First of all, let me say thank you to all the reviewers. I know that it's always a little slow when you first put a story out that you don't receive a lot of reviews so I'm patient. But to those of you lurking in the background that haven't left a review(and I know who some of you are, too!) Please review! I may sound like a groveling worm but trust me, I do write better with more reviews in my bo-ox! -sing songs- Also, a wonderful thank you to my long time friend, and now currently beta-reader - yumijimeru. Oh, yeah and if you've never read her stories, find them and read them. You'll miss out on a treat if you don't. Well, without further--oh, yeah.

Don't sue, not mine.

NOW...on with the show!

The first few days back at Hogwarts were hell on earth for Harry. After Hermione had realigned and healed his nose, Ron had stalked from the room and had refused to speak to him for two days straight. On the second day, he'd finally come back to Harry and given him a proper greeting, and scolded him - to Harry's amusement - for leaving off without him and Hermione. After extracting Harry's promise that he wouldn't leave without them again, he had informed him that Ginny would be back from her own mission with Fred and George in a few days, and the he'd send her up to see Harry.

That had been three days ago. Harry had spent most of his time wondering what he was going to say to her, as well as taking time to put in order his reports for the Order. He also had reports for Albus on the location of the Horcruxes, and was still holding the tainted locket he'd found in some place safe and far away from human contact. As he shuffled his papers and set them on his desk, he heard a feeble knock at his door. With an idle wave of his hand, the door opened and he turned to greet his guest.

Only to find that his tongue felt glued to the roof of his mouth. She was as he remembered, and yet not, for Ginny had grown up just like Hermione had. Her red hair had been pulled up into a bun, held firmly in place by her wand, despite the constant warnings from her mother that she would set her hair on fire. Her robes were black, but weren't school robes. Rather, they were what Order members wore when they were out on reconnaissance missions. Which meant she'd come directly to see him after reporting to Dumbledore.

She looked tired, and worn, the childlike youthfulness all but fled from her eyes in the wake of a horrid war. From what he'd heard, she had been with Remus when he died, and apparently it hadn't been pretty. He hated that the same things that had driven his own childhood from him had done the same to hers. The future had looked bleak a week before, but Harry was determined that now that he was back, things would change. The tide of the war would turn, and he would take down Voldemort, ridding the world of the wizard that had cost him almost everything he held dear.

At first, she simply stood there, her brown eyes shining with unshed tears. After a moment, she stepped towards him, reaching out an unsteady hand as if to make sure he was really there. If she could just touch him... She continued forward until her hand rested against his chest, and when she felt the steady beat of his heart beneath her hand, her face crumbled. He was alive! He was okay! Harry, without a second thought, pulled her into his arms with a sigh.

She wrapped her arms around his waist and buried her face in his shoulder, sobbing. So many things had gone wrong. Remus had died, Harry had left, her family had been forced from their home, and Percy had vanished. The Order was dwindling, and the war was going in Voldemort's favor. She cried for what she had lost, what she would lose...and the fact that she could do very little to prevent it. After a few long moments of her crying, and Harry whispering apologies, she pulled back and wiped at her face, her hands still shaking. "Harry James Potter I swear..."

Then suddenly, it was like someone had flipped a switch and her eyes blazed with anger as she glared up at him, her tear streaked face only adding to the sight of an angry Ginny. She placed her hands on her hips and tapped her foot in an agitated manner before she began her tirade, and it was all Harry could do to keep the smile off his face. He knew that she was angry, but at the same time it was quite funny. Strands of hair that had escaped her bun framed her face, and her chocolate brown eyes blazed in a fury that he was sure she had been stoking for quite some time.

"Harry James Potter! The nerve of you! Going off without so much as a by your leave! You couldn't leave a note?! You do know how to write don't you? Apparently not, as none of us ever even received a note from you, a letter, nothing! Do you realize the state you've put my mother in?! One of her own children running off without so much as a passing glance, especially after Percy disappeared! Dad's been worried sick, so has Ron and Hermione! I heard he broke your nose, which would serve you right! How could you? If you ever do something like that again, I'll hex you nine ways to Sunday! My bat-bogey hex will be the least of your worries!"

