Chapter 29 Susan learns the truth, the second term starts, Hermione is hurt and the training begins

1st January 1994, Bones Manor, Southern England

Amelia was sitting in the kitchen just having down a hangover potion that Kimmy provided. She didn't want to drink too much last night but she drank to calm her nerves as she was in Malfoy manor. She never trusted the Malfoy's and knew he lied to be under the Imperious curse when he did illegal things as Death Eater like a couple of others but alas she wasn't the director of the DMLE at that time and Malfoy is protected by Fudge and Malfoy could be extended to his allies in the wizengamot.

Normally more than one wizengamot member throws a New Year's Eve ball in their house unless the ministry throws the party but that hasn't happened since 1990 when Fudge became the minister. It seems with Sirius Black on the loose scared other houses to throw a party and only Malfoy wasn't afraid. Amelia was ordered to have every available Auror on duty that wasn't near Hogwarts or on the search for Sirius Black to be here for protection by Fudge. She offered a limited number of Aurors and fortunately, Malfoy said that was enough as the wards around his house were strong enough to defend them with a limited amount of Aurors.

She was not only drinking to calm her nerves but also because the Malfoy throw the party to gain favours to have other houses support legalization at least that is what Amelia suspected. She hated the politics of such parties, but she adapted after her brother and sister-in-law were killed (Susan's parents). Malfoy has thrown parties before to invite houses to get to talk about legislation and get their support, but because this was a New Year's Eve party almost every house was available. Some houses were on vacation and weren't back yet. Those were mostly houses with roots in another country like Lord Li and his family weren't at the party. The Patils also have roots in another country but they were present at the party but looked a bit tired but still looked good. Also, wizengamot members without children going to Hogwarts were on vacation as most children below the age of Hogwarts were homeschooled to prevent the discovery of magic and because most houses didn't want their child or children to become friends of muggles.

Amelia needed to attend as she was Regent Bones, wizengamot member, and director of the DMLE. With all the importance she has in the ministry and wizengamot she needed to attend with Heiress Bones, Susan. It seems Susan was having a good time with her best friends Hannah and Sally-Anne, both Hufflepuffs like Susan. Amelia thinks back and sees Hannah looking at Neville while blushing a bit. Amelia thinks that Hannah's look would turn predatory in a couple of years while looking at Neville. Amelia told Sarah (Abbot) that when she was sure nobody tried to eavesdrop Sarah nodded and smiled. It seems that Susan and Sally-Anne were teasing Hannah until Hannah said something back that made Susan blush. Sally-Anne turned away and Amelia couldn't read her body language from that distance especially as she only got a glimpse before her sight was blocked by Lady Malfoy that invited her to sit with other ladies including Sarah and even Madam Longbottom. Amelia must admit that she could tolerate most of the Ladies and even liked a few witches. Narcissa is one of them as long as Narcissa was away from Lucius or other dark families. She managed to see that Lucius Malfoy walked away for a very white face Jacob. Lucius walked away as if he owned the world.

Amelia had left at 01:00 am with Susan when the party was starting to die down. She made two extra stops to make sure nobody followed her and Susan even though she and Susan had a four Auror escort.

Amelia hears footsteps coming down the stairs and knew it could only be one person, the light of her life, the only reason she still tried to better the world and the only family member she has left, her niece but almost her own daughter as she had raised her as her parents were murdered a few weeks before Voldemort disappeared, Susan Amelia Bones. Amelia remembered the day she was born and Edgar her brother said that she was named after her instead of her mother which would normally be the second name of a daughter, but Susan's mother agreed to let Susan have Amelia's name.

When Susan walks into the kitchen she said "good morning Aunt Amelia."

Amelia looks at Susan and sees that Susan looks rested. Amelia smiled and said, "afternoon you mean."

Susan smiled sheepishly and said, "oh yes you are right but my bed was just too comfy after the late night after the party at Malfoy Manor."

When Susan said Malfoy Manor she had a look like she had just had eaten something very sour and bitter. Amelia was happy Susan didn't like the Malfoys. Malfoy remembered Amelia that she needed to tell Susan something. She didn't want to do it before the party as it was sensitive information and if it troubled her surely Hannah or Sally-Anne would have seen it and maybe other class, year or housemates that were present as children from wizengamot members.

Amelia still saw a smile on Susan's face after Susan's sour and bitter face was gone.

Amelia said, "Susie I need to tell you something important and you must promise to wait until I am finished."

Susan said, "okay Auntie."

Amelia smiled and said "I am not sure how I must say this, but here goes Susan you have an unbreakable marriage contract. I learned about it a few weeks after your parents were murdered. I looked through it multiple times and even paid good money to let a law wizard look through it and later paid a goblin to look at it. Both said it was unbreakable. Fortunately, did your parents put a line continuation clause in it so you can continue the Bones line, but that means of course that you will not be the only wife as he also needs to continue his line."

