as Hermione.

"That is an acceptable deal. You help us in both the theory and practical in DADA and practical in charms. In turn, we help you with the theory of charms and theory and practical in transfiguration. Saturday mornings we meet in the library and Wednesday evening somewhere for the practicals?"

He shook his head. "I have Quidditch practice every night during the week and special lessons Wednesday night," he told her. "Monday or Friday's after lunch is the best. By Wednesdays I need all my free time to get my work done."

"We can not do Fridays. He have Runes," Daphne told him.

Harry snorted. "I wish I had done Runes. Divination is a right pain."

"Then why not transfer," Tracey suddenly said.

"It's already January. I have missed more than half the year."

"You could drop Divination and take up Runes. If not this year, then next," Daphne proposed in.

Harry thought about it. "Maybe I will talk with Professor McGonagall."

After that, they all looked at each other for a few. Daphne was the first to speak. "If you are not busy now, would you help Davis and I?"

"I need to get my charms essay done. Would you help me with that first?"

Daphne and Tracey shared a look and then Daphne nodded. "It would be our pleasure, Scion Potter."

Harry motioned for the chairs, but the girls didn't move. After a moment Daphne whispered. "When formal titles are used, it is the gentlemen who should stand and either wait for a woman to sit or help her."

Harry, not used to this, stood and awkwardly helped them to sit before sitting back down himself.

Daphne had a small smirk on her face as he shuffled his papers around and tried to make room for them.

-oOo-

January 26, 1994

Hogwarts, Scotland

"Here are your parchements back from last weeks assignment. Please note the assignment on the board for Monday," Professor McGonagall said in her clip voice.

Harry was sitting with Neville today. Ron was full out ignoring Harry and Hermione had been so snippy at him this week he had snapped at her this morning, so she was sitting with her chin up and stiff lipped on the other side of the room with a group of Ravenclaw he had seen her study with at times.

Something had really broken between them and Harry didn't like it.

When his parchment landed before him, he just put it to the side and prepared his quill to take notes. Daphne and Tracey had looked appalled at his notes, or lack thereof. Not wanting to dissapoint anyone else, he was determined to take notes today.

"Nice grade," Neville said shyly next to him.

"I don't think I failed this time," Harry commented, writing down that another twelve inches was due for Monday. This time on the Lapifors spell.

"Fail? You got an O," Neville commented. "I only got an A."

Harry grabbed his sheet and looked at it. There were only a few marks on it from Professor McGonagall correcting a few spelling errors, but that was it. He stared at the paper open mouth. Hermione had always helped check their work, but he had never received an 'O' before. The surprising thing was that he remembered everything. Daphne had taken the time to explain what he had gotten wrong.

Looking up, the frazzled hair brunette was looking worn and none to pleased.

Maybe if he showed her he could do this on his own, alleviating the need for her to spend time on his work, she would relax some and finally apologize for stealing his broom.

Neville nudged him. McGonagall had started her lecture on how to turn small objects into rabbits and Harry was going to pay attention.

-oOo-

January 27, 1994

Hogwarts, Scotland

Harry had been avoiding Daphne and Tracey in classes. It seemed some unwritten rule that Slytherin and Gryffindor were to stay separated. In Potions, Harry followed tradition, not wanting to give Snape anything else to give him detention for. The Gryffindor-Ravenclaw match was two Saturdays from now and Wood would kill him - Harry was genuinely certain he would die at Woods hands- if he missed any practices for a detention.

Thus, he wasn't surprised that people on both sides of the aisle were surprised when Harry walked up to Daphne before DADA started, put his Transfiguration paper on her desk and said, "Thank you, Heiress Greengrass."

He flashed her a smile and then moved across the room to sit with Neville, who had been his partner all week. Neville, like many others, were looking at him wide eyed. He snuck a peek at her before sitting down. She was staring at him with that unreadable mask so many in Slytherin wore.

After class, he lagged behind most of the others. He caught Daphne glaring at him a few times and saw she wasn't in any rush to leave either. Out in the hall, she was waiting for him, tapping her foot. It was only her.

"What is this," she said with narrowed eyes and holding his paper out. "Our deal does not include any social interactions."

Harry walked over and took it. He had Neville teach him the proper way to bow this morning. He knew Neville was a pureblood and had described to him what a Scion was. Harry just wished he knew who to talk to about his inheritance. He doubted his relatives knew, otherwise they probably would have killed him for it.

Daphne's eyes widened comically as he bowed to her. "I just wanted to say thank you, Heiress Greengrass. That is the first outstanding I have ever received in Transfiguration."

She just regarded him when he straightened backup. It was a long few seconds before she quipped. "Our deal does not include social interactions. I can let it go this time though. I am pleased to have helped you as much as we did, Scion Potter."

"I do not have any classes Friday mornings. Do you?"

Her eyes didn't stop boring into him. "I do not. What is your proposal?"

"I would like to add another study session. I will miss some Saturdays due to Quidditch and would not like to miss any of our sessions," he told her. After sleeping on it and realizing all those times Hermione said he had been slacking the last two-and-a-half years, maybe it was time for him to really work.

Daphne nodded. "Tracey and I will meet you in the Library tomorrow morning at eight-thirty. We have nothing until after lunch."

Harry nodded. "Thank you again." He wasn't sure if it was the right thing to do, but he bowed again.

"You are bowing too low. The Potters are ten seats above the Greengrasses," she stated.

He smirked. He had no clue how low or high he should do it. He would have to ask Neville later. He was just happy he knew how. Something made him say a little cheekily, "It is a sign of gratitude, Heiress Greengrass."

Was that a little color in her placid face. "You pay me an honor, Scion Potter." With that, she turned and marched off towards the Great Hall.

At lunch, he sat with Neville towards the end of the table. He didn't miss the glare from Ron or the thoughtful look from Hermione. Neville looked at him. "Harry, what was that with Daphne Greengrass today?"

Harry shrugged. "She helped me with something and I wanted to say thank you."

"Is that why you asked me to teach you to bow this morning?"

He piled some fried chicken and crisps on his plate before he grabbed an apple. "Can you teach me more? I have a study session with her again tomorrow morning and don't want to embarrass myself. Maybe you should come. We are working on Charms, Transfiguration and DADA."

Neville looked surprised. "Y...y...you want me to c...c...c...come?"

"You are the best in Herbology and if you can help us, we can help you," Harry told him before starting on his lunch.

-oOo-

January 30, 1994

Gryffindor Common Room, Hogwarts

Harry was sitting at a table. Neville was across from him. They had their Monster Book of Monsters and Fantastical Beast and Where to Find Them on the table. Harry was doing his revision on magical snakes. Hagrid had given them twelve inches on any creature they wanted, and after Harry skimmed the books and found ashwinders -he skipped basilisks- and horned serpents, he found his curiousity in his parselmouth abilities rising.

He was writting when a frizzy hair girl sat next to him.

She looked over at his paper. "That isn't due until Thursday."

"So?" he responded petulantly.

She sat there stiff for a moment. "You have three parchments. It was only supposed to be one."

"I found something that interested me," he told her.

He started to work on his paper again. Five magical serpents that were NOT basilisks should be enough.

"I see you got a new broom," she commented.

"Was kind of forced to," he snarked.

"Harry, I was only doing it because it was from Sirius Black..."

"We don't know that," he snapped.

She was sitting ram rod straight. "I only did it because I worry," she said in a small voice.

He sighed. Even with her superior attitude much of the time, he cared for her and she was his friend. "I'm sorry I didn't listen, but its a Firebolt!"

"It's just a broom. Is it more important than your life?"

He closed his eyes for a moment. "What would you say if you just received a one of a kind, first edition copy of War and Peace, or something else as valuable and I took and threw it into the fire because I said it was dangerous?"

He did look at her. The look of shock on her face was priceless. "You wouldn't," she whispered horrified.

"Now you know how I feel," he told her. It wasn't just that it was a Firebolt. He owned so little that to get the most expensive and best broom out there, he felt special for a little while. It was a feeling he didn't experience often.

She sat there for a moment. Neville was watching them.

"But it's only Quidditch and you almost kill yourself half the time," she squeeked.

"Hermione, Quidditch is just as important to me as books like that are to you. I love flying and playing. It's about the only reason I want to return right now," he told her truthfully. With a crazed madman and the prospect of going back to his relatives, Quidditch was about the only thing that made him feel free and in control of something.

She looked at him with watery eyes for a moment. "You wouldn't want to come back without Quidditch?"

He sighed again. "Maybe."

"Harry, you can't! You have to come here and learn magic. What would you do without it?"

"I don't know. I need to finish this parchment and then complete my Charms paper," he told her.

She stared at him. The last month without her had really hurt, but she hadn't apologized yet and he had a feeling she would do it again.

"Charms isn't due until next Tuesday," she reminded him with a pinched brow.

"And I have a review on it tomorrow," he told her.

Her mouth opened once, then twice. "A review? You haven't asked me to review your work since Christmas."

"I didn't say it was with you," he responded.

"Well it can't be Ron," she stated.

He snorted. "Ron and I aren't exactly talking at the moment."

Her lips pursed. "I noticed. What did he do?"

Harry chuckled. Of course she would assume that. Not that she was wrong, but the two of them got along like bickering siblings. "I was sticking up for you, if you need to know. If you want to join us, then join us. Otherwise I really do need to get this done."

Hermione didn't say anything as she took her bag and laid out her own charms work.

He finished his parchment and looked up to Neville. "Do you need any help?"

"I can't find another fact on fire salamanders."

Hermione opened her mouth but Harry beat her to it. "Last weeks Potion essay said their spit can be used in a potion to heal burn scars."

Hermione's eyes widened.

Neville smiled. "Oh, yeah. You did mention that earlier."

"Do you want me to check your charms?" Hermione was holding out her hand.

"Not today. I want to see how I do on my own," Harry told her.

Hermione looked lost for a moment. "Who are you revising with?"

"If you want to come after breakfast, you can find out," he told her.

"But you have Divination after breakfast."

"McGonagall allowed me to drop it. If I can get an EE or better in most subjects, she will let me start on Runes next year."

She still looked flabbergasted. "Oh," was all she responded with.

Harry put his Creatures books away and took out his charms work. It was a while later when Hermione very softly said, "Harry?"

"Yes," he answered.

"I'm sorry," she told him, sounding as though she was afraid of him rejecting her.

Harry smiled. "I am too. Would you like me to look over your charms work?"

She chuckled. "Only if I want to fail. Now hand yours over," she said more confidently.

"No. I meant it. I want to see what our new study partners think. I don't want it edited."

She looked very confused. "Who are you and what have you done with Harry Potter?"

He laughed. "Someone challenged me to do better."

There was a pregnant pause. "Was it Daphne Greengrass?"

He smiled. "Heiress Greengrass. That is what she wants me to call her."

Neville made a choking sound. They both looked up to him. "You alright, Neville," Hermione asked.

Harry looked at Neville oddly. "You need Madam Pomfrey?"

"You know that formal titles are only supposed to be used when observing proper etiquette?"

"So," Harry asked.

"When you asked me about what a Scion was, was that because of Greengrass?"

"Yeah. Why?"

"Have you claimed your Scion rights," Neville asked.

Harry looked confused. "What do you mean my Scion rights?"

Neville blinked. "Merlin! I just thought you didn't want to wear your ring and draw more attention to yourself. Do you know at all about your inheritance or vaults?"

"I have the vault my parents left me."

"Does it have a key or does it require a goblin to open it?"

"A key. Hagrid gave it to me when we went to Gringotts for the first time."

Harry didn't think Neville's eyes could get any wider. "Why would Hagrid have it? Is it gold?"

"Yeah, it's gold. Neville, you aren't making any sense."

"Neville, what is so important about this?" Hermione asked.

"Gold keys are for inheritance vaults. You know, the ones the goblins maintain until a Scion or other family member can claim a Family vault. They are only granted through a Will. Silver and bronze keys are for normal vaults. Family vaults can only be opened by a goblin or someone with a family ring, like a Scion ring," he told them, holding up his left hand and showing them a silver ring.

"Are you saying I have more gold in Gringotts," Harry asked shocked.

"If it is anything like my vaults, it will be piles of galleons, sickles and knuts. Their are probably also heirlooms, old books, armor, wands- all sorts of stuff. Gran needs to know. Your family has a Lordship on the Wizengamot. Who is your Guardian?"

Harry felt so confused. "My relatives," he answered. Harry had only really talked about them to Ron and Hermione, and then it wasn't much beyond they were muggles.

"Who are your relatives?" Neville asked with an odd expression.

"The Dursley's."

"I don't know that family," Neville remarked.

"They are muggles, like my parents," Hermione answered.

"That explains so much," the larger boy responded. "Harry, do you mind if I contact my Gran? She won't be pleased you don't have your ring. She had been talking about when we come of age the Potter and Longbottoms will be able to lead the Wizengamot again."

"Harry, do you understand any of this," Hermione asked.

"Not a word. You think he's mental?"

Hermione hit his arm. "Between you and Ron," she huffed.

-oOo-

-oOo-

Chapter 2

-oOo-

February 5, 1994

Hogwarts, Scotland

Harry was still coming down from his epic catch against Ravenclaw. Cho glared at him almost every time he passed her or saw her looking at him in the Great Hall. He hadn't meant to buzz her. He definitely wasn't grabbing at her back side and he definitely didn't knock her off her broom.

He had turned his Firebolt suddenly. He had caught the snitch that was hovering just above the twigs on her broom. He had grabbed for her and kept her from falling when she screamed and almost fell off.

After landing, Ron had rushed him. "Harry! That was brilliant," Ron exclaimed.

Harry let it go for now, but he was going to have a talk with Ron later. Hermione and him had apologized to each other. Ron could too.

As he left the changing room and started up the path, he was surprised to see a small knot of Ravenclaw and Slytherin girls. Daphne turned to him as he walked up with the team.

"Come on, Potter. Party," George said wrapping an arm around him. Harry shook him off.

"I'll be up in a few," he told him.

He didn't notice the team stopping a dozen paces away. He was giving his goofy smile to Daphne. The dark-hair girl looked rather cute with rosy cheeks from the cold. The splashes of green in her dark eyes seemed to stand out more today. "Very nice catch, Scion Potter."

He bowed and for whatever reason possessing him he held out the snitch. "Thank you, Heiress Greengrass. I hope this brings you as much luck as it brought me today."

"Harry, you coming," Fred called out.

He gave her his goofy smile again. A small smirk ghosted her face as she took it. "Thank you, Scion Potter. I think your team wants you." She nodded her head to the loudly whistling Weasley twins.

"I'll see you Monday afternoon?"

A small smile broke her mask and stayed. "One-thirty. Don't be late," she commanded.

"Never, Heiress Greengrass," he responded and turned back to the team. There was some giggling behind him as he walked up to the them.

Wood was looking at him like he was a loon. "Why the bloody hell are you talking with our competition and you gave her the snitch!"

"It was mine," Harry told him. Harry was allowed to keep every snitch he caught. The only one he had kept so far was the first one from first year.

Fred and George smiled like loons. "Has our young Harry found a crush," Fred started.

Angela, Katie and Alicia just gave him knowing looks, like big sisters to a beloved younger brother. "Leave him be. He can give the snitch to whomever he wants," Angela hit George before he could say anything.

"Oi! Woman! You going to beat me all day," George exclaimed and they all laughed at him. Which helped to cover Harry's red face.

"No more fraternizing with the enemy, Potter. We are going to win this year and I won't have the snakes pulling something on you." Wood looked dead serious.

Harry shrugged. He didn't see any enemy.

-oOo-

February 6, 1994

Hogwarts, Scotland

Sunday morning was cold and snow was falling outside. Harry felt tired. It had been weeks of five or six practices a week, lots of work and a party McGonagall had to break up about midnight.

Yawning, he picked at his hot porridge and a rasher. Not many were down yet, being just after seven, but Harry had a lot of work to catch up on for tomorrow. He had taken Friday off, mostly because Wood hunted him down wherever he was to keep going over strategies and to pep talk him.

Yesterday, nothing was getting done between the game and the party. So, today Harry had to pay the piper.

He had his parchment and Potions book out as he wrote about the properties and uses of beetle blood. He was halfway through when a snowy owl landed on the table across from him.

"Morning Hedwig. I thought you would be sleeping with the snow?"

She squawked.

"I don't have any mail today. Maybe Hermione will later," he told her. He still hadn't forgiven Ron and would need to talk with him later.

She shuffled over to him before reaching down and nipping his finger.

"Ouch!" He dropped his quill and put his finger to his mouth. "What was that for?"

She indignantly squawked at him and held her leg out. He stared at the attached letter. He never got mail, except from Mrs. Weasley at times. His familiar just stood tall and regal waiting for him.

"Who is sending me a letter and did you go to get it?"

She preened herself and hooted with a certain dignity. Harry chuckled at her. "I love you too," he told the snowy owl. She was the only one in the world that he had ever said that too and he felt she returned the feeling with the same unreserved sentiment. He took a few bits of sausages from a platter and put them on his plate.

"Here you go. Thanks," he rubbed his hand over her head and looked at the letter.

-o-

To Scion Harry James Potter

Hogwarts, Scotland

-o-

Turning it over, there was a large wax seal. It was a dark red, almost black, wax with a crest and a large 'G' in it. There was a similar crest like that at Gringotts. He remembered because he had see it dozens of times over the summer. While eating at Fortescue's, he had studied it one after noon, having nothing better to do.

Harry had a small tinge of panic that the vault his parents had left him was suddenly empty. He had no idea how he would survive if that happened.

With slightly trembling hands he opened it. There were a few parchments and a ring fell out. It looked sort of like Neville's, with a crest he didn't recognize on it. Since Neville had shown them his, Harry had seen a few dozen other boys, some older, some younger, with them. Harry picked up the ring and examined it for a moment before slipping it on.

In his fingers it felt cold and smooth, like any metal that had been outside for a while. Once it was on his finger, it felt warm and fit perfectly. He liked the feel of it.

A few others had come down, but sat in other areas, not disturbing his notes.

Hedwig gave him a hoot and took off.

"Thanks, Hedwig," he called after her.

One of the parchments was actually a bundle of parchments and what looked liked muggle envelopes. The bundle was sealed with a forest green wax and a crest, like on his ring, pressed into it.

He took the unsealed parchment first, which had a nice flowing script.

-o-

Dear Scion Potter,

Gringotts has recently received permission to unseal the Potter vaults and retrieve and enact any documentation that would pertain to the disposition of your family valuables. In vault eighty-two, an executive copy of the Will of James and Lily Potter was retrieved.

Please find enclosed one official copy of the Will and scion ring that was to have been presented to your person at the age of eleven, as executed per the will. A copy has been provided to the following named Guardians or other personages named in the will:

Sirius Black, Godfather (Guardian)
Madam Longbottom (2nd Guardian, transferred from Lord Frank and Lady Alice Longbottom, godmother)
Madam Amelia Bones (3rd Guardian)
Mr. Remus Lupin
Lady Minerva McGonagall, nee Ross

All other members of the will have either been deemed deceased or uncontactable.

An audience with a Senior Will Executor and Account Manager is recommended at your earliest convenience,

Goretusk the Large
Senior Will Executor, First Tier Accounts.

-o-

Harry read the letter three times before looking around. It was still pretty deserted, being nearly eight now on a Sunday. Only Professor Flitwick and Babbling were at the table and none of his friends were here. His hands were shaking.

Harry grabbed his stuff, shoved it into his bag and turned towards the door of the Great Hall. He needed someone, anyone to show this too and understand what it was. Ron and Neville would probably still be asleep. They didn't usually wake until nine on Sundays.

He didn't trust Seamus or Dean enough. This was too personal.

Hermione was usually up by now, but many times she would wait in the common room for one or both of them. Harry had gotten up too early for her today and left the common room before she had come down. Hermione was who he needed. He didn't trust to go to the other names on the letter until he knew what the will was.

As he ran out of the hall, a very familiar voice said, "Good morning, Scion Potter."

Harry skidded to a halt to see Daphne, a younger girl that looked like her, Astoria he thought. Then there was Tracey and the larger girl, Millicent Bulstrode. A very quick mental debate occurred. Go to Hermione, his best mate, or ask this new girl he had only been studying with for over two weeks?

The debate was over almost before it began. Hermione was his best mate, but Daphne had been the one to first call him Scion and probably knew far more about this than his brilliant brunette friend. Only Neville might be better.

"Daphne, I need your help. Can you come with me," Harry asked striding over to her.

All four girls looked shocked for the moment. He was sure it had something to do with his agitated state. "Please," he begged her.

"Is everything alright," Daphne asked concerned.

"I just need your help. Just for a little bit."

