AN: Another Chapter and a bit smaller

Sheda finished the runes after a grueling 2 hours and decided that Harry would probably like to see the cloak and skin be combined. Putting the knife into the scabbard she took her gloves off and grabbed her wand casting Enervate.

Harry slowly woke up, his exhaustion clear in his eyes. "It feels worse now than before. I don't think I could even make it to a class."

Sheda agreed with an exhausted nod. "It does seem worse but your body is also getting used to having the cloak on and as a result is no longer compensating for your exhaustion. I finished the runes by the way and will now be combing the cloak and pieces of skin. I figured you would like to see that."

Harry nodded as he struggled to sit up to see the runes. "The same 4 runes as before, but you now added an unbreakable rune to protect the sequence and fabric I suppose, an anti summoning blood rune that will need blood like the scabbard for my knife, an illusion rune? To hide the runes? I think? I don't understand but feel its magic. The same for the other 3. I am guessing there is some form of concealment and reactive runes for the last 4?"

Sheda noted his observations. " So you feel the magic and understand what the runes do based on it? Interesting. Yet, you can't read it. Probably because you don't know the language."

Harry nodded and Sheda looked to be thinking. " You can't sense what runes are for the Veela knife though, right?"

Harry shook his head. "It's beautiful is really the only thing I can say."

Sheda nodded in affirmation. " Perhaps it's because it's a sentence and magic can't force that translation? Who knows. As for your question on the runes and your observations. All four runes are Meso-American indigenous runes. The illusion rune will work to hide the runes since they are rather large and we don't want people to see them. Using the Mayan alphabet as the base language. What you are seeing is a rune that will reject detection charms and magic detection charms. A rune that will conceal the magic of the cloak to magical artifacts and ward stones. And finally the most important rune. A rune that pulls magic in to help support the sequence as to control for magical outbursts. Not too dissimilar to the battery rune and absorption rune that I had originally and have still. Yet, in this case it will allow the robe to respond to your magic in a reactive way as you said by pulling magic in to reinforce the runes and protect them from failing. In many ways it supercharges the runes and keeps doing so until the magic detected subsides. In turn, as long as you are in the magical potent areas this rune will guarantee the robe does not fail."

Sheda moved the skin away pulling a book she had to the side forward. "All these runes are used by Mayan shamans to protect and hide their civilization from the muggle and magical world since they are very insular and like to be left alone. Although they do communicate and trade via one magical city off the coast of Belize where I went to get this book on their runes. The rest of the culture and magical communities are off limits to foreigners. I didn't plan to use them, technically they are meant for magical temples in deep magical jungles where there is a large amount of ambient magic to stabilize them, but after testing one rune on a piece of the snake's skin that I cleaned off I realized the skin could support the sequence. Makes sense considering its a Basilisk and if the rumors of the chamber are true. It would have been there since the founders built Hogwarts so it's very old and magically potent."

Harry marveled at what Sheda had created. "That's amazing! It is a rune sequence taking two different languages. Is that common?"

Sheda smiled at his comment but shook her head. "It's rare, many wizarding areas are very prideful of their magic and systems and don't like to use other areas' magic. This extends to runic languages. America is probably the only place that supports an intermingling of magic and why it's on the rise on the magical world stage. With most breakthroughs in magical theory, technology, and spells coming from the area. Even there it's still uncommon and I do it because I went out of my way to study it and test its potential. Also, if anyone is able to discover or think your robe had runes on it they would need to know Mayan runes to be able to tamper with it and basic Mayan to even read it. ''

Harry was shocked. It's no wonder why she was a professor at Hogwarts at such a young age. " So how do we combine the skin with a cloak?"

Sheda nodded as she pulled her wand out and had both the cloak and pieces of skins float. "It's a process of melding both items in your mind and having magic follow through with your intention. It's really a simple process but overall mentally taxing as you need to deeply focus on what to do and allow your magic to really be the focus." Harry looked on as both items began to float together as they seemed to tangle up together.