By the end of her tirade, Harry managed to be slightly smiling as well as looking properly chagrined. He sighed and threw up his hands in a gesture of compliance. "I know, Ginny! I'm sorry! I've already given Hermione and Ron promises that I wouldn't leave without them again!"

Apparently this had been the wrong thing to say, for Ginny's face took on a pink tinge and she reached out a finger to jab him in the chest with every few words she spoke. "Without. Them? What about me? You won't leave without me, either Harry Potter! You can't just leave me here to rot while the rest of you bandy around Britain looking for those things! I want to help! And if you tell me I have to stay here, so help me...!"

Harry glanced in alarm at the sparks that were currently shooting from the wand in Ginny's hair. "Uh...Gin?"

"And if you think--"

"Gin."

"Don't you Gin me! I'm trying to say something here. Are you listening to me?"

"Ginny!" Harry said, his alarm growing at the increasing amount of sparks shooting off from her wand.

"What?!" she cried, exasperated.

"Your hair's on fire."

Needless to say, Ginny finally learned her lesson that day and did as her mother told her. Fortunately, the slight crisping her hair had took was a minor affair and easily fixed, much to Ginny's embarrassment. Harry, however, was nervous once again for today he had to face the Order and give his report, as well as sit down for a much needed conference with Albus on how to proceed about the Horcruxes. Not only that, but he was due in the Great Hall to eat breakfast with the Order as well. Throwing on a pair of jeans, t-shirt, and a blue robe, Harry pulled his hair back and started for the door.

Wait! Don't forget me Massster! I do not wisssh to ssstay down here! The bird will eat me!

It was true. Niyat was nearing his burning day - though for storm phoenix's it was more of an explosion day - and he'd been unbearably grumpy lately. He'd almost taken a large chunk out of Ptah's side the day before, and Ptah had been more than willing to give Niyat a little bite to remember him by. It was then that Harry decided he'd best take Ptah with him everywhere until Niyat's burning day was over. Reaching down, Harry picked up the asp and placed him around his neck, casting the obligatory warming charm before he headed out the door, folders in hand. Despite being a wizard, Harry did enjoy some aspects of the muggles, one being their organizing system, for example. Harry cast a warming spell on himself, as the drafty castle air hit him square on, causing him to shiver. Even though he'd constantly gone back and forth from Egypt to Britain, he'd adapted more quickly to Egypt's environment, leaving him cold and shivering whenever he frequented Britain. He'd have to get used to the climate again he supposed.

Groggily, he made his way into the Great Hall, ignoring the stares of the children that were seated at the tables. While school was not going on, there were those in the Order that had children that resided within the castle, and they met for breakfast with the Order. It was the only time of the day one could find everyone in one place at one time. Looking up, Harry saw Albus beckon to him from the Head Table. "Come, my boy! You've arrived just on time."

It seemed he was telling the truth too. Harry sidled up to the table to see freshly loaded breakfast plates at nearly every seat. Apparently, he wasn't the only one who had trouble waking up in the morning. He slid into an empty seat between Ron and Hermione, obviously saved for him. After a moment, there was a flash and his own breakfast appeared before him, and he picked at his food. "Morning Ron, 'Mione...Albus."

Ron gave a slight grunt of acknowledgement, tipping the rim of his tea cup toward his lips once more. Ron's obsession with having a cup of tea in the morning had started a year ago, and now it was an addiction. You didn't speak to Ron before his first cuppa if you knew what was good for you. Hermione, however, was not like Ron in this respect. She turned her attention to Harry and replied brightly. "Good morning, Harry! The meeting starts right after breakfast. I'm sure there's a lot you've got to tell us."

Harry speared his eggs viciously, and frowned. "You've no idea...but that can wait."

