Reign O'er Me

---

Chapter 31 - Had Enough

I've had enough of bein' trodden on,
My passive days are gonna be long gone.
If you slap one cheek, well, I ain't gonna turn the other.

I'm gettin' sick of this universe,
Ain't gonna get better; it's gonna get worse,
And the world's gonna sink with the weight of the human race.

Hate and fear in every face,
I'm gettin' ready and I've packed my case,
If you find somewhere better, can you save my place?

Fooling no one but ourselves,
Good is dying.

Fooling no one but ourselves,
Love is dying.

Here comes the end,
Here comes the end,
Here comes the end of the world.

- Had Enough, The Who

---

"Did you obtain that which you sought?" Perenelle asked. They were sitting on an office somewhere in the Hogwarts castle; Jamie had lost her bearings not long after they left the Great Hall.

"Some if it." Jamie met Perenelle's intense gaze. "It was a start, anyway. You were listening the whole time, weren't you?"

"You are playing at a game that could be dangerous, child."

Jamie nodded thoughtfully. "Maybe. But after what you told me about the life-debt, and after what the Sorting Hat said... what would you do?"

"I am honestly not sure, Jamie. There are many interwoven threads. And the Malfoy boy was right about one thing: there is much you have to learn about our world... though that may be an advantage as well. Many things thought to be impossible ultimately have been done by those who knew no better."

"I do owe him... but that's not something that can just be traded out. And I don't think he was being very honest."

"Perhaps not. Indeed, it may well be that he is not entirely honest with himself--or even capable of it. But you must not let any sense of obligation lead you to take undue risks. The boy is cunning, and you are proud. That is not a good combination."

"I don't have many places to turn... except to you."

"Chérie, do not underestimate Harry or your other peers. He will listen to you, no matter what the topic."

"He... bristles... when Draco's name is mentioned." Jamie grinned. "Though not as much as Ron."

"Perhaps that is what you should ask for." Perenelle also smiled. "That he treat the five of you with respect and dignity."

Jamie shook her head. "No... I'm not sure why, but that doesn't feel right."

"Do you feel strongly about this, Jamie?" Perenelle watched her face closely.

"Yeah, I do."

"Will you permit me to help?"

"You did."

"Will you allow me to continue?"

Jamie looked reluctant, but nodded in the affirmative after a moment. "Will you teach me the same way you are teaching Harry and Ginny?"

It was Perenelle's turn to sit thoughtfully for a moment. "The magic within you is strong, child, and one day you will be powerful; but for now, you have only taken your first steps into this realm. The ease with which you have mastered the spells you have attempted speaks both to your power and to your aptitude. But at this point, your control is not yet developed to the degree necessary. However, when you are ready, I shall instruct you, if you still should wish it."

"Can you help me get there? I mean... Professor Lupin means well... but he's too careful."

"As a werewolf, child, he has long been forced to measure his strength against others who are far more frail. Remus Lupin would not willingly harm any of you and I cannot fault his caution. And there is much you can learn from him, and not merely from his lessons. But I will promise you this--I will take a more active role in your instruction, and see that you are pushed to the same extent that Harry and Ginny are."

"Thank you."

"You may not thank me further on, Jamie. It will be difficult."

"Not as difficult as being the weakest one."

"Only by one measure of many, child, by one measure only. Come, let us return to Headquarters."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Good morning," Ron said, as he lowered the tray to the table beside the bed. "Breakfast is served, madam."

Hermione awoke with a start. "What... what time is it? Oh, no, I've overslept. I've missed..."

"Shhhh! You haven't missed anything, luv. Madame Flamel did something with Jamie this morning so you could have a spot more rest. But we do have Dark Arts in about thirty minutes, so you'd best eat and get ready."

Hermione rubbed her eyes and looked at the tray. She then studied Ron for a moment, stretched, and sat up, swinging her feet to the floor. "Thank you, Ron. I'm really sorry about last night."

"Don't be. I'm not." Ron sat on the bed beside her. "I meant what I said: we should have talked to them earlier. But everything is going to be all right. I've already talked to Harry and Ginny about Saturday, and it's all set. Oh, I kinda invited Jamie, too. That'll be okay, won't it?"

Hermione nodded. "It shouldn't be a problem. I'll send them an owl..."

"I think you should Floo over and tell them." He watched her expression and then added, "I'll come with you if you want, but I think it would be good if you dropped in by yourself just long enough to tell them we're coming." Hermione looked at him dubiously. "You're a Gryffindor, remember?"

Hermione nodded as she reached for a piece of toast. "Though I reckon it didn't look like it last night. Maybe dropping in for a minute would be okay."

"I think it would be a good idea, and it would be another step towards getting things back to normal--or how they should be, anyway."

Hermione nodded, and her worried look was replaced by determination. "Okay, I will, today after lessons. They should be home by then."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The eagle owl was waiting for him as he returned to his tiny room in the small apartment in the staff quarters. He had found the owl here the last two mornings when he had returned after breakfast, and the damnable creature was here again. He looked balefully at the regal bird, which calmly returned his stare. He started to turn his back on the unwanted guest, and then he sighed and took the roll of parchment from the owl's leg.

Draco had not finished reading the first letter Lucius had sent; a third of the way through, he had crumpled the parchment and thrown it towards the fireplace, igniting it as it flew through the air. The owl had taken wing at that point, and had returned the next morning with another letter.

This one he read all the way through before tossing and burning it. At least this time Lucius had not started out by insincerely praising his ingenuity in returning to England on his own. Actually, this second letter sounded more like Father, a mix of urgent demands and silky hints of dire consequences if his instructions were not followed. Draco had burned this one, too, and the owl had again taken flight.