Her eyes tracked his wildly moving hands and after a few seconds she said, "This needs to be private. I will be with you in a little bit," Daphne told her sister and friends.

"Daphne, you shouldn't be alone with a boy," Astoria said as though it was the worst thing in the world.

"I think Scion Potter is safe enough," Daphne told her sister.

"Please," Harry asked again. She hesitated for a moment. "I'll go find Hermione."

He turned to head towards the main staircase and Daphne reached out and grabbed his arm. "Go," she commanded the others. "Harry, in here," she said. He didn't even register the use of his first name.

She pulled him into a door next to the Great Hall. There was a passageway behind it that led to another door. "Where are we?"

"This connects the antechamber to the Great Hall. What are you so agitated about," she asked, standing a few feet apart.

He focused on her. "My parents will," he told her.

She looked at him as though he was barmy. "What of it, Harry? Why would you get so upset over it? It should have been read years ago."

Harry stepped to her and rammed the first parchment at her. She rolled her eyes as though he was being a silly child. It was then that he realized she didn't have her mask up and that she had called him Harry, not Potter or Scion Potter.

"Just read it," he told her.

"We hardly know each other. Is it really appro...pri...ate," she trailed off as her eyes scanned the parchment. His stomach was roiling.

"Oh, Merlin," she said under her breath. Looking up, her eyes were wide. "The will was never executed and you did not receive your Scion ring on your eleventh birthday?"

Harry shook his head.

"This is line theft! The executor of the will can be walked through the Veil for this," she told him.

"What's the veil and what is line theft?"

She looked at him, her dark eyes wider than he had seen before and her mouth open. "Line theft. Line theft," she repeated to his clueless face. "Harry, if the will hadn't been found and you had not claimed your Scion ring by seventeen, your vaults and everything your parents left you could have gone to the Executor of the Will or the Ministry if there was no other possible Scion or Heiress."

It was his turn to look at her wide eyed. "What? You mean... you mean I do have other vaults and such and someone tried to steal it! Sirius Black," he spat.

She looked at him and then the letter. "I don't think he could have," Daphne said carefully.

"He's trying to kill me and already got into the school once this year!" He started to pace and make aggravated growls, unable to iterate anything coherent at the moment.

"Harry, that is not what I mean! To magically be a godparent you take an oath. It is an oath that you will rather die than hurt the one you swore to protect. Magic will either steal all your magic or kill you if you ever do anything intentional to harm your godchild."

Harry stopped and turned back to her, his mouth open and brain just totally shot. "He wants to kill me," he told her after a few seconds.

"He may want to kill someone, but he could never willingly kill you. He would do everything in his power to protect you, like he was your own parent," Daphne told him.

For months Harry had been running from the crazed madman. He had been told to stay safe. People had protected him. McGonagall herself said he was his godfather and had been the one to betray his parents the day he had snuck to Hogsmeade. No wonder she still sounded so shocked and disbelieving.

Harry looked at her. He really didn't have much of a reason yet to trust this girl, but something in him said she was not lying.

"A magical godparent really can't hurt their godchild?"

"No. This probably means he's innocent."

"Bloody hell," Harry cried out before leaning against the wall and sinking down to the floor. He put his head in his hands. "Daphne, how could he have let Voldemort kill my parents? He was their secret keeper."

She gasped. "That isn't possible! Mother and father have said it is like an unbreakable vow."

Harry sat up and hit his head against the wall. "I take it that's a magical vow that you can't break," he groused before meeting her eyes.

She was looking down at him. Here eyes looked confused. "You either do what you promised or you die. It can't override any previous oath, and no oath after it can override it. A godparent oath is much the same," she explained as though he should already know this.

"Bloody hell," he exclaimed again. He just sat on the cold flag stone floor for a moment while she just regarded him.

It was a few minutes before she asked, "Is that the will?"

Harry pulled his head up and moved the envelope and the will so he could see them. "I don't want to know what it says," he told her, afraid it would have other revelations that would rock him as hard as this one. "Daphne, if what you said is true, then Sirius Black didn't betray my parents."

"Then who did?" she asked.

There was a squeak and some scurrying. Daphne screamed as a rat suddenly ran down the hall. Her wand was out. "Diffindo!" She pointed her wand at the rat and the white spell raced down the hall, cutting the rat in half. It let out a foul screech before going silent.

Daphne was shaking and Harry got up. "Daphne," he said softly.

She jumped back as he put a hand on hers to lower her wand. "I hate rats," she yelled bitterly. "I hate the Slytherin common room and being in the dungeons! That's the third one this week."

He just looked at her as she watched the rat to make sure it wasn't moving. The pool of blood around it was a sure sign it wasn't going to move anymore.

"Right. No rats. I hope that wasn't Ron's," he said with a small nervous laugh.

She shuttered again. Harry found himself doing something he had never done before. Slowly moving in, he pushed her wand arm down. When she didn't resist, he moved in a little closer. He had never done this willingly before, but something told him this was the right thing to do.

His arms moved up and he pulled her in for a hug. Daphne stiffened for a second before shuttering again and then relaxing into his hug. It didn't last long and when he let her go, she didn't move away from him. A tear was on her cheek. "I wanted to be a Ravenclaw like mother."

She used the back of her hand to wipe the tear off her cheek. When she looked at it, her cheeks turned the pink he thought was cute on her. She gave him a sharp look. "You ever repeat what I just told you and I will haunt you until we leave this place."

Harry backed up, holding his hands up in surrender. "Mum's the word," he told her.

The door to the entry hall suddenly swung open. A serious set McGonagall was standing in the doorway. "Potter, there you are. Professor Lupin and I have been looking all over for you. Ms. Greengrass, what are you doing here?"

Her mask was up and she was holding herself tall and prim. "Scion Potter had a matter of House business to discuss, Professor. There was no impropriety."

Professor McGonagall gave Daphne a stern look. "I didn't say there was, Ms. Greengrass. I can take your word, Potter?"

Harry tried to stand as tall as he could. He had no clue what Daphne and McGonagall were talking about. "No, Professor. We were only talking."

"Greengrass, run along to your friends. Potter, follow me," McGonagall ordered, turned and started to walk off. He cast one more glance at the rat and followed Daphne out. She took off for the Great Hall and he followed McGonagall.

-oOo-

Harry sat in Professor Lupin's office with a cup of tea and saucer in one hand. It was a small office with a grindylow in a tank and a hinkypunk in an enchanted cage. Professor Remus had transfigured his desk into two chairs. Harry sat in one, McGonagall in another and Professor Lupin in his normal seat.

"Do you know why we asked you here," Professor Lupin asked.

"I assume it's the letter I have in my hand," Harry asked, still not have opened the will.

The man gave a sad smile. "Yes, Harry. Have you read it yet?"

He shook his head.

"Did you know it hadn't been read yet?"

Harry shook his head again.

"Did that ring come in the envelope?"

McGonagall looked suddenly as his hand with the tea cup.

Harry nodded.

"We have notified the DMLE about receiving the will. I am sure Amelia Bones, the Head of the DMLE, is storming through the Ministry right now with what was in the Will. Would you like me to read my copy to you?"

"Remus, the boy should know," McGonagall said.

Remus held up his hand. "I think Harry is a little overwhelmed at the moment. Harry," the Professor called and he looked back up at Professor Lupin.

"Harry, I can read you my copy of the will, or I can read you yours. Mine will have all the important points, but it may miss any letters or exclusive binding for you," Professor Lupins said calmly.

"Sirius Black didn't betray my parents, did he," Harry asked.

Professor Lupin frowned. "It would appear not. There are already people working on that, but in the mean time, it is important that you understand what your parents left you."

"I never should have doubted. Sirius loved James like a brother," McGonagall lamented.

"Which copy would you like me to read?" The man ignored McGonagall.

Harry held out his copy. If there was more in his, then mind as well get it over with now. "Can you please open it? Only the recepient can do so," Professor Lupin requested kindly,

Harry did so and handed it to Professor Lupin.

The Professor opened the will and put a half dozen or more small letters off to the side. "Are you ready?"

No, he wasn't. "Please," his damned Gryffindor courage said.

-o-

September 3rd, 1981

The Will of James Fleamont and Lily Jane Potter

This is the last will and testament to be read should our son, Harry James Potter, survive us.

First, Lily and I would like to tell our son how much we love him. He is the bright star in our life, the flying terror of Jingles and the bane of an unsuspecting Padfoot. Lily still laughs about that time he almost pulled Padfoot's ears off. It brings a smile to my face as we write this.

Times are dark. We are in hiding and keeping Harry safe is the most important thing we can do. Sirius took the Godfather oath as soon as he could after Harry's birth and he and Moony look on him as though he was their son too.

Lily and I can't tell Harry how much we love him.-

Harry was sniffling. There was so little left of his parents. Harry couldn't wait to ask, "Who is Jingles, Moony and Padfoot?"

Professor Lupin looked very sad. "Jingles was Lily's familiar. A sleek black cat."

"I've seen a picture with her. What happened to Jingles?"

"I don't know," Professor Lupin said.

"And Moony and Padfoot?"

"Myself and Sirius Black."

Harry just nodded before Professor Lupin continued

-Second, Lily, Harry and I have gone into hiding as of August 23rd,1981. A safehouse with guards has been setup to protect our secret keeper, and in turn we are secret keeper to him. We can never thank Peter Pettigrew for helping me to protect Lily and Harry.-

"Why would they name Pettigrew," McGonagall asked confused.

"I was under suspicion at the time and I am sure they thought Sirius was too high profile."

- As for our worldly possessions, they shall be parsed out as such:

Harry gets everything, except the few allowances made on the attached sheets. The goblins have been contracted to maintain the few residences that are left and the accounts.

On Harry's eleventh birthday, he is to be presented a Potter scion ring and be declared Regent or Lord Potter, depending on the state of the wizengamot, on his seventeenth birthday.

To see him raised with love and into the man he should be, we name the following as his Guardians, in order:

1. Lord Sirius Black, Godfather
2. Lady Alice Longbottom, Godmother (to be shared with Lord Frank Longbottom)
3. Ms. (or Mrs.) Amelia Bones
4. Any other Potter relative that is magical and does not serve the Dark Lord

Executors of the Will

1. Lord Sirius Black
2. Lady Alice Longbottom
3. Ms. (or Mrs.) Amelia Bones
4. Gringotts should any not be able to

Witnesses..-

"Dear merlin! Minerva look at the witnesses," Professor Lupin exclaimed.

His mind was trying to process everything. There was no mention of the Dursley's. No mention of him living in Little Whinging or to be stuffed under the stairs for a decade. They wanted him to be loved.

They wanted him to be loved!

Harry looked at Professor Lupin. "I'm not supposed to be living at the Dursley's?"

The man frowned and looked back down at the parchments. After a moment, Professor Lupin sighed. "Harry, I do not know why you have been placed with your mother's sister. I can say we will sort this out."

So many thoughts were still rolling in his head. "Professor Lupin, how did you know about Jingles? Why did you get a copy of the will?"

There was a look exchanged between his Professors.

"Harry, when I was at Hogwarts, Lily, James, Sirius and Peter were my best friends. I was there the day you were born. Lily grew to be my best friend."

This was just one too many things to suddenly be piled on him. His eyes bored into the man. "If you were their friend why didn't you get this earlier and why didn't I know! Why didn't you ever visit me!"

"Harry, understand that..." Professor Lupin started.

It was too much. Harry grabbed his bag and rushed out of the room. Where were all those people the years he went to bed hungry or was hit!

-oOo-

-oOo-

Chapter 3

-oOo-

February 6, 1994

Hogwarts, Scotland

It was Hermione that finally found him hours later. "Harry, here you are! People have been frantic to find you," she exclaimed walking out the stairs at the top tower on the Quidditch pitch. They weren't supposed to be up here, but he needed a private spot.

"Hermione, not now," he told his friend.

She looked slightly out of breath and had been looking to say more, but stopped when she saw him. "Harry, what's wrong? Have you been out here all day? Your cheeks look white."

Harry rubbed his hands together. It was a cold February day. At least the stands blocked most of the wind. "I needed to get out."

She frowned. "Did you eat lunch? It's after three."

His stomach grumbled for an answer. He was used to not eating, but he almost never missed a meal when at Hogwarts. He was feeling cold. "I haven't been hungry."

The look she gave him said she didn't believe that. "Come on. Professor McGonagall and Professor Lupin have been looking for you. If we go see them I am sure we can get a cuppa."

Harry got up as she pulled him up. "Hermione, Sirius Black can't kill me," he told her.

She stopped, her hand still in his. Standing up he realized how cold he was and shivered.

"Of course he won't kill you. Dumbledore and others wont' let him," she stated, looking frightened.

"No, he can't kill me," Harry pressed. "He's my godfather."

"We already knew that Harry. He betrayed you and your parents," she started.

He shook his head. "You don't understand, Hermione. He can't kill me. He can't do anything that would harm me. He's my godfather."

She eyed him for a moment. They didn't call her the brightest witch of their age for nothing. "Being a godfather in the magical world isn't the same as in the muggleworld, is it?"

He shook his head again. "Daphne said its like an unbreakable vow." He went on at the confusion on her face. His body was starting to shake. "If Sirius Black did anything that would intentionally hurt of kill me, he could lose his magic or die."

"You are frozen. Lets get you inside and we can talk more," she told him after a moment.

They started down the stairs.

"Harry, Sirius Black took the unbreakable vow?"

"He took the godfather's oath. My parents will said he did."

She stopped on a step for a moment and he took a few more before turning back.

"You said your parents didn't have a will."

"I received a copy today," he told her.

He saw the understanding in her eyes, as though she suddenly put it together why he had hidden. "Do Professor McGonagall and Professor Lupin know?"

He let out a breath. "They received their own copies and Professor Lupin read mine."

She bit her lip. He could tell she wanted to ask him about it. He started to walk again and she fell in step with him. She waited until they were walking back up to Hogwarts. "What else did it say?"

"Sirius Black is my godfather. They left everything to me. Someone named Peter Pettigrew was our Secret Keeper." They knew what that was from Hagrid. "Oh, my mum had a cat named Jingles," he added.

"Jingles," she giggled. "Who names a cat Jingles?"

"My mum," he told her with a quick smile. "Professor Lupin said I used to chase her around on a broom."

She wiped her head to him. "How would Professor Lupin know that?"

He swallowed. "My parents, Sirius Black, Peter Pettigrew and Professor Lupin were all friends. Professor Lupin said he was there the day I was born."

She gasped. "Why didn't he tell you this? Why didn't you know before coming to Hogwarts?"

He looked down at his feet as they walked across the hard ground. "I ran out before he could tell me."

They walked a few more feet before Hermione suddenly wrapped him in a bear hug. He 'omphed' at the sudden contact. Most people he shied away from if they hugged him. From his best mate, he found he actually had missed it from the times they weren't talking. He wrapped an arm around her and she stiffened for a moment before tightening her hug.

She must have picked up on his reluctance. "Do you want to go back to Professor Lupin or to Hagrid's?"

He let her go and she stayed close. He put a hand behind his neck. Smoke was coming from Hagrid's hut. Looking up at the school there was smoke coming from many chimney's.

Hagrid's sounded like the better idea. He turned towards the castle though. "Professor Lupin still has my copy and some other letters. I should get them. How about Hagrid's tomorrow?"

"We have classes tomorrow," she reminded him.

"Oh, yeah."

"Let's go find Professor Lupin," he sighed. The man was the last person he wanted to see right now.

When they walked back into the school through the practice field, he wasn't too surprised to find Professor McGonagall there. "You found him, Ms. Granger?"

"Yes, ma'am," she told the Professor.

"Why don't you go find Weasley and Longbottom and let them know. Potter, if you would come with me," she said a little kinder.

Hermione gave him a sympathetic look and walked off towards Gryffindor Tower. "Come up to my office. There is someone you should talk with."

"I was hoping to get my stuff from Professor Lupin," he told her.

She reached into a pocket in her tartan robes. "Professor Lupin left this with me as he needed to leave for a bit."

Harry took the proffered envelope and stuffed it into his pocket.

Up the stairs and to McGonagall's office where a woman with a square jaw and a monocle was waiting with a man in red robes. Harry recognized the robes as Aurors robes. Men that accompanied Minister Fudge over the summer had dressed like that. He paused for a second before McGonagall pushed him in.

"Potter, this is Madam Amelia Bones, Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. Amelia, Harry Potter," McGonagall said in her short clip

Harry eyed the Auror. He was wondering if the Ministry had decided to charge him after all. Of course he hadn't done anything since blowing up his Aunt Marge, but he still thought about it at times.

The serious looking woman reached out a hand, which Harry ignored at first.

After a second, she followed his eyes. "Robards, go stand in the hall. You are not in trouble, Mr. Potter." The woman looked to be trying to reassure him, but it didn't really.

"You were one of the ones in my parents will," he said, grasping at the only thing he could.

Her serious expression fell as Robards left. He was uncomfortable having both woman here.

"Maybe we should start again." She held out her hand. "Madame Amelia Bones. I am your father's third cousin."

He tentatively reached out his hand. "Nice to meet you," he said as politely as he could.

She shook his firmly before then taking his other hand. Harry tried to take it back but her grasp was firm. After a moment, she nodded. "A pleasure to meet you, Scion Potter. Your father would be pleased you finally received that ring."

"Amelia, I think he is still in some shock," Professor McGonagall told her.

"Why would he be in shock? He is the last remaining Scion of a prestigious bloodline and he should have had this a year ago," Madam Bones stated.

"Two years ago. Potter is thirteen and until today I was unaware he was to inherit what he has. I thought James had renounced his Lordship."

The woman stared at the Professor before looking at him again. A frown came over her face. "Harry, how old are you?"

"Thirteen. I don't understand what you are talking about," he told them. He understood about Scions now from Neville, but this sounded different.

Madam Bones didn't look pleased at all. "You just barely look twelve. You did grow up with the Longbottoms?"

Harry shifted in his chair. Looking down at the floor, he muttered, "I live with my Aunt and Uncle."

At Madam Bones confused look, Professor McGonagall spoke up. "He grew up with Lily's sister. Albus said that was what the will said and that they were his last family left." His Professor looked rather upset. "I remember warning Albus about leaving him there. They were the worst type of muggles imaginable."

"Is this accurate, Harry," Madam Bones queried.

"Yes, ma'am."

There was a moment of silence as he looked at the floor. "Harry, who is your Magical Guardian?"

He didn't know. After a moment, McGonagall answered. "Albus is listed as his Magical Guardian as being a muggle-raised."

The woman's eyebrows knitted together. "And he was his Guardian the night Harry was left at his Aunt and Uncles?"

"I do not know. The records only show Albus as such since Harry accepted his letter. It wasn't discussed why there wasn't another Guardian. If the will hadn't been opened, like I thought it had, I can understand now," Professor McGonagall stated.

"What is going on," Harry asked them. "Am I in trouble or do I have to go somewhere else?" He couldn't keep the slight hint of hope out of the last.

For the first time Madam Bones eyes turned truly soft. "No, Harry, you aren't in trouble. There are some things we need to work out. Minerva, can I have permission to take him to St. Mungo's?"

"Why would you want to do that?" Harry questioned.

Madam Bones eyes looked at him as though seeing things that others hadn't. He didn't like it. "Harry, would you wait in the hall for a few?"

"Can I go back to Gryffindor tower? Dinner will start in a little bit."

There was a look between the woman. "Go find your friends for a bit and have dinner. Please find Professor Lupin or I if you need any more help in understanding the letters you received today."

"Sure, Professor," he said. All he wanted to do was find another corner no one would find him in. What he needed was his invisibility cloak but it was in his trunk. His stomach growling told him he needed to eat first. Hermione wouldn't like it, but he would have to slip away again later. He was still upset with Ron and hadn't talked with him yet.

He was out of Professor McGonagall's office and halfway down the hall before Hermione suddenly called, "Harry!"

He stopped and she stepped out from an alcove. "I wasn't sure how long you would be and you looked like you needed a friend."

Harry let a small smile come to his face before he grew serious again. "I don't know what I need Hermione," he told her truthfully.

She looked uncertain. "Are you alright?"

"I guess?" It definitely sounded more like a question.

"Would you like to talk?"

His stomach grumbled again. He had only eaten half his breakfast and nothing for lunch. "I would like a sandwich," he told her.

"Let's go drop our stuff off and then go to dinner." She looked uncertain for a moment. "Would you like to get your invisibility cloak as well? I can help you read the will."

Harry let out a breath. Maybe be did need someone. Hermione offering him the help made him feel better.

"Sure."

-oOo-

Later...

Hermione had helped him avoid everyone as they took some food from the Great Hall and found an abandoned classroom. After talking about it for a while, they snuck back to the common room and Harry had gone up to their dorm. The curtains were all drawn on his bed. The letter and will was on the bed before him and he sat crossed leg. Hermione had told him that the other letters looked very personal.

