I do not own Harry Potter, the Wizarding World, or any canon characters.

A Taste of Magic

119th Course – Lost and Found

"Sorry to spring this on you right now," Sirius said apologetically.

Remus shook his head. "No, it's fine. I'm actually a lot better with the full moon with the Wolfsbane potion." He still looked pale and slightly weak, like a man recovering from an illness. "Partly why I look so bad is because I feel bad, as in I didn't even think about it until just now when you mentioned it."

Sirius sighed. "I can't believe it took us this long to think about it honestly."

"Well, it has been a very busy last few years," Remus said. The two men were in his quarters at the school. Sirius had come to do a tutoring session for the fifth and seventh years and then came up to see Remus who was recovering from the recently passed full moon. Remus, always happy to see Sirius, had been concerned when Sirius looked atypically serious. Now he knew why and they sat in shared misery.

"True," Sirius agreed. "But, you'd think we'd have thought of it before."

"Well we thought of it now and we can do what we need to," Remus said softly. He rubbed his eyes. "It's just, he's so happy right now."

"I know, and I don't want to take that from him. I also want him to make the choice himself," Sirius said.

"That is only right," Remus agreed. "What does Andromeda think?"

"She thinks he should have the choice too," Sirius said. "And that we'll all be there for either decision."

"Naturally," Remus said. "Let's go talk to Dumbledore. We're going to need to anyways."

-0-

Dumbledore sat back in his chair, sharing the same expression the two other men wore earlier. "How have I not considered this before?" he asked.

"It's been a busy last few years," Remus repeated.

"True," Dumbledore conceded. "But some things are rather important."

"I mean, you barely knew Harry well and you took the time to get to know him," Remus said. "It wouldn't do for you to spring the idea on him in first year."

"No, and he has come a long way and I like to think we have an excellent friendship and relationship now," Dumbledore said.

"You do. He thinks very highly of you," Sirius said.

Dumbledore smiled at that. "As does he to you two." He thought for a moment. "I agree. He will make the decision. And I will abide by whatever he chooses to do." He looked at Fawkes who looked uncharacteristically somber. "Would you please go to Harry and bring him to us? The normal way is fine."

Fawkes nodded and disappeared in a flash of fire.

"I feel bad for making him feel bad," Sirius lamented.

"He will know you did not intend to and like we said, he has the right to know and to decide," Dumbledore said. They sat in silence until they heard footsteps on the stairs outside his office. "Come in," he called when the door knocked.

Harry came in with Fawkes sitting on his shoulder. He smiled seeing Remus and Sirius there with Dumbledore. "Are they in trouble?" he asked, nodding at his godfather and uncle figure.

The men laughed, breaking the tension somewhat. "Not an unfair question," Sirius laughed.

"Oh no, are they trying to convince you to burn something again?" Harry asked, looking rightfully concerned.

"Hey, that's not a bad idea either," Remus said with a small smile.

"Not this time," Dumbledore said with an equally small smile. The smile faded and he looked at Harry soberly. "Harry, forgive us for what we are about to do, but this will be a difficult topic of conversation."

"Oh?" Harry's concern deepened.

Dumbledore cleared his throat. "Have you decided what you would like to do this Halloween?"

"Oh." Harry looked down. "I…I wasn't even thinking about that. That's…that's really bad, isn't it?"

"Not at all," Remus said immediately.

"Isn't it?" Harry replied, looking up, looking slightly anguished. "I never forgot about it before. Even last year with all that was going on and had to prepare for I was thinking about it. But now that I have all these friends and things to do I forgot about-"

"Hey, your parents would never ever begrudge you being happy," Sirius interrupted. "Don't even think that. They know that you not thinking about it isn't the same as forgetting. It really isn't."

Harry released a deep sigh. He felt a little better at the expressions of kind understanding on the three older men and when Fawkes warmed on his shoulder, pressing against his face. "Thank you," he whispered.

Sirius coughed wetly. "So uh, the reason we brought it up was, well, we wondered if you wanted to go see them on Halloween, their…grave."

"You know where it is?" Harry asked, eyes-wide.

"We…yes, we do," Dumbledore said, shocked.

"Oh, I thought no one did. Well, that's what the Dur-," Harry coughed, "that's what they said."