Today's letter was even less like Father than the first one had been. In this one Lucius had started out by apologizing. Insincerely and badly, to be sure, but it was not something he had a lot of practice doing... other than maybe to the Dark Lord; certainly not to his son. That meant one of two things: either Father had suddenly discovered some use for him again, or he--or maybe the Dark Lord--wanted answers about the Potter wench. In either case, he was much better off here... even in this wretched little apartment. Draco had wanted to stay in the Slytherin dormitory, but Snape and McGonagall, for once presenting a rare united front, had insisted he stay in the same apartment as Mother.

Mother. He had exchanged only a few words with Mother since she had greeted him when he arrived at the castle--she rarely left her room, even taking most of her meals there. Snape had talked to her--well, had seen her anyway--twice since his return; other than that, she seemed to be completely withdrawn. Perhaps it was no wonder; these simple and bright surroundings were depressing. The carpets were worn, and there wasn't a splinter of hardwood anywhere among the furnishings. When he had learned that he was to be taken here, seeing her was the one silver lining in the entire disgusting episode. But something had changed in Narcissa, and she was very distant, even to the son on whom she used to dote.

Mother. Perhaps that's what Father wanted. In the last letter, and this one too, Father had included a smaller, folded parchment for Mother, and had asked him to show her both letters. Perhaps he would do as asked this time, if only to allow Mother the novelty of seeing Lucius apologize, even as insincerely and awkwardly as this. Draco looked pointedly at the waiting owl. "I'll show her this one, and then I'll burn it. No reply." The owl haughtily returned his stare, then gathered its wings and flew through the open window.

Draco watched until the owl became a dot on the horizon, and settled into the uncomfortable straight chair near the tiny desk. He picked up the book Snape had allowed him to take from the library and opened it to the point he had marked near the middle. His eyes skimmed over the words he had now read at least a dozen times.

Talking to her certainly had not gone anywhere the way he had planned. With Pansy it would have been simple enough. A smile, a promise of reward--perhaps tolerating her company for a few hours--and the deal would have been done. Not that Pansy would be caught dead in such a situation... or perhaps that was backwards. That pampered lapdog would have been dead in a matter of days if not hours in the streets where the Potter wench had roamed.

Which was another problem. Draco felt there was a very good chance he had not been spotted with the girl in Atlanta, and even if so, it was even less likely they he had been observed before Potter showed up; otherwise they would have taken her at once. But from what he read, there were means of detecting such ties... and if Father or the Dark Lord discovered THAT, things could become... unpleasant--very unpleasant--very quickly. On the other hand, he could hardly stay here forever, and once school started and he was back in the dormitory, it would be only a matter of time before Father or worse found a way to reach him. He had to find a solution to this, and quickly.

What a pity she had turned out to be a Potter, and worse, Potter's sister. If she had been a pureblood Rosier... she certainly had--something--that the simpering, annoying Pansy did not. But a half-blood was impossible for someone in his position, and a Potter tied to Dumbledore's apron-stings: that was utterly unthinkable. And her offer to him, to help him, a Malfoy, was laughable. All he had to figure out was her price... and that shouldn't be hard. Maybe she was getting regular meals, but what more could Potter and his rag-tag band of red-haired followers offer her?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"How is Albus?" Perenelle whispered to Nicholas after entering the training room.

"There is no change. Cassandra does not leave his side. And how did your errand fare?"

"It was not... what I had anticipated. And... Elle a dit les mots sans rappel." ("She said the words without recall.")

"Cela... semble impossible!" ("That... seems impossible!")

"Non, pas celui; l'autre. Laissez-moi aider." ("No, not that; the other. Let me help.")

Nicholas lowered his voice further as the young people entered. "You must talk to Cassandra."

"Or, we."

"If you think I will be more help than hindrance, I will. We need Albus."

"Indeed."

"I will speak with Poppy this afternoon. Perhaps there is something else we might try or some other healer. While I share her confidence that time will heal his wound..."

"Perhaps I am wrong."

"You do not think so, beloved. And I have learned to trust your instincts."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Hey, Jamie, got a moment?"

"Sure, Uncle Sirius."

Sirius frowned. "You know, maybe this whole 'Uncle' thing was a bad idea. Every time you say that, I feel my age. Just call me Sirius, okay?"

"Okay... Sirius."

"You and Ginny are about the same size, right?"

"Well... pretty close. I'm skinnier, but we can wear the same stuff."

"Same sizes, eh?"

"Yeah, I think so. Why?"

"Oh, just a little something I'm planning for Harry's birthday." Sirius' eyes sparkled. "And you weren't in the picture when I started planning it, but you're not going to be left out, either."

"You're not going to tell me, are you?"

"Not yet," Sirius grinned.

"What do people--wizards--do for birthdays?"

Sirius looked at strangely for a moment. "You've never had a birthday party either, have you?"

"I don't think I've ever been to one, either. At least that I can remember."

"You and Harry..." He shook his head sadly. "Okay, here's the lowdown." Sirius went on to describe wizarding birthday customs and parties. As Sirius was talking, Snape entered the hallway and walked up to them noiselessly and appeared to listen in.

"Then I need to get Harry a present," Jamie said.

Sirius nodded as Snape said, "That hardly seems necessary."

"Jamie, your godfather is known for his discriminating taste--finding something that's just right--when selecting gifts. Perhaps if you asked him for help..."

"Would you help me, Uncle Severus?" Jamie turned towards Snape, eyes shining.

"We... we shall... discuss it later. It is now time for our lesson."

As Jamie turned to go to the room where a makeshift potions laboratory had been set up, Snape gave Sirius a murderous look--if looks could kill, he would not have survived, even if he had more lives than an entire litter of new kittens--while the Marauder struggled to contain his laughter. Sirius made a mental note to be very careful what he drank for the next several days.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"How'd it go?" Ron had been waiting at the kitchen table and Molly was puttering in the kitchen nearby. "You were gone a lot longer than I expected."

"It was really, really good." Hermione smiled. There were traces of tears on her cheeks again, but Ron was certain these had been cried for entirely different reasons. "I think I'm forgiven."

"There wasn't any doubt."

