2019: I have re-written this whole story to add more color and atmosphere, to correct errors and to make sense where it seems confusing. I hope you enjoy.

A Debt Repaid

Chapter One

Harry sat on the log, his bare feet in the grass and watched his wife, Nadya, gathering fire wood. He felt great peace and contentment at the moment. They had been married for two weeks and Harry still felt like he was dreaming.

Can it be you are mine? he thought as he watched her. There were no longer feelings of dread at the end of the school term about returning to the Dursleys. He knew sooner or later he would have to deal with them just as he had to deal with other unpleasant things in his life. Harry knew that part of growing up and being considered an adult was to face such things. For now, he wanted to set it aside, take pleasure in being with his new family, the Rom (better know as Gypsies), and spending the summer in anonymity.

Harry had spent the prior year struggling to break away from the Dursleys. He'd run away after finding out his aunt's home was no longer safe. He still didn't know how the Death Eaters had entered the house with his mother's blood protection acting as a barrier, but they had, putting him and the Dursleys in danger.

He had run away from one family to find another. It was by accident, and the guiding hand of a formidable wood glen elf that he stumbled upon the gypsy caravan, the Kumpania. After staying with them through the summer he developed a strong bond with these people and in turn they had helped him form a plan to trick the Dark Lord into believing he was dead. He'd returned to school under the disguise and the name of Tommy Pane.

Harry reflected on the events of the school year and his training under Jolie, a gypsy friend. He had met his own dead mother in a Spirit Walk and had mixed her ashes and his own blood to perform a spell on Voldemort. It was one that made Voldemort's action rebound back upon the evil wizard so that he himself suffered the pain he tried to inflict on others. During the past year he and Severus Snape had also escaped almost sure death from the hands of the same evil wizard Voldemort. Harry's Roma friends called Voldemore the Kalo Beng- the Dark Devil and had suffered under his hand many years before when he had first risen as a powerful presence in the world.

At sixteen, Harry had then married his beautiful Roma wife who now playfully flirted with him as she drew near. He laughed and threw grass at her. In the camp, he followed the Roma customs and didn't have physical contact with her in public. Yet, he wanted very dearly to grab her around the waist and pull her to him.

"Mi kmav (my love)," she whispered and picked up sticks for firewood nearby. She turned her back and whipped around to dump her apron full of grass on his head. He laughed and choked as he spit grass out of his mouth.

"Come back to me," he shouted as she ran off. He grinned and settled back on the log.

The sky was blue and the sun warmed his face. He listened as the children in the camp played around him. The older boys were riding and playing with the horses that grazed nearby. The horses were used to pull the beautiful vardos -the wagons- of the camp and they horses were the pride and joy of the whole camp. Farther down the pasture, Harry watched as some of the men practiced doing acrobatics on running horses. He lived with a tribe of entertainers. The whole camp, men, women and children moved from village to village during the summer months and put on Fairs, doing circus acts or shows involving skilled acrobats.

Harry had become an adept stilt-walker. Dressed in a harness resembling a bird, he walked on stilts and had the harness tied to his waist so it looked as if he was literally sitting on a saddle riding a giant bird. The head of the bird was manipulated using reins and hidden wires and the 'rider' manipulated them to make the head drop down or sway in imitation of a real bird. He was himself dressed in a mask and an ancient warriors' costume, with red-leather armor and shield. His facial features were camouflaged with makeup so that he looked fierce like Mongolian soldiers.

Once dressed, the stilt-walkers would roam the Fair, catching money thrown for their performances. When Harry had first seen the walkers, he believed they were actually riding real birds because the performance was so realistic and exotic.

Now, sitting around camp he was dressed as one of the Roma men; in a wide-brimmed, felt hat, a white blouse covered with a vest and leather pants. His high black boots were laying beside his bare feet. An old woman in camp had turned his hair from it's normal black to a rusty brown and he wore the only muggle thing he brought from that world; a pair of brown contact lens. Surprisingly, they had actually worked. He supposed it was because he was part muggle. There were very few things that actually function from one world to the other.

Harry lay back on the grass and stared into the cobalt blue sky. Weary from the long school year and the stress, he found he could easy lay for hours and do nothing. The one thing he had to work at was not worrying. His friend, Albus Dumbledore, and the headmaster of Hogwarts had given him advice before leaving him at the end of the school year, "Harry there is one thing you can try and do for yourself," he said.

"What's that Professor? Harry asked.

"You can try and not think or worry about the future." They walked the edge of the lake shore together just before Harry head to the Hogwart's Express for the return journey home. "It drains you of energy. And there are many things that are out of our reach and out of our control. Your friends are safe for now, and I think the world is probably safer than we can expect. If anything happens the Order will keep you informed." Dumbledore spoke of the Order of the Phoenix, a secret organization pulled together to fight the Dark Lord and Dumbledore was their leader.

Harry nodded. "Do you have a plan for what is to come, Professor?" He knew the peace and lack of activity on Voldemort's war on the Muggle born witches and wizards was just a calm before the storm.

