For some strange reason, Ron seemed to think it was Ginny's fault that Slytherins cancelled their Quidditch match against Gryffindor. When she snapped at him and told him it was due to Draco's injury from Buckbeak he just sneered at her. She rolled her eyes and walked away. Tension between the two youngest Weasley's was high.

Instead, Gryffindor played Hufflepuff in cold, wet conditions. The Dementors, fuelled by the energy from the school broke through their wards and headed for the pitch. Harry just had time to hear the same scream he heard on the train and to get a quick glimpse of a black dog before he found himself falling. When he woke later he was told his broom had been shattered by the Whomping Willow. He was miserable, and even more so when he heard there was another Hogsmeade visit planned before Christmas.

However, on the day, not long after Hermione and Ron had left, Harry was walking down the stairs looking for Ginny. He smiled at other students, pleased that he at least initiated some contact with people in other houses. He had met some of Ginny's friends when he came across them in the library and he had spoken to Cho Chang after a Quidditch practice.

"Psst. Hey, Harry, over here."

Harry stopped to see George and Fred beckon him over. They were behind a statue.

"What are you doing here. Not going to Hogsmeade?" he asked.

"Yeah, we're going. Just wanted to give you an early Christmas present," said Fred, grinning.

"Come in here," gestured George, with an identical grin.

They went into an abandoned class room. The twins handed Harry some old parchment.

"Ginners thought you could do with some cheering up. You know, after the Quidditch match, and your broom and all. She came to us, and well, as much as it pains us to let this beauty go, we both decided your need was greater than ours," said Fred, grandly.

"Plus, we know it off by heart," quipped George.

"What is it?" asked Harry, turning the parchment over and over. It was blank. "Is it a prank, or something?"

"Harry, Harry, you wound us," said Fred, putting his hand over his heart.

"This, Harry, is the secret to our success," said George, patting Fred on the back. He took out his wand and tapped the parchment. "I solemnly swear that I am up to no good."

Harry watched in amazement as lines started to spread across the parchment. Harry blinked as every part of Hogwarts was detailed on the map. George and Fred happily pointed out at least four paths that he could take from the castle that would take him straight to Hogsmeade. They told him the best one would bring him out in the cellar of Honeydukes.

"When you're done, just tap it and say 'Mischief Managed'," said George.

"So Harry, I guess we'll see you in Honeydukes," winked Fred.

"Wait, why aren't you giving this to Ginny?" asked Harry.

The twins looked at each other and laughed. "Harry, my boy, do you not know Ginny yet? We may have swiped this from Filch, but earlier this year, Ginners swiped it from us. Made us proud, actually. Anyway, she knows it all by heart too. That's why she suggested we give this to you," said Fred.

"Wow, I-thanks," said Harry, watching as Snape paced in his office, while Dumbledore sat at his desk.

"Don't thank us, thank Gin," grinned George. "Gotta go."

The twins left him still staring at the parchment. "Hmm, 'Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot and Prongs'. The Marauders Map." He traced the secret passage way to Hogsmeade, and made his mind up. He opened the classroom door and crept out.

Xxxx

Harry barely noticed that most of the students had left for the Christmas break. He was still going over and over what he'd heard in Hogsmeade, about how Sirius Black had betrayed his parents and brought about their deaths. He'd overheard Cornelius Fudge talking with several professors and Rosmerta in the Three Broomsticks, and he'd heard more than he'd learned from Aunt Muriel. He just couldn't believe it.

Sirius Black, the one who had betrayed his parents, was his godfather.

He was sick of being around people. Hermione and Ron kept asking him if he was okay. He wasn't, but how could they possibly understand what he was feeling?

Despite being told to stay close to the castle, he decided to go and visit Hagrid. Maybe he could ask him for more information about his parents and that fatal night. After all Harry had overheard Hagrid say he'd seen Sirius that night, that Sirius had wanted to take baby Harry with him. Instead, Hagrid had said that Dumbledore had told him to take him to the Dursley's. Sirius had lent Hagrid his own motorcycle to transport him. It made Harry's head ache to think of it all.

When he got to Hagrid's, he was surprised to see Ginny there. They hadn't talked much since his visit to Hogsmeade. He'd found her and thanked her for the map, and gave her a sugar quill he'd asked Hermione to pick up for him. She could tell something was bothering him, but when she asked and he just shrugged, she left it alone. She knew what it was like to have secrets, or to just not feel like talking about things.

