Memories Don't Lie

Synopsys: Set during sixth year. During his lessons with Dumbledore, Harry becomes frustrated and does something drastic. Desperate times call for desperate measures. Dumbledore bashing, not so bad Weasleys, AU because Harry has a brain that works.

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Harry had just exited the Headmaster's office and was angry. He thought the Headmaster was going to teach him advanced magic personally but that was not the case. He mused lividly, how the hell am I going to kill Voldemort by learning about his childhood? I understand about the Horcruxes and all but how do I kill him? He isn't teaching me anything just wasting my time trying to mend our relationship. What I need is real training not this bullshit. What do I do? How can I learn what I need to win? Too bad I can't steal his pensieve and learn what I need on my own. That's it; but how? He unintentionally said aloud, "How can I get my hands on his pensieve without him knowing it?" Suddenly and without warning the answer appeared to him.

"Harry Potter sir, Dobby can help the great Harry Potter."

"What do you mean Dobby? How can you help me?' Harry asked his excitable friend.

"Dobby can borrow headmaster's bowl and bring it to Harry Potter. Bowl is protected from wizard magic not House Elf magic," Dobby said bouncing with anticipation.

"Thank you Dobby but I don't want you to get in trouble for stealing," Harry said graciously.

"Dobby not stealing; Dobby is to be borrowing then returning. Dobby wants to help Harry Potter beat evil wizard," Dobby explained looking hopeful.

Harry pondered for a moment then made his decision, "Okay Dobby; we'll do it. Just be careful I don't want you to get hurt. Bring it to the empty classroom on the fourth floor, the one I practiced in for the tournament at midnight. Thank you Dobby."

"Harry Potter is thanking Dobby. Harry Potter is bestest wizard of all," Dobby said excitedly clutching Harry's legs crying in happiness.

Harry disentangled himself from his unusual friend then Dobby popped away leaving Harry to ponder this new development. He mused, I hope this works out but I can't do this alone. The only one I can think of to help is Hermione but she'll bitch me out for it. Screw it; if she causes any trouble I have one ace up my sleeve. I know it's low but I'm desperate here. He finished his internal rant the retrieved the Marauder's Map from his bag. He quickly found Hermione in her second home then made his way there praying she will at least here him out before hexing him.

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He found Hermione in her usual spot in the library and approached her with great trepidation. He spoke calmly.

"Hermione may I speak with you in private?"

"Of course Harry; take a seat."

"Not here; too many people. Please come with me; it's really important," Harry pleaded.

Hermione looked upon her best friend and knew by his tone and body language his request was not one to be ignored. She gathered her things and followed Harry out of the library to an unused classroom nearby. They entered and Harry wasted no time in casting several privacy charms on the door. Hermione asked.

"Where did you learn those charms? They seem really advanced."

"Tonks and Moody hooked me up with some old auror's manuals. They may be a bit outdated but they still have a lot of useful information. I need your help with something and I warn you now that it's a bit um," Harry stammered to find the right words.

"It's isn't illegal is it?' Hermione asked nervously.

"Not really but it is amoral. I plan on borrowing Dumbledore's pensieve and learning all I can about Voldemort," Harry said quickly.

Hermione looked at him and nearly fainted at his statement. She said sternly.

"Are you mad? You can't just steal his pensieve like that. It would be worse than reading someone's diary. I can't allow you to do this. I'm going to the headmaster with this."

"Just here me out first. Dumbledore knew about that prophecy since before I was even born and told me nothing. If I had known sooner then Cedric and Sirius might still be alive. He had fifteen years to prepare me for this and just ignored the problem until now. I just want to be ready to face him when the time comes. I need your help to sort out everything we learn. Please help me; you're all I've got," Harry finished nearly in tears. The stress of his destiny had been weighing heavily on his heart.

"I understand what you're trying to accomplish but this is wrong. I can't go along with this no matter what your reasons are. Please let me leave," Hermione stated.

"I'm sorry I have to do this but you leave me no choice. Hermione Jane Granger you owe me a life debt and now it's time to collect," Harry said in a formal tone.

"Harry you wouldn't; you couldn't?' Hermione said fearfully.

"I'm desperate Hermione. I don't want to do this and it's tarring me up thinking about it but I need help. I've always done what you've asked of me. I've studied hard and have gotten good grades. I tried to follow the rules and only broke them when it was necessary to help someone. I did the DA last year when I really didn't want to and did all of it for you. I've never really asked anything of you before and now I am. Please help me; I'm begging you." Harry pleaded.

