The Potter Retreat Cycle

by Halkie

As Harry's 15th birthday starts he disappears from London in the middle of the night and is taught to be the man he needs to be.

2. Chapter 2: An Allowance For Revenge

Chapter 2: An Allowance For Revenge

Harry wiped the sweat from his forehead from his position kneeling on the floor of the Room Of Requirement. All he was currently wearing was a pair of black cargo pants, prefering to feel his bare feet on the floor and giving his upper body access to cool air when he was training with the man. Being under Headmaster Dumbledore's tutelage has been a blessing for Harry. No matter how much the man made him work, whatever gruelling task was put in front of him, Harry was always thankful for the opportunity given to him in that basement over two years ago. Even now, as he knelt on the cold stone floor, panting for breath after a thirty minute duel with his Master, he relished every second of it.

"Harry, I told you that I would not go easy on you simply because it is your birthday. You'll have to forgive an old man for not putting too much stock in the passing of age. I'm rather used to the concept by now."

Yes, at the ripe age of one-hundred and eighteen, the Headmaster would of course not care that Harry himself is turning eighteen today. And would most likely push him even harder just to make a point. In fact for the past two and a half years he had been pushed to his limits. It only got worse after his Hogwarts education came to an end. For one full hour every day in the morning they did this, before he would go back to whatever project he was currently assigned to with Headmaster's infrequent input. Most of his theory was done inside the Headmaster's office while the Professor was doing his own work as Headmaster. Almost daily he would take several meetings all while Harry was sitting at his own desk in the corner of the room, a space made just for him. Professor Dumbledore despaired that some of his trinkets had to be put into storage, but the old man had always been a little dramatic.

"Well old man, I'm not surprised that someone getting a year older doesn't make you feel much these days." The eight-teen year old breathed out. "But for those under the age of two-hundred and thirty-eight, there is still a little bit of excitement in the whole affair." Harry managed to shield against the Headmasters rebuttal, expecting this reaction gave him a slight advantage, but still being on his knees meant that he was shortly sent spiralling on to his back with the wind knocked out of his lungs. "See?" He wheezed out. "No respect for my big day. On your birthday we took a break." The teen accused, pointing at the man from his position, lay on the floor.

"Yes well that is one of the privileges of being the Master and not the Apprentice. I hope one day that you may feel the joy of teaching that I feel on a daily basis."

The annoying thing was he knew that the Headmaster was being serious. Ever since Harry has expressed a slight desire to teach one day, Dumbledore has consistently referenced the joys of teaching and even at times given Harry tips on how something may be instructed. Harry was still very unsure what he wished to do if he ever got a chance at having a normal career but he knew that as the only apprentice of Albus since Minerva Mcgonagall back in the 40s, he would have the pick of any job he could want. Teaching was something he enjoyed however. The Headmaster has had him doing periodic tutoring sessions for various ages for the last two years in order to make sure that he does not forget the earlier subject matter. It was during these sessions that he discovered his joy for the practice.

Maybe having his mentor be someone who is completely in love with being a teacher, and also staying at the castle surrounded by students and teachers had swayed his opinion a little but it was still how he felt.

"But in all seriousness Harry, today has been a good lesson and I look forward to tomorrow. Please collect your clothing and be on your way. I will extend your current assignment by a couple days, go out and have some fun with your friends. I'll see you at nine AM tomorrow." The Headmaster said with that understanding twinkle in his eyes.

"Thank you Sir." He said with a slight bow as his Teacher left the room. Quickly dressing Harry made his way a few corridors over to his own quarters. When he had finished his NEWTs Harry, as the only current apprentice in the castle, was given his own choice of any apprentices quarters in the castle. They were also sometimes used for married couples or when a baby was involved but there was no such case currently there at Hogwarts. He had chosen these particular rooms because of their proximity to the Room Of Requirement, needing only a short walk to reach from where he did his morning routine with the Headmaster. He had been tempted by a room near the Gryffindors but thought there wouldn't be much point being that out of the way after all of his friends had left the school.

"Master Potter, you're a little early today are you not?" Crenmuck said. Crenmuck is the name of the man inside the portrait in the hallway just outside of his rooms. Harry was unsure if that is his real name but that was the one he had given him when he first met the man. Not the smartest of men, his painting depicts him in front of a merchant's cart that has fallen over with several highland cows in a field in the background. Curiously however his accent has a distinct eastern european edge to it.

"I managed to convince the Headmaster to let me out a little early as today is my birthday." Harry said with a grin.

"And how old are you turning today, young man?"

"Today is my eighteenth, Sir."

His own experience with Crenmuck over the last year had altered his view on portraits. Before, because of his experience with the paintings in the Retreat Castle, he believed them to be just the same as if he was talking to a real portrait. But over the last few years he has noticed differences between the two places. The portraits in Hogwarts are more like shade of their former self, unable to remember specific details of things that occur after their death and often unable to follow an extended conversation. There must be some kind of magic at work on the portraits of his grandparents as well as the others there, as they seem to be able to converse as well as any living person he has met.

It was something he had noticed when talking to the Fat Lady outside the Gryfindor common room but really hit hard when he tried to speak with Crenmuck. The Fat Lady is able to remember students' faces and names quite well but does not hold a conversation with any kind of ease. Harry has assumed that there must be some kind of enchantment on the frame that allows that level of memory, Crenmuck does not possess such an ability, even forgetting Harry's name on a few occasions.

The passage of time is also different, with almost all of the portraits not knowing how long it has been since they have died. It was the reason why he did not feel bad about not visiting his Grandparents in the castle too often, and it was honestly a little strange to talk to a shade of his relative.

"Eighteen eh? Well you best be on your way young man. You cannot waste such a day speaking with this old man." He said with a smirk, waving Harry into his room.

The living space that they had given him wasn't much but it is more than enough for Harry's needs. An open plan living area welcomed him when he stepped inside, a small kitchenette off the side and two doors at the other end of the room leading into a bathroom and his own bedroom. And perhaps the most welcoming sight of all was his best friend sitting on his couch.

"We both knew he'd let you out early, Harry."

"Yes but if I made that assumption out loud or even let him believe that I thought that then he would have kept me in for another four hours. If that has happened then I would be with the old man right now instead of with my beautiful best friend."

"You say that to all the girls and be nice to Professor Dumbledore, he puts a lot of effort into your education."

"I say that only to the prettiest girl." Harry replied to his best friend, ignoring her scolding with practised ease. "And said prettiest girl is still yet to allow the birthday boy her gaze. Is that book truly so interesting?"

Hermione looked at him wryly before placing a bookmark in what she was reading, setting it on the table and standing up. "Must you always be so dramatic." She said before kissing him on the cheek, "happy birthday Harry."

"Thank you lovely, is this the year I get a date?" Harry asked while grabbing her hand so that she wouldn't go too far.

"It's the year," Hermione started, pulling her hand from his grasp which Harry let go of without complaint. "You get this." Her last word was punctuated with a small box being thrusted into his belly. Although he let out a small guttural sound in reaction to some wind being knocked out of him he didn't let his eyes stray from her own for a few moments.

Taking hold of the box presented to him he sat down on the armchair opposite the couch Hermione called hers. Looking down at his hands he saw a long, light blue cardboard box with an intricate gold flowing accent that travelled all around it. Glancing up to see her fidgeting, Harry decided to put her out of her misery and open the present .

Inside the box lay a pair of circular framed glasses that looked similar to the ones he uses now, picking them up Harry found that they were in fact made of thin stone coloured an extremely dark grey. Harry looked up at Hermione questioningly.

"Similar to the ones I made for you for your sixteenth birthday-"

"These will-"

"Similar to the ones I made for you for your sixteenth birthday, these will not break and your vision will not be impaired by rain dirt or anything similar. But also these will allow you to see ward lines with a faint glow along their perimeter."

Harry glanced at Hermione in surprise before taking the pair he currently wore and carefully placing them on the table before placing the new ones on his face. Seeing that she was gesturing out the window, he took a look outside to see the faint brown glow of the Hogwarts wards in the distance, beginning around halfway through the forest.

"Wow," Harry said, turning towards her.

"They are this term's project for Professor Babbling. I managed to convince her to let me give them to you once she had marked it, though I believe she knew my intentions to give them to you the moment she saw them." The young woman confessed with a slight blush still on her face. "They will also only come off your face with a slow human touch, anything violent or just you falling over will not result in your loss of vision."

In order to test her statement Harry threw his head around rapidly in a circle, attempting to shake the glasses off, causing his friend to let out a giggle. Harry was pleasantly surprised when they didn't fly off his face.

"What does the birthday boy want to do today?"

After a few moments to consider his options, Harry replied, "Well it's only a little past one, how about some lunch and then we can go see a film in Glasgow? We are still meeting everyone at half-five later?"

"That sounds nice and yes we will still be meeting at the Leaky Cauldron. Now go and have a shower. You still stink from all that running around."

"You won't give the birthday boy a hug?" The birthday boy said, both arms up, moving towards Hermione, sweat dripping from his brow still.

"No!" She squealed, making a move to the other side of the room.

"Don't be cruel, lovely."

"You can have your hug when you're clean, I will wait here for you."

"But I want one now."

"Don't be petulant Harry and you do not want one now you want one while you're covered in sweat and grime and I will not be the victim of your horrid joke."

"Fine, if you must be so dramatic then I will go and shower now, but you would be lucky if I still want a hug when I return." He said before dramatically turning into the bathroom, much to the relief of the young woman cowering in the corner.

When he returned he once again found her waiting on the couch wearing a light blue dress with white streaks running vertically through it.

"You set an outfit out for me." Harry stated blandly with a slight frown.

"I thought you would look nice and I was right, I only ever see you in those silly black cargo pants." Hermione said, standing up so she could inspect his outfit.

She had set out a pair of smart black pants with a dark green button up shirt, all of which he had put on without hesitation. His hair was still wet from the shower so she also began drying it with her wand. While she was up close Harry took a moment to inspect her own outfit.

"You look stunning by the way, I like this dress on you." Harry said, attempting to grab her by the waist but she slapped his hands away with her own that wasn't drying his hair.

"Thank you Harry and if you put as much effort into your apprenticeship as you do into seducing me then maybe you would be finished with it by now."

"One, I don't think I'll ever be done with that apprenticeship, the Headmaster is a taskmaster and seems to be intent on teaching me everything about everything, the man knows far too much. And two, I am not seducing you Miss Granger, I am wooing you and at some point you will allow it to happen as we both know you feel the same way."

The pointed look he shot her was ignored but Harry could tell that his words hit her by the expression on her face.

"Your delusions aside, Professor Dumbledore is likely preparing you to apply for multiple masteries, Harry. He takes your education very seriously. I think he proved that last year."

"Your delusions aside, yes he is. We spoke about it yesterday, he says I could maybe manage a transfiguration mastery now but he wants me to also have one in charms and alchemy. I can only apply to be assessed when I am nine-teen though. Every guild in the world agrees that nine-teen is the minimum age. Likely so they don't waste their time with people too young to have possibly managed it."

Harry's last year at Hogwarts was a very strange one indeed. When he arrived on the train for his seventh year the Headmaster had met with him just after the welcoming feast and then explained to him his plans for the upcoming school year. Surprisingly he had pulled out every class and would be taking on his education completely for his final year. He had also informed him of what NEWTS he would be taking, the independent part of Harry had protested but the Headmaster was currently his Master and he the apprentice. Charms, transfiguration, defence and ancient runes were his only exams at Hogwarts come the end of the year. He had also been tutoring him in alchemy and ritualistic magic during his tutelage and would be taking exams with the ICW around his nine-teenth birthday. But only six exams total, not too many but the Headmaster ensured he knew every piece of theory and practical application that he could. He had been a little sceptical that he could manage to get decent marks but as the year progressed he became much more confident, and when his results came the week before, the last of his scepticism disappeared upon seeing four outstanding marks on the paper.

"I'm really proud of you Harry." Hermione said quite suddenly, causing Harry to look down at her in surprise. She had said it before but this was quite sudden. "You have put so much effort in the past few years, it's even made me want to do more. Without you I probably wouldn't have pushed myself so hard and gotten my own apprenticeship in runes."

"Hermione you would have managed that either way, you've always pushed yourself."

"I disagree but we'll never know I suppose. But enough of that, do you like your gift? How did they manage with the steam in the shower?

"The glasses are excellent of course and they did fairly well, I may need you in there with me next time to help maintain them though." Harry added cheekily. Hermione rolled her eyes and started to walk towards the door to the hallway.

"Come along Potter."

^~0~^

As they walked arm in arm down Diagon Alley Harry's thoughts once again strayed to his best friend. He'd begun to develop feelings for the brunette around his sixteenth birthday. They had spent much of their fifth year together, the two of them had grown apart from Ron slowly that year, it went unsaid but the boy clearly struggled with Harry's success in his studies. These feelings only worsened when he had been pulled out of his normal classes.

There had been no big fallout, no friendship ending argument but they did not speak as much as they used to, did not seek eachother out every time they were in the same room but they're still friends. Harry did feel sad at first but he had found friendship in other people and only grew closer to the young woman he now called his best friend. If he had his way she would be more than that but the woman is being quite stubborn in his opinion. While his feeling started as a crush that he was unsure of, he now knows what he feels to be love. He knows she feels the same way, the looks she gives him, the lingering touches. There is also the fact that they have kissed a few times. Three times to be exact. Once after the farewell feast at the end of the last school year when she had told him that Professor Babbling had offered her an apprenticeship. And twice this summer on two occasions when she had stopped by after her work with the runes Professor.

It was a frustrating but honestly invigorating experience for Harry, he knew with every kiss he managed to prolong the moment longer and make her forget about the reasons for her own reticence. She had yet to share such reasons with him but he could see the hesitation in her eyes and was content to allow her the time to figure it out, not wanting to push her away by prying.

"So why aren't you with Professor Babbling today?"

"I may have mentioned to her last week that today is your birthday."

"Oh? So you took time away from your important studies for little old me? And even your Professor knows how important this day is for you?"

"It isn't too late for me to take that gift back, Harry."

"We both know you like seeing these glasses on me Hermy, it's almost like you've planted your flag on my face."

"You're disgusting Harry and don't call me that name."

"You much prefer the name "lovely" don't you?"

"Be quiet Harry."

"Well that's no way to treat the birthday boy." It was clear she had enough because she tried to wrench her arm from the crook of his elbow. He held on tight though. "Okay I apologise, I'll leave you alone for a bit. Now where would you like to eat?" Harry asked, letting out a small sigh of relief when she stopped struggling.

"I'm in the mood for a nice sandwich and chips, something with beef and mustard preferably."

"That does sound good, but it also sounds like you want to go to John's."

