Reading Past Present and Future

by Read and Fly

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix read the Saga. How many things would change? Would they see the errors of their ways?

2. Confrontations

While Harry left the room the rest stayed behind.

"Well that was rude"—Amelia said looking at Sirius, Remus, and Albus who looked all forms of upset.

"Well that is how you would react if people make decisions for you without bothering to ask you"— Ginny said standing up to stretch. — "Excuse me. I will go help Mom"

"What the hell is going on?"—Charlie said realizing that Ginnys' words made a few people uncomfortable.

Remus said-"Harry didn't know about the Order right away and he's not very happy that we aren't telling him anything we talk about in the meetings" –

"Don't you think he deserves to know?"—Fleur asked.—"He is the one who saw him come back."

"He's a child why bring him into this"— Minerva said to her. She didn't know her well but she hadn't liked her when she was staying at Hogwarts and hoped Mr. Weasley knew what he was doing.

Luna said, to no one in particular.-"You might see him as a child but I don't think you know who does and I think not knowing makes Harry feel vulnerable"— A few adults look down.

Tonks and Kingsley believed the same but they weren't going to say so knowing that there was a battle of parental control between the adults.

"Dumbledore I think we should talk"— Sirius said gesturing to Remus to get up.

—"Now"—

Making Albus sigh and nod tired.

The three walked to the study, Sirius closed the door and silenced the room.

-"I know what you are going to say Sirius but I think…"

"NO! Albus you clearly didn't think. Harry isn't going back to that house"

"He has to. You could talk to Petunia…"

"You are not listening. Harry. Is. Not. Going. Back. I don't care for blood wards I don't care for all your different protections. What is the point of protecting him from the outside when he's living a hell inside his own home?"-Trying not to flinch at his own memories.

"Albus why haven't you told Harry about his legacy?"— Remus asked sitting in one of the chairs.

"Harry has too many responsibilities at the moment"

"He doesn't have none but school"—Remus said raising an eyebrow. –"So what is it really?"

Albus sighed –"Harry isn't going to need his legacy until he's seventeen"

"He didn't even know he had a home. You didn't want him to know about the Potter properties because you knew he would want to go there instead of the Dursleys"—Remus stated shaking his head.—

"It makes me think if you knew about the abuse"—Sirius said getting angry. He started to breathe in and out. Nothing good would come out of hexing the headmaster.

Dumbledore started shaking his head—"I knew they didn't like him but I didn't expect them to treat him like that"

Remus stayed silent contemplating the old men. –"Harry is angry. He's angry at all of us and he has every right to be" –Remus stated plainly. –"These books are talking about his life and I know Harry is a very private person, he's not happy about this and we have to find a way to make it easy for him but I'm not sure he will let us."

"We need to start talking with him"—Sirius said to both men.

"I believe we have to. These books are going to talk about our secrets and I would rather have him find out from us."

Albus said leaning back on his chair.-"Bringing him in, means we have to bring all the other kids. He will tell them" –

"Then we bring them in"

Remus denied-"Sirius, Harry is your responsibility but not the others. We can't impose on Molly or Augusta, Xenophilius Lovegood allowed his daughter to be here because of his friendship with Arthur and so did the Grangers."

"They are young I don't think they realize yet what a war entails."—Dumbledore said

"That might be but we can't be blind, did you not see the respect those kids have for Harry? The twins agree to what he says, Ginny is ready to fight, and The Longbottom boy and Luna girl have made Harry a figure of power. I think we are underestimating them. But you're right they aren't my responsibility, Harry is. I will start talking to him and ask him not to say anything; if he does then it isn't my problem"

"Molly won't like it"

"I could care very little what Molly wants. I appreciate what she does for him but Molly isn't Harry's mom. Harry's mom is dead" –Sirius stated making Albus and Remus share a look. Sirius didn't address Lily and James' death so directly.

"Look, we all made mistakes and we have to learn to live with the consequences. He's a strong boy but he is fifteen, this responsibility he has over his shoulders he shouldn't feel he has to do it alone. I…I know they are kids but their involvement is out of our hands."- Sirius said shrugging.

Remus had to agree, he looked at Albus—"Harry doesn't know about his parents will, his family home, or where his parents are buried because you have deemed it unnecessary and I don't believe the whole "he has to many responsibilities" but I won't speculate your reasons as to why just yet Albus"

Sirius frowned at Remus's tone it was rare for Remus to go against Albus, and he didn't miss Albus' slight shame look but he decided to let it go for now. –"I know we will have more discussions by the end of the book. But for now, I have told you Dumbledore. Harry isn't going back and I want your word that you won't fight me on this."

"And where is he going to go"

Sirius glared at him—"Here, Albus where else. This house has enough wards and protection spells. I don't like the house but I know it's useful I can fix it enough it will look hospitable by the summer."

Dumbledore sighed he could keep fighting with Sirius, guilt him into letting Harry spend a few weeks with the Dursleys before coming to Grimmauld but he knew Sirius could be stubborn and that Remus was only silent because he was giving preference to the men, but he could see he was ready to jump in defense of his best friend. –"I still think Harry needs to go to the Dursleys for his protection you can't deny that Blood Spells are powerful but I will agree that Harry shouldn't be with that family but he…"

"That for now is enough for me"— Sirius said getting up. –"I will go find Harry"

Remus and Dumbledore stood up as well. Dumbledore returned to the Ballroom where Amelia was waiting for him to question him about Hogwarts security.

Sirius turned to the stairs and motioned for Remus to follow him but he shook his head—"Talk to him privately, I will have my chance and then we can talk to him together. Too many adults will frustrate him" –Sirius nodded and he made his way upstairs. Taking deep breaths, he was still fighting with the effects of the Dementors and with the doubts of others as well as his own about being able to do this thing called parenting but he had to get it together for Harry.

He went to Harry's and Ron's room, he knocked and heard a soft come in.

Harry was in no mood to be polite, he knew his comments in the Ballroom had been rude but he didn't care. He already knew the books would reveal information that people had kept from him but until now he didn't realize how much he was ignorant to. He had a home, a fucking manor, and yet Dumbledore forced him to return to private drive, why not put protections on the manor why not have someone else to take care of him, why not send him to the Burrow, why… so many whys and no one would give him an answer.

After a few minutes of brooding, he heard a knock—"Come in"—He knew it had to be one of the adults because anyone else would've just walked in. he turned around and saw Sirius.

-"You left quite abruptly" –Sirius sat next to him on the bed.

"Yes, sorry about that"

"No, no don't apologize I understand."

Sirius just sat there saying nothing. In some way it felt nice, he had company without the conversation he clearly didn't want to have.

—"I'm angry"— He said surprising himself. Sirius nodded and put an arm around his shoulder.

"Look Harry I understand what you've lived with the Dursleys, my childhood was the same perhaps worse and I won't force you to talk about it"

"You're reading about it." – He said angrily, standing up.

"Yes but we both know that it didn't go into detail, that you remember more."—His godfather said looking at him directly in the eyes; he couldn't hold his gaze so he looked at the wall over his shoulder.

"It doesn't matter"

"It does matter, you won't go back"

He started shaking his head –"Dumbledore…"

"Dumbledore is an old man. He makes mistakes and you being in that house is one. Remus and I have already spoken to him just before I came to see you and we told him that you won't be going back. He realized it was a lost cause and agreed that going back to that family isn't the best option for you"

Harry stared at him wide-eyed—"Dumbledore said that? I've been trying for years and he never listens, you're telling me he listened to you?"

Sirius chuckled—"A little faith in your godfather. He still said you had to go back for a few weeks but I won't allow it, I give you my word."

Harry swallowed. He wanted to ask where he was supposed to go. He wanted to say can I come live here with you but he couldn't get the words out.

"Harry…"—Sirius walked up to him and put both of his hands on his shoulders—"You can ask me anything"

Harry nodded –"Where would I go?"—He whispered

"Here with me" –Sirius stated with a smile and then pulled him into a hug, he tensed for a moment not used to physical contact but soon relaxed enough to return the hug. –"Thank you"

"Nothing to thank me for, It's my job to take care of you and I'm sorry that I haven't been here"

"It's not your fault"

"It is, I… I went after the rat. I should've stayed with you. I failed your parents and you"—Sirius said quietly

"But you're here now"— Harry said understanding the guilt Sirius was feeling right now. He sometimes asked himself why he had survived and not his parents.

"I am and I keep failing you" –Harry frowned and shook his head—

"The order and incident in the summer; I should've fought Dumbledore more for you to come here immediately but I really thought it was for the best to have you safe."

Harry's anger came back in full force. –"Yeah you should've"—he said and then regretted it. Why was he so angry?

"We have decided to start telling you a few things"—Sirius said ignoring his tone.

"Who are we?"—

"Remus and I"

"Why isn't he here?"

"I think he's giving me preference for being your godfather, I know he wants to talk to you but he's finding his footing around you"

Harry smiled—"I consider him a friend, he could have been an Honorary Uncle" – he said truthfully, Remus inspired a form of trust that he rarely got from adults and even though he once was angry at him for not coming to him sooner he couldn't fault him, the grieve and his self-hatred was a heavy weight on the men.

Sirius beamed at Harrys' words —"I bet if you tell him that, he might cry"— he then laughed at Harrys' horrified expression.

–"I hope not"-

They were interrupted by Kreacher—"Mrs. Molly says dinner is ready"

They both nodded and headed downstairs. The moment he got downstairs Mrs. Weasley started smothering him—"Harry dear are you ok, do you need anything"

"I'm fine Mrs. Weasley just hungry"

"Oh well sit down. Everyone sit"-Dinner was a calm affair, no one was talking about the books. Some were discussing the school curriculum which Harry tried to ignore and instead paid attention to the Twins and some new invention, they finished quietly and quickly went back to the Ballroom.

"Talking to Harry we have come to the agreement that we will finish the first book today."

"I agree let's get this over with." –Moody said.

