Part 2 HP&GD~

The order meeting broke up quickly once it became evident that no one had seen Harry at Privet drive since school had let out. Each one of the watchers was quietly berating themselves for not noticing Harry might be missing, except for Mundungus he was quietly figuring out how much money he was going to lose if the boy had gone missing. His only bright thought was perhaps Dumbledore would pay him to search for the boy… at taverns of course. A few of the others wondered if Sirius's desire to return to his former tropical hideout had anything to do with Harry's disappearance however before Sirius left he had sworn on his magic he had nothing to do with Harry's disappearance.. That oath had convinced everyone he just wanted to leave England.

Alastor Moody and Dumbledore apparated to Mrs. Figg's house on Privet Drive before going over to Number 4 to personally see Harry Potter and put to rest the worries of other members of the order.

Vernon Dursley met them at the door and very grudgingly invited them in. Stopping them in the hallway out of sight of the neighbors.

"Vernon where is Harry Potter." Dumbledore asked in what any wizard who'd attended Hogwarts in any of the past few decades could have told Vernon was his, 'You don't want to mess with me," tone of voice

Never having heard of a skill called Legilimency Vernon kept to the story he'd been given; Harry had requested at wand point to be dropped of during the ride home and Vernon had no choice but to comply. He had no idea what happened to the boy after that. When the wizards questioning him left, having gotten the real story out of his mind, Dudley said, "That's a lot to put up with for a thousand pounds dad."

Vernon shook his head saying, "They're amateurs boy, I give my sales people a worse going over than that any time they miss a sale."

Dumbledore immediately went to Hogwarts and checked the devices he had monitoring Harry Potter. As he feared they were all non-functional. Whoever had Harry was good and that didn't bode well. The man in Vernon's memory was unknown to him and quite possibly a random muggle Imperiused in to performing the required actions to acquire Harry Potter for a person or persons unknown.

~ HP&GD~

Nymphadora Tonks was still serving her first years probation as an Auror doing the grunt work involved in whatever investigation they assigned her partner. This week she was interviewing the various students involved in the fiasco that was the end of the Tri-Wizard tournament. Changing her appearance from Auror to normal Muggle she made her way to an upper class neighborhood knocking on the front door.

"Can I help you?" a woman asked as she answered the door.

Tonks unconsciously straightened up saying, "I'm Auror Tonks. I'm here to interview your daughter Hermione Granger about an incident at school," stopping in shock as the door shut in her face. After a minute the door reopened with Hermione standing there.

"I do not know you," Hermione stated firmly.

"I was a seventh year puff when you were a first year gryf. I doubt you would remember me."

Hermione looked to her mother who glanced behind her then nodded. "Alright come on in but keep you hands in plain sight and away from your wand." Hermione said opening the door allowing Nymphadora to enter.

Tonks did a quickly look around as she was trained spotting an older man, probably Hermione's father, standing against the far wall a shotgun cradled in his arms.

"There's no need for that Governor." Tonks said doing her best to appear professional and none threatening.

"Have a seat." Hermione said motioning to a nice chair placed so her father had a clear shot. Hermione and her mother took seats well out of the line of fire and out of arms reach. Once the ladies were seated Hermione's father took a seat that had him at an angle to Nymphadora. "Allow me to make the introductions. This is my mother Doctor Margaret Granger and over there is my father Doctor Herman Granger. For safety's sake be aware my father is not holding that shotgun for show. What can I do for you Auror Tonks?"

Nymphadora felt herself get the shakes. This was decidedly different than having a wand held on you. Wands she understood. "Would you inform your father that if I shift shape it is not any attack, I am a Metamorphmagus, that means I can assume many different appearances. When I get this nervous my control occasionally slips."

"I am aware of what a Metamorphmagus is Auror I believe my father heard you but I will not guarantee his actions so please be careful. What particular incident is this about?"

Tonks took a moment to focus then said, "The end of the Tri-Wizard Tournament. You were one of the students closest to Harry Potter. We would like to know if you've remembered any further details that might help our investigation.

