Harry's knees buckled, and he let go of Dumbledore's arm, stumbling a bit to keep on his feet. His stomach lurched, but thankfully, he didn't throw up. Daphne, on the other hand, looked as if nothing had happened. She quickly looked about, wondering where they were.
"Ok, I did not like that at all. What just happened?" Harry asked.
"You have just Apparated." Dumbledore smiled benignly. "And quite successfully, too. Most others throw up."
"I'm not sure that I won't." Harry groaned. "Why is it every means of travel wizards have is so damn uncomfortable?" Harry asked as he bent over, trying to stop the dizziness.
"It's not so bad." Daphne said, suddenly looking at Harry and Dumbledore. "We're at my house."
Harry looked up and saw that they had appeared just in front of a wrought iron gate, overgrown with ivy. Beyond, he could see a large house with white shutters. The house stood on top of a small hill covered in a very well kept lawn. Near the front door, there were long beds of flowers that would have made Aunt Petunia gasp in desire.
Daphne, smiling brightly, took Harry's hand and lead her boyfriend and Dumbledore up the stone path to the house. Harry had been here once before, but had not seen the outside of the house. He thought it looked smaller than it had felt on the inside. He smiled to himself. How he loved magic.
Harry was trying to catch every detail as they made their way up the short path to the front door. Daphne was positively glowing with excitement as she opened the door and called out to her parents. It was barely a second before Harry found himself in front of the Greengrasses once again. He suddenly felt a wave of guilt as he looked at Mister Greengrass, who was eyeing him rather sternly. Harry had nearly forgotten what an imposing figure his girlfriend's father was.
"Professor Dumbledore?" Mrs. Greengrass looked rather shaken at the sight of the Headmaster escorting their daughter and her boyfriend in their home. "What an unexpected pleasure," she said kindly.
Dumbledore, who had changed his rather awe-inspiring magenta suit for something more familiar, and likely more comfortable, waved away the compliment. "I am afraid this is not a social visit, as I'm sure you have already deduced."
"Then, let us adjourn to the sitting room." Jonathan Greengrass said, waving his arm towards the sitting room. Dumbledore led the way, followed by Harry and Daphne, and her mother and father. When they were all seated, Franny, the Greengrass' house elf, appeared with tea service. She poured tea, and handed each of them a warm cup before disappearing again.
"Would we be correct in assuming this has something to do with the events in the Ministry a few weeks ago?" Mister Greengrass began the conversation, his tone neutral. Harry felt himself getting rather tense, especially as Daphne's father kept shooting him strange glances.
"You would be." Dumbledore confirmed. "As I'm sure you have read in the papers, they are now referring to young Mister Potter as 'the Chosen One'. As you can guess, this will complicate his already rather troublesome life, as well as the lives of those close to him. As such, I have taken the liberty of setting up a safe and secure location where they will receive advance study for the remainder of the holiday. With your permission, I would like to extend an invitation for Daphne to join them."
"But the summer holiday has only just started." Mrs. Greengrass said, looking between Dumbledore and her husband, who looked to be mulling things over. "We've barely had anytime to spend with her."
Again, Harry felt a sickening weight settle in his stomach. He knew that he was the reason that Daphne had kept herself locked in her bedroom for the past two weeks. He avoided the eyes of all the adults now, and focused on the cup of tea in his hand. Daphne gave his other hand a squeeze, and when he looked at her, she gave him a warm smile, trying to tell him silently not to blame himself.
"I must stress how important this could be. Daphne has made some very powerful enemies. While she will be away from you, you will not be completely cut off from her. She will be able to write. I also believe we might be able to arrange visitation. However, it would be problematic, at best. "
"But-" Mrs. Greengrass started to speak, but her husband cut across her.
"I think I see where you're going with this, Albus." Jonathan said, his eyes focused on the older man. "You want us to denounce Daphne. If the Death Eaters think we have turned our backs on her, the rest of us will be safe. They already think they'll have me on their side once they take over."