Susan had tears in her eyes and when she sees Amelia didn't say anything Susan almost screamed "how could my parents do this. Didn't they love me?"

Amelia immediately interrupted and said "Susan that is nonsense they loved you more than life itself. Don't disrespect your parents, by thinking they didn't love you."

Susan said "then why did they put me in a marriage contract, most of those in a contract don't love each other and most only have one (male) child and after that try to live together but most of the time despise each other and certainly don't have a second child or more. I want a large family, not Weasley big but if it happens that I have seven children I wouldn't mind, but if the wizard doesn't like me I must be happy if I can even have one child. I remember reading about some marriage contracted couples couldn't stand each other enough to even have one child."

Amelia decided to put Susan out of her misery as she sees Susan was sobbing was almost turned into crying. Amelia knew Susan wanted a large family she wanted to although the Weasley family big is a bit too far, after the love of her life was imprisoned she never found love again maybe because until shortly he was alive and in prison sometimes she thought if he died she could try to find love again, but also thought how happy her life could have been if he wasn't imprisoned. She knew that if he wasn't imprisoned she would have never reached to be head of the DMLE this soon.

She was happy with her career but when she looks at Susan she knew she would have happily kept her career on hold if she would have become pregnant even if it then would take many more years before she would have become a director and certainly not at the age she is now. When her love became imprisoned Susan made her work harder which eventually make her director of the DMLE of her hard work and didn't become pregnant in earlier years like most have (between graduation and age 30 some even stopped after their OWL's like Narcissa did even though she didn't want to but her husband and house want to. It did take almost 10 years before she was pregnant though).

Amelia said "well there is one way to break the contract. If we or you could offer something else and a fine that would be quite substantial even though we could pay it. The only way is if you can honestly say with a vow and/ or with the use of Veritaserum that you will never love him and could be in love with him."

Susan snapped "of course, I can't."

Amelia said "now Susan don't say that before I tell you who it is. Before I tell you, I will tell you your parents and the wizard parents drew up a marriage contract to protect our line and his line and you played together in your youth. He is about the same age and you looked so cute together and even though he was younger he almost managed to lift up your mood and feelings and even tried to protect you from sadness and hurt emotionally but also physically."

Susan said "we were babies that don't mean anything. I would never love him."

Susan thought 'there is only one wizard I could love at this moment. No one else comes close enough, the closest is nice and I like him, but never like the only one I could love. The chance is impossible it is Harry Potter. If it is Neville as a second I would still be happy but Hannah loves Neville so I would never want to keep her from happiness.'

Amelia called Susan a few times but Susan didn't respond. Amelia shouted one last time before she would cast a stinging hex "SUSAN."

Susan heard her this time and said: "yes Aunt Amelia I was lost in thoughts."

Amelia said, "Susan are you ready to learn the name of your betrothed?"

Susan was a nice and kind girl but Amelia saw the look in her eyes that could kill you almost like a basilisk Amelia mused. Susan could be a real problem with that look she never had before but her betrothed has fought and won from a real basilisk so he could defeat her niece too. She looks at her eyes and thought does I have that look when I am mad or am focussed when I fought in my earlier year when I was an Auror and now director of the DMLE.

Susan took a deep breath and said: "could you please tell me so I can start disliking him earlier."

'So I can start to hate him even earlier and never have to marry him' Susan thought.

Amelia said, "of course Susan sorry was also lost in thoughts for a moment. You betrothed is none other than …".

When Amelia didn't say anything Susan started to shift and said: "please Auntie."

Amelia decided to ask Susan a question first. Amelia asked "Susan first something else. Is there a wizard you like?"

Susan blushed when she thought about Harry, but said: "no Auntie why would I?"

Amelia said "I know you lie. You are my niece I know when you lie, not to mention you blush, you can't look in my eyes and your body language show that you lie. Can you tell me, Susan?"

Susan said "no."

Amelia said "please Susie. I will not tell anyone not even when you see him and I am present what I will be. Also, I will not embarrass you …. too much with him present, nor will I embarrass you too much when your friends are here."

Susan said, "do I have to Auntie?"

Amelia nodded and said "yes Susan and because I have no children I need to fulfil my parenting job of embarrassing my children that will fall to you as you are like my daughter especially as you look like thanks to your father's hair colour and some facial features, but you have the same eyes colour as your more including some facial features like your face is the perfect mix of your father and mother. You look like your mother if you look at your body"

Susan must admit as she was almost certain she would have bigger breasts and wider hips (for childbearing) when she was reaching her adult age. She was already not far behind her Aunt's breast size while she was barely 14 years old, sometimes it already looked like Susan matches her aunt's breast size who has by no means small breasts. She was insecure about her body especially about her biggest breast in her year and it may look weird on a young girl like her. She hoped her big breasts and slightly larger hips would not scare the boys …. well, one boy in particular or that the boy in question would look at her with lust at least not yet or make fun of how she looked.

