Hello lovelies. Here's another chapter for you! I had quite a bit of trouble uploading it though... FFN didn't want to let me upload a new file because of format problems... even when I tried with a file I've uploaded here before, which was last chapter. I hope that will be fixed until I next update.. I thankfully still had a file in the doc manager that I could copy-paste the text in, or else you wouldn't have been able to read this chapter at all!

Has anyone else had problems uploading docx files recently? -I usually upload it as 'story' document instead of docx, despite it being a docx file.. maybe that was the problem, but I have done so for years so idk.. And trying to upload it as docx format also failed with the same error-

Anyways, rant over, enjoy!


As he drifted to the surface, a familiar and pungent smell filled his nostrils: one that he hadn't smelled for many months, or so it seemed. As his eyes fluttered open and amber orbs slowly became accustomed to the light in his hut, Remus roused fully from his sleep. He could hear the cries from children, excited shouts as they welcomed the visitor in their camp. Remus always tried to teach them to behave, but he knew from his younger years that werewolf children were always much rougher than the average child. In that regard, both Sirius and James could have belonged to his race as well.

Pulling away the woolen blankets that had been given to his pack by the various support organisations that had been established over the course of the past months, the man got out of bed, took his clothes and wand and dressed as quickly as he could so as to rush outside and greet his old friend as well, but it appeared he was too slow, for no sooner had he fixed his trousers in place, did the door swing open. The man who ran inside had a broad smile that worked infectious; black hair that was longer than Remus could recall; and bleak skin that betrayed his current job .

''Sirius,'' the werewolf greeted, smiling. ''You couldn't have waited a few more appropriate seconds, could you now?''

''Lost time, time I cannot afford right now! And besides, I've seen you stark naked often enough in the dorms at Hogwarts because you were too lazy to always dress. And don't get me started about your after-transformation. But look at you, you've really made yourself at home have you? Seems the teaching job is suiting you as well as when you were at Hogwarts... Perhaps when we've taken the castle over you'd like to return there?''

''I would,'' Remus said, slightly hesitant, ''If it wasn't for all those who needed me here.'' He took his time to clothe properly, putting on his vest and outer robes. ''It's not only my own pack... from both packs in Britain, children have been coming here just to follow my lessons... and not just children, also those who were denied entry at Hogwarts before and don't have a proper education now. I can't in good consciousness leave all those here. There wouldn't be a teacher left for those, whereas you may come upon a teacher for Defense Against the Dark Arts anywhere. Who knows, the Dark Lord himself once aspired that position... it would not surprise me if he'd continue to pursue that. He doesn't have much to do now anymore since the civil war here ended, and one who likes to teach usually holds on to those dreams. Just look at how hell-bent he has been to take over Hogwarts.

''I thought that was just because the remaining strong order members are there.'' Sirius commented, furrowing his brow. ''But I can't really look into his head, nor do I want to. There would be too many indecent memories of my godson that I would not enjoy stumbling across. I prefer to stay as far from Voldemort as possible... and since when did you stop calling his that?''

''Sorry,'' Remus answered sheepishly. ''It's become a habit.. I can't exactly teach everyone else when saying his real name, he'd have me removed from this position quite soon.. Only his enemies still name him Voldemort. I'm surprised he lets you do so.''

I never understood it though,'' Sirius pondered while Remus went to cook some water so he could make the both of them a cup of tea. ''He invents a new name for himself, first makes all his followers call him by it, and then when the next generation of followers come, he doesn't let anyone use it anymore. It doesn't make sense.. he doesn't make any sense. It's so frustrating to work for him!''

Laughing, Remus handed him a steaming cup. ''Here, that will help clear your head from confusing thoughts about our Lord. I think the only reason for him trying to shush his name though, is because his enemies started using it. They will betray themselves if they were to ever utter the name in the company of those loyal to him.''

''You may be right.. you always were the wisest of us.'' Remus hummed at that, but didn't deny it, for they both knew it to be the absolute truth. ''You are the one who should have ran for Minister of magic,'' the man concluded.

''A werewolf for minister?'' Remus barked. the very idea was ludicrous. ''Even with all his support, the Dark Lord would not have been able to pull that off. You were the tragic hero wronged by the previous ministry... but I? Angry parents chased me from Hogwarts. Do you really think they'd have voted me into office, and that when the other choices were established Aurors? No, this is where I belong now... Did you come here all the way to convince me to take over your position or was there another matter? I can hardly imagine that your schedule leaves room for friendly visits to suit yourself.''

''Hardly, but I didn't come to drag you off to London either, don't worry... or well, not permanently.'' Sirius released a deep sigh. ''I've been stupid and challenged Malfoy to a duel. I know of no other whom I trust enough to be my second in it. I don't think I will need a second, but just in case Malfoy has some underhanded trick it would also be good to have someone watching from the sidelines to make sure he doesn't do anything funny...''

At his words, Remus' hands clamped fest around his mug, absorbing the heat of the liquid in it to stay calm. ''What in Merlin's name possessed you to do that? Dueling Malfoy? I hope you did not make this announcement in public?'' his voice was silent, and he tried not to let his worry show too much.

''No, no, it will be a private matter, of that I'll make sure... and he riled me up a lot.. I couldn't just let him get away with it.'' Sirius' shifting gaze told Remus that it had been a close call with the public announcement. Sirius always was too rash with matters like these, especially when they were important.

He stared at the ceiling for a while, that was covered in dried herbs which he'd gathered during his many trips through the forest around the village, the first village werewolves had been able to pull up and get recognised in centuries. ''Well, I suppose I could. Full moon isn't for a couple of weeks yet, and one day of sudden holiday would certainly make a nice surprise for those I teach... but I would have to run this by the Dark lord.. I can't just up and abandon my job without permission. You are the Minister of Magic so he surely makes exceptions for you, but I'm only a lowly citizen here...''

