Harry Potter Promise NR.6

Every Tear Falls Down For a Reason (But I Promise I Won’t Cry For You)
by rayrae118

Chapter 1
I’m glad It’s OK Not To Be OK was well received. This story will cover Harry’s fifth year. I try to keep most major events the same, but twisting them to fit my own ideas. I tried to put in as many details from the book as I could remember, but keep in mind that I haven’t read the book in years, so all those details came from memory, and the hundreds of other stories I’ve read that included them. I apologize if I forgot anything major. Although there are some things that are intentionally left out, and will most likely appear in the next story.

I also apologize for the delay in posting this story. Writing it took a lot longer than the last one, not helped by summer classes, three jobs, and a dead computer (made worse by the fact that the apple guys misdiagnosed and I had to bring it back when it died again 12 hours after I picked it up). But I almost did it! My goal was to finish before classes started again, and I had my first class two days ago, so I was close.

Disclaimer: I only own the plot

Summer started off very differently for Harry than it had the previous year.

For one, he didn’t feel the oppressing sense of dread that accompanied the train ride back to London.

For another, he didn’t have to worry about how he would get his homework done, with all of his wizarding possessions locked up in the cupboard under the stairs until he managed to escape to the Weasleys.

Perhaps the best thing about this summer was that he wouldn’t have to go back to Number Four, Privet Drive. It was good to have something happy to offset all the bad.

Last year, Harry’s fourth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, he had been entered and forced to compete in the Triwizard Tournament, a competition that was so dangerous, so deadly, that three ministries had agreed to an age limit of seventeen or older. Unfortunately, a previously thought dead Death Eater – one of Voldemort’s loyal followers – had masqueraded as the Defense professor for the year, and entered Harry’s name illegally, thus forcing him to compete or lose his magic.

Harry had done so, and entered the final task – a maze in which the Triwizard Cup was hidden – in first place. Unfortunately, the entire tournament was a trap, and both Harry and fellow Hogwarts champion Cedric Diggory of Hufflepuff house were whisked away by portkey as soon as they touched the Cup.

Taken to the graveyard of Voldemort’s muggle father, Harry managed to keep Cedric safe while being used in a dark ritual to resurrect the Dark Lord. Fortunately, the two students had managed to return to Hogwarts relatively unharmed.

Many things had happened that night; Amelia Bones had been surprised but eager to re-arrest Bartemius Crouch, Junior, as the polyjuice potion wore off, revealing him to be an imposter, playing the role of Alastor Moody, Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. The real Moody had been discovered in the seventh compartment of his own trunk in the imposter’s bedroom. Amelia had taken Crouch away for questioning, though not before Harry had told her of Voldemort’s return.

Minister Fudge, on the other hand, had not been so quick to believe the two Hogwarts students. He refused to listen, though everyone told Harry not to worry, as Amelia knew the truth, and she would get things done. Harry chose to believe them, especially since he knew his guardians, Sirius Black and Minerva McGonagall, would make sure that he was taken care of, should the need arise.

As Minerva and Sirius had informed him, Dumbledore had also called up The Order of the Phoenix, an underground resistance group that had operated separately from the Ministry in the first war with Voldemort. Both of Harry’s guardians, as well as his pseudo uncle Remus Lupin, were members, and would continue to act as such, even if they were less than pleased with the Order’s leader. Dumbledore was still playing god with people’s lives, and they were still trying to get him to leave Harry out of it. Needless to say, it wasn’t working.

Sirius had even offered the use of his Ancestral Home at Grimmauld Place for meetings, as Dumbledore didn’t want members to come to Hogwarts and possibly be seen by those who shouldn’t be aware of their involvement. Kreacher had done an all right job of cleaning up the house; it was still gloomy, but the dark artifacts were locked up in closed off rooms waiting for Sirius to go through and either remove to his vault in Gringotts, or destroy. And it wasn’t like the meetings took place throughout the house. Most of the time, members stuck to the kitchen, though Sirius had made a point to offer the use of the house if anyone couldn’t get to their own home for whatever reason, and needed a place to stay. With the amount of wards in place, it was safer than most places in England. Though Sirius had drawn the line at Dumbledore putting it under the Fidelius, with himself as the Secret Keeper. Sirius didn’t trust the old man enough to allow that, and as he was the Lord Black, Albus had no choice but to drop the idea.

The term had ended more somberly than it should have, though Harry and Cedric were happy to bring home a double Hogwarts victory in the tournament, both receiving a copy of the Triwizard Cup, and five hundred galleons. Harry had given his share to the Weasley twins before they reached Kings Cross, since he really had no need for more money.

Harry had returned to his first real home – besides Hogwarts – feeling multiple emotions: fear, concern, determination, happiness. The last was mostly for the fact that he had something to go home to for the summer, and because of the stunning redhead he was proud to call his girlfriend.

Ginny Weasley had helped him more than he could ever begin to comprehend, and their relationship had deepened more than anyone knew. They were still trying to figure out what this bond was between them, but they knew that it was something they would never want to go away.

As soon as he returned to McGonagall Castle, Harry was introduced to his other Christmas present; Harry only hoped that his godfather and pseudo uncle had asked Aunt Minerva for permission first. They had taken a suite of rooms on the third floor and converted it into a muggle style game room. There was a rather large television, a pool table, couches and armchairs, a card table, stereo system, and what looked like the latest video game system, stocked with enough movies and games to keep Harry and his friends occupied for years. Harry knew that Dudley would have drooled over this setup.

Sirius and Remus had explained that the entire suite was warded against magical interference, and everything would work the way it was supposed to. Apparently, Lily had invented the spells in the course of her studying for a Charms Mastery. The research had been wonderfully accurate and successful, but as Lily had died before completing her Mastery, the spells had never become common knowledge. Sirius had found her research journal at Potter Manor, and had replicated the spells. Harry vowed to show the setup to Mr. Weasley, as he knew the Weasley patriarch would love to see what his mother had created. He rather thought Mr. Weasley may have done some of his own research, fiddling with muggle appliances to get them to work by magic. He did remember Ron and Ginny mentioning the inordinate amount of time their father spent tinkering out in his shed, as well as their mother’s fond exasperation for his love of all things muggle.

The second item on the agenda was to strengthen the wards surrounding McGonagall Castle and The Burrow. Bill was key to those plans, and had managed to get a Goblin warding team to assist him, resulting in a Burrow and Castle that would withstand any Death Eater attack, as long as Voldemort himself didn’t show up. And even if he did, the wards would give the people inside enough warning and enough time to get themselves out. McGonagall Castle was too large to place a Fidelius Charm around it, and it wouldn’t be practical at this point to place the Charm around the Burrow – too many people would need to be informed. But shy of that, the Goblins warded both properties like fortresses.

Harry felt much better afterwards, knowing that his girlfriend would be safe; he also asked about the rest of his friends’ homes, resulting in Hermione’s parents needing to be informed of the situation, and talked into allowing a team to ward their house as well. The Bones Estate and Longbottom Manor were soon similarly outfitted, and Harry breathed another sigh of relief.

Several days after Harry returned to McGonagall Castle, Amelia came to call; forewarned, Harry had asked Cedric to come over, and the head of the DMLE sat down with the pair and discussed what had happened in the graveyard. Cedric had seen quite a bit while petrified, and was able to confirm Harry’s story.

In return, Amelia told them what she had gotten from Crouch Junior. “He was quite out of his mind, we had to keep him silencio-ed when not questioning him. But he also confirms your story of the resurrected dark lord. Crouch was sentenced to the Dementor’s Kiss for his crimes, including the murder of his own father.” She also explained how Crouch had escaped from Azkaban with his parents’ help, and his role at the Quidditch World Cup the previous summer – including his theft of her niece’s wand.

