A/N: Howdy everyone! Check out the HAPHNE discord #fanart for the illustrations from my wife. As always, thank you to those who review, favorite, follow and PM! See you next week!
Disclaimer: I own nothing. Just happy to be here!
Chapter 15
June 10, 1994, appeared on the screen. Harry awoke to find himself, once again, in the hospital wing. The early dawn light was filtering through a nearby window.
Hospital wing, Harry thought sardonically. Shocking.
Harry tried to sit up and felt his whole body scream in protest. He sighed and repressed a growl that threatened to escape. Looking around, Harry noticed that he was currently the only patient Madam Pomfrey had.
Safe to assume I was stunned by either Snape or Dumbledore, Harry mused. Which means I can expect them shortly. And I'm completely drained. That Patronus was different from the first one. I have no idea what Fawkes did, but it definitely drained me more than the first time.
As if sensing Harry was thinking about him, baby Fawkes chirruped from his perch atop Harry's pillow. With a monumental effort, Harry managed to get his hand up to gently pick up the baby phoenix and set him atop his chest.
"Hey buddy," Harry croaked, his throat extremely dry. He looked over at the nearby table and noticed the glass of water which he reached for feebly before letting his arm drop back to the bed with a huff.
Not worth it…
Fawkes chirped and Harry closed his eyes, examining his mental shields which were weakened with his core so heavily depleted.
Damn! I'll have to be very careful when Dumbledore comes to interrogate me. Probably need to get my story straight…
Harry absently nuzzled Fawkes with his finger as he replayed recent events.
Snape knew I was holding Pettigrew. It's the only explanation. So, Snape basically freed the bastard. But why? And, if Dumbledore's pet Death Eater knew, does that mean that Dumbledore knew also? Sirius has already shown that Dumbledore knowingly had him thrown in Azkaban without a trial. I'm struggling to understand why, though.
Harry frowned. And why would Dumbledore allow so many dementors near Hogwarts? He knows Sirius is innocent, but he didn't protest the Kiss-On-Sight order from the Ministry. And why would Snape stun me in the Forbidden Forest? Was he trying to protect the dementors?
On the other side of the hospital wing door, Harry could hear voices speaking in hushed tones.
Shit. There are so many unknowns here. I'm about to be under heavy scrutiny and there's only one way to play this if the conversation goes the way I think it's going to go. What was it Sirius taught me? The best politicians are the ones who can tell a big lie with enough truth mixed in to make you believe it.
The door opened and Dumbledore, Pomfrey, Snape, and McGonagall stepped inside and approached his bedside.
Time to put that teaching to work, Harry thought grimly.
"Professors," Harry greeted hoarsely.
Madam Pomfrey wasted no time grabbing the water cup from the nearby table and letting Harry take a few sips. He nodded at her gratefully as she began waving her wand and running diagnostics on him.
"Severe core depletion," Pomfrey muttered. "I'm afraid you will be bedridden for the day, Mister Potter."
Harry chuckled briefly which ended in a light cough.
"But he will recover?" McGonagall questioned, her lips a thin line as she looked at Harry over her spectacles.
"Yes, Minerva," Pomfrey assured. "He'll be right as rain tomorrow." She glared at Harry. "And will remain out of this room for the remainder of the year, if he knows what's good for him."
Harry did his best to look abashed.
"Now that we've established Potter will be well," Snape spoke in a biting tone. "Perhaps we can discuss his actions and subsequent…" Snape paused for dramatic effect. "Punishments."
Harry scoffed and rolled his eyes.
"Harry," Dumbledore warned. "Now is the time for cooler heads to prevail."
Deciding not to bother avoiding the inevitable, Harry looked Dumbledore directly in the eyes, daring him to use Legillimency on him. Harry didn't feel the subtle probe indicating someone attempting to enter his mind and withheld a sigh of relief.
"I assure you, Headmaster, that my temperament is perfectly calm."
"Then perhaps you can explain your rather alarming actions," Dumbledore prompted in his grandfatherly tone.
"I was unaware any of my actions should have caused alarm," Harry stated with a raised eyebrow.
"Come now, Harry," Dumbledore chided. "You caused quite the stir last night, as well as provided me with quite a few headache-inducing conversations."
"My sincere apologies, Headmaster," Harry inclined his head in mock deference. "Be that as it may, I stand by my original statement and would like to ask which of my actions you found alarming."
Snape's face twisted into a scowl, and he snarled out, "Enough, Potter! Explain why you assaulted me outside of my classroom!"
Harry turned his gaze to Snape and was unable to prevent a sneer. "Assaulted?" He whispered in deathly calm. "Last I checked, Snape, you cast the first spell. I was defending myself."
"Professor Snape, Harry," Dumbledore corrected before glancing at Snape. "Is Harry's assertion true, Severus?"
"The arrogant brat directly refused a command from his superior," Snape pointed an accusing finger at Harry.
"It was an unreasonable command," Harry intoned coolly. Fawkes chirped and bristled on Harry's chest, causing Harry to smirk. "See? Even Fawkes agrees."
Dumbledore looked thoughtful while McGonagall raised an eyebrow. "Can you explain what exactly happened, from your perspective, Mister Potter?"
