Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter

...

Harry looked out at the grounds of Hogwarts, blanketed white, the ever magical scenery having become more even spectacular. From Gryffindor Tower he peeked skywards, unable to see a single hint of blue sky.

Tearing his eyes away, Harry instead focused on the half packed trunk lying at the foot of his bed. In a true showing of male intelligence he had left the packing until the last minute, knowing full well that the train would be departing in only a handful of hours. Honestly though, he had no idea what to pack for such a journey other than what he deemed to be an acceptable amount of underwear and socks. Accompanying his undergarments thus far were a couple of jumpers and long pants along with a handful of t-shirts. Outside of garments he had packed the appropriate reading material that he would need to quote in order to complete the homework that had been assigned.

Of course he was only bringing these along in order to not simply complete his assignments without requiring any reading material. Arguably he could do without the extra weight but he couldn't risk being discovered. Knowing that he would only be going for a short while he had instructed Hedwig to stay behind and try not to get too feisty with the other owls. Needless to say this had resulted in him getting bitten on the ear; thankfully it was no more than a nibble.

Rolling his shoulders, Harry figured that he had packed enough for the brief journey and if he required anything else he would purchase it along the way. Clasping the locks shut, Harry made his way down to the common room only to pause momentarily as he caught eyes with the Weasley twins, who only nodded towards him. Earlier in the week Harry had given them letters. They contained instructions for the other members of Potter Club to be sent on different days in order to make sure nothing was seen as conspicuous. Essentially he was just asking for the students to do a touch more homework before the next semester commenced.

Nothing notorious at all.

Reaching the common room, Harry found the circular area highly populated as those staying and those going were saying farewell to one another and wishing safe travels. Laughter was in the air along with a handful of promises to send presents to one another. This of course brought Harry's attention to the question about whether Professor Dumbledore would send his father's Invisibility Cloak to where he would be staying or if it would be waiting for him when he returned. Alternatively, he could not receive it until a later date which would throw his plans way out of proportion.

Unfortunately it didn't seem as if there was much that he could do in such an occasion.

"How's it going, Neville?" asked Harry as he patted the shy boy on the shoulder.

"Alright, Harry," he said without the usual stammer that came with most of his conversations. "I didn't know you were going somewhere for Christmas."

"Kind of got an out of the blue invite," said Harry. "Trust me, I did not expect anything to happen before the end of the year other than relaxing in the Great Hall and doing some studying."

"Anything seems better than that," said Neville with a bit of a chuckle.

"Well what are your plans?" asked Harry.

"My gran's hosting a Christmas Ball this year so it'll be a pretty big event; I'll probably just shy away in the corner somewhere. Most of their conversations just go over my head," said Neville seemingly retreating into himself somewhat.

Harry pondered on what he had just been informed and wondered if there was anything he could do to help. "You're relative's a pretty important person isn't she?" said Harry, garnering a weak nod in response. "Why not try and rub shoulders with some of the big wigs then, one day her contacts are going to become your contacts. No reason in waiting around for them to approach you when you can just go straight to them."

Harry walked away, leaving Neville to ponder on what he'd just said. Whether or not the seeds he had planted in Neville's mind would bloom straight away was debatable but Harry knew just what Neville was capable of. He would gain strength over time, he still recalled when he was first able to disarm his opponent in Dumbledore's Army (which hopefully wouldn't have to be formed again this time around) and how much his confidence had grown when he had been applauded for succeeding. Giving him a little push in the right direction now should be a good start.

The idea of Dumbledore's Army made him contemplate what would happen from fifth year onwards. If everything went according to plan then Voldemort wouldn't return at the end of the Tri-Wizard Cup. This would result in the Ministry not trying to undermine Dumbledore by planting their own pathetic excuse of a teacher into the school.

Effectively everything from the end of fourth year onwards would be a blank sheet where all of his prior knowledge would be almost useless. At the end of the day however he would have to track down and destroy the Horcruxes, and as daunting as it sounded he may not be quick enough to prevent Voldemort from rising again. Forming the group again was a plausible idea, but how to go about it in a legitimate sense was something to ponder over. Proclaiming that one of the darkest lords in history was going to return one day and they needed to get ready would have him locked up in the psychiatric ward of St. Mungo's.

He'd need to wait before acting on that.

"C'mon Harry, we need to head down to the train station," said Hermione joyfully with her belongings dragging behind her. Harry couldn't help but ponder as to why Hermione was so prompt, from his reckoning the train didn't depart for at least another hour. Plenty of time to get to the station.

"What's the rush?" asked Harry.

