Searching for Dawn

Searching for Dawn

Chapter 1

"Prodigal"

He stared into the face that haunted his dreams. That face, more snakelike than human, with red eyes that glowed eerily against the pale skin. The mouth was curled up in laughter, even as the Dark Lord knew his death was imminent.

"Harry Potter," said Lord Voldemort, "I will never be truly dead as long as you live."

"Liar!" yelled Harry, raising his wand to cast the final curse. The killing curse.

Voldemort laughed, an inhuman laugh that made Harry's stomach lurch. "You used dark magic to bind me. Now you're ready to kill me in my helplessness, just to avenge the death of your pitiful parents. Anger, hatred, dark magic - you have become me in order to destroy me."

Harry hesitated, then thought, "No! I can't let him get to me!" Even though he knew it sounded silly and dramatic, he said, "I'm going to rid the world of you for the good of everyone."

"Yes, but at the cost of your soul, Harry Potter!" said the Dark Lord, laughing again.

The laughter only strengthened Harry's resolve. He raised his wand. "Avada Kedavra!"

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Fourteen months later...

He was running down a dark street, the pounding footsteps behind him getting closer. He had to get away from them; he was terrified of being caught. He ducked into an alley, but they followed. He felt the panic in his stomach as he faced a dead end...

Harry awoke with a start, panting and drenched in sweat. He knew what the dream meant. "Time to go," he said aloud.

The young wizard got up slowly from the creaky bed, his hangover headache just beginning to throb. He threw his wand, his clothes, and the half-empty bottle of Jack Daniels into his duffle bag. He looked around the room to make sure he hadn't forgotten anything, and noticed his glasses sitting on the sink. He smiled grimly to himself - he'd thought everything was blurry because of the hangover.

The motel desk clerk looked at Harry strangely when he asked to check out at 3 AM, but Harry just gave him a fifty dollar bill and said, "Keep the change." He knew the Muggle clerk would understand better when the Aurors showed up in a few hours. Harry had heard rumors that a bunch of weirdos with British accents were looking for him. He was sure they were dressing like Muggles, but he knew from experience that most wizards had trouble blending into the non-magic world.

Harry threw the duffel bag in the back of his car and jumped over the door into the driver's seat. He flipped a coin to determine which direction to travel, and headed south.

He frowned as he looked at the coin again. It was a Knut. He thought he had converted all his wizard money to American dollars at the Gringotts branch in New York City. He was down to about $200, and his Gringotts vault in London was empty. Not that he could get to it anyway - he was sure the Ministry of Magic was watching it closely. Maybe, if he got desperate enough, he could sell the Knut as a rare coin to some unsuspecting Muggle. He knew that was probably breaking a few laws since wizards were not supposed to take advantage of non-magic folk in any way, but as he was "wanted" anyway, what did it matter?

His car sliced through the oppressive darkness. His car! He could sell the car, and buy a less expensive one. He felt a twinge of sadness. The brand new Ford Mustang convertible was the first car he had ever owned, and he was really enjoying it. Of course, if he had settled for something less than a fully loaded sports car, he wouldn't be running out of money now.

As the eastern horizon began to lighten, Harry saw the sign, "Welcome to Florida". He thought of the beach. Since he had never been near an ocean, he thought of pictures he had seen on television and in books. He remembered his friends, Ron and Hermione, talking about their trips to the beach with their families, but quickly shoved those thoughts aside; they were too painful.

He continued deeper into Florida, and thought more and more about the beauty of the beach. He suddenly whipped the car to the left, heading east, toward the ocean.

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Remus Lupin strode quickly to Professor Dumbledore's office. He thought about how quiet it was at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry during summer holidays. Remus was a teacher at Hogwarts, but had been searching for Harry since end of term. The Ministry of Magic was officially looking for Harry, and Remus had aided them during the previous summer, but the Ministry had unofficially given up. Harry seemed to be gone without a trace.

Harry had suddenly disappeared after he killed Lord Voldemort fourteen months before, at the end of his seventh and final year at Hogwarts. He hadn't finished the term nor taken his final exams, known as N.E.W.T.'s (Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Tests). Remus sighed. Harry was the most talented student he had ever had in his four years as Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. He also thought of Harry as a close friend, but was completely puzzled by the disappearance.