"As always, Jonathan, your insight proves invaluable." Dumbledore smiled softly. "The other option would be for the entire family to go into hiding. If that is what you wish, I can help make arrangements for you all."
"That won't be necessary." Jonathan waved away the offer. "I can do more if I'm still in a position to oppose legislation, or at least forestall it. What about when she returns to school? Most of the Death Eater's children are in her house."
"I have already made arrangements. She will be watched over very closely. I assure you both that she will be safe within the school." Dumbledore smiled confidently. Jonathan Greengrass began rubbing his chin thoughtfully. Daphne recognized the expression, as did her mother.
"Jonathan?" Mrs. Greengrass looked apprehensive.
"Daphne, you should go and pack your things." Jonathan looked to his eldest daughter, who smiled brightly before giving the man a tight, warm hug, and running from the sitting room and up the stairs. Aurora stood and went up the stairs along with Daphne to lend a hand, and speak to her first born.
"Now that everyone knows he's back, how long do you think we have before open war is declared?" Jonathan asked Dumbledore, who shook his head.
"I do not believe there will be an open war," The old man sighed. "Lord Voldemort has learned, at last, the value of subterfuge and patience. It is my guess that unless we can unite to stop him, we will be under his control within a year's time. But, that is only an educated guess."
"I see." Jonathan said, his head falling forward, and his hand running through his short, dark hair. "What do you have planned?"
"For now, simply preparing those who shall be at the forefront of the conflict. Harry and his friends, and a few others. It is my hope that those who are not loyal to Voldemort will do what needs to be done."
"You mean the Ministry."
Dumbledore nodded. "I think that will depend on the who will be the one to step into office. Pius Thicknese is getting a lot of support."
"He is indeed. It is quite worrisome. Should Thicknese end up in power, Voldemort's coup will be much swifter than we should like. It is well know that he is a part of the same circles in which Lucius Malfoy associated, and I am positive there are Death Eaters, or at the least people loyal to Voldemort, in important positions throughout the Ministry."
"Death Eaters are in the Ministry?" Harry asked, speaking for the first time.
"That is one of many rumors, Harry." Jonathan sighed, again rubbing at his chin. "Whispers of sedition are can always be heard within any government."
"Sometimes whispers need to be heeded." Dumbledore said wisely. "It is my hope that Amelia Bones will be Fudge's successor. She will not go easy on captured Death Eaters, and as much as it pains me to admit, I fear that the only course of action is to be… hard… on those found guilty."
Jonathan nodded, and sipped his tea. "She already has my support." He then looked to Harry, who shuddered under the man's hard gaze.
"I take it by the interlocked hands and the not-so-subtle looks, Mister Potter, that Daphne was able to convince you of your stupidity?"
Harry felt himself getting hot, and could only nod in response. Jonathan set his cup down, and smirked ever so slightly as he stared at his daughter's boyfriend.
"I must admit that I'm elated that you wish to keep her safe and out of harm. I am also glad to see you two back together. As a father, it is my deepest wish to see my daughter happy. And, I like you, Harry. I believe you have it in you to become a very great man. However, if you pull another stunt like that, and break Daphne's heart again…"
He didn't need to finish the threat. Harry gulped audibly at the man's glare, and looked to Dumbledore for support, only to find the Headmaster admiring the pattern of the sofa quite closely.
Harry nodded his understanding, and Jonathan smiled. Harry shivered again as Jonathan sat back in his seat, keeping his eyes locked on Harry.
Daphne came back down the stairs with her trunk, followed by her mother, and Astoria trailing behind them. Astoria looked very different than she did at Hogwarts. He had never seen Daphne's younger sister dressed casually before. But, the young girl's ever-present smirk was there, and Harry could see that mischievous spark in her light brown eyes. The three ladies entered the sitting room, and Dumbledore rose to his feet, followed by Harry and Jonathan.