Neither Harry nor Cedric were too cut up about Crouch’s fate. They were both, however, furious that Fudge still refused to acknowledge the dark lord’s return, saying that Crouch was too insane to be a reliable witness, and was actively repressing the information from becoming common knowledge through the Daily Prophet. Amelia didn’t think it would last too long, as she was more trustworthy, and had a lot of allies at the Ministry, but Harry knew that most people just blindly followed authority, and would believe the Minister simply because he was the Minister.

Amelia also told Harry, once Cedric had left, that she had a colleague who would like to meet with him and his friends to test their Occlumency skills. They set up a time before Amelia left to get back to work.

At the beginning of July, Sirius finally managed to take Harry to visit his family home. It had been kept up by two of the Potter elves, Chloe and Fink – Harry did not relish the idea of Hermione finding out that he owned house elves – both of whom were in tears to be once more acquainted with Harry, and immediately bonded to their new master.

Harry had a look around, drooling at the library, and admiring the dueling room. They spent the whole day walking around the manor and grounds, Sirius telling Harry stories about his father, and the antics they used to get up to at the Manor.

While they were there, Harry also asked about the other properties he had learned he had in his possession at their meeting with his account manager Sharptooth last summer. In addition to Potter Manor, he also owned a cottage in Godric’s Hollow, and a place called Lion’s Castle in Scotland.

Sirius sighed. “I don’t think the cottage at Godric’s Hollow was ever repaired,” he admitted to Harry as they went outside to view the grounds, including a Quidditch pitch that rivaled Aunt Minerva’s. “I believe it was turned into a memorial, but we can go and check it out sometime, though I’m not sure when. It might be better to wait until it’s a little bit safer. It does belong to you, though, so if you want, we can see about getting it fixed up.”

Harry nodded. “I’ll think about it,” he replied. Truthfully, he wasn’t sure what he wanted to do with the place. He didn’t know if he could ever actually live there, knowing what had happened in that house.

As they headed in the direction of several greenhouses sparkling in the afternoon sun, Sirius continued speaking. “As for Lion’s Castle, I have to admit I’m not sure what it is. Sharptooth probably knows, though, so we’ll ask him.”

The next day, Harry and his friends met their new Occlumency tutor. Jason Holding was a middle-aged man who seemed to have many secrets. He was pleasant enough though, and tested their defenses one by one. Harry and Ginny were deemed the furthest along, with Hermione right behind them. Susan and Neville were almost there, and Ron still had issues getting his shields to stay up.

However, it was a good sign that all six of them could tell when Holding had entered their mind.

Jason worked with them for several hours, going over their studies and correcting anything that needed to be corrected, showing them where the holes were in their shields. He also taught them a few tricks to help keep intruders out, and praised them for being as adept as they were, considering they were self taught. He was truly impressed with the way their minds were organized. These kids were very creative. When Harry had talked with them about it, he told them that it was easiest to create something that they knew well for their mindscape.

Hermione had created a library, with her memories placed in the pages of books. Neville had a greenhouse in his mind, using plants and tools to hold the memories. Susan had created a meadow that she had spent a lot of time at when she was younger, simultaneously adding underground caves to store her memories, while Ginny and Ron both created representations of the Burrow. Harry’s mindscape was what truly boggled Jason, though. It was a maze, full of twists and turns, with nooks and crannies holding what he assumed to be memory vaults, all reinforced with steel doors. The only reason Jason had even been able to see the maze at all was because Harry had lowered his wall of fire surrounding it, to allow the Occlumency master access. When Jason retreated from Harry’s mind, he actually had to steady himself for a minute, to wait for the dizziness to pass.

“Good job, Harry,” he told the teenager, smiling. “Your mindscape is truly unique, I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like that. Can I ask what gave you the idea?”

Harry shrugged, grinning ruefully. “When I was thinking about it, I just wanted to make something that would confuse an intruder, even if they did manage to gain access. So I thought about what would be confusing, and I remembered the trips to my vault in Gringotts. The fire just seemed like a good protection. I’m still working on other defenses.”

Jason chuckled. “Well, what you’ve got is pretty good, Harry, but I won’t stifle your creativity.” He turned to the rest of the group. “All of you have done incredibly well. I’m glad I didn’t have to tell any of you to tighten up your mindscapes. A problem a lot of beginners make is that they create a scape that’s too big. The bigger your mindscape, the more work it takes to protect it, and the more effort is required to keep your protections up.”

They all nodded, and Jason pulled Ron aside to give him a few more pointers. He had noticed that, while Ron and Ginny had a common mindscape, Ginny had simply stuck to the house, while Ron had included the surrounding land, going out to their makeshift Quidditch pitch, and including Mr. Weasley’s shed as well. Jason gave the younger man a few pointers for strengthening his walls, and a few tips to help him organize a little better. He had noticed that Ron was struggling the most, but he was certain that the youngest Weasley male would get there.

When Jason left, all six students felt much more sure of their ability to keep unwanted attacks from getting past their defenses.

Harry and his friends spent nearly every day together, either at McGonagall Castle, Longbottom Manor, The Burrow, or the Bones Estate. Usually it was at Harry’s place, since he had by far the best library. They all agreed to work on getting into better shape – Harry and Ginny kept up their morning runs, and the other four started waking up earlier to get in that exercise; Ginny and Ron Flooed over before breakfast every morning so that they could use Harry’s Quidditch pitch, as it had more open space than they had within the new wards of the Burrow. After Hermione’s parents had been informed of the second rise of Voldemort, they finally agreed to get their house connected to the Floo network, so Hermione also went over to Harry’s for their morning work out. Neville and Susan both had sufficient space on the grounds of their homes, so they would join the others after breakfast.

All of the adults were proud of their children for being so studious – they had made a deal with Sirius and Remus that if they finished all of their summer homework, the two would continue with the same lessons they had had the year before. With Voldemort’s return, it was more important than ever for them to be able to defend themselves.

Molly was tearing up when she was informed that Ron was finished with his summer homework by the second week in July.

Two and a half weeks before Harry’s birthday, Sirius and Remus started their Defense lessons once more. They were pleased with how much the students had improved, and soon moved on from the simple exercises they had used the year before, to more battle scenarios – dividing up the children in different groupings, or sometimes going against the adults, to see how they fared, and then discussing what they had done right and wrong afterwards.

Everyone was introduced to Nymphadora Tonks, Sirius’ cousin, who informed them with a grin that if they ever called her anything other than Tonks, they would regret it. Tonks had graduated from the Auror Academy the year before, and her knowledge was a valuable addition to their study sessions. Tonks, for her part, enjoyed getting to know Harry and his friends, as well as her mangy cousin. They had seen each other a few times over the last year, as Sirius wanted to get to know his favorite cousin again, but she had been busy a lot, as she was a new Auror, and therefore at the bottom of the totem pole. Azkaban was truly in the past for him, and he was the same fun loving person she vaguely remembered from before his incarceration. The added bonus of getting on good terms with her boss’ charge was just an afterthought – a happy coincidence. Susan was just as eager to learn as Harry and the others. The threat of Voldemort had spurred them forward more than anything else.

Tonks began to join them more and more, and Harry noticed with a grin that she appeared to be rather keen on spending time with a certain graying werewolf. Remus seemed rather oblivious, but a glint in Sirius’ eyes told Harry that his godfather was also aware of the extra attention his cousin was giving his best friend.

The Auror was invaluable to their defense lessons, and Harry and the others began to both long for, and dread, the days she came to the lessons.

“Come on, it’s not that difficult!”

Harry picked himself up, again, and groaned, shaking himself off and rolling his shoulder, wincing at the soreness. He shot his godfather a glare, which Sirius only grinned at.

Grumbling about sadists and how he must have a death wish, Harry set himself to go again. His teammates – Ron and Ginny – also seemed to be regretting their wish to continue these lessons, while Sirius, Remus, and Tonks just looked gleeful.