Not that Harry had led an easy life. His parents, James and Lily, had been murdered by the evil Lord Voldemort when he was only a year old. (Oddly, Voldemort had been unable to kill Harry, and had vanished for thirteen years.) Harry had been forced to live with his aunt and uncle, who hated anything to do with magic, including Harry. When Harry entered the wizarding world at age eleven, it had been as a celebrity - he was known as "The Boy Who Lived" since he had survived the Dark Lord's curse as a baby. Remus knew Harry had hated the spotlight and longed to be a normal kid, but his fame and continued encounters with Voldemort prevented that. Harry had not only faced the Dark Lord several times during his teen years, he had also witnessed many deaths, including his godfather.

Remus winced as he thought of Sirius. Fate had been so unfair to him. Sirius had spent eleven years in prison for a crime he didn't commit. When he finally escaped, he had been forced to hide from the Ministry of Magic until he was killed. After his death, Remus and Harry had been able to share in each other's grief.

Remus had never had children, but thought he couldn't have loved a son more than Harry. Then, as Harry's seventh year at Hogwarts began, he had slowly withdrawn from all of his friends, including Remus. He had become pale, thin, and tired; it appeared he wasn't eating or sleeping properly. Remus had asked Ron Weasley, Harry's best friend, if he knew what was wrong with Harry.

Ron had said, "Now that you mention it, he has looked at bit peaked lately. Maybe he's just worried about You-know-who." Ron refused to say "Voldemort".

Remus countered, "Yes, but I asked him about it yesterday and he almost bit my head off. Has he been cranky around you and Hermione?"

Ron only shrugged. Remus searched his face. Although it wasn't as obvious, Remus noticed some of the same signs of weariness in Ron's face. He also noticed a closed look in Ron's eyes, as if he had something to hide. Remus sighed. Since Harry's grades in Defense Against the Dark Arts remained excellent, and he was his teacher and not his father...

"OK," he told Ron, "Just please promise me you'll let me know if he needs my help."

Ron had only nodded slightly and walked away. Remus wished now he had pushed harder, had found out what was going on...

He was jolted back to the present by the realization that he had passed the secret entrance to Professor Dumbledore's office. He retraced his steps, mumbled, "Canary Custard," and entered. Albus Dumbledore, Hogwarts Headmaster, looked old and tired, but there was a light of hope in his eyes that hadn't been there the last time Remus had seen him. Although Dumbledore would never tell his age, it was assumed to be 150 years at least.

"Thanks for coming Remus. Sit down."

Remus settled himself in a squashy armchair and looked expectantly at the Headmaster.

Dumbledore didn't waste words. "Have you made any progress in your search?"

"Only if you like chasing wild geese," said Remus bitterly. "He could be anywhere in the world - it's like searching for a needle in a haystack."

Dumbledore smiled slightly. "I think that's enough Muggle clichés for one day, Remus."

Remus managed a small laugh. "Sorry, but the last few weeks I've been looking in the Muggle world, and I think they're starting to rub off on me."

"That's what I wanted to talk to you about," said Dumbledore. "Yesterday I heard some interesting information from a contact within the Ministry. Have you heard of the Cloaked Vigilante in the United States?"

"A little," said Remus, wondering what this had to do with Harry. "Even the Muggles here in Britain seem to think he's a great hero. But why is the British Ministry interested?"

"The British Ministry is working with the American Ministry of Magic because in the vast majority of incidents, the Muggles reported that the Vigilante had a British accent."

"Ah," replied Remus. "So they think it's a Brit using magic on the American muggle criminals."

"Yes," said Dumbledore, looking at Remus very intently through his half-moon spectacles, "but my contact at the Ministry said something yesterday which caught my attention. Although they have never been able to even see, much less apprehend, the Cloaked Vigilante, in a few cases something resembling a deer has been seen fleeing the scene."

A deer ... realization slowly dawned on Remus' face.

Dumbledore smiled. "Now you see why I owled you. I think your haystack just got a lot smaller."

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Harry stared into the face that haunted his dreams. That face, more snakelike than human, with red eyes that glowed eerily against the pale skin. The voice said, "Harry Potter, I will never be truly dead as long as you live!"

As the green light flashed around him, other faces floated by, speaking to him.

Hermione's face, saying, "Harry, are you sure we should be researching dark magic? It seems wrong to fight evil with evil."

Ron's face, saying, "Harry, this dark magic stuff we're researching is giving me nightmares. I hope you find what you're looking for soon."

Dumbledore's face, saying, "Harry, be careful not to become what you're trying to destroy."