Susan sighed and said "okay Auntie if I have to. I really like… Harry Potter but I don't have a chance. Some so many girls like him even though most like him because of the-boy-who-lived but the girls that like him. Those that really like Harry have a different look like Hermione or since the start of this year Ginny Weasley while last year she had the look in her eyes of I love the-boy-who-lived not I love Harry Potter that she does now. His family is not known for marriage contracts even though most of the marriage contracts in the Potter family have always ended up with the participants that really love each other.

"There is no chance he has a marriage contract, I won't even mind if I am not the only one even if he married everyone from our year, one year above and one year below or even some that have already graduated or will graduate this year. I see some older girls last year and this year that like Harry although I am not sure if it was Harry or the-boy-who-lived. If I am one from a harem for Harry I don't mind, I just know he will love everyone equally or die trying."

Amelia smiled almost wanting to shout out I knew it or I was right. Susan had a small smile before looking at the ground and Amelia saw her body language change to a body language that meant she was very sad. Amelia couldn't wait anymore as it looked like Susan's sadness hurt Susan very much.

Amelia said, "are you sure you are not aginst not being the only and being one of a couple of wives?"

Amelia knew of Potter and Peverell and she needs to look for a law she heard her brother talking about when Susan was born about a male heir and that she would probably be one of a few wives and that was before thinking about Harry as he wasn't born yet.

Susan said "if it is Harry I am not against it. I will not be happy but it can easily accept it as it is Harry, but as I said that will never happen."

Amelia couldn't hold it in anymore and said "I wouldn't be so certain of that. Your betrothed is none other than ….. Harry Potter."

Susan looked up angry and said, "that is not funny Auntie."

Amelia said, "Susan I am not lying."

Susan looked at her aunt and thought she saw honesty and said "really?"

Amelia said in a soothing voice "I am telling the truth, Susie. If you want I can get the contract I have a copy in my office upstairs."

Susan said, "but why didn't Harry say anything about it?"

Amelia said, "maybe he doesn't know or he wants you to make up your own mind or…."

Susan interrupts Amelia "he doesn't like me enough to be one of his wives or he doesn't like me at all."

Susan started sobbing and Amelia immediately went to Susan to hug her and try to calm her down. Amelia said "I am sure he doesn't know. Dumbledore is his magical guardian and said Harry didn't want to carry his heir ring already so Dumbledore probably didn't tell him about the marriage contract and first want to tell him about his house and don't want to tell him about a marriage contract as his young age especially because boys are not really mature at his age, aren't they."

That made Susan giggle and said "yes boys are so immature right now. Are you sure it is just because he doesn't know?"

Amelia decided for honesty and said "no I am not sure but from what I saw in Harry Potter there is no way he wouldn't like you as I saw you talking in the summer especially when he let you stay for the talk about last year with the basilisk and all. If he does know he probably wants you to make your own decision and not force you into a relationship this soon or demand he starts courting you. Not many families use courting anymore especially when the marriage contract is already signed, but he probably will if you want to. Although in courting not even a kiss is allowed as you are already passed that you can kiss him if you want but I don't want to hear you and him getting caught in a broom closet too soon, you hear me?"

Amelia ended with a wink while she looked at Susan.

Susan shouted "AUNTIE!"

Amelia said "just kidding …. well, not about the part of getting caught or being in a broom closet don't you dare anytime soon. And don't kiss him out of the blue. You can, of course, talk to him about the marriage contract but I don't know if that is a wise decision with the dementors at the border especially if he is happy and with Sirius Black most probably after him. Harry needs to be on his guard and I don't want you hurt even though I have the feeling he will do anything to protect you, he will stand no chance to Sirius Black."

"We will capture Sirius Black or make sure he flee Britain but until this matter is resolved please wait to tell Harry especially as the dementors have a bad effect on Harry as I heard about the train and what you tell me what I didn't hear from my Aurors that are stationed there that weekend of Harry being attacked by dementors during a Quidditch match even destroying his broom a Nimbus 2000."

Amelia was keeping Susan in her arms when after a minute she said "Susan ask if Harry already has a new broom at least a good at the Nimbus 2000 so that would be a Nimbus 2000, Nimbus 2001 or that new one, the Firebolt which I highly doubt as some professional team don't even have them yet… maybe a Cleansweep 7 then. A Cleansweep 7 isn't as good as a nimbus 2000 but as it is the best from the Cleansweep manufacturer is the Cleansweep 7 it would be considered good enough."

"If Harry does not I think I can make a case to give Harry a new broom and I will try to make it a Nimbus 2000 or Nimbus 2001. A Firebolt is too much and many will never agree also I find it quite expensive even for the ministry but a Nimbus 2000 or Nimbus 2001 should be the least the ministry could do. Although a Cleansweep 7 will do also that will of course not be my aim."

Susan said, "I will ask after I get back, but it may take a few days before I will or can ask."

Amelia asked "of course, that is understandable Susan. When is the next Gryffindor Quidditch match?"