Harry saw Sheda close her eyes and as she did the cloak and pieces of skin began to rotate quickly. Almost as if they were apperating in place. Then it began to flash brightly as the magic came off in waves; lifting items in the office and pulsating. Harry noticed that Sheda was starting to grimace as if the magic was fighting her. He figured it was and as it seemed she was gonna lose the battle the item stopped pulsating and she pulled her wand away with a flash of light that blinded him. Getting his eyesight back he looked at the now semi dark green robe with slight dark purple accents floated back down.

Sheda also looked at it admiring her handy work. "It's done and it worked. The Basilisk skin color took over as expected considering how magically powerful it is. Dark green gray and dark purple. Let's see if the runes took hold." She waved her wand and all the runes glowed a golden hue as they appeared on sleeves and hood of the robe. "Seems all is good. Put it on and we can do the blood part for the anti summoning rune."

Harry nodded as he grabbed it and put it on. Feeling rejuvenated one again and overall marveling at the magic and texture of the robe. He caught the scent of the robe and realized it still smelled like lilies. "Lilies." He whispered.

Sheda heard what he said and smiled and looked a tad embarrassed. "Sorry, that's the way my magic scent comes across. Over time your magic begins to have unique identifiers. A magical signature that is described usually by how the magic feels and the way it makes people feel around you. Another thing most people don't realize is that it also leaves a scent when your magic is highly concentrated. The love potion Amortentia keys into that by mimicking the magical scent of who you find attractive. It's a sign that you are magically powerful, most people never pick it up. Unfortunately that means the robe will always smell like lilies until your magic starts to affect it. No matter what you do, spray muggle perfume, or tumble through the lake, it will smell like my magic since I created it. Sorry about that."

Harry smiled and didn't know what to really say. .

"It's fine. It's not bad. I actually like it." Sheda beamed at his unknown compliment. Magical scents were a very personal thing, with many people not picking up on them. Usually only the caster could smell their magic with only a few close people picking up on it overtime. For him to be able to pick up on it showed his sensitivity to magic and magical items, something she could understand given his ability with runes. Although it was curious that he commented on it now. He should have known most of all of this before. Was this a side effect of whatever was happening to him?

She noted it and would look to understand it later. "Let's add the blood to the rune and I will add some charms to it. I used extra skin so it should be able to grow with you at a considerable pace. I also can add some general cooling and cleaning charms. We can then make our way to dinner." As she pulled out her pocket watch showing they had an hour for dinner to start.

Harry spoke up. "Can you add your blood to Sheda? in case something happens?"

Sheda smiled. " Of course Harry."

Break break break

As he made the way to the great hall Harry had a house cloak over the robes as too not fully show them off. He didn't want questions or rumors since the robe looked extremely expensive and more future dark lord allegations. It was clearly made from a magical snake and he didn't need a repeat of last year. He loved how it felt, yet his worry about his wand was a new development. It now didn't fully work for him. Originally thinking it was due to the runes, Sheda and him tried testing out many different things. Nothing worked.

He was finally able to do simple charms after a while and even complicated spells, but it required a lot of focus. Funny enough the knife did a better job channeling his magic it seemed. Being able to produce a Patronus shield much to the relief of Sheda, who worried he couldn't focus his magic anymore. That only brought more questions than answers. Why did his wand reject him now? And what could be done. Deciding to review it later, Sheda said she wanted to reach out to some contacts regarding wand lore. They decided to call it a day regarding his growing magical dilemmas. They would go to dinner and then focus on his tutoring session with Daphne Greengrass.

As he made his way to the Gryffindor table he sat at the top and waited for others to start rolling in. He kept hearing whispers in his head, but like he did after class he ignored them. Seeing Ron and Hermione he waited for the eventual grilling regarding what had happened and the issues.

And like clockwork it came as Ron went first. "Harry Mate. Where have you been? We have been hearing a whole lot of stuff. You attacked a teacher and some other unsavory stuff about you and Hermione." Ron asked as he sat down next to him but Hermione came in right behind him and sat on Harry's right.

She said nothing and clearly was frustrated. Harry responded. "I didn't attack a teacher. I had some issues this morning and that's it. I don't want to talk about it. As for between Hermione and I, she has gotten me angry multiple times today and personally I just need time to cool off."

Ron looked between them and said. "Uhhhhh okay. I am more concerned about the main rumors between you and Hermione. That you are dating."