CHAPTER ELEVEN—Quidditch

Hermione had become a bit more relaxed about breaking rules since Harry and Ron had saved her

"Miss Granger you're supposed to be the voice of reason"—McGonagall said

"I am"—Hermione said earning a look from Harry and Ron

She had conjured them up a bright blue fire that could be carried around in a jam jar. (…)

"Very good Hermione"—Andromeda said.—"Fire is complicated to manage"

"They are allowed as long as you don't take them out of school borderlines"—Dumbledore said

"Library books are not to be taken outside the school," said Snape

Dumbledore shook his head at Snape and said—"Again it is allowed to have books outside as long as you don't take them out of Hogwarts"

"So Snape is just being in ass"—Sirius said

"They could damage school property but that clearly isn't a concern to you"—Snape glare

"No one should be afraid of a teacher" –Amelia said looking at Snape who ignored her.

Snape and Filch were inside, alone. Snape was holding his robes above his knees. One of his legs was bloody and mangled

"You tried to pass the dog. Why?"—Kingsley said

"I didn't try to pass the dog I went to make sure no one had tried"

Hermione's eyes were wide. "I know he's not very nice, but he wouldn't try and steal something Dumbledore was keeping safe."

"Well apparently Miss Granger is the only one with a brain"—Snape said rolling his eyes.

"You have to admit you haven't been nice to these boys and you're doing suspicious things. I'm a little suspicious of you"—Tonks said

"Harry you have to eat"—Molly said

"Harry is a nervous eater, last year we practically had to force-feed him."

"Wood does the same speech every time" –Fred explained

"And the Quaffle is taken immediately by Angelina Johnson of Gryffindor — what an excellent Chaser that girl is, and rather attractive, too —"

"Angelina is amazing in the air"—Ginny said

"She is starting training with Appleby Arrows this summer"— Fred said proudly.

that's Chaser Katie Bell of Gryffindor there, nice dive around Flint, off up the field and — OUCH — that must have hurt, hit in the back of the head by a Bludger — (…)GRYFFINDORS SCORE!"

"Gryffindor's team is good"

"Lee is a good narrator"—Ted said

"That's a good call"—Sirius said Harry—"You're small easier to get hit"

Marcus Flint had blocked Harry on purpose, and Harry's broom spun off course, Harry holding on for dear life.

"Foul!"—Sirius, Ted, Tonks, Ginny, and Kingsley yelled. The rest found themselves shaking their heads amused.

"I still don't understand Soccer"—Ron said

"It's like Quidditch but you kick the ball. Is very entertaining"—Ted said—"Maybe we could go see a game."—The redhead smiled at that. Harry as Ron had immediately liked Mr. Tonks.

"All right, all right. Flint nearly kills the Gryffindor Seeker, which could happen to anyone.

"Was he punished?"

"In private"—Snape said

His broom gave a sudden, frightening lurch. (…)It was making violent swishing movements.

"What is happening"—Sirius asked Harry who shook his head—"You will see but it was very scary"

"I knew it," Hermione gasped, "Snape —

"You're jinxing his broom"—Sirius yelled going for his wand, Remus and Harry holding him down.

"Stop Padfoot am sure Severus has in explanation"—

"I don't have to give you any"

"He is not jinxing the broom. I assumed that and I was mistaken" –Hermione said.

Snape stared at the girl expressionless, he didn't think she would accept her mistake.

The trio looked at each other and started having a staring conversation and Harry nodded at Ron who didn't look happy he was the one to do the talking.

"I think we should warn you Professor from this point forward you're guilty in our eyes and accuse you all the time. We know now that we were mistaken. We apologize"—Ron struggled to get the words out of his mouth.

Snape nodded

Professor Dumbledore looked really happy at this

she knocked Professor Quirrell headfirst into the row in front.

Ron and Harry grimaced at that, while Hermione eyes widened in surprise, she didn't remember bumping into Quirrell.

(…) pulled out her wand, and whispered a few, well-chosen words. (…) It took perhaps thirty seconds for Snape to realize that he was on fire.

"Miss Granger! I take it back you have no brain"—Snape spat in his usual tone. –"You could've killed me, and everyone around us."

"Severus mind your tone"—Dumbledore said looking sharply at him.

"You have to stop insulting people. If you hate children so much why are you a teacher?"—Ted said shaking his head

"Hermione was protecting her friend"— Amelia said.

"I apologize professor. I know now that you were trying to help but I don't regret it. Harry was in danger and I had to do something"—Hermione said staring at Snape with little fear, she was used to his disrespect towards her.

"I've got the Snitch!" he shouted

"You caught it with your mouth"—Sirius clapped his hands—"That's incredible"

"I almost swallowed it"

Hagrid dropped the teapot. (…) "How do you know about Fluffy?" he said

"Oh no Hagrid"—Minerva said

"You can't tell Hagrid a secret. Everyone knows that".—Charlie said

that's between Professor Dumbledore an' Nicolas Flamel —

"See told you"

This made Hagrid blush-"Sorry Professor Dumbledore"—

"It's no problem"

CHAPTER TWELVE—The Mirror of Erised

Harry sighed in exasperation and a little mortified. Why do they have to read this? Why not just read the future? This was supposed to be private. Sirius realized his mood and squeezed his shoulder.

Weasley twins were punished for bewitching several snowballs so that they followed Quirrell around, bouncing off the back of his turban.

The trio shared a look that didn't go unnoticed. –"What?"—Mr. Weasley said

"Nothing, something we remembered"

I hope Voldemort doesn't remember that- Harry thought looking at the twins.

So Malfoy, jealous and angry, had gone back to taunting Harry about having no proper family.

"What a horrible little boy"—Augusta said

"Perhaps a class in manners would be well appreciated"— Andromeda said taunting Snape. She didn't know why she was doing it; she never really liked the men. She remembered a few stories of him from her daughter and hadn't been impressed back then. Perhaps it was his behavior toward the children that got to her.

that hut of Hagrid's must seem like a palace compared to what your family's used to."

"Augh, perhaps a fist to the gut Ron"—Charlie said

"Charlie! Don't give him any ideas"—Mrs. Weasley said but Ron just winked at his brother.

"He was provoked, Professor Snape," said Hagrid

"Severus, clearly Mr. Malfoy was in the wrong"

"I hope Severus that you punished Mr. Malfoy or at least remembered his manners"

"I did headmaster, in private"

A few roll their eyes at that.

"I hate them both," said Harry, "Malfoy and Snape."

"Hate is a powerful word Harry"—Dumbledore said not liking that comment.

"I'm sure the feeling is mutual"—Harry said not looking at the Headmaster and ignoring Snape's glare.

Snape couldn't say he hated the boy he just detested him.

Ever since you mentioned Nicolas Flamel we've been trying to find out who he is."

"How long did it take you?"—Remus asked curiously

–"Months" –Harry grimaced

"Why, he's mentioned in several books: The magical world of Alchemy, the history of Alchemy, Alchemy and its multiple uses, Alchemy, …"

The trio just stared at him—"yes well we were children and our research skills were not the best"

"No one likes a know-it-all, Moony"—Sirius said making Moony glare at him

—"You certainly did in our N.E.W.T year."

He wasn't in Great Wizards of the Twentieth Century, or Notable Magical Names of Our Time; he was missing, too, from Important Modern Magical Discoveries, and A Study of Recent Developments in Wizardry

"You will never find Nicolas in any of those books; he was far too old and didn't care much for fame"

"The restriction section is even more complicated to use than the normal library and Madam Pince takes huge precautions and knows exactly who and when someone goes in there"—Bill said. Remembering all the trouble he went through to get McGonagall's permission for his research about curse breakers.

"Very safe, as they're both dentists," said Hermione

"It's a doctor that specializes in teeth"—Hermione said quickly. She received a few curious looks from the Weasleys.

This was exactly like Muggle chess except that the figures were alive, which made it a lot like directing troops in battle (…)Ron knew them so well he never had trouble getting them to do what he wanted.

"No one plays Chess like Ron"—Neville said to his gran, making Ron blush.

"I would have to see that myself. I'm a very good player Mr. Weasley I would like a game"—Augusta told Ron who was blushing even more.

"Of course Mrs. Longbottom"

"Will you look at this? I've got some presents!"

"Stop staring it's rude"—He said to half of the room who looked at him with pity.

Mostly everyone averted their eyes.

To Harry, from Hagrid…cut wooden flute…it sounded a bit like an owl….

"Oh Hagrid do you think I could get one, it sounds beautiful"—Luna asked him

"Certainty"—Hagrid smiled at her.

"They send you fifty-penny piece"- Amelia glared at the book indignantly.—"Why send a gift at all"

"Because they are cruel—Fleur said angrily

"she's made you a Weasley sweater…Harry had torn open the parcel to find a thick, hand-knitted sweater in emerald green and a large box of homemade fudge.

"It means you are part of the family"—Charlie said

"You don't like Maroon?"—Mrs. Weasley asked Ron who shook his head.—"Not all the time. It looks horrible with my hair."

Harry picked the shining, silvery cloth off the floor. It was strange to the touch, like water woven into material.(…) "It's an invisibility cloak,"

Some leaned forward and others reacted with surprise.

"Another expensive gift?"—Augusta asked Minerva who shook her head not liking where this was going.

"Actually it's a family heirloom"—Moony said

"How do you know?"—Andromeda asked him.

"Because it used to belong to James and he let us borrow it from time to time"

Your father left this in my possession before he died.

It is time it was returned to you.

Use it well.

"Who had it?"— Sirius said. He knew James was picky about his cloak he only let them borrow it after the second year when he knew them better.

"Me"—Dumbledore said.—"James lent it to me before he died and I kept it safe, as you both know it's very valuable"

The twins looked at the Marauders before asking—"What did you use it for?"

Remus smiled—"Mostly for pranks, up to fourth year we all fit underneath, we also used it to sneak out, miss Classes, and go to the kitchen. No one was supposed to know it existed, we had to be careful with it…"

"Until we all started having girlfriends and we used it for more pleasurable pursuits"—Sirius winked ignoring Molly's and Minerva's cries.

"Behave yourself Sirius there are Ladies in the room, and Remus you were a prefect"

"But I didn't say anything in all I was the most responsible one"—The wolf whined

"Shut up Moony you used that cloak as much as we did and it wasn't for pranking"—Sirius smirked while his friend blushed, making the teenagers laugh.