''Well, but the Minister of magic, aka me, is allowed to make decisions in the Dark Lord's stead, and so I grant you a well-deserved day off,'' Sirius grinned. ''To aid this country, of course.''

Remus nearly snorted at that. ''To save your sorry hide you mean,'' he jested.

''Oh, but that is a matter of great importance! Imagine the chaos this empire would befall if Malfoy were to best me in a duel! The skies would turn bloody, the clouds black, and the grass on the land would wither at the thought of being ruled by that pompous arse.''

''Brilliant poetry,'' the werewolf dryly replied. ''And as if that didn't already happen when you joined the Dark.''

''Haha, very funny. So will you help me or not?''

''For old time's sake, I suppose so. When will it take place?''

''Three days.. I'll make sure I'll be well-prepared.. I wonder who he will take as his second. I don't know anyone Malfoy is particularly close to... I hope it won't be Voldemort himself,'' the man said, suddenly worried. Though that might show that he thinks he'll lose fighting me himself, so I hope not.''

''I also doubt the Dark lord would have the time for that.. and the official Minister of Magic battling the High Minister is also not good for publicity if anyone would get wind of it. He'd not risk it, of that I'm certain. So, three days.. That should be enough to inform everyone that I won't be having class then. perhaps I can ask any of those who assist me in daily classes to organise something else instead, such as a field trip or teaching of a different subject. I've been trying to instruct everyone to the best of my ability in the subjects I can, but I am no historian, nor a potion master or herbologist. There really are not many who can help me either. Most werewolves turned when a child, and those were not allowed admittance to Hogwarts.. or couldn't.''

''I really wonder why, seeing as your stay at Hogwarts was a relatively peaceful experiment. When I see all the werewolves here, I have to question why Dumbledore did not allow any of them entrance...'' Sirius pondered. ''perhaps the Ministry blocked it.. although truth be told, your stay at Hogwarts wasn't very peaceful either.. That prank with Snape must have left its marks. Maybe someone got wind of it, or Dumbledore himself thought it was too risky to allow any other werewolves. To be honest, I'm also surprised at just how many children i see here. Can Muggles also turn into werewolves or all these all magicians?''

''Magicians. But there were some werewolves like Greyback, who specialised in hunting down young children.. especially Muggleborns were weak to attacks. their own magic was not developed yet and they didn't have parents to protect them. As such, many were bitten and never made it further than the pack. And the reason why they were not admitted to Hogwarts is also a bit more complicated... Being a wolf changes you, not only once a month, but permanently. We have better hearing, sight and smell, and our magic is different as well, so different that the spells that register magical children usually, do not recognise werewolves. It makes it easier to avoid detection spells, but also makes us invisible to the quill of Hogwarts who writes the list of new students every year. The only reason I was admitted was because I had magical parents who were friends with Dumbledore. Thus, he knew of my existence and I was personally registered..''

''I didn't know that.. imagine Lily being turned before she came to Hogwarts.. then Harry wouldn't exist as she would never have met James.''

''True... or Hermione, then goblins would still not have rights, and we'd miss the brightest student of our age,'' Remus said, smiling sadly at the memory of her hand constantly piercing the air at every question. He really hoped that she'd get all the O's that she wished for. But then, I will await your return to pick me up... or should I travel anywhere specific?''

''No place has been picked yet. I'll contact Malfoy about that tomorrow. Just focus on Light spells, I don't think he knows many of those so we can surprise him if we're lucky..''

''Will do... do you need to go back to London instantly or do you have a bit of time to spare? I think it would be great for everyone here if the Minister of Magic would give a few words.''

''Sounds important enough for me to stay a little while longer... But before I can talk to your pack, I should probably have more information about them. Voldemort gave you this land, but there's not much news about how it goes, or is organised... I'm curious. How does the whole pack thing work? Greyback is also here right? Does he lead it?''

''He leads one of the two, yes, this village. However, as he likes to run and hunt, there are also others who have been appointed leaders now who regulate the everyday affairs of the pack: ensuring we have enough supplies, establishing and maintaining relationships with organisations, press and the government, making sure our borders are well-protected etcetera. It would have been nice to move all werewolves together, but there are too many feuds between us. We've taken in most of the stray wolves though, those that didn't choose a pack before, like myself.''

''What border protection is in place?'' Sirius asked.

''Physical boundaries and magical wards... and we also have a couple of people patrolling when it's nearing full moon, so we are certain that no others wandered into the territory who could be endangered. The wards were set up by people the Dark Lord hand-picked, so they are rather strong, but you can never be sure enough... Sadly, our situation is fragile: one accident might lead to the whole system falling apart. I don't want to lose what has been build up now: I finally have a roof over my head that I can call my own, and people who see me as family.''

''I think of you as family too!'' the other man protested, on which Remus gave a smile.

''I know Padfoot, I know. And I'll always count you a family too. You have to understand though, that to be around so many people who have the same affliction as I do is... a relief. I don't need to hide myself here.'' He hoped his friend would understand, and Remus was relieved when Sirius nodded slowly, a crooked smile on his face.

''Good,'' he stated rather resolutely. ''So how much land do you have? I saw a map, but it didn't have an exact scale.''

Remus frowned, trying to come up with a guess, as they had not exactly been given a certain number of land acres, but rather a national park that had already existed, with a forest, brooks and large open areas. ''I honestly do not know,'' he admitted in the end. ''It starts at the bridge you came over... the river is forked and forms our eastern and southern border... it ends in a reservoir at both ends, of which the furthest points mark the western and southern border. I haven't counted how many square miles it is, but certainly large enough for our pack. It also helps that there is more wild land surrounding it, at least 6 miles from either direction you go in until you reach the nearest cities.''