"Certainly," Harry said with unfalsified cheer. Any chance to piss off Snape was a good day, and Harry was going to enjoy every second of this. "As I'm sure you've been made aware, Ron and I have had a strained relationship this year. Apparently, his mum told him about my involvement with returning…" He hesitated and took a deep breath to steady himself. "Ginny."
McGonagall appeared sympathetic and Dumbledore's eyes briefly lost their twinkle before he gave a consolatory nod of understanding and motioned Harry to continue.
"Anyways, Ron's rat, Scabbers, has been missing all year and Ron has been, understandably so, distressed with the loss. I happened to stumble across Scabbers outside of Potions and stunned him so he wouldn't get away."
"You didn't think that a tad extreme?" McGonagall questioned.
"Maybe," Harry shrugged and winced. "But considering Scabbers has managed to keep himself hidden all year, I didn't want to leave my good fortune of encountering him to chance. I know it's against the rules, but I did it for a good cause."
Dumbledore gave a brief nod of acceptance. Harry was rather pleased with how well he had been spinning his tale thus far.
"I had Scabbers in hand and was elated," Harry didn't have to lie on that sentence. "I made to go find Ron and then Snape intervened."
"Professor Snape, Harry," Dumbledore warned. "Please show the appropriate respect."
"With all due respect, Headmaster," Harry countered. "Respect is earned. And Snape has done nothing to earn mine."
"You insolent…!" Snape took a step forward.
"Severus!" Albus cautioned with a commanding tone, halting Snape from advancing further.
"At any rate," Harry seemed pleased. "Professor Snape," he shot a mocking wink to Snape as he said this, "recognized the rat I was holding and demanded I turn him over."
"Which he refused!" Snape was practically foaming at the mouth and shaking with rage.
"For good reason," Harry assured in a solemn tone. "Even a blind person could see your blatant bias towards your own house and your abject hatred of Gryffindors. I wouldn't have risked Scabbers in your hand, especially not after what you did to Neville's toad, Trevor."
Internally, Harry was laughing and thanking Neville for being so poor at Potions that he could use such an incident to make Snape look like the villain. Oh, revenge was so sweet when done correctly!
"The toad was never in any danger," Snape stated smoothly. "Nor would I have injured Weasley's rat."
"You'll forgive me for not trusting the word of a man who ensures every time I encounter him is met with lost house points, scathing rebukes, or ugly expressions," Harry deadpanned.
"The fact remains that this arrogant brat refused to follow a direct command and attacked me!" Snape bellowed.
"Wrong," Harry shook his head in exasperation. "Yes, I refused to hand over Scabbers. Firstly, because I just don't trust you. Secondly, because I was hoping to repair my relationship with Ron by returning the rat. That's why I told you directly that I couldn't hand over the rat. It was too important."
"And yet you said you wished to see the headmaster, not Weasley," Snape countered, attempting to poke holes.
"True," Harry nodded. "But at that time, you had taken house points, issued a detention and were ramping up to give me a week's worth of detentions…" Harry trailed off and hid a malicious grin. "But then you pulled your wand and threatened to stun me."
"Really, Severus?" McGonagall looked appalled. "Threatening a student over something as trivial as a familiar?"
Dumbledore looked disappointed and pensive as he examined Snape who fidgeted nervously under the gaze and kept his silence.
"Imagine my surprise when a stunner came flying in my direction," Harry continued in a voice devoid of emotion.
Internally, Harry was cackling with glee as he drove the proverbial knife into the heart of Snape's accusations and twisted it. McGonagall looked apoplectic and even Dumbledore glowered at Snape.
"I reacted instinctively and deflected the curse," Harry admitted, surprising McGonagall and Dumbledore. "As Professor Flitwick can verify, I have private dueling lessons with him three times a week and have maintained those since first year."
"Impressive," McGonagall commented, her lips briefly twitching upwards.
"Not knowing Professor Snape's intentions, I defended myself accordingly," Harry finished.
"Do you have anything to say, Severus?" Dumbledore questioned while looking over his half-moon spectacles.
Snape, for once, seemed unable to form a counter.
"We'll talk of this later," McGonagall said tersely.
"This doesn't explain how you vanished, Potter," Snape spat. "Nor why you ended up in the Forbidden Forest surrounded by dementors."
Curious, Harry thought. Is he setting a trap for me? Dobby was adamant Snape sent the dementors after us. I'll have to tread carefully through this verbal minefield.
"I'm afraid I don't know what you're implying by me vanishing, Sir," Harry smirked. "Then again, in the heat of our duel it could have been possible that your eyes betrayed you. After all, you did cast quite a large blasting curse at me which shook the halls. I'm just thankful I shielded, otherwise I would have been seriously wounded."
McGonagall looked incensed and Dumbledore was now sporting a frown. Snape's usually sallow skin had paled considerably.
"In the middle of the duel, Snape," Harry spat the name out, "decided to revive Scabbers who promptly bit my hand in a panic and fled. I broke off from the fight and ran after him, eventually ending up in the Forbidden Forest…" Harry paused briefly. "I lost the trail and stumbled across Professor Lupin right as he transformed into a werewolf."