"Harry, may I have a word?" Mrs. Greengrass asked politely. Harry nodded and followed her out of the room and down the hall. Aurora opened a door, and waited for him to come inside. Harry saw they were in the kitchen, and when he turned to face Daphne's mother, he gulped again. Aurora's ever present smile had vanished, and her eyes were cold.
"The last few weeks have been some of the hardest for me as a mother. Daphne refused to speak to anyone until yesterday. All we knew was that you had ended things with her… at a funeral, of all places. Now, we did eventually learn what the reason was, and you should thank whatever gods you pray to that we actually understood what it was you were trying to do. That girl loves you, Harry. I want you to understand how precious a gift that is, so in case you ever get another idiotic thought like this in your head, you think before you act. I don't think she would run after you again. She's a special girl, and I'm not just saying that because she's my daughter. Greengrass women do not give their loyalty easily, but when they do, it's a lifelong commitment. Understood?"
"I do." Harry said, his voice shaking. "I didn't want to do it, Mrs. Greengrass, but I just…"
"Wanted to protect her. It's very admirable, Harry. But, it was stupid. We are much stronger as people when we are surrounded by those who care for us. Allow her to stand at your side, and I promise that no matter what happens, you will never regret it."
Harry nodded his understanding, and then felt the hair on his neck stand up as Mrs. Greengrass' eyes narrowed.
"A word of caution. Do not think that you're off the hook with her. And if you ever break her heart again…"
"Mr. Greengrass already, um… warned me."
"Harry, if you break her heart again., you'll wish it had been my husband who got to you first." Aurora's smile was back, and Harry to a step back. He flinched as the woman came forward and hugged him.
"Watch over her, Harry."
Slowly, awkwardly, Harry hugged the woman back, expecting to be hexed, but Aurora let him go, and opened the door for him to leave. Harry swore he heard his inner voice laughing, and he pictured Ron rolling on the floor holding his stomach, tears streaming from his eyes at Harry's discomfort.
"Ah, I take it we're ready, then?" Dumbledore asked as Harry, looking severely pale, and Mrs. Greengrass returned. Daphne stood talking with her sister and father, her trunk already having been shrunken down, and tucked into her pocket.
"How will we be able to write to her?" Mrs. Greengrass asked as she engulfed Daphne in a tight embrace.
"We are currently exploring a rather unique means of communication. I'm told it will be very secure, though I am unsure how long it will take to complete. Once it is finished, we will make sure you have everything you need in which to use it."
Jonathan then took Daphne in his arms and whispered something to her, which made her giggle. Astoria, however, was staring at Harry, who could not help himself from looking back at her. He started to smile at the younger girl, who had been so fun to hang around the previous year, despite her annoying tendency to get over involved in other people's lives.
Astoria smiled back, and then, without warning, kicked Harry hard in the shin. Harry fell to the floor, clutching his injured leg. Astoria nodded her head, quite satisfied at her work. She then looked at Daphne, who looked horrified and amused all at once.
"TORI!" Mrs. Greengrass shouted.
Astoria simply shrugged her shoulders. "What? He deserved it!"
"Possibly, but that's no reason to actually injure the boy." Mrs. Greengrass scolded, though Harry thought her tone had lightened significantly. Harry felt that he now completely understood what it was to cross a member of the Greengrass family. Daphne clicked her tongue and bent to helped Harry up.
"I think he's suffered enough." She said, winking at her younger sister, who embraced her sister once she let go of Harry.
"I'll miss you."
"I'll miss you, too. Stay out of my room."
"If I do that, I won't get to read your diary." Astoria smiled mischievously.
"Good thing I'm taking it with me, then." Daphne gave her sister one last squeeze before Dumbledore suggested that they get moving. There was another round of farewells, as Dumbledore, along with Daphne and Harry, left the Greengrass home.
"Now where are we going, sir?" Harry asked, hobbling along next to Daphne, who was holding tightly to his hand, and grinning at him.
