Once back at the Burrow the kids put all their stuff in their trunks and made sure that they had everything they were going to need for school. All Harry had to do was add the things that he had purchased that day so he went down stairs and managed to catch Hermione before she want into Ginny's room.

"Hermione, I need a word with you out side."

"Okay. I'll be right there."

Harry went outside and waited for Hermione. When she came out Harry motioned for her to follow him. Harry wanted to be a fair distance away from the Burrow; he did not want to be heard.

"What?"

"I need a big favor of you."

"What do you need me to do?"

"I need you to try and get a diary from Ginny. It's not her diary. The one I am after belongs to Tom Riddle; the name should be on it if I remember correctly. If you are able to get it bring it to me as soon as you can. I have to destroy that diary."

"I'll try but why do you need to destroy it?"

"Because it's a Horcrux, I'll explain what that is another time. It also has to do with Voldemort."

"How?"

"Tom Riddle is Voldemort."

"You're serious."

"Very."

"I can't promise you anything."

"That's fine, I just need you to try. If you can't then don't worry about it."

Harry and Hermione went back inside hitting Ron with the door, as he was standing right behind it.

"Sorry, Ron. Didn't see you there."

"So what's going on?"

Harry looked around and saw no one around. He quickly but quietly told Ron what he had been talking to Hermione about, except he did not say 'Voldemort'.

"Bloody hell. You'll explain what a Horcrux is right?"

"Yes, but later."

Really early the following morning Hermione snuck up to Ron's room and woke Harry.

"Hermione, did you find the diary?"

"Sort of. I just don't have it. I saw her with it; I just don't know where she put it. I don't want to be rude and go through her things. That and I don't want to get caught."

"Thanks for letting me know. Don't worry about it, seriously Hermione."

"But how are you going to get a hold of it and destroy it?"

"I'll get it at school. Ginny will try and flush it resulting in Moaning Myrtle flooding the bathroom and the hall."

Hermione quickly ran out of the room as Ron was waking up.

"Was there someone else in here just now?"

"Yeah why?"

"I though I heard talking."

"It was Hermione letting me know that she had no luck getting the diary for me. It's okay though. I have another option."

Harry and Ron got out of bed and went down stairs to get something to eat.

That afternoon Harry was in Ron's room writing a letter to Remus when he heard a 'crack' sound. He looked around and saw Dobby.

"Dobby what are you doing here?"

"You know my name, such an honor. Dobby come to tell Harry Potter that he can't go back to Hogwarts this year."

"Dobby, I know what is going to happen. I know about the Chamber of Secrets. I'll be fine. Please trust me. I also know that the family you service is the Malfoy's. I would appreciate it if you went back to Malfoy Manor, I don't want you to get into trouble or have to hurt yourself."

"You are a kind Wizard. You still should not go back this year. Dobby does not want you to get hurt or killed."

"I won't."

Dobby disappeared with another 'crack'; Harry shook his head side to side. It seemed to him that he got through to Dobby. Only time will tell. The first test will be the barrier at Kings Cross Station. 'If I can't get through I'll just send a letter to McGonagall.' Harry thought out loud but to himself.

They left the Burrow on time and arrived at Kings Cross Station with plenty of time. Percy, Fred and George were up ahead, Ron, Harry and Hermione were not far behind them and Mr. and Mrs. Weasley with Ginny were bringing up the rear.

Once all were at the barrier, Percy, Fred and George went through without a problem. Ron and Hermione were ready to go, Harry was nervous but at least Ron's sister and parents would be there for should the barrier be sealed off. Harry took a deep breath and caught up to Ron and Hermione and the three off them made it thorough the barrier and on to Platform 9 ¾. Ginny came through followed by her parents.

Harry thought to himself that he just may have got through to Dobby. He thought about the bludger and was going to wait and see what happens.

Once they put their trunks on the train they said their good-byes to Mr. and Mrs. Weasley.

