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Swizzlestick · 09-09-2006, 10:11 AM

Chapter 18 – The Rescue Mission

Harry felt woozy from the amount of butterbeer he and the rest of the Gryffindor Quidditch team had consumed within the last three hours.

Everyone in the common room was on a high and Harry felt relieved that they had won; at least it was another kick in the teeth for Slytherin and to his delight, Professor Snape!

Harry was still mulling over the events of the day. Seeing Draco’s thoughts and having to console Luna, and winning their first Quidditch match, he felt guilty as he momentarily forgot about Mad-Eye Moody.

Alastor had now been kidnapped for four whole weeks, but he had found out from Karis that the Order now knew where he was being held by Voldemort and his Death-Eaters. He did however wonder how they knew but put it down to the fact that the Ministry and members of the Order of the Phoenix were keeping tabs on known felons. What with Mundungas Fletcher also having inside knowledge of all crooks that came and went from the Hogs Head Inn.

Harry approached the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom and knocked on the door.

There was silence, Harry felt that maybe he left it too long to see Karis and she had given up on him arriving. He knocked again, but still nothing came.

He opened the door to find the classroom empty and was about to leave when he noticed a large piece of parchment lay opened on her desk.

Slowly, he walked over and leaned on the back of her chair to have a look.

It was a map, but not just any map. It was a blueprint of a building that Harry did not recognise. On the top of the diagram it read HollowValley spec one. He did not know this place, he had never heard of it before. He went to look at the print closer but he heard footsteps approaching and quickly moved away.

Standing there in the doorway entrance was Karis Dumbledore and Professor Severus Snape, both staring at him. Karis smiled; Severus however continued to throw Harry the usual stern sneer.

“Well good to see you finally made it Harry, I was about to give up!” scoffed Karis.

“Sorry Karis, I got held up in the common room.” replied Harry with a slur.

Severus shot Harry an angry glare. “Potter, Are you drunk?”

“No.” shot back Harry, swaying. “I only had a few tankards of butterbeer.”

“A few?”

“Yeah, and about four shots of fire whisky smuggled in by Lee Jordan, but other than that I am absolutely fine.” chuckled Harry.

Karis laughed out loud but Snape however looked mortified at his irresponsible behaviour

“Oh come on Snivellus, you need to lighten up a little, oh, sorry, Deatheaters don’t really have much of a sense of humour do they!” shot Harry, feeling a wave of courage flow through him.

“Harry, that was out of Order, I think you should apologise!” said Karis absolutely dumbfounded.

“Apologise, ha, yeah right, apologise my backside, he don’t deserve an apology, he deserves to go back to the treacherous slum he came from! My Dad was right about you!”

Severus turned red with anger, his top lip was quivering and Harry noticed that he was gripping his wand in his right hand, his knuckles turning white.

“HARRY, DON’T YOU DARE SPEAK TO SEVERUS LIKE THAT, WHAT HAS GOTTEN INTO YOU?” shouted Karis.

“Nothing Karis, it’s just he is a DeathEater and I don’t trust him!”

“Him is in the room Harry, and I would appreciate it if you kept your opinions to yourself and while your at it maybe you should sleep off the poison you have been pouring down your throat!” shot Severus, trying to stay as calm as possible.

“Harry, Severus is no longer a Deatheater, trust me, I know!” said Karis with a fierce look in her large eyes.

“Oh yeah, you have this special relationship don’t you, silly me, how could I forget!” shot back harry, sarcastically.

Karis started to look upset as her face dropped and her lip quivered. “Harry, I asked you here tonight to tell you that we have come up with a mission to rescue Alastor, but I would rather now you just leave and go to bed – you are obviously not in a fit state to do anything tonight!” she said in a quiet calm manner which reminded Harry of her Grand Father.

Harry looked at Karis, he then realised he had pushed her too far. “Look, OK, I’m sorry, it’s the firewhisky, I didn’t mean it.”

“No Harry, that’s the problem, you did mean it. If you excuse me and Severus, we are now leaving to fulfil our duty.”

“But you can’t! Don’t go with him Karis.”

“HARRY! I MEAN IT, NOW LEAVE!”

Karis was staring intently at Harry, he could feel her anger bear through him like strong currents of electricity.

“Karis, please let me help.” Harry said quietly, fearing for her safety, knowing that Severus was double crossing and betraying them all.

“No Harry, the best thing you can do is go to bed; I will tell you everything tomorrow when you have a clearer head!” replied Karis, while looking at her watch. “Severus, we have four seconds. Harry please go!”

He was about to argue, when four seconds later Karis and Severus apparated right in-front of his very eyes.

Harry stood there in shock, the firewhiskey making his head swim. They apparated from within Hogwarts. “That’s impossible” he thought aloud. Then he realised that Albus managed it from his office last term, the only person who could have given them open access to do so was Professor Albus Dumbledore.

Harry was frantic, Severus had been given lee-way to apparate from inside the school walls, he was too scared to think of the implications that could enforce. “They are all in danger” was all that kept running through Harry’s mind, and the worst of all was that Karis was with him. His heart started to race and he felt angry for letting her slip from his grasp so easily.

He ran as fast as he could to the Gryffindor Common Room to assemble the DA. “After all” he thought “I have a rescue mission of my own to organise.”

Part 2

Harry took the moving staircase three at a time; his heart was racing so fast he could hear it echoing in his ear-drums.

“Passwo..”

“MANDRAKE ROOT, NOW MOVE!” bellowed Harry to the portrait of the fat lady.

She shot him a fierce scowl of indignation but moved quickly nonetheless, not wanting to have be in his presence for a moment longer.

“RON-HERMIONE-NEVILLE-GINNY,” shouted Harry in one breath. Fortunately for him they were sitting together around the now dimly lit fireplace.

Hermione jumped up and ran over to him as Harry was catching his breath while bending over with his hands on his knees. “What is it? What’s happened?” asked Hermione frantically.

“Hermione, assemble the DA, we are to all meet in the room of requirement in ten minutes, tell them we have a mission, tell them to come prepared.”

“What, but….”

“Don’t ask questions Hermione just do it and I will explain when we get there!”

Harry now had the group of Gryffindor DA members congregating around him, including Dean Thomas, Seamus Finnigan, the Creevy Brothers, Angelina Johnson, Alicia Spinnet, Pavati and Lavender.

“What’s going on Harry? Are we under attack?” asked Pavati, looking scared.

“No, not yet, but I think we will be, that’s why I have to warn them.”

“Warn who?”

“Karis, Albus and the rest of the Order.”

“Order? What’s that?”

“The adult version of Dumbledore’s Army, Pavati.”

“Oh.” she replied, looking quite shocked at the prospect, and thought it best to not ask any more questions.

“Excellent, so this is it Harry, this is what we have been training for!” said Seamus, excited.

Harry gave him a quick smile, he liked his enthusiasm, “Yeah Seamus, this is it. Come on, are you lot ready.”

“HANG ON.” shouted Ginny. “Let me change my shoes.”

Seamus was shaking his head, and then looked at Harry with a defeated frown. “Women!” he whispered.

Finally Ginny had arrived in their DA circle with her now suitable foot attire, and finally Harry made a headway for the door and as fast as he could he started to run out into the halls, beckoning the others to follow suit, and as always, they obliged and followed their DA leader.

After only three minutes they all found themselves outside the Room of Requirement.

Coming down the opposite end of the hall Harry could make out more of the DA arriving, including Cho Chang, Zacharias Smith, Marietta Edgecombe, Terry Boot, Michael Corner, Ernie Macmillan, Anthony Goldstein and Luna Lovegood.

“Great, I’m pleased you all got the message.” said Harry, really happy they all came as fast as they could.

“What is it Harry, what’s going on? asked Cho.

“Lets all get inside first.” said Harry

“Hang on, here comes Justin.” said Luna, watching him run down the hall.

“Sorry I’m late, got stopped by Filch, we better hurry up, he’s coming this way.” said Justin Finch-Fletchley, looking rather dishevelled.

Harry started pacing the floor by the hidden door while the others watched on.

“We need a place to go to prepare for a mission, we are to unite together tonight, this is for real, we need a place to go to prepare for a mission, we are to unite together tonight, this is for real.” Harry thought this over and over in his mind, hoping to find a room that will give him an answer.

A door appeared in the wall and quickly Harry turned the handle and without hesitation entered the room.

“WOW.” said Harry aloud. The now large group hanging outside all came rushing in to find out what the room now had to offer.

Swizzlestick · 09-09-2006, 10:16 AM

Part 3

Karis and Severus had arrived safely in HollowValley. It was dark and the air had a cold October bite, the trees were swaying in the distance which gave off dark shadows around the hills, Karis shivered into the darkness, feeling on-guard at the creepy surroundings.

“They are close.” was all she said to Severus, who was standing beside her.

Severus was rubbing his arm. “Just stay alert.” He whispered to her. Karis knew what he meant; his tattoo of the dark mark on his arm was now glowing red, as he turned to show her, it continued to turn a dark grey.

“How far are we from the site?” she whispered back.

“Half a mile, we will have to walk from here, but firstly we must wait for the signal, the others will be nearby shortly.”

Karis took in a deep breath and stayed silent while taking in the area in which they were standing. Over in the distance she could make out a graveyard and a house on top of a hill, there was a small flicker of light coming from one of the top windows.

“That’s the house isn’t it.” she said. “I recognise it.”

“Yes, that’s the old Riddle house, it belonged to his parents.”

“Why would he kidnap Alastor and take him nearby, he must of known we will find out.”

“Alastor isn’t in the house, the Deatheaters congregate there, it doesn’t have the cell you described, but the old orphanage to the east does.”

“I guess he needs grounding, he never had that, but as far as I’m concerned a monster like that doesn’t need a home.” She replied, frowning in anger. “Just a holding cell for his poor victims, to mutilate and kill.” Karis then punched her fist into her outstretched palm all the while trying to hold back a tear.

Severus put his arm around her shoulders.

“You haven’t told Harry have you?” he said nervously.

“No, I haven’t Severus, he doesn’t know anything.”

“I’m surprised, I thought you may have confided in him, considering the circumstances.”

“It’s something I want Harry to find out for himself, he has so many questions that remain unanswered, if he wants to know, then he will have to work for it!”

Severus turned and looked directly into her eyes. “Occlumency.” He whispered.

“Yes, I need to push him harder, I have been too lenient on him, after tonight’s escapade I have realised this. The problem with Harry is he’s confused, he wonders why this has happened to him. Look at earlier for instance. It seriously affects the way he looks at things, he feels no one can truly understand him, he is vulnerable and he feels isolated. He has immense stress and apathy and he is convinced he will never find a way out.”

She put her head down as an escaped tear trickled down her face. “That’s why I told him to go to bed, I thought he was ready, especially after Occlumency going so well, but now I’m not so sure.”

“Karis, do not blame yourself, no sixteen year old is ever ready for something like this, but, as Albus puts it, it is written in his stars, this is meant to be, whatever happens it was supposed to be like this. I never used to believe in fate Karis, but that’s what a prophecy is, its fate, which therefore means none of this is anyone’s fault, we just have to make do the best we can.”

Karis looked up at his thoughtful expression, and smiled. “When did you become so wise Severus?” she mocked.

He looked at her again but did not return the kind smile, he simply muttered. “When I first saw you Karis.”

Another tear tricked down her cheek as she remembered the first time she had met Severus, it should have been a meeting of two people at an event, or a congregation at Hogwarts of some sort, but it wasn’t. It was in the worse moments of her life, she thought she would never live to see another day and for that, Severus remained a loyal friend because not only had he saved her from torture and torment, he actually did the most honourable thing that any person, muggle or magic-folk could ever do; and that was to save a life while risking his own.

Karis pulled herself together while Severus remained silent, allowing her time to straighten herself out, knowing full well she had opened old painful memories for the first time in many years.

There was a loud crack in the near distance and Karis and Severus both turned around with relief to see Albus Dumbledore, Nymphadora Tonks, Kingsley Shacklebolt and Arthur Weasley striding over to them, along with ten other members from the Order of the Phoenix.

Albus embraced Karis quickly and patted Severus on the shoulder. “Have you anything to report?” asked Albus quietly.

“Yes.” said Severus. And without hesitation he pulled the sleeve up from his cloak and showed the now formed group his black deatheater snake and skull tattoo.

“We are close, we must take our positions.” said Albus, nodding to the others.

“Right, the orphanage is half a mile to the east, I can see from here there are no Deatheaters congregated around the house so they must all be at the holding site. We must stay alert and stick together, we are stronger in numbers. Remember if anything happens to any of us you must continue the mission, but if you are stuck and have no means to continue than you must apparate immediately to Grimmauld Place.”

Everyone nodded in understanding then a small voice came from the back of the now awaiting crowd, “Let’s get our friend back Albus.” whispered Emmeline Vance.

“Yeah, let’s do this and get Mad-Eye home.” replied Remus Lupin.

Albus surveyed them all with admiration. “Remember what I said; NOW LET’S GO!”

*

“Flaming Flamel….” Whispered Angelina Johnson as she entered the room of requirement, holding her hand over her mouth in shock.

“WHOA.” shouted Ron, looking dumbfounded.

“What is it?” asked Luna, looking wary and confused at the sight before her.

Right there in the middle of the room of requirement was a bright yellow orb with swirling colours of red and blue in the middle. It stood there in full beautiful glory, while the colours circled around like a large whirlpool.

“I really don’t know Luna.” replied Harry, still trying to take in what he was witnessing.

“Quick, let’s look in the wardrobe.” said Hermione, thinking it may hold a clue.

Slowly Harry and Hermione walked over to the wardrobe and reluctantly opened the double doors.

Hanging there on a rail was cloaks, with face masks, in a deep purple colour. On the back of the robes there was two letters written in yellow with full stop gaps spelling: D.A.

“No way, this can’t be!?” said Ron with his mouth still gaping open.

“Oh yes it can.” said Harry in sheer excitement. “They are DA robes, they have masks to cover our faces so Voldemort and the Deatheaters don’t know who we are, we can fight against them and remain anonymous. This is bloody brilliant!”

“Who’s idea was this?” asked Seamus Finnigan, looking as confused as Luna.

“Only one person sticks in my mind.” said Harry with a smile.

Hermione and Ron looked at him and smiled back while nodding in understanding, then all three repeated together at once. “Karis Dumbledore.”

“Lets get the robes on and then we can find out what the hell this orb is about.” said Hermione, gesturing to everyone to find their correct size.

There was a manic commotion in the room of requirement, everyone trying on different sized robes.

Neville tried the same robe on three times in the confusion, as they were getting tossed and thrown all over the place.

“Hey watch it Justin.” Shot Cho as he nearly hit her in the face while trying to get his arm into a sleeve.

“Ahhh, this is for a girl, it’s too small, here ya go Cho.” He said while throwing it over.

“Wow, got my size said Hermione, twirling around. “This is a wonderful colour, Karis wears purple all the time too, she obviously chose these.”

Harry however was looking hard into the centre of the orb, he could see the colours still whirling around together, the red and blues, it started to make him feel dizzy, then he started to see speckles like he had looked at a light for too long. He turned away to look at one of the plain walls when it came to him so clearly.

“Hermione, my dots are purple.” He said while rubbing his eyes.

“What are you talking about?” she replied anxiously.

“The Orb!” he replied, turning to look at her. “Hermione open your eyes. They are our house colours. Red for Gryffindor, Blue for Ravenclaw, Yellow for Hufflepuff, mix the centre colours together, what do you get?”

“A yucky dark mess.” interrupted Ron.

“Ron, you moron, you get Purple!” shot Harry

“Look, red and blue make purple, the writing on the back of the robes is yellow. We have united!” stated Harry in excitement. “The houses will unite – remember what Dumbledore said. In order to achieve any form of allegiance we have to unite.”

“What about Slytherin?” asked Dean Thomas.

“No Slytherins in this DA that’s for sure, and green is definitely not in the orb, which can only mean one thing, the Slytherin house have no part to play in this fight, they have their parents to do that for them, unfortunately, they are rooting for the other side.” replied Harry.

“So what do we do now, we are suited and booted with no-where to go.” shot Zacharias.

“Hey, why don’t you shut up so we can all work that part out.” retorted Ron.

Harry continued looking at the orb. “We have to all go inside It.” he said slowly.

“Are you mad Potter?” shot Colin Creevy. “I am not going in there, we don’t know if it’s safe.”

“Don’t be stupid Colin, I know Karis well, and I know she won’t hurt us! Not any of us!”

There were a few mutters around the room, and Harry didn’t hesitate, he held onto his wand tight and jumped straight in. Everyone gasped but Harry was elated. He felt warm and the feeling he had right now was in-comprehend able, it was like walking into pure blissful peace.

One by one the rest of the DA followed suit, as soon as the last person entered the orb it started to change in colour, finally residing with the dark purple that matched their robes.

Inside they all formed a circle and each held out their wand and pointed it at arm length and shoulder height into the middle. A small white spark protruded from each wand as it touched another. When all wands were centred there was a vibration descending down the shaft of each wand. “This is it.” Harry shouted to the others. A giant yellow shadow appeared over them in the shape of a lion, then another shot out in the shape of a large bird, then last but not least came the shape of a badger, they disappeared as quickly as they arrived, but it meant something, each of them received a gift, something penetrated through them like they had never felt before. They had fulfilled a prophecy tonight, they had united and in an extraordinary magical way.

“I hope this is a portal to where we need to go.” said Harry.

“Where are we going Harry?” asked Neville.

“All I know is it is called HollowValley.”

Hermione gasped as did Justin, but there was no-more time to think. The Room of Requirement heard Harry’s wishes, the orb was becoming a distant spot and the next thing they knew, each one of them were being pulled into a tunnel to a place that a few of them had heard of all too well.

king nick · 09-09-2006, 10:20 AM

really sweat [sob] it's right into the story now

Swizzlestick · 09-09-2006, 10:22 AM

Part 4

“Expelliarmus” came the cry from Tonks as two Deatheaters approached her.

Many stunning spells and jinxes were flying over the heads of both fighting groups. There were thirty deatheaters compared to twenty order members, they were outnumbered but they didn’t care, the mission was the only thing that meant anything to them, the saving of Alastor from the wicked and cruel torment that he had to endure for the past month.

“Impedimenta.” shouted Remus Lupin, as he caught a cloaked Deatheater who was about to place the cruciatus curse on Emmeline Vance.

“Thanks.” she said, while continuing to run forward to try and get closer to the entrance of the Orphanage which was now bustling with black cloaks and hooded figures.

Albus and Karis had taken the back of the building, hoping the rest of the Order kept the main entrance distracted; so they could find a way in and out before the full brunt of the Deatheaters could notice.

“Alohamora” whispered Karis to a lock on one of the ground level windows.

“Stupefy.” Albus shouted over his shoulder as one Deatheater came towards them both.