Remus decided to stay quiet realizing Tonks was staring at him with glee in her eyes. He wasn't as oblivious as Sirius thought he was and as much as he wanted to reciprocate, Merlin knew Dora was brilliant, she deserved much better.

"Invisibility Cloaks, the best ones in the market today only work up to ten or fifteen years," –Amelia said changing the subject—"This cloak has to be over what thirty years, how is it possible"

"Actually it's older since James got it from his father who got it from him and so on"

"It was a family secret"—Remus said—"James told us he couldn't say"

"The cloak is much older"—Dumbledore spoke making everyone turn to him—"That is why I wanted to burrow it. Fleamont told me about it but I didn't pay much attention until I saw James using it for a Mission. The cloak if I'm correctly was made in the 13th century"—Albus said slowly. He had been mesmerized by it realizing it was one of the Hollows, unfortunately, it wasn't the Hollow he wanted.

Remus just stared at him mouth open as did Harry.

"And you just gave it to a child, you should've given it to the unspeakable"—Percy said in disbelief. Harry went for his wand, he was sensitive about his family Heirlooms and not having much from his parents.

Dumbledore realizes and holds his hand—"The cloak belongs to the Potters as I'm sure the books will explain."

Sirius spoke looking at Percy-"Family Heirlooms stay with the family you should know that."

Harry stuffed the cloak quickly out of sight. He didn't feel like sharing it with anyone else yet.

"Clearly you still don't"—Fred said shaking his head in mock disapproval.

"Harry doesn't let anyone borrow it unless it's important"

"When you mean anyone you mean you or Hermione"— Luna said

Harry frowned at Lunas' words. What had she implied by that?

"Could we borrow it —

- Imagine what we could do—the twins said but Harry shook his head.

—"Sorry but I don't have much of my father so I take real care of it. It's important"

The twins smiled and nodded—"We understand"—they both said to Charlie and Bills' surprise.

"Why aren't you wearing yours, Ron?" (…)"I hate maroon," Ron moaned

"Oh"—Mrs. Weasley said and Ron winced at his mother's expression. Bill didn't like how the book was describing Ron and by Charlie's expression neither did he, they were going to have to speak with him soon.

"I miss having a big family"—Amelia said smiling kindly at the Weasleys.

"You're more than welcome with us Amelia"—Mr. Weasley smile.

Hagrid getting redder and redder in the face as he called for more wine, finally kissing Professor McGonagall on the cheek

McGonagall blushed at her description.-"Oh my…"

"Only once we spent Christmas at Hogwarts and it was great"—Sirius said to Harry

The whole of Hogwarts was open to him in this cloak.

A few people chuckled.

"This is why you don't give in invisibility cloak to a child"—

"Really you went to the library"—Sirius said mockingly—"You are Lily's son. She used it for that after she found how to take the alarm charm."

Snape smiled internally at that. There wasn't a charm that Lily Evans couldn't do.

Harry got excited about that—"Mom broke rules, she actually got in trouble?"

"Yes, though not always. She had a few detentions some on her own for defending someone or trying to get back at us for a prank, some of them involved your dad and broom closets."—Moony said chuckling

Harry wrinkled his nose at the last part, he didn't want to imagine his parents snogging but he liked the idea that they got to be teenagers to actually be normal students.

(…)A piercing, bloodcurdling shriek split the silence — the book was screaming.

"That's the charm"—Sirius pointed at the book.

"I didn't know they could do that"— Tonks said pensive—"How does it sound like?"

"Terrifying"—Bill said

"Mrs. Potter knew how to take the charm off?"— Hermione asked, remembering how Madam Pince had told her once it was a maze of complicated spells.

"Lily was a genius at charms."—McGonagall said fondly

"She tried to teach us but only Moony was able to do it fast enough and it still took him about five minutes. Valuable information but it wasn't worth the risk."

"Do you still remember how to do it?"—Hermione asked Remus her eyes sparkling, Remus chuckled and pointed at McGonagall who was glaring at both of them.

—"Sorry"—Hermione whispered.

It looked like an unused classroom

"For a moment I thought you were back with the dog"—Kingsley said

Harry just shook his head, his eyes closed. He still dreamed about that mirror he could still remember the feeling of peace and the desire to have his whole family together. Why did they have to read this, why not move on to the future? He didn't want them to know that what he wanted most was his family; he didn't want them to know that it hurt him.

"Are you all right pup?"— Sirius asked running a hand through his hair. He nodded and tried to relax.

It was a magnificent mirror… Erised stra ehru oyt ube cafru oyt on wohsi…He stepped in front of it. He had to clap his hands to his mouth to stop himself from screaming.

"What is it?"—Neville asked turning around to look at Harry but he found his friend with his eyes closed and his head thrown back as if he was in pain.

"I've heard about Mirrors that show you your deepest fears"—Luna said concerned.

For he had seen not only himself in the mirror, but a whole crowd of people standing right behind him.

"Who are they?"—George asked but looked up at Harry with concern; he still had his eyes closed and hadn't realized everyone was staring at him. Ron leaned over and squeezed his shoulder. He could still remember how excited his friend had been.

She was a very pretty woman. She had dark red hair and her eyes —her eyes are just like mine…The tall, thin, black-haired man standing next to her put his arm around her…Harry was so close to the mirror that his nose was nearly touching that of his reflection…"Mom?" he whispered. "Dad?"

Harry smiled sadly, the longing for family still raw inside him. He hadn't realized he was crying until Sirius wiped a tear from his cheek. Nobody spoke, but the book did not advance. Remus looked at Harry sadly and blamed himself for the fact that he had enjoyed so many years with them but his son hadn't.

Sirius felt guilty for failing them and once again found himself asking for their forgiveness.

Snape didn't want to admit it but he felt a certain pain towards the boy, he very rarely associated him with Lily but now seeing him there on the couch with his eyes closed, caused him some sort of sadness that he would never know how wonderful his mother had been... but the boys' feelings weren't his concern. He told himself.

"That was the first time I saw them"

"What do you mean pup"

"I didn't know what they looked like. Aunt Petunia never showed me pictures of them and well I didn't even know if my dad had parents, I just assumed they were all dead. No one really talked to me about them"—Harry said missing the winces of a few members of the circle.

Sirius glared at all of them. He had an excuse as poor as it could be but the others?

"Then we are going to tell you all about them"—Sirius smiled at his godson.

The Potters smiled and waved at Harry and he stared hungrily back at them, his hands pressed flat against the glass as though he was hoping to fall right through it and reach them

"I don't like where this is going"—Bill said frowning. Fleur agreed with him. They both had seen the dangers of an enchanted mirror.

How long he stood there, he didn't know. The reflections did not fade…"I'll come back,"

"I don't think it's a good idea"—Remus said,-"It was enchanted wasn't it?"— Moony asked looking at Harry who was wiping his tears. –"Yes"

"Ron a little bit more tact"—Charlie said at his little brother for the insensitive comment about dead people.

Ron, "No — I'm alone — but I'm different — I look older — and I'm head boy!"(…)"What?"(…)"I am — I'm wearing the badge like Bill used to — and — I'm Quidditch captain, too."

Bill grimaced, Ron was describing the achievements his brothers had made and he knew that was due to his mother's insistence on using them as examples.—"That's it, the Weasley family is having a family meeting after this book ends"—

"I don't think it's necessary"—Ron said embarrassed.

"It is"—Mr. Weasley said nodding at his older son.

Percy tried not to look at his brothers. He didn't know if they were going to force him to attend but he certainly didn't want to.—"You to Percy and I don't care if you like it or not" –Bill demanded.

"The Mirror is making you fight"—Luna said—"You never fight"

"Listen to Ron"—Ginny said concerned.

But Harry only had one thought in his head, which was to get back in front of the mirror…And there were his mother and father smiling at him again, and one of his grandfather's nodding happily. Harry sank down to sit on the floor in front of the mirror. There was nothing to stop him from staying here all night with his family.

A few people smiled sadly knowing that they most likely would do the same.

"Oh pup"—Sirius said pulling Harry into a hug, Harry fought but Sirius's grip was stronger so he let himself be hugged, he saw Remus smiling over Sirius's shoulder and he rolled his eyes at him making him smile even bigger.

"So," said Dumbledore, slipping off the desk to sit on the floor with Harry, "you, like hundreds before you, have discovered the delights of the Mirror of Erised."

"You knew he was there from the very first night"—Remus stated narrowing his eyes.

"I did, though I believed he wasn't going to come back but he did. I was the one who sent Mrs. Norris. After the third night, I knew I had to stop him but first, he had to understand why he couldn't keep looking for it"

"Why is that Mirror in the school"—Amelia said once again writing things down.

"My brother Aberforth brought it to me the morning Harry found it"

"So it's yours"—Kingsley said and Dumbledore nodded.

"I told you years ago to get rid of it Albus"—Moody huffed.

Brother? Harry thought. Dumbledore had a brother and he had completely forgotten about it, he turned around to look at Hermione but she also looked thoughtful

"You would stop eating, sleeping, living you would probably kill for it"—Moody said shaking his head at Dumbledore. Some wanted to ask what it was that Moody knew but realized it would be too personal.

"Sounds very dangerous, why not move it from its location the moment you realize it has been found"—Augusta asked the headmaster with a severe judgmental tone.

"Like Remus realized, the stone was in Hogwarts and I had to protect it I also suspected of a thief and needed to use it as a decoy but it attracted another person. I thought Harry had a right to see his family even if it was just for one night."

Harry frowned at that, he wasn't sure that had been the right call or even if the headmaster had the right to decide that.

"That wasn't yours to decide Albus, you could have damaged him emotionally"—Minerva said sternly. Harry looked at her with a grimace, why was everyone concerned with his mental health? No one cared months ago when he was left alone.

"You submitted the boy to your same pain?"—Moody spoke once again.

"What pain?"—Mrs. Weasley said alarmed.

