Harry and Hermione's Unexpected Family Ties

by VashonBeader

While Harry recovered in the infirmary after Lockhart removed his bones, Harry had several epiphanies. One was about Hermione, and that would change his life. Hermione wonders how this Egyptian vault key had come to her beloved great-grandfather. A bit of bashing of Ginny and Dumbledore, but not the focus. If Hogwarts was the safest place in Britain, it was time to go. AU.

2. Chapter 2 Revelations and Restorations

Harry and Hermione's Unexpected Family Ties

**OO**

A/N: Thanks to my wonderful Beta, LtsHrIt4ThBoyz.

A/N: Our migrant snowy owl is back. My son went out the front door and startled it as it was right there on the fence. Soft white feathers, preks. So lovely.

**OO**

Chapter 2: Revelations and Restorations

…Harry quickly picked up the book, and followed him out, seeing a chance to do a good turn for the house-elf...

**OO**

Lucius realized that trying to kill the boy after the little maggot tricked him into freeing Dobby was a mistake. An easy one to make after being so close to success. But it was a mistake. A painful one.

Narcissa needed a new elf. One with better manners. The meek thing he had bought. Yes. She was perfect

"Daisy!" Lucius called. "Come here!"

The house-elf came when called, bowing and cringing before her master.

"Go, and serve my wife Narcissa. You are now her elf as well."

Elves had a lot more latitude than wizards realized. She would no longer heed the calls of 'Distress Mina' as she referred to her in her mind, no matter how much she screamed or demanded.

Lucius Malfoy had purchased Daisy with Black funds, and she was told to serve the House of Malfoy first, and then his mistress. Well, now, she was given permission to finally bond with a worthy witch.

And the master never said she had to keep that other awful witch's secrets away from kindly Mistress Narcissa. Nor master's secrets from her real Mistress.

Daisy pulled her ears a bit thinking those thoughts before popping away. But kindly mistress needing protection from bad master!

**OO**

What a breath of fresh air that elf was! She'd do well for Narcissa. Dobby was obviously insane.

Yes, that would be the story he'd tell. Of why he'd killed the elf. He had gone completely insane and tried to kill Harry Potter with a bludger.

That particular rumor that Severus shared before Lucius found out why he was summoned to the school, was just too funny not to share with Narcissa. A silver lining on a cloudy day.

**OO**

Dumbledore asked for the 'artifact' back, and Dobby gave the Headmaster the book. He didn't want to keep it!

The headmaster then levitated the ruined diary into a small metal box.

Dumbledore turned to Harry, "It seems that you have a new friend. You are dismissed to find your old ones."

"After I'm done there, I'll stop by to pick up my sword."

"Harry, my boy…"

But the Boy-who-Still-Lived-despite-a-Basilisk had turned off his hearing, and still hurting, stumbled away.

Finally! Harry finally got to join his friends in the infirmary, but was talking to Dobby the whole way there. In fact, without the elf's magic, the boy likely would have fallen more than once.

Dobby was finally free, and Harry hoped that with his help, he too might become free.

After being saved from another attempt at the green-lit death curse, Harry was incredibly impressed by Dobby.

Dobby had wanted to be a free elf for a long time. Well, Harry wanted to be a free human. Thinking of all of the gold in his vault had Harry do something incredibly smart. After getting a promise from Dobby that he wouldn't send rogue bludgers at him in order to save his life again, he hired him. The elf needed advice on what were 'good defense strategies'.

Using bludgers to help save his life? No, that hadn't been fun at all.

Watching Lucius Malfoy be knocked on his bum and slide further than a curling stone –without the curlers sweeping ahead of him– was going to be a great memory all of Harry's life. That was a great defense!

He just wanted to have many years to enjoy said memory.

Harry was hugged as Dobby accepted the job offer, only to receive many more hugs after joining his friends.

Mrs Weasley didn't actually crack ribs, but Harry was grateful to the matron who took over and saw to his health needs for a time rescuing him from any more of her life-threatening hugs.

**OO**

It was later, when things settled down, and he got to sit on his wonky stool next to Hermione that he told her everything that had happened down in the Chamber.

"So Fawkes, that's the Headmaster's phoenix, such a brilliant bird, shows up. I think to myself, 'Wonderful! Finally! Dumbledore has come to help,' But no. No! He sends his bird with the Hat! The bird drops the Sorting Hat on my head! Mental!

"Then, the Hat talks to me. And I realized later that no time passed while we spoke, that's how the sorting goes by quicker even if some take a really long time.

"So the Hat tells me that I am a true Gryffindor, and the castle wants me to have something. A gift. And then I feel a clunk, and I've got this huge sword land on my head! The castle gave me the sword of my ancestors! I'm lucky I don't have a concussion!

"I don't know how, Hermione, but when I was talking to the Hat, I learned how to use it. And I saw this burly, redheaded man, laughing, and raising it in defense of the school. He taught me how to use it.

"Wild, I know, but I swear it's the truth."

Harry went on to describe the fight, finishing up with that he had hired a recently freed house-elf, and he hoped that Dobby could help get her restored. There was still two months before school got out, so she could catch up.

He also complained about Dumbledore stealing his sword.

He kissed her cold cheek, and fell asleep propped on his arms at her side.

Dobby later floated him to a nearby bed, and tucked him in before getting some sleep himself. The Hogwarts elves were happy to provide accommodations to someone they were taking pity on for being 'given clothes.'

**OO**

Dumbledore was evading Harry's approach, so Harry approached the head table at breakfast to ask for the sword back. He was fairly polite for being so angry about it.

The man blinked and put on his confused face. "I'm sorry, my boy. We'll have to talk about this later. I don't understand."

When Harry started to explain, he was silenced by McGonagall, and Snape took House points.

Harry went back to the infirmary, a very unhappy, however many greats grandson of Godric.

But the armored knights near the infirmary all saluted him as he passed.

**OO**

Professor McGonagall found Harry in the infirmary during DADA and sent him to class.

"Give the substitutes a chance, Potter. No one disagreed with you in regards to Lockhart."

Surprised that it had taken this long for her to act, Harry reluctantly went. Only to be served tea. This was nice. Where was the cream, please?

"Cream? Cream? No! You must have pure tea in order to read the tea leaves…"

"Or pure rum would do. Smells like that's what she's been a drinkin'." Seamus commented, but the teacher ignored it. But the rest of the boys in red and gold laughed. None of the girls did though.