Susan thought for a minute when she said: "it is the second weekend of February as the Slytherin Ravenclaw match is at the last weekend of January."

Amelia nodded and was already thinking to present it at the first wizengamot meeting that is on the 8th of January. Amelia said "Susan I don't want you to tell just anybody about the marriage contract or the broom. You can tell your best friends but be careful that nobody else hears you especially not one of the gossipers and not male heirs from other houses."

Susan nodded and said "okay Auntie. I will go back upstairs to make sure everything is packed and check my completed homework."

Amelia nodded and said, "okay Susie."

When Susan went upstairs Amelia asked Kimmy to get a document from her office. When Kimmy has brought the document she looked in it and saw the last evaluation of Arthur, Perkins and the Aurors Arthur and Perkins choice by three of her senior Aurors and two trainees, one second year for Perkins and the Auror choices and a third-year who was bested barely by Arthur less than two weeks ago during a training session.

She hoped to start in February and give the all-clear for Arthur's new department to start operating, she did wonder how long Arthur's department will have to work for muggleborns and muggle families from the muggleborns as she knew that most if not all dark families were against helping muggles and muggleborn by one of the departments even if it was a sub-department it doesn't matter is the suspect is magical or muggle. She gives it 6 months as she knew certainly Lucius Malfoy who hated Arthur and the Weasleys with a passion would soon start to make trouble maybe that was why he hosted the New Year's Eve party. Lucius probably couldn't take it that the Weasley's are in a higher position than him as ancient is higher than noble.

Most noble is kind of compared to ancient maybe a bit higher but not by much, but House Malfoy is noble even though they are wealthy enough to be seen as most noble but haven't gotten that title because Lucius was 'punished' by not getting the title for being easily "imperuised" by the Death Eaters during the rise and later the war against Voldemort.

After almost 2 hours she was done with the parchment and was happy with Arthur's progress on duelling skills which Arthur was excelling in and Perkins as the deputy was excelling in planning and schedules even though Arthur also understand it but was having a little difficulty with it but with Perkins, it would be no problem if Arthur found it difficult.

She looks up at the table and sees that again she didn't notice Kimmy or Kenny had made lunch for her as Susan probably had it in her room. Normally Amelia didn't like or allow it and would normally call her down but she understands as she was probably thinking about her betrothed. Amelia thought about how she was when Sirius was courting her or at least it seemed like that and the first kiss between them. It took 10 minutes before she sees her lunch again and immediately starts eating before she would get lost in the past too much.

2nd January 1994, Gryffindor Common Room, Gryffindor tower, Hogwarts

Harry was sitting in the chair looking at the fireplace with Ron reading through a Chudley Cannons book. Hermione was probably still in the library. He was thinking about what to do when the portrait opened and Professor McGonagall walks in.

When Harry sees Professor McGonagall he looks happy. Professor McGonagall asks for a moment of Harry's time to talk privately. Harry nodded and Professor McGonagall leads the way to her office two floors down but not very far from Gryffindor Tower.

Professor McGonagall walks into her office and Harry followed. He looks for his broom but doesn't see it. When Harry looks confused when he takes a seat Professor McGonagall who has taken a seat in her chair behind the desk said: "This is not about your broom Mr. Potter."

Harry looks disappointed but was also on his guard to the hardness of Professor McGonagall's voice. Professor McGonagall said "I am happy to let you know that just like Mr. Longbottom you passed the test for ancient runes and arithmancy. Arithmancy is a solid EE while your ancient runes grade is just as high as Miss Granger. Mr. Longbottom had a high A/small EE for arithmancy and a solid/ high EE for ancient runes. I take it you will continue with the electives besides the care of magical creatures and the core classes."

Harry completely forgets he could have changed classes, but he was actually quite enthusiastic about the classes and because his aunt and uncle didn't like magic and don't recognize Hogwarts especially as they do not pay for it, his grades couldn't be cared less by them. He just couldn't help himself by ancient runes he just knew them all while he didn't really prepare for it. He would swear he feels the belt lashing again he thinks if I just do not try my best but just enough to pass it will be fine hopefully.

Harry said "I was lucky, I am sure. I will continue the classes, but I think my grades were just a fluke. I don't expect them to be that high next time."

Professor McGonagall raises her eyebrow at that as Professor Babbling said that Harry was a prodigy for ancient runes even if he downplayed his grades and achievement she could just see it. Professor Vector felt that Harry and in a lesser way Neville somehow didn't reach their full potential. Both Professor Babbling and Professor Vector were happy with her cubs (Hermione, Harry, Neville, Fay, and Parvati by only Professor Vector).

Harry bid his farewell. Before Professor McGonagall could protest Harry was already out of the office. She wanted to scowl him like a grandmother for shutting out Hermione.