"Sadness"—Harry said without thinking

Dumbledore looked at Harry, his blue eyes trying to tell him that he didn't mean to cause that to him. The room was looking at Dumbledore with anger and concern. What right did Dumbledore think he had over people's emotions? And what kind of pain was Dumbledore hiding?

No one notices the look of suspicion between Sirius and Remus.

"What do you see when you look in the mirror?"

"That's personal potter"—Moody said

"Oh that's why you always buy really weird socks on Christmas"—Ron said making a few chuckles.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN—Nicholas Flamel

He started having nightmares. Over and over again he dreamed about his parents disappearing in a flash of green light, while a high voice cackled with laughter.

"Unfortunately they are not nightmares"—Harry sigh

The Weasleys complained that Wood was becoming a fanatic, but Harry was on Wood's side.

"And we were not wrong"

"Harry was only going on with it so he wouldn't be kicked out of the team"

Minerva frowned her intention hadn't been to pressure Harry.

Snape's refereeing this time,

Everyone looked at Snape.—"I had to make sure Potter didn't die" –He didn't like to explain himself but realized that for the rest of the book, he was going to be accused and would have to talk or face getting cursed.

Everyone fell over laughing except Hermione, who leapt up and performed the counter curse. Neville's legs sprang apart and he got to his feet, trembling. "What happened (…)"Malfoy,"

No one laughed like in the book. Neville was red with embarrassment, all his five years it had always been him on the other side of the pranks.

"Why didn't you report this to me"—Augusta said, Neville just shrugged he didn't want to get in the whole I'm already a disappointment why make it worse.

"You're worth twelve of Malfoy," Harry said

"Thanks, Harry"—Neville said smiling at the memory.

"You're a good boy, Harry"—Sirius whispered making Harry blush with the praise.

He stared at the back of the card. Then he looked up at Ron and Hermione. "I've found him!" he whispered. "I've found Flamel! I told you I'd read the name somewhere

Harry groaned angrily at the memory, how could they have wasted so much time? Dumbledore chuckled; Remus began to laugh out loud along with Luna since they were the only ones who had remembered that detail. The others looked incredulous for not having noticed.

"Yeah, that's how we felt"—Hermione said

"Immortality isn't something I want"—Snape said quietly to the book's accusations

Snape was following him, trying to catch him on his own. Snape was so horrible to Harry.

"Most likely Dumbledore told him of your midnight escapade and he decided to keep an eye on you being the son of a Marauder, he used to do the same to us"—Sirius said glaring at Snape who growled so loudly Amelia jumped.

Harry knew, when they wished him good luck outside the locker rooms the next afternoon, that Ron and Hermione were wondering whether they'd ever see him alive again

"Merlin you are dramatic"—Tonks laughed

"Hey, I was really concerned."

"It's a Potter thing, your father had a thing for drama and Monty was silly like that too. It drove your grandma crazy"—Remus said smiling. Harry beamed, so he shared something with his grandfather, great!

"Always have your wand"—Moody glared at Neville.

Little did Harry know that Ron and Hermione had been secretly practicing the LegLocker Curse

Everyone except Snape smiled at the two friends. –"Thank you"—said Harry

Snape had just awarded Hufflepuff a penalty because George Weasley had hit a Bludger at him.

This made Sirius laugh; he really couldn't wait until their game.

"George that was rude, apologize"—Mrs. Weasley said and George looked like he would rather get sick

"Sorry professor"—He said not feeling sorry at all, Snape ignored him.

"It's people they feel sorry for. See, there's Potter, who's got no parents, then there's the Weasleys, who've got no money — you should be on the team, Longbottom, you've got no brains." Neville went bright red but turned in his seat to face Malfoy. "I'm worth twelve of you, Malfoy," he stammered.

"Yeah, Nev you tell that pompous prick"—Ginny said

Ron snapped. Neville hesitated, then clambered over the back of his seat to help.

"Boys no fighting"—Mrs. Weasley reprimanded

"They are not fighting they are defending themselves from their Bully."—Augusta glared at Snape who had to admit cowered a little at her glare.

"I hope you got him good Ron"—Charlie said smiling at his little brother.

"Nice to see you haven't been brooding about that mirror… been keeping busy… excellent…"

Everyone groaned. "Why remind him?"—Andromeda asked

"I didn't do it with any ill intention"—Dumbledore defended himself.

Gliding silently over the castle he saw Snape enter the forest at a run. He followed

"You really shouldn't concern yourself with other people's affairs Potter"

"You're nosy"—Luna said and Harry just shrugged.

"You don't want me as your enemy, Quirrell," said Snape, taking a step toward him.

That was the moment Amelia and Moody realized what was going on but decided to remain quiet. The others were either too concerned with Harry or desiring Snape to be guilty to realize.

"And I gave Malfoy a black eye, and Neville tried to take on Crabbe and Goyle single-handed! He's still out cold.

"Good job Ron"—Charlie said earning a glare from his mother, he ignored it

"Two against one never ends well but you did a good job, Neville,"—Fleur smiled at the boy who smiled back with a blush.

"So you mean the Stone's only safe as long as Quirrell stands up to Snape?" said Hermione in alarm.

"Ah the minds of eleven year olds"—Dumbledore said ignoring some of the glares thrown at him.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN—Norbert the Norwegian Ridgeback

Ron and Charlie shared a panicky look while Hagrid tried not to look at Amelia. Harry and Hermione avoided McGonagall's glare.—"You are telling me there was a real dragon!"—She half yelled.

"WHAT!"—Molly screamed

"My god Hermione studying until you die isn't a nice way to leave this world"—Tonks said

"I've gotten better." -She pressed her lips in a thin line.

"Remus was the same. Not the studying ten weeks before, but a week before he was nagging everyone about the damn exams. He eventually gave up and instead started reading out loud to see if something got attached to our brains."

"No"—Harry and Ron said to Hermione.

"Who is the top of your year"—Amelia asked them curiously.

"How is this relevant?"— Snape said, Amelia ignored him.

"Hermione"—both boys said

"Miss Granger since the first year has been the number one of her generation with Miss Patil from Ravenclaw as second Mr. Malfoy as third, Mr. Potter as fifth, Mr. Longbottom between eight or ninth Mr. Weasley pass the top ten between ten and fifteen. Miss Bones I believe also stays between the top ten"

"Even after everything we do how you two still manage good grades I will never know"—Ron said shrugging.

"What about the twins and Ginny"—Bill asked curiously

"Mr. and Mr. Weasley I believe always stay between third and fourth, Miss Lovegood is in eight while Miss Weasley is third"

"How proud are you of your students Moony"—

"Very proud"—He said smiling at all of the teens.—"Good job"

"Wow Ron you really know your stuff"—Charlie said surprised at his brother's knowledge of dragons.

"I do pay attention when you talk"—Ron half glared.

It was stifling hot inside. Even though it was such a warm day, there was a blazing fire in the grate

"Hagrid you have a dragon in the Hut?"—Remus asked in concerned surprise.

Some looked like he was joking but those who knew Hagrid started to look a little concerned.

Professor Sprout — Professor Flitwick — Professor McGonagall —" he ticked them off on his fingers, "Professor Quirrell — an' Dumbledore himself did somethin', o' course. Hang on, I've forgotten someone. Oh yeah, Professor Snape."

"Really Hagrid why didn't you just tell them how to get past the dog"—Minerva said making Hagrid blush in mortification

"We have to work on keeping secrets"—Charlie smiled at the giant.

Snape glared at the men sitting next to him. No wonder Potter knew how to get in.

It's a bit outta date, o' course, but it's all in here. Keep the egg in the fire…what I got there's a Norwegian Ridgeback.

"Mr. Hagrid you're lucky I can't punish you for this—Amelia said angrily— "apparently I'm going to have to send Aurors once in a while to Hogsmeade."-She started writing furiously on her parchments.

"HAGRID!"—Mrs. Weasley yelled making a few wince.—"Are you really that irresponsible? You could not only endanger the student but yourself"

"Molly they are just uncomprehending creatures"

"Hagrid I love dragons enough that I put my life at risk every day for them but they are dangerous. They are wild creatures, highly intelligent but they react purely out of instinct, they would probably not hurt you if they created a connection with you but the people around you wouldn't be so lucky"

"Tell us about it"—Harry murmured but Sirius heard and looked at him strangely.

So now they had something else to worry about: what might happen to Hagrid if anyone found out he was hiding an illegal dragon in his hut…"Wonder what it's like to have a peaceful life," Ron sighed

"I didn't mean to make you worry"—Hagrid said to the trio

"But you did. They are children and now they have to deal with the actions of a grown man"—Mrs. Weasley said angrily. She liked Hagrid and she knew how it was to deal with someone who liked dangerous creatures but Hagrid wasn't eleven-year-old Charlie crying for a dragon. She would have to have a more deep chat with him.

"I still wonder what a peaceful life would look like" –Ron said whipping a fake tear.

Charlie sat up straight.—"You saw it hatch? Do you know how rare that is? It took me three years in the reservation to see it myself and I only got a glimpse"—He said with little envy.

All at once there was a scraping noise and the egg split open. The baby dragon flopped onto the table. It wasn't exactly pretty; Harry thought it looked like a crumpled, black umbrella

"Wow"—it was heard around the room

"That is a very good description"-

"how fast do Norwegian Ridgebacks grow, exactly?"

"After only four months it would be the size of Hagrid's house"

Malfoy had seen the dragon.

"Oh no"—Neville said remembering what happened.—"Sorry"-He said towards Harry.

They looked at the dragon. It had grown three times in length in just a week…"He really knows me now, watch. Norbert! Norbert! Where's Mommy?"

"I miss him"—Hagrid said about to cry.

"It's alright Hagrid, she is safe and has adapted completely"

"She?"—Mr. Weasley said not liking where this was going"

Charlie realized his slip and asked to keep going

"No — Charlie — your brother, Charlie. In Romania. Studying dragons. We could send Norbert to him. Charlie can take care of him and then put him back in the wild!"

Everyone turned around to look at Charlie who smiled and waved—"Hi"

"CHARLIE WEASLEY, how dare you"—Mrs. Weasley yelled, she was about to start yelling even more but Mr. Weasley stopped her.