"So you heard," said Ginny. Harry noticed Hagrid was nearly in tears. He handed Harry some parchment, which showed the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures found him not responsible for the 'regrettable incident' involving Draco Malfoy and Buckbeak. However, Lucius Malfoy had lodged a further complaint, and the Committee for Disposal of Dangerous Creatures would like a hearing in April to determine the future of the Hippogriff.

"Oh Hagrid, I'm sorry. I'll help in any way I can," offered Harry.

"See Hagrid. We'll all help you," said Ginny, patting his arm.

A noise in the corner of Hagrid's hut made them turn around. Buckbeak was there, ripping apart something meaty that was dripping blood all over the floor. Fang lay close, watching him apprehensively without moving.

"I couldn't leave him outside. It's snowin' and all," cried Hagrid.

"Actually, I need to go. I've got to see someone," she said, looking at Harry. She picked up a parcel.

"Can I come with you?" he asked.

"Um..." Ginny looked at Hagrid. He waved her worried look away. "Go on with ya. I'll be fine. Don' be long, though, it's much too cold out here."

"Okay then. Bye Hagrid," said Ginny, gathering her cloak and putting it on. She hugged Hagrid, and so did Harry. "We'll think of something," he assured his big friend.

Hagrid nodded, too overcome to speak, and waved them off. They walked briskly back towards the castle.

"How do you know where to find him?" asked Harry, pulling the collar of his jacket up to ward off the chill.

Ginny shrugged. "We always meet around the Whomping Willow. Oh, sorry," she said, grimacing as she remembered his beaten broomstick. "There he is."

The dog bounded over to them, letting Ginny cuddle and pet him. He sniffed around Harry, before barking and playfully running around him. Harry laughed as he knelt down to pat him.

"I never had a pet before. Besides Hedwig, but she's more than a pet, you know. Hey, boy," greeted Harry, scratching the dog behind his ears. The dog was ecstatic.

Ginny giggled, watching them. "You are definitely a dog person, Harry. You and Snuffles are so cute together."

"Well, don't tell Hermione, but I'm beginning to think Ron's not so wrong about Crookshanks. There's something strange about that cat," said Harry.

Ginny shrugged. "It's perfectly natural for a cat to chase a rat, Harry. I'm surprised Scabbers has been able to get away from him. It's a pretty old rat. It used to be Percy's."

Snuffles growled. "I'm not sure he likes Crookshanks, either. I've seen the cat out here. Maybe Snuffles thinks Crookshanks is trying to find his home, wherever that is. I haven't found too many places that Snuffles can hide, but he must have found somewhere," said Ginny.

She opened the parcel and took out some meat and vegetables. She lay it down and Snuffles ate it all in under a minute. He then licked her in gratitiude, then began to clean himself.

Ginny and Harry sat huddled together watching him. "What happened in Hogsmeade, Harry?" She asked gently.

Harry's throat suddenly got thicker. "I found out some stuff about Sirius Black. He betrayed my parents, Ginny. They knew Voldemort knew about me, and they went into hiding, using a protective charm. The Fid-er, Fidel-"

"Fidelias," said Ginny.

Harry nodded. "Sirius Black was their secret keeper. He was the only one who knew where they were, and he told Voldemort. He was my Dad's best friend, and I just can't understand how he could betray my parents like that," he said angrily.

Snuffles came and rested his head on Harry's knee. Harry fondled the dog's ears, wondering if he was going crazy thinking the dog looked sad for him.

"He was my Dad's best man at his wedding and he was-was my godfather," said Harry, determinded not to cry.

"What would make him betray your parents and you, then?" wondered Ginny. "They sent him to Azkaban without a trial, so there are no court records that we could check."

"Black even killed another wizard, another one of my Dad's best friends. A wizard named Peter Pettigrew. Apparantly, when he heard what Sirius Black had done, he went after him. Black blew him up. The only thing they found of him was a toe," grimaced Harry. Snuffles growled softly.

"Ew," said Ginny. She paused, then leaned her head on Harry's shoulder. "I'm sorry, Harry."

Snuffles whined and nudged his nose into Harry's hand. Harry patted the dog, while trying not to let Ginny see the tear trickling down his cheek.