The next round started the same way as the previous one; Ron was taken out after a few minutes, and Harry and Ginny tried not to let that disrupt their concentration. However, Harry and Ginny had one advantage that no one knew of.

Harry, we’re getting nowhere, very fast. I’ll take defense, you drop back and go on the offense.

Harry gave her a mental nod and a grin. Give me the strongest shield you’ve got. I’ll start with Tonks, since she’s the most dangerous, so shield me against the others.

They had had to work to perfect their mental talk while still firing spells and dodging. It had taken a few days, and some rather spectacular losses, but they were definitely improving. It helped that Harry was getting better with nonverbal spells as well.

The next instant, all of the watchers were amazed at the way Harry and Ginny suddenly acted in sync. Ginny stopped firing and threw up a shield, while Harry took a step back and concentrated on Tonks, boxing her in with stunners. The Auror was unable to dodge, and had to resort to her own shield charm, backing up as the spells continued to fly at her.

Sirius and Remus tried to take the kids out, but they couldn’t get passed Ginny’s shield. It wasn’t a Protego, as that would usually only last through a few hits before disintegrating, even if the caster was stronger, magically, than normal. Ginny and Harry had discovered the charm in the library the year before; it acted more as a spot shield, flaring up with each spell cast at it. It required more concentration and power than a Protego, but it lasted much longer.

It took Harry a little over a minute to take Tonks out, but he finally managed to get her with a disarming charm and a stunner almost simultaneously.

That’s one down. How’re you doing, Gin?

Ginny smirked mentally. They don’t even know what hit ’em. Sirius next?

Harry shook his head slightly. Remus. Sirius is strong at first, but he tends to tire out faster. His spells are coming weaker now. Remus is the bigger threat.

Ginny nodded her assent, once more praising her boyfriend’s observation skills, and shifted her shield slightly as Harry began to attack their former defense professor.

Remus held up almost as well as Tonks, except for the fact that he got taken out trying to dodge one stunner, only to step into another.

Sirius lasted about thirty seconds longer, before being taken out by a stunner of his own.

Harry and Ginny lowered their wands, panting.

Their friends instantly surrounded them, congratulating the pair, and asking how they had done it. Hermione revived Ron, and once he was filled in, also offered his congratulations, though slightly more bitterly, as he had been taken out early on, again.

Hermione was about to revive the adults, when Harry stopped her. There was a gleam in his eyes that reminded her of the Weasley twins as he walked over to the trio of knocked out adults and summoned their wands one by one. Somehow, he wasn’t surprised to discover that Tonks had more than one on her person.

Once that was done, he and Ginny revived them.

Sirius sat up, rubbing his head and groaning. “Nice job, you two,” he complimented, getting to his feet.

Remus also gave them his approval, though Tonks was a little slower to rise.

“That was good spell work and teamwork,” she said. “Though you should never let down your guard, even after you’ve taken out your opponents.” Her hand inched down into her boot, and she froze in shock for a moment, before looking up at Harry, surprise evident.

Harry was holding up two wands, while Ginny held the other two. “Looking for these?” he asked, smirking.

Tonks sighed and stood up. “Good job,” she said ruefully.

The group spent the next half hour discussing what Harry and Ginny had done, and why it had worked. Then, they spent another hour going three on three – Harry, Ginny, and Ron against Neville, Hermione, and Susan – using the tactic the couple had employed. One person would be on defense, while the others took offensive positions.

When it was time for supper, everyone Flooed home, happy but exhausted.

That evening, Sirius and Minerva had to leave for an Order meeting, so Harry spent some time exploring the library.

The next morning, Minerva informed him that she had asked his friends to not come over until after lunch, as she and Sirius wanted to speak with Harry about something important.

Harry sat down in the chair she indicated, rather nervous.

Minerva sighed. “Albus does not wish for us to tell you anything, but I think you need to know what was discussed at the meeting last night.”

Harry swallowed, looking between the two adults. He nodded, ready to hear whatever it was.

Minerva and Sirius both settled themselves for a long conversation. “One of the things the Order is doing, Harry, is guarding something that Voldemort wants,” Sirius began, and both he and Harry ignored the flinch Minerva tried to suppress at the name.

Harry looked at his godfather. “What is it?” he asked.

Sirius and Minerva shared a glance. “A prophecy,” Minerva said bluntly. “Shortly before you were born, there was a prophecy made about You-Know-Who.”

Harry stared, trying to process. “What does that mean for me?” he finally asked.

Sirius leaned forward. “Dumbledore believes that the prophecy links the two of you together, and that is why he came after you and your parents.”

Harry looked down, considering what he had just learned. Finally, after so many years, he knew why he was an orphan. He looked back up, his eyes blazing. “Do you know what it says?” he asked quietly but intensely.

Sirius and Minerva shook their heads. “Albus won’t tell anyone,” Minerva informed him regretfully. “But he has set up a guard duty so that someone is always watching the Hall of Prophecy, in the Department of Mysteries, just in case You-Know-Who sends someone to retrieve it for him. Albus believes that he wants to know the prophecy badly.”

Harry nodded. “Why are you telling me?” he asked. Both adults looked a little confused. “If Professor Dumbledore doesn’t want me to know, why are you disobeying him?” he elaborated.

Minerva and Sirius shared a look. “I’m through with listening to Albus simply because he’s Albus,” Minerva said bluntly. Sirius and Harry smiled. “As for why we are keeping you informed, we discussed it, and truly believe that it is the better course. Albus may want you to remain ignorant for his own reasons, but I believe that if you know why things are happening, you will be able to make better decisions. All we want is for you to be safe.”

Harry nodded again, not trusting his voice, but thankful beyond words that his guardians actually trusted him enough to be able to be a part of the decision process. He gave them both a hug, before heading off to grab his broom. His friends wouldn’t be coming over for another couple of hours, and he wanted to think; his best thinking always seemed to take place on a broom. Something about flying had always just spoken to him.

XXX

Harry wasn’t surprised when he was joined less than an hour later by Ginny. She convinced him to land, and the two headed over to one of the trees that surrounded the pitch, where Harry set up some basic privacy wards, before he immediately began to tell his girlfriend of his conversation with his guardians.

Ginny did her best to offer comfort, but she knew that it would be a slow road. Harry had just learned the reason for his parents’ deaths. She could feel his emotions and sense his thoughts, causing her to quickly sit back, giving him a slap on the shoulder.

Harry James Potter, how dare you think that! Harry jerked, surprised, but Ginny was just warming up. It was not your fault. Voldemort killed your parents, so blame him. You had nothing to do with it!

Harry grimaced. But he came after my family because of me. Because of that stupid prophecy.

Ginny lifted a hand to slap him again, but stopped when she saw Harry’s expression. His eyes were so haunted and pleading, she couldn’t stay angry with him.

She sighed. Harry, you can’t keep doing this to yourself. You’re an amazing person, but you’re too damn noble for your own good. Harry smiled a little, and Ginny moved closer, wrapping her arms around him. I love you, and I will stand by you until the world comes to an end, but I hate how you take on all this blame. Just add it to Voldemort’s tab, and let me help you when you go to collect.

Harry chuckled a little, and nodded. Deal, he promised, leaning in to kiss her.
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Chapter 2
Wow, such a great response for chapter one, I’m so excited! Sorry for updating so late in the day, I had to work all day =[ I’m going on about three weeks straight of working every single day, between three different jobs. I’m facing some serious burnout if I don’t get a break soon.

I know the last chapter was a little slow, it was just the intro, I had to start the story somehow. I promise, it’ll speed up soon. Enjoy!

Last author’s note, I swear! I have decided on weekly updates, since I’m still doing a little editing, so check back every Saturday!

Disclaimer: Not mine

Summer continued, and Harry was happy to see the progress he and his friends were making in their summer studies. Occlumency training was going well; Jason returned a few more times to test them, and deemed Harry and Ginny competent, stating that they would most likely outlast Snape, and probably hold their own against Dumbledore. The rest of the group was getting there, and Jason told them that if they kept practicing, they would most likely all master the art by Christmas; Hermione, he said would be done by September.