"It bit me!" he said, showing them his hand, which was wrapped in a bloody handkerchief

"Aren't Norwegian Ridgebacks poisonous"—Remus asked concerned.

"Yes"—Charlie and Ron whispered. Charlie looked momentarily at his brother; he never told him that it had bitten him.

"You could've killed my son"—Mr. Weasley said pointing at Hagrid who was looking at Ron with pain in his eyes. Amelia was shaking her head and writing angrily on her parchments murmuring words like control and restrictions.

"Did no one notice Hagrid not doing his job"—Ted asked

"We don't tend to get involved in the other professor's affairs" –Snape glared at the giant.

Dear Ron,

How are you? Thanks for the letter — I'd be glad to take the Norwegian Ridgeback, but it won't be easy getting him here. I think the best thing will be to send him over with some friends of mine who are coming to visit me next week. Trouble is, they mustn't be seen carrying an illegal dragon.

"Illegal transportation of a Dragon is six months in Azkaban."—Amelia said pinching the bridge of her nose. She looked up at Harry—"So when you meant breaking the Law you were serious"—

Harry looked at his friends and nodded—"It will only get worse"

Remus didn't like that comment.

"It's not just my hand," he whispered, "although that feels like it's about to fall off… I've just remembered — Charlie's letter was in that book Malfoy took, he's going to know we're getting rid of Norbert."

"Ah, godson like godfather. Severus over there used to do the same. Did you show him that little trick"—Sirius taunted Snape who glared at him.

"Madam Pomfrey is an angel, she never asks too many questions"—Tonks said

"Maybe she should"—McGonagall said

"Minnie don't ruin it for the future Generation"—Remus said earning himself a glare.

"You don't understand, Professor. Harry Potter's coming — he's got a dragon!"…"What utter rubbish! How dare you tell such lies! Come on — I shall see Professor Snape about you, Malfoy!"

"You blamed Draco for something that was true"—Snape said to McGonagall. He had been incredibly angry being woken at such hours by McGonagall yelling at him that his godson was out of control.

"How was I to believe such a thing? We never had dragons in the hallways, not even when these two were there." McGonagall said pointing at the two Marauders.

"We are proud of you"—Remus said to Harry to the surprise of some and the amusement of others.

Sirius smiled, he knew Remus had matured perhaps even more than him since he sometimes still felt twenty but he was happy Moony still had the Marauder spirit.

Charlie's friends were a cheery lot… At last, Norbert was going… going… gone.

"Well that went well"—Sirius said patting Harry on the back

"Well, well, well," he whispered, "we are in trouble."…They'd left the invisibility cloak on top of the tower.

"Noo, horrible mistake"— Sirius playfully chuffed him on the head

CHAPTER FIFTEEN—The Forbidden Forest

"Oh Neville that was bad timing"—Luna patted his hand.

I suppose you think it's funny that Longbottom here heard the story and believed it, too?"

"I did believe it for a moment but then realized it must have been something else"—Neville said

"Fifty points each," said Professor McGonagall

"Wow, one hundred and fifty in one night we never achieved that and trust me we tried"—Sirius said and then glared at Remus when he smacked him in the head and pointed his head toward Harry—"But you shouldn't do that…again"—He ordered at Harry who snickered.

"I feel you were a little too harsh"—Kingsley said to McGonagall—"You barely awarded them points for the Troll which was a great accomplishment and now you practically took them all these points by just being out of bed. Everyone has been out of bed at least once"

"Just because they are Gryffindor's"—Snape spat

"No, because they are children, first-year students wouldn't go to the tower to do what I'm sure Minerva was punishing them for"—Andy said. Hermione and Harry frown and then realization comes to them.

"Augh, no offense to Hermione but no, did you really think that"—Harry said to McGonagall. Who looked sheepishly at them?

Hermione looked scandalized, to Sirius's amusement. So Hermione is out, he thought staring at Luna and Ginny, which one would become his honorary goddaughter? He was going for the redhead just for tradition.

Everywhere Harry went, people pointed and didn't trouble to lower their voices as they insulted him.

"That's just wrong"—Augusta said

"You get used to it"—Remus said shrugging. Remembering all the times the Marauders would lose points and the rest of the house would glare at them, a certain redhead demanding they get them back.

But even Quidditch had lost its fun. The rest of the team wouldn't speak to Harry during practice, and if they had to speak about him, they called him "the Seeker… Hermione and Neville were suffering, too

"Sorry Harry"—the twins said ashamed.

"This is awful; did not a single teacher realize this?"—Amelia said—"I understand the points make students participate but I think it has gone a little overboard"

"No — no — not again, please —"…It sounded as though someone was threatening him.

Everyone frowned, even those who understood Quirrell was guilty; there was someone in Hogwarts threatening the teachers and that wasn't good.

"Maybe Snape's found out how to get past him without asking Hagrid," said Ron,

"Go to Dumbledore. That's what we should have done ages ago.

"Yes that is exactly what you should've done"—McGonagall said and stared at the trio who stared back skeptically.

"It all depends on how you would voice it"—Dumbledore said looking at the trio.

Your detention will take place at eleven o'clock tonight

"How many trophies did you have to clean?"—Sirius laughed

"None"

It's just a pity they let the old punishments die out… hang you by your wrists from the ceiling for a few days, I've got the chains still in my office, keep 'em well-oiled in case there ever needed

"This man is horrible"—Andromeda said shaking her head—"physical punishment was banned from Hogwarts fifty years ago and he still hopes it comes back"

It's into the forest you're going and I'm much mistaken if you'll all come out in one piece."

"The forest!"—Molly said upset –"put them to wash the floors to dust off all the books in the library but why the forest?"

"They needed to understand that what they did was not right"—Snape said. He had been the first one to agree to that punishment. First to punish Draco for falling into Potter's lies and second to make Potter see that he couldn't break the rules without consequences.

"Should've thought of them werewolves before you got in trouble, shouldn't you?"

"There hasn't been a werewolf in that forest since 1978"—Remus smiled

"Wow Hagrid I've never seen you being so mean to someone"—Tonks said

"I don't like him, he's rude and is always talking about punishing children just because he can't do magic. Is horrible"

I found one dead last Wednesday

Those who didn't know about the Unicorn gasped.

"What would kill something so innocent?"

Now, if any of us finds the unicorn, we'll send up green sparks, right? Get yer wands out an' practice now — that's it — an' if anyone gets in trouble, send up red sparks, an' we'll all come an' find yeh

"I don't think sending Neville and Draco together is a good idea"—Remus said

"It wasn't"

"I didn't know they didn't like each other."

"Could a werewolf be killing the unicorns?" Harry asked.

"Not fast enough"—Remus said and then smiled when Book Hagrid said the same.

GET BEHIND THAT TREE!"

Everyone leaned forward. Harry winced remembering the pain in his scar and Hermione shuddered remembering how close they had been to being attacked.

Something was slithering over dead leaves nearby: it sounded like a cloak trailing along the ground.

Snape grimaced. Potter had been too close to the Dark Lord, he assumed he hadn't attacked because he wasn't strong enough.

"A werewolf?" Harry suggested.

"Werewolf has been mentioned three times."—Remus said thoughtfully.

"I didn't…"—Harry started saying but Remus stopped him—"I know Harry, I don't mean it like that, I think it's foreshadowing"

Everyone who participated in the third-year adventures looked thoughtful.

"Perhaps it does. We would have to pay close attention to the details."—Hermione said

"Maybe that is why we have to read the past, for the hidden clues." –

He's a centaur(…)"We'd noticed," said Hermione faintly

"I had only read about them, seeing them was a shock"

"Mars is bright tonight."(…) "Always the innocent are the first victims," (…)"Unusually bright."(…)

"I'm confused"—Neville said

"Mars is the god of war." –Remus said

Harry inhaled a sharp breath. He had no idea back then, he hadn't understood. –"They were warning us. Of this, of his return and …the first innocent was Cedric he didn't have to be there"—Harrys' hands went to his hair.

"Breath Harry"—Sirius told him doing circles on his back.

"I don't care if Malfoy has, but if something's got Neville… it's our fault he's here in the first place."(…) Hagrid was fuming. Malfoy, it seemed, had sneaked up behind Neville and grabbed him as a joke. Neville had panicked and sent up the sparks

"Can't that boy take anything seriously? That was dangerous."—Tonks said

Augusta was harshly whispering something to Neville who shook his head and told her to let it go.

It was the unicorn all right, and it was dead. Harry had never seen anything so beautiful and sad.

"Ok you found it now leave"—Remus said, he had been in that forest as a wolf and as a human, he knew what danger lay in it. He didn't want Harry anywhere near them.

The cloaked figure reached the unicorn, lowered its head over the wound in the animal's side, and began to drink its blood

"That is Dark magic at its finest." – Amelia said disgusted

The pain in Harry's head was so bad he fell to his knees. It took a minute or two to pass

Everyone turned around to look at Harry to confirm the pain, and he nodded. –"Only in the graveyard did it hurt more"

Sirius's hands were holding the edge of the couch with such strength that his knuckles were white. Where was he when Harry needed him the most?

"My name is Firenze," he added, as he lowered himself on to his front legs so that Harry could clamber onto his back.

"He let you ride him"—Remus said in surprise.

"Firenze is a strange centaur."—Ted

"I think he wants this war to end as much as we do"

"That is because it is a monstrous thing, to slay a unicorn," said Firenze.. The blood of a unicorn will keep you alive, even if you are an inch from death, but at a terrible price. you will have but a half-life, a cursed life

"What a horrible way to live"—Luna said sadly.

Dumbledore leaned forward. Enough human left. Hagrid had been on to something.

"Harry, everyone says Dumbledore's the only one You-Know-Who was ever afraid of, with Dumbledore around, You-Know-Who won't touch you. Anyway, who says the centaurs are right? It sounds like fortune-telling to me, and Professor McGonagall says that's a very imprecise branch of magic.

"I don't think he is truly afraid of me."—Dumbledore said pensively—"He fears Harry more"

Harry screwed up his face in disgust. What good was it that Voldemort feared him?

