Disclaimer: I claim no ownership of Harry Potter. He and the plots surrounding his life were originally created By J.K. Rowling. But I will occasionally play league of legends with him. He likes Garen, I like Nunu; he hates mana ironically.

AN: Unbetaed, Update with betaed version later.

Chapter 29 – Beginning of the End Part 1 of 3

Tuesday, February 4th 1997

Staring down the corridors of the Hogwarts hallways, Harry could not help but feel a sense of nostalgia. It felt like forever and a day since he Ron and Hermione would wander these corridors in search of the next mystery.

Things had changed since his first year. The sense of awe and wonder had been replaced with malaise and recognition of his school corridor. Friends had drifted away, and those mysteries were less exciting and more terrifying.

However, things had not gone completely downhill.

"Harry"

Hug

"You look very pretty today Luna."

He nudged her slightly with his shoulder. A familiar modification they had made to their previous greeting.

Harry enjoyed the fact that she always reacted with an almost unnoticeable blush at his words.

"Want to sit with Ron today, I feel like reminiscing."

Luna answered with a smile as they walked together to the Gryffindor table.

Harry took note that Ron was waving them over. Harry only gave a slight start when noticing that Hermione was seated beside his friend.

Not knowing how else to react, Harry masked his surprise and continued his trek to the seat across from them.

Things were no longer hostile between the two, but they were not exactly comfortable.

Harry knew how to address a bossy Hermione. He knew how to deal with an indignant or even nosy Hermione. Hermione Granger though was none of these things. She had not been this way since he had seen her after the holidays.

Hermione eyes gave an alarmed sense of surprise when she noticed him sitting adjacent to her and Ron. She masked it well, as she gave a quite morning greeting, but the difference was palpable.

Harry was interrupted in his musing as the hall burst into laughter.

Over at the Ravenclaw table, a nameless student was bombarded with the laughter of his peers as a large red envelope landed on his plate.

The post owl had already hastily departed learning to fear the red envelopes.

The students egged him on to open it before it took it upon itself to deliver its message.

The second or third year boy shook his head in refusal, panicky and stuck it under his plate in a meagre attempt to prevent the inevitable.

"Like that will do any good…" Ron jeered to Harry. He seemed to enjoy the prospect of a howling; Ron seemed to enjoy the letters when they were not directed his way.

This was why it was a surprise when nothing happened.

The boy in question stared puzzled at his plate, wondering how he had bested the envelope.

The students watched in earnest as he experimentally lifted the corner of his plate before quickly letting it drop.

No noise.

Once more.

Not even a muffled screech.

Having had enough of that, Harry watched as a student across from what appeared to be the luckiest wizard in the world, had his plate removed and envelope stolen.

Opening it up, careful that the opening was in the direction of the Ravenclaw boy "Hey," it was soon discovered this was no Howler.

Peeling the letter out, the boy glanced at the paper before smiling devilishly.

"Trisha wants you to be her valentine." He jeered.

Catching on, the hall broke into sniggers and laughter as the boy fought with a pink face for his not a howler.

Harry turned back with a smile on his face as Ron queried, "Why would anyone send a letter in a red envelope if not for a howler?"

"Red envelopes are often used for valentine day cards, Muggles don't have howlers." Hermione stated automatically. Seeming to have caught herself, she buried her head deeper behind her newspaper.

"Lucky them…" Ron declared, oblivious to her behaviour.

Harry decided not to comment, as he helped himself to some liberally buttered toast.

Feeling a kick to his shin, he looked across to Ron who looked up briefly enough to roll his eyes to Harry's left.

Letting his head glide, Harry caught Luna staring silently at her plate, and his insides leapt 5 feet to the left. He had not addressed Valentine's Day with her.

He wondered if he could hold off on discussing it until they were somewhere private but something about how she was avoiding looking in his direction and stared at her plate, conferred worry to him.

He wished his on/off mental whatever-it-was would kick in so he could gain a clear understanding of what she was thinking.

Unfortunately, it did not seem like that was about to occur.

Trusting his gut, which told him to act; he reached under the table and cupped her hand.

She looked up at him, questioningly.