Remus smothered the growl building in his throat. "No, we do," Remus said forcefully. "And if you wish to go and see them, we will take you."

"It doesn't have to be Halloween either," Sirius said hurriedly. "Fuck me, I'm sorry Harry. I only just thought about visiting them the other day and realized you didn't probably yet and didn't even think about that. I'm really sorry. I just thought it was something you might want and wanted to make sure you knew you had the option."

"So I can go or not?" Harry asked, sounding slightly lost.

"Of course, the decision is yours," Dumbledore said. "Also what you would like to do after for the traditional Halloween Feast. You were so kind to indulge my requests the last two years and you have full autonomy on what you would like to do."

Harry sat there, looking at nothing and everything with slightly empty eyes.

"You do not have to decide now, either," Dumbledore said kindly.

"And whatever you decide, you will not be alone," Remus added.

"Thank you," Harry whispered. After a few moments he looked up again. To Dumbledore, it was a painfully proud moment. He had seen Harry at his lowest in multiple ways, at multiple times. He had seen Harry's vacant look of pure loss when Harry learned of the Lie. He had seen Harry recover from the attack in first year, repelling the dementors in third. He had seen Harry after fighting off the lethifolds in fourth, the pain and rattled emotions after the duel during the Showcase.

Dumbledore had been the unwilling spectator to Harry's emotional, mental, and physical pain for all these years. And now, Harry wore his pain more openly than he did before, but in a way that spoke of bravery and resilience.

Dumbledore was incredibly proud of Harry.

"I would like to go see them, please," Harry said at last.

"Of course," Dumbledore said, pained and proud. "You will be excused from your classes that day and we will accompany you."

"And as far as the Feast, can we have an outdoor one again? Like last year? I think I can handle that," Harry said softly. "Before I'd want to be alone but…I don't think I can handle things after seeing their…seeing them, alone."

"Easily done," Dumbledore said. "Do not worry Harry. You will never be alone, not anymore." He smiled at Harry's look of relief. "Would you like one of your friends to accompany you?"

"I don't know if any would," Harry said softly. "It's a lot to ask, isn't it?"

"Perhaps to some," Dumbledore admitted, "but I encourage you to ask. I think you will be pleasantly surprised at the responses. I will excuse one of your friends as well from the day's classes. And will obtain permission from their family."

"Thank you, Sir," Harry said gratefully. After shaking Dumbledore's hand and embracing Sirius and Remus, he left the office with Fawkes still sitting on his shoulder.

Sirius groaned after Harry's footsteps faded away. "He's had to grow up way too damn fast."

"Unfortunately true," Dumbledore said. He summoned three glasses and filled them with amber firewhiskey. "But he is an incredible young man."

"He really is," Remus said, taking a glass. He smiled a little. "Must be due to Lily. With us around him, he's a lot more well-behaved than he should be."

They smiled and chuckled at that, replacing the feeling of ache with melancholy and amusement.

"To Harry," Dumbledore said, raising his glass.

"To Harry," Sirius and Remus echoed and drank.

"To James and Lily," Sirus said.

"To the ones we lost and love," Remus said.

"To the ones we will never forget," Dumbledore said.

-0-

"Hey, what's wrong?" Lavender asked worriedly. She and the others had been there in the Uncommon Room when Fawkes appeared to fetch Harry. Fawkes flashing in was not an unusual thing for them. The phoenix was a regular visitor to the Uncommon Room and sometimes even flashed in to have a snack before departing in a flashy way. When Harry left, he had been full of life and energy and now he was very much subdued.

"Oh, uh, nothing's wrong, really," Harry said evasively.

"Harry, what's wrong?" Pansy asked firmly but with kind eyes and a caring expression.

Harry released the sigh that he held since leaving Dumbledore's office. "Uhm, in a couple days, I won't be in class. I'm going to go…see my parents."

After a moment of confusion, they understood and they winced sympathetically and looked at Harry with care and concern. Nathan and Owen opened their mouths but instantly shut them at the look of ferocity that Millicent shot them.

"And we're going to have the Halloween Feast outdoors again," Harry added.

"Bugger the Feast," Parvati said. "How are you feeling?"

"Yeah, what she said," Padma said sympathetically. "Are you okay?"