That was what he was looking at. Seven letters, all addressed to him. There were two different hands.

Five of them were a messy script that looked like they had been written in haste. It reminded him of his own messy writing.

Two of the letters were a much nicer elegant script. He wasn't sure if he was willing to open them.

The door to the dorms opened. "Harry, you in there," Ron's voice asked from outside his curtains. They all had a rule that if the curtains were closed, they didn't open them unless it was an emergency. Harry didn't say anything.

"He must be asleep," Seamus spoke up.

"Yeah. Yeah," Ron responded sounding disappointed.

He listened to them get ready for bed and talk amongst themselves. Harry put the envelopes down and picked up the will again. Professor Lupin had seemed surprised at the signatures on the will. He hadn't mentioned that to Hermione, but she had picked up on it. The first witnesses was someone Harry knew, the other was Neville's mother. He wasn't sure what to think of that. If Dumbledore had known about the will, why would he leave him with his Aunt and Uncle?

-oOo-

February 7, 1994

Hogwarts, Scotland

Harry was quiet. He had been most of the day. Hermione was by his side. Ron was too, but it wasn't the same anymore.

"What happened yesterday," Ron pushed for the hundredth time as they walked out of lunch.

"Harry doesn't want to talk about it," Hermione responded in her imperious tone she got at times when she knew something you didn't.

"But he told you," Ron accused.

Hermione glared at Ron. "This is something that Harry will talk to us about when he is ready."

"He can tell me!" Ron exclaimed.

"Ron, just drop it!" Harry burst out. "I have to go to my study session. Hermione, are you coming?"

Ron looked uncertainly between her and Harry. "What study session? I was going to take you to the pitch this afternoon."

"I have a study session with some friends," Harry told him. Harry mistook the startled expression on Ron for the fact he was going to a study session. He could give Ron that much.

"But we're your friends? Hermione always helps us in the evenings," Ron said shaken.

"I am not doing your homework," Hermione scoffed.

"I didn't ask you to do it. You just always check it," Ron looked taken back.

"No, Hermione checks it and then usually does half the work for us. I am not doing that anymore," Harry told Ron.

Ron had stopped walking to stare at them. Hermione and him stopped a few feet away to look at their friend. "She just adds the facts we miss," Ron stated.

Hermione went to open her mouth but Harry spoke first. "Ron, Hermione only puts in what we are supposed to have. I am done doing that and the study group won't help me if I don't atleast try. Personally, I am starting to like the exceeds expectations and outstandings I have been getting."

Hermione turned to him. They were friends again, good friends, but Harry hadn't shown her how his grades had improved without her. "You are getting exceeds expectations and outstandings? In Defense?"

Harry looked a little abashed at the way she was looking at him. "I haven't made an outstanding in Potions, Astronomy or History of Magic yet, but I have in everything else. Snape hates me too much to give me an outstanding."

Hermione looked shocked but pleased. Ron was just shocked.

"Who are you studying with," Ron asked.

Harry wasn't sure he wanted Ron to know. He knew Ron's opinion of all Slytherin, no matter who they were. "A group of friends," he replied.

"Harry, we're your friends," Ron stated.

"I can have more than just two friends," Harry retorted.

Ron looked really shaken. "But, we are your best friends."

Harry snapped at Ron. "Best mates that accuse others of sabotage and get upset when they are only trying to protect me? Best mates that always get into fights and blames the only one that helped us until now to get better grades? Or a best friend that never apologizes for anything they do?"

Ron wound up at those accusations. "It's a bloody Firebolt! Hermione had no right to tell McGonagall! They stole it from us and we were only lucky to get it back just before the match this last weekend! What would have have happened if you didn't have that? You beat Cho because of that broom."

"I would have used the Nimbus 2000 I just bought and I have beaten Cho on a Nimbus 2000 before," Harry countered angrily.

"Ron, it is not your broom. The Firebolt is Harry's and we didn't know if it was safe to use," Hermione added bossily.

"But it's a Firebolt, Harry," Ron said, ignoring Hermione.

"I don't care," he retorted. Deep down he cared alot, but that wasn't the point right now. "Hermione was only looking out for me!"

"So you just forgave her, just like that," Ron accused. "It was Christmas day and it was taken from us, Harry."

"Unlike you, Hermione apologized and we talked about it. And it is my broom," he said rather possessively. He owned so few things and the Firebolt was the best of them, next to his father's invisibility cloak. The clock bell rung the half-hour. "If you excuse me, we are now late for our study group."

Harry turned and stalked away. "Harry, wait for me," Hermione called behind him. When she fell in besides him, just about jogging to keep up with him, she stated, "I really am sorry about what I did."

He huffed. "You were only trying to protect me."

"I only wish Ronald would see that. He really is being a prat," she groused.

Harry didn't pick up on her words except he wasn't sure what he wanted Ron to see at the moment. When they made it to the library, Harry sat heavily in a chair across from Daphne. Tracey and Neville were talking about their Herbology essay. Hermione sat less huffily, but she was upset with Ron also.

"You're almost ten minutes late," Daphne told them as he took out his stuff. He was so far behind at the moment and his worry that Daphne would not want to keep studying with them when he told her he still hadn't completed the Herbology or Potions essay due tomorrow made him more upset.

"We were detained," Harry snipped at her.

"Harry," Hermione admonished. "Greengrass is not the one you are upset with."

Harry huffed and looked up at Daphne. She didn't look pleased with him. After a moment, he closed his eyes, took a few breathes and calmed down. He tried to remember the way Neville was teaching him to speak when in certain company. "Excuse me, Heiress Greengrass. I did not mean to be rude. It has been a trying few days and I am upset that I still have not completed my work for this group and for other things going on."

His anger came out a little at the end to think of Ron and for how raw his emotions were still from yesterday.

She held his eyes for a moment. The hard gaze she usually held softened some. "I will accept your apology," she stated out loud. "What work have you not completed?"

"Potions and Herbology."

"Then we will focus on that to start. If need be, we will use our time Wednesday to find a room to practice," Daphne told him. "Now, where are you?"

Daphne got up and moved her chair to the end of the table so she could sit next to him as he took his potions essay out. He missed the looks Tracey and Hermione gave him. She didn't seem like she was going to scold him and he visibly relaxed. "Can I try to complete it before we talk about it?"

She nodded. "Of course, Harry," Daphne soothed in a whisper.

"Thanks, Daph," he responded equally as quietly without thinking.

Tracey's brow disappeared into her hair line. Hermione looked flummoxed. Daphne had a small amount of color come to her cheeks.

He let out a breath and the anger he had at himself and Ron seemed to melt away. Daphne took whatever she was working on and started on it again. Harry opened his potion, herbology and ingredient books and worked to complete the essay.

Daphne looked at Tracey when she cleared her throat and returned an even look to her friend. Harry flipped to find the potion they were supposed to be working on and picked up with the importance of the counter-clockwise motions after adding the carrow roots. After a moment, Tracey and Neville picked up where they had been and soon Hermione was involved in the conversation.

After a little bit of not making much progress, and him flipping through his herbology book to find why it was important to harvest tentacular venom on a full moon when Daphne reached into her pocket in her uniform trousers. Her clenched fist reached over his parchment and he looked at her. "Maybe it will bring you luck," Daphne said. When she pulled her hand away, he looked at the snitch he had given her Saturday.

For the first time since Saturday a smile teased at his face. The wings spread and lazily flapped. When he touched it with his finger, the wings furled up. He rolled it back to her. "I think its luckier where it was."

She was wearing her mask, but he didn't miss the way her eyes shone. After a moment, she reached up and took if. "If you ever change your mind, just ask, Scion Potter."

"Thank you, Heiress Greengrass."

After that, his focus was much sharper and by the time they left about an hour before dinner he had completed all his work and they had reviewed all their reports. Harry was in a much better mood. Daphne and Hermione had even complimented him on his Potions and DADA essays. As the three of them walked up towards the tower, it was Neville that broached the topic that Hermione seemed to be bursting to ask.

"When did Greengrass give you permission to call her by her first name?" Neville asked curiously.

Harry looked at him. He had probably done a it dozen times when he hadn't been thinking or they were talking quietly together about the work. The rest of the time it was Heiress Greengrass. His neck felt a little warm and he shrugged. He hadn't told Hermione about yesterday morning and he wasn't about too. He just got his best mate back and he wasn't going to chase her away. "I don't know. I didn't realize I was doing it." It was a half-truth.

"Are you feeling better," Hermione asked tentatively, as though expecting him to blow up.

"Yeah. I was able to get my work done and you only made one correction on my charms essay," he told her.

She eyed him. "You are sure you are feeling alright? Especially, you know," she said significantly, causing Neville to look at them curiously.

His good mood deflated some. After a sigh, he responded. "I just need time. I don't know what it all means."

"You can ask Professor Lupin or Professor McGonagall. Or, you know," she nodded to Neville.

He shook his head. "Maybe tomorrow," Harry told her.

"If you need to talk without me, you can just ask," Neville told them, sounding offended.

Harry closed his eyes and stopped. Hermione looked a little guilty when he opened his eyes. Neville had continued on, looking upset. "Neville," Harry called out. "Neville, wait."

Neville stopped. "What," Neville asked them.

Harry regarded the larger boy. He didn't want to be rude or fight any more today. "Neville, is your mum Alice Longbottom?"

Neville looked surprised for a few. "Yeah, why?"

"Did you know she is my godmother?"

"Yeah," Neville responded.

"Why didn't you ever tell Harry," Hermione asked.

"Harry didn't seem to want anything to do with me, so I figured you were just trying to ignore me like everyone else," Neville said a little dejectedly. "Half my family thinks I'm just better than a squib and not many want to be around me. What was one more cousin ignoring me?"

Hermione frowned. Harry just looked at him surprised. Had he been like his cousin? No, Dudley would have bullied Neville. Instead, Harry had ignored him, much like he had been before Hogwarts. "Neville, we never meant to ignore you. I didn't know until yesterday."

"What do you mean one more cousin," Hermione questioned.

Neville looked confused. "You didn't know my mum was your father's older sister? Gran said that was why she was made your godmother."

Harry just blinked at Neville. If yesterday wasn't a shock, this was. Neville was the son of his Aunt. His real aunt. His jaw dropped open.

Hermione looked just as shocked for a moment. "Is that why Madam Bones thought you grew up with Neville?"

Harry just didn't know what to say.

-oOo-

-oOo-

Chapter 4

February 9, 1994

Hogwarts, Scotland

Harry was very quiet the next day. He was happy that it was a day full of classes. Hermione stuck by his side, and Harry made a point of sitting with Neville in Potions. It earned him two detentions for sticking up for Neville and helping him to get a passable potion. He would have preferred to work with Hermione, or Daphne, but if Neville really was family, Harry shouldn't abandon him. He did spare a few looks at Daphne, who he thought he caught looking at him once.

During DADA, Professor Lupin asked to talk to Harry, but Harry said he was too busy. Which wasn't a lie.

"After dinner, please come by my office," Professor Lupin told him.

"I have practice tonight," he informed Professor Lupin. Where Harry wanted to be closer to Neville, sensing a somewhat kindred soul, he wanted nothing to do with a slew of adults that should have been there for him. He had another aunt and uncle. Harry knew something had happened to them, so Harry could excuse the Longbottoms, but he was finding it hard to excuse the others that should have known. He had resigned himself to the Dursley's until he was seventeen. The fact he could have been somewhere else, even growing up with a cousin that wanted him around, was making him very angry.

Ron wasn't helping. He tried to act like nothing happened, which led to another row between Ron and Hermione, with Harry stepping in. It ended when Harry punched Ron for insulting Hermione so bad she started to cry.

It was this mood that he brought to the study session with Daphne and Tracey.

With a huff, he sat down across from Daphne and closed his eyes. After Monday, and seeing how upset Hermione still was, he wasn't going to take out his issues on their study partners. After a moment, he opened his eyes to see the dark eyes with green shades looking at him. "Afternoon, Heiress Greengrass," he said as amicably as he could. He was finding he enjoyed these times with her and didn't want to chase her away.

"Scion Potter. I take your day is no better than it was Monday?"

He sighed. "You can say that."

"Harry has had a few surprised this week," Hermione supplied.

Daphne didn't take her eyes off him. "Do you want to talk about it?"

Everyone pulled up short. Harry just liked looking into her eyes. They looked... caring? Until now, only Hermione had ever really looked at him like that. After a moment he responded in a softer voice. "Not today. Wood is already upset enough I will miss practice the next two nights and I really need to get a start on our Potions and Charms essays. Then the star charts for Astronomy."

Daphne regarded him for a few. "Would it help to add two hours on Sunday for us to help you?"

The idea of spending more time with the Slytherin wasn't something he wanted to pass up. "I would appreciate that. I don't have anything to offer you," he told her, knowing she liked to work on an equal trade.

"You can pay me back by getting outstandings in everything," she informed him.

"I can help too, Harry," Hermione offered. He looked to Hermione who was staring at Daphne. Daphne held Hermione gaze.

"I'll take all the help I can get," he told them.

"If you three are all set, I would like to work on the Charms essay also," Tracey spoke up.

They had settled in for about twenty minutes when some clacking boots sounded in the library. They didn't look up, all of them well into their own thoughts and book. Neville was even concentrating and seemed to be getting it as Hermione and Tracey helped him. Harry heard the clacks and knew it was not Madam Pince. Pince's were not as determined as she walked, usually being quiet, but loud enough you could hear her if you weren't talking.

"Potter," McGonagall barked.

He closed his eyes for a second before straightening up. She stopped at the end of the table. "Yes, Professor," he answered in a deadpan tone.

"Why did you not show in my office at one o'clock like I asked?"

"You only asked me to show if I had questions. I do not and right now I need to complete my homework since I have detention with Professor Snape tonight," he answered. The anger that had slowly built since Sunday not really contained. At the look in her eyes, he added, "Professor."

"I assumed you would have questions. You are to come with me and I will talk with Professor Snape so you have time to complete your work," Professor McGonagall ordered.

"Excuse me, Professor," Daphne spoke up.

"Yes, Ms. Greengrass?"

Harry snapped his head to look at the girl that was looking up at their transfiguration professor. "If Scion Potter's detention is moved from this evening, he is still scheduled for a Quidditch practice. From what I understand, Mr. Wood has practice six times a week, most are two to three hours a day, with Saturday being four."

Professor McGonagall regarded Daphne for a moment. "Is this the truth, Potter?"

He wasn't sure to curse the girl or kiss her! Quidditch was one of his few stress relievers he had, but it was more stress than relief as he started to take his studies more seriously. In the last few weeks he had grown to like the better grades. He also liked the respect Daphne was giving him for helping them, and the praise for doing well on what she helped him with.

"Yes, Professor."

Her lips pursed. "I will talk with Wood. I told him no more than four practices and two hours each. Now, pack up your stuff and come with me."

Harry was hoping that this wouldn't get out. Some had started to notice him studying with Daphne and Tracey. He didn't need them being blamed for a weak Gryffindor team because they didn't practice enough. Gryffindor wasn't playing against Hufflepuff until May though. Harry knew no other team practiced half as much as they did. Harry packed up his stuff. "We'll see you in transfiguration?" Hermione inquired.

He nodded.

It was soon obvious they were heading away from the library and McGonagall's office. "Where are we going, Professor?"

"I am taking you to the hospital wing. You're Guardian has authorized some tests," McGonagall informed him.

"You mean Professor Dumbledore," he asked.

"I mean Madam Bones. She has been given custody of you until Sirius Black can be found and sorted out," Professor McGonagall informed him.

"Oh," was all he thought to say. He wasn't sure how he felt about that.

Walking into the hospital wing, Harry stopped. Two Aurors were in the room and two people in lime green robes. Madame Bones was talking with one of the Aurors, a rather grizzled looking man with scars, a strange electric blue eye that kept spinning around and the large chunk out of his nose made Harry wonder what the man had gone through. He had scars, but nothing like this man.

The man nodded. "He's here, Boss," the man's gravely voice matched his appearance.

Madam Bones was wearing a monocle today. She took it off and put it into a breast pocket on her robes. "Good after, Mr. Potter, or would you prefer Scion Potter or Harry?"

"Harry please, ma'am. What tests are you going to have me do?"

The woman looked much kinder than she had Sunday, crouching down to his level. "Before we do that, I wanted to talk with you. Would you like to do this in private or here?" she asked in a calm tone.

Harry shrugged. He wasn't sure what they were going to talk about. Maybe the grizzled Auror would protect him if Madam Bones tried anything.

"Right. Did Professor McGonagall tell you that Child Wizard Services has named me your Guardian per your parents will?"

"Professor McGonagall mentioned you have temporary Guardianship. What about my relatives?"

"No matter what anyone else tells you, I am now your Guardian. That may change in the future, but only if you and I agree. Do you understand?" she inquired in a gentle voice.

His heart pounded in his chest and his eyes grew wide. "I have to go back to my relatives," he told her.

She didn't look away from him. "Harry, you are not going back to the Dursley's again. I have rooms at my house that will be yours. Do you know my niece, Susan? She is in your year."

He nodded, not believing what she just said. "I don't have to go back to my relatives?"

Her smile looked a little strained. "No, Harry. I can tell you that you will never go back to the Dursley's. You will be living with myself and my niece Susan."

Harry just stood there, a hope he never knew he could have exploding in him. He couldn't have this ripped from him. To never have to deal with his relatives again was a dream too good to not become true.

"Now, I have asked these nice Healers from St. Mungo's to come here today. There is some concern that you may have been malnourished and I would like Healer Tonks and Healer Devon to check you over. If they find anything of concern, they may give you a treatment. Please cooperate and I promise we will talk about it later."

His alarm bells went off, even with her reassuring tone. "Where is Madam Pomfrey," he asked. She always just healed him up and released him quickly.

There was a quick look between McGonagall and Bones. "Madam Pomfrey will be out for a few days. Professor McGonagall has agreed to allow these Healers from St. Mungo's to stay until she is back."

Harry let her lead him to a bed and he spent a long time having wands pass over him and potions to give some response he didn't know. When asked to removed his shirt and trousers, he only felt comfortable enough with Healer Tonks. She was a middling age woman with brown hair and kind brown eyes. Harry didn't want to trust the man. He hadn't been unkind or given him any reason to not trust him, but Harry only seemed to trust Healer Tonks.

When he took off his shirt, he tried not to shy away. He didn't have alot of scar, or he didn't think so, but most marked times he didn't want to think about. Healer Tonks didn't look at him any differently. "Harry, is it alright if I move closer and get a look?"

He nodded. She moved in and ran her wand over him while touching a few scars. "Does that hurt," she asked running a finger along a long thin scar on his back not far above his y-fronts.

"No," he shook his head.

"Where did you get it?"

Harry kept his mouth shut. He couldn't tell her. She didn't press him as she looked at another one. "Harry, can I look inside your shorts? If not, I can call Healer Devon back in."

He tensed a little. "If you have too."

It was quick and then she moved to his arm. "What happened here?"

It was a small scar. All that was left from the pheonix tear that had healed him. A phoenix tear could heal almost any wound, but it didn't mean there may not be a scar. Especially when it was made by such a dark creatures. "A basilisk," he told her.

Her head shot up. "Can you repeat that please?"

"A basilisk. Fawkes healed it with a tear," he told her.

She eyed him for a few. "And what were you doing to get bite by a basilisk and require a phoenix to heal you?"

"Ron and I went down into the Chamber of Secrets to save his sister. There was a basilisk there that tried to kill me but I killed it with the Sword of Gryffindor."

Her eyes grew wide. "I see. Can you tell me more about that," she inquired in an easy tone. Outside of Dumbledore, he had never talked to another adult about this. He explained everything he could remember. Then she asked about a small puckering around his finger tips, as though he had been burned. He was more reluctant to tell that story, especially since he had killed someone and Aurors were just outside the screen.

She didn't judge him and reassured him he would not be in trouble. A few other scars were more normal. Like the small one on his other arm from a broken arm when he fell off a swing set. Of course that had happened from Dudley trying to push him too high at Uncle Vernon's urging. When he fell, his arm had taken the brunt of the fall. Or another from when some grease has fallen on him from some rashers when he was learning how to cook. Somehow she even got him to admit the marks on his bottom where caused when he got in trouble. He wouldn't tell her how though.

When the bell rang for last period, he asked if he could go to class.

"Let me ask your aunt," Healer Tonks told him.

"She isn't my aunt," he said very quickly. He never wanted to call anyone aunt or uncle again.

Her eyes looked worried. "Why don't you get dressed while I talk with Madam Bones."

"I have Transfiguration class," he told her.

"I think Professor McGonagall will understand."

