*A/N* Wow! I am amazed at how many have followed, fav'ed, and reviewed! Thank you so much! I have gotten a few flames, but that's ok. Some people just dont understand what a bashing fic means. Yes, most if not all of the characters are OOC! It's a BASHING fic! Harry usually IS powerful with lots of money, confidence, power, yada, yada, yada, and stuff happens that isn't even possible in canon. Anyway I digress, and again, thank you to those who have F, F, & R! It really does mean a lot!

Chapter 3

Getting Organized

As Tom and Harry made their way down Diagon Alley toward the designated apparition spot, Harry still remained in a stunned silence. Bill had to stay behind at the bank, due to having to take care of some work related things, so Tom and Harry walked along in silence. When they reached the apparition spot however, Harry finally shook himself out of his thoughts.

"It's kind of funny though, if you think about it." He said looking at Tom. "I'm the heir of Gryffindor and you're the heir of Slytherin." He said with a chuckle.

"Well we knew the one just not the other." Tom grinned. "And with us being heirs to the Peverells make us cousins. Distantly of course, but still family."

"Well the thing is, I knew I was related to the Peverells but I didn't know I was an heir. I figured I was just a Potter heir." Harry shrugged.

"You knew? How?" Tom asked curiously.

"That's a long story. I'll have to tell you when we get home."

Suddenly there was a small pop, and both boys looked up to see a tall, stern looking witch with square spectacles, standing in front of them.

She gasped out loud. "Mr. Potter…you…what…" She stuttered clasping her chest.

"Professor McGonagall!" Harry exclaimed shuffling backwards a few steps.

"Mr. Potter, first of all," she said, grabbing his arm and pulling him off to the side. "Never stand around in an apparition zone. You will get landed on. Second, why are you standing around in an apparition zone? Third, why are you not at your relatives?" She asked pointedly and glared at him.

"Well…I…uh…" Harry stuttered, but then he sighed. "Death strikes again." He groaned, looking skyward and glaring. "Well Professor, my friend Tom and I were just on the way home. He will be starting 5th year and we had to make a stop at Gringotts."

"What do you mean you were on the way home? Mr. Potter, you are not able to apparate." She said, looking at the two boys. She stopped and stared at Tom, then her gaze traveled to his eyes, and she gave a small gasp. "Mr. Potter, are you ok?" She asked, taking a few steps backwards.

"Yes ma'am. I know what you must be thinking."

"Do you think Death wants us to tell her?" Tom asked nervously. "I think she knows."

"Mr. Pot-Potter you need to come w-with me." She gasped. "It's him. It's You-Know-Who."

"No Professor, you need to know the truth. Perhaps you should sit down on this bench. Tom," he said, reaching into his pockets. "Will you go to the apothecary and grab a readymade calming drought? She may need it." He asked, handing him a hand full of galleons.

"Are you sure you don't want me to stay Harry? At least for just a moment?"

"Yeah. Just hang on." He said, after thinking a moment, then he turned to the near hysterical witch. "Professor McGonagall look at me please." He said, he said getting her attention. Then he looked at her and spoke very deliberately and firmly. "Minerva McGonagall, there is something you need to know. You need to know the truth." He said, looking straight into her eyes.

Professor McGonagall suddenly went limp, and her eyes glazed over.

"Merlin! Oh Merlin! Oh no…oh my…Harry…no…" She stuttered and gasped, as her arms started thrashing around.

"Tom?"

"Yep. I'll be back in a moment." He said, turning to run down the small square alcove back toward the main Alley. He side stepped a startled wizard who had just landed, shouted an apology, and kept running.

"Professor hang on. He's coming back. Just hold on."

"Is there something wrong lad?" The wizard asked, looking concerned.

"Yes sir, sort of. She will be ok though. She's just had a shock. My friend has gone to fetch a calming drought."

"Ok, I'll be on my way then."

"Thank you sir." Harry said with a nod, turning his attention to the still gasping and stuttering witch.

"Albus…it can't be." She moaned. "Why? I…don't…I don't…" She sobbed. "I can't believe it. I just can't."

"I know. It was hard for me too."

Mr. Potter if I had known about the abuse…I…I would have taken you myself. What do we do? Death showed me everything. Even things that haven't happened. I don't…I don't…and You-Know-Who…oh my…Merlin…Dumbledore…evil…It can't be."

"I know. Just shhh…it's ok." Harry said.

It was tearing him up inside having to watch her go through this. It was almost cruel, but he understood that this was the easiest way to tell her. It was the safest way. No one would believe it otherwise.

Death has to be the one to tell them. It can't be anyone else. He thought sadly.