"I guess we should head back to the castle," sighed Ginny, standing up. She took some biscuits out of her pocket and gave them to Snuffles. "I'll be back another day."

"Woof," said Snuffles, licking her hand. She patted him and then he rubbed against Harry's leg before trotting off.

"It's strange, but it's like he understands what we're saying, doesn't it?" asked Harry, as they headed back.

"Yeah, I know," grinned Ginny, threading her arm through his. "Merlin, it's freezing."

"Come on, I'll race you," grinned Harry.

"Oh, I don't know, I-GO!" she called, running off after pushing Harry aside.

"Hey!" yelled Harry, racing to catch up to her.

It was neck and neck as they made it back to the castle. They panted, grinning at each other as they headed for the Great Hall, intending to eat early.

"Oy, Harry, where have you been?" asked Ron, coming to meet them and carrying Scabbers, who was shaking.

"I went to visit Hagrid," said Harry. "What's wrong with him?" he asked, gesturing to the rat.

"That damn cat, what else. Why were you visiting Hagrid, Ginny?" asked Ron, suspiciously.

"He's my friend, Ron. Just like Harry is," said Ginny, looking at Scabbers.

"Harry's my friend, not yours," Ron said sneered. "I suppose you were talking to Hagrid, trying to get information for your boyfriend's dad."

"What are you on about?" asked Ginny, looking at Harry in puzzlement. He stared at Ron in confusion.

"Hermione heard about Buckbeat. Malfoy's dad lodged an appeal. If Hagrid loses, do you know what they'll do to Buckbeat?" Ron slid a hand across his throat.

"What does that have to do with me?" asked Ginny, still bewildered.

"I've seen how Draco and you are so...friendly. What are you doing, getting information from Hagrid to give to Draco so he can tell his dear old dad. You Slytherins, you-"

Ginny shoved her wand under Ron's throat. "I've had enough from you about me being in Slytherin. If you think I would do that to Hagrid, well, you don't know me at all."

"Don't Ginny. You'll get in trouble. Please," said Harry, pulling her arm down.

"Fine," said Ginny, turning away. Harry saw tears in her eyes.

"What's going on here? Potter? Weasley? Weasley?" asked Professor Mcgonagall, looking between the three.

"Nothing, Professor. Family spat, that's all," said Harry.

"I see," she said, looking at them. "Move along then." She walked away.

"Ron, stop it. Come on, Ginny, let's go eat," said Harry, shooting Ron a disgusted look.

"No thanks. I've lost my appetite," said Ginny, storming off.

"What? You're sticking up for her now?" asked Ron.

"When you're being a prat, then yeah. So what if she's in Slytherin. She's still your sister," argued Harry.

"All Weasleys are Gryffindors," said Ron, stubbornly.

"So what, if you and say, Hermione got married and had kids, what would you do if they were sorted into Ravenclaw or Hufflepuff?" asked Harry. Ron immediately flushed.

"Yes Ron, what would you do if you and Hermione got married?" chortled Fred, clapping Ron on the back. The twins had snuk up behind them.

"Wha-?" asked Ron, staring at Harry as if he had gone mad.

"Can you imagine Ron procreating?" George asked Fred, rhetorically.

"Do you think he knows how?" Fred asked George.

George shook his head. "No, they haven't had that particular lesson yet." Both boys grinned.

"Piss off," mumbled Ron, his face red.

"Language, Ronald. What's going on?" asked Hermione, suddenly joining them.

"Well Hermione, we were talking about Ron's future sprogs," said Fred, gleefully.

"Shut it, you lot," said Ron in a low voice. He didn't, couldn't, look at Hermione.

"Oh," said Hermione, sensing the undercurrants in the room. She looked around. "Have you seen Ginny? I wanted to talk with her."

"No, I haven't seen my Snake sister, and I don't bloody want to," scowled Ron, stalking off.

The other four watched him go. "What's got his wand in a knot?" asked George.

"What's his problem with Ginny?" asked Fred.

"I really don't know," sighed Harry, as they all headed into the Great Hall to eat.

"Harry, I don't know if you heard about Hagrid? He-" began Hermione.

"Yeah, I just went down and saw him," said Harry, sipping some soup. The warmth of it filled his belly.