Hermione huffed as she put her fork down. "Ron, I have told you multiple times to not take Greengrass's rumor to be true. Harry and I are not dating and never have been. How about you stop believing everyone and listen to your friend? All day accusing me of lying to you. I told you that we weren't and you still think I am lying to you."

Ron's ears got red. "Why would I trust you? It's clear you knew the rumor before me so there has to be some truth to it. Did you guys snog when you did the time turner thing and someone saw you? You were close to each other when you came back. You know I don't like to be kept in the blind and out of an adventure. Maybe Harry does consider it dating."

Ron started calmly but was clearly getting angry. "It's not like the girl to know. It's the guys that lead the dating. Everyone knows that. It's clear you care about the rumor and hoped it made it to Harry's ears. Maybe you want to get your mittens on Harry."

Harry dropped his fork at this point and looked at Ron. "Ron, I am not dating Hermione nor have I kissed her. How about you stop listening to rumors and actually listen to Hermione. Also since when do you care what others say about us? We have always been at the receiving end of rumors." Harry finished with a slight venom.

Hermione responded with clear angry tears in her eyes. "Your jealousy on the potential of this rumor is sickening and how could you say such a thing about me. Getting my mittens on Harry when it's clear Greengrass is just messing with us so she can steal Harry. Harry is skipping classes and doing a subject he has never been good at much less never would have been good at without cheating. It's clear she did something. "

Ron had turned extremely red but in his thick headedness continued down the path and snapped his fingers and pointed. "Ha. Steal. Why do you say steal? You like him don't you? I am over here looking like a third wheel to a bicycle. How about you both leave me alone. It's clear I am not needed and Hermione clearly has chosen the golden boy. The school likes their power couples anyway." Ron turned around angrily and grabbed food on his plate.

Harry shook his head and slammed his fists on the table stopping everyone at the table from eating. "Both of you shut up and figure your stuff out. Ron! Hermione and I are not dating. I do not like her like that nor think I ever will. She is not my type. She was at best a sister, but she has really been testing me today. Stop feeding into the rumors and stop being such an arse. Hermione! Once again stop questioning my abilities as just being cheating or I am being controlled. For your information I have my first tutoring session tonight in Ancient Runes to hopefully test and transfer into the class next year. Again I don't know what has gotten into both of you, but figure it out. I am not dealing with both of you nor am I going to fix it. So either figure it out before the end of the year or leave me alone." Harry got up and walked out, he didn't see the robe glow.

Ignoring the whispers at the tables as both Hermione and Ron looked down in embarrassment. As people began to whisper and the rumor mill had only just started. Unbeknownst to him a witch had seen the whole interaction including a slight glow from under his cloak. She quickly grabbed some food and wrapped it up. Seeing an opportunity after some time had passed made her way out of the great hall as well.

Break break break

Feeling that he would be followed by the two Harry had quickly put on his invisibility cloak and took out his map. Ignoring the intensifying whispers. Seeing the two not following him, he saw no one in Sheda's classroom and decided to make his way there. A long walk but it helped him relax.

Once there he walked in and sat down where he was during class. Finding himself just tired of the day and hungry since he had only gotten a few bites in, he decided the best course of action was to try to nap and let some time go by before he had tutoring at 8pm. Casting a tempus with the knife he saw the summer sun still a tad high with maybe a few hours left of sunlight. Taking his house cloak off he folded it into a pillow and then took off the Basilisk robe as he felt exhaustion washing over him. Laying his head down on the desk. He began to fall asleep.

To his surprise not 15 min into his nap he felt a tab on his shoulders and sighed. "Hermione, I told you to leave me alone. I am done talking today. Let me rest before my tutoring is supposed to start." He wrapped his House cloak over his head but stopped when he heard a voice he had gotten used to talking to while in class.

"You know I should hex you for even comparing me to Granger. Yet, Professor Babbling is not here to save me if you cast an accidental Depulso at me." Daphne said as she unwrapped the food she brought him and the food she brought for herself. "Here. I saw what the Weasel and Granger did. You weren't exactly subtle in your anger towards them. Pretty sure a good portion of the Great Hall heard you. Nice robe by the way. New?"