"Harry." Tom said, running back toward them. "Here." He said, gasping for air. "Merlin, I haven't ran in a while." He said with a grimace, and holding his side.

Professor McGonagall nearly snatched the calming draught out of his hand, and drank in one gulp. She sat there gasping for a few minutes and blinking rapidly.

"Thank you Tom." She said quietly. "Mr. Potter, I need to speak to Severus right away. My business here can wait." She said, slowly getting to her feet. "We need to figure this out."

"Well Tom has to tell you where we are. He's secret keeper."

She nodded. "Alright." She leaned down slightly so Tom could whisper it in her ear, and she nodded. "Very good. I know the location. I visited Lily many times before they went into hiding." She said, saying the last part with a scowl. "I will meet you both there."

They nodded, and all three apparated on the spot.

They landed almost simultaneously in the foyer of Potter Manor, and McGonagall gasped in surprise.

"Mr. Potter, what is that?" She asked, looking at the curtain of white smoke in the doorway.

"That's our fail safe. It's a modified Dark Barrier. You'll need a coin to get through it though. We thought that was better than a tattoo, if you know what I mean."

"I do." She said with an approving nod, as Harry and Tom flashed their coins, and walked through.

Harry ran over to a small table in the sitting room where the extras were kept, and jogged back to her.

"Keep this with you at all times."

"Indeed I will." She nodded.

Snape heard their voices, and came sweeping out of the potions room with a mixture of amusement and horror on his face.

"Voldyshorts!?" He cried. "Are you…Voldyshorts?!" He looked like a giant bat that was out of place in the brightly lit room.

"We thought it was brilliant!" The twins cried, also appearing out of the potion room.

"We laughed so hard when he read Malfoy's letter out loud!" George laughed.

"Hey Harry, we just finished up our Patented Daydream Charm. We got a whole box that's ready to be sold." Fred grinned.

"Voldyshorts!" Snape cried again, staring at Harry and Tom who were doubled over in laughter. Then he suddenly blinked, as if he just realized who else was standing there. "Minerva!"

She stood there looking at the scene in front of her in amusement and shock. "Hello Severus."

"Severus," Tom laughed. "I have my soul back, and I'm no longer under the old man's control. It feels good having a little bit of childish fun. Don't you think?"

"Of course My Lord." He said with a nod, but everyone else snorted and started laughing. When Snape realized what he had said, he kicked the air in front of him, started muttering swear words under his breath, and swept back into the potions room. "I meant Tom!" He shouted, as the twins, Harry, and Tom roared with laughter.

"I smell goodies." Nagini said, slithering in quickly from the kitchen. "Are they for me?"

"Indeed they are my dear." Tom replied.

"He said you liked them. It surprised me actually." Harry grinned.

"I do like them. It surprises even me."

Professor McGonagall watched this little exchange with a nervous expression on her face, but Fred caught her attention.

"Ah, Professor McGonagall, our esteemed Head of House, and wonderful Transfiguration Professor." Fred said with a grin and a mock bow. "Would you like to try one of our Patented Daydream Charms? They provide you thirty full minutes of undetectable daydream bliss…"

"…side effects may include…" George said.

"…but are not limited to…" Fred said.

"…Drooling or dazed expression, blissful reprieve in History of Magic and Divination…" George said.

"…or in your case Umbridge's upcoming rants, Filch's complaining, and students out of control behavior." Fred said, as they gave her identical grins.

Professor McGonagall fixed them with a stern look. "No thank you Messer Weasleys. But if I find one student in my class using that charm, I'm coming after you." She said with a slight smile.

"Well if you change your mind you'll know where to find us." They grinned, and retreated back into the potion room.

"Hmm, is Binns still teaching history?" Tom asked.

Harry laughed. "Yeah he is."

"Fred, George, I'll take some!" He cried, rushing after them.

"I never would have thought…" McGonagall said in awe, as she watched Tom run off.

"That he could act like a regular kid?" Harry asked, and she nodded. "I never would have either. He has a seventy year old mind, but it's like he told me earlier today, he's never been able to be a regular kid. For so long his life has been devoid of happiness, love, friendship, family, and a sense of belonging. Dumbledore took all that from him, but now he can actually feel love and happiness. He was nearly soulless, and couldn't feel a thing."

"I can't imagine what that must have felt like, and the fact that he tried to retain what little common decency he had left is remarkable. He graduated two years before I started Hogwarts, so I never knew him, but I knew of the horror stories about the Chamber, Tom, and his gang of Slytherins. I am happy that he has finally found what he has been looking for. Death assured me that he can be trusted, so I will do so." She said quietly, wiping away a tear. "Your Mother had a message for me too. She asked me to watch over you, and you can bet your galleons that I will do it. As for Mr. and Miss Weasley and Miss Granger, watch yourself around them. Don't trust them with anything. Distance yourself immediately, and if you need anything you come straight to me or Severus. Tom can come to me as well, seeing as he will be one of my Gryffindors." She said with a smug grin. "I bet that eats at Severus." She giggled.