"Well we wouldn't want to be running late and not be able to get a carriage," said Hermione. Immediately Harry could tell that something was up. The train was plenty big enough to cater for the entire school and since there were many people staying behind then there would be more than a handful of empty carriages.

Hermione was playing a game and Harry couldn't help but want to win.

"If you say so, just give me a minute to get my things," said Harry as he made his way up to the room he shared with the rest of the first year boys. A chirp resonated from Hedwig, the magnificent owl standing upon Harry's belongings. "How's it going, girl?" asked Harry as he scratched Hedwig under the beak, slightly ruffling her feathers. "I won't be gone for long alright, promise me that you won't eat Ron's rat while I'm gone, okay, I kind of need him in a couple years time."

A screech was the best answer Harry could hope for before Hedwig took flight, swooping out of the window in search of what Harry hoped was food. Although Hedwig was only ever really seen delivering or sending letters, other than that Harry had no real idea what the snowy white owl did in her spare time. Maybe she had been a mother.

Shaking his head, Harry tried not to focus on what was to potentially come as he grabbed the belongings for his trip. He had tried to base his packing on what he believed would be necessary for the journey, but as far as he could remember he had always taken everything or nothing when going on a trip. For a two week trip he figured that he would need no more than a few shirts but since he was unsure he had packed seven, just to be safe.

He really needed to take shorter holidays more often.

Picking up his trunk, Harry placed it on the bed and checked the contents once more to ensure that he had more than everything he needed. Locking the clasps, he contemplated reducing the size of his trunk but knew that it would cause too many questions once he walked through the corridor. Also he never had had much luck with the charm, so he wisely decided to bite the bullet and haul it the normal way.

"Let us help, Harry," said the twins, startling the young boy as they seemingly appeared in the doorway.

"Really, guys?" said Harry in mock anger. "I know you're not just here to help me out, so nominate one of yourselves to answer and let's get this over with."

Both Fred and George looked at each other before raising the fists to one another. "Rock, Paper, Scissors!" they said in unison, both of them ending the call with their hands showing 'scissors.' This wasn't the first time that Harry had gotten the twins to settle things between them with this method; the alternative was flipping a coin but that just seemed a tad too boring after a while. Harry also knew that their mindset was remarkably similar and as such it would take several attempts before one of them came up with a ploy at a different time to their brother. Whether such ploy would bring victory was never guaranteed.

After four consecutive draws one of the twins finally came out on top, the loser snapping his fingers as he sunk into the background. "Alright," said the victor as they closed the gap. "Harry, we're just here to give you a heads up on what our plan for the break is now that we're staying." Harry nodded, recalling Ron informing him that his parents were going to Romania. He always wondered how they'd been able to afford the trip but never inquired into it. "While we will do as you have asked there is also something that we need to do ourselves, something outside of your banner."

"Will the results counteract some of the work we have put in?" asked Harry crossing his arms.

"Doubtful, we're just going to make Christmas that extra bit festive with some fireworks and the like, Weasley branded of course," they said.

"Have you guys tested these out yet?"

"Nope, but that's half the fun now isn't it?" they said with a cheeky smirk on their face. "If they're as successful as we hope however we don't think we'd be able to use them for Potter Club activities; too many people will watch the test run and people aren't nearly as stupid as some would hope."

"Well don't do too much damage, I'd rather the Great Hall remain in one piece," said Harry. "After all, when all is said and done that is going to be where our finale is held."

"Finale?"

Harry just smiled.

...

Harry and Hermione trudged through the snow amongst their fellow schoolchildren, Harry having taken Hermione on several detours much to her annoyment. He did have to admit though that pissing in every male bathroom the school possessed in half an hour was impressive, even if Hermione failed to see it as any form of an accomplishment.

Had he had more time he probably would have gunned for all the female toilets as well.

"Because of your stupid game, we're late," declared Hermione as they stepped aboard the station next to the snow covered train. Despite the lumps of snow aboard the carriages the locomotive looked as impressive as ever.

"And what are we late for?" asked Harry as they hauled their trunks into the luggage compartment.

Hermione didn't answer.

Harry found Hermione grab his hand before she dragged him up into the Hogwarts Express, quickly finding a secluded compartment and making themselves at home. "So," said Harry as he closed the door, "I assume there's a reason as to why you wanted me here so early, I can't imagine why we'd be running 'late' otherwise."

Hermione sat down before Harry took the seat opposite her. Hermione took several moments to compose herself, taking several deep breaths preparing herself for this conversation. Before she got the chance however the door to the compartment slid open, shattering the moment that Hermione had been building towards.

"Hey Hermione, Harry, do you mind if I sit in here with you?" asked Susan Bones.