He hadn’t told any of his friends besides Ginny about the prophecy, but he knew he would, eventually. They all deserved to know, so he vowed to tell them by the end of the summer.

One change was that Minerva and Sirius would no longer let Harry leave the Castle. After informing him of the reason for Voldemort’s interest in him, their parental instincts seemed to kick into overdrive, and they were afraid to let him out of their sight. A far cry from keeping him informed so that he could make his own decisions, but Harry tried not to let it get to him, since he was happy to have guardians who actually cared about him.

It wasn’t like it was a huge imposition, since McGonagall Castle was rather large, and with the extensive grounds, including the Quidditch pitch, covered by the wards, he could go outside, but all the same, Harry was starting to feel the chafing. He wished he could at least visit his friends’ homes the way he had on occasion for the last month, but Minerva wouldn’t allow it, even though they were all well protected.

A few days before Harry’s birthday, he had finally had enough. Minerva had even taken to watching him while he was flying on the Quidditch pitch! It all culminated in a rather impressive blowout, but the result was that Minerva and Sirius allowed Harry to take Ginny out for a date in muggle London, with the agreement that both would wear glamour charms.

Harry happily agreed, and so that night found Harry and Ginny as two blond haired teenagers going to dinner and a movie. Thankfully, the youngest Weasley had been introduced to movies earlier that summer, by way of Harry’s Christmas present, and had loved them immediately. She was fascinated by what muggles could come up with, but at least she got it honestly. Her father had clearly passed down his love to his daughter. Mrs. Weasley had been much more reluctant, but finally relented after a long talk with Minerva and Sirius, and after seeing how closed in her own daughter felt; all of the children were feeling the over protectiveness of the adults, but were trying not to let it get to them, understanding why their guardians were acting the way they were.

Ginny Flooed over promptly at six o’clock, and had to catch herself as she saw Harry waiting for her. He was wearing a form fitting gray t-shirt that completely showed off his now defined muscles. The daily exercise had definitely been good to him.

Over the t-shirt he had an open, emerald green button down shirt, and his dark wash jeans showed off his slim athletic figure.

Harry felt her desire, and grinned. Enjoying yourself, Gin?

Ginny gulped, but sidled up to him and heard his own breath hitch. Completely. You?

Harry swallowed. Ginny was wearing a pair of jeans that he felt should be illegal. They looked like they had been painted on, and her tank top showed off her own muscles, as well as an expanse of skin above her pants. He wondered how she had gotten past her mother in that outfit.

Ginny smiled and took a step back. Mum was in the kitchen when I left, I just called out a goodbye and stepped through the Floo before she could come in.

Harry chuckled, as Ginny unfolded a jean jacket and put it on, though she didn’t button it up. “You ready?” she asked aloud.

Harry nodded, taking out his wand and casting several glamours. Ginny picked up a lock of her now blond hair, and looked at her boyfriend. He was a dirty blond, with hazel eyes, and his scar was now gone. Harry put his wand away. “What do you think?”

Ginny stepped closer again and ran a hand through his hair. Not bad, but I think I prefer your natural hair color. And I definitely prefer green eyes.

Harry blushed, but he smiled, raising his own hand to run it down her cheek, and through her now blond tresses. I definitely prefer red, he agreed.

Sirius came in at that moment, and the two teens stepped back, embarrassed. He smiled. “You two be careful. Keep your wands on you at all times, and if there’s any trouble, Harry, you use that emergency portkey.”

Harry nodded. Minerva had made a portkey for him that would take him back to the Castle. It was a bracelet that he wore at all times, and she had spelled it to be invisible to anyone except him. As portkeys were regulated by the Ministry, she had made him promise not to tell anyone about it, since it was unregistered. If she had gone through proper channels, she would have needed to inform them of the location the portkey was linked to, something she did not want to do.

Sirius smiled. “You kids have fun tonight.”

They both agreed with brilliant smiles, and stepped through the Floo one at a time for the Leaky Cauldron.

Sirius let his grin drop when he was alone. He knew Harry was a responsible young man, but he couldn’t help the apprehension that bubbled up as soon as his godson left. With the uncertainty that clogged the air, he worried. He hoped they had done the right thing. Harry was definitely chafing at the bit, and he worried what might happen if they continued to keep him under house arrest.

XXX

Harry and Ginny enjoyed a nice dinner at a quaint little Italian restaurant before the movie, and Harry had more fun watching Ginny as they sat through the newest Batman film; her expression was awed, and he didn’t even need the bond to know that she was completely enthralled.

As they walked back to the Leaky Cauldron, they spent most of the time talking through their bond about the evening.

I had a great time, Harry, Ginny said, holding his hand and leaning into his side.

Harry smiled. Me too, Gin. I’m glad Aunt Minerva and Sirius let us do this.

Ginny mentally shook her head. Forget them. Do you realize how much I had to go through to get mum to agree?

Harry nodded. He did know how overbearing the Weasley matriarch could be. How did you do it?

Ginny smirked. I asked dad first. As soon as he heard that I would be going to a muggle movie theatre, he took care of mum’s objections.

Harry smiled again. Arthur had spent a rather amusing Saturday hounding Sirius and Remus for details on the spell work involved in setting up the entertainment suite, as they had taken to calling it. He had been fascinated by the television, and the gaming console; Sirius had beaten him rather soundly at pool, and the two Marauders had taught him how to play poker. If they hadn’t reminded him of the time, Harry was quite certain Arthur would have forgotten to return home for dinner.

He was about to reply, when he suddenly felt something familiarly unpleasant. Something he had hoped he would never have to feel again. He looked around, alarmed, and realized that they were nearly alone on the street. The streetlights were dimming, and an unnatural cold was descending.

A glance at Ginny told him that she felt it too. Harry…

Harry nodded. Dementors. A twist of his wrist had his wand in his hand, and Ginny pulled hers out from her jacket pocket.

Harry glanced up and down the street, glad that there weren’t too many pedestrians, and saw them. Two large shapes were gliding towards them. Harry took Ginny’s free hand in his, and pulled her with him. Come on, he urged, the two running away from the threat.

Unfortunately, the Dementors were faster, and soon caught up. Ginny was the first to stop, moaning as she relived some of her worst memories, leeching around her Occlumency shields. Thanks to the bond, Harry saw everything she was seeing, and he grimaced, pushing his own memories back behind his own Occlumency barriers.

He raised his wand, thinking about Ginny, and their bond. “Expecto Patronum!” he yelled, and watched as Prongs shot out of his wand, charging towards the Dementor. He nodded, satisfied, when a shriek drew his attention towards the second creature. He turned around and saw it hovering over a muggle observer. “Get it!” he shouted, and Prongs immediately took off after the foul creature.

All around them, the lights were coming back on, the air was warming up, and the stars were coming back out. Harry knelt next to Ginny. “Gin? You all right?”

Ginny shuddered, but stood up, using Harry as a crutch. “Let’s get out of here,” she implored.

Harry nodded, shaking back the sleeve of his shirt to expose the bracelet only he could see. He was about to guide her hand to the portkey, when she put her hand on it willingly. He looked up, startled. How’d you know that was there?

Ginny looked surprised. I can see it. Should I not be able to?

Harry shook his head. Aunt Minerva spelled it to be invisible.

Ginny shrugged. Maybe because of the bond?

Harry nodded thoughtfully. That made sense. He checked around him, and thankfully, no one was paying attention, so he murmured, “Home to the Hen House.”

The two disappeared from the street in London, and reappeared in the foyer of McGonagall Castle, Ginny laughing a little at the activation phrase. Harry just mentally shrugged. With Sirius and Remus living there, I think it’s just a little crazier than Aunt Minerva’s used to, hence the Hen House part.