"Does it? Well then if they sell that at John's then we should go and have a look."

"I don't think we have gone more than a week this summer without going to that cafe and you have had that sandwich at least three times."

"Hush Harry"

After they apparated from a nook in the corner of the alley and made their way down the main high street in Glasgow, they made idle chat about their mornings. Hermione, as always, asked him for details about what he did in his lesson. She was very happy with her own Professor but Harry was learning things that she wasn't.

"I do wish that my tutelage was about a wider array of subjects, Professor Babbling sometimes touches on arithmancy and maybe some charms but we are quite focused on the one subject."

"Well that is to be expected in an ancient runes mastery." Harry teased. "When I was offered my own apprenticeship it wasn't meant to be about a specific subject. The Headmaster has two masteries himself and did not want me to confine myself to a single subject, he's focused on a few but has touched on almost every subject we learn at Hogwarts."

"He only has two masteries? I would have thought he has one more considering he's tutoring you to take three." Hermione said curiously.

"He was taken on as a transfiguration apprentice at the same age as us and did his alchemy mastery with Nicholas Flamel some time after that was finished. It was only in his later years that he gained enough proficiency in charms that he could attempt a mastery but never had a dedicated tutor in the subject. He says that enough time passed that it felt a little strange to apply." Harry explained.

"I suppose that makes sense, he must already be confident in his abilities. At his age and with his reputation he might not feel he has anything to prove."

"That and I reckon underneath all his flamboyant robes and powerful reputation, he is a little self conscious about applying with all of the twenty-year olds that would be there at the same time."

"Really? He always seemed so uncaring of others' opinions to me."

"I would like to think I know him fairly well at this point. I've spent enough time with the old man." Which is true in Harry's opinion, he and Professor Dumbledore often speak while they each complete their work in the Headmaster's office. Often they forget about their work in favour of whatever story the Headmaster is telling, Harry does sometimes give a few of his own, whether it is about himself or a story of his family history, but mostly it is the elder of the two who leads the conversation. "He's lived a very full life."

"I would love to hear some of those stories he tells you at some point but for now we are here." She said before slipping out of his grasp and stepping in front of him with a stern look on her face. "Now, Mr. Potter, are you listening?"

"With an intense concentration Miss. Granger."

She took a moment to throw him a bland look for his cheek.

"You won't be paying."

"What? No!"

"I won't hear any of it, today is your birthday, you're always paying for my meals, I let you get away with it far too often. Today I am putting my foot down, it's just one meal, a meal in a small sandwich shop at that."

"But-"

"No."

"Hermione."

"Definitely not."

He stopped and peered at her for a moment. It's true that he has paid more often than not since Hermione started her apprenticeship but to him it has always made sense. Hermione doesn't really have an income and since she moved out of her home to stay at Hogwarts, her parents had stopped giving her money. She gets paid for the classes she covers for Professor Babbling but those are few and far between and not very lucrative.

"Fine but when we have dinner tomorrow night I get to pay."

"Since when are we having dinner tomorrow night?"

"Our post birthday date, we organised it a while ago." Harry said with the straightest face he could manage.

"First off, we did not and secondly if we did it would not be a date." She said, poking his chest as she ranted.

"Ok, that's fine. I'll come by your room at eight?"

"Seven is better, eight is a little late and I will have to be up early the next day."

"At The Iron Platter in Hogsmeade then, It's a date." Harry confirmed only to receive a jab in the ribs.

Entering the shop they saw that there were only four other people filling the six small tables in the cafe. It was currently half past one in the afternoon so they had missed the lunch time rush and came before the post work scramble, something Harry was more than grateful for. They both took their usual seats at the window and were only seated for a few moments before John the cafe owner came up and asked for their order.

"Could we get the usual please John?" Hermione asked.

"A mustard, steak and salad baguette with extra mustard, a meatball and cheese vienna with onions and a large portion of fries, I'll have it out within ten minutes." The rotund man said before walking towards the back of the shop with the ticket in hand.

"Take your time please John." Harry called out.

"Such a nice man." Hermione smiled after him.

"Should I be jealous?"

"You're not allowed to be jealous."

"Of course I am, freedom of thought and all that."

"What I mean is that such feelings are reserved for one's significant other."

"Not necessarily but either way you're very much significant to me. Am I not significant to you?"

"Of course." She said without hesitation but somehow displaying clear reluctance .

"Then that's that."

"There is a difference between being significant to someone and being someone's significant other Harry."

"Maybe I'm just ahead of the curve."

"You know if you were half as suave as you think you are then I wouldn't stand a chance."

"Of course you stand a chance but I reckon you'll choose me anyway."

"You're impossible."

"You're beautiful."

Again not for the first time today she only stared at him with an expression that made it clear she was trying to communicate her exasperation. "If you can't behave you'll have to be quiet, I won't let your silliness ruin what should be a nice lunch."

"Well while we wait for the food maybe you could explain what these are made out of? I can tell it's stone."

It turned out that Hermione had taken a large stone from a beach in Skye and Professor Babbling had taught her how to carve the shape out using magic. Not for the first time Harry found himself quite amazing at the things around runes that Hermione had to learn in order to be a confident runes mistress. On top of that, standard glass, as it turns out, is also not sturdy enough to hold the enchantments. There is actually a wizard made material called lux glass, the process to make which went completely over Harry's head when Hermione was explaining it, however this allows for runes to be carved onto the surface of it without it shattering.

When selecting the materials, Hermione had the choice of several things. A few of the purebloods enjoyed using gold or silver because of how opulent it looks, doing a great job of showing off their wealth. The weight isn't an issue given how little mass is actually required for a pair of glasses but she thought Harry would prefer something more restrained. The different types of crystal that are more common in South America weren't used for the same reason.

In the end the dull colour of the stone was chosen, it would hold the enchantment as good as anything else given how low powered the enchantment actually is.

"Well I'm glad that you chose the material you did." Harry explained. "I would rather not strut around looking like a ponce. Is this the same as what Dumbledore's glasses are made out of?"

Hermione looked surprised by his question for a moment before answering. "I'm not sure, I never got a close look. Next time I run into him I'll ask. No doubt if you ask you'll just say "Are they made of rock?" and then leave it at that."

"I can be inquisitive, I wouldn't have gotten this far if I didn't ask questions." He defended.

"You're right, I'm sorry. Truth is I just want to be the one to ask him." The young woman smirked.

^~0~^

"This is a lot of money for a dress Hermione," Harry noted, looking at the label on the white dress that had been passed over to him to carry.

"That's about normal these days Harry," Hermione explained.

"Yes but you've already handed me six dresses. Can you afford that many?"

"No but I don't plan on buying this many."

"Then why am I carrying this many?"

"Well the plan is to find a couple more that I like and then try them on. Once we've seen them then I can make a decision on maybe one or two of them."

"Are you saying you're going to try on dresses for me?"

"I want some new clothes for the summer, you just happen to be here."

"If there's one that I especially like, will you wear it for me tomorrow night?"

"I have never worn clothes just for your gaze Harry and I won't be starting now."

"Are you sure about that because you trying on dresses for me sounds like an excellent second gift."

"Don't be ridiculous Harry." She said walking over to the next rack of dresses. As she browsed through the selection she felt a pair of lips press against her cheek, making her jolt a little.

"Thank you lovely." Harry smiled down at her, face still quite close to her own.

"I'm still not wearing whatever dress you happen to think my bum looks biggest in." She proclaimed after she composed herself and took a step back. "And I'm not putting on some perverted show for you. I just need some new summer clothes and that is the end of it."

"Bigger isn't always better Mi'"

The older of the two simply ignored him but the blush on her face was quite evident.

They walked around the shop for another five minutes before Hermione found another dress she liked, bringing the total to seven. Soon after Harry found himself waiting in a chair for Hermione to come out of the changing room. It didn't take long for him to get twitchy, ever since he had gone to Potter Castle and started training his magic he has been practising constantly. Times such as these are the perfect example.

Whenever he is waiting for the Headmaster to finish a floo call, whenever Hermione is taking too long getting ready in her dorm or even when reading a particularly boring book, Harry would transfigure and levitate, conjure and manipulate or even just practise wand movements for spells that may be too dangerous for whatever surroundings he was currently in.

It is because of this that his use of magic is so natural and fluid and it is also because of this that he feels restless in these situations where is unable to use any magic.

His restlessness was interrupted by Hermione calling his name and seeing her shy face lit up his own as she fidgeted with the skirt of the garment.

"Well don't you look stunning." Harry proclaimed, taking great joy in the way her shy face melted into a demure smile.

The rest of the dresses went a similar way, each time Hermione came out of the dressing room Harry would give her a compliment on how she looked and Hermione would then try to point out some issue which Harry would shoot down as ridiculous.

This wasn't Harry's plan when he came out today but he was definitely not going to complain about how it turned out. He would not be lying if he said that he could do this all day, to him Hermione is perfect. Classically beautiful, a proper English rose with the personality of his best friend to boot. Passionate, intelligent and kind, three things that he really admires about her and these qualities constantly shine through for him.

"Well?" Hermione asked. She was wearing the last of the dresses, this one being a pale pink flowy garment that went just past her knees.

Harry contemplated teasing her but deduced that if he did so then she would discard his opinion.

"I like the dark red one, almost maroon. It suits your hair."

"I will… take that into consideration."

"Thank you." Harry said brightly, watching her go back into the dressing area to put back on the original dress.

"You can wait on the high street Harry, I'll be out in a few minutes."

Once again deducing that a retreat may be more beneficial for him, Harry exited the building to watch the people walking around and to wait for Hermione to come out.

^~0~^

After summoning an Elf to bring Hermione's bag over to her room at Hogwarts, they went to the cinema and saw a film. Harry, of course, argued for a romance film in hopes of inspiring his friend and she normally would have argued but words "It's my birthday" are so easily said and given in to.

Afterwards the duo made their way over to the leaky cauldron, the place that they had agreed to meet for a short celebration. It was just past five in the evening so they were a little early but that shouldn't be an issue. When they entered the pub, however, they were surprised to find Blaise Zabini and the Patil twins already sitting at a table.

"Look who's finally showed up," Parvati said.

"We are nearly twenty minutes early, you dolt." Hermione answered.

"Still later than us," Blaise grinned.

Blaise was an interesting character in Harry's opinion. They had run into each other at Gringotts around a month after he had graduated, initially they had simply gone out for a drink in order to catch up. It had been interesting to hear about his life outside of school, His Uncle's business in Italy which Blaise himself managed the British portion of.

At the pub however, Padma had happened to walk in to get some lunch when she saw them both. Curious, she had come over to say hello and then ended up staying at the table, forgetting about lunch as she was far too engrossed in a conversation with Blaise. Harry left them to themselves and found out from Hermione a few weeks later that they had been on a few dates and have now been dating ever since.

"Yes well the twins live next door and no doubt you were there as well." Harry snarked.

"We met up at home when we finished work and came here once we had changed," Padma explained.

Both of the Patil twins work at Gladrags Wizardwear in the alley, Parvati in the front helping customers and Padma in the back managing the numbers and paperwork. Blaise works from his flat in Birmingham and frequents the alley to go to Gringotts and various shops for meeting but pretty much lives with Padma. Harry expects them to move in together before the year is done.

"We might as well get started then, " Blaise said standing up. "I'm gonna get a round in."

"How come Ron and Luna couldn't come? Did they have work?" Padma asked Hermione since she was the one who organised this get together.

"Ron is working at his brother's shop today and Luna is in Finland right now looking for something or other. I think she said she'll be back next week."

"I should go with her sometime," Parvati said. "I have only been to India, it would do me some good to see more of the world."

"I recommend Bulgaria, the scenery was amazing when I was there," Hermione replied.

Harry made a short noise of annoyance.

"Oh hush Harry, Victor has only ever been a friend."

"Not from lack of trying on his end," Harry mumbled.

"Something to say?"

"I said your hair looks nice, is it a new trend?"

"Are these two bickering again?" Blaise asked as he returned with the drinks.

The night continued on in a similar vein, they spoke about their lives and recent changes and happenings in their jobs. Parvati bemoaned at her sister and boyfriend's lack of propriety and Blaise complained about the stuffy old men he has to deal with during his work. Harry spent the night seeing how long he could keep his arm around Hermione before she shooed him away and Hemione spent the night being frustrated with his success and drinking a little too much.

"I'm gonna get this one back to her room, we both have a busy day tomorrow." Harry said while Hermione lay her head on his shoulder, dropping in and out of sleep.

"We're gonna go home too I reckon, tonight was fun though Harry, thanks for inviting us." Padma said.

It was just past ten and after a few more farewells Harry brought Hermione over to the floo and called out the name of his dormitory. Once he had stepped inside he scooped Hermione up into his arms and carried her into his bedroom to lay her on the bed. After taking off her platform shoes and bringing the covers over her he adjourned to the couch in the living room where he promptly fell asleep.

^~0~^

Just a few hours later Harry woke to the feeling of the small notepad in his pants pocket vibrating. Checking the time he saw that it was almost half past one in the morning. Knowing that this is important however he quickly pulled out the pad to read it, a smirk forming as he read.

Same shop as last time. Two men, only recognise one but he is one of them.

Throwing his cloak on he strode over to the floo.

Flashback

Harry had managed to purchase a share in a small potions ingredient business in knockturn alley. The owner partook in some of the more dubious dealings that happen in that area but not enough to make Harry believe he was a man of ill intent. The shop was only a few months away from going out of business when they received an offer to buy a percentage in exchange for a few thousand galleons. Harry quickly received a letter back requesting a meeting in Gringotts that week.

"Mr. Fitzpatrick," Harry began, "I'm sure you know who I am." They were meeting in a small room that the Goblins allowed some of their more wealthy clients to use.

"Yes Lord Potter," The man answered, his nervousness showing on his face.

"You may be quite surprised that I'm the one offering to buy a share in your business.

"I am sir, if I'm honest business hasn't been doing so well for most people the last few years. Since the Dark Lord came back, most people don't want to go into the alley."

"I understand things have been hard the last few years and I also know that they will only get worse." Harry said, as he slid over a contract, motioning for him to read it. "That is why I am offering you a rather unusual deal."

"You're prepared to offer me four-thousand galleons in exchange for a zero percent share to increase to twenty percent after seven years." He said, reading over the contract in confusion. "Sir, I'm afraid I don't understand. Why would you wait so long to claim a share?"

"Because I know that the next few years will be tough for you and that making money may be difficult. But, in exchange for my money, you will however keep an eye on the alley for me."

Immediately his eyes bulged and he became even more nervous. " Sir I-"

"I would not be asking you to involve yourself with anyone and I will never speak of this to a single soul. I would advise you not to either."

