HARRY POTTER AND THE PROPHECY TRUE

Chapter fifteen

Dudley was like a child in a candy shop for the first time. All the sights and stores in Hogsmeade made him think of at least a dozen questions apiece. When they passed the post office he asked; "How many owls can fly at one time?" "Why are there so many different sizes of owls?" "Are owls the only birds that carry mail?" "What kind of packages can you send by owl?" "How far can owls fly with mail?" and when they passed by Scrivenshaft's Quill Shop, he began bombarding Harry with more questions.

"What types of quills do you use at school?" "Is there a difference between the kind of writing you do with quills?" "Why do you use quills and not pens?" "Are quills hard to write with?" "What kind of birds do you get the quills from?" "Do you use normal ink or is it magical ink?"

After nearly an hour of listening and answering his cousin's questions, Harry suggested they stop at the Three Broomsticks for a drink. He was tired of the looks his uncle and aunt kept shooting at him, tired of answering the endless array of questions from Dudley, tired of fighting the urge to hex his older relatives after more than a fair share of comments like "ridiculous", "unforgivably odd" and his favorite, "freaks." But even more, he was tired of trying to block out the silent images Ron kept thinking of. Trying not to read someone's mind was difficult enough and Harry was determined to control his abilities as he promised Ginny, but when the thoughts that kept slipping out were of the many ways to embarrass, torture or torment Dudley, it made avoiding the mental contact nearly impossible. Harry's head felt like it was splitting in two and he needed a few minutes to just relax.

The Three Broomsticks was crowded with Hogwart's students, and each one had to shout their greetings to Harry and his group when they entered. Even the younger students, who had barely noticed Harry beyond his scar, made a point of waving or saying hello as he passed. Ginny motioned to two large tables in the corner of the room, where Dudley, Vernon and Petunia Dursley, Mr. Weasley, Ron, Hermione, Harry and Ginny all took up the seats and looked around the crowd of students. Harry was amazed that so many had come to Hogsmeade. The last year had been unusual, that much was true, but the students who ventured out of Hogwart's did so scarcely.

Madam Rosmerta appeared in a few minutes, smiling sweetly. Uncle Vernon nearly choked on his own saliva as the attractive woman leaned across the table to wipe up the spilled liquid from the previous guests, revealing a very healthy set of breasts near his snubbed nose.

"Harry Potter," she chimed happily. "It seems you're the talk of the town. Everyone's been talking about that game of yours this morning. Congratulations on such an outcome. I know Mr. Malfoy isn't exactly pleased about it."

"Mr. Malfoy?" Harry asked, looking around the room, expecting to find Lucius Malfoy lurking in a dark corner. Spotting the blond head of the son rather than the father, sitting opposite Parvati Patil, Harry relaxed his muscles he hadn't realized were tensing up in his neck and shoulders. "Yes, well I have an excellent team. We all did our best."

"Your best?" Madam Rosmerta chuckled. "I remember some exceptional games when your father went to school here, but nothing that could compared to today's outcome. James Potter would have been very proud of his little boy."

"Thanks," Harry said with a blush, glancing to the purple face of Vernon Dursley at the mention of his father's name.

"So, what can I get for you?" the woman asked.

"We'll all have a butter beer," Harry answered, and then looked back to his uncle. "That is unless you'd rather have whiskey?"

"They serve whiskey in a place like this?" Vernon gruffed a bit loudly.

"What kind of an establishment do you think I'm running here?" Rosmerta asked indignantly. "I happen to be supplied with the finest whiskey in all of Europe."

"I'll take one," Vernon answered shortly, watching the scantly dressed woman turn and leave in a huff.

"What...what are those?" Aunt Petunia asked under her breath, staring bald faced at three goblins sitting by themselves near the front window. Harry looked up and saw the three.

"They are goblins," he answered, watching the small creatures that sat chatting quietly.

"Real goblins?" Dudley asked excitedly.

"There are no such things," Uncle Vernon snorted.

"There most certainly are," Mr. Weasley corrected. "They run Gringott's, the wizard bank and they happen to be a very powerful, so I would try not to insult them. They haven't been very friendly with wizards lately."

"Why?" Dudley asked with a frown, still watching the small, dark skinned, scrawny figures as they drank from the tall glass mugs. He couldn't stop staring at their long fingers and feet, and it wasn't until the one closest to them turned, revealing his large pointed ears and nose.