Professor Trelawney's face, saying, "...the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not..."

Then Voldemort's face again, laughing, saying, "Look at yourself!"

Harry turned, and there was a mirror behind him. As he watched, his facial features slowly morphed into Voldemort's. As he stared in horror, he heard Voldemort saying, "But at the cost of your soul, Harry Potter!"

Harry screamed, "NOOOOOOO!"

Harry awoke with a start. He jumped up, wincing at the pounding in his head, and fumbled for his glasses. He managed to get them on his face as he staggered to the dingy motel-room mirror. He looked at his reflection and saw - his reflection. He sighed in relief.

It didn't matter how many times he had the dream. He still needed the reassurance of seeing his own face in the mirror when he awoke. He would have given almost anything for a potion for dreamless sleep, but he was afraid of being caught if he showed his face in a wizard apothecary. Harry Potter was recognized all over the wizarding world, even in America, so he was hiding in the Muggle world. It meant he didn't have to move quite as often; he was growing tired of running.

Harry regarded his face critically. His empty green eyes stared back at him. He still wasn't used to the absence of the scar, even though he was grateful the identifying mark was gone. The outward sign of his connection with the Dark Lord had disappeared upon Voldemort's final demise.

He sighed as he realized how terrible he looked; the months of alcohol abuse had taken their toll. Of course, there was no helping his hair; no matter what he did, it was always a mess. "I must not have taken enough 'potion'," he thought grimly, as he looked around the room for the bottle of Jack Daniels.

He took a long drink, then removed his glasses and splashed cold water on his face. He drank the rest of the bottle down, and then stepped outside with the vague idea of getting another bottle.

Harry's motel room opened to the beach. The sun was high in the sky and he blinked in the brilliant sunlight. He staggered down to the water and sat down heavily on the sand. The rhythm of the waves lulled him into a stupor as he lost track of time staring at the ocean. He looked up and saw a figure approaching him. Harry blinked, and then gaped. It was Hermione. But that was impossible - Hermione couldn't have found him. If he could see Hermione's face, he must not have drunk enough "potion". He staggered to his feet to find a liquor store, but collapsed. He vaguely heard a voice calling his name before everything went black.

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Harry awoke to pitch darkness. His tongue felt too big for his mouth, his head felt like it was splitting in two, and his skin burned all over. Then he realized it wasn't dark at all, it was just that he couldn't get his eyelids to open. He opened his mouth and slurred, "What time is it?"

A voice answered, "It's late, go back to sleep. You're safe."

Harry thought the voice sounded familiar and tried to say, "Who's there?" but he drifted back into dreamless sleep.

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Ginny Weasley sat at the kitchen table, frowning over the guest list for the Bridesmaids' Brunch, her red hair shining in the candlelight. She had been very surprised when Hermione Granger had asked her to be Maid of Honor, even though she was marrying the youngest of her six brothers. Hermione had just said, "I feel closer to you than any other girlfriend, Ginny." And Ginny, feeling honored, had hugged and thanked her.

Ginny looked up from the guest list and pondered. Hermione didn't have any siblings, and she had asked her only cousin to be a bridesmaid. Her childhood friends before Hogwarts were all Muggles; she had probably lost touch with them. She hadn't really been close to any of the girls at Hogwarts - she had just hung around Ron and Harry all the time.

Harry. It was painful to think of Harry. But it was still almost impossible to think of Ron and Hermione without Harry.

It had started as a silly school-girl crush when she was eleven years old. She had admired her brother's best friend not because of his fame, but because of his aversion to it. By the time she was fourteen, the adoration had faded and she had enjoyed dating other boys. The absence of the crush had allowed her to get to know Harry as a person, and she had been included in a few of his many "adventures".

However, during her sixth year at Hogwarts, she realized that she was unconsciously comparing every boy she dated to HIM. But Harry had been so distant that year, his seventh. He would hardly talk to anyone besides Hermione and Ron. Ginny had watched as he slowly looked more and more ill, his eyes more blank. She once gathered the courage to ask Ron if Harry was ok, but Ron had told her to mind her own business. She suspected Ron was worried about him, too.

Then he had disappeared, never knowing how she felt.

Ginny heard footsteps approaching and quickly squeezed her eyes shut to hold back the threatening tears. A voice behind her said, "I didn't know anyone was still up."

Ginny replied, "I'm just trying to get this list done since Hermione will be here tomorrow."