"You made quite an impression, too. Mum said you really impressed my Dad when you said if I'd be safe you'd walk away and not look back. She says he likes you in spite of you taking his little girl away." She took a seat beside him. "You were right. It was exactly the right thing to do. How'd you suddenly get so... so..."

"Brilliant?" Ron asked.

"For lack of a better word at this particular moment," Hermione conceded.

"If there's one thing I know a little about, it's family," Ron said, noticing that Molly had gradually drifted closer. "Of course, there are enough of us so that Mum doesn't worry too much about any one of us, except Ginny. An heir and a spare, and all that rot."

"That's not true at all," Molly objected. "I worry--constantly--about all of you... and you too, Hermione. And I'm pleased you got things worked out. Would you like to invite your parents over for dinner? The grand dining room looks wonderful now, since Dobby and his friends finished redecorating it."

"That'd be great," Hermione said. "Just let me know when."

"I'll talk it over with Arthur and make sure we pick a night that works with his schedule. He's actually here somewhere in the house. We're going to Diagon Alley a little later." She looked at them sternly. "And this time, you two better not even think about leaving this house without calling us first!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Harry, can I talk to you for a moment?"

"Hi, Mr. Weasley. Sure."

"I liked it better when you called me Dad." Arthur smiled. "Will you excuse us for a few minutes, Princess?"

"Sure, Dad." Ginny walked into the bedroom and closed the door.

Arthur took a seat across from Harry. "We've not had much chance to talk... well, since that night, though Molly keeps me up to date on at least most of what's happening..."

"I know how busy you've been, Dad. I think everyone's a lot safer, now that you're in charge of Law Enforcement and Madam Bones is Minister. I wish you didn't have to work so hard."

"Thanks, Harry. And that wouldn't have happened either... without you and Ginny. I've watched, sometimes from a distance, how much she's grown up this summer, and how you take care of her... and how happy she is. I'm glad you're my son-in-law. And my son."

"I'm glad, too, Dad. The day I met Ron and Ginny was one of the best days of my life."

"Harry, I tried to talk to Sirius about this, and he insisted it was your decision. There are signs that we're looking at trouble... maybe in a few months, maybe in a year. You're due to go back to school in a little more than a month, and the plan has been that Molly and I would move back to the Burrow then. But under the circumstances, with all of you in school... I don't like the idea of Molly being there by herself. Or Molly and Penny. Headquarters is much better defended... Would you mind if we stayed on a bit longer?"

Harry looked as if he were struggling to find the right words. "Of course any of you are welcome to stay here as long as you want... for good if you like. And you don't need a reason, just that you want to stay here is enough all by itself. You and Mum took me in without any questions--and you knew what the risks were even then. I'm only sorry you thought you needed to ask. Anything I have is yours."

"Thank you, Harry. Sometimes a young couple feel... cramped... with their in-laws underfoot."

"I'll never feel that way, and I'm sure Gin feels the same. And if you think it's safer... please, insist that Bill, Charlie, Percy and Penny, and the twins--and Fleur--stay here as well. And anyone else you want to invite. As far as I'm concerned, this is your home, too."

"Again, thank you. If you would, don't mention this to Molly yet. We're going to Diagon Alley tonight, and if it works out I'll break it to her then... but she misses the Burrow, and it may take some convincing."

"I won't say anything until she does, or until you say it's okay," Harry promised. "But if it's safer here... please, don't let her change your mind."

"I won't. You're a good man, Harry." They stood and shook hands.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Draco knocked gently, then more firmly a second time. He heard a voice answer; he opened the door and went in.

Inside, it was not quite dark; some light leaked in around the edges of the curtains. Narcissa sat in a chair, a single candle burning beside her. She had been holding a book, which she closed and set beside her. "Yes, Draco?"

"Mother? Are you well?"

"As well as can be expected, Draco. Is there something you require or need that Professor Snape cannot help you with?"

"Mother, I am concerned..."

"I appreciate your concern... this has been most difficult for me; and I will endeavor to discuss matters with you in a few days, after the solicitors have finished, but for now..."

"Solicitors?"

"It is no matter. Is there something you need?"

"Father has sent several letters..."

"I have no interest in anything he should happen to say."

"I burned the first two..."

"Excellent. I suggest you do the same with any others."

"I thought you might wish to see this one. Father actually attempts to apologize..."

Narcissa choked off a harsh laugh. "That, perhaps, I would care to see. An apology, from Lucius, in writing no less..."

Draco moved close enough to hand Narcissa the parchment. She read it and laughed, a hollow, almost frightening laugh. "Certainly, it is a poor apology. I can assure you he can do much better when motivated by the Dark Lord. Use caution, Draco. He seeks something from you."

"I will, Mother."

"What is this?" Narcissa asked, fumbling with the folded parchment. She opened it... and disappeared.

"MOTHER!!!!!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"So you saw Malfoy this morning?" Harry tried to keep his voice neutral, and mostly succeeded.

"Yeah." She watched his reaction, and then added. "It wasn't a big deal."

"What'd he say?" Harry asked, as casually as he could manage.

"Well... he likes you and Ron and Ginny about as much as you like him."

Harry grinned in spite of himself. "I could have told you that. Surely he didn't leave Hermione out?" Jamie looked blank, and Harry explained. "Wasn't every third word he said Mudblood?"

"What's Mudblood?"

"It's a really ugly term for someone who is Muggle born, like Hermione. It's what he calls her. It's not a word you'd normally want to use."

Jamie nodded. "He didn't say that, or I'd have remembered."

"Did he tell you anything other than he didn't like us?"

"Well... he really just mentioned that. Look, Harry, if I tell you, I don't want any crap about it... any of it. Okay?"

Harry was a little surprised by that, but after a moment, he agreed. "Okay."

"What he was after was to get me to say that we were even. That neither of us owed the other anything. He wouldn't say why. I did try to find out."

"That... seems strange." Harry looked thoughtful for a moment. "I'd be happier if you didn't have any connection with him. That I'd want the same thing he does... that worries me."