"I don't know," Harry said honestly. "I feel…kinda ashamed actually, if I'm being honest. I completely forgot about Halloween coming up and it makes me feel like I forgot them. I never have before."

"I don't think anyone would ever blame you for not thinking about that day," Hermione said softly. "But that doesn't mean you forgot about them."

"It is not the same," Daphne said quietly but firmly.

"Thanks," Harry said in a near whisper. He rubbed his eyes. "Uhm, the Headmaster said if someone wants to come with me, they can. They'll be excused from their classes too and I know Sirius and Remus will be taking me."

Everyone in the room looked at each other and after a small series of nods, Lavender spoke. "I'll come."

"You will?" Harry asked, sounding relieved and surprised.

"Of course, I want to be there with you," Lavender said firmly.

"Thank you," Harry said and felt a little better when she hugged him.

"We're here for you," Pansy said and everyone there nodded and made noises of assent and agreement.

"Thank you," he repeated and felt even better.

-0-

Harry's eyes opened wide when he walked into Dumbledore's office. The previous day had been a blur to him. His thoughts roiled and rambled and he was terribly distracted. Thankfully, none of the professors called him out on it, and had been kind and understanding. Waking up on Halloween filled him with the same sense of pain and loss and fatigue he usually had that day, compounded by the dread of what was to come and the lingering feelings of shame he had been wrestling with the last few days.

He had woken up with Hedwig fluffed on his side and Sunny on his chest. It was nice to hear them purr and coo softly when he woke, nuzzling him gently. After changing into dark clothes, he grabbed his bag and walked down the stairs into the common room with Hedwig on his head and Sunny in his arms. Lavender was waiting for him, also wearing dark robes. She had smiled seeing Sunny and after some ear scratching, the kneazle left and Harry, Lavender, and Hedwig left for Dumbledore's office.

He had only expected to see Remus, Sirius, and Dumbledore, but was unprepared to see so many others. The Tonkses were there, as was Ariana, and Nicolas and Perenelle. "Hello," he said, shocked to see them.

"Hello cheri," Perenelle said, hugging him and kissing his forehead.

"Are you all coming too?" Harry asked, still surprised.

"OF course, we are family," Andromeda said, hugging and kissing him too.

"We won't let you go alone," Ariana said, hugging him.

"I have been meaning to pay my respects as well," Dumbledore said quietly. "I have prepared this for us today." He held up a rope made of crimson and gold fibers. "A portkey to take us there and back."

"Oh that is one of our stable anchor portkeys," Nicolas said as he held onto it.

"With all of us here, I thought it would be best," Dumbledore said as the others grabbed on.

"I thought you couldn't portkey or apparate in Hogwarts," Dora said.

"Being Headmaster has some limited perks to it," Dumbledore smiled. "Are we ready?"

Harry patted the front of his shirt, having opened it to let Hedwig squirm inside. She hooted that she was ready, talons fastened into the fabric. "Ready," he said and the others said the same. The rope glowed and Harry felt the familiar sensation of being hooked at his navel and being pulled through a very narrow tube. A whirl of noise and magic made his ears ring and then he landed on his feet swaying slightly. He held Lavender up, who had grabbed onto him with her other hand, and they steadied each other.

"That wasn't bad," Harry smiled weakly, patting the disgruntled Hedwig bump as she hooted her disgust from the magical transportation.

"Albus' skills and my invention," Nicolas said slightly smugly. "No better combination."

Harry looked around. They had arrived in a small glade amidst a ring of trees. As they made their way out, they came into a small village that was quiet and peaceful. The houses and buildings were clean and quaint, the streets neat. October's weather was in the air, cold and crisp with that feeling of the coming winter, of harder times and colder temperatures.

"Godric's Hollow," Sirius said, slightly pained. "Your first home was here."

"We used to live here as well," Albus said softly, his eyes lost to history.

"Yeah," Ariana said, shivering and tightening the scarf around her neck. She looked down with mild surprise when Harry hugged her, but she hugged him back even harder. "Thank you, dear."