She left the screen and he got dressed. Then he waited. It felt like a long time before a voice came from outside the screen. "Harry, can I come in," Madam Bones asked.

"Yes."

Madam Bones and Healer Tonks walked in. The look on their faces didn't settle him. He sat on the edge of the bed and they took two chairs across from him. "Harry, Healer Tonks has told me what she has found. We would like to go over it, but I have a few questions before we do."

"Am I in trouble," he asked. He had told Healer Tonks more than he ever thought he would, but for once he felt like their was an adult that listened and he found he trusted.

"No. You are not in trouble. Is everything you told Healer Tonks the whole truth?"

He didn't say a word.

Madam Bones gave him a reassuring smile. "Harry, I mean it that you will be coming to live with Susan and I. The one rule I enforce above all others is to tell me the truth. The stories you have told Healer Tonks seem a little far fetched and I would think Susan would inform me if she had heard any rumors of this."

Harry frowned. He looked at Healer Tonks. "You don't believe me?"

Healer Tonks didn't hesitate. "The stories you have told me would explain the damage and traces of magic I have found. You seem like a very honest young man. So, yes. I believe you."

Madam Bones frowned.

"Have I ever lied or led you wrong, Amelia?" Healer Tonks was looking at Bones.

After a moment, Bones shook her head. "You have never led me wrong. I would like to talk with Susan."

"Can I go? Transfiguration is almost over and I didn't eat much at lunch so I would like to get to dinner," he informed them. It was a good excuse to run away.

"You can hold your questions for later," Healer Tonks told Bones. "Harry, with Amelia's permission, I want to keep you in the infirmary for a few days."

"I have detention with Snape tonight. I still need to finish my potions and charms essay. Not to mention my study groups," he told them.

Madam Bones looked far more sympathetic. "Prioritizing your responsibilities as such is something I will be proud of, but Healer Tonks has found you have suffered from malnutrution and other ailments that need to be treated. Over the next few days, the Healers want to put you through a potion and healing program that may be a little intensive, and will still require potions for a month or two. I will stop in each day to see how you are doing."

He felt like panicking. What would Daphne and Hermione think if he fell even further behind. His panic must have been apparent.

"Harry, it is either a choice of here or St. Mungo's. As you said, your friends have been very helpful and I can let them in to see you in a day or two, and even let you start with your studies again over the weekend. But if you are stressing yourself too much, it will take longer to start the healing you need, and will require you to go to St. Mungo's," Healer Tonks told him. "I would also like to do some more tests. There are a few abnormal results that need to be sorted."

He looked between the women for a few. All he could think of was when a doctor told a patient something was abnormal on Aunt Petunia's soaps.

"Am I going to die?"

Healer Tonks smiled. "No. You will not die, but I think you will feel much better when we are done."

After a moment, he nodded. "Can I tell Hermione and Daphne?"

"We can have Professor McGonagall pass a message. What are their last names and what Houses are they in?"

"Hermione Granger is in Gryffindor with me. Daphne Greengrass is in Slytherin."

Bones eyes widened a bit. Healer Tonks just nodded.

"We will inform them. Anyone else?"

"Oliver Wood. He's going to be upset when I don't show up to Quidditch practice," Harry told them, worried about upsetting Wood.

"It is Healer's orders that you will not fly for at least a week, if not more."

"Yes, ma'am."

"I am sure you may have many questions and I will answer them as best I can over the next few days. Do you have any pressing questions right now?"

He looked at Madame Bones. He still wasn't sure how much to trust her, except that she was taking him away. "Why was I left at my relatives?"

The woman's eyes softened even more. "I do not know, Harry. There is a team in the DMLE who is working on how you were lost in our Childcare system. I am not sure if you are aware, but I am your father's third cousin."

He snorted. "Figures," was all he said, remembering the fact from the other day.

She looked at him a little concerned. "What do you mean by that?"

"I've never had a relative care about me yet," he retorted, surprising himself that he would voice it or sound so bitter.

Both woman looked a little shocked for a moment. Bones spoke first, "Harry, if I had known, you would have not been left where you were and you would have known about your parents' will. It would never have been tolerated for you to sustain some of the scars you have or the malnutrition. Know from this point forward, no one will hurt you like that again."

Harry frowned and just nodded.

-oOo-

February 12, 1994

Hogwarts, Scotland

The next few days were not entirely unpleasant, though he didn't remember much of it. He slept, a lot.

The first night he was given a large dinner where Hermione was allowed to join him. They didn't talk much with the Aurors and Healers around. There was a feeling of something big happening, but he didn't know what.

After that, he was given a series of potions, some as foul tasting as polyjuice or Skele-gro, others with a minty aftertaste. He liked those. Then he fell asleep and didn't wake until dinner the following day. He was famished and ate about as much as Ron would, shoveling it into his mouth almost as fast too.

Madame Bones was there before his next round of potions that evening. She informed him that a agent from Wizarding Child Services would be by to see him once he was cleared and told him she would be by the Dursley's this weekend to retrieve his possessions. When Harry told her everything he owned was in his trunk, her eyes grew steely. He didn't feel her anger was towards him, but he felt it.

Friday passed much the same way. He slept until dinner. Madame Bones was there again. She didn't look pleased, but when ever she talked with him, it was in a kind tone and she never directed the anger in her eyes towards him. He wasn't used to that from adults. His relatives only ever had an anger in their eyes like that when they focused on him and he never liked the results.

Saturday, he woke with the light of the sun still low in the sky. At first he thought he had slept through another day, but after getting his glasses on, he realized it was the light of the morning, as it still filtered through the hospital wing windows. Over his two and a half years here, Harry had learned to recognize when it was morning, afternoon or early evening in the hospital wing.

Stretching, he noticed a few things. The first was that it felt a little odd. Having lived with it for so long, it was immediately apparent that his joints didn't hurt and his muscles didn't feel like tight strings.

That led to his second observation. He seemed bigger. Looking at his hands, they didn't look as thin as he was used to and he felt longer.

The third thing was that it felt like there was a hole in his stomach. He had known hunger pains before, but not this just general emptiness, like he hadn't eaten in weeks. His stomach growled at the thought.

There was a slight clacking of boots. "Good morning, Harry," Healer Tonks said getting up from a desk she had setup. He looked to her and saw two Aurors standing inside the doors.

"Hello, Healer Tonks. Is it breakfast time," he asked, letting his bodily needs talk for him.

She smiled as she came over to him. "I will have something brought in just a moment. How do you feel today?"

He stretched again, enjoying the pleasant feel of it. "Better. What did you do to me? Am I bigger?"

The healer took a chair next to his bed. "You are closer to the size you should be for your age," she told him. "I am actually surprised you are up. I expected you to sleep again today. It takes energy to recover from years of malnutrition."

His stomach growled again. "Is that why I am so hungry?"

"I assume that is most of it, besides just being a teenage boy," she chuckled at his look. "Do you feel any aches or pains?"

He shook his head. "I actually feel better than I can remember," he told her truthfully. Why did he feel in such a good mood today?

"Good. You're treatment is not done. You are about three-quarters to where you should be, but the entire process cannot be rushed. Over the next month or so I will make sure you complete the treatment. It wouldn't be surprising if you gain another inch or two during that time. James was rather tall himself," Healer Tonks informed him.

"Does that mean I can leave and work on my homework and the classes I missed?"

Healer Tonks shook her head as though chastising the energy of youth in her head. "You shall be staying in here at least through tomorrow. You shall not be pushing yourself for two weeks after that. That means try not run or do any strenuous exercises if you can help it and no flying."

Harry groaned. "I have Quidditch practices almost every day," he told her, sounding much more like a normal teen's whinging than Harry ever had.

She chuckled. "Harry, you have just undergone a major round of potions and growth elixirs to stabilize your body the way a normal thirteen-year-old should be. Even magic can sustain only so much stress as your body until your body gets used to the changes and the new bones, muscles and other parts of you start taking over for the natural growth that should occur," she explained.

He looked at his hands again. "How much did I grow?"

"A little over four inches and almost two stone weight," she informed him.

His eyes boggled at her for a moment. "I what?"

"I would expect you to be a little unstable in your increased height and weight until you get used to it. Do you need to go to the loo? I can help you if you need and then breakfast will be provided. I also assume Ms. Granger and Ms. Greengrass would like to see you today. Madame Bones has restricted all visitors, but said you could have a few friends if you like when you woke."

"Hermione and... Ms. Greengrass have asked for me?"

"You have had a few people inquiring about you, especially with a few other events in the last few days" she hinted. "Ms. Granger and Ms. Greengrass have been the most persistent though."

Harry felt his neck and cheeks heat a little at the look Healer Tonks gave him. "I should go to the loo," he told her.

She looked like she wanted to laugh, but thankfully only offered to help. He refused, but still stumbled when he got out of bed. His body was larger and he wasn't used to it. Healer Tonks moved to catch him but he caught himself first.

Once in the bathroom, she wasn't joking that he was larger. His face looked older, not as childish anymore. There was a faint mustache of thin dark hair. He looked lean, but it was more the look of a boy that had a large growth spurt in a year, not the scrawny kid he knew himself as. For once, he had a healthy layer of fat and muscle.

"God, who am I," he asked, especially when he went to the bathroom and found that everything had grown.

"Harry, there is a change of clothes for you on your bed," Healer Tonks told him. Harry wanted out of the bed clothes, but he wasn't looking forward to wearing his normal clothes.

Walking up to the bed, he was surprised to find a nice pair of trousers, a button down shirt and a new Gryffindor knit jumper. It wasn't a school uniform, but it was much nicer than the jeans or corduroy and other clothes most of his friends used outside of class. With encouragement, he put them on. They were a little loose, but fit him far better than anything he ever owned outside of his school uniform.

"Where are my shoes," he asked Healer Tonks looking around for his ratty trainers. There was a nice pair of polished shoes, but he had never owned anything like that before.

"Madam Bones bought you some new shoes and other clothes that should be in your dorm room," Healer Tonks told him. "You aren't going anywhere so you should not need to put them on today."

Shortly after, a large meal was put before him. The clock tower struck ten bells. It was far later than he would normally wake and get ready for the day. His breakfast disappeared quickly and a bowl of fruit was left at his bedside if he needed to snack.

He took a book out of his bag, his eyes feeling a little droopy and woke with a start at the sound of the noon bell. Harry didn't remember closing his eyes and he didn't think he even read a page. He felt as famished as he had early and just finished a huge lunch before the one o'clock bell. Meer seconds after the toll ended, the doors to the hospital wing opened.

"Afternoon, Healer Tonks. Is Harry up," Hermione asked.

"Just around the curtain, dear. I don't think he has fallen back to sleep yet. Just be warned he may look a little different and you can't stay too long. Harry still needs more rest and sleep."

"Yes, ma'am." Hermione came into view and stopped, her eyes going wide. "Harry?" she asked.

"Hey, Hermione." He didn't blame her. He hadn't recognized himself in the mirror either.

Her eyes looked him up and down. "What did they do with you?"

He gave her a nervous look. "Healer Tonks said I was suffering from long term malnutrition. I should be closer to what size I should have been." Her eyes met his after a moment. "Do I look that bad?"

Some colour came to her face. "No. I like your new clothes. How are you feeling?" She moved in closer.

He couldn't stifle the yawn. "A little tired. It's weird how my body feels. Healer Tonks says I'm four inches taller."

"I can believe that. You look different. Good," she added hastily, "but different. Where are your glasses?" she asked.

Harry blinked at her before reaching up, not realizing that they weren't on. He almost comically patted his face. Looking around, they were on the bedside table next to his wand. He hadn't touched either all day. On reflex he reached for them, jammed them on his face, which felt tight, and bridge snapped when he shoved them on.

He held the glasses in his hands. Blinking, he realized that he could see. Like see across the room! Without his glasses!

"Bloody hell," he exclaimed. "I can see! Hermione, I can see!"

She looked at him a little shocked and he reached out for her and pulled her into a hug. She stiffened and didn't move. After a moment, he realized how stiff she was and let her go. He knew he looked abashed, having never instigated a hug with her. She had hugged him plenty of times, but he had never done that. Daphne had been the only one he could ever remember actively hugging.

"Sorry," he said embarrassed.

After a second, she launched herself at him, hugging him tighter than she ever had before. After the initial shock, he hugged her back. Healer Tonks poked around the curtains. "Would you like to announce that to all of Hogwarts?" she asked in a joking tone.

The teens pulled apart, both of them abashed. "I'm sorry, Healer Tonks," Harry apologized.

He missed the woman's smile as she came around Hermione to his bed side. She picked up his chin and looked into his eyes. "I thought you just didn't put your glasses on because they were too small now. You say you can see? What do you mean?"

"I can see the wall on the other side of the hall," he told her, his chin still being held up.

"What did you see before?"

His still abashed face reddened. "A blob."

"Do you mind?" She held up her wand and let go of his chin.

He shook his head and then she pushed up his hair. Hermione took in a sharp breath. "Your scar!"

He jerked his head to look at her. "What with my scar?"

Her eyes looked at his head in a very un-Hermione-ish way. "It's almost gone."

Rubbing his head, he didn't feel the raised bumps that always outlined it.

"I was hoping it might be. There was a nasty artifact left over. Healer Devon and I were able to remove the last bit of the curse yesterday," Healer Tonks informed them. "There were signs it was interfering with your vitals, but I hadn't expected this."

"What do you mean dark artifact," Hermione squeaked, looking scared.

The Healer pulled his attention back to her and pushed up his hair again before she started to move her wand over her head. "I was going to check this tomorrow. Too much magic to soon may reopen the wound, but nothing for it now."

"What are you checking for," Harry asked, his green eyes large and uncertain.

"As far as we know, you are the only person to survive the killing curse. It appears your magic, and whatever your parents did to you, caught the curse. It was slowly dissipating, but such a powerful and dangerous curse has more than enough magic to kill almost any creature in the first go. At the rate it was dissipating, I would have guessed you would be well into your thirties before it was gone."

His eyes were as large as Hermione's now.

"Dear Merlin!" a girl's voice came to them.

He turned to see Daphne, her hands to her mouth and looking at him wide eyed.

"Harry, stay still! I can't check properly if you keep moving," Healer Tonks stated in exasperation. "Really! Boys and a big set of eyes," he heard the healer mutter.

-oOo-

A/N: I am using a standard stone weight = 14 lbs.

-oOo-

-oOo-

Chapter 5

February 13, 1994

Hogwarts, Scotland

Harry was still processing what Daphne and Hermione had told him, after they had both gotten over his new looks. Harry still flushed some to think of the way Daphne looked at him. He also noticed and felt flattered that Hermione seemed to sneak peeks at him also.

Half the classes had been sent to a study hall the last few days as Madam Pomfrey, McGonagall and Flitwick were in St. Mungo's. Snape had been seen leaving the castle accompanied by Aurors yesterday and no one knew why. What caught some attentions was that the Headmaster had not been in the castle all week. That wasn't that odd. There were times he did that to deal with his Wizengamot, Head Mugwump and who knew what other duties. It was odd that he was absent for such large events.

Mean while, Harry was still falling asleep between meals, though this afternoon it was almost two and he was still awake. Mostly. Hermione was in a chair going over the notes he missed in transfiguration Wednesday.

"This was very interesting," Hermione said with some enthusiasm, even if it was in her teachers voice.

"Ah, huh," he yawned, trying to follow her hands on the notes that Healer Tonks had copied with a simple slash of her wand.

"The base roots for the lapifors spell can also be used for the reverse," she was saying.

His head dipped down and he sat up with a start. Hermione stopped and looked at him. "You should lay down," she told him with concern.

"I need to learn this and be ready for tomorrow," he told her. Since waking yesterday, he had felt an even larger urge to do better and focus on his work. He didn't want to let Daphne down, but with the effort Hermione was putting into him, he didn't want to let her down either.

"Healer Tonks told me that if you don't sleep when you are tired you may be in here longer than just tomorrow now. She also said she would not allow Neville, Daphne or I back in," she warned him.

He yawned again. "I don't want to sleep. That's most of what I have done for four days now. We are supposed to have our study group tomorrow, and I already missed it three times."

"Harry, you have grown a lot and you ate more than Ron does at lunch. I think Healer Tonks is right that you are just catching up." The no nonsense look she gave him had him huff. "Daphne and I will make sure you catch up as soon as possible. Now, sleep."

He grumbled at her as she took his book and parchments off the bed. Flopping on the bed, he rolled over so she would not see him trying to fight it. It wasn't very long before his eyes started to drift closed and soon was out.

When he woke, it was to a grumbling stomach. "Will it ever stop," he said sleepily.

"I hope so. It has been rather distracting, Scion Potter," the cool voice of Daphne said next to him.

He rolled over to see her sitting in the chair Hermione had been in earlier, a book in her hand and legs crossed. "I thought our deal didn't include any socializing?" he asked around a yawn, pleased she was there. Rubbing his eyes, he sat up.

"It would require you being awake to socialize," she retorted dryly as she turned a page.

After blinking a few times and making sure the sleep was out of his eyes, he was able to take her in. She was in a skirt and green blouse with a warmer traveling cloak over the chair. His eyes followed her bouncing leg for a moment before looking up. He had never felt this funny feeling before. Her eyes were still scanning the page, but every few seconds they would look at him before going back to the page.

Why did that give him butterflies in his stomach?

He liked her dark eyes with the light green marbled affect.

"Are you just going to look at me all day or is there something you want," she asked. Was that a slight colouring of her long neck? Harry felt his own neck heat some.

"I was just wondering why you are here if our deal doesn't include any social interactions," he asked her.

She nodded to the night stand. "I am letting you borrow that and want it back when I leave." He saw the snitch he had given her last weekend on the night stand. Was it possible to make friends like this in only a few weeks? Thinking back, Ron and him had been inseparable since the first day on the train to Hogwarts. That was until a few weeks ago...

Starting to feel more awake, he tried to bow while sitting up "Thank you, Heiress Greengrass. This kindness will be repaid."

Was that a slight bit of color in her cheeks. "Like I said, just make sure you get more outstandings."

He smirked at her. "As you wish, m'lady."

This time there was definite colour in her cheeks. "I need to tell Healer Devon you are up and that the graphorn needs a meal," she deadpanned as his stomach growled again.

He chuckled. "I will try to keep it tame," he told her.

"See that you do," she responded with a small smirk.

-oOo-

February 14, 1994

Hogwarts, Scotland

It was the first time in two days he was awake when Madam Bones came after supper. A familiar redhead in Hufflepuff colors was next to her. The woman smiled. "I am glad to see up, Harry."

"Thank you, ma'am. Evening, Susan," he said. She had never been unkind to him, but she had never really said much to him either. He knew Hermione and her were on good terms.

"Good evening, Pott... Harry," she corrected herself. They hadn't been on first name basis before, but Harry figured if he was going to be living with her it was better to be friendly.

"Do you have something to say," Madam Bones asked her niece.

Susan blushed furiously. "I need to apologize to you. Auntie has asked about and corrected some... misperceptions I had about you."

Harry eyed her. "What misperceptions?"

At a sharp eye from their Guardian, Susan said quietly. "That you are an arrogant git that Dumbledore treats like his favorite student. Until Auntie told me some of what happened, I never said anything because many still believed you were the heir of Slytherin. I also don't know what happened with the troll, but many of us thought you were trying to hunt it."

"Is that all?" Madam Bones asked in a harsh tone.

Susan ducked her head, still bright red. "I'm sorry for calling you names behind your back. I haven't done that all this year though. Hannah and I actually tried to stop some of our dorm mates after getting to know Granger last year and this. It really shocked us and we knew you would never petrify or try to kill her."

He blinked at her. Was this why she never really talked to him? She was doing it behind his back?

She looked up, some tears in her eyes. "I never should have done that."

His anger had started to rise, but seeing the sincere apology in her dark brown eyes didn't allow it to rise too much. There was a heavy pause. After a moment he said, "I never tried to have that snake attach Ernie," he told her, remembering a conversation he had over heard last year.

She nodded after a moment. "It just looked like you did after you spoke parselmouth."

"I don't know if I will forgive you anytime soon." More tears came to her eyes.

"Harry, she has apologized. I do not want any conflict in our house," Madam Bones told him.

He looked at her. "You will excuse me if I don't forgive her right away after what I went through and what I heard her say in the library last year."

Susan paled and put a hand to her mouth. Madam Bones looked at her. "What did you say?"

Harry felt a little pity for Susan. He didn't want her in trouble. He knew what happened when someone was in trouble. "It was nothing anymore," he told Madam Bones.

Susan looked grateful and repentant. Maybe she wouldn't be too bad once he got to know her.

Madam Bones looked between them for a few. "Is this matter closed?"