Hermione could see and hear the turmoil in her friend's eyes and words. He literally had the weight of the world on his shoulders and needed help. His words hit her in the heart as he was correct on every turn. She knew she would probably regret this but said.

"Okay, I'll help you, but if we get caught it's your arse not mine," Hermione said sternly.

"Language Hermione and thank you. I'm sorry I threatened you with your life debt. I really didn't want to do that. Please forgive me," Harry said regretfully.

"I understand you're under enormous pressure so I'll forgive you; this time. I have to admit that I'm a bit curious about what things we might learn," Hermione said in a relaxed tone.

"Now there's the Hermione I know and love," Harry said smiling then gave her a big thank you hug that she returned. She shook her head at his antics and prayed she didn't get arrested for what they were about to do.

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Just before midnight that night, Harry and Hermione left Gryffindor Tower under his invisibility cloak. They headed to the fourth floor classroom they used years before then waited patiently. A few minutes later, Dobby appeared happily bouncing with Dumbledore's pesieve in tow. They thanked their friend and he promised to keep watch until they were done. Hermione asked.

"How do we retrieve a specific memory?"

"I watched Dumbledore do it. Just to make sure I'll try to call up the night he told me the prophecy," Harry said.

Hermione agreed then Harry put his wand into the silvery mass of memories. He called forth what he hoped was the right one then he and Hermione entered. They landed in the Headmaster's office right when Dumbledore entered. They watched as he told Harry about the prophecy and about Sirius then about Snape's animosity towards him. Hermione was awestruck at the damage Harry did to the office and looked at him with newfound respect and a hint of fear. They observed Harry leaving the office but the memory didn't end there.

"It appears that young Harry is a trifle angry," Dumbledore said smiling.

"You're playing a dangerous game with that boy Albus. Nothing stays a secret forever," The portrait of Phineas Black stated.

"I know what I'm doing. Everything is falling into place; as it should. Even if he discovers my plans it will be too late for him to do anything about it," Albus said confidently.

"You had to wait until he saw his godfather, the last of MY descendants, murdered in front of him before telling him anything. I'll bet Snape is celebrating as we speak," Phineas spat venomously.

"Sirius needed to be eliminated for Harry's best interests. Now that he's gone, he only has me to turn to; as it should be," Albus said smiling.

"Is that why you separated him from the Granger Girl? She was no threat to you."

"She would have pushed Harry to learn more than he needed to. She served her purpose in helping him in the tournament but they were becoming too close. I will teach him what he needs to know when the time is right," Albus said.

"Have you considered the possibility that you may die before you can 'teach' Potter?" Phineas asked.

"I am in perfect health Phineas. However, I do need to mend my relationship with him somewhat. I'll give him a few items of information to keep him satisfied for now then when the time comes I will tell him what is needed to be done," Albus said popping a lemon drop into his mouth.

"I hope you're right Albus," Phineas said unconvinced.

"I'm always right my friend," Albus said profoundly.

The memory ended and the two teens were ejected from the pensieve. Harry was confused and shaking with rage. Hermione was also confused but attempted to calm her friend. Harry said angrily.

"That bastard had Sirius killed and Snape did it. He's just using me that Son-of-a-Bitch."

"Harry calm down. I understand what you're going through," Hermione said in a comforting tone.

"No you don't. How can you?" Harry spat angrily at Hermione.

"Didn't you hear him? He's using me as well. I wonder what he meant by separating us," Hermione said concerned.

"Let's find out," Harry said determined to learn the truth.

He placed his wand into the bowl and stirred. He thought, I need to see the memory of the first time Dumbledore separated us. Moments later, a memory was in place to be viewed. The two friends looked at each other then hand-in-hand entered. They found themselves inside the Hogwarts library. Hermione was sitting at her favorite table as Harry approached. Neither could figure out where Dumbledore was at this time as he was observing this.

"Hi Hermione."

"Hi Harry, what did Professor McGonagall want?"

"She was reminding me about the Ball. The Champions have to open it with their partners," Harry said nervously.

"I see. Do you know how to dance?" Hermione asked.

"Professor McGonagall offered to give me private lessons so I don't make a complete fool of myself. Um . . . May I ask you something," Harry said nervously rubbing his hands together.

"Of Course," Hermione said smiling and blushing.

"Um. . . You see . . . Wouldyougototheballwithme?" Harry said quickly.

"I'm sorry. What did you say?"