The groom came around to face her and smiled. "Don't keep her TOO busy with wedding stuff. Let me have a little time with her." Then Ron saw her face and his expression changed to concern. "Is something wrong?"

"No," Ginny answered too quickly, "I'm fine."

Ron nodded with understanding. "Yeah," he said slowly, "I miss him, too."

"Who?" Ginny asked sharply.

Ron sighed. He had known for a long time. It hurt him to see the pain in her eyes every time Harry was mentioned. Yes, Harry's disappearance had hurt Ron and Hermione, but they took comfort in each other. There was no comfort for Ginny's unconfessed and unrequited love. "You miss Harry," Ron said simply.

Ginny looked at him in surprise, feeling embarrassed that she had been so transparent. As the tears threatened to spill over, Ron sat beside her and awkwardly took her into his arms. The sobs shook her whole body, and Ron didn't bother to check the tears that trickled out of his own eyes.

Ginny finally pulled back and composed herself. She was embarrassed about the breakdown, but couldn't help feeling relieved that her closest brother knew about her private pain. She looked into Ron's eyes. "Will he come back?"

Ron couldn't bear the look of despair in her eyes. "He has to," he said quietly.

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Harry woke again, this time to pale light. A face slowly swam into focus above him. "Professor Lupin?" He said, "What are you doing here? Where am I?"

Remus looked relieved. "We're in Florida. I found you on the beach. This is my motel room. And please call me Remus; I'm not your teacher anymore, Harry."

Harry tried to sit up, but Remus pushed him back onto the bed. "Not too fast - the hangover potion I gave you is good, but I'm not sure how it's going to react with the re-hydration potion, sunburn cream, and the dreamless sleep draught."

Harry looked around the room - it looked just like his, only opposite. "Hey," he said, "we must be staying in the same motel. Is my stuff still in my room?"

"You haven't been in a fit state for me to ask about your living accommodations," said Remus grimly. "I'll go get your stuff later."

Harry sat up, more slowly this time, and moaned as the room started spinning.

"Give yourself a little more time," Remus said. "By the way, when's the last time you ate anything?"

"I don't know; how long have I been asleep?"

"Almost 24 hours."

"Oh, well, I think I had some Jack Daniels right before I went to the beach," said Harry. "Can you get me some more?"

"What's Jack Daniels?" asked Remus.

Harry smiled. "You haven't been in America very long. It's Muggle whiskey. Pretty good stuff. Want to try some with me?"

Remus shook his head, picked up the phone, and ordered a pizza.

"When did you learn to use a telephone?" asked Harry curiously.

Remus put the phone down. "I'm a man of many talents. I don't really want to leave you alone right now."

"Why?" asked Harry. "Afraid I'll bolt?"

Remus gave Harry a long look. "No," he said, "I don't think you'll run away. But like I said, I'm not sure how all those potions will react with each other."

"How did you get the medicine?"

"I brought Hedwig with me. I've been trying not to use her much, though - I'm pretending to be a Muggle, like you."

Hedwig was Harry's owl. "How is she?" he asked Remus.

"She's fine. You must have talked to her before you left - she refused to take any messages to you."

"Yes, I did," acknowledged Harry. "I told her to stay with you - I knew you'd take care of her and she'd have lots of company at the school Owlery." He was quiet for a moment, and then suddenly blurted, "Aren't you going to ask me where I've been and what I've been doing?"

Remus sighed. He spoke slowly, "Don't worry, I will. You owe us all an explanation. You had no right to do this to people who love you. But we'll save "true confessions" until you're feeling a little better."

Harry breathed a sigh of relief. The room was still spinning, and he felt a little nauseated. He lay back down on the bed.

Remus picked up the remote control and turned on the television.

The local news was just starting. Harry started to doze, but perked up as the fifth news item was read:

"Police have been unable to identify the person who helped capture nineteen-year-old Homer Wrigley three days ago as he tried to rob a local liquor store. The clerk on duty, Missy Parsons, says someone in a black cloak came into the store and the gun suddenly flew out of Wrigley's hands, hitting him on the head. The cloaked person checked to ensure Wrigley was unconscious and then told Parsons to call police before running out the door. Parsons' description of her savior matches the Cloaked Vigilante, who has been preventing crimes all over the United States, apparently by magic."

The TV clicked off, and Harry looked up at Remus, startled. Remus was studying him intently. "It's you, isn't it." It wasn't a question.