''It's in between Sheffield and Manchester here, right?''

''Correct, although a few other villages and small cities are actually closer than those two. But we get most supplies from there. Every week apart from the week of full moon, a small group who speaks for us goes into Manchester and buys clothes, medicaments and other necessities. Food we mainly get ourselves. We thankfully had a few pack members who used to be farmers and who brought quite a bit of knowledge. And of course, with our instincts and reflexes, we can always hunt.'' Remus was quite proud how quickly the village had become self-sufficient. With magic, it was easy to quicken the work that needed to be done, and even the growth of the vegetables, grain and fruit trees they had planted.

''I see.. Anything else of importance that would be good for me to know before I hold a short speech?''

''I don't think so... the transformation is still quite a bit away so everyone is in good spirits... hmm, maybe that most prefer to be referred to as wolves rather than humans or werewolves?''

''That would be important yes... well then, let's do this!'' And Sirius roughly put the mug down and rose from his chair, taking a deep breath before walking outside, where a couple of werewolves were sitting around a large campfire above which a rather large boar was being roasted for dinner. ''A moment of your time and attention please,'' the man boomed in a much more impressive voice than Remus was used to. All banter had disappeared, and the grey eyes that so often were sparkling with mirth over a joke were calm now. ''I greet you all, wolves of Tarmagh. As you may know, my name is Sirius Black, Minister of Magical Britain, and I would please ask you to all gather and get everyone who is not too busy now, to spend a moment listening to what I have to say.''

Impressed, Remus watched as those sitting at the fire reacted instantly, several people starting to howl to call for the pack, and some getting up to fetch those who were too far away to hear it. The forest quickly became filled with short howls that were carried through the woods, and a rush of footsteps made it clear that most of the village was on its way. The meadow in front of his house soon filled with members of his pack, and Remus went a bit to the side so he would not stand so prominently behind Sirius as if the man needed protection, which would be seen as a sign of weakness.

''Greetings, now to all of you,'' Sirius continued when it was clear the pack was listening to him. ''And thank you for letting me in. I know that it is hard to trust an outsider after having to hide for so many years. That time, though, is over, and you have your achievements in plain sight here, which you can be proud of. I have to admit that I am astonished how fast you have made yourself a home. I remember the first time I met one of you... your very own teacher in fact,'' -Sirius waved in Remus' direction- ''And at the start, I did not know fully what it meant to be a wolf. Our good friend James Potter referred to lycanthropy as a 'furry little problem', but when I see you all here, I know that it is anything but a problem, and marks you not as cursed, but as a race to be respected. I stand in full support of the new laws that have been introduced regarding wolves, and I hope that I can improve your situation more so the stigma that clings to lycanthropy still will vanish and be an old piece of silly history.''

Remus could see how the wolves gradually relaxed: Intruders, no matter their intentions, were not welcomed with open arms in fear of facing the hate and resentment that many had faced during their lives. And politicians had certainly not treated them well in the past. A few growled at the sentence about James, but then squared their shoulders with pride at the next sentence. Remus just hoped that Sirius would continue to use the right words.

''In short, I am glad that I have had the opportunity to see you all. I can understand better than most who you are... more than you might think. I have run beneath the full moon with Remus myself, fought with him, and kept him company during those long and painful nights where only I could answer his howls somewhat.''

''Impossible!'' a woman in the front row shouted, and many among the crowd frowned in disbelief. ''You are no werewolf, how can you know anything about it? The sensation of the earth beneath your paws and the moon in your nose... every sound and smell intensified, the world sharp and grey? Don't speak as if you understand!''

''But I do,'' Sirius answered calmly. '' And as a sign of trust, I will show you why.''

Hesitant and confused, the pack members looked to each other, until Remus stepped in. ''I speak for him,'' he exclaimed. ''He tells the truth, so hear him out please.''

That was enough to calm down most, although a few members still looked skeptical. Skepticism turned into surprise though, when Sirius transformed into his Animagus form and a charcoal black dog as large as a bear suddenly stood in front of them, yellow eyes shifting from one face to the other. Sirius slowly stepped forward and wandered among the masses, allowing the wolves to touch his fur and smell his scent. One or two of the children even curiously pushed their faces close to his snout and giggled when he pushed his wet nose against their cheeks. In the Middle of the crowd, his friend transformed back, looking like he belonged now.

It had been quite a brilliant move from Sirius, he had to admit, but also a risky one: dogs and wolves didn't always get along, with dogs being much noisier and annoying. His Animagus form did however confirm exactly what he had said: he was no werewolf and didn't claim to be, but he knew what it was to be a canine, to run like the wind on a dark night and inhale the scents around him. Most of the pack looked at Sirius now with eyes that showed trust, and Remus knew that an agreement had just been formed within the group: Minister of Magic or not, Sirius had just been adopted.

A chuckle escaped Remus' lips. A pack of werewolves adopting a dog, how ironic was that?


Holding the invisibility cloak wrapped tightly around him, Harry sat on the grassy hill right in front of Hagrid's hut, Hermione's arguments on why not to go still ringing in his ears. Had Hagrid really woven some fantasy for himself in which Harry was no more than a helpless child pulled into darkness by things beyond his control? And if so, how much did the man believe it himself? Would he really fly into a rage as Hermione had predicted if the bubble would be broken?