"Would you go to the ball with me?" Harry said blushing.

"I'd like that. Yes I'll go with you," Hermione said smiling.

"REALLY! Um . . . Cool. I mean it will be fun," Harry said grinning ear to ear.

"I could use some help dancing as well. Could I join you in your lessons?" Hermione said less nervous but blushing fiercely.

"I'd like that. We could hang out together more," Harry said gleefully.

The teens observed Dumbledore cancel a disillusionment charm on himself then cast a silent unknown spell around their immediate area. He approached the two blushing teens and said.

"Hello children."

"Hello Professor," they said in unison.

"Are you both excited about the upcoming festivities?"

"Yes sir. We're going to the ball, together," Harry said looking at a blushing Hermione as he was blushing as well.

"I see. In that case; OBLIVIATE. Harry you did not ask Miss Granger to the ball and you will not attend the private dance lessons. You have no other interest in Miss Granger other than sisterly. You are enamored with Miss Chang; you may go," Albus commanded as Harry stood up and left the library. He continued.

"Miss Granger you have nothing but brotherly feelings for Harry. He did not ask you to the ball. You have strong feeling for young Ronald as Harry is much to dangerous for you," Albus said as he walked away. He canceled the unknown charm and at that moment, Victor Krum arrived.

The memory ended and the two teens looked upon each other scared and confused. Harry choked out.

"Why would he do that to us?"

"I don't know. I was always a bit perturbed that you never thought to ask me to the ball. Why would he want me with Ronald and not you? It doesn't make sense," Hermione said nearly in tears.

"Now I know why it was so easy to walk away from Cho. Those feelings weren't real but why do I feel like this towards Ginny. I barely know her," Harry ranted softly.

"May I scan you for potions and enchantments?"

"I didn't know you could do that to. I learned from some books Bill gave me," Harry stated.

"When did he give you those?" Hermione questioned.

"He sent them to me when I was staying at the Leaky Cauldron before third year. The note said it was to say thanks for saving Ginny. I never read them until this summer; stupid me," Harry berated himself.

"I learned quite a bit from the Black Library. I still have some books I guess you own them now," Hermione said sadly.

"Keep them, I know their in good hands. Go ahead and scan me," Harry said.

Hermione drew her wand then began to scan Harry. She finished her examination then said fearfully.

"I found a Compulsion Charm on your Captain's badge as well as Attraction and Receiver Charms. I removed them; it may take a few days for the effects to wear off. Will you scan me please?" Hermione asked.

Harry agreed then scanned his best friend. He frowned at his discovery then said.

"I found the same thing on your prefect's badge including a Repulsor Charm and removed them as well. What should we do now?"

"I don't know. When I agreed to help you I never expected this. I'm glad I agreed to this now. Its late so we had best be going," Hermione said.

"I would like to check one more memory first if you don't mind."

"What are you looking for?" Hermione questioned.

"I want to know what happened to his arm," Harry stated flatly.

He placed his wand inside the conglomeration of memories then the two entered. The found themselves inside the Headmaster's office. Snape was tending to Dumbledore's injured arm and the look on his face told them it wasn't good. He said.

"I have done all I can Headmaster. I've never seen a curse of this nature before. How are you feeling now?"

"I am still weak but I'll manage," Albus said in a strained tone.

"Do you still have the Stone? It may help; all I can do is make the pain more bearable," Snape said in a concerned voice.

"Alas the Stone was a fake. It had only enough of an enchantment to make a small amount of elixir and that had been used already. I never expected Nicholas to betray me like this. I still have much to do in this world," Albus said dejectedly.

"I insisted that Potter should have been informed sooner but you refused. I hope the brat is up to the challenge," Snape stated with a sneer.

"I wanted to give the boy a normal childhood before informing him of his duty," Albus defended his position.

"I've looked into his mind Headmaster as you have and we both know his childhood was anything but normal. He disastrous failure with our lessons proved he isn't disciplined enough for his task. He didn't even attempt to incorporate the meditation techniques you've taught him. The fool will doom us all with his carelessness," Snape scowled.

"Calm yourself Severus; Harry will be up to the task when the time comes. Thank you for your assistance," Albus said confidently.

"Yes Headmaster. I will brew a strong pain relieving draught for your particular aliment. It will take a few days," Snape stated.

"Thank you Severus," Albus said graciously.

Snape excused himself from the Headmaster's office as Dumbledore looked upon his withered arm. He grasped the ring he had retrieved and placed it on his blackened ring finger then sighed heavily in pain.