They slowly walked down the street and as they approached the small church and cemetery, Harry felt a weight settle over his shoulders. His breathing became faster and more shallow; a pressure built in his chest. He felt better when Lavender squeezed his arm and hand, having put his arm around hers and she looked at him gently. Hedwig climbed out of his shirt and pressed her side against his face, hooting comfortingly, and he felt the pressure release a little, feeling safe among all the people there.

Amid all the people that cared about him and were there for him.

In what felt like an age and a moment all at once, they stood before a large headstone in the corner of the cemetery. It was plain and somewhat weathered, though the etchings were still clear. Harry stood there for a long moment, looking at the names: James Potter and Lily Evans Potter.

"They died much too young," Perenelle said sadly.

"They really did," Dumbledore said heavily.

Perenelle took out her wand and Nicolas, Andromeda, and Dumbledore did the same. They began casting swiftly and silently. The ground around the grave became clean and neat. The headstone shone; the stone gleamed. The etchings deepened and looked fresh and solid. In a short time, everything looked pristine, preserved, protected.

"Sh-Should I be doing something?" Harry asked, feeling more lost than usual.

"We all do things in our own way, when it comes to the departed," Andromeda said gently. "Everyone is different and how you approach it, is right to you." She snorted. "For a time, I railed at the memory of my parents. Loudly and crudely."

"Me too, but they deserved it," Ted said kindly, squeezing his wife's hand.

"We got drunk dealing with my mother's painting," Sirius said, pointing at himself and Remus who snorted.

"She definitely deserved it," Remus said. "As did we."

"We have seen many grieving and funeral rites," Nicolas said, completely serious and solemn. "We have also left…many behind."

Perenelle coughed. "But like Andromeda said, how you wish to approach them is your business and no one else's. Listen to your heart, cheri. I have come to know it and it is a beautiful and kind one. And since you inherited it from your parents, I am sure they will appreciate anything you do and you will do no wrong. To them, or to you."

After a moment of thought, Harry knelt down before the grave and opened his bag. He took out two things, a sealed container and the portable icebox that Perenelle made him so long ago. From the icebox, he withdrew a flat container and opened it and the sealed one and set them in front of the grave. A deep rich scent of beef and savory spices filled the air and the cold sunlight gleamed off cream.

"Your stew and tiramisu," Lavender said softly, voice trembling slightly.

"Mum's favorite," Harry said thickly. "And Dad didn't have a favorite apparently, but I think he would like it."

"He absolutely would," Sirius and Remus said, voices also thick.

"Sue told me about in Asia, a lot of families gave offerings to the deceased loved ones," Harry said. "I liked that and I wanted to try it."

"I'm sure they really appreciate it," Dora said, hugging him, her hair short and black, her eyes green.

"Can I leave them something?" Lavender asked timidly. At Harry's nod, she reached into a pocket and pulled out a fabric square. She unraveled it and set it down in front of the food. It was a piece of white cloth and had the Gryffindor lion on it with a lily over its chest, made with black thread.

"Beautiful," Perenelle admired.

"I thought of it last night and stayed up finishing it," Lavender said shyly. "It's not amazing, but I thought they'd like it."

"It is amazing," Sirius said gratefully. "That was really good of you, thank you, Lavender."

Harry hugged her tightly and she returned the gesture tenfold and though he did not say anything, she heard his feelings loud and clear.

They stood there in silence for a long time before slowly drifting towards the gates. "Can we come back another time?" Harry asked softly as they did.

"Of course," Sirius said, hugging him with one arm. "Whenever we need or want to."

Harry nodded then stopped. "Oh, I forgot the containers." He walked back to the grave with Hedwig still sitting on his shoulder. He stopped and stared when he got there. The containers were there but they were empty and were clean. The piece of embroidered fabric had been moved too, resting against the headstone. He looked around the graveyard wildly, but saw no one else save for the people that had come with him.

"You didn't see anyone else either, right?" Harry asked.

Hedwig shook her head, also looking about with narrowed eyes. She looked up for a long moment then back down at the headstone and hooted gently and fluffed up against Harry's face.

Harry picked up the containers and looked at them closely. They were completely and utterly clean, not a trace of food or anything within them. "These definitely had food in them earlier, right?"

Hedwig nodded and nuzzled him, resting against him.

