Sirius and Dumbledore were in the hallway arguing about where Harry would stay if still in the catatonic state.

Remus walked over and sat in the chair next to Harry's bed where Sirius had been.

"Harry, I don't know if you can hear me. It's Remus. I hope you can hear me. You have to snap out of this so you can defeat Voldemort. So many people are depending on you even though the majority don't know it right now…Harry."

Harry's eyes fluttered open. Once his eye's focused and he could clearly see Remus he smiled weakly.

"Remus, how are you?"

"Better now. How are you?"

"Too many emotions are going through me right now. Where's Sirius?"

"Out in the hall with Dumbledore. I'll go get him."

A few minutes later Remus returned to Harry's bedside followed by Sirius and Dumbledore.

"Harry how are you?" Asked Sirius.

"I've been better. I would like to go to my dorm."

"I don't know Potter." Said Madam Pomfrey.

"I'm fine. Really. I don't want to stay in the hospital wing. I know I've got class work to catch up. I need to get caught up and start pre-paring for end of year exams."

"Have some of this and we'll see how you feel and go from there." Madam Pomfrey said as she handed Harry a large slab of chocolate.

Harry ate the chocolate while Sirius, Remus and Dumbledore watched. Harry did the best he could to not focus on being watched. He gave in and looked at them.

"I'll go back to the Dursley's. If anything bad happens this summer no one can make me go back there ever again. I don't care if any one feels it's the best for me. If I'm not allowed to stay with Sirius I'd like to spend the summer holiday's here at Hogwarts. Honestly I'd rather feel like I'm being watched as though I'm barely learning to walk then be subjected to abuse and neglect."

"Fair enough Harry." Said Dumbledore.

"I will return but I would be like to be able to spend some time with Sirius and the Weasley's. Just for part of the summer holiday. Towards the end of the summer."

"Would that be alright Albus?" Asked Sirius.

"Harry, promise me you'll be careful this summer. No matter where you are." Said Dumbledore

"I give you my word Professor."

"I guess it would be alright if you were to spend part of your summer holiday with Sirius and the Weasley's. I also think that that it would be all right to spend time with Miss. Granger."

"Professor, I was wondering if I could go to Gringotts to pull out some money. Just in case. I would like to go before school lets out."

"I suppose that could be arranged. Come see me sometime this week." Said Dumbledore.

"Thank you Professor. Where's Madam Pomfrey? I'd like to go now."

"How are you feeling?" Asked Madam Pomfrey startling Harry, Remus, Sirius and Dumbledore.

"Loads better." Harry slightly lied; he didn't feel quite as better as he was saying.

"Very well. You may go."

Harry carefully but quickly got out of the hospital bed. He took a moment to be sure that he could stand and move without falling over. Once he knew he would not fall over he proceeded to leave the hospital wing.

Before Harry new it he had reached the portrait with the fat lady.

"Password."

"Frog spawn."

"Correct." Said the fat lady as the portrait swung open.

Harry stepped inside and looked around at the empty common room. He sighed with relief. He was not feeling up to answering questions. Harry quickly went up the stairs and quietly entered the boy's dorm. He went to his four-poster bed and climbed in. No sooner had he laid back and stretched out he had fallen asleep.

Harry spent that weekend catching up on schoolwork On Monday morning Harry woke up extra early, got dressed, had breakfast and went to see Dumbledore.

"I'm sick of studying. Can't we take a break and have some fun?"

"No Ron. End of year exams begin next week. We have to study." Said Hermione sternly.

"We'll take a break and do what ever on Saturday. That way what we've gone over this week might seep into our brains and stick. On Sunday we'll review everything."

"But Harry, we have exams…"

"Hermione, we agreed on having balance. It will do all of us good to relax and think about or stress on the fact we have exams."

"Well, why not relax on Sunday instead?"

"Because, I think Ron might go completely insane if we wait until then to relax."

"Okay. Fine." Hermione reluctantly agreed.