Harry nodded and sighed as he put on the robe feeling its runes activate. "And another rumor starts. Why must everyone care about my life? Thank you Daphne." Daphne nodded, not bothered by the use of her first name. A feeling she had been surprised about when he had used it earlier. She expected everyone to use her last name, but it felt natural coming from him when he used her first name. Almost as if there was a blank sentiment behind it. A first since many always had preconceived notions about her. Mainly being a bitch or an ice queen; whatever that meant.

They ate the food in silence before Harry spoke up. "Why did you bring me food? I didn't think the snake's generosity included me?"

Daphne snorted. "Most people aren't looking to kill you Potter. The snakes aren't some evil death eaters in training. That is not to say there aren't some unsavory type people, but most are pretty smart in how they act and the rules regarding Houses."

Harry raised an eyebrow. "Houses? Like Hufflepuff?"

Daphne shook her head and put a hand over her mouth to cover her mouth as she was still chewing. "No Potter. Magical Houses. Like your house or mine. The Ancient and Most Noble House of Potter or Greengrass."

Harry once again looked confused and Daphne sighed. "Are you telling me you know nothing about your house in the grand scheme of politics and house dynamics?"

Harry shook his head and Daphne just looked exasperated. "It's too much to talk about honesty and I myself only cared to learn it to a degree of avoiding it. Simply put your name holds power and that power means people respect you. Add your status as the boy who lived and some other rumors and you are pretty safe from most in magical Europe. Did you ever think it was weird no older years or younger years antagonized you?"

Harry shook his head in confusion. "Wait, people don't antagonize me because of my name? What about Draco?"

Daphne Smiled. "Malfoy is a special case, just as he is special in many different ways." Daphne said with a smirk. "He believes he controls the House of the snakes and most just allow him to act like the peacock because it is a source of fun for everyone in the snake den. In reality he has no power and his dads influence is limited outside of just being on the board and pulling in favors against families. Everyone quickly learned that "daddy dearest" wasn't going to waste political favors because the ferret was embarrassed by an older student. "

Daphne finished as she looked to continue eating. Harry smiled at her joke about Draco being special and continued for her. "That still doesn't explain why you got me food and also why you helped me earlier today. If I know anything about snakes, it is that they all have plans. You yourself have a reputation. That being not to cross you."

Daphne looked at him and smirked. "It seems the Potter Golden boy has a few brain cells." She looked to finish eating before she gave a response. She tried to figure out an alternative explanation on why she did everything. In hope of avoiding telling him she sympathized with his accidental magic issue.

Having finished, Daphne began to clean up and came up with something. "Funny enough. I only just started to come up with a plan. And that was to get to know you at least before our tutoring sessions. As for this morning and what happened with your accidental magic. It's a pretty embarrassing thing for wizards and witches especially as they continue to get older. In our culture it's honestly rude to make fun of it. As a kid it's funny, but as you get older it's a symbol of more issues. On another note, I don't start rumors, I use them for information and look to use them if needed. Like the rumor about you and Hermione, supposedly it comes from a good source within your tower. I believe Brown and Patil in your house started it."

Harry shook his head. And Daphne shrugged. " I figured it was a stretch, but Ron and Hermione both came over to antagonize me during my lunch. Sorry if I caught you in any trouble." Harry sighed.

He honestly didn't know how he felt about his two friends. Maybe it was him, but they had been extra problematic today. And now they were fighting battles over him and for him. He hoped they ironed out whatever was going on with them. "It's no problem Daphne. Although I don't appreciate the rumor, I understand needing to defend yourself. It's also their fault for going to antagonize you and believing a rumor. Two things they should know I don't appreciate."

Daphne was surprised with the quick apology and responded. "Surprising Potter I heard you held grudges. I will try to not pass rumors about you along. I guess in some ways I keep my ear close to the ground, for any worthwhile information. In any case, on what happened this morning, I honestly don't see any value in telling others what happened this morning besides getting cheap laughs from other Slytherins. Slytherins whose opinions I do not care for, nor want. As for taking the blame for your accidental Depulso. I meant what I said. Many have preconceived notions of me. Mainly that I am abrasive and overall a bitch. You actually cared to hear my opinions. I am not a bad person Potter, again, most of us aren't. I saw you in distress and I enjoyed our class together. Mind you, most people are insufferable in classes, Granger especially. She can't be wrong in any way, it's either her way or no way. You actually had a discussion with me, you actually took my opinions and considerations with respect and admitted where you were wrong and overall treated me with respect. Something mind you, most in my House don't give me, much less outside it. Nothing more and nothing less."