Neither of them could construct a reason to say no.

...

Harry bit at his lip inside the train carriage, looking between the two people he was sharing a compartment with. Susan seemed to be keeping to herself, having brought her knees up to her chest in order to fight off some of the cold that crept through the windows. Hermione meanwhile had her eyes glued to the book in front of her for most parts, Harry sometimes noticing her hands lower ever so slowly to allow her to peer over the cover before retreating to the literature in front of her.

Needless to say, none of them had spoken for what seemed like an eternity.

"Harry," said Susan in such a tension breaking moment that the book dropped from Hermione's hands and crashed to the carriage floor.

"Sorry," apologized Hermione as she scooped up the book. "Please, continue."

"Way to break the mood," snickered Harry causing Hermione to glare daggers at him as she tried to find the page she had previously been on. Harry couldn't help but keep the smile on his face as he turned his attention back to Susan. "You were saying?"

"I was just curious is all," said Susan looking towards the window.

"C'mon now, you can't just leave it hanging like that," said Harry wondering what it was that Susan had intended to ask.

"It's nothing, don't worry about it," replied Susan refusing to create eye contact. Silence reigned for half a minute before she felt compelled to glance around the compartment, finding both Harry and Hermione cheekily looking towards her. "...Fine."

"Yes," said Harry pumping his fist in success.

"Harry...what happened in the Prefect's bathroom?"

Any joy Harry had achieved in his brief victory was quickly snuffed out. He hadn't been unaware of the rumors spreading around the castle and like everything regarding him they seemed to get larger and more ludicrous with every passing hour. Last he had heard was that he had been invited into the Prefect's bathroom, where he had had to pass through a secret portal to protect a Mermaid Princess from a swarm of Grimlocks.

Ludicrous indeed.

Although probably not a bad idea if he decided to continue the Harry Potter Collection Series.

Something to ponder over.

Now, where were we.

"Actually, I'd like to know about that afternoon as well," said Hermione as she closed her book and placed it on her lap, bringing Harry's attention back to the conundrum at hand.

"Ah that," said Harry. "Before I retell the events of that fateful afternoon, pray do tell what you believe happened. Susan, would you like to go first?"

"Umm...well...last I heard..." stammered Susan before she buried her face into her hands. From behind her palms she tried to say something but it just came out as nonsensical gibberish.

"Alright then, Hermione?"

"I honestly don't know what I believe," declared Hermione, doing her best to not recall some of the rumours she had heard.

"Well you two are no fun," said Harry with a sigh. "Alright then, I'll tell you this, but only once, and the information does not leave this carriage, understand?"

Susan immediately composed herself as both she and Hermione leant towards Harry, seemingly afraid that if he was to say the words too softly they would never learn the truth. "We understand," said Susan speaking for both herself and for Hermione.

"Alright then, so here's what happened..."

...

"...and by the end of it we were all better off and had learned quite a bit about ourselves," concluded Harry. "Any questions?"

"That was...mildly disappointing," declared Susan.

"And that wasn't a question."

"I have to agree with Susan, after everything that got built up to such a degree from students who didn't know any better, the actual event seems like a bit of a let down," said Hermione. "Don't get me wrong, I mean it's good that the rumours were just that but I thought something else had happened."

"Well if I remember correct you weren't all too keen on giving your description of the events," mocked Harry.

"If I'd told what I believe somehow I think it would both sound more entertaining and more believable than the truth," huffed Hermione.

"I'm an eleven year old boy, half the rumours spreading around could get the girls arrested, or in a few instances I would get arrested. Also for most of them I'd like to think that I'd actually hit puberty before even contemplating doing half that stuff."

"Guess you're right," said Susan as she leaned against the carriage bench. "When you didn't defend against any of the accusations though you can imagine why people became just a little suspicious."

"What, destroy the story before it began, I'd like to think that people can have their fun before I just tell them the truth," said Harry with a shrug of the shoulders.

"Are you ever going to tell the truth?" asked Hermione.

"Probably not."

"Prat."

...

As the magical locomotive pulled in to King's Cross Station, Harry looked out the window at all the parents and relatives who were waiting to pick up their children. He couldn't help but wince as he momentarily spotted Lucius Malfoy who looked as stoic as ever along with what Harry assumed was his wife...or mistress...slave?

No, mistress at worst.

Could purebloods own slaves?

Harry shook his head to rid himself of such thoughts focusing more on the fact that in a little over half a year the 'supposed former' Death Eater would slip one of Voldemort's Horcrux into Ginny Weasley's cauldron. As far as Harry could tell he hadn't changed anything in the timeline thus far to prevent that from happening. His main concern though was how was he going to destroy the item? He didn't want to take the risk by allowing the year to play out, he was well aware that the number of small changes could possibly change a Petrification into a death.