"Luna, speaking of Valentine's Day, I was wondering what you would like to do." Harry whispered quietly to her.

"We don't have to do anything, its okay." She declared back.

Harry recognized the out for what it was.

Smiling, he continued.

"Do you mind if I plan something. Nothing to spectacular I hope, at least by our date standards." He asked inferring the usual chaos that usually occurred whenever they got together.

A genuine warm smile was his reward.

"I'd like that" she whispered back.

'There goes the blush' Harry noticed with pleasure as she pinked nicely.

He was interrupted from turning back to observing Ron's smug look by Hermione coughing awkwardly.

"Harry, I…" She started. Her eyes come up from behind her paper.

Harry looked at her in surprised curiosity.

"I think you should read this article." She finished while avoiding looking in his direction.

Gently she folded the paper and handed him the article.

Curiously and with a slight nod to her in thanks, he accepted the paper and glanced down to only stare at a picture of him from two years ago.

Rita Skeeter's Stock photo of him from the Tri Wizard Tournament, staring awkwardly from behind the grainy picture; the younger him was unaware of the headline above him.

Muggles Remove suppression.

Harry would almost describe the headline as jubilant.

Skimming through the article, Harry tried to figure out why his picture was included.

"Wizards ability restored…"

"… controversial suppression. Jim McGregor stated…"

"Suppression still in force for …"

"…Potter, participated in…"

Finding his place, Harry read a few sentences back.

"The notice that was relayed through the Muggle liaison officer stated that the repeal was to help foster continued Magical/Non-Magical relations, goodwill, and thanks.

The thanks were stated to be in reference to the support given after the Christmas day attack on Muggle London. Where confirmed notorious wizard, Harry Potter, participated in a public duel with several Death eaters, Muggles in witness publicly released reproduction of the events over their media worldwide.

Controversially, a public announcement has been made the same day of the notice for any information leading to the whereabouts of Harry Potter in the Muggle World. No comment has been issued from the ministry of Magic to this inquiry. Comments from the Order of the phoenix are said to be pending. Harry Potter has not been reached for Comment. "

Harry took a moment to re read the article from top to bottom but from what he could gather…

'I'm boned'

Apparently, his face had conferred worry as Luna had peeked a glance at the paper before staring more intently at the words.

Ron too stared at Harry in worry. "Everything alright Mate?"

Harry didn't really know where to start.

It seemed Hermione felt the need to step in. In a quiet voice, she continued where Harry could not.

"I don't think you need to worry Harry, I read it thoroughly, and nothing in the article indicates you're in trouble." She stated in an unsure voice.

"I suppose." Harry stated unsurely.

"Maybe you should ask to speak to professor Dumbledore though." Luna urged as she glanced at the paper. A frown on her face as she read the article.

"That's smart, it wouldn't hurt." Hermione Agreed.

"Yeah, I think I will… thanks Hermione." Harry ended. He felt something had shifted.

Hermione nodded while looking away. Ron stared at her pointedly.

Harry was packing up to go find the professor now, as he was not present in the hall when he was interrupted by Hermione's voice again.

"Harry, can I … can we talk for a moment."

Harry stared at her for a moment; on the one hand, he really wanted to talk to Dumbledore, but on the other, this had been one of the longest conversations they had had in a long while.

"Yeah, sure. Shall we…" Harry pointed out the great hall to indicate privacy.

"Of course, please." Hermione stated in urgent acceptance. A red tinge of embarrassment followed her cheeks at his words.

Ignoring this, Harry addressed Luna. "I'll catch up with you later?"

"Of course."

Kissing her on the side of the head in a way that earned a smile from the girl, he grabbed his bag and ushered Hermione to follow.

Hermione and he walked out of the hall silently, and for a ways away as well.

Finally Hermione started. "I'm …" Harry slowed to a stop as she started the conversation.

This seemed to fluster the girl as she too stopped to turn to face Harry.

It was only now that Harry had a chance to truly look at the girl.

He had been so taken aback by her change in attitude he had not noticed her physical appearance. He had rarely thought of her hair as bushy anymore but it was as messy and stressed as he had ever seen it. Tied in a ponytail that bounced around her head, he recalled when she looked like this before. When they had stopped talking when he had received his firebolt.