Tonks and Mrs. Granger watched Hermione enter what Mrs. Granger knew as intense thinking mode. They all remained silent until Hermione looked at Tonks saying, "No I believe I said everything at that time. I also recall Mr. Delacour taking responsibility for everything that happened at the graveyard. Is there anything else?"

Tonks shook her head. This wasn't the first time she'd been reminded about Mr. Delacour's actions that night. "On a separate topic have you heard from Mr. Potter?"

"No, is there a reason you asked that?"

Tonks was trapped she knew the girl would figure out the reason shortly regardless of her actions. "He's gone missing. According to Dumbledore his uncle was paid a thousand pounds to drop him off at a lay-up on the way back from the train station. No one has seen him sense."

"And you trust Dumbledore's statement?"

"Great man Dumbledore, he would never lie to me." Tonks said starting to push herself out of the chair in preparation for leaving only to stop and say, "I'm getting up and heading back to the door," to Mr. Granger who nodded watching her every move.

Once they were alone and Hermione recast the magical detection ward she'd found in the library. Her parents were unaware of the restriction on underage magic besides Hermione had found the spell for wand tracking during a visit to the restricted section in her third year. Now she was removing it when she returned home and recasting it when she returned to school. Her father returned from a trip to the kitchen holding two glasses of wine for him and his wife. He also held one of watered wine for Hermione as everyone settled back into their favorite living room chair Herman said, "Hermione you have an interesting look on your face."

After taking a sip of the watered wine she replied, "Yes I found the phrase she used to describe Dumbledore quite interesting. I've spoken with at least seven people about Headmaster Dumbledore and they all started their reply with, "Great man Dumbledore, he would never, then address whatever it was we were talking about," almost like they were following a script."

Margaret Granger looked at her daughter concerned. "Is there a way to compel someone to answer that way?"

Hermione thought for a moment before replying, "Several actually."

Margaret nodded then decided to have a conversation she'd discussed with Herman, "Hermione are you sure you still wish to attend Hogwarts? Your father and I would be willing to pay for any tutors need to bring you up to speed to attend any normal school you wish. You don't have to go back to Hogwarts if you don't want to."

"Actually I do. If I leave Hogwarts before finishing my OWL year they will snap my wand basically kicking me out of the magical world."

"You can't transfer schools? Not even to another magical school?" Her father asked confused.

Hermione's disgust became evident as she said, "To transfer from Hogwarts I need the approval of my magical guardian. Thanks to a law passed a few decades back the Headmaster of Hogwarts is the de facto magical guardian for all muggle born students enrolled at Hogwarts."

Her father wasn't about to give up however, "Could we appoint a magical guardian?"

"Don't know, I suppose you could have at least before I started school."

Margaret jumped in asking, "Do you have wizarding barristers that we could talk this over with?"

Hermione shrugged, "Might be a bit expensive but I could ask around in Diagon alley."

"Tomorrow while we're at work why don't you visit the alley and have a look around. Find out if such a thing exists and make an appointment for us to see them. You know our working hours and if need be we can always reschedule a few appointments." Her father said ending the discussion.

~ HP&GD~

Sirius looked over at Apolline Delacour again asking, "Are you sure I can't help you take care of them?"

Gabrielle's mother looked at her houseguest in exasperation saying, "It is not a problem Sirius. I go in cast a cleaning spell and pour some of the energy potion the healer left into each of them. After a quick checking spell only a Veela can cast I leave. Nothing to it." What she didn't say was in the process of doing all that she normally was able to have a few words with her daughter who would occasionally wake as she felt the cleaning spell. Besides she really didn't want him seeing how well the nude teens were developing. It might give the poor man a stroke.

Sirius sighed he knew she had good reasons for keeping that chores to herself but two weeks of sitting around waiting for his godson to regain consciousness was becoming a bit much. "I feel useless." He muttered more to himself than anyone.

Apolline heard his complaint and recent discussions with her husband provided a solution. "Sirius you are a free individual here. Why don't you get in touch with a dueling instructor I'm sure you can get a referral in Paris. That way you can regain your skills and when Harry is ready you can help him improve. One of the reasons we held Fleur out of school and will be holding Gabrielle out also is the change in their bodies is so great they need time to adjust. Most kids go through an awkward stage as they grow think how bad it is when you are suddenly over 25 centimeters taller."