Harry paid close attention in each class, taking as many notes as Hermione. He ignored frequent remarks form the Slytherin's as to why he had spent time in the hospital wing.

At long last the exams were over. Every one was celebrating no more studying, no more exams and soon they'd be going home for the summer holiday. Well, everyone except Harry.

"Cheer up mate. No more study sessions or exams. We're done." Said Ron.

"Great." Said Harry extremely sarcastically.

"Harry it won't be to bad. Dumbledore did say that you could spend time with Sirius and us." Said Hermione cheerfully.

"I still have to deal with the Dursley's. Oh, Ron I hope you enjoy Egypt and Hermione have loads of fun in France."

"I only just found out about France."

"Uh, remember I am repeating my life."

"Oh. Sorry, I did forget."

"Harry, how is my family going to afford going to Egypt? Is Bill paying for us to visit?"

"I could tell you, but I'm not going to. You'll just have to wait to find out."

"Hey, Harry maybe it will be so bad at the Dursley's that Dumbledore will actually consider Sirius getting custody of you or at least let you spend the summer holiday here."

"I want to spend the summer holidays with Sirius and I want Dumbledore to let it happen. I don't want to be subjected to the Dursley's mistreatment of me. Why does it have to take something horrible to happen in order for me to be properly cared for? I really don't want to spend the summer holidays here. I'd be watched as though I was a baby, as though I'd be about to go catatonic again. I want to enjoy my summer holidays."

No one said anything after that. Before long they were on the Hogwarts express. For Harry the time passed quickly. The train arrived at Kings Cross Station too soon for Harry. Once through the barrier he was surprised to see Professor Snape there obviously waiting for some one. It was strange to see Snape in Muggle clothes, it did not seem right to Harry.

"Professor? What…"

"Professor Dumbledore requested that I be here and to wait for you. I would like a word with the Dursley's. Where are they?"

Harry looked around and to his delighted surprise he did not see the Dursley's anywhere.

"I don't see them anywhere. They're probably running late. Who would forget me?"

"Have they ever been late?"

"No. They're very punctual. But they don't like me. They wish that I had never been born. It won't surprise me at all that they'd make me wait just so that they can tell me how much I inconvenience them. Unless they are waiting for me at the main entrance."

When they reached the main entrance the Dursley's were nowhere to be seen. An hour went by and they still had not shown up. Harry reluctantly called for a taxi.

No a word was spoken the whole ride to Privet Dr. Harry paid the taxi driver and walked up to the house followed by Severus Snape.

Harry didn't know what to do. He wasn't sure if he should just walk in, knock on the door or ring the doorbell. The more he thought about it, he pondered a moment as to which of the three would be most annoying to the Dursley's. Harry decided to ring the doorbell so he could see his Uncle Vernon's face. To Harry's surprise his Aunt Petunia opened the door.

Petunia and Severus just stared at each other for quite a while.

"You!" Said Severus and Petunia at the same time.

"Petunia what is it?" Asked Vernon as he rushed to the door. "Oh, it's you. And who is this?"

"My name is Severus Snape and I am a teacher at Harry's school."

"What has he done now to have to be escorted here?"

"Harry has done nothing wrong. Why were you not at the train station to pick up Harry?"

"Is it that time already? I had not realized that…"

"Don't lie to me."

"Who are you to call me a liar!" Bellowed Vernon

"I know when I am being lied to! You thought it would be funny not to show up. You thought that Harry would not turn up." Severus looked at Harry and said, "Go on in and put your things a way in your room. I would like a word with them."

Harry, as quickly as he could dragging his trunk and Hedwig in her cage walked into the house and up to his room. Once he had set his trunk and the cage down he ran down the stairs so he could hear what Severus was saying. Harry quickly, but quietly stopped. Severus was in the living room with his Aunt and Uncle.

