A/N Nothing really to say up here today. Maybe next time.

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Daniel Miller was bored.

It wasn't that he hated his job, quite the contrary in fact. Of course, being a squib doesn't exactly get one inundated with job offers, and working with muggle equipment for the ministry of magic did involve a certain amount of prestige. Anytime muggle affairs needed something done with a computer, they came to Daniel, and he had to admit he liked that. He had long ago accepted the fact he would never be promoted higher than he was, and that was ok; but it didn't help on bloody boring days like this.

Mechanically, he checked his inbox for anything that needed doing, and was surprised to find an alert message. He did a quick lookup for the file that the message referred to, and stared in shock at the name that came up.

Harry Potter

No longer bored, Miller sent an owl to his supervisor in muggle affairs and began to process the alert.

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Hogwarts Staff Room, Hogwarts

"SILENCE!"

Albus Dumbledore's voice cut through the chaotic chattering like a knife as his fellow professors immediately took their seats looking abashed.

"Now, I know that we are all quite befuddled," Dumbledore continued, "but before we jump to conclusions, let us examine what we know." He flicked his wand and conjured a comfy recliner before sitting down and continuing. "Now, as near as anyone can tell, Ginny Weasley was captured earlier by the heir of Slytherin and taken into the Chamber of Secrets. Minerva contacted me as soon as she could, however it was doubtful that I would be able to arrive in time to render any assistance. I, of course, came as soon as I could and had just been filled in by Minerva when Mr. Filch reported a major disturbance in the area of the second floor girl's bathroom. Upon hearing this, I sent out messenger charms to professors Snape and Flitwick telling them to meet me in the hallway. When we arrived, the entire wall containing the bathroom entrance lay in shambles, and we could hear a violent struggle taking place within."

"But Albus," broke in Professor Sprout, "Who could possibly-"

"My dear, if you could give me but a moment, I shall do my best to answer the rest of your questions," said Dumbledore politely before resuming his tale. "As I was saying, we could hear a struggle, but could not see inside. The other professors and I began blasting at the rubble in order to get through. As we began, the sounds coming from inside abruptly ceased. Fearing that we were already too late, we redoubled our efforts and finally forced our way into the bathroom to find a rather large dead basilisk and one petrified ghost by the name of Myrtle. The bathroom itself was nearly completely demolished, however we were also able to locate what appears to be a tunnel leading into the bowels of Hogwarts from the vicinity of the bathroom sink. I can only surmise that the basilisk was indeed the monster from the chamber of secrets, and that the tunnel was the entrance to that hidden chamber."

Dumbledore paused to take in the shocked faces of his fellow professors before he dropped his last bombshell.

"Indeed, I was surprised as most of you are now. I was even more surprised when I received a summons from Madame Pomfrey requesting my presence in the hospital wing. When I arrived, Miss Weasley was already being attended to by Madame Pomfrey, as was Miss Rowena Thomas. Judging by the injuries they sustained, it would appear that it was the two of them who fought and killed the basilisk, after which they were transported by Fawkes to the hospital, startling Madame Pomfrey quite a bit in the process." He chuckled at the mental image before spreading his hands to the room. "Now, I shall do my best to answer questions, but be warned, many of the answers are still beyond my grasp and will remain so until our young heroines have awakened."

"How in the world could two first year girl's defeat such a monster!" Professor Sprout shouted at once. "And who was the heir of Slytherin? Was it a student?"

"I must admit to being rather curious about the actual battle myself," replied Dumbledore, twinkling. "The basilisk's eyes had been ripped out and something had pierced through the back of its head, killing it. It also had several other injuries that appeared to be from falling debris. As to how they did it, however, we shall simply have to wait and ask them. As for the heir of Slytherin, I have a suspicion, but it is only that. I fear that, too, will have to wait."

"How is it that Fawkes went to their aid, headmaster?" Asked a very confused professor Sinistra. "If you did not send him, why did he go?"

Again Dumbledore chuckled. "I'm afraid that my phoenix friend is rather impulsive. It is a somewhat common trait among phoenixes, being immortal they tend to act what we would consider quite rashly. I can only guess that Fawkes, being tied to me and thus to the school, sensed that a student desperately needed his help. Beyond that, I know not."

