A/N: It has been far too long since my last update! But at least it wasn't 2 years. This chapter is dedicated to Bouncerok who inspired me to keep going with this story. Hope you all enjoy!

Chapter 6: Learning of Love

July 1, 1992

Finally free of the house, Harry ran to the park. Once there, he skidded to a stop in front of the large oak that had become their tree. A few moments later, he heard the sounds of rapid footsteps approaching.

"Harry!" He whirled around just in time to see a blur of brown before Violet crashed into him. He grunted, staggering to stay upright. A grin lit up his face as he wrapped his arms around her and squeezed her into a large hug.

"It's so good to see you! I missed you terribly. Tell me everything," Violet said. Pulling away, she sat under the tree and patted the ground beside her. Still grinning, Harry flopped on the ground next to her, his head in her lap.

"It was great, Vi. A whole year away from the Dursley's. I loved Hogwarts and magic and everything else. It was wonderful, Vi. I just wish you could have seen it."

"I have seen it. Hogwarts is the most majestic thing I've ever seen. You can practically feel the magic it exudes," she replied, her hand smoothing his tumultuous locks. A frown marred Harry's face.

"You have? How? I thought only witches and wizards could see Hogwarts."

"Of course I have, silly. I am a witch after all."

"What? But then why didn't you come with me to Hogwarts?"

"Because I already finished my schooling. When a Death Eater killed my parents, there was a magical backlash. It increased my intelligence levels tremendously. Dumbledore had me homeschooled here in Surrey."

"So you knew this whole time exactly who I was? About what really happened to my parents? That some crazy man tried to kill me?! That I'm so famous that everyone in the Wizarding World knew who I was before I did?!" Harry felt his temper rise as he swiftly stood and glared down at Violet. A worried look crossed Violet's face as she stood to face Harry.

"Yes, I knew. I'm sorry for not saying something sooner, but Professor Dumbledore made me swear not to say anything."

"How could you not say anything?! I thought we swore to tell each other everything? I walked into a world I knew nothing about and was ambushed! My whole life the Dursley's lied to me and you knew the truth the whole time. Vi, I trusted you of all people to tell me the truth," Harry finished slumping back to the ground.

Violet sighed as she slowly sank down next to him.

"I'm truly sorry Harry," she said, gently taking his hand, "I made a promise not to tell you, but I insisted on meeting you. You're my best friend in the whole world, Harry, and I hope that you can forgive me. Dumbledore said that he wanted you to have a normal childhood. I wanted to tell you, but I couldn't." Harry stared down at their entwined hands before sighing.

"I understand. Professor Dumbledore likes riddles and secrets. But do you swear that's the only secret you kept from me?"

"I swear. Now tell me more about Hogwarts and your new friends. I'm sure your year was wonderful," she said with a slight smile. Squeezing her hand, Harry smiled back.

"Well," he said, settling his back against the tree, "I got sorted into Gryffindor house and met my two best friends, Ron and Hermoine."

Once again, the screen faded to black as the memory ended. Draco looked over at Harry, and could barely make out the sheen of tears on his face. His heart ached for the pain his lion felt at reliving the memories, but he knew the worst was to come. He turned back to the screen as a new memory surfaced.

December 23, 1993

"Happy Christmas everybody!" Violet said as she stomped the snow off her boots before entering the Burrow. Greetings were shouted from various parts of the house by different members. The loudest and most enthusiastic greeting came from the raven haired boy bounding down the stairs. Upon reaching the small black girl, he swung her in his arms and spun her around. Laughter filled the air before she demanded to be put down. Breathlessly, he set her on her feet, a wide grin dominating his face.

"Hi, Vi! I'm so glad that you could make it. Let me introduce you. This is Ron Weasley. And this is Hermione Granger. They're both in Gryffindor with me."

"So these are the two who keep you out of trouble or help get out of it I guess I should say," she said smiling at the trio. "It's nice to meet both of you. I've heard a lot about you all.'

"We've heard a lot about you too. It's nice to finally meet the girl Harry won't shut up about," Ron said nudging a blushing Harry. Shoving Ron back, Harry took Violet by the arm and led her to Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. A beaming Mrs. Weasley swept Violet into a large hug before hustling her to join the rest of the family at the kitchen table. After another round of introductions, they all sat down to a hearty dinner.

Later that night, when everyone had gone to sleep, Harry snuck out of Ron's room. He slowly crept into the den, eyes adjusting to the dark.

"Vi," he whispered as he crept closer to the couch. He let out a small eep as he was jerked backwards onto the couch. A small hand clamped itself over his mouth.

"Sshh," Violet said, giggling as she removed her hand. "We don't want anyone to hear us. Now, tell me what's wrong. In your last letter you seemed upset. I've heard some of Sirius Black but not much." Harry sighed and let his head fall onto her lap. Quietly, he began his story. They talked long into the night before a large yawn cut off Harry's next sentence.

"To bed then I guess. We've stayed up much too late," Violet said as they stood and made their way to the stairs. At the foot, Harry grabbed her arm. A confused expression crossing her face, Violet turned to him. Harry paused for a second, biting his lip, before taking a deep breath and leaning in quickly. A hesitant brush of lips before he gathered his nerve and firmly planted his lips on hers. The kiss lasted only a few seconds before Harry pulled back, a blush coloring his face. Violet looked down, a small smile crossing her lips before looking back at Harry. He shuffled his feet a little before glancing up.

"Mistletoe," he murmured. A smile lit up her face as she took his hand. Once they reached Ginny's room, she kissed his cheek, murmured good night, and slipped inside. Harry stumbled the rest of the way up the stairs and climbed into bed with a smile on his face.

The scene faded to black again. Harry wiped a stray tear as he turned to face the Silver Trio.

"A few days later, I finally worked up the nerve to ask her to be my girlfriend, and we dated until she died three years later. This last memory is when she...when I found..." Harry stuttered to a stop. Hermione placed a gentle hand on his shoulder.

"We understand, Harry. We'll just watch. You don't have to explain," Draco said, looking into Harry's eyes. Harry nodded and tapped the Pensieve a final time. The screen swirled as the final memory began.

A/N: Finally finished! I hope you all liked it. Next chapter will have the last memory and then I'll have a poll about a very important question! Review please!