Susan nodded. Harry looked at her. "I will try to forgive Susan." He didn't like that she looked hurt and he was the cause.

"I am truly sorry," she whispered.

"I am too," he said back equally as sorry. He should forgive her, but as he recovered more, the bitterness of all those years he had been abandoned, mocked, ridiculed and even hit wouldn't go away.

Madam Bones looked between them for a few. "We are all going to be living under the same roof and need to get along."

For the first time in days, his bubble of hope popped. "Maybe it is better I go back to my relatives," he told her.

"You can't," Madam Bones informed him.

He looked up. "I think it better I do. I don't want to hurt you or Susan."

Her face dropped the hard disciplinarian look. "You miss understand. You can't go back. The Dursley's were taken into Muggle custody for child abuse. Their legal rights over you have been severed. I am not going to leave you on the street and I think you and Susan can find a way to get along."

"I still think it better," he told Madam Bones. He didn't want to be anywhere he wasn't wanted. To much of his life had been that way and the relief he would never go back to his relatives was too good to compromise that way.

Susan looked at him with her watery eyes. "Harry, I don't want you to go somewhere else. We are cousins and I will find a way to show you I am sorry."

"Couldn't I live with my cousin Neville?" he asked Madam Bones. He really didn't want to hurt Susan. He had been hurt enough that he didn't wish it on anyone else, but he saw her shoulders drop.

There was a sad smile. "Augusta Longbottom has given up her rights over you. I am your guardian, Harry. Susan is honestly apologetic. Just give my niece, your cousin, a chance."

Looking at Susan, he dropped his shoulders. He wasn't going to win here, and if he did, he would hurt both of them. "I still don't understand why you never came for me before? Why didn't anyone come for me?"

Madam Bones dropped her head this time. "I didn't know," she said in a sad voice. When she looked back at him, there was a determination in her sadness. "I have a lead why the will was unknown. I can't change the past, but I can help you now."

His feelings for the Bones were so conflicted.

-oOo-

February 16, 1995

Hogwarts, Scotland

It was huge news. Everyone was talking about. Hermione had rushed up to the hospital wing in the middle of breakfast with the Daily Prophet in her hands. Dumbledore had been arrested coming back from a session at the ICW. It was also the first morning Professor Flitwick and Snape were back.

"Harry, the Prophet is reporting the charges are for possible Line Theft and Attempted Murder," Hermione said excitedly.

"Daphne was wondering if he would get in trouble for my parents' will," Harry speculated, taking the paper.

"It not you. It's for Sirius Black."

"Gran is going to have a heart attack. I heard she tried to send Black to the veil before..." he trailed off at the end of his sentence.

Harry didn't want to hear about Neville's Gran, but he liked Neville too much to say that.

Hermione looked to Neville. "Neville, what did happen to your parents?"

He looked abashed. Harry could tell he didn't want to talk about it and Harry understood that. "What does this mean about Sirius Black?"

That got Hermione's attention. Neville looked gratefully at him.

Hermione said in a rush, "I don't know. Daphne and I were talking yesterday and wondering why Black hadn't turned himself in yet. Fudge rescinded the 'Kiss on Sight' order and your new Aunt has said a trial will be held. Did you know he was sent to Azkaban without a trial?"

"She isn't my aunt," he said more forcibly than he meant. He really didn't want to use that word again.

"What are you going to call her then," Hermione pressed, not picking up on his uncomfortableness. "I guess you could call her your cousin, because she is."

"She said I could call her Amelia."

Neville shuffled. "Why did Black go to Azkaban without a trial?"

It was his turn to give Neville a thankful look. Harry enjoyed Hermione around, but at times she missed social queues. Not that Harry was much better himself, but he knew when someone was uncomfortable.

"The Daily Prophet didn't say, but what I don't understand is what Dumbledore had to do with it. I also don't understand why he didn't say anything about your parents' will?" She sounded pensive.

"Amelia is still looking into it."

He was tired of being in bed. Kicking his feet over the side, he stood up. "Are you supposed to stand up," Hermione asked.

"If I stay in that bed or sleep anymore I'm going to go spare," he told them.

The bell rang eight. Hermione started to gather the paper before looking at Harry. "Would you like me to leave this?"

He shook his head. "I need to get the work I missed last week done."

"You look better," Neville told him.

"Thanks," he said stretching. He felt much more coordinated in his larger body now. "I can't wait to get on a broom."

"Healer Tonks said two weeks after you are released," Hermione reminded him.

He made a face. "I'm surprised Wood hasn't marched in here and demanded I get back into the air."

"You do remember Madame Bones and Healer Tonks won't let him?" Hermione inquired. He looked at her and she went on. "Only Neville, Daphne, Susan and I are allowed in. At least Ron asked how you were doing a few times."

He blinked at her. "Has he been nicer to you?"

"He asked to come by tonight," she told him. By her look, Harry could tell she was not being bothered.

He started to stretch like Wood made them do before their workouts. When he came back up, she was looking at him. Her brown eyes held a different intensity than he was used to. He stopped and looked at her before she looked away. Ron must really be upsetting her still. He was a little surprised that he liked her eyes on him. "Do you think I should?"

"I think he needs to apologize before I take him here," she told him.

Neville rubbed the back of his head. "He's been very quiet the last week, except to talk to Hermione and I. Last night he asked me how you are doing. If you ask me, Ron looks a little lost without you two around. He's also been looking for Scabbers."

Harry wondered if Daphne had gotten the rat. He also wondered why they had never really become friends with Neville before. "He needs to apologize to Hermione first."

Hermione nodded. "I have to head to arithmancy and then we are doing our study session this afternoon."

Harry was disappointed he wasn't out of the hospital wing yet. It had been almost a week now. Hermione left and Harry and Neville followed her out with their eyes.

"How long before Healer Tonks lets you out?"

"If I don't need a nap today, then tomorrow," he told Neville. He was happy he was eating a normal amount of food and felt like he wanted to move today.

The doors to the hospital wing opened and Madam Pomfrey walked in. Healer Tonks got up from the desk she was using and met the woman with a hug. Neville looked at him. "I should get going. Tracey wanted some help with her herbology homework and wanted to see some of the plants on the grounds."

Harry looked at him, sensing something else. "Have fun," he encouraged.

As Neville was walking away, Healer Tonks and Madam Pomfrey were walking over to him. "I figure I should not be surprised to see you here, Potter."

"I didn't fall off my broom this time," he retorted.

"So I have heard. How are you today?" she asked.

"Can I go for a walk?"

"Maybe later," Healer Tonks told him. "Only if you feel up to it and one of your friends can accompany you."

He nodded.

"I take it you feel much better?" Madam Pomfrey had a pinched brow.

"Yes, Madam Pomfrey." He looked to Healer Tonks. He really wanted to get out of the hospital wing. "I don't need more treatments?"

"You do not," Healer Tonks assured him.

"Mr. Potter, I owe you an apology." He looked at Madam Pomfrey confused. She went on. "I have been the Healer at Hogwarts for more than twenty years. In all that time I have never failed one of my charges like I did you."

He looked to her and Healer Tonks. "I don't understand."

Madam Pomfrey sighed. "I am tendering my resignation. I saw the way you were malnourished and the signs of abuse. It was apparent the day I did your first year examination what happened to you."

She looked so forlorn and Harry felt confused and angry. "What first year examination!"

"All first years get an examination and certain potions to inoculate you against some very bad diseases and magical maladies."

"I don't remember an examination," he told her.

"I have a mind healer that will be coming to see you this weekend," Healer Tonks said. "Madam Pomfrey and some others have been submitted to memory charms and other compulsions. I have suspicions you may have as well, Harry."

The matron looked very unsettled. "I should have seen the side effects," she told him.

"Why didn't your exams pick it up?"

"Compulsions we would have found. Jinxes cast on the entire student body and tied to Hogwarts are not detectable in the normal ways. Memory charms or other modifications can only be found with a practiced mind healer. I am rather skilled, but if you have anything that has not been found so far, then I admit it is beyond my skill," Healer Tonks told him. "When Amelia comes by later, we will talk about it.

He looked to the Matron. "Why would you leave? You have always helped me," Harry asked. Even with the betrayal they were telling him, he felt she was the only adult he had trusted since coming here.

She gave him a sad smile. "I don't feel I can trust myself. You are not the only child I have betrayed, just the worst of them."

"Poppy, it wasn't you," Healer Tonks soothed her.

"I can't take the risk of it happening again, Andi. I have become too compromised."

"Madam Pomfrey, please don't retire," Harry begged her. He couldn't think of another adult he trusted more in Hogwarts. Not even Hagrid.

The white hair woman looked at him. She looked conflicted. After a moment, she said, "I will think about it Potter. For now, I am only here to retrieve my belongings. Maybe next school year I shall return. In the mean time, Healer Tonks and Devon are fine Healers."

Harry frowned to see her look flustered. She soon took her leave and he was left with Healer Tonks and two new Aurors. Madam Bones... Amelia, had insisted they stay for now.

"Is Madam Pomfrey going to be alright?"

Healer Tonks sighed. "In time. If you need to move, you can stay in the hospital wing for now."

"Yes, ma'am."

It was just after eleven and he had finally completed his charms, History of Magic and DADA essays when the doors opened. He looked up to see Daphne walk in. A smile crept across his face to see her with the satchel she usually used for school.

"Good Morning, Heiress Greengrass," he said, getting up and bowing to her.

She was all prim as she gave him a curtsy. "Scion Potter. I see you are not slacking anymore?"

He snorted. "You can say that."

"Should we get started then? You are a week behind in your work and I am meeting the others after lunch."

He slumped his shoulders. "Healer Tonks has said I can go out for a little bit if someone accompanies me. I was hoping to ask if you would accompany me before we start."

She eyed him for a moment. "Our deal doesn't include social interactions."

He nodded and sat back on the bed, pulling the tray table to him, feeling dejected.

"However, if it is healer's orders, I could accompany you," she voiced.

He looked up with a huge smile on his face. She had dropped her mask and had a small smile on her face. Harry quickly got his new shoes on. Looking around he realized he didn't have a cloak or robes here and he only had on a shirt today.

"What are you looking for," Daphne asked.

"I don't see my cloak," he told her.

Healer Tonks came over. "Are you going somewhere, Harry?"

Daphne straitened up. "Scion Potter has stated he may go for a walk if he is accompanied."

A small smirk played at Healer Tonks mouth before she gave a nod to her head. "I did inform Scion Potter as such, Heiress Greengrass. I assume you would like to take this responsibility?"

Daphne didn't balk or change her now haughty expression. "I will give my word Scion Potter shall return in the same health and when you appoint."

Healer Tonks matched Daphne's expression and stance. "That is acceptable. He may stay out until noon and may go as far as the main courtyard."

Daphne made a very small curtsy. "Yes, ma'am."

"Would you like a lunch as well, Heiress Greengrass. Scion Potter gets lonely at times."

Daphne's mouth quirked. "I would find that acceptable, Healer Tonks."

He gave them a look and a small shake from Daphne's head told him to be quiet. He had been learning that much from her to know when it was some Pureblood thing he didn't know about.

Healer Tonks had a house elf retrieve his cloak. Like his other clothes, it was new, which was probably a good thing with how much he had grown. They walked out of the hospital wing and slowly made it towards the courtyard outside the main doors.

"What was that about, Daph," he asked.

She gave a small smile. "Healer Tonks is still technically a Black, a pureblood House that is about as respected as the Potters, though they have a history of being for the purebloods. Father and mother highly respect the Tonks and have ask that Tori and I treat her with the proper respect as well."

"Oh," was all he could say. After a moment he asked, "Shouldn't I be the one ensuring your good health and return?"

"When you are better. Until then, I will keep my word."

Harry didn't miss her first statement, but didn't push. "What do you think of Susan Bones," he asked her.

Daphne put her hands behind her back. "She seems nice. I have had to work with her a few times. Honest and sticks up for her friends. Father works with Madam Bones on the Wizengamot often and she usually comes to our Yule Celebration and often we go to the Bones New Year Ball."

He nodded as they made it down a set of stairs. A small group with Ravenclaw colours passed them. Harry caught them looking at Daphne and him.

She looked towards him when he hadn't said anything. "Why do you ask?"

"I am going to live with the Bones. Susan confessed the other night that she went along with her fellow Hufflepuff's last year about me. She apologized about it, but I don't know if I am ready to accept it." He wasn't sure why he was confessing this to Daphne. Hermione and Ron were his biggest confidants, but he never really talked to them like this.

Ron would have told him he was mental and Hermione would have tried to analyze the situation and order him to accept her apology.

They walked down the main stairs and towards the large double doors. They were closed to the cold today.

"Are you upset with her?"

He sighed. "Truthfully, I'm upset with so many people right now, but I don't want to hurt her or Amelia."

He opened the doors and reveled in the cold February air that assaulted his face. Harry didn't like to sit for too long. He was an active person and it had been almost a week since he had been out of the castle. Remembering his manners, he motioned for her to go first.

Daphne inclined her head and he closed the door behind them.

There was a new layer of snow that had fallen last night that only had a few foot prints in it. "God, I missed this," he told her.

She kicked some snow on his shoes. "You can have it," she told him.

He laughed and she screamed when he did the same. Only he kicked it to get as much on her as possible. "Harry!"

"You started it," he told her as she brushed the snow off her school robes.

"Doesn't mean you have to finish it. I am a lady, you know."

This made him laugh more before he bowed, still chuckling. "Please forgive me, m'lady."

She rolled her eyes. "Don't let it happen again."

"No promises," he told her and she gave him a glare that should have withered anyone. He just chuckled. "You have nothing on my best mate when she is truly upset."

With a huff, Daphne turned and walked towards the roofed walkway.

He followed her, just happy to be outside and that she would be with him. The bell tolled the half hour. He fell in step with her as she started to walk around the square courtyard.

"Why are you upset with so many?"

His happiness faded. "I have my reasons," he told her after a moment.

She looked questioningly at him. "Is it about your parent's will?"

He sighed. Hermione had a good idea why he was so upset. Why shouldn't Daphne. "Why didn't any of my Guardian's come looking for me? Amelia still won't tell me why the will filed at the Ministry was lost. Tomorrow I have a meeting with someone from Child Wizarding Services."

She stopped at one of the stone windows. "Who was the executor?"

"It was supposed to be one of my guardians, but they never got it," he responded.

"Is Madam Bones going for Line Theft once she finds out who?"

Harry slumped his shoulders and the clock struck the quarter hour. "I don't know."

"What do you know?" She was asking it in an earnest tone, like she was honestly curious and concerned about him. He liked it.

"I do know who the witnesses were," he responded.

She looked at him questioningly. "Who?"

"Neville's mother and Dumbledore," he stated.

Her hands went to her mouth. "Oh, no. Mother told me what happened to the Longbottoms. But Dumbledore! Does this have anything to do with the accusations against him?"

Harry shrugged. "No clue."

She looked at him shocked for a moment.

"What happened with Neville's parents? Supposedly his mum is my father's sister." He just couldn't say Aunt.

"Of course she is your father's sister. Why would you think she wasn't?"

"No one ever told me until the other day," he said simply. Again, the anger at others bubbled up, but he put it down. Daphne didn't deserve it. "Can you tell me what happened to Neville's parents?"

Her eyes were wider. "Your aunt and uncle were tortured into insanity with the Crutiatus curse by a few Death Eaters. Mother said they tortured Neville as well. It happened around the time your parents died."

"What is the crutiatus curse?"

Daphne shuttered and Harry didn't think it was from the cold. "It a pain curse. It's said to be so painful that it can drive someone mental if exposed to it long enough."

Harry felt a great sadness. Neville had grown up with his parents alive, but insane. He had also been through a trauma worse than him.

"No wonder why he doesn't want to tell us," he said in a low voice.

Neither of them said a word. Harry was lost in thought and she was studying him for his reaction. After a few he met her dark-eyes with green highlights. "Please don't tell others we know. Neville doesn't want to talk about it."

She nodded. "I will not mention anything."

The bell tolled noon and Daphne jumped. "Oh, you are supposed to be back." She grabbed his arm and started towards the doors.

"I think I earned a little more time out here," he whinged.

Her face was set. "I gave my word you would be back shortly after noon."

He smiled and got into step with her, opened the door for her again and they walked as fast as Daphne would let him. He wanted to run, but she scolded him he was to be back in the same health he left.

Healer Tonks didn't comment on them being late, instead indicating the plates with some sandwiches and crisps. They sat and he took out his charms essay as they ate. Before she started to read it, he quietly said to her, "Daph, thanks."

She took his hand ever so briefly. "If you need to talk again, all you need do is ask, Harry" she promised.

His hand felt very warm when she took hers away.

-oOo-

-oOo-

Chapter 6

February 17,1994

Hogwarts, Scotland

Harry was happy to be out of the hospital wing. He had been given the all clear and allowed to return to classes. It was a good and bad thing he found out.

He sat at a table next to Hermione and Neville on the far side of her. Ron was at the next bench. Many were giving him double or triple takes. Hermione setup her papers as though there was nothing unusual about all the attention Harry was getting.

Ron, upon seeing him, stopped and stared for a moment before moving to the empty desk next to him. "Blimey, Hermione wasn't joking about you growing," Ron stated.

"It was a shock," he responded.

Ron chuckled. "I bet."

Harry took out his own ink bottle, quill and parchment.

"You ready for a nap," Ron asked, not bothering to take out his own stuff.

"I have slept enough lately. Aren't you going to take notes?"

"Nah, Dean, Seamus and I have worked out a deal. It's Dean's turn today. You ready to go flying tomorrow?"

"I still have some work to catch up on and I can't fly for two weeks," he told Ron.

Ron gaped. "Can't fly! What about practices? Wood is already upset that McGonagall came down on him because Fred, George and him were getting bad grades and only limited him to two practices a week until they start getting better in class. Are you sure you can't fly?"

Harry thought about Daphne and Hermione's threats. The more they spent time together, the more Harry was weary when they agreed on something. "Positive," he replied.

"I can use your Firebolt then? Fred and George had talked about a pickup game Saturday since they couldn't practice," Ron informed him.

Ron was acting as though nothing had changed. "Are you going to apologize to Hermione?"

The confused expression said it all. "For what?"

Harry gaped at Ron for a second. Hermione frowned next to him. Binns floated into the room, effectively ending this conversation. Five minutes into class, Ron was nodding off on his hand. Harry, who usually had a hard time paying attention, forced himself to stay awake and take notes.

When the class ended, Ron snorted and Seamus knocked his arm. Ron slammed his head into the desk and Harry had a silent chortle as the redhead rubbed his forehead. In potions, Harry sat next to Neville, with Hermione and Ron before them. He gave her an apologetic look before sitting down.

When Snape came into the room, his cape billowing like normal, Harry noticed the man didn't have his usual swagger to him. "Open your books to page eighty-four. Today you will be making a wolfsbane tincture. It will need to stew over the next week before you complete the potion next Wednesday and I will grade it on the full moon," he ordered in his greasy voice.

When the man's eyes fell on him, it was the same type of reaction he had seen earlier. Disbelief at his change. For once, Snape didn't say anything or taunt him or Neville. When they were done, it was the first class ever that he could remember that no Gryffindor lost points and no Slytherin gained points. It was so odd, it was all anyone could talk about as they left the dungeons and headed towards the third floor DADA rooms.

As they were walking up, Harry wanted to fall back to walk with Daphne, Tracey and Bulstrode, but he wasn't sure that was alright or not. His instincts proved accurate when Draco bumped him.

"Watch it Malfoy," he threatened.

Malfoy turned on him. "Or what, Potter?"

He didn't hesitate to step up to Malfoy in the corridor just by the DADA room. Many stopped to watch what was going on. It didn't take a genius for everyone to realize Harry was suddenly an inch or two taller than Malfoy and just slightly shorter than his goons.

"I'll level you in DADA today," Harry answered. Thursdays were practical and dueling days with Professor Lupin. Harry would make sure he was opposite Malfoy.

Malfoy, looking as though he didn't like to be looked down on, snarled. "You just leave Greengrass alone and I will make sure Crabbe and Goyle leave your mudblood alone."

Harry didn't think about it. His fist was balled and connected with Malfoy's jaw before anyone reacted. Harry, not used to the strength in his new body, sent the blonde prat hard into the wall. Everyone looked shocked for a moment, least of all Harry, before he was suddenly hit by a meaty fist.

His wand was out of his pocket as he stumbled. "Petrificus Totales," he spat out through the blood in his mouth. He didn't wait to see if it hit as he ducked to avoid the motion to his right. A few spells flew around the hall. Someone screamed and he flicked his wand up to see Draco trying to cast a spell. "Expelliarmus!"