"I didn't let him off the hook. He told me to name my price, and I told him I'd think about it and talk to him again."

"He... he's trying to buy you off?" Harry chuckled. "I bet he doesn't know yet."

"He said he could offer more than I could imagine. What's so funny?"

"Well, the Ministry has frozen all the Malfoy accounts, all they could find anyway, and you know that Sirius had to pay for his ticket back here. I don't think he has much to offer, Sis. You say you didn't let him off the hook?"

"No, I didn't. Madame Flamel suggested making him be nice to all of us, but... no, I won't do that."

"What do you want from him?" Harry again had to work to keep his tone conversational.

"I... I don't know. Uh... I guess I better tell you the rest of what the Sorting Hat said. I told you that it wanted to put me in Slytherin, but in the end, it said it would put me in Gryffindor as I wished, but that what the Malfoy boy had said to me was not true. All debts were not paid, and indeed, could not be paid; perhaps matched, but not paid. And that this was the greatest hope for unifying the four houses, and should I fail, the cost would be great. That's one reason I refused to get rushed into anything."

Harry set silently, thinking. This didn't sound good at all. "That... that's probably good... I wish you didn't have anything to do with him at all."

"Harry... do you think the Sorting Hat was right?"

"I... I don't know, Jamie. It sang about the houses needing to work together last year... but it seems to be putting a lot on you. And Draco Malfoy is as slick as they come. If there's a way to take advantage of you, he'll try to find it."

"He had the chance, Harry, and he didn't."

"Did he say anything about that?"

"He said there were a lot of people looking for me, and he didn't want to get caught in the crossfire. The safest thing was to keep me away from all of them."

"That's no change," Harry said thoughtfully. "Putting his interests first. If Voldemort finds that out... I wouldn't want to be Draco."

"It... it was more than that, Harry."

"What do you mean?"

"I'm not sure, but that night... No, I'm not sure. Let me leave it at that."

"Jamie, I'm pretty uncomfortable with all this. I'd rather you'd just tell him to go pound sand."

"I was making out okay on my own for a long time. I'm not stupid." She gave him an angry look, then turned her head away.

"No, you're anything but. Jamie?" Harry waited until she finally looked back. "I'm not questioning your judgment, or trying to tell you what to do. Finding you was one of the best things that ever happened to me, and I don't want you hurt or worse because you happened to save that worthless prat. If... if this is what you think is right, or what you need to do, I'll support you. Just... just don't try to go it alone, while so much of this is new to you."

"I won't." The anger left her eyes, and she smiled at him. "I'll talk everything over with Madame Flamel... and you too, I guess... Where's Ginny?"

"Sirius grabbed her on the way up. He was being all mysterious and told me to get lost."

"He talked to me earlier," Jamie grinned, "but I don't think I'm supposed to tell you about it."

"Secrets, secrets, and more secrets," Harry said, grinning. "Now my own sister is plotting against me."

"And Ginny, and Sirius, and Uncle Severus."

"Uncle Severus?" Harry did a double take.

"Yes, Sirius said... well, that I should get him to help me do some... shopping."

"Professor Snape... and shopping?" Harry shook his head. "I don't think I even want to know."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Mr. Malfoy, please calm yourself. I assure you that the authorities have been duly notified, that an Auror will be here to take your statement as their schedule permits..."

"As their schedule PERMITS!!! This is MY MOTHER, PROFESSOR McGONAGALL!!!"

"Mr. Malfoy, I must insist that you calm yourself. I will not permit another such outburst. While I understand and sympathize with your concern, the matter has been referred to the proper authorities. They will handle the matter in due course."

"In due course," Draco said, bitterly. "Yes, I can already see the priority that Arthur Weasley and his Aurors have placed on this. None of you seem to understand that she is in peril..."

"I assure you, Mr. Malfoy, I do understand your concern, but I can do no more than I already have."

"Then let me see Dumbledore," Draco insisted.

"As I have already told you, Professor Dumbledore is very busy. He will certainly do everything he can to assist, but you repeating the story to him will not do any good at this point in time."

"You could at least let me attempt..."

"I am growing weary of repeating myself, Mr. Malfoy. You are not to leave the castle. If you believe this will be too difficult for you to follow, I can restrict your movements further. Now, I have work to do. You are to return to your quarters and wait for the Aurors."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Isn't there something you can do, Professor Snape?" Draco could see the disgust flicker across Snape's face as he was reduced to... begging. There wasn't any other word for it.

"Mr. Malfoy... I have already informed you that the matter is being addressed. At this point, neither your input nor your assistance is required. Or, in fact, desired. In the highly unlikely event that should change, you will be duly notified. In the meantime, should you receive another letter..." Draco tuned the rest of it out. When Snape finished, he stood and walked out of the office, shutting the door just a little harder than he should, but not enough to provoke Snape into coming after him.

Rumor had it that Dumbledore usually used the name of some sort of sweet as his password. Since he was stuck inside the school anyway, why not camp out by Dumbledore's door... Dumbledore would have to come out eventually, and if he got lucky on guessing the password, he could reach him that much sooner. Draco quickened his pace towards the Headmaster's office.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Harry took a deep breath and asked, "What would you like to know?" They were sitting on the Grangers' garden patio with Hermione's parents; the five young wizards had arrived at the Grangers' at mid-afternoon. They had grilled burgers, and Hermione's Mum had brought out a mountain of chips. After they had eaten, Hermione, with Ron helping, had collected the plates and disappeared somewhere inside the house for a few moments; when she returned, she had given Harry a look, and he nodded. Harry cast a series of silencing spells, while Hermione performed a Disillusionment Charm on the patio. "I'll try to answer all of your questions, as best I can, but please understand--some of what I can tell you might place you in danger--but I won't hold back anything that's mine to tell."

The Grangers exchanged a look, and Hermione's mother gave a slight nod. "Harry," Roger Granger answered, "Hermione is our only child; she's all we've got. We want to know the truth, wherever that takes us or however ugly it is."