"Ah," Dumbledore appeared saddened. "I was hoping we could avoid students finding out about Remus's condition."
"To be fair, Headmaster, most of the student body has suspected it," Harry informed.
"Are you sure of that, Potter?" McGonagall questioned.
"Yes ma'am," Harry nodded. "After all, Professor Snape gave us a very thorough essay on werewolves when he subbed for Professor Lupin who was ill the week leading up to a full moon. It wasn't hard to put two and two together."
Dumbledore pinched the bridge of his nose and shook his head.
"Alas, I fear that explains the sudden influx of board members demanding Professor Lupin's resignation," Dumbledore sighed.
"A pity," Harry said sadly, and he meant it. Lupin was, by far, the best DADA teacher he'd had thus far.
"And the dementors, Harry?" Dumbledore asked wearily.
"From what I know, they only respond to commands," Harry emphasized the word and looked pointedly at Snape. "But it does appear that they really like me. I'm not sure why. Maybe it has something to do with me surviving the killing curse?"
"If the Hufflepuff-Gryffindor quidditch match was anything to go by," McGonagall nodded in agreement, "then it is safe to assume that they do indeed 'like you', Mr. Potter."
"Professor Lupin finished his transformation and moved to attack me when the dementors arrived," Harry continued his tale. "But the presence of so many dementors made him run deeper into the forest. I was scared and called for Fawkes," Harry looked down and gave a half-smile at the baby phoenix who attempted to preen proudly. "He came and helped enhance my Patronus."
Harry noticed Dumbledore looking at him intently. "But it was different from the last time. Something new which Fawkes did. The phoenix Patronus destroyed the dementors…" Harry trailed off before adding, "At least, I think it did."
"Fascinating," Dumbledore remarked.
"Fawkes must have drained all his magic because he combusted, and I managed to pick him up from the grass as my Patronus faded. Without his aid, the magical strain was too much. I had just stood back up with Fawkes in hand when someone stunned me, and I woke up here," Harry finished with an internal roar of triumph.
"This at least explains why my office has been assailed by Ministry owls this morning demanding to know why one hundred dementors have seemingly disappeared," Dumbledore mused aloud with a twinkle in his eye. "I must say, my boy, that I am thoroughly impressed with how you handled their attack."
"They are foul demons," Harry scowled, "and they should have never been near Hogwarts."
"No, they should not," Dumbledore agreed firmly. "I shall speak with Fudge and ensure they will no longer be stationed here. Not that I imagine there are many left to assign to Hogwarts, considering Azkaban must remain under their watch."
"If you're looking for an apology for inconveniencing the Ministry, you won't get it," Harry frowned.
"While your actions may have been justifiable, they were misguided at best, Potter," McGonagall sighed. "Using spells in the corridors, dueling with a professor outside of a classroom setting, entering the Forbidden Forest at night. These issues must be addressed."
"I've given my reasons for each offense," Harry shrugged. "My only regret is Scabbers is unlikely to come back now."
A flicker of emotion passed across Dumbledore's expression before it returned to schooled indifference. Snape appeared irritated but held his tongue. Harry found himself quite pleased with the results thus far and decided to at least pretend to beg forgiveness and leniency.
"As I told Professor Snape," Harry inclined his head at the man. "I am willing to accept whatever punishment you deem regarding my offenses."
"It is a regrettable position you have put me in, my boy," Dumbledore spoke gently. "On one hand I wish to praise your tenacity toward mending your broken relationship with Ronald Weasley. I share your sentiment regarding the dementors and certainly do not regret their passing."
McGonagall scoffed, her nostrils flaring. "I daresay you have done what most considered impossible, Potter. I imagine the Unspeakables will be thrilled to study the site and remnants of the dementors."
"I contribute where I can," Harry quipped cheekily before sobering and appearing repentant.
"However," Dumbledore continued solemnly. "You have indeed violated several rules and appropriate consequences should be observed. I find it regrettable that I must ban you from Hogsmeade weekends next year, my boy."
Considering I can't escort Daphne there anymore… Harry thought. No great loss.
Snape opened his mouth to protest but McGonagall held up her hand. "And a one-year quidditch ban, I think," she added. "I cannot condone attacking a professor, even in self-defense, Potter."
Harry noticed McGonagall's lips twitched several times as if she was suppressing a smile. He found this very curious. While he wanted to protest because he did love quidditch, something told him that McGonagall wouldn't knowingly hurt her team, especially since they had won the quidditch cup this year.
"I understand, Professor," Harry lowered his head in mock disappointment.
Fawkes chirruped pleasantly, flapping his tiny wings.
"I believe Fawkes would like to remain with you for a while longer," Dumbledore observed.
"I have no qualms with that," Harry smiled wearily and suppressed a yawn.
"Our apologies, my boy," Dumbledore motioned his two peers toward the door. "You have had a trying night and need rest. I fear Poppy will skin me alive if I don't end our interrogation soon. I wish you a swift recovery and bid you a good day."
"Thank you, Headmaster," Harry inclined his head.