"Now, after you have sipped your tea, look upon your fate and prepare for your worst nightmare…"

Ron tossed his cup on the ground, "Spiders! It was a giant hairy spider!"

"Oh, dear boy! What is the best defense for a spider? Come, come, don't be shy." Trelawny leaned in, thick glasses and beaded shawls had identified her to some of the people, but if she ever stated her name, Harry hadn't heard it.

There was a great divide of who thought she was brilliant versus batty, but the Potter lad was undecided.

It was later on the way to the greenhouses that Harry noticed a large spider being driven further away from the school by a…was that Mr Weasley's car? Reactions to the sight was varied, but as a group, they ran to their destination that had a strong door.

Ron was reporting the incident, very quickly, to Professor Sprout who then used a patronus to summon Hagrid's help, forgetting he was in Azkaban, but by the time that Kettleburn arrived, the spider had been driven off.

Harry was definitely writing that down as part of the homework. He was tired of Snape substituting and giving him Trolls for copying off Hermione. Did he forget she was petrified?

Parvati pointed out that even though he mocked her, Ron must have had a bit of Sight since he did see the danger ahead. Lavender gossiped to anyone who would listen that Trelawny was the best DADA professor they had ever had!

Harry reflected that she was correct, and wasn't that a sad commentary on their school?

**OO**

Lucius put his foot in it again. It was a mistake to assign his mistress' elf to his wife without telling Mina first. Bad form, so very bad form.

Now, he had both witches mad at him again, and he still hadn't found that stupid blue velvet box! And Daisy had truthfully claimed she didn't know where the blasted thing was!

And Mina still didn't believe him that he couldn't buy another. In fact, he made things worse by saying he thought he'd left it at their place, and perhaps her brother had stolen it. Only she didn't have a brother - that was the other girl he'd been seeing before Mina. The one who'd disappeared, and Lucius didn't know where she had fled to or why. Or so he claimed.

That accusation had not mended things at all, and now she was having to make her own food and such like she used to do.

The woman had magic! What was the problem?

Witches!

**OO**

Despite knowing several different places that sold such things, Dobby was having no luck finding either the restorative potion or mature mandrakes. He pulled his ears in distress before Harry sent him to get himself something for a snack. The elf was far too thin.

It was as though all of the mature plants had been bought up suddenly. Dobby pulled his ears. Someone was taking advantage of the crop being destroyed! Poor Master Harry! No wonder he'd had no success yet!

**OO**

"And then hers would bes returning home acting proudly! As if shes be doing nothing wrongly!" Daisy's cheeks turned bright green in anger looking at the copy again of the picture she just had given Mistress.

House-elves, like goblins, had more copper in their blood than humans and so their skin had a natural greenish hue that got brighter. Instead of rosy cheeks in anger, she 'greened'.

"Oh no! This young wizard's 'accidental' magic was reported to her by someone. How awful!" Narcissa wondered who this slaughter could be reported to, quietly. She put the 'Valentine's' picture in a pocket to give Severus and ask his advice.

Narcissa patted the girl elf's hand. "It's okay to speak as normally as you can. As though you were watching a little one."

Elves had to use good diction around babies or they would sound like house-elves! And Daisy had been trained to be a nanny-elf. It went against her self-preservation to speak too well where a Lucius Malfoy resided, though she did relax. A bit.

"Being in charge of the floo was her job for the dark one, and she was very, very goodly at planning deaths. Daisy so much happier being here. Being with kindly witch."

Narcissa made another note, but could tell the elf needed a break. "You have been very helpful to me Daisy. So tell me, are there any elves that you like? Lucius is no longer allowed in the castle. In order to vote for his governor's seat, he wants me to attend in his place. There are many single elves at Hogwarts."

"Mistress Narcissa being kind to Daisy. But there is no need. Daisy has a mate in Dobby."

"Oh, my poor dear girl! I am so sorry for your loss!"

Now Daisy was confused, as Dobby was so very happy at the moment.

"Mistress Narcissa? Dobby happy. Your husband be freeing him, and Dobby very, very happy."

"He did, did he? He told me that he killed my friend Dobby. That truly is wonderful news, and I'm glad you shared that with me. I wonder what else he's lied to me about?"

"Daisy knows many things. Daisy no liking hims." Daisy pulled her ears, ready to punish herself for saying such a thing.

"Well, that makes two of us. Feel free to tell me anything about that. But I am Master here. You don't have to be hit by him. In fact, I order you to hide if he tries." the lady smiled conspiratorially.

Narcissa sombered,"As you well know, he is dangerous. I mean it Daisy, pop away if you feel threatened. Lucius nearly killed your mate just recently. I don't want him to hurt you."

Arcturus had gone the traditional route to allow Lucius to bond with Dobby first. But it was Black gold that bought Daisy, and she knew who she really belonged to even if she pretended for Dobby's sake. It was a mistake that Narcissa would not allow to be repeated if she could help it.

Daisy bowed low, and blinked tears from her eyes. This lady had been kindly to Dobby ever since she was little-little, he said. Like Mistress Andi, not evil Belladonnatrix as Dobby called her.

So Dobby was alive? Narcissa wanted to melt in relief. She would never try to call him there though. Just in case Lucius tried to take revenge. Dobby had to have tricked him. Good lad.

Narcissa was making friends with her new maid for far more than one reason. First, she wanted to deepen the bond, and second, she wanted dirt on Mina.

And Daisy was a treasure. She was worth getting to know just as a person.

**OO**

Friday, April 9th, Second Year Boy's Dorm

Harry threw down the letter from the latest supplier in disgust. Hedwig had just delivered this missive in their dorm room, smart bird.

That combined with the latest Granger message had him so very stressed.

Who was this business to determine who should brew for Hermione? All he needed was the stupid plant.

Potions Master Severus Snape? Yes, the man could brew anything, but had treated Harry like rubbish ever since he got there. Any and everything they would get was going to the Potions Master.

Fine. Fine. Dobby had suggested going to this man before this, and had prepared a satchel. Dobby hadn't been bullied by this man. Wait. Dobby had been a Malfoy elf. He likely had been bullied even worse than Harry had been.

He breathed in and out a few times like the book on occlumency stated.

Well, with Draco's sabotage of the greenhouses, Harry had a choice. It was this route, or kidnap Hermione and Penny and take them to France. And likely be sent to Azkaban if he did.

He was tired of trying to get Pomfrey, McGonagall or anyone else to do something!

Hermione was in great need here. Sighing, the boy straightened his spine, and grabbed the prepared satchel.