He turned his gaze to see who else was currently at the table. At the moment, Ginny was staring grimly at her breakfast, the eggs and bacon(can you tell I'm American?) smiling up at her due to the fact that the house elves were always cheerful in the morning. Harry couldn't blame her. If his breakfast was smiling at him, he'd be in a bit of a foul mood too. He glanced down just to make sure it wasn't, and was chagrined to find the same smiley face staring up at him. Pity he hadn't noticed it before... He grimaced and turned his attention back to his surveying.

Minerva was quietly talking with Albus, seemingly pleased that he was there once again. While she enjoyed her talks with Filius or Hagrid, it wasn't quite the same. Filius Flitwick and Rubeus Hagrid were seated farther down the table, watching in amusement as Fred and George held a mock 'duel' with their forks. Apparently, this was normal every day behavior for Fred and George because no one was paying attention. There were quite a few Order members missing, and Harry pressed his elbow into Ron's side, muttering quietly. "Where's everyone else?"

"Dad's the Minister for Magic, Harry. Where do you think he is?" Ron sighed. "And Mum's doing her best to compose herself before meeting you again, so she's still in her room. She'll be at the meeting early. I don't envy you the earful you'll be getting mate. My sympathies."

Harry sighed. His day was already going downhill. Ptah could only hiss his sympathies, which caused several at the table to jump in surprise, along with smiles a few minutes later. You could always tell Harry was present when odd things started happening.

Harry waited outside the meeting room that the Order had created from an old classroom. Inside, Molly Weasley was waiting for him, ready to ambush him the moment he entered the door. Not that he blamed her, but he'd been thoroughly chastised several times. Even the twins hadn't let him off scott free, with the promise that he'd still get payment for pulling his little stunt. It wasn't something he was looking forward to. Finally 'biting the proverbial bullet', Harry pushed open the door and walked inside. The first sight that greeted him was a room done in various shades of maroon, gold, and grey. Maps lined the wall, and the room housed various instruments, some of which Harry recognized and some which he did not. In the middle of the room was a large round table with approximately forty seats. Most of the inner circle of the Order, with very few left in the outer circle. Harry idly thought that perhaps it was time for him to use some of his fame to recruit more members.

Before his thoughts could stray any farther, he was pulled into a bone crushing hug by a very happy and yet somehow still irate, Molly Weasley. Harry managed to hug her back before she let go and began her tirade. "--without so much as a by your leave, Harry James Potter! Why! Do you have any idea how worried Arthur and I have been?"

Harry vaguely thought that the beginning of her lecture sounded like Ginny, and knew that Molly was where Ginny got her temper and ranting abilities from. Once Molly finished her tirade with a simple, "We were just so worried about you!", Harry felt ashamed. Arthur and Molly had never been anything but kind to him, and they were the closest thing he had to parents. He hated to disappoint them, and it caused him no end of shame and grief. "I'm so sorry, Mrs. Weasley. I...obviously wasn't thinking."

Molly took pity on the poor boy and patter his shoulder gently. "It's okay, dear. Just, next time remember that you can come to Arthur and I about anything. All right?"

Harry did smile then and he nodded. "All right."

"Best take your seat dear. The meeting's going to start in ten minutes, and Alastor hates for anyone to be late."

Finally, everyone trickled in, and there was much happiness from Order members who had yet to see Albus, and more scolding and hugs for Harry. Fortunately, everyone realized the importance of this meeting, as Harry probably had much to report. Albus finally stood and smiled at everyone, his eyes twinkling merrily.

"Greetings, my friends, and welcome to yet another meeting of the Order of the Phoenix. Minerva was kind enough to bring me up to date, and as such, Mr. Weasley, Alastor, myself and Mr. Potter will be meeting to discuss further battle strategy depending upon what Mr. Potter tells us today. First and foremost, I believe most of you realize by now that Severus Snape was acting on my orders? Arthur has been informed, and Severus will be offered a full pardon. Only we must find him first. Now, without further ado, Mr. Potter?"