The three departed and Pomfrey did a few more checks before declaring Harry fit to rest and heal. Once she had gone to her office, Harry closed his eyes and let out all the stress he hadn't known he was carrying from the discussion with Dumbledore.
I'm positive there were no attempts at reading my mind by either Dumbledore or Snape, Harry thought. I'll have to contact Sirius as soon as I can get out of here. I still can't believe I managed to navigate that discussion without slipping. At least I was able to fully implicate Snape. Merlin willing, the bastard won't be at Hogwarts next year.
Harry snorted derisively. Who am I kidding… He'll be here next year. Dumbledore won't be without his pet. Although maybe Snape will be on a tighter leash next year.
Harry felt his consciousness slipping. I wonder what McGonagall knows about next year and quidditch. Something is up. I'll have to mention it to Sirius…
-GU-
June 17, 1994, flashed on the screen. Late in the night, Harry made his way to the Mirror of Erised with the hood of his invisibility cloak up so he could walk undetected and undisturbed. He wasn't in a hurry tonight and he took time to reflect on the last week. Sirius had returned to 12 Grimmauld Place. With their near-miss on catching Wormtail, the rat appeared to have fled and left the area entirely.
Sirius was convinced that Peter had returned to Voldemort's side, wherever that was, and Harry was inclined to agree. The Hogwarts rumor mill was, of course, in full swing once more. No one seemed to know exactly what had happened, but most assumed or suspected Harry Potter was in the midst of it. One night, dementors are guarding the gates and grounds of Hogwarts. The next morning, there were no dementors on site and a bunch of Unspeakables were crawling the grounds and Forbidden Forest.
It didn't help that the entire school had witnessed Harry repel the dementors during the Hufflepuff-Gryffindor quidditch match. Harry felt the heavy scrutiny of the Hogwarts populace and took to moving about under his cloak as often as possible. He was acutely aware of how similar this was to the previous year when everyone thought he was the Heir of Slytherin.
At least this time people were looking at him in awe rather than unmitigated loathing or disgust.
There's always next year for that, Harry thought wryly, knowing that the opinions of his fellow students could change in a heartbeat.
Astoria was, as always, a bright spot in Harry's life and a welcome breath of fresh air. She didn't pester him for details, although she did persistently remind him that next term he was teaching her the Patronus charm. Harry didn't bother arguing with her as he knew it was a losing battle.
On the flip side, Harry's latest mirror call with his Godfather had yielded less than optimal revelations. Tonks had been assigned to watch 4 Privet Drive, which meant Harry had to go back to the Dursley's until his family could sort out what they were going to do. Sirius had mentioned going across the pond and allowing himself to be sighted far away from Britain to help alleviate the concern of him being a wanted fugitive.
While a big part of Harry wanted to rage and bemoan this development, he knew it was the right and smart choice. The sooner Sirius could be spotted, the quicker the newest security measures on Harry would relax.
At least Tonks will be nearby, Harry mused. It'll be nice to have someone to talk to. Plus, I have my mirror. I can always call Sirius.
Harry glanced down at the Marauder's Map to see if there was anyone nearby. Seeing there were no professors or prefects in the vicinity, Harry's eyes unconsciously wandered to the Slytherin common room and found Daphne's dot, stationary, in her room. He sighed audibly and deactivated the map before stuffing it in his pocket.
Daphne. That was a mess and a half right now. He'd not distanced himself from Astoria this past week. Quite the opposite, actually. It had not gone unnoticed by Daphne and, if her stony expression was anything to go by, she had not taken it well. Harry desperately wanted to mend things with her but had no idea how to go about doing that.
Additionally, he was still riddled with guilt over his failure to capture Peter Pettigrew and secure his Godfather's freedom. His hatred for Severus Snape had grown to newfound heights, and Harry found dark thoughts flitting through his mind whenever in the foul bastard's presence.
Harry shook thoughts of the hook-nosed overgrown bat from his head and entered the large room where the Mirror of Erised still sat unmoved. Harry had a whole summer to simmer down and let the sting of defeat fade. He only hoped that next year would be different and less stressful. He also hoped that Daphne would forgive him or change her ultimatum over the summer. Astoria had promised to talk to her older sister about it.
Harry's family (Merlin, did he like using that word!) was still working on deciphering the odd punishment McGonagall had given Harry for next year. Sirius was adamant that 'Minnie' would never do something as extreme as hurting her chances to keep the coveted Quidditch Cup on display in her office. Aunt Andi, who had been on that call, had explained that 'Dora' would keep her ear low to the ground at the Ministry.
Dropping his hood, Harry cleared his mind and approached the mirror. It didn't take long for the usual five figures to appear, smiling and waving at him. Harry smiled back, unable to suppress a returning wave of greeting, and suddenly rubbed his eyes, blinking several times in befuddlement.
The older Daphne and little girl, his daughter, were…blurry? Harry stepped closer to the mirror and examined them critically. There was no doubt about it. Their images were blurry. Granted, they were still, well, them and easily recognizable, but their images, and only their images were, for some reason, not as clear as the other three.
Older Harry still stood tall and proud, and his parents waved back at him enthusiastically. Harry backed away and sat down, rubbing his chin in thought. As if in response, the mirror shimmered briefly, and the images returned to their usual clarity. Harry breathed a sigh of relief and relaxed.