When the whistle blew Fred, George, Ron, Ginny, Harry and Hermione quickly boarded the train and looked for a compartment. Percy already on the train in the Prefects compartment. Fred and George found their friends in a compartment. Harry found an empty compartment and let the others know.

"Ginny you want to sit with us? I don't think that there is anywhere else."

"Sure."

Ron was glaring at Harry as they all went into the compartment and took their seats. Hermione deliberately sat next to Ron. Ginny was sitting next to Ron, but as far away from him as she could. Harry sat across from Ginny. Hermione was keeping an eye on Harry, Ginny and Ron. She was going to be prepared for anything.

Throughout the entire trip to Hogwarts, Harry and Ginny kept looking at each other and smiling. Harry was having a difficult time looking at Ginny and not remembering the time he had spent with her. Several times his mind would replay moments with Ginny and he would shake his head to clear his mind. Ron took notice of this and was determined to talk to Harry. Hermione saw that Ron had noticed what was going on and that he just possibly may have figured it out. Without a thought she placed her hand on Ron's causing him to look at her. She tried other things that popped in to her head to distract Ron. It was becoming difficult for Hermione to think of things to distract Ron.

"Ron, where's your rat?"

"In his cage. Why?"

"I was just hoping that you had not forgotten or lost Scabbers."

"I wouldn't forget Scabbers or lose him." Ron said insulted.

Hermione hated to get Ron mad at her, but it was a small price to pay to ensure that all of them make it to Hogwarts unharmed and alive. She was relieved when the train finally reached Hogsmead Station.

As they de-boarded the train Harry could hear the familiar voice of Hagrid's calling all the first years to lead them to the boats that would bring them to Hogwarts.

Harry watched Ginny as she walked over to Hagrid and the other first years. Hermione tugged on Harry's robes and they headed to the horseless carriages. The three of them and Neville climbed in the next available carriage. Hermione was thankful to Neville, with any luck maybe Ron won't start in on Harry on the way to the castle.

They walked up the stairs to Hogwarts in silence. Hermione gave Harry a reproachful look. Harry wasn't sure if he wanted to be at Hogwarts suddenly. Ron figured out something and Harry wasn't sure if he wanted to deal with it yet. Harry wished that he had been more careful when Ron was around.

They took their seats at the Gryffindor table and waited while the first years entered the dining hall. Harry managed not to look as the first years passed.

Harry didn't pay attention to the welcome from Dumbledore or the start of term notices. He barely caught the sorting hat announcing Ginny being placed in Gryffindor. He cheered and clapped with the rest of the house and ignoring the glares from Ron.

"Let the feast begin."

Harry tried to take his time eating but it didn't work out for him. Ron hardly ate anything and was watching Harry intently. Hermione ignored both of them. No one from their year had got up from the table yet and Harry was feeling really tired. He decided to get up and leave for the dormitory and quickly. He was hoping that others would not be far behind.

Harry reaches the portrait and says 'wattlebird', the portrait swung open and Harry ran through, up the stairs to the boy's dormitory and through the door labeled Second Years. Harry heard someone walk through the door thinking it to be Neville, Dean or Seamus didn't bother to look to greet. The next thing Harry knew his back was against a wall and Ron had him pinned against the wall.

"What?"

"Are you toying with my sister?" Ron asked furiously.

"What? Ron let me go."

"You heard me."

"Let me go." Harry demanded

"Why? So you can run off."

"No. I won't go anywhere okay, just let me go."

"Fine." Ron said as he reluctantly let Harry go.

"What kind of question is that to ask someone?"

"Well, with what I saw on the train and thinking back to the time at my house, it can make a person wonder. You know that my sister fancies you. So, are you toying with my sister? Because she is only eleven."

"I know how old your sister is, and no I am not toying with your sister."

"Then what have you been doing?"

"Being nice and a friend, or at least trying to be."

"You better explain."

"Ron think back to when I told that I went back in time."