Harry stood nervously and nodded. "Right. Albus informs me that he notified several of his Order about the Horcruxes, via Pensieve, shortly after his death. While the diary, ring, and locket have been found, we are still missing Hufflepuff's cup, Nagini herself and the Ravenclaw pendant. Draco Malfoy, also currently a Death Eater defect of sorts, has been searching out the whereabouts of the Horcruxes and of one, Severus Snape. If you see him lurking, please, leave him alone. That goes for you too, Alastor." The snort he received and the disbelieving looks caused a smile to come to him face. "I know it seems impossible, but Draco is one of my best informants, and he's also become quite a good friend. Trust me when I say that he can be trusted."

Albus gave a small smile, thinking that Harry rather sounded like him when Albus was speaking of Severus. Harry noticed this too, and he flashed a grin at the Headmaster. Finally, Harry turned back to his report. "While in Egypt, I was able to find out that Voldemort hid the horcruxes outside of Britain as well as in Britain. Which is why they're difficult to find. We're going to have to expand our search. We need contacts from other countries. Preferably ones that aren't starkly Light. Anyone have any suggestions?"

Ron nodded from his seat. "Yeah, mate. Actually, before Remus died he introduced us to several of the people he worked with. One was a vampire by the name of Jadis Varn. She's technically neutral, but she's a good informant. I can get in touch with her if you like? She was currently in Paris, last time I checked."

Harry nodded. "Do it. The rest of you, if you know anyone, contact them and tell them to write me, or to meet us here to discuss further what we're looking for and what we're going to do. Now, next order of business, the Veil. Most of you know by now that I sent it to the Order after I found it and unlocked it. I could tell you what I did to unlock it, but that would be breaking an oath to Amarth Nur-Ryhal, Nur-Rahl's descendant. How are we going to go about using it? I know you've spoken about it amongst yourselves...Albus, if you'd care to share?"

Harry sat down as Albus stood, nodding. "Yes. What we've discovered is that the Veil can only bring back two people at once. Such was the case of Emmeline Vance and Amelia Bones, both are currently resting in the infirmary wing as Madam Pomfrey will not release them until she is convinced that they are whole and safe. Seeing as the Veil is working, we've decided to bring back those that were part of the old Order. Your parents, Harry, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, Vanderbilt Gildiger, and others...as well as Rodenbachus Troy."

A grin was given around the group at the last name, while the younger generation looked on, confused. Albus chuckled. "Rodenbachus was the potions teacher here before Horace Slughorn. He taught Professor Slughorn as a matter of fact, as well as Minerva. You'll find him interesting at the very least. He was perhaps the most...unusual...Head of House that Slytherin has ever had."

Harry grinned. "Well, that I'd like to see. So, when shall we use the Veil?"

"Tomorrow, my boy. We'll start tomorrow. For now, we're adjourned!"

There was one word for it. Harry was terrified. Even with Ptah coiled around his neck and the grumpily molting Niyat sitting on his perch nearby, Harry was frightened. More frightened of his parents than facing Voldemort. It had been his request that his parents were brought back first, due to the fact that Harry wanted time to adjust to them before they brought back his godfathers. How would he cope having parents at nineteen? What was he supposed to say to them? What if they expected him to still be a child? How did he explain to him that he was now a warrior for the sake of the war? How was he supposed to act around them? What if they didn't--

"Ready, my boy?"

Albus' voice broke his line of concentration and he sighed, shifting and adjusting his charcoal grey robes. The black turtleneck underneath peeked out from the robe's sleeves and at the v-ing neckline, and his hair was pulled back haphazardly with a leather strip. His silver spectacles rested low on his nose, as if he hadn't bothered to push them up in awhile, and he toed the floor with a black leather boot tip before he nodded slightly.

"As ready as I'll ever be, Albus."