"The past couple of years have been difficult ones," Mr. Weasley began. "Since the return of Voldemort, many of the goblins are divided in their loyalty. They are afraid of the Dark Lord, but they have also suffered greatly from his torture. That's probably the hardest of all situations. Voldemort and his followers have many enemies and even more fearful of his wrath. Unfortunately, even as frightened as they are of him, they support him in fear of what he would do to them if they didn't. The goblins are no different."

"I thought Bill had them convinced to join the fight," Ginny said in a quiet tone.

"He has, but only to a point. There are many who are still very disapproving and leery of the Ministry. Fudge had plans to remove the money from goblin control and return them to servitude. He was probably the most prejudice man in the Ministry. The goblins are quite clever. They want to join our fight, but only if there is something in it for them. The truth is, the Ministry is reluctant to give them what they want and yet we can't afford to have them against us."

"What do they want?" Hermione asked.

"Literally speaking, they want their freedom and respect for the work they do," Mr. Weasley said flatly.

"What's wrong with that?" Hermione asked. "I think they should be free and respect is due every living creature. I'd like to see more magical creatures earn their rights, like house elves. They have rights too."

"House elves are different Hermione," Mr. Weasley commented patiently. "I agree, every magical creature from goblins to Centaurs, have the right to dictate to their own lives. House elves do not want their freedom. They are happy serving wizards. It's their heritage. They are very proud creatures, Hermione. As much as you believe they have the right to be free, they also have to right to choose their own design in life. You have to respect that."

"But slavery is wrong," Hermione objected.

"It's not slavery to many creatures and house elves are one of those creatures. They enjoy serving wizards. They have that right to chose their own path and as far as the Ministry is concerned, unless they request it otherwise, they will remain exactly as they are."

"What about Dobby or Misty?" Hermione argued. "They are free, is it the Ministry's goal to imprison them again?"

"No Hermione, they have their freedom by their own choice. Harry tricked Lucius Malfoy into freeing Dobby because of his torture on the poor soul. It was his choice to be freed and as such, he will remain. James Potter saved Misty from a horrible tragedy and in doing so freed her. In fact, there was never a single house elf at working at the palace that was not paid a wage. It was the decision of King Christopher that everyone working at the palace be paid a fair wage for a fair day's work."

"I still think the Ministry should at least offer freedom to the house elves," Hermione grumbled.

"Are you nuts?" Ron snapped. "Don't you remember what happened, the last time you suggested the house elves at Hogwart's be set free? They nearly tossed us out of the kitchens on our arses." Hermione snubbed her nose in the air with a sniff, indicating that she had said enough and would listen to no more. She had her mind set on freeing all magical creatures, regardless of their desires. In her opinion, they were simply brain washed by the wizarding folk to believe they were happy serving.

"Hey Harry," a voice called out, putting a halt to whatever comment Ron may have chosen to make. Harry looked up to see Seamus walking toward them with Susan Bones of Hufflepuff, both holding hands with each other. Dean Thomas and Mandy Brocklehurst from Ravenclaw walked in behind them, along with the Creevy boys and two very sweet looking young ladies from Gryffindor, Misty Armourhead and Leanna Turnpike. Harry waved to them and called out to Madam Rosmerta to bring each of them a butter beer.

"I still can't believe the impact of the game this morning," Dean said, pulling a chair up to the table next to Aunt Petunia who tried to scoot closer to her husband. The others quickly joined the group, glancing briefly to the Dursleys.

"The whole town is buzzing about it," Susan Bones added with a warm smile to Ron. She had always had a soft spot for Ron, ever since first year, but chose not to acknowledge it once Hermione had captured his attention in their third year.

"I saw your brothers, Ron," Collin added quickly. "They were so excited, they insisted on putting their canary creams on half price as a celebration for the win."

"I'm surprised they didn't double the price," Ron grumbled, still irritated with Hermione as well as having to share the table and the day with Harry's cousin, who conveniently sat on the opposite side of Hermione.

"I think it's great," Denis commented. "I bought a dozen. I can't wait to hand them out to the other students."

"You'll get detention if Professor McGonagall finds out," Hermione scolded.

"You don't want that," Ginny said with a smile. "Filch still isn't too happy about having his authority to punish the students Umbridge gave him, taken away. He's making detentions twice as hard on the poor students who get stuck with him."