Harry laughed. "I know. We will have Neville and Luna too though. Luna is in Ravenclaw, and I don't officially meet her until this year anyway, so I'm going to seek her out on the train. I've told Tom all about them. He is excited to meet them. He said any friend of mine is a friend to him, and any enemy is his as well."

"Well do what you have to do, but come to me if you need to. I mean that Mr. Potter."

"Yes ma'am."

Suddenly the door to the back garden opened and Remus, Sirius, Mad-Eye, and Tonks came in laughing and smiling. Tonks tripped over the door jam, but Remus caught her before she hit the floor. Harry laughed at the way Tonks grinned up at Remus.

"You two getting married yet?" He grinned.

"Not until the mess with Dumbledore is settled. Minnie!" Remus cried, helping Tonks the rest of the way up, then rushing over to her. "You're here."

"We were practicing unsupported flight. It's amazing. I don't think I'll ever ride a broom again." Sirius said laughing, but then he turned toward McGonagall. "Minerva, am so glad you're here." He said giving her a kiss on the cheek, and she blushed slightly.

"Yes, and I nearly landed on Mr. Potter in the apparition zone of Diagon Alley. It was timed perfectly it seemed."

"Potter, do you not have any sense? Don't stand around in a place like that you'll get landed on." Mad-Eye growled.

"I've been told." Harry grinned.

"Are these supposed to be a custard?" Tom asked, as he and the twins, who were grinning wickedly, walked into the sitting room where everyone was seated.

Harry sniggered, because he recognized immediately what Tom was about to eat. Tom popped the custard into his mouth, and within a few moments, he turned into a giant yellow canary. Everyone doubled over in laughter, as he ran around squawking. Even Nagini joined in and slithered after him in an attempt to catch him. However Hedwig, who had been sleeping with her head under her wing, and clicked her beak in annoyance at being woken up. After about a minute though, his feathers molted and he returned to normal.

"That is an amazing bit of magic." Tom laughed. "I have never seen anything like that."

"Indeed. I hope to see you apply yourselves in such a manner for your N.E.W.T.s this year." Professor McGonagall said, but she too was laughing.

The twins just grinned at everyone, and once again, retreated back into the potions room.

"And to think they are living here with the two of you." McGonagall said, giving Sirius and Remus a withering look. They just grinned at her.

"Tom," Harry said grinning. "There is an unspoken rule when dealing with the twins. Never eat anything they give you. I'm guessing they will be getting their nose bleed nougats ready soon, and those are horrible."

"It is amazing at what they have come up with." Remus said. "And with Fred knowing what makes everything work, they are bypassing the trial and error phase. They have already made countless items for the upcoming year, and have already sold numerous things. Owls have been coming and going all morning."

McGonagall sighed heavily. "So it's already spreading. Oh goodness."

Sirius grinned. "Your going to have your hands full Minnie, but don't fret. They said they are only going to target Dumbledore and Umbridge. You have nothing to worry about."

"Forgive me Madam, but if I may, who you are you exactly?" Tom asked.

Harry groaned. "Tom I'm sorry. I keep forgetting that there are people who you don't know. This is Professor Minerva McGonagall. She is Gryffindor Head of House, Transfiguration Professor, and the Deputy Headmistress."

Tom looked at her, and smiled in relief. "Someone in charge who is on our side then. That is good news. I thought Severus was going to be the only Professor at Hogwarts who knew. I'm very glad to make your acquaintance Professor. As you are already aware, I'm Tom Riddle. I have many other names, but I do not care for those. However, Death has deemed it prudent that I go by Tom Ringo. Why that is, we do not know yet."

"I'm very pleased to meet the real you Mr. Ringo." She said with a genuine smile.

"Tom, what will happen to me when you go to Hogwarts? Will I be able to go? I will behave. I will not attack the children." Nagini said, as she slithered up his chair, and laid across his shoulders. She was so large that her body was still touching the floor as she rested across them.

"I do not know my dear." He answered sadly, as he leaned against her large head. Then he turned to Professor McGonagall. "Nagini is asking if she can go to Hogwarts, but I understand that do to her size, she may not be able too."

Professor McGonagall thought for a moment. "I'm not sure Tom. To my knowledge there is no restriction to snakes, but I will have to look at the rules carefully. We do say that the students can bring an owl, cat, or a toad, because these are the most common animals, but due to her size, there might be a problem. I will look carefully to see if there is a size restriction."