Sirius looked up asking, "Harry's grown that much?"

"I haven't measured him but I suspect when we see him he might exceed that."

Thinking hard Sirius said, "I think he was around 5 foot 3 when he came here that would make him…"

"Roughly 160 centimeters"

"Adding 25 centimeters gives us 185 which is…?" Sirius asked looking at Apolline.

"A touch over six feet."

"Not bad, not bad at all. At least he won't look like a shrimp."

"Yes but given how he was fixated on being a Quidditch seeker this might put him out of that position."

"You just had to mention that didn't you." Sirius replied deciding her suggestion was probably the best idea he stood up and saying, "I'd best start my training then," he head to his room to get his cloak and money pouch thinking the Goblins might be able to give him a lead on who the best trainer was.

~ HP&GD~

Hermione escorted her parents into to the Diagon Alley office of Brocklehurst and Ackerley, the wizarding barrister firm she'd selected. "Hello I'm Samuel Brocklehurst I believe I have a daughter in Hogwarts with Hermione here," he said introducing himself as the Granger's entered.

"Mr. Brocklehurst I'm Doctor Herman Granger, this is my wife Doctor Margaret Granger and of course our daughter Hermione. I was wondering if we could get your professional advice on a problem we have?"

"Of course." Samuel replied then added, "Give me a Galleon."

"What," Hermione asked already fishing in her purse.

"Once I have your money you have hired me and any discussion we have is protected. I can not be given any truth drug or made to testify about our discussion."

"Oh," Hermione said passing the galleon to Mr. Brocklehurst who listened as Herman explained their magical guardian issue.

"That is solvable. However I am not sure you will like my suggestion."

"And that is?" Margaret asked.

"You will need to designate a magical guardian for her. If she has an adult wizard or witch, it would be best if they were old enough to be her parent, that person could be designated by you to act in her best interest. I must point out however that her best interest might not be in the best interest of her parents."

As her parents digested the information Hermione took the bull by the horns, "Mr. Brocklehurst would it be possible for you to become my magical guardian?"

Samuel Brocklehurst thought that might be the outcome of this discussion once he started to understand her parents concern. As he thought through the ramifications he remembered what his daughter had told him last night when he'd asked her about Hermione. "Smart, should have been in Ravenclaw. Dumb, hasn't put Ron Weasley in his place yet. Brave, you'd have to be hanging out with Harry Potter." He'd stopped her at that point asking her how close Hermione was to Harry. Her reply had bearing now, "Honestly? He left a date with Cho, a very good-looking housemate of mine, just because Hermione asked him to. Rumor was she had the inside track to become Mrs. Harry Potter until he started hanging out with the French Champion's little sister earlier this year."

Hermione sat back watching him think through her question it was obvious he had more information on her than had come out in this meeting. Finally he said, "I can either be your guardian and represent you or represent your parents. I cannot do both. My associate Mr. Ackerley could represent your parents should they wish. In fact I would insist they get a different solicitor to handle their side of this discussion."

Reaching a decision Hermione nodded then looked to her parents. Herman nodded asking, "Mr. Brocklehurst would Mr. Ackerley be free at the moment?"

Two hours and a good sized amount of Galleons later Hermione had her magical guardian and the process underway to create her own account at Gringotts with a portion of her trust account in it giving her pecuniary independence should that become a question. Her solicitor had a far harder problem to solve. How to suggest to a colleague that he have his daughter tested for mind controlling spells or potions.

~ HP&GD~

Harry slowly rose from his dream. He was at the point where he could realize he'd been dreaming and what the dream had been about while not conscious enough to realize there was a body in bed with him and just what his hands were on. He was fighting waking up further wanting to return to his dream involving partially dressed women when a very soft voice came from in front of him. "Harry if you don't wake up soon I'm going to wake you the hard way."