“Albus then waved his wand and a protection shield covered them both while Karis quickly clambered through the now open window.

Albus followed and before their very eyes, three deatheaters stormed through the door. They shot spells, one was “Crucio” but the shield was still in tact and the spell rebounded and hit all three of the cloaked felons at once, making them fall on the floor while squirming in pain.

“Through here.” whispered Karis, and they both ran as fast as they could, while still surrounded by the protection shield.

In the meantime, outside the front of the orphanage it was a constant battle field. Remus had been caught by a stunning spell and had collapsed by the side of Kingsley Shacklebolt, who in turn managed to tie up the attacker with conjured ropes, while Remus took a couple of minutes to recover.

Tonks was fighting like a wild cat, not letting one spell hit her, a more defiant Tonks seemed to be in the making, she was growing more powerful, and as Kingsley watched her, he thought about the Ministry of Magic and the Department of Mysteries in where they fought. Her being stunned by Bella was unfortunate and he felt that Tonks may have experienced a well deserved wake up call.

In the distance a bright light shone, making everyone stop what they were doing momentarily to watch the display of colours. The Deatheaters also looked on, and a small plump man in a cloak could be heard mumbling to himself. Remus came to from his stunning spell and recognised the sounds protruding from the treacherous mouth of Wormtail.

Remus was livid, he felt anger rise through him like never before, he was always normally so calm and collect, but not now, Remus Lupin raised his wand and shouted clearly “Crucio” while Kingsley and Arthur Weasley gasped in horror at his actions.”

*

“Oh No Harry, look!” said a shaken Hermione, while pointing over the hill to the protruding red sparks.

“Quick, everyone we have to run, C’mon.” said Harry to the others. “Put your masks on!”

“We have to help the Order, we have to make them see Severus is a traitor, a lying pig, that’s why we are here, I didn’t tell you sooner and I apologise, but he is going to get everyone killed.” Harry said quickly before they all sped off down the hill.

“But Harry, you should have said something before!” said Seamus in horror.

“I know, but now you know why green wasn’t in the Orb, now you know why Slyterin plays no part in this fight, Severus is now proof of that. Please we must go.”

Everyone nodded, they believed Harry, and they felt he was right. Hermione however still held her trepidations.

They ran as fast as they could. From the top of the hill they could make out the fight clearly.

“They are outnumbered, thank nargles we came.” said Luna to Harry, who in turn couldn’t help but smile at her.

“Right, now four of you need to go around the back of the building, the rest of us, we fight down the middle. Remember, Stupefy, Expelliarmus, Totalus Petrficus, any spell that comes to your head you use it, hey, even Accio wand if it helps. Remember what Karis has taught us in class so far.” said Harry, while the others watched him in silence.

“I’ll take back” said Neville. “Yeah and me.” said Dean Thomas. “Make that three.” said Seamus Finnigan. “And I guess, I make four.” said Justin Finch-Fletchley.

“Right, that’s settled then, be careful!” said Harry eyeing the four volunteers. “The rest of you, follow me!”

Arthur Weasley looked up to see a small mass of cloaks running towards them. Two of the Deatheaters also looked and shook their heads. “What the hell is this?” said a deep voice, which Kingsley recognised as Rookwood.”

“Are they deatheaters?” asked Tonks to Arthur.

“I don’t think so.”

“Crucio.” was heard in the close distance and a shot from the wand of Rookwood was now heading straight for the back of Arthur Weasley.

Harry noticed this and without another thought he shouted “Reflecto Accio.” And a shield surrounded itself around Arthur as the spell was about to hit. However it reflected and hit the Deatheater who was about to stun Tonks.

“Nice one!” said Kingsley to a surprised Harry, he couldn’t believe he just managed to pull that off. “What on earth are you doing here Harry? – Duck!” Kingsley pulled Harry down to the ground while a spell shot two inches past his head.

“Ahhhh, came the scream of Cho Chang.”

“I brought the DA and we are here to help you fight.”

“Harry, are you insane?”

“No, I haven’t seen things so clearly in my life.” Harry shouted back over his shoulder while getting up and running to stun the Deatheater that had Cho surrounded.

“You traitor Wormtail, how dare you do this to us, how dare you do what you did, I hate you!” spat Remus while holding his wand to Peter Pettigrew’s throat.

“Come on now Remus, you don’t want to do this, you can’t do it, your cruciatus curse only made me wince, you don’t have the inhumanity in you, you never did!”

“That’s true, but there are other ways to destroy a man Peter, you rely too much on magic!”

“Maybe so, but I also know I have this.” With that Peter punched out his silver arm and hit Remus hard in the leg.

Remus screamed, it felt like his leg was burning, the pain was like that of the cruciatus curse but more so.

Harry turned around quickly to see Remus collapse to the floor. “REMUS, NO” he screamed.

Harry started to run towards him. Peter again pulled his hand back and punched Remus in the stomach. Harry could see him crumple, screaming in agony while Peter stood there laughing triumphantly at his former best friend.

“HARRY WAIT.” shouted Hermione as she, Ron and Luna followed to help Remus.

“I’LL KILL YOU PETTIGREW!” shouted Harry. Peter looked up and noticed a purple cloaked figure running for him. He did not know what to make of it and was therefore caught off-guard.

Harry held his wand out to the treacherous Marauder, he could feel the emotion of seeing Remus laying on the floor overtake him, his wand started to vibrate, he felt a rush of power flow through his veins, he had only felt it once before, only recently. It was the same feeling he had in the Orb.

Harry waved his wand and a jet of white light flashed from it, he watched it as if in slow motion, not knowing what he had done, he let his emotions decide the spell for him. It hit Peter with a force that threw him up in the air, making him land hard on his head, knocking him out cold.

Shocked and surprised at what had just happened, he stood there for a couple of seconds taking it all in, when he then started to sprint towards Remus who was laying, twitching on the floor in agony.

*

Harry slid beside him and took his head and held him into his lap. Remus was finding it hard to breathe but looked up at Harry with determined eyes. “Harry” he gasped.

Shhh, don’t try to speak Remus, I’m gonna get you out of here I promise.” replied Harry with a burning sensation in the back of his eye balls.

“N…No Lis…ten to me… Harry.. You have to…. Get… Snape…. He ..is…. the….only one who can help…me.” He said while gasping in pain.

“No Remus, he is a traitor, I know! I saw him talking to Draco, it don’t make sense now I will explain later but please, Severus is double crossing us, he is still a Deatheater.”

“No…. Harry… your wrong…. Please get Severus!”

Harry was shaking his head in disbelief, he was confused. Harry wanted nothing more than to help Remus but he didn’t want to approach the enemy and pretend everything was alright in the process.

Harry didn’t notice Luna standing beside him with her wand to the ready, covering their backs.

“Harry, I will get Snape, Ron and Hermione can cover you.” She said with her eyes still fixed on the battle ahead of them.

“Luna, how will you know which one is Snape, they all have cloaks on.”

“I know a locator spell, my wand will work as a compass and lead me to him, don’t worry, just take care of your friend.”

Luna went to walk away when Harry grabbed her leg. She looked down at him in bewilderment.

“Luna, please be careful, you heard what I said!”

“Don’t worry Harry, after all, we have the power of three houses behind us now.” She then paused to watch his surprised frown. “I felt it too Harry!” she added quickly, then walked away to find the one person Harry didn’t want to see, the one person he wanted to announce to the Order had betrayed them. But he would have to wait until another time, right now, he had to fight.

It was then he realised she was missing, he hadn’t seen her, “Karis! Remus where is Karis?”

“Inside” was the only word that escaped from his broken gasping breath, before he blacked out in Harry’s arms.

Harry’s heart skipped a beat at this one spoken word. He was holding on tight to Remus, who he considered as his new Godfather, and the man who gave Harry the encouragement and strength to continue since the passing of Sirius.

He was reeling with emotions that he hadn’t felt so strongly before. Almost making him feel sick inside, he wanted to hit someone, do something, while crying inside for Remus to awake and praying for Karis to hold him, like she did after their first Occlumency lesson.

She was inside the derelict Orphanage, and Harry knew Voldemort and more Deatheaters were bound to be in there too, this was their hide-out, the place they used to imprison and torture the ones who stepped in their way.

The war had started, Harry realised that now and so did everyone else in front of him on this battle field, fighting for their lives and for the cause. It would only be a short time now until the whole world finally knew the truth that no-one was safe and that Voldemort was truly back!

Luna came running over to him, while dodging the leaping beams of spells, curses and hexes that were still illuminating the dark empty skies of Hollow Valley.

She skid to a halt and ducked down beside Harry who was now looking an ashen grey.

“He’s coming.” she whispered. “How is he?” gesturing to the broken Remus Lupin, still lying in Harry’s lap, unconscious.

“I don’t know Luna.” He spoke in no more than a small whisper while willing himself not to show her his tears that now tried to project down his tired and worried face.

She held Harry’s arm, trying to show him some kind of affection and encouragement, but he sat there oblivious to it, he felt numb and cold.

Luna looked up to see a Deatheater running towards them. Harry reached for his wand but she stopped him. “It’s Snape”

Harry however still held his wand tight, he wanted to hex Snape there and then but it’s only the willing words of Remus that kept him from doing so.

“Harry, listen to me carefully.” said Snape, in a desperate tone.

Harry sneered, but stayed silent.

“Remus is in a bad way, he’s been hit by silver. Remus is a Werewolf; you know that silver can kill a werewolf! You wrote an essay on it in your third year.”

Harry opened his mouth to say something but instead just nodded.

“I have to take him, I have a potion that can help him, but he will die if we do nothing. Now let go of him!” shot Severus, regaining his stern tendencies.

“Why should I trust you, I know your game Severus, you will let him die!”

“Don’t be so bloody stupid Potter, now do as I say and let him go!”

Harry let go and Snape grabbed Remus by his hand and held onto him tight.

Harry lunged forward and grabbed Snape by the scruff of the neck and put his face close to his, looking into him with dangerous flashing eyes.

“If he dies, I will kill you!”

A shocked Severus took in a gasp of breath, he was astonished at the amount of hate that swelled in the veins of this sixteen year old boy, and it was then he realised that Harry had got it wrong, all of it!

“Harry, you can try and kill me but I assure you, that you will not succeed, for after what I have done and am about to do I am a marked man and am no better than dead anyway.”

Severus paused to read Harry’s surprised expression, and then continued.

“You have me all wrong! Trust Karis, she knows me, and if you care for her as much as I know you do, you will understand that there are many things you do not know or understand, but in time she will tell you, in time you will know everything.”

He then pushed Harry off of him in a way of hard force, to warn Harry of his anger, then apparated with a loud crack in front of his very eyes, taking Remus with him.

Swizzlestick · 09-09-2006, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by king nick

really sweat [sob] it's right into the story now

Thank you. It's novel-length this fanfic story, so I had to build it up, as the storyline is pretty big. It's finished but I still have a very long way to go yet before it's all posted! If you like reading, stick with it. lol

Thanks for your comment.

Swizzlestick · 09-09-2006, 10:32 AM

“Harry, for Merlin sake get up!” shot Ron, picking him up from the ground. “What the hell are you doing? You have been out of action for ten minutes, we have had to watch your back and cover ours at the same time.”

“Sorry Ron, but he’s in a bad way, and…. I think I have really screwed up!”

“Too right you have! Snape is here to help us Harry! Me and Hermione witnessed everything, he took Remus to save his life in front of Deatheaters, they tried to hex him but Hermione blocked it, his cover is definitely blown now, Voldemort will kill him!”

Hermione gasped. “Ron, you said his name!”

Ron looked shocked, he didn’t even realise.

“I know Ron, but right now Karis is inside, we have to help her.”

“WHAT? Has she gone completely mad?”

“EXPELLIARMUS” Hermione shouted behind Ron, disarming a Deatheater about to curse him and Harry.

“PROTEGO.” shouted Luna, blocking another spell about to hit all three of them.

“WE HAVE TO MOVE, NOW!” shouted Hermione.

“AROUND THE BACK, LETS GO!” replied Harry.

The rest of the DA were still fighting, Harry turned around quickly to watch them, wanting to see if they needed his help first. He was however taken aback at the sight before him, he felt a pang of pride well up inside his chest and he had to take in a deep breath.

He had never seen them all so strong, and so dedicated. He knew they all had it in them, their love for the DA lessons had shown him that! He watched Zacharias Smith block a curse and stun a Deatheater in the face, which then in turn, Kingsley Shacklebolt wrapped in chains and ropes. They were working together, the DA were stunning the Deatheaters while the Order then binded them.

“C’mon Harry.” gestured Luna, grabbing him by the arm. “We have to help inside now, there will be more.”

He put his arm around her shoulder; Luna looked up at him with a surprised questioning frown. “What?” she asked.

Harry hesitated for a moment, he was seeing a different side to Luna, she wasn’t always the dreamy vague expressional girl everyone mistook her for - she was so much more than that he thought.

“You are so brave!”

“I’m not brave.” she shrugged. “I just do what is right.” she paused for a few seconds and looked up at him. “Everyone believes in you Harry, and we all trust Dumbledore! We are Dumbledore’s Army, led by the Boy Who Lived - How can it not be the right thing to do?!”

Harry smiled, he thought that was one of the nicest things anyone had ever said to him, it was simple and Luna didn’t emphasise on why she trusted him but it was enough, and he felt that what Luna said, she meant it from her heart, again highlighting her honest and faithful character. He thought it seemed ironic that at this precise moment in time, when they were amidst a fight between good and evil, a battle that could easily end one’s life, that he finally felt accepted for the first time in his, and little did he know, so did she.

*

“KARIS!” Albus shouted from across a doorway entrance, he then ran into the next room, which was being guarded by three deatheaters.

She turned just in time to see Lucius Malfoy heading straight for her, she quickly threw him a binding rope spell but the ropes missed. He ignored the use for magic now, he grabbed her by the neck and threw her up against the wall.

She gasped for air as he outstretched his long skinny pale fingers, his nails started to dig into her skin. Her face started to flush a dark purple with the strain.

“Not too clever now are you little girl. I should have killed you a long time ago!”

She kicked up her right leg hard and hit him where she was taught to always hit a man if she was being threatened.

She held her wand tight while still gasping for air, he looked startled but managed to give her a cold menacing laugh, but before he could do anything else, she had punched him as hard as she could in the face. Blood trickled down his nose to the top of his lip.

“You’re not the only one who can resort to muggle violence, Lucius!”

“Ascendulay” she shouted clearly, her wand outstretched, throwing Lucius up in the air and aiming directly to the open door entrance to the room where her Grandfather was fighting, knocking over two of the three other Deatheaters.

Karis entered and binded them quickly and noticed that Albus had surrounded himself in a gold protection orb, something she only ever see him do once in her life.

Three against one must have proved difficult for her Grandfather, and he felt this was the best way for now, but due to his protection, no spell could penetrate the walls that surrounded him, but none could leave either. Temporarily Albus Dumbledore was unable to act.

She froze, she couldn’t move. The duelling having resided, the deatheater stood there, just looking at her. Albus was still protected and couldn’t help her if he attacked, but he felt however that he wouldn’t. This deatheater didn’t want her dead – yet!

“Karis, you came back, how sweet of you to visit me.” came a cold voice.

She started to shake but she willed herself to keep her cool. It had been a long time since their paths had met in the flesh, and she was now a woman, not a child, yet the old painful memories were imprinted on her mind so clearly, making her feel like it was only yesterday.

“Look at what you have become, you are not even human.” She spat. “You are what I always knew you to be; a monster!” she spoke with her head held high and if she were petrified, she certainly did not show it.

“You are still the petulant brat you always were, did your time here not teach you anything Karis?”

“Yes, it taught me one thing! It showed me I could beat you!”

Voldemort let out an ear-piercing laugh while Karis just continued to glare at him, not taking her eyes off of his dark red slits once. However his laughter soon lessened when a purple-cloaked figure entered the room.

*

Karis looked startled but immediately ran over to him and stood directly in front of the unexpected visitor, she could feel his presence and it overwhelmed her with heartfelt emotion.

“Ugghh.” Voldemort spat to the floor “The humanity is enough to make me want to throw up. This one has feelings for you Karis, he looks to play the hero!”

“You leave him alone.”

Voldemort laughed again, and it occurred to Harry that Voldemort did not realise it was him under the robes, he was so distracted with the presence of Albus and Karis he was obviously very on-guard, Harry could sense it. Voldemort was unnerved!

Meanwhile outside the back entrance to the Orphanage, Harry had advised the rest of the DA to keep watch before he continued to go inside.

Two minutes had now passed since Harry had left them and it was now incredibly dark and cold. “Lumos” whispered Ron.

“Ron looked around the grounds when he had to take in a deep breathe while his stomach turned into knots and his body filled with dreaded tingles. He ran as fast as he could to the figure that was lying on the cold ground in the close distance.

Hermione followed and caught sight of Dean Thomas crouching on the floor with his head in his hands.

“Dean, what happened?” she asked, feeling nervous and holding her wand tight while looking around.

Luna had just blocked a spell and froze the Deatheater who had just run around to the back entrance to cut them off.

“I…..I… was too late…he was outnumbered!” Dean stuttered

Ron was holding the limp body, cradling him as silent tears fell down his face.

Hermione came forward and put her hand on Ron’s shoulder as she looked down at the young lifeless man.

Luna came running over with Seamus Finnigan who had also been guarding the back of the building, along with Neville. “What’s happened?” she asked with a raised panic-stricken voice, at the sight of a still body lying in Ron’s arms.

“It’s Justin.” replied Hermione, while fighting the grief that was about to overwhelm her. “I think he’s dead.”

Swizzlestick · 09-09-2006, 10:33 AM

Have to go now, will post more later.

king nick · 09-09-2006, 10:59 AM

good work when will thereb more

Kazters · 09-09-2006, 04:24 PM

LMOA Kelly are you posting the whole thing in a day?

Swizzlestick · 09-09-2006, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kazters

LMOA Kelly are you posting the whole thing in a day?

LOL, Nah, maybe over 3/4 days, it is taking alot longer than I thought. For some odd reason it keeps posting the text in bold, so I have to keep editing each post - driving me nuts it is! LOL

Here is the next post:

Chapter 19 – Close Call

Harry was feeling sick at the sight of Voldemort, standing there in-front of him, he wanted to do nothing more than raise his wand and mutter the Avada Kedavra unforgivable curse that brought with it sudden death. But he couldn’t even try, simply because Karis was standing in the way.

She still continued to protect him and it made Harry feel like a child, he wanted her to move, he had faced Voldemort before and managed to escape. He made a mental note to himself to talk to Karis about her over protectiveness if they ever got out of this alive.

However, he couldn’t stop from admitting to himself that he loved her, he knew that now and as much as he tried to tell himself different, at this moment in time, watching her standing there, wanting to protect him even if it meant death; he couldn’t believe how truly remarkable she really was, even if her brashness did infuriate him a little.