A shout drew their attention to the stairs, and they saw all three adults in residence hurtling down the stairs towards them, wands in hand. Harry grimaced, realizing just what had happened, and worried about what was to come, now that he had time to think about it. He knew that the entire household would have been alerted to their arrival, thanks to the new and improved wards: an alarm sounded throughout the Castle whenever someone arrived by portkey or apparation to the entrance hall. A master list approved who could enter by Floo; if someone whose name wasn’t on the list tried to arrive through the fireplace, they would be unable to get through.

Minerva put her wand away now that she saw it was just the two teenagers. “What happened?” she asked worriedly, leading the two to the sitting room.

Sirius and Remus followed, Sirius dispelling the glamours the two children were wearing as they all sat down.

Harry was about to explain, when Tibby popped into the room, carrying a letter. “This just arrived for Master Harry,” she squeaked.

Minerva nodded as Harry took the letter, a weight settling in his stomach. He knew what this was. “Thank you, Tibby,” he replied. The elf nodded and popped back out.

Harry read the expulsion letter before he handed it to his guardian.

Minerva read the note as well, before she folded it up and returned her gaze to her charge. “What happened, Harry.”

Harry gulped. “Dementors,” he informed them. All three adults gasped. Harry grasped Ginny’s hand in his, and elaborated. “There were two of them. I cast a Patronus to make them go away, and we came right back here.”

Minerva nodded, knowing from the letter he had received from the Improper Use of Magic office that she needed to hurry, before anyone else might get wind of what had happened. She immediately walked over to the Floo, tossing a pinch of Floo powder in and calling out, “Bones Estate.”

A few minutes passed before Minerva withdrew her head from the fireplace, followed quickly by Amelia stepping out. She read the letter that Minerva handed her, before sitting down and asking Harry to tell her what happened.

Harry reported quickly and concisely. “We were on our way back to the Leaky Cauldron to use their Floo, when everything started to get cold, and the lights were going out. I recognized the feeling, and pulled out my wand. There were two Dementors coming towards us. I cast a Patronus that got rid of them, and we immediately came back here.”

Amelia nodded, looking at Ginny. “Miss Weasley, do you have anything to add?”

Ginny shook her head, coughing to clear her throat. “That’s what happened, Madam Bones. Harry won’t be expelled for defending us, will he?”

Amelia shook her head, smiling reassuringly. “Certainly not,” she said decisively. “I will take care of this, don’t you worry.”

Most of them nodded and sighed in relief, but Harry bit his lip. “The letter said that the expulsion came because this was my second incident, but the first one wasn’t even me! A house elf smashed a pudding at my aunt and uncle’s house four years ago, and I got blamed for it. No one asked any questions, I just got sent a warning. That letter took away any leverage I had over the Dursleys that summer.” There was a hint of sadness and anger in his voice.

All of the adults acknowledged their own fury at the mention of Harry’s relatives, but kept their irritation in check. Now wasn’t the time.

Amelia tilted her head in consideration. “If I could just have your memories of both events, I will be able to prove that the first incident wasn’t you, and that tonight you were acting in self defense.” She conjured up a few glass vials. “There’s no need to have a black mark on your record if you were innocent.”

Harry went first, followed by Ginny, and Amelia promised to get everything sorted out that night, before she gave Harry a hug. He returned the gesture, slightly confused, as the head of the DMLE stepped back. She smiled. “I’m proud of you, Harry. You used the knowledge you had, and protected yourself, your girlfriend, and any innocent bystanders.”

Harry nodded, embarrassed, as Ginny’s hand once more slipped in his, and she squeezed tightly, resting her head on his shoulder. Harry was really surprised, more than anything else. As much as he liked Amelia, and as important as she was to his godfather, he really hadn’t spent that much time with her over the last year or so. This was the first time he really saw her as not just an authority figure, but as his godfather’s girlfriend. Someone he could turn to like a parent or a guardian. Truth be told, he sort of liked it.

Amelia said her farewells before disappearing through the Floo to the Ministry of Magic.

Ginny turned to her boyfriend. “You’re teaching me the Patronus charm, Harry.”

The adults all seemed to be pleased with the idea of the kids learning the charm, but Sirius and Remus couldn’t help but laugh when Harry just nodded and smiled. “Yes, dear,” he replied.

Minerva headed to the fireplace to inform the elder Weasleys of what had transpired, but before she could through the powder in, the fire flared green and Mrs. Weasley stepped out.

“Ginny!” she cried, rushing over to hug first her daughter, and then Harry.

Both teenagers stepped back, confused, as Minerva suggested they all sit.

“How did you know?” Remus asked as he took a seat in one of the armchairs in the room.

Molly sat next to her daughter, unable to let go as she thought of what could have happened that night. “Arthur was at work when he heard that Harry had used magic. He said you’d been expelled!” she turned to her seventh son.

Harry grimaced and nodded. Molly looked even more worried, but calmed slightly when Minerva told her that Amelia was already sorting it out. She informed them that Arthur had seen Albus at the Ministry, which was met by mixed reactions.

Minerva thought he might be able to help, but was wary of any strings that may be attached to his assistance.

Sirius and Remus were more willing to place their trust in Amelia than the Chief Warlock, and Harry and Ginny were inclined to agree. Molly was leaning more towards Minerva’s line of thought.

The group stayed in the sitting room for a while longer, waiting for Amelia to return with news.

XXX

Amelia immediately headed to the Improper Use of Magic office after the fireplace at the Ministry spat her out in the lobby.

“Mafalda.”

Mafalda Hopkirk, the head of the Improper Use of Magic department, looked up and greeted her longtime friend. “Amelia, how can I help you?”

Amelia grit her teeth as she stopped by the other woman’s desk. “I’ve been informed that you’ve issued an expulsion notice to Harry Potter. I have evidence that will prove that he was acting in self defense.”

Mafalda looked startled, but willingly pulled out a law enforcement pensieve, which Amelia immediately deposited the memories into. Before Mafalda could view the memories, Amelia had one more thing to say. “I’m shocked at your lack of procedure here, Mafalda. Time was, when an underaged witch or wizard used magic, an investigation would take place into what spell was used and why, before expulsion notices were issued. Mr. Potter used a Patronus Charm. Didn’t you even ask yourself why?”

Mafalda looked a little guilty as she shook her head. “He already had a strike against him, Amelia. This was his second offense.”

Amelia shook her head, overriding her colleague. “I also have his memory of the incident several years ago. I think you’ll find that the offending party was in fact a house elf that managed to copy his magical signature to blame him, something you would have already known had you conducted a proper investigation four years ago.”

Mafalda looked startled, but she didn’t say anything else as she disappeared into the pensieve as Amelia waited. She didn’t need to see the memories to believe Harry.

The head of the Improper Use of Magic office returned to her office a few minutes later, looking shaken. She immediately began to pull a piece of parchment towards her. “I offer my upmost sincere apologies, Amelia. I will see to it that Mr. Potter is cleared of all charges immediately.”

Amelia nodded. “Thank you,” she replied. She was about to leave, when several more people entered the office.

Minister Cornelius Fudge led Albus Dumbledore their way, looking very smug. Dumbledore also seemed to be pleased with himself. He faltered slightly at seeing the head of the DMLE, but didn’t break stride. Behind the two men followed Delores Umbridge, Senior Undersecretary to the Minister. She looked a little put out, but there was a gleam in her eyes that immediately set Amelia on edge.

“Mafalda, I need you to amend the decision to expel Potter. We will have a hearing for him to determine whether his use of magic was justified. Until then, he will remain suspended.”

Mafalda and Amelia shared a glance, before Mafalda returned her gaze to the Minister. “There’s no need, Minister. Madam Bones has already shown me the evidence to support that Mr. Potter used the Patronus Charm in self-defense. I have already cleared him of all charges.”