Harry looked at her in thought, her hair catching his eyes. He had always seen it from afar but up close he was able to realize just how silver it looked. It almost seemed to catch the light and glow. He tried to remember where he had seen such a description before, but could not come up with it as he looked to respond. "I enjoyed our class. And you are right. Maybe I should realize that we are all 13-14 years old's just looking to discover our curiosities and not everyone is a death eater in the making or a rising star politician that only cares about my fame and the future possible doors it can open."

Daphne laughed to the surprise of Harry. "Ohhhh Potter. There is definitely that here. Even I am not blind at the potential of being good friends with the Boy who lived Lord Potter." Harry grimaced, but Daphne continued before it could be taken the wrong way. " I will say you aren't wrong. At least regarding our year. Many of us are just living in the moment and having fun. Some of us are finding their passion and drive and researching almost every book on the subject. Longbottom is a good example with Herbology. He can't do anything with a wand, but somehow he has a green thumb. A select few like me, already know what they want to do and just want to be left alone." Harry caught the hint of pride Daphne had at the end of her sentence.

She must be really proud to know what she wanted to do in life. Harry nodded. "Well you aren't alone for the next two hours and the next couple of weeks. I want to catch up quickly."

Daphne was unsure how to respond, his statement on her not being alone caught her off guard. Her real reason for doing what she did came back to her head. "Someone there to sympathize when it came for me."

She didn't have a chance to fully think about it as Professor Babbling walked in. "Alright Mister Potter and Miss Greengrass. I want you to both tackle the runic alphabet today and I want Mister Potter to get more than 75% of it correct by the end of the night when I quiz him." Sheda smirked as she looked at Harry. "It will be a written quiz, Mister Potter so no feeling of magic." Harry gulped.

Break Break Break

"Hmmmmmm. 88% of them are correct. Good job Mister Potter. You both can leave. We will be in touch. Do you mind walking Miss Greengrass to the dungeons? It is late." Daphne was going to say it was fine, but was cut off by Harry who agreed.

As they walked out Daphne responded. "You don't need to take me to the dungeons Potter. I will be fine."

Harry smiled. " I know you will be. I just wanted to chat and thank you for the tutoring. You are a good teacher. You would be good at it if you try."

Daphne smiled. "Thanks. I do enjoy explaining concepts. You are a great listener." Harry looked at her hair again as he swore he saw it slightly glow ever so faintly. Once again he felt pulled and calm.

Harry responded after he realized they had been walking for a bit in silence. "I do like to learn about magic in its purest form by testing it out. It's why I know the Patronus now. I don't like theoretical concepts, but you made it easy."

Daphne caught on to his comment. "So you actually know the Patronus?"

Harry nodded. "I can try to teach you. Its concept is simple, the spell is harder."

Daphne looked to think about the Acadia. "We can try next year. I have too much studying to do for my normal classes and now some nights are stuck in detention if you didn't know."

Harry looked surprised that she wanted to continue spending time. He decided to ask if she was willing to tutor outside of the session. " I will hold you to that Daphne. Do you want to meet to study on other days? I really do want to give myself every opportunity to get into runes next year."

Daphne was surprised that he asked her to study more. Did he really like how she taught the subject? She did like to do it. "If you think I can help that much, sure. Library in between classes? We can find someplace to hide from everyone."

Harry was curious about the hiding, but beamed at her accepting. "Sure!" As they made it to the dungeons he stopped. "Well goodnight Daphne, see you tomorrow as well for your detentions." He said with a grin. Daphne shook her head as she bid him goodnight as well.

Both teenagers were unaware of the friendship that was beginning to grow.

Break Break Break

"Sirius, thank you for responding to me so quickly. I know you were looking for a place to hide. Seems you have found one. " Dumbledore stated as he came out of the flow at Grimmauld place.