Draco's wand flew out of his hand. Goyle stepped towards him. "Glacius!" The boy's arm was suddenly encased in ice and it over balanced his swing. Goyle crashed to the floor. He cried out as the ice shattered.

A booming voice rang out. "Stop this now!"

Harry caught Draco's wand. Looking up, a very upset Professor Lupin was standing in the middle of the hall. "What is the meaning of this?"

Looking around he saw Neville standing over Hermione, who was on the floor. Ron had a bit of blood on his lip and his wand was pointing at Nott. It was the rage in Daphne's eyes that brought his temper down.

"What is going on," Professor Lupin demanded.

"Potter threw a punch at Malfoy," Parkinson accused.

Turning to Professor Lupin, he just glared at the man. Harry wasn't going to back down and he wasn't going be the snitch at the moment.

"Draco said something to Harry before he punched him," Parvati spoke up.

"Potter threw the first punch," Nott supported his house mates.

"Draco threatened Granger," Ron shouted.

"Enough. Potter. Detention tonight in my office. You will also join Weasley, Malfoy, Crabbe, Goyle, Nott and Longbottom Saturday morning at Professor Hagrid's hut. Did anyone else throw a punch or spell?"

Harry stood tall and took it. Ron and Neville did the same while Draco snarled, "I'm not serving detention with that oaf."

"I will recommend you see Deputy Headmistress McGonagall then for a different punishment," Professor Lupin offered in a hard teachers tone.

That shut Malfoy up. "Now, you three help Ms. Granger to the hospital wing and get yourself checked out. Mr. Goyle, go get that sorted. Mr. Malfoy you can go as well."

Neville helped Hermione up, who was grabbing her face and trying to hide teeth that were long enough to be down to her chin. When he met Daphne's eyes as he walked past, she didn't look pleased with him.

"Bugger," he said under his breath as he let out a large puff.

-oOo-

That night, he wasn't looking forward to his eight o'clock detention with Professor Lupin. He had successfully avoided the man outside of class. Harry would have to start up the patronus classes again, but that wouldn't happen until the start of March. Another of the activities Healer Tonks had restricted him from for two weeks.

Harry told everyone he was doing much better, but he had to admit, the first day back with six classes had worn him out. Another side effect of the forced growth on him. He just hoped it passed soon.

Harry knocked on the door and opened it when bidden.

Professor Lupin was standing at his window, looking out onto the dark grounds. "Take a seat, Harry," he was instructed.

"I prefer Potter, Professor," Harry responded as he took the indicated seat on the other side of the man's desk. Professor Lupin hadn't earned the right to call him Harry.

Their was a long exhalation. "I understand, Mr. Potter."

Harry didn't respond. He just sat, looking at the man's back. It was a few moments before Lupin spoke in a soft tone. "Did Draco Malfoy insult one of your friends?"

"Yes," Harry responded after a moment.

"Ms. Granger?"

"And Heiress Greengrass." Harry wouldn't feel repentant for sticking up for his friends.

He man made a snorting laugh. "Your father was very protective of his friends. Your mother had friends in all the houses and saw the good in people, even if they didn't in themselves. I see both my old friends in you, Mr. Potter."

"They are my friends," Harry responded.

Lupin shook his head and turned to him. "You do understand what you did was wrong?"

"I shouldn't have punched Malfoy, but he was asking for it," he responded petulantly.

Lupin shook his head again. "A bit of Sirius in you too."

Harry didn't waiver in his glare at the man. "Am I to do lines or clean something, sir?"

The man moved to his chair. "Not tonight, Harry. I think we need to talk. You are still joining the others Saturday morning."

"Yes, sir. It's Potter."

The man sighed again. "Of course, Mr. Potter."

He had been compared to his parents before, but not quite like this. "Sir, if you knew my parents so well, why didn't you come to at least see me? Why didn't you tell me!"

"Guilt," Professor Lupin told him.

Harry took in an angry breath. "Guilt? That is it? Guilt! You just left me with my relatives because of guilt? I hope that I have made better friends than that."

The man winced as though he had been hit. "You are angry. I don't blame you. I can not undo what has been done."

"Angry!" Harry yelled and the grindilow disappeared behind a curtain of bubbles into some weeds. "You tell me you just left your best friends' son because of guilt!"

"I am not proud of it. Dumbledore said you were in a safe place and I thought it best for you for me not to be around," the man told him.

Harry's nostrils flared. "Oh, yeah, it was safe," he snarked. He got up. "Professor, if this is all you want to talk about then I will report to detention Saturday."

"Harry, please sit," Professor Lupin just about begged. "I am not asking for forgiveness. I have no excuses good enough to explain myself. I would like to tell you about your parents and answer any questions you may have about them."

Harry looked at the man. He knew his face was twisted in his anger. "I really should be going, Professor. You said it is better for me for you not to be around."

The man looked like Harry had hit him. Harry moved to the door and opened it. Lupin spoke behind him, "Harry, it is my understanding that no one has really told you much about your parents or even your family. I am here when you are ready to talk or I know your owl will be able to find me."

"I am allowed to start the partonus training against on March second. Please don't try to talk to me outside of class before then, Professor" Harry said with no emotion. Inside he was roiling. He wanted to know more about is parents. He needed to. Forgiving the man enough to listen to him was not happening tonight.

He slammed the door to Professor Lupin's office.

-oOo-

February 19, 1994

Hogwarts' Grounds, Scotland

Daphne had been very upset with him for getting into the fight. After her dressing down at the start of their study session yesterday, he felt a little guilty for letting his temper flare so fast. She was right, Malfoy was just trying to bait him and Harry had taken it. Hook, line and sinker.

Of course he made it worse when he snapped at her for grabbing his book. She was trying to show him something. It was innocent, but he was so angry at Professor Lupin and himself for disappointing her that his anger just spilled out at everyone around him.

The look on her face was something he didn't like, and when Hermione admonished him he had had enough. Storming out of the library found him sulking a little later in the cold stands of the Quidditch pitch. It didn't calm him and he didn't talk to anyone at dinner. The only time he talked was to get into a row with Ron over Scabbers. He had accused Hermione's familiar of going after the rat because he hadn't seen Scabbers for over two weeks. Harry almost ripped the curtains off his bed when he closed them.

Now this morning he was walking down to Hagrid's for detention. Knowing their big friend, it was probably going to be something in the dark forest and, knowing his luck, he would find the shade of Voldemort this time. In his bad mood it just seemed fitting that would happen.

"You haven't said anything since Thursday. What's bothering you?" Ron asked. He was still treating Harry as though none of the fights they had had lately mattered.

Harry didn't say a thing.

"Just leave him be for now," Neville stuck up for him.

"I've only seen him be this quiet when he's really upset," Ron shot back.

"He'll talk when he's ready," Neville stood up to Ron.

"He's my best mate. I think I know..."

"Just shut it, Ron!" Harry exploded at his friend. Maybe still a friend? "If you are that good of a friend you will apologize to Hermione!"

Ron looked taken back with how upset Harry was.

"I'll apologize once she gets rid of that monster!"

"Bloody hell, Ron! Did you ever think that Scabbers may have finally just died of old age? Or was caught in one of Filch's traps or something else got it?" He wasn't about to say anything about Daphne. Harry was really thinking she may have killed Scabbers. "I am sorry you can't find him, but you said Percy had him before you and that the rat was old."

Ron pushed him. "Take it back!"

Harry stumbled and turned on Ron. Neville threw himself between them. "W..w...we are already d..d..do..doing a d...d...detention for fighting. You want m..more?

Blinking, he looked at the slightly pudgy boy. Neville hadn't stuttered in his presence for weeks.

"You're not worth it," Harry muttered as he started for Hagrid's hut again.

"You never acted this way before you started to hang out with those Slytherins," Ron yelled after him. "Why the hell are you doing anything with them anyways?"

"I am helping them with classes they struggle in and they are doing the same for me," Harry told Ron over his shoulder.

"They're bloody lying snakes. You can't trust them!"

Harry turned. Ron was right behind him and Harry stuck his finger into his 'friends' chest. Ron stumbled back and almost fell. "I trust them more than you right now."

Ron looked so shocked he just stood there with his mouth open. Harry started towards Hagrid's hut again.

"She's a bloody snake! They should all be thrown out of the school."

"Daphne and Tracey are my friends," Harry yelled back.

"If you d...ddd..don't say anything he will leave you alone." Harry was impressed with Neville.

"They are only your friends because they want to trap you. I bet they are working with Malfoy to get you expelled or maybe they have another basilisk. Mum wanted me to warn you about those that just want to you use you for your wealth and title..."

Neville jumped at Harry as he turned. Harry grabbed his wand and tried to point it around Neville. "Not worth it, Harry," Neville told him.

After a few seconds Harry pushed back off of Neville. Neville stared him down before he turned to Ron. "Who is trying to use who? You took my Firebolt out while I was in the hospital. Did I give you permission?"

Neville turned to Ron, his expression hardening.

"It's our Firebolt," Ron started.

Harry pointed his wand towards the ground and pinched his nose. It was nice to not have to use glasses anymore, otherwise they probably would have fallen off. "How do you figure that?" he asked, his anger ready to burst and a few sparks jumped from his wand.

"It wasn't addressed to you and I found it between our beds that morning," Ron told him.

Harry let out a long breath. "There was a tag that had my name. Don't you remember Hermione finding it when she was trying to figure where it came from?" Ron looked ready to explode again. Harry cut him off. "Ron, I will give you one last chance. Hermione wasn't wrong about the broom. Crookshanks hasn't gone after Scabbers since Christmas. If you can apologize to Hermione, I will help you look for Scabbers. We can even ask if Hagrid has anything to help."

Ron's mottled face didn't give Harry hope he would apologize. "Yeah, maybe."

"You will also stop calling Daphne or Tracey bad names and accusing them of ill intent. If I ever hear you insulting or threatening her, we are through. Oh, and the Firebolt and the Nimbus 2000 are mine. You use either again without permission and I will go straight to McGonagall."

Neville fell in step with him as Ron just gawked at him. "I didn't know he borrowed your Firebolt."

"Both my brooms were used. There is a nick in the Nimbus and the foothold on the Firebolt was put away with dirt on it," he told Neville. Harry meticulously maintained his brooms. There was little doubt in his mind Ron had taken them. Typically, he wouldn't have said boo about the Nimbus, but the Firebolt was his. It was probably his nicest possession, next to his cloak. Not than he had many.

They walked for a few, Hagrid's hut coming into view with Ron trailing far behind them. "Are you alright? You've been very angry and Daphne didn't look happy with you when you just stormed out."

Harry let out a long breath. "I don't know what I am." They were almost to the hut when he asked, "Do you think she will accept an apology?"

"You may have to grovel," Neville said seriously.

Harry cringed. "Bugger."

Neville cracked a smile. "Better you than me."

After lunch, they met Daphne and Tracey in the library. "Good afternoon, Heiress Greengrass and Ms. Davis," he greeted them. After spending the morning digging up trenches and moving huge rocks, he felt too tied to be angry and all he wanted was to make peace with his study partner.

Daphne only nodded her head and went back to what she was working on. Harry was in a lot of trouble. Sitting down, Tracey caught his attention. "Harry, did you finish the essay on Vampires?" she asked.

"Yeah," he responded, taking it out.

Tracey moved over a seat. "Could you move over here and go over mine with me?"

"Tracey," Daphne muttered under her breath. Harry would have to sit between them. He gave a look to Daphne, unsure it was safe or not.

A small voice in his head cursed him for being a cowardly Lion. He picked up his stuff and moved between the girls and across from Hermione. He started to go over everything with Tracey with Neville looking on and joining the conversation.

When they were done going over the essay, Harry went to gather his stuff. Daphne put a hand over his for a few seconds. "You don't have to move," she told him quietly.

He nodded and put his stuff back down. She took her hand away. "I never meant to yell at you," he responded.

"I will talk, or go for a walk. You just have to ask," she answered.

He nodded his head. "Would you go for a walk with me when we are done, Heiress Greengrass?"

A small smirk ghosted her face. "It would be my pleasure, Scion Potter."

Someone cleared their throat and they all looked up to see Hannah Abbot, Ernie MacMillan and Susan. Susan was standing at the front of the group. "Can I help you today, Susan?" he asked.

"We need some help in Defense and Herbology. You and Neville are the best in our year," Susan told him. "Would you help us?" She sounded very contrite.

Harry looked around the table. Hermione cocked her head saying he should. Daphne nodded her head after a moment.

"Pull up some seats," Harry offered.

Susan and them were very polite. Harry got less work done on his Astronomy charts than he wanted too, but he was getting the sense Susan, and the other two Hufflepuff, were sorry.

When done, he said goodbye to his friends and the others. Daphne had a quick whispered conversation with Tracey before she walked up to him, staying a few feet away. "Would you escort me?"

He nodded. "It would be my pleasure," he responded, trying his best to act the way he should. She smiled at him and they went the opposite way of the others.

"You need to talk?" Daphne asked after a few.

Harry rubbed the back of his neck. "I am sorry. I never should have snapped at you."

"No, you shouldn't. You were wrong for punching Draco."

"I know. I've just been a little angry and he threatened to go after Hermione if I don't stay away from you," he offered as a lame excuse.

She scrunched her brow and gave him a hard look. "Do you think I go around cursing or punching everyone that either threatens me or makes other derogatory comments?"

Harry snorted. "I think they would be too scared too."

Her intense gaze didn't change. "I am a Slytherin. My blood is as pure as it comes and my family has a history of being dark."

Ron couldn't be right about her!

"I can assure you my family does not practice those arts anymore," she said to his face. "The Greengrasses have a history, though. My Grandfather believed in Grindewald, but after seeing what the man was doing, turned sides. Since then, we have staked our position on the Neutral Alliance. To remain there and not endanger our family, my sister and I have been taught to thread a narrow line. There is a danger in me associating with you. I receive threats and insults almost daily from those that think they are righteous, like Ron Weasley and Draco Malfoy. I have found our study sessions to be very advantageous for the both of us, but if you continue to act the righteous Gryffindor at the first slight to me, then I will have to stop this study group."

They had stopped in a deserted part of the school.

"Daphne, I never meant to cause you issues."

"I know, Harry," she said sympathetically before her face hardened, "but you need to understand that there are traditions and norms amongst those that I must keep appeased right now. You now have a Scion ring on your finger. If you do the wrong thing, or make it more than some moronic hallway fight, then you can never call me Daphne again and I can not study with you anymore." Her eyes had softened in her hard expression. "I would not like to to do that."

His heart felt like it was falling out of his chest. Harry really enjoyed being around Daphne. "I would not like that either, Heiress Greengrass."

They just looked at each other for a moment as they stood in the hallway. "I would prefer you calling me Daphne when it is just us. I must press, though, that this is not a social agreement where we can be seen being too close in public. If you need to talk, I will happily talk with you, but there are those in Slytherin that are commenting on the amount of time I am spending with you." She sighed. "I have to to protect Astoria, Tracey, her sister and others in our Alliance. If we need to meet outside our study sessions, it must be arranged to not be seen by certain others."

Harry frowned at her sombre tone. "Is it Malfoy?"

"It is not just Malfoy. There are certain expectations for my Blood status in Slytherin. There are only certain ways it is acceptable to deal with those seen as blood traitors or muggleborn," she said with a scowl on her face, clearly not pleased with what ever restrictions were on her.

Harry's face was a little angry. "You never struck me as someone that cares about that."

"I don't, but things are not always that easy that I can just say or do what I want." She sighed. "If I have been declared a Ravenclaw, it would be simpler. I am going to to talk with my parents over Eater. If I can convince them to start talking and enter into an informal Alliance with Madam Bones, then it would be possible for us to be seen without repercussions."

Harry frowned. "I thought Amelia was seen as someone the berk Purebloods hated."

Daphne was still serious. "Disagree with, yes, but the Bones are not seen as blood traitors. The Bones are a Light family, but have always respected the Blood traditions. Or, at least that is what has been projected. With Madam Bones being your Guardian, the Potters will fall under her clout. An informal Alliance between the Bones, Potters and the Greengrasses would also allow others that would like to join this group to do so."

"Who? Why can't you just take them?"

"The Greengrasses used to be dark. We have worked hard to make ourselves as neutral as they come. This allows me to go between the Purebloods and people like you. Others that I am allied with are not so lucky," she informed me.

"This is mental. Why is this so important and are you sure you want to be with people like me?" He didn't care for the way she said it, but be didn't feel like she was trying to be mean.

Daphne smirked this time. "I had my doubts if I wanted to be seen with someone like you. You have proven me wrong so far. I hope you continue to prove me wrong. I do like studying with you, Harry."

He snorted. "I thought you a stuck up prat, but I like you when it is just us and you let your mask down and don't act the prat."

She scoffed and looked at him open mouth. "Scion Potter!"

He laughed at her. "Heiress Greengrass," he snarked.

Daphne laughed. It was an honest laugh he really liked. It ended too quickly though. "You really are a pain, you know that," Daphne huffed.

"Hermione says the same thing at times." Harry sighed. "So, for now, can I even greet you in the hallways?"

She sighed herself. "I think it best we only acknowledge each when required in class and our study group. I really can't risk Astoria, Tracey or Trisha."

"Can I do anything to protect you or help," he asked, not really having a clue what that might be.

"You can talk to Madam Bones about an informal Alliance. Even in Slytherin, your Guardian is respected as someone who is fair and even in her dealings with everyone. The only ones that don't like the Bones are those that have had to go up against them as an Auror or now Madam Bones being Head of the DMLE. Many are still upset how the war with You-Know-Who ended, especially with how many Purebloods are still in Azkaban," Daphne told him.

He rubbed the back of his neck. "I'll talk with Amelia."

Daphne nodded. "Thank you," she said in a soft voice.

He gave her a lopsided smile. "It's what a scion should do for a cute young lady, right?"

She smirked, a little color coming to her cheeks. "Cute, huh?"

Harry's eyes widened. He hadn't realized what he had said and he was sure his face took on some colour with how hot it felt. "Yeah, you know," he said lamely.

He liked the look in her eyes. "I, ah... I should be heading back, unless you have something else to discuss," Daphne told him.

"Not today," he replied. "Should I, ah, walk you back?"

Daphne gave him an intense look. "That would be the proper thing to do, but I must decline today, Scion Potter," she said, sounding reluctant.

Harry nodded, knowing they couldn't be that sociable, but really not liking it. He bowed to her. "Until Monday then, Heiress Greengrass."

After a moment, Daphne nodded. "I will see you at nine o'clock, Scion Potter."

Harry watched her as she walked away. He didn't like this at all. Hermione was his best friend, but he knew he was starting to regard Daphne as highly as the bushy hair witch. "Why does this have to be so complicated," he whispered before sitting on a ledge of window they had been talking by.

-oOo-

-oOo-

Chapter 7

-oOo-

March 22, 1994

Hogwarts, Scotland

As February ran into March, and March neared April, Dumbledore didn't return. In that time, a few things happened. Susan, Hannah and Ernie became regulars in their study groups. This led to him talking with Susan more, and as he did, he did find her to be a nice person who was fiercely loyal to her friends and family.

That had been one of the positives of their study group, besides the fact he got to spend time with Daphne, which led to the negative side of their study group. The fact that Daphne and Tracey were seen studying with them so often had Wood approaching Harry again about consorting with the enemy. He had been surprised when his Chasers had told Wood to sod off.

The next big change was Harry himself. He found he felt more confident. He wasn't getting below a high exceeds expectations in anything any more, and more often than not matching Daphne's and Hermione's outstandings. Amelia seemed quiet proud of his change in grades once she understood where he had been. Because of Amelia, Daphne and even Hermione, who had stopped nagging him about working harder, he felt he didn't have to hide anymore. His fear of what the Dursley's would do to him if he did too well was slowly going away as it sank in he was never going back. Amelia had also complimented him on helping Susan get better grades. His Guardian just wanted them to do the best they could.

One change he liked less was when he found many people looking at him. Well, more specifically, many girls looking towards him. Harry had always had people looking at him, but not like this. He had shot up half a foot in the last two months. His Quidditch and new found love of running most day, kept him trim. As they walked through the halls, he gave an uncertain look to Hermione once more as a group of fourth year Ravenclaws giggled as he walked by.

"Why do they keep doing that," Harry groused while Hermione gave her own giggle.

"You do know that you are now the tallest boy in our year and are really handsome, don't you?" she asked.

He ran his hand through his messy black hair. "What does that have to do with girls giggling all the time or giving me those odd looks?"

Neville shook his head. "Don't look at me. I'm as stymied as you."

Hermione rolled her eyes at them. "The both of you, really! Did it cross your mind that you might be fanciful now," she told them. Harry had seen her looking at them more lately, but he didn't feel uncomfortable at that. When Neville gave her a strange look, she went on, "Neville, since you started to run with Harry, you have been starting to loose your baby fat and have this intense look to you that you didn't have before. I think by some point next year, a lot of girls will be looking at you too. As for Harry, you are attractive."