"Hey guys," Harry began softly. "Another year's gone by. I wish I could say it was a good year, but, well…" He trailed off and swiped at his eyes. "Peter got away."
Harry blinked back tears.
"I'm really sorry mum, dad… I really wanted to catch him and free Sirius. But Snape," Harry spat out the name. "Interfered. I'm convinced he knew Wormtail was Peter Pettigrew and helped him escape."
The mirror, as always, offered no comfort or response.
"Then there's Daphne," Harry threw his hands up in the air in exasperation. "Merlin, mum! I wish you were here. I just don't understand girls at all. Sirius is, um, you know… Sirius?" He chuckled grimly. "He doesn't really give advice that's applicable to the current situation. Aunt Andi helps when she can, and Tonks is more like Sirius than she cares to admit. Those two get on well and love teasing me."
"It'd be really nice to understand what, exactly, being a Potter means, dad," Harry mumbled as he stared at his hands currently sitting in his lap. "Sirius told me that you saw mum and you just knew, or never looked at any other girls. And then he told me about Grandpa Charlus and Grandma Dorea and how grandpa had the same reaction as you did."
Harry sat in silence for several minutes, silent tears falling into his lap.
"I feel the same about Daphne," Harry croaked. "I've seen other girls look at me. Some are nice on the eyes, sure. But none compare to Daph. Heck, even her sister, Astoria, is pretty, smart, and cute. She's also a little demon. In another life, I could picture myself with her though."
Harry laughed wryly. "Life would never be boring, that's for sure."
He looked back up at the mirror with wet eyes. "But I don't see anyone except Daphne. When I look at any other girl, I don't feel anything other than friendship. When I look at Daphne…"
The older Daphne in the mirror nodded and flashed him a dazzling smile. Harry was unable to prevent a return smile, although it did come out more like a grimace. He remembered what it was exactly the mirror did and huffed, deciding his time was done.
"See you next year," Harry promised as he pulled the hood of his cloak up and departed.
He didn't look back.
-GU-
"See, Daph?" Astoria poked her sister in the arm. "Harry loves you."
If Daphne heard Astoria, she gave no indication of it. Instead, she stared at the blank screen with a sickly expression. Astoria shook her older sister gently.
"Daph?"
Daphne swallowed and spoke in a hoarse whisper, "We were fading, Tori."
Astoria blinked. "What?"
Daphne hugged her knees to her chest. "The mirror. It shows you the desires of your heart."
"Yeah?"
"When Harry looked at it, I was blurry," Daphne choked back a sob, her voice warbly. "Our daughter was blurry."
"Oh, Daph," Astoria sighed. "You saw the image clear up though."
Daphne bit her lower lip, tears spilling down her cheeks. "It's because I hurt him, Tori. And I know I hurt him so much more during fourth year."
Astoria wasn't sure how to respond to that admission. "How about you lie down and rest, Daffy? I know you're exhausted."
Daphne nodded numbly and snaked under the covers slowly with a blank expression. Her eyes, however, reflected deep remorse, so much so that Astoria joined her older sister beneath the covers and pulled her into a hug.
"It's going to be okay, Daffy," Astoria soothed gently. "You'll see."
The screen in the great hall shimmered and Harry appeared once more sitting in a chair comfortably, addressing the room.
"Thus, year three ends in disappointment," Harry smirked. "On the bright side, I didn't have to face Voldemort. Then again, I did have to deal with his number one servant, or coward, or whatever."
Harry leaned forward in his seat, steepling his hands. "We're getting ready for year four now. The year. The one everyone wants to know about. Funny thing, that, I never did tell the whole story, did I?"
"You did not, Lord Potter-Black," Croaker called from off screen.
Harry rolled his eyes. "I think a break is in order. Take twenty, everyone. We'll resume momentarily. Oh! And Poppy, please make sure the Greengrass sisters are doing okay. I know this has been tough for them both."
Daphne gasped as she connected Harry had offhandedly mentioned her. Although she would have preferred to have a direct message, she was grateful to know that Harry, in some small way, still cared about her wellbeing.
"I told you," Astoria gloated with a giggle. "Harry still loves you, Daffy."
"Don't call me that," Daphne protested distantly.
Madam Pomfrey appeared at their bedside and began waving her wand. Daphne continued to stare at the screen where Harry sat back casually and appeared to be staring right at her. When he subtly inclined his head at her, Daphne's heart fluttered and she blinked rapidly, swearing that her eyes had betrayed her.
She looked over at Astoria who was answering Madam Pomfrey's questions. No one else in the great hall appeared to have noticed. Daphne rubbed her bleary eyes and shook her head to clear the fog.
Must be my eyes playing tricks on me, she thought numbly. Or my heart is manifesting what I so desperately desire right now: forgiveness.
-GU-
In the women's restroom, McGonagall nodded as Bathsheda Babbling and Septima Vector, the Ancient Runes and Arithmancy professors, approached. A quick swish of the wand and several silencing spells ensured their conversation would not be noticed or overheard.
"Minerva, why are we meeting in the loo?" Vector questioned confusedly.