The older man took a few moments to consider his options but he did not have many. Anyone else who had the money to save his business would more than likely take at least forty percent.

"How would I contact you?" The older man asked, as he signed the contract with a defeated expression.

"Anything you write in this notepad will appear on my own. Write day to day happenings that you think are unusual or that I may want to know about on the front. On the back I need you to write anything urgent. If you see a death eater in the alley then I want to know about it."

End Flashback

He had never told Fitzpatrick that he would know immediately when he wrote in the back of that notepad, not wanting to be caught in an ambush. But that would have become quite obvious when a few months ago he had been told about Jugson and Rabastan Lestrange being spotted in the alley. Twenty minutes later they were both dead in the street and the aurors had been called.

But even though Harry thought that this was a good indicator that Fitzpatrick most likely wouldn't try to have him killed, it didn't mean that he wasn't careful when going into the alley.

After flooing into the leaky cauldron and walking over to the apparition point, Harry appeared in a corner of Knockturn Alley, the hood of his cloak obscuring his face. It was just a minute walk towards the small shop that specialised in obscure cursed objects and tomes.

Looking through the window Harry saw the wizard that was mentioned in the message and Harry vaguely remembered being shown a picture of him by Moody. The unknown wizard followed the shop owner into the back and motioned for his companion to stay.

Looking towards the other end of the shops to get a look at the other wizard, Harry's blood went cold. He couldn't see his face but he immediately knew who it was. In his countless visits to the pensieve Harry had viewed those nights in his third and fourth year many times. The night he discovered who had really betrayed his parents and the night his parent's murderer rose from the dead.

The hunch in his back, the shortness of his stature and the fidgeting of his hands. The fact that on one of those hands he wore a glove and the other he did not was all the confirmation he needed.

Peter Petigrew had come out of his rat hole.

Harry took a few deep breaths, he did not want to let his rage get the better of him and needed to stay calm. This was probably going to be his only chance. If he scared the rat now, he might not even go back to Voldemort due to his own cowardice and just go back into hiding.

With a short chant the area became enveloped in a ward that would not allow animagus transformations, something that he had learned for this very occasion. Another chant and wards blocking apparition and portkeys was also in place.

Only ten minutes later did they exit the shop and only once both were a few feet away from the door did Harry pounce. A deep blue line flew from his wand and cleaved a line from the unknown man's ribs on one side to his shoulder on the other, killing him instantly. Pettigrew turned around in shock only to scream when all of his arm below the elbow was separated from the rest of him and then fall to his knees when the same thing happened beneath his knee, both spells immediately cauterising the appendage on the way through.

"Hello Peter," Harry said, grabbing him by the top of his cloak and dragging him towards the apparition point.

"Harry please," he wailed.

"No amount of begging is going to get you out of this, I'm taking you to the ministry tomorrow. I'm sure Minister Crouch and Madam Bones would like to see you. I told them to expect you at some point." Harry told the crying man, doing his best to keep his temper in check but unfortunately the fat man was not very light and was not moving so easily.

"Your parents wouldn't want this Harry," Peter cried.

"You don't know what they would want." They had made it to the alley where the wards allowed apparition.

"Your father Harry, he wouldn't want you to be a killer," the man continued to beg.

Binding what was left of him, Harry sat him up against the wall and sent out a patronus. "Be quiet Peter, you'll stay in a cell tonight with us and I'll still have time to hurt you more before sunrise. So I suggest you be silent." Harry was clenching his hands now standing above the animagus, looking out at the alley hoping the reply would come soon.

"Lily was so kind, Harry, she would always defend me from the others when they went too far. For her Harry you mu-"

Peter's pleading was cut off by Harry's fist slamming into his jaw and was about to beg for mercy when Harry mounted his stomach from where he had fallen to the ground. The next ten seconds passed in a blur for Harry, he registered his body moving and magic passing down his arm but did not feel completely in control.

He found himself heaving in air with his legs either side of the limp body beneath him, his entire front covered in blood, one of his eyes even blinking it away. He vaguely registered that his left arm was covered in rocks and realised that he must have lost control of his magic in his rage, accidentally activating his runestone. He saw a flash of white to his left but his eyes never left the crevice that was once a body beneath him, fragments of the skull and pieces of brain littering the ground.

"Harry, I have the cell ready for him and I've adjusted the wards so you can apparate the both of you straight into it." Sirius' voice said from the dog patronus next to him. "Try to get him here in one piece eh?"

Harry took a few moments to try and calm himself and try to take some relaxed breaths, but they wouldn't come. He hadn't exerted himself enough to be tired but was panting like a dog. Finally after a minute the mist cleared and he had calmed, his face now blank from the turmoil that had now travelled inside and was not allowing him to think clearly.

Deciding he needed to get off of the alley he grabbed the man by the front of his robes and apparated in #12 Grimmauld Place where Sirius was waiting for him.

Since his apparition was almost silent his arrival went unheard, dropping the corpse in the cage he walked out of it and slammed the door shut, alerting Sirius to his presence.

"Harry, I was about to come looking," his godfather's voice echoed down the steps. "I sent the patronus almost two minutes ago." Sirius froze however when he reached the bottom of the steps into the cellar and saw the state of things.

First he saw his godson, sitting on a stool in the middle of the room, his elbows on his knees with his hands shaking like a leaf. The blood was what alarmed him the most but as he was about to go and check on him he saw the stream that was coming from the cell in the corner. Something that could barely be described as a body was laid out on the floor unmoving, missing a chunk of two of its limbs, where the chest was meant to be was just a mess of flesh and bone. Where the skull was meant to be was a pile of red with barely discernible pieces of skull and brain matter in the mix.

"Harry… I-"

"He wouldn't shut up. I should have silenced him but I didn't want to, I'd played the moment over and over in my head so many times. I wanted to feel the gratification from hearing him beg like my mother did. I wanted to listen to him accept his fate and see the hope die in his eyes. I thought I'd feel happy that I finally got him but I just felt angry. I couldn't control myself, before I knew it I was on top of him and then there was nothing left of him."

"Harry what happened here… I don't think I would have been able to control myself either," Sirius tried to reason with him. Harry seemed to think for a moment, staring at the corpse just a few strides to his right. "I think you should-"

"Sirius, I need a favour," Harry interrupted, suddenly standing and looking at his Godfather. "This happened in front of Borgin's shop. I need you to go clean it up for me." Harry had made his way past Sirius and was now on the first step up out of the cellar.

"Where are you going?"

"I need to go home and think, I'll speak to you tomorrow afternoon." Harry shouted out, he needed to get away from the smell of it and was striding towards the floo. A moment later he called out the name of his room and didn't even break his stride walking into his living room. There was blood dripping on the floor but he was in his bathroom just a couple seconds later, a spell having vanished his clothes..

Turning the shower he immediately started rinsing his hair out trying to get rid of the smell and the colour from his body but it seemed to never end, the blood had even soaked through his clothes and had stained his skin. The skin on the knuckles of his right hand had split open, his left hand being protected by the rocks. A dull ache echoed through his hand and looking at it he knew it was broken in a few places, he may have been punching the ground of the alley at some point but didn't realise it in his haze.

Sitting down in the tub he let the shower rain down on him, closing his eyes and focusing on the pain in his hand to try and keep himself in the moment he felt a hand stroke through his hair and the smell of his best friend seep into his nostrils.

"Sirius sent me a patronus, saying you needed help. I was about to run to the floo when I heard the shower."

"I killed Pettigrew," he stated

"Is that why your hand is a mess?" Hermione asked, stopping her ministrations on his hair in favour of gently laying his hand on the edge of the tub to begin working on it with her wand. "There is a bone sticking out on the side, Harry, I'm not good enough to heal this without it scarring."

"I beat him to death, like an animal. I mounted him like an ape and caved in his skull just because he said a few things to me. All of these lessons in control and practical use of magic. All of this practice in killing and not allowing it to affect me. I've killed thirty-seven people, Hermione, thirty-eight after tonight. No one in known history has killed more of his followers than me and I haven't lost my temper once. I lose my rag here for what? Because he called my mother kind?"

"You're history with Pettigrew was bound to-"

"IT SHOULDN'T FUCKING MATTER ABOUT OUR HISTORY!" Harry bellowed. He finally looks away from the spot on the wall he had been staring at since Hermione came in to look her in the face and he feels the anger bleed out of him. The person that he promised he would never hurt, the young woman who is at the centre of his world and everything he holds dear was looking at him with a scared expression on her face.

He knew that people were scared of him. He'd seen the faces of some of the children of the darker families around the school when he walked through the corridors. He has heard the death eaters shout his name when he arrives at an attack and none of it had bothered him for quite some time. Seeing Hermione's face at this moment, however, disturbed him deeply. The woman he loves has taken a step back from him and from the fear in her eyes it seems she is too scared to get close.

Wrenching his eyes away from her own because he couldn't stand to see that look any longer, he goes back to staring at the wall. As he is about to stammer out an apology he feels a hand on his cheek pulling him back towards her. Hermione presses her forehead against his own before breaking to silence.

"You're far more than some animal Harry. You're the most compassionate, most loving and the sweetest person I know. You care so deeply for other people that push yourself so far to help them. Despite my responses you make me feel like the most special person in the world and have only ever treated me right. Anyone who knows you would say what an amazing man you are. You are not the villain in this story Harry Potter."

Harry could no more than nod his head due to the amount of emotions rushing through him.

"I can still see some blood on you, did you just rinse?"

"Once I sat down I couldn't get back up," Harry mumbled.

"Don't worry Harry, how about you just sit on the edge of the bath for me and I'll take care of you."

Hermione spent the next fifteen minutes cleaning him up in silence. There were times she wanted to gag from healing his mangled hand and the gore she found in his hair and times she wanted to cry but she didn't let it show, taking her time and making sure that he would be completely clean and healed. Once his body was rid of all evidence from tonight, Hermione dried him with her wand and escorted him over to his bed. Still naked he got under the covers and settled in for the night, a few moments later he felt the bare skin of his best friend pressed against his back.

"Hermione are you sure-"

"I'm completely certain Harry, just go to sleep. I've set an alarm for us already."

Only once he felt her slip and arm around his waist and under his neck to hold him around the shoulders did he let out the breath he had been holding. Closing his eyes he soon drifted off to sleep.

^~0~^

Throughout their time at Hogwarts Hermione came to many conclusions about Harry. His chronic need to help people coming from his lack of help as a child. His repressed rage came from the same place. But something that stuck out for her was his lack of an ability to cry.

If any other pre-teen almost died or went through a horrific amount of pain they would have cried. If they had confronted their parents' murderer face to face then they likely would have cried on the spot, and if not at that moment then when the adrenaline wore off tears would surely begin to fall. But with Harry they hadn't.

Hermione had seen him go through several ordeals, seen him confront things that terrified her but other than some anger, his face never showed much emotion. She knew one day that it would all boil over and his desperation would seep through the cracks.

And as she lay there, her best friend still secure in her arms, she was thankful that it finally had. She was sure Harry would make it through all of this one day, sure that he would be safe and happy, free to live his life. But she was also sure that this inevitable implosion, if it occurred after Voldemort died, could push him too far. She was happy that it happened here and now, where she could take care of him. Something as complicated as getting naked in bed with your best friend was a small price to pay. She was jolted from her thoughts by the voice of the person in bed with her.

"I scared you last night."

"Just a little, it was understandable."

"I would never hurt you."

"I know you wouldn't, Harry."

"But you were scared."

"I was mostly shocked, you never shout."

"I never shout at you, I have no reason to shout at you."

"You get frustrated by me all of the time, Harry."

"I'm endlessly frustrated by you but that doesn't mean that I'm angry with you."

He heard her let out a deep sigh before she spoke again. "Turn around for me."

Shuffling over to his left side, he got a chance to look her in the face. Seeing her like this is a first for him. The sun bled into the room, illuminating her curls in its rays, making the light brown flecks that ran through her tresses shine even brighter. The freckles on her left cheek became more prominent in the light, to him she had never looked more beautiful.

Unable to help himself he cupped her cheek, leaning over to plant a kiss on her lips.

"I'm not going to be able to go back to my platonic notions after this am I?"

"I've not been able to go back for the better part of two years, it's you who has been playing catch up." She smiled and rolled her eyes at him before turning serious.

"I meant what I said last night Harry, you're an amazing person. And yes you scared me for a moment but I have never been afraid of you."

"Maybe you shou-"

"And I never will," Hermione stated, leaving no room for argument.

Harry let out a huff and mulled her words over before smiling in a defeated way, seeming to finally believe her, before looking at her with such an intensity that Hermione immediately knew what was coming next.

"I am completely in love with you, Miss Granger. You are everything I could ever want or hope for. And it is my hope that, from this day forth, you'll allow me to introduce you as my girlfriend."

"Harry, it's a bit more complicated than that," She said looking away.

"How?"

"You're the last of your line Harry, maybe you don't care for these protocols but a lot of people do."

"And I don't care for those people," Harry tried to reason.

"But they could make your life difficult Harry, they expect you to marry one of their daughters and not doing so would be seen as an insult to them."

"My seat on the 'Gamot can not be touched, I am one of the richer Lords, the papers proclaim me the leader of the next generation, the public love me for getting rid of death eaters and the young wizards and witches of this castle hang on my every word. I'm not saying this to brag but I'm trying to get it across to you that there is no problem that they can cause for me that I am unable to deal with."

"Yes Harry you're the complete catch," she scoffed, but Harry could see that she was wavering.

"I like to think you complete me," he said with a cheeky smile.

"God, you're a sap."

"For you maybe."

Hermione silenced him with a kiss, deciding to end their dispute, something Harry was more than happy to allow.

"Fine, Potter. You can have me. But I won't have you distracting me from my studies. My apprenticeship is very important to me," she said sternly.

"Perish the thought," He teased as she threw her leg over his side and sat on top of him.

"Now you're going to be paying the price for all of that teasing you have been doing."

As his eyes trailed up her body, seeing her properly for the first time as the covers fell to each side of her body, he said the first thing that came to his mind,"Gladly."

^~0~^

Harry was almost late for his nine AM start with the Headmaster, something that had only happened a couple of times throughout the duration of his apprenticeships. Those times had not been fun for him, the Headmaster simply assigned him reading for the next nine hours, quizzing him intermittently. He did not mind reading and even enjoyed some of the texts, but in these cases he was assigned some of the most boring drivel that could be contrived. Looking at his watch as he made his way up the steps past the gargoyle he had another two minutes before he would be late.

Sighing in relief as he opened the door to the office, thankful that he would not be resigned to desk work, he saw Professor Dumbledore sitting at his desk like he always was.