"I warned you this might happen but you never did listen did you," Phineas Black's portrait berated.

"I know my friend. I underestimated Tom and I paid the price," Albus said weakly.

"Don't lie to me Albus. Riddle had nothing to do with your injury and you know it. Gryffindor's Sword punished you for your greed. It seems fitting considering what you've taken from Potter," Phineas said in a superior tone.

"I've never stolen anything from Harry. How dare you accuse me of being a petty thief," Albus retorted strongly.

"I'll admit you never technically stolen anything but you have kept him ignorant of his inheritance. Not to mention you have yet to return his property from his family's home," Phineas said.

"I am merely holding his belongings in trust until he is worthy of them. As for his inheritance; he doesn't need such luxuries," Albus said wincing in pain.

"You know as well as I do that if he doesn't claim his inheritance before he comes of age he will lose his family legacy. How can you sit there and allow this to happen?"

"Harry doesn't need such luxuries. Once he has defeated Tom he will live a modest lifestyle with the Weasleys. I've taken precautions to assure this," Albus stated confidently.

"And what of his property? When will you deem him worthy of his rightful inheritance?" Phineas spat.

"I will know when he is worthy until then his property stays with me. He has no need for such things at this time," Albus said extracting a shrunken trunk from his desk smiling as he twirled it in his hand playfully.

"I can't believe you are still angry with the Potter Clan for withdrawing their marriage contract to your sister," Phineas stated condescendingly.

"They should not have done that. They should have upheld their end of the agreement," Albus spat wincing in pain.

"Ariana was in no condition to be a wife let alone mother a child . Why can't you let this go? Harry Potter had nothing to do with that," Phineas said angrily.

"She was an unnecessary burden on our family's resources. My father was sent to prison because of her foolishness. After mother died, I had to take up the mantle of her caregiver; I had plans that were disrupted because of their betrayal. I've waited years for justice to be done and I will not be denied," Albus stated as he returned the trunk to its resting place.

"So you would condemn an innocent child for something that happened over a hundred years before he was even born and I thought Snape was petty," Phineas stated in a disgusted tone.

"It isn't pettiness my friend; it is family justice. You of all people should be able to appreciate that," Albus said smugly.

Phineas Black's portrait spat some expletives at Albus as he chuckled at the portrait's frustration.

The memory ended and the two Griffindors were expelled from the pensieve. Hermione was silent not knowing what to think. Harry was enraged to no end. Instead of exploding he did just the opposite; he became cold. His heart had been ripped out by the betrayal of the one person he trusted above all but one. He would not give his ex-mentor the satisfaction of defeating him so easily. He turned to Hermione and she knew what he was thinking then nodded her agreement. Harry said in a cold, unfeeling tone.

"It was nothing but a blood feud between us; he never really cared about me," it was a statement of fact.

"I'm with you Harry; all the way," Hermione proclaimed.

"Thank you. I don't feel guilty about this anymore. How about you?"

"I'm eager to learn more. He must know more about Voldemort than he's admitting to you," Hermione said as calmly as possible.

"I agree. Dobby, thanks again for helping us. I think we're done for now. When you return this could you try to retrieve something. It's a shrunken trunk in the Headmaster's desk. Top right hand drawer, all the way in the back. If you can't then we'll figure out something else. I don't want you to get hurt because of me," Harry said with a shaky voice.

"Dobby can do. House Elf magic different from wizard magic. Dobby is not being seen even by Headmaster's birdy," Dobby stated profoundly then popped away with his cargo.

Harry was a jumble of emotions. He felt rage, confusion, betrayal, and others he couldn't truly comprehend. Hermione placed her hand on his shoulder to let him know he wasn't alone. Without warning, Harry engulfed her in a bone crushing hug. He held on to her like his life depended on it. She was startled momentarily by his actions but held him just as firmly. She could feel him trembling in her arms and tried to comfort him the best she could under the circumstances. He whispered in her ear.

"I'm scared."

"I am too. I'm here for you; always. You're not alone," Hermione said in a soft comforting tone. Harry had always been a strong person but the boy in her arms was broken beyond belief.

They held each other for an unknown amount of time. Only the arrival of Dobby broke their embrace. Dobby could feel Harry's distress and wanted to help. Harry knelt down on one knee and said with a strained voice.

"Thank you Dobby, for everything," as he took the trunk from his friend.