"I understand." Harry nodded. He hadn't really expected any other answer. "I know Ron and Hermione told you..."

"Harry," Adelaide Granger interrupted, "Would you mind horribly if I asked you to just start at the beginning? They did tell us some things, but we were more worried about other... issues that night..."

Harry nodded and sat for a moment, gathering his thoughts. "Lord Voldemort, who was born Tom Riddle, is a powerful dark wizard." Harry told them about how Riddle had become Voldemort and his first rise to power, then about Trelawney's first prophecy and how he had fulfilled it as a toddler. Harry glossed over his years with the Dursleys, but he noticed Hermione's parents exchanging glances several times; they seemed to be connecting more dots than he had intended. Perhaps Ron and Hermione had told them more than he had realized. Well, it hardly mattered.

As Harry described leaving for Hogwarts the first year, Ron and Hermione broke in from time to time. Hermione described the encounter with the troll, and then the three described the events at the end of their first year. Again, Harry skipped over as much as the following summer as he could; then Ginny took over, describing how Hermione had solved the mystery of the basilisk and then how Ron and Harry had rescued her. "Dr. Granger, Dr. Granger." Ginny looked at each of the elder Grangers in turn. "My father was worried about me when Harry and I got together, and I'll tell you what I told them: There's no place safer than with Harry. He's the one person who can do something about Voldemort."

The four of them shared the telling of the next three years. When Harry had begun, he had started slowly, perhaps a little reluctantly, and he could see that Ron and Hermione had as well--particularly Hermione, as she had described the encounter with the troll. That, he reckoned, had made it clear to her parents just how long she had been holding out on them. But as their story unfolded, particularly after Ginny's passionate description of her first year, Harry felt a growing pride; they had accomplished a great deal together. He could sense that Ginny shared this feeling as she sat beside him, and Ron and Hermione seemed to feel it as well.

Harry attempted to move quickly over much of the fifth year, but Ginny and Hermione would have none of that. They described in unnecessary detail what they had lived through, and then Ron joined them in describing the events at the Ministry. As Ginny recounted Sirius' falling through the veil and what Lupin had told Harry, Adelaide Granger interrupted, "Then people have died because of... all of this. Hermione, this is..."

"Mum! Listen!" Hermione interrupted. "Hear us out! SIRIUS DID NOT DIE!!! Everyone else gave up, including me, except for Harry. Harry refused to take 'nobody knows' for an answer. When there was a hint that Sirius was still alive, he even stood up to Professor Dumbledore and made him listen... That's the kind of person that Harry is."

"And Hermione found a way," Harry said. "When everyone else thought it was impossible, or was too busy with Voldemort, she found a way for us to reach him and bring him back. That's why we need Hermione. I may have to deal with Voldemort, but Hermione has to find a way that I can win. And I have to win. Too much depends on it, and Voldemort won't be satisfied until he controls everything, not just in our world, but yours, too."

"They told us," Roger Granger said slowly, "about another wizard who was the power behind Hitler."

"Grindelwald. Let us tell you the rest of it, and then we'll try and answer any questions," Hermione said, and she and Ron described the rest of that year and some of the aftermath from the Ministry. "And we were really worried about Harry. When the term ended, he wasn't in very good shape."

When no one continued, Hermione's mother asked, "That's certainly understandable. What happened next?"

"Ginny," Harry replied. "The day after I got back home... she came to see me, and... it clicked. We got together. And she has... she changed... everything." Harry paused; his voice had remained steady, but his eyes and expression hinted at the depth behind his words. Harry remembered that Ron had hinted pretty strongly that there was no need to go into all the ins and outs of wizarding law on this particular point. And that was fine by him; he hadn't quite gotten used to the whole idea of the M-word yet either.

"You're saying that you and Ginny have only been together... for a month?" Adelaide Granger asked.

Harry and Ginny exchanged a quick glance as their fingers touched. "It's about that," Ginny answered.

"Even Roger noticed and remarked to me while we were eating," Dr. Granger said. "We thought the two of you must have been dating for a long time."

Harry felt a touch of worry; he didn't want the Grangers to become concerned again, but Ginny's reaction beside him was quite different. "Why is that, Dr. Granger?" she asked.

"Roger's comment was that the two of you were like an old married couple... it's a little hard to explain, but it's how you anticipate each other and finish each other's remarks and how the two of you, well, move together. And you and Harry seem comfortable here talking with us about yourselves while Ron and our daughter are as nervous as a pair of long-tailed cats in a room of rocking chairs."

"Mum!" Hermione protested.

"You're Mum's right, Hermione. It was a little complicated with us," Harry said. "Something happened to Ginny and me that night. We became magically bound to each other; no one could really explain how or why."

"But... that didn't..." Hermione's father began.

"No, Daddy, nothing like that happened to us. We had to do it the old-fashioned way and tell each other. Anyway, it was a lot more dramatic when Harry and Ginny became bound to each other. For one thing, they had to hold hands constantly for the next couple of weeks..." Harry was glad Hermione had taken over; this way it was up to her. Hermione described the reading of Sirius' will, moving to Headquarters, and filled in the rest of details about Sirius' rescue.

Harry and Ron began contributing again when Hermione described how Harry had broken the mirror, and after they described how they had learned about the existence of Harry's sister, Jamie spoke up for the first time and told them bits of her story. The Grangers seemed horrified at her description of how she had lived, and seemed to sag with relief when they finally reached the meeting between Jamie and Draco.

Ron and Hermione described the attack that had left Hermione injured and unconscious, and Ginny described how Harry had shielded them from the grenade that had been fired at them. Hermione's Mum seemed to be upset and started to say something, but her father whispered something to her as Harry went on with the story. All five of the young people took part in describing their return to England and the subsequent events. "...And then, your letter arrived." Hermione said. "You know the rest... Ron and I came here."