Taking a basilisk fang, and a small vial of venom as bribes, Harry determined to humble himself, and bow to the great potions man, just to revive his Hermione.

His Hermione? Where did that come from? He then realized, this wasn't a new feeling. He'd felt that way since recognizing how much Hermione meant to him. It was why he was still fighting to get her back.

Leaving their room with Ron playing a game of chess with Dean; with Seamus offering Dean hilarious but poor advice, Harry departed, descending to the bowels of the school.

Why? Why had there been a delay yet again in obtaining a new adult mandrake?

Harry himself had wished that there was one competent teacher that he could have turned to in dealing with the basilisk rather than trying to rely on the ponce.

How would the professor react to Harry's request?

Was it any worse than the Dursleys? Well, the Headmaster would have him returning there yet again. He was adamant on the subject.

Harry sighed again, and headed for the Potions Master's lair.

**OO**

Severus Snape detested children of all ages. Only as they aged and matured did he start to treat them like people.

He was reading the latest journal. They'd actually published one of his contributions this time. There was a review of one of his creations from last summer. A draught he had hoped would help the Longbottoms, and others tortured with the Cruciatus Curse.

Narcissa had been secretly funding him for years, the dear lady. Did she have something to do with this getting published? Likely so. She had many connections.

The tests were going well, and he was being talked about. She had even connected him to his grandfather. He didn't know that Lord Prince had tried to reach out to him. Stupid wards. He was now in touch, and wished he had learned about this man before his mother's death.

He had never kicked her out of the family. On the contrary, he had wanted to find her, and was delighted to be in correspondence now with his direct blood. He was using his personal elf Dittany to overcome whatever interference there was on mail.

Had Lord Prince used his contacts to get his research published? Someone clearly had.

A knock interrupted his musings. The man slid on his outside robes. "Who is disturbing me? You? Potter? What do you want?"

No one disturbed him during this hour!

"Mature mandrake, that is what I really want. And I would like to hire you to get it and brew the potion. You are the best Potions Master in Britain. Everyone says so. At least all that I've written to."

"Sir." The Potion Master insisted.

Now was not the time to get cheeky. Dressed in humble muggle clothes, Harry had forgotten to change into his robes that were getting too short in length at cuffs and hem, he bowed deeply.

"Sir. I'm sorry, Sir. I am trying to hire you, sir. If possible."

"Flaunting your wealth, Potter?"

"What? Um, it's technically mine, but I didn't earn it. But I brought you something that a friend said would be of more interest to you, sir. Call it a down payment?"

Harry sat down a basilisk fang, contained in a glass jar, and a small vial of venom, clearly marked and securely stoppered. Harry didn't ask how Dobby got it, but was just delivering it. Dobby wouldn't allow Harry near the defeated beast again.

"How would you get such illegal ingredients to trade! I knew you were nothing but a little toerag, but this? I should call the aurors!"

Harry paled, and grabbed his own arm, pulling up the sleeve on his threadbare jumper. "Look! I earned this stuff! I don't want to go to prison! I was told that basilisk parts are rare and hard to come by! I didn't know they were illegal! I killed it myself - and nearly died doing so." He frantically showed the professor the raw looking hole that was only just beginning to heal. "Haven't you heard? The beast that was roaming the hallways was Slytherin's monster. It petrified Hermione. She's going to be so angry that she's missed so many classes already."

Harry took a breath.

"I've tried to get a mature mandrake. The ones that we were growing for Herbology, Draco did a Dudley tantrum. Well, someone assigned him detention, but it's still another year before we get new plants. And I have asked everyone for help with no positive result. And that's insane. Sir."

Harry took another breath, and tried to center himself again.

"Please sir! You have the right documentation to order one! You have the right qualifications to brew the Restoration Draught. Please! I need your help! Hermione and Penny need your help!"

"And what of the others? Mr Weasley? Mr Creevy? And your fellow classmate Finch-Fletchley?" Snape demanded, watching the boy attempt to straighten the overlarge jumper. Severus suddenly noticed how ragged and stained the garment was and how thin the arm that it now covered.

"Of course I want them revived, but I didn't petrify them, so reviving the rest isn't my responsibility. If there's leftover for them from what you make for the witches to use for Finch-Fletchley and Colin? That would be brilliant."

"But Miss Granger and Miss Clearwater…" Snape prompted.

"They were trying to solve the mystery of the monster attacking. Percy too. And they did. Sir, I know you're going to think I'm crazy, but I don't think Percy is…just petrified. I do hope that I'm wrong. And Hermione?"

Harry didn't know how to explain this to someone who acted like he hated him.

"Hermione. She's…she's brilliant. And I miss…she is missing classes. Her parents are worried about her." Harry answered, flustered, and attempted to keep from blubbing like a baby in front of this cold, hard man. Not noticing that the man's next words weren't quite as harsh and cutting as usual.

"And how would they know anything? They're mere muggles." Snape queried. Well aware that the Owl wards had only recently been disengaged.

Harry looked away, realizing that he did go against school policy to get word to them. None of the other parents had been notified. Mr and Mrs Granger had been helping him attempt to buy the stupid needed plants!

And they appreciated the boy trying to help.

"While these are tempting items, do you feel that this is enough to brew a potion?" Snape's dark orbs tried to ignore Lily's eyes begging him for help. How had he not seen the patched clothes? The oversized and thin garments? The stained and ugly jumpers?

The boy usually disguised himself in school clothes, Severus thought; attempting to assuage his burgeoning guilt.

"There is a whole basilisk there. If it is indeed illegal for me to buy and sell the ingredients, then it is useless to me. But I was going to offer it all to you in trade."

Snape's eyes bulged. The child was clearly unaware of the value of what he was offering. He was also very aware that the beast was his. Someone had been helping him, but who? Certainly not Miss Granger!

"I will trade you this potion, and enough for the other students as well. Mr Creevy will likely have to redo the year, but with hard work, the others will catch up quickly. I will do this Potter. If Weasley is not petrified, this potion will not injure him further. I assure you of that. But we must have an agreement in writing."

"Fine by me." Harry stated, trying to hide his nervousness and relief at having finally succeeded in his quest. "But you will brew this just as soon as possible, won't you sir?"

"I will. And Five points to Gryffindor for supplying the means to revive all of the students." Severus stated silkily.

Harry read and signed the simple agreement. He doubted it would revive Percy, but hadn't had the courage to warn either of his parents. How did he really know? It was a feeling - something he got by just looking at him. Too cold? Something.

"Please use your signet ring to seal it." Snape requested in a low tone.

