Harry Potter and the Shadowed Light

Chapter 21

Previously

"Yes, I thought that after such a hectic summer you may wish to be re-Sorted when you return to school."

Harry just about held back his snort of derision - that was an exceptionally weak excuse. He wondered if the old man was really becoming that desperate.

"Thank you, Headmaster," Harry said, allowing him for a moment to think he had won. "However, I will have to decline. I love being in Ravenclaw."

Albus felt his elation crash and narrowed his eyes. "I see, you're certain?"

"Yes," Harry said smiling.

"Very well then, I shall be going. Do enjoy the rest of your holiday," Albus said, his voice clipped as he thought about how the boy refused to do as he was told.

Walking him back to the parlour, Harry sent Sirius a look which had the animagus biting his lip to stop himself from laughing. He did so love winding the old fool up.

After Dumbledore's visit the rest of the summer flew by - the only thing to break it up being the promised surprise visit from the Department of Children's Protection. It was Joanne Mirwood herself who came, much to the relief of Remus and Harry.

August 25th 1992, Grimmauld Place, London

"You're looking well, Mr. Potter," Joanne said, following them into the kitchen. Her quill was taking notes as she walked, probably on the house and its suitability for a family.

"Thank you, Ms. Mirwood," Harry said, sending her a sweet smile. He had liked Ms. Mirwood when he had met her in Madam Bones office and hoped she would continue to be in his good books.

"So Harry - is it okay if I call you Harry?" she asked.

"Yes, ma'am," Harry said.

"Call me Joanne," she said, smiling. Unlike most adults, her smile wasn't patronising and Harry could see how such a young woman had become the head of such an important department. "Anyway, as I was saying, Harry, would you mind if I asked you a few questions about your life now that you've been living with your blood father?"

"Certainly," Harry agreed easily.

"Well then, let's start with the basics: are you happy here?"

"Yes, Sirius and Remus are great guardians," Harry said.

Joanne smiled at the small boy in front of her; she had been present during the trial and had been disgusted by what had come to light. She was one of the many who had wanted Dumbledore charged with neglect and she had, along with the Muggle Relations Department, already sent their findings off to the muggle authorities. The Dursleys would be in a lot of trouble soon and there would be no way for them to worm their way out of it if she had anything to say about it.

"That's good, Harry. Now could you tell me what has been the best thing you've done together so far?"

Harry tilted his head when he thought about it. "My birthday," he said.

"Oh?"

"When I lived with the Dursleys, I never got to celebrate my birthday. When I was younger I didn't even know I had one. This year though, I got to celebrate it. Sirius and Remus took me to muggle London and we saw Cats - it's a muggle West End show - and it was so good. Then we went to Rome for lunch—did you know the Coliseum has a wizard only part with a restaurant? Then we went to the Sistine Chapel, the Pantheon, the Trevi fountain. It was great!" Harry had sure to act excited, which wasn't hard as he really had had a fantastic time in Rome.

"Then to finish it off we had dinner with the Malfoys. Did you know aunt Cissa is Sirius' cousin? That means me and Draco are sort of related, which is great because Draco's one of my best friends."

"That's sounds great," Joanne said, smiling at how obviously happy the boy was. "What about punishments? Have Sirius or Remus had to punish you since you've been living with them?"

"No. Well, at least not that I've realised - they're not like the Dursleys. They don't shout at me or hurt me," Harry said. "Sirius did once speak to me about being too independent and knowing I could come to him and he made me promise not to wander off on my own, but other than that I don't think I've done anything wrong."

"That's really good, Harry. So you're not worried about being punished here?"

"No, I know Remy and Siri wouldn't hurt me."

"That's great! Now, what about food? What's your favourite thing to eat?"

"Treacle tart," Harry said immediately, an answer that hadn't changed since his last life.

Joanne smiled again at the answer. "That's one of my favourites too. How about dinners though?"

Harry considered this for a minute. "I like it when Kreacher makes roast dinners," he said. It was true, he liked having roast dinners on Sundays with Sirius and Remus.

"Kreacher?"

"He's our house-elf. He's a bit old and slightly batty, but he's great. He likes me the best for some reason," Harry said, blushing slightly.

"He obviously has good taste," Joanne said. The quill was still moving behind her and noting everything that was being said and anything else that was relevant. "Now, what have you been doing for fun since you came here?"