"Because this is the only place where we can avoid prying eyes," McGonagall replied crisply. "We don't have much time, ladies, so please hold your questions and listen."
Both women straightened and nodded at the Deputy Headmistress.
"I fear that what Potter is going to show will cause people's cauldrons to overflow, if you catch my meaning," McGonagall stated.
"What do you need us to do?" Babbling inquired grimly.
"The safety of the students is paramount," McGonagall continued. "We need a barrier erected around the tables that will protect them for when tempers boil over."
"Bathsheda and I could place some rune clusters down at the corners of each table," Vector offered. "Then either one of us could activate them at the appropriate time and focus on keeping the barriers powered."
"Do it," McGonagall commanded. "And make sure it's done subtly."
"We'll place them while under the guise of checking on the students," Bathsheda assured. "We'll need a couple more minutes here to ensure we agree on the rune scheme."
"Minerva," Vector's voice called as McGonagall nodded and turned to leave. "Are you sure about this? I mean… It's, well, Albus."
"Being Albus Dumbledore does not make him invincible, ladies," McGonagall said tersely before exiting the restroom.
-GU-
July 4, 1994, flashed on the screen. Harry entered 12 Grimmauld Place with a wide smile, finally having been busted out of Dursley prison.
"Pup!" Sirius greeted with open arms.
"About time!" Harry groused playfully as he embraced his Godfather.
"Oi! It takes time to move incognito around Europe," Sirius protested.
"And that stop you made in Amsterdam-" Tonks cut in.
"Anyways," Harry interrupted, not wanting to hear any crass commentary. "Thanks. Both of you."
"Any time, Squirt," Tonks ruffled Harry's hair playfully. "Now, I've got to go finish our deception. Don't forget, Squirt, you have training with me bright and early."
"Don't remind me," Harry muttered as Tonks tripped on the threshold and tumbled down the three stairs leading to the pavement.
"There's a ledge there, Nymph!" Sirius chided and quickly slammed the front door shut. The door vibrated as the stinging hex Tonks fired off collided with it. "Now then," Sirius acted as if he hadn't just riled up his cousin. "What should we do with your newfound freedom, kiddo?"
"Considering my upcoming torture session with Tonks," Harry began.
"Training session, you mean?" Sirius clarified.
"Yeah, that," Harry blanched. "Could we, I don't know, catch up? I've been out of the loop the last couple of weeks."
"Tea then?" Sirius offered.
"That'd be great," Harry agreed.
The two passed the stairs where a large hole in the wall now sat where the portrait of Walburga Black used to be. Harry raised an eyebrow at his Godfather who laughed ruefully.
"Damn thing wouldn't come off, and Kreacher was anything but helpful," Sirius made a shooing motion at the wall. "So, I took the whole wall out. Had a burning ceremony and everything. It was glorious. Kreacher wailed and cursed the day I was born. Walburga shrieked and screamed."
Sirius mimed wiping tears from his eyes. "I'm so glad I kept the pensieve memory. I've already watched it three times."
Harry blinked.
"At any rate," Sirius motioned Harry toward the dining table. "I ordered Kreacher, very specifically mind you, to fix the wall. As you can see, he did a subpar job. I think he's still moping over the whole ordeal."
Sirius bustled about the kitchen and started some tea while Harry took a seat at the dining room table, a warm feeling bubbling in his stomach. He was home and away from the hellhole that was the Dursley residence. He was with his family. Sirius set down a steaming mug of tea and joined Harry at the table. Sirius took a tentative sip from his own mug and hissed.
"Careful, that's bloody hot," Sirius informed. "I still haven't managed to get the temperature right when I make it. Sorry about that, pup."
Harry shrugged and grinned while cradling his mug with both hands.
"Where should we start?" Sirius questioned.
"Did you ever figure out what's going on this year?" Harry asked. "I'm still curious why she gave me a one-year suspension from quidditch."
"Ah, that," Sirius chuckled. "Minnie is shrewd. Turns out there is something happening this year."
Harry frowned as Sirius failed to offer additional detail, so he decided to channel his inner Astoria.
"Well?"
"Well, what?" Sirius asked innocently.
"Mutt," Harry growled and whipped out his wand. "I'm serious, I'm too tired for pranks."
Harry paused and his eyes widened as Sirius broke into a full grin.
"No! Don't you say it!" Harry protested vehemently. "Don't. You. Say…"
"No, Harry," Sirius quipped. "I'm Sirius. You're Harry."
"Damn it all!" Harry groaned as Sirius burst into laughter.
"That never gets old!"
"It really does!" Harry groused.
"Okay, okay," Sirius acquiesced. "I'll be, well, me."
Harry rolled his eyes and prayed, "Merlin give me strength!"
"The Triwizard Tournament is happening this year," Sirius revealed.
"The what now?"
In response, Sirius stood and went to the sitting room. He returned shortly after with a large tome and set it down in front of Harry.
"There you go," Sirius gestured. "A nice book for you to read. You do still do that, don't you?"
"Any chance I'll have to compete?" Harry questioned as he eyed the book and resisted the temptation to begin reading immediately.