"If I could hazard a guess, headmaster," cut in Snape silkily. "The markings around the beast's eyes looked rather like scratches made by a bird's talons. It could have been the phoenix that blinded the monster, thus enabling one of the young women to somehow dispatch it."

"A keen observation, Severus," said Dumbledore with a smile. "Whoever it was that called Fawkes to the rescue, we can be assured that they had only the purest of intentions, as he would not have gone otherwise." Dumbledore looked at his fellow professors and was greeted by a mix of confusion and astonishment. "I believe it would be best for us to adjourn until we have a change to talk with Miss Weasley and Miss Thomas." He said, rising slowly to his feet. "Until then, I suggest that each of the heads of house apprise their students of recent events. Inform them that all end of term exams are to be cancelled; that should get you a warm welcome."

With that, the professors filed out of the staff room to continue their duties around the school. When everyone had gone, Dumbledore carefully took out two pieces of a small diary and turned them over in his hands. Still deep in thought, he made his way to the hospital wing to talk to Poppy.

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Harry awoke the next morning feeling like he'd been run over by a bus, picked up, and run over again. It seemed like even his blood hurt, and he groaned as he pulled himself out of bed and over to the bathroom for a morning shower.

After a nice long soak, he emerged feeling slightly better and determined to find out how Row was doing. He checked the messenger in his pocket and found a short message from Jack asking what was going on. With a curse, Harry realized that Jack hadn't heard from him since yesterday, and was probably extremely worried. Harry quickly wrote a short summary of what had happened, leaving out any specific details, and finished by saying that he was about to check on Row and then he would contact Jack again.

That finished, Harry reapplied his glamour, thanked a suspicious looking Madame Rosmerta, and made his way back up to Hogwarts, pausing along the way to make himself invisible.

As he entered the school, he was amazed at how much more activity there was than there had been the day before. Students were milling about everywhere, many talking in excited whispers about what had happened in the chamber.

"…killed it with her bare hands…"

"…200 feet long, and completely resistant to magic!"

"..just to save the Weasley girl. I didn't even know they were friends…."

To Harry's dismay, it seemed that the entire school already knew that Row had been involved with the fight in the Chamber of Secrets. From the snippets of conversation he caught, the popular belief was that Row had single handedly charged into the chamber of secrets, rescued Ginny Weasley, and slain the basilisk. Harry felt a ball of ice settle in his stomach when he realized what this meant.

Everybody's going to want to know what happened, he thought. Especially the professors. And she's not going to have anything to tell them. I have to find her, NOW!

Still invisible, Harry quickened his pace towards the hospital wing. After two wrong turns, he eventually found his way there and, seeing the room empty of visitors, made his way over to Row's bed.

Row looked better, but she was still unconscious and very pale. Harry reached out and felt for her pulse, which was back to normal despite her somewhat weak appearance.

"Row," he whispered, shaking her gently. "Row, it's me, Harry."

Row seemed to shift slightly but offered no other response. Sighing in frustration, Harry examined the surrounding area for any clues. He found a number of empty vials, but nothing that indicated how long it would be before she woke up. Harry had to admit that whoever the matron was, she appeared to be taking good care of Row. Still, there was the issue of all the questions that she would face when she finally did wake; an issue Harry was very reluctant to let her face alone.

But what choice do I really have, he thought. I can't stay here, and I can't take her. He looked down at her peaceful face. I hope she has time to use the messenger before she has to talk to anyone, otherwise this could get pretty ugly…..

Harry gave one final try to wake her before admitting defeat and making his way silently out of the castle. When he reached Hogsmede, he went straight to the owl office and sent a letter to Row's friend, Sarah, asking her to send him notes as often as she could about Row's recovery. That done, he apparated back home to explain the situation to a very anxious Jack.

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When three days passed and every letter from Sarah said simply, "no change, she's still unconscious," Jack wasn't the only one that was anxious.

"Harry, will you stop pacing, you're making me nervous," said Jack, exasperated. "She's unconscious, which isn't surprising after what you've told me. Sarah said she's in no real danger, she just needs time to recover."

Harry sighed heavily and ran his hand through his hair. "I know, I know. I'm just worried that when she wakes up she's going to get blindsided by all kinds of questions and panic."