A large gust of wind battered against his side and threatened to lay one of his legs bare as the cloak flapped around. It would be so easy, Harry thought, to just have the cloak slip a bit, revealing himself to the half-giant who was currently weeding the vegetable patch next to his hut: the same patch in which Buckbeak had lain awaiting his execution and from which Harry had dragged him. The vague melody that Hagrid was humming was carried over by the wind, and a sharp sense of longing went through the teen. He wanted to speak to his friend... Hagrid had always been there for him, right from the very beginning. He'd made the first gifts Harry had ever received, always had been ready to help when a problem arose, and had been like a father even before Sirius came into the picture. It was painful to sit here now and watch the man's daily business as nothing more than a spectator. It was less painful, however, than not having seen him at all.

He wanted to know so badly if Hagrid would still accept him now, but for all his defense of Hagrid in front of his friends, he knew that at least partially Hermione was right: Hagrid would never turn dark. Up until the very last moment he'd had unshakable faith in Dumbledore, and his problems with Marvolo were even much more personal than of anyone else who hated his fiancé. -and Merlin knew those were many-

Harry shivered and got to his feet, not able to stare any longer. It was hard to resist the temptation of talking to Hagrid, but it could only make the situation worse for both of them. Even Sirius had had to be obliviated twice before Harry had been able to find a good approach and opportunity. He had neither with Hagrid right now, and was also not confident in his own ability to wipe people's minds precisely, certainly not of a half-giant who was far more resistant to magic than most.

He hurried back, fighting the urge to glance over his shoulder all the way to the castle entrance. The doors were still opened for students who needed to go to their outdoor classes, so it was easy for him to slip back in without being noticed. Once standing in the great Hall though, he was not entirely sure of what he should do. He'd come here mainly to see Hermione again, but she and Ron were having some private time right now on which he did not wish to intrude. Hagrid was also out, and any of his previous Gryffindor friends were sure to react like Neville had.. He was tempted to call shay, but the anti-apparition wards might make it impossible to use the mark and he didn't want to risk her getting stuck anywhere, not now that the thing finally worked a bit like he wanted.

Wandering aimlessly through the castle, Harry looked at the view outside the windows. How long would it be until he would be able to come here again once he left? Would it be the day Hogwarts would fall? For he was certain that it would, now all official power lay within Marvolo's hands, together with a large army and the support of the many creatures in his ranks. It was only a matter of time until they could organise a siege without harming any students.

His feet carried him up a flight of stairs and he ended in an alcove embedded in the sides of one of the smaller towers. A large stained-glass window depicting a centaur chasing deer covered half of it, and smaller plates of clear glass next to the elaborate art piece gave a nice view on the Forbidden Forest. He sat down on the small round stone bench in front of the glass and rested his head against the cool material, watching drops of rain slide off it from the other side. It was relaxing to just watch the water fall, at one point becoming so thick that the forest was barely visible anymore and he could hear he drops drumming on the window.

He was so caught up by the view that he didn't notice the footsteps until someone sat down next to him, and he tensed up, careful not to move so the invisibility cloak wouldn't show any of him. Apparently he failed, for a voice spoke up and said:
''Hello Harry, that has been a while. I'd invite you for a Quidditch round if the weather wasn't so horrendous.''

He sat up and turned his face towards the other person, speechless when he saw none other than Ginny Weasley sitting next to him. ''How...'' he stammered, after seeing that the cloak did not, in fact, reveal even an inch of him.

''You know, I always admired you so much,'' she said. ''First before I even knew you just because of all the stories I'd heard. And after that because I knew you and you were the one who went after me and ultimately saved me from Voldemort. She gave a short, humorless laugh. I have to admit that I was incredibly obsessed with you. I'm really sorry or that, I realise now that it must have annoyed you to no end to have someone basically stalking you all the time...''

''Erhm..'' Harry started, not entirely certain what to say on that.

''Wait,'' she interrupted him. ''I had a point with all of this, I didn't mean to just rant at you for no reason. In either case, I was absolutely crazy when it came to you, so crazy that I snuck into the Restricted Section to look up spells on how I could find you, because a normal tracking charm is too easily detected. I short, I found a rather obscure small charm and cast it on you. That's how I knew that you were here and where exactly.

That did't sound creep at all...

''So all this time you knew where I was?'' he asked, uncertain. She laughed.

''Hardly. I was twelve when I cast it, and it didn't really work well. I need to be near you for me to feel that it's taking effect. Even if you were on the other side of Hogwarts it failed to work.''

''Why was it in the Restricted section anyways? It doesn't sound dangerous.''

Ginny shrugged. ''Had to give a bit of blood from both parties to establish the connection, that might be the reason. It also drains magic and energy quite fast even being near you now. Not the best part of it for certain, especially since I haven't been able to find the counter curse yet, only shields that prevent it from happening for a while. I have to admit that it came in handy though, and not just or the intended purpose of being able to 'accidentally' bump into you. You're usually around Ron and Fred and George paid me well for me to give them info on where you and he were.''

Harry could imagine that, as the Twins had given him the Marauder's map that year, so they wouldn't have been able to find Ron to pull pranks on anymore. Now he knew why the Twins had still been able to find him so often when they wanted. ''So...'' he said. ''You've found me now. You don't seem to be too upset about it. Or should I expect McGonagall here every minute while you keep me busy talking?''

She shook her head and looked to the left where he sat, although her eyes were fixed on a point just next to him due to his being invisible. She didn't seem too bothered by it though, and taking the cloak of in here could potentially end in disaster if the wrong person were to walk by. ''I don't know what to believe in anymore Harry. The teachers say one thing, the news another... I know that most of my brothers are on your side, and I'm sure they had good reason to if it's true, as does Sirius, but I can't rhyme it with what many of them said when in the Order's Headquarters. I know that Hermione surely knows more but she hasn't been very approachable about it, and I also can't send any letters home to my dad...''

