Nick was out in the gardens a few days after his birthday. He wasn't able to fully see through Titan yet, but the dog had still been a great help. Their minds seem connected enough, that even when he was not using Titan's eyes, he was able to use him. Titan had allowed Nick so much more freedom, he felt better about leaving his room on his own, and being mobile. Lucius may have complained about the size, but if he hadn't meant it before about the dog always being welcome, he did now.

Viktor had come out to find Nick in the gardens and talk with him for a bit. He had done his lesson earlier in the day, both for his senses, and h was at least keeping up on the theory part of his work. Even with Titan he was worried about using his wand and hurting someone.

Titan started to growl a bit. Nick hadn't turned around. "Whose there?"

Viktor kept his distance due to the monster dog. "Just me, I didn't think I was that scary."

Nick laughed and the dog settled down next to him. "He just knew my back was turned, and I didn't hear anyone coming."

Viktor found he was able to come sit next to Nick. "He does seem to be extremely protective of you."

Nick had a slight smile on his face. "Do I need protection from you?"

Viktor tried to sound serious. "I thought about it, but even if I could get passed your guard dog, your family would be another story."

Nick heard the humor in his voice, which was not hid well, and he laughed from the comment. He knew he could trust those around him, well he was starting to trust and rely on them. It wasn't he had doubts, they had not given him any reason to doubt them, but it was still hard for him. He had been lied to and hurt by too many people in his life. Remus and the twins were the only ones who fully had his trust yet, but the others were gaining it. Lucius was likely the closest beyond them, as odd as it seemed, the two brothers finally bonding.

Nick stroked the head of Titan who had settled back down at his feet. Between Fleur and the guys, Nick had been learning a lot, and functioning a lot better. Well at the very least he no longer looked like he needed a bib, whenever he was eating.

Viktor watched him for a bit before he took out what he had come with. "I have a letter for you, it just came in."

Nick was surprised, Hedwig usually brought him the letter. "Did my owl bight you? You're at more risk from her than Titan."

Viktor laughed and shook his head. "It didn't come with a member of your menagerie. Kreacher brought it for you."

Nick was truly confused now. "I know that Kreacher is my elf, especially now I know I am a Black for real, but why?"

Viktor put the letter in his hands, after casting the spell which would allow it to be read aloud when Harry opened. "It's from Arthur."

He could see the shock in Nick when he said the words. He hadn't been in the UK, but he had heard Nick had gone to see them, before he left. Nick had been at risk, but he had needed to see them, to know what was happening. It had been a risk, but even Lucius could admit it was a good idea, after the fact. He could see how much good it had done, for his brother to hear from Arthur, they hadn't known about him.

Nick took a few seconds before he opened the letter, and it spoke. He was surprised when Arthur told him that Molly had come out of the coma. She had yet to regain consciousness, but she was getting better. He mentioned she had started making progress after Nick's visit.

Nick had to wonder. "Could it have been me?"

Viktor had heard of course. "I am sure you helped lift her spirits Nick, and it does seem there may have been some link."

Nick shook his head. "I touched her, and I felt some warm light, before I left. And I'm the heir of Hufflepuff."

Viktor couldn't deny that it may be part. He hadn't realized Nick had touched her. "The healing powers often come later, you're just learning."

Nick knew. "I know I might just be jumping at straws. I guess I kind of like the idea I may still have been useful."

Viktor squeezed his hand. "You are still useful Nick. But even when your vision comes back, that isn't your life any more. The war is done."

He knew Viktor was right, and he was happy for it, in truth. He had never wanted to fight, he had said he wanted to be an auror, due to who he was. Other members of the order had a choice to fight or not, he had never had that choice. He hoped his eyesight would come back soon, and he could return to school, well go to Beauxbautons instead of back home. But he'd always worry about those he loved.

Viktor remained close and with a hand on his. "I am sure Arthur sent the letter to remind you how much they care."

Nick agreed. "I know they made mistakes, but they will always have a place in my heart, not just because of the twins."

Nick noticed he was still holding his hand when he surprised Viktor by saying. "Adrian."

Viktor smirked. "Should I be hurt you forgot my name already?"

Adrian's voice cut in. "He was referring to me, I was to meet him to go riding."

Nick was a bit worried as he went to stand. "Sorry I'm late, Viktor had a letter for me."

Adrian stopped him. "How did you know it was me? Titan is asleep."

Nick realized his dog was asleep next to him, and the flash of sight had not come from his dog. There were no other animals around, Talis didn't usually venture out of the house. And he definitely had never been able to see through another human either. He was amazed, when he realized, he may have had a brief vision through his own eyes. He was reminded the physical damage had healed, it was only psychological now.

Viktor shared a smile with Adrian and they went to lead Nick inside. "Your Aunt is still here. I think perhaps we should have her take a look."

The news Molly was coming out of the coma had lifted the spirits of many. People who were not even in the order, but working with them, had sent word and flowers for the family. Many remembered her brothers, and knew all the family had done, and her death would have been a blow. Fred had been surprised to learn his dad had sent a letter to Nick. His dad had thought Nick coming had lifted her spirits, having the last of the kids she loved around, and had helped. Fred wondered, as did George, if it had more to do with who he was.

Fred had received word finally from Harry. They hadn't seen him since the attack on the Burrow, he had been in a safe house since then. He sent word he had been returned to the house on the coast, after days in different homes, to throw off any track. He was alone like before.

He was waiting for them in the cave as before. "I wasn't sure if you guys would come."

Fred handed him a bag. "Nick had these sent on to Hermione. I am sure you can sneak them into the school with you."

Harry took the bag. "I can. I was a bit worried, considering what happened to your mum…."

George cut him off. "You aren't to blame for the attack on the house. Or the trick played on us about you either."

Fred agreed with his twin. "Our family is angry about it, but at Albus, for lying to us about you and Nick."

Harry was a bit surprised. "They know?"

He explained that their dad knew, for now that was safe enough, but the others didn't know yet. Arthur was upset they had been lied to, and in truth that the real Harry had been in their house. They had known the risk they took with Nick in the house, but they loved him as a son, and had been willing to take it. Harry may be the boy who lived, but he was a stranger, and they risked their life for him.

Harry looked down at the bag, and his few prized possessions. He knew he could not blame them, he would likely have felt the same way as they did. He thought about those he cared about, and if they were in danger.

Fred went white when he noticed the cat in the mouth of the cave. "Damn it."

Harry was confused. "Oh that is the cat who led me here the first time, I assume she is a kneezle."

George shook his head. "She is no kneezle, she is an animagus."

Harry was confused. "What?"

Fred made the introductions as the cat transformed. "Harry Potter, may I introduce Minerva McGonagall, head of Gryffindor."

George added. "As well as assistant headmistress of the school and a member of the order."

The twins were on guard, they had heard him mention the cat before, and had their suspicions. He had spoken about the markings, but they had thought it must be some kind of coincidence. They had no idea why the woman would be involved in any of this. But they were reminded what they were told, the woman had helped Remus, when he snuck Nick out of school..

Minerva cut off any questions from them about why she revealed herself this time. "Harry I have come about your relatives back in the US."

an: keep up the reviews, story continues.