Fudge spluttered a bit, trying to demand that the boy receive a trial, when Amelia stepped in. “Cornelius, I have authenticated memories from both Mr. Potter and Miss Weasley, who was with him at the time, to confirm the presence of two Dementors in the area. I think the more pressing concern is just what those two creatures were doing so far away from Azkaban.”

Fudge didn’t seem to have an answer, but Dumbledore leaned forward. “That is an excellent question, Amelia. I do not recall hearing anything about rogue Dementors being loose in the country, and as the creatures are controlled by the Ministry, it may lend to the suggestion that someone deliberately sent the beasts after Harry.”

“Hem, hem.” They all turned to the short, squat woman, both other females in the room trying not to flinch at her horrible pink cardigan. “Pardon me, Albus, but I could have sworn you were just insinuating that someone in the Ministry sent Dementors after the boy?”

Albus smiled genially. “Certainly, I was suggesting nothing of the kind, Delores. However, the question must be posed.” He turned back to Fudge. “Cornelius, I beg of you to reconsider the conversation we had last month. You must see reason.”

Fudge almost turned purple. “He is not back!” he growled, before turning around and storming out of the office, Umbridge following behind.

Albus sighed, turning back to the two women left. He nodded. “I am glad to see justice upheld. I thank you, Mafalda, Amelia.” With a nod in their direction, he also left.

Amelia said her goodbyes and returned to McGonagall Castle to give them all the good news.

XXX

Amelia was somehow not surprised to find that Mrs. Weasley had joined the group, and she wasted no time in telling them what had transpired. “You’ve been cleared, Harry.”

They all breathed sighs of relief, before Minerva pressed for more details.

Amelia took a seat next to Sirius, and explained exactly what had happened, including Fudge and Dumbledore’s presence. Harry was glad that the headmaster seemed to be on his side, but they all began speculating what his goals were.

Amelia sighed. “Fudge was adamant on giving you a hearing. I’m certain he would have tried to do something to damage your reputation in some way. Hearings like this would normally take place in front of the heads of the DMLE and Improper Use of Magic Office; there would be no need for the Minister to become involved, but I don’t believe Fudge would allow that to happen. He would want to be there.”

“And Dumbledore would know that,” Sirius added his two knuts. “He would know what Fudge would want to do, and he would plan for it.”

“Do you think he wants Harry expelled?” Minerva looked scandalized, though they all knew it was more for the idea that her charge could have been expelled, than her surprise that someone would consider such a thing of the so-called Leader of the Light.

Sirius shook his head, leaning forward slightly as his hand found that of his girlfriend. “He definitely wants Harry under his watch at school, I have no doubt about that. But I think he would see a hearing in front of the Minister as an opportunity. If he were to get Harry cleared of the charges, it might make Harry feel more indebted to him.”

Minerva let out a hiss as she considered that idea. It actually sounded rather plausible, and she hated that. Albus Dumbledore had fallen so far down in her eyes, but as she looked at the young man sitting next to his girlfriend, she knew that she didn’t regret having her eyes opened in such a harsh manner. She loved her new life. There hadn’t been children running around the Castle since her brother and his family had been killed, and she loved hearing the sounds of a younger generation echo off the walls once more.

The adults spent a few more minutes discussing the turn of events, before Mrs. Weasley left with Ginny, but not before the younger girl gave Harry a rather intense goodbye kiss. Even Molly had to smile at the pair, seeing how much her daughter cared for her boyfriend.

Harry went up to bed after Ginny left, and the remaining adults once more settled in to talk, discussing what Dumbledore’s motives may have been, and what he might do now that he had been thwarted.

According to IMDB, Batman Forever premiered in the UK on July 14, 1995.
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Chapter 3
Disclaimer: don’t own

Neville had asked Harry if they could celebrate their birthdays together, so July thirty-first found a rather large group gathering at McGonagall Castle. All of the Weasleys – minus Percy, who seemed to be keener on sucking up to the Minister than spending time with his family, and Charlie who was still in Romania – were there, as were Minerva, Augusta, Neville, Hermione, Susan, Amelia, Sirius, Remus, and Cedric.

Minerva had once more thought about inviting a few of her colleagues, especially after hearing some of the compliments they had for her charge. Filius was very impressed with the change in Harry over the last year, and both Bathsheda and Septima were pleased with the effort he had expended to first make it into the fourth year classes for Ancient Runes and Arithmancy, and then the effort he made to stay near the top of them. Septima, in particular, had told Minerva that Harry frequently competed with Hermione and Terry Boot, who had been the top two students during their third year, even going so far as to tie with Hermione for first in the class when the end of year results were tallied up. It had been amazing to see the way her charge began to shine, once he had someone there to care about his schoolwork, and his progress. Many witches and wizards began to show specialties in specific subjects by the end of their first year, but due to Harry’s subconscious repressing of his abilities and intelligence, he really hadn’t shown any talent in one field above the others, until this past year. Charms, Arithmancy, and Defense were his specialties, without a doubt; though he had done well in all of his subjects, that was the result of hard work and determination. He had wanted to understand the magic, and so he had practiced and persevered, until he had mastered each theory and every spell.

After a few days of thought, Minerva decided that Harry’s party should remain small, given the uncertain times, and let the idea go.

Harry and Neville enjoyed their day, spending most of the morning flying with their friends, before converging on a rather fantastic lunch spread – with two separate cakes; one was Quidditch related for Harry, while the house elves had, on Harry’s request, put together a rather impressive picture of a lifelike jungle on top of the second cake.

The afternoon was spent opening presents. Neville received many Herbology related gifts, a wand holster from Susan and Amelia, and a few other odds and ends. Harry had given him a Venus Fly Trap plant, which he loved immediately.

Harry’s pile of gifts was surprising for the soon to be fifth year. He looked at a few tags and saw that many of them were from students in the DA. Blaise and Daphne had teamed up to get him a book on politics that spoke in detail about the ins and outs of the Wizengamot and, in a subtle manner, told the reader how to use the loopholes of the governing body to ones own ends. Harry mentally grinned at the very Slytherin gift. It would definitely come in handy.

Other presents from DA members included cards, a few gift certificates to various shops in Diagon Alley, packages of candy, and other little baubles that let him know that they were thinking of him.

Harry was almost speechless. I didn’t realize I was this popular, he admitted to Ginny.

Ginny just pushed another gift towards him and gave him a mental smile. You put yourself out there last year. You opened up and got to know your peers. And guess what. They like you. You’re a good person, Harry Potter.

Harry blushed a little, but dutifully opened the next gift. It was from Cedric, and was a book on Quidditch plays and strategies that included a lot of information he figured would come in handy if he were Captain. He looked at his fellow seeker, confused.

Cedric just grinned. “Hey, Angelina and Alicia are gone next year, so you’ve got a pretty good shot at it. You’ll be one of the longest standing members of the team.”

Harry shook his head. “Katie,” he protested.

Minerva jumped in. “Miss Bell has already expressed her disinclination to take on the mantle of captain,” she informed them. “I considered her briefly this year, as Miss Johnson was being considered for Head Girl, and generally, we don’t like to give the same person both positions before speaking with them first and making sure they can handle it, so we wanted to have a back up, just in case. Miss Bell says she much prefers just playing.”

Harry nodded, startled to learn that he was basically a shoo in for Quidditch Captain next year, but decided he should worry about this year first, and turned to the next present. He opened the gifts from everyone in turn, and thanked them all profusely. Hermione had given him a book on careers in the wizarding world and the qualifications needed for each of them; Ron had given him a Cannon’s poster and candy; Neville and Augusta gave him a photo album of their parents that had Harry tearing up a little as he flipped through the pages; Amelia and Susan gave him a sneakoscope and a stationary kit; Mr. and Mrs. Weasley had given him some fudge and a refill for his broomcare kit, the twins gave him some more homemade joke products, and Bill had gotten him a book on warding. He loved Ginny’s gift of a miniature model of a Hungarian Horntail. It was attached to a flat stone, but the wings fluttered a little as he held it. He opened several more movies and games from his guardians, to add to his collection, along with a few books on various subjects.