Grumbling Harry crossed a barrier suddenly realizing he was cuddled up to someone and his body was rapidly telling him they were both naked. His mind was analyzing reports from one of his hands about how soft and yet firm something he was holding was. Realization that he was in bed with a woman struck then a particular part of his body was telling him it liked that idea a lot. His hand sprang open and he tried to move away from whomever it was when the voice return, "Harry don't you dare let me get cold, get back here and hold me."

This time the voice registered in his mind, "Gabrielle?" he asked wondering just where his hand hold had come from.

"Yes."

"What happened, last thing I remember was climbing into bed with you."

"The short or long version?" Gabrielle asked a chuckle in her voice.

"Short I need to use a bathroom."

"That might be a problem. We climbed into bed three weeks ago. From what my mother has said to me over the last few visits you experienced a veela maturation."

"Right a bit longer version might be in order."

"When you are ready I'll bring you up to speed just know that you are not the boy that climbed into bed with a pre-teen girl. You've felt my changes a bit you have gone through something similar."

"Okay." Harry said turning over and starting to sit up as his legs swung to the floor stopping when the hit the floor. 'that's new. Normally they dangle a bit, must be a different height bed.' Harry thought before getting to his feet and grabbing his robe discarding it when it came nowhere near fitting him. Tossing it over his shoulder intending to hold it in front of him when he came out he headed for the bathroom. His walk to the bathroom had him worried. It resembled a drunken stagger more than a walk something he'd witnessed his cousin do on more that one occasion.

Apolline Delacour entered her daughter's bedroom in a hurry. Glancing at the bed she noticed her daughter was awake and alone. "Where is he?"

"In the bathroom."

Apolline shook her head, "You were suppose to keep him in bed and summon me." She said reproaching her daughter.

"You try stopping him sometime." Gabrielle answered a frown on her face.

"Harry are you alright?" Apolline called through the door to Gabrielle's bath.

"No this robe doesn't fit and I don't have my wand." A deeper voice than she'd expected replied.

"Come out here and I'll alter it for you."

"No."

"What do you mean no. Are you going to live in there?"

"If necessary. This thing doesn't even fit my shoulders." Harry complained.

"Then pass it out an I'll alter it." Apolline replied. Smiling as the door opened a just enough for the robe to be forced through before it was closed again. Apolline looked over at her daughter who was doing a poor job of suppressing a giggle. "Gabrielle how big should I make this?"

Gabrielle appeared thought full for a moment before replying, "A size or two larger than papa's and several centimeters longer," she finished with a sigh.

Apolline's eyebrow rose at the directions but followed them figuring only one size larger than her husband was in order. A knock and the door opened enough for a hand to emerge and grab the robe before retreating behind a closed door.

"Better." Harry's voice came from behind the door before he opened in and stepped back into Gabrielle's bedroom.

She'd thought her daughter's directions were going to result in a robe he'd be swimming him. Quite the contrary he barely fit into it. "Let me expand the shoulders a bit more," She said drawing her wand. Knowing who was waiting just outside the door Apolline motioned to Gabrielle to cover up then called out, "Sirius your godson is up."

Sirius practically exploded into the room looking around for the short wiry boy his godson had been. It took Harry speaking for Sirius realize the tall muscular man standing by Apolline was his godson.

It was when Sirius pulled him in to a hug that Harry realized how much he'd grown. Instead of looking up at his godfather he was looking him in the eye. Apolline suggested they go to Harry's room where Sirius could transfigure one of the outfits they'd gotten him earlier to fit.

As they left Apolline started to approach her daughter only to watch her daughter throw back the covers and emerge from the bed like a butterfly from a cocoon. Nudity had never been an issue between the females of the Delacour family and it wasn't now. "My little waif dancer is gone." Apolline commented.

Gabrielle acknowledged her mother's comment with a tilt of her head asking, "And who stands in her place?"

"At this moment I do not know. I suspect but I will remain silent until the healer examines you."

In his room Harry reached for his wand intending to do his own transformation of his under garments. Sirius stopped him saying, "The healer's instructions were no magic for either of you until she examined you."

"Great when's that?"