"Oh good. Ginny and I talked about doing some research in the library, to prepare a defence for Buckbeat. I was hoping to talk to her more about it tonight. Do you want to help us?" asked Hermione.

"Yeah, only not tomorrow," said Harry.

"Why not?" asked Hermione. She was always eager to get a good head start on research.

"Because it's Christmas, Hermione," grinned Harry.

"Not gonna be a merry one if those two aren't talking," said George, indicating the direction Ron had just stormed off in.

"Christmas has a way of bringing family together. Ron and Ginny will be fine, and you'll have a family Christmas," smiled Hermione.

"We'll have a family Christmas," amended Fred. "You know you two are honorary Weasleys, don't you? It's only a matter of time before the ginger starts to come through," he teased, picking up a tendril of Hermione's hair and tucking it behind her ear. "Or you could just marry one of us." He waggled his eyebrows.

Hermione blushed and giggled prettily.

"What about you, Harry," teased George, brushing a lock of Harry's hair off his fringe. Harry good naturedly brushed his hand away and chuckled.

"Of course, Harry's choice is a lot more limited than Hermione's. There's six of us male Weasleys, and only one female," chuckled Fred.

"I haven't met your older brothers," said Hermione, buttering some bread.

"Charlie is a dragon tamer and works in Romania. Bill is a curse breaker, and he works in Egypt," said George. "We're the good looking ones, though." He winked at her.

Harry was distracted by some of Ginny's Slytherin friends coming in to the Great hall. "Excuse me," he mumbled to George, Fred and Hermione.

He went over to the Slytherin table. "Excuse me- Tracy, Astoria."

They looked up. "Hi Harry," they greeted.

"Have you seen Ginny? Is she coming to dinner?" asked Harry.

"No, she said she's not hungry. Sonmething about her git of a brother. We guessed it was either Ron or Percy," giggled Astoria.

"Ron," said Harry. "Will you please just tell her we-" he turned to indicate Hermione, Fred and George, " we'll see her tomorrow."

"Okay, Harry," said Tracy.

He returned to the Gryffindor table and picked out a dessert to eat. "So Harry, what are you going to do about your broom? We'll have another Quidditch game soon, against Ravenclaw. Has Oliver been hounding you?" asked Fred.

"Yeah, a bit. I really don't know what to do. Guess I'll need to order another one, or use the school brooms." He wondered how he could get money from his vault while he was at school. "I'll look into it after Christmas, I guess,"shrugged Harry.

"What are you doing, Hermione?" asked George, as she wrapped some food in a napkin.

"Oh, it's for Ron," she said, blushing. "He'll be hungry later." She got up and left the Great Hall.

Harry wondered if he should get some food to give to Tracy and Astoria for Ginny.

Xxxx

The joy of receiving a Firebolt from an unknown person didn't last long as Mcgonagall confiscated it to check for sign of dark magic. He and Ron were constantly discussing who had sent it to him. Oliver had gone to their professor, practically begging her to return it to Harry, but he had been quickly sent on his way.

Ginny and Harry had a couple of lessons with Professor Lupin. He'd found a Boggart in the castle, and he'd kept it for their use.

"So-the Patronus Charm. I hope you've been concentrating on your happiest memories. When I open the door, the Boggart will come out and take the shape of what you fear most. Harry, for you it will be a Dementor. For you, Ginny, you believe it will be Tom Riddle. Hold your wands out and say 'Expecto Patronum'. A mist should shoot from you wand and assume a shape. Now, I want to remind you this is beyond OWL level magic," warned Professor Lupin. "Ready?"

Harry stepped up to the cabinet first. He held his wand up and nodded. Remus opened the door, and a Dementor glided out.

Harry felt the cold rush toward him. He felt helpless; sad. Lost; alone. "Expecto-Expecto Patronum."

His wand hand was shaking, and he felt like he was falling. He heard a scream, and then a cold sneering voice. "Stand aside, girl."

"Harry!"

Harry jerked awake. He was lying with his head on Ginny's lap."What happened?" he asked, sitting up in a daze.

Remus handed him a chocolate frog. "Here, eat this, it will help."

Harry ate it and stood up. "Again," he said, determinedly.

"Harry, are you sure?" asked Professor Lupin.