CHAPTER SIXTEEN—Through the Trapdoor

In years to come, Harry would never quite remember how he had managed to get through his exams when he half expected Voldemort to come bursting through the door at any moment

"Oh Harry you shouldn't be worrying about that"—Mrs. Weasley said

Harry shrugs –"I have gotten used to it"

Harry did the best he could, trying to ignore the stabbing pains in his forehead, which had been bothering him ever since his trip into the forest

"I think it was because he had gotten stronger"—Harry told Hermione and Ron but everyone heard.

"My scar keeps hurting — it's happened before, but never as often as this."

"I'm not ill," said Harry. "I think it's a warning… it means danger's coming…"

Everyone shuddered.

"Did Hagrid not tell anyone about the forest incident?"—Amelia asked the professors.

"He did and so did Harry. We looked through the forest but we couldn't find anyone and the Centaurs didn't speak much to us." –Minerva answered.

Hagrid would never tell anyone how to get past Fluffy… never… but…

Harry suddenly jumped to his feet.

"Your mind works in a very strange way"—Ginny said to Harry.-"You ask and answer your own questions."

"I'm quite brilliant"—He said making everyone chuckle.

So I told him, Fluffy's a piece o' cake if yeh know how to calm him down, jus' play him a bit o' music an' he'll go straight off ter sleep —"

Hagrid suddenly looked horrified.

Hagrid was covering his face with both hands, feeling the wave of guilt he felt back then when he found out Harry was in the infirmary.

"Hagrid! You fool"—Moody huffed.

"Perhaps it's time to stop drinking"—Tonks said a little mad at the giant.

"Hagrid has already apologized to both me and Harry, let's continue"—Dumbledore said. Taking the attention away from his groundkeeper.

"Yes go tell Dumbledore"—Mrs. Weasley said.

"It's sort of secret," he said, but he wished at once he hadn't, because Professor McGonagall's nostrils flared.

"That was a mistake, is better to just come clean with McGonagall. Be direct"—Sirius said, Harry nodded but he remembered being direct hadn't worked much.

"He's gone?" said Harry frantically. "Now?"

"Why did you leave?"—Andy asked.

"Confundus Charm."—Dumbledore said

Her eyes went wide.—"It must've been incredibly powerful"-

"Oh it was but the moment I got to the ministry it vanished"-

"Professor, I think — I know — that Sn— that someone's going to try and steal the Stone. I've got to talk to Professor Dumbledore."

"Nice safe"—Ted said—"I don't think saying his name would've helped."

"Professor Dumbledore will be back tomorrow," she said finally. "I don't know how you found out about the Stone, but rest assured, no one can possibly steal it, it's too well protected."

Sirius looked incredulous and upset he turned to Minerva—"That's it? The most powerful object you have in the school is threatened and that's all you say. You know what guards the door so you must realize they saw the dog and yet you didn't believe it. You didn't even ask how they knew about the stone, you asked them no questions"

Minerva looked unnerved at the tone Sirius was speaking to her.—"At the moment I believed them to be doing something similar to the dragon story. I believed they were trying to be funny"-

"You want to be more careful," said Snape. "Hanging around like this, people will think you're up to something. "Be warned, Potter — any more nighttime wanderings and I will personally make sure you are expelled. Good day to you."

"I can see how you thought he was guilty"-Tonks said.—"Couldn't you just be nice and tell him that the stone was safe?"—

Snape didn't even bother to acknowledge her. Tonks narrowed her eyes at the professor. She had never been afraid of him like most students, she was about to keep giving him a piece of her mind but Remus stopped her shaking his head.

"I'm going out of here tonight and I'm going to try and get to the Stone first."

"No!—Mrs. Weasley yelled making people jump.

"Molly they are right there"

"Mr. Potter, you shouldn't be responsible for those things. The stone shouldn't even be in the school"—Amelia said disapprovingly,

Remus kept staring at Dumbledore he was starting to realize where this was going and didn't like it. Sirius will be furious. He thought.

"SO WHAT" Harry shouted. "Don't you understand? If Snape gets hold of the Stone,(…) Voldemort's coming back! Haven't you heard what it was like when he was trying to take over?

"It feels just like right now"—Augusta said grimly.

If I get caught before I can get to the Stone, well, I'll have to go back to the Dursleys and wait for Voldemort to find me there, it's only dying a bit later than I would have, because I'm never going over to the Dark Side

Mrs. Weasley was sobbing and the Weasley children looked sad, Ginny's eyes filled with tears.—"You talk about your death so casually"—the redhead whispered

Sirius eyes were closed and his hand was tight around Harry's wrist. –"You were eleven you shouldn't be talking about dying."—

"Of course not," said Hermione briskly. "How do you think you'd get to the Stone without us? I'd better go and look through my books, there might be something useful…"

Everyone looked at the trio with tenderness.—"You have a beautiful friendship"—Tonks smiled.

What are you doing?" said a voice from the corner of the room. Neville appeared from behind an armchair, clutching

"Oh no!"—Neville moaned covering his face with his hands.—"You know a lot of my middling wouldn't happen if you would only trust more people"

The Weasley children nodded and the trio shifted uncomfortably.

"I won't let you do it," he said, hurrying to stand in front of the portrait hole. "I'll — I'll fight you!"

"Good Neville stand up for your beliefs"—Remus smiled

"It was just the wrong time"—Kingsley said

"Neville," she said, "I'm really, really sorry about this." (…)She raised her wand. (…) "Petrificus Totalus!" she cried, pointing it at Neville.

"Hermione!"—the twins yelled in surprise.

"You! How dare you"—Augusta yelled making Hermione lean towards Ron.

"Grans it's alright. They later explained it to me"—Neville said pulling her back to her chair.

"You're scary"—Ginny said to Hermione. Who smiled at her with the compliment.

Harry climbed over it and looked down through the trapdoor. There was no sign of the bottom.

He lowered himself through the hole until he was hanging on by his fingertips. Then he looked up at Ron and said, "If anything happens to me, don't follow. Go straight to the owlery and send Hedwig to Dumbledore, right?"

"Why not do that since the beginning?"—Percy said making them jump. They had forgotten he was there.

"It would've been useless."—Dumbledore said

"Things are going to get intense, remember we are right here"—Ron said looking at his mother.

FLUMP. With a funny, muffled sort of thump he landed on something soft

"Oh think Merlin"—Sirius whispered

"Dunno, some sort of plant thing.

McGonagall gasped remembering what plant Pomona had used.

She leapt up and struggled toward a damp wall. She had to struggle because the moment she had landed, the plant had started to twist snakelike tendrils around her ankles.

"How didn't any of you notice?"—Bill said shaking his head, Fleur hanging on to him. She was getting nervous for the three friends.

"No!"— Remus said realizing what plant it was.

"Devil Snare"—McGonagall whispered

"Yes — of course — but there's no wood!" Hermione cried, wringing her hands. (…) "HAVE YOU GONE MAD?" Ron bellowed. "ARE YOU A WITCH OR NOT?"

"No time to react like a muggle"—Moody said.

"I think it's a natural reaction, she's still getting used to magic. Her mind goes to what she's used to" –Kingsley said

"Yeah," said Ron, "and lucky Harry doesn't lose his head in a crisis — 'there's no wood,' honestly."

"Sorry Mione"

"No, it's true at least I've gotten better"

"They're not birds!" Harry said suddenly. "They're keys! Winged keys,(…) Ron went speeding in the direction that Harry was pointing, crashed into the ceiling, and nearly fell off his broom.

Mrs. Weasley closed her eyes.

"You're supposed to be in your dorms. Where are the teachers"—Mr. Weasley said angrily.

"We couldn't find the room"—McGonagall said and quickly explained when she saw everyone's faces.—"We were monitoring the corridor, I released Severus after curfew and I couldn't find it, the door was right in front of me and I couldn't see it"—She whispered angrily.

"You were confounded by Vo-Voldemort professor it's alright"—Ron told her.

"Voldemort is down there?"-Andromeda paled. No one answered her

Harry ran to the door, the key struggling in his hand. He rammed it into the lock and turned – it worked (…) They were standing on the edge of a huge chessboard

"What are these traps?"—Augusta asked

"We wanted to have enough to stop the intruders. The devil snare is quite powerful, the keys not everyone knows how to fly and inmobulus wouldn't help. Flitwick made sure and I wanted Logic as Minerva." –Snape said

"Not enough to kill but to contain"—Tonks said remembering Auror's training.

"White always plays first in chess," said Ron, peering across the board. "Yes… look…"

A white pawn had moved forward two squares.

"You have to move with the game"—Percy whispered. He looked at his little brother and narrowed his eyes. He had been in the hospital, did he lose?

The white queen smashed him to the floor and dragged him off the board, where he lay quite still, facedown

"This sounds dangerous"—Hagrid said worried for his little friends, if only he had kept his mouth shot.

"I made it to cause damage"—Minerva said looking at Ron who nodded in understanding. Everyone paled a little at her words.

Ron only just noticed in time that Harry and Hermione were in danger. He himself darted around the board, taking almost as many white pieces as they had lost black ones

"It sounds like you are a really good strategist"—Remus said impressively.

"He is"—Hermione said proudly making Rons' ears turn red.

"Yes…" said Ron softly, "It's the only way… I've got to be taken."

"What does that mean?"—Mrs. Weasley said

"He's going to sacrifice himself"—Augusta said looking at the boy with curiosity.

He stepped forward, and the white queen pounced. She struck Ron hard across the head with her stone arm, and he crashed to the floor — Hermione screamed but stayed on her square — the white queen dragged Ron to one side. He looked as if he'd been knocked out.

You could hear Mrs. Weasley's sobs.

"You left this out of the story when you told us Ronald"—Mr. Weasley said sternly.

The white king took off his crown and threw it at Harry's feet. They had won.

All the Weasleys looked at Ron with reverence; even Percy had let the mask of indifference fall.

"You could've died and yet you still did it"—Andromeda whispered realizing for the first time the kind of friends Harry had in those two children. She hadn't been the only one.

"It's not the first time he's done it"—Sirius said smiling at Ron.