3rd January 1994, Great Hall, Hogwarts

Professor McGonagall still wanted to scow Harry for shutting out Hermione, but she couldn't anymore. Albus didn't want Minerva to do it. Albus's reasons were that Harry needed to figure this out on his own, but also that it would let Harry be ready to face the consequences of his actions. Albus was happy, he tried to get rid of Hermione from Harry's side for the last two years even though he didn't guide the Basilisk to Hermione he was happy to hear she was attacked unfortunately was Penelope Clearwater that have a relationship with Percy Weasley.

Dumbledore likes tradition but he knew that muggleborns were necessary for the continuation of the wizarding population. He was unhappy to see Hermione petrified and not dead. Hermione had a mirror so she probably knew about the Basilisk fortunately she was petrified before she could tell Harry. The Troll didn't work the Basilisk didn't do his job, he was happy with the recent development. He was already thinking of a backup plan may Harry to patch things up with Hermione, he hoped he could push Ron in the right direction (without Ron knowing as he did before) to keep Harry from closing the rift that has appeared between Hermione and Harry. Maybe 'persuading' Hermione to her 'true love' is Ron could help the rift never be able to close completely.

Maybe he needs to bring Ron in and start letting Ron plan his plans with help from him. Ron could probably be persuaded with candy, money or passing grades for doing almost nothing as Ron didn't like schoolwork, it will also help to prevent Harry from learning too much certainly as arithmancy and ancient runes weren't what he had planned for Harry, but Minerva made sure that Harry was allowed to choose it and when he did she would allow it not matter what he said. He couldn't afford Minerva to become suspicious of him or distrust him so he didn't block it or let Minerva forget it as Harry and Hermione already knew.

Everybody was back from holiday. It was dinner time and Harry had eaten one full plate and then filled his plate for a second time when she sees Hermione sad sitting with Ginny and Hermione's dorm mates it hurt Harry seeing her like that, but why did she need to go behind his back. If she just asked him and explained why he would have considered it and to make her happy let Professor McGonagall examine the Firebolt.

The last few days were very awkward as Hermione was never in the Common Room she only was in the Common Room to get to her dorm, the rest of the day she was in the library as Harry looked at the map while Ron was stuffing his face during a late lunch while Hermione left almost 10 minutes before.

He hears a hoot he will always remember and will always recognize and sees Hedwig flying to him with a letter. Hedwig lands in front of him on the table and lets the letter she had in her beak fall in his hand when Harry offered her some bacon strips. He opened the letter and read:

Harry,

Like I promised I will help you with the protection against the dementors. It will not be easy and will be very difficult. If you still want to let me know no later than after the next class we have and we can start on the 6th of January after dinner. 8 PM come to the defence against the dark arts classroom.

I eagerly waiting for your answer,
Professor Remus Lupin

Harry looks at Professor Lupin as he just nodded he couldn't wait to let him know his request did not change, he just needed to ensure Oliver knew it was important and he couldn't train that evening. Oliver was still relentless about training 5 times a week, Harry was happy that it improved his condition which makes the need to run every morning a little less needed as Oliver starts with at least 3 laps of the Quidditch pitch every training and even hinted that before the nest match he wanted us to be able to do more laps.

5th January 1994, Study of Ancient runes classroom, sixth floor, Hogwarts

Harry with Neville walks into the classroom for the Study of Ancient Runes. When he sat down Neville sat down next to him. Hermione comes in and when she sees Harry almost wants to run over to him again, ask him to forgive her and promise him that she will never do anything like this again. Every time she saw him she got the urge to hug him and sometimes even kiss him, but as soon as she sees his eyes she got sad as he was still mad. She wants Harry to forgive her but even the thought of his eyes her knees get a little weak, but nowhere near enough to collapse what she had when he looked at her with care, happiness and dare she thinks of it love even if she thinks it is in a brother-sister way.

Professor Babbling walks in and said "I am happy to say that everyone passed the Yule exams and I am glad everyone decided to continue. Until Easter, we will work in groups of three."

Hermione immediately thinks to work together with Harry and Neville or Fay. Professor Babbling gave the class a few minutes to make the groups. Hermione turned immediately to Harry but she is afraid to approach Harry. After almost a minute she gathers her courage to completely lost as Harry asked Fay to partner up with him and Neville.

Hermione almost collapses and takes a seat. Susan came next to her and Daphne on the other side. Susan said "Hermione do you want to pair up with us? Me and Daphne?"

Hermione just shrugged her shoulders and tried to prevent her tears from falling as she probably lost her first real friend, the first one that didn't care she liked books or knew many things. She remembered Harry telling her when she was petrified he missed her and could really use her help, but also that he missed his best friend that knows many things and that he liked that she knows so much.

Professor Babbling said "great I see that the groups are formed. Every group gets a different subject and object as every group needs to use runes to let the object to all the things stated in the parchment. Every object needs to do different things than the object from other groups. When you are done with the object you would get another, by Easter you need to have successfully modified three 'small' objects with runes and made a paper of at least one foot per object with your group due for the last lesson before Easter as after Easter we will do something else with different groups.