He needed to end this nightmare before it began.

"Earth to Harry, hello?" said Susan waving her hand in front of Harry's face.

"What now?"

"You were really out of it, weren't you," said Hermione as she opened the door, a number of students already with their belongings walking down the aisle towards the exit. "Our trunks are likely on the platform already."

"Sorry, just thinking about a few things," said Harry as he got to his feet.

"You don't have to worry about my aunt, she's really a nice person," said Susan completely missing the mark.

"I hope so," said Harry deciding to play along. Thinking about Susan's aunt was a much better solution than saying that you were trying to figure out how to save people's lives.

"Don't worry, you'll get to meet her soon," said Susan a little distantly.

"Wait, you mean she's not on the platform?" asked Hermione reading between the lines.

"No, because of work she's gone almost all day and even some nights," answered Susan as she turned her gaze towards the floor. Harry meanwhile was starting to understand why Susan had invited him over for Christmas and unfortunately it wasn't as pleasant as he had originally hoped.

Resolving himself, Harry silently promised that this would be a Christmas that Susan would never forget.

...

The three of them had waited for most of the families to have left before getting off of the Hogwarts Express. Hermione had suggested that her family could drive the two of them home but Harry pointed out that there was little chance that they could fit three trunks into the back of the Granger family car. She then offered to wait with them until Susan's aunt came to pick them up but Susan had none of it and simply stated that they would catch the bus. While Hermione clearly didn't like it there was nothing more she could say as her family waved her over. Before she left however she gave both Susan and Harry a hug before grabbing her trunk and heading to where her parents were waiting.

"Did you know that this would happen?" asked Harry.

"That what would happen?" asked Susan in return as both she and Harry grabbed hold of their belongings.

"That your aunt wouldn't be here," said Harry looking towards Susan to find that her gaze had shot towards the floor again, giving Harry the answer he didn't particularly want to know. "Alright then, let's catch the bus, which stop do we pick it up from?"

"Wait, you don't know about the Knight Bus?" asked Susan. Harry shook his head feigning ignorance. "Well Mister Potter, allow me to show you one of the funnest ways of travelling."

...

After a brutal ride in where Harry's face had plastered itself against the windows no fewer than five times, Susan and Harry arrived at their destination. It had been a fairly long ride with them having had to travel to the outskirts of London to a part of town where Harry had never frequented before. All he knew was that it was a heck of a long way from Privet Drive and that was good enough for him.

The house was quite plain on the outside, brick exterior with windows leading into the living room and kitchen. Outside of the house was roughly four foot of lawn which had a plethora of flowers circling the grass ranging in all kinds of varieties and colours. From an outsider's perspective it looked quite quaint.

Harry meanwhile could feel the magic in the air. Considering that Susan's aunt held a position in the Ministry of Magic, quite a high ranking position if his memory served him correctly, there was no surprise that he could sense the protective wards around the property. He couldn't help but ponder what the wards around the Minister of Magic's home was like.

"It's not much, but it's home," said Susan with a smile as she walked along the narrow footpath towards the front door.

"Let me guess," said Harry as he began to follow. "Is it bigger on the inside?"

As Susan unlocked the door and stepped inside she looked over her shoulder. "Interesting idea but no, we don't need the space," she answered as she dragged her belongings inside. "As a warning, please take off your shoes within and put them in the box, otherwise Tiddy's going to get cross with you."

"Tiddy?" repeated Harry as he followed suit and entered the house. As he took off his shoes he spotted the box in question which was empty of all other footwear despite having clearly seen Susan put her shoes away. With a shrug of the shoulders, Harry did as he had been instructed and put his shoes inside and watched with intrigue as his footwear slid into an unseen compartment.

For a moment he wondered how he was going to get his shoes back but figured that was for another time. Especially as he was ambushed by a house elf who had her arms on her waist and a look of disapproval upon her face. "If you are done close the door, silly fellow, or all hot air go bye bye," declared who Harry could only assume was Tiddy.

"Pleasure to meet you as well," said Harry as he did as instructed. Unlike the first few experiences with house elves, Tiddy wasn't wearing a pillowcase or some other sorry excuse for clothing but actual clothes that looked handmade. Harry doubted that Tiddy was a free elf and predicted that she had been given cloth to make her own garments.

Cheeky way of getting around it he supposed.

"Hurry 'long now, hurry," said Tiddy as she snapped her fingers causing Harry's belongings to begin floating down the corridor.