Sirius's face was still gaunt and looking worse for wear. "I decided to listen to you earlier this morning and went straight to the bank to see if I had anywhere to stay/hide in Magical England. Buckbeak also left. Unsure where. Hopefully no trouble comes from it." Sirius had been surprised when he left the bank to see that Buckbeak had disappeared. He had grown rather fond of the beast. He hoped it went back to the wild.

Sirius continued. " Imagine my surprise when I found out that my Grandfather named Harry his heir and left me as proxy of the House until he reaches his maturity."

Dumbledore looked surprised but quickly got thinking. "Hmmm Arcturus Black was always a curious individual. Motivation's complicated and ideologically opposed to me. Not surprising he did such a thing. He always hated the Malfoys for being foreigners and French. I suppose this House is a part of that and the finances are in disarray?"

Sirius nodded as he led him to the kitchen and they both sat down. "Sorry for the mess and dust. I haven't been able to do much. I am still trying to get healthy. I recently hired a doctor under the table to provide me with healing potions. Never was good enough in the subject. Should be a while before I am back to my usual strength. But yes you are right. It's a mess. I am unsure what he was thinking, my grandfather, but it's clear it was a final act of desperation to spit at the Malfoys one more time. After that the House still has more money then it knows what it can do with but something is draining the finances. I froze the accounts until I can review it. Investments make up the difference but overall I wanted to know what is draining it. "

Dumbledore looked lost in thought as he looked around. "Well. I sure hope it's nothing major and you are able to guide the House to a proper standing for young Harry to take over. Speaking of Harry, have you spoken to him?"

Sirius shook his head. "No I have not. Based on your letter you sent with Fawkes it sounded important. Hence why I risked going to the bank."

Dumbledore nodded. "I hope you write to him. I am worried about him. His magic reacted negatively this early morning to his emotions and he casted accidental magic that resulted in Professor Bathsheda Babbling being hit with a food tray. No injuries, just emotional ones it seems."

Sirius's eyes got heavy as he looked down, but he quietly chuckled. "Sheda got hit. That's funny but it's worrisome what happened to Harry. Ever since your letter this morning. I have been thinking. Trying to remember anything in the Black grimoire or Library of magic like that at age 13/14. Unless Harry is hiding wandless magic from everyone and did mean to attack Sheda. I have been unable to figure out what could cause Accidental magic to linger. At 14 years old it's unheard of unless under extreme distress and emotional pain? Especially after casting a Patronus. His magic is maturing and he has focus. Most adults can't even do the charm. There has to be something else besides accidental magic. "

Dumbledore nodded. "I see you picked up on the oddity yourself. Although I do believe young Harry can do wandless magic if he so wanted I was able to watch a memory of what occurred from the head girl and it did seem to be accidental. Furthermore, he did have a bout of accidental magic over the summer before starting 3rd year. He inflated his muggle aunt on his Uncle's side to a rather humorous balloon."

Sirius took in the new information with some hope. "So it could just be accidental magic. It means he has a lot of magical power and if anything he will need more training to focus it, not only magically, but also emotionally."

Dumbledore's eyes twinkled. "Precisely. His impressive display of the Patronus charm in hopes of saving you is a good example of that I believe."

Sirius looked to agree as his eyes got a faraway look as if dreading his next question. "So why is he so emotional?"

Dumbledore's eyes lost all twinkle and seemed to grow heavy as he responded. "He has been missing classes ever since your adventure. Although he talked through his feelings with Professor Babbling and not to me. He did mention to me his displeasure about going back to his muggle relatives after meeting you. I believe the idea and excitement of finding a family has sunken in and he is losing himself in the melancholy of not being able to have it. I sensed a feeling of failure and regret also. Possibly at his inability to catch Peter and free you."

Dumbledore finished with a hint of regret in his voice. Sirius felt like crying realizing he had been right in his assessment that he had this morning. Harry wanted to be with him. He knew he had messed up, but to do so at this degree it made him feel worse. To cause his only Godson such emotional distress he couldn't even go to class and even have his magic react in such a way. He seemed to snap. "13 years! 13 years of feeling like no one loved you. 13 years of feeling alone! I failed him. All for what. I promised James! I promised Charles! I promised Lily! I promised Aunt Dorea! " Sirius got up and threw the chair against the wall. Dumbledore waved his wand and the chair reconstructed itself as Sirius grabbed it and sat back down in anger at his emotional distress.