"First off all you don't want to have me angry. I am outraged at both of you but mostly at you Petunia. Lily is your sister, death will never change that, the way you have treated your sister's son is devastating. If I ever find out that Harry has been injured or has gone without meals you will wish that you had never been born. I expect you to treat Harry as though he is your son. You make sure that Dudley is kind to Harry. I don't want to see or hear about Harry wearing Dudley's old clothes. I give my word that if I have to come back here you will regret it!" Severus said and then disapparated out of their living room.

Vernon and Petunia were still staring where Severus had been. They were very shocked, trembling in fear and as pale as a ghost. Harry quietly and quickly went back up to his room. He looked around the room, everything was the same as always.

Harry shoved his trunk under his bed, opened his window and let Hedwig out of her cage. Hedwig took flight and soared out of the window. Harry stretched out on his bed and replayed in his mind everything Snape had said.

When Harry's stomach grumbled he got up and went down the stirs. As he walked into the kitchen he watched his Uncle, Aunt and cousin were taking their seats at the table. Harry walked over and sat in his chair.

"What do you think you are doing?" Growled Vernon

"What does it look like? I'm having a meal."

"Don't you talk to me that way! Go on up to your room. When we are done you can eat what's left!"

Harry got up and went to his room. He paced while he waited. After two hours he went back down stairs, walked into the kitchen and started to rummage through the fridge for something to eat.

"What the bloody hell do you think you are doing, boy?"

"Looking for something to eat."

"There's nothing in there for you."

"You said that I could eat when you were done."

"Nothing was left over. Get back to your room and stay there! Don't you dare ever to eat our food unless we give it to you."

Harry turned and stopped up the stairs and threw himself on his bed. After several minutes Harry sat up on his bed. He listened for his relatives, when he was sure that they would be too busy to hear anything he quietly called for Kreacher.

With a 'crack' Kreacher appeared.

"What can Kreacher do for Master Harry?"

"Bring me some food from Grimmuald Place as soon as Possible. Please. I would appreciate it."

With another 'crack' Kreacher was gone. A few minutes passed and Kreacher returned with Harry's favorite foods. Harry's mouth began to water. He took the food from Kreacher and started to eat. After several swallows, Harry looked at Kreacher.

"Thank you, Kreacher."

Kreacher said nothing. He had a shocked demeanor at the kindness Harry had shown him.

"You may go back Kreacher."

Kreacher disappeared without another word.

Harry ate everything Kreacher had brought. Though he felt sick he also felt that it was worth it.

There had been no change that week. Kreacher brought Harry food every day. Harry was relieved and grateful. He did not know what he would have done without Kreacher. As Harry continued to give gratitude to Kreacher, Kreacher became nicer at each passing of a meal. Harry made a mental note to talk to Sirius about how he treats Kreacher.

The middle of the summer holiday approached with no change. That night a tawny owl flew into his window, landed on Harry's bed and stuck out a leg. Harry quickly took the letter and the owl took off out of the window.

Harry opened the letter and read,

Harry,

I hope you are well and that the Dursley's are treating you better.

I think it's great that Ron's dad won the Daily Prophet Grand prize.

France is all right. There's some interesting local history of witchcraft here. I've written my whole History of Magic of essay to include some of the things I've found out. I hope it's not too long.

I am honestly not enjoying this trip. I am so worried about you. Mum and dad are letting me leave in a few days. I'll be going to Sirius's. Hope to see you soon.

Love, Hermione

A bout an hour later an owl crash-landed on the floor. Harry recognized Errol at once. Harry took the letter and carried Errol to Hedwig's cage so that he could drink some water before leaving again. Harry unrolled the parchment and read,

Harry,

I can't believe you refused to tell me. I must admit that the surprise was great. I would have written sooner, it's all just really sunk in. Egypt is pretty amazing. I should probably find time to write my essay for Professor Binns. If not Hermione will hound me for days. I know Hermione has finished hers. How about you? Have the Muggles been letting you do school work? Have they been treating you good?

I don't know if they are letting you send letter or not, but I'll be at Sirius's in a week. Dad's okay with it, Mum's not happy but she's letting me go.