Albus smiled and stepped forward, doing as Minerva had done and resting a hand on the veil. Harry and Albus rather thought it'd be best if they were the only ones present in the reawakening of James and Lily Potter. After a moment, Albus began to speak in low tones, and light began to pour forth from the veil, the gauzy curtain swaying in the sudden breeze. "Audite mihi quod respondeo ut vox ut ego imperium. Pario James et Lily Potter, ut nos may plango haud magis, quod ut quod eram infectus may exsisto universa. James et Lily Potter, adveho!"

Harry straightened his frame, taking on a taller posture, his eyes shuttering closed as the light poured forth in great streams. Suddenly, laughter was heard and the curtain of the veil was swept aside in a grand gesture. As the light died away, Harry opened his eyes to see the two grinning figures that had yet to notice him. "Abus!? Is that really you?"

Harry had always been told that he looked like his father. Even though he'd seen the pictures, and even memories of his father, he'd never exactly believed any of them, and yet...standing here before him was his twin with very few differences. His hair was short much like Harry's had once been before he'd grown it out. It was unruly, sticking out in every direction, as if it were meant to be that wild. His hazel eyes flashed behind black frames, his tall form animated and bouncing with energy as his red robes rustled about him. He had hugged Albus in a way that bespoke a relationship of mentor and mentee. Harry couldn't help but smile slightly at this. His features were a bit more angular than Harry's, but their build was virtually the same.

His mother, however, was a 'pretty little thing'. It was the first phrase that had come to his mind, and he was startled to see just how much he was reminded of Ginny. Her hair fell to her shoulders in all of its red and blazing glory, and her green eyes shined as she in turn hugged the elder wizard. She was short, and thin, with sun-kissed skin and a few freckles. Her features were softer, and he recognized her smile at the very least. Yet another thing he garnered from his mother. James Potter was known for his smirk-like grin. Lily's had never been mentioned. He wondered why...oh, they were talking.

"Albus, what's been happening? You disappeared, then Emmeline and Amelia vanished as well!" came James' curious voice.

"We've been brought back to the realm of the living, James. You were an Auror, do you remember the veils?"

"They found the Veil of Life..." James whistled and turned to look at the golden arch standing before them. "How'd they find it?"

"That is a question that you'd perhaps like to ask your son?" Albus said with a grin, beckoning in Harry's direction. Harry felt himself tense and stiffen. He couldn't cry, his tears were dried by the horrors of war, but his heart was aching even as disbelieving stares were turned upon him. All of a sudden, a delighted squeal broke through the thick fear overwhelming him and Lily launched herself at her son, enveloping him in a warm hug. The hug of a mother. One of the things that had been absent his whole life.

The dam broke. Tears spilled suddenly from his eyes, hot and unbidden as he slowly returned her hug. This was his mother. His mother, and no one else's. His spoke a single word, his voice cracking even on that small bit of speech. "Mum..." And then there were other arms, and his father was hugging him too. Harry couldn't recall how long they stayed that way, but when they finally broke the hug, Albus was gone. James reached out a hand to tug at Harry's hair, while Lily placed a gentle hand on Harry's cheek and wiped away his tears, her green eyes searching his own emerald orbs. "You look just like your father! But you have my eyes. That's a fair trade off, I suppose."

James grinned. "Are you kidding? Of course it is! Who could keep themselves away from my devilishly good looks? It was necessary to pass those looks on to my son, you see."

Lily laughed as her hand dropped from Harry's face, and she reached over to swat at James. "Your head hasn't gotten any smaller I see..."

James' eyes sparkled, reminiscent to Albus' and Harry groaned, earning him a confused glance from both of his parents. Harry smile after a moment and shook his head. "Dad...you've somehow managed to steal Albus' twinkle from him. It belongs in his eyes so I'd be obliged if you'd give it back before it hits super nova power."

James laughed. "I blame it all on Albus. None of it's my fault. None of it. Wow...I just can't believe...how old are you, Harry? What year is this?"