"I'll try and keep out of trouble," Denis promised with a twinkle to his eye that promised more mischief then obedience.

"So, what do you think of all this?" Seamus asked the Dursleys politely. "Quite a place, isn't it?"

"I should say so," Dudley added quickly, seeing the irritation form on his father's face.

"Don't worry, it took some getting used to for my dad too. He's a Muggle you know."

"Are you Muggle too?" Dudley asked in amazement.

"Half. My mum is a witch. Took my dad by surprise when he found out, don't you know?"

"There are a lot of Muggles, here at Hogwart's," Dean explained. "I'm Muggle born too. Anyone who distributes any sign of magic captures the Ministry's attention. They are watched closely and when they are old enough to attend school, they are sent an invitation. It's a great honor to be asked to attend Hogwart's. It's the first and greatest school in the wizarding world. Been around more than a thousand years, you know." Uncle Vernon snorted under his breath, but loud enough for Harry to hear, which caused the anger to begin prickling at his nerves again.

"We all received letters the same way," Hermione continued. "I remember when I got mine. I was never happier."

"Most people are very happy and honored to be asked to attend school here," Harry said quickly. "I only know of one person who turned down their letter." He looked at his aunt who stifled a gasp, her eyes wide and her mouth slightly a gap.

"Who in their right mind would ever turn down the chance to attend Hogwart's?" Misty Armourhead asked.

"The person I know did it because of a friend who was very prejudice and would never approve of their attending. Seems a love interest was more important than acknowledging a part of their blood and heritage." Harry quickly cast his eyes down to the table, but knew his message was received. "Hard to think, years later that same person had a house elf in their possession, along with an old wand."

"Were they using the wand?" Leanna Turnpike asked.

"For their own greed and benefit," Harry answered with a nod, realizing how closely Mr. Weasley was now listening to the conversation.

"But didn't the Ministry ever find out? I know when I used my brother's wand when I was ten, I received a very stern letter warning me to never use it again, until I enrolled in school and never to use magic outside of school."

"The owner of the wand was dead and the Ministry assumed the wand had been destroyed," Harry explained, glancing upwards to his uncle who was looking around at the room's décor with a disgusted expression on his round face. "The Ministry had no reason to watch for magic being produced by it."

"That was lucky," Seamus added.

"No kidding," said Susan. "If the Ministry ever found out, that person would be standing trial for unauthorized magical use and theft."

"What ever happened to this person, Harry?" Dean asked with a frown.

"They got what they deserved," he commented softly, leaning away from the table as Madam Rosmerta returned with a large floating tray of drinks. Uncle Vernon gasped at the tray hovered just inches next to his shoulder. Rosmerta waved her hand and the glasses began placing their selves in front of their orderer.

"The first round is on me," she smiled to Harry. "My congratulations for a great start to the last Quidditch season for you."

"Thanks," Harry said, as the others agreed with him. The mood had suddenly changed as the drinks were supplied. The idea of this being their last year at Hogwart's began to filter through the seventh year students.

"What are you going to do after Hogwart's, Harry?" Seamus asked in a subdued tone.

"I'm hoping to become an Auror until Ginny graduates. Then, if all goes well, we'll be getting married. Ginny's got our whole lives planned out, including a dozen kids."

"I plan on keeping Harry quite busy and very happy," Ginny smiled wickedly.

"I met an Auror at the Ministry," Dudley added to the conversation. "I think she came to the house once. She had long green and yellow hair."

"Tonks," Harry said with a smile. "She's one of the best Auror's at the Ministry."

"Indeed she is," Mr. Weasley said proudly, raising his glass in the air before drinking the dark brown contents. He too had ordered a Fire Whiskey, since Mrs. Weasley wasn't around to scold him; he decided to partake of a little pleasure. Following the older man's lead, Vernon picked up his own glass, gulping down a large mouthful. Instantly he began choking on his whiskey, his eyes watering violently and his back being pounded on viciously by his wife.

"Careful there," Harry warned, a wicked smile curving his lips. "Fire Whiskey is a bit stronger then the Muggle stuff you're used to."

"What are you planning on doing with your future, Ron?" Dean asked after a moment of fighting to hide his amusement at the robust man's reaction to the wizard liquor.

"Depends on what happens over the next few months," Ron answered, glancing briefly to Harry. "I'll either join Harry and become an Auror, or go on to become a professional Quidditch player. That is, after Hermione and I get married."