Nagini rapidly slithered down and wrapped herself gently around the Professors feet. "Thank you. I have hope now."

Tom smiled. "She says thank you and that you have given her hope."

"Hermione might be an enemy of ours, but her cat Crookshanks is a friend of mine." Sirius said, looking at Nagini. "Please don't eat him."

"You have my word. Crookshanks the cat, and any other pet will not be harmed, nor the children simply because they are children." She replied looking at him, then looked back at Tom.

"You have her word that no pet, including Crookshanks will be harmed. She also will not attack students. Enemy or not." Tom said.

"I cannot promise about the Headmaster, or the Umbridge woman I have heard so much about. Both are evil."

"But she cannot say the same about Dumbledore or Umbridge." Tom said.

"I remember you being vicious, but maybe that was because you were a horcrux at the time. I never imagined you would be a mild mannered snake." Harry said in English, for the benefit of the others.

"I've always been mild mannered, but when angered I can be mean. Perhaps the dark magic of the horcrux changed me. I am thankful you saved us both from that evil."

"I'm starting to realize that Dark Magic in itself is not what makes a person evil. It's their personality that makes one evil. 'Dark' magic can be used for good, and 'light' magic can be used for evil. Magic is just magic. It's the intent of the caster that makes it evil. A killing curse can be used to help a suffering man that has no chance to live or be cured of serious injury. If the man is dying a slow painful death, then a killing curse can be used to end his suffering. On the other hand, a simple severing charm can be used to slit ones throat. Those are just two examples, but I'm sure there are more." Harry said.

"That is a very astute observation Mr. Potter." Professor McGonagall said looking at him in surprise. "I have never really thought about it that way."

"Indeed Potter." Snape said, sitting down to join the conversation.

"Furthermore," Harry continued. "It seems that the only true evil magic is that of a horcrux. No good can come out of it. If a person's soul is split, it takes their humanity and moral decency away. Tom is proof of that. He had almost no soul left, and we all know how he was, but now that it's been put back he's different." Harry said thoughtfully. Then a horrified expression crossed his face. "What if Dumbledore has a horcrux. What if his experiment with Tom was to find out what the consequences of having one would be?"

"That is a disturbing thought Harry." Remus said nervously.

Tom shook his head. "A phoenix will not bond with a person who has split their soul, and will not stay with a person who had done so. When I was not under the old man's control during the first war, I did a lot of studying about phoenixes. I wanted to know why a creature such as that would bond with one so evil. It was during my readings that I found that bit of information."

"What if he has some kind of bonding charm on it?" Sirius asked. "What if he forced Fawkes to bond with him?"

"Fawkes? Is that the bird's name?" Tom asked, and everyone nodded. "I did not know that. Well it is not possible for a phoenix to be charmed in such a way. I know this because I've tried it." Tom said.

"Then why is Fawkes still with him?" Remus asked.

Tom shrugged his shoulders. "Perhaps he bonded with Dumbledore before he became evil, and has just never left. Magical creatures have personalities just like we do, and can be corrupted just like we can. It's possible that neither of them started out evil, but over time they became corrupted together. I'm not saying Fawkes himself is evil, but it's possible that he is. If he is not, then it's possible that Fawkes may not know that Dumbledore is evil. Things can be hidden from a bonded animal. They can't use Legilimency to read our true thoughts and nature. Fawkes may see Dumbledore as a man trying to do good things, and has never seem him do his evil deeds." Tom said.

"Well if he has duped a phoenix then he is more cunning than we give him credit for." McGonagall said. "That bird is loyal to him."

"Or is he?" Harry asked. "I don't think Fawkes is evil. I just think he may not see or know what Dumbledore is up too. He was kind to me, and seems to generally like me. He has helped me and healed me on more than one occasion."

"There was one time in my second year when Fawkes helped me as well. I was out of bed after hours, and I fell through one of those blasted false stairs on the moving staircases. I fell several feet, and broke my leg. The bone was even protruding out of my skin. Fawkes came and healed it." Tom said.

Suddenly there was a burst of fire, and Fawkes himself soared over to Harry and Tom. He was carrying something in his beak, and something else was clutched in his golden talons. Clutched in his beak was an ancient looking parchment, and in his talons he carried a small golden box. He carefully placed the box and the parchment between the two boys. Fawkes studied them both for a moment and when neither made a move, he gently nudged the objects toward them.

Harry and Tom looked at each other, then Harry cautiously reached for the parchment.

"Careful Potter." Mad-Eye warned, eyeing the bird suspiciously.

Harry opened the ancient piece of parchment carefully. It looked like it could crumble at any moment.

"It's a letter." Harry said, and began to read it out loud.