Up against them all she looked so small and vulnerable, as Harry himself was now six feet tall and gaining in broadness daily.

“Karis, if you continue to stand in-front of this man I may have to kill you, step aside girl!” Voldemort retorted in usual cold drawl.

“Never!” she hissed.

Harry without realising it smirked under his cloak. At least he thinks I’m a man, he thought.

“Ah, very well, your loving Grandfather here will just have to watch me kill you as he is now powerless to do nothing!” he spat, his snake like features glinting in the candlelight, showing his slit for a mouth twist in pleasure.

Karis looked over to Albus who nodded his head, directing her to move out of the way. He looked old and pale, Karis knew he was very concerned, and she couldn’t ignore the fact that Voldemort was right; Albus was powerless!

“Ok, I will move out of the way, but I assure you Voldemort, you hurt him and I will do everything in my power! Remember, I am not a child anymore!”

“Oh stop your droning woman; do you really think I will let you do that again? I am stronger now, more than I ever was, and you have no power over me in Occlumency or any other gift that you think you may possess. You are not in a position to bargain, now move before I turn you to dust!”

Karis turned around to face the masked Harry who stood there motionless; she stared at him for a few seconds but managed to connect quickly with the legilimens spell

“You can do it Harry, just concentrate, we need at least five minutes, I will help if I can.” Even in legilimens her voice in his head was shaking.

Slowly she moved and stood by his side, breaking the connection between them. It was then she realised that Voldemort did not scald her for saying his name; this unnerved her a little, as she felt he obviously had other things on his mind.

“Well, you are brave or extremely stupid!” shot Voldemort to the cloaked figure. “What is your name boy?”

Harry could feel Karis tense by the side of him, his heart went out to her briefly, but he did what he thought he had to.

He remained quiet and slowly lifted his arm and clasped his fingers around the bottom of his purple mask, trying desperately hard not to show his shaking hand and not to knock off his glasses underneath; he pried the mask off of his face, then simply replied.

“I don’t think there is any need for an introduction, Voldemort!”

Swizzlestick · 09-09-2006, 08:32 PM

Part 2

Voldemort stood there, he looked taken aback at Harry’s boldness and for a split second he actually admired his stature, he quickly however pushed that thought to the back of his mind; while glaring at the boy who lived, the one who defied him above anyone else, the one he knew would have to die in order for him to finally reign like before.

“You were foolish to come here tonight Potter.” He spoke quietly.

“Maybe so, but I had no choice, you have something I want!”

Voldemort scoffed and raised his wand. Karis held hers up as did Harry, ready to block or reflect anything that he may throw at them.

“You really think you and this little girl can beat me Harry?”

“Honestly, I don’t know!” replied Harry. “But isn’t that what you are afraid of?”

In Harry’s opinion Voldemort still looked unnerved, he felt this to be a nice surprise, what with Karis by his side, and he felt that familiar glimmer of hope shine inside of him, something that he always felt when he was in her presence.

“Ah, so you do know its remnants, how interesting.” Voldemort replied while twirling his wand in his long scaled hands. “Fair enough Harry, let’s play it your way. You tell me the full containment of the prophecy and your friend Mad-Eye in there can be released, and then you and I will have this out alone, while your friends will be allowed to leave.”

“NO.” shouted Karis, shaking her head. “No Harry, don’t do this.” she said frantically. But Harry kept his stare on Voldemort, he dared not take his eyes off of him.

“How sickening, your girlfriend here is concerned for your safety, you may want to kiss her goodbye before you bow down to death Harry!”

He heard Karis wince, and he took her by the hand, he could feel her shaking yet her breath was steady and her physique strong, he felt proud of her, but nothing could compare to how she felt about him at this moment, she was concerned, but she admired his courage, and finally saw the glint of the man he was becoming.

“You have a deal.” Harry replied, while squeezing Karis’ hand, warning her to be ready.

Behind Voldemort stood a large iron door, Harry recognised it from his vision he had while at Hogwarts, it was the cell where Alastor was being imprisoned. If only I could get the door open, he thought.

Karis, as if hearing his thoughts, started to move around to face Harry. For a second he was confused. She moved towards him and took his face in her hands and stared into his large emerald eyes. His heart started to pound in his chest, he thought she was sure to have heard or felt it. She slowly motioned her face towards his and kissed him gently on the lips.

As she pulled away, she looked up at his surprised frown and smiled, she mouthed something to him and he answered her with his eyes.

All of a sudden Karis was pushed out of the way by Harry, to the left side of the room. Voldemort raised his wand but she was too quick and shouted “BOMBARDA.” The iron door behind him was blown off its hinges, knocking Voldemort sideways, but keeping him grounded and standing tall on his scaled feet.

“Crucio”

Voldemort did the unthinkable and placed the cruciatus curse on Karis, she was trying to run into the cell and rescue Alastor but was caught by the red stream of light. She was thrown in the air and landed hard on the cold stone floor, screaming in agony.

Albus was trying to break down the force that surrounded him. He tried with his entire mite but the walls of the protection orb would not deteriorate. The protection orb spell only lasts for five minutes, but in this case, he felt it was five minutes too long.

Harry didn’t have time to think, just seeing her there on the floor in insufferable pain was unbearable, he thought of Sirius, he had already lost him, and he couldn’t lose her too.

An empowered force overtook his entire being, he held out his wand which now started to vibrate, Harry watched it for a few seconds when a white jet of light protruded from it. Out of his wand came a bright white form. Harry had to look twice as he couldn’t believe what he was witnessing “It can’t be” he said disbelievingly to himself, as the large form of a shaggy dog ran headlong, straight into Voldemort.

*

It took Harry a few moments to realise what had just happened. He had seen that dog before and his heart warmed at the prospect that it was the astral form of Padfoot. It was then Harry remembered his Godfather’s vowel, that we would always be there for him and will always protect him.

Even in death he was staying true to these spoken words and the glimmer of hope that Harry felt earlier had now heightened to a new level.

Prongs, his Father was Harry’s Patronus. To ward off the thing that Harry was afraid of the most; Dementors.

Padfoot had gained firm place of the disarming and protection spell, to ward off the one and only person whom in life he had known and wanted nothing more than to destroy. Well now he had his opportunity to face this wizard. Only Sirius would be cunning and stubborn enough to defend Harry against Voldemort!

Voldemort was thrown against the wall with the force of the spell that had hit him and collapsed to the floor; he looked astounded while trying to comprehend what had just taken place.

Padfoot then turned around and elegantly bowed to Harry, before lightly vanishing into thin air.

“Accio Wand.” shouted Harry, still trying to take in what had happened.

Suddenly to the horror of the Dark Lord, his wand flew up from the floor into the hands of the one person Voldemort despised above all others. Harry Potter.

“Maybe it’s time you bowed down to death, Voldemort!” spat Harry. Feeling stronger than he had ever felt so far in his short lived life.

But as he looked down he sensed something was wrong. Voldemort’s wand had touched his own and something extraordinary started to happen.

From the tip of Voldemort’s wand came a figure that Harry recognised and knew well.

“Justin?” he questioned, looking mortified. But it wasn’t the pearly shadow that he saw of his parents at the graveyard in his fourth year, this was a solid form, and it flew as fast as it could from the room.

Harry started to move forward towards Voldemort, his teeth gritted and his wand pointing to the snake like creature, who in turn could only smirk. Harry felt the anger rising up inside his veins, and as he lifted his wand ready to administer a curse, he was pushed out of the way by no other than a free and very much active, Professor Albus Dumbledore.

Harry looked aghast at the old man, but he didn’t have time to think, all he could do was run into the cell and pick Karis up from the floor. Helping her gain strength in her legs, they both motioned over to Alastor who was weak and bloodstained, crouching in the corner.

Karis held the old man close into her. “Harry, I have to apparate with Alastor now, you must come with me.”

“No Karis, my fight is here, the DA is outside I can’t leave them, we will get back with the rest of the Order. Maybe we can apparate with one of those.”

“Find Kingsley.” replied a shaken Karis. “He has an old newspaper on him; he can use it as a portkey.

“OK, I will see you back at Hogwarts!”

“No. Meet me at you know where!”

Harry nodded in understanding and started to leave the cell to help find the others.

He ran out of the room after hearing the loud crack of apparition and found Albus had Voldemort trapped in a sheer block of ice.

As Harry was about to hand Voldemort’s wand to Albus for safe keeping, the door to the room was bombarded with black cloaked figures. One of them shot a spell, and the hand that clutched Voldemort’s wand had been hit. Harry screamed and pulled his hand back, while the wand fell to the floor.

He looked down to find his hand was burning. Albus quickly put a protection shield around them both and cleared his flaming hand with cold liquid water, before apparating them out of harms way.

Outside, the DA and the Order had now formed a coalition around the back. Most of the Deatheaters that fought out the front main entrance had been strongly bound and many aurora’s and ministry officials had now arrived at the scene to help.

The fight however was not over. Cornelius Fudge arrived looking extremely dishevelled and his eyes were red and his normal round chubby red face looked drawn and pale.

He caught sight of Albus holding up Harry, and the Order and DA closed around them, relieved to finally see Albus and Harry together.

Cornelius Fudge went scurrying towards them as fast as he could. Making him wheeze from the excessive strain as the icy cold air hit his lungs.

Ginny went bounding headforth up to Ron and Hermione who were standing together, linking arms as if to hold one another up, both apparently in utter shock.

However, the shock was due to Justin bolting in an upright seated position which in turn scared the wits out of Ron who was still holding onto him at the time, thinking him to be dead.

“Justin, we thought you were dead.” shot Luna incredulously

“Uh, I…uh, I think I was.” He stuttered bewilderingly

“What are you talking about?” asked Ginny confused.

“I think I was dead, I saw Harry fighting you know who and I remember flying, that’s about it really.”

“I knew it, it’s the power of three houses.” muttered Luna.

“Luna, now, what are you talking about?” asked Ron, frowning and disbelieving what he was hearing. He looked at Hermione, who in turn shook her head and frowned while shrugging her shoulders.

She turned around to see Ministry officials and aurora’s gathering together, she jumped up.

“It doesn’t matter.” said Hermione with relief, pointing. “There’s Harry and Dumbledore, come on, let’s go.”

“Albus, Albus.” fussed Cornelius. “Azkaban Albus, Azkaban.”

“Slow down Cornelius, what’s happened?”

“It’s been attacked. Attacked by Dementors, and they are heading this way!”

“The escaped Deatheaters are already inside Cornelius, they did this to Harry’s hand, if I’m not mistaken it was Bellatrix.”

Harry was still wincing in pain, as his hand was bright red and covered in large blisters. But he felt a rise of anger overtake him again, due to the sound of her name.

“We must leave now, we cannot stay here, we must announce war, no-one is safe.” Bellowed Fudge, while shaking his hands in the air, petrified at the sheer prospect of it all.

Harry pounced forward onto Cornelius, grabbing him by the scruff of the neck, his emerald eyes were flashing with anger as he put his face directly before the Minister of Magic.

“You could have prevented this if you only had listened to us in the first place. You are a disgrace and my friend could be dead because of your intolerance to the truth. You make me sick!” Harry then pushed a horror struck Cornelius backwards, while Albus came to Harry’s aid and held him up as he started to lose his balance and his consciousness.”

Albus turned to look at his team members who all stood there wide eyed and restless.

“Kingsley, please take the DA back to Grimmauld Place, Harry and I will meet you all there.”

Kingsley nodded and took out the old Newspaper from his pocket and tapped it, while muttering “Portus” under his breath, he then rounded up all the purple cloaked DA members, and each of them felt the uncomfortable pull of force within their naval as they were all subjected to portkey travel.

Swizzlestick · 09-09-2006, 08:36 PM

Part 3

Grimmauld Place was bustling with bodies, however there was a silent mix in the air and if one had a knife they could probably cut the atmosphere down the middle with it. One half belonging to the purple-cloaked DA members who fought a fight they never thought in a million years they could participate in, and come out of alive.

The other half belonging to the members of the Order of the Phoenix, who in turn fought a tough battle but thankfully only escaped with minor injuries. All except for one!

Besides Harry, Remus had come off the worst; Harry however didn’t care about his scalded and blistering hand that was causing him severe pain. Upon returning to Grimmauld Place with Albus Dumbledore, he ran straight up the stairs in a mass of sheer panic, screaming for Remus at the top of his voice.

This made everyone shift uncomfortably and it was Karis that heard his desperate cries from the top floor of the dark old rickety house.

She had been seeing to Alastor when everyone else arrived, thankfully to her relief he had suffered no permanent damage, but she managed to put a sleeping draft that Severus had given her, into a warm cup of tea so he could rest, while she attended to his open and bleeding wounds.

She ran out of the room upon hearing Harry’s cries and was greeted by Harry running fast across the hall which in turn knocked her sideways. He stopped, and she looked at his pale white face, which was mixed with sweat, dirt and salted tears.

She held out her hand to take hold of his when he suddenly winced. Karis glanced down to see the red scalded blistering mound, she gasped as tears slowly started to flow down her cheeks. She grabbed him by the shoulders and pulled him into a tight embrace, while patting him down from the top of his head, to his shoulders and down to his lower back, moving her hands over his torso.

Harry at first wondered what she was doing, until he realised and stepped away while grabbing one of her hands.

Defiantly he shot “I’m alright, stop treating me like a child.” while scowling at her.

“You’re not alright Harry, look at you, look at your hand!” Her voice broke off and further tears splashed down her face, she could feel herself fighting her own anger, she was showing weakness at the time when he needed strength.

Harry put his head down, it broke his heart to see her cry, but inside he felt so numb, deep down he felt like a failure. He motioned towards her, this time on his own accord and pulled her into his chest. Karis would have normally rejected this kind gesture from a student, albeit a good friend. But she didn’t, simply because it’s what she needed.

Reluctantly, Harry let go and she gave him a polite thank you while gesturing for Harry to enter the bedroom with her.

They both walked inside the cold bedroom, which only last summer was shared by Fred and George Weasley.

Harry could see the frail broken body of Alastor Moody, who was sound asleep and whom actually looked quite at peace given the circumstances.

In the bed next to him however was the man who Harry had so frantically been searching for since his arrival back at the house. His friend, mentor and in his heart, his new Godfather, Remus Lupin.

Harry approached the side of his bed with a feeling of dread and nervousness. He started to feel sick again, sick with worry that this person who he loved and cared for so dearly, may not survive another day.

He took hold of the man’s hand, forgetting momentarily about his own injury.

“Remus” Harry whispered, his voice shaking, while a lump in his throat started to form.

“Remus, it’s Harry, I hope you can hear me, because I am here and I’m not going anywhere until you talk to me.”

His voice once more started to waver and his bottom lip started to shake as he surveyed his friend closely.

Slowly, Remus fluttered his eyes, trying hard to focus on the tear stained face in front of him.

Harry gasped in relief that Remus had heard him and started to make some kind of reaction. This had to be a good sign, he thought.

Harry didn’t know that Severus was standing behind him, and it was Remus who smiled over Harry’s head. Harry turned around to see the dark cloaked, hook-nosed man looking down at Remus.

“Is he going to be alright Professor?” Harry asked solemnly

“He is still quite critical but I think we administered the potion in time. The fact that he is still alive and coherent are both promising signs.”

Harry stood there, and if Severus knew how he was feeling he may have felt sorry for him, however, all he did was turn away from Harry and ignore his pleading glare of forgiveness.

Severus did sense the guilt, the pain that this young man was experiencing, the foolishness overall is what made Severus smirk in amusement. He did however still feel angry at the boy and right now he didn’t even want to look at him. He felt that a spoken apology would be more adequate for the severe misinterpretation of his actions.

But he doubted that would happen, he had never before heard Potter apologise for anything.

Inside Harry’s heart he knew he had to apologise, to finally hold out his good hand and take the Professor’s in his, the idea however turned his stomach, but he felt he had to try for the sake of Remus.

If Remus could forgive Severus and the past grievances they had, than Harry could too, after all he had saved the life of someone dear to him while risking his own, and Harry felt it was the right and only thing to do.

“Severus.” said Harry very calmly. Realising himself that this was the first time he had ever addressed him by his proper name.

The Potions master turned around to face Harry while Karis stayed silent watching over Alastor while spying them both from the corner of her eye.

Harry most eloquently, looked up at the man, letting his gaze stare him directly in the eye, and said, “I’m sorry.” Harry then held out his left arm.

Karis looked towards Snape, she had a calm yet expecting smile on her face. She was pleased at Harry’s mature and worthy decision. Severus noticed this too and walked forward towards him and with his right hand, took hold of Harry’s, and held his gaze for a few moments.

No words were exchanged between the two, but for a split second Harry see something glint in his eyes and for the first time, Severus had no sneer, no smirk or frown of exasperation. He simply had no expression at all, which Harry took as a good thing, it was then the realisation had hit him; Harry’s apology had been accepted.

Swizzlestick · 09-09-2006, 08:43 PM

Part 4

Harry followed Karis downstairs and into the kitchen.

There was on average about 40 bodies congregated in the kitchen and hall-way. Some were animatedly chatting among themselves about the amount of Deatheaters they had stunned. Zacharias Smith’s voice was probably the most prominent out of the purple cloaked members, who all now had their masks off while their robes were dirty and dishevelled.

Molly Weasley arrived at the scene and could be heard shouting from the other side of the room at Ron, Ginny and Hermione for their severe actions. She then continued to hold them all tight while she whimpered, telling them all how proud she was of them, making Ron seem more confused than ever.

Luna Lovegood was organising the DA, making sure no-one was hurt or injured, and gathering them together so they could all travel back to Hogwarts soon with their headmaster.

Albus Dumbledore motioned over to Karis and Harry, and as if he was the grandfather of them both, he pulled them into his chest and held them close into him, tight, while they rested their faces into a shoulder each.

“Are you both alright?” he eyed them intently, showing for the first time how concerned he really was for their welfare.

Albus would never confide in them, or tell them what went through his mind in that room back at the derelict Orphanage, but all he could see was Karis, laying on the floor screaming and Harry, standing his ground, protecting her.

Harry however didn’t look at himself that way, he felt like he had let everyone down.

“Harry, not for one moment did you fail in anyway tonight!” said Albus Dumbledore, eyes still focused on him, but this time they regained their usual sparkle.

“Are you using Occlumency Professor?” Harry replied, with a wry grin on his face.

“No Harry, I just know you better than you know yourself at times.” replied Albus, eyes still fixed. “How is your hand?” asked the old man, while motioning his own to Harry’s arm, lifting it towards him to inspect the wound.

“Hurts like hell, but I’ll live. Thanks to you.”

“Nonsense Harry, you fought a brave battle tonight and you would have made them proud!”

“Who?” asked Harry, confused at Albus’ statement.