"What does that have to do with anything?" Ron asked calmer

"Ron, please think back."

"You were heart broken, not paying attention in Potions, an explosion and back in time."

"Yes, now think about it."

"What does that have to do with my sister?"

"Everything! I couldn't concentrate in Potions because all I could do was think about Ginny. She's the one that wouldn't talk to me."

"What did you do to her?" Ron asked, anger refueled

"I didn't do anything, I think it has to do with what I didn't tell her."

"Were you cheating on her and she found out from someone else."

"NO!"

"Than what?"

"Give me moment."

"To what?"

"To explain it right."

Harry thought for a while. The steaming mad look on Ron's face made Harry just start talking no matter how confusing it may end up.

"It was during the final battle against Voldemort. I had figured out that I would not survive the battle. I didn't have time to let anyone know, I just had to get to Voldemort and do what I could to stop him or at least make it easier for everyone else to stop him. He once again used the killing curse on me and to my surprise it didn't kill me. It turns out that I was or am one of his Horcruxes. No one knew that I had survived. Voldemort made Hagrid carry me back to the castle to show everyone that I was dead. I had to make sure that he thought I was actually dead; I couldn't even give any of you a heads up. Everyone was in pain, scared or devastated. I think that Ginny was in the most pain."

"What do you mean that you think my sister was in the most pain?" Ron asked calmer and concerned.

"I think she convinced herself that we would get back together after the battle. Then she saw me and I seemed to be dead it crushed her. Later when finally revealed that I wasn't actually dead it hurt her more. Probably wondering why I didn't for warn her. As I said before I didn't have time to tell anyone that I wouldn't make it. How was I supposed to know that I would? I didn't figure it out that I am one of his Horcruxes until after the battle when I finally defeated Voldemort for good. And Ron, I intended to get back together with Ginny once the battle was over."

"Get back together? You and my sister were together and you broke up, why?"

"I broke up with her so that I could go after the Horcruxes and destroy them. I thought and hoped that I was protecting her from harm and pain. I didn't think that I could go after the Horcruxes while I was still with her. I had to have a clear head and complete focus when looking for the damn things. My feelings have never changed for you sister."

"So, I was okay with it?"

"You were okay with us being together. You really upset with me for breaking up with her though."

"How do you feel about my sister?"

"I think that I love her. Things were really good between us when we were together and I'll never know if she would have talked to me again or even if we would have gotten back together. I just know that I really wanted to and it was killing me that she was ignoring me, acting like I didn't even exist."

"You still want to be with her?"

"Yes."

"So you plan on being with her?"

"I would like to, to see what could be between us so I'll stop wondering. But not now, maybe in a couple of years."

"Do you plan on telling her everything?"

"Yes. I will tell her everything."

"Let me think about it."

Harry was not able to argue with Ron about letting him think about it as Dean, Neville and Seamus had walked into the room.

"Is everything all right in here? Or should we get Madam Pomfrey to tend to possible injuries?"

"It's fine, just a misunderstanding."

"Are you sure? Ron is that so?"

"Something like what Harry said."

Ron then changed for bed and went to bed.

Harry glared at Ron for a moment and then changed and went to bed. He couldn't get comfortable; his mind kept replaying the entire conversation. 'I can't believe that Ron thought I was toying with Ginny. I thought he knew me better than that. How could he think I would do that to anyone? I shouldn't be mad that he thought so wrong about it. I can't be I don't get to be mad at Ron anyway. I cam be mad at myself. I should have told him, he was so furious. With any luck maybe he'll calm down. Doesn't Ron realize that it is up to Ginny who does and doesn't date? I have to figure out how to tell Ginny everything. At least I have time to figure it out.' Harry thought to himself as he fell a sleep.

Harry woke up shortly after he had gone to sleep. He looked over at the clock and saw that it was 11:15 pm. He jumped out of bed and got dressed. He was not looking that forward to Astronomy. The class started at midnight.