To our heirs,

We don't know your names, but we hope Fawkes finds you doing well, and we hope you are happy and healthy. Please except our gift to you. In the golden box you will find our rings. We hope you will wear them with pride and dignity. We know you must be surprised to find a phoenix standing before you, so I will explain. Fawkes first bonded to Salazar and I when we found him as a small hatchling in the ravine that sits beside Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. He was crying out for help as he wobbled dangerously over a ledge that was several feet down from the top. I heard and saw him first and climbed down to help him. As soon as I touched him, he bonded with me. However, I slipped and fell as I was climbing back up and Salazar, being the crafty devil that he is, saved us both. Fawkes then bonded to him as well. He sensed the brotherhood in us both, and deemed us both worthy of his bond. Now we pass him to you in the hopes that you both will carry on the tradition of brotherhood between Gryffindor and Slytherin. Fawkes will remain at the castle and serve the school and Headmaster until the heirs of Gryffindor and Slytherin claim our vaults at Gringotts and prove themselves worthy of his loyalty, by showing the bonds of brotherhood that the two of us possess. If he has found you, it means you have fulfilled these requirements.

Now to my own heir, the Heir of Gryffindor,

I am proud of you, even though I do not know you. I hope that you will continue to be brave and loyal, and carry on the traditions of a true Gryffindor with pride. I wish you much success in all your endeavors. In the Gringotts vault you will find a special portrait of me. I hope you will take it, so I can get to know you. Salazar was able to find a way to give our portraits our own memories and our knowledge. I assure you, these are not your normal everyday wizard paintings. Don't tell Salazar I told you, but sometimes the man is a genius, and I don't know what I would do without him. He is my brother, and I love him.

Godric Gryffindor

To the Heir of Slytherin,

I read what Godric wrote and will now tease him relentlessly about needing me, however I agree with him. I am a genius. In my vault you will also find a similar portrait of myself. Take it so I can get to know you, and give you my knowledge. Now, deep under the school there is a chamber that I like to call, The Chamber of Secrets. The entrance lies under a trap door on the second floor. Godric and I built it for both of you to use as you see fit. As a parselmouth, you will be able to open it. But be warned, there is a basilisk that I have placed inside the chamber to protect it, until you both can claim it. Godric's heir will be able to kill it with the help of Fawkes. Gryffindors are, after all, brave. Inside the mouth of my statue, you will find a room, and the main reason for the basilisk. This room is both mine and Godric's. I won't spoil the surprise, but I know you will both find something interesting inside. Stay your true course my Slytherin Heir, and I wish you well in your endeavors. Treat your Gryffindor brother well, and in return, he will treat you well. Love him as I love Godric. You are brothers.

Salazar Slytherin

By the time Harry finished reading the letter his voice was barely above a whisper. The room was silent as he passed the letter to Tom, and he reached down to pick up the golden box. He opened it slowly, and inside were two rings. One was made of gold with the head of a lion, and had two small rubies for eyes. The other was sliver with the head of a snake, and had two small emeralds for eyes. Engraved on both bands were three simple words. We Are Brothers.

Tom and Harry looked at each other and smiled as they carefully placed the rings on their fingers. As the rings resized themselves to fit, a golden glow surrounded both, as well as Fawkes. The phoenix started to sing as he hopped on their shoulders, with one foot on each of them. Everyone was silent until the he finished his song. Then Tom spoke.

"But I don't understand." He said with his voice full of emotion. "How can you bond with me if a piece of my soul is missing?"

Tell him because it wasn't his choice. A soft whispery voice said, inside of Harry's head.

"Hedwig?" Harry asked looking over towards his owl.

Hedwig took flight and landed on Harry's knee.

Fawkes says that he can bond with Tom because he knows that the horcrux wasn't Tom's choice to make.

"Hedwig says, Fawkes says, that he can bond with you because the horcrux wasn't your choice to make." Harry said, and Fawkes nodded in agreement.

"But the stories of Slytherin being evil, hating anyone who wasn't a pure blood. The fight with Godric and leaving the school." Professor McGonagall asked. "What about those?"

Lies.

"Lies?" Harry asked in disbelief.

Fawkes says they are lies. Those stories are not about Salazar and Godric. They are about their sons. History has it all wrong. Both Godric and Salazar died fighting side by side after retiring from Hogwarts. Muggles attacked Godric's Hallow and Godric asked Salazar to help him fight them off. They both died side by side in the battle. Salazar's son blamed Godric for his father's death, and Godric's son was angry because of it. That is what caused a rift in the families. That is why the houses hate each other. That is why Slytherin has become what it has. That was not what Salazar wanted Slytherin House to become. Salazar and Godric wanted their Heir's to be friends like they were.