"Well, she's still got the messenger," Jack reasoned. "So she can contact us as soon as she's awake. Everything is going to be fine Harry, you'll see. You've already saved the day, the least you could do is relax." Jack glanced at his watched and gave a start. "Shit, I'm going to be late for my date. I'll see you later?" Harry nodded reluctantly and Jack ran to his room to change.

Harry sighed again and was taking a seat by the window when his messenger began to vibrate. With nearly inhuman speed, he whipped it out and read the message.

I'm awake in the hospital wing and Madame Promfrey says I've been out for 3 days. The last thing I remember is getting thrown into a wall and the basilisk going after Ginny. What happened?

Harry whipped out a pen and wrote back.

A phoenix helped me find you and I killed the basilisk in the bathroom, where the professors must have found it. The phoenix understood that you were injured, and took you to the hospital wing. I tried to wake you the next day but you were out cold. Sarah has been sending us updates while we waited for you to wake up.

What happened with you and that boy in the chamber?

I'm not sure. He was yelling about a diary that Ginny had, and when I destroyed it he sort of exploded. I don't know why. Listen, there's some things you should know. When I was at Hogwarts I heard students talking, and they all think that you killed the basilisk and saved Ginny by yourself. They're going to want to know how and why, and you're going to have to be convincing.

There was a pause on Row's end before she replied.

What? How am I supposed to do that, I don't even remember what happened!

Maybe you should use that. Harry replied, thinking quickly. The phoenix that helped me actually blinded the basilisk, you could just say that you rescued Ginny, fought a guy named T.M. Riddle, destroyed the diary, and then blacked out.

I don't think that's going to work, the professors aren't stupid.

You have a better idea?

Silence.

I know it sucks, Row, but there's only a week or so left before you come home. If you can hold out until then, we can figure it out when you get back.

Ok. I have to go, Madame is coming back.

Harry breathed a sigh of relief and felt the tension he'd been carrying for the last week slowly leave him. Row was awake and coming home soon, and that was all he needed to know.

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Headmaster's Office, Hogwarts

"Enter Severus, Minerva," called Dumbledore jovially.

Snape gave him a suspicious glance as he took his seat, but held his tongue.

"You are both no doubt aware that both Miss Thomas and Miss Weasley are awake?" Both professors nodded. "Good. There will be a small meeting tomorrow, I would like you both to attend. I trust you have no objections?"

Snape scowled, but nodded. "As loathe as I am to admit it," he drawled, "I am more than a little curious as to how events unfolded. Have you been able to determine why the sorting hat was found in the bathroom?"

"I'm afraid the hat has been rather tight lipped about the entire affair," Dumbledore chucked. "All it would say is that it was needed."

"This secret is not mine to reveal," the hat said sagely from its position on a shelf. Snape's scowl deepened.

"Very well," Dumbledore replied, smiling. "Severus, there was one other thing I would like from you. If you would be so kind, I would appreciate it if you could deposit a memory in my penseive."

"What memory would that be?" Snape asked cautiously.

"Nothing extreme, my dear boy," said Dumbledore, waving his hand absently. "I am curious about Miss Thomas, and was hoping you could show me your first encounter with her when you delivered her Hogwarts letter."

Snape gave the headmaster a bewildered look, but acquiesced by withdrawing the requested memory and placing it in the bowl. With that, he took his leave.

"You're rather chipper today, Albus," McGongall said suspiciously. "Is there a special reason?"

"Indeed there is, Minerva," replied Dumbledore, twinkling madly. "I believe you should read this report that I received earlier while I examine the memory Severus has kindly provided. I believe you will find the information quite uplifting."

Feeling rather confused, McGongall took the report and opened it while Dumbledore entered the memory. She looked down at the title of the report, and gasped.

To: Albus Dumbledore

From: Stan Klunder, Department of Muggle Affairs

Subject: Harry Potter watch alert

Albus,

I've attached a complete report that was forwarded to me earlier, per your instructions. In summary, Mr. Potter's aunt, a Petunia Dursley, has initiated emancipation proceedings for him, stating that he was unwanted and neglected. She further stated that she wants nothing to do with him and he would be better off on his own. The details of the case are attached, as are the details for two more emancipation cases. Apparently, Mr. Potter has been living with two other individuals who are also to be emancipated, a Mr. Jack Thomas, age 15, and Rowena Thomas, Age 11. Their father filed for emancipation for them, citing the same exact reasoning as Mrs. Dursley. You can read the details of the case, but in summary, it appears that all three will be granted reprieve from their current guardians, however it is still unclear whether Mr. Potter and Ms. Thomas will be completely emancipated or placed under the guardianship of Mr. Jack Thomas until they are older. The three have filed together, and stated in writing that either outcome is acceptable.