Harry was prevented from answering by a pounding on the door. Remus pulled out his wand and said, "Who is it?"

"Domino's."

Remus pocketed his wand, opened the door, and paid the man. "Dinner," he told Harry, "or lunch, or breakfast - when IS the last time you ate anything?"

Harry looked confused. "I'm really not sure. I think I might have eaten some donuts a few days ago when I was in Georgia. What kind of pizza did you get?"

After he had eaten over half the pizza ("Hey, slow down," Remus tried to warn him. "It's not good to eat too much after a fast.") Harry was ready to talk.

"One night I was paying for petrol and a kid came in with a gun. I assumed he was trying to rob the gas station, so I panicked ... I acted without thinking ... I magically intervened. I didn't realize until after it was over that I had broken the law."

"Harry, you know you can't use magic on Muggles! You're just asking for Azkaban!" Azkaban was the wizarding prison in Europe.

"I know, but once I had done it, I knew I was in trouble already, so why not do it again? Does that make any sense at all?"

"No, not really, but I'm not a teenager under the influence of alcohol," Remus said thoughtfully. "But how did you keep finding the crimes?"

"I'm not sure," said Harry, looking puzzled, "they just seemed to keep finding me. Every time I went to a new town I happened upon an attempted robbery, usually at a liquor store or a petrol station. It got to the point that whenever I felt the urge to go out, I just took the black cloak with me."

"So you seem to be able to predict the crimes."

"I guess so. I know this sounds pretty weird."

"Yeah," said Remus, "if I didn't know you better, I would almost think you were setting up the crimes to make yourself famous. You know that's what the authorities will think."

"Well, I don't need the crimes and cloak for that," Harry said bitterly. "I could have stayed in Britain and had all the fame I ever wanted."

"Which brings us to the next Big Question - why did you leave in the first place?"

Harry didn't answer. Instead, he stood up suddenly and ran to the toilet. "I TOLD you not to eat so much!" said Remus, shaking his head.

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Hermione sat across the table from Ginny, sipping tea. She was examining the guest list for the Bridesmaids' Brunch to be held the day before the wedding. Ginny had insisted on giving it, even though Hermione knew she probably couldn't afford it on her clerk's salary. They were going to Samantha's Garden, a beautiful wizard tea room in London.

"OK," she said to Ginny, "I see the four bridesmaids listed here: you, Parvati, Lavender, and Sheila. Then there's my mom and grandmother, your mom, Bill's wife, and Fred's fiancée. I don't know the other people."

Ginny explained, "Melinda and Mary are my two closest aunts. Sarah is Mary's daughter; she'll be starting Hogwarts this year, so I thought she would be old enough to come. I hope it's ok that I invited Fred's fiancée, Fiona - I figured she's close enough to family, and I love her to pieces!"

"That's fine," said Hermione, smiling, "I really like Fiona, too."

"Is there anyone else from your family I should invite?"

"The only one I can think of is Sheila's mom, Susan," Hermione answered. "I'll owl you the address when I get home."

"Great. Now does everyone in your family know we're wizards? If not, the restaurant could be a little alarming."

"I think so," said Hermione. "What about transportation for those who can't Apparate?"

Ginny considered. "I think the only one on my side who can't is Sarah, since she's underage, but Mary will take care of getting her there. What should we do about your side? They won't be able to see Samantha's Garden when they get there; it will just look like an old warehouse."

"I'll talk to Mom when I get home - maybe they can all ride in her minivan together."

"Is Ron going home with you this time?" asked Ginny. Ron and Hermione had both been living with their respective parents since leaving Hogwarts, but stayed with each other so often they were together more than apart.

"Is Ron what?" said Ron as he burst in the back door, panting and red-faced.

"Hey!" Ginny yelled at him. "This is MY time with the bride - you get her later!"

Ron grinned. "The GROOM has to wait until later? That's really not fair!" He walked over to Hermione and lazily dropped an arm around her shoulders.

Ginny watched as they smiled at each other. She couldn't help smiling when she saw them together, but it still made her feel a little sad, even though it had been more than a year since the third of the trio had been missing.

Ginny swiped at a tear, hoping the lovebirds hadn't noticed, as Ron stooped to kiss Hermione. But Hermione suddenly pushed Ron away shouting, "Yuck! You stink! What have you been doing?"