"Good morning Harry, how are you?" The old man said, peering at him carefully over the edge of his glasses.

"You spoke with Sirius." Harry stated with a sigh, seeing how intently he was being studied.

"He was very worried about you, would you like to talk about last night."

"Thank you sir, but Hermione… calmed me down."

The Headmaster took in his face for a few moments, looking for any signs that he was lying about how he was feeling.

"I'll take your word for it, last night Alastor reported both Pettigrew and Avery to the Aurors. Remus is going in later today to confirm to Minister Crouch that it is in fact Peter Pettigrew. Hopefully we can officially clear Sirius' name soon. We are lucky that Barty is willing to work so closely with us"

The Orders relationship with the minister has been an endless give and take, favours continually being done for each other. This event was no different, in return for a death eater being taken out of the equation the Minister will cover up some of the details in how it had happened, but Harry would be put down as the man who did the deed.

During Harry's fourth year he found Crouch on the edge of the forest and luckily at that time Hagrid was nearby. The half giant took the man into his arms and brought him to the hospital wing. He had then been at St. Mungos for months and was only released when Harrys had already been at Potter Castle for four months. With both of their stories combined and Barty's reputation the public quickly came to accept Voldemort's return.

The next year and a half was full of political manoeuvring for both Mr. Crouch and the Headmaster. Fudge had been removed as Minister and Barty had been voted in. This proved to me catastrophic for the pureblood movement as the now Minister quickly pushed out legislation to give aurors more breathing room and more funding. Raids and trails were held and things seemed to be looking up.

But then Voldemort seemed to change tactics. Before, he was likely not trying to draw attention to himself while the public were not yet aware of his return, but when he realised that this course of action was no longer possible, that is when the attacks started. Several times a week a village or a muggleborn family's home was attacked, this has continued for the last six months and the public were growing more and more despondent every day.

"Does he want to see me?"

"This evening, once the papers have all been signed confirming Wormtail's death." The Headmaster confirmed. "Now, today we will be going over the use of biological surroundings in transfiguration. If you'll accompany me over to the seventh floor."

^~0~^

Ten minutes later they were walking into the room of requirement, the Headmaster had instructed the room to conjure a clearing in a small forest with a lone tree in the middle that stood taller and wider than the rest. This was the largest form he had ever seen the room take, looking up he could see a light coloured stone ceiling maybe fifty feet above him.

"Quite fascinating isn't Harry? Since you introduced me to this room I have spent some time here testing the limits. I could have asked it to paint a sky on the ceiling but it would look very real and I find the stagnant clouds and lack of wind disorientating. I much prefer to have it be apparent that we are inside, this is, however, about as far as the room stretches."

"It's definitely impressive, sir. But do these trees react to magic the same as real trees do?"

"Excellent question Harry, at first no, however during my testing I discovered that using the room I can manipulate them into being as pliable as any other tree," the man said with an excited smile. He really did love all of these magical theory experiments.

For the next four hours they went through the application of transfiguring the surroundings that were on display in the room. Specifically the trees and the earth. And, annoyingly, these two objects had to be treated extremely differently from one another.

The soil and earth beneath them, for example, had a multitude of different components. Mixed in with the soil would be stones of varying sizes, small insects, pieces of plant life and other things. Because of this the spells used to transfigure would have to be slightly vague, for the lack of a better term. The spell would have to ignore the specifics of what it is shaping and because of that it would lose power and could not be transfigured into something overly complicated without great effort. From earth to rock is fine but trying to make something that lives and breathes like a dog would be nearly impossible and requires too much focus to make it worth the effort.

The tree however, while similar to the dirt in that there are several parts to a tree that have differing structures. It differs in that all the parts of the tree are connected to one another. So unless there is a squirrel or something else living in the tree that it would be far easier to shape into something new. Another benefit of transfiguring a tree is that when you try to add mass to it, for example by elongating a branch that you can then manoeuvre, it is much easier than most other living things. Potentially because a tree is in a constant state of growth anyway. Wood's conductivity to magic is why it is so commonly used for wands, in this part of the world at least.

Once they had sufficiently exhausted the subject, Harry changed himself out of the casual clothes he wore to today's session and into some robes. Harry once again met his professor in his office.

"Ready to go Harry?" The Headmaster asked from behind his desk.

"I reckon, do you think this will be difficult?"

"Barty has never been one for details when he gets the result he wants, it is part of what makes him a decent Minister for times like these." He assured him with a dampened smile before he stood and placed a hand on Harry's shoulder. "Now on a more personal note, I've been content to allow you some time to work through some of your feelings regarding what happened last night. Unfortunately Minister Crouch wishes to put this behind us today so we need to address this issue now. I'd like to think, over the last few years, I have managed to learn how to read you fairly well and it does seem to me that Miss Granger has helped with any emotional unrest you may be feeling. However I will say this, you're a good boy Harry. You lost control last night and you, better than anyone, are aware of the dangers that could have posed. And because you are aware I won't make any effort to point them out. Never forget Harry, we are not the sum of our mistakes, but the person we are despite them."

At the Headmaster's words some of the lingering doubts Harry had about his actions shrunk a little bit and some of the thoughts that were plaguing him throughout today got a little quieter.

"Thank you, Sir." He said, the abashment on his face clear to see.

With a nod the old man walked through the flames of the floo after calling out the passcode for the Minister's office and a moment later Harry did the same.

Stepping out into the Minister's office they saw the Minister himself sat at his desk doing paperwork with an Auror behind that Harry did not know the name of. Glancing up from his paperwork the Minister gave a slight huff before speaking.

"Michaels I need ten minutes with these two, make sure no one comes in." He waited a moment for the Auror to leave before once again speaking. "Despite the mess caused, Mr. Lupin was able to identify the body as Peter Pettigrew so along with Thomas Avery he was brought to the Ministry to be processed. Avery's cousin kicked up a fuss but after he was proven to have the dark mark and was together with a man who should be dead who also carries the mark, she soon quieted down.

"Madam Bones can now begin an investigation into Sirius Black but I imagine that it won't take too long. Maybe some time next week it will be brought to the Wizengamot, as long as he takes veritaserum it will all go according to plan. I will ask that from now on you don't make any death eaters nearly unrecognisable, it creates work here at the ministry." He finished blandly, eyes on Harry. This speech represents him completely. With the Minister being so focused on efficient results.

"Yes Minister, I apologise for any issues I caused." Normally Harry wouldn't defer in such a way but he did have a fair amount of respect towards the official.

With barely a nod towards Harry, he continued, "Auror Moody has already filed the paperwork. Dumbledore, I have things I would like to address with you as well."

"Of course Barty. Harry, I believe we can call it a day, you may get an early start on your weekend. I do believe, however, that Sirius is expecting you so it may be best to go and see him."

"I'll do that sir. Good day Minister." Harry said before walking back into the floo and calling out Grimmauld Place, relieved that he would not need to stay for what would undoubtedly be a boring conversation between the two older men.

Stepping out into the living area, Harry walked over to the kitchen to pour himself a glass of water. Downing that one, he poured himself a second that he walked over to the kitchen table and placed down.

"Sirius," he called out into the house.

"Master Sirius bes only a moment Harry Potter," replied Dobby, popping in next to him.

Back when he had first come here before the start of his fifth year, there was a house elf by the name of Kreacher. Apparently, during Harry's time away, the house elf made one too many comments to Sirius about the faith of his godson. So Sirius allowed him to finally have his place on the wall with his predecessors.

Of course, his head was never actually attached to the wall as Sirius' next mission was to remove all of the other heads. He has since employed Dobby at the Headmaster's urging, who had been doing a fine job at keeping the house clean and the Order members fed.

"Thank you Dobby," He said with a smile towards the Elf who beamed back before bowing and popping away.

"Harry you there?" he hears his Godfather say as he comes down the stairs.

"Good afternoon Sirius." Harry said before he saw someone else come down behind him. "And Remus apparently. You know it's situations like this that make people doubt both of your sexualities."

"They doubt Remus' sexuality, I have a girlfriend." Sirius stated proudly.

"You only got a girlfriend when it got to the point that even Molly started mentioning how open people are of other's lifestyles at the Order."

"Yes Padfoot, everyone knows that Julianne is a smokescreen to disguise our love. I just feel sorry for the poor girl." Remus said with a fake adoring look towards his friend, which was met with a sour face.

"What about you then Harry, all the attention in Britain and still no girlfriend. You know I've heard some things about you as well little Prongs."

"Yes, well, it pays to be patient. Have you seen Molly recently by the way? I need to stop by the Burrow at some point and make sure she's okay."

"She came by last week for some tea and seemed to be doing better," Remus answered, "but she would no doubt love it if went over for lunch at some point."

Just after Christmas around seven months ago, Arthur was out with Ginny to buy her a new broom that was promised to her on Christmas to use during her final year at Hogwarts. Ginny had been named captain that year but still had the worst broom on the team, and the whole family had put some coins forward to buy her a firebolt in celebration. Secretly Harry and Sirius had put in enough money for nearly half the cost but no one told Ginny.

Before they could enter the shop, however, screams could be heard throughout the alley. Quickly sending a message off to the order, Arthur instructed Ginny to stay behind him so he could get them to an apparition point. Sadly before they could reach safety they were set upon by two men. Arthur managed to hold them off for a few minutes but eventually a spell made it past him and hit his daughter in the stomach, distracting him for enough time for a killing curse to slam into his shoulder.

Harry arrived just a few seconds later as they were walking towards Ginny, no doubt with the intention to take her prisoner. After dispatching the two men in a few moments in their distraction, Harry picked her up and carried her to the apparition spot. He managed to get her to St. Mungos just in time, though the slashing curse did leave a scar. Upon returning to the alley he unmasked the two men, the first man he didn't recognize but Moody later told him that he was a foreigner, the second however was none other than Lucius Malfoy. It was later printed that the man was now a confirmed Death Eater with no signs of being under the imperious. Draco was immediately pulled from Hogwarts.

The young woman was now doing better and went back to Hogwarts and is still playing quidditch after a couple months at home with her family. She and Harry have grown closer over the past few months though they do not see each other very much, they do however exchange letters every few weeks.

Molly was of course distraught by the news and took it harder than anyone, all of her sons moved back to England where they compiled funds so that she didn't struggle and Charlie moved back in with his mother and two youngest siblings. Bill, Percy, Fred and George all come over every Sunday as well as periodically through the week so that she doesn't feel alone.

"I'll drop by at some point next week I reckon," Harry assured the older man. "Crouch reckons that your trial will happen at some point next week as well, Sirius." He said turning to his godfather.

The man appeared quite emotional at those words for a few moments, likely not believing that it had finally happened. It had been a long seventeen years for him.

"I told you that Bones would want this sorted as soon as possible Sirius," Remus said.

"I know but I'm just struggling to have hope," he intoned despondently.

"It makes sense that you wouldn't trust the Ministry," Harry said, placing a hand on his shoulder. "But it will be different this time, they will do right by you."

Harry's words clearly brightened his mood and he turned to the werewolf beside him, seemingly making up his mind about something.

"Remus, we are going to Belgium," Sirius suddenly proclaimed

"Eh?"

"It's only two apparitions from here to Brussels and we can safely find a muggle pub there where we won't be bothered."

"Alright." Remus said, apparently letting this behaviour go in light of the current situation.

"I'll get Julianne, you can bring your boyfriend."

"Oh for fucks sake, I don't have a fecking boyfriend."

"Harry won't come of course given the fact that he's a swot and will need to be at school." Sirius assumed, ignoring his best friend's protestations.

"You would be correct," he said blandly with a raised eyebrow. "Not that I would go to the mainland with a reprobate like you in the first place."

"Of course," he said, once again ignoring most of the response. "If we leave in the next twenty minutes we will be in a pub by six o'clock."

"Well I wouldn't want to delay such an important deadline. I think I'll head off," Harry said, shaking Remus' hand before pulling Sirius into a hug. "I promise it will be ok, we'll make sure it goes well." And with a final look at the two men Harry stepped into the floo and came out the other end in his own room.

^~0~^

A couple hours later Harry was dressed in a dark green dress shirt that wasn't buttoned up the whole way and a pair of black pants. On his feet were a pair of fairly uncomfortable oxfords that felt tight and made him want to go back and change into some trainers. But as he left the room he did feel quite happy with his appearance.

The walk from his own room to Hermione's took just under ten minutes. He had tried to convince her to take a room closer to his but the need to be near the library easily overpowered his own request. Harry's room is located on the fourth floor, an equal distance between the Great Hall and the Room of Requirement. He had decided that if there was an emergency then people would likely make their way to the Great Hall so he believed that he shouldn't be too far away from it.

Hermione's is located on the third floor, just a couple of minutes walk from the library which is situated on the same floor.

On his walk he couldn't help but scowl when he saw the back of Professor Snape's robe as he turned into another corridor. The man has been avoiding him since their talk at the end of the school year after all the other students had gone home.

Flashback

During his time under the tutelage of Albus Dumbledore, Harry had been the victim of several bouts of bad news. The first had been the prophecy and then came the discussion about the Horcruxes.

Learning that Voldemort had stripped pieces of his own soul away from himself had been a revolting revelation for him. The fact that he had done so three times made it even worse, the only slight silver lining was that Harry had already destroyed one in his second year in the form of Tom Riddle's diary.

The Headmaster is completely convinced that the snake, Nagini, that was glued to Voldemort's side was also one. Citing the control he held over the animal and its abnormal size and understanding of its surroundings. The Professor is still currently looking into what the last one may be, all of his research pointing to the fact that you could only make three before your body becomes a mere husk due to an insufficient soul. He had even consulted Nicholas Flamel, who had an interest in the situation due to the Dark Lord's attempted theft in Harry's first year. The stone is now once again in a location only known to the Flamel's.

But the conversation about the prophecy that now hung over his head was a revelation that chilled him to his bones. The idea that, even though he did not want to run, he would never be able to get away from the Dark Lord without a confrontation did not sit well with him. He felt as if this was just another aspect of his life that he struggled to control.

"You said that you were overheard in the Hog's Head by a death eater, who was it?" Harry asked the older man sitting on the other side of the desk to him.

"Harry I don't believe that now is the best time to go through this, we still have more to talk about regarding the wording of the prophecy." He said, Prompting Harry to frown.

"The first day I came into this office as your apprentice that you would never lie to me."

"I also said that there would be times when I would wait to tell you the truth until I believe you are ready for it."

The young man thought for a moment about this response. He remembered that the Headmaster had specifically stipulated that but it slipped his mind because not once in the last two years had he actually reminded him of it. During his tutelage he has never withheld information until today, no matter how disgusting or disturbing Dumbledore has always been forthright. So what made this different?