“Helga, Godric and Rowena!” answered Dumbledore matter-of-factly. “Harry, do you realise what you and the DA did tonight?”

Harry frowned. “I’m not sure entirely, but Luna said that we had the power of three houses, I did feel something remarkable while in that Orb though. I’m sure the others did too.”

“Luna is right Harry. Three of the houses united in the Orb of Refinement. I didn’t expect it to happen so soon but Karis had an idea it would. She was right to organise and arrange the event, but it could have only happened if you and the DA were ready.”

“Thanks GrandFather, I’m pleased you approve, I was quite concerned how you would take it.” interrupted Karis.

“Nonsense, what you did was wise. I am known to sometimes be an old fool and not act fast enough at times.” He paused as he stared Harry in the eye. “However, that mistake was not made on this occasion, so thank you Karis!”

Karis smiled up at her wise old Grandfather; she looked at Harry too who still held a face of many questions.

“Harry, I think I need to explain exactly what happened tonight. Please, let’s go and sit down.” said Karis, while lightly holding onto Harry’s arm, gesturing over to a quiet corner in the lounge area.

Karis sat Harry down on an old brown shabby sofa, while she promptly sat herself next to him. She felt him relax and a wave of relief washed over her small and frail body. She felt he was handling tonight’s performance very well.

Karis put her hand to her head and started rubbing her eyes, as a sharp pain shot through them. “Are you alright?” asked Harry, while taking hold of her hand.

“Yes. It’s just been one eventful evening. I’m tired that’s all.”

Harry nodded but continued to give her eye contact. “What happened tonight with the Orb Karis?” he asked.

“You came together as a unit Harry. Three houses out of four united in the battle to fight evil. It was a prophecy made hundreds of years ago, that tonight you as Dumbledore’s Army fulfilled. In fact it’s one of the oldest prophecies ever recorded. It was spoken by a seer shortly after Salazar Slythern’s descent from Hogwarts.”

Harry raised his eyebrows in surprise, eagerly waiting for her to continue. Karis noticed and carried on with her explanation.

“The thing is Harry, Hogwarts still survived after Salazar left the school, mainly because the other three Professors were extremely powerful and he couldn’t take them all on by himself. Godric for instance was known to be an extremely powerful sorcerer and Salazar was rather wary of him. Very much like the relationship Voldemort has with Albus. I knew it would happen soon, I just wasn’t sure when. But I can be honest and say that I am really pleased that it happened tonight, your help was needed more than you realise.”

“Yeah, the DA did well didn’t they!” replied Harry with an approving smile.

“Very well, and so did you! You saved my life Harry.”

Harry looked at her in surprise. “What are you talking about Karis? I didn’t save your life!”

She smiled and took Harry by the shoulder. “Yes, you did Harry. If you hadn’t arrived when you did, he would have killed me; you deterred him.”

Harry turned away, he could feel his face heating up, but he had to ask her the question that was on his lips, ever since he had calmed down.

“Karis, I…uhhh, just wanted to ask you something.” He said shifting uncomfortably in his seat.

She put her fingers up to his lips, “shhhh, it’s alright, I know what you’re going to ask me.”

She paused for a few seconds as he looked up.

“I kissed you because Voldemort wanted to believe he was messing with your emotions, hurting you further. I wanted him to believe he was winning. That was why I motioned to you with my eyes to throw me out of harms way so I could blast the door to the cell, because he was going to kill us, and deep down, I think you knew that too!”

Harry put his head down again as he spoke. “When he did that Cruciatus curse on you Karis, I…. Well I couldn’t bear the thought of losing you too, I got anxious and scared, more so than any other time in my life, and because of that……. something happened.”

Karis continued to stare at his pale face, she knew in her heart how he felt about her, she had sensed it a while ago, and it’s something that she knew they would have to discuss together as adults.

“You saw Padfoot didn’t you!” she stated quietly.

“Yeah, I did. He was the one who saved you Karis, not me.”

“No Harry. That is where you are wrong; it was the power inside you that called Sirius to your aid, in the same way Prongs comes to your need in your patronus. The power you hold is unprecedented and you really need to start believing in yourself more Harry.”

Harry smirked, “I don’t feel like the hero. One of my best friends is fighting for his life. Justin too was dead until his soul was released from Voldemort’s wand. Too many people are getting hurt because of me!”

“Not because of you Harry, because of him and his followers. None of this is your fault! Things like this happened long before you were even born. Trust me, I know!”

“What happened to you Karis? How does Voldemort know you so well?

Karis turned her face away while she started to speak. “That is something I find very hard to talk about, and it is something that I would like you to see for yourself as I cannot put it into words.” She paused for a few moments. “I guess that just means you will have to work extra hard in our Occlumency lessons.” she added, with a mocking smile.

“He hurt you bad didn’t he!” shot Harry, the anger rising up inside him again, making his pale face now flush with colour.

“I won’t lie to you. He did! He hurt me more than anyone in this world. Which is why I’m here right now, with you and the Order!”

“I can’t let you help me anymore Karis.”

Karis scoffed at Harry’s words, but deep down what he said hurt her feelings, but she understood why. She continued to stay silent.

“I mean Occlumency obviously isn’t a problem.” interjected Harry very matter-of-factly, sensing he may have been a little abrupt. “But if I ever come face to face with him again, you can’t be there Karis. I can’t handle it if anything happened.”

She couldn’t help but hold her hand out to him and gently stroke his cheek, while smiling with heartfelt appreciation.

“Harry, you really have no idea how long I have waited for the moment to see Voldemort destroyed. If that is to happen at the hands of the “boy who lived” then I will be there, and nothing you can say or do will keep me away.” She again took Harry by the shoulders and stared him directly in the eye. “You will not be alone when that time comes and you will triumph Harry, I know you will.”

“How can you be so sure?” he snapped. While getting up from the sofa and pacing the floor. “You can’t see into the future, you don’t know what’s going to happen, I could die and so could you, yet you refuse to accept that!”

“It is possible, but if you think like that Harry then he has already won!” she replied a little more malevolent than anticipated.

Harry stopped pacing and shot her a look of foreboding. “Then I guess he did mark the wrong person for the job!” he retorted, while heading for the door.

“Harry, please wait.” said Karis, while cursing herself under her breath for her lack of tact.

He turned around to face her. “I’m sorry, you are right.” she said. “I just couldn’t bear it if anything happened to you either, so I find it easier to tell myself that it won’t!”

He took in a deep breath, inside he was relieved she had finally admitted to him in her own way that she cared about him deeply and that’s when he noticed how pale and tired she really was. Karis seemed to look very unwell.

He approached her and pulled her up gently from the sofa, while holding as much of her weight as possible, that’s when she started to wobble and lose her footing, so he picked her up and cradled her in his arms as if holding a small child. Ignoring the pain in his hand while holding her tight, he slowly left the room, and headed straight back up the stairs

There was no more rooms spare for Karis to reside in as she would have under normal circumstances have been going back to Hogwarts, but Harry decided that she needed to rest. The cruciatus curse enthralled upon her had a big effect on her delicate frame.

All of the beds were also taken, all, except for one. Harry didn’t have to think twice. He gladly gave up his own bed for this woman he now held in his arms, while he resided to the fact that tonight he would be sleeping on the floor.

As the lights went out downstairs and Harry could hear footsteps of Order members departing to the spare bedrooms, Harry, with all his mite, tried to sleep.

He could hear her soft breathing filling the room as he watched her soundly sleeping, he couldn’t stop himself from thinking what would have happened if Voldemort had killed her. Just the thought of it made his throat close and a lump form while his eyes welled with salted tears.

He sat next to her on the bed, while putting the covers over her making sure she was comfortable. He laid down beside her, wondering in his own thoughts what could have made this woman so determined to fight. What was it Voldemort had subjected her to, and when?

After an hour of pondering, the resistance to sleep was quickly empowered by Harry not being able to keep his eyes open, slowly like Karis, he delved into the darkness of restful silence.

Swizzlestick · 09-09-2006, 08:56 PM

Chapter 21 - Merry Christmas

The rest of October and November came and went, and as time went on the DA became closer than ever after the events of October Eighth. There was now a very strong link between them all, and they felt that it was due to the happenings that day in the Orb when they united as one; and became a strong allegiance when in each-others presence.

Justin however became a little subdued. He felt he had let the Order and the DA down, when repeatedly they all had told him to put the matter aside and stride forward. But Harry understood how he felt, he had been so close to death himself on many occasions and it’s the hardest thing to comprehend, and the scariest.

Christmas was now approaching fast and Harry decided that he would like to stay at Hogwarts. Upon telling all of his friends he would be staying behind because he still couldn’t forgive Kreacher for what he did, especially around Christmas time, he knew he would find it too upsetting at 12 Grimmauld Place, due Sirius’ absence.

They all jumped at the chance to stay too. Even Cho, who spoke to Harry more and more frequently, decided that she won’t be visiting China this year with her parents, but would like to stay with her friends at school.

Marrietta Edgecombe had also finally accepted her calling for her part in Dumbledore’s Army. Therefore she had deterred herself from shouting her mouth off again. Hermione still believes it was the boiled faced curse she entrusted upon her due to her tittle tattle to Professor Umbridge last year, and still makes a point of telling that to Ron and Harry on various occasions.

Hermione and Ron were now closer than ever, and it sometimes made Harry feel a little uncomfortable around them, as they were always holding each other and kissed at every stolen opportunity, but nonetheless he was so happy for them, as they were finally getting to be themselves. He noticed that as there were no hidden tendencies involved anymore, they got on a lot better as friends too, as well as partners.

Ron was a gentleman and never told Harry any personal details about his relationship with Hermione, which Harry respected as he looked at Hermione as a sister and didn’t want to know anyway.

There was one person who Harry had gotten close to over the last couple of months, besides Karis. Who he started to see less of since she had woken up in his bed at 12 Grimmauld Place, in the early morning of October ninth.

Harry believed it was because she found the whole scenario rather uncomfortable, even though he just shared the bed with her and wouldn’t have thought of trying anything untoward, she decided that they had to talk about their relationship and that under no circumstances was it to develop in to any other except close friendship.

This hurt Harry inside but he knew he had to be grown up about the situation, after all he knew Karis was right. She was his mentor, teacher and a trusting and loyal friend; besides the first person he had ever really had true feelings for.

Karis also went on to advise Harry that he had to have fun, and made a passing comment about taking a step back and viewing things from different angles, which confused him but still he managed to take it on the chin and accept her wishes.

The other person he had been spending many an hour with was, Luna Lovegood.

Over the last few months they had become very close acquaintances, and Luna made points of holding his arm as they walked along and talked excessively about anything and everything.

Luna is the only person who knows how Harry really feels about Karis. At first she took it well and tried to give advice to the best of her ability, but as the weeks passed by Harry noticed a change in her mood and decided that soon he would have to talk to her about it.

“I think we should hold our own private Christmas party at Hogwarts this year. Maybe in the room of requirement?!” said Hermione, while packing her cloak away neatly

“Yeah, great Idea Hermy.” mocked Ron, winking at her.

She playfully slapped him on the arm. “Don’t call me that, you know I hate it!” she shot, holding back a smile.

“I think Hermy is right Ron, I think we should have our own party, we could always visit Hogsmede as well. “replied Harry

“Don’t you start calling me that too Harry.” sighed Hermione, throwing a ball of socks at his head.

They decended together down the moving staircase for dinner. It was now Christmas Eve and the excitement was buzzing in the air. The rest of the Hogwarts students had gone home to visit their families, only the DA congregation had remained together for the holidays, and a couple of the Hogwarts staff had decided to stay behind, those being Albus, Karis, Severus and Madame Pomfrey.

Harry was pleased to see upon his entrance to the Great Hall that many of the Order Members were there and the hall was decorated in gold and red bows, and little fairy lights flashed in the enchanted sky above their heads.

“SURPRISE” said Remus as the three of them walked in. The rest of the DA was already inside, beaming while holding small goblets of juice in their hands.

Harry, Ron and Hermione was very taken aback at the surprise party for them all, and Harry smiled wide while pacing fast up to Remus Lupin and embracing him in a warm hug.

“Hey Remus, it’s great to see you looking well.” He whispered quietly.

“You can’t get rid of me that easily Harry!” replied Remus with a grin.

“Lets all sit down to eat shall we!” said Molly Weasley after she had given them all a big bear hug, making Harry pleased of her release so as to breathe properly again.

Karis had gestured them all to sit around the table while she gave Harry eye contact and nodded her head sideways, motioning that he should sit next to her. He did, without question and was really pleased by her kind gesture.

It was a large round table that everyone sat around. It reminded Harry of the first meeting he attended at the school when Albus told them all about the kidnapping of Alastor Moody. This time however to Harry’s relief it was a joyous occasion, one of gathering, good food and close friends.

“Alright Harry.” shouted Fred from across the room. “Hey watcha mate.” bellowed George.

Harry gave them the thumbs up, while taking his seat next to Karis.

“Are you alright?” Harry whispered.

“Yeah, I’m fine thanks Harry. You?”

“Better, now things seem to be getting back to normal around here.” Harry replied.

“Well that’s what I need to talk to you about Harry!”

“Oh? What’s happened?” Harry held a look of concern.

Karis laughed. “Oh No, Nothing yet, don’t worry about that. The whole world now knows that he is back, there is nothing we can do about it until we find out what his next move is.” said Karis while picking up her goblet of pumpkin juice and taking a sip. “We cannot live in fear everyday because of it Harry, we must remember to live!”

Harry chuckled. “You sound like your Grandfather!”

Karis put on a shocked face, eyes bulging and her mouth open in horror. “I found a white hair this morning, Oh Merlin’s beard; I think I’m turning into him too!”

Harry laughed out loud at her silly behaviour. Professor Snape however, shot her a disapproving look. “Not like you to be clowning around at the dinner table Karis.” He snarled.

“You think this is clowning? Severus you should wait and see what I have planned during dessert and besides, it’s Christmas Eve for Flamel sake!”

Severus scoffed and rolled his eyes at her remark, while Harry tried desperately hard to hide his smirk.

Everyone was tucking into his or hers first course. It was a mixed bowl of fruit and a large goblet of Pumpkin juice that Karis seemed to be drinking rather quickly while picking tediously at her bowl of goodness.

“Don’t you like fruit?” asked Harry, while gulping a large mouthful of his juice.

“No, I hate fruit. Never did like healthy food.” She replied, while still poking a large piece of melon with her fork. “Now give me a large mound of muffins or chocolate chip brownies and I will be a very happy little witchy, but all this fruit in my opinion just sucks!”

Harry nearly spat out his own mouthful. He looked up at her, with laughing eyes. She chuckled too at his amused expression. “Harry, I am not your teacher tonight, nor am I your occlumency tutor. It is Christmas Eve and I am here as your friend and nothing else, so this is the real me all right!” Karis then held out her hand. “I’m Karis, nice to meet you.”

Harry took her hand while grinning from ear to ear at her childish fun. “I’m Harry Potter.” He replied. “You may have already heard of me as I am renowned by the Daily Prophet as a head case who likes to tell lies about the one and only dark wizard of all time, Lord Voldemort!” while rolling his eyes and shaking his head.

Harry and Karis started gigging together incessantly, and many looks were exchanged from across the table, the one from Albus was one of warmth and love, the looks from Ron and Hermione were one of pure amusement, while on the other hand, the expression thrown across the table from Severus and Luna were foreboding and deadly.

Harry stopped laughing as did Karis when they realised they had a group of spectators. “Uh, sorry.” Karis muttered to the dining crowd.

Harry however tried desperately hard to apologise but he let out another roar of laughter followed by Karis giggling to the point where she had tears rolling down her face.

By this point many of the DA members joined in with the hilarities, except for Severus, as even Luna managed to raise a smile.

All of a sudden Karis rolled off her chair and fell back onto the floor.

At the sight of this there was a thunderous outbreak of laughter echoing around the walls of the great hall, and Tonks was elated due to the fact that for once, it wasn’t her that made a complete wally of herself!

Severus started to look concerned. This was very unlike Karis, and even Harry for that matter. That was when he turned to look at them.

Ogling at the antics being played out in front of them was two freckled faced red headed twins.

Severus shook his head, but as he looked on he thought that it could have been something out of a very bad muggle sitcom comedy. Taking another glance he saw the hilarity of it all, and for the first time in many years, Severus Snape actually smiled. Harry looked over and momentarily stopped with amazement to find the man that never smiled, finally crease his pale taunt skin across his usual solemn face.

Harry then continued in trying to pry Karis up from the floor, who was still laughing so hard she was holding her stomach.

Albus Dumbledore continued to watch in delight the jollity that seemed to so addictively reach each member of the table. It was then that Albus remembered above everything else that the sound of laughter is what he had missed most in the past year.

Albus glanced across to the twins and gave them a kind nod and a thankful smile.

“Professor, that is our new edition to the shop – Our Prankster Pumpkin Juice, you are all now privileged testers of Weasley Wizard Wheezes, Congratulations.” said Fred.

“Hey Fred.” said George while nudging him in the arm to get his attention. “Remind me to thank Dobby later!”

Fred smiled warmly at his twin and replied. “Yeah, that Dobby is one cool House Elf!”

Swizzlestick · 09-09-2006, 09:01 PM

Part 2

The effects of the prankster pumpkin juice finally wore off after Fred and George administered a small pink sweet to everyone. Laughing juice was something many of them had needed if the truth be told. Even Severus had colour in his cheeks and Hermione noticed that he held a warmth in his dark brown eyes that she had never seen before.

There was a positive vibration in the air which also made a nice change, and it was the first incident since the battle in HollowValley that everyone had got together and simply had a good time. “After all, it’s Christmas.” both Fred and George repeated in sequence while giving out the curable boiled sweets.

They were right of course, in the same way Karis was right when she told Harry that one has to carry on living, and must shut away the fear and the anxiety, and to be as normal as possible in these difficult times.

It was then he remembered that she hadn’t told him what it was she wanted to talk to him about.

“Karis, what was it you wanted to tell me earlier when I came in here?” he asked, while regaining their position at the table.

“Oh Yes, sorry, it was that bloody pumpkin juice putting me off.” she replied. “Right, well I wanted to ask you if you have had any strange dreams as of late?”

Harry thought for a few seconds, and then frowned, while shaking his head he replied. “Not that I can remember. Why do you ask?”

“Well it’s just that now you are gaining a strong power in Occlumency I thought that maybe you had unlocked some hidden memories. I have done that before while asleep without meaning too, I ventured so far back that I found myself in my Mother’s womb once, it was a ghastly experience!”

Harry looked up at Karis with a mix of amusement and horror. “Karis, that is not right!”

She giggled at his upturned nose. “No, it’s not really, is it!” she smiled; but the memory of it made her stomach churn.

Harry thought for a few seconds what Karis had said when he had an idea.

“Karis, you can help me remember what happened.” He said, with a mixture of excitement and sorrow.