Harry blinked a few times and then slowly put the containers away. He looked down at the gravestone and nodded. "I love you," he said quietly. "I miss you so much, and I hope I can be a son you can be proud of. And I promise to try and do my best, until we meet again." As he walked away, he felt something in his chest warm ever so slightly and he breathed just a little more easily when he reached his friends and those he called family.

"Is everything okay?" Lavender asked.

Harry nodded. "I think so," he said honestly.

-0-

"Guess they were waiting," Lavender smiled.

They had returned to Dumbledore's office from Godric's Hollow and it was still hours before the start of the Feast. After hugs and promises to see them later, Harry and Lavender and Hedwig had left and gone to the Uncommon Room. Sunny, Crookshanks, and Fawkes were waiting and as soon as Harry sat down, they mobbed him with Hedwig.

"They're awesome," Harry smiled, thoroughly covered by the animals. He moved a little, making space for Lavender to squeeze in next to him. He leaned into her when she wrapped her arms around his middle, pulling him close.

"How are you feeling?" she asked softly.

"I'm okay, really," he added when she gently pinched him, making him smile. "Thank you again, I really appreciate you coming and helping."

"Of course, I'm here for you," she said, kissing his cheek. "You've done the same and more for me. Not a contest of course."

"Of course," he repeated. They sat in comfortable silence for a moment. "I was really overwhelmed and I don't know if I could've handled it without everyone."

"We all care a lot about you," she replied. "We all love you."

"You do?" he asked, looking at her with wide eyes.

She blushed, her face redder than red. But she nodded firmly. "I do," she said without a stammer or backing down.

He felt even warmer. "I l-love you too," he said softly, in a near whisper.

"You do?!" she squeaked happily, eyes bright.

"I do," he said and her dazzling smile made him smile. "I know I was with Sirius and Aunti Andi and Grandmother and everyone and you were still there. You didn't have to come, but you did. And you made me feel safer and happier with you there. And you even made them something."

"It wasn't much," Lavender argued.

"It was a lot, to me too," Harry said. He pressed his forehead against hers. "I really appreciate you Lavender, all you are and all you do. And, I know that I love you. I really do. Thank you, thank you for being with me."

"I love you too," she whispered. She moved me to kiss him but sputtered when Hedwig's wing flopped down between them, blocking the attempt. "Hey! Hedwig!" Lavender moved it aside and tried to kiss him again. She sputtered once more when Sunny's tail got in the way. "Sunny! Wait a second! Are you doing this on purpose!" She gasped and gently slapped Sunny's rear. "Ow! Sunny!"

Sunny took off running and Hedwig flapped after, barking and purring brightly and Lavender chased them around the Uncommon Room. Crookshanks and Fawkes took advantage of the space to spread out in the warm spot and Harry laughed and laughed, feeling light for the first time all day.

"Oh hey!" Parvati walked in with Padma beside her. "What's going on?" Parvati asked, watching Lavender chase the kneazle and owl.

"Hedwig and Sunny were teasing her and it led to this," Harry said, still chuckling. "I think they did it to amuse me, and themselves."

"It is really amusing," Padma smiled. She looked at Harry. "Are you okay?"

"I think so," Harry said. He smiled a little more as more people came in. "Or I will be."

-0-

The grounds were mostly dark but braziers and the large central bonfire provided ample light, as did the floating candles and jack-o-lanterns. Smaller bonfires dotted the grounds as well, places for people to sit around and enjoy. Like the previous year, treats on trays floated around with baskets of candies doing the same. There were more students than last year and a general sense of happiness and cheer filled the air as people ate and laughed and chatted.

"Hey Kid."

Harry looked up, recognizing the tall figure approaching him. "Hi Mr. Abe," he said warmly.

Aberforth looked down at Harry with a fond expression. "Sorry I couldn't come earlier. I had to deal with something and well, to be honest, I really don't like going back to Godric's Hollow."

"I don't blame you," Harry said sincerely. "I appreciate that you wanted to, though."

Aberforth nodded. "You doing okay?"

"Some," Harry said honestly. "It's a lot to think about. But I'm really grateful that I had the support that I did."

"You're tough and a good kid," Aberforth said comfortably.

"Thank you," Harry said, touched. He sighed. "I'll try not to keep things bottled up."