Something about the way she said it struck a chord in Harry, and then he realised that despite of the lack of post, she knew. ''You know that your mother...'' his words caught in his throat as a dark expression clouded her face.

''I know she's dead, but not how or why. I got a brief official message from the Ministry, that's all. Letters from the Weasleys don't get into these castle's walls anymore, and certainly can't reach me, and I have no-one else to tell me information about it. You know, don't you? What happened to her?''

''I...'' This was not a topic he wanted to breach, but he knew that he had to, that he was responsible. And thus, he nodded and started in a low voice: ''You parents were at Grimmauld when we attacked the Order. Many were slaughtered, but your parents... well, I still had hope for them. I thought, if your brothers can see that the Dark is much better for the future of the Wizarding World, then so can they... and thus they were taken prisoner. I was wrong, however. Sirius visited your parents, together with the Twins. They found out that Dumbledore had not held any magical influence over their decisions, and your mother... you mother apparently insulted me, and the Dark, and begged them to turn away from me. I think she thought I had personally corrupted all of your siblings. Your father disagreed and was freed, but your mother... well.''

''Did you kill her?''

He was silent for a while before answering: ''No. I was, admittedly, a coward. After I heard from the Twins what she'd said, I didn't want to face her. By the time I finally worked up the courage, she was already dead by the hands of one of the Death Eaters. I don't even know who it was, only that the Dark Lord ordered it. She would have never come around, you need to understand that.''

''I understand a great deal more than you might think,'' the girl whispered softly, pulling up her knees to her chest and wrapping her arms around them. ''You may have forgotten, but I had Voldemort in my mind. He had taken over my thoughts and made me do things against my will... but I also remember the allure at the times I was awake. I didn't know it was him at the time that I was writing to, but the words he wrote to me gave me the strength and courage I needed for everyday life. He always knew exactly what to say to me to make me feel good about myself again. It may have been a ploy in the end to give him what he wanted.. but I refuse to believe that his words to me were all a complete lie.

It was -and is- those words that also kept giving me confidence in later years, made me certain of that I don't have to try to live up to any expectations and forge my own path. He told me that I'm not weak just because I'm the youngest, and that I don't have to try and be a boy like my brothers to gain respect. It's ironic, and you are the very first person I'm confiding this in... but I always hoped that I could have a chance to speak with him again, to thank him for those words that shaped my life. I knew that I most likely never would, as my parents and everyone I knew were trying everything they could to prevent him from rising to power, but I did feel a twinge of hope when I heard he had returned, and even more when you joined him, and one by one my family members.'' Her face had gotten red. ''Do you think it's stupid?'' she whispered, looking more insecure than Harry had ever seen her.

In response, he put a hand on her shoulder. ''Of course not,'' he spoke, trying to sound as confident as possible. ''The only thing you need to realise is that the one writing to you then was only a part of the Dark Lord, a memory of his past. The current person who walks this earth had no recollection of what that memory shared with you, only that it existed and possessed you, because I told him about it later.''

''But can't Vol... can't the Dark Lord read minds?''

Harry smiled at that. ''That is true. If he agrees to it, you could share those memories... But I assume that they are quite personal, and I don't know if he has the time to listen to them. I could ask, but he rarely gives out time for free.''

''I don't know what I could give in return,'' she confessed. ''I don't have money, or contacts, or valuable possessions. I could spy in the castle, but I assume some of the Slytherins already do that for him. But thank you anyways, for listening to me. I've felt guilty about feeling this way ever since the end of my first year and it's relieving to finally get it out.''

''Don't mention it. I'll talk to him about it, maybe I can arrange something. For now, concentrate on your studies.''

''Studying seems so meaningless when the whole staff is prepping for war,'' Ginny sighed.

''But still important if you don't want to become drop-out like me,'' Harry grinned.

Ginny huffed at that. ''Oh yes, and you are such a great example of why people shouldn't drop out. Quidditch star and prominent figure in this country. You're called the Dark Lord's right hand man you know? Some are swearing that you're his apprentice now. And look at Fred and George! Drop-outs, but leading the most successful shop in Britain. And then there's Ron, also dropped out and according to the newspapers he's a head strategist now.''

''War changes chances,'' Harry shrugged. ''But the civil war is mainly over now. Only Hogwarts resists still. There are no new positions to be filled right now. There's still a war going on with other countries, but it is currently mainly political. The Dark Lord is powerful enough that a direct attack on Britain isn't likely. We're also not standing alone now anymore, a number of countries already swore that they'd support us if a physical war breaks out. And so, studies are important, for when you find yourself in a peaceful country suddenly then degrees become relevant again. I won't be able to do much else than playing Quidditch unless I'll take my OWL's and NEWT's in the future.''

''Alright, I got it, dad. I'll stay here.''

''Anything else you want to talk about?''

''Just want to know how my brothers are doing really,'' the girl said. Are they all still alive?''

''All of them survived the war, yes. Charlie was protected by his hoard of dragons, and the Twins and Ron were well protected in other ways: by their own doing and also through people from the Dark circles around them on the battlefield. They were too valuable to let them be killed off. Percy is still working for the Ministry... I suppose it saved his life in a way that he spoke out so openly against Dumbledore, and he really doesn't care who he's working for as long as he has a comfortable position. The only one I don't know anything about is Bill. Haven't met him in the past year. From Charlie I heard that he's still working for Gringotts and trying to stay out of the war as much as he can, so that's fine by me.''

Ginny visibly relaxed. ''I'm surprised that they all survived, to be honest. Left and right I hear about family members who died in the war, or who went missing because they supported the light still. Thank you for telling me this, it will make the rest of the year easier for me.''

''You're welcome,'' he answered. They sat in peaceful silence for a while, but then the girl sprang up.

