Harry Potter and the Emerald Sceptre

~~~~ Chapter 2 ~~~~

Many Meetings

"How is he Lupin?"

"The same."

The sound of the voices woke Harry. He groggily reached for his glasses and slipped them on. His ribs ached and his vision was a little blurry. His head was spinning and her felt disorientated. He looked around the room, recognising it at once. He was back at Grimmauld Place. He had promised himself many a time not to come back here. Fate, it seemed, had other ideas. Phineas Nigellus' portrait was empty on the wall and the curtains were drawn. The only light in the room came from a lava lamp on the table in the corner. Harry shook his head, trying to rid himself of the grogginess. He could clearly hear voices outside the door.

"Here, give him this when he wakes," the voice continued. "Has Albus told you what happened?"

"The long and the short of it."

"You think she is telling the truth?"

"Doubt it, with a sister like hers, not to mention her husband, brother-in-law and just about every other relation she has. If my family were like hers, I would have deviated from the straight and narrow."

"People can change, Severus. You yourself are living proof. Did you not deviate from the straight and narrow, yet still right your wrongs?"

"Are you saying you trust her?"

"She did save Harry."

"Perhaps," sneered the other voice. "But how do you know she didn't instigate the attack so she could do precisely that, a shortcut to our inner-circle."

"You are the Legimency master, can you not tell if she is lying?"

"She won't look at me, and I cannot overtly use the spell. Se is also a skilled Occlumens."

"Too good for you?" There was a pause.

"I'd better be going." Harry heard footsteps descend the stairs, and the front door slam. The absence of screams told Harry that the portrait of Mrs. Black had indeed been shipped off to Bellatrix. Since the picture could not be removed, chances were that the whole section of the wall had gone as well. Hopefully she wouldn't tell Bellatrix anything that she should not know. At least now she can't spy for them anymore.

The door to the room opened, and Remus came in. He was dressed in worn grey robes, making him look old and weary. His face lit up when he saw Harry sitting up, the sad look replaced by a grin even Sirius would have been proud of. Stop It! Let go of the past! Harry scolded himself. Everything he saw seemed to remind him of Sirius and made him want to curl up in a ball and be alone. He must not do that.

"How are you feeling Harry?" said Remus softly, taking a seat beside his bed.

"I ache all over," said Harry honestly. "But my head has stopped spinning."

"Here, drink this." Lupin handed him a phial containing a green liquid. Harry obediently drank it and immediately felt a warmth spread through his body. Must have been Pepper-Up potion. Snape must have left it. Harry hated the idea of being grateful to Snape. He threw back the bedclothes. His shirt had been removed and he had a bandage over the left side of his ribcage. He swung his legs over the side and sat on the edge of the bed with his feet dangling. Memories came flooding back to him. The fight, the Death Eaters, the curse...the woman. Had he imagined it? He must have for she would never help him, would she? The last thing he remembered was looking into her cold grey eyes before he passed out. It couldn't be her. She would never in her life help him. She was a Death Eater and people like her tended not to like Harry.

"What happened, Remus?" he asked. "How did they get past the barriers? The park is within a mile from the house."

"We don't know, Harry. It seems Voldemort has found a way around the barrier. How he did it, I cannot say."

"You can't say?" hissed Harry, his anger beginning to show. So Dumbledore was playing that old game was he. Harry would show him. He wouldn't be left out of the loop this year. It was him in the prophecy, him and he had a right to know what was happening.

"No, Harry, I didn't mean it like that. I mean I don't know and neither does the Headmaster. We aren't keeping secrets from you this year," said Lupin quickly. "What do you remember?" Harry closed his eyes and allowed the memories to come to the surface. He had picked a fight, something that he viewed as being one of Dudley's worst habits, yet he had done it himself. How do you tell a former teacher that you are nothing but a street thug? But I was helping someone, Harry told himself.

"I...well, I was in the park," he began slowly, choosing each word carefully. "Dudley and his friend Piers were there. We were...er.... talking and then Death Eaters appeared. One of them got me..."

"After you took down three of them!" grinned Remus. "Very well done, Moody was very impressed, and I daresay Severus was as well, though I doubt he'd admit it."

"So you were the ones who saved me then," concluded Harry. "You came for me when I was beaten?"

"Well no actually," stammered the werewolf, looking very uncomfortable. He shifted in his seat before speaking again. "We were...well we were, what do you remember?"

"I don't know," said Harry. "I think I must have hallucinated before I passed out"

"Why do you say that?"