Harry couldn't think of anything else to do so he gave his excitable friend a hug in thanks. Dobby was profoundly touched by Harry's actions and returned the embrace with tears in his eyes. He promised to help his friend and would come when called then popped away. Harry spent a few moments composing himself before donning his cloak. The two Gryffindors returned to their dorms hand-in-hand. At this moment all they had was each other.

Upon returning to their dorm, Hermione gave Harry one last comforting hug and a quick peck on the cheek. He returned the offered affection with the same care then the two separated for the night. Harry couldn't fall asleep so he just lay on his bed pondering the new information. He was distracted by Ron's mumblings in his sleep then he spotted Ron's badge on his nightstand. Harry quietly summoned the badge to him then scanned it. What he found annoyed him then he cancelled the charms then returned it to the nightstand magically. He would speak with Hermione in the morning, until then he just laid in his bed staring at the ceiling afraid to sleep and to dream.

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The next morning both teens looked ragged; neither had slept well. They went about their daily routines as best they could knowing they had to speak soon. Before dinner, they met in the same abandoned classroom and Harry spoke.

"I found something you should know about."

"What is it?" Hermione asked fearfully.

"I couldn't sleep last night then Ron started talking in his sleep. I borrowed his badge then scanned it. I found a Receiver and Attraction Charms on it and removed them. I don't think he knew," Harry said solemnly.

"I was afraid of that. I couldn't sleep either so I scanned my badge from last year. It had the same charms on it. I've been under their influence for over a year. Why would he do this to us?" Hermione said.

"Well he has a blood feud with me; I'm not certain why he would do that to you except to separate us like he said. I have a couple of questions for you. If your badge was tied to Ron's then what is mine tied to? What exactly is a Repulsor Charm anyway? I identified it but didn't know what it did," Harry said.

"I suspect that your badge is tied to Ginny's prefect badge; it only makes sense. A Repulsor Charm makes someone repulsed by something or someone. I think I was being repulsed by you," Hermione stated.

"Is that why you've been angry with me about the potions book?"

"I believe so. I thought about it and now I feel that whoever wrote those notes was absolutely brilliant in potions. I do, however, think that you shouldn't use any of those spells until we test them first. They could be dangerous," Hermione said.

"I agree. It feels like I can think more clearly now about things. How about you?" Harry asked concerned.

"I still feel attracted to Ron but not repulsed by you. I've been under the enchantments longer so it will take some time. I still can't believe this is happening to us," Hermione said with tears falling.

Harry looked at his best and dearest friend and his heart broke. He wanted to help her but didn't know how. He did the only thing he could think of. He moved closer to her then wrapped his arms around her and held her close. He did this the night before and it helped him and prayed it would help Hermione.

Hermione felt Harry's arms around her then she snuggled into his embrace, wrapping her arms around his waist. The two held each other like best friends should, drawing warmth and comfort from each other. They separated after a few minutes and Hermione said wiping the tears from her eyes.

"Thank you. I needed that."

"I didn't know what else to do so I went with my instincts," Harry said sheepishly.

"Keep doing that and you'll be fine. I made a list of things to look for in the pensieve. If you have any ideas we can add them to the list," Hermione said smiling.

"I do have a few questions that I would like answered but I need to take care of my inheritance first. Where would I go to do that?" Harry said.

"Best guess would be Gringotts but how do we get there without being missed? I'm surprised that I didn't find any Tracking Charms on you to be honest."

"I found and removed them already. I knew the Order would want to keep track of me so I scanned myself and my things when school started," Harry stated.

"Where were they?"

"I found them on my cloak; my photo album; my money pouch and my glasses. I transferred the one from my glasses to this stick I found and keep it with me so no one would be the wiser. I learned that trick from the auror's manuals," Harry said grinning.

"How very Slytherin of you Mr. Potter," Hermione teased.

"Flattery will get you everywhere with me Miss Granger," Harry replied grinning.

The two friends shared a good laugh and felt better. They left the room and headed to dinner. They agreed to meet after her prefect rounds to discuss their plans and go through Harry's belongings.

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They met at nearly two in the morning, as tomorrow was Saturday loosing sleep wasn't that bad. They went to the same classroom then Hermione spoke.

"I managed to scan Ginny's badge and found the same charms and removed them."

"How did you manage that?" Harry asked.

"I outrank her as a sixth year. I told her that someone had been pranking the prefect badges with nasty hexes and wanted to check to be certain. She complied and that was that," Hermione said proudly.

"Why you little Slytherin," Harry teased.