"What's the rush?" asked Harry but when he got no response he merely shrugged before opting to look around somewhat. Along the walls were framed photos, some hanging from hooks while others rested on a cabinet filled with chinaware. The faces were unfamiliar to him but their was an air of happiness surrounding all of the photos, especially with one of whom he could only assume was Susan who seemed perplexed by her first tooth protruding from her gum.

"I wondered if you'd see that," said Susan causing Harry to turn in her direction. The red haired girl walked closer to where he was standing and grabbed the frame and did her best to move it but it refused to budge. "My aunt put a Sticking Charm on it after she put it up and says once I'm old enough to use magic out of school I can put it somewhere else. I know she doesn't want to get rid of it but it's so embarrassing!"

"I think it's cute," said Harry causing Susan to scowl at him. The idea of saying that she at least had baby photos came to mind but he felt that he would kill the mood if he did so. "So, where am I camping?"

"In my room," said Susan causing Harry's jaw to drop.

"Well, that's unexpected," he said as he regained his senses some seconds sooner than he should have.

"Where is your mind at, Harry Potter, it's just a sleepover until school begins," said Susan sternly.

It was quite clear where Harry's mind was at; he was seventeen years old technically and as such that came with all the perks of having found out that women were very attractive creatures. Unfortunately David Attenborough had yet to release a documentary on the species and as such he was usually at a loss whenever members of the opposite sex were involved. Basic lesson One 'O' One however stipulated that sleeping in the same room as a member of the female gender tended to lead into something more.

Provided that said individuals were not interrupted by a third party, already had previous or current relations that prevented or prohibited further progress, one party refused to give consent, were related, etc, etc.

Whenever he next figured lesson One 'O' One was being held, he had to be there for a refresher course.

"Missus and Missuses friend must be coming for lunch now, Tiddy made good healthy lunch for them," announced the house elf appearing from the kitchen. "Madamus bes on her way soon and youse must be fed."

On their way to the kitchen though Harry caught something out of the corner of his eye in the living room and found himself freezing in place. It had been a long time since he had looked at such an instrument, especially after his aunt had forced him to learn how to play in order to listen to the tunes herself. Memories of rulers smacking across his knuckles were pushed aside however as he figured that he could finally use his talent for good.

...

Amelia Bones wasn't sure what to expect as she prepared to head home for the evening. Stepping into the fireplace, she partially expected pandemonium of some variety awaiting her considering just who she was housing. The reveal that Harry James Potter was alive after so much time had sent the world into turmoil for but a moment. How the child had yet given an interview of any way, shape or form only gave credit to Hogwarts as a whole. Anywhere else likely would have been plagued by reporters wanting to know the scoop that everyone was after.

Even at work she had kept tight lipped on the fact that the Boy Who Lived would be tucked away in her home over the festive season. Last thing she needed was somebody from the Prophet banging on her door wanting an interview while they were attempting to open Christmas presents. She was glad however that Susan would be having some company for those times when work kept her away, which was far too often in her mind.

She had never expected to have to try and juggle work and parenthood, the person whom her heart belonged to was somewhere she could never reach. After learning just what he had done she just couldn't bring it upon herself to love another again. That was until members of her family had been murdered, leaving her with the child she never thought she would have. Soon she found a new source for her love to flow.

Ironic in a twisted sort of way.

Amelia shook herself from her thoughts as her office vanished from view to reveal her living room. First thing she saw was Susan sitting on the sofa, her homework laid out in front of her on the coffee table. First thing she heard however sent shivers down her spine. Looking over to the corner of the living room she saw firstly Tiddy, her eyes closed with a finger in the air as she shuffled in circles slowly in something reminiscent of a dance. Shifting her gaze however she found her gaze upon whom she could only assume was Harry Potter, his back to her as he sat upon her brother's piano, playing a song she was unfamiliar with.

The song itself didn't matter but for every note that was stuck she found herself caught within the past. Her brother had won that piano in a Daily Prophet competition when he was younger and struggled to play it, barely able to string a dozen notes together, but Amelia had kept pushing him to try his best. Now, looking at the back of Harry, she could see her brother sitting at his piano after years of hard work having able to overcome the hurdles the instrument had given him.

A tear trickled down her face.

"Aunty," said Amelia from directly in front of the older woman, apparating there for all she knew. "Let's dance." The head of the DMLE had little choice as her niece dragged her to the impromptu dance floor and began swaying with the girl she considered her own daughter.

Amelia had expected a pleasant reunion.

She never expected a brilliant one.

...

Hope you enjoyed.

Yes, Harry can play the piano. How, well that'll be explained eventually.