Dumbledore smiled. "Well, I think it's time that you become a member of the Order, Harry. You are now married with the full responsibilities of a man and you will reach the age of seventeen this summer. When that happens we will officially make you one of the Order and it seems that you're going to be involved no matter what, based on your experiences this past term."

Harry could tell that it worried the old man. "Professor…"

Dumbledore interrupted, "Harry, when we are not in school why don't you just call me Albus. I think you have earned the right don't you? I certainly think of myself as your friend and that's what my friends call me."

"Of course… " Harry studied him soberly, "Albus, I was just thinking that Ron and Hermione should also be asked to join. I know we have one more year at Hogwarts and no one is asking that we work full-time for the Order, but no one is more deserving then they are. What happened this last year would not have happened without them. They helped save Professor Snape and me, too."

"Yes, I agree." Dumbledore nodded. "And they will be invited."

"Good," Harry sighed. They walked in silence for a long time. A faint train whistle sounded in the distance. The Hogwart's Express was getting ready to depart. Harry wasn't especially worried about missing it since it would not leave without Dumbledore's permission.

Harry studied the castle, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, in the summer sunlight. It had been home to him for a long time. He wondered, even with Dumbledore's advice, what the future was going to bring and he left the old man and headed towards the Depot. His friends would be waiting for him and he would have a brief respite before he had to return to his Aunt's house.

A very long month followed and he was finally able to see Nadya, his wife-to-be's dark flashing eyes, once he pulled her arms from around his neck and could look at her face. Her Uncle stood behind them pretending to study the beauty of the train as it sat huffing and blowing steam. It was not their customs to show such affection in public.

Harry greated him in the Roma language and the two shook hands. From there they journeyed to the Kumpania's encampment and a short time later he married the young girl.

Now, as he lay in the grass, pictures flashed before his eyes; pictures of Hermione and Ron, his friends at school, even Severus Snape.

He had learned some painful things about Snape and about his own parents the year before. He had learned that Snape had loved his mother and she had considered him a friend. It had made it all so much harder for Harry to see the man in an evil light.

He and Snape had come to terms with some of the anger they held towards one another and had reached a neutral point in their relationship. Snape knew Harry would no longer allow him to abuse or humiliate him. Harry had grown too strong and had even saved Snape's life and in doing so had incurred a debt with the older wizard.

He thought about what the year would bring and what Snape would do. He was no longer useful as a spy to Voldemort, having been exposed during their escape from the Malfoy mansion. He still taught at Hogwart's and helped Dumbledore in whatever activities they involved themselves in to try and hold off an all out war with Voldemort and the Death Eaters.

Harry also thought of other people as he lay sunning himself; he thought of McGonagall his professor in Transfiguration, Hagrid, his friend and teacher in Magical Creature classes; Dean Thomas, and Seamus Finnigan, both of Gryffindor House and all of his friends.

"CAW, CAW," the sound erupted overhead and Harry opened one eye to squint through the dappled sunlight.

"Dante?" Harry was given the bird as a gift from one of the gypsy children, Reuben, who had trained the bird to deliver mail to Harry. "Dante, if you have mail you're suppose to bring it to me." Harry said, and sat up to wait. "Dante, here, to me." The bird flew down and walked around Harry in a circle. He did have a parchment tied to his leg but was not delivering directly as an owl would.

"Mail Deliver, Balicho (piglet)!" the Raven said.

Harry smirked. The bird had taken to calling him names each time he delivered the mail. Some days it was 'pig' or 'dog-face' or whatever the bird heard and could repeat.

"Bring it here," Harry ordered. The raven walked very slowly and deliberately, head held high, towards Harry and extended a leg. Harry untied the strings holding it and unrolled the parchment.

My Dearest Friend,

I hope you are staying close to home so this letter will reach you. Our grandfather has taken ill and I thought you might want to join me so that we might take the train to London and visit him. Yes, he is getting on in his years and these things are expected but I am quite concerned. The whole family is looking forward to seeing you. As a matter-of-fact, cousin Remus will meet us on the platform.

I don't think it's necessary to bring the wife and kiddies; we won't be but about a week. I'll meet you at Hogsmeade on Thursday at eight.

Uncle Bulbie

Harry read it over again. He had teasingly called Severus Snape, 'Uncle Bulbie' when the man was in camp with him the summer before; and now, he was getting a letter from him. Harry assumed that 'grandfather' was Dumbledore. He wasn't sure if Snape and Remus Lupin were meeting him at the train station as his security escort or because something really had happened to Dumbledore.

Harry bit his lip. He understood what Snape meant by not bringing Nadya with him. The chances he might be recognized or be in danger were very high. Harry knew Voldemort would do anything to find him, Snape as well. He had crossed the Dark Lord once to often and gotten away and he knew his luck might run out.

Since he and Snape had concocted the potion which made Voldemort's actions rebound back on him (any pain he tried to inflict on others went back to him ten-fold) Harry was sure hthe dark wizard's anger had to be explosive. Yet, Harry had not experienced any pain in his scar. In the past, this had been a sure sign the Dark Lord was angry. But now, for some unknown reason, Harry's scar was no longer a barometer of Voldemort's moods. Dumbledore and Snape thought it likely that since Voldemort thought Harry to be dead, then there was he longer a reason to try and slip into Harry's mind as a voyeur.