"I suspect Apolline will be calling her shortly. But let me transfigure these things for you."

Two hours later Harry entered the Delacour's sitting room having dressed after the healer's exam to hear the healer say, "It is as we suspected. I will make the required announcement when I return. I believe you will be contacted late today or sometime tomorrow morning. Therefore you should decide how you want this handled this afternoon." The healer said before disappearing leaving behind one confused teen, one worried but happy teen, and two worried adults.

"Alright what did I miss and how bad is it?" Harry asked looking at the group as he sat down beside Gabrielle.

Noting, 'He gravitates to her without thought,' Apolline prayed that this go well for her daughter's sake. Speaking up when she saw Sirius start she overrode his comment not wanting this to degenerate into a bawdy version of events. "Harry you and Gabrielle have managed to achieve something wonderful."

"Then why does everyone have long faces?"

"Not everyone," Gabrielle spoke up from beside him a smile on her face.

"Right let's do this the same way as last time." Harry said taking Gabrielle's hand heading for the door to the grounds.

Close to an hour later he ushered Gabrielle back through the door before turning to the adults saying, "I'm still a little confused on the details but according to what I've been told I now have… What was that term you used Gabrielle?"

"A companion." Gabrielle replied looking at Sirius.

Sirius started to open his mouth only to stop when Harry said, "Sirius you had better not be making an off color remark concerning me or Gabrielle Delacour Potter."

Apolline's sharp intake of breath at his comment drew all eyes to her. "You are claiming her?" she half asked half prayed.

"Of course, whether she ends up as my sister or something else is yet to be decided. I will not however abandon her to fate." Harry replied drawing an admiring glance from Gabrielle.

"Harry I am tired," Gabrielle said a few moments later.

Harry rose saying, "As am I," adding to the group, "The healer said we might tire quickly for the next few weeks. We will see you tomorrow," before leaving the room Gabrielle at his side.

When Apolline checked later she found them curled up in his bed. Deducing from the pile of clothes at each side they were dressed this night as they were last night.

That evening two letters were jointly composed and sent to the respective schools. It was time for home schooling to start.

~ HP&GD~

Dumbledore looked at the pile of official notices on his desk before waiving his wand to file most of them leaving any concerning his special project. It turned out to be just one from Sirius Black acting in is role of Harry Potter's guardian officially notifying the Headmaster of Hogwarts that Harry was taking a sabbatical from school. Even the P.S. of "It might turn in to a Mondaytical and Tuesdaytical," failed to lighten his mood. With the Hogwarts Express due to leave London in fifteen minutes this was not the time for Dumbledore to go chasing around trying to find the student that had slipped through his fingers earlier this summer.

~ HP&GD~

Ron had been beside himself on the train. Harry hadn't sent any owls this summer and no one could find him. Hermione had consoled herself that if they couldn't find him neither could Voldemort but without Harry around she wasn't sure how enjoyable Hogwarts would be this year.

The welcoming feast was appearing on the tables when Ron rose from the table stalking to the head table where he loudly confronted the Headmaster questioning where his best friend was. Hermione had expected him to go off upon arrival at Hogwarts but either fear of his brothers reactions or more likely some other distraction had kept him silent until now. Everyone in the hall was in shock some that a student dared confront the headmaster publicly others by the sight of Ron Weasley leaving a table before eating it clean. Still she didn't miss the look from the Hufflepuff table accompanied by a nod in the direction of Ron. All it took was a simple shake of the head for Hermione to disavow any claim on her co-best friend. Seeing her path now clear Megan Jones made her way to the head table taking Ron's arm and talking to him calmly while escorted him over to the Hufflepuff table sitting him down beside her and starting to feed him.

At the head table Professor McGonagall deputy headmistress and head of Gryffindor house looked to Professor Pomona Sprout head of Hufflepuff house saying, "I believe one of mine is at your table I hope you don't take offense."

"Not at all I believe a few house points are in order however."

"Allow me," Professor McGonagall said standing and looking to the couple sitting down. "Mr. Weasley that will be twenty five house points from Gryffindor for your actions and a week of detention, no make it two weeks of detention with me. Miss Jones take ten of those same points for Hufflepuff house for your prompt action."