"There is one last errand we must accomplish before I take you to your summer accommodations. One that I hope will prove most fruitful for you, in fact."
As soon as they passed through the ivy covered gate, Dumbledore held out his arms again, and waited for the teens to take hold of him. With another soft pop, the trio disappeared.
The sun had only just set in the distance, and the sky was still a bright purple as Dumbledore, along with his two charges, appeared in a quiet little square. There was a small fountain surrounded by benches, and well kept shrubbery. Harry thought it was a much nicer park than the one close to Privet Drive.
"This way, if you please." Dumbledore said. Harry and Daphne followed.
"Sir, where are we now?" Daphne asked, obviously not recognizing anything. She and Harry were both trying to take in as much of their surroundings as possible, while staying close to the Headmaster.
"Welcome to the charming village of Budleigh Babberton." Dumbledore said with one of his cheekiest smiles.
"Why are we here?" Harry asked.
"I have grown so tired of saying this over the years, but it seems we are once again a member of staff short. I have an old colleague who has agreed to rejoin us at Hogwarts. We are here to finalize the contract. This way."
Harry and Daphne followed Dumbledore up a long winding street. It appeared as if most of the rather nice looking houses were deserted.
"It is vacation season for many of the families who live here." Dumbledore said easily. "But, we need not worry about those who have yet to begin their travels. I have placed a Notice-Me-Not charm on the three of us. I do not think we shall have any difficulties in our journey. Ah, this way, please."
They had turned up another street, which was just as quiet as the one they'd left.
"Why didn't we just Apparate in front of your colleagues house?" Daphne asked curiously, as it winded. The streets were all uphill so far, and they were becoming more difficult to traverse easily.
"Because, to be honest, I have no idea where he is living. I think you shall understand once we arrive. Oh," Dumbledore began to chuckle. "We're here."
They came to stop in front of the nicest looking house they had seen so far. Dumbledore approached the gate, and stopped just short of opening it. He then raised his hand, and moved it slowly, almost as if his fingers were running along an invisible wall.
"Wands out, if you please. If I tell you, you are to run as fast as you can back to the square where we arrived."
Both Harry and Daphne nodded their understanding, and very slowly and cautiously, the three of them made their way up the path and into the darkened house.
It was a disaster. It looked as if there had been a battle, or at the least a difficult struggle. There were burn marks on the walls and the carpet. Bookshelves were knocked over, and the chandelier in the dining room had crashed through the table. Daphne found a large patched of blood on the wall. It looked as if someone had been hurt, and slid down the wall.
"This is bad." Daphne hissed. Dumbledore turned, his finger to his lips indicating they remain silent. Harry was looking at a broken desk, where many wizarding photographs lay in a pile of broken frames. He bent to inspect them closer when Daphne tapped his shoulder and pointed to Dumbledore, who stood in front of a rather hideous looking armchair.
Harry and Daphne came over to get a closer look, when Dumbledore gave a sharp poke to the chair, which actually screamed.
Both teens stumbled back as a rather portly man morphed out of the chair, wearing pajamas with the same hideous pattern the chair had been upholstered with.
"Merlin's beard, Albus, was it necessary to poke so hard?" The man said. He was quite short, with a very large belly and a thick mustache. His head was bald, and his eyes were a soft brown, which sparkled merrily.
"It is quite good to see you, Horace. Forgive me for asking, but was this charade for me?"
"No, no. I expected you this evening of course, but you didn't say when you'd be arriving. When my Intruder Charm went off, I assumed it was the Death Eaters."
"I am sorry to have frightened you."
"No bother at all. Incidentally, what gave me away?" The bald man asked, a fat finger tapping his chin in a thoughtful gesture.
"My dear friend, you forgot the Dark Mark."
"AH!" The bald man shouted. "Of course. I just knew I had forgotten something. Well, would you mind helping me clear up? I would hate for the Muggles who own this lovely little place to come home from vacation to find this."