She gave every group a different subject and the first object and let them start as she went to the front of the class. She went to sit at her desk and watch the groups work. She first wanted to do groups of four but that leaves one group of four, but she would tell them that until one group of four was left from one Slytherin, one Hufflepuff, and two Ravenclaws.

All the groups started to work but Hermione, Susan, and Daphne were the furthest away from Professor Babbling Susan noticed her body language as did Daphne and knew she was very sad and probably at the point of crying. Professor Babbling didn't notice that Susan and Daphne were trying for Hermione to open up about what happened. They had a double period and eventual at the end of the first period Hermione managed to stop shedding tears and told quietly so no one could hear her what has happened. Susan and Daphne both said she understands her. Susan said that it maybe was not the right decision to go behind Harry's back but was certainly the broom needed to be examined, Susan tried to bring it nicely that she was wrong going behind Harry's back and it obviously worked as she gave Susan and watery smile.

Daphne, on the other hand, didn't bother to bring it nicely as she said that Hermione was wrong about going behind Harry's back but agreed that the broom needed to be examined. Daphne also said that she was being stupid as Harry trusted her that he would eventually probably have done what she asked. Daphne even hinted at using her going through puberty female body to 'persuade' Harry. Hermione blushed as she remembered earlier this year when Harry was probably having a 'hard' time. Daphne wanted to know why Hermione blushed but as Susan knew a little bit she mouthed later and Daphne gave a sharp nod that you would be doubting yourself if you saw it so fast she did the nod.

Hermione smiled waterily and told what happened after Professor McGonagall and Susan said "no problem Hermione I think within the week Harry would forgive you. Didn't you remember Ron after Duelling club last year Harry forgave Ron very soon after Ron apologized when Harry used Parseltongue and Ron said Harry was a dark wizard, don't you remember?"

Hermione said "no."

Daphne said, "of course, she didn't her eyes were fixed on Potter."

Hermione blushed again. Hermione had read the subject and tried to steer the conversation and after 5 minutes of continuously blushing and Daphne and Susan embarrassing her. Hermione didn't notice that Susan and Daphne also started to blush as they started to fantasize about being in Hermione's place as being good friends with Harry and what they would do in that position including what they knew from what Hermione did this summer (all the hugging) and upgrade their relation to boyfriend-girlfriend. They found it weird that Hermione didn't try ... yet.

5th January 1994, Quidditch pitch after dinner, Hogwarts grounds

Harry was right about what he thought that Oliver hinted about as they started with 3 laps, but the end was new as Oliver wanted to end with 3 more laps and 2 extra laps on the broom. He was the last to end even though he was the second that got to his broom only a moment behind Oliver. The Shooting Star was so slow that he was passed by his teammates before he even completed one lap. He tried to push the Shooting Star faster and faster, but if he pushed it too far the Shooting Star started to shake and would hardly respond to Harry's movement to change directions (left, right, up or down) the only thing Harry could do was slow down.

Oliver was mad at Hermione yesterday and suddenly this morning he wasn't anymore and understood Hermione but still begged Professor McGonagall to release the Firebolt for Harry to use and logically saying that everything is better than a Shooting Star (as Professor McGonagall together with Madam Hooch and the other head of houses minus Snape has relentlessly badgered Dumbledore for better brooms but Dumbledore said there was no money with McGonagall as deputy for many years doubted that there was no money was put aside to save a few years for new brooms) would suffice and not a Firebolt was needed to hurt Harry it was even suspicious if he got one like he did only an idiot and not mastermind as Sirius Black would do that, especially without a note.

Professor McGonagall agreed but Harry was still one of her cubs, assumed in danger (by Sirius Black) and was her god-grandson she has failed too much, she wouldn't let Harry get hurt again if she could help it. Harry was way more important than the Quidditch cup in her office or classroom for the next year or years. Professor McGonagall threatened with detention as Wood had asked it for the 5th time in three days if Harry could use it and her answer was still no as she and Professor Flitwick weren't done with scanning the broom for all the spells, charms, etc. and needed to ask Professor Lupin for things they didn't know and if he didn't know they would need to ask Albus who would want Snape with him as they would also examine the broom.

6th January 1994, Astronomy room, Astronomy Tower (5th floor), Hogwarts

When Harry reaches the defence against the dark arts classroom on the third floor Professor Lupin wanted Harry to follow to where they are now. Harry never knew about this room but it was two or three floors below the Astronomy tower where he goes to Astronomy class. It looks barely used.

Professor Lupin said "Professor Sinistra was kind enough of offering this place as she only uses it and not very much as she uses this room only when abnormal or important things are happening with the planets and stars. She will also not let it known except to Professor McGonagall as she is the head of your house. She wouldn't letter the other heads known as I don't want a line of students line up to learn this. I only do this Harry because you need to and I want to do something for your parents and I can't think of anything better at the moment than help you with this."

Harry gave a small smile and said: "thank you Professor Lupin, I really appreciate it."