Professor Severus Snape muttered, "Twenty five points bah, he should have been expelled."

A slight smile creased the headmaster's face when he countered, "If I expelled everyone you wished we wouldn't have any students above second year. Minerva that must have hurt to take that many points before classes even begin."

Her voice slipped in to a thick Scottish brogue as she replied, "Ay it did, but that boy has worse coming."

"I agree with Professor Snape disobedience like that should be punished severely. I can understand you mollycoddling the boy Minerva but Headmaster you should have insisted on a more appropriate punishment."

"You will find Delores, I tend to let the heads of house deal with their own students in cases like this. They know them and are in a better position to guide them back to the proper path." The headmaster replied to the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher Delores Umbridge.

Hermione as a fifth year prefect helped the first year Gryffindors to their common room alone. her male counterpart had been Ron but with his behavior to night that was in question. She debated putting in a good word for Neville but decided that might play against her should one of the other fifth year boys be selected. The new morning she looked at her class schedule surprisingly her first class of the term wasn't potions. Defense Against the Dark Arts and its new teacher awaited the fifth year Gryffindors this morning.

Three hours later she sat in History of Magic not taking notes not doing anything but fuming really. She could still hear the sappy sweet girlish voice telling her they would not need wands this year. How was she going to pass her owls at the end of the year? Years of arguing with teachers at her muggle school paid off today she'd managed to push the point stopping only when her next word would earn her a detention, a point proven by Ron among others. If the rest of the day's Defense classes when like theirs did Professor Umbridge would need to use the Great Hall for her detentions tonight.

As the days progressed Hermione's suspicions about her classes were confirmed. Most were not overly challenging if you kept up with the reading and homework. She was beginning her revision for the end of the year owls her schedule had her covering the first through third year material before Christmas. Fourth should finish up mid-February leaving the rest of the year for fifth year material that had the benefit of being fresh in her mind but the problem of being more complex. That applied for all but Defense. That class she'd have to work out something special. This was one of the many things she missed about Harry. Say what you will about his study habits, and did she ever, that boy knew his Defense Against the Dark Arts.

Hermione's second week at Hogwarts started with the announcement that their Defense Against the Dark Arts Instructor, Dolores Umbridge, had been appointed Hogwarts High Inquisitor reporting directly to the Minister for Magic. Hermione watched the head table carefully watching body language and catching snippets of the conversation suddenly glad she had an out. Hogwarts was fast going to become unfriendly to muggle born students. That night's owl contained the line, "Tell my boyfriend Eric Burdon that I agree with what he said."

~ HP&GD~

As her parents read the letter her father asked, "Who in the heck is Eric Burdon and why didn't I know he's my daughter's boyfriend?"

"Eric Burdon was the lead singer of "The Animals," Margaret replied.

"I remember that group isn't he a little old for our daughter?"

Margaret looked at her husband shaking her head as she thought, 'clueless man,' before saying, "I believe our daughter thinks her mail is being read and sent a message wizards wouldn't catch but we would."

"What is this message?"

"What are the top songs the group is know for?"

Herman thought for a moment before saying, "House of the Rising Sun, Don't let me be misunderstood, We Gotta Get out of This Place."

"The last one love. She's telling us she wants out of Hogwarts. Time to contact Mr. Ackerley and let him talk with Mr. Brocklehurst," Margaret replied then began having a long discussion with her husband. She'd read a few of the history books Hermione had bought over the years for summer reading. Adding in this news she was wondering if that might not be a good idea for her and Herman to join the British expatriate community. They could sell their practice to that new dentist that had inquired about joining them and use his payments to live off while they set up a new practice wherever they landed.

~ HP&GD~

Sirius Black looked at his godson knowing that after this conversation their relationship would change forever, rather it became better was not assured. "Take a seat Harry we've got a lot to cover."

"What's going on?"

"We need to talk about clothes first. Apolline told me you are reluctant to go shopping."

Harry nodded the teenager in him coming out fully he said, "It's only clothes I really don't care what ever they pick up is fine with me."