If any more information crosses my desk, I will let you know. Good luck.

-Stan

"A rather uplifting missive, wouldn't you say?" Asked Dumbledore with a grin. McGonagall could only nod dumbly. "I have just examined the memory, and Miss Thomas did indeed introduce her two older brother as Jack and Harry Thomas. I confess that I had suspicions earlier, but with all the excitement this year I was unable to follow them up. In hindsight, the whole thing is rather obvious. Miss Thomas and her brother lived with their father in Surrey, only a few kilometers from the Dursley house. The three must have escaped together and lived as a family, which would explain why she introduced Harry as a second brother."

"But Albus," questioned McGonagall, "what about the cupboard? The anti-locating magic?"

"That brings up something most interesting Minerva," said Dumbledore as he leaned forward conspiratorially. "Something else that I had noticed in Severus's memory is that both Harry and Jack Thomas appeared quite older that they should be. Jack looked to be at least 20 years old, when in fact he is only 15. This also explains how the three of them have been able to live alone for so long without attracting attention."

"What are you saying, Albus?"

"I believe that Mr. Potter not only knows magic, but has been performing it for some time."

"But, but," stammered McGonagall. "How!"

"Oh how I wish I knew, Minerva," replied Dumbledore wistfully. "Remember, we know that he somehow dispatched Severus on the platform, even though we do not know how. If my suspicions are correct, Mr. Potter has been using a glamour to disguise both himself and Jack Thomas for quite some time, a year at least." He leaned forward, twinkling. "I also have reason to believe he may be performing his magic wandlessly."

McGonagall's head was spinning. "And you know this how?"

"I received a message from Arthur Weasley over a year ago, asking me if I knew of any children recently out of Hogwarts that were especially adept at wandless magic, of course I thought nothing of it at the time," Dumbledore replied thoughtfully. "Apparently, he received a call about a young couple that were using enchanted artifacts as part of a muggle magic show. He described them as a man about 18 years old and a young woman a little younger, and he confronted them after one of their shows. The young man apparently claimed he didn't know what Arthur was talking about, and proceeded to stun both Arthur and his auror escort using wandless magic. I admit that I was doubtful, and when no more evidence was found I dismissed the incident as exaggerated."

"You think it was Mr. Potter and Miss Thomas?"

Dumbledore nodded. "What better way to make a few quid that a little magic?" He said with a chuckle. "Especially if you don't know any better. It was in the right area, and the timing also fits. Furthermore, it explains why Mr. Potter never tried to procure a wand, even after Miss Thomas got hers."

"This is truly staggering, Albus," said McGonagall, amazed. "All this time we've been looking for a kidnapper or someone hiding him. Now you say he's not only been hiding himself, but doing it with a control of wandless magic even you would struggle to duplicate. I ask again, how is this possible?"

"I could, of course, be mistaken," said Dumbledore diplomatically. "He could have acquired a wand on the black market. However, I do not believe that to be the case. This also adds a new dimension to our recent incident with the Chamber of Secrets."

McGonagall's eyes widened. "You think he was there? He and Miss Thomas went to rescue Miss Weasley, she was hurt…."

"My thoughts precisely," replied Dumbledore. "It would explain how the basilisk was defeated despite the injuries sustained by Miss Weasley and Miss Thomas, and how they got to the hospital wing so quickly despite being unconscious. Left on his own, Fawkes would have almost certainly come to me for directions. The fact that he took it upon himself to transport them means that someone was conscious enough to command him, and that person had earned respect enough that Fawkes complied. I admit these are all puzzles that I had hoped would be answered upon talking to Miss Thomas; never would I have suspected that this would be the answer, however."

McGonagall sat in silence for a moment, digesting all that she had been told before turning back to the headmaster.

"What do we do about Mr. Potter and Miss Thomas now, Albus?"