"I would be most happy to," Dumbledore smiled, and as one, the two men began waving their wands like a couple of conductors in front of a symphony, and the whole mess cleaned itself up in a dazzling display of magic, which left both Harry and Daphne grinning like five year olds at Christmas.
"That's done the trick. Now, how about some refreshment?" The bald man smiled. "And possibly some introductions?"
"Of course. Horace Slughorn, it is my deepest pleasure to introduce you to Harry Potter and Daphne Greengrass."
"A pleasure, sir." Daphne said. "You taught my parents."
"Yes, I do remember your father. Member of the Wizengamont, I believe. A great pleasure to make your acquaintance, my dear. And you as well, Mr. Potter. Your mother was one of my favorite students. A delight to have in class. I wonder if you are as talented at Potions as she was."
"Potions?" Harry asked, his eyes darting to Dumbledore who gave a slight nod.
"Yes, Potions. I promise that you will quite enjoy my lessons, lad. Oh, I cannot wait to get back into the dungeons. Is everything in order, Albus?"
"It is, Horace. I have secured for you a very large office, as well as a very good salary." Dumbledore said, pulling a pile of parchments out of his robes and handing them to Slughorn, who took them greedily.
"Ah, yes. Yes. Very good. Well, then. It looks as if you have yourself a new Potions master, eh?"
"But, what about Snape?" Harry asked in confusion.
"Professor Snape will be taking a new post this year. Though you need not worry over such matters." Dumbledore smiled, giving Harry a look that clearly said that the matter was closed. Harry had a nagging suspicion he knew what new post his most hated teacher was going to be getting, and Harry felt anger boiling inside of him. Daphne took his hand and gave him a soft smile. He could tell that she understood what he was feeling, and knew she'd let him vent about it later.
"Horace, there is still one more thing you need to do before our agreement can be settled. I think it is time for you to hand over what you promised me." Dumbledore said calmly. Slughorn's smile fell at once, and his eyes darted to the Headmaster and back to the now confused looking teens.
"Albus, is this really the time or place?" Slughorn looked sharply at the elder man. Harry thought that the new Potions teacher had begun sweating.
"It cannot wait, I'm afraid." Dumbledore sighed. "We have been over this, my friend. You will be safe at Hogwarts, and no one shall know of it, save for those we have discussed."
"But, Albus, the children…they're…"
"Horace, we have discussed it at length. You know what this means, and what it will mean to the cause. Without it, we are lost."
Harry looked very confused now, and looked inquisitively at Dumbledore, who had not taken his eyes off Slughorn. Slughorn looked as if he wanted to protest more, but realized he had already lost. He sighed heavily and his shoulders sagged.
"I hope that you will not think badly of me, my boy. I had no idea what he was capable of." Slughorn said to Harry, who was now thoroughly confused.
"I do not think he will hold any sort of grudge, Horace. I do not believe it is in Harry's nature. In fact, once he knows the whole story, he may even thank you for your help." Dumbledore said, a new smile on his face. He had taken a crystal vial out of his robes and was holding out for Slughorn to take. Horace gave another great sigh, and took the vial, and at the same time, held his wand to his temple.
Harry watched as, with a very sad expression, Slughorn pulled his wand away, dragging a long thin, silvery wisp out of his temple. The wisp came away, and Slughorn slipped the silvery strand into the vile where it coalesced into a shining silvery liquid.
"That's a memory, isn't it?" Harry asked. Daphne looked very curiously at the vial, which Slughorn stoppered, and handed back to Dumbledore, who slipped it into his robes.
"It is. One which I believe crucial to us."
"What do you mean?" Harry asked.
"All in good time, Harry." Dumbledore smiled. "For now, it is starting to get late, and I need to get you two to your summer home."
Harry looked at Slughorn, who sank into an armchair, looking quite morose. He wiped at his sweaty brow with a silk handkerchief.