Why doesn't Snape just tell me to come to No. 12 Gimmauld Place, Harry thought, Why does he have to say Dumbledore is ill? Of course, the Headmaster was very old, older than Professor McGonagall. He could very well have gotten sick. Harry also wondered if this wasn't just the invitation he'd been expecting to join the Order. And yet, Snape would not have gone to such trouble for that, nor would he have used such a ruse. This was more serious.

"Agh!" he coughed angrily, rising to his feet. He pulled on his boots and went in search of Tshaya, an ancient old woman who could perform the charms to disguise his face. Anytime he left the Kumpania, out of the protection of the Roma people, Harry had to take extra precautions to not be recognized. This time he would be joining two people who were desperately wanted by Voldemort.

...

Harry stood in the shadows of the train station, his cloak hood pulled up over his head. It was raining, a perfect setting for disguising himself. The train was not the Hogwarts Express, but a much more dour ordinary one. Nevertheless, standing there waiting for Snape and Remus made him think of the past six years. It took a moment to break out of his reverie when the train pulled into the station and two figures, also hooded stepped out onto the platform. There were no other passengers disembarking and meeting was mostly in the shadows away from a very dim solitary light on the platform.

Harry moved slowly until he was a few feet from them. He held his wand at the ready and studied the shadows waiting for an attack. Remus was the first to raise his own hooded head and mumble, "Tommy?"

"Yes, Remus." Harry stepped over to them but did not shake his hand. They were all onguard, each surveying the dark, watching for movement.

"Let us step over here," Snape mumbled and Harry and Remus followed. They were almost in total darkness and none of them spoke again.

They waited until the conductor called, 'All Aboard' before stepping onto the waiting train. Luckily, the lights in the compartments were very dim. Snape opened a compartment door and let Harry and Remus slip in first. He closed the door and went to pull the blinds on the windows.

Harry knew enough to remain silent and keep his hood over his head until Snape had given the all clear. The train rolled out of the station and picked up speed. Remus took out a wand and cast a spell on the door, effectively locking it and forming a protective shield. Harry knew they were at a disadvantage in sitting in a compartment with but one exit.

"That should do it," Remus said and sat beside Harry.

All three took their hoods off at the same time. Harry faced Snape and waited expectantly. The man was dressed typically, from head-to-toe in black. He had, however, kept his hair short and clean.

"Can you tell me if grandfather is really ill?" Harry asked, keeping his voice low.

Snape nodded and said softly, "We don't know what the problem is."

Remus put his hand on Harry's arm. "It's not old age, Tommy."

Harry was frustrated. He knew they shouldn't discuss the subject in any detail but he wanted some answers. "Is he going to die?" He could barely say the words.

Snape looked at him for a moment and said, "No, we don't think so. He is unconscious and hasn't spoken. He did have the presence of mind to leave a note requesting his favorite grandson be called to his side if anything happened to him." Snape's dark eyes glittered and he finally looked away from Harry's stare.

They sat in silence for an hour. Harry had a hundred questions running through his mind, none of which he could ask on the train. Why can't I apparate there? Why take the train? Did someone do this to Dumbledore? Is there an assassin? How long has he been this way? Does Snape know more? What aren't they telling me? How can I help? Dumbledore had asked for him so Harry knew why Snape had asked him to come. But he knew little else.

"I think I will check out the other passengers," Remus said and stood up to leave. "You'll be alright here, Tommy. Your Uncle can keep you company while I'm gone." He took out his wand and broke the protective spell. Sliding open the door enough to put his head out in the corridor. He waited and then slipped out with cunning stealth and silence, disappearing before Harry's eyes.

Harry glanced at Snape who pulled out his wand and reset the protection charm.

They are being very cautious, he thought. Something bad has happened, something really bad.

"Uncle…" Harry stumbled. He didn't want to use the silly name he had given Snape the summer before. He shook his head and tried again, "Can you tell me why we don't use a little faster form of travel?"

Snape turned to him and whispered, "Not safe."

Harry nodded. He realized Snape was in as much danger as himself. If caught together, they would make Voldemort's day. All he would have to do is perform a dual execution. However, Harry did feel safe. Snape was a formidable wizard. Between them Harry thought they could fight an evenly matched duel against any of the Death Eaters. That is, Harry thought, if there are only a few.

Remus returned and slipped in as quietly as he had left. He used his wand and set a tea set in front of them. "Don't know about you two but I could use some tea. Tommy?"

Harry nodded. He wasn't sure he wanted any but it would pass the time. Snape also accepted a cup. The thunderous noise of the train wheels slapping the iron rails filled the silence between them.

"We are almost alone this evening," Remus said quietly. "There are no other stops until we reach London. Tommy, when we get there, you'll go with me and your uncle will meet us later."

Harry nodded again and sipped the hot tea, thinking, What is going on?

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