"That, Minerva, is what I am trying to decide." He pulled a newspaper from his desk and handed it to her. The headline read 'HOGWARTS CHAMBER OF SECRETS REVEALED,' then, in smaller print: 'Slytherin's Monster Basilisk Slain by 11 year old Girl.' Underneath the headline was a picture of the slain basilisk lying amid the ruined bathroom.

McGonagall scowled as she took the paper. "I saw a similar article yesterday." She shook her head. "They're like vultures over a kill, these reporters."

"Indeed," Dumbledore nodded sadly. "And if the information in Mr. Klunder's report is released, it will be even worse."

McGonagall looked horrified. "It will be a circus!" She shrieked. "Miss Thomas is already being touted as a heroine. That she is practically Harry Potter's sister will put their faces on every wizarding publication in the country!"

"Precisely," Dumbledore nodded sagely. "We must also consider that Mr. Potter undoubtedly knows all about the magical world. The fact that he has chosen to remain hidden presents a dilemma as to how we should approach him."

McGonagall was speechless. Never in her wildest dreams did it occur to her that the reason Harry Potter was not at Hogwarts was that he simply didn't want to go.

"Remember, Minerva," interjected Dumbledore. "He knows nothing of why he was sent to the Dursley house, only that he was sent there by someone from our world. He is rightly cautious about revealing himself," Dumbledore's gaze became clouded and his shoulders sagged. "We can only guess what kind of mental damage he's sustained as a result of his torment."

"So," broke in McGonagall after a pause. "What do we do?"

"For now we do nothing," Dumbledore replied. "We talk to Miss Thomas tomorrow and go from there. If we can earn her trust, we may still have a chance with young Mr. Potter."

McGonagall could only nod and desperately hope he was right.

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"Come on, you can tell us!"

"For the last time, I don't remember!" Row snapped, before sighing heavily. "I'm sorry, Sarah. It's just that it's bloody frustrating that everyone keeps asking me questions about something I don't even remember. Even worse, I have to meet the headmaster and the other professors in a minute and tell them exactly the same thing. Somehow, I don't think they're going to be happy."

"It's ok," said Sarah, putting a hand on Row's shoulder. "It'll be alright, just tell them what you can remember. I'm sure they'll understand."

Row grumbled as she said goodbye to Sarah and made her way to the headmaster's office. She reached the gargoyle just as Professor Snape was ascending the stairs, and hurried to catch up.

"Ah yes, the guest of honor," said Snape silkily as they entered the headmaster's office. "One of them at least." His gaze fell upon Ginny Weasley, who was already seated and looking very nervous herself.

"Hey Ginny," said Row, taking a seat next to her.

"Hey," said Ginny with a small smile, before leaning forward and whispering, "are you nervous?"

Row nodded her head vigorously and Ginny giggled. She was about to say something else when the headmaster spoke.

"Well then, since everyone is here we might as well get started." Row looked around and noticed that all four heads of house were in attendance in addition to the headmaster. She swallowed the lump in her throat and tried to focus like Harry had taught her so long ago.

Ginny went first, and Row listened in rapt attention as she explained how she had found the diary after the trip to Diagon Alley and how she had poured her heart into it, only to find that there was actually somebody inside. She spoke of Tom Riddle and how he started so nice, but ended up manipulating and betraying her trust by forcing her to open the chamber and command the basilisk. Row was flabbergasted that it had been Ginny Weasley all along, and remembered Harry saying that he had fought a T.M. Riddle, and had killed him by destroying the diary.

When Ginny finally reached the point where Tom had begun to steal her life in the chamber, she was in tears.

"T-That's all I remember," she sniffed. "The next thing I knew, Row was dragging me up the tunnel."

"I'm sorry for making you relive such a horrible ordeal, Miss Weasley," said Dumbledore kindly. "Please accept my deepest apologies that we were not able to see what was happening sooner." Dumbledore shifted his gaze over to Row before continuing. "Now then, Miss Thomas, I do believe you have quite a story to tell," he said, eyes twinkling.

"Well, that's the thing sir," Row said, carefully looking at her hands. "I really don't remember much. I mean, I remember getting to Ginny and seeing Tom Riddle, and I remember your phoenix appearing, but other than that it's all a blur." She started to breathe heavily. "I-It was terrifying," she stuttered.

Professors Flitwick and Sprout seemed to believe her story. Snape, however, just scowled like there was no tomorrow. He was about to say something when the headmaster held up a hand to stop him.