Ron grinned. "Playing Quidditch, what else do you think I do on Saturdays?" The Weasleys were obsessed with the wizard sport. Normally Ginny would have been playing, too, but today her Maid of Honor duties took precedence.

"You're not touching me again until you take a shower!" Hermione shouted.

Ron's grin broadened. "So you promise I WILL get to touch you after my shower?"

Hermione blushed furiously. "Get out of here, you animal!" She crumpled up a bit of parchment and threw it at him.

"OK, OK," Ron said as he grabbed a scone from the plate on one side of Hermione while stealing a kiss on the opposite cheek. Then he ducked out quickly as Hermione wadded up more ammunition.

Hermione sighed, still blushing. "Remind me - why am I marrying a hormone-crazed lunatic?"

Ginny looked at her with eyebrows raised.

"OK," said Hermione, resigned, "I know - stupid question."

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About twenty four hours after the pizza incident, Harry began to feel almost normal again. Remus had gone to a nearby grocery store and bought some food that Harry found a little gentler on the stomach. He had also gone to Harry's room to get his bag. Harry walked out of the bathroom in clean clothes, rubbing his hair with a towel.

Remus looked at him approvingly. The color had returned to his face, and he wasn't shaking as much. "How do you feel?" he asked.

"Almost human," Harry answered. "But this headache just won't quit."

"It might not go away for a few days," said Remus, "I think you were becoming dependent on alcohol."

"I didn't know wizards could."

"They can, but it takes a lot longer than it does with Muggles. You've obviously been abusing alcohol for quite some time."

Harry looked closely at his favorite Hogwarts teacher for the first time since he'd come to Florida. The lines on his tired face had deepened, and his hair was almost completely gray. He felt a twinge of guilt as he realized this was probably due to his disappearance. He had tried not to think about how his absence was affecting his friends. "How did you find me?" Harry asked suddenly.

"Actually, it was Professor Dumbledore who had the hunch. He heard through his Ministry connections that sometimes a deer was seen leaving the scene of the crime after the Cloaked Vigilante disappeared. I came to America, watched the muggle news for the latest incident, and then started asking at local motels. It was really pretty simple. There's not many 19-year-olds with British accents traveling alone. But I don't think anyone else has connected the Cloaked Vigilante with Harry Potter." Remus' expression became severe. "When did you become an Animagus? And why didn't you tell me about it?"

Harry looked resigned. "I became an Animagus during the fall of my seventh year - it's been almost two years, now. But how did you and Dumbledore guess I could turn into a stag?"

"Your Patronus was always a stag. And, of course, your father could turn into a stag. So we guessed. But why didn't you tell anyone? It's illegal to have the ability to change into an animal unless you're officially registered."

Harry looked away. "Can we talk about something else right now?"

Remus sighed heavily. "I'll drop it for now, but you've got to come clean with me eventually, OK?"

"I will," said Harry, "just give me a little more time. Did you owl Professor Dumbledore?"

"Yes, I told him where we are and the situation as I know it so far. He's not going to tell anyone we've found you for now."

"Thanks," said Harry, relieved.

"What's going on Harry?"

"How are Ron and Hermione?" Harry asked quickly to change the subject.

Remus sighed again. He was afraid if he pushed Harry too hard, he would change his mind about running away. But he wasn't sure the topic Harry raised was the best, either. "They're doing well, Harry. They miss you terribly, of course, but they're keeping busy. Ron's training to be an Auror."

"That doesn't surprise me," Harry said, "Ron always wanted to be an Auror, and he and Hermione had more Defense Against the Dark Arts training than anyone in our year just because they were friends with me." Remus wondered at the bitter edge in Harry's voice. "And, of course," Harry smiled meaningfully at Remus, "we had a great D.A.D.A. teacher those last two years."

Remus returned Harry's smile, and continued, "Hermione is going to school to become a Potions Master."

Harry couldn't help laughing a little. "Hermione will go to school as long as she can get away with it! What does Snape think about that?" Professor Snape was the Hogwarts Potions teacher, and had a strong dislike for Harry and his friends.

Remus snickered, "Well, he acts horrified about it, but I think he's secretly proud that the top student in your class is pursuing his profession."

Remus looked carefully at Harry, and then plunged ahead. "Ron and Hermione are getting married in two weeks."

Harry got very quiet. "Wow," he finally said, "it lasted. Are they happy, Remus?"

Remus looked Harry straight in the eye. "Yes," he answered, "I believe they are. I don't see them as often as I'd like, but it's obvious they are very much in love. However, there is a constant sadness about both of them, and I know it's because they miss you so much."

