A/N: As always, it is an honor to create my own world in the reality of Harry Potter. What you recognize is JKR's, the rest is mine.
This is the fourth chapter of my story and third chapter of my revision. Beginning here the material is completely original. My thanks for your patience.
The first ten or fifteen minutes after the meal was served, no one at Sanctuary Table had any thought beyond the food, Harry least of all. It had been a very taxing day, the last in a series of such and his chronically undernourished frame always demanded fuel. As his companions at the table were able to think beyond their abdomens, they began to look and start to assess the others seated at the table. Finally, Harry put down his fork and looked at them, gratitude and affection shining in his eyes.
"First, I want to thank you again for your belief in me and in my truthfulness. I have felt so cut off, and alone. Hermione, Ron, Fred, George, Ginny, Neville; that is taking nothing away from you and your support. I know you haven't had the easiest of times from the rest of the school. It's OK now, we are all together. Still might not be smooth sailing; all of you've seen how bumpy my time here has been." A chuckle from around the table showed they appreciated the understatement. "But we will all be able to lean on one another. I hope we'll all be friends, not just a bunch that wouldn't have anything to do with each other except for me."
"Harry, may we ask questions?"
"Daphne, of course you may. There are going to be some that I can't or won't answer until we get to Sanctuary after dinner. I know we won't be bothered at this table, but we aren't exactly in private here either."
As if to reinforce that point, Harry spied Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle sauntering towards their table. "Misters Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle!". Professor McGonagall's voice cracked like a whip. "Return to you own table immediately! Sanctuary Table will not be bothered by you! Only those with school business are allowed to talk to those students while they are at that table. What that means is staff and only staff are allowed to go there. You'll find things will be very unpleasant for you if you try again."
Harry started. "Wow, a first. It's only taken four years of his coming over to my table and baiting me before she noticed and said something. Guess it's because it's really my table. Anyway, Daphne, what was your question?"
"I was going to ask you why you called Luna your little sister?"
"Great question. When we were coming back on the Express, Luna was sitting in our compartment. She was the first student besides Hermione and the Weasleys to say she believed what I'd said. When we got off the train I freaked out when I saw the Thestrals, but she calmed me down, told me I could see them because I had witnessed another's death, that is, Cedric's. On the way to the Castle, she told me about her mother's death, the reason she could see them. I felt a bond with her, one person having lost parents to another. All this week, we've had talks and she's helped keep me on as even a keel as I've managed. So, I've kinda adopted her in my mind as my sister. Not that I'd know what having or being a sibling is like. I don't count my cousin Dudley as anything like that; more like someone I'd rather never see again. When I called all of you up, it just came out. Hope you didn't mind, Luna." Harry said as he turned towards the younger witch.
Luna smiled, rose from her seat and hugged Harry tightly. "I've never had a brother, Harry, but if I did, I would want one like you. I'm honored to be your little sister, if you'll be my big brother."
Harry smiled the biggest smile anyone could remember from him, as he rose in turn and returned Luna's hug. "Thank you, Luna, I'm proud to be your brother."
Harry turned to his left. "Neville, did you know my mum was your godmother and your mum was mine?"
Neville looked rather embarrassed, but looked Harry in the eye. "Yes I did. My Gram told me when I was growing up."
"Why didn't you ever say anything to me about it?" Harry was perplexed.
Neville gave his friend an ashamed look. "Well, you never said anything about it to me and I just thought you didn't want to acknowledge a connection with a substandard wizard like me."
Harry's face twisted with a look of pain, the likes of which none there had ever seen. It took him several minutes before he could speak and he could not hide the pain in his voice. "Neville, no one would think being your godbrother would be beneath them. Do you remember our first first year? Remember what I told you? Back then, you were worth twelve Malfoys. Now, you're worth 100 Malfoys! Neville, Susan, I swear upon my parents' graves I only learned about this this afternoon. I'll tell you, all of you, more when we're in private."
Neville, misty-eyed, looked at Harry and nodded. Then Susan Bones leaned over the table and snared his attention. "Harry, I don't know how it is that we are godsister and godbrother, and that can wait until later. But I need to apologize to you about our second year. After that dueling club mess, I am mortified to admit that I thought you were the 'Heir of Slytherin'. I didn't change my mind until Hermione was petrified. I knew you two were too close for you to do anything like that to her."