"I spend a lot of time in the library. It's great! There are so many books, it's like Hogwarts library. I've also been to see my friends a few times. Neville like plants so I've helped him in the garden—we even got to harvest his pineapple-apple tree. I've also spent a lot of time with Draco; we both love flying so I've done quite a lot of it, I'm even thinking about joining the Ravenclaw team. I've even seen Susan a few times. We went to the beach with her aunt once, which was fun as I've never seen the sea before, but I'm not the best swimmer so I didn't go too deep." All of this was said with excitement, Harry making sure to portray a happy child, not that it was too difficult a task.

"It sounds like you've had a great summer," Joanne said. "I think that's everything I need to know. Why don't you show me around? By then I think I'll be done, I just need to have a quick word with Sirius." She had no concerns about the boy and was glad to see him so happy.

Harry smiled and went to give her the tour, making sure to happily show off his room and the library. Once that was done he left Sirius to have his conversation.

"Hello, Lord Black," Joanne said.

"Please call me Sirius, Ms. Mirwood," Sirius said, offering her some tea.

"Then call me Joanne." Accepting the tea, Joanne looked at the young Lord Black and noted he looked healthier. "Now I've just got a few questions, then I'm done."

"That's fine."

"Have you noticed anything wrong with Harry since you've had him? Things such as nightmares or behavioural problems? They're not uncommon in children from bad homes."

"No, nothing like that, he's been great. I'm surprised, really; I swear he handles some of the things better I do."

Joanne nodded. "He certainly is a remarkable young man. I'll be honest when I say I can see no cause for concern. Harry appears to be well adjusted and he's settled with you; however, I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't ask. Harry mentioned being independent, would you explain that for me?"

"I think it's from him never having an adult to rely on. He sometimes doesn't realise he's not alone - that he can ask for help. It's not a problem really, and since living with us he's got a lot better. I think he's realised that we're here for him and that we won't abandon him," Sirius said.

"That's good. Have you any idea about his school work? I heard that's he's in Ravenclaw, so I'm guessing he's smart?"

"He's top of his class. I was thinking about writing to Professor Flitwick about getting him some advanced tutoring if he's still so ahead by Yule. I know he gets advanced work in Potions already."

"That is remarkable," Joanne said, surprised at just how advanced Harry was.

"I'm guessing that he got Lily's brains. Me and James were more interested in having fun when we were at school, Lil's was always the smart one."

"Have you spoken to him about his parents and his past? Not just the abuse, but everything? With his history and his fame, it's important he has a good foundation and knows he can talk to you about these things."

Sirius nodded. She had no idea just how much of his past and technically future Harry had shared. "At the start Harry was hesitant to talk but since then he's opened up. I think he's told us pretty much everything and he knows he can come to me and Remus. He's got pictures of his parents and I've explained about the last war and what it involved, not the gory details, but the basics so he would understand."

"He took it well?"

"He said that if the world wants to move on and get better then we had to forgive and forget. He doesn't like to dwell on the bad stuff, he says it hold people back."

"He really is a special young man," Joanne said. "I think that's everything, unless you have any questions for me?"

Sirius thought for a moment. "I was wondering about Dumbledore, actually. I mean, he was Harry's guardian yet he allowed for the abuse to go on for so long. Is there anything we can do?"

Joanne hesitated. "I was present during the trial, you know. I can't say much as the voting is bound by secrecy vows, but I can say this: Dumbledore's recent actions have brought quite a few suspicions to light and many people are starting to question him."

"Thank you," Sirius said, hiding his glee. He knew Harry would love this.

"Now, if that's everything, I shall be going. Thank you for your time and hospitality, Lord Black."

Walking her out, Sirius practically ran to Harry, who was sitting in the library, to let him know about Dumbledore's growing troubles.

August 31st 1992, Grimmauld Place, London

Harry watched as Remus fretted and Sirius paced. He had never had such mother hens in his life—even Mrs. Weasley wasn't as bad. Perhaps having to go through the process so many times with all of the older Weasleys had mellowed the manipulating witch.

"You've definitely packed everything?" the wolf said, looking between Harry's trunk and him like he would suddenly say no.

"Yes Remus, Kreacher and I packed everything."

"And you're sure you want to go to Hogwarts? I mean, I hear Beauxbatons has lovely gardens," Sirius said. In the last few days the animagus had become worried about Dumbledore's influence and what he might do to Harry while at school.

"Yes, I'm sure they're very beautiful, but still I want to go to Hogwarts," Harry said, amusement clear in his voice.