Karis started up at him with a wave of melancholy. “No Harry, I can’t do that, because it simply isn’t my place to. I would have to open your mind and delve into an old hidden memory, and that is not why I am here, and besides, you know the truth, you have been told what happened to your parents.”

Harry felt his stomach knot and he started to flush red in the face. “But, you could help me remember them. Help me remember Karis, please!” He begged, his heart pumping so fast he could practically feel his blood pumping through his veins.

She paused, while watching him intently, her eyes glazing with sadness. “Harry, I don’t know if that is a good idea, I really don’t feel that watching your parents being murdered is something any child should witness.”

Harry felt his shackles rise. “I’m not a child Karis, I think we have had this conversation before.” He snapped.

“You’re right, I’m sorry. But, please don’t ask me to do something like this again.”

Karis turned her head away from him after she spoke these words, she felt so sorry for Harry, but she knew what she was talking about, she couldn’t let him witness that. She was thankful that he was only a year old when it happened, so as not to remember such devastation is a blessing in her opinion.

Harry started to feel sick, how could there have been so much laughter in this room, how could he have been so happy when only an hour later he felt like his insides were being ripped apart. He wanted to understand her decision, but he knew deep down she was right, but he didn’t care, he wanted to see them one more time in the flesh, because he felt he never had, he couldn’t remember their faces or their voices, to him it would be a gift.

“I just want to see them one more time Karis.” He whispered.

Her heart melted at his one last desperate attempt to convince her that it was a feasible thing to do. She stayed silent for a few moments, while seeming to be deep in thought.

“If you just want to see them again then MAYBE I can help.” She emphasised on the maybe, very strongly.

“Please elaborate Karis, I’m dying here.” He shot her a quick smile, but he really was growing inpatient.

“Well personally I refuse to open your mind Harry.” she replied. Harry opened his mouth to argue with her, not understanding why she was being so unreasonable. “But there might be another way.” she added quickly while holding up her hand for him to remain patient.

“What’s that?” he asked

“I’m not entirely sure but I will have a think about it, I remember reading something in one of my scrolls. Just don’t expect anything to happen though, because to be honest Harry I’m not sure if it will work.”

Harry huffed a huge sigh, he felt let down. This woman, he thought, could find the truth that lies within the hidden and deep buried memories of his mind. Yet, she was refusing too, she said maybe, but for Harry, maybe just wasn’t good enough!

He got up from his chair. “I’m going to bed.” he muttered to her miserably and said a goodnight to everyone in the Great Hall while pacing towards the exit door.

Everyone in the hall stayed silent for a few moments and then Luna politely excused herself from the table and left the hall in search for Harry.

She ran along the halls, her mousy brown hair flowing freely behind her, she was about to give up when she noticed him heading up the moving staircase.

“HARRY.” She yelled up to him.

He stopped and looked down to see Luna on his tail, he sighed but he waited for her, he however felt quite pleased that she was there, he always found it easy to talk to her.

She trudged up to him, her breathing now heavy and her cheeks now a glowing rosy pink, which showed off her blue eyes.

“Hey, where do you think you’re going?” she huffed.

“Back to the dorm, I didn’t want to be down there anymore.” he replied with a sigh.

“What has Karis gone and said now to upset you?” Luna blurted.

Harry looked taken aback slightly at her persistence but replied to her question. “She doesn’t upset me all the time Luna.”

“Oh really Harry, well every time you look sad or down it’s because of her. She has a habit of hurting your feelings, you just can’t see it.”

“Luna, you are being a little unfair, and besides you don’t know what our conversation was about!” he shot back.

“Well I know enough to see you stormed out the room.” replied Luna, with concern. “I would never hurt you like she does.”

Harry frowned but then quickly regained his composure. “Luna, I think we need to talk.”

“I know, and I’m sorry, I can’t help the way I feel about you Harry. Maybe we are spending too much time together.” she replied while putting her head down.

Harry looked at her; he couldn’t help but to notice how great she looked in casual attire. With her long green velvet skirt and cream silk gypsy top; her long mousy hair flowing over her shoulders and her large blue eyes that sparkled most when in his presence. He tried to ignore the radish earrings and the butterbeer cork necklace, but instead he told himself they didn’t matter. He was now seeing her in a different light, she was growing into a beautiful young woman and for a split second he had an urgent desire to kiss her.

He shook his head, so as to change his route of thinking. “I don’t want to see less of you Luna, I care for you, but me and Karis we have a connection that people don’t understand, even I don’t understand it sometimes, I just know I couldn’t bear anything to happen to her.”

“What about me?” Would you dive to save me to?” she asked with a serious note but also one of sadness.

Harry stared at her for a few moments and then walked towards this girl who had only ever been honest with him, and besides Hermione and Ron, had been there for him when he needed someone to talk too. He could relate to her too in so many ways that he couldn’t with anyone else; including Karis.

He stroked her cheek and as their eyes met, they stared into each-others for a few moments, and then Harry smiled at her and kissed her gently on the forehead then pulled her into a tight embrace.

“Of course I would.” He whispered in to her ear.

He could feel her body shudder under his grip and it was then he realised how much this girl really did care for him, and the feeling he himself held right now, holding her in his arms was one of warmth and contentment, and he didn’t want to let her go. As he kissed her goodnight on the cheek and walked towards the Gryffindor Common Room, he knew that tonight he had a lot of thinking to do and a decision to make.

Swizzlestick · 09-09-2006, 09:09 PM

Part 3

Ron, Hermione, Ginny and Neville arrived back at the Gryffindor Common Room, and as they entered they noticed Harry sitting in a padded armchair, gazing into the fire deep in thought.

“Hey, what happened to you Harry?” asked Ginny as she sat down on the sofa while Neville took his place beside her.

“I had a disagreement with Karis, and I wanted to leave.” He simply replied.

“Lovers tiff ay Harry.” mocked Ron

“No actually, it wasn’t.”

“What, you mean you don’t fancy her anymore mate?” interrupted Neville, with his own look of amusement spreading across his round chubby face.

Harry laughed at his friends. “I Love Karis, I always will, she is an amazing person, but I’m not in-Love with her, I thought I was but she is more like family to me, I realise that now, I was foolish before.”

Hermione approached Harry and patted him on the shoulder. “Hey, I didn’t know you was in-love with her, that must have been really difficult for you Harry.”

Harry shrugged. “I thought that’s how I felt, but really I think it was more of an admiration for someone special, I am starting to realise that. I have never been close to a woman before, she makes me feel like I am more than what I am, but in a way it’s because she had to. She taught me to believe in myself and for the first time I’m finally sorting myself out. I don’t feel confused anymore.”

Neville nodded to Harry and gave him a warm smile. “Its great we can all be so honest with each-other, I think that Orb may have had something to do with it, and if it did, then I am so thankful, because I also had a bout of honesty talk tonight with a certain someone.” said Neville with a small grin.

Ginny went pink as Neville took hold of her hand.

Ron opened his mouth to say something but thought better of it and closed it again. Hermione jumped up and screeched in delight and Harry sat there watching the new couple, beaming. “Well all I can say is about bloody time too Neville, it’s only taken you two years to ask her out!” said Harry, now having his chance of mockery.

Ginny looked at Neville in astonishment. “What, you mean to tell me you have liked me for that long?”

Neville shot Harry a mocking scowl while the others laughed; they didn’t feel sorry for Neville one little bit as his face was continuing to burn a hot fuchsia pink.

“Well, we just need to find Harry a bird now!” said Neville, trying to gain back his composure.

Harry smirked. “I already have one.” he replied “She just doesn’t know it yet!”

As Ginny and Hermione both kissed their boyfriends goodnight, Harry made his way alone to the male dormitories with a huge smile on his face. He was still a little unhappy about his discussion earlier with Karis but he knew she had her reasons and he tried to accept it. Right now, he just kept thinking about Luna, and what would she say when tomorrow arrived, that on Christmas morning he would ask her to be his girl and finally put to rest the crush for his teacher that he had been yearning over for the last five months.

*

Harry was awoken by a tapping on his window which was adjacent to his bed. “Hedwig?” he questioned while rubbing his eyes and putting on his glasses.

He opened the window latch and Hedwig flew in and landed swiftly and quietly on his bed.

Around her neck she held a small package, and Harry quickly pulled it off of her, and if Hedwig could talk, he thought that she would thank him profusely, as she shook her head in a gesture of relief.

“What’s this?” Harry whispered to himself as he unwrapped the brown packaging.

A small note fell out into his hand along with a clear glass vial. Inside it was a thick metallic purple liquid.

Harry still half asleep scrambled for the note and opened it. Inside was a neat scrawl that Harry recognised. He picked up his wand and whispered “lumos” and a small light appeared at the tip, while he read the written words silently to himself.

Dearest Harry,
please take this at midnight, I hope you find what you are looking for, and it’s not because I didn’t want to help you today, it’s because whatever it is you see, it should be only you to see it, like I said, it isn’t my job, therefore none of my business.

His heart started to pound. She had done it; come up with a solution for him finding an answer to what happened to his parents. However, there was still more to the letter, with his fingers starting to tremble, he quickly continued reading the quivering note.

Please understand why I couldn’t open your earliest memories, and maybe they are for selfish reasons of my own but it is simply this.

I loved your parents Harry, and I feel soon you will understand why I loved them so much.

You will soon know because I sense your power rising by the day. I know you must see the truth, but that truth is something that has been carried on my shoulders since I was a young child.

I hope what you witness tonight will answer the question that burns deep inside your soul and I strongly advise Harry that you wish to see them again at their happiest of moments with you, and do not dwell on the bad. To feel and see true unconditional love makes one stronger, and after tonight I feel you will be, more than ever!

This is my Christmas Present to you Harry, and I hope you use it well! As after all, you are not a child – anymore!

All my Love
Your friend
Karis

Harry re-read the note over and over again. He felt a warm tingling sensation inside his stomach and his heart filled with an overwhelming joy.

He looked at his watch. It was 11:55pm, she had sent the note in great time, and he knew she must still be awake, probably sitting at her dressing table wondering if the gift she had sent him was appropriate, pondering in her thoughts of ‘did I do the right thing?’ Harry was almost certain of it, in his mind he could see it so vividly clear and he smiled at the prospect of it actually being true, and made a mental note in his mind to ask her tomorrow.

Harry glanced over to Ron, Neville, Seamus and Dean to make sure they were fast asleep as he didn’t want any interruptions.

He stroked Hedwig who hooted softly and flew back out the window towards the Owlery so she could get herself a peaceful nights rest.

A beep sounded from across the dormitory, it was Neville Longbottom’s watch confirming that midnight had just struck.

“Oh well, bottoms up.” He whispered, as he gulped down in one the metallic purple liquid, courtesy of Karis Dumbledore.

He was falling through clouds, the feeling he held was of peace and elation, and he felt like he could fly. As he was floating within this wave of euphoria, he heard a voice. He didn’t recognise it as someone he knew but he believed he had heard it before. Harry tried to concentrate. He closed his eyes and thought hard about the letter from Karis.

“See them in their happiest of moments.”

“Do not dwell on the bad.”

Suddenly, it stopped, the sensation and everything he was feeling in this equilibrium just vanished all at once.

Harry opened his eyes and found himself standing in a baby’s play room.

He stood there, motionless while taking in his new surroundings. It was a box room but quite large. There was a window to the left of the room and directly in front stood a baby’s cot with a large musical mobile which had different farm animals dangling from thin strings of wire.

Above the cot hanging on the wall was three large posters depicting the sport that Harry had grown to Love and knew that somewhere inside him, it came from the blood of his Father - Quidditch!

The Falmouth Falcons were staring back at him with their slogan printed out in large white letters at the bottom "Let us win, but if we cannot win, let us break a few heads."

The other two large hanging wall mounts were of the Chudley Cannons and the Appleby Arrows.

Harry then turned around to see a large toy box with stuffed soft teddies, with colourful books and a large fire engine and toy truck, there was also a small toy broom that levitated whenever one clapped their hands, somehow Harry instinctively knew this, it’s then a tear escaped from Harry’s eyes, he knew this room, it had been a long time since he was in here. This was his bedroom at Godric’s Hollow.

Harry heard a faint breathing coming from one end of the room and immediately grabbed for his wand, but he didn’t have it, that’s when he remembered he didn’t need it, this wasn’t real, it was just a memory.

He approached the cot and looked down to see the miniature image of himself staring back at him, his eyes the same but there was something missing. There was no scar on his soft, small forehead, no look of sadness in those emerald eyes, only innocence.

Harry turned to face the bedroom door as footsteps could be heard approaching. The door handle started to be pulled down and he held his breath, his heart pounding inside his chest, this was it he thought, this was the moment he would see his Mother or his Father in the flesh, and be able to remember it for the rest of his life.

Swizzlestick · 09-09-2006, 09:12 PM

Part 4

She walked in the child’s room and motioned over to the cot, her eyes beaming with Love and affection for this small being that she now held up in her arms. The child gurgled with excitement as it looked into the face of its Mother. She held him close into her bosom and kissed him gently on the head while stoking his back with her delicate hand.

It was her, as real as any person could be. Harry just stood there unable to move, but what he really wanted to do was run up to her and take them both in his arms. The Mother he longed to know and the baby replicate of himself that he so badly wanted to protect.

“There you are!” came a deep voice, of a man, of James Potter. Harry looked up to see his Father, another tear fell upon his cheek, yet he still managed to smile. Everyone was right, he thought. It could be Harry in another five years; he looked so much like him.

“People are starting to arrive Lily, I’m pleased he finally woke up.” continued James with a grin, while putting an arm around his wife.

“Hey, come here tiger.” James then took Harry out of her arms and held him up, making the child squeal with pleasure; he then lowered the child down and kissed him on the cheek, while looking admiringly at Lily.

“I can’t believe our baby is one today, he is amazing, and as are you my darling!” he threw her a playful wink.” We should have more children Lily!”

Lily kissed her husband gently on his lips while staring into his loving eyes, she then focused her stare at her son who was cooing contentedly in James’ arms.

“We should talk to Albus, find out what he wants to do. That poor child.” replied Lily, while shaking her head.

“Yes, it doesn’t bare thinking about. But today is tiger’s Birthday and nothing is going to get in the way of it, not even Severus!” James sneered.

“James, I had to invite him after what he did. I don’t understand you and Sirius, you always gave him a hard time at school too.”

“Well he became a Deatheater Lily. That may have something to do with the not trusting prospect!”

Lily rolled her eyes. “Yes, I know, but he’s not all bad, he just got in with the wrong crowd. If you hadn’t have been so big-headed at school things may have been different!” she mocked.

“Hey, I wasn’t big-headed!” he replied, pretending to look hurt.

The baby in his arms started to wiggle and whine. “He wants his juice” said Lily.

“Ah, he’s your baby when he’s miserable!” replied James, smiling.

Sixteen year old Harry chuckled at his Dad’s mockery.

“He wants to get down!” said James. “Don’t you mate.” while giving Harry another kiss on the head.

James bent down and put baby Harry on the floor, who in turn started to waddle across the room. He picked up a small teddy, “Mick, Mick.” said the child to his parents while holding up his brown stuffed toy. “Yes, Well done Harry, that’s Mick.” replied James, while beaming at him.

He really loves that toy!” replied Lily.

“Yeah, well I daresay it’s probably one of the more appropriate things Sirius has bought for him since gaining his title as Godfather! He was telling me the other day that he is going to save that dreaded flying scrapheap for Harry for when he’s eighteen!” said a bemused James.

“He bloody isn’t!” stated Lily. “What did you tell him?”

“I told him, over my dead body!” replied James and they both laughed together, as baby Harry played on, hugging his small brown tattered teddy that had soggy wet ears from where the teething child kept sucking them.

Those last words of his Fathers struck Harry with a pang of sadness, he stood there, he wished they could see him, he wished above all he could talk to them, but he was pleased nonetheless of this witnessing encounter, but still, he cried, in-fact he sobbed. Because little did James know, that dead body statement of his was going to happen soon – way too soon!

There was a loud muffle of voices coming from downstairs. Harry followed his parents and his one year old self down the stairs. He was taking in as much detail of the house as possible. But his heart skipped another beat when he saw him, as plain as day looking extremely handsome. It was Sirius, standing there with a red cone shaped child’s Birthday hat stuck on his head.

“Hey James, Lily.” said Sirius with a nod while blowing a party whistle that shot out a long sparkling candle when blown, Lily laughed. “How’s the little man then?” asked Sirius.

“He’s alright, just woke up, so he’s a little grumpy and wants his juice, but we will get plenty of Birthday cake down him to keep him quiet for the rest of the afternoon.” replied James with a cheeky grin, while passing the baby over to Sirius who held him close, blowing a large raspberry on his chubby cheek, which in turn made baby Harry gurgle with excitement.

“No James! That would just make him throw up all over your nice new shirt!” said Lily, while playfully slapping James on the arm.

Harry was watching in awe, the amount of affection Sirius was showing the baby. Again it hurt Harry to know that he would never do that to a child of his own, as it was now obvious that Sirius would have made a fantastic Father.

“Hey, who said cake, I heard the word cake, is it chocolate cake?” came a small sweet voice from behind James.

“KARIS.” James said loudly and with much affection. He scooped her up in his arms and kissed her lightly on the cheek.

Harry couldn’t believe what he was seeing now, it was her, as a small child, but his body shuddered when he looked at her more closely. It wasn’t the Karis he expected to see. She was small, very small, and her face was marked with cuts and grazes. He felt anger rise up inside of him. How could this have happened? Why did she look so pale and so deathly thin?

“I like chocolate cake.” she repeated and James laughed. “Yes Karis, we know you do! So you um…. You don’t want any fruit then?” He said teasing her.

Karis screwed her nose up. “ugghhh, no I want chocolate cake!” she replied, her eyes glimmering a little.

“OK, let’s go and see what we have got for you.” James then took Karis towards the dining area where a buffet of food and drinks were prepared, along with streamers and big enchanted Birthday banners that flashed, Happy First Birthday Harry Potter.

Harry walked away from the crowd. He felt like he was holding up a mountain. As he looked around he saw people he recognised from pictures and he listened intently to mindless chatter, until he stumbled across one person he knew very well. Severus Snape.

Severus was sitting in a corner of the room keeping a very close eye on the small little girl, who looked in Harry’s opinion extremely mistreated. She was Karis Dumbledore, the Granddaughter of Albus, why on earth did she look this way? It tore Harry apart to watch her. But honest and true to his word, James gave her a paper plate with a large slab of chocolate sponge cake. She ran up to Severus who scooped her up in his arms and sat her on his lap. “I have cake.” she said excitedly while putting a large amount in her mouth, making her cheeks bulge, reminding Harry of a hamster. Severus just watched her, he looked sheepish and many people ignored the fact that he was even sitting there with the child.