"When is the big day?" Susan asked with a smile that caused Hermione to blush.

"We're planning on getting married right after school," she answered. "We'll actually have two weddings. My Muggle relatives who don't know I'm a witch, will want to see us married in London, so my parents are planning that one and Ron's mum is planning the one here for all our friends and his family."

"Sounds exciting. Are you going to go on to University?" Susan asked again.

"I don't think so. I wanted to at first, but my plans have changed. Ron, Harry and I are going to sign up as Aurors."

"There isn't an evil around who can withstand the three of you," Collin said with admiration.

"What is an Auror?" Petunia finally braved to ask.

"They fight evil in both the wizarding world as well as the Muggle one," Harry answered. "Aurors use their powers to maintain peace in our land."

"And that's what all three of you are planning on doing?" Dudley asked. "Can anyone become an Auror?"

"You have to possess great power and have the will to fight with your very life," Hermione clarified.

"The Golden Trio, together forever," a voice said behind them, causing Harry and his friends to look up at the blond standing near Vernon and Petunia. "How sweet. Think you can withstand blushing long enough to bring in a rogue Death Eater, Weasley?"

"Shove off Malfoy," Ron growled.

"Is that any way for a future Quidditch playing Auror to act, Weasleby?" Malfoy teased.

"What are you going to do, after you graduate?" Ginny asked, watching a dark expression cross the young man's eyes.

"I have my family's businesses to run," he answered abruptly. "I wasn't lucky enough to be born with a castle and the title of Prince to decorate my tombstone, like some people," he added, looking at Harry. "I actually have to work for my living."

"Ha!" Ron snapped. "Your father was loaded, making his riches off the backs of other wizards. You're lucky if you have to lift a finger to blow your own nose."

"Jealous, Weasleby?" Malfoy asked, ignoring the fact the Minister of Magic was sitting just feet from his son.

"Of what? I'd rather live in a rat hole, then ever be like you."

"I thought you did live in a rat hole."

"That's quite enough of that," Mr. Weasley interrupted. "I thought we were here to relax and celebrate the outcome of the Gryffindor victory?"

"Well, some of us are," Malfoy added, glancing down to Harry. "You nearly killed me in that game, Potter. I have a score to settle with you. Care to join me outside?" Harry narrowed his eyes, noticing the strange glint that filled his opponent's pale eyes. Harry pushed away from the table and stood, followed quickly by Ron, Seamus, Dean and the Creevy boys.

"Stay here," Harry ordered. "It doesn't concern you."

"But Harry..." Ron began.

"It's all right, Ron. I won't be long." The two left the room through the back door, while the others watched him leave.

"Think Harry can hold his own against him?" Dudley asked with concern, while Vernon looked quite pleased that Harry had been called out.

"Are you kidding?" Seamus chuckled.

"Harry has fought the Dark Lord so many times, we've lost count," Dean added. "And every time he's come out on top. He'll be fine. Old Ferret-Face couldn't harm Harry if his life depended on it."

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"So, are you going to kill me or am I going to kill you first?" Harry said with a smirk.

"Think you have the power to defeat me?" Malfoy asked arrogantly. "I know more dark magic then you could ever hope to learn."

"Bragging, or complaining?"

"One is about the same as the other."

"So why are we out here?" Harry asked curiously.

"I had to tell you, I think there's something going on with Snape," Malfoy answered. "He left before the match this morning and he hasn't returned yet."

"Any idea where he went?"

"London, or so Flitwick said. He received an owl and left immediately by the floo network."

"Do you know what the letter was about?" Harry asked leaning against the outside wall of the Three Broomsticks.

"I found it, but it doesn't make any sense," Malfoy said, handing the piece of parchment to Harry, who read it aloud.

" 'Sev: Sharon is gone, I'm sorry. What do I do now? Amanda is scared. Please advise. Kevin.' Who is Kevin?"

"I don't know, he's never mentioned any of those names," Malfoy added. "He's always been very secretive, but the last couple of years has been worse. When I was with him over the summer, he would leave for days on end. In fact, he was only here from Monday to Thursday, and then he would leave and not return until early Monday morning."

"And you don't know what he's up to?"

"No idea. I tried to follow him once, but I ended up in the alley behind a pub in London. I couldn't go in because I wasn't old enough so I waited outside in the alley until dawn, but he never came out."