When Harry finished explaining what Hedwig said, everyone shook their heads.

"I guess a lot of truths are coming out these days." Mad-Eye said.

"And I thought Salazar Slytherin was a slimy git." Fred said. "I'm glad he wasn't."

"Well it certainly explains why Slytherin and Gryffindor hate each other." McGonagall said shaking her head. "It's a shame, because they themselves were so close."

"So what happens now? Does this mean that Dumbledore could still have a horcrux?" George asked.

No.

"No?" Harry asked. "How do you know?"

Because Fawkes would be able tell. Fawkes says that Dumbledore didn't want to look like Tom did. The horcruxes destroyed not only his personality but his looks as well. Dumbledore decided not to go that far. Dumbledore is just simply a dark wizard who enjoys fame and power.

"Well that is a little bit of a relief. I was not looking forward to having to go horcrux hunting again." Harry said shaking his head. Then explained what Hedwig told him.

"And here he is calling our war effort The Order of the Phoenix, when it's not even his bloody phoenix." Tonks spat. "I hate that man."

"Not to mention it's the phoenix of the two people he has tried to manipulate." Remus snarled.

Mad-Eye shook his head. "So many people have died because Dumbledore wanted fame and power. All because he has an ego."

"I don't even bloody think his patronus is even a phoenix." Tonks said in a huff. "I think he's lying about that too."

"Dumbledore can cast a patronus?" Tom asked in surprise.

Everyone stopped for a moment and looked at each other.

"Now that you mention it, I've never seen his patronus." Remus said. "Every time he sent correspondence it's been through Fawkes, and it's always ended with the words 'spread the news.'

"It's true." Sirius said shaking his head, then he let off a cry of rage, jumped up, kicked his chair, and stomped out the room.

"Just let him cool off." Remus said. "He's just pissed."

"A dark wizard can't conjure a patronus." Mad-Eye growled. "That's why we have never seen it."

"That's why I was surprised and asked the question. I can't conjure one. If I tried, maggots would burst forth from my wand and attack me." Tom said.

"What!?" Harry cried.

"It's true Harry." Remus said. "When a dark wizard tries to conjure a patronus that happens because the person's soul is dark. That's why the charm sends out maggots."

"But you're not dark." Harry said turning to Tom. "Your soul has healed. You should…"

"I still have one horcrux, and I'm proficient and heavily involved in the dark arts." Tom said pointedly.

"Sometimes I forget." Harry mumbled.

Suddenly an over excited ball of fluff came whizzing through an open. It spotted Harry, and started buzzing around his head before dropping a letter at his feet. Hedwig ruffled her feathers and snapped angrily at the owl, then took off toward her perch in a huff. Nagini eyed it hungrily, but stayed coiled up on the floor between Tom and Harry's feet.

"It's Pig. Ron's owl." He said, as he swatted the little owl away.

Tonks was immediately on her feet. She pointed her wand at the owl and cried, "Specialis Revelio!" But nothing happened. "The owl is clean." She said. Then she repeated the process on the letter, but this time a blue glow appeared. "The letter has a tracking charm on it Harry. Give me a few seconds to remove it." She said. Then she waved her wand in a circle over the letter, while muttering an incantation. It glowed a soft yellow, and she nodded her head. "You can touch it now. It's clean."

"You have to teach me that." Harry said with a grin. Then he picked up the letter and scowled at it. "Like hell you back stabbing little traitor." He growled. "He says he wants me to come stay for the rest of the summer. He's bored because the twins aren't there to play Quidditch with him, so he's asked his Mum to ask Dumbledore if I can stay. He's also asked if I have heard from Fred and George, and if I have, to tell them that Mum says come home."

"We aren't going anywhere." They said in unison, scowling at the letter in Harry's hand.

"Nor do we feel the need…" George said.

"…to reply back." Fred said.

Harry walked over to the writing desk, took out a quill and piece of parchment to scribble a quick note. Then he tied the letter to the tiny owl and watched as it zoomed out of the window.

"I don't hold ill will towards Pig. He can't help how Ron is. I told him I was busy and that I haven't heard from you." He said with a shrug. "I'm certainly not going to tell him the truth."

"He's an excited little thing, isn't he?" Tom laughed.

"Yeah. Sirius gave him to Ron when he was in hiding. I guess Sirius is still is in hiding." He mumbled.

"Yeah, but at least I'm not living in a cave, or stuck at Grimmauld Place." Sirius said, coming back into the room and sitting back down. "Sorry about my outburst. I just needed a minute. Well you two, something exciting obviously happened at Gringotts today. Tell us what happened." He said with a grin.