There were bags under her eyes. Hardly noticeable except for the fact that Harry was actually looking for once.

Harry didn't realize it until now but he was nervous, depressed, scared, and some other jumble of emotion that made his head spin. Harry realized he was sensing her.

Her outside did not properly convey the whirlwind that was her inside.

"I'm… Harry I'm sorry."

In that moment, Harry was hit with a wave of sorrow, and regret. Top most amongst them was shame.

"I should never have treated you that way, and I just thought you deserved to hear me say so…" She finished awkwardly.

Harry could feel and see the thoughts rushing through her head, a torrent of things to say and do in repentance. Wants and needs unfulfilled by her sentence to admit her regret.

She struggled for something to say, but instead, became very prim and proper.

Internally she was resigned.

'He'll never forgive me…'

Her mind echoed derisively to her, almost scolding her.

"I'm sure you want to go speak to Dumbledore now, I'll leave you to th..."

Harry could no longer harbour the resentment for her, her words alone might have meant something but feeling her emotions, living her suffering and regret made the past crimes wash away.

Knowing what she really wanted, he cut her off as he instinctively drew her into a gentle hug.

She jerked in start and shock before returning the hug.

"I've missed you too Hermione." He spoke silently.

A well of emotion exploded. He felt her physical and mental anguish pool cumulatively as she let out a quiet start as she hugged him firmly, a hitch almost like a hiccup issued out of her as he felt her hug him back thoroughly.

She needed this more than either realized.

They stayed that way basking in the warm light of the corridor windows.

Reluctantly she pulled away, avoiding eye contact but with a noticeable change in demeanour. "I'm sure you want to go talk to Dumbledore. I'll talk to you later…?"

"Yeah, we will..." He confirmed with a smile.

Hermione couldn't help but return a smile to the boy. Turning away and tucking a hair behind her ear, she walked back to the great hall, he head a little higher.

Harry watched her for a moment before he too turned to walk the other way.

He had never realized how thoroughly heavy he had felt with this issue weighing him down. He had given up on ever attaining a friendship with the girl. Thinking their relationship lost. Suddenly the world was just a little brighter. Remembering his reason for walking he made a directed path towards Dumbledore, but his smile still lingered as he bypassed the Gargoyle.

Knocking gently, Harry was rewarded with Dumbledore beckoning him into his office.

Pulling open the door at the top of the staircase, Harry entered the headmasters abode.

"Harry, I see you read the paper today." Dumbledore stated in greeting as he beckoned Harry to a seat across from him. The paper still in his grasp, as he seemed to be reading the article himself. His glasses straying down his nose as he leaned backward from the paper trying to see it more clearly.

"Yes sir…"

A stern stare from the bearded man issued a different response.

"I mean Professor." Harry corrected. Dumbledore gave a slightly amused smirk before continuing to read the paper.

"If you're busy I can comeback." Harry stated unsurely if he was over stepping his bounds.

"Nonsense, take a seat, I was about to call for you regardless as I would like a word as well. My old Age impedes action I'm afraid so you have beaten me to the punch fortuitously."

Seating himself across from Dumbledore, Harry waited as Dumbledore put the paper away.

"First and foremost Harry, the Non magical government has asked I relay a message to you."

Surprised, Harry was surprised the government had anything it wanted to say to him.

"The message if I remember was… Thank you."

Harry stared at the man in surprise. He was so rarely thanked for his actions he wasn't sure how to behave. He was idolized, congratulated, pitied, but so very rarely was he thanked.

"Um, they're welcome?" Harry asked unsurely.

"I shall confer that to them the next chance I have." Dumbledore smiled.

"The Muggles are crediting your actions as a reason for more lenient relations with wizards and wish to support wizard non magical aide the way you have demonstrated." Dumbledore went on.

"You should be proud Harry. You have fostered goodwill through tragedy, not an easy thing to accomplish." Dumbledore beamed as he leaned forward with his hands steepled in his familiar pose.

"I didn't…"

"Do anything less than be remarkable and we shall leave it at that." Dumbledore interrupted with finality.

Harry tried to not let his cheeks redden in embarrassment.