Suddenly Harry looked up at the professor with wide eyes and a frown on his face, clearly having come to a conclusion. There was only one death eater that the Headmaster would wish to protect and the way that his professor closed his eyes and sighed was all the confirmation that he needed.

Standing up from the chair he bolted from the room, down the steps and past the gargoyle. Quickly making his way to the grand staircase he threw himself over the edge and plummeted towards the ground floor. The Headmaster's Office was only located on the second floor but this would still have hurt him had he not wandlessly cast arresto momentum just before he hit the stone beneath him.

Now on the ground floor he made his way down the staircase to the dungeons and just a minute later he found himself at the door to the potions classroom. Opening it he found both Professors Dumbledore and Snape inside.

Letting out a huff of air in annoyance, Harry spoke, "You took the floo."

"Harry I understand that you are angry-"

"Angry doesn't begin to explain how I'm feeling at this moment."

"Severus has made mistakes in his life, but you must believe me when I tell you that he is atoning for them."

"I don't care how much he regrets being a cunt."

"He does regret his actions-"

"I have not seen a single inch of regret from him for the past SEVEN YEARS! IF ANYTHING I'VE ONLY SEEN CONTEMPT!" Harry shouted, his grasp on his temper finally slipping.

"Headmaster, must I really be here to suffer through the whelp's-" The potions professor's snide remark was interrupted by a dark yellow gouging curse slamming into a shield just a few inches from his face.

"BE QUIET SEVERUS!" The Headmaster commanded before turning back to Harry. "Harry, I'm asking you, until we are through this war to put this aside. His use as a spy is integral to the efforts of the order and losing him would make things more difficult for us."

Both professors stared at the young man shaking with rage in front of them, his eyes had not left Snape's face for even a second since he had entered the room. After a few moments he seemed to come to a conclusion.

"Time and time again you have made it clear that the Headmaster is the only one who is able to rein you in, and out of respect for him I won't kill you today" Harry started, still looking at Snape. "But know this, unluckily for you, you are far closer to my age than Dumbledore's and one day he will not be around to protect you. When that day comes, it will be your door that I knock on."

Flashback End

Since that day Snape has not even looked in his direction, no doubt on the advice of the Headmaster. Harry did not frequent the great hall and almost never went into the dungeons, at least not out from under his invisibility cloak. Because of this there wasn't much opportunity for the two of them to clash.

The subsequent argument with the Headmaster had been the biggest of the few that he had ever had with the man and the walk back to his office had been extremely tense. Once they were sitting in each of their chairs, the Headmaster had immediately started to speak about his disappointment with how Harry had handled the situation, to which Harry exploded back with his own anger at the man.

Once the dust had settled Harry made it clear that he had until the end of the day to come clean about anything else that he may be keeping from him, and that if he found out about something else later, then he would simply have to end his apprenticeship because he wouldn't be able to trust him. They had both agreed to leave it there, though Harry did take a few days to collect his thoughts and not go to any lessons until he felt he was ready. During that time the rest of the Order became aware of his promise, though few others knew the reasoning. Sirius could not have been told because he would have stopped at nothing.

Shaking his head away from the subject, he keeps moving towards Hermione's room, he had already given enough of his thoughts to Snape and refused to allow it to ruin what should be an excellent night.

Reaching his destination he knocked on the door and after a moment he heard Hermone telling him to come in. Stepping through he noticed that she wasn't anywhere in sight. Not for the first time, when he looked around he thought about the extra effort that she had clearly put into decorating her space. Their apartments were the exact same in size and layout but her's looks far better than his. From the plant life dotted around the room to the books that decorated the walls. To Harry this area feels much more like a home.

"You know, Hermione, It's rude to not greet a guest at the door." Harry called, his voice echoing its way into her bedroom. Walking over to the kitchenette he poured himself a glass of water before drinking the entire contents in one tip of the glass. Placing the glass in the sink he turned around just as Hermione came out of her room.

She was wearing a pair of black heels and the maroon dress that he had picked out the day before. A pair of earrings glistened in her ears and her hair had been directed behind her but was still loose tucked behind her ears, expanding in curly tresses down her back.

"You look stunning," he said, walking over to her and taking her by the hips, delighting in the smile that replaced the unsure look on her face she had when she first walked out of her bedroom.

"I really like this dress too," he noted, running his hand up the side of her waist, feeling the fabric. "What made you settle on this one?" Harry asked with a facade of innocence.

"Don't get cocky Harry. I like that you like how I look in this dress, you happen to have decent taste."

"My taste is you, if you turned up tonight in a bin bag then my only issue would have been the restaurant would never allow you to go in."

A light flush decorated her face in reaction to his words, "well if you're this complimentary all night then we may just both end up back at your rooms tonight."

"I was going to try and convince you to let me stay in your room actually, maybe move in completely in the next few weeks," he told her with a grin, one that she couldn't completely extrapolate how serious he is from. Deciding to assume he didn't mean it completely she moved on.

"Slow down hero, take me to dinner first." Hermione told him with a teasing grin, walking past him into the floo. It was only a few steps into the The Three Broomsticks that she felt the nudge on her upper arm that indicated Harry was ready for her to slip her arm through his.

"So it turns out that what this is, is a date after all that fussing yesterday," he gloated as they walked through Hogsmeade towards The Iron Platter.

"Well we could make it not a date if you wish Harry," she told him, giving his elbow a pinch.

"Oh, lovely," He smiled down at her, "from now until the rest of our lives, everytime we go out to eat together, It's a date." Harry assured her.

What followed was a very fun night for both of them, Hemrione drank some wine while Harry didn't drink anything as usual. Something he liked about her is that she had never once attempted to pressure him into drinking or even directly challenge his decision. Which in an alcohol heavy United Kingdom, was quite the rarity.

At eleven in the evening they were cuddled up asleep in Hermione's bed, the both of them tired from the evening's activities.

^~0~^

"Does she know we are coming?" Hermione asked him as they walked up the path towards the Burrow.

"I told her that I would be dropping by at some point this afternoon but I didn't give her a specific time." Harry informed her.

"Will it just be the three of us?" She asked with a terrible effort at nonchalance.

"Ginny will likely be there, yes. We are in the summer holidays after all." He said with a raised eyebrow.

"It's just that everyone knows that she still fancies you."

"You mean the same way that everyone knows that I've been wanting you for the better part of two years. I made it especially apparent in the last few months Hermione, It's been no secret and Ginny is a big girl. I already mentioned us to Sirius last night after his trial which means Molly knows Ginny knows. Molly and him are always gossiping with each other but other than Ginny and Remus I doubt she will tell anyone else… maybe the other Weasleys. But, everything is fine, she is a mature adult who can deal with this, especially since she knew it was coming."

"Was I the only one who didn't think this was coming?" She grouched.

"Well I've always said that you're stubborn." He told her cheekily, knocking on the door before she could give him a rebuttal.

The door to the house flew open barely a few seconds later to reveal the Weasley matron on the other side wearing her typical apron that had flour marks all down the front of it.

"Oh you two, it's been weeks." She said pulling them in, checking them over one by one.

"I'm sorry Molly, we've both been busy," Harry apologised.

"Quite busy from what I've heard," Mrs Weasley said, raising a suggestive eyebrow.

"Molly!" Hermione complained.

"Oh hush dear, Hardly anything interesting happens these days. Not since I met Sirius' girlfriend."

"That was last week," Harry said.

"Yes but it took far too long, they had been going out for months before that," she told them, bustling into the kitchen after motioning them towards the dining room table. "Now settle down, I have some potato and leek soup with some fresh bread ready for you both. And some treacle as well Harry dear."

^~0~^

A few weeks later saw Harry in the Room of Requirement with Albus Dumbledore. It was currently a Wednesday and both Harry and his master happened to not have any plans for the night with Harry being banned from Hermione's presence by the girl herself so that she could focus on her current project, and the Headmaster having a rare lull in his responsibilities. After their lesson for the day they didn't feel the need to relocate and instead were enjoying dinner with some conversation.

An outsider might look at their relationship and think it strange that they get along as well as they do. Even if you ignore the century wide age difference, they had several personality differences also. But something that they both share is their ability to have fun and to often embrace levity in almost any situation.

United under their shared humour and love for a jacket potato, they could easily enjoy a couple of hours together. With the Headmaster once again telling stories which Harry would make jokes about or bring a new perspective to what may have been a complicated situation at the time.

"You don't like mint ice cream Harry?" The older man said as he put some on his plate from the container beside him.

"I do not, irrelevant of how much chocolate you try to use to drown out the taste with, I can't stomach the stuff." Harry said with a wary eye towards the frozen treat between them.

"Your taste buds are not yet ripe Harry, you still have much to learn."

"Your taste buds are in the bin, half of them have croaked it and the other half are so used to those sweets you eat every hour that they wish they did croak it so they wouldn't have to drown in sherbert."

"It's always back to the age Harry, I'll have you know that I'm quite spritely for my advanced years, I would have to be, for my knees to be able to handle the weight of your education."

"Your knees are fecked Albus."

"They are as strong as they've always been."

"I see the way you walk, old man, if that's true then your knees have always been frail."

"I'll have you know Harry, I tried to join the hit wizards in my youth, such a thing required intense physical fitness. Our bodies were not so different at your age." Dumbledore informed him as he cut a slice off the chocolate cake one of the school elves had provided.

"As in the aurors that work under the ICW?" Harry asked.

"They are not quite aurors but I understand where you may have gotten that notion from. The hit wizards are closer to a division of magicals who are sent in when it is believed that a target may be too difficult to deal with for the local aurors."

"But when did you have time between your masteries?"

"I only did the training for a few months after I left school, and this was of course years before Grindlewald surfaced. I did learn some key points about duelling and other things while I was there but a week before they were due to enrol me I received a letter from a Mr. Flamel with the offer of an apprenticeship. Knowing that this was something I would never get the chance to do again, I immediately accepted and never looked back."

"So were the hit wizards involved in the last war along with my parents?"

"Sadly not Harry, because of a few reasons, one of which was that Tom never involved himself in a foreign country, and therefore didn't draw too much attention to his activities. Also because in order to fit the bill for "too difficult to deal with" you essentially have to attempt to take over your nation's ministry. Voldemort has worked from the shadows during both wars, other than a select few people, no one outside of his death eaters and a few of the Order had even seen him and lived to tell the tale. For a long time the ICW wasn't sure he existed. I have been trying to convince them to support us during these times but they are hesitant, even though they now acknowledge his existence.

"I do not wish to sound overly confident Harry but I believe I am one of the strongest wizards known to the ICW, they believe that if I do not fix this problem then they may have to surrender Britain to Voldemort. They believe that because he hasn't made manoeuvres on the mainland, and he hasn't Harry, I have many ears in many places over there. They believe that he will simply rule our nation without looking overseas for more subjects. They have already done this with the island of Sardinia which the Italians used to hold, and all of Taiwan.

"I have no doubt that once the people who hold those places die of old age, that the ICW will enter those countries and retake them as they have done countless times in the past. The ICW exists solely to protect the statute of secrecy Harry. They operate in some more minor capacities, such as organising the council which tests students upon who should receive a mastery, but the statute is their main priority. If they believe that Tom will not impose upon that then they will more than likely leave our isles to him.

"Because of Tom's power they will not wish to throw hundreds of their men into the grinder against him and his followers. He is not, as of this moment, an international threat."

Harry sat in silence for a few moments "But what if by the time Voldemort decides to move into the mainland he is too powerful and has too much support? Would it not be better if they stopped him here in Britain."

"I agree, Harry, but no one wants to admit that there is a dark lord on the horizon that poses the same level of danger that Grindelwald did. It is quite lucky we were able to uncover as much information about the horcruxes as we did. If we had not then I would have had to approach the ICW with that information which is something I would not wish to do."

"And you sure he can only make three total," Harry asked.

The Headmaster took a few moments to collect his thoughts and finish his dessert before answering his question. "Think of it like this, the soul can be described as an ethereal fluid that courses through the entirety of your body, and everyone born into this world starts with a finite amount. It is possible through ritualistic murder to strip off a piece of your soul and contain it within something of emotional value. However if this is done and then the container is destroyed, then that piece of soul is gone forever. Your body can not create more soul and it can not host someone else's so an exchange is impossible," he explained.

"But how do you know he can only make three," Harry asked.

"Because in order for the soul in your current body to maintain its tether to the earth, a decent foot hold must exist. By creating that fourth horcrux the amount of your soul left in your body is less than what is outside of it. By doing this you would essentially scatter yourself to the wind, leaving behind nothing but a husk.

"The soul cannot exist without a shell," professor Dumbledore continued, "during his time as a wraith Tom's form could barely pass for a suitable host. It is because of this that he had to possess people and sometimes animals if my suspicions are correct. The pain of his soul slowly slipping out of his body would have been excruciating, likely driving him even more mad than he was during the first war." He finished, taking a swig from the wine he had so far been sipping from.

"But enough of these morose topics, I've heard that you and another young apprentice have started a relationship." The old man stated with a raised eyebrow.

"And from whom did you hear this?" Harry asked dryly.

"I would never give up my informant."

"Well Hermione mentioned that she let it slip when Professor Babbling drilled her about my reaction to her present. And considering that you're a terrible gossip you would have latched onto any conversation concerning the two of us and found out that way."

"Maybe the portraits told me, they are mostly bored old women and notice many things that happen in this school," the older man said with a barely hidden expression of smugness.

"Except we have been careful to act normal around the portraits. That and we don't really spend much time in the halls considering we can floo from our rooms to the Leaky and go from there."

"Yes, well irrelevant of how I found out, I am happy for you Harry. Your adoration for her has been plain to see on your face for years."

"Thank you Headmaster, although it took me over a year to convince her to go out with me so maybe we will be married around our fiftieth birthday if I get lucky."

"Love cannot be rushed, my young apprentice. It is a flower that will blossom only when its time has come. But once love blooms, there is no sight more beautiful, and no experience worth more." He said sagely.

Harry shot the headmaster a bland look, "You're infuriatingly whimsical, did you know that?"

"It has been mentioned to me from time to time, yes, though I try to not take these compliments to heart, lest I develop an ego."

"Is that another lesson from Ancient Albus?" Harry asked, taking a sip of his water, "'try not to develop a swagger?'"

His master suddenly let out a rumbling laugh, startling the young man before he allowed a grin to spread out across his face.

"Oh Harry, I hope one day, after this country has lauded your accomplishments and thrust a metaphorical crown upon your brow, you find someone who is to you as you are to me. Too long have I not really been challenged, before our apprenticeship I do not think that anyone has questioned my word as brazenly as you do. Each day with you is even more refreshing than the last."