"Where he was expecting dinner, but instead became the roast." Adelaide Granger smiled wryly.

"I do need to say one thing," Harry said. "Hermione stressed that we got Sirius back, but people have died; have been killed by Voldemort: my parents, and Cedric, the Hogwarts student that was transported with me to Voldemort during fourth year. So far, we've been lucky. It's not safe being my friend, or being connected with me."

"Harry, is it true what Ron told us? That Hermione would still be in danger if she were to leave the magical world?" Roger Granger asked. "If we left England, and took her far away from all this?"

"You and she might be, for a time," Harry replied. "She would have to be looking over her shoulder all the time. But if Voldemort should win, sooner or later, he'll come looking for her--and everyone like her. We're at least learning something about how to protect ourselves... and when I told you I didn't think I could do what I have to do--without her help--I meant that."

"And I'm not running away, Mum, Dad." Hermione's voice was gentle, but firm. "Not from this, and I'm not going to hide or run from you either. This is who I am, and these are my friends... and my fiancé."

"I think Hermione has decided what to call her ring," Roger Granger said as he watched Ron react to Hermione's final word. "I should warn you, once she sets her mind on something..."

"I know, sir, I know," Ron said, grinning.

"Believe me, all of us do," Ginny said as they all laughed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"I'm hungry," Harry announced as he looked up at Ginny. "Let's go down and make a sandwich or something." After answering numerous questions from the Grangers ranging from general questions about the wizarding world to specific points of their story, the conversation had shifted to other things--Quidditch, the Grangers' practice, and stories about Hermione's childhood. At eleven o'clock Harry had suggested they should return, but the Grangers had persuaded Ron and Hermione to spend the night while he, Ginny, and Jamie had returned to Grimmauld Place. Jamie had disappeared into her room, saying there were things Hermione had shown her that she wanted to try. Harry and Ginny had settled onto the sofa in their suite, where he attempted to read something Snape had assigned, while Ginny pretended to read but spent more of her time distracting Harry.

"Okay," Ginny replied. "I'll even fix something for you, with just one condition."

"What's that?"

"You leave that book here."

He looked at her, puzzled. "But Snape..."

Ginny made a crude suggestion regarding the Potions Master and said, "We're not getting a lot of time when it's just us, except when we're asleep. You remember what Madame Flamel said about quality time?"

"Yeah... Mea culpa. But there's nothing planned for tomorrow."

"Maybe you have nothing planned for tomorrow. We need a day off. No lessons, no books, no revision."

"Okay." He stood and pulled her to her feet. "You know, I never thought to ask. Can you cook?"

"You'll just have to find out," she grinned impishly. "You should have found out all those things before you kissed me and got in over your head."

"I thought you kissed me," Harry objected playfully. "I never had a chance."

"Are you confusing me with Cho?" She stopped him just before they started down the stairs and refreshed his memory. "Does that help?"

"Yeah... there's never been any confusion, Gin. I just want to get past all this... so we can live." They started down the stairs.

"And I'm not going to let you not live until then."

They descended, hand in hand, to the basement and walked towards the kitchen. As they approached the door, Harry suddenly stopped and held up his hand; he could hear voices; it sounded like Sirius and the solicitor. He led Ginny forward quietly.

"Dammit, Jon, if they're stonewalling, bribe as many of them..."

"I would rather you not use that particular... word."

"That's what it is, isn't it?"

"Honorarium, or consulting fee sounds so much better..."

"I'll be just as satisfied if you hire someone who can... what's the term you prefer? Borrow? Find someone who can 'borrow' it. Nice doesn't matter; speed does."

"That might take longer. And I still believe that it is essential our inquiry remain discreet. I do not want a repeat of the situation with Jamie."

"We found her," Sirius said firmly. "And that's what counts... that and she seems to be adjusting well. Have you gotten the rest of it resolved?"

"No, but I should have something in a week or two. I've taken the position that since you were Harry's guardian, and that was expressed in the strongest possible terms, that you would have been guardian for both of them..."

"That'll work. Though I may emancipate her, too."

"One step at a time, Sirius. And I would be careful. There are a number of other potential issues there, as well."

"Right now the issue I'm interested in is having that effing box. And any more parchments or papers that go with it... and some explanation of Velpecula. If you can't have it here by this time tomorrow, get another G. And this time, I want it on standby for us. No more busses."

"Very well, Sirius, but I do not recommend..."

"Yeah, yeah, that's what you said about Jamie, too."

"I do try to protect your interests, Sirius. Sometimes you make it quite difficult."

"But I pay top Galleon, and you're the best, right?"

"Our arrangements have been satisfactory, and for the most part, I hope the results have been as well."

"Just get me that box, Jon. Maybe we can put an end to all this."

"I will be in touch first thing in the morning; with luck we may have some results overnight. Good evening, Sirius."

"Thanks, Jon."

As the Floo call ended, Harry tugged Ginny forward, walking noisily. "And then Ron said that... Hi, Sirius."

"Hi, kids." Sirius was sitting near the table, though his chair was reversed and facing the fireplace. He stood and turned the chair around, then sat again. "You're up late."

"Harry wanted a snack," Ginny explained.

"You're up late, too," Harry probed.

"Just using the Floo," Sirius replied. "Still a lot of complications from the big mistake you made rescuing me."

"What's going on? You seem... what... annoyed?"

"Just legal stuff. Jon's working on getting Jamie's stuff cleaned up. It looks like I'm going to be her guardian."

"That's great," Harry said, but he continued to look at Sirius expectantly.

"Should I emancipate her, too?"

"I'm not sure you need to," Ginny said, laughing. "I don't think it would make much difference."

"I still want to know what all the mystery is about. About Portland," Harry said.

"Portland was a bust; a waste of time," Sirius replied. "And I'm entitled to my secrets, at least until your birthday. Right, Ginny?"

"I'm not getting in the middle of this one."

"You'll tell me on my birthday?" Harry asked.