"Well I saw, I thought I saw," he corrected himself, "Bellatrix Lestrange save me. Only she looked a bit different, she was blond, but those eyes. I remember her cold eyes just staring at me before I passed out. Stupid isn't it?" added Harry with an attempt at a laugh, but his ribs hurt when he tried, causing him to clutch them and screw up his eyes. When he opened them, the grin had gone from Remus' face and he looked distinctly uneasy.

"Well, at least you're alive and safe." said Lupin slowly. "Hungry?"

"Extremely," said Harry with a grin. Beneath the bandages, his stomach was rumbling.

"Come on then," grinned Remus. "Dobby is in the Kitchen. I suspect he'll be glad to see you."

"Dobby!" exclaimed Harry. He had fond memories of the House Elf. Although he had got Harry into trouble and a bed in the Hospital Wing for two days, Harry still counted the Elf as one of his friends. If he ever told Dobby that, the Elf would cry hysterically and praise the great Harry Potter for a week and Harry wouldn't be able to get a word in edgeways.

"Yes," said Remus with a small smile. "I thought you'd be glad to see a familiar face."

"Anyone except Kreacher."

"Dumbledore Obliviated Kreacher and set him free. Dobby is working here now, paid of course."

"Well, that will please Hermione, or at last get her off my back."

After Harry had thrown on some clothes, Remus led Harry down to the kitchen. The smell of frying was detectable even from the hallway. The smell caused Harry's mouth to water. Lupin pushed open the door.

"Harry Potter, sir," came Dobby's squeaky voice as Harry was hit in the gut by a flying House Elf. Harry toppled over and cried out in agony. Dobby had hit him right on his injured ribs. Harry yanked the Elf off of him and rubbed his injured side.

"Oh, Harry Potter, sir, Dobby is so sorry sir. Bad Dobby! Bad Dobby!" he cried as he hammered his head against the wall. Harry climbed to his feet, helped by Remus and had to forcibly pull Dobby away from the wall that he was head butting.

"Dobby, it's OK! Stop that before you hurt yourself!" he said firmly. Dobby stopped at once, and looked sheepishly at Harry. Harry held him by the back of his vest. He was wearing a sleeveless vest and a pair of football shorts. He had at least six different socks on each foot, all different colours and was wearing a pair of earmuffs and bandana. Harry put Dobby down.

"What does Harry Potter want for his breakfast, sir?" Dobby asked. "And Master Remus, sir, what can Dobby get you?" He was practically bouncing up and down with excitement at the prospect of helping Harry.

"Just scrambled egg on toast and a cup of tea, please," said Harry as he took a seat at the table.

"Just tea for me, please, Dobby," said Lupin as he joined Harry at the table. "It is actually nearly four o'clock, so I won't be eating yet. You've been asleep so it's best to have breakfast first." Harry just nodded and looked around the room. Whereas Kreacher had been lazy, Dobby was a hard worker. He was already running frantically about, whisking eggs, putting bread in the toaster and boiling water for the tea. Harry noticed that the kitchen looked bright and clean. Having cleaned the windows, removed the think black blinds and opened the windows, the kitchen was a much brighter and happier room. Dobby had cleaned the whole room and it was gleaming. When the breakfast arrived, Dobby announced that he was, with Harry's permission, going to clean his bedroom. Once Harry and Remus had had their breakfast, they were much more at ease to talk.

"What's been happening with Riddle lately?" asked Harry as he sipped his second cup of tea. "I haven't been getting the Prophet."

"Not a lot is the honest answer," replied Remus. "We haven't heard a peep. We are still following known Death Eaters, but it has been quiet recently. I think this is the quiet before the storm. I know he's planning something, but aside from your encounter, nothing has happened. He hasn't even tried to break Malfoy out of Azkaban." Harry's eyebrows shot up into his fringe. Rodolphus Lestrange had been captured and incarcerated, but he had also been in the park.

"Hang on," said Harry, looking and sounding grave. "None of the Death Eaters have escaped yet?"

"Not that we know of. The Prophet even photographed them in their cells two night ago as part of the publicity deal. It makes Fudge look like he is making progress against Voldemort."

"That's impossible," said Harry shaking his head. "Rodolphus Lestrange is out. He was one of the ones who attacked me and Dudley."

"You're sure?" Remus looked surprised and worried.

"Yes, I stunned him and his mask fell off. It was definitely him," said Harry firmly. Remus looked worried, but then adopted a thoughtful expression. He stared into space for a few seconds, looking very pensive.

"Either no-one knows," he said at last. "Or the Ministry is keeping it quiet, damn them! Sorry, Harry."

"Don't worry," grinned Harry. "I can swear quite colourfully if the occasion calls for it!" Both of them laughed and Harry took another sip of his tea.