"Ron what you did was very brave"— Bill said proud and a little shaking.

Ron said nothing and just nodded at the praise.

With one last desperate look back at Ron, Harry and Hermione charged through the door and up the next passageway. (…) "What if he's —?" (…) "He'll be all right," said Harry, trying to convince himself.

"It was terrifying."—Hermione said smiling to Ron.

"This is just horrible you were eleven and you just might as well see your friend get killed"—Amelia said disapprovingly. She didn't like how Hogwarts was being administrated.

"But I wasn't I just had a really bad concussion."

Everyone relaxed when they released they didn't have to fight the Troll.

"Of course how could've we been so blind"— Tonks said realizing who was with the stone, Sirius and Remus nodding with her.

"I trained you better Nymphadora"—Moody huffed.

"The question is if Voldemort is with him?"—Sirius asked looking at Harry who ignored him.

"Brilliant," said Hermione. "This isn't magic — it's logic — a puzzle. A lot of the greatest wizards haven't got an ounce of logic, they'd be stuck in here forever." (…) "But so will we, won't we?" (…) "Of course not," said Hermione.

"I like overconfident Hermione. It makes her reckless"—Ginny smiled

Snape leaned forward, of course, it had been Granger that one that solved his puzzle. Potter had no brain.

"Moony what the hell are you doing"—Sirius asked Remus who had his eyes closed and was murmuring. –"I'm trying to imagine the size of the bottles to solve it."—Sirius turned around to look at Harry with an expression that said.—can you believe this guy— Remus shrugged disappointed—"I need to see the actual bottles"

"Got it," she said. "The smallest bottle will get us through the black fire — toward the Stone."

"You're too smart Hermione, is unnerving"—Fred mocked her.

"You're just jealous"—Ron defended the brunette. Making the twins smirk.

"The bottle refills"—Snape said shaking his head.

Hermione and Harry looked at each other. –"Better we didn't know. Hermione didn't need to come with me"-

I might be able to hold Snape off for a while, but I'm no match for him, really."

"Potter you were eleven. You were no match for anyone."—Moody said

Harry looked slightly offended.—"Well I survived for a reason"

"But Harry — what if You-Know-Who's with him?" (…) "Well — I was lucky once, wasn't I?" said Harry, pointing at his scar. "I might get lucky again."

"Oh please tell me You-Know-Who isn't there?"—Mrs. Weasley said looking concerned

"I have to admit I'm lucky. I've faced him four times now and I'm still here"—Harry said taking a deep breath.

Sirius and Remus looked at each other with shame. They failed their friends in protecting their son.

Hermione's lip trembled, and she suddenly dashed at Harry and threw her arms around him. (…) "Hermione!"— (…) "Harry — you're a great wizard, you know."

"Dumbledore where are you?"—Augusta demanded

"I was close but not enough"

There was already someone there — but it wasn't Snape. It wasn't even Voldemort.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

The Man With Two Faces

It was Quirrell

"Quirrell?"—Molly said.

"You just have to pay attention to the details."—Luna said—"I realize when Professor Snape and he were fighting"

"I realize he was sketchy but he was being threatened by a death eater"—Augusta pointed at Snape, and Andy agreed with her.

"Yes, Severus does seem the type, doesn't he? So useful to have him swooping around like an overgrown bat.

Snape glared when Sirius and Tonks barked a laugh. The rest of his students and ex-students were trying to control their laughter.

"No, no, no. I tried to kill you. (…) I'd have managed it before then if Snape hadn't been muttering a countercurse, trying to save you."

Sirius realized he had to do the mature thing.—"Thank you Severus"—he managed to say. The other man didn't show any sign of surprise and nodded.

Quirrell snapped his fingers. Ropes sprang out of thin air and wrapped themselves tightly around Harry.

"No!"—They all said.

It was only then that Harry realized what was standing behind Quirrell. It was the Mirror of Erised.

It was at that moment that Remus's theory was confirmed; he looked at Dumbledore with narrow eyes. The old Headmaster sighed and nodded. Remus turned around to see Sirius staring at him and he realized when it clicked. Remus held on to his arm and shook his head. "Not yet"—He whispered

"He was on to me by that time, trying to find out how far I'd got. He suspected me all along. Tried to frighten me — as though he could, when I had Lord Voldemort on my side…"

"Why not fire him immediately"—Andromeda said

"Why not call the DMLE with suspicions."

"When?"—Sirius's angry voice resonated—"When did you realize it was him?"

"After he tried to Kill Harry"

Sirius just bob his head.

"Loathed each other is an understatement"—Sirius said- "Your father and Snape hated each other to the gut"

"But why"—Charlie asked looking at both men

"Jealousy"— Sirius said and Snape glared angrily at Padfoot.

"I met him when I traveled around the world. A foolish young man I was then, Lord Voldemort showed me how wrong I was. There is no good and evil, there is only power, and those too weak to seek it

Ginny yelled with exasperation scaring her brothers.—"Tom only cares about power yet he doesn't fully understand it"—

Dumbledore nodded.—"He was a talented boy but unfortunately, he got lost in the Dark arts, seeking a power that just doesn't exist"—He said sadly.

"What does this mirror do? How does it work? Help me, Master!"(…) "Use the boy… Use the boy…"

"He's there!"

"Harry get out of there"

The whole room was nervous; they kept looking between Harry and the book.

"You can't lie to the Dark Lord"

Harry breathed in the funny smell that seemed to come from Quirrell's turban.

"The trio shared a look of disgust.—"That was the smell, of rotten flesh"—Hermione said looking green.

Somehow — incredibly —he'd gotten the Stone.

Sirius shook his head. Dumbledore had used his godson as an experiment.

"How is that possible?"—Neville asked.

"You used the boy"—Moody said between amused and disapprovingly –"What do you call it Albus a training exercise?"

Dumbledore kept his face blinking.

"I see myself shaking hands with Dumbledore," he invented. "I — I've won the house cup for Gryffindor."

"Ok, yes that's believable"—Tonks nodded.

"Let me speak to him… face-to-face…" (…) he watched as Quirrell reached up and began to unwrap his turban. Then he turned slowly on the spot. Harry would have screamed, but he couldn't make a sound. Where there should have been a back to Quirrell's head, there was a face, the most terrible face Harry had ever seen. It was chalk white with glaring red eyes and slits for nostrils, like a snake. – "Harry Potter…" it whispered.

Harry turned around to look at every one. He was trying hard not to remember that day. Ginny looked pale and she was holding on to Charlie, Fleur was looking repulsed and Bill was soothing her. Mrs. Weasley looked Horrified and paled ready to run to his side.

"He was there all the time"—Sirius whispered.—"You were in danger the moment you walked into Hogwarts"—His face was in complete disbelief.

Harry grabbed his shoulder –"I'm right here"

Remus's face was in between his hands, elbows resting on his knees. Why had he stayed away for so long? All because of his own fear and grief? While Harry the little boy of one of his brothers had sat for a year with the men who wanted him dead, while this little boy whom he saw be born had been in danger where was he?

"Remus this already happened. You're here now"— Tonks whispered.

and once I have the Elixir of Life, I will be able to create a body of my own… Now… why don't you give me that Stone in your pocket?"

"He knows!"—Luna said alarmed.—"How?"

"The dark lord is a powerful Legilimens one look into your eyes is enough"

Those who didn't know looked frightened.

"Better save your own life and join me… or you'll meet the same end as your parents… They died begging me for mercy…"

"LIES!"—Remus and Sirius yelled.

Yes, boy, your parents were brave… I killed your father first; and he put up a courageous fight… but your mother needn't have died… she was trying to protect you…

Sirius closed his eyes; still, in his nightmares, he could see the dead faces of his friends.

Minerva dapped the corner of her eyes with a handkerchief they both had been so young, she thought.

Harry sprang toward the flame door, but Voldemort screamed "SEIZE HIM!" and the next second, Harry felt Quirrell's hand close on his wrist. At once, a needle-sharp pain seared across Harry's scar; his head felt as though it was about to split in two

"You can't fight incapacitated"—Kingsley said looking at his scar

"I've gotten used to the pain"

Bill frowns deep in thought. Why did his scar hurt? If it only had been touch magic it shouldn't hurt unless it had dark magic lashed into it … he looked at Sirius and Remus's concerned looks, he would have to give it a better thought before saying something.

"Why can't he touch you?"—Molly asked him

"He can know"

The pain in Harry's head was building — he couldn't see — he could only hear Quirrell's terrible shrieks and Voldemort's yells of, "KILL HIM! KILL HIM!" and other voices, maybe in Harry's own head, crying, "Harry! Harry!" He felt Quirrell's arm wrenched from his grasp, knew all was lost, and fell into blackness, down… down… down…

"What happened?"—Fleur said cleaning her tears.

"I arrived."—Dumbledore spoke—"I remember walking into Hogwarts to two frantic children. I made my way as quickly as possible."

Dumbledore, beaming. "What happened down in the dungeons between you and Professor Quirrell is a complete secret, so, naturally, the whole school knows. I believe your friends Misters Fred and George Weasley were responsible for trying to send you a toilet seat.

"The school only knew Rumors. No one knew about Voldemort"—George said shaking his head.

"Boys, a toilet seat really?"—Charlie said amused

Percy had stayed quiet through the whole thing. Voldemort had been in school? It was a little farfetched. Why hadn't Ron said anything, Percy turned to his parents and realized they knew. They hadn't reacted much, had they known about the men with the two heads, or just that Voldemort had been involved. How much of this was actually true?

"What were the rumors?"- Amelia asked writing down in her parchments

"That Quirrell had gone mad and dragged three first years down some trap door to hurt them. Some said he was going to exchange them with the vampire that was chasing him as payment but Dumbledore had stopped him. Others said that he tried to Kidnap Harry to deliver him to fugitive Death eaters. –Fred said—"Imagine if they had really known the truth."

"Why didn't you report it?"—Amelia demanded.

"I did I commented it to Cornelius and he denied it. I told him Quirrell had been working with Voldemort and he decided to ignore it."

"No surprise there"—Moody said turning to look at Percy—"Anything to say, boy?"