"We'll see," Sirius replied. "I think I'll turn in. Good night, kids."

Harry waited a few minutes and then checked outside the door; Sirius had gone elsewhere. "This bugs me, Gin... Why won't Sirius tell us what's going on?"

"I don't know, Harry, but I spent a lot of time talking with him last summer. He really cares about you."

"I know... but it worries me."

"Have you talked to Chris? She was with him."

"No, but I will. And I think Lupin knows something, too."

"Worry about that on Monday. Tomorrow is mine. Now, what would you like to eat?"

"Surprise me."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"I already told you that!" Draco insisted.

"Tell us again, Mr. Malfoy," Tonks insisted. "Just start from the beginning again."

Draco sighed and started from the beginning.

Chris interrupted him. "Just what made you decide to follow your father's instructions and give this letter to your mother?"

Draco turned to stare at her defiantly. "Has the Ministry been reduced to such shambles under Bones that they now are forced to hire Americans?"

"There are some things Brits are too good to do," Chris replied. "Like taking out their own rubbish. That's when they call me." She turned to Tonks. "I think this little foul-mouthed ferret was in the middle of it from the word go. I think we should recommend to Secretary Weasley that we park his carcass in Azkaban for a few days and see if his manners improve."

"That's a thought," Tonks looked at Draco speculatively. "But I'm not sure what we'd get back if a pretty boy like this was placed with the other prisoners."

"I'll bet he'd learn a thing or two about following instructions."

"I'll give him one more chance. What made you decide to follow your father's instructions when you got the third letter?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Padfoot?"

Sirius slowly looked up. He was sitting in the drawing room, an open bottle of Ogden's Really, Really Old Firewhiskey beside him. There was no glass.

"What are you doing here?" Lupin asked.

Sirius glanced at the bottle beside him before replying. "The kids were in the kitchen."

Lupin waited.

"I needed to think," Sirius finally said. "Harry asks too many bloody questions."

"Maybe he feels like a mushroom."

"Dammit, that's not fair, Lupin. This doesn't concern him."

"It concerns him when his godfather acts like this, Paddy. Hell, it concerns me, and I think I've got a pretty good idea what's going on."

Sirius took several swallows from his bottle. "Just what do you think you know?" Sirius' gaze was hard.

Lupin sat across from him and sat for a moment. "Sirius, I'm the one who found those parchments. I put them on the desk. I know it's about Marlene."

"And the wax on one of them was broken." Anger flickered behind Sirius' eyes. "That's low, even for you, Lupin."

"You wouldn't touch any of your mother's papers. You agreed someone should go through all of it--and Dumbledore tasked me."

"You could have said..."

"Think, Sirius. There wasn't time. I knew when you'd found it. You even had Buckbeak cowering. And before you had calmed down, Harry and the others... the Ministry."

Sirius looked away, towards the wall where the Black family tree had once hung. After a minute, he muttered, "Sorry, Moony."

"What's happened, Sirius?"

Sirius took another swig and passed the bottle to Lupin. "I think she's dead, Moony: really dead this time. Jon's had her traced, step by step, all over the world. They were close to catching up with her, and a week or so ago, something happened. It was in New Zealand, and the Ministry there is trying to keep a tight lid on it. Or maybe it's another disappearing act; but, no, I really don't think so this time."

"You don't think so?"

"No."

"Then... it's over. Harry still..."

"NO!!!" Sirius reached into a pocket and pulled out a worn bit of parchment. "You didn't read the other two parchments. It's not over."

Lupin scanned the faded writing quickly. "Merlin, Sirius, why didn't you say something? At least to me?" He drank from the bottle and handed it back to Sirius.

"Nothing was certain... and I'd hoped... I don't know what I'd hoped. There's a box of personal effects; Jon is trying to get it, and all the reports, and custody of the body. She deserves that... and I need to know for sure." Sirius sighed and drank again. "I reckon it was clear enough what she thought... or hoped. Velpecula."

Lupin smiled in spite of himself as the meaning stuck home. "She still had a sense of humor."

Sirius nodded. "But in all the places Jon's people have tracked her, we've never found a single thing... anything where magic could be used to trace the owner. But this time, there's a box."

"What about..."

"I don't know, Moony. I should have already left... but with things here like they are..."

"You really should talk to Harry."

"And tell him what a screw-up his godfather really is? Or worse, get him involved?"

"Do as you say, and not as you do, Paddy?"

"What do you..."

"Go read your letter to him, Sirius. Then ask yourself how well you've followed your own advice."

"He's really getting his life together, isn't he?"

"What you told him, Paddy, was a big part of that. He wouldn't have listened to anyone else."

"He listened to Ginny," Sirius said, smiling. "Did you set it up for them to be alone?"

"I did arrange for Ron to have a prior engagement. But Harry might not have let her get close enough if he hadn't read your letter."

"I don't know. When that little lass sets her mind on something..."

"Then you'd better talk to Harry before she comes after you."

"I might have some answers tomorrow. Maybe I will."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"You found the parchment?" Cassandra asked.

Perenelle nodded reluctantly.

"Do you see any other interpretation?"

"I have not yet had a chance to study the matter carefully, or consult with..."

"That may work with the students, but I know you better than that. What do you feel?"

"That you may be right," Perenelle replied. "But when I consider the danger--to you, to Albus--the risk seems great. And we still do not know how Voldemort may have tampered."

"Did you read all of it?"

"Several times."

"Then if you accept the first portion, I believe the risks of not going forward to be greater."

"Albus would not approve."

"Do you think he would object?" Cassandra pressed.

Perenelle hesitated before answering. "Once--no. But now... a century is a long time, child, and what you ask has never been done."

"Is Harry ready to challenge Voldemort? You said yourself he needs more time... and I see no other interpretation."

"I do not understand all of the imagery. Particularly the fox."

"Is the glass half empty, or half full?"

"Indeed. I shall discuss this with Nicholas."

"And Harry?"