"We'll have to tell Dumbledore about that when he arrives."

"He's coming here?"

"He should be arriving shortly. He wishes to speak to you, probably about your experience."

"He'd better tell me what's going on this year." Harry still hadn't totally forgiven him for keeping such important information from him last year.

"He will, Harry," said Remus kindly. "I made him promise he would."

"You made him?"

"You weren't the only one who screamed at him after Sirius died," said Remus sadly. "I gave him a earful and we agreed that it was best for you to be in the loop. We are talking about your destiny after all. Anyway, before we get to depressed with all this talk, let's move on to more important things." Remus took an envelope out of his pocket and handed it to Harry. It was stamped 'Magical Education Authority.' It was his OWL results.

"But they don't arrive until mid August, and today...hang on, what day it?" asked Harry. Remus sighed.

"It is the ninth of August; you've been out cold for 5 days." Harry was taken aback. Unconscious for five days!

"But then what about Dudley and Piers, what happened to them, think how many people Piers could have told in five days. Our world could be exposed," said Harry frantically. They had to find him and obliviate him quickly.

"Harry relax, all will be revealed when the Headmaster arrives," said Remus firmly. "Which should be any minute. Now, open your OWLs" Harry took a knife and slit the envelope open. Anxiety was bubbling in his stomach. He nervously pulled out the folded piece of parchment. He took a deep breath and unfolded the letter.

Magical Education Authority

OWL Results

Potter, Harry James

Candidate Number: 5447092

All results are given as percentages.

Potions

Practical: 81 O

Theory: 73 E OWL: O

Transfiguration

Practical 78 E

Theory 83 O OWL:O

Defence Against the Dark Arts

Practical 110 O*

Theory 100 O OWL:O*

Charms

Practical 82 O

Theory 86 O OWL:O

Care of Magical Creatures

Practical: 75

Theory: 71 OWL:E

Herbology

Practical: E 72

Theory: A 66 OWL:E

Divination

Practical: D 42

Theory: P 51 OWL:P

History of Magic

Written Exam 60 OWL:A

Astronomy

Practical: 62 A

Theory: 74 E OWL:E

* Perfect Score

Congratulations, you have been awarded 8 OWLs

Harry couldn't believe it. 3 Os, and an O* in Defence. Most surprising of all was his Potions grade. This meant that he could take all the NEWTs subjects needed to become an Auror, the only downside being another two years with the vindictive Potions Master, Professor Snape. With the results came a list of NEWT Courses. He signed up for his four O subjects and selected Muggle Studies as his fifth subject. All students were required to take five NEWTs, and none of the other subjects appealed to him. He didn't have the grades for subjects such as Arithmancy, and he thought that since he was raised by muggles, Muggle studies should be easy.

Harry looked up and saw Remus grinning at him.

"I take it from your expression you did well!" he said jovially. Harry handed him the letter. Remus read it and handed it back. "Well done Harry, you'll easily make Auror." Harry knew full well that it would be anything but easy, but he was glad that at least someone had some faith in him.

Just then, the doorbell chimed and Dobby disappeared with a crack, presumably to answer it.

"Ah, Dumbledore is here," said Lupin. He sounded relieved, probably because he wouldn't have to avoid Harry's continuous questions any more. Suddenly, Harry heard Dobby squeal and then the door to the kitchen flew open. Dobby came running in, looking absolutely terrified, before disappearing through a cat-flap into the cellar.

"That was unusual," remarked Harry. What could have caused Dobby to panic like that? The cause of Dobby's panic soon became clear. The door opened again and Dumbledore entered the kitchen, followed by Narcissa Malfoy.

Harry reacted in an instant; his anger took hold of him. He shot past Dumbledore and thrust Lady Malfoy roughly up against the wall. A carving knife flew out of the rack and into his hand, and he raised it to her throat, holding the blade firmly against her pale skin.

"Give me one reason why I shouldn't gut you like a fish," growled Harry. How dare she come here? She was responsible for Sirius' death. If it wasn't for her, he would still be alive, and what was Dumbledore doing in her company?

"Harry, drop the knife!" shouted Lupin, but Dumbledore gestured to Remus to remain seated.

"Harry," said Narcissa softly. Her breathing was fast and she looked scared. So she should be. Harry felt a glimmer of satisfaction from her apparent fear. "Listen, please," she pleaded. "I never meant for Sirius to die, I..."

"HORSESHIT!" interrupted Harry. She had as good as killed Sirius. He wouldn't let her talk her way out of this one, not like her slippery husband. "You told Kreacher to distract him, you and Kreacher are responsible. It's your fault."