Percy glared at the Auror but stayed quiet.

"To one as young as you, I'm sure it seems incredible, but to Nicolas and Perenelle, it really is like going to bed after a very, very long day. After all, to the well-organized mind, death is but the next great adventure.

"Only you could say something so philosophical in such a moment."—Minerva said

"Is there more, after death?"—Arthur asked everyone.

"Peace I suppose"—Luna said kindly, everyone smiled sadly remembering their dead. Perhaps they were happy.

"Call him Voldemort, Harry. Always use the proper name for things. Fear of a name increases fear of the thing itself."

"Hey Hermione Professor Dumbledore copy you"—Ginny laughed, making Hermione blush. –"I heard it from him"—She mumbled.

"No, Harry, he has not. He is still out there somewhere, perhaps looking for another body to share… not being truly alive, he cannot be killed. He left Quirrell to die; he shows just as little mercy to his followers as his enemies.

"He treats them like scum, why follow a man that would torture you just for his amusement"- Andromeda said disgustedly remembering the long party her parents used to host for their precious Dark Lord.

"Well… Voldemort said that he only killed my mother because she tried to stop him from killing me. But why would he want to kill me in the first place?" Dumbledore sighed very deeply this time. "Alas, the first thing you ask me, I cannot tell you. Not today. Not now. You will know, one day… put it from your mind for now, Harry. When you are older

Dumbledore winced when he heard Harrys' voice. –"I'm older?"-

Dumbledore looked at Remus and Sirius who nodded. It was time, Harry was to be told about the prophecy whether he wanted it or not. –"You are. I will let Remus and Sirius tell you at their convenience"—Albus sighed and heard the members of the Order gasp

Harry was surprised at how easily the headmaster was agreeing. Harry nodded and looked at his godfather who mouthed later.

"You cannot do that he is just a child"—Molly shrieked

"Molly shut up!"—Sirius said.

Molly huffed—"How dare you. You don't know what you're doing…"

"Molly please it has already been decided"—Remus said

The older Weasley children looked alarmed and Mr. Weasley started shaking his head.—"Sirius please watch your tone with my wife. Molly sit down we don't even know what they are going to tell him."

"Is no one going to say anything? We are trying to protect them from this war."

"Molly the war won't stop just because they are kids." – Moody told her

"Your mother died to save you. If there is one thing Voldemort cannot understand, it is love. He didn't realize that love as powerful as your mother's for you leaves its own mark. (…)It was agony to touch a person marked by something so good."

Harry smiled sadly, he would've loved to meet the ones who cared so much for him.

"Lily started loving you the moment she found out about you. When she found out she was pregnant she floo all of us immediately, she glowed through her whole pregnancy"—Sirius smiled with tearful eyes.

"The day you were born her excitement was so much that we cried alongside her. They were really happy about you Harry, they wanted you never doubt that"—Remus smiled.

Harry found himself once again crying and with that painful burn in his chest. How he wished they could be here.

"Well, they did rather detest each other. Not unlike yourself and Mr. Malfoy. And then, your father did something Snape could never forgive." (…) "What?" (…) "He saved his life."

Snape knew why Dumbledore had told that lie to Potter. But James Potter didn't save his life. –"You know very well Albus he didn't save me because he wanted to, he saved his murderer friend." –Snape spat at Sirius.

Everyone was wide-eyed and very slowly the Aurors took out their wands. If Snape's tone indicated something, soon there would be curses flying around.

"Merlin Snape it's been almost twenty years can't you get over it? I apologized"

"Apologize! You sent me to my death"

"So did you, two years ago. You were practically salivating to deliver me to the Dementors"—Sirius yelled back. Snape went for his wand at the same time as Sirius.

Everyone moved quickly after that. Amelia stood up, and Charlie and Bill pulled Ginny and Fleur back. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley and the twins prepared themselves. The Tonks and Augusta got in front of Neville and Luna. Ron pulled Hermione to the side. Percy stood next to Moody. McGonagall was yelling at them to stop. The Aurors put Protegos in front of everyone. Hagrid had started yelling at Sirius to lower his wand, Remus and Dumbledore were the only ones who didn't move. Until Harry stood up and took a stand next to Sirius's wand pointing at Snape.

Remus immediately stood up—"Sit down Harry. Everyone calm down. Sirius, Severus there's too many people in between"

"Just like in school, Potter next to Little Black"—Snape sneered

"Harry sit"—Sirius said

"No."

"Are you going to attack me Potter"—Snape glared

"Stop taunting him, Severus. Let's all come down. Harry lower your wand" –Dumbledore ordered sternly.

"Let him headmaster he feels brave next to his godfather"

Harry rolled his eyes. –"You're at a disadvantage professor."

"Harry this isn't about you sit down"—Sirius growled his eyes not leaving Snape

Harry ignored him—"If I curse first then so will Ron and then Hermione after that the whole D.A. will follow. That's eight against one I doubt the headmaster can stop us eight and Sirius, Remus, and…Tonks. So why don't we all lower our wands and we finish the book."

Remus looked around and realized Harry was right all the teenager had their wand pointing at Severus. He of course would help Sirius and Tonks was staring at him –"Kids stop. Severus enough you could've let the whole thing go by not saying anything, you got your reaction now let's finish the book"

"This is unbelievable, you are behaving like brutes. Someone is going to get hurt for something that happened 20 years ago in an incident where there was more than one culprit."—McGonagall yelled

Slowly Sirius lowered his wand, Harry did as him and so did the D.A., Snape glared at both of them and lowered his wand before taking a seat. Dumbledore made for everyone to sit down—"Let's finish the book"

The whole school's talking about it," said Ron. "What really happened?"

It was one of those rare occasions when the true story is even more strange and exciting than the wild rumors. Harry told them everything

"I just can't believe he was there the whole time"—Ted said

"That is one thing I still can't forgive myself. Never realizing he was in the school"—Dumbledore said

"So you didn't know Voldemort was there?"—Augusta asked

"No, I believed he was receiving help from the inside but that he was possessing one of my teachers. No"

Dumbledore when we met him in the entrance hall — he already knew — he just said, 'Harry's gone after him, hasn't he?' and hurtled off to the third floor. (…) "No, it isn't," said Harry thoughtfully. " (…) I think he knows more or less everything that goes on here (…) It's almost like he thought I had the right to face Voldemort if I could…"

"You used him as bait, that's what you did"—Sirius accused the Headmaster.—"You were preparing him since day one to face Voldemort"

"He's a boy Albus he was a child"—Molly said shocked

"It is bound to happen"—Albus said slowly.—"Harry has the right to be prepared"

"He doesn't have to do it Alone"—Remus said

"He wasn't alone, we were with him"—Ron said offended

"I don't mean it like that. He will have you but I presume the headmaster has other plans in mind"—Remus finished and the trio stared at Dumbledore.

Harry knew what the headmaster had done. He had done the same in the chamber though he presumed that Dumbledore in the end hadn't realized how dangerous it was going to be, but what could Remus mean? What did he see between the lines that he couldn't?

"Yeh could've died!" sobbed Hagrid. "An' don' say the name!" (…) "VOLDEMORT!" Harry bellowed,

They jumped at the name.

"It was my fault. I'm sorry Harry"—Hagrid sniffed

"Once again Hagrid nothing happened. I'm right here"

It was full of wizard photographs. Smiling and waving at him from every page were his mother and father.(…) "Sent owls off ter all yer parents' old school friends, askin' fer photos… knew yeh didn' have any… d'yeh like it?"

"I have more"—Remus smiled remembering that owl. He had been really surprised when he read it and immediately sent Hagrid the few pictures he had at his reach.

"Why didn't you contact me back then?"—Harry asked not being able to help himself

"I wasn't in England I was working in Germany but I can explain later"—

"Slytherin had already won the cup. You should have left it with them"—Tonks said.

"Hey!"—The twins glared at the Hufflepuff

"No Tonks is right, that was a little mean making them believe they had won and taken it away."—Luna said

This didn't worry Harry. It seemed as though life would be back to normal next year, or as normal as it ever was at Hogwarts.

Harry laughed.—"My calmest year was third year and I had a mass murderer after me and the Dementors seemed to like me a little too much."

Sirius shuddered remembering that night. They had been very close to dying.

"Not where I'm going, I promise you," said Harry.

Everyone groaned. –"Right you have to go back"

"Harry Potter!" she squealed. "Look, Mom! I can see —"

The D.A. members laughed while Ginny blushed scarlet red.

"Leave her alone"—Hermione chuckled.

"You must be Harry's family!" said Mrs. Weasley. (…) "In a manner of speaking," said Uncle Vernon. "Hurry up, boy, we haven't got all day." He walked away.

"Oh Harry I should've known then"—Mrs. Weasley sobbed.

"No one needs to blame themselves for the Dursleys' behavior"—Harry said lips in a thin line.

"That is the end of the book"—Dumbledore said.

"Potters life sounds fascinating—Moody said voice full of sarcasm—"but apart from Amelia here finding out how active Voldemort has been the past five years, what else did we learn?"

"I learned a lot Mad-eye thank you very much. I have missed a lot of my godson's life and this is helping me understand him more."—Sirius said clapping a hand on Harrys' shoulder.

Remus agreed with Sirius. He had only heard moments of Harry's life and this book had made him see the boy in another light.

"I believe that's the point"—Bill said—"You have to understand the past to understand the future"

Dumbledore smiled—"Harrys' decisions in the future will be marked by the events of the past. Like Miss Granger and Miss Lovegood said we have to pay attention to the details."

"I think it's time we retire. It's late and we should start with the second book early tomorrow. Kreacher has arranged your room. Some of you will have to share. Kreacher wanted me to remind you that breakfast will be served at eight". –Sirius said standing up.

And with that, everyone started standing up and leaving. Dumbledore dragged Snape and Sirius out of the room, followed by Remus and Moody. The Weasleys were called by Bill to follow him, and Ron and Percy had to be dragged out of the room.

Harry said goodnight to everyone and went upstairs to his shared room with Ron, there was a third bed, and assumed Neville would share with them. He did his night routine and was fast asleep the moment he touched the pillow.