"Sig-net ring, sir?"

Seeing the bewildered look on the child's face, Severus attempted to clarify, "For the House of Potter?"

The man made his own Heir ring visible to show Potter.

Harry scanned the ring then the man's face, looking to see if he was pranking him now, after their unusual alliance. Harry could tell that the man was deadly serious.

"What were you learning previously; you know, the private lessons with Dumbledore?" Snape asked, completely baffled.

"I never had lessons with the Headmaster sir. I have visited his office. He's got a wonderful familiar. A phoenix! Fawkes is really brilliant, he saved my life…well. I never had lessons there. Sir. I just got to hear 'no' a lot. And be offered sweets. "

"So, you don't have your signet ring?"

"Me? No. Maybe my Aunt Petunia has it, sir. I can ask, maybe? On a day she's in a good mood?" Unconsciously rubbing his ear.

"Petunia? Petunia! Don't tell me that your relative raising you is Petunia Evans!"

"She got married, sir, a long time ago to Vernon Dursley. It's Petunia Dursley now."

"I thought Andromeda was your guardian! You're with the Dursleys? Do they have other children?"

"They have a son the size of a baby whale named Dudley. He's a lot like Draco in a way. And I've never met…who did you say? Not Cassiopeia…Andromeda? I've never met anyone named that."

Snape pinched his nose. "I have important brewing to do Potter. You are dismissed."

"Yes sir!" The door was closed before Snape could look up.

He was on the floo to 'Cissa before the boy had left the dungeons to quickly discuss this latest development. Potter had been buying plants left and right and someone had been blocking their delivery. Thanks to his connections, they would make it to the school now.

At last! A cure would soon be brewing at last! Dumbledore had refused to allow him to act. The carcass of a basilisk was motive enough. But there was something more.

He felt it was Lily herself asking him to act on behalf of the muggleborns involved. Since the danger of the monster was now passed, Severus would act. For her sake.

He may have moved on, and learned to love again, but she would always be his friend, his first friend. Always.

**OO**

Friday, April 9th, Hogwarts

Harry ran all the way back to the infirmary.

He had a feeling that Professor Snape would wind up with all of the mature but undelivered plants that Harry had purchased since Hermione was attacked. And he was fine with it. He didn't want the money back - just Hermione.

Hopefully the Chief Snake could use the basilisk bits. Oh! He forgot to tell him where the giant snake was.

He'd write it down in a letter.

**OO**

When Harry arrived at the infirmary, he took his usual seat next to Hermione's bed, but instead of an uncomfortable seat, he now had an old comfy armchair that Dobby had fixed up for him there, complete with red and gold blanket, and took Hermione's hand in his.

"Dobby! You are the best!" Harry stated aloud, knowing the elf would hear somehow.

Her hand was still too cold, too stiff, but now in visiting her, he wasn't aware of being cold and uncomfortable himself. Dobby had removed the rickety three legged stool and replaced it with this wonderful seat.

Harry whispered in her ear, some of what he was thinking. Her mother was most upset with Hogwarts, and Harry somehow knew that Hermione would not be coming back.

"But if that comes to pass, my friend, you will not be alone. I have a new friend now who can take me anywhere, even pose as an adult if he needs to. You and I will be together, and I won't have to live with the Dursleys anymore. I do have to go back there this summer for a bit, but your mum has already offered me to come with you for part of the holiday. It's going to be wonderful!"

Hedwig gave him a look, so he petted her and looked around.

The owl made him realize his voice was rising but he was not saying anything bad, so spoke to both Penny and Hermione for the next bit. Dobby had transfigured the upper part of the arm of the chair to be the perfect perch for Hedwig so she was right there for pets, and could enjoy the conversation too.

"I finally arranged for the potion for you. We have so much work to catch up on for the start of the next school year. I'm signing up for Enchanting, Runes and Arithmancy as they are part of warding. Something that my mother was supposed to be good at in addition to charms.

"Would you like me to read to you the beginning of the Enchanting book? I think you'll like the premise. No, you'll want to see the diagrams too. Here, let's get started with this one. Dobby bought us some more books. It's a mystery, romance, thriller…this should be fun. Ready for a new story, Penny?"

Harry tried to remember to include the Ravenclaw prefect, but his focus was usually on Hermione, even though he read loud enough for all around to hear him. Well, if they could.

Harry settled back in his chair, one hand still holding hers, the book propped against his upraised knee. "There was a mess in the conservatory, and Mrs White was most upset. How dare someone do that when guests were expected shortly! The plump housekeeper didn't know that she was about to become the prime suspect of a murder most foul…"

**OO**

On the other side of the curtain, Severus listened to a Potter boy reading to a muggleborn girl with nothing but tenderness and love in his voice. He had come in when the child was discussing the electives he wanted.

How had Snape been so blind?

James Potter, at age twelve, would never have had the patience to endure reading to a sick friend, given up his free time; preferring to fly or play quidditch. Nor would he have sacrificed a fortune to provide a potion to end their trials.

Planning to take the three hardest electives? And clearly planning out how to study and succeed? The boy was obviously talented in potions, even with Slytherins trying to sabotage and Gryffindors trying to distract. And his prep work spoke of a childhood that included using all of the tools to mince, dice, peel and chop.

Draco Malfoy had been forced to learn some things at home, but only in the last summer before school started. Lucius loved to brag about how much whinging he'd had to endure.

Severus' godson had eschewed all early attempts at potions instructions, and his father never forced him to learn proper prep techniques despite Narcissa wanting the boy to try.

Harry Potter was clearly Lily's son. And unlike James, was pursuing the witch worthy of adoration rather than chasing the unworthy before maturing.

If he had stepped in just a few minutes earlier, he would have panicked. As it was, he did hear enough to know the boy's plans of spending part of his holiday with the girl. Where did they live? London?

Severus laughed at the thought of a group of Death Eaters, Lucius in the lead, trying to find a muggle home.

Then his thoughts went to the man succeeding at such a thing. Harry and Hermione playing in the back garden and Death Eaters interrupting their picnic? No, no. no.

No, Harry Potter needed to stay under wards, but perhaps a letter suggesting some security measures available to the muggles wouldn't go amiss.

Miss Granger was far too brilliant to be snuffed out like a candle, her flame and brilliance lost due to the likes of prejudiced imbeciles.

Gathering the information that he needed from the matron - quietly - the potions master returned to the brew he had already started. By breakfast tomorrow, the girl, and the others, would finally have the restorative draught ready to give them.