Sirius shook his head saying, "You've spent too much time with your aunt. Harry while clothes don't make the man they sure can break him. I'm sure you've noticed all the families bringing their kids to get on the Hogwarts express and then coming to get them."

"Yes it's a right pain I don't know why they couldn't issue us portkeys. It would be a lot easier."

"You're right it would be. Years ago however a group of pure-blooded parents pushed through a requirement that all students take the express."

An obviously puzzled Harry asked, "Why would they do that isn't it harder on them?"

"Yes but it also allows them to put their eyes on their children's class mates. If their daughter is talking about a boy or the reverse they can look the young lad or girl over and decide if they need to obstruct or encourage. All that is decided in most cases before their child can introduce the other one to their parents."

"Based on clothes?"

Sirius shrugged saying, "To a point yes. The way the other individual is dressed can tell a lot about their upbringing and family situation. Wizarding England may be small, only 25,000 or so, but wizarding families tend to live an isolated existence. So outside of their family grouping their lack of knowledge about each other is surprising to muggles. The cut of your robes, the material they are made of, even how you walk will affect how you are perceived. Luckily you avoided all that by bonding with Gabrielle. That being said care to tell me why you are wearing your hair short and not wearing any rings?"

Harry looked confused at his godfather true his hair was a lot shorter than Sirius's but what did that matter and he didn't own any rings. Seeing the confusion Sirius continued. "Harry you are head of House Potter actually the old way of saying it would be you are Potter of House Potter. You should be growing your hair down to the middle of your back and there should be the head of house ring on your right hand."

"But everyone says my hair is just like my fathers."

"Your grandfather was alive when James was in school he wasn't killed until the summer after James graduated then your father started letting his hair grow. Dumbledore should have told you all this and gotten you the head of house ring before you went to Hogwarts. I can't believe I didn't think of it before Apolline reminded me."

"So I've got to grow my hair and wear some gaudy ring just to make a bunch of purebloods happy?" Harry replied in a confrontational tone.

"No Harry you can do what you want. I'm not going to force you to do anything. All I want to do is let you know what I know. Your father and I were both pure bloods and there are some things you should know and be able to recognize. You may not want to grow your hair long but you should know what it means and be able to recognize a head of house ring like this one." Sirius said holding up his own Head of House Black ring for Harry to look at.

Harry looked at the ring on Sirius' finger deciding if the potter ring looked that manly he might actually wear it.

Watching him look over the ring Sirius felt it was time for the real reason for this conversation. "Harry I've decided to tell you some things your father told me shortly before he was murdered. At the time the only people that knew were your parents and Dumbledore. I was told as you were to come to me should anything happen to your parents and James wanted me to know why extraordinary steps needed to be taken concerning your safety. There was a prophecy made concerning you and one of Voldemort's death eaters overheard it and rushed to tell him. I can't remember the entire thing off the top of my head but the gust of it is you are the only one with the power to kill Voldemort. That is unless he kills you first."

Harry sat looking at Sirius for a long while before asking, "So because I am the only one fated to deal with Voldemort everyone else runs around scared hiding from not only him but anyone of his Death Eaters they could defeat?"

Sirius smiled at Harry's quick understanding saying, "That's about right."

"Do you have any idea who the death eater was that told him?"

"No but I have my suspicions and those will stay mine until I have proof."

Harry sat quietly for several minutes before saying, "Sirius I need time to think this through. Is there any problems if I tell Gabrielle and her parents?"

Sirius shrugged his shoulders saying, "It's your story tell who you want. I would suggest making sure it doesn't get back to old snake face though."

Harry smiled at the insulting nickname as he left Sirius alone. Hours later he was approached by Joseph Delacour asking, "You've told Harry the gust of the prophecy about him?"

"How did you?"

"I know many things Mr. Black. Albus Dumbledore and the Dark Lord's spy were not the only ones who heard the prophecy," Joseph said leaving the room relieved he no longer felt the responsibility to tell Harry of his fate. Surprisingly Harry held out for a week before he succumbed and told Gabrielle what Sirius had told him.