"That's very odd even for Snape. Have you told Dumbledore about any of this?" Harry asked, watching the dark expression cross his face again.

"I am still trying to get used to accepting any of you. Talking to you, for some God-awful reason is easy, but Dumbledore is a whole different thing."

"He's a good man, Malfoy. And a good friend to all of us, even you."

"Yeah, whatever. I just think we should keep an eye on Snape. He wasn't very happy about being placed under confinement. He spent most of time pacing in his office or busting up furniture in his private room. He wasn't really all that happy that I had taken your side against him, either. He even took fifty points from Slytherin the following week, because I didn't call him 'sir' in the hall."

"Well, he's always been vindictive, much like you." Harry said, causing Malfoy to laugh at the thought.

"Those were the good old days, weren't they?" the blond asked.

"At least they were simpler," Harry answered honestly, if not a bit sad. "Why did you defend me against Snape?"

"Because you were in the right," Malfoy answered honestly. "Yeah, I know, me doing something right? Impossible. But to be honest Potter, I don't think any of us are going to be able to defeat the Dark Lord without you. And after learning you were the Potter that had to sign the Document of Cessation, I can't see allowing anything to harm you until you do sign it. I'm not all that eager to be under the rule of someone like Lord Voldemort. It's bad enough having to live under my father's threats."

"Well, whatever the reason I thank you." Harry paused for a moment, shuffling his feet in the dirt of the alley. "Is it just me, or is it really weird talking like this after all these years of hating each other?"

"Don't flatter yourself," Malfoy commented, the trademark smirk he'd developed and worse so proudly was back. "I still hate you."

"At least we agree on more then a couple of issues," Harry said in a serious tone. "Any more news on that student?"

"None, and it's making me very nervous. I keep looking over my shoulder. If my father gets his hands on me and takes me to the Dark Lord, I'm dead."

"That won't happen Malfoy," Harry promised. "There's too many of us to watch after you."

"That's just what I want," Malfoy grumbled less bitterly than normal. "A Mudblood, a Weasel and a Prince watching my arse."

"Don't complain," Harry smiled. "You could have Hermione, Ron and me watching you." Malfoy sneered as Harry chuckled, opening the back to return to his friends.

"Hey Potter," Malfoy said stopping him form entering. "Your Muggle relatives, they don't look like they're having a very good time."

"I hope not," Harry answered honestly.

"You really want to make them flip? Take them to the Weasel twins. I'm sure they'd like to see them. They can make their visit here...interesting." Harry chuckled again, smiling at the thought.

"One more thing Malfoy," he said before either had the chance to leave. "You need to spend a little more time training your team and watching for the Snitch, then shagging Parvati. You might actually win a game this season if you learn to stay out of the broom cupboard."

"And exactly where do you take the Weaslette when you're horny? Hagrid's hut?"

"Not a chance. We have our own little...cupboard. It's quite nice too. Remind me sometime, I may just tell you where to find it."

"Just so long as I don't have to clean up after you two," Malfoy smirked again, walking away from the back of the building. Harry returned to his table, to find Mr. Weasley trying to calm his son down.

"What's going on?" he asked Ginny, hearing his friend being scolded openly by his Minister-father.

"Look at your relatives," she said. Harry turned to see Hermione struggling to return Dudley's nose to its original shape, while Seamus and Dean were trying to calm a very silent, very purple Vernon who kept opening and closing his mouth wordlessly, and Petunia who was sobbing her blue face into a white handkerchief.

"Ron got irritated when Dudley asked Hermione if he could buy her another butter beer and told him to keep his nose where it belonged," Ginny explained. "Next thing we know, your cousin had a three-foot nose with warts growing out of his face. Your uncle was so angry he threatened to sue Ron - whatever that means - and dad had to place a silencing spell on him after he started ranting about how deplorable Hogsmeade was and the 'freaks' that were here. Madam Rosmerta got so angry when your aunt said she felt filthy sitting in such a rundown dump as this, that she turned her face into - what else - a petunia."

"Sounds like I missed a better game then the one earlier today," Harry smiled.

"I think we better get these people out of here and back to Hogwart's," Mr. Weasley advised.