"I should have told you then, but now I just want to ask you for your forgiveness. Since then, I have always defended you against anyone running you down. Especially last year. I simply knew you didn't enter yourself. Cedric and I had many arguments inside Hufflepuff with those who thought you'd entered yourself."
Harry leaned back, reached his hand behind Neville and offered it to Susan, who gripped it gratefully. "Sue, I don't really know a lot about families, but I know that family members don't always see eye-to-eye. Isn't that right, Weasleys?" After getting an enthusiastic confirmation, he squeezed her hand gently. "Thank you for telling me, but it's already forgiven and forgotten."
Harry looked at the three witches from Slytherin. "Daphne, Tracy and Astoria. I'd love to learn how you three came to be in my corner, but I see that the Headmaster and Professor McGonagall are coming to take us to Sanctuary, so we'll wait."
A moment later, the Headmaster and the Depute stood one side to Harry, faintly smiling at him and his companions. "Harry, are you and your friends ready to see your new quarters."
'Yes Headmaster, I think we are." Noting the nods from the others, he continued. "I intend to give them all access. Any of them will be welcome to come in, at any non-curfew time of day."
The eleven rose with Harry and followed the two faculty members to the Gryffindor corridor on the seventh floor. They turned off two corridors short of the Common Room entrance. They stopped at the painting of a rampant lion. "Harry, you must now set a password for your quarters." Instructed Dumbledore.
Harry nodded, and said in a low but clear voice, "Emerald Retreat." With that the painting swung open.
Professor Dumbledore said, "With that, I wish you all a good night and we will see you in the morning."
Harry ushered the other eleven into the chambers. They took stock of the furnishings. There were cushioned chairs and loveseats, enough to seat sixteen around a large fireplace in which a good fire crackled. A window on the outer wall looked out upon the Quidditch pitch. Also on that wall was a small kitchenette. A look into the cold box showed it was filled with pumpkin juice and butterbeer. There was a table for four. Instructions told how to expand the table and how to transfigure the easy chairs into dining room chairs. On the far wall were two doors, one opening into a large comfortable bedroom for one; the other into a bath that was a smaller version of the prefects' baths. Harry and Hermione could attest to that, having used one to figure the clue in the golden egg the year. Also, Ron, Daphne and Susan were fifth year prefects for their houses and appreciated the luxury.
As the companions settled into the fireside seats, Harry found himself between Hermione and Susan. Once they all were comfortable, Harry decided to explain what happened to him today.
"Well, I don't suppose I have to describe my school day. Hermione, Ron and Neville saw it all, Daphne and Tracey share potions with me, and Susan shares 'How to lie down and surrender the Ministry way'." The looks of pain and support, along with a few grins and sniggers at his re-dubbing of DADA proved to him that he had chosen a true family.
"I imagine by the time you sat to dinner, you'd have heard all of it through the grapevine. Between my last class and when I came in, I sat out on my particular rock by Black Lake; Ron and Hermione know the one. I thought over my summer and the start of this year. I think that I made a realistic assessment, but maybe I just wallowed in self-pity. Maybe there wasn't any difference. Whatever. I concluded that I was on my own, really until I could sit my OWLs; I concluded I wouldn't find real help. Then, something happened. I need to ask that you hold your questions and comments until I'm done. I know that you'll think I'm daft beyond all help, but I'm telling the truth."
Harry looked around and saw only a determination on their faces and in their eyes. He smiled.
"I felt it more then I saw it, a silver, warm glow. Then I heard my parents' voices, reminding that those in Hogwarts how needed help would always find it. I knew knew the voices were my parents; in my third year, the Dementors brought up my worst memory, that of my parents fighting for my life and losing theirs to Voldemort. Last year, in the graveyard, Voldemort forced me to duel. He hit me with two of the Unforgivables. Then, when he tried the Killing Curse and I countered with Expelliarmus, our wands connected and I forced out all the spells that had been cast by that wand back to Halloween, 1981. I heard my parents again, telling me how proud they were of me, how much they loved me, and how to escape. You know I did just that. Those were the voices I heard today.
"I heard them, turned around and saw them. We embraced, no we didn't touch, but for the first time in my life I felt love, acceptance, comfort and knew that was what I was feeling. They told me that when they died that they were given the chance to pass onwards, or to stay with me and be the voices of my conscience and courage. They chose to stay. They said they've been with me through all the trials and pains of my life.