"Now I do have some other information to relay. I'm sure you noticed the portion of the paper that indicated they are searching for your whereabouts." Dumbledore asked more seriously.

At Harry's nod, he continued. "In no way are you officially wanted for crimes or punishment but the non magical world, more specifically, the British Prime Minister has indicated that he would like a word with you."

"With me?" Harry asked in surprise.

"Yes officially they have requested an informal debriefing of events. I do not believe they wish you ill will, but as I believe it is in your benefit I have claimed that you are in protective custody after the Christmas events." Dumbledore explained.

Coalescing questions swirled Harry's mind, at the forefront ", why?"

"That is the question." Dumbledore admitted freely.

"A number of suspicions come to mind; of them I have two that are prominent choices. First, they are being completely honest and wish to just have a conversation with you to put the issue behind them. Or, and I believe this the more likely scenario, they wish to coerce you to their agendas."

"Agendas?"

"Indeed, perhaps I am getting suspicious as I tend to, but I think they wish to use you to foster good will toward the 7800."

At Harry's questioning stare he continued.

"The 7800 were well received and as a whole have been a major topic for discussion for the Muggle world, but as much of their origins is remaining a mystery to the populace at large, the conspiracy theorists are becoming quite vocal, and particularly worrisome. There are protests at least once a week, globally. I believe the Government wishes to use you as a poster boy to lessen the wave of scorn and distrust as your actions are widely recognized as heroic to all."

That was a lot of information to take in at once.

Harry considered what he could say to that.

"What should I do? Harry asked after a moment.

"Harry?" Dumbledore asked in confusion.

"Should I go with the Muggles, and be the 'poster boy'?" Harry asked in clarification.

"I'm sorry Harry, I have assumed again. I had thought that based on your previous interactions with publicity you would not consider it." Dumbledore started in surprise.

"Well, yeah, no… I." Harry had a hard time linking his thoughts together to explain.

"The 7800 aren't bad are they? Moreover, people fear them. Wouldn't it be helpful to hear out what they need?" Harry asked.

"It would."

"May I make a suggestion?" Dumbledore asked after a moment.

Nodding Harry wondered what he would say.

"Let me make enquiries so as we have a better picture as to what the Muggle world wishes of you, and I will allude that we may be able to make you available in time. This will give us time to prepare for the meeting. What you may be stepping into is true politics. Things are never as they seem."

Harry took a moment but nodded his acceptance.

Feeling the mood shift Dumbledore leaned back and looked at Harry. "If that is settled I'm afraid I have bad news to deliver though."

"Oh?"

"Yes I'm afraid you did not pass your History owl, though you were very close." Dumbledore mentioned delicately.

Harry made a non-committal wave of his hand while shrugging. He had barely remembered the exam both times.

Dumbledore quirked an eyebrow at the less than sorrowful gesture. "By all means Harry, don't get broken up about it." The man stated sarcastically.