"There is much already on his shoulders, Cassie. And he could not help--if our understanding is correct--even if we wished."

"I do not believe there is much time."

"I will speak with Nicholas when he returns. Young Malfoy has made matters quite difficult for Aberforth. He has camped by the gargoyle in hopes of seeing Albus, and Nicholas is unwilling to disclose the other exit. He planned to arrange a diversion."

"We both know that will not work for long, which is anther point to support my proposal. And when will you permit me to meet with Jamie?"

"What do you propose to tell her?"

"Nothing. But I do want to spend some time with her. If it would be easier for her, or you, perhaps the first time with Ginny."

"If only that we could be certain, Cassie."

"If we go forward, we shall."

"Indeed."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Harry stretched lazily. He could tell it was late from the light leaking around the curtains, but Ginny had threatened to use her bat-bogey curse on him if he even thought about setting an alarm. He felt her stir beside him. "Good morning," he said.

Her lips brushed his cheek. "Good morning... though I'm not sure it's still morning any more," she said. "We should do this more often."

"It's not been much of a holiday, has it?"

"It's had its moments. I wouldn't change it for anything. I love you."

"I love you, too. What do you want to do today?"

"Flying. I want to go flying."

"Um... that might be a little hard..."

"The truce is still on, isn't it?"

"I think so... we'll try."

"Okay... in a little while."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"The sleepers finally awaken." Jamie was curled up on one of the sofas, an open book propped on her knees. "You guys slept through breakfast and lunch. Your Mum," looking at Ginny, "left sandwiches for you two. She and Bill went to Diagon Alley."

"Who else is around?" Ginny asked. "Are Ron and Hermione back yet?"

"I don't think so. Sirius and Professor Lupin were still asleep in the drawing room--them, and several bottles. Empty bottles, that is. I think Professor and Madame Flamel are here."

"She might be our best bet," Ginny said.

"We're going to try and see if we can go flying, Sis. Want to come?"

"I'd love to."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Quality time, Ginny? You turn my words against me." Perenelle smiled affectionately and nodded. "Perhaps for two or three hours. Both Nicholas and I have errands at Hogwarts, but you will need to be on your guard. You should stay close together."

Harry caught the quick glance she gave Jamie, and he nodded his understanding. "We'll be careful."

"Ten minutes, then, in your sitting room? Nicholas and I will join you there."

"Thank you, Grand-mère." Ginny said. "C'mon, let's get our brooms!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Harry and Ginny Apparated to the Hogwarts gates and immediately mounted their brooms and kicked off. They met Jamie outside the castle doors where Perenelle's portkey had taken them, and then the three flew off together towards the Quidditch pitch. They spent the next two hours zooming about over the pitch, with both Ginny and Harry showing Jamie tricks and techniques like the sloth roll for dodging Bludgers and opposing chasers.

"Would it be all right if I went on up to the castle?" Jamie asked.

"But why?" Harry asked.

"To give you and Ginny a little time by yourselves. And find a bathroom."

"McGonagall has been watching us from beside the door, there," Harry pointed. "If you go in that way, it should be fine. But don't wander off alone."

She rolled her eyes at him before turning her broom towards the castle. Ginny laughed and said, "The two of you are a lot alike. You ever follow your own advice?"

"Yes. I'm not about to wander off alone. Want to see how high we can get?"

Ginny peered carefully. "McGonagall doesn't seem to have any Omnioculars. I'll settle for just being a tiny dot in the sky."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Hi." Jamie had attempted to follow McGonagall's directions, but she had taken a wrong turn somewhere. She knew she had been in this corridor before, and had a vague idea that if she kept going forward, she would eventually reach a stairway that led to the entrance hall.

Draco, startled, spun quickly around. "What do you want?"

"I just said 'Hi.' What's eating you?"

"It is none of your concern, Potter."

"Maybe not, but you don't look very happy."

Malfoy ignored the comment. "Ever played two thousand questions with a pair of Aurors?" he spat.

"No..."

"Then you have no basis to understand..." Draco sneered.

"Try me," she said calmly.

"Why? So you can sneer at me with your brother, the Weasels, and the Mudblood?"

"What have I ever done to deserve that?"

Draco looked at her for a minute. "Why should I tell you?"

"You want something from me," she pointed out.

"Fine! I'm standing here like some peasant lackey, waiting for Dumbledore to come out of hiding."

Jamie bit her tongue; Dumbledore wasn't going to be coming out of that door. "Can't you get anyone else...?"

"NO! I cannot get anyone else to do an effing thing. I have tried talking to McGonagall, and she will not do a damned thing. I think she thinks it is funny. And Snape--he is no help, either. The Aurors do not believe me; they think I was part of it, and I am stuck here, helpless."

"Part of what?"

"My Mother. Father sent a letter..." Slowly, at first with prompting, and then more rapidly the story spilled out. Finally, Draco said, "There... are you satisfied? There is not one bloody thing I can do. My Mother is as good as dead."

"Surely your Father..."

"After what she did at the Ministry, Father would kill her with his own bare hands to curry favor with the Dark Lord, without even considering anything else. And she has challenged his authority and made him a laughingstock among his friends. Her death will not be a quick one... if she is still alive. Now, are you satisfied?"

Jamie shook her head. "I'm... I'm sorry."

"What... that another Death Eater will meet her fate? Your little friends will all celebrate."

"That's not fair, Draco."

"Is it not? Just wait and see."

"But..."

"Jamie!!!" Harry turned the corner and froze; Ginny, walking slightly behind him, ran into him.

Jamie looked towards him quickly, both threat and pleading in her eyes; then she turned to Draco, eyes demanding. "Draco and I were talking," she said, looking back towards Harry.

"We need to go," Harry said stiffly.

"Okay," she said, and turned to Draco. "I'm really sorry. I wish I could help."

"You can not. Go on." Draco said, staring at the floor.

"We'll talk again," Jamie said. "Goodbye, Draco."

There was no response.