Cedric had to leave early, as he had promised his parents he would help out with some things at their house that afternoon, so he was gone before Harry finished opening gifts.

Once the older boy left, his guardians gave Harry what was probably the best present: permission to become an animagus. Before anyone else could say anything, Minerva promised that they would teach all of his friends.

They all turned to their own guardians, who nodded their approval to show that they had been consulted and agreed. Some had taken more convincing than others, but after they had had the pros laid out for them, even Mrs. Weasley had to agree. The idea of her children being able to get out of trouble should it be necessary was appealing, as much as she wanted to shelter them from the world. She wasn’t naïve enough to think that they would just sit out of the war that was brewing. Not when Harry was so likely to be involved, given his role so far. Fred and George seemed a bit put out that they weren’t included in the present, but Molly drew the line at letting her mischievous sons gain yet another way to cause mayhem. She did, however, swear the twins to secrecy; the fewer people who knew about this, the better, particularly since they weren’t exactly planning on registering the kids’ animal forms until the war was over, to give them every advantage they could get.

The six friends, plus Fred and George, spent the rest of the afternoon talking about everything and nothing, just enjoying the summer, and each other’s company. The adults left them to it, and returned inside to have their own serious discussions.

With a little nudge from Ginny, Harry finally told his friends about why Voldemort was so keen on coming after him.

They were all shocked to say the least, and Hermione was very skeptical about the idea of a real prophecy, but Harry just reminded her about the one he had heard from Trelawney that had come true at the end of their third year.

“I think prophecies probably exist, but you shouldn’t live your life by them,” Harry said firmly. “They’re more self-fulfilling than anything. I’m not going to change, just because of some prophecy that may or may not be about me and Voldemort.”

There was a very miniscule flinch from Susan, Hermione, Fred, and George, and a slightly larger one from Ron, but Neville and Ginny had no reaction. Even the others’ responses were much smaller than they had been before, which Harry considered progress.

All of them felt like whacking him when he said he understood if they didn’t want to be friends with him.

Ginny slapped his arm. “Harry Potter, what have we talked about? I thought I had broken you of this habit!”

Harry winced and rubbed his arm.

Ron was the next to speak. “You’re my best mate, Harry. I’m with you, no matter what.”

Hermione and Neville nodded. “Honestly, Harry, how far do you think you would get without me?” Hermione admonished.

They all laughed at Hermione’s prim attitude, and she smiled a second later, letting them know she was just joking – though they all knew that they really wouldn’t make it very far without their knowledgeable best friend.

“You can have Voldemort,” Neville said, forcing himself to say the dark lord’s name. “There are a few Death Eaters that I owe a visit.”

Fred leaned forward. Both he and George were the most serious Harry had ever seen them. “Harry, we’re not exactly on the top of You-Know-Who’s friendship list.”

George cut in. “The Weasleys are blood traitors, and proud of it.”

“Besides,” Fred took over for his twin, “we’re family. And family’s forever.”

Harry actually felt a few tears form in his eyes, hearing that. He had always considered the Weasleys as family – and they might very well become such in a few years – but it wasn’t something he had ever put into words. Fred and George were so over the top, so fun-loving, that it was easy to assume that they didn’t really do deep. And it touched Harry greatly, to hear that the twins considered him family.

Ginny beamed at her older brothers, while Ron just nodded his head in agreement.

Susan put an arm around Neville’s waist, leaning into her boyfriend as she focused on Harry. “Harry, you know we’re with you, always. Face it. You need us.”

Harry nodded ruefully as he took his own girlfriend in his arms. “I know,” he admitted. “I just thought I’d offer, give you guys an out if you wanted it.”

“Never gonna happen, mate,” Ron said, and Hermione clasped his hand, beaming.

The heavy conversation over, they all moved on to discussing their most recent defense classes, and plotting on how they could overpower their teachers. They were all longing to beat them resoundingly, something that hadn’t happened since Harry and Ginny’s impressive display a few weeks earlier. Fred and George listened with interest, and considered the possibility of getting in on these lessons. They had spent a great deal of the summer expanding their joke products, fine tuning some ideas, and scrapping others. But from what they were hearing, their siblings and friends were learning some very valuable skills, and even more importantly, they were being taught by two of the Marauders. They remembered the lessons they had joined in on last summer, and had seen a significant change in their own prowess over the school year. It sounded like this summer’s lessons had only built on and expanded last summer’s. It certainly was food for thought.

Harry also asked about Percy. He hadn’t seen the middle Weasley child since the last task, though he knew there was some tension there, something about a fight that had taken place between Percy and Mr. Weasley.

Ron almost growled. “Stupid git,” he muttered, shaking his head.

Ginny, Fred, and George looked almost as angry. “Percy came by a couple of weeks ago for supper, and ended up getting into a huge argument with dad about Voldemort and Dumbledore. Said dad was only going to drag the whole family down if he kept following the old man’s lead,” Ginny explained.

“What did your dad have to say about that?” Susan asked curiously. She had met Mr. Weasley several times, and knew him to be a calm and collected, jovial and friendly man.

George clenched his teeth. “Said Percy would only end up falling further if he kept being led around by the nose by Fudge.”

That surprised Harry. He also knew Mr. Weasley to be a very easygoing man. For him to actually say something like that to his own son… he looked at Ginny, and saw confirmation in her chocolate brown eyes. There was more to the story than what George had said.

Ginny sighed and shifted so that she was leaning into Harry’s side. “Percy called you unbalanced, said you were confusing fiction and reality, and a couple other things that I really wouldn’t have thought possible. I mean, he’s known you for years! You’ve slept under the same roof, and you’ve never given him a reason to doubt your sanity, but he’s so blinded by Fudge and power, he won’t realize his mistake until Fudge goes down.”

Fred nodded. “Percy got offered a promotion. Junior Undersecretary to the Minister. Dad thinks he only got offered the post to spy on Dumbledore and you. Clearly, Fudge still thinks things are all roses and sunshine between you and the headmaster, and between Dumbledore and mum and dad. I think Percy also thinks they’re closer than they really are.”

“Dad said it didn’t make sense,” George picked up for his twin, “I mean, just a month ago, he was having to answer all these questions about whom he was taking orders from, when clearly, it wasn’t Crouch, and now, a promotion?”

“Dad told him to think about Madam Bones’ support of your story, and Cedric’s eye witness testimony, but Percy is just one of those people who trusts those in power blindly, because they’re in power,” Fred finished.

Hermione winced a little at that. A year ago, she had been one of those people as well. She probably still would be, if it hadn’t been for Harry, and their uncovering of Dumbledore’s manipulations.

Ginny burrowed deeper into Harry’s side. “Percy’s proud,” she reflected. “Even after Fudge is gone, and Voldemort’s return is announced to the wizarding world,” she ignored the small flinches from several of the group, “he probably won’t acknowledge his mistake. I know it’s hurting mum, but some of the things he said, I don’t think even she would welcome him back until he apologizes, to all of us.”

Ron nodded his agreement. He had heard a lot of the argument, even after Mrs. Weasley had sent them all out of the room, and he couldn’t believe his brother was capable of acting like that. Even if Percy had always been more uptight and unwilling to bend than his other siblings, he had thought that he at least sort of liked Harry, but everything he had heard just negated that idea.

Harry rested his arm across Ginny’s shoulders and drew her closer, hugging her gently. “I’m sorry,” he murmured, knowing how closely knit the Weasley family was, and hating that they were arguing over him.

George shook his head. “Not your fault,” he replied immediately.

Fred nodded. “Percy’s just being a git. He should know better than to doubt you.”

“Family sticks together,” George said.