Harry looked up and noticed his Mother crossing the room. Her long aubern hair gracing her feminine neck line, as her large emerald eyes searched the spot where Severus and Karis were residing.

“Hi Severus.” she said politely.

“I can’t stay long, Albus asked me to bring along Karis, he feels she needs normality as much as possible right now.” He replied rather abruptly.

“It’s alright, I’m pleased she is here, I cannot try and understand or comprehend what she has been through, she is so small for seven; she looks more like a five year old.” Lily was shaking her head as her eyes started to glass over.

“She is strong though.” replied Snape. “She amazes me with what she can do! I put that down to being a Dumbledore.”

“Strong enough to make a grown man see the error of his ways? Or strong enough to fight for her so far short-lived life?” Lily replied sternly.

Harry looked astounded at his Mother who spoke in such honesty. She reminded him of someone.

“Yes well, less said of that the better. I will be back in one hour to pick her up, until then, please look after her.”

“You won’t have to pick her up for much longer, I have just received an Owl from Albus. Due to his extra responsibilities at Hogwarts now with the continued gain of power from “You Know Who” and his calling for the Order of Merlin, he has asked us to become her legal guardians. As of next week, Karis will be our Daughter.”

Harry took in a huge gasp of air. This news seemed shocking and yet he didn’t seem to be that surprised. Karis had touched base on this already, and he now understood why she got emotional when he regarded her as a big sister, simply because, that was to be the case.

Severus turned his head away, Harry sensed this upset him immensely, but the black caped, hook-nosed man stood tall and swiftly left for the exit.

Lily then bent down and gave Karis a large warm embrace, and the child returned the gesture. With chocolate all over her mouth she kissed Lily on the cheek, leaving a brown smudge. Lily had one tear fall from her face as she pulled the child in tighter and kissed her lightly on the head, while stroking the little girl’s back with her delicate hand.

*

“Don’t give him anymore cake, Sirius!” snapped Lily as she brought Karis into the dining room with her.

Harry took in another deep breath when he glanced at the table to find a one year old Neville Longbottom and a small ginger haired boy, who he knew as his best friend, Ron Weasley, sitting there with cake also over their small faces.

Harry laughed. He couldn’t believe how cute Ron was at one and couldn’t wait to mock him about it when he woke up from this relived memory.

Baby Harry was in his high chair, with chocolate all over his face, while he squashed the rest of the sticky wedge in his small hand, making it squeeze out from between his fingers while holding a mischievous grin on his face, which in turn made Sirius laugh uncontrollably at the mess that this one small child could so freely muster.

Harry noticed that Remus Lupin was sitting at the far end of the long table, looking younger than normal but still tired. Poor Remus. thought Harry, he always had the Werewolf side of things to contend with, and yet he never complained about it to anyone.

Peter Pettigrew was also in the room. Harry snarled at the man and wished he could go up to him and belt him about the head with something large and heavy, but it wasn’t to be, he knew what Karis had meant about witnessing this, it was purely and simply for the fact that he wanted to see his parents again; how they used to be.

Floating candles were administered in the air while everyone in the house sang Happy Birthday. Harry watched on, witnessing an old memory that was now the most happiest of his life.

As Harry, James and Lily blew out the candles together, and he watched a frail Karis applause with the rest of the crowd with a beaming smile on her face. He could have kissed the 22 year old Karis for giving him the present of a lifetime.

Harry whispered out his thoughts, ‘Being here in Godric’s Hollow, looking on as if nothing had ever happened. Knowing now that having the Order together and the children together, was like this was always meant to be.’

Was it fate that Ron, Neville and Harry were to be friends? Was it fate that Karis would play such an important role in his life and not as his partner but as family - as a protective big sister?

Sadly, Harry then realised, it was an unlucky twist of fate, that throughout all of this, his parents had to die for Harry to live, in order to thwart the darkest, evil wizard of all time – Lord Voldemort!

Swizzlestick · 09-09-2006, 09:22 PM

Part 5

“Harry, Harry, Wake up.” came the concerned voice of Hermione Granger, while shaking him gently.

Harry however was still in his memory, watching his parents intently at the table with all of their very close friends. He slowly turned to look out of the window, something grabbed his attention and he strolled across to the window and looked out at the sunny sky and the green grass.

Over to the left was a small road with a road sign that read “Little Winging” that’s when it hit him, “Of course” he said in exasperation while hitting his hand to his head. “This isn’t Godric’s Hollow.”

Harry remembered that only two people knew where Godric’s Hollow was and that the house was cloaked for their protection. One of the secret holders couldn’t be at this party, he was busy, working out a plan no doubt for the safety of his friends. The other was in this room, smiling on and acting as if he was a loyal and trusting friend. If only they knew, he thought.

In the distance Harry heard a faint whisper and running of steps. He had an inclination it was his own world, trying to force him back, but he didn’t want to go yet, he wasn’t ready.

He ran over to his parents who were chatting aimlessly to Sirius, stating in under no circumstances was Harry going to inherit his flying motorbike. While Sirius went on to try and convince them that it was the safest form of travel.

Harry stood there, watching, wanting to take them all in his arms and tell them that Peter Pettigrew would betray them all, but instead he smiled, watching them and hearing their voices for he knew this was the last time he ever would.

“Harry, please wake up, please.” He heard a young lady’s voice sobbing in the distance.

“I have to go now Mum, Dad, Sirius. I love you, and I will not fail you, I promise.” whispered Harry to his parents and his beloved Godfather, whom he felt so privileged to have known.

While he spoke to them from his heart, they continued to stand there oblivious, laughing and joking together at what seemed to be one of the happiest moments of their lives.

Harry then closed his eyes and told himself he was ready to go back to his normality, and slowly and surely the distant voices became louder. So did the crying and sobbing of this girl who cared for him immensely.

Harry fluttered open his eyes to see the tear streaked face and large eyes of Luna Lovegood staring down at him. He smiled at her and she threw her arms around his shoulders, he glanced around and saw that he was no longer in the Gryffindor dormitory but in the hospital wing.

“Why am I here?” he asked.

“You couldn’t wake up Harry, its 2 o’clock in the afternoon.” replied Luna, while trying to control her sobs.

“Blimey.” He whispered as Ron and Hermione came running to his bedside along with the rest of the DA.

“Harry, what in the world did you take last night? We found this vial next to you on your bed.” questioned Hermione, her eyes wide.

“A sleeping draft, that’s all.” he replied. “Uh, where is Karis?”

Luna got up from holding Harry and looked away. Harry noticed and grabbed her hand and squeezed it tight. She stared down at his face and he shot her a warm smile. As he did so, her heart started to pound hard inside her chest and she beamed back at him.

“She is with Albus, she told us to leave you alone so you could get your rest but Dumbledore didn’t seem too happy with her and told Madame Pomfrey to bring you down here, and well…..we followed. As the door to her classroom shut we heard shouting. Harry, we know that was no sleeping draft!” replied Hermione, holding up the empty vial.

Before Harry could reply Karis waltzed into the room, she looked red in the face but managed to come towards the front of his bed, she stood there with a questioning frown.

“Um, can everyone please leave the room for five minutes; I need to talk to Karis about something.” Harry said to his gathered friends.

There was a few mumbles, mainly from Hermione and Ron who still seemed a little shook-up at today’s events.

Karis sat down on the side of his bed and took hold of his hand, as Harry just stared up at the ceiling. A tear trickled down the side of his face. Karis put her head down, still not sure what memory Harry had witnessed.

All of a sudden Harry sat bolt upright in a flash and took Karis in his arms and held her into him so tightly she had to take a few moments to reflect what was going on.

“It was my first and only Birthday Party.” He whispered to her.

He felt her body go heavy in his arms and as she started to shake beneath his grip, he knew then that she remembered it vividly. The day she knew that Lily and James were to be her new parents and Harry her baby Brother, at the request of her Grand Father. All the while enjoying huge slabs of chocolate cake.

“What happened to you Karis? You seemed so….. neglected.” He asked quietly, while stroking her hair.

“Voldemort.” Was the one and only word she spoke out of her broken breath.

“He has destroyed us both more than I could ever imagine. I’m not the only orphan he has made, but I promise you Karis we will be his last.”

She looked up at him. His eyes glassy waiting to explode at any moment with streams of tears, but instead he smiled at her and brushed her hair off of her face. “You are my sister.” he said quietly, nodding in a way of affirmation.

She smiled back as another tear protruded down her face. “It was never made legal Harry, they died before that was to happen.”

“It doesn’t matter, my parents loved you so much, and so do I.” he took her hand and whispered. “Merry Christmas.”

Karis grinned widely and the smile reached her large brown eyes. “Merry Christmas Harry.” She then kissed him quickly on the cheek.

“Now.” she said, getting up and brushing herself down, regaining her composure. “I think you have some explaining to do to a one young lady who calls herself Luna Lovegood.”

“How did you know?” he asked her incredulously.

“I have known for a little while now Harry, you have liked her a lot longer than you let yourself realise.”

Harry smiled. “Can’t get nothing past you can I?” he mocked.

“No, not really.” she grimaced, while wiping her wet face on her sleeve.

“I will find out what happened to you, you know!” he stated with a serious note, staring into her large brown eyes.

“I know Harry, and I feel it won’t be long.”

Harry just nodded in understanding, and she shot him one more smile before leaving the hospital wing.

*

Harry heard small footsteps approach the side of his bed; he turned to face the girl who looked so dreamily down at him.

Harry got up and walked towards the door and closed it, as to prevent any prying eyes or ears.

“Karis asked me to come in here and keep an eye on you, I think she is worried Harry.” said Luna. While looking at him questionably as to why he had closed the door.

“She has no reason to worry, she thought it best I talk to you.” replied Harry. Then nearly hit himself for his wary words, he could have been more tactful he thought. But the truth was he didn’t know how to ask her.

Luna stood there, hurt and confused. She knew what was coming; he was going to tell her she meant nothing to him, that they were to remain friends. She stood there, stepping from one foot to the other in a way of distraction. Harry watched her intently and knew there was only one thing for it, to convince her of how much he cares. That is when he decided that she didn’t need words.

He walked up to her and put two of his scared fingers from his right hand under her chin and pulled her face up to look at his.

Her large bluey grey eyes where misty and dull, more so than usual, but he smiled and put his arms tentatively around her waist, and without another moments thought, he lowered his face towards hers and gently kissed her on the forehead.

He then proceeded to run his lips down her nose, kissing her gently every second, until he finally reached her lips. He felt her soft breath on his face and he held her tighter while pulling her into him, she now moved her arms up and wrapped them over his shoulders and grasped her hands together around his neck, and that is where they stood, embraced together, kissing passionately for the first time.

After a minute but what felt like only blissful moments, Harry gently let go and stared her once more in the eye, she was wide eyed and surprised, yet elated.

He drank in her natural beauty and found that he didn’t even find her radish earrings off-putting or weird, because it was simply the way she was, and he loved her for it. Harry knew it was her honesty that he admired about her the most. He also found out today that it was a hidden trait of his Mother’s, and he held back a smile at the thought that he and his father were more alike in many ways, than he ever had imagined possible.

“I wanted to ask you to be my girl Luna, that’s why Karis sent you in here!” said Harry, not breaking his eye contact, and trying very hard not to stutter his words.

Luna started to blush, and momentarily turned away out of coyness.

“Oh Sorry, it’s just, a little unexpected.” she whispered. But inside she wanted to scream in delight, she rationally re-gained herself and stared up once more into his bright emerald eyes. Quickly passing her glare upon his lightning bolt scar, which sent a shiver down her spine, but one of excitement and longing; not one of fear.

“The answer to your question is Yes Harry; it’s all I have ever wanted.”

Harry kissed her more fervently this time and he felt Luna shudder under his strong hold.

Finally after a few moments they drew themselves apart. “Merry Christmas Luna.” said Harry following with a wink.

Luna laughed out loud, her face pink and her eyes bright. “Merry Christmas Harry.”

She went on tiptoes and pulled herself close into him and they held each-other for a few moments. Harry buried his face into her shoulder, which subsequently turned out a little awkward as a radish swung and hit him in the eye; luckily his glasses had formed a coat of protection.

“Oh, sorry, silly earrings, I can take them off.” she stammered.

“No, I like them, they are just so… well… you Luna!” replied Harry with a cheeky smirk. “Don’t change anything because of me, always be yourself!”

Luna smiled and she felt her breath catch in her throat as a butterfly twinge fluttered lightly inside her stomach, it tickled fervently and she fought with herself to stop from giggling.

“You never faze me Harry, everyone calls me Loony and yet, you never have.” she replied, trying her hardest to keep her composure as normal as ‘Luna Lovegood’ possible.

Harry shrugged his shoulders. “I guess I’m just a nice guy.” He said, while throwing another playful smile.

Luna’s eyes lit up once more and she simply replied. “That you are Harry…………… That you are!”

Swizzlestick · 09-09-2006, 09:30 PM

Together Harry and Luna left the Hospital wing and descended the moving staircase. He put his arm around the small of her back and she did the same to him, linked arm in arm they approached the Great Hall together.

Harry’s stomach was now starting to growl with hunger, and he was looking most forward to his Christmas dinner with all the extra trimmings.

Upon entering the hall, everyone was sitting at a large round table that filled up most of the perimeter. Many were chatting excitedly about what presents they had received, and Harry noticed that Ron and Hermione were sitting closer than normal. In-fact if they could, he felt that Hermione and Ron would just share the one chair and eat from each-others laps.

Neville and Ginny were holding hands on the table top and Molly Weasley had an approving smile across her face.

It took a few moments for everyone to realise that Harry and Luna had made their grand entrance.

“Harry dear, how are you feeling?” asked Molly, as she stood up from the table to approach him. It was then she looked again to see that he and Luna had their arms entwined and she merely whispered a small “oh” while putting her hand to her chest gently, in a way of an apology or shock, Harry wasn’t quite sure.

Ron looked up with a gaping mouth, Hermione nudged him in the ribs and quite disdainfully he shot her a frown.

“He’s hooked up with Loony” whispered Ron to his girlfriend who in turn went to nudge him again but he quickly moved out the way.

“Ha ha, Not so quick that time was you Mione.” He joked.

Hermione tried to hold back a smile but it didn’t work, Ron knew how to make her laugh, he always had, and now she was relieved that she never had to hide it.

“Well it looks like a congratulations is in Order.” said Karis with a pleasing smirk.

Albus Dumbledore had a glint in his eyes which told Harry that he already knew this was likely to happen. He also found it off putting sometimes as he felt he would like to feel in control of his own destiny and feelings, and yet he knew in the presence of Albus and Karis that he never really would be.

He also knew though, that he would never want to be without them; but right now, he had Luna, and for Harry that was enough.

Karis held up her wand, and magically two seats appeared beside Ron and Hermione, who in turn beamed at the approaching couple. They were pleased for Harry; Ron especially, as he had started to feel a little guilty about spending most of his time and his wondering thoughts with Hermione.

“Well Well, Harry and Luna ay!” mocked Ron, with a wink and raised eyebrows.

Harry started to blush a little and made himself busy with piling his plate up with mounds of Turkey with sage and onion stuffing.

“Hey, well done you two.” said Neville with a nod. He then turned to the rest of the DA. “I guess Harry finally found himself a bird after all.” shouted a confident Neville Longbottom over the table.

Ginny nudged him in the arm and shook her head in a way of an apology to Harry and Luna.

Luna however laughed rather loudly and replied. “He just took his time in waiting for the right one Nev!”

There was many a mocking laugh at the table and Harry seemed to go slightly pinker, it even managed to reach the tips of his ears and it was then Luna realised that alone with her he was the confident one, he could express his feelings, and yet in public he found it unnerving, so she quickly spoke a quiet apology in his ear. He however just smiled and touched her hand, again resulting in Luna trying to hold the butterflies at bay by placing a hand on her flat stomach.

Ron leaned over to Harry and whispered in his ear. “Don’t listen to them, they are happy for you Harry, they really are, so are me and Mione.”

Harry turned to his red haired speckle faced friend. “Thanks Ron, I really do care for her, she is quite unique is Luna.” he chuckled.

“Well, like I said, your only sixteen once, right Harry!” Ron replied with a wink.

Harry smiled at the memory of when Ron first said that. Harry felt isolated and alone, he didn’t believe he could ever get close to anyone in that way. The war and Sirius was all he thought of back then, but now he could say he understood, and even agree.

“Yeah, we are, and I’m hoping to make it past sixteen if you don’t mind.” replied Harry, his lips curling at the corners.

Ron laughed. Raising his eyebrows he replied. “Yeah, I think you will, I’ve seen Luna angry Harry, that night at HollowValley when you came out with your hand all burnt. I think if we let her run in and curse Voldemort herself she would have.” Ron managed to keep a straight face, which made his statement even funnier in Harry’s eyes and he laughed out loud.

Luna and Hermione looked up and smiled warmly to each-other. They both had a moment, an understanding moment for the first time, a realisation that their objective was one of the same. Harry was laughing, which meant Harry was happy.

Harry was proud of Ron, because he too had many realisations of his own in the past five months. Ron was no longer afraid to say his name, and by Ron’s standards, that was something Harry knew was a large step for he had grown as a confident wizard; ‘more than Ron even realises himself at times’, Harry thought.

“Oh Harry, before I forget, Karis thought it best that us four open our presents together after dinner, she wanted to make sure you were up, and well, I didn’t want to open anything without you anyway.” interrupted Hermione.

“I have presents?” asked Harry, with an embellished look of surprise.

“Harry, you will always have presents from us, and…well Luna too, now that she is your girlfriend.” replied Hermione, again casting another smile at Luna.

Harry stared at the table, his eyes dreamy and a large smile spread across his face that lit up his eyes. “Thanks, I love you guys!”

“Oh dear! Luna what have you done to our DA leader?” chuckled Ron.

Luna scoffed in amusement, then held out her hand and grasped Harry’s while entwining her fingers with his.

“On a serious note mate, I love ya too, now stop with the mushy and lets get chomping on this lovely lot.” replied Ron, while patting his friend on the shoulder and passing him the brussel sprouts.

“Alright, but firstly there is something I need to say to you Ron.” said Harry.

“What’s that?”

“You were a really cute baby! replied Harry with a fantastically witty tone. “You didn’t have as much freckles then, and you couldn’t talk too well like today, which in my opinion was a delightful thing.” Ron threw Harry a frown, while Harry ignored him and continued.

“You had cake all over your face Ron, and then you rubbed it all in your hair, it was hilarious!” stated Harry with a laugh.

“What the bloody hell are you talking about Harry?” asked a very dubious Ronald.

“Ron, I saw you in my memory at my first birthday, you were there!”

Ron knitted together his brow in disbelief, trying to relive the memory himself but not recalling anything remotely recognisable, while trying to take in what Harry was saying, he glanced over to his Mother, Molly, who was chatting animatedly to Bill and Karis. Who seemed to be enjoying one another’s company.