Dumbeldore let the man cool down before he continued. "We have both failed in those 13 years regarding Harry. I believed being with his Muggle relatives would have seen him live a quiet life. It appears not, especially when looking at his reaction." Dumbledore's own fear had also been proven wrong. The Dursley's hadn't been threatened by young Harry to move him into the large room. He did not scare or attack them like Tom had done to his fellow orphans. If anything the Dursleys continued to torment young Harry. It was actually the fear of being discovered that they were abusing Harry that made them move him. He wiped all memories of Harry from their minds. He would never return there. The memories he extracted from them were unpleasant and painful to watch. It was another failure of his, but it was at least one he could attempt to fix. Furthermore, the blood wards had begun to fail. "We are at a critical point in Harry's life and we must look ahead to see what we can do to make it better. I reviewed the blood wards at his muggle relatives home. He won't be going back. They are failing. Something is changing within him and I am unsure what it could be."

Sirius looked shocked and worried. "Blood wards failing? What do you mean Dumbledore? Blood wards don't fail. Unless the host is still alive; they will always hold. I am a Black and you are one of the most versed wizards ever. You and I both know a personality change doesn't affect blood wards. Something has happened to him. Something dark. It has to be. Could magic be changing in him and as a result his blood is also. Is there a possibility of artifact possession? Has he been used in a ritual? I know you must have explored these possibilities already. "

Dumbledore looked lost in thought. " I went to see the blood wards after I spoke to Harry. They had begun to fail only suddenly. As if it started a few days ago. It means it coincides with your adventure. I do not believe it's any of your theories. Harry was very much present. His temper, mannerisms, everything is still there. In review of the memory I saw no evidence of ritual use either. With the accidental magic explained via his emotional distress I felt the two were not connected. I can't stop but think they are. A part of me wonders if his blood is finally being allowed to react and change because of an outside source. I have been reviewing everything all day today. Do you remember anything from your escape, anything out of the ordinary?"

Sirius shook his head. "Nothing really. I was out for the last part of it. I do remember seeing Harry start to get kissed by the dementors, but I blacked out as I also was pulled in. The last thing I remember is the white light from his Patronus hitting both of us."

Dumbledore nodded. "I expected as much. I will have to have a conversation with Professor Babbling and ask about her conversation with him again. I have no other theories currently, but will begin researching possible issues. Please do write to him. I believe it will be good for him." Sirius nodded. "Will do."

Dumbledore stood up and began to head out and stopped as he reached the floo in the living room remembering a point he wanted to make. "Ahhh how the memory goes with age. I did want to ask a favor. I was hoping you could try to get Harry some tickets to the full Quidditch World Cup event. I believe the boy deserves a vacation. I know you won't be able to go, but I can see if Snape can take the boy."

Sirius snorted. "Snape is not going near my Godson outside of school, Dumbledore. Especially if we want Harry's mood to improve"

Sirius looked lost in thought but responded. "I will see about getting him two tickets for the Quidditch World Cup and 2 tickets for the World Wizarding Dueling championship in Austria. That should get him out to at least enjoy his time for a good portion of the summer and hopefully allow him to relax. Remus can't take him since he was outed as a werewolf and he ran away again, correct? Who is teaching DADA next year?"

Dumbledore eyes twinkled. "You are correct. Very unfortunate on Remus's insecurities especially in regards to Harry's feelings. Snape is currently covering for the man. It would be Alastor."

Sirius' eyes bugged out. "Alastor Moody? How did you get the man to agree on teaching students? I thought you wanted students to enjoy their youth, not become paranoid individuals who are afraid of their shadow."

Dumbledore chuckled. " Although I would agree, I hope to continue to have competent professors in DADA. Remus was a breath of fresh air and it's unfortunate he decided to run and go into hiding again. If I am understanding correctly you hoped to have Remus take him to both events?"