"I think I would like a moment alone with Miss Thomas," he said to the rest of the room. The professors quickly exited the office with Ginny trailing behind. When the door closed, Dumbledore turned back to Row.

"Now then, Miss Thomas, I'm going to be honest with you, and in return I hope that you can be honest with me." He tried to look her in the eye, but Row averted her gaze. "I know that you only have one biological brother, and that your other brother, Harry Thomas, is actually Harry Potter." The headmaster kept speaking, but Row was no longer listening.

Row's heart was racing so fast she thought it would explode any moment. Of all the things she had expected to hear, that had been the one she was completely unprepared for. Now all she could hear was a loud roaring in her ears as she repeated one thought in her head:

He knows..He knows..He knows..

"Miss Thomas, are you alright?" Asked Dumbledore in concern. "You've gone incredibly pale."

Slowly, Row's mind began to process what was happening.

"Uh, I'm f-fine, sir," she replied hesitantly. "Please, continue."

Dumbledore continued but Row once again tuned him out.

I have to tell Harry, she thought frantically. They'll be coming for him now, and it's all my fault! Why did I have to be so damn curious, it's ruined everything!

She looked up at the headmaster only to realize that he had been silently watching her for the better part of a minute.

"I see this information worries you," he said quietly. Row gave an almost imperceptible nod.

"Miss Thomas, I assure you that I mean Harry no harm," said Dumbledore with conviction. "This is his world, he belongs here. I only want him to be able to live the life he was born for. I am only concerned for-"

A switch flipped in Row. In a flash, she was no longer nervous. She wasn't sad. She wasn't even scared.

She was furious.

"HOW DARE YOU!" She screamed. "AFTER WHAT YOU LEFT HIM TO, YOU SIT THERE AND SAY YOU MEAN HIM NO HARM! WHO THE BLOODY HELL DO YOU THINK YOU ARE!"

"Miss Thomas, please, calm down," said an astonished Dumbledore.

"NO I WILL NOT CALM DOWN!" Row roared in response. "YOU PUT HIM INTO HIS OWN PERSONAL HELL! YOU LET THOSE BASTARDS TORTURE HIM FOR FUN HIS ENTIRE LIFE! IT WAS YOUR FAULT. I WON'T LET YOU DO IT AGAIN! WE'LL STOP YOU. HARRY WILL STOP YOU!" Row broke down and started crying, quietly repeating, "He'll stop you," through her sobs.

Albus Dumbledore could only stare in shock. Not for the fist time, he cursed himself for leaving Harry Potter with the Dursley family, and he felt the familiar waves of shame wash over him as he looked at the crying girl before him.

"It's true, of course," he said in a voice full of regret. "It was my decision to leave him with his Aunt; a decision that I regret more than anything in this world." Row looked up at that. "I would ask how you know that I was responsible for his placement, but it seems rather irrelevant at the moment. Is it safe to assume that Harry knows this as well?"

Row gave the headmaster a searching look before nodding briefly.

"That does explain a few things," Dumbledore sighed. "Miss Thomas, I need your help. I have wronged Harry terribly, but this is still his world. We need to bring him back."

"I won't betray Harry," said Row, glaring through her tears. "If that's what you want you can just kick me out now."

"Please, Miss Thomas," Dumbledore pleaded. "I am only trying to do right by you and Harry, despite what you may think of my previous actions. Had I known the torment that Harry would endure I never would have placed him there."

"You want to do right by us?" Asked Row seriously. Dumbledore nodded. "Then leave us alone. Don't send your professors over, don't try to force him back, just leave. Us. Alone." She gave the headmaster a challenging glare.

"I must admit, Miss Thomas," Dumbledore chuckled sadly. "It has been quite a while since anyone has spoken to me in such a manner."

Row's eyes widened as she realized exactly who she was speaking to, and her face assume a contrite expression. She didn't apologize, however.

"It has been an even longer time," the headmaster continued, "since I have felt as old and inadequate as I do now." The headmaster leaned forward and looked at Row with a serious expression. "You do not trust me, Miss Thomas, and rightfully so. But I will do everything in my power to earn that trust from you and young Mr. Potter, and I will begin by taking your advice. I will not send anyone to your home, nor will I come myself. All I ask in return is that you allow me to owl yourself and Mr. Potter over the summer, and that you will seriously consider what I say."