Clearly taken aback by the headmaster's words, Harry busied himself with his own food, pouring custard over his treacle tart.

"Will you promise me something, Albus?"

"If I can, then I will do so gladly," he said, placing his wine glass onto a table to his side and leaning forward in his chair, the room having gotten rid of the dinner table and leaving them in comfortable chairs with a fire to keep them warm.

"Do not go gentle into the night." Harry asked, then watched as the other man's eyebrows raised in surprise.

"I did not know that you were a fan of poetry, Harry."

"Hermione has given me homework as she enjoys writing poems and wants to show me but I obviously have nothing to compare them to," Harry answered the unasked question. "That particular poem resonated with me and I realised that is because I was worried that it is something that you may do."

The two men locked eyes for what felt like minutes for Harry but was likely only a few seconds.

"Harry, I have made many mistakes in my life. I gave my early years to a man, at the start in support and at the end in efforts to stop him. I gave my middle years to myself in my efforts to find a peace that no one else could give me. And I gave my later years to this school and its students. I had always thought that I would die quietly in my bed at too old an age, managing this school's affairs until my last breath.

"But then this war happened, and then you happened. You walked back into everyone's lives and somehow instilled a sense of hope. It was then that I realised that I would give the end of my life to you. I no longer believe that dragon pox or my age will take me to the next great adventure, but I believe that my life will come to an end while I'm on my feet, ensuring that you may carry on with my last breath."

"And what if I can't accept that?"

"You may just have to, however I like to think that I am strong enough to choose how I die, but rest assured that I won't leave you a moment too soon." He said with a gentle smile, his kind eyes glistening with unshed tears in the firelight.

With a mighty sigh Harry finished the last bite of his dessert before standing up and offering his arm to his bearded friend to help him up.

"Forgive me if I don't issue you the same offer, Albus," Harry said quietly with a sad smile.

His professor just chuffed in amusement before placing his hands inside his sleeves and walking towards the door. "I would be terribly displeased with you if you did." And before he reached the door he turned and said, "I believe we have learned all that we need to about the Gaunt Shack, and I still believe a horcrux may be stored somewhere inside, we will go there soon."

^~0~^

Days later Harry lay in bed, Hermione to his side wrapped in each other's warmth, sleeping soundly when a bright light entered the room waking them both immediately. The glowing light took the shape of a wolf and stopped at the foot of the bed before speaking.

"Harry Olivanders now," the patronus said before dissolving into the air in front of them.

"Harry be careful," his girlfriend told him, already worried judging the slightly distraught face she was showing him.

"It will be ok, love," he soothed as he put on a jumper and transfigured his pyjama pants into some cargos. "I'm sure he was just scouting and saw something."

Truthfully Remus would not summon him so late unless it was extremely important and Harry had to rush through the floo to an empty Three Broomsticks into the alley. Checking his watch he saw that it was currently past four in the morning and the alley was empty of people and just had the first smattering of daylight creeping in shedding light on the beginnings of a new Monday morning.

Turning the bend towards the portion where Ollivader's shop resides he sees a body on the floor. Rushing over he sees the lifeless eyes of his friend. Remus' body bore no marks, no blood leaked onto the floor and his whole body was intact. But Harry knew he was dead all the same. Those eyes that were once full of life as he told him stories, the same eyes that were always looking to him with pride were now nothing but dull colours.

"I was wondering who he would summon. He only had time for the one message you see, so I thought I would stick around and see who the little wolfie sent for. I will say that you move quickly, I don't believe it took much more than a minute for you to come jogging over." The woman's voice rang through the alley. A voice that, although he had never heard in person, was one that he immediately recognised. Hours he has spent reviewing the memories from all of the order on the currently alive known death eaters and this was someone he had spent extra time on.

"Bellatrix," Harry acknowledged, turning towards her. Only then did he see the young man next to her, trembling with rage and a clear expression of hatred on his face as he glared at him. "You've brought a pet."

"And you let your's wander too far alone," she taunted.

"I am no one's pet Potter, and you will pay for what you DID TO MY FA-" Draco Malfoy's promise of revenge was cut short as he was banished through the window of Ollivanders shop where he wrapped around a pillar with a disgusting crack.

Harry's eyes hadn't left Bellatrix for even a moment ready to defend himself even as her wand had come up when he wandlessly banished her nephew to make a shield that grounded her, she could have grounded both of them but either did not care enough or did not think of it. Not that it mattered, he had only tried to banish Draco anyway.

"He will bleed out in there if you don't help him, the glass would have cut him up quite badly and I have no doubt that he is currently unconscious." Harry told her, wand ready at his side, thrumming in anticipation.

"If he did not wish to die a muggle's death then he should not have allowed himself to be cast aside like one. Your attack was easily defendable but he lacked even that tiny amount of sense. It's a wonder that we are even related." She told him from her position around ten yards away.

It's a strange feeling to be so numb to your surroundings but at the same time to feel such rage and a need for immediate revenge. Harry's heart was broken at the sight of his old mentor, and his heart broke even more when he thought of Sirius' reaction.

The two men had clung to each other over the past few years. The two remainders of a group of friends that had been shattered over the course of Harry's lifetime. They had both not completely gotten over the death of Peter, mourning the death of the friend you once had while rejoicing the death of the man that he had become must be a confusing feeling.

With a long sigh he pushed his anger and grief aside and tried to focus on what was in front of him.

"Why are you here tonight? It must have been something important if he sent you and not one of his other dogs," Harry asked the woman who now stood about ten yards away from him.

"It's funny you mention dogs Harry, but I was sent here to retrieve Ollivander, and the Dark Lord thought I should take my pet, as you called him, for a walk."

"Well judging by the fact that his face is still in the window of his bedroom, I'll assume that your mission will be a failure." Harry then watched as the old wandmaker went pale before he ran from the window and a green light enveloped the room as he flooed away.

"I may have missed out on that old fossil but tonight will not be seen as a failure when I present you to my master."

"Well at the risk of being rude, you may have to forgive me if I don't make it easy for you."

"Oh potty, I would have been bored if you would have simply lay down and let me pick you apart," the deranged woman said before sending out a curse that was aimed straight for his stomach. He managed to dodge to the side but a portion of his jumper burned off and the skin on his stomach was singed.

Ripping up a flagstone from the ground he banished at the death eater's chest only for her to send it into the wall of a shop to her right. Barely a moment later she was forced to shield as several curses were sent her way, two would have taken a limb and the third would have killed her after a few moments.

Stepping to the side to avoid Harry's gouging curse, she responded with her own volley which Harry ducked under, hoping that those who lived in the alley would have looked outside their windows before leaving to check on this disturbance.

As he rose back up a deep green hex flew towards where his stomach would normally be, unable to stand upright he dove to the ground, scrambling to his feet barely a second later. Feeling that he was close to being forced onto the defensive, Harry sent a beam of bright white fire towards his enemy, unable to see her now, but satisfied when he heard a yelp. Moving over to the side he watched as she dispelled the fire as water dripped from her arm that looked as if it had been burned.

Not willing to give her any time to regroup he sent curse after curse towards her, all of which were either deflected or dodged, though Bellatrix definitely gave as many as he did. The famed right hand of Voldemort has never been famous for accomplishing great feats with her magic, but she has gained notoriety for her proficiency in duels as well as her cruelty with a wand. Speed and aggression is her biggest asset and she had no issue showing it to Harry this morning.

For every curse she struggled to deflect, two more were sent out that he struggled to dodge. Harry felt confident that he could beat her but would have to find an opening in her defence, a defence which almost completely consisted of keeping him occupied with as many curses and hexes as possible.

Ripping a few square feet of wall away from the building next to him, Harry sent it towards his distant relative and behind it a ball of lightning. Likely either sensing the magic behind him or anticipating his move, Bellatrix put herself flat on the ground and rolled to the side and on to her feet in order to avoid the cutting curse that would have removed her head.

Now back on her feet she conjured several crows and sent them at him only to turn wide eyed when he hissed at the birds in their approach, turning them into snakes that flung themselves back at her, jaws wide intent on latching to her neck.

A jet of purple fire came from her wand that destroyed the snakes before she directed it at Harry, who had to place a silver shield in front of himself, watching and calculating as the flames were thrown against his barrier. Conjuring a thick marble wall took a lot of energy but it was definitely worth it as when he banished it through the fire after dropping his shield it withstood the burning temperature and forced her to stop her spell to vanish his creation.

"How is your arm?" He asked her, noting the bubbling skin on her left forearm, wand at his side ready to act.

"I imagine it hurts as much as your stomach," she spat back.

"Not too bad then, that's a shame. I'll just have to make sure your last few moments are as painful as possible."

"That's a lot of anger Harry, would could ickle Bella have possibly done to make you feel like that," Bellatrix said back to him with a small pout and a childish voice.

"You killed a friend of mine today, which means what remains of your life belongs to me."

She evidently has some sort of issue with control because all that came out of her mouth was a scream of rage as spell after spell flew from her wand towards Harry, all of which would have killed him if they had made contact. This had always been the plan if he met Bellatrix like this, her sanity was degrading before Azkaban and would only have taken a nosedive during her stay. In her anger, Harry hopes that her movement will become sloppy and her intent to kill will overpower her rational mind.

Their exchange continued for another ten minutes before Bellatrix looked like she may be beginning to tire, her years of malnutrition and lack of exercise in prison seemingly catching up with her and she had likely not been involved in an extended duel since she was imprisoned.

Seeing what he believed to be an opening in her timing of curses, Harry preemptively moved to the side to dodge her next curse and attempted to conjure a spike that he would then banish towards her but the spike clattered to the ground as he felt a searing hot pain slash across the side of his face and then his chest. Seeing a whip that looked as if it was made of lightning coming from her wand she raised it again for another attack this time he caught it in his hand that was now covered in stone.

Yanking on the length of magical rope caused her to dispel it but the momentum from the encounter made her drop her wand and tumble to ground where he banished the metal spike along the cobbled street and straight down the length of her body, impaling her at the left shoulder and the tip protruding out of her thigh on the same side.

He sent a small puff of fire towards her discarded wand and took satisfaction when nothing but ash was left. Hearing her grunt in pain he managed to turn it into a scream as he cursed her right hand off, the left side of her body now completely useless anyway.

Walking over he crouched down and gave the spike a little tug, relishing the stifled scream that she gave him.

"If this weren't so public I would take you home and give you to Sirius so that he could take some revenge for his best friend but lucky for you there are lots of eyes on us right now. But believe me," Harry murmured deeply, his voice now almost a growl next to her ear, "if I would have caught you in a field in scotland or a beach in the middle of the night, I would have dragged this on for hours."

Putting the palm of his hand against the tip of the spike poking out of her shoulder he banished it away from her, forcing most of the left side of her torso as well as her arm and a chunk of her leg to go careening across the street, the long chunk of metal clanging sharply along the cobbled street as the last remnant of life to fall out of her body.

Summoning the spare pieces of her body back to him he placed them on top of her before conjuring a sheet and covering her cadaver to shield such a gruesome sight from the children that would no doubt be sneaking a view at the chaos that had just ensued.

Sending a patronus to the auror's office explaining the situation, Harry assessed the condition of Diagon Alley. Scorch marks littered the floor and chunks from both the street and the surrounding buildings had been torn out and were now strewn across the alley. Some blood was still on the street but not much, what captivated him most, however, was the body of Remus.

Walking over to where he and his Father's friend lay dead on the floor, Harry conjured another sheet and covered the man in it, before conjuring a stool and taking a seat next to him. Lifting his wand to his throat, Harry spoke.

"I am sure you are all awake by now, I have informed the Aurors but if it makes you feel better then you may do so too. I urge you to stay indoors until they arrive and to keep your children from looking outside as this is not something that they should see. Once they arrive I will also depart."

He didn't bother giving his name because he was sure that at least twenty people had already confirmed his identity, and unlike in Knockturn Alley, they would all be willing to give a statement and some would have even taken photos. Feeling some blood drip down the side of his ear and some of his chest he realised that Bellatrix's whip had not completely cauterised his wound so he took off and vanished his now completely useless jumper that was barely hanging on to his shoulders. Regretting his actions when he realised that him with no shirt and leaking blood would no doubt be in the paper tomorrow. Deciding he didn't care he simply sat in wait for the Auros.

Hearing several distant cracks he looked up and saw fifteen men come around the corner and into his portion of the alley. The lights in the alley came on and an Auror started speaking to the people living in the alley through his own sonorus charm.

"Harry," he heard the voice of Kingley Shacklebolt say as he put a hand on his shoulder, "If that really is Bellatrix under that sheet then this is a great day for us, well done." The Auror said with a nod towards the sheet covered body next to him.

"It doesn't feel like a great day, Shack. And Bellatrix is under the sheet in the middle of the alley." Harry replied, looking at the older man with an almost emotionless face.

The Auror frowned in confusion for a moment before looking at the sheet next to him in realisation. "Remus was on patrol tonight." He stated, his hand running over the skin of his head.

"I need to go see Sirius," Harry answered before standing and levitating the body next to him. "They were here to capture Ollivander but he escaped while I confronted them, little Malfoy is in his shop, likely also dead." He informed him before walking away back towards the apparition point.

The walk normally takes a few minutes when you don't run but it seemed to both pass in a blur and take years for Harry to finally reach the small sectioned off portion of the alley. Much to his dread, however, he did make it there and placing his hand on the chest of his friend he apparated to the front doorstep of Twelve Grimmauld Place.

Taking a moment for a deep breath he collected his thoughts for what was likely going to be the hardest thing he'd ever had to do. Sirius had been extremely happy in the short amount of time that had passed since his trial. His exoneration and first outings into the wizarding world without a disguise in almost twenty years had done wonders for his mood. Remus had mentioned to Harry that this was the happiest he had seen him since their school days. Sending out another patronus for some help with his godfather he readied himself.

Walking in he placed the still covered body in the dining room table before walking in a daze up the two flights of stairs to find himself at his godfather's bedroom door. It was now just before five in the morning which is hours before Sirius normally wakes. Knocking on the door he only received a grunt in reply, knocking louder this time he finally heard a questioning hello.

"It's Harry." Was all he said in reply.

Sirius came to his door just a few seconds later, still bleary from sleep and in his night clothes.

"Harry? What time is it?" He asked, rubbing sleep from his eyes, cringing at the light in the hallway, before freezing when he saw the state of his godson.

"Come with me Sirius."

Scrambling after his godson who had started to walk back towards the stairs he asked, "is everything ok? You look upset… and you're bleeding."

"I'm sorry Sirius but please just come downstairs," Harry barely managed to get out.