Harry gave a look to Hermione like she had a hole in her head while Neville was flushed. He wouldn't say that girls didn't interest him, but he felt there were more important things right now. Well, one girl in particular interested him. Harry replied, "If you say so."

Hermione just shook her head. "Believe me."

They made it across the entry hall and to the dungeons for his least favorite class, even worse than Binns. "Harry, will you sit with me today? I really can't deal with Ron one more day."

"What about Neville? I don't want him suffering either. Ron at least tolerates me," Harry replied to Hermione.

Neville snorted. "You mean he is still trying to act like nothing happened."

"He at least stopped calling Hermione, Tracey and Daphne names," Harry told him.

"That's fine, if you don't mind, Neville. I just can't work with him any more. Not that he really works half the time."

Dean, Seamus and Ron were talking animatedly about something and where falling behind, while Parvati and Lavender were before them. Parvati slowed so her and Lavender were level with them. "Harry, if you want to work with me, Lavender said she would work with Ron."

Lavender whipped her head around. "I said what?"

Parvati gave her friend a significant look. One that Hermione saw and narrowed her eyes at. "I think Harry likes Lavender too much to do that to her," Hermione responded.

"Don't I get a say?"

"Of course you do, Harry," Hermione told him.

"I think Harry can make up his own mind, Granger," Parvati said in a raised voice.

Neville gave him a look with a raised eyebrow. Harry was getting annoyed. "I am sitting with Ron today. Maybe next week, Parvati."

She looked a little crestfallen. "How about Hogsmeade this weekend. Are you going in with anyone?"

"Harry can't go. He doesn't have permission," Hermione spoke up.

Harry smiled. "Actually, I do. Amelia sent in my permission slip on Saturday. Susan, Hannah and Ernie wanted to go in with us, who ever wants to join is welcome," Harry told her. Hermione looked at him. "What? I thought it a good idea to spend a little time with Susan before I go home with her to Grace Hall over Easter."

God! He hoped he was going to Grace Hall to stay. He had no where else to go with his relatives in prison waiting a trial. He would not go to Marge's and he would more than likely kill Ron if he had to spend a whole week with him.

"I am just surprised you didn't say anything," Hermione told him.

He put a hand on the back of his neck as they approached the potions lab. "Well, I was kind of busy with Quidditch, and then our study groups, and, you know," he said with a little heat to his face. He had spent some time with Daphne Sunday afternoon walking the grounds and talking about what it meant to be a scion or heiress.

Hermione raised her brow. "No, I don't really know."

He cleared his throat. "Parvati, if you and Lavender want to come with us, or meet us there, that could be fun."

Parvati didn't look as pleased at that answer.

"Nev, you are coming too."

Neville brightened up. "Sure, Harry."

Parvati rejoined Lavender.

When they sat, Harry joined Ron. "Ron, we are working today. I have managed to get everything to an exceeds expectations and I won't let that slip," Harry whispered to him.

"You sound like Granger," Ron griped.

"I like the grades I am getting," Harry told him.

"Sure. Mum has invited you over for Easter Break. It should be a good time. We are all going home this year, well, except Percy. He is too busy studying for his NEWTs and applying for jobs."

Harry nodded his head. "I am only leaving for Easter because Amelia wants me to see Grace Hall and show me around. I'll be with Amelia and Susan all break."

Ron's brow furrowed but he didn't say anything as Snape swooped in. Harry had to say that since Dumbledore had left and Snape had been dragged in the Ministry, he was different. He was still as unpleasant as ever, but he didn't bother Harry or Neville as much anymore, and had even started to teach. Like really teach. Like most Tuesday's now, he ran a theory lesson for the first twenty minutes, going over the highlights of the potion they were making that weak. He even gave some insight as to why you would use a clockwise or counter-clockwise stroke and when.

Of course, Daphne thought he should be getting an oustanding in Potions too, but he just didn't get potions like Hermione or Daphne.

Speaking of the dark hair girl, she seemed to give him a brief sympathetic look when she thought no one was looking at her.

"Weasley, start chopping that ginger again. It's so uneven it will not cook or dissolve properly," Snape snapped as he walked by.

"Potter, two counterstrokes to one clockwise. If either of you blow up that cauldron you will get a T."

Harry tried to ignore the git. He was rude, but Harry didn't think he was wrong. After a second, Snape moved to Parvati and Lavender behind them to critique them on the colour of their potion because the fire's heat was too low.

As they walked up to DADA after potions, Hermione and Neville pulled up next to him. Daphne and Tracey were walking before them, at the rear of the Slytherin group. Harry's eyes were following Daphne as they joined him. Ron stepped up behind him. "Harry, you want to take the brooms out Saturday? I know you can't go into Hogsmeade," Ron asked.

"I actually am going into Hogsmeade," Harry told him.

"Wicked," Ron said with a smile. "We can go check out Zonko's and Honeydukes."

"I'm actually going in with a group already. You are welcome to join us," Harry told him.

"Oh, sure," Ron said before he fell back with Dean and Seamus. He gave Harry a forlorn look, but Harry had made it clear what Ron had to do to be his friend again. Though, it was getting to the point Harry wasn't sure he wanted Ron to be his best friend again.

It was also the last class they had with the Slytherins today. Tuesdays were theory days, so Harry had no reason to talk with Daphne until tomorrow morning. This whole House and Pureblood thing was rather stupid. She had told him again that if she had been sorted into Ravenclaw, they could talk and be seen together. As it was, some in her house were really starting to give her a hard time for the amount of time they were seen together in the library. Studying with another house to get ahead was encouraged. Talking to a Gryffindor or Hufflepuff that was not part of the Pureblood circle was not.

Hermione leaned over. "Just ask her to come with us this weekend," she whispered.

"Who," Harry replied.

She rolled her eyes at him. "Our study partners."

"I can't."

"Why not?"

"It could compromise her position in Slytherin. Tracey was saying that Daphne, Zabini, and her were starting to cause a stir because of all the study sessions," Neville replied.

Daphne chanced a glance over her shoulder. "Daphne didn't seem to care when Harry was in the Hospital in February, and Harry has meet her a few times on the grounds."

"We never go together or leave together. Her sister also insists Tracey or someone else shadow us," Harry told her.

"You mean you have to have a chaperone?"

Harry shrugged. "I guess."

Hermione frowned. "Why is Zabini affected?"

"Allies," Neville said simply. "I am sure she is feeling pressure from others."

Harry knew that too, but he kept most of his conversations with Daphne a secret. It wasn't that he didn't want Hermione or Neville to know, per se, but he was growing rather fond of his time with her. Harry didn't want to jeopardize any of it.

Hermione watched Daphne as she entered the room. They all sat at a table close to the door and as far from Daphne and Tracy as possible. Zabini was sitting with Theodore Nott.

Harry wondered what Zabini was like. Harry had been watching him since Daphne had said there were others that would like to join their group and noticed he was the only other one in their year that both Tracey and Daphne talked to of their own accord. Zabini was always quiet, always proper and always aloof, even among the other Slytherin.

He was musing on it when Neville nudged him. Professor Lupin had started class and was looking at Harry as he talked about inferi.

By the end of the day, Harry was spent. Tuesdays were solid classes from breakfast to their free time just before dinner, with only lunch to break it up. By the time they made it back to the common room before dinner, he clomped up the stairs with the rest of the third years, put his bag down, robes unceremoniously dropped on his trunk and then he flopped into bed. Luckily, they didn't have Quidditch practice tonight so he could try to get every thing done. Maybe he would take his bag down to dinner.

"You coming Harry," Neville asked him.

"In a few. It's still an hour or so before dinner," he replied.

"Sure. I'm going to go down to the greenhouses then and start on Herbology and charms work after dinner."

Harry stuck up a hand with a thumbs up. Neville chuckled. "Maybe you should take a day off."

"Can't. Too much work to do," he answered, rubbing his hands into his eyes. He went to move his glasses and had forgot that he didn't need them anymore.

"Well, take a break until after dinner. You look tired."

"Thank, Nev."

Neville left. Harry just lay there. It had been an insane last month and it wasn't about to get better. A moment after Neville left the bed next to him creaked. He wasn't in the mood to get into another fight with Ron. "Harry?"

"Yeah, Ron," he said back tiredly. There was a long enough pause before he lifted one hand and looked towards Ron with one eye.

Ron looked like he was thinking hard. A face he usually only wore when playing chess. "Why don't you seem afraid of Sirius Black anymore?"

"Because he can't kill me and he didn't betray my family," Harry told him. In the last month, Harry hadn't talked to Ron about anything serious.

"But-," Ron said, as though lost for words. Harry put is hand over his eye again. "But, he snuck in trying to kill you at Halloween."

"He snuck into Hogwarts and tried to get into Gryffindor, but Amelia and... others... are convinced he's innocent. Well, at least for some things. That's why the Minister canceled the Kiss-on-Sight order. The DMLE and Amelia want a discussion, but he hasn't turned himself in yet," Harry answered Ron.

"Oh," Ron replied.

Harry yawned before pushing himself up. If he lay here much longer he was going to fall asleep.

"Why did they give you all those potions and what not to make you taller?" Ron put to him.

Harry sighed. He wasn't sure he wanted to tell Ron all this, especially since it had been a month and Ron hadn't done anything except argue about the Firebolt, complain about Scabbers missing and do nothing to apologize to Hermione. Harry also heard Ron was still saying things about his friends outside of Gryffindor when he couldn't hear him. He could give Ron a pass on Scabbers. He was convinced now Daphne must have killed the rat at some point. Apparently her count was getting pretty high and they were steering clear of Slytherin House.

"They weren't potions to make me grow taller. Healer Tonks explained they were to fix deficiencies and help me get to where I should be. Apparently my father was close to six feet and Healer Tonks thinks I will be that tall now."

"What deficiencies," Ron queried.

"Just stuff that was bothering my from growing up."

Ron nodded. "I hear you in your sleep sometimes. Mum said I shouldn't pester you, but sometimes you have these nightmares and say things."

Harry felt suddenly cold. He had no clue. It was almost three years and Ron had never said anything. His brow furrowed. "What do I say?"

Ron looked really uncertain. "Sometimes you ask for food. Sometimes you apologize. A few times you begged your Uncle Vernon to stop." Ron looked up at him and Harry felt completely mortified. He had been doing that? And Ron knew? He never wanted anyone to know about most of that. It had been hard enough dealing with the WCS Representative and telling Agent Diggory most of the details. It had taken him three sessions to get the worst of it out.

The horror must have shown on his face. "I have never told anyone, not even Hermione. I only told mum because, well, it didn't sound right. I know she talked with Dumbledore to help you," Ron told him

Harry just replied, "Ron, I really don't want to talk about this."

"But you would talk about this with Greengrass?"

Harry shook his head. "I haven't told Daphne anything about my life with the Dursleys, and I don't really have any intentions too."

"What have you told her then? You seem to be mates or something."

Harry would like that. He did see Daphne as his friend, but the more they hung out, the more he realized they were from different worlds. "We are study partners."

"Is that why you got into that fight with Malfoy a while back? She is just your study partner?"

"Yeah. She is. Speaking of which, what time is it?" Harry forced himself to sit up.

"Quarter to five," Ron told him.

Harry yawned again. "Right. Probably enough time to get the Herbology essay done."

Ron's brow was scrunched. "Why do you study so much now? Hermione used to just do half the work for us."

"As I have told you, I really enjoy getting good grades. Hermione only checks for grammar or spelling now. I refuse to let her do my work," Harry told him.

He grabbed his bag and took out everything except what he needed for Herbology and Charms. He would work on his Runes later, . With his increase in grades, Professor McGonagall approved for Babbling to give him some pre-work. If he could pass the third year test once they came back, he could join the fourth years in September. Harry was looking forward to that. Runes would have to wait. He had to work on Potions, DADA and History of Magic after dinner, as long as he finished Herbology and Charms between now and during dinner. It was going to be a long night. Tuesdays always were.

"Does Greengrass do your work?"

"No, she does not. She helps me at times just like I help her."

Ron ran a hand through his hair. "Are you doing all this to impress Greengrass?"

Harry knew the back of his neck heated up. Daphne's friendship might be a good part of why he was pushing himself. "I am doing it because I like the grades, and if we ever get in trouble again or have to face Voldemort, I would not like to just rely on my luck."

Ron winced.

Harry took off towards the common room. "I am going to go work on my Herbology paper. You want to join?" he asked as he paused in the doorway.

Ron sat on the bed looking at the floor. "Maybe in a bit."

Harry shrugged and headed towards the Common Room. It was only Tuesday, but harry was thinking he would need to sleep in Sunday... except that Wood was having a nine o'clock practice because of Hogsmeade on Saturday.

-oOo-

March 26, 1994

Hogsmeade, Scotland

It was six of them walking into Hogsmeade for Harry's first 'official' day in the town. He had to say he enjoyed not having to worry about wearing his invisibility cloak or that people would walk over him.

"The faeries were trying to get into the portable ice box. Auntie summoned it with her wand. One of the faeries didn't let go and it opened and Auntie was wearing everything. Then... then Auntie turned and the fairies swarmed her," Susan laughed as she told a story about a camping trip with Amelia.

They all laughed.

"I didn't know faeries did that," Hermione chuckled.

"They love anything sugary and Auntie had packed a bunch of fruit, heavy cream, chocolate and marshmallows. Of course, I tried to help and started to swat at them with a branch and got auntie," she said, looking a little abashed at the end, but still laughing.

"How old where you?" Ernie asked.

"Eight," Hannah said. "Dad and I were supposed to join them the next day, but a patronus showed up at like eight that night and said they were going home."

Susan turned a little red. "We had to go to St. Mungo's first."

"Why?" Harry asked.

"I may have hit auntie a little hard and she needed to get a cut healed she couldn't see on the top of her head."

"Remind me if we go camping to not let you near any sticks," Harry laughed.

"I was eight!" Susan protested.

"An I would like to see eighteen," Harry snarked back.

"Harry James, leave her alone," Hermione admonished him.

"Don't stop. Susan doesn't usually look this flush," Hannah prodded.

Ernie laughed. "I don't know, Diggory gets her pretty flush."

"ERNIE!" Susan shouted and whacked him on the arm.

"Diggory is handsome," Hermione provided. Harry looked at her and she met his eyes. "He is," she defended herself.

Harry laughed at her. This was not their normal type of conversation. "I'll take your word on it. Where are we going first," Harry asked.

"Chocolate," Hannah and Susan said together.

They continued to talk and joke as they walked down to Honeydukes, Zonko's and Scrolls and Tomes. Harry had actually suggested to go there. "Hermione, can you help me find a few books on Runes and Transfiguration," he asked.

"Do you mind if we go off to Madam Puddifoots for something warm," Susan asked outside the door. "It should still be early and we can avoid most of the couples."

"Fine with us. We'll meet at that new toy shop in like forty minutes or so," Harry told Susan.

"Sounds good. Neville, you want to come," she asked.

Neville gave them a look. "Go ahead, Neville," Harry told his friend.

"You sure?"

"Yeah," Harry told him.

"How many books are you looking for," Hermione asked as they started to walk away.

Harry didn't reply. A large shadow between two houses caught his eye. It was shadow he thought he recognized.

"Harry, how many books?" she asked again before looking at him. "Harry?"

He had a sinking feeling in him. Something Professor Lupin had said in their patronus lessons when Harry had finally gotten it this week. He had mentions that his stag looked just like Prongs. He hadn't really thought about it until now.

"Harry, what are you looking at?" She looked in the direction he was staring.

"I thought I saw something."

"What?"

"You promise you won't think I'm mental?"

"It's getting a little late for that," Hermione commented. He chuckled and then he saw it. A large skinny black dog got up, looked at them, and then lopped away. His heart was pounded. His parents will had called Sirius Black 'Padfoot'. Professor Lupin had referred to the man that way a few times. The map Fred and George had given him earlier in the school year had the names of the four men.

"Uhm, I think I want to go towards the Shrieking Shack instead," he told her.

"What about Neville, Susan, Hannah and Ernie?"

He shook his head and started to walk towards the edge of town. "I think this is better they don't come," Harry told her. Maybe it was better she didn't either, but he knew she would never let him go off alone.

"Harry, what is going on?"

He didn't want to say anything in case he was wrong. Something in his gut told him he wasn't though.

She kept trying to pester him all the way there. When they finally made it to the ramshackled old house, Harry looked around. He didn't see the dog. "Harry, what are you looking for?"

"A dog. Do you remember me telling you about that dog that spooked me when the Knight Bus picked me up," Harry asked, still looking around.

"That was just a big dog. Why would it be up here? That was hundreds of miles away. A dog wouldn't follow you up here," she told him.

"Not unless he had a very good reason," a man said from behind him.

Harry spun, his wand up and pushing Hermione behind him.

Next to a large tree trunk stood a tall man in tattered black wizard's robes, his hair a mass of black hair that was full of leaved and twigs and a long beard down to his chest. The grey eyes that looked back at him were nothing like the insane ones in the pictures of the Prophet or wanted folders.

Hermione's wand shot around his side. "Sirius Black," she hissed. The man held up his hands. Harry lowered his wand. "Harry, you know who this is."

"And I told you he can't hurt me," Harry replied.

The man gave him a broad smile. "Finally figured that out, did you?" the man asked cheekily.

"Do you know who I am?" he asked Sirius.

"I would recognize a Potter anywhere with that black messy hair and your mother with those green eyes. It's been a long time, pup," the man said, taking a step forward.

Hermione didn't drop her wand. "How do we know you are really Sirius Black and that you really made the godfather oaths?"

Sirius' smile didn't lesson. "I like her. She's pretty sharp, isn't she?"

"You have no idea," Harry replied. It felt surreal to talk to the man many said had betrayed his parents and was trying to kill him as though nothing bad was going on. "She has a point though. How do we know?"

Sirius reached for a pocket in his robes and Harry slowly pulled his wand up. "Easy. I am just going to pull a letter out of my pocket."

Harry didn't lower his wand. He was sure he had nothing to fear, but he wouldn't risk Hermione. When the man pulled out the letter, Harry recognized the broken seal from Gringotts. "Goblins finally got me a copy of James' and Lily's will. I take it you read it?"

"Yeah. Professor McGonagall, Professor Lupin and Amelia Bones read it to me and have made sure I understand it," he told him.

"Tell me they used it to get you away from Lily's sister? I saw you there a few days before you fled. How bad did they treat you," Sirius asked, concern on his face.

Harry looked at the man. "Are you hungry," he asked, wanting to avoid the question.

"Harry, should we just be here having a conversation like this," Hermione whispered into his ear.

"Starving, actually," Sirius replied. "Is it Hermione? I swear on my magic I mean you and my godson no harm."

Harry reached into his pocket. "It's just sweets, but you can have them," he offered.

Sirius smiled. "Thanks, pup, but that won't satisfy me much at the moment."

Harry nodded. "Why are you here and why did get my attention?"

"I really needed to see you again. The last time I saw you before the summer you were only knee high and fifteen months old. You look good," Sirius commented.

"And you look like shite," another man butted in.

Sirius barked out a laugh as they all turned to see Professor Lupin. "Moony, you almost never swear."

"Times have changed, Sirius. Are you all alright?"

"Yeah," Harry told the Professor.

Professor Lupin nodded. "The Aurors are on their way and should be here soon."

Sirius slumped his shoulders. "I'm ready to turn myself in. I think my quarry has fled."

They all looked at Sirius. "What quarry," Harry asked.

Sirius took out another paper from his pocket. "Remus, Peter was here," he said, taking a few steps and handing what looked like a clipping from the Daily Prophet.

Professor Lupin took it, and after a moment took in a deep breath. "Where did you get this?"

"Fudge. He left it for me when he visited over the summer. I had to get him, Remus. It was the only way to get revenge. That was until I got this," Sirius said holding up his copy of his parent's will.

Hermione gasped. "You mean Peter Pettigrew is in Hogwarts?" Hermione sounded fearful.

"He was. I have lost his scent though. It's gone for some time now, actually. Some redhead boy, I think his name is Ronald Weasley, had him," Sirius told them. "He's been a rat all these years," he told Professor Lupin.

Professor Lupin paled. "I thought that scent was just a memory of being here. Harry, where is Ronald and his rat?"

Harry dug his foot into the ground. "No one's seen Scabbers since mid-February. Uhm, are you sure Peter Pettigrew is a rat?"

"I would recognize him anywhere and that is him," Sirius said, pointing at the photo.

"We need to find him," Hermione told him.

Harry scrunched his eyes. "There is a chance he could be dead already," Harry told them.