Row felt cornered. On one hand, making any kind of deal with Dumbledore felt like betraying Harry. On the other hand, what choice did she really have? Despite his kindly attitude, Row didn't believe for one second that he would simply let Harry go. If she agreed, she would at least be able to go home to Harry and Jack first, and if they wanted to run then they could do it together.

"I think I can agree to that sir," she said quietly. "Can I go now?"

Dumbledore looked at her sadly. "I know this is difficult Miss Thomas, but there is still much for us to discuss." He handed her a copy of the newspaper. "As you can see, you have been given sole credit for slaying the basilisk and saving Ginny Weasley. I am not the only person who wants to know exactly what happened, and I'm afraid that your secret will not hold out for long. Furthermore, we will need to deliver a story before I am able to have Hagrid released from Azkaban."

Row's face flashed through a number of emotions before settling on a defeated look.

"This is a nightmare," she muttered as she lowered her head into her hands.

"I was afraid you would see it that way," Dumbledore replied kindly. "If you can tell me what actually happened in the chamber with you and Harry, we can decide how much to tell the ministry and the reporters. I can help you with this, if you will let me."

Row was once again lost in thought.

He knows Harry was there? She thought frantically. Does he know how powerful Harry is? Does he know about the messenger? What am I going to do!

With so many thoughts swimming through her mind, she couldn't think clearly enough to make a decision, and one thought kept repeating in her brain.

I need Harry.

"Professor," she said, looked back at the headmaster. "I need you to give me the rest of the day to think about this."

"I understand your concern, Miss Thomas, however I will need to speak to the ministry by tomorrow at the latest."

"Then give me until tonight," Row countered. "I'll have a decision for you by then."

Dumbledore considered her offered and nodded.

"Very well. When you have reached a decision, you may return to my office. The password is ice mice." He escorted Row out the door.

When she was gone, he picked up one of the instruments on his desk and examined it carefully, making sure that the tracking charm he had placed on the young woman was working properly. Seeing that it was, he sat down at his desk wearily and wondered just how it was that a single meeting with student could completely wear him out.

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When she was clear of the headmaster's office, the first thing Row did was whip out her messenger.

Harry. Emergency.

I need to talk to you now, in person

Very important.

-R

A second later her reply appeared.

I'm coming, same place as last time.

-H

Breathing a sigh of relief, Row made her way to the entrance hall to wait for Harry. Twenty minutes later she felt a hand on her shoulder.

"Ok, we're silenced. Tell me."

As succinctly as she could, Row told him everything she had learned in Dumbledore's office. She told him that it was Ginny who had opened the Chamber of Secrets because she'd been possessed by Tom Riddle's diary, and that it was already in the papers that Row had rescued her single handedly. She then went on to tell him what Dumbledore had told her in private. When she was finished at last by telling him about the deal that the headmaster proposed, she broke down in tears.

"I'm so sorry Harry. He's found you and it's all my fault!" She sobbed.

Harry put a comforting arm around her should and pulled her close.

"Shh," he whispered softly. "It's ok, you didn't do anything wrong. We'll deal with this, ok?" She gave him a teary smile and nodded. "Good. Now, let me think…."

Harry sat back and sighed while he processed this new information. No matter how he looked at it, it was bad news. In his usual style, Harry immediately started to break down his options, and he didn't like what he found.

It's basically accept Dumbledore's offer or run for it, he thought with a grimace. Even if we run, there's no way to prevent them from finding us again. He sighed again.

"Row, I have to ask you for something," he said carefully. "I need to know if Dumbledore was sincere, and I'd like to look at your memories of the meeting, if you're up to it."

Row just nodded and situated herself so that she and Harry were eye to eye as he carefully entered her mind. She relaxed completely, allowing him to direct the flow of the memory as it played. When he was finished, he withdrew from her mind and lost himself in thought once more.

"What are you thinking, Harry?" Row asked, breaking the silence.

"He seems sincere, but it just doesn't make any sense!" He finished with a frustrated sigh. "Why is he so interested in me? Hell, he's more interested in me that the magical government is, and now he's found me and he says he won't come after me? Bollocks." Harry got up from his seat and began to pace. "There's something going on here, and it's more than the boy-who-lived crap." He paused and moved his invisible gaze to Row. "Still, we really don't have much of a choice, we'll have to take his offer, at least for now. Do you have a piece of parchment?"