Trusting his godson but not able to keep the worry off his face he followed him downstairs before they finally reached the bottom step and he saw the sheet covered body on the table. He stood frozen for a few moments while Harry took a seat on the stool in the corner of the dining room. He watched as Sirius tentatively walked over to the sheet and raised his hand toward it before pulling it back and stepping away.

"Who is under this?" he asked, gaze never straying from the shape of a head under the covering. Listening attentively as Harry ran a hand through his hair and let out a shaky breath.

"It's Remus."

It seemed to be the name that he was expecting because he immediately placed his hand on the wall to stop his legs from collapsing underneath him. Letting out a few strangled noises, he breathed for a few minutes before walking over towards the table. He pulled the sheet down to see his friend's face and let out a choked breath before taking a seat and placed his face in his hands starting to cry.

Just as Harry started to stand up to comfort him, the floo flared and a middle aged woman came out with dusky skin, her long black hair in a braid. She walked over to her boyfriend and pulled out the chair next to him. Taking his head and placing it on her shoulder the man began to wail into his partner's jumper.

Harry knew that calling her over would be for the best, Sirius had always been more emotional than him and Harry honestly didn't know how to deal with this situation. No matter how many deaths had happened in the Order. They sat there for probably around twenty minutes before Harry gave a nod towards Julianne which she returned with a watery half smile as he stood up and walked over to them.

Harry gave a pat to Sirius' shoulder before he started to walk to the floo to get his wounds looked over at Hogwarts. Before he could take a step however, Sirius grabbed his arm and looked up at him, his tear streaked face conveying a level of anger he had never seen from the man.

"What happened?" He asked.

"Remus was on patrol in Diagon Alley, came across Bellatrix and Draco Malfoy. It could have been him but I assume Bellatrix is the one that cast the curse. He managed to get a patronus off to me but he doesn't have a mark on him so I assume that he was taken by surprise or overwhelmed quickly."

The distraught man mulled this over for a few moments before he became even more angry. "Are they dead?"

"She is and Malfoy is almost definitely, if he isn't then Voldemort would rather kill him than get him out of Azkaban. The Aurors are with him now."

Sirius nodded at him, before simply turning and burying his head back into Julianne's shoulder and holding her tight. Harry whispered his thanks to her before making his way towards the floo and exited out the other side into the hospital wing at Hogwarts, pressing the rune for attention on the wall as he went past and walked over to sit on his regular bed.

Just twenty seconds later Madam Pomfrey came out of the side door that led to her chambers and when she saw the state of him she quickly bustled over, flicking her wand to turn on the lights as she went.

"What's happened Potter, these look old, and semi cauterised." she questioned summoning over a pot of balm that she started to apply to his wound. "This looks as if it will likely scar, what happened?"

"Bellatrix," Harry stated, shocking the matron into temporarily pausing her work. "She's dead but she killed Remus before I got there."

"I-I'm sorry Potter. I know you were friends."

"He lived for what he thought was right, I just wish he lived for himself a little more." He said, eyes not straying from his hands and the few cuts that marred them from scrambling around the cobbled street during the duel.

"I can imagine, Potter, that there are people in your life who think the same about you." She told him before waving wand over his hands and healing them. "There isn't anything left for me to do, take this salve and apply it everyday, the mark will become thinner but you'll be left with that scar from now on. It was almost completely sealed when you got here."

Harry thanked her and stood in order to leave the hospital wing but as he reached the door she called out to him.

"Potter, don't let this eat you up. Lean on those around you, especially Miss Granger."

With barely a nod he left the hospital wing, knowing that Hermione was likely still awake and worrying about him he wanted to go straight back to her, to set her mind at ease and assure her that he was safe. But his legs did not take him back towards his own chambers, instead he found himself in the classroom where Remus taught defence against the dark arts. No other professor had chosen to use it since but some other students have clearly been using it for a club or some revision.

Harry sat at his old desk for a while and took in the memories that came back to him while he was in this room. Neville's boggart, the aggressive Red Caps and most important to him, their own private lessons. The first piece of advanced magic he ever learned. Once he was taken on as Dumbledore's apprentice their lessons began again, albeit this time they were far less frequent but Remus was among the pool of people that the headmaster would draw from to duel Harry.

The creaking of the classroom door made him look up and see Hermione tentatively step through. Seeing that he was offering no objection to her presence she walked over and sat on the desk in front of him. Placing her hand on the back of his neck she slowly pulled him until the side of his head lay against her thigh. Drifting her hand up through the tangled ruin that was currently the state of his hair, she reached the top of his skull before going back down to the nape of his neck, scratching his scalp slowly as she went, careful to avoid his new scar and to not pull on the knots created by dried blood.

"Do you think this will ever end Hermione?" He asked.

"I do. I don't know when and I'm sure it will be difficult but I know that one day it will end. We'll both finish up our mastery exams, maybe begin teaching here or move on towards something else but one day it will just be you and me in a cottage, maybe somewhere sunny." She spoke through a shaky voice as tears started to flow and land on his head, still carding her hand through his hair.

"I'd like that."

^~0~^

"Do you remember Remus? Did you have a chance to meet him?" Harry asked the portraits of his Grandparents.

He was currently sitting in his chair in the induction room at the Potter Castle. It was in fact the only function of the room and when his own children enter their teens he is supposed to switch it out with a portrait of his own parents.

Not that it will be possible, his Grandparents will have to oversee two cycles, something that has not been done in a few centuries apparently. Harry had already made up his own portrait and on the first of every month he updates the memories on it.

With a glance towards her husband, his Grandmother begins to speak

"I'm sorry honey but we don't remember him all that well, could you maybe remind us of him?"

"He had sort of dark blonde hair, a mole on his cheek and he was also a werewolf."

"Ah!" Charlus shouted, "the boy in James' dorm along with Sirius. He was a polite lad a few times we met him," Charlus said while his wife nodded alongside him.

"Did you meet him recently? Did Sirius introduce you?" Dorea asked.

"No, he actually taught me for a year while I was at Hogwarts, and through Sirius and the Order we kept in touch. He has been helping me when Dumbledore is too busy."

"Well that's nice dear," Dorea said. "James always talked about what a nice boy he was. Me and Charlus were a little worried at first but if James liked him then who were we to intervene."

"Is he getting married or something?" His Grandfather asked.

"No he actually… well he died the other day."

"Oh… I'm sorry Harry." Dorea tried to soothe him.

"It's fine…it's… he was more Sirius' friend than mine."

"Just because Sirius is grieving doesn't mean that you aren't allowed to. A loss touches many and it's okay to share the pain of it."

Harry lets out a long sigh before replying. "I'm just getting tired of it all, I feel like I'm slowly being left alone and that everyone around me isn't going to make it through this. I have to believe that I will get to the other side of this and I do but… I can't help but think about what I will have left at the end of it all."

"You'll have everything you need Harry," Charlus told him. "It may not seem like it now and it may not seem like it when you finally get there, but wherever you end up when you make it through this, you'll have everything you need. Just don't forget to appreciate what you have along the way."

^~0~^

Old and weary were words that seemed to resonate very well with Albus Dumbledore over the past few years. Since the Dark Lord's return to be more exact. Each day it felt as if he had grown a week older and his years were very quickly catching up to him. Through his abundant magic his body itself did not weaken much, he still felt as able as he did in his sixties. But his mind is another matter. Stress and grief when compounded over time will slowly wear down the most stable of people.

He hasn't drank for over-five decades and did not wish to start again but with each friend who passed, whether it be through war or old age, more and more temptation crept into his mind.

The pressure in the back of his mind never eased however. The pressure of so many people who looked to him, hoping that he could come in and save the day. Magic away all of their problems no matter the weight or the toll it would take on him. But to stumble now is not an option.

His apprentice was both his biggest source of joy in his day to day life, watching Harry flourish and become a greater wizard with each passing day is the most fulfilling thing that he had ever done. Their banter and sporadic evening talks over a meal were a healing salve to his old soul.

But Harry was also his greatest source of dread, the boy had lost so much, especially with the death of Remus the week before. Worse still he could feel his own demise approaching. He had no ailments that pained him, no diseases that hindered him and yet there was a voice in the back of his mind, whispering his approaching exit from this life. He felt no fear, he's had enough time in his opinion, he only felt dread at his young apprentice's reaction.

And as he stood in his office, staring out of the window that overlooks the grounds surrounding the school, he grieved the death of another friend, his responsibilities over the past week not allowing him the time to do so properly. A tear fell down his cheek as he wondered how many more he would have to grieve, how many more he would have to bury. Remus was one of the few men that Albus thought to be completely selfless, though sometimes to his own detriment.

He recalled the hours it took to convince him to teach at Hogwarts those years ago. His refusal to listen to reason, his hatred and disgust towards himself so deeply ingrained that the mere idea of him being given the responsibility of so many young charges terrified him. But once he had started he had clearly found a love for the profession, the first few of his lessons that he supervised were enough to ensure him of that.

The door to his office slowly ticked open and Harry stepped though. He had given him the week off after what had happened the Monday prior with a refusal to resume lessons until then. He hoped that spending time with Hermione and Sirius had helped him some. He had heard from some other members of the Order that he had been at Headquarters almost every day, the funeral having been held on the Thursday of the week of his death. Having an intact body to bury was something the Order members had been thankful for.

During the afterparty everyone, including the headmaster told some stories. Mostly Sirius spoke however, reminiscing of what they got up to as teenagers. The funeral itself had been a small affair, only around twenty people had been invited. The late werewolf's circle had become small towards the end.

It was now time to begin Harry's work again, and hopefully there would be no need for an extended break any time in the near future. They had seen each other several times since Remus' death and Harry seemed to be coping well, he could see that he was distraught but time would prove to heal all wounds. Seeing that he had now taken a seat in front of him, the Headmaster began.

"When we spoke the week before last I mentioned that I have learned everything that I needed to know of the Gaunt Shack. I believe today is as good a day as any to move to retrieve the Horcrux that is potentially there."

"How close have you come to the property?" Harry asked.

"I have not come closer than fifty feet from where the ward lines begin but from my evaluation there is something being protected inside of there. I cannot think of anything other than a horcrux that he would store there. For it to be so out of the way and linked to his muggle ancestry it would have to be something he did not wish his followers to know of."

"That makes sense," Harry agreed before looking over at the wall behind the Headmaster, "we should take the sword though. I don't see a reason to delay the destruction of it and needlessly risk anything."

"Sound reasoning," he smiled before standing up to take the fabled Gryffindor's sword from the wall where it had stayed for the past few years. After evaluating the sword for a moment he conjured a leather sleeve and slid the sword into it, sealing it with a clasp at the grip before offering it to Harry who took it with only a small amount of surprise.

"Now Harry, we will be flooing into Hogsmeade before I apparate us to around a hundred feet from where the ward line begins, from my assessment there are no alarm wards but be ready at a moments notice."

"Yes Sir." He said with a nod.

"Before we go however, I was hoping to take a look at your new scar. The whip that Bellatrix utilised is not something I have come across. Only if you are comfortable with it of course."

Nodding Harry placed the sword against the wall and took off his shirt for him to inspect. A line maybe a centimetre thick began to the right of his belly button before widening slightly and curling up and around to the top of his chest where it jumped to the space in front of his ear, stopping a couple of inches into his hair, leaving a path that his hair could now not grow. He ran his fingertips from one end to the other, eyes closed in an effort to feel any of the residual magic left behind by the spell without any success.

"The spell seems to have been designed to make as much contact with you as possible considering the amount that it has curled around your body. Whips are only really capable of making cuts in a straight line. Poppy tells me then when she treated you that it was only partially sealed, I imagine that it was also designed in such a way that it will only cauterise the wound haphazardly, leaving it open to bleed and hurt for longer. It seems to have sealed up nicely however, I imagine Poppy already told you that the scar may shrink some with time but it will likely always be this pronounced."

"If the scar was the only price to pay that night then I would have taken that deal wholeheartedly."

The wizened wizard looks into his eyes with a sad half smile, "I imagine you would Harry," he said before giving the young man a hug that he readily returned. Pulling away he picked up the discarded shirt and gave it back to his young charge. "It is time for us to go. To the Hog's Head Harry." Albus said, directing him towards the floo after he had redressed himself and picked up the sword again.

They had often shared a drink or a meal at the pub Albus' brother owned, a couple of times they had met up after or before the pub opened for a more private meal. Sometimes the brothers argued and more than once Albus had been banned from the establishment but Harry would always come back a week or two later and speak with Aberforth to convince him to reconcile. Albus never needed any convincing, placid man that he is.

Waving at Aberforth as they walked through the pub, thankful that they were currently talking, Albus followed Harry outside where they walked across the street to the small corner that had been sectioned off for people to apparate out of. Laying his hand on the younger man's shoulder he apparated them to the small woods that the shack resided in.

The forest of Little Hangleton did not span wide and even though they were in the middle of it, the village and manor house of the Riddles was clearly visible through the trees. Turning around Albus saw their destination, a small clearing visible through the tree line with a wooden run down shack, not big enough for more than a few rooms but was undoubtedly expanded magically on the inside.

Making their way through the bushes and roots, he and Harry arrived onto the grass that lead up to the Gaunt home. Holding a hand out for Harry signalling him to stop Albus waved his wand through the air in front of him, complex patterns only a few of which did Harry recognise.

"It seems to be a parseltongue ward scheme Harry. If I accompany you while you order away the snakes I can see lying in wait for us under the house, we should be ok. I still can not detect anything that would alert him to our presence."

"So we can just walk in, there isn't anything stopping us?"

"He likely did not want any attention to be drawn to it, the ministry may check on this house periodically. If they are only chased away by snakes then they would likely assume that the house is protected by some ward that the late Gaunts placed and leave it be, no need to waste the money they pay Gringotts curse breakers to get inside such a small ward. If there were something more sinister or complex then they would likely take a large interest in the situation. As it is now it is beneath their notice."

"He's annoyingly intelligent," Harry gritted out.

"My boy, I have been thinking the same thing for the last two decades."

As they stepped over the ward line more than ten snakes shot out from underneath the panelling of the shack, hissing aggressively. They only made it a few feet before Harry commanded them to stop in a low hiss that Albus could of course not understand but was thankful when they scattered a moment later.

As they made their way over he saw a snake attached to the door by a knife that was put straight through the head of the creature. From the memories he had viewed of the place and even from his own personal experience he knew that the snake should have long since expired and been left a pile of bones. Clearly some sort of charm work had been done to preserve the carcass and make it a permanent fixture on the door.

Entering the home, careful not to touch the animal cadaver on the door, he saw that the home was empty other than a fireplace and a couple chairs with a table. There was a disgusting smell that permeated through the room and likely the whole house, though Albus knew that no one had lived here for quite some time.