“I was at your first Birthday party?” Ron questioned sceptically.

Harry chuckled at the stumped expressions on all their faces, then he held out his arms and put them around Ron and Luna’s shoulders, he couldn’t quite reach Hermione’s. “Gather round you three, I have something to tell you.”

-

Harry continued to tell Ron, Hermione and Luna about his experience of his lost memory.

When he had finished they remained sat there in silence. Hermione had one tear escape down the right side of her face, but she smiled to Luna who had grasped Harry’s hand rather hard, which in-turn made his fingers turn shades of blue and purple.

Ron had his head down, taking in the news that he and Harry had met before that day on the Hogwarts Express train on the first of September, in their eleventh year.

“Mum never told me.” Ron whispered, breaking the silence.

“I don’t think Molly was there, I didn’t see her.” replied Harry.

Hermione spoke “She would have been heavily pregnant with Ginny.”

“Oh yeah!” said Ron ardently as the realisation hit him.

“I think you may have come with Neville’s parents Ron, as they too were in the Order and knew my Mum and Dad well.” said Harry.

“Are you going to tell Neville?” asked Hermione

“I think you should Harry, he may like to know, especially as you are all such good friends now.” interrupted Luna.

“Yes, you’re right.” replied Harry, turning to his girlfriend with a comforting smile. “I will tell him tonight.”

“Our lives Harry are just like a chess game, our pieces have been put into place, now we just have to work out how to play them.”

Harry smiled, as did Hermione, who now took hold of Ron’s hand.

“If that’s the case Ron, then I’m glad we are playing on the same side.” replied Harry with a warm smile.

Ron nodded and returned the kind smile, and quietly the four of them got up from the table and left to celebrate the opening of gifts together.

Swizzlestick · 09-09-2006, 09:35 PM

Ron handed a small square wrapped gift to Hermione, who ripped it open fervently, it was their first Christmas together and they were both very excited to be sharing it at Hogwarts, the grandest school in the world, and not at the Burrow or the dank and dark Grimmauld Place. They also felt it to be a little more special for them too, as it was where they both had met and grown into young adults together.

As her small fingers pried open the delicate blue velvet box, her heart leaped into her throat as she took in the splendour presented in front of her.

It was a gold necklace with a light blue stone. If Hermione wasn’t mistaken, it was an Aquamarine gem.

“Merry Christmas Hermione.” said Ron, his freckles slightly overshadowed by his glowing pink cheeks.

Hermione threw her arms around him and whispered a Thank you in his ear, followed by three words that came from her heart. This made Ron blush harder and beam like a Cheshire cat. “I love you too Hermione.” He whispered back as meaningful and honest as she had to him.

Hermione had given Ron a Quidditch masters book full of the history of goalkeepers and theories on successful tactics, along with a broomstick repair kit and a framed picture of them both together that Colin Creevy had taken last year.

Harry and Luna had also taken to the Gryffindor common room, but they sat away from Ron and Hermione, opposite the grand fire.

Karis had made sure that Luna’s gifts were sent there from the Ravenclaw dormitories, and she sat there beaming at all the presents her Father had sent her.

Harry picked up a present that had his name neatly sprawled on the tag, it read: Harry’s eyes only.

He walked over to the window and opened it quietly. Inside was a note.

Harry,

I know that you have already bought Luna a book of Myth and Legend creatures, but I wanted you to have this, as I feel you may like to give it to someone special.

Your big over-protective sister
Karis. x

Harry gently tore open one end of the gift-wrap to see a glint of blue silk.

“Perfect” Harry whispered under his breath. Again wanting to thank Karis from the bottom of his heart at her wealth of understanding and love she always showed him.

He held out his wand “reparo” he whispered as the torn paper healed itself.

“Luna.” said Harry, approaching her. “This is for you.” he handed her the present

“But Harry, you have already given me your gift.” she replied, her eyes alight with the shadows of the flames that danced around the walls from the over lit fire.

“Well, I thought you deserved another one.”

She got up from the floor and gave him a small soft kiss on the lips.

She opened the wrapping and pulled out a beautiful blue silk shawl, she ran it through her hands, with a look of gratitude on her pretty young face. She looked at the label attached, and noticed an inscription. It read “Lily Potter” she gasped and took in a deep breath.

“But….. but Harry…..” she stuttered as she showed him the inscription.

“It was my Mother’s, and I want you to have it.” he replied.

Luna put her head down as her eyes glassed over, she didn’t want him to see but he guessed and pulled her into a tight hug. “Thank you” she whispered. As the ever-occurring flutter of butterflies swam inside her entire being, as she resided to the fact that this was the happiest day of her entire life.

After a few moments Harry and Luna released each-other and he passed her his hanky to borrow and she wiped her eyes and blew her nose rather loudly, which made Ron and Hermione turn around to see what was going on.

“I bought this for you Harry.” said Luna, handing him a very neatly wrapped package. “But it’s no where near as good as what you have given me, I was um…., unaware that we would be together like this at Christmas.” she said awkwardly.

“It’s alright Luna, I didn’t expect anything from you, I am grateful that you went to the trouble to buy me something.”

“Well open it then and tell me what you think.” She replied.

Harry opened his present and to his amazement found a new set of extreme weather Quidditch supplies, including gloves, goggles and what looked like a swimming cap to keep his hair dry.

“Wow, I’ve never seen one of those hats before.” said Harry, taking it out of the packet.

“Neither have I until I read about it on the back of the packaging. It is enchanted to keep the rain off of you completely while playing in harsh weather, also helping in aerodynamics and visibility.”

“Thanks Luna, this is great, it really is.”

“I wish I got you more now, but my Father also gave me one of these for you.” replied Luna, holding out a small certificate.

“What is it?”

“It’s a free full year subscription to the Quibbler.”

“Well tell your Dad thanks from me wont you!” Harry said with a smile.

Luna nodded and Ron and Hermione approached them to see what they had received.

Molly Weasley had sent them all up new knitted jumpers with mince pies and miniature cherry bakewells.

Hagrid had brought them humungous amounts of sweets and chocolate and Remus Lupin had sent along some books on defence against the dark arts that Harry would have betted his entire Gringott Galleon balance that Karis didn’t have a clue about them. Some had very advanced spells in them, that Harry couldn’t wait to try out.

Fred and George had sent them some skiving snack boxes and a fresh pack of fizzy wobblers and a few magical fireworks.

Remus had also sent Harry an individual gift. He unwrapped it slowly and there looking back at him was a black and white picture in a silver frame.

Smiling up at him was a young James, Sirius and Remus from what seemed to look like the start of school; they were so young, no older than eleven years old.

“You really do look like your Father Harry.” Luna said, as she peered down to look at the small portrait that he held in his hands.

“That’s a wonderful present from Remus.” whispered Hermione with a warm smile.

“Yeah.” replied Harry with a beaming grin. “It is.”

Swizzlestick · 09-09-2006, 09:40 PM

Chapter 22 - A New Year for New Revelations

Albus Dumbledore finally agreed for the DA to hold their own New Year’s Eve Party in the room of requirement, after days of nagging from the young guests.

It was put in the capable hands of Hermione, Luna and Ginny to organise everything, and to Harry and Ron’s relief, the three girls seemed to be getting on better than ever.

While they were hanging banners and making party hats, Ron, Harry and Neville spent some quality time together practicing Quidditch, which Neville preferred to spectate in. And sneaking into Hogsmede via the one eyed witch, to gather plenty of Butterbeer and sweets from Zonko’s to keep everyone happy throughout the eventful evening.

Harry had told Neville on Christmas evening about his relived memory, and to Harry’s relief Neville took it very well, he also agreed with Ron that everything worked out as it was supposed to. They had all taken a step forward together in finally accepting the events of the last sixteen years.

“Funny how things work out isn’t it.” Neville said after Harry had relayed his memory along with his after thoughts and feelings. “I mean, even to the point where Ginny and I get together, and she was the reason that Ron came along with me and my parents to your party in the first place. Destiny is a funny thing.”

Harry never thought of that, but the more he, Ron and Neville pieced things together the stranger it all seemed to get. They made a pact between the three of them that no matter what happens; they would always stick together.

Everyone turned up at the room of requirement at 7:30pm on the 31st December, all excited that it was New Years Eve and that they all got to spend it together as Dumbledore’s Army, and as friends.

As midnight struck, the door of the room opened and in walked Karis and Albus who joined in with the jubilant event, and Harry was pleased to have had the chance to embrace his new family member and thank her again for the gift she had sent him for Luna.

The DA huddled together as a group, who in turn wished each-other a Happy New Year, it was then Harry spoke to them all as their leader, and as their friend.

“I don’t know what this year will bring to us all, but going by recent past I know it won’t always be good. However, I want you to remember how far we have all come, and look at what you have each achieved. I am proud to know you all and whatever happens we should always remember our calling for Dumbledore’s Army, and the power of three houses that we hold inside our hearts.”

Harry cleared his throat with a small cough, and then continued.

“Together we are strong, together we are united, and together we can triumph against the trials thrown into our path. A special lady taught me that, and now it is time you understand it too. For this is our year. This is the year of Dumbledore’s Army!”

Everyone stood there, entranced at their Leaders courage and wise words spoken from his sixteen year old lips. Karis watched them intently, her face beaming with pride as she drank in Harry’s speech with awe.

But it was his tactfulness she admired the most. In Harry’s own way, he had told them that this was the year that Voldemort would fight his hardest to reign, it was an inevitable fact; especially now he had his followers support due to Azkaban being no more.

Each and every one of them felt something tingle inside their veins, not knowing whether it was because they had felt the awareness of his words, or whether it was because the DA were congregated together in this way, as one. But Harry felt it was something to do with the united power of three houses, but whatever it was; they all felt it, and they all believed in it.

Swizzlestick · 09-09-2006, 09:44 PM

Part 2

The start of the new term seemed to come around all too quickly, and it was back to animated chatter through the cramped halls, and unfortunately for Harry, Occlumency lessons and Potions.

“Oh great, double potions with Snape on the first day back!” Neville muttered to Harry, while shaking his head.

“Nev, we have always had double potions on a Wednesday.” replied Harry

“Whose idea was it to have first day back on a Wednesday anyway? Why not a Monday, we should have had another half a week off!” grumbled Ron.

“Snape has been alright lately, he just ignores us!” said Hermione, while frantically tugging her potion schoolbook out of her over-packed bag.

They formed a queue outside the dungeon entrance. It was rather quiet and Harry turned around to look down the line of people.

“It’s pleasant! Where’s Malfoy?” asked Harry with a frown.

“Humph, Who cares!” replied Ron with a sneer.

Harry shrugged his shoulders. Hermione was looking around too with a frown on her face.

“Hey Crabbe, where’s Malfoy?” she asked with a raised voice, with her head poking out the queue aiming it towards the back.

“What’s it to you Granger?” spat Goyle.

“I wasn’t talking to you meathead!” she shot, which in turn made many of the Gryffindor’s chuckle in amusement.

Millicent Bulstrode elbowed her way past a couple of the Gryffindor’s and approached Hermione with a defiant frown.

“He hasn’t turned up, Snape is trying to sort it out now, which is why he is late. But what’s it to you anyway Granger? Weasley here not man enough for you anymore?”

“Oi, shut your mouth you stupid fat ugly troll!” shot Neville.

“Hey, Nev, leave it, she isn’t worth it!” said Ron, grabbing his friend by the arm.

Harry stood there with a small grin; he was finding the whole episode rather amusing.

“Oh Neville, protecting your boyfriend are we!” mocked Millicent.

“Millicent, you really are a very sad and lonely individual.” replied Hermione, in a calm manner.

“You want some Granger? Well come on then, just me and you.” said the hateful girl, grabbing for her wand.

“Uh, excuse me? You want me to duel with you?” questioned Hermione with amused eyes.

Millicent sent a curse to Hermione immediately, whom, with just one stroke of her wand blocked it completely.

“You will have to do better than that Millicent!”

“No she won’t! Bulstrode, Back of the queue, NOW!

They both turned around to see Professor Severus Snape approaching; his face was ashen grey and his eyes had dark circles. He didn’t say a word as he stormed past them all and swung open the dungeon door with such a force, it looked like it could have flown off its hinges.

Harry and Ron both looked at each-other with concern. “Something is wrong!” said Hermione upon seeing the looks on their faces. “I think Draco’s in trouble!”

“Well it’s his own bloody fault!” interrupted Seamus.

“I am inclined to agree with you, but even still, if he is than… I think I know why!” said Harry

“Of course, Snape!” replied Hermione, remembering the legilimens stunt Harry pulled on Draco.

“What do you mean?” asked Dean.

“I did Legilimens on Draco and saw that he was acting as messenger to Snape on behalf of Lucius, and now that Voldemort and the Deatheaters have found out about Snape’s double crossing, well, I guess they blame Draco for not noticing what Snape was up to.”

“So if Draco has been, well, you know…. Then it’s on Snape’s hands.” said Ron, with a mild look of dismay on his freckled face.

Harry nodded “And his conscience.”

Hermione let out a small gasp.

“I know we have had our differences but Draco isn’t Deatheater material, I told him so that day I delved into his mind. I tried to warn him!” replied Harry, with a rise of anger in his voice.

“SIT DOWN, SHUT UP AND TURN TO PAGE 27.” spat Snape to the class as they entered the cold dungeon.

Harry gestured for Ron and Hermione to sit near the back, and he and Neville took the table next to them on the left, while Dean and Seamus took the seats in front.

Severus heaved a deep breath and straightened up his posture.

“Now, I want you all to attempt a sleeping draft potion today after you have read page 27. I have put the ingredients on the blackboard. Madame Pomfrey and I will be judging the potions so bottle them up and write your name clearly on the label. You have thirty minutes – Now Begin!”

There was a loud clatter of moving chairs and speech as everyone got up.

“IN SILENCE!” he shouted to them all, as everyone stopped and stared at the Potions Master.

Professor Snape was always very abrupt, but Harry noticed that this was a little over the top, even for Snape’s standards.

Everyone did as they were told, and no-one asked questions, they dared to if truth be told, many students were petrified of Severus, and didn’t have the audacity to question him, even if it seemed like he was having a good day.

Many cauldrons were bubbling after ten minutes and Hermione’s was looking the light pink that it was supposed to, Neville’s however had turned dark purple and Harry’s spat at him every time he tried to stir it.

“Hey Harry.” whispered Seamus.

“What?”

“What if you were right? Snape is definitely upset about something.”

Harry looked up to see Snape staring down at his desk, lost in thought. Harry felt sorry for him. Since he had shook hands with the potions master things had been easier on him as far as Severus was concerned. Hermione was right in the fact that he pretty much ignored them these days, which made life a lot easier. But right now Harry had the inclination to ask him if he was all right.

Severus must have felt Harry’s eyes piercing into him as he sharply put his head up.

Harry quickly cast a small smile, before putting his head down and got back to stirring his spitting potion.

Severus however maintained his eye contact with Harry, which in turn made him look up again. Harry nodded to Severus who quietly muttered the word “Legilimens”

Harry tried to stay as focused as possible in his communication with Snape. He was keeping his memories buried but his mind open. He knew it was working when he saw Snape’s dark brown eyes piercing into him.

“What is wrong Professor?” questioned Harry with concern, before the Professor had a chance to delve any further.

All was silent for a few moments, and Harry could have sworn he sensed deep shock in the Professors connection.

“Draco has been detained by the Dark Lord, and I seemed to have gathered why! Why does it always come back to you Potter?

“Well I didn’t know did I that you were double-crossing like that, I thought you just communicated with the Deatheaters and Voldemort upon orders of Professor Dumbledore, I didn’t know and I’m sorry, but I tried to warn him I really did.” replied Harry on the defensive.

“Yes, I know, it’s not entirely your fault as much as it pains me to admit it, I played a big part in this too! But the thing is, the Dark Lord will not tread lightly because he is Lucius’ son. Draco is in serious danger!”

“What do you want us to do?”

“Nothing for now, just keep alert!”

“OK, I guess we will have to discuss this at the next Order meeting.”

“Yes, and that reminds me, meeting is set for tonight at seven in the Headmasters office, don’t be late!”

Harry nodded and their connection was suddenly broken.

Harry started to sway on his feet and steadied himself rather sharpish.

“You alright Harry?” asked Neville.

“Yeah, I’m fine mate, let’s just get on with this sleeping draft and get out of here!”

“Harry, that has got to be one of the most intelligent orders you have ever given!” joked Neville.

Harry scoffed. “Yeah, it probably is!”

Swizzlestick · 09-09-2006, 09:50 PM

Part 3

“I was right; Draco is in serious trouble, he is being detained by Voldemort.” said Harry in a low hush as they left the potions classroom, about to head down towards transfiguration.

“You don’t think we will be asked to help him do you?” asked Ron with concern.

“I don’t know.” replied Harry, shaking his head.

“I think the Ministry of Magic will have to act with this one and get everyone on board, after all, he’s a sixteen year old student, so he is classed as a minor, they will have to take this seriously!” said Hermione, while continuing to struggle with her bag.

“I am going to buy you a bigger bag Hermione, that thing is ridiculous!” said Ron in passing.

“For your information Ronald I put a charm on it to make it bigger inside, but the thing is, I still have too much stuff!” she replied in exasperation, while shaking her bag violently.

Ron looked at Harry and shook his head while rolling his eyes. “Women.” He muttered under his breath. Harry smiled; he understood how awkward they could be; especially now he had a girlfriend of his own.

Harry and Luna had now been with each-other for two weeks; it seemed a little odd at times because he wasn’t used to the attention in the way that she showed him, but he liked it, and he couldn’t wait to see her at lunchtime.

“By the way, we have a meeting in Dumbledore’s office at seven tonight, we can’t be late.” said Harry, to Ron and Hermione, but there was no questions, no reply at all from his two best friends. Harry turned around to see that they had stopped a few feet behind him, embracing one another tightly, while enjoying a long enduring kiss.

“I give up on you two; it’s like trying to talk to a bloody brick wall!”

“Did you say something Harry?” asked Ron, pulling away.

“Ah, forget it, I’ll tell you at lunch!” Harry turned away and carried on down the hall, but little did they know, he was expressing a large grin on his face.

-

Lunchtime approached and Harry was walking slightly quicker than usual. “Wait up Harry, what’s the hurry?” asked Ron, with Hermione following closely in tow.

“Oh uh…, I’m hungry.” He stuttered

“Liar, you just wanna see Luna so you can have a quick grope in the corner!”

“Oi!” shouted Harry, while hitting Ron in the arm. “I do no such thing, we are not as bad as you two, and besides we haven’t been together long enough to even think about things like that, I’m a gentleman Weasley, unlike you!”

“Oh, he’s just teasing you Harry!” chuckled Hermione, nudging Ron playfully in the ribs.