The headmaster in him insulted by the lack of reaction.

~~~~~ '*' ~~~~~

Harry spent the rest of the day on auto drive. The classes he needed to go to, the studies he had to perform, the meals he had to eat, all performed with the same attention he had while listening to Aunt Petunia belittle him with. He tried to focus but his mind had not been keen on anything.

Not to say that the day had been a waste or horrible. He found today to be positively uplifting, suspiciously so.

As of this moment, he was sneaking into the great hall past regular hours to meet with Tonks.

He entered the doors expecting the standard pre training chair, and drink, waiting for Tonks but was surprised to see instead cages being lowered on tables.

Some cages large, others, tiny. Tonks stood with a grimace in the center of the room levitating them from the professors table.

There seemed to be at least 4 dozen cages scattered around the room. What truly awoke Harry from his autopilot was the noise. The most horrible wale of suffering emanated from the room. It wasn't any one being so much as it was many joined together.

Tonks nodded with an aggravated frown as she set the cage she was levitating down on the Hufflepuff table.

Harry made his way over to the metamorph, passing through the sea of cages. Looking in he was surprised to see domesticated animals, cats, and dogs, from young to old.

Some of the large cages had more varied creatures, like horses, or in one case a monkey.

"Tonk's what's going on in here."

What alarmed Harry the most was all the animals he was seeing were injured in some way, some severely so. Those who were critical, the most troubling as they made no noise at all.

Harry wasn't a big animal rights activist, but no creature should be allowed to make the noises these were making. It was painful to sit through.

Tonks took a moment to stare into one cage before making her way to Harry in the sternest fashion he had ever seen her. The amusement had left her eyes, and she was downright unhappy.

"Get your wand out." She declared.

Harry didn't even hesitate in doing so. Her demeanour screaming all the authority she needed.

"Can you hear them Harry." Tonks asked coolly.

"Yes" Harry declared immediately.

"That is suffering, I don't like that noise, and I suspect you don't either." Tonks stated.

"Then let us stop it."

Pointing her wand at the closest cage, Harry watched as shimmer wrapped around the cat. Its pained mewling ending abruptly as it went still.

Questioningly, Harry stared at it; its chest had stopped moving.

Being careful with what he was about to say, as Tonk's did not look like she would taken any insult lightly today he asked.

"What did you do to the cat?"

Tonks Glanced at it in sympathy, her eyes meandering over its bloody fur.

"I have placed a temporary stasis over it." She explained.

"The spell is called the Nighting Gale. Its temporary but it will buy the cat time to let it get healed. It will feel no pain, no time pass, and no suffering. The injury it has will not get worse. Every animal in this room is injured in some way so no time for questions. You will use the Nighting Gale on them all. Watch me as I demonstrate how to perform it."

Getting right into the rapid fire pace of this session Harry watched as Tonks led Harry to another cage and declared aloud, "Gwa'Shuyin."

The shimmering reoccurred. "Focus on the noise the creature makes, the spell relies on the caster to have sympathy for whatever you are applying the spell to."

Harry understood and muttered the phrase aloud before making his way to a cage.

Staring at the creature, Harry noticed a dog, large and shaggy, and dark. A pang of regret flashed across his features. In the right light, it looked black.

Its muzzle was bloody, and it's whimpering made Harry turn away.

Not enjoying the noise, Harry looked at Tonks who noticed which cage he was at and displayed sympathy and resolve.

"Do it."

Looking back at the dog, Harry intoned "Gwa'Shuyin."

Harry felt a sudden sickening squelch in his insides as he cast the spell. It reminded him of when he had cast the Evertemens, but not as monstrous.

Suddenly his Jaw clenched in pain.

He let out a groan as he felt as if his face had just been slashed with a tire iron.

Clutching at his mouth, Harry turned alarmed eyes toward Tonks.

She stared at him in surprise. Walking over she checked his face.

Looking down at the dog and back at him, she had a look of recognition.

"I'm so sorry Harry, I never realized." She positioned her wand, but at the dog and whispered a series of inaudible noises before there was a snapping motion and the dogs jaw moved a fraction of an inch over. Another stroke of her wand and the jagged scar the dog had across his face, had mended itself.

At the same instant, the snap had occurred Harry had felt a sharp stab at his Jaw, but then relief. As well as soon as the wound had closed Harry felt like his skin was tugged together over his teeth, then pinched together.

Then, sweet relief.

Opening and closing his jaw experimentally, Harry felt no pain.

Tonks answered his unasked question.

"You were feeling what the dog had felt. That doesn't normally happen but, I take it you're magically sensitive." She asked rhetorically.

"I…" He paused to feel the vowel slip passed his uninjured jaw. "… I am."

"I figured. It's a common problem with this spell. Those who are sensitive feel the pain the creature feels. Equally." Tonks said this with sorrow in her voice.