Harry smiled, even as Ptah hissed his discomfort at all the noise. "I'm nineteen, and it's the year 1999." (Is that right?)

Lily blinked as an ebony head made its way from beneath Harry's charcoal robes, and James was suddenly scrabbling for his non-existent wand. Harry chuckled and held up his hands in a placating manner. "Relax...this is Ptah. He's one of my familiars."

Lily gave him a shrewd stare, and after a moment asked, "One? Where's the other one? Or others?"

Harry pointed to a corner where Niyat was glaring at them all. "That's Niyat. I'd introduce you properly, but he's near a burning day, and he gets a little cranky during this time of year."

Very funny, my Harry. Very funny.

Harry frowned. "You don't have to be so tetchy Niyat. I was stating fact. Sheesh."

James smiled once more. "You sound like Albus. I always knew that damned phoenix could talk."

Harry grinned. "Fawkes? Yeah. He's just picky. He disappeared when Albus died. According to the Headmaster, he showed up in just enough time to deliver a letter to me."

Lily reached out to take Harry's arm, still eyeing the snake. "Harry...we want to know everything about you. Who did you grow up with? What house were you sorted into? Who're your friends? What--"

James placed a gentle hand over Lily's mouth. "One at a time, Tiger. I'm sure Harry can tell us about his life on our way out of this dingy corridor."

Harry nodded. "Right. Besides, I'd best get you two down to your quarters and have Albus call in Olivander. You'll need new wands."

Lily nodded. "Right then. Let's go."

Harry turned to glance at Niyat. "If you can't be nice, make yourself scarce for a few days."

Niyat gave an odd head bobble before he vanished, taking his perch with him.

Good riddance.

"Agreed."

"What was that?"

Harry turned to glance at his father, only to see that James' eyebrows had almost shot off his forehead. "Harry...was that?"

Harry nodded, his gaze falling to the floor. "Parseltongue."

Unexpectedly, his father grinned. "Damn. Must be bloody useful. Wish I could talk to snakes."

Harry's head shot up in surprise as Lily reached out to smack James. "Watch your language!"

Okay, just let me say that bringing one back through the Veil was not what I wanted to end this chapter with, but as I hadn't reached my 4300 word minimum limit by the time I got through with the Order meeting, I added on a bit more. I hope you like it. :) Here's where the story is really about to take off. And where Harry will get to face many demons dealing with Sirius, his parents, and Remus. I have often wondered how Harry would cope, given the opporunity to face his demons...so we'll see where my muse takes me.

Wow, okay here's the part where I get to thank reviewers, so here goes:

Child-of-the-Dawn - Wow, you have no idea how much I look forward to your reviews. laughs This last one had me rolling, but it also gave me a good idea. grins In ways of comedic ideas, ask and ye shall receive. Thanks for the idea, I honestly actually hadn't thought about it. Keep your eye out for a particular scene in the future. Much embarassment and laughs shall abound. weg

yumijimeru - MY BETA! Mwuah mwuah. Girl, you're a nut. Thanks for beta-ing this and listening to me whine and fret. grins And by the by...you are SO very mean. I was paying VERY close attention to that review.

Svana - I'm extremely excited about the appearance of Sirius. -grins- For reasons I won't say, of course. Just keep your eyes peeled. That's all I'm going to say.

PadFootCc- Yes, yes he did. Mwuaha. I've been dying to do that for awhile. For some reason, I always think it's extremely hilarious whenever Ron throws a punch. Meehee! Thanks for reviewing!

Master of Swords - When I first read your review, I had just woken up from a nap and was going...huh? But when I came back and read it later, it had me in peals of laughter. Now, you have to understand, I was not laughing at you, but rather because I knew where you were coming from. Babysitting and reading fiction just doesn't mix well. Not at all. But I do bless you for giving this a skimming while you were babysitting. I could never seem to do that, so kudos to you.

That's about it! Please leave a review in the little box. I'm aiming for about 20 right now. Nothing to terribly high. Right? Right. :D