"They told me how proud they were that I was the person I am, despite the years of abuse by the Dursleys. They told me they don't know why Dumbledore sent me there when he knew the will said my guardians were to be my godfather, Sirius Black; next my godmother, Alice Longbottom, or to Amelia Bones. Neville, Susan, that is why I know to call you godbrother and godsister. Nev, they also told me that your parents' spirits are with them. Before the night is over, I will call mum and dad again and I hope you will see your parents."
Harry couldn't go on; he enveloped Neville in a hug, felt a ferocious hug from Hermione, then they felt an incoming presence he needed not to look at to know was Susan's.
For long moments the four embraced and cried. Finally, their tears ended and they slowly disentangled. Harry and Susan looked at each other, then they both kissed Neville's cheek. Neville and Susan kissed Harry's cheek and Neville and Harry reciprocated her busses. Then Hermione kissed Neville and Susan's cheeks, was kissed in return. She repeated her actions at King's Cross last June, but this time Harry gave as good as he got. Then Harry's countenance sobered and became haunted.
"There's something more. My parents told me why Voldemort seeks my death. I asked Professor Dumbledore at the end of my first year and he said he wouldn't tell, not until I was older. 'Older' hasn't come yet for him. But my parents thought it's time and told me."
"The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches...
born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies...
and the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not...
and either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives...
the one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord will be born as the seventh month dies..."
Harry spoke quickly, to forestall the words that were on the others' lips.
"Wait! Don't say anything yet. I need you to consider what I've said, all of it. No discussion, no group think of any type. Please, I need each of you to think, to look deeply into your hearts and souls. I need you to decide if you wish to travel with me on my path. Should you decide to step aside, you may do so without a hint of recrimination from me or anyone. What you've done for me up to now leaves me in your debt and you'll have nothing but my respect, gratitude and love, from now to the day I die. I need to lie down. Hermione, would you time fifteen minutes for me and bring me back?" At her nod, Harry rose and entered his bedroom.
Harry settled onto his bed. It was perfect, giving him the combination of support and comfort he needed. He tried to clear his mind; so much has been done today and he was tired to the bone. Almost instantaneously, Hermione woke him.
"That was a fast fifteen minutes."
"Harry, it was an hour. When I got up after fifteen minutes, I was waved back into my chair. It happened twice more. This last time, no one objected."
"Time to face the music, eh? Lead on then, Hermione, and thanks."
When they exited the bedroom, the others turn in their seats, to look him full in the face. Hermione lead him within three feet of the loveseat in which they'd sat and stopped him.
Turning him so they faced the other, she looked deeply into his eyes. "Harry James Potter, you have been my best friend since Halloween our first year. We have shared so much since. Tonight, you shared more of yourself than ever you have. I've never been prouder to be your friend. I will stand by you, with all that is in me until I die." She hugged him and kissed his cheek, which he returned. Releasing him, she sat.
"Thank you, Hermione." Harry choked out. He was glad to know he wouldn't be totally abandoned. Then Neville rose and gripped his shoulders.
"Harry, shoulda grown up with you, been your brother. We know now, and Longbottom stands with Potter for all time. Brother, I'm with you." The grips became a fraternal hug.
"Potter with Longbottom, brother."
Harry was enveloped by Susan. "My godbrother, the house of Bones is at your side, 'til the end and long after."
"Susan, godsister; Potter stands with you forever." Then he kissed her forehead.
After that, each came up and reaffirmed their companionship and belief in him. Luna told him, they'd need her help with the Nargles, Wrackspurts and Heliotropes. Tracey, Astoria and Daphne told her that they felt his ambitions, his goals and they would give him their cunning and planning. The twins told him their pranking skills were at his command and that their enemies would feel their full force. Ginny told him that she owed him her life and her wand would always protect him, even to her death. Harry wanted to protest, but Ginny brushed them off and gave him a hug in the best Weasley smothering tradition.