Harry was heading out of the common room when he realized that no one from his year was up yet. He went back up to the dormitory and woke Ron up and in the process of waking Ron up Neville, Dean and Seamus woke up.

"What the bloody hell Harry?"

"We have classes and the first one starts at midnight. You might want to get a move on it." Harry said as he left the dormitory.

Harry was the first one to class and the only one not late. He was surprised that Hermione was not already there.

"Harry." Said a sleepy Hermione.

"Hermione. You're never late to class."

"Had a long night talking with Ginny. How about you? Ron looked really furious last night."

"Yeah. I honestly thought that he was going to start punching me."

"What happened when he found you?"

"He slammed me up against a wall and pinned me there. I never knew he had it him."

"Was this about Ginny?"

"Yes and he had it all wrong."

"What did he think?"

"He had himself convinced that I was just toying with her."

"Are you serious? Did he hit you?"

"I am serious and no he didn't hit me or anything. He was really furious."

"He did let you explain right?"

"Yes. I don't think that it helped much though. We'll see as the day progresses."

"What did he say?"

"Well, he wanted to know how I feel about her, if I intend on going out with her and if I plan on telling her everything. I answered his questions and he said he'd have to think about it and get back to me."

"Wait, it's not up to him if you and Ginny date, that's up to Ginny."

"If I were I wouldn't say that to him, ever."

"He's here and he still looks pretty upset."

There had been no change with Ron throughout the day. He didn't talk much to anyone and seemed to be still upset about the night before. Harry wasn't sure if he should start a conversation with him or not. Harry couldn't take it any more, an hour before dinner Harry found Ron.

"Ron are you all right?"

"I'm just fine. And you're sure you didn't do anything to my sister?"

"Ron! What the bloody hell are you doing? Why would you think that Harry did anything to me?"

"Ginny." Harry and Ron said.

"Well, are you going to answer me?"

Ron just got up and left the common room.

"Harry what was he talking about?"

"It's kind of a long story and dinner will ready soon."

"You will tell me though?"

"Yes. Just know that I planned on telling you just not this year. You'll understand when I tell you, I hope that you'll understand."

"Well now that was interesting."

"Shut up Hermione. Now what am I going to do? I don't know how to tell her. I was going to tell her everything in a couple of years."

"Harry it's not as bad as you might think. But you do need to figure out how you are going to tell her and soon."

"Thanks for the reminder." Harry said sarcastically.

A week went by and Harry still had not told Ginny. He was relieved that she wasn't asking him to tell her.

Two days later every one was either in the library doing class work or out side. Harry was in the common room to his delight, alone. Lost in class work he did not hear or notice someone walking in.

"Harry."

"Ginny."

"Would now be a good time?"

"Not really. Do you think that you could give me another week?"

"Sure."

Ron walked in, looked from Harry to Ginny several time.

"What's going on in here?"

"None of you business Ron!"

"Nothing Ron. She was just asking me a question, calm down."

Ron glared at Harry and stomped up the stairs to the dormitory.

"What's his problem?"

"You'll find out."

Hermione ran through the portrait hole and dropped the afternoon edition of the Daily Prophet on the table, on top of Harry's class work.

"Why drop that in front of me?"

"You should read Rita Skeeter's article, it's about Sirius."

"Do have to read what she wrote? I bet she twisted it around."

"Just have a read Harry."

Harry unfolded the paper and read,

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

On the 20th of August the Daily Prophet received a letter. The Daily Prophets apologies for taking so long to report the contents of the letter, the information had to be checked out. Since it has been checked out and confirmed here is the letter:

To the lovely Rita Skeeter 19th of August

You should be aware of the current Minister of Magic has allowed the continued miscarriage of justice. Nearly eleven years ago Sirius Black was framed for the murders of Peter Pettigrew and 12 Muggles. He was also being accused of betraying the Potter family by giving up their whereabouts to Voldemort.