And Dumbledore could sack him if he didn't like it.

**OO**

That night, Harry waited until the very last moment, and was popped into his room just before curfew. Dobby was the best!

Going back to the Dursleys was in Harry's future when term ended. Arthur Weasley had tried to argue with the Headmaster that Harry was safer there in the Burrow than he was with the muggles.

Dumbledore had dared call the man prejudiced! Mr Weasley worked with muggles all the time! And Harry had felt responsible that his car was wrecked! If anyone had a reason to not want Harry in his home, it was Mr Weasley!

Well, he and Ron had done that together. Dobby actually felt a bit guilty about that, and promised to help Harry relocate a muggle vehicle that he knew about. A perfect gift that could then be fixed up for the father of his best mate.

Dobby shared there was a fancy automobile that had been abandoned after a malfunction on Malfoy lands. The muggle repelling wards meant the driver never found it again, and the Malfoys themselves had never noticed it.

Dobby had it snapped to the Burrow where Mr Weasley could putter with it.

Harry declared that idea, "Brilliant!"

Dobby, who was not a young elf, had a suggestion for how Harry could live within the wards of the Dursleys without living with the 'scary muggles'. Even Dobby didn't like them - and he used to belong to the Malfoys!

Dobby set off to Gringotts again with Harry's vault key and a letter authorizing him to use it. There had been no issues the first time Dobby got money out for him but Harry was taking no chances of letting his friend get into trouble with the goblins.

There was plenty of time before school ended, but Dobby wanted to use that time to scout out the best deals on what he wanted for his new master, no. Friend.

Harry wrote to the Grangers with news of how he had finally been able to arrange for the restorative draught to be brewed. The Grangers had returned from their practice abroad to tend to Hermione's great-grandfather who was in the hospital in London. They were most anxious to have her visit just as soon as possible, and the few letters the last month showed that increasing anxiety.

**OO**

Saturday, April 10th, Infirmary

Harry went by the infirmary for breakfast as usual, but the morning changed the minute he stepped in. He could hear chattering coming from behind some of the curtains of the people petrified!

Percy Weasley looked up and quickly went over to Harry. "It was you. It had to be. Father couldn't, no one else could have. Bless you, Potter!"

Harry didn't know what to say, "Percy? You, um. I don't know if you have noticed yet. When did you 'get up'."

"When Snape gave me the cure a moment ago, of course! I've been trapped! Without you visiting, and the radio, and everything always busy here, I would have gone mad."

Percy was looking somewhat much like he normally did in terms of being a handsome, tall boy. Instead of a Prefect badge on his uniform, it was the Head Boy badge. But he was…paler than normal. A lot paler.

Hearing his voice, Penny ran out,"Percy! Percy! What's happened to you? You're, you're…"

"I know! I'm back! Wasn't it great of Potter to help us?"

"But Perce, I can see through you. You're a ghost." Penny cried.

"What? I'm not dead! I was just revived…" Percy stated, going over to comfort his clearly confused and distraught girlfriend. Instead of a warm embrace, Penny got an icy bath.

The Friar came in just then looking much more somber than was his normal mien.

Percy's eyes widened, "Wow! I've never noticed the texture of your robes before, or the deep brown. You have blue eyes!"

"My son, you need to come with me for a time, and talk about what the Father has planned for you. Since others can see you, you may say goodbye. I cannot guarantee that you will return. You have an appointment with the Office."

Percy then noticed the area he'd come from. His stiff and cold body was still laying there. The matron came in just then, and nodded sadly.

"I was worried about that. I'm so sorry, my dear boy. I would have helped you if I could. It looks like the potion at least released you early. I'll make a note of it." She pulled Harry's arm. "Let's give him a minute with Miss Clearwater. Friar? If you please? Could you help me break the news to his parents?"

"Of course, my dear."

Harry felt so guilty, "Percy, for what it's worth, I'll use everything I own to help make sure that Penny is taken care of. Schooling, food, clothes. I know that you were going to marry…"

Penny's soft weeping grew louder.

"Come Potter." the matron asked.

Harry looked at Percy sadly. It was about to get much, much worse.

And because of how Harry was raised, he felt that everything was all his fault.

**OO**

Severus Snape saw the Head Boy badge and knew the castle had given it to the lad as he would have earned it next year. Would the ghost return?

Penny Clearwater was an adequate brewer, but had stopped taking lessons after OWLs. It was Charms that was her passion.

Flitwick came in after receiving Severus' patronus.

"The last two years of school have seen more deadly situations than the last five decades. And sadly, we have had a student death in the castle." The potions master informed him.

Filius frowned, "Miss Clearwater? I thought she was…"

Snape shook his head slightly, "Mr Percy Weasley, her fiancée."

The half-goblin sighed, "Oh dear. I see why you called me. I will keep her busy…"

"Do you know of the best Charms mastery program? Anywhere in the world. I have recently been accepted into the Prince family." Severus asked.

Filius nodded, "Most kind of you. Yes. Getting away from here is a very good idea. Her parents will mock her for this, they are not supportive of her pursuing magic…she was planning on working with me at Gringotts this summer to tell you the truth. She just needs to decide where. I know some people I could talk to. I don't know. I don't talk to him much but my son…well, let me talk to people first."

"Thank you."

"Why would you help her?" Flitwick was most suspicious.

Severus sighed, "I say this in confidence."

The half-goblin nodded.

The potions master continued, "I know what it is to love and lose someone. And Miss Clearwater is a brilliant muggleborn."

Filius concluded, "Ah. You would help her in honor of Lily."

"In a word, yes. But don't be surprised if I marry, not this coming summer, but the next one. Only seven more weeks and we will be free for the holiday."

"Anyone I know?" Flitwick asked.

Severus' dark orbs sparkled for just a moment. "She is unhappily married, and he is terminally ill. I'll wait to court her after a decent amount of time. Give her her year and a day mourning. Your discretion is appreciated."

"Severus, my son is also a Charms Professor. It's a family talent. He teaches at a very, very good school. But it is abroad." Flitwick sighed. And if rumors were true, he'd never take her as an apprentice. But Filius had a duty to try.

Professor Flitwick, the younger, had started to display unkind feelings about humans. If he did accept Penny as an apprentice, would it turn him around? Perhaps. The girl was brilliant. And kind.

"Whether she goes there, here or anywhere, I will sponsor her Mastery. You have my word." Severus offered.

Flitwick nodded.

The calming draught was clearly wearing off and Penny was inconsolable.