Finally only Ron was left. He shuffled back and forth, then approached Harry, head down. "Don't b'long here. Never been true friend. Too jealous, I am. Fame, money, your other friendships. No friend third year, mad you got Firebolt, that Hermione took it away. Mad at Hermione's cat and Scabbers. Never said 'sorry', not for any of it. Last year, same thing; envied you being champion, was a git to Hermione, never 'pented. Not worth being here. B'liviate me, let me go.
There was a long, stunned silence and Ron slowly shuffled towards the door. "Do you have Gryffindor courage, Ron?" Harry voice was an impersonal whip-crack, shocking them out their collective stupor.
"Yes, m-m-mate."
"Enough to fight Voldemort with me, with us?"
"Dunno."
"Can you try like Hell?"
"Y-yes."
Harry caught the collapsing, sobbing Ron and with Hermione's help sat him in the center of the largest loveseat. A glance and Ron was surrounded by his family. After a few moments, Ron quieted and locked eyes with the rest. They saw a look of resolve in his.
Harry nodded and peeked at his watch. 8:36. How could they have covered so much in such a short time. Before he could say anything more, there was a thunderous knock at the door.
With a sotto voce, "Hide the Firewhiskey", that left them all giggling, Harry opened the door to see Madam Amelia Bones, Head of the DMLE. Makes sense, she'd be the interrogator for the hearing. Bet she wants to know why Susan is here too. "Madam Bones. Greetings. Please come in and be welcome in Sanctuary."
"Thank you, Mr. Potter. I think we need to check you for 'trouble magnets'. Everyone, please relax, no one here is in any trouble with the law, including, I think, you Mr. Potter."
"Thank you, Madam Bones. Please sit. We have pumpkin juice, butterbeer and I think I might manage a pot of tea too." Would anyone like a drink?"
"I think I can get the drinks, Harry," said Susan. "Daphne, Luna, could you lend a hand?" within a few minutes, the entire company had the drink of their choice. When all were settled, Harry spoke.
"Madam Bones, I know you've many questions. Hopefully be this time tomorrow, those questions will be answered. But the first answers now. Susan is my godsister. It is stated so in my parents' will. You were the only one listed by them as a guardian who didn't know. I know this because my parents' spirits came to me and told so, that and many other things. Right now, Susan and the other have taken my story and my information on faith. I want to call them, here and now."
Harry stood and moved where everyone could see him easily. He stilled himself for a moment summoning all his faith, hope and need for them. "Mum, Dad. Please come. I need you so much." As before, he felt the silver glow, the sense of love and comfort, joy even.
"We told you, son, that we are always here for you and will be always."
Amelia stood, shaking. "James, Lily, is it truly you?"
Lily's laugh rang throughout the room. "Amelia, it is really us. You look as if you've been working too hard, but you always do. Thank you for handling that idiot case last summer."
"We did list you as one of Harry's guardians, but we did not have the time to tell you. Maybe that is for the good. It is odd that terrible things happened to Siri, Alice and Frank, who knew, but not to you, who didn't. We're not sure what that means, we'll consider it later". James' voice wasn't angry, but thoughtful and melancholy. "But later for that. Astoria, Daphne, Fred, George, Ginny, Hermione, Luna, Neville, Ron, Susan and Tracey; we are grateful that Harry has friends and Companions like you. Weasleys, please let Arthur and Molly know how thankful we are that he's an honorary Weasley."
James and Lily walked to the kitchen and faced the rest. Neville, it is time for a reunion, please come back here. Amelia, would you provide some privacy?
As Amelia nodded, two more silver figures appeared, a tall man and women. Amelia's screens came up just as they hear Neville say "Mum?"
Harry's face was covered with joyful tears for his godbrother. Hermione handed him a handkerchief. He nodded appreciatively and sat. Looking a still stunned Amelia, he forged on. "Aunt Amelia? If I gave my memories under Veritaserum, would that be proof that they're accurate and untampered?"
Amelia's face became professional (mostly) immediately. "Yes, Harry, godson of mine. And in informal settings, please call me Aunt Amelia. Memories given that way are beyond any questioning of validity. I will cast silencing wards, so no one can ask you anything but me, that is for your protection. After all the needed memories are taken, you will be given the antidote and you'll be in your right mind before the wards are taken down." The hearing will be at 9:00 am. You and yours will be able to come to breakfast at 8:00."