I better see you soon.

Ron

"Hermione, good to see you."

"Sirius, have you heard anything from Harry?"

"No I haven't. Kreacher has been acting strange though."

"How so?"

"He's been making too much food, every meal. I have caught him humming. It's like he's happy. I haven't seen him like this in years."

"Do you think it could have something to do with Harry?"

"It could. I have tried to ask Kreacher but he just ignores me."

"Could you call him for me?"

"Sure. Kreacher."

"Yes Master."

"Kreacher, have you seen Harry?" Asked Hermione

Kreacher shuddered slightly at being spoken to by Hermione. He did not answer her and acted like she had not said anything.

"Kreacher, answer her."

"Several times a day." Kreacher replied and quickly left the room.

"Thank you again Kreacher."

"Thanks not needed Master Harry."

"Kreacher has anyone shown up at Grimmuald Place?"

"Your bushy hair, mu…. muggle friend has sir."

"Thank you for telling me."

Early the following morning a snowy white owl fluttered through Harry's window. He knew it was his Hogwarts letter and that the permission form for Hogsmead was enclosed. It also meant that Marge would be visiting.

Harry was still in his room as he had just finished eating when he heard his Uncle yell for him. Harry quickly left his room and down the stairs.

"Yes, Uncle Vernon."

"I am off to get Marge from the train station. You will be on your best behavior, no, better than that. She has been told that you attend ST. Brutus's Secure Center for Incurably Criminal Boy's. You will act normal, no funny stuff."

"Could you sign a form for me. It's school stuff. Third years are allowed to visit the village."

"If you behave like a normal person I'll think about it."

"If you sign the form I'll do what ever you want me to do. It will be hard to remember St. Something."

"You will do what I say and then maybe I'll sign the ruddy form."

Harry gave up and started to climb the stairs.

"You'll stay down here and wait so you can help with Marge's things." Petunia said shrilly.

Vernon returned with Marge. Harry did his best to ignore everything that was being said. He barely heard Marge talking to him.

"I see you're still here."

"Yes, I am."

"Don't you speak in that ungrateful tone. It was good for Vernon and Petunia to take you in. If it had been my door step you were dropped off on, it would have been straight to an orphanage for you."

Harry muttered under his breath that he would have rather of been dumped at an orphanage.

"Where do you send the boy, Vernon?"

"St. Brutus's. A first rate institution for helpless cases."

"Marge smirked, "Do they use the cane at St. Brutus's, boy?"

"Yes. All the time."

"Excellent! Have you been beaten often?"

"Yeah. Almost all the time."

"I still don't like your tone boy. Clearly they're not beating you enough or hard enough. Petunia I would write to the school. Let them know you approve of extreme force with him."

Harry ignored the rest of the talk. All he wanted to do was spend the time in his room, until Marge left. After a few days Harry couldn't stand to go through it again with Marge. Once night Harry attempted to disappear up to his room.

"Where do you think you are going, boy?" Asked Marge

"To my room. I'm tired."

"You will do no such thing! You have not been excused or told to go to your room." Marge said firmly

"May I be excused to my room? I am tired."

"Yes, please…" trailed off Vernon.

"No you may not! I want to keep a close on you boy. With you attending St. Brutus's it is clear that you are not to be trusted." Barked Marge.

Harry managed to keep control his emotions. He refrained from causing the glass in Marge's hand form exploding. When Marge got to his parents and degraded them Harry couldn't stop himself. The next thing he knew he had blown up Marge to twice her size. While everyone was preoccupied with Marge, Harry ran up the stairs and grabbed his trunk and Hedwig, in her cage. He managed to leave the house without being stopped by Vernon.

Harry went to Wisteria Walk and knocked on the door to number seven. Mrs. Figg opened the door. Harry apologized for the late hour and asked for he could use her telephone. She let Harry in and showed him where the phone was. Harry called for a taxi.