"You don't have to continue, I will get them sorted out. Just give me half an hour." Tonks declared as she shooed him aside.

Tonks Wandered the cages applying the Nighting Gale as she went, but she was fairly slow.

Wandering down the row, Harry came across another cat. It reminded him of Mrs. Norris actually, which did not endear him to it, but its frightened scurrying away from him as it saw him shocked him.

It was utterly terrified, and its back leg was displaced at an odd angle. Harry tried not to put two and two together.

Knowing he was going to regret this and bracing himself against the table. Harry, cast the spell.

"Ah!" Harry cried out in pain as he collapsed under his own weight. Left leg, felt broken and tender.

"Harry?" Tonks Cried in surprise as she rushed to his side.

She noticed the cat and turned reproachful eyes to him.

"I just told you, to leave it to me." She scolded.

Her wand trained on the cat as she prepared to heal it.

"No"

"No?" She asked in confusion.

"Show me how to do it. It will take you forever to get to all the animals." Harry declared.

Tonks stared at him in confused shock.

"I'll handle it, I can't ask…"

"SHOW ME TONKS" Harry didn't mean to yell at her but his leg was bothering him. He did not feel like playing the arguing game.

Staring at him for a moment, she turned stern.

"Get up then."

Struggling Harry tried to stand, he wobbled and fell back. For a moment Tonks looked like she was about to help him but she stayed silent and said in a quiet commanding tone, "Now."

Harry Stood on his non-throbbing leg, his pain did not increase or decrease as he used the affected limb, he seemed to only mirror the cats pain. Struggling, Harry found his way up. His face Red from the strain the spell was causing.

"Diagnose him," She instructed. Using the Chauntry spell he had learned earlier he cast it and saw what appeared to be a broken bone and a muscle tear.

Describing what he saw, Tonks verified and then agreed.

"To fix bones, the spell is Ji'agu. Just point and say it." She instructed.

Harry said the spell and felt a snap and a slight easing of pain.

Observing and casting another Chauntry, Tonks went forward.

"To mend flesh visualize what it should look like and say lamend"

Harry did one last diagnostic and then intoned the spell. Harry's pain slowly died away.

Tonks looked on approvingly.

"Diagnose and if it's anything else, or you're not sure about it, leave it for me. Mark an X on it if you're done."

Tonks instructed before moving onto the other animals.

Within 15 minutes, all the animals either were in stasis, or mended.

Harry was not necessarily faster but he had managed three more animals in that time.

He could not conceive of doing more than one stasis at a time as he could barely stand one. Literally in some cases.

Tonks sat after checking the animals over called Harry over to each one and showed him different ways to heal. They were at it well into the night. Longer than his sessions normally lasted but he felt like he really made a difference today.

After finishing, Harry sat tiredly down at a bench. Sweat beading down his forehead.

Medical spells seemed to be more draining than his everyday spells.

"I got to say Harry, that was impressive." Tonks complimented as she sat down.

"Thanks." Harry said as he wiped at his forehead.

"I didn't take you for such an animal lover…" She admitted.

"I'm not, but I didn't like the atmosphere…" He admitted.

Tonks understood what he meant. Sitting in a room filled with pain and suffering was not something you could overcome.

"Where did they all come from?" Harry indicated to the now sleeping animals. The Nighting Gale wearing off half an hour after casting; sometimes needing to be reapplied.

"Some local shelters, some on the streets. I got a pal who works for animal control. He normally applies these spells himself when the Muggles aren't looking. He was willing to let me take care of them tonight as I said it was important for the order."

Harry paused, and then asked a burning question.

"Why the change? Why not keep up the fighting?" He asked curiously.

"Dumbledore said it was time you learned basic triage spells." Tonks said nonplussed.

Harry tried not to think about why he might need them.

AN: First off, I told you I was continuing the story. Second, yeah, took me slightly longer than I thought it would (3 years apparently).

Notice:

I have upgraded a few chapters. My original plan was to edit everything so it was perfect but after re reading my original version so much I started to get a headache. I ended up making some major revisions to my Hermione plot specifically in my chapter 1 and chapter 2 as I felt her character was a little to uneven.

Also, take note there will be two more chapters to this specific story before I continue into my more exciting sequel.

In case you are wondering, the title will be The Blood Tipped Feather: Purgatory

I'll try to crack out another chapter before the New Year but no guarantees.

Also, don't think Hermione is let off. This is what I like to call stage 1.

As for the spells.

They are mangled Asian words.

Gwa'Shuyin is Guanshiyin Goddess of Mercy. Literal translation is Observing the Sounds (or Cries) of the World

Ji'agu is from the Chinese pinyin form of jiǎgǔ. Means oracle bone.

Laman is Tagalog I think for Flesh.

I don't know why but Asian origins seem appropriate for medicinal spells.