Professor Lupin and Sirius both looked at him wide eyed. "How do you know this," Professor Lupin asked.

"Uhm," he started.

Hermione spoke up, "You aren't talking about the rats Filch has been catching?"

"I hope so," he replied.

"What aren't you telling us," Professor Lupin asked.

There was the sound of leaves rustling and a branch snapped. They all turned their wands to see three Aurors and Amelia in red robes. Sirius immediately put his hands up. "I am not going to put up a fight," he stated before anyone could say anything.

Harry stepped towards the man. "Don't hurt him."

"I have no intention of hurting him," Amelia said, walking down the path. "Sirius Orion Black, you are under arrest and are to be remanded to custody of the DMLE pending a trial and verification of your godfather oaths."

"I never betrayed the Potters or killed those people," Sirius said as the Aurors came over with their wands out.

Amelia walked to within a few feet of Sirius and looked him up and down. "I am inclined to believe you. It is the only reason we did not come in here with our wands blazing. Harry, he didn't threaten you at all, did he?"

"No, Amelia," he responded.

Sirius looked from Harry to Amelia. She seemed to get his unasked question. "In lieu of any other Guardian able or willing to accept him, Harry is my ward and will remain so."

Sirius let out a big breath. "Thank Merlin. Tell me you killed those bastards that had him."

"They are going through the muggle system. I do not see them tasting free air in their life-times," she stated.

Sirius lowered his arms and allowed the Aurors to bind his hands behind his back with ropes. "What ever happens to me, promise he will be taken care of?" Sirius asked Amelia.

"Harry is in safe hands now, Lord Black," she said.

Sirius and Remus eyes widened. Sirius looked absolutely shocked. "Lord?" he questioned.

"According to our records, you are Lord and Head-of-House to the Blacks. We will provide any Council or Solicitor you may need if you cannot, and the goblins have agreed to send an emissary to talk with you. Kingsley, if you please," Amelia ordered.

"Wait, can I at least say goodbye this time," Sirius yelled quickly.

They all stopped. "What do you mean this time," Harry asked.

"The last time I saw you, that night James and Lily died, Hagrid was already there and wouldn't let me have you. It was the only reason I went after Peter," Sirius replied.

Harry blinked. "Why would Hagrid have been there?" Harry questioned.

"I would like to know that also," Amelia said, looking at Sirius.

"I don't know. I just rushed to Godric's Hollow as fast as I could once I got the warning the wards had failed. All I know was that Hagrid wouldn't give you to me," Sirius replied. "I gave Hagrid my motorbike to get you safely away."

Amelia was frowning. "Do you wish a moment, Harry?"

Harry looked at the man. "You didn't betray my parents?"

Sirius sighed. "I won't say I didn't. I never gave away where you were, not that I could anyways," he said with a smirk before sobering. "I should have taken you. I can never apologize for that."

Sirius looked to Amelia again. "Please, watch out for Harry and take care of him."

"I give you me assurances, Lord Black. Kingsley, getting him the DMLE holding cells. No one outside your squad is to see him until I return. Is that understood?"

"Yes, boss," Shacklebolt replied.

A moment later, Sirius and the two aurors were gone. Harry just looked at the space while the other three looked at him.

looked at Amelia. "I know that there have been rats being killed in the dungeons and elsewhere. It is possible that Peter Pettigrew was one of them," Harry told her.

She took in a breath. "He is dead," Amelia replied.

Professor Lupin shook his head. "He was not. I am sure you find this out once you question Sirius. Sirius, James and Peter are animagus. Peter is a rat, looks very much like a common brown rat," the said, holding out the paper clipping that Sirius had given Remus. "That is him there, held by the youngest Weasley boy."

Amelia took the clipping. She looked at it for a moment. "I will get more aurors here and ask permission from the Assistant Headmistress to search the school."

"Ron called him Scabbers. He's been missing more than a month now," Harry told her.

"And you think he is dead?"

Harry rubbed the back of his neck. "I know some student have been using cutting hexes to kill them."

"As target practice?" Amelia asked, not sounding impressed.

He shot his eyes up to her. "NO! They hate rats and want to get rid of them. Filch is always trying to get rid of the rats anyways."

Amelia nodded. "If you excuse me."

When it was Professor Lupin and Hermione, the man looked at him uncertainty. "If you need to talk, my office is always open, Mr. Potter. Perhaps I should escort you two back to town?"

They fell in step behind Mr. Lupin, fall behind enough they thought they wouldn't be overheard. "Harry, are you alright," Hermione asked.

After letting out a breath, Harry replied. "Is it odd this is one of the least weird things to happen to me?"

Hermione let out a strangled laugh. "If it was anyone else, I would say yes."

He gave a wry smile to Hermione.

-oOo-

-oOo-

Chapter 8

April 2, 1994

London, England

The last week had been another flurry of headlines that had sent the school into a tizzy. News of Sirius capture came Sunday. Then Monday morning it broke that he had never had a trial. Tuesday morning, Dumbledore finally appeared again. The Headmaster was lacking the twinkle he normally had in his eyes and Harry felt the man's gaze on him, but every time he would look up, Dumbledore would be looking else where.

Wednesday the hall was abuzz again as the Daily Prophet reported that Sirius Black was actually Lord Black. The fact that a Lord had been sent to Azkaban without a trial was starting to make a large headache for the Minister, who had tried to give Black a pardon, but Black insisted on a trial to clear his name.

All the while, Daphne and others in their group looked to him to figure out what was going on. Harry and Hermione refused to talk about it in the school.

It was Thursday morning when a regal looking eagle owl landed before him, followed quickly by Hedwig. Harry took the letters from both, handing one to Hermione, who used Hedwig to write her parents many weeks. When he looked at them, he wasn't surprised to find one from Amelia. She wrote to him and Susan at least every other week, even if they forgot to reply.

The other letter was a surprise. It had a green dollop of wax with an elaborate crest in the center of it. It was address to Scion Harry Potter with no return address. Looking at the crest, he recognized it as the same one on Daphne's ring. Harry looked up and saw her give him a quick look from across the hall.

"Who is that from," Hermione had asked.

"I'll tell you later," he told her.

Hermione followed his gaze before smirking. "Does it smell like perfume?"

Harry knew his face heated and Neville chuckled. "I hope not. That is a Lord's seal."

Harry chuckled at how Hermione was a little flustered after that.

By the time Susan, Hannah, Neville and Hermione were boarding the train home for the Easter Holidays with him, Harry was feeling the best he could ever remember. Ron didn't join them. Harry found he didn't really care as Ron mostly spent his time with Seamus and Dean now.

With the train only half-full, it was easy to find a compartment in the middle of the train, where they all made themselves comfortable. "You are going to love Grace Hall," Susan told him for the hundredth time in the last few weeks.

"You should have Tilly make him those honey cakes," Hannah supplied.

"Is your Aunt having a ball again this summer?" Neville asked.

Hermione had her eyebrow raised at Susan, Hannah and Neville, who had been going on for a while with each other about Susan's home, Harry's new home, and all the types of gatherings that the group were part of. Harry had always thought Neville an inept social pariah, but it seemed he was just extremely shy and cowed by his Gran many times. "If you want, mum and dad said you can come over this week," Hermione told him.

Harry gave a nervous laugh. "I may need the get away," he replied worriedly.

Hermione snorted. "You may need to run away."

Harry laughed. "That too."

While they were talking, a knock came at the door. Harry looked up to see Daphne and Tracey. He couldn't keep the smile off his face as he got up and opened the door. "Good afternoon, Heiress Greengrass and Ms. Davis."

Daphne returned his small bow with a curtsy. "Good afternoon, Scion Potter. Would you mind if Tracey and I join you for a bit? We had some questions on the Defense Against the Dark Arts revision."

Harry had no issue, but still looked in. No one else made a peep or indication it was not wanted.

Moving to the side, he motioned for them to join them. Tracey sat on the end of the bench with Hannah and Susan. Neville moved to sit next to Susan while Hermione moved to the window with Daphne sitting next to her.

Harry sat after shutting the door and looking at Daphne. "Is this alright to be seen with us," he asked her in a low voice.

"You are helping me study, so there is nothing inappropriate," she responded, letting her mask fall.

Tracey shook her head. "Daphne just wants to make sure you accepted her father's invitation this week."

"Tracey," Daphne scolded her friend.

Susan and Hannah laughed. "You don't have to act around us, Daphne," Susan told her. "Auntie said we would be coming over Wednesday afternoon."

Daphne glared at Susan. "That was not going to be my question."

"Yes, Amelia has approved for me to join you at a study session Monday and Friday," Harry told her.

Daphne had a smile come to her before Tracey blurted out, "You didn't tell me about those. I thought we were only meeting on Wednesday."

All eyes turned to them. Harry licked his lips as Daphne stiffened. "I didn't lie that I wanted to ask Harry about out DADA and other homework." He didn't miss the look from Hermione and pleaded with his eyes for her not to say anything. "Ms. Granger, I would also like to let you know my mother will accompany me to your house on Thursday."

Hermione gave a big smile now. "Yes. You are all actually invited over, but just hadn't had a chance to tell you."

"Harry and I won't be able to. I know Auntie said she was hosting a tea that day with a few people in our Alliance," Susan replied sadly.

"I can make it, if you want," Neville offered.

"Thursday I am going to see the Harpies take on the Hornets," Hannah spoke up. "I can talk to my parents, maybe I can have a sleep over for the girls."

Susan brightened. "In your barn again?"

Hannah shrugged. "If you want."

"What is so interesting about a barn," Tracey asked, not looking pleased about the idea.

Susan and Hannah grinned. "There is the old stable hands apartments above the stalls. Mum and dad don't care how loud we are and we can stay up as long as we want," Hannah told them.

"Can I come," Hermione asked, uncertain whether she should be involved or not.

Hannah smiled. "I'll send an invite to all of you once I find out which night."

Daphne nodded. "That sounds amenable."

Tracey gawked at her friend. "How are you going to convince your parents? They barely let you sleep over my house."

"I am hoping some of our social circles will change soon. Getting to know the other children of a group my parents are interested in courting will be an easy sell," Daphne told Tracey.

Susan laughed. "And here I thought you were warming up to us?"

That was one thing Harry liked about Susan and Hannah. They didn't hold back unless they needed too. They had also been talking with Daphne and Tracey more as their study group met three or more times a week.

Harry chuckled, earning him a look from Daphne. He held up his hands. "You have made it very clear how I am to act and the expectations you have."

Daphne nodded while Susan and Hannah looked at them with interest. "So, what should I bring?" Hermione asked. He cast her a thankful look as Daphne and everyone turned to Hannah.

Daphne and Tracey stayed about an hour. When they left, Hannah was the first to ask, "So, what is going on with you and Greengrass?"

"I would like to know too," Susan put to him.

"Nothing. We are just study partners," Harry replied.

Neville looked away with a smirk on his face.

"Yeah, and I'm a flobber worm," Hannah retorted dryly.

Hermione cracked a smile. Susan eyed him. "Well?"

"Well, what?" Harry didn't want to admit he saw Daphne as a friend. One he had to be very careful around because of whatever politics there were in Slytherin, most revolving around blood status and standing.

"Auntie has said she is moving a little more towards the Neutral side to see if she can get more votes to help change things. The meeting we are having Wednesday at the Greengrasses is more important than you think, Harry, and I think whatever this is has a lot to do with you and Daphne," Susan informed him. "Especially if Daphne has been given permission to see Hermione. I really don't mean any offense, Hermione, but I didn't think the Greengrasses that progressive."

He looked at Susan shocked. As bubbly and air headed she could act at times, every once in a while this other side came out, and Harry was starting to think Susan knew alot more about politics, blood status and other things than he thought.

"You may be surprised," Harry spoke up before Hermione did.

"What do you mean," Hermione asked.

Harry shook his head. The conversation he had had with Daphne were between them. "You should ask her when she goes over," Harry told her.

Hermione eyed him. "I think I will."

Susan frowned and Neville turned back into the conversation. Hannah was keeping her mouth shut as it looked like Susan was getting ready to ask something. "Daphne, Tracey, Blaise and a few others have always been invited to Auntie Amelia's big parties, and us to theirs. We have gotten to know them some outside of school, but in general we all ignore each other or play it off while at Hogwarts. It is one thing to interact where others can't see you, quite another when they can see you. For people like the Greengrasses, who still play in the Blood Supremacist circles, it can be dangerous to be seen with the wrong person."

"Are you saying I shouldn't spend time with Daphne?"

Susan shook her head. "I am not saying that. What is going on?"

Harry kept his mouth shut for a moment. Neville surprised them all by speaking up. "The Greengrasses as trying to move their allegiances. They aren't the only ones. Many around the Greengrasses are starting to move. Something has changed in the last few months and that group of grey houses have started numerous talks with more light-neutral or even light Houses. Gran has sent me a few letters."

Hannah nodded. "Father has said the same. Tracey and her parents are scheduled for a tea on Monday."

Hermione looked at them. "Why is all this so important? It is just a tea. Harry is just going over to study with Daphne. Who cares we are seen with anyone of them in the halls?"

Harry shared her sentiment, but was coming to learn that things were not that simple.

"It is important, Hermione," Susan told her. "House alliances or friendships lead to alliances in the Wizengamot. Auntie had been trying for years to change laws regarding Muggles, squibs and even muggleborn. With the support of the Greengrasses, that would put almost a quarter of the votes at her disposal. It isn't hard to get most those that consider themselves light Houses to vote for bills like that, meaning close to six out of every ten votes would go her way."

"So it's like House of Lords votes?" Hermione enquired.

Neville, Hannah and Susan looked confused.

"From what I understand, yes," Harry answered her.

"So, I have to ask what is going on with you and Daphne," Susan put to him again.

Harry sighed. "I don't know. I just like being her friend," Harry finally admitted.

"I think you want more than that," Hermione said below her breath and he swallowed hard.

Hannah and Susan didn't miss Hermione's comment. "Will you just drop it," Harry snapped at her.

Hermione gave him a satisfied smirk. "Sure. She is pretty, you know."

The other two girls laughed to see the colour that came to his face.

By the time they got to London, the five of them were excited for the week. Harry was excited that he might actually get to be a normal person for once. With Sirius having turned himself in, the search still on for Pettigrew -with him missing for many weeks now-, no sign of Voldemort and he would never have to see his relatives again, Harry felt like he was free of everything for once. It was a heady feeling.

Amelia met them on the platform. Daphne gave him a small nod as a man that could only be her father regarded him for a moment before they moved towards the end of the platform.

They said their goodbyes to everyone else, and Harry made plans to see Hermione on Saturday. His week was now full. When Amelia walked past the barrier, Harry had to catch himself. Susan stopped and looked at him. "Aren't we going through the barrier," Harry asked.

"Why would we? There are floo fires and a apparition point this way," Susan told him.

Harry looked at her confused. "But the Weasley's and I have always come through here."

Amelia nodded. "All muggleborn or raised are required to enter that way. If you were with the Weasleys, that was probably why. Come this way and we will take the floo network."

Harry blinked a time or two then followed along. At the end of the platform he watched a few families apparate away while they entered a small room with six fireplaces. "Our destination is Grace Hall. Susan, you go first."

"Yes, Auntie Ami," Susan replied.

A few minutes later, Harry was standing in a large hall. It had columns that went up two stories with a fountain at one end and a wide staircase at the other. Numerous doors interspersed the marble walls. There was a pattern in marble of various hues that made a large Bones Crest in the center of the hall. The fireplace they had come through was to the left of the stairs and large set of double doors lay directly across from it.

He looked around in wonder.

Susan and Amelia were looking at him with amused expressions when he noticed them watching his reaction. "Is this Grace Hall?"

"Welcome to hereditary house of the Bones, at least for the last five generations," Amelia told him. "Susan, do you mind giving him a tour? I have some paperwork I need to complete and then I will be available the few days."

"Yes, Auntie. Where is Harry's room?"

"I set him up next to you. I don't want either of you wandering out into London until we can give him a tour of the neighborhood. Harry, if you find you need anything, let me know and we will get it this week. Monday morning we going to the goblins to get your accounts settled and to get your Scion status sorted," she informed him.

"I have been invited to the Greengrasses Monday afternoon at two. Do I need to tell Heiress Greengrass I will be late?" he asked her.

Amelia's eyebrows rose and Susan gave him a smirk. "I wasn't away we were meeting with them before Wednesday."

"It is a study session," he told her.

"Lord or Lady Greengrass will be there?"

He made a face. "As far as I know."

Amelia nodded her head. "In the future I would appreciate you ask before you just make plans," she informed him.

Harry rubbed the back of his neck. "Uhm, I have alot of plans for the week," he said, not used to having to ask or even having the opportunity for such events.

He felt Amelia's on him. "Dinner will be in an hour. We will talk about your plans. Do you have plans too, Susan?"

"Hannah invited me over for a sleepover one night this week, but she was going to send an owl to confirm. You already approved all my other activities," Susan responded.

Amelia gave her a curt nod. "Show Harry around and I will see you both for dinner."

"Yes, Auntie." Susan nodded as Amelia went for a door of the main hall.

"That is Aunties study. We are only allowed in there if she invites us or gives us permission," Susan told him.

"Are there other areas I should stay away from?"

"Auntie only wants us to use the potions or practice rooms if she knows we will be in there. She usually asks one or elves to watch over me," Susan told him.

"Practice rooms?"

Susan smiled. "Come on," she told him, heading for the left side of the stairs. "Auntie was Lead Auror until she jumped to become the Head of the DMLE about four years ago. She has been training me for years." There were two doors behind the stairs.

"This one is the workout room." Susan opened the door on the left. Inside was a full Muggle work out center, except some of the equipment looked like it belong in Victorian times. "Auntie only makes one of elves watch me if I am doing any of the bench weights, otherwise she doesn't care."

"Does that treadmill work," he asked looking at the iron work and slat floor.

Susan chuckled. "Auntie had to get someone in Diagon Alley to build that for her. This room is the one we have to have supervision for."

When Susan opened up the other room, he noticed the mats, dummies, a wooden pole with other sticks of wood on it, a wall with a mirror and lots and lots of swords, knives, spears and other hand-combat weapons. "Auntie is a bit of a non-traditionalist. She had trained most of the hit-wizards in the last decade and she likes to mix magical and muggle fighting."

"Wicked," Harry said, itching to get in here.

"I'll ask her if we can practice in here later."

As they walked though the house, Susan showed him the formal and family dinning rooms, a ball room capable of fitting two hundred or more, two tea rooms and finally the kitchens.

"Missy Susan," a small House elf called to her as it worked over a pot. This house elf looked healthier than the only other one he had seen before. She had some dark hair on her head and fluffy, well groomed hair in her ears. Her grey eyes were watching what she was doing and the elf was wearing a dress that looked to have been made from a curtain material. It was finely sewn and a small patch with the Bones crest was on her left breast area.

"Hello, Tipsy. Have you seen Minsy or Teacher? I would like to introduce Harry."

"Minsy was making sure the new Master Harry's room was ready and Teacher is helping Mistress Amelia. Oh, is this Master Harry?" The elf commented when she looked up before she stepped off her stool and bowed. Harry copied her.

"Nice to meet you, Tipsy," he said.

Susan looked at him oddly and Tipsy blinked in shock. She looked to Susan who just shrugged. "Harry, most wizards would not bow to a house elf."

"Why?" he asked confused.

"It is not proper, sir," Tipsy responded. "The elf serve the wizard. The elf do as the wizard demand."

Harry pursed his lips. "I will never treat you that way, Tipsy, or any house elf."

Tipsy smiled. "Tipsy not believe your elf how great a wizard you are, but Tipsy see it. Missy Susan, you should get cleaned up. Dinner will be ready very shortly."

"Than you, Tipsy. Come on, Harry."

Harry was looking at Tipsy. "Tipsy, what do you mean my house elf?"

"Dobby, sir. Dobby has been here a few times to help Minsy get Master Harry's rooms ready," Tipsy told him.

Harry stood there stunned for a moment. "Dobby? I haven't seen him since..."

There was a small pop and Dobby was standing before them. His green eyes looked duller than Harry's, he wore a an odd sock on each foot, his pillowcase was bright white and tied like a toga. A small patch was on his left breast. The hair in the house elf's ears were clean, fluffy and nicely brushed out. Harry didn't miss the way Tipsy suddenly stood tall and brushed her dress straight.

Where Tipsy seemed to subconsciously groom herself, Dobby grabbed his ears looking guilty. "The Great Harry, sir," Dobby greeted him.

Harry just stared at Dobby for a moment. "Dobby, why is Minsy saying you are my elf?"

Dobby pulled on his ears. "Dobby is the Great Harry's elf. Dobby vow to serve the Great Harry Potter," Dobby replied.