"Professor," Harry said. Slughorn looked up, shame on his face. "Thank you. I don't know what it is you did for us, but I can't help feeling that it was very important."
"You may not feel that way once you understand, boy." Slughorn said in a hoarse whisper.
"Time will tell. But for now. Thank you, sir. I look forward to your lessons."
"Me as well, sir." Daphne smiled, and Slughorn actually smiled weakly in return.
"I shall see you both on September the first, then."
Dumbledore smiled and told Slughorn he expected him at Hogwarts in the next few days, and with the teens in tow, left the new Potions master to rest.
"Sir," Harry asked when they were outside again. "What was all that about?"
"Professor Slughorn has taught a great many students over the years. He always favors those he feels have great potential to go on to great things. He helps get those students started in the careers of his choice, and then, reaps some benefits from their success. Many students are so grateful for his help that even years later, they still send him tokens of their esteem."
"I still don't understand." Harry said, and Daphne mirrored his confusion.
"Do you remember what I promised you at the end of last year?" Dumbledore asked, and Harry responded in the positive. "This is part of that promise. I must first inspect it, not only to make sure it hasn't been altered, but to understand it as well. If I am to help you in what must be done, I need to fully grasp what it is we are about to embark on." Dumbledore stopped and looked at Daphne. "All of us."
Daphne gave Harry's hand a squeeze and he turned his green eyes on her. She looked confused, and a bit frightened.
"This will do." Dumbledore smiled. "One last time."
Again, Harry and Daphne took the Headmaster's arms and felt as if they were being squeezed through a garden hose. This time, when it was over, their senses were assaulted. They could hear the cry of seagulls, and the crashing of waves. The air smelled of the sea, and wind buffeted them.
"Now where are we?" Daphne asked, a bit of excitement in her voice.
"A very small island, just west of Aberstwyth. Only a handful of people know of it's location, and most of them are already here." Dumbledore said. "It was left to me by a very good friend, Nicholas, when he died a few years ago."
Harry looked up sharply. "Nicholas Flamel?"
"The very same. He and his wife had purchased this island, and built their home on it. He left it to me, and I had, until recently, had no use for it. I believe you and your friends will find it most invigorating." Dumbledore winked, as he began leading them from the sandy beach to a stone path that was all but hidden by trees and the dark.
A very short walk later, they came upon a large house. There were lights on in almost every window, and Harry swore he saw familiar people sitting inside.
Dumbledore opened the door and led his two charges inside.
"Albus, we weren't expecting you for another few hours!"
Harry leapt past the Headmaster and threw his arms around his godfather's neck. Sirius held tightly to his godson, and laughed.
"Good to see you, Harry."
"Harry's here?"
Sirius released Harry and the messy haired youth found himself being hugged tightly by Hermione, who immediately began asking Harry if he was alright, and that she had been terribly worried about him.
"DAPHNE!"
Tracey Davis screamed as she lunged at her best friend, who looked shocked to find her best friend here.
"Tracey, how long have you been here?"
"I brought Miss Davis here on the same day as Miss Granger, and Mister Longbottom." Dumbledore smiled.
"Miss Greengrass, it is indeed a pleasure to met you in person." Sirius smiled, and gave a little bow. Daphne couldn't help the giggle that came out of her, and Harry smiled as well.
"Who else is here?" Harry wondered, a look of discomfort shadowing his face.
"Just me, for now." Sirius smiled. "Though we will be having a lot of regular visits. Dumbledore thought it would be good for you five to get some advance training over the summer."
"Training?" Daphne asked, casting her eyes to Dumbledore who was still smiling.
"Indeed," he nodded. "You will all be receiving advance defense training from some trusted friends. I am hopeful that you will all do your very best. I also hope you will manage to enjoy this holiday."
"How could they not?" Sirius asked, a wry smile on his face. "They have their own private island to do whatever they like. No muggles for miles, and people within the Ministry overlooking their constant use of magic."
"What?" Harry looked to Sirius and then back to Dumbledore.