"Thank you, auntie. By the way, is it against the law to kill a nonexistent person?" Amelia shook her head, mystified. Hermione and Daphne both gave sudden grins, then hugged Harry. "I want to give more memories than just the two. I hate the 'Boy-Who-Lived' and the expectations and assumptions people have for me. I'm loved one day, then hated and feared by sundown. After tomorrow, 'he'll' be gone, only Harry James Potter will live." Sitting down on the floor, Harry asked for and got quill and parchment, then spent a number of minutes scribing a longish list of memories, beginning with the third task and saving Dudley from the Dementors, then adding many more, from his earliest memory to today. When he finished, he gave the list to Amelia, who scanned it, and after several moments, nodded and grinned at him.
Harry sat back and drank deeply of his pumpkin juice. When the others asked about the list, he told them that he wasn't going to spoil the surprise, and received several smacks on his arm in return.
Just then, Neville stepped through the privacy. "Harry, my parents and yours want to speak to you. Madam Bones, they want the privacy up still."
Harry rose and looked at his best friend. "Will you come with me?"
"I'd be honored."
When they stepped through, they saw both the Longbottoms and the Potters. "Harry, Alice and I want you to know how much your friendship with Neville has meant to him and us. He is blooming as a wizard and a man and it is mainly due to you and Miss Granger here. We both want to know you better, but that can wait. Thank you both again."
After the Longbottoms vanished, Lily and James hugged both teens. "Harry, James and I are so proud to see what you've done tonight. You are becoming the leader we know you can be, before our eyes. We're also glad you brought Hermione. Hermione, your friendship with Harry answered our prayers. Without you, Harry would be so different, if he were still even alive."
Hermione couldn't find the words to reply, but a sniff and a blush told them how much she was affected by Lily's words.
Harry took Hermione's shoulders and turned her to face him. To her astonishment, he took her hands in his own. "Mum, Dad, Hermione, until today, I'd never felt love or joy and knew what they were. But I now know I've felt them all along, without knowing what I felt. Hermione, I felt them on our first Halloween and in Snape's potions trap in your hug.
"Then again in the hospital wing second year, talking to you and holding your paralyzed hand and then in your hug when you were unpetrified. In third year when we went back and saved ourselves and Sirius and rode on Buckbeack.
"I felt it throughout the TriWizard, seeing you at the Ball and in your kiss at the platform. This feeling became so strong this summer, when you refused the prefect's badge, when we studied and during the bad times.
"I know now I felt your love for me. I know that I feel love for you, that I'm in love with you. Hermione Jean Granger, do you feel as do? May I be your boyfriend?"
Hermione's eyes had widened to saucers as Harry spoke and then softened, then filled with a brilliant light, reflecting the light in Harry's. She dropped his hands, her arms encircling his neck. "Harry James Potter, my first, best friend. I have been in love with you since our first Halloween and I don't think I'll ever be out of love with you. Yes, you may be my boyfriend.
When their lips met, there was none of the proverbial fireworks. Each felt they had finally come home. When their lips parted, they looked at the Potters. James smiled and said, "You have our blessings, children, in all things."
As they stepped through the privacy, Amelia canceled it. Harry looked at them with biggest smile in his life. "I'm Hermione's boyfriend." By the look of joy and love on his face, his Companions and godmother knew he was never better.
Luna beamed at them. "I'm so happy for you both. Harry you've learned today that pain shared is reduced, joy shared is increased."
Harry hugged and kissed each of the company, including Amelia. "it's been a very tiring day and tomorrow will be the same. See you at breakfast."
A/N: As usual, I'd be nothing without a good Beta and Alix33 is one of the best. Any beefs with the chapter are on my dime (and likely despite her best efforts).
Anyone recognize the nod to Spider Robinson's Callahan's Crosstime Saloon?
The next chapter will be the hearing and may well as long as the rest of these earlier chapters combined. You have been 'warned'! 8^)
My story recommendation is A Different Kind of Fifth Year by sheltie (id: 6632898). A different take on how Harry and Hermione's fifth year could have gone.
I wish to tell you that at the end of my next update cycle, I will change my pen name to Petunias Mysophobia. So, the pen name will change one day after I put up chapter five of this story.
As always, your input is valued. In FFN, your hits, follows, favorites, reviews and C2s are the only way I get 'paid'. And it is better than gold, IMHO!
Posted: 03/31/2015
Words: 4,588