"Penny, I love you!" Percy stated. "This is not goodbye, but farewell until we meet again."

"I love you too! So much! Oh, oh, Percy!"

Muffled crying was also coming from where Percy lay, as his parents were told the awful truth of his condition. The Friar floated out and spoke with Flitwick for a moment.

The ghost priest bowed his head to the crying witch, and escorted Percy upwards in a flash.

As Penny left the infirmary, supported by a pensive Charms professor, Flitwick was trying to puzzle something out.

Who was married that Severus would know, and know her husband was ill? Likely one of those old family connection things.

**OO**

Severus returned to the dungeon. All of the restorees, even Percy, had thanked him. A novel thing.

Snape descended the stairs, finally showing his fury in taking points left and right from anyone not in green and silver.

Malfoy had gone too far! Severus had tried cajoling, even a bit of warning. But a wizard had died. A pureblood wizard had died!

Percy Weasley shared common grandparents with Narcissa. Black blood. She would have to be out of the house, and kept completely ignorant of the circumstances.

Then he smirked. Oh yes.

Using an elf sworn to secrecy, he had her place an empty vial that once had basilisk venom in a certain mistress' flat, and made sure that the vial would stay invisible to the woman.

It would be visible only for the aurors. Something for them to find at the opportune moment. She'd helped kill Marlene McKinnon's family and others, he knew it of his own knowledge and told Dumbledore years before.

"But she has a young child to raise. One that will attend Hogwarts. We have to see the greater picture here, my boy."

Severus was looking at the greater picture. He got to his desk. A photo of a family that had a six-year-old wizard who would never attend school. He and his family all dead at the last 'party' Lucius had held with his mistress. The muggle papers called it a Valentine's Day massacre and had much evidence but no leads.

Severus cut a lock of his hair, put it with the picture, and wrote out Percy Weasley in a neat hand.

"By my vows, I will prevent more innocent deaths, even if it should cost me my own life."

Lucius Malfoy's days were numbered, and counting down.

**OO**

A recording of a memory was used by the potions master to gain passage to reconnoiter the now found Salazar's secret dungeon. The dour man wanted to plan on the best way to retrieve his bounty. Severus nearly had a heart attack coming into the Chamber.

This monstrous beast had been roaming the halls, unnoticed? How? How?

The basilisk killed couldn't have been one raised by Hagrid or even his former master, Tom Riddle. They were students only fifty years ago. This serpent was huge! Unlike natural snakes, magical or otherwise, basilisks would continue to slowly grow over the years. Or in this case, centuries. Salazar's monster itself. And the Potter lad apparently killed it with a sword.

Severus could confirm the wound that had pierced the creature's skull; presumably from the inside, upwards, through the roof of the mouth.

He was grateful that the brave but reckless child was safe. How did he survive?

And Severus thought the boy had been boasting when demanding the sword back. He had claimed once when the lad didn't know he was there in the office, that Godric taught him how to use the sword.

Seeing the obvious signs of a great battle had Severus repentant of his former reactions to the Potter heir. Gryffndor's heir. But Severus had a busy summer ahead of him. Busy and profitable, rendering the beast.

Maybe, just maybe, Snape could figure out a way of getting away from Hogwarts once and for all with this largesse. He couldn't sell any of this, well, not and stay out of Azkaban. But there were many, many old potions that used bits of it that were never banned. A loophole he intended to exploit, likely for a long, long time.

But he would also plan on a little chat with Petunia, and make sure that she knew to mend her ways. And buy the boy some new clothes! As a start.

Yes. She clearly wasn't spending money on him. It was the least he could do for Lily's boy.

Taking out empty vials and his dragonhide gloves, he prepared to take some samples, since he was here. He called for Dittany to bring him some phoenix tears. He would endeavor to be careful, but accidents did happen, and he really didn't want to die poisoned and alone, thinking of lost opportunities for love.

**OO**

Back up in the infirmary, while the Weasleys were dealing with this unimaginable blow, Harry was waiting in anticipation. He was sure that she was alive, but what if she too, she just had to be…He needed her!

There were two healers from Saint Mungo's there. Was she? Oh…

Hermione was next.

"You're awake!" Harry rushed to her, as she rushed to him. They crashed together, nearly landing on the floor.

"You did it!" Hermione gushed. "Thank you! I think I would have gone mad in another month."

Colin Creevy was revived just after Hermione. A male healer from Saint Mungo's was talking in tones too low to hear, but it was likely on the subject of 'settle down'.

"Settle down? Settle down? There's a giant snake after me, and I've been a frozen, non-moving target, and you lot are all, 'he'll be fine!' I'm not fine! I was awake, aware, and going bonkers! If it hadn't been for Harry Potter's frequent visits and reading stories, and leaving the radio on, I'd have gone insane! I think I did anyways! Despite trying that occlumency stuff. Quit that!"

There was the sound of a slap, and the scolding of the man telling him to hold still. Colin's shouting was replaced by screams and loud crying when he'd heard that it was April already and he'd have to repeat the year.

"Nooooo! My parents can't afford that! And there's three of us, all magical. No!"

Feeling sorry for Colin, Harry wanted to help, but realized that in hiring Snape, he had done what he could. Hermione was hugging him again, and it was wonderful!

"Oh Harry! Everything Colin said is true and more. Do you know that our brains don't sleep when we do? The mind continues thinking all sorts of things, sorting and compiling.

"I couldn't read or ask questions or anything. I would have gone completely bonkers like Colin said if you'd not helped me, Harry! The occlumency lessons were so essential. You are just so wonderful! Reading to me! And the subjects you chose. You're amazing! And I could tell that you were learning too. Thank you for reading out assignments, and telling me your thoughts for essays. I really do think I'm only going to be behind on spells for Charms and Transfiguration. Who's teaching DADA now?"

Harry was very aware that Hermione was embarrassed about her crush, as her 'hero' had been proven to have more than just clay feet. He was a straw man, all the way through!

"The professors are taking turns. Snape wasn't too bad, but you should have seen Trelawny, swaying like there was a gale in there, talking about using tea leaves to predict trouble and just avoid it. It was hysterical, and certainly made her a few devotees in Lavender and Parvati. Ron was brilliant."

Hermione laughed: She could so see that.

"Maybe now that the Board doesn't have to hide the fact that there is, was a monster roaming around the school, they can hire a real replacement." Harry stated.

Hermione looked at him askance, "You think they are going to spend extra money when they have people like Trelawny to fill in? Please!"