At the time of Sirius Black's imprisonment he was not granted a trial or even questioned about the charges and accusation.

That is until this past July when he finally was brought to trial and questioned under the affects of Veritaserum in front of the full Wizengamot. When Sirius was questioned it came to light that he is innocent of all charges and accusations.

As of yet, Sirius is still being help in Azkaban while the Minister of Magic files release papers.

We can only wonder how long it can take to file and sign a simple release paper.

Warmly,

H.E.P.

I, Rita Skeeter, at first thought this to be a joke until I spoke with several members of the Wizengamot and found transcripts of said trial that took place on the 15th of July and continued on the 19th of July when R.J. Lupin confirmed Sirius's testimony.

Further investigations on my part has revealed that it would only take a brief moment to sign and file release papers and have them delivered to Azkaban.

So, me, myself and I and my dear readers, would like the Minister to answer the following questions,

What has you so busy that you gave been unable to sign a simple release paper? Or is it that you are unwilling to free an innocent man? Once released how long will it take for an apology to Sirius Black?

Continued on page 6…

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Harry put the paper down and was shocked that Rita Skeeter actually wrote the truth.

"Harry are you all right?"

"I'm fine. I'll be right back." Harry grabbed the Daily Prophet and went to see Dumbledore.

Harry ran through the halls to Dumbledore's office. Once there he paced back and for the trying to remember passwords to try. He was watching his feet and lost in thought and did not see anyone walking up to the office, he walked right into the person.

Harry looked up and immediately said, "Sorry Professor, I didn't see you coming up. Uh…I wanted to talk to you."

"I see you have the afternoon edition of the paper."

"Yes and I wanted to ask you when do you think Fudge will see it and release Sirius?"

"You should be looking at it now. I would assume that he would be working on releasing Sirius immediately. Only time will tell Harry."

"What if Fudge doesn't release Sirius?"

"If he doesn't I would hope that he would be replaced. No one wants a Minister that imprisons innocent people."

"Thank you Professor."

A week went by and Harry had heard nothing. He was beginning to think that Fudge wasn't going to release Sirius. Harry heard a commotion but did not look. Hermione nudged Harry.

"What?"

"Look." Hermione said while pointing to the doors of the dining hall.

Harry looked and dropped his spoon in his pudding. He got up from the table and ran to Sirius.

"When did you get out?" Harry asked rushed.

"A while ago. I would have been here sooner but I had to take care of a few things first."

"There is so much to talk about. I don't know where to start."

"We have a lot of time Harry. There is a lot to talk about. Mainly I want to know more about 'cub'."

Harry smiled, as his cheeks became a faint pink. He knew that Remus had to have talked to Sirius.

"I wanted to let you know that I am finally free. I hope to have for the Christmas holiday. Just let me know and I will be at Hogsmead Station to get you."

"I want to spend the holiday with you. Just, write to me tomorrow so that I know it's real."

Sirius chuckled and gave Harry one last hug before leaving. Harry felt as though he floated back to the table.

"Harry this is so great. He's finally free as he should have been all this time."

"I don't think that I'll mind being in that house. I think that Sirius and I should get a place that doesn't have foul memories for either of us."

"I guess that means that you won't be staying with us this summer."

"No I won't be. I'll probably go to your place to get my stuff and I'll visit of course unless you'd rather I didn't."

Ron didn't reply and just stared at the ceiling as he thought 'Having Harry at my house was great, we had a lot of fun, my mum let me do things that I never thought she would let me do. It's going to be a little strange without him there. On the other had this could be the best thing ever; Harry won't be near my sister. Maybe he'll forget all about her. But do I really want that? Would I rather someone else date my sister? I do trust Harry. I was a complete asshole. I hope Ginny doesn't kill me when she finds out how I reacted. I won't blame Harry for telling her all about it, including everything that I had said. I can't believe I told him that I would have to think about it. If Ginny finds out about that, I am as good as dead.'