Row pulled out a quill and piece of parchment and handed it to Harry, who immediately began to write. Row watch bemusedly as he scribbled line after line onto the parchment, and was just about to ask what he was writing when he stopped abruptly and handed it back to her.

"This highlights almost everything that happened in the chamber, so you can give it to Dumbledore. I tried to downplay my actual spell casting, but he's still going to know I can do magic. If he asks, tell him I have a wand but you don't know how I got it. Does he know about the emancipation?"

"I don't know, we didn't get that far," Row replied hesitantly.

"Whatever you do, don't bring it up then. That's the last thing we need him to find out about. Once that goes through, at least we'll be free on a legal level, which should give us a little more leverage." He racked his brain to think of anything he was forgetting. "I can't think of anything else that's really important right now. If you need something, use the messenger. Actually, don't tell him about that either, if you can help it."

Row nodded before asking in a small voice, "Harry, are you mad at me?"

Harry was surprised by the question, but promptly shook his head.

"I'm not mad, Row, I'm just frustrated. If I'm honest with myself, I know it wasn't realistic for me to stay hidden forever when there's practically an entire world looking for me, and I definitely don't blame you for anything that's happened." He sighed and ran his hand through his hair. "It's just that this is really the end of the all the freedom I've had. I'll probably end up coming to Hogwarts, which isn't bad in itself, but there's going to be a lot of people who want a piece of me, and that I'm not looking forward to." He moved to engulf Row in a hug and whispered the rest in her ear "No matter what happens, it isn't your fault, Row. Remember that. I knew we'd have to deal with this eventually, this just speeds things up. Everything will be fine, I promise."

"Thanks Harry," Row sniffed as they parted. She wiped her sleeve across her face and took a deep breath before gathering her things and starting back inside Hogwarts.

Harry waited until she was gone from sight before he too made his retreat. When he reached the edge of the wards, he turned and gave Hogwarts castle one final glance.

Why do I get the feeling that my battles are only just beginning? He thought to himself. Sighing, he crossed over the school boundary and silently apparated home.

A/N Well, our boy finally got found out. I actually wanted to put this off for a while longer, but once they filed for emancipation it just wasn't realistic for Dumbledore to not find out. Same thing with the chamber, it's not likely that Dumbledore would accept a simple "I don't remember." I guess it was inevitable. (sigh)

Hopefully you can see from this chapter that Dumbledore isn't a manipulative bastard, but he's not an angel either. He does the right thing by not trying to force Harry back and approaching him slowly, but at the same time he puts a tracking charm on Row to make sure that he doesn't lose him again. I like Dumbledore, but he can be a little slimy sometimes...

Ok , I was gonna end it there but another skit popped into my head. Sorry.

Death Eater Casino Night at Wynn Las Vegas

Voldemort:"…hit me. DAMN! Wormtail, you took my card again! Switch places with me."

Wormtail: "Yes master. I'm sorry master."

Bellatrix: "Who the hell is Steve Wynn anyway?"

Dolohov: "Some stupid muggle, who cares. I'm going to go steal that old lady's change cup." (leaves)

Cocktail Waitress: "Drinks anyone?"

Voldemort: "151, straight."

Bellatrix: (hesitates and then whispers in the waitresses ear)

Waitress: "Are you sure? You know there's no alcohol in a Shirley Temple."

Bellatrix: (looking scared) "WHAT? I didn't order a Shirley Temple you muggle bitch! CRUCIO!" (waitress screaming)

Wormtail: "Shirley Temple? That sounds good, I'll have one of those."

(Silence)

Wormtail: "What?"

Voldemort: (shakes head) "Wormtail, you have 12 and he's showing a 5. You can hit if you want but DO NOT TAKE HIS BUST CARD!"

Wormtail: "Hmmm, hit me." (Gets a 10) "Oops."

(Dealer turns over 15 and hits a 6 for 21)

Voldemort: (drawing his wand) "What did I just say Wormtail? About the bust card? Do you see where I'm going with this?"

Wormtail: (sighs) "Uh, Wormtail, crucio?"

Voldemort: (strokes chin) "Actually, I was thinking we put the dealer under imperious, but let's try your idea first. CRUCIO!"