"No," Sirius shook his head. "The Ministry is putting an age restriction on it this time. In lieu of what occurred the last time the tournament was held."
"What happened last time?"
"Well, the first task may have involved a, er…" Sirius mumbled something incoherent.
"You want to repeat that?" Harry deadpanned. "You trailed off at the end there."
"The participants may, or may not, have had to fight a cockatrice."
Harry could only gaze horrified at Sirius.
"Did any of them survive?" Harry asked quietly.
"They all died, as did roughly twenty handlers who tried to subdue it," Sirius winced. "They finally had to just kill the damn thing. The tournament hasn't been held since."
"I'm assuming there won't be any of those in the tournament this year?"
"Right," Sirius nodded.
Harry leaned back contemplatively. "And you're positive there's an age requirement?"
"Yep."
Harry took a deep breath and launched into his next topic of discussion: Daphne Greengrass. He didn't have a choice but to discuss it with his Godfather. Aunt Andi and Tonks could only offer perspectives from a female point of view and, well, Harry needed to understand the male side as well. Sirius was obviously experienced with girls, so Harry decided to risk his Godfather taking the mickey out of him and just talk.
About an hour later, Sirius, to his credit, hadn't teased Harry once and instead listened intently. Harry finally finished and Sirius stood without a word to refill his tea.
"More tea?" Sirius offered.
"No thanks," Harry muttered.
Sirius returned to his seat and exhaled through his nose. "Sounds like you're in a bit of a pickle, pup."
"Tell me about it," Harry groaned. "Did dad ever have these problems with mum?"
"Most definitely," Sirius chortled. "James and Lily had their fair share of spats over the years. If you recall, they didn't actually get together until the end of their schooling."
"Anything like what Daphne and I are going through?" Harry questioned. "She won't even look at me, Sirius."
"Not the same circumstances, no," Sirius shook his head, "but certainly the same contentions. Lily would go weeks at a time without sparing James a look. Used to drive him barmy."
"This is normal then?" Harry asked hopefully.
Sirius grimaced. "Yes and no, kiddo." He took a sip from his tea and hissed. "Too hot again. Look, pup, Daphne is an Heiress. You know what that means. Your mum was a muggleborn, so the relationship James and Lily danced around was totally different than you and your pretty bird."
"I get that," Harry assured. "It's why she's doing this escort thing for her dad. I'm just concerned that she's too mad at me to want to consider anything."
"Has she been outright vindictive or hurtful to you?"
"No."
"Then you're fine, pup," Sirius assured. "Lily and James fought like kids. It was cute, in an insufferable way. So long as that is the tone of your spats, I wouldn't worry about it too much. If Daphne starts getting mean, however, then you may have cause for concern."
"I don't like it when we fight," Harry admitted morosely.
"And that's the Potter blood," Sirius pointed out. "Not something I can relate to or understand. Once you can access the main Potter family vault, you should be able to better understand what family magic you've got affecting you."
"Any progress on that?" Harry asked hopefully.
"Not really," Sirius shrugged. "Ted is still working Gringotts. They're up in arms over your heritage test still. Ted thinks they're holding out until you become emancipated."
"Which won't happen unless I become a Champion in the Triwizard Tournament or I turn seventeen, right?"
"Right in one, pup."
"And my parent's will? Any luck on getting it unsealed?"
Sirius brightened. "That we have made progress on. Ted is pushing to have it unsealed and read by Christmas. It's slow going because it has to be done under the table and silences are being bought. If word gets to Dumbledore, it's all over."
Harry nodded, opened his mouth, and then closed it. He fidgeted nervously.
"I'm sorry about Pettigrew-" Harry began.
"Don't," Sirius interrupted firmly. "You of all people have nothing to apologize for. We'll go over the memory later, but I suspect I'm not going to be happy with what I see. From what you described, it sounds like Snivellus knew exactly who the rat was."
"But your freedom," Harry choked back a sob.
"Nothing to worry about, pup," Sirius smiled, but Harry knew it was forced. "After all, I've still got Mailpocalypse to entertain me."
Harry snorted. "Any interesting discoveries?"
"Oh, plenty," Sirius laughed. "You had just over three hundred pets sent to you." Sirius hesitated a moment, "They, er, didn't make it."
"I see."
"No other letters from your pretty bird though."
"Any letters from any other Greengrass family members?"
"Nope," Sirius shrugged. "Why? You looking for someone in particular?"
"It would be fun to have a letter from Daphne's sister that I could lord over the little terror," Harry growled. "You won't believe what that she-demon did to me, Sirius."
He proceeded to tell Sirius about the prank Astoria played on him on what he believed was his first date day. Sirius nearly fell off the bench with laughter, clutching his sides, when Harry finished.
"That girl sounds like a Marauder," Sirius slapped the table. "She would have fit in well with us."
Harry smiled wistfully. "She is a spitfire," he admitted begrudgingly. "Merlin knows she keeps me on my toes. Incessantly badgers me to learn new spells far outside her capabilities too."
"How's she dealing with her sickness? Blood curse, right?" Sirius downed the rest of his tea with a contented sigh.