The group arrived back at school shortly before dinner, still listening to the rantings of the Dursleys, now that Uncle Vernon had been released from the silencing spell and Aunt Petunia had been returned to her usual pallor. Hermione continued to scold Ron while repeatedly apologizing to Dudley, and Mr. Weasley insisting that everything would be fine. Harry was actually enjoying his relatives' treatment, knowing that for the first time they got what they deserved.

"Well, I suppose you should be leaving if you want to get back to London before it gets too late," Harry told his uncle when they arrived in the main hall of the castle.

"There is nothing I would like more then to leave this freak show behind and forget I ever heard the name of Potter," Vernon screeched. "But unfortunately, we have to stay the night. Your Minister arranged for us to stay in this...hellhole overnight so Dudley can see what real...what your kind....are like. That train of yours will not return for us until tomorrow."

"What?" Harry snapped. "You're staying the night? Here?"

"That's what I said," Vernon growled. "You were never a very bright boy, were you?"

"You can't stay here," Harry insisted, turning to Mr. Weasley. "Tell them they can't stay here. Make arrangements for them to stay in Hogsmeade if you have to. I'll even pay for a room at the Hog's Head, but they can't stay here."

"I'm sorry Harry, but there is no other choice," Mr. Weasley said in exasperation. "Even if we could arrange other accommodations, with the way they behaved in the Three Broomsticks, there isn't a room or home that would take them in."

"Then let the sleep in the Forbidden Forest for all I care, just get them the bloody hell out of Hogwart's!" Harry shouted. "I do not want their kind anywhere near here."

"Now you listen to me boy," Vernon began then froze when Harry narrowed his eyes, turning to confront him.

"You call me boy one more time and I'll make certain it's the very last thing you say," he warned in a soft, threatening tone.

"All right, everyone just calm down," Mr. Weasley insisted as Dumbledore and McGonagall joined them, having heard the shouting all the way up the stairs.

"I see everyone arrived back in one piece," Dumbledore chimed cheerfully, a welcoming smile on his old face.

"Not bloody likely," Vernon exploded. "You have no idea what this day has been like."

"I have never been so embarrassed or humiliated in all my life," Petunia cried.

"I thought it was great fun...except for the whole nose thing," Dudley added.

"Give it time woman, you haven't seen anything," Harry snapped at his aunt, ignoring Dudley's comment and refusing to look at Vernon any longer. "Professor Dumbledore, Mr. Weasley has arranged for these people to remain at Hogwart's over night," he continued addressing the Headmaster. "Would you kindly tell them to vacate? Show them to the Shrieking Shake or let them sleep on the benches at the train depot, but get..them..the..hell..out..of ..Hogwart's!"

"Do calm yourself Mr. Potter," McGonagall ordered.

"Now Harry, the Minister has been kind enough to welcome your relatives into our world, it's the least we can do to make them feel at home," the older man explained, a look of amusement on his face.

"At home?" Harry shouted, ignoring the teachers and the many students who had filtered into the hall with all the noise. Hagrid stood by the main door, his mouth open wide at Harry's actions. Nobody in the castle had ever seen the young man react in such a manner and never heard him raise his voice to the Headmaster before, particularly to demand anything of him. "The only place these three are at home in is a rubbish pile. They have no business being here and I have no intention of showing a single moment of kindness toward them any longer. Either they go or I do!"

"And where would you go Harry?" Dumbledore asked.

"I'll spend the night in Hogsmeade or I'll go home to my parents castle. I'll sleep with Aragog for all I care, but I will not stay under the same roof as these selfish, arrogant..."

"Mudbloods?" Malfoy supplied, knowing Harry would never bring himself to call his relatives such a word, even in the worst mood. Harry instead waved a hand to Malfoy in acceptance of the term.

"I think perhaps you are right, Harry," Dumbledore said, capturing everyone by surprise. "Please wait for me in my office and I will make the proper arrangements. Mr. Dursley if you and your family would be so kind as to follow Hagrid, he will show you to your rooms. I will have your meal brought to you and we will see you in the morning. Minister, perhaps you would care to join Harry?"

"I would Professor Dumbledore," he answered.

"Miss Weasley, Mr. Weasley, Miss Granger you may wait with Harry in my office. Mr. Malfoy, I'd like you to join them as well. The rest of you students, please adjourn to the Great Hall. We don't want such a wonderful feast to grow cold." The hall immediately began to murmur with curiosity, but knowing that Dumbledore never gave orders more than once, the students did as told and returned to their designated areas.