"Yes, I'm sure. What if the Dementors come to the next Quidditch match. I have to do this. Again," he urged the Professor, gesturing for him to open the door.

He tried to focus on his happy memory; Gryffindor winning the house cup. He nodded, and Remus opened the door.

It hit him almost straight away. Icy cold and darkness. The scream. A man's voice.

"Lily, take Harry and go. I'll hold him off. Go!"

"Expecto Patronum. Expecto Patronum," yelled Harry weakly. He heard a cackle of laughter before someone slapped his face lightly.

"Harry, wake up."

Harry groaned. He woke up to see Lupin and Ginny's worried faces staring down at him. He sat up. "I heard my Dad. It's the first time. He told my Mum to leave, that he would try and hold him off." Harry's voice broke and he wiped away tears he didn't know he had shed.

"You heard James?" asked Remus, in a strange voice.

"Yeah, I-wait, did you know my Dad?" asked Harry, looking at him.

"Yes, I did. He was a good friend. Look, I think we should call it a night. This charm is ridiculously advanced. I shouldn't have suggested it," he said.

"I haven't had a go yet," protested Ginny, although after watching Harry she wasn't sure she was ready.

Harry didn't want Ginny to have to go through what he had just gone through. He was really glad that she was here with him. He remembered the fun day they'd had in Diagon Alley before the start of school and his visit to Aunt Muriel's. He thought about the card he'd found, with his mother's writing in it.

"Please-one more time," he said, standing up.

"Well, all right," said Remus, reluctantly. "Ready?"

"You can do it, Harry," said Ginny. He looked at her before nodding to the Professor. He opened the cupboard door.

The Dementor came out and headed for him. Harry was now expecting the cold and the fog around him.

"You can do it, Harry."

Ginny. Smiling at him mischieviously. Hugging Hagrid. Petting Snuffles.

"Expecto Patronum."

A scream. A cackling laugh. "Go, Lily, take Harry..."

"Expecto Patronum." Even Harry could tell his voice was weakening.

"You can do it, Harry." Ginny threading her arm through his. Ginny and him in the library at her aunts. Ginny resting her head on his shoulder. Ginny smiling at him.

"Expecto Patronum," he yelled.

A mist shot out of his wand. The Dementor jerked back in surprise. Harry didn't know how much longer he could hold his wand, but it was better than before. A huge shadow shot out of Harry's wand, replacing the mist. Harry took a step back in surprise.

"Riddikulus," cried Professor Lupin, forcing the Boggart back into the cupboard.

Harry sank to the floor. He felt warmth as Ginny's arms went around his shoulders. He inhaled her flowery scent, breathing deeply.

"Excellent, excellent. Well done, Harry. Here, eat up," praised Remus. He handed him a block of Honeydukes chocolate.

"My turn now?" asked Ginny, hopefully.

Remus checked his watch. "My word, it's after nearly ten o'clock. I'm sorry, Ginny, you'll need to have a go next time."

Ginny bit her lip and nodded. She turned back to Harry. "Was it really bad?" she whispered. He nodded, and she said no more. She stayed close, in case he needed her.

Seeing the red-haired witch with the boy that looked so much like his dear friend was almost too much for Remus. He turned around to give them some privacy, while he packed some things away.

"So, if you knew Harry's dad, you must have known Sirius Black," said Ginny.

Remus turned back to look at her. Harry looked from Ginny to Remus."Yes," he said sadly. "I knew him, or I thought I did. Go on, you'd better get back to your houses. It's getting late."

Harry got up. Ginny gave Remus a strange look then followed Harry out of the room. "Will you be all right getting back to your tower, Harry?" she asked worriedly.

"Yeah," sighed Harry, although he felt quite weary. "I'm sorry you didn't get a shot tonight."

"Next time it's all about me, Potter," she grinned. He smiled weakly. She shot him a look of concern.

"Are you sure you're all right?" she asked.

"You know the weird thing? At least when a Dementor is near me, I get to hear my parents voices. Is that crazy or what?" asked Harry, running his hands through his hair.

"Of course not, Harry," said Ginny, giving him a quick hug. It warmed him more than the chocolate, he thought.

"I better go. Good night Ginny," said Harry, heading to go up the stairs.

"Good night, Harry," said Ginny, heading towards Slytherin House.

Remus stood in the shadows, watching them both go their separate ways.

.