Apparently being petrified and having those in charge seemingly happy to let her be so for more than eighteen months had given Hermione some perspective. Well, she just had weeks to think about anything and everything. And Dumbledore was trying to be responsible and had checked in on the petrified students, telling them they were fine and just needed a draught.

Did he realize that by saying that they just had to be patient that he was showing that he also thought they were aware of the circumstances? Harry thought he likely did, and had planned to let it be his voice they looked forward to hearing.

More than once, Dumbledore had tried to get Harry displaced out of the infirmary, but the boy refused to attend detentions during the time he was 'tutoring' Hermione. People had let it go after a time.

Harry nodded. The Board of Governors was quite happy to allow the muggleborns to wait for help. Did they know that Percy was beyond help? Maybe so. Well, Lucius Malfoy was suspended from the Malfoy seat, so either his wife would take over, or another relative. Joy.

**OO**

Ginny was inconsolable, though she had tried to attack both Hermione and Penny, blaming them for Percy's death.

"If he hadn't gone with you that night, he wouldn't have been hurt! He's a pureblood! He was never supposed to be hurt!"

That got Harry's negative attention.

"Are you saying that Hermione was? Supposed to be hurt I mean?" The Potter lad demanded harshly.

"Harry!" Ginny was shocked at his anger towards her.

Harry's new mind skills were phenomenal. Green eyes met brown as he performed accidental legilimency.

He saw the whole thing; her memory; she slipped out of the common room when Hermione and Penny were talking, and planned to kill them both! Not Tom in control, no. This was an angry and jealous Ginny behind the attack.

Dumbledore made a mistake of trying to visit before the Weasleys had left. He walked in to hear a stunning accusation.

"You did this! You're the real reason that Percy is dead, and Penny and Hermione were petrified! Admit it!" Harry demanded.

Ginny was looking pale. She knew the truth but didn't want to say anything. Couldn't Harry see that she had lost her brother! And for what? For what?

Harry turned to the elderly wizard, "Headmaster! Ginny wanted Hermione and Penny dead, and tried to use the basilisk to arrange it so! We need to call the aurors!"

Hermione just stared at the girl, but it was a crying Molly who shouted.

"No! That can't possibly be true! Ginny didn't do this on her own. Of course you-know-who would target them. He's the one who killed my boy. Oh, my brilliant Percy!"

"He'll be awarded special services to the school and Head Boy…" Albus started to offer.

But it was Arthur who answered him back, just like he did back at the bookstore with Malfoy. At least Albus wouldn't have far to go for treatment.

As the matron fixed Albus' broken nose, Harry cast 'Episkey' on Mr Weasley's knuckles.

He'd wanted to use that spell for some time, and now was as good as any to try. The Potter lad picked up a bit of healing, spending so much time in the infirmary as he did.

"A basilisk was roaming this school, and you supposedly didn't know? We took your word for our son's good health over several others. Good day, Headmaster. We'll be applying to the Ministry about Ginny's ongoing mental health needs. And don't try to say anything against it."

"Now, now, Arthur! I feel horrible about what happened to young Ginevra! There's no need to apply to the Ministry. I'll pay for her healing myself. Let me call my elf for a Gringotts draft. I am so, so sorry. More than I can say."

Molly was trying to get Arthur to calm down and apologize for punching the headmaster like a muggle. Ginny was just glaring at Harry and Hermione, Harry was eyeing the floo, thinking about calling the aurors on his own when Hermione burst into tears.

Molly put her arm around her daughter, "Arthur, I'm taking Ginny home for a time to see about treatment. Good day, Headmaster."

And with that, the Weasley witches left.

One of her housemates had tried to kill her! And it was Ron's sister! And now Percy was dead. Had the girl really killed her own brother? How awful! She wasn't safe here! Trolls, basilisks, and they had what? Divination teachers teaching their defense class for help?

"I want to go home now. I want to go home right now, and see my parents." Hermione cried.

Harry put his arm around his distraught friend, patting her back awkwardly.

The headmaster looked up from his conversation with the Weasley parents, working out details.

"Alas my dear. You are from a muggle home. If you leave Hogwarts, I would have the sad duty to bind your magic, and snap your wand. It is the law of the land."

Harry's magic flared, and suddenly Hermione was behind him, and Harry between them. "You take one step to do such a thing, and you'll regret it. Are you saying that Hogwarts is the only school? That people can't go to another one?"

"My boy! Why would you ask that?" Albus put on his 'injured' face.

"Gee, sir. I wonder." Harry refused to play this game anymore.

Arthur turned to the matron. "Keep Percy's body in stasis for now. I am going to go talk to the Unspeakables. I don't want to give Molly false hope, but this was not a normal death."

"And Myrtle Warren's body was buried within a day due to the girl's religion. Oh dear!" the matron worried that her boss back then made a fatal error. What if the girl could have been saved?

"Let's go visit Penny, Hermione. Excuse us please. Mr Weasley. I know you said it isn't my fault, but if I had just gone that night…"

"Then you'd be dead, Ginny would be dead, Ron would be dead, and you-know-who would be back. My son is a Gryffindor. If by his death, he prevented the Dark one returning? He'd be proud."

Harry was quite shocked by that pronouncement, and realized that Mr Weasley was right!

He and Hermione went to Ravenclaw tower to comfort Penny as best as they could.

**OO**

Harry had a busy summer planned ahead of him. Busy and hopefully, this year, he would finally find a way to get away from the chaos and madness of Voldemort. Tom Marvolo Riddle. Would the essence of the being that he encountered last year remember that Harry killed him again this year?

Would it really make any difference in how much the being wanted Harry dead? Not likely.

Maybe, just maybe, Harry could figure out a way of getting away from Hogwarts once and for all. Dumbledore called Hogwarts the safest place in Britain. Well, if that was true, then he needed to make sure that he, Hermione, Penny, and anyone else he could think of to ask along, needed to leave, not just the school!

No, Harry needed to get away from here long enough to gain enough abilities to actually fight back. Knowledge.

He couldn't rely on tea leaves and luck. He needed to live, learn, and prepare.

**OO**

The Office was a busy one, and there were several people waiting. They all stood and clapped when Percy came in.

"Saved a school full of children? Oh, bless ye lad. Good death."

Everyone shook his hand, and he was seen next, even though others had been waiting longer. They insisted.

**OO**

The interview was timeless, and Percy would later only remember the details as he needed them.

But Percy, who would now serve as Head Boy at Hogwarts in conjunction with any breathing Head Boy, and he and the Friar returned to Hogwarts that night.