"It will all be explained later. Now, I would like a private word with Harry." Dumbledore said, and Sirius shepherded the other teens out of the entry hall. Dumbledore took Harry by the arm and led him into a small study, where he motioned for Harry to take a seat.
"Harry, I promised you that I would make up for all the mistakes I made. We have a very busy time ahead of us, and quite a lot to cover. I am going to ask that you pay attention, and do your best to learn everything that we teach you."
"Of course, sir." Harry nodded.
"I plan for you to have private lessons with me as well. However, my schedule is rather busy, so, during the summer holiday, we will be limited in how often we can meet. Once you are back at school, we will be able to meet far more often."
Harry perked up, his eyes getting a bit wider. "What will you be teaching me, sir?"
"Quite a bit, actually." Dumbledore grinned under his snowy beard. "Some very advanced magic, as well as a bit of history." He reached into his robes and pulled out the small crystal vial that Slughorn's memory stirred in a silvery swirl.
"This is just one of many memories I plan to show you, Harry. Together, I hope we can learn the secret to destroying Lord Voldemort, once and for all."
Harry nodded enthusiastically, and Dumbledore slipped the memory back into his robes.
"Harry, I want you to consider telling your friends the prophecy. I know that you feel that they would be safer avoiding you, but I think it should be quite clear that they believe differently. They believe in you, and you do them a disrespect by not trusting in them. They care for you very deeply, Harry."
"I know that now, sir." Harry said. He looked into the twinkling blue eyes of the Headmaster and gave a small shrug. "Daphne made me see that I was wrong. I still feel like they'd all be safer staying away from me, but I don't think any of them will understand my point of view."
"I think they understand better than you think, Harry. I hope that you will see how much stronger you can be with their help. Now, I shall return in two weeks time. When I do, I think we shall begin our special lessons. For now, I think it a good idea for you to go and spend time with your friends and Sirius, who has been deeply worried about you."
Harry rose and Dumbledore shook his hand firmly. Harry smiled, feeling invigorated by what Dumbledore had promised, and he went out to the sitting room, where Hermione, Tracey and Daphne were sitting together talking quietly, while Neville and Sirius were bent over a chess table. Dumbledore's advice echoed in his mind, and his new inner voice, the one that sounded like Ron, spoke up.
"He's right. You owe it to them. They deserve to know exactly what they're getting into. Especially after what you tried to do to them."
Harry took a great breathe and held it for a moment before releasing it slowly. He did owe them, Daphne especially. They had all gone with him to the Ministry, and had risked their lives. They were all now going to be given special training, and they all deserved to know the real reason for it all.
So, with another great sigh, Harry walked into the sitting room, and cleared his throat, getting everyone's attention.
"I'm sorry. To all of you. I only wanted to keep you all safe. I thought that if I stayed away from all of you that the Death Eaters would leave you alone. I know now I was only fooling myself."
The three girls were watching him, and Harry could see each of them were fighting tears. Neville looked up at him, a strange look of anticipation on his face, while Sirius looked as if he'd been expecting what was coming.
"We're you friends, Harry." Neville said, his voice soft. "We're not going to give up on you."
"We love you." Hermione gave a watery smile, and Tracey grasped her shoulder, smiling tearily.
"I know that now." Harry nodded, looking pointedly at Daphne. "I care about all of you so much that the thought of losing any of you the way I lost Ron…"
"We all lost him, Harry." Neville said, rising from his chair. "He was a friend to all of us, but I think I can safely speak for all of us when I tell you that we'd all do the same thing he did, just as you would for any one of us."
Harry felt his throat constrict a bit as his emotion for those before him began to grip him. He took a few calming breaths tried to get himself under control.
"You're not alone in this, Harry." Daphne said. She had gotten out of her seat and come to his side, taking his hand in hers, and squeezing it comfortingly.
"That's why it's time for you all to know why we were lured to the Ministry. It's time I told you the Prophecy."