Harry smiled sadly. "I have to admit I'm a little surprised they haven't killed each other yet. They used to argue so much. But thinking back, I wonder if that was because of the underlying feelings they were denying."

Remus took a deep breath. "I always thought you were in love with her, Harry."

Harry stared at Remus, startled. How had he known? But he said, "No, of course not - that's ridiculous. I'm very happy for them."

Remus looked hard at Harry, but decided to drop it. Harry said, "So tell me about the rest of Ron's family."

"Well, Ginny just took a job as a clerk at Gringotts in London."

"You're kidding? I can remember when Ginny was just a scared little kid. It's hard to imagine the Goblins wouldn't scare her to death."

"Well, you know, she's a lot tougher than she used to be."

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When Ginny went into Gringotts on Monday, she was surprised by an odd contraption on her desk. As she examined it curiously, a voice from the door said, "It's a computer, Weasley."

She looked at Reeker, her Goblin supervisor, with surprise. "I've heard of those," she said slowly, "from friends who grew up with Muggles. But I've never heard of them being used in the wizarding world."

Reeker smiled, if you could call it a smile. It made his face even uglier. "Gringotts is considering converting our accounts to computers, but we're not sure they would be more efficient than magic. You and Creevey are going to take a Muggle computer class and submit a report detailing the advantages and disadvantages of converting our magical account records into a computer database."

Ginny looked puzzled. "Why Colin and I?" she asked curiously. Colin Creevey had been in Ginny's year at Hogwarts, and in her house, Gryffindor, but she didn't know him all that well. She had almost forgotten he was also working for Gringotts.

Reeker replied, "Obviously we need to send humans, since it's a Muggle class. It's more efficient to send employees at the lower end of the pay scale, in case this turns out to be a waste of time. You and Creevey have shown notable intelligence in the short time you've been employed with Gringotts, that is ...for humans."

Ginny had learned not to be offended by Reeker's bluntness - he was a Goblin, after all. A human had to have a tough skin to work at Gringotts. And, actually, Ginny was surprised at the comment about her intelligence; it was the closest thing to a compliment she'd ever heard from him.

She couldn't help smiling. Now that she thought about it, this might be fun. "When do we start?"

******************************************************************************************************

Harry felt ready for "real food" that night, so they went to Red Lobster for dinner. Remus hated muggle restaurants, but Harry insisted, saying it was his favorite American food. Remus muttered, "That's ok, you're paying for it anyway."

Once they were seated and the waiter took their drink orders (no alcohol), Harry said quietly, "I hope you were kidding about me paying; I'm just about out of money."

"No, you're not," said Remus.

"Yes, I am. My vault at Gringotts is empty. I've spent all my inheritance."

Remus smiled. "No, Harry, you haven't. I was planning to tell you on your eighteenth birthday, but you had already disappeared. Sirius left you his entire estate, which was considerable. Thanks for dinner, by the way."

Harry winced a bit at the sound of his godfather's name. The death of Sirius Black still felt fresh and painful to him, even though it had been more than three years. "Why didn't anyone tell me before?"

"The will was bitterly contested. Professor Dumbledore and I thought it best not to tell you until it was settled. Even though you were Sirius' only heir, several of his cousins wanted a share. Narcissa Malfoy raised the biggest stink of all. But in the end, everything went to you."

Harry thought about this. He didn't really want Sirius' money - he would much rather have Sirius back. But he had to admit it would come in handy now. He couldn't feel sorry for Sirius' relatives - they were all steeped in the Dark Arts, especially Narcissa Malfoy. "So I'm not poor?"

"Far from it. You probably wouldn't ever have to work at all."

Realization finally dawned on Harry. "Hey," he said, "you borrowed a bit of his money for this trip, didn't you?"

Remus corrected, "YOUR money. Yes, I was looking for you, after all. Besides, you owe me big after the year you just put me through."

Harry couldn't help a small smile. Remus had a good point.

They finished dinner and Remus paid the waiter with Harry's money. As they got into the car, Harry said, "You know, Remus, I don't think I could ever leave this car. If I ever decide to go back to Britain, do you think we could ship it across the pond?"

Remus glanced at Harry, startled. This was the first time Harry had mentioned going home. "So...are you going back to Britain with me?"

Harry shrugged. "I assumed that's why you came. But I don't know if I'm ready yet."