Tom and Harry began telling them all that happened at the bank and with Lucius Malfoy. Sirius and Remus nearly fell out of their chairs at the mention of 'Voldyshorts' and even Professor McGonagall laughed about it. Harry told them how he planned on proceeding with the thefts that have occurred, and explained to the twins about their special vault. They were deeply touched, but told Harry they didn't feel right about taking half the money that their Mum and brother stole from him. Harry explained his thinking on the matter and said that he knows how much their Mum hates the fact that they sell joke items, and that it was his way of getting her back. Not to mention the extra galleons could be used to speed up the production of the joke items, since the events of the upcoming year were going to be bigger, better, and a lot more than the last 5th year they had. The twins agreed with that, and stopped their protesting. They also said that Harry and Tom could help themselves to whatever they wanted from their joke shop, as long as they put it to good use.

Tom asked everyone about Umbridge. He had heard enough to know that she was bad, but didn't know the extent of it. Harry told him all about his last 5th year, and all the detentions he suffered through, but when Harry told him about the blood quills, Tom lost his temper. It was the first time everyone got to see the 'Voldemort' side of him, and even Snape looked scared that he might accidently hit someone with the killing or torture curse. Thankfully he only blasted the furniture and the walls with the blasting curse, but he also apologized profusely and repaired everything. When he calmed down enough, he asked Harry to show him his hand, and was appalled to see the, I must not tell lies scar, and let loose with swear words that would make a hippogriff blush. He vowed to make the woman pay if she tried the same thing this time around. Harry asked if there was anything that could be done about the blood quills, because it wasn't just him she tortured. Tom said there was, but only grinned maliciously when Harry asked what it was. Tom told him to wait and see.

Moody informed everyone that he had been in contact with Frank and Alice Longbottom, and asked Tom to write down their location on a piece of parchment, so that he could give it to them, which Tom did. Plans were discussed about the best way to take Dumbledore down, and it was Snape who came up with an idea. Last time it was 'Voldemort's Return'. This time it was going to be 'Dumbledore's Downfall.' They were going to use all the knowledge of their future past lives to turn things around on him.

Remus mentioned that Dumbledore would probably contact them soon just like he did last time, but everyone agreed to just ignore the man. They started thinking up ways to get the other Order members to join, if things got bad. Harry said that if they did that, then Mundungus Fletcher was not allowed inside his house. Everyone agreed that the thief was going to be left out. Harry asked Fawkes if he would be willing to be a spy, so that they could know what Dumbledore was up to at all times. Tom thought it was a brilliant idea, and Fawkes agreed to do it, so he flashed back to Hogwarts so Dumbledore wouldn't know he was missing.

An owl flew in during their talk, and it ended up being a letter for Snape, from a Death Eater named Yaxley. Apparently the other Death Eaters were angry to hear the news that their 'Dark Lord' had joined forces with Harry Potter for some unknown reason. Malfoy was mentioned in the letter, and said that he had seen 'The Dark Lord' strutting around Diagon Alley with 'The-Boy-Who-Lived' in a young and completely normal looking body. None of the Death Eaters believed Lucius, and said that maybe it was a farce and that they were going to track down this imposter and do away with him, along with Harry Potter. Snape didn't even hesitate and offered his left arm up, before Tom could even ask. Tom placed his wand to the Dark Mark, and by the time that Tom was done, Snape was red faced and sweaty from the whole ordeal. Tom explained that this how he sends messages to the Death Eaters, and he had assured the Death Eaters that what Lucius saw was correct, and now they wouldn't be a problem.

The twins told Harry that they had been wondering about the D.A., and asked if Harry was going to start it back up. Harry said he wasn't sure, because the D.A. stood for Dumbledore's Army and that its whole mission was to teach students to defend themselves against 'Voldemort' and the Death Eaters. The twins pointed out that the Death Eaters could still be a problem down the road, even after Tom's warning, and said that since Dumbledore was just as bad, that it might be a good idea. Harry agreed, but said he would wait and see what unfolded.

Tom reminded Harry that he promised to tell him about how he knew he was related to the Peverells, so Harry launched into the whole story about the Hallows. He went to retrieve the cloak, stone, and wand (which was still laying on the table in the dining room from the night before) and explained about each one. Sirius and Remus were amazed that the cloak was the actual Hallow, and Harry explained about the wand, Dumbledore, and Grindelwald. He told Tom all that 'Voldemort' had done in his future past life, in order to retrieve the wand, and Tom nearly cried because of all the innocent people who had died. Harry told him it didn't matter, because none of that was going to happen now. When Harry began to explain the stone though, he stopped and sighed.

"This stone is the actual resurrection stone. When I died Death told me that he had falsified my last encounter, just so I'd go forward and get killed, but maybe this time it will work properly." Then he turned to Tom. "Technically this ring belongs to you, because you're a decendent of Cadmus Peverell, but I need to take the stone out of the ring setting to make it work."