Harry was actually looking forward to the year. Sure, he knew Dumbles - the manipulative old coot - would try something, but honestly, as far as he knew, this year would actually be totally event free. There would be no opening of the Chamber as he had the diary safely locked up here in Grimmauld. So, as far as Harry could tell, he had nothing to really worry about. Instead, he would focus on stretching his magic in either the Chamber or the Room of Requirement and simply prepare for Tom's return. He would just have to be careful about the basilisk, but Harry was sure that if he spoke to her, then he would be able to get her on his side. He didn't want to release her or get her to harm muggleborns, he just wanted her not to harm him if he does decide to investigate the Chamber.

Yes, he would have to deal with the pompous peacock Lockhart for a teacher, but if he really couldn't cope he had already devised a plan for him. He didn't like cheats, let alone liars who made their fortunes off others, and he had planned to make it known that Lockhart was nothing more than a fraud.

Lost in his thoughts, Harry didn't realise he was smirking until Sirius spoke.

"You know, when you look like that I expect you to suddenly start cackling or talk about world domination."

Harry rolled his eyes playfully at his father figure. "I'm not into being a dominatrix, Siri," Harry deadpanned, making the animagus choke on air and Remus stumble.

"Little boys should not even know that word," Sirius said after eventually getting his breath back.

"I'm 19," Harry said, shrugging.

"That's more information than I ever wanted or needed to know," Remus said, shaking his head but his eyes were twinkling with mirth.

Sharing another look, Harry could no longer contain his laughter and suddenly burst out with it, his chuckles sending him, and eventually Sirius, to the floor.

"I'm going to miss you, pup," Sirius said after finally calming down.

"I'll be back for Yule and I promise I will write."

"Daily."

Harry rolled his eyes. "No, but at least weekly."

Casting a wandless tempus, Harry saw the time and announced he was going to bed. He would be up early in the morning as he knew he would end up having to calm both Sirius and Remus down before actually getting to the station. He and his friends had arranged to meet at ten in order to find a good compartment and hopefully not get caught in the main rush which usually arrived around 10:30.

1st September 1992, King's Cross Station, London

As he had suspected, Harry had spent the better part of his morning calming down both Sirius and Remus, who both decided to have nervous breakdown at the thought of Harry being so far away and in Dumbledore's grasp.

"I'll be fine. I have allies in the castle, both Filius and Snape are trustworthy and, hell, Lucius is on the Board of Directors. Nothing bad will happen," Harry said as he forced the two men towards the parlour and, more importantly, the main Floo system. It was almost ten and he didn't want to keep his friends waiting.

"Fine, fine, no need to push," Sirius said, letting Remus go through the Floo first.

"You know, I think the Blacks have a family seat on the Board of Governors," Harry said, thinking of a book he had read.

"We do," Sirius confirmed before taking a handful of powder and disappearing.

Harry followed after him, stumbling as he landed at the station.

"Will you take it up?"

"Maybe. Although there is a seat, I would still need to be recommended by a current member."

Sirius was becoming more active in politics since Harry had freed him; although he didn't have a passion for it, he knew that making allies would benefit him and Harry. However, as he had never bothered to pay much attention to his father's lessons, and the fact he had run away before they had gotten to the important political strategies, Sirius was pretty much playing blind. His name and natural charisma, and the fact he and Lucius had a rather strong alliance, were the biggest draws he currently had. He was lucky there hadn't been a formal full Wizengamot session yet. While all members were invited to vote in trials, full sessions were called only four times a year with the next in autumn. He had already had many different proposed bills sent to him as he was now an active member and he honestly didn't know how people could find any joy out of this. All the reading and the scheming was boring to him, however, for Harry, he would do it.

"I'm sure Lucius would gladly recommend you, if just to have an ally with him," Harry said, cautiously looking around before flicking his wrist and making all of the powder currently on his robes disappear before his robes and hair straightened out.

He had finally had his hair cut and it was now back to being shoulder length; still longer than in his old life, but Harry had found he liked it. It separated him from the boy he was - he still had things in common with the 'old Harry' but he was slowly becoming more Harrison James Potter-Black than Harry James Potter.

Seeing Lucius alongside Narcissa and Draco, Harry made his way other to his friends. Narcissa, seeing them approach, sent them a dazzling smile.

"Are you ready for your second year, Harrison?" she asked after leaning down and giving him a soft hug and kiss on the cheek. As there was nobody else really on the platform she allowed her pureblood mask to fall.