''I've got to go. Quidditch practice. I'm the Seeker since you left, did you know? Next year I want to switch to Chaser if they'll have me though... It's more fun. Who knows, maybe I'll follow in your footsteps and become a Quidditch player professionally,'' she flipped her hair and grinned at the wrong spot of empty air. ''The Holyhead Harpies would be amazing... Always admired them. I'd look forward to a match between them and the new Cannons team with you. Good job on becoming a Captain, you certainly improved the team.''

''Thank you,'' he smiled. ''I appreciate an expert like you saying that.''

She crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes suspiciously. ''Is that meant sarcastically?''

He laughed. ''No, I honestly meant it So, anything else you'd like to say or ask?''

''Just... look after Ron, okay? And yourself as well. Oh and... erhm.'' a flush coloured her cheeks and she mumbled: ''I'm sorry for the trouble I gave you with my behaviour the first years here. I was stupid, really stupid. That valentine's card was just awful. Especially knowing now that you're not even into girls, with your boyfriend parading about Hogwarts. Does he still run the apothecary in Hogsmeade or did he leave when you did? The shop was closed the last few times we were allowed to go.''

Harry was confused for a few moments until he remembered Marvolo's alter ego under which he'd visited Harry at Hogwarts, and even in class. ''Oh, erhm. He kind of left with me yeah,'' he said awkwardly, not wanting to go into detail about the whole story being fabricated to hide that it had been Marvolo the whole time. ''And don't worry about that Valentine's card... I was too busy that year being embarrassed by Colin Creevey taking pictures of me and Lockheart dragging me off for photo shoots and signature writing.''

''Messy year for you too huh?'' she grinned.

''Very,'' he returned.

''Well, I really have to run now How long are you still staying?''

''Couple of days. I don't want to stay too long. I have a team to train.''

''It was really good to talk to you Harry,'' she said in all honesty. ''I hope I'll see you around.''

''Me too,''

He watched as she left, her long hair bouncing left and right as she ran down the corridor. That had gone far better than he could ever have expected.


White spots danced in front of his vision as he was slammed to the floor. His ears made a strange beeping noise - a result from the explosion that had gone off right next to them- As he lay there and tried to move his painful arms to reach his wand, he wondered how it had happened, and why on the last day they'd planned on being here in the first place. Everything had gone so peacefully... In the past two days, there had been no other encounters such as with Neville, and Harry had not gone looking for trouble like his friends had feared. He'd talked and played games with Ron, Hermione and Shay, read some interesting books from the library and kept his cloak on at all times outside of the Room of Requirement. And now this, just as he'd been exploring some of the older parts of the castle at ease to have a last memory of Hogwarts before he would return home.

He tried to look up, but saw only a cloaked figure coming towards him, a wand in one hand, a sharp knife in the other. It was obvious that they weren't here to capture him... If it hadn't been for the protection spells that Marvolo always kept cast on him, the curse that had been fired at him before would have been his end. But the wards were not infallible and would not last forever... he scrambled to his feet, ignoring the blood that ran down his arm, and raised his wand. He tried to shout a spell, but the other person was faster, disarming him with a single flick and blasting him against the wall again.

Harry shuddered as the figure approached him. There were no dragons or phoenixes now to come to his rescue, no Marvolo to suddenly step in and end the fight, no Portkey he could take to whisk himself away from this situation. His heart sank when he realised that a silencing barrier had been erected. None would hear his screams, and even if he managed to pry the link open, Marvolo would never be here in time.

The knife flashed, and in a desperate attempt to live, the boy jumped out of the way. If the other would fight like a Muggle, then Harry would as well. He certainly had enough experience with it from evading Dudley and his gang. He ran down the corridor as fast as he could, taking advantage of that apparating in here was not possible. If he could reach the end of the silencing barrier... But then pain flashed through him when he ran into an invisible barrier as hard as stone. His wards protected him from the worst damage and prevented his head from bursting open like an overripe fruit, but he was sure to gain some ugly bruises from it, and a small stream of bright red blood trickled down his forehead and into his eyes, made it hard to see his opponent. He knew he was trapped and that nothing would help him now. His last thoughts were those of regret: of not having married yet, of not seeing the war to its end, of not seeing Marvolo fulfill his wish of taking over Hogwarts.

After that, he only felt another conscience worm its way into his, and he knew no more.

XxX

Voldemort rarely had a bad night's rest, and none dared to wake him for anything less than an utter emergency. It was thus an unpleasant surprise when he woke in a completely panicked, disorientated state. His fingers had gripped the sheets so hard that they had torn in places, and his breath was ragged as his vision swam with images that were definitely not of his room. He looked around, trying to make sense of what he saw: stone corridors, flashes and blood, a black cloaked figure stalking towards him. Images that overlapped those he knew he should see: his clean mahogany desk, the green dark rug on the floor and a large window on the side that looked out over the manor grounds.

And all at once, it clicked and he understood that what he was seeing was most likely what Harry experienced when seeing through his eyes, only it was imperfect, as his mind was conscious in two places at once now. He closed his physical eyes, trying to block out anything but what Harry was seeing now. Instantly, another flood battered on his mind, a stream of fear, anger and desperation as Harry ran down a corridor. The Dark Lord recognised it: his love was still at Hogwarts, in a part of it where the stone had become worn down with age and moss clung to the walls. He wondered briefly what Harry had been doing there, as it was a mostly abandoned part. However, he turned his attention quickly to the situation at hand.