"Yes, I am responsible and I have to live with that," said Narcissa, as Harry pressed the blade more firmly against her throat. "But I swear I never meant for anyone to die," she hurriedly continued. "Certainly not my own cousin. I am not my sister, Harry. I don't enjoying causing pain like Bellatrix does." Realisation dawned on Harry, as she spoke. Of course, she had blond hair and she looked like Bellatrix.

"It was you," he said, lowering the knife and taking a step back. "You saved me in the park." Finding herself free from Harry's grasp, Narcissa slowly sank into a chair. She took a second to calm herself. After a deep breath she spoke again.

"Yes, it was me who saved you," she said carefully. "I was sent to kill you. You-Know-Who came for me. Since Lucius was... unavailable, he came to the conclusion that I owed him my allegiance, but I couldn't kill anyone. Whatever you think of me, Harry, I am not a killer."

"A Malfoy with a conscience, a rare beast indeed," hissed Harry sarcastically. He still had the knife held firmly in his hand, and showed no sign of retreating.

"Lucius is the murderer, Harry, more of a monster that you'll ever know," continued Mrs Malfoy. "I have tried for years to not get involved." She rolled up her sleeves, exposing her pale arms. "See, I don't carry the mark. I have never worked for the Dark Lord. As for Lucius, I never loved him in the first place. It was an arranged marriage, one pureblood family joined to another for financial gain and to earn respect. Both out families wanted a pure marriage and so they arranged for myself and Lucius to wed. It was never a happy marriage, even before Draco was born. For years he has beat me, claiming I have no Malfoy pride. I think, in hindsight, that I am a coward. If I had an ounce of courage I would have run, I would have been struck of the tapestry like Andromeda and Sirius, but I would have been happier than I am now. But no, I am a coward and this is the price I have paid for it. You may be wondering why I am doing what I am doing now. The answer is simple: I am trying to protect my son from his father."

"Draco is an evil bastard, just like his father," said Harry firmly. A tear rolled down Narcissa's cheek at this statement. She slowly and sadly nodded.

"Yes," she sighed. "With Lucius 'detained' I saw my chance; I confronted Draco. I told him the full horror of what Lucius would do, what he would be required to do if he chose to follow the Dark Lord. I told him that I wanted to defect, that he should come with me. It thought that I, we, you could protect him. But he has been corrupted by Lucius' years of purity preaching. He hexed me, his own mother, and set out to join You-Know-Who. He's run away from me and now I'm at a loss. Harry, I swear I never wanted anyone to die." She looked at him with glistening eyes, a pleading expression on her face. Harry was experiencing déja-vu. He had been in this situation before, holding a weapon to someone he thought was a Death Eater, someone he thought had done far worse that Mrs Malfoy, someone who he thought was the reason he had no parents. The last time the Death Eater had been innocent and his godfather. Should he believe the Death Eater this time? His moral dilemma came to an end and Harry found himself replacing the knife in the rack. Cautiously he sat at he kitchen table with Narcissa, Remus and Dumbledore. He didn't take his eyes of Narcissa's hands. He may have put down the knife, but he was still a long way from trusting her.

"Dobby," called Dumbledore calmly. His eyes were twinkling and he more a small smile. "Dobby appeared with a crack. He hid behind Remus and stared up at the Headmaster. "Four cups of tea please, Dobby. You needn't worry about Mrs. Malfoy, she is here at my request and will not hurt you." Dobby bowed to both the Headmaster and Narcissa and left, looking thoroughly unconvinced. Harry could hear the rattling of crockery and then a minute later, Dobby returned carrying a tray laden with four cups and a large pot of tea.

The four of them retreated to the lounge, where Narcissa and Harry both told their stories. Narcissa it seemed had been sent to kill him. She had turned on her comrades; she hexed the last Death Eater. She then carried him back to number four, led by Piers and Dudley. Once there she had asked Aunt Petunia for the letter Dumbledore had left which told her how to contact him in case of emergency. She Obliviated Piers and tried to heal Harry. She was, as Harry discovered to his benefit, a qualified Healer, working at St. Bartholomew's Private Hospital. She then waited for the Order to arrive. Moody, Lupin and Tonks had come. Narcissa surrendered her wand and was led away back to Grimmauld Place in chains. She was later released and reunited with her wand, since Dumbledore had believed her story. The Order had learned a lot from her; she had witnessed many comings and goings at Malfoy Manor. While this story seemed to fill in any gaps, it still left many questions unanswered, and still did not make Harry trust her. Dumbledore might trust her, but then again he trusted Snape. Harry held a view similar