"Yes, aunt Cissa." She had insisted he call her aunt after the second time he had been over to the manor.

"Excellent! Now, I expect at least one letter this week from both of you. I want to hear all about your lessons and classmates," she said in mock sternness.

Harry and Draco exchanged looks before replying in sync, "Yes, ma'am."

Lucius gave the boys a soft look. "Now boys, I don't want to hear you've been caught getting up to any trouble."

Sirius smiled. "And by that he means cause as much as you can, but don't get caught."

Lucius sent the man a look. "Obviously," he said.

Harry smiled at the interaction. Although Lucius wasn't as obvious as Narcissa, and much more calculating, he really felt like he had a family in these people. Neville was still his best friend, but Draco was sort of like an annoying little cousin who you couldn't help but like. He was spoilt and arrogant but also caring, sweet, and, underneath all of his masks, he was a loyal friend.

Soon enough Madam Bones appeared with both Hannah and Susan; they usually arrived to everything together with either Hannah's parents or Susan's aunt. Madam Bones didn't stay long, trusting the girls to get on the train, however she did stop to briefly talk to Sirius and Lucius and give both of the boys hugs.

Harry hadn't seen Hannah since getting their school supplies as she had been on holiday and greeted both girls with hugs.

Neville soon arrived and Harry was happy to see the slight changes in the boy. No longer did he walk with his head down and eyes averted but instead he walked with confidence. Seeing this, Harry smiled. He would never regret being friends with Neville.

Once they were all together the adults quickly spelled their trunks and owl cages onto the train. Harry, however, didn't need this as he kept his shrunk in his pocket. There was another round of goodbyes and promises to write and the friends soon found themselves on the train in a compartment near the back.

The train

Halfway through the journey, Harry found himself wondering if perhaps the Weasleys would actually be better off if their youngest male member was to mysteriously disappear. His journey had started off great: he and his friends had chatted about their holidays, eaten sweets, and played a few games of exploding snap. However, Harry should have known it wouldn't last. It was while they were daring each other to eat different Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans that the door to their compartment had opened quite forcefully.

"Harry mate, how's your summer been?" Ronald asked.

Harry sent his friends incredulous looks before he sighed and stood, facing the redhead. Although taller than in his last life, Harry was still shorter than Ron by a few good inches.

"As I said when I saw you in Diagon Alley, I do not wish to speak to you again. If I had my way I wouldn't even see you again. Unless you're here to apologise, which I very much doubt, I think you should leave," Harry said.

The rest of the compartment watched as Ron's face slowly went red and started to match his hair.

"But-but - I was only saying the truth. You were with Malfoy, he's a dirty Death Eater!"

Harry sighed again and put up a hand when he saw Draco rise, most likely to defend his father. "Lord Malfoy is practically my uncle, so I would recommend you stop saying such slanderous things. Now, as I said before, leave."

"You know what? I will. You're just a dirty Death Eater sympathizer. You're worse than them, actually - you're supposed to be a hero! But you're nothing! I'll show you. I'll be a great hero one day and you'll regret ever picking them over me!"

Harry watched with cold eyes as Ron stormed out of their compartment. Although he knew the words were meaningless, he momentarily got lost in his memories. Flashes of Petunia and Vernon beating him, calling him a worthless freak, quickly crossed his mind before he was able to stop them.

Shaking his head to rid himself of his past, Harry turned and faced his friends. "I hope you two have finalised your plans for that menace," he said to Neville and Draco.

The two boys shared sly looks. "We may have."

"Good."

The rest of the journey went by quickly and before long they were reaching Hogwarts. Seeing a few Slytherins, Harry nudged Draco and told him to go get Blaise and Pansy so they could all share a carriage.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, it's fine. If they're your friends, then I want to meet them."

Draco smiled and quickly pulled a reluctant looking pair of Slytherins back with them.

"Blaise, this is Harrison Potter. He's my friend and I think my second cousin or something. Harry, this is my best friend Blaise Zabini, heir to the Zabini family."

Harry smiled and held out his hand. "Nice to meet you, you can call me either Harrison or Harry. I'm not really bothered which," he said, sending the dark skinned boy a smile.

Blaise looked at his hand and his smile with calculating eyes before nodding and smiling back. "Pleasure," he said, his posture relaxing.

Draco looked between them and nodded happily. "Now Harry, this lovely young lady is Pansy Parkinson. Pans, this is Harrison Potter, Boy-Who-Lived and—" he managed to say before he got cut off by Harry smacking him in the stomach.