It was disorienting to see through Harry's eyes, for it was much harder to separate their minds, and the usual way of communicating didn't work in the way he was used to. Thus, in the last seconds he had to spare before the attacker would reach them, he did not waste time on words, instead forcibly taking control of Harry's body, tapping into the magic of the Horcrux to help him stabilize fast and have his own magic accepted. All at once, Harry was no longer defenseless. Marvolo raised his -their, Harry's- arm and slashed it through the air. A force as powerful as the loudest thunder blasted through the hallway. He couldn't gather much intelligence on who the other was: he was not physically there, and could not make use of his own unique senses that would have laid bare the magical signature. He couldn't even properly tell if it was a man or woman with all the blood in his eyes.

Having become hesitant, the figure crouched down and zigzagged towards him. Not knowing how accurate his aim was like this, Voldemort wasted no time attacking, and instead forced his fingertips into the transparent wall behind him, cracks starting to form as he pumped pure magic into it. It shattered the same moment knives flew towards him, and he tried to turn to evade them, realising in the same moment with horror that Harry wasn't physically as fast as he was himself. The knives would hit if he wouldn't do anything, if he didn't throw up a barrier or counter spell...

Red spurted over the stone floor and Voldemort watched with disbelief as the body of a girl crumpled before him. The tapestry from behind which she had appeared was still moving as the knives pierced her skin and slashed her neck. A strand of red hair that had been cut off fell to the floor. The attacker cursed and turned, jumping out of an open window.

Considering they were on the fourth floor, that may not have been the smartest move, but Voldemort couldn't care for now. Harry was stirring again now the danger was gone, and his vision blurred again as his love fought back control. Deciding Harry was safe for now and that he would seek contact again later, the Dark Lord left the body and mind, thoroughly exhausted from taking over someone from so far away. If it had been anyone but Harry it would never have worked. He opened his own eyes again, the double vision disappearing, and he released a deep sigh, sinking back in the pillows. His whole body ached as if he'd just flew the Quidditch match of the century. Dark Magic sadly always had repercussions on the caster.

XxX

Harry woke up in the same stone corridor as he'd fought in before, but was now lying flat on his back. Slowly he turned to the side, making sure not to lean on his arm, which felt sprained, if not broken. He had no recollection of what had happened. He'd been backed up against the wall, the attacker had come running at him... and then nothing, a complete black-out. Had he cast accidental magic?

His thoughts came to an abrupt halt when he finished turning, coming face to face with none other than Ginny. Her face was as white as sheet, her eyes closed, and her breath erratic. Blood clung to her robes and hair, and to the daggers that stuck out of her in various places.

''Ginny,'' he croaked, coughing as he tried to get to his feet. He only half succeeded and crept over to her, taking the pale face in his hands. Her eyes fluttered open and she smiled.

''Hey... now it was..'' she coughed, blood spurting out of her mouth and staining her lips. ''Now it was my turn to save you,'' she finished, her head lolling to the side. ''I'm glad you were here.. so I could..'' her body wracked with more coughs, and Harry hushed her.

''Don't speak, I'll go get help, madam Pomfrey or the teachers...''

''No!'' she spoke with surprising strength. Defiance flashed in her eyes. ''I didn't keep you from getting killed so you could become a prisoner! I want... I want my life to have had some meaning.'' Her breath grew more shallow. It was the Chamber all over again, where he saw her life-force seeping out of her. Yet now there was no spirit who would give all that back when defeated. Now there was nothing. ''I'm glad I got to tell you my secrets,'' she whispered. ''And I want you to know one more.'' She had to take a moment to gather the strength to speak again. ''I always had a crush on you, you know that. But you were not the only one. I loved him as well. The boy in the book, who held my hand and gave me courage. I know he did terrible things but... I loved him. It may be selfish of me but... could you thank him from me and tell him? That there was at least one person on this earth who has loved him?''

Her plea gave Harry a sense of hopelessness, a sinking feeling in his stomach. He didn't know what to say, so he only nodded. He would have done anything at this point. Regret once more welled up in his chest, because they had always excluded Ginny so much. He'd been wary of her affection, and had preferred to ignore it altogether. It was only now that he realised that she was as much his sister as Hermione was. It didn't even occur to him to mention his own relationship with Marvolo: it would not change a thing except to rob her pure intentions of its meaning.

He cradled her body, which had gone limp now. There was only one more chance for her to survive, he thought. One desperate attempt he could make. He released her and crawled over to where his invisibility cloak was lying. The bastard who'd attacked him must have had a device like Mad-eye, he suspected, as the cloak hadn't helped him a bit to stay invisible. He brought the cloak back and draped it over the both of them as he picked her up. It would not hide the trail of blood they left on the floor, but if they'd meet anyone he could leave Ginny to them and run without his own identity being discovered. Hopefully.

He dragged her with him as well as he could, ignoring the protesting muscles in his arms and legs, or the wound on his head that had opened up again. He only had one thought now, one point of focus, and that was to get the girl into the Hospital Wing. His only advantage was that it was on the same floor, so he wouldn't have to walk any stairs.

Still, the short trip felt like an endless journey which had his head spinning and hands sweating. He wondered what had exhausted him so... Had he also lost so much blood, or had any magic been released that robbed him off his energy? Finally, finally the double door to the Hospital wing came in view, and miraculously he'd been able to avoid all students and members of staff they'd encountered on the way. Madam Pomfrey wouldn't rat them out, he knew. She'd understand.

He banged on the door, not able to push them open by himself anymore, and he slid to his knees, Ginny's weight heavy on his back. No answer came, and he rammed his fist on the wood again. What if no-one heard it? What if the nurse wasn't there? What if-

His thoughts were halted as the doors swung open and a furious-looking Madam Pomfrey stood in the opening, hissing about silence for the patients. Her expression changed fast, however, when she saw the blood on her doorstep, and Harry pulled back the cloak a bit to reveal his face and Ginny's.