Harry shook his head and sighed in amusement, but his expression changed when he saw her. Luna was striding up toward him, eyes wide, her tangled mousy hair unnoticeable due to it being covered with a blue shawl, tied around her head in the style of a mexican bandana.

“Luna, what on earth do you have stuck on your head?” asked Ron.

“Oh, shut up freckles, I like it!”

“That’s right Luna, take no notice of him!” said Hermione, while shooting Ron a sardonic glimpse.

Luna put her arms around Harry’s neck and quickly kissed him on his expectant lips. “Do you mind me wearing it around my head?” she asked quietly.

“Not at all, you wear it however you want to, it’s yours!” replied Harry with a beaming smile for his girlfriend, the person he had been most wanting to see all day.

She squeezed him tighter and then he took her by the hand, and together they sat and ate a hearty lunch at the Gryffindor house table.

-

“I can’t believe Draco has been captured like that, I know he’s a prat but even still, I don’t wish it on him.” said Ron, while trying desperately hard to open a fortune cookie without it crumbling all over the table.

“Har-ry?” questioned Hermione slowly, with a vague expression as if her mind was in another place.

“Yes Her-mi-one?” replied an even slower Harry, which amused their small gathering group.

Hermione sat up straight and came back to her senses.

“How do you know for sure this is true, we haven’t spoke to any of the Professors about it yet!”

Harry leant closer into his friends and whispered “Ah, well I have. Snape and I had a little one to one via occlumency.”

Hermione looked flabbergasted. “Harry, that’s amazing!”

“What is?” asked Harry while shoving a large spoonful of jam roly poly and custard into his mouth.

But Hermione didn’t have the chance to reply. Karis had come belting into the great hall and ran straight up to the Gryffindor table.

“Harry, Professor Snape just told me, I am so proud of you.” she said, grabbing him by the shoulders.

She then nudged herself onto the bench in-between Harry and Neville.

“Uh, what’s amazing? I only did occlumency!” stated Harry, a little confused.

“You had a conversation, you didn’t witness memories Harry! That’s a whole new quidditch game!”

“Er, OK, you got me now, what are you talking about Karis?” asked a perplexed Harry.

Karis sighed and rolled her eyes. “Harry, you have done it, finally you have mastered the art of telepathy!”

Harry’s eyes grew wide, and his mouth gaped open ever so slightly; he forgot. How could he forget?

“I thought Snape seemed a little shocked when I spoke to him.”

“Yes he was Harry.” chuckled Karis. “It’s because Severus isn’t telepathic, but as you managed to speak to him you tapped into a part of his mind that allowed him to hold a conversation with you. It did however drain him, he’s had to go and lay down.”

“Way to go Harry!” said a beaming Luna.

“You see the thing is Harry, to use occlumency it is generally only to tap into memories, but what you did was remarkably powerful, and I am so pleased you finally did it. You are just like me now!” said Karis with a wide grin on her face.

“Does this mean we can communicate without being in the same room?” asked Harry

“Yes, it does.”

“But it was Severus who did the legilimens spell, what was he hoping to see if I didn’t speak to him?”

“He wanted to find out if you already knew about Draco before he mentioned it to you, but you pit him to the post by actually introducing speech into your connection.”

“I guess I showed him didn’t I!” said Harry proudly.

Karis, Ron, Hermione, Luna, Neville and Ginny all let out a small laugh.

“Yes you did. But we are to keep this between us! Tell the rest of the DA if you want, and the Order will also have to know, but keep this quiet Harry please, it is better that no-one else outside our ranks find out about this!” said Karis importantly, her large brown eyes holding Harry’s gaze, her forehead creased with stated lines.

“OK.” replied Harry, while the others nodded.

“Right, well get back to lunch, I will see you three at seven!” said Karis, gesturing to Harry, Ron and Hermione.

“Bye Karis.” Harry whispered. “Thank you Professor Karis.” said Hermione as two Ravenclaw students passed by.

Karis smiled, following with a nod and quickly walked away. Harry noticed she had a spring in her step and he smiled to himself.

As Karis walked away she felt relieved. She had come here to teach Harry the art of Occlumency and at a push try to open his mind to telepathy.

Not just anyone could learn it though, it was a very rare and exceptional gift that she had been given at Birth, and it had proved very hard for her to train Harry, but she had succeeded.

She felt proud of herself as she walked towards her classroom, a relaxed smile on her pretty young but tired face. Before she had arrived at Grimmauld Place and had taken her seat at the Professors table of Hogwarts, Albus had expressed concerns and showed doubtfulness about whether she could succeed in her intended venture, which made her feel on-edge and doubt the power she beheld in her own mind, but it also made her more determined, and the lack of confidence held by her Grand Father and that of other members of the Order had sustained her.

“I guess I showed him didn’t I.” she relayed Harry’s words in her mind and smiled. Then quietly muttered to herself. “We showed them all Harry, we showed them all…”

Swizzlestick · 09-09-2006, 09:58 PM

*

Harry met up with Luna after lessons had finished and they went and sat alone in the Room of Requirement. They came here most evenings to spend some quality time together, and they both agreed that it was the highlight of their day.
They spoke animatedly about everything, and Luna was the only person who really knew how Harry felt, especially about the untimely passing of Sirius.

“I wish I had known him.” said Luna, as she placed her head gently on Harry’s shoulder.

“Yeah, he would have liked you, Sirius was quite the character himself!” replied Harry, with a small smile.

“Well, I’m sure that I will meet him one day.” replied Luna, while placing her hand on Harry’s, which was resting comfortably on his knee.

“Do you really believe that?” asked Harry seriously.

“Yeah, I do. Death is but the next great adventure! Well that’s what my Dad says anyway.”

“Funny, Dumbledore said the same thing to me once.” said Harry, his eyes staring up at the ceiling, while he felt Luna’s sweet breath blowing gently on his neck.

“Yeah well, it must be true then, as Dumbledore knows pretty much everything!” said Luna.

“It’s a nice idea. It means I will be with my parents again… one day.”

Luna lifted her head and gave Harry a supporting smile. “You will one day Harry. I would like to meet them too, tell your Mother that she had wonderful taste in head attire.”

“Luna, you’re supposed to wear it around your shoulders!” stated an amused Harry.

Luna laughed. “It would get tangled with my butterbeer corks.”

“Oh yes, and we can’t have that now can we?” replied Harry, while rolling his eyes.

“Are you making fun of me Potter?”

“Maybe… Lovegood!” He replied, mocking her.

With that Luna playfully hit him in the arm. Harry shot her a mischievous grin.

Carefully, without forewarning, he hit her back.

Luna’s eyes grew wide with amusement, so she hit him again, and once more he hit her back. Until she grabbed the cushion that was nestled into her back and whacked him around the head with it.

Harry started laughing. “Right, this is war!” he exclaimed. “Accio cushions.” The room of requirement heard his request and twenty or so fell to his feet, he picked two up and started throwing them at her. She managed to block a few with her hands, while laughing hysterically.

“Hey, that’s not fair!” she shouted, and proceeded to throw them back. She threw one harder than she anticipated and it knocked off Harry’s glasses. She gasped, putting her hand to her mouth. “Are you alright? Oh I am really sorry.” she said sincerely.

He put on a hurt expression and she felt guilt rise inside her stomach. She approached him quickly, but as she reached him he smiled and grabbed her by the waist and pulled her into him.

Luna looked into his eyes, they had something there, a glint that she had seen only fleetingly before, but they were brighter now, they shone into her own and she could clearly make out her reflection in his emerald gaze.

She knew that even with his glasses on, his eyes were beautiful; but without them she found them to be mesmerising. The guilt she felt only seconds before turned into the fluttering tickle of butterflies that she experienced solely in his presence.

Luna gave him a warm smile and gently moved her face toward his and kissed him tenderly on his lips. He responded eagerly and the longer they held each-other, the harder it was for him to let her go, but he kept reminding himself that she was after all still only fifteen, and it would be best to take things slow. But the more he got to know her, spend time with her, the harder it was getting to resist.

As they parted he gradually loosened his hold and watched her as she slowly opened her eyes. “I have to go.” he said regretfully as he noticed that it was nearly seven o’clock and he had a meeting to attend.

Luna didn’t reply, she just nodded and then fell into his chest as he wrapped his arms around her petite frame, and held her for what would be the last time this evening.

“Be careful Harry!” she whispered.

Harry would have asked her what she had meant by that; but he already knew. “Don’t worry, I’m not looking to operate another rescue mission if I don’t have too. The Ministry will be involved fully this time! Draco, is after all a minor in the eyes of the law, until he is seventeen they will have to act.”

Luna let go of Harry’s embrace. “You better go; Snape will give you hell if you are late.”

Harry kissed her softly on the forehead. “Come on, I’ll walk you down the hall.” He said while holding out for her hand. She eagerly took it and held it tight, and they departed the Room of Requirement together.

Swizzlestick · 09-09-2006, 10:01 PM

“Where the bloody hell have you been?” exclaimed Ron as Harry entered the Gryffindor Common Room.

“Sorry, got a little sidetracked.”

“Harry, what is that in your hair?” asked Hermione, while pulling it out with her fingers. “It looks like a feather.”

“Oh… yeah, probably those cushions.” replied Harry loudly but nonetheless to himself, as the memory was still so clear, he held an amused smirk.

Ron held up his hand and replied. “I don’t think I wanna know.”

Harry sighed while shaking his head in disbelief at Ron’s insinuation, then said drolly “C’mon you two, let’s get out of here!”

They quickly approached the Headmasters quarters. “Oh bugger, what’s the password?” asked Ron.

“Fizzy Wobbler?” said Harry.

Nothing…..

“Skiving Snackboxes?” Said Ron.

Nothing….

“Uh, Droobles best blowing gum?.” Said Hermione

Nothing…..

Harry thought for a few moments.

“Prankster Pumpkin Juice!”

Still Nothing….

“Bertie Botts every flavour beans?” Said Ron.

Nothing…….. Ron sighed.

“Chocolate Frogs!” Said Hermione

But still no movement. The stone gargoyle however seemed to be smiling.

“Oh this is stupid, we are late now! The meeting started five minutes ago!” shot an agitated Hermione, while looking at her wrist watch.

“Nice Gargoyle.” said Ron pleasantly. “Please let us in, Professor Albus Dumbledore is expecting us.”

The Gargoyle shook his head.

“Please…?” begged Hermione.

Still, he refused to let them through.

“Great. Thanks for nothing!” muttered Ron.

“Hang on, I have an idea, but I will need you to keep quiet!” said Harry

Ron and Hermione just looked at him questionably. Harry stood still and closed his eyes, concentrating with his entire being.

“Karis Dumbledore.” He whispered. He was searching his mind, trying to find a connection, trying to call her to him.

Nothing came at first, but then gradually he felt a tingle roll down his spine. He shivered for a few seconds, and then he heard her, faintly… Her soft voice carrying as if it was being spoken into the wind.

“Karis, It’s Harry, we can’t get in.” he repeated this thought over and over again. “What’s the Password?” he could hear a faint echo, it was trying to speak. It became clearer the harder he concentrated, he was screwing his face up, desperately fighting to keep the connection alive.

He jumped out of his skin, because it was suddenly so loud, and so clear. “You surprise me by the day Harry, the password is fire whisky, I think Albus needs something stronger than candy right now as he’s not in the best of moods! Now get up here!” she giggled.

Harry broke the connection and steadied himself. Ron and Hermione grabbed an arm each. “Whoa, what did you do?” asked Ron.

“The password is fire whisky, and I did it, I contacted Karis through telepathy.” He replied, while trying to rub his head. “Got a nasty headache coming on now though.”

The stone Gargoyle looked surprised, he then bowed his head to Harry as he said the password; and Harry muttered a small thank you to his affability.

“Now leg it!” said Ron quickly, passing the Gargoyle.

They took the stairs three at a time, and Harry stopped quickly outside the door, but Ron didn’t see it, as he was looking behind watching the Gargoyle staring at them closely.

“AHHHHH”.

Ron had run straight into the back of Hermione, who was standing directly behind Harry; they fell in through the door in sequence, with a very loud CRASH!

“Ouch! Ron, you idiot!” shot Hermione, as she landed hard on top of Harry, bumping heads with him.

“Well better late than never I guess!” said Dumbledore.

“Oh, er, Sorry Professor, we didn’t know the password.” stuttered Hermione, getting up from the floor and looking completely mortified, and feeling totally embarrassed at the now witnessing, large congregation of the Order of the Phoenix.

Karis held an amused grin on her face, Snape however looked less pleased and Remus Lupin’s shoulders could be seen shaking, where he was trying to hold in his over-whelming need to laugh – hysterically!

“Shut the door please Ronald.” Gestured Dumbledore; to the tall red-haired lanky young man, who had caused the disarray entrance.

“Yes sir, uh, sorry Professor.” He mumbled, as he did what he was asked, feeling like a complete idiot.

“Ah, don’t worry Ron, it happens to me all the time.” said Tonks, she held a sparkle in her eye, and Ron smiled briefly in relief at her effort to ease his conscience.

“Now the meeting has just begun, and as you know the Order here and the Ministry of Magic will be looking into the capture of Draco Malfoy.” said Dumbledore to the three young D.A. members.

“Do we know if he is being detained at Hollow Valley Orphanage?” asked Harry.

“No Harry, I went there earlier today in the form of a fruit fly, there was no buzz, except myself of course!” replied Tonks with a wink, which made many of the Order members grimace at her remark. “Well I thought it was funny! She retorted, rolling her eyes at Harry.

Harry smiled, he lost sight of how fun Tonks could be at times. Karis however was standing next to Tonks, and they both seemed to find her remark comical, especially Karis, as she had to keep looking away in hope that no one noticed.

But one did, he always noticed! Severus Snape tapped her on the arm, and whispered something to her. She stopped immediately and put her head down.

Something welled up inside of Harry, he started to feel angry. “How dare he shoot her down like that.” He thought.

“Harry, are you listening to me?” asked Albus Dumbledore.

“Yes, sorry Professor, please continue.” replied an over confident Harry, who in truth hadn’t listened to a word his Headmaster had said.

“A rescue mission will take place at the Malfoy Manor.” continued Dumbledore.

“How do you know he’s being detained at home?” interrupted Harry.

Albus looked at Tonks, who took her cue to answer. “Narcissa contacted me through an Owl, she managed to get a note out of the house before the Deatheaters raided the upstairs of the manor. She didn’t know who else to turn too, after all, she couldn’t exactly ask help of dear Bella, she was in on the raid.”

“Narcissa Malfoy has asked for our help?” asked Harry, feeling angrier by the second.

“Narcissa didn’t have much choice; after all, I am her niece, and the one and only nice member of the family!” Tonks quoted the word family quite sarcastically.

“Harry, its not Narcissa’s fault!” said Karis, as she noticed his growing agitation. “Her son is in trouble and she too is now being detained by the Deatheaters as she fears for her son, therefore Voldemort now regards her as weak and a disappointment. Narcissa has never been a Deatheater; a wife who worships the ground her husband walks on, but never a Deatheater!”

“She married one, and she allows Lucius to torture people for financial gain and pleasure, yet she was never a Deatheater you say?! Well I’m sorry Karis, anyone who allows that, who can still love someone who does such things is as bad as a Deatheater!” shot Harry, he wasn’t giving an inch on this.

Karis drank in his words considerably and could see where he was coming from, after all Karis never liked Narcissa either, she had only met her once, and that was bad enough.

“So you wouldn’t be interested in helping the Ministry and the Order in planning their rescue then?” asked Remus.

Hermione and Ron both looked directly at Harry, their faces searching his expression, questionably awaiting his answer.

Harry sighed, he stayed silent for a few moments before speaking. “I didn’t say that, but the D.A. will play no part in this, they have been through enough already. Members can join if they wish but I won’t order them too, the vote will have to be unanimous. You must remember that Draco is not well liked, he has caused pain and emotional upset to many students, and I will not order them to risk their life to save his, but you can count me in, and only me, until I have spoken to the rest of the D.A.!”

“If you’re in Harry then so am I!” replied Ron

“And me!” said Hermione.

“Don’t do this because I am. This is the Malfoy’s we are talking about here! Lucius has tried to kill us all; Draco will too if Voldemort spares him his life, he will feel like he owes him, and no doubt that will mean aiming for us. I am only doing this because I know its right, but don’t join in if you don’t want too!” replied Harry to his best friends. “Except Luna!” he added. “She isn’t getting involved in this!”

“Isn’t that up to your girlfriend Harry? Or are you making decisions for her already?” retorted Snape sarcastically, his taunt pale face protruding a creased contemptuous frown.

Harry however simply ignored him.

“No, Karis is right Harry, it’s not Narcissa and Draco’s fault. It’s Lucius’ and no-one else’s!” replied Hermione. “Karis, what of Lucius? Is he restraining his own son?”

Karis nodded. “Yes, I’m afraid so, he is bound to the Dark Mark, and in doing so he has raised his rank in the Deatheater circle. Voldemort is proud of him. For he has chosen the cause over his own flesh and blood. Lucius has earned place of right hand Wizard. It isn’t looking good for Draco at all. Narcissa’s life may be spared however, as Lucius may have a say in her destiny. But Draco’s is in the hands of Voldemort, it is up to him what his fate holds.

Harry nodded, taking in Karis’ words. Albus stayed quiet, feeling quite comfortable that his Grand Daughter had all of a sudden taken charge over the meeting.

“Are you sure this isn’t a set up to get the Order and the Ministry in one place at the same time, so they can set out to do something else, like they did to Alastor?” asked Hermione.

“Many of the Order members looked at her. Harry was very proud of her, speaking up like that; probably because it was something that hadn’t even crossed his mind.

“That is something we will have to take into account, which is why we need help from the D.A. but as you have also said Harry, your votes will have to be unanimous first, and I respect that.” replied Albus Dumbledore. “Now, you may leave if you wish, I think we have discussed the necessary.”

Harry, Ron and Hermione nodded and turned to leave the room. “Oh Harry, well done by the way, you again proved a foolish old man wrong!” said Albus.

Harry glanced at Karis who had a proud beaming smile for him, he smiled back and replied. “It’s your Grand Daughter you should be congratulating Professor, she truly is an amazing teacher!” With that Harry left the room, closing the door gently behind him.

“That was a nice thing to say Harry.” Hermione said as they walked slowly back to the common room.

“I meant it, I think he loses sight of how truly amazing she is!”

“You really care for her don’t you Harry!” replied Hermione.

Ron rolled his eyes. “That’s an understatement of the century Mione!”

Harry laughed, while Hermione scowled at her boyfriend. “Yeah I do.” replied Harry. “I regard her as family, just like I do the pair of you two! However, I can’t for the life of me remember why!” Harry joked.

Hermione giggled and took Harry by one arm and Ron by her other, and sandwiched between the pair, they trudged to the Gryffindor common room together.

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