Harry smiled at Pansy and kissed her hand. "Ignore Draco, apparently his manners have left him. I shall have to tell aunt Cissa. Anyway, it's a pleasure Ms. Parkinson," he said.

Pansy blushed slightly before straightening out. "The pleasure's all mine, Heir Potter."

"Please, call me either Harry or Harrison."

"Then you must call me Pansy," she said.

Harry nodded and motioned for them to get into a carriage. All eight could fit comfortable as they were designed for up to ten.

"So, how did you and Draco become so close?" Blaise asked. The rest of the group had done introductions in the carriage and now the girls were all sitting together, giggling about Gilderoy Lockhart's latest interview while Draco and Neville were plotting Ron's fate.

"We met through my guardian, Sirius Black. He and aunt Cissa are cousins and, after his release, they rekindled their relationship," Harry said, remembering what Draco had said about Blaise being a gossip king.

"I see, that's good," Blaise said. "It's outrageous - what happened to Lord Black."

"I know. I doubt if he had been from a Light or even Neutral family such an injustice would have occurred."

"Undoubtedly," Blaise agreed.

With his opinion now out there, Harry moved on to safer topics and soon the carriages pulled up to the castle. Promising to meet up after breakfast, Harry and his friends soon split up and went to their individual tables.

The Sorting, Harry realised, didn't really change, but Harry was happy when a tiny Luna Lovegood was placed in Ravenclaw. He had grown extremely fond of the airy blonde in his last life; her peculiar outlook on life and bubbly personality always making him smile, even during the worst of the war. At times Harry had even wondered if the little blonde was a Seer of some sort as she always knew just what to say to cheer him up.

Sitting at the end of his yearmates in the hope the little blonde would join him, Harry soon relaxed as Luna danced towards him and took a seat.

"Hello, Lord Potter-Black-Gryffindor-Peverell-Slytherin."

Harry blinked when Luna trailed off all of the titles he had gained in his last life. 'Well,' he thought, 'it would appear she was a Seer of some kind.'

"Hello, Luna. It's actually just Heir Potter-Black at the moment," Harry said, smiling at the small girl.

Luna looked up at him with large, unfocused blue eyes. "Oh, did you lick a moon frog and loose them?"

Harry chuckled. "No, no, moon frogs this time, but I did come back with the help of somebody, so I no longer have them."

Harry watched as Luna's eyes gained focus for a moment. "You'll be a great man, Harrison James Potter-Black."

Harry smiled. "Hopefully, but only if I can count you as one of my friends."

Luna stilled again and a beautiful smile appeared on her face. "You'll keep the nargles away?" she asked.

"I'll even disinfect the mistletoe," Harry promised.

"Then I can't wait to join your followers," Luna said with a smile, making Harry wonder for a moment before he shrugged and smiled back.

After that, Harry tuned to watch the end of the Sorting. It all passed as he remembered up until it was time for Ginny to be Sorted.

Harry watched as the hat was placed on her head and, for a while, all was silent. Unlike her brothers, the hat didn't immediately shout Gryffindor. Harry wondered momentarily if perhaps she would go into Slytherin - it wouldn't surprise him as he knew she was a manipulative swine.

Eventually the hat shouted out, "GRYFFINDOR!"

Harry watched as Ginny sat up and shouted, "But I don't want to go to Gryffindor!" She then proceeded to put the hat back on.

The whole hall was silent; the few who had started to clap stopped to stare. Even the teachers were sharing incredulous looks and, much to his amusement, Snape looked like he was attempting to set the redheaded fool on fire with his glare.

Minerva was shocked to say the least. "Ms. Weasley, you have been Sorted. Now stop this foolishness at once and go and sit with your housemates!" she said.

"No! I want to be in Ravenclaw with Harry. This stupid hat will put me there!" Ginny whined. Although most of the hall couldn't hear, some did - including Harry, who was paying special attention.

Minerva shook her head and flicked her wand, summoning the hat to her. "Go and join your housemates and be prepared for a serious conversation, young lady."

Ginny stood up and stomped to the Gryffindor table but not before sending Harry a look of longing that make him want to take a bath.

"I've never seen so many Blibbering Humdingers in one person's head before," Luna said, staring at Ginny with a look of disgust, shocking Harry as he had thought they were friends.

"I'm surprised, I thought her head empty," Harry grumbled back.

Luna snorted softly. "Don't worry, Harry, she won't get you. Her plans are childish and immature."