“Percy’s just forgotten that,” Fred summed up.

Ron was nodding his agreement now. “They’re right, Harry,” he told his friend earnestly. “You’re a part of our family too. Percy’s just too blinded by power to see what he’s doing to us.”

“He’ll come around,” Hermione tried to assure her boyfriend.

Neville watched the conversation around him in silence. Truthfully, he couldn’t imagine someone turning their back on their family like that. He would give anything to spend just one day with his parents knowing who he was. Percy had two amazing parents, and six siblings who loved him even at his most stringent, and he was still willing to throw that all away for a chance to ride on Fudge’s coattails.

The conversation was getting more depressing, so with a forced air of calm, Harry maneuvered it back to lighthearted topics, like which Quidditch teams were doing well, and who they thought would win the World Cup that year. And if Ron’s defense of the Chudley Cannons was just a little bit more lackluster than it normally was, no one commented.

XXX

Minerva returned from her staff meeting at Hogwarts a few days into August, feeling decidedly grim. Thankfully, Harry was alone for the moment, so she would be able to speak with him first.

She found him in the sitting room with Sirius, going over the Animagus revealing potion. They would each need to brew their own as part of the process, and the last ingredient was three drops of their own blood to make the potion work for them individually, so Harry was reading it over to make sure he understood everything.

Minerva cleared her throat, and both men looked up. “I would like to speak with you about something, Harry, if you have a moment.”

Harry nodded, putting the potions book aside and sitting up on the sofa, looking concerned. Sirius also gave his attention to his former professor.

Minerva sat down across from them and sighed. “I’ve just returned from a staff meeting, and I’m afraid I have some… unsettling news.” She paused, before continuing. “Albus was unable to find someone to take the place of Defense professor, so the Ministry stepped in and appointed someone. Delores Umbridge has taken the role.”

Sirius furrowed his brow. He knew that name…

Harry bit his lip. “She’s one of Fudge’s supporters, right?”

Minerva nodded. “She is the Senior Undersecretary to the Minister, and what I would consider a pureblood supremacist. She was the driving force behind many anti-magical creature laws that were passed over the last few years.”

Sirius growled. The anti-werewolf legislation had made it even harder for Remus to get a job a few years back.

Minerva leaned forward, her eyes searching as she took in her young charge. “Delores Umbridge is a very cunning woman, Harry. She is ruthless and power hungry. I remember teaching her, and even then I had some misgivings.”

Harry frowned. “Do you think she’s one of Voldemort’s followers?”

Minerva shook her head slightly. “Officially? No. However, I do believe that her views are more in line with You-Know-Who’s supporters. I want you to be careful this year. Umbridge will not hesitate to go after you if she thinks she can get away with it. As a professor, her power is limited, however, I think there may be more going on than what we see.”

“What do you mean?” Sirius asked curiously.

Minerva looked at the dog animagus. “Cornelius is also a rather ruthless and power hungry man, and he has the Ministry under his control, so the next step would be to gain jurisdiction over Hogwarts. He may be attempting to use Umbridge to do so. Albus has been very outspoken on You-Know-Who’s return, something that Cornelius is not pleased about. Umbridge’s appointment may be a way for him to silence Albus.”

That was definitely a sobering possibility that none of them wanted to think about.

Harry shook his head disgustedly. “Fudge is an idiot,” he said lowly. “He’s going to kill all of us because he can’t wake up and smell the potion.”

Both adults looked like they agreed, but Minerva had to caution her young charge. “Be careful, Harry. For all his shortcomings, Cornelius is a cunning man.”

Harry met her gaze defiantly. “Cunning on its own is worthless. You need more than cunning to be hazardous. The only reason Fudge is so dangerous is because of his position in society, and because he’s so completely incompetent.”

Sirius snorted, trying to hold in his laughter. “Couldn’t have said it better myself,” he approved.

Minverva shot him a glare, but didn’t say anything, as Ron and Ginny stepped out of the fireplace.

Minerva turned her gaze to the new arrivals, and gave them a rather shaky smile that had Ginny worried, though Ron didn’t notice anything, as she left the room.

The rest of the group followed soon after, and Sirius led them all to the potions lab, picking up the book he and Harry had been studying as they left the room. Once there, he had them all sit down and began to talk about their plans for the day.

“Becoming an animagus is hard work,” he informed them bluntly. “It takes a lot of effort and time. It isn’t something to do on a whim. You have to commit. And the first step is to brew the potion.” He smiled at the grimaces both Ron and Neville wore. “I promise, no breathing down your necks and criticizing you in this laboratory. I’m not Snape.”

Everyone chuckled, feeling a little more at ease. Sirius clapped his hands and with a wave of his wand, had the directions for the animagus potion on the board at the front of the room. “This is a complicated potion, and it is necessary for each of you to brew your own, in order for it to work properly for you. We will begin by discussing the process of brewing, and making sure that you all understand the steps, before we actually begin.”

What followed that day was by far the best potions lesson any of them had ever received. As Ron put it towards the end of the day, “Have you ever considered applying for the Potions professor position?”

Sirius grinned. “I’m no Potions master. I know this potion because James and I studied it inside and out when we were in school. Peter never really got the hang of potions, so we had to double check every step for him.” His mood got a little sourer at the thought of the rat.

Harry came up to them and smirked. “I don’t think it necessarily has to do with your potions knowledge, Padfoot. I think Ron was referring to the fact that we learned more in one lesson with you than four years with Snape, and you didn’t call us bumbling fools or dunderheads once.”

Sirius shook his head. “You’ll have to take Snivillus’ appointment to professor up with Dumbledore. I certainly don’t understand his decision. The man is without a doubt a Potions genius, but his people skills definitely leave something to be desired.”

Indeed, the greasy git’s presence at Order meetings were definitely trying. Sirius tried not to engage, but it was like the other man went out of his way to antagonize him. If it weren’t for Remus and Minerva, he was certain by now he would have done something he definitely wouldn’t have regretted.

“All right,” he called their attention back to him. “Now that you understand the process, we’ll begin. I know we don’t have much time left today before you need to go home, but there’s a twelve hour gap between steps one and two, so we’ll start this evening, and I’ll expect you all back here bright and early tomorrow morning. If you’re late, you’ll need to start over, so set your alarms.” They all nodded, eager to start.

Several hours later, six tired students were setting their cauldrons up to simmer for the night.

Harry was pleased with the way the afternoon had gone, especially since it had shown Ron and Neville that they could in fact do well at potions, if they understood the process first.

He immediately excused himself and hurried up to his room to grab a few books that he knew his friends would benefit from.

Meeting his friends back in the sitting room, he handed A Complete Potions Guide to Neville, and Potions Making for Dummies to Ron. “These books definitely helped me the most. I swear, you’ll learn more from them than Snape will ever teach.”

Ron looked a little offended to receive the book he had from his friend, and was about to comment, when Hermione unwittingly saved the day. “Harry’s right. He leant me Potions Making for Dummies last summer, and I swear, I learned so much more than I ever did in class. It was a lifesaver Ron, you really must read it.”

Ron looked a little mollified at that, and nodded his thanks, as did Neville.

The Longbottom heir immediately went home to read the borrowed book, and three pages in, he understood why Harry had leant it to him.

Back at the Burrow, Ron hesitantly opened the book as he waited for his mum to call him down for dinner. Half an hour later, Molly came into his bedroom, looking rather confused. “Didn’t you hear me calling you, Ron? Dinner’s ready.”

Ron looked up, startled. “Sorry, mum. I’ll be right down.”

Molly smiled, seeing her studious son. She took a seat on the edge of the bed, wiping her hands on a dishtowel. “What’s that you’re reading?”

Ron looked down at the book, suddenly embarrassed. “Harry leant it to me. We started the animagus potion today, and Sirius was so much better at teaching than Snape. He actually explains things, and we went over the whole potion before we even started brewing.