Professor Lupin paces before a large trunk that was moving like someone or something is trapped in it. Professor Lupin needed to be sure Harry still wanted to do it and ask Harry "you're sure about this, Harry? This is very advanced magic. Well beyond Ordinary Wizarding Level."

Harry's face with serious eyes that almost looked like they were glowing was looking at Professor Lupin which reminds Professor Lupin of Lily's eyes when she was mad or deadly serious with no mood for a joke. Harry said, "if Black can fight the Dementors, I need to know how too."

Professor Lupin looks at Harry like he was studying him. Professor Lupin was conflicted but when he sees Harry's eyes and determined look that remembered him from James Harry's father he decided.

Professor Lupin sighed before saying "very well. The spell I'm going to teach you is called the Patronus Charm. Ever hear of it?"

Harry shakes his head.

Professor Lupin said "a Patronus is a kind of positive force. For the wizard who can conjure one, the Patronus works something like a shield. The Dementor feeds on it instead of him."

Just then, the trunk rattles more violently than it already did. As Harry's eyes wander, Lupin snaps his fingers and brings his attention back.

Professor Lupin continued when Harry focused on Professor Lupin again "but for it to work, you must think of a memory. And not just any. This memory needs to be a very happy one. And powerful."

Harry thinks a bit. Then he nods he got a good memory.

Professor Lupin asked, "got something?"

Harry nods slowly as he was getting nervous.

Professor Lupin smiled with encouragement while saying "good. Let it fill you up. Lose yourself in it. Then speak the incantation: Expecto Patronum. Without your wand...

Harry said determinedly "Expecto Patronum..."

Professor Lupin is happy with the incantation and asked "right then. Shall we?"

Harry nods and raises his wand. Lupin, watching closely, reaches over, and grabs the lid of the trunk.

Professor Lupin said "concentrate, Harry. Concentrate..."

Professor Lupin sees a concentrated face but Harry had his eyes closed. Professor Lupin flings open the case, Harry opens his eyes. In the sun's blood-light, the dementor looks particularly horrific.

Harry sees the dementor and said "Expecto... Patronum..."

The torches on the wall flicker as a chill breeze fills the chamber. A scream echoes distantly. Harry's hand trembles. His eyes begin to roll up almost passes out

Harry tried to say it again " Expecto... Expecto..."

Professor Lupin said "here!" before moving in front of Harry.

The Dementor changed into a silvery-white orb Harry had seen before.

Professor Lupin said "Riddikulus."

Professor Lupin flicks his wand and sends the orb back into the packing case. Harry stands blinking. Dazed. Lupin fishes a Chocolate Frog from his pocket. Presses it into Harry's trembling hand.

Professor Lupin urges Harry to eat the chocolate frog immediately by saying "quickly."

Harry studies the frog. Takes a bite. He begins to recover.

Harry said "that's one nasty Dementor. But that was a boggart wasn't it?"

Professor Lupin nodded and said "yes a Boggart, Harry. The real thing would be much, much worse. Just out of interest, what were you thinking of? What memory did you choose?"

Harry gave a small smile before saying "the first time I rode a broom."

Professor Lupin calmly said "that's not good enough, Harry. Not nearly."

Harry glances toward the window, at the setting sun while he said "there's another. It's not happy exactly. I mean, it is. It's the happiest I've ever felt. But it's... complicated."

Professor Lupin thought 'the way Harry said about makes me curious but also almost heartbroken.'

Professor Lupin asked, "is it strong?"

Harry looks up emotionally into Professor Lupin's eyes. Before Harry nods.

Professor Lupin sighed before saying "then let's try it."

Harry takes a deep breath before tossing the frog aside and positions himself.

Professor Lupin said, "think, Harry, think."

Harry slightly agitated, impatiently and fiercely said: "just do it!"

Lupin blinks at Harry's quiet fierceness. Opens the packing case. Instantly, the Dementor appears again. A chill fills the air. The hair skates off Harry's scar clearly showing it.

Harry almost screamed "Expecto Patronum!"

Harry's hand start to tremble. Harry's whole body starts to tremble. But he holds his ground, when suddenly a huge silver shadow bursts from the end of his wand, hovering between him and the Dementor looking like a shield. The Dementor falters. Harry's legs are like jelly before feeling like water.

Professor Lupin said 'Riddikulus."

The Dementor vanishes. Harry's arm drops slack. Lupin eyes Harry with a kind of awe. His voice was barely a whisper.

Professor Lupin looked proudly and with awe while saying "well done."

Harry barely manages to say "I think I've had enough. For today."

Lupin nods and watches Harry move to the door.

Professor Lupin decided to tell him honestly "so you know, Harry: You'd have given your father a run for his money. And, believe me, that's saying something. He couldn't even do this at age thirteen."

Harry ponders this. Then speaks, deep inside himself.

Harry said to Lupin "I was thinking of him. And Mum. Seeing their faces. They're just talking to me. Just... talking. That was the memory I chose. I don't even know if it's real."