At the end of the feast everybody was still gossiping about Ginny's outburst and Harry could see the even the twins were looking at their little sister with slight incomprehension. He hoped that their obvious reaction showed they were not in on the plan to get him, and would be willing to join him.

The other shock for the students was Gilderoy Lockhart. Harry watched with amusement as the students found out and Lockhart made his grand entrance. The hall was spilt in their reactions; half obviously excited and the rest clearly disgusted. Harry was happy that 90% of the Ravenclaws looked exceedingly putout and upset with the news. They had obviously read his book and realised what a load of rubbish the man spouted.

Harry actually felt bad for the 5th and 7th years, they would have to work exceedingly hard to pass their OWLs and NEWTs.

Once all of the news was done and Dumbledore had passed on some words of 'wisdom', all of the students were dismissed. Harry walked with Luna up to the common room but left her so she could do the first year initiation with the prefects. Sitting with his year mates, Harry asked about their summers while they waited for the 1st years.

After a few minutes they trailed in with Luna at the front, who quickly danced over to Harry.

"I fear that my classmates are all infested with nargles," the blonde said, looking around the room. "Actually, a lot in the house of intelligence and wit seem to have a nargles problem."

Harry tilted his head and thought about what he had learnt about Luna and her creatures before he realised she was worried about bullies. He remembered how much of a tough time she had had in her earlier year and vowed that he wouldn't let it happen. He was surprised when he thought about it, as last year they had been almost threatened to not bully their own, but he supposed there was always an exception.

"If any of the nargles-infested do or say anything, you let me know, Little Moon," Harry said. "I won't let them upset you."

"Thank you, my Lord," Luna said, her usual soft and dreamy voice once again making Harry wonder about what she could See.

Eventually the new 7th year prefects came forward and gave more or less the same speech as last year, once again outlining what Ravenclaw stood for, their unofficial rules, and their study policy with the notice boards and Flitwick.

After their speech was done, Harry left Luna to get sorted and meet her roommates while he went to sort out his own things. Although he had initially been close to Terry last year, he hadn't really spoken much to the boy over the summer and was feeling bad about that now. So he spent the night talking to him and asking about his summer.

In the morning Harry once again resorted to sending tickling charms at his roommates to get them up; he had done so throughout the year last year and was happy to keep the trend going.

"I'll see you guys down there," Harry said to them once they were all up. He didn't want to miss Luna coming down; he wanted to know about her night and if she had had any problems.

Sitting in one of the midnight blue loveseats, Harry waited for Luna and was happy when she appeared looking excited instead of forlorn.

"You had a good night then, Luna?" Harry asked, offering her his arm to walk to breakfast.

"Yes, although I don't think they really like me. They think me odd. However, they are all interested in you, mighty Dark wizard slayer."

"Well then, they obviously don't realise what they're missing."

Getting to the hall with the rest of their House, who, like last year, all turned up together. Harry sat down with Luna and enjoyed his breakfast.

Out of nowhere Luna spoke, "The manipulator is watching you, my Lord. He has many plans."

Harry looked up discreetly and saw that Dumbledore was indeed watching him. However, he didn't know how Luna would have noticed as she had been daydreaming while eating her grapes. The thought solidified his theory about her being a Seer of some sort. "Thank you, I will make sure to be on my guard."

When Flitwick gave out their timetables, the half goblin gave Harry a smile and asked if he would like to join him for tea in the evening.

"Certainly, professor," Harry agreed. Before looking at his timetable, he had Herbology first, which was good as he would be with all of his friends.

Glancing over at Luna's timetable, he saw she would have to suffer Lockhart straight away.

"I'm sorry, Little Moon, but if it helps he shouldn't be here all year. I have plans for him," Harry said, seeing her forlorn expression.

"Oh, are you going to feed Aithusia?"

Harry thought for a moment. "If that's her name, then perhaps," Harry agreed. He hadn't known the basilisk's name yet, but he was going to go out on a limb at guess it was Aithusia.

"She would like that, she gets very lonely."

"Then I'll try to visit her," Harry promised, making Luna once again smile brightly.

AN: Big thank you to my Beta reader miisticalwrites for taking the time to check this for me!

Remember people that reviews are always appreciated but I won't hold the story to ransom for them.

Updates should come every few days and like usual this is being posed on Ao3 under the same name.

There might be a delay on the next update as I'm super busy this week, but it will come.

Hope you enjoy reading

~ Annie