Percy had a job to do.

**OO**

Dumbledore seemed angry that Hermione and the others were revived. Odd that. He was still not giving Harry his sword.

And Snape was already being hailed as a hero for reviving the students.

Harry was happy with that. And since he had given him the basilisk, the man completely ignored him in potions; no longer taunting him.

And he really wasn't half bad at teaching defense. At least he was teaching them real spells!

**OO**

The Grangers had sent many letters over the last several weeks. They were still in Britain, not just for Hermione's sake, but for the sake of Dan's grandfather who was sick and in the hospital. His survival was measured in weeks, not months.

This had delayed their return to Cairo.

Now, they were trying to get permission for Hermione to visit the man before he passed away. So far, no luck. The Headmaster hadn't even bothered to reply to their letters.

Hedwig was giving no clues how she managed to get the initial letters to the Grangers. Clever owl!

Well, if she could figure out how to get letters out despite the wards then surely Harry could come up with a way to sneak Hermione out of the castle.

His one suggestion to Hermione in front of the Gryffindor team, was to have them fly her to Hogsmeade. Something that the chasers all shouted approval of, and something that made Hermione paler than she already was.

She couldn't say no fast enough.

Neville had suggested using the Antechamber floo that he and his gran had taken to Diagon Alley.

When they tried, it didn't work and a ghost came up to take points. It was clearly being monitored. They returned to the common room to try and come up with another plan.

But the twins had been part of that discussion, and waited. They took Harry aside. They were still a bit somber, but Percy's death wasn't real to them. Not yet.

"For a fee…"

"A small, reasonable fee that is…"

"We can escort your lady to a floo and get her safely to the Leaky."

Harry didn't like playing ping-pong with the twins and was glad they'd finished. With Dobby's help, arrangements were made for a Sunday morning escape. Many students slept in, and Harry and Hermione often studied alone. Hermione would spend the day with her grandfather.

The twins were so excited to help that Dobby only offered to help her 'sneak back'. He wouldn't take away their plot for getting her out of the castle for anything! Harry hadn't asked Dobby for help, and Dobby, still recovering from years of trying to be as invisible as possible, hadn't offered.

Besides, Harry had a plan for a distraction. It was an argument that had been brewing for a while now.

All he needed was a bit of timing.

**OO**

"Potter? A quick word." McGonagall called Harry over to her in the common room. She scanned the room, not seeing the first year in question and that she'd gone home, not that Dumbledore had told her that yet. She'd be back in the morning for breakfast.

"Yes, professor."

"I'm told that you blame Miss Weasley for trying to kill Miss Clearwater and Miss Granger."

"She as much as admitted so. She snuck out of the House shortly before they were attacked. Of course she claims that it was Riddle's fault. But the Headmaster refused to listen…"

"I realize that you're upset about the situation, and it's been a difficult year. But please drop it. Oh, and I'm to give you this, and tell you to stop asking for the sword. I am proud that you found it, Potter. But if you found someone's lost locket or ring, you wouldn't keep that, now would ya?"

"The Sorting Hat said that I was a true Gryffindor ma'am, which allowed me to have the sword of Gryffindor. It didn't say borrow. I certainly didn't trip across it."

"Potter? Are you claiming the Sorting Hat gave you a founder's relic?"

"Gave it to me, and Godric taught me how to use it. Yep. It's true."

Her scowl was too practiced, and Harry wondered not for the first time if he was being punished; not for his own deeds, but his father's.

Older students were coming in and Wood nodded at him thinking McGonagall was done.

"We're meeting tomorrow for practice, Potter. Five-thirty."

"Wood? That's awfully close to dinner." McGonagall complained.

Finally! Maybe she would stop the insanity.

"I meant morning, ma'am." Oliver advised.

"On a Sunday? Captain, please? Give us a break." Angelina spoke up now as she came in.

McGonagall stared at him over her spectacles. Fine, fine.

Oliver relented, "You're right. You usually get a lie in on Sunday. How about 8:30?"

Glares all around.

Wood looked to McGonagall for backup, but she thought practicing in the dark was too dangerous. "Before sunrise or after sunset? No. No sooner than nine in the morning please."

"You heard her, team. Nine, and we fly." Oliver shouted to moans of the rest of the team.

"That's fine, just fine. Off you go, all of you. And Potter? Stop the ridiculous claims!"

Harry knew that she was just being the Headmaster's mouthpiece, but it still hurt. And that was still early for a Sunday!

He'd only played quidditch initially as he thought his choices were that or go back to the Dursleys. It was time to train a new Seeker.

**OO**

Harry explained his plan for distracting everyone, and Hermione laughed. She fingered the lovely Valentine's present that she wore everyday; a gift of love.

"My parents are going to ask about this." She opined with a saucy tilt of her head.

"What? Isn't your boyfriend allowed to buy you a good knockoff for Valentine's Day?"

Harry had made it clear that the diamond and pearl necklace was just a good fake – with magic, such was possible. He didn't know it was very real!

Hermione squealed at that, "Oh yes! Being your girlfriend is a wonderful excuse."

"You mean it? You'll be my girlfriend?"

"I was hoping you would ask me. Yes. So very, yes."

The couple shared their first sweet kiss. Very short, very gentle but full of meaning to each of them.

Having a plan for her escape, they spent the rest of that Saturday together helping her get caught up on a mountain of work.

Due to his visits and sharing what he was learning in class, she was getting through the assignments very fast indeed.

Unnoticed by either of the new couple was their hands. Their hands were constantly touching. Harry to reassure himself that she was warm, and alive and here. Hermione to reassure herself that she was no longer in stasis, but could feel and move and react to the voice coming from her friend.

Her now boyfriend!

**OO**

A/N: Story recommended: Your story recommendation here - thanks to csheila for giving us not one but two!

A/N: From our friend csheila: Story recommended: Harry Potter and the Unwanted Ticket by Red Phoenix. 1/Harry-Potter-and-the-Unwanted-Ticket
A twist at the end of Harry's first trip to Diagon Alley with Hagrid. As they approach the Leaky Cauldron to leave Diagon Alley, Hagrid decides to present Harry with his gold ticket to the Hogwarts Express, while Harry was really expecting to go directly to Hogwarts with Hagrid now. Harry asks a different question. And that changes everything. HHr NLLL Rated T for Characters deaths.

A/N & B/N: Kind reviews are appreciated. All trolls will be banished from Hogwarts and sent to Gringotts for security training as they are not useful in the least as they are.