Harry grips the door and pushes past it but before the door closes Harry said loudly enough so Harry was sure Lupin could hear him without shouting "but it's the best I have."

6th January 1994, 3rd Gryffindor dorm, Gryffindor Tower, Hogwarts

Everybody was asleep, everybody except Harry. He was tired from the spell but he couldn't sleep. He is studying the photo of his parents, he could barely see it with the fluttering light of a candle. The flame quickly dies and the room is completely black. Harry put the photo back into the book before putting it in the desk drawer saying to nobody "I will put the photo back good in the morning and the book back safe in my trunk."

7th January 1994, 3rd Gryffindor dorm, Gryffindor Tower, Hogwarts

Harry wakes up seeing it is still early. He is a bit tired, but he needed to clear his head. He grabs his training clothes and the jumper Mrs. Weasley knits him. He wasn't planning on it until the weather was better but he needed to do it as it was all to clear his head.

He returns to the dorm after almost an hour of running. He looks terrible and when he walks past the Great Hall he already sees many students from all houses. He runs upstairs so he could have breakfast.

When he reaches his dorm he remembered the photo book. He remembered he put it in the desk drawer. He decided to take a shower first, After the shower, he only has one of his clean underwear, but forget his other clothes so he put on the pants and t-shirt he used when he had run just an hour before. He opened the desk drawer but the photo book is gone. He almost throws the desk through the room to look through its remain for his book but he controls himself. He looks through the whole except the other trunks for almost half an hour.

Suddenly he sees his bed was made up again with clothes for the day while not five minutes ago he messed his bed up to find the book. Harry said "Dobby."

Dobby pops while bowing asking "what can Dobby do for Master?"

Harry says almost panicked and angry "Dobby this is important! Have you seen who took my photo book out of the desk drawer and know where it is?"

Dobby nodded enthusiastically and Dobby said "yes Master Dobby did as Master wanted to put the photo back before putting the book safely in his trunk. Dobby put the photo back, put the book back in the trunk hiding it from view for anyone else than Master Harry and put a protective spell on it so it will remain safe."

Harry sighed deeply and said "okay Dobby. Thank you but the next time please let me know, the book is one of the important things in my life as it is one of the only things I have left from my parents."

Dobby sees that Harry is mad and said: "Dobby is sorry Dobby will punish himself."

Dobby bows while he pops out. Harry immediately said when he sees his photobook "Dobby."

Dobby comes back and said "Dobby hasn't punished himself yet Master. Dobby is sorry.'

Harry who was on his knees suddenly gave Dobby a quick hug that barely lasted a second and said "Dobby you don't need to punish yourself. Yes I was mad but Dobby you don't need to punish yourself, I was just afraid someone stole the last pictures I had from my parents. If you do it the next time please let me know by leaving a note or come to me to say it before I destroy the dorm or bedroom when I am looking for it."

Harry puts the book before looking around and sees he almost did destroy the bedroom or at least a hurricane went through it. Harry said "Dobby I am sorry for the mess. Could you please help me put everything back in place?"

Dobby said, "Master needs to eat breakfast, Master go down Dobby will clean it…"

Harry interrupts "but Dobby it is my fault."

Dobby said, "as Dobby is Master Harry's Dobby could do it for Master Harry."

Before Harry could say anything Dobby started to push Harry to the door. Dobby succeeded as Harry didn't oppose being dumbfounded Dobby would do this for him as he felt he was doing the same thing as the Dursley's whenever his cousin, uncle and in a lesser way his aunt messed something up or did something that needed cleaning he was ordered to do it.

Harry said, "Dobby I can't let you do that and certainly not alone."

Dobby said "Dobby wants to so Master Harry could get breakfast. Dobby loves hard work to help and please Master. Dobby can ask for friends, not that Dobby needs it."

Because Harry was still small for his age Dobby gave him one hard push out of the door, so hard Harry almost falls down the stairs but he could stop him just in time. Harry said "I didn't even have time to get dressed. Dobby appeared before him and with a snap of Dobby's fingers Harry's training clothes disappeared and Harry was fully clothed with the school uniform Dobby had prepared for him. Dobby said, "Master Harry needs to get breakfast."

Harry said, "are you sure you don't need help Dobby."

Dobby hugged his legs and said "Master Harry is so good to Dobby. Asking Dobby to help, but no need Master, Dobby can with his other friends if Dobby needs it."

Dobby popped and Harry tried to open the door but it seems the door is locked. Harry almost run down to the great hall to get breakfast smiling when he thought "it seems Dobby knows me better than I thought.'

Let's end here. I got to get the most if not everything that I wanted in the chapter. In the next chapter the Quidditch match from Slytherin versus Ravenclaw. Sirius drops by, Remus advance Harry's fighting skills and will Harry gets his head out of his arse and forgive Hermione? If word count allows it we see Harry with or without his Firebolt in the Gryffindor Ravenclaw Quidditch match.

Please read and review. PM is also appreciated for your opinions or thoughts.