"Good idea. Speaking of bottles, here." He handed a frosty bottle to Harry. "To your health and to your parents," he said, sipping on his own.

Harry clinked the bottle against Aberforth's and took a sip, almost choking when he tasted the liquid within. "Uh, Mr. Abe?" he coughed.

"Yeah?" Aberforth replied, looking amused.

"What is this?"

"A kind of butterbeer," Aberforth said evasively.

Harry looked at the bottle then at the man. "I thought you said I'd get into a lot of trouble if I drank something I shouldn't at the Hog's Head."

"We're not in the Hog's Head," Aberforth shrugged.

"No, I'm at the school with even stricter rules," Harry said dryly.

"You going to tell my brother?" Aberforth asked, his eyes sparkling in the firelight.

"No…"

"Are you lot going to report me or him?" Aberforth asked.

Inky took an experimental sniff of the bottle and made a face, waggling a finger at Aberforth. "Get better for Harry next time," she sniffed before walking off.

"Nothing wrong with this kind," Aberforth said defensively. He sipped more before winking at Harry. "Besides, you've had teagale."

"Thanks Mr. Abe," Harry smiled and tapped his bottle against Aberforth's once more.

"You're welcome, Kid."

-0-

"I hope our little siblings haven't annoyed you too much," Pansy said.

Harry smiled a little. "They haven't at all. They've been great. To me. I've learned they may be a bit different to you all."

"Understatement," Daphne snorted. "If it were anyone else, I would be rather peeved. With you, however, it is fine."

"Thank you," Harry said while the others snorted and chuckled. They sat together around one of the smaller fires, enjoying the warmth and the light. He looked at Parvati who was enjoying a burger. "How is it?"

"It's great," Parvati said without a trace of hesitation or flattery. "Just like how it always is, satisfying and tasty."

"Good," Harry said, relieved.

"It could be better," she admitted. "Hey!" She smacked Padma back. "I don't want Harry to get complacent!"

"And do you have suggestions how it could be better?" Padma frowned.

"No, but he didn't ask me for suggestions now did he?"

Harry laughed and the others joined in. "I appreciate it," he said sincerely. He leaned against her. "I suppose I can add some kind of hot sauce to it for you."

"You get me," Parvati smiled and leaned back against him.

"Thank you, everyone," Harry said. He looked at them. "I really appreciate all of you."

"And we you," Pansy said, leaning against his other side.

Despite the night and chill around them, it was warm right there, around the fire and his friends. And while things would not replace what he lost, the loss did not diminish what he had found.

-0-0-0-

odonnellzoo99 - I'm glad you still enjoy that joke because I still do. I love running jokes as you can tell. Parvati is very funny. I never thought she would become the lovable snark factory that she is and I'm glad. It fits her I think and she's great.

DOOOOOOM Lord of Waffles - Yeah I spent some time trying to think how I want Alchemy to be portrayed after looking at what we do know about Alchemy in canon so it was fun to explore that. It's fun to delve into magical theory here and there.

Hands Off MY Wolfie - I figured NEWTs level classes would be different, especially the electives so I wanted to try and explore that. Perenelle is probably the only person that can completely rein in Nicolas. At least Harry can help now. Thanks for reading.

poka - Blaise has a really good snark to him. Slightly snooty and pretentious, but you know he's not a bad person so it comes off as funny instead of asinine. It was fun to explore the higher level classes. I wanted them to work in the context of this setting and feel and seem interesting as well as something that would be fun to write and explore. Glad you enjoyed. Also yes, Nicolas needs to have an impactful interest, especially with an audience.

DarkRavie - Thank you.

alix33 - Honestly, don't think about how you look, but how you feel in the accessory. There was a time where I wouldn't wear my Pusheen beanie hats out for not looking appropriate or what have you. But life is too short to think too much of what others think of you and as long as you aren't bothering others, how you feel is just as important.

Lucy Elizabeth Dawson - Oh don't worry, that is a wonderful mental image and I adored it while writing it. Hedwig dressed up is the best.

TheSphynx - Nicolas Flamel is so fun to write for. Can you believe that in my initial ideas and drafts, he wasn't really a part of things? I knew he would be for the Stone in first year, but I didn't have plans to make him a regular occuring character but then it happened and I haven't regretted it since.