"Go ahead Harry, I can always replace the setting." Tom said looking intrigued.

Harry nodded and wrenched the stone from the ring setting and held it in his hand. "Hopefully this works." He said. The he concentrated on his Mum and Dad, took a deep breath, and turned the stone thrice in hand.

"Hello again Sweetheart." Lily said.

"You are doing so well son." James said with a grin. "And I'm proud of you."

Harry's eyes popped open and the semi-solid ghostly figures of James and Lily stood before him.

"Is it really you this time?" Harry asked cautiously.

"Yes. This isn't a farce. Death is happy with the progress you have made, and is surprised at how quickly things have come together." Lily said with a smile. Then she turned to Snape. "Sev, watch over Harry. I know your attitude towards him hasn't been the best in the past, but I know that has changed now." She said walking over to him, and sitting down on the arm of his chair. She leaned down and kissed his cheek. "Thank you for what you have done for him, and I want you to know that I forgive you. I forgive you of everything. You were my best friend, and you hold a special place in my heart." Then she took his hand, and looked him in the eye. "Always." She said.

"Lily." He breathed, as tears streamed down his face. "I'm so sorry."

She kissed his forehead. "I know, but you have to remember that you were set up. Dumbledore wanted you in that pub, and he knew you would run to 'Voldemort' and repeat what you had heard. It was not your fault."

Snape didn't say anything, but he nodded as he tried to wipe his tears away. James looked at Sirius, and grinned.

"Padfoot, I officially bestow upon you the duty of looking after Prongs Jr. You shall go forth and raise him as the Marauder he was born to be." He said in a mock sounding official tone.

Sirius stood up, and smiled through his own tears. "I'll take the duty to heart Prongs, and will show Prongs Jr. the right way." He said with a mock bow.

"Remus, don't let things get out of hand with them, because Merlin knows…" Lily said rolling her eyes.

"I won't Lil." Remus said smiling through his tears.

"Ok, on a serious note…don't even Padfoot…"James said, flashing a grin toward Sirius. "My copy of the Marauders Map is in the vault here in the house. The copy that Harry has now is the Rat's. I don't know where you two put yours, but it's a good idea to have all four spread out. One should be given to Minnie, one should be given to Severus, and Harry needs to take mine, and the Rat's copy stays here in the house with the rest of you. That way you can see where Dumbledore is at all times."

"As well as Umbridge." Lily said.

"Mine's at home." Remus said. "But I'll go and get it.

Sirius thought hard, as he tried to remember where his copy was. "I think mine is in Grimmauld Place, but I'm not 100% sure. It could be here as well."

"We can ask the house elves." Harry said. "They should know."

James nodded. "Yeah they would."

"Is there a way to make another one?" Harry asked.

"Why do you ask? James asked, looking at him curiously.

"Well I was thinking about Fred and George. They are going to need one as well."

Remus nodded. "I can make another copy. Tom should have one too."

"Excellent!" They cried, as McGonagall looked pained.

"What is this map you all are talking about?" She asked.

So they all began to explain what it was, and afterward she looked a little grim

"Well, that certainly explains a lot." She said.

"Yeah but this time you'll know where we are too." Fred pointed out.

"I'm having a hard time pretending that I'm upset, but I'm failing miserably." She chuckled. "This is exciting. I never knew such a map existed."

"Just don't take points Minnie." Lily grinned.

She smiled. "Perhaps I will make a game out of it."

"Catch us if you can!" The twins cried.

Lily laughed, but then she turned to Tom, who was sitting quietly in his chair and staring at the floor. "Tom," She said, walking over to kneel in front of him. "Listen to me sweetheart. We don't blame you for what happened. I know you feel a little out of place right now, but please don't. Our hearts go out to you for what Dumbledore has put you through, and even in Harry's future past life, as it is so aptly called, we watched over you."

He looked up in surprise. "You did?"

James nodded. "Listen to us, we have grown very fond of you, and even more so now because of how close you have become to Harry. Like Lily said, we don't blame you. It's not your fault son."

"I'm older than you, but yet you call me son." Tom said with a smile. "Thank you. Your words have eased a pain in my heart that has been there for a long time, and I'm touched you see me as a son."

"Even if you're older." Harry said with a grin, as everyone laughed.

"We must go now." Lily said, looking around at everyone. "But remember you can call us at any time."

"We are just a stone's twirl away." James grinned.

They hugged and said goodbye to everyone else, but a mixture of sad and happy tears were seen around the room. Harry placed the stone down on the table, and James and Lily Potter disappeared.

Please remember to review!