Remus decided to leave that topic alone for now. Instead he said, "Wouldn't it drive you crazy - the steering wheel would be on the wrong side in England."

"Yeah, I suppose," said Harry, "but it's such a great car."

"Maybe you can sell this one, and use the money to get a sexy sports car in Britain, with the steering wheel on the right side."

"Who says the left isn't right?" said Harry.

Remus raised his eyebrows. "You've definitely been in America too long."

They drew up to the motel, pulled up the top on the car, and went inside.

Harry yawned, stretched, and sat down on the bed. Remus placed one of the chairs right in front of Harry, sat down, and looked him in the eye. "OK, Harry, let's have it. It's time for you to tell me why you left."

To his surprise, Harry's eyes filled with tears. He looked away, and his voice shook as he spoke. "Remus, you've been so good to me the last few days. I don't deserve it. I've been so horrible."

Remus was suddenly reminded of the vulnerable thirteen-year-old he had met six years earlier, who had grown up without parents. "Harry, look at me!" Remus said softly. Harry looked. "I love you, Harry. I don't know what it's like to have a son, but I can't imagine loving a son more than you."

Harry looked intently at Remus. "No, you loved my father. I'm not him. I'll never be him."

Remus was taken aback. He'd never talked about his feelings to Harry before, but this still surprised him.

Harry continued, "You and Sirius - you both felt responsible for me because I didn't have parents. I think Sirius always believed the death of my parents was his fault. And after Sirius died, you were there for me when I needed someone. But you're not to blame for what I've done. I'm an adult now, and I've made my own mistakes. You can't keep feeling responsible for me, Remus."

Remus sighed. "But that's not why I'm here. Harry, I know you have trouble understanding parental love since you grew up without it, but you've got to believe that I love you for YOU. James was a peer - someone to get into trouble with - a brother. You're my SON, and I love you no matter what you've done."

Hope began to dawn in Harry's eyes, but then he shook his head. "You can't, you won't - not after I tell you what I did."

Remus said, "Harry, you can tell me anything, and it won't change how I feel. Why did you leave?"

Harry took a deep breath. "OK, you asked for it..."

*********************************

Draco Malfoy cursed under his breath as he shifted the sack to his other arm so he could unlock the door. He hated using keys, but he couldn't risk even a small spell outside the flat. He caught a glimpse of the Dark Mark on his left arm and his stomach tightened in resentment.

He had been so eager to take the Dark Mark. He had been intoxicated by the promises of power and wealth beyond his wildest dreams. His father, Lucius Malfoy, and Lord Voldemort finally agreed to perform the ceremony to make Draco a Death Eater on his eighteenth birthday.

However, only a few months after Draco had been initiated into Voldemort's inner circle, the Dark Lord had perished, and all the Death Eaters, including Draco and Lucius, had been forced into hiding. So much for power and wealth.

Draco felt the anger and hatred clench in his stomach. This was all Harry Potter's fault.

Draco had hated Harry since they were eleven years old and on the Hogwarts Express for the first time, traveling to school. Draco had offered Harry his friendship, only to be rejected. Harry thought he was special because of his stupid scar, and because he was good at Quidditch.

Harry had killed Voldemort. It was Harry who had ruined Draco's life, and reduced him to hiding.

He glanced at his unfamiliar reflection in the mirror just inside the door. His normally blonde hair had been dyed brown, along with his goatee. He was also wearing glasses to further disguise his appearance.

"Is that you, boy?" said a voice in the kitchen. "It's about time - I'm starving!"

Draco quickly took the food to his father in the kitchen, the smell of fish and chips making his own stomach rumble as well, but he knew he wouldn't be allowed to eat until his father had eaten all he wanted.

As he watched Lucius Malfoy eat, Draco wondered whether to broach the subject that had been bothering him lately. He decided to risk it. He swallowed, and meekly said, "Father, we're almost out of money."

Lucius had suspected they were running low, but they couldn't risk accessing their Gringotts vault. Lucius was getting tired of hiding and thought if they didn't try to get money from their vault, the Ministry might believe they were dead, and quit hunting for them. Lucius was careful not to betray his worry to his son; instead, he fixed him with an angry gaze, as though blaming him. However, his angry retort flew from his head when something on the Muggle television caught his attention. "Turn up the volume," he commanded.

Draco complied, wondering.

After the news report, Lucius smiled evilly. "Draco, let's take a little trip to America."