Looking around he noticed that there are doorways and these two rooms in front of him were in fact the only two in the house. The old headmaster was confused before the realisation hit him, the Gaunts must have been so inbred and their magic damaged so much that they were incapable of performing the enlargement charms necessary to expand this small space and make it liveable for three people.

"Do you have an idea as to where it could be?"

"No, but your skills at detecting the magic around you is only second to mine. If we simply walk around the house then we will find it. I believe it best that we should stay in the same room as each other however."

"No need to leave this room at all actually," Harry told him, tapping his foot on the half rotten wooden panel beneath him before stepping back.

Quickly Albus came over to the spot where he could see a small box through a hole in the wood where it had fallen away and carefully removed a piece of flooring to reveal the box. Levitating it out and placing it on the floor he shuffled back a little but stayed crouched down. A focused banishing charm popped the lid open and he was able to see the contents.

Inside lay a clearly old but pristine ornate ring lay on an equally clean bed of grey silk. Now that Harry had honed his skill in sensory magic he could feel from even a couple metres away, something he did not experience in the chamber.

"Let's bring it outside eh?" Harry said, beginning to walk towards the door.

"Yes Harry, let us…let…"

Hearing the Headmaster trailing off, Harry turned around to see him extending his hand towards the box, his eyes vacant and his jaw slack. Striding over he pulsed magic through his arm and grabbed the ring with his rock covered fingers before the Headmaster could reach it.

His mentor's reaction was immediate, a rage filled expression came across his face and he immediately stood and started stalking towards him.

"Give it to me Harry, I was the one who-"

He wasn't given the opportunity for Harry to hear him out as the bottom of Harry's foot connected with his chest and he was sent tumbling to the floor. As he lay on the ground, his faculties returned to him and he stared at the ceiling for a moment before taking a deep breath.

"I apologise Harry," he said as he stood up and placed his hands into his sleeves, "with this particular artefact I found myself more susceptible. I feel ok now but it is probably best if you hold it instead of me, and make sure that you keep those wonderful rocks out as I have no doubt that it is cursed."

"You never mentioned any issues with the diary, what makes this so special? Because he made it later?" Harry said, frowning dubiously over at him.

"No it is the artefact itself that I desired and that, along with the temptation charms, won me over. I will explain about the artefact once we return to Hogwarts. For now let us move outside and destroy it."

Nodding but still wary, Harry exited first, careful to listen out to see if the Headmaster tried to rush him again. Hearing no sudden movements and feeling no impending spells, he made his way to the clearing and planted the sword in the dirt for a moment to conjure a stone table. Dropping the ring out of the case onto the stone surface he discarded the box and once again picked up the sword and dispelled his arm with a flick of his wand before slipping it into his wrist holster.

"Are you ready, Headmaster?" Harry asked the older man who was standing around five paces behind him.

Taking his wand out of his sleeve and re positioning himself into a prepared stance he nodded at his protege.

Looking at the object on the table he pulled the sword out of its leather sleeve and brought it behind his head and swung it down as hard as he could on the ring. Upon impact he was blown back by a small but loud explosion and the sword flew out of his hands.

Landing with a grunt he struggled to breath as the wind was knocked out of him and felt the world around him fading and begin to fall away beneath him as pain exploded from his right arm. In confusion he looked over and saw a large and deep gash on his forearm bleeding profusely on to the dirt beneath him.

"A-Albus," Harry croaked out.

When the ring exploded, Albus had stumbled down to one knee and his ears were ringing but he was otherwise well. Though because his ears were ringing he almost didn't hear Harry's plea. Not that it mattered because the first thing he did was look at him where he was on the ground, seeing Harry on the ground like that, looking so pale and fragile in such a short amount of time sent a chill through his whole body.

Seeing the blood on the sword nearby he immediately understood Harry had been sliced after he let go of the sword on his arch through the air. Knowing that his tolerance from having already been infected with the venom that had been imbued with the sword those years ago would not buy him much time he had to act fast.

"Fawkes!" He shouted into the clearing before striding over to check on him.

Barely a second later the mythical bird appears before them both and barely gives the Headmaster a glance before looking down at Harry. Albus doesn't have a chance to explain the situation before he lands on his students chest and they both disappear in a small ball of flames.

Confident that his friend will take care of his student he breathes out a sigh of relief, picking up the ring from the table and placing it into his pocket, before dread fills him once again as he feels a familiar set of wards drown the area and settle into place around him. He could instantly recognise the feeling of anti portkey and apparition wards.

"Well that was rather touching Dumbledore," he hears a silky voice to his left, spitting out his name like an insult.

Turning he sees Lord Voldemort, walking into the clearing on the far side away from him, around twenty paces between them, his black robes gliding along the grass.

"That was care Tom, it deeply saddens me that you could disparage it."

"The boy is weak and you should have allowed him to die, " he spat.

"He is stronger than us both Tom, something you will understand at a later date."

"It is a shame that you won't be alive to see me prove you wrong." The Dark Lord sneered as he raised his wand towards the man he hated.

This is one of the few settings where Albus actually had an advantage over his old student, the closer quarters would benefit Voldemort but they were beset on all sides by forest and he knew that Tom's repertoire leans towards curses instead of transfiguration. His lack of youth and agility was an issue but Albus felt that if he was going to be caught alone then this was a near perfect setting for it.

The Dark Lord's first offering is met with a simple shield but he was soon put on the defensive when the Headmaster propelled a ball of dirt towards him. With a flick of his wand Voldemort exploded the dirt and didn't watch as it scattered across the clearing before he flung another barrage of curses towards Albus.

A branch extended from a nearby tree to intercept the spells. Albus severed the branch so that it fell in front of him for his own use later and with a complicated movement of his wand roots sprang up from around the Dark Lord and attempted to grab onto his ankles and wrap around his torso.

In the couple of seconds that he was distracted, Albus transfigured the trees in the forest for later and instructed his creations to wait. Not wanting to give away his movements he also made a lion erupt from the soil, the dirt and stone writhing around it but still maintaining its shape.

Voldemort had burned through the roots and had transfigured the dirt beneath his feet into a large plate of stone that the roots could no longer penetrate through. The Dark Lord banished the lion towards the tree line and watched to make sure that the dirt scattered amongst the trees.

Deciding to join the Headmaster he began some transfigurations of his own as he conjured a ball of black fire that he then propelled towards his opponent. Flinging the ball of fire towards the sky Dumbedore heard it explode only moments after it passed the trees but did not have time to reply as he was busy defending himself from the branches attempting to impale him.

Seeing his hated rival on the defensive put a broad grin on his snake-like face. Not wanting to lose his opportunity because he was taking too much pleasure in the moment, he started to cast every cutting curse he knew, feeling even more pleasure when a couple of them made it through the shields that Dumbledore was able to erect in between his struggle with the insidious branches.

Now bleeding from a few places the Headmaster appeared to become desperate, he had not been given the time to properly deal with his assault from the trees. With a flick of his wand he was propelled a few steps backwards and he was able to burn the branches to the ground and he attempted to transfigure the branch he had saved earlier but as he raised his wand he felt a cold rush echo through his stomach and out of his back.

Before he could respond or realise what was happening he was on his back, that cold feeling now seeping out of him.

"You became weak in your old age Dumbledore, I don't know how you found out about my horcrux but you must now see that they are necessary." Voldemort taunted as he looked at his old Headmaster, his torso completely separated from his hips and legs that now lay limp on the ground. "Even at this age I expected more from you, it is a shame that your apprentice is not here to see you d-"

The Dark Lord was cut off by a wooden fist slamming into his jaw, sending him to the ground where he was beset on all sides by five wooden chimps. One of them was sent away, exploding into splinters but the other four mounted him and beat him until he was nothing more than a bile of bones and skin on the ground. Before they could make him completely unrecognisable the last of the Headmaster's magic seeped out of them and they fell to the earth, joining both of the dead men already there.

^~0~^

Green eyes shot open as Harry scrambled and fell to the floor before he could understand where he was. From his knees he looked around and saw that he had fallen out of bed in the hospital wing. Breathing deeply he looked to his arm and saw the long and thick scar below his elbow, thankful once again for Fawkes.

"Harry, you're alright. You passed out, that's all, try to calm down." He heard his girlfriend say, feeling her hand on his back making soothing motions.

"I'm-is Dumbledore back?" He suddenly questioned, eyes frantic. He was sure he had felt it, just before Fawkes took him away. That's why he could feel the adrenaline pumping through him, he had felt his presence for only a moment but he couldn't mistake the aura of the man who had killed his parents.

"You came alone, Madam Pomfrey said, I only got here a few minutes ago. She said you had come less than ten minutes before me and Fawkes was already crying into your arm when you landed on a bed. What happened?"

He could already feel it though, a ball of dread in his stomach that he knew wouldn't be eased by deep breaths, he needed to confirm it. Without saying a word he stood and walked to the Healer's office and ignoring Pomfrey's spluttering he called out for the Hog's Head and walked through the flames, barely even noticing when Hermione managed to barely follow him through.

He allows her to grab his hand, not completely thinking clearly but knowing that he can protect her from anything long enough for her escape. They walk out of the pub, Hermione still not saying a word, seeming to sense that this is not the time for it.

With a crack they appear in the same place he did with Dumbleore less than an hour before, they scramble through the bushes and roots at a pace that almost makes Hermione trip over a few times but they quickly enter into the small clearing with the shack in front of them. It was here where the carnage lay.

There were scorch marks on the floor and several trees had been unnaturally shaped to lean into the clearing where many of its branches had either been cut or burned off. Dirt had been pulled from the ground leaving behind small craters.

But in the middle of the clearing lay two bodies barely ten yards away from each other. He heard a gasp to his side and felt Hermione try and run over but pulled her back before she could make it out of his grasp. "Wait." Was all he said before letting go of her hand and signalling her to stay.

Pulling out his wand he went over to the body closest to him, a mess of black robes and flesh was all that was left of it. It didn't take long to figure out how he had died with the lifeless wooden apes that lay next to him. With his wand he flicked the hood of the lifeless figure and could tell, even with a face almost caved in, who it was. The stench of his magic still permeated the air anyway.

Nodding to his girlfriend she quickly rushed over and didn't even glance at the body of the Dark Lord and went and kneeled next to the severed body of her Headmaster. Their relationship wasn't all that close considering how busy he was. But she still wept, wept for the Headmaster that she knew and wept for the man that she loved. A man that she knew would be crushed by this.

Finally finding the strength to confront him he walked over and knelt next to her in front of his teacher. He held her as she cried but they both knew it was her who was comforting him, her arms tight around his middle.

They stayed there for a few minutes before Harry felt wards fall away around them, finally giving out after whoever casted them had died. In what might have been the worst moment in his life he had to push his grief aside but that only made way for anger which would not so easily be delayed. He placed a kiss on the head of the woman he loved and turned her towards him.

"I'm sorry Hermione but I need you to listen carefully and do as I say, I'm going to send out a patronus and summon Kingley and Mad-eye here. Tell them that they mustn't let anyone know Voldemort is dead because he isn't and he will come back. If the public believes it's over then they will want Crouch out of office and we can't have that right now. Hide in the trees and when you hear the apparition cracks, if they don't shout your name then apparate straight to Headquarters but tell no one where you have come from. Once they get here and you have explained things to them then go straight to Grimmauld Place and I will come get you later."

"But where are you going?" she asked through her tears

Sending off the patronus he replied. "I need to deal with Snape, the moment he hears of this he will either betray us or run." It was only a small lie, he did believe what he said but even if he didn't he would still have gone after him. He flicked his head towards the trees but before she moved away she kissed him and placed her cheek against his own for a moment. Unable to resist her comfort he held her head there for a few moments.

"I love you," she told him.

"I love you too, Hermione. Now go, I need to make sure you're hidden before I leave." He said as he flicked his wand and his stag patronus came from its tip and raced through the trees of the forest to carry out its message to his second recipient. Looking around he could not see her but that was perfectly fine by him, it means that she's hidden.

With quiet crack he disappeared from the forest and found his feet in the alley next to the three broomsticks, not going to the Hog's Head from fear of seeing Aberforth. He walked inside the pub and took the floo over to his own chambers where he exited through his door and out into the hallway, not for the first time annoyed that he could not floo domestically in the castle like the Headmaster.

Throwing himself off of the grand staircase and plummeting towards the ground he stopped himself short of hitting the stone floor and resumed his pace and went down the last staircase. Now in the Dungeons he could see the door to the potions classroom where Snape spent all of his time.

Once inside he heard the scratching of a quill coming from the office adjoined to the classroom. Walking over and pushing the door open, he wasted no time flicking his wand at the Potions Master and sticking him to the wall. He gave him a few moments to beg or have some kind of last word but nothing came. Only a hate filled glare and a refusal to give him some kind of satisfaction, not that he would have gotten any from such a thing.

With a curse the Professor's neck twisted and a sickening crack echoed through the small office. With a flick of his wand the older man fell to the ground, unmoving. He heard the door behind him make a noise and he saw the Deputy Headmistress standing in the doorway looking at Harry. She and Snape had never had any kind of friendship and when Harry had told her what he had done she grew to hate the man.

His death brought her no sadness but what it meant did. With a hand to her mouth she let out a strangled wail before she walked into the floo after whimpering out the words to get her to the hospital wing. Poppy would take care of her.

With a swish of his wand he watched as flames enveloped Snapes body but did not touch anything else. As he sat at his old teachers desk he thought of the man he just lost and then felt disgusted that he had left the woman he loved alone at a time like this. They should grieve together, he had already allowed his rage to consume him and he needed to let it go now that it was over.

Confident that the body would dispose of itself he walked through the floo to Grimmauld Place where he found her sitting on the couch with her knees to her chest. When he entered she looked at him with teary eyes and didn't say a word as he scooped her up and brought them up the stairs to his room at Headquarters where he held her as she cried. The rest of his anger would have to wait he thought, as he allowed his grief and depression to envelop him, holding his love tighter to his chest.

"I didn't get to ask him about his glasses," she wept. And something so simple, that didn't mean much in the scheme of things, cemented Dumbledore's death in Harry's head. I'll never get to ask him about anything again.

AN: ok so this took a while but I wanted to write something I was happy with. There is only one chapter left of this and it will be about as long as the other but I won't offer any kind of timeline however I will get it out as soon as it's ready. I come home from japan in september for a few months so hopefully before then, the flight is 15 hours so i'll have the time.

I doubt that I will do another story in this format and will stick to around 8k chapters after this. I have notes for 4 more stories though I don't know how long they will be.

Something to keep in mind with PRC is that with these big gaps Harry would change quite a bit. Between each chapter is 3 years and many things can happen in that time.

Please have patience with me.