Sirius nodded. "Unfortunately, yeah. I can't think of anyone. I can't buy tickets for the whole Weasley family without raising suspicion on where they got the money from. Especially for both events. I never knew Frank's Mother, although Harry never did mention Neville so I suppose they aren't friends."

Dumbledore nodded. "Correct. They are only dorm mates as far as I heard. Although I will say based on Hogwarts rumors and what happened at the Great Hall during dinner today, Harry is having issues with his friends." Sirius threw his hands in the air and kicked the coffee table. Smashing it against the wall.

Dumbledore sighed and repaired the table. "Feeling depressed and of course his Friends go to add salt to the wound. That Hermione girl seemed to have a good head on her shoulders. Let me guess teenage drama and nothing of worth?"

Dumbledore chuckled. "I am pretty sure you remember how it feels when you are that age. Everything from off hand comments, to how you react, and what people say, including rumors, can be hurtful and impactful. Let us not diminish what the youth feel, however immature and shortsighted it is."

Sirius grumbled about puberty and stupid rumors. "So not even getting his Friends to go with him would be a good idea. I have no idea then. McGonagall or Flitwick? James and Lily were their pride and joy."

Dumbledore also frowned and looked lost showing his age. "I believe you and I are not the only ones who have failed young Harry. I believe, as they put it, that they have ruined probably any potential future relationship at least for the time being with Harry. Both ignored Harry during his 1st year and 2nd year and did not care to show any familiarity with his parents. I believe they thought he would reach out. They did not expect him to find frustration in their actions. I also believe McGonagall further hurt her chances this year when she confiscated the firebolt you sent him. Although we did not know your innocence, I believe he holds a grudge more so at adults than younger individuals, but that may also be changing."

Sirius this time just looked defeated and sat down on the dusty sofa as he tried to control his anger. His black madness almost took control when he just sagged and began to cry. A broken man with years of guilt and fear. A fear that had manifested itself after hearing everything. Something his heart was trying to suppress but his mind didn't allow. He collected himself and looked at the ceiling. His head became clear, but the implications scared him. "Tell me Dumbledore. Is there a chance he is an obscurial?"

Dumbledore froze at the word. Images of Arianna and Credence played in his head. Sirius continued. "He has all of it. Magic hating muggles who I wouldn't be surprised abused him. Lily's comments on her sister's jealousy and her walrus of a husband were never good. His family, his dad and mom were killed for being in our world. The injustice of my incarceration. My idiocy and clear continued idiocy of every adult around him. Fame that he hinted he hated and he probably doesn't even know about lordships. Three years of life threatening adventures based on what you have told me. A magical world and school that flips on him at every turn. I saw an old newspaper about him from last year. The hit piece made by Malfoy regarding his Parselmouth ability. Friends that are now giving him problems. It seems it keeps adding up. And today his magic has a mind of his own."

Dumbledore had stayed frozen. A fear, a cold fear he never thought he could have again going through his body. "Harry. Harry can't be one. He, we." Dumbledore stopped a single tear coming down his face. He knew everything connected now. The accidental magic, the wards failing, the obscurus was destroying his body. It all made sense, but something still confused him. "No he can't be one. His patronus. Yes his patronus is a good sign of him not being one. He had only this incident. We would see more erratic magic by now. He would have it manifested at the latest when he was 10 or 11." Sirius breathed a sigh of relief at remembering the Patronus and the fact this was only a one off. Maybe nothing to worry about. His dark thoughts getting the best of him and forgetting that point.

Dumbledore was not convinced, but buried the thought and did not show it. Credence didn't manifest fully until his late teens. He needed to talk to HIM and understand everything HE had researched about the creature. It was something Dumbledore had avoided. But HE didn't. Looking to finish the conversation Dumbledore spoke up. "Professor Babbling talked to him and Harry seemed receptive and even seemed interested in taking her class to my surprise. Maybe I can ask her to take him to the events?"

Sirius, who had just been staring at the ceiling, sighed and nodded. "Yeah. If Sheda is anything like I remember I can't imagine a better person. Lily trusted her. I did as well"

Dumbledore nodded and seeing the man wanted to be left alone, took his goodbye and floed away. One single thought in his mind. He needed to get to Nurmengard.