"It flares up when she gets too excited or uses too much magic," Harry frowned. "I hate it sometimes, knowing that I'm helping to shorten her lifespan. She begged me though, and I made a promise, and, well, I know what it's like to be caged."
Harry went to take a sip from his mug only to find it empty. He pushed it aside and reached into his invisibility cloak and pulled out the letter from Daphne.
"I made a promise after I read this, Sirius," Harry said solemnly. "I want to break the blood curse on Astoria."
"You know that's never been done, pup," Sirius cautioned. "I'm not saying I don't admire the sentiment but make sure you temper your expectations."
"There's a first for everything, Mutt," Harry countered. "Do you think there'd be anything in the Black library? All I remember finding were basic vague descriptions of blood curses."
"I'm sure there's plenty we can explore that you haven't read yet," Sirius answered. "Not sure how much of it will be blood curse related though."
"It will be better than nothing," Harry nodded.
"And it's time for bed," Sirius groaned as he stood, several bones popping loudly. "Night, pup."
"Night, Sirius," Harry stood and hugged his Godfather before following upstairs.
Harry found himself quite pleased he didn't have to tiptoe around the stairway anymore. He made it to his room, grinning ear to ear that it was his room, and collapsed on the bed. He was out like a light in less than a minute.
-GU-
"Dumbledore doesn't look too happy that Harry reunited with Sirius, does he, Daffy?" Astoria whispered.
"No, he doesn't," Daphne agreed as she observed the heavy scowl Dumbledore was wearing; it was odd to see the headmaster display such emotion openly.
"Maybe Tonks figured out a way to trick the wards at 4 Privet Drive?" Astoria wondered aloud.
"Maybe," Daphne chimed.
"Either way, it is really quite nice to know Harry is determined to break our blood curse," Astoria hummed happily. "If anyone can do it, Harry can."
"Do you really have such unflagging faith in him, Astoria?" Daphne asked in surprise. "You do realize it has never been done."
"First time for everything, sister," Astoria repeated Harry's words.
Daphne huffed and didn't press the issue further.
"It's about to get really bad, isn't it Daffy?" Astoria asked timidly.
"Yes, Tori," Daphne's voice was strained. "You missed the second task and third task because Harry-"
"Because I was an idiot," Astoria cut in. "Harry only did what I asked him."
Daphne gave a stiff nod.
"I'm scared for what we're going to see during the third task," Astoria admitted. "Harry never talked about it, and I didn't ask."
"Do you believe him, though?"
"About what?"
"The Dark Lord."
"Oh," Astoria flinched. "Yes, I do. I have no doubt V-V-Voldemort returned that night."
Daphne shuddered. "I hope you're wrong, Tori."
"Harry already said it at the start of all this," Astoria warned.
"Still, I hope you're wrong," Daphne repeated stubbornly, even though deep down she knew it was a fool's hope.
-GU-
July 5, 1994, flashed on the screen. Harry awoke with a start as someone started bellowing out commands.
"Wake up Maggot!" Tonks shouted, hitting Harry with an overpowered Auguamenti that blasted Harry out of his bed.
He spluttered and tried to defend the stream of water with his hand, failing miserably. Mercifully, the assault ceased almost as quickly as it began.
"Good morning, Squirt," Tonks grinned while twirling her wand in hand. "I hope you're ready for hell."
Harry groaned. "You're the devil!" He cast a quick Tempus spell. "And you're not supposed to be here for another hour!"
Tonks blinked. "I'm not?"
"No!" Harry roared and peeled his shirt off where he began wringing it out. "We said 5:30am, remember?"
Tonks hummed in thought then had the courtesy to blush lightly. "Oh."
Harry muttered incoherently and grabbed some dry clothing from his dresser.
"Oi, Squirt!" Tonks called as Harry vanished into the bathroom.
"What?!"
"New schedule! We'll start at 4:30am moving forward!" Tonks cackled.
Harry changed and pulled the hood of his invisibility cloak up. He snuck back into his room and stood right behind the pink-haired menace, stifling a snicker. After five minutes Tonks huffed and moved to inspect the bathroom where she found it empty.
"Tricky blighter," Tonks grumbled as she stomped back to the entrance to Harry's room.
"BOO!" Harry roared and threw the hood of his cloak back, revealing himself.
Tonks screamed, fumbled her wand, and fired a stinging hex that missed Harry by a mile.
Harry was grinning ear to ear when he cheekily said, "What is it your mentor, Mad-Eye Moody always says?" He took a deep breath and shouted, "CONSTANT VIGILANCE!"
"Har har," Tonks cuffed Harry on the back of the head. "You're going to pay for that, Squirt."
"Keep it down out there!" Sirius called from across the hallway. "Some of us are trying to sleep!"
"Shut your gob you mangy mutt!" Tonks fired back. "Some of us are having serious discussions!"
Harry smacked his forehead.
"What?" Tonks looked confused.
"Wait for it," Harry groaned.
There was silence for a good minute.
"Huh," Harry scratched the back of his head. "Thought for sure he'd crack a joke."
Tonks snorted and looked down at her hand which was wet from cuffing Harry earlier.
"That's going to be another ten reps for getting my hand wet, Squirt!" She bellowed.
Harry had the feeling it was going to be a long summer.