"You say the nicest things Harry," Hermione replied with a grin.

The two shared a laugh both wondering why they never did this before but both knew the answer; DUMBLEDORE. Harry resized the trunk and Hermione opened it with a powerful but slightly dark unlocking spell she learned from the Black Library. The trunk was like Moody's as it had several compartments. The first had basic household things like furniture and clothing and such. The next had more valuable items like fine china and silverware both embossed with the Potter Crest. The next had paintings and portraits both magical and muggle. Hermione remarked that several of them she had seen in the Louvre in France. The next held a treasure trove of books that Hermione squealed loudly upon finding causing Harry to burst into laughter. The next had many of Harry's baby toys including Harry's First Broom. When he found two stuffed animals of a stag and grim, that were enchanted to move, Harry felt a melancholy fall over him. Hermione gently caressed his back in comfort and he felt more relaxed. They also found Harry's Baby Book with and outrageous amount of photos inside. The next compartment had his parent's personal effects including their wands which Harry held in his hands like a life line. Hermione spotted Lily's jewelry case and asked to look inside. The jewelry was of various stones in all shapes and sizes and she suspected they were all flawless gems. When Harry touched the box a secret compartment opened to reveal a hidden surprise. Hermione exclaimed.

"I can't believe they would have one of these."

"Isn't that a Time-Turner, like you had?" Harry said.

"Yes, this is wonderful. We can learn all we can and not have to worry about running out of time anymore," Hermione stated gleefully.

"Let's not overdue it; remember what happened to you that year. You admitted you were really messed up back then," Harry reminded.

"I remember. I messed up because I didn't keep a proper schedule from the start. We'll be more careful this time. Do you think we should tell Ron about this?" Hermione asked.

"I'm not sure. Ron and Ginny might not have known about the charms but they are involved even if they don't know it. Ron can't keep a secret that well and you saw how he reacted to the prophecy. For now let's just keep this between us," Harry said.

"I'll agree but we need to tell them something. We just can't shut them out of our lives because of this; It wasn't their fault," Hermione stated.

"We'll talk about that later. I've been thinking a lot about what was said and one thing keeps standing out. Dumbledore never taught me any meditation techniques. Why would he lie about that to Snape?" Harry pondered.

"I remember you telling me that he would have taught you himself but didn't because of your connection to Voldemort. If that's true then maybe he didn't want your mind closed to him," Hermione said.

"That makes too much sense but what can I do about it?"

"I could ask my mum to buy some books on meditation; that might help. I couldn't find anything in the library on Occlumency; even in the Restricted Section," Hermione said.

"Dumbledore might have removed them if they were even there to begin with. Maybe Flourish and Blotts might have something; we can check when we go to Diagon Alley," Harry stated.

"How are we going to get there? The only ways would be either to fly or by Floo; I'd rather not fly to London again thank you very much."

"I know of two. . . cough . . . gentlemen that might be able to help. If anyone would know how to do that it would be them," Harry said.

"Unfortunately you're correct about THOSE scoundrels. When do we leave?" Hermione asked.

"As soon as I send them a letter for help. I already scanned Hedwig and she's clean now. She had a Diversion Charm on her. This is why I did what I did; I just never believed Dumbledore was behind all of it," Harry said.

"I know; neither did I. Let's stop here for now and get some rest," Hermione said.

"Sounds good. I made my own list of things I wanted to find out about; we can go over it in the morning."

"I knew this was going to be a difficult year but it will be interesting to say the least. It's never a dull moment around you is it?" Hermione said with a grin.

"I guess but I would trade all this adventure for a boring day at the beach any day," Harry said.

"Sounds like fun besides you've never seen me in a bikini," Hermione teased. She thought, I can't believe I just said that.

Harry just gulped at the mental image he just received and blushed. He thought, I can't believe she just said that. Now I'll never get to sleep thinking about her like that.

The two teens packed everything back in Harry's trunk then he shrank it down. The two friends donned his cloak then returned to Gryffindor Tower, blushing all the way. Both teens were thinking the same thing. What's happening between us?

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Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter.

A/N: I've read too many stories where Dumbledore was a petty thief towards Harry. I don't believe he would steal from him but he would keep him from learning anything about his past. As they say; don't ask, don't tell and ignorance is bliss. How do you like my reasons for Dumbledore's actions? I'm not certain if Ginny was a prefect in cannon but it works here. Besides all of Dumbledore's most loyal followers, Weasleys, were prefects; except the honorable scoundrels Gred and Forge.