''You've got to help her,'' he pleaded. ''She's dying. Please...''

''Potter,'' the woman spoke, shocked. ''What are you.. no, don't answer that, I don't want to get involved. You can be glad that the Headmistress just left or you would have been chained by now. Hurry up, inside you go. But keep silent and keep that cloak over yourself, there are other patients in here,'' she continued in a hushed voice. ''Give me Ms Weasley, and then straight to my office with you!''

He did as asked, glad to be released of the burden he'd carried through the castle. His arms felt like lead now, and so did his eyes. He swayed from side to side, stumbling towards the door at the end of the pristine hallway filled with white beds, curtains and nightstands. He leaned against the wall there and waited for the nurse to open the door. He couldn't muster the strength himself anymore to even check if it was unlocked or not. Instead he sat down and waited, trying not to fall asleep, the cloak still wrapped tightly around his form. It felt like ages before the nurse came over to him, waving her hand through the air until she hit him. ''There you are,'' she whispered. ''Up and inside with you!''

He did as she asked and collapsed on a bed that was standing near the entrance, groaning as the adrenaline rush he'd been in faded and pain took its place. Madam Pomfrey removed his cloak and outer robes, spelling away the blood and inspecting his wounds. ''I don't want to know why you are here, but I need to know what happened that gave you these wounds. As detailed as possible.''

And so he told her of the attack, described the spells used against him, the wards he'd worn and the wall he'd ran in to. She clacked her tongue when he was done speaking. ''You're a magnet for trouble boy. I wonder if that blackout had anything to do with your other issues?''

Harry shook his head. ''I don't think so. I received therapy like you recommended. I haven't had blackouts in months. No, this felt completely different for some reason. As if I'm forgetting something important...'' he trailed off. ''But how's Ginny doing? Will she recover?''

''If those wounds would have been the only thing, it would not be a problem,'' the woman said, frowning. ''But there was a poison on those daggers that makes it more complicated. I'm still running scans on it as we speak to gather information... I have to be honest, Potter, but I don't have much hope. I've sent word for Professor Snape so he can examine it and possibly aid in her recovery.''

Harry sighed deeply, burying his head in his hands. Why had Ginny taken those knives for him? Why were other people always getting hurt for his stupidity? He tried to contact Marvolo, feeling a desperate need to feel his fiancé, but he only felt a calm silence that indicated the other was sleeping, and that on the middle of the day. Figures... He let Madam Pomfrey fuss over him until she had patched him all up, and he stood up, taking a few testing steps and flexing his arms to make sure everything worked again as it should. Grimacing, he looked at his bloodstained cloak and robes, taking his wand to clean them as well as he could. A few dried stains remained, but overall the result was better than he'd hoped for.

''Do you think I can do anything for her?'' he muttered. ''It was my fault she got into this mess... My fault that she might...'' the words caught in his throat.

''You know, in my line of work, you learn to let go,'' Pomfrey suddenly spoke as she was washing her hands off blood. ''We learn that patients can die and there's nothing we can do sometimes to prevent it. I try to take care of my patients, but not get attached, and I am a healer. I would have thought that you, who fought in battles and killed many more people than I, would not have a problem seeing one girl die in your stead, friend or not.''

Harry stared at the wall, contemplating her words. ''I think the difference is that I choose who to care for,'' he said softly. ''And I'd sacrifice the rest of the world to not see those few get hurt. Ginny is part of that group. And I'll send all the forces available to me to see that all of them survive this war.''

The nurse gave him a calculating look and nodded curtly to recognise his words. ''Professor Snape is here,'' she said as she opened the door again. ''You should probably still stay in here because of the other patients. I don't think you can do anything for Ms Weasley for now though

''If I can't do anything I'd rather go,'' he said, dressing again and pulling the cloak over his head. ''I thank you for everything you've done and I hope you'll be able to help her...'' he trailed off as Snape pushed the door open just as he'd covered himself completely, and Harry watched in shock as he limped in, as cut up and bloody as Harry had been.

''What a day Poppy,'' Snape sneered. ''You sent for me because of a student?''

''Yes...'' the nurse said, looking at him with raised eyebrows. ''It seems she wasn't the only one who has been attacked.''

''Indeed... Some lunatic ran into my office and tried to slit my throat. it was a rather desperate attempt, I have to admit. He did catch me by surprise, but I was still fast enough to throw him off. After a quick battle where I made sure to show him he couldn't get within a few yards of me, he fled, the coward.'' The man curled his lip disdainfully.

''Were you touched by his knives?'' Pomfrey quickly asked, approaching the man and inspecting a wound on his hands.

''No. He tried, but if he wanted to cut me with those, he shouldn't have used magic first. Why do you ask?''

''I believe the attacker was the same one that harmed Ms Weasley. The daggers were poisoned, which is why I'd like you to have a look. She doesn't have much time left if we can't fin an antidote.'' Snape nodded and, Harry was surprised to note, completely disregarded his own wounds in favour of searching out Ginny. Harry hesitated, not knowing if he should show himself or not. He really did not want to get in another argument with Snape, plus he should probably leave the school as soon as possible if that cloaked man was still running about.

He quickly snuck out behind the nurse and Snape, standing on the other side of the bed as the greasy-haired man examined her. No, it would bring nothing if he'd stay here... he needed to get to Ron, Hermione and Shay, and inform them of what had happened, and then contact Marvolo as soon as he could so they could talk about it. As Snape also had been attacked, he didn't think anyone from within the castle had sent this man, this... assassin? That line of thought went down a whole other road of possibilities, all of which he didn't like. He needed to find Shay, or Eyolf, whoever he'd come across first.


Read and Review please! So, will Ginny live or die? And who sent the attacker? Any thoughts on it?