"Professor McGonagall, please show Harry and the others to my office. I'll be along momentarily," the older man asked, watching as the Dupty Headmistress lead the five students and Mr. Weasley up the stairs to his private office.

"You really did it this time Harry," Ron warned with a fear gripping his gutt.

"I don't care," Harry answered, his anger still raging inside him. "He can expel me for all I care. I meant what I said."

"I'm sure you did, Harry," Dumbledore said as he entered the room, smiling at the sight of Harry pacing around his office in a furry. "Please, sit everyone. Arthur, Minerva, would you care for some brandy? It's an excellent year?"

"Thank you Albus," the two replied, accepting the glasses that began to fill themselves on the corner table.

"And the rest of you, would you like tea or butter beer?" Harry narrowed his eyes on the old man.

"We don't want anything," he snapped.

"Speak for yourself Potter," Malfoy returned. "I'd like a butter beer."

"Excellent choice Mr. Malfoy, and the rest of you?" Dumbledore smiled. The others barely nodded as a tray of dark brown bottles appeared from thin air in front of them. They each took one and sat down in the chairs the Headmaster had conjured up for them, and then glanced to Harry.

"Have a drink Harry," he ordered gently, but Harry stood his ground, refusing to either pick up the bottle or to sit in the chair behind him. Instead, he kept his arms folded across his chest, staring at the old wizard.

"Very well," Dumbledore continued sitting in the chair behind his large desk. "To begin with Harry, I completely understand your feelings concerning your relatives. They have earned nothing less than your contempt. But considering your standing in our community and this school, you must remain cordial, regardless of how difficult it may be." The Headmaster drew a deep breath, leaning back in his seat. "Perhaps it is best if you not stay here in the castle tonight," he continued. "I will grant you, your choice of accommodations. I can arrange rooms in Hogsmeade if you would like, or you have another option. Dobby has informed me that your parents' home has been made ready for you. I will grant you use of the floo network for this one occasion. You may return to your ancestral home for one night. Perhaps it will do you good to be back where so much love once reigned. I will also grant you the company of your friends. Mr. Malfoy, you have the choice of joining Mr. Potter or remaining in the castle." Ron gasped at Dumbledore's words, but quickly shut his mouth when Hermione rammed her elbow into his ribs.

"If it's all the same to you, I think I will join Potter and the Weasels," Malfoy agreed. "It may be fun torturing Weasleby for awhile."

"Sod off Malfoy," Ron finally grumbled, causing Dumbledore to chuckle.

"Very well. I will have Dobby bring your things for the evening," the older man said, standing back up and walking around the edge of his desk. He picked up the refused bottle of butter beer and handed it to Harry. Looking at it for a moment before taking it, Harry nodded politely to the man and quickly took a drink, causing the smile that crossed Dumbledore's face to widen.

"You may use my fireplace, if you are ready to leave?" he told the group. Harry glanced to the others and they all nodded, except for Malfoy who simply raised an eyebrow. "Very well. I expect to see you back here in time for tomorrow night's meal. You still have classes to attend and I will accept no excuses for your tardiness." Dumbledore held out a container of powder and watched as each young person took a handful, ordering the fireplace to take them to the royal castle in Ottery St. Catchpole.

"I am afraid I do not agree with your decision, Albus," Mr. Weasley said at last, once the group had vanished. "It is not wise to allow them to visit the castle on their own. Nor is it safe."

"I must agree with the Minister, Albus," McGonagall added. "Especially inviting Draco Malfoy to join them. He and young Mr. Weasley have less then admirable feelings toward each other. I think it's a big mistake."

"I think other wise," Dumbledore disagreed, sitting back behind his desk and picking up the glass of brandy that floated toward him. "Those five young people are the only hope we have against the dark forces in our world. Harry's time is running short. His powers are growing and he's confused and filled with regret and frustration. Those five must begin to feel comfortable with each other and they must be allowed to fall into a pattern of trust. I feel the more they are allowed to be together, the stronger their bound will become."

"Are you positive about Draco Malfoy?" Mr. Weasley asked. Dumbledore swallowed a rather large mouthful of the warm, brown liquid before looking up at the balding man.

"Harry is sure and that is all the acknowledgment I need. The star has been formed and the circle is closed. It's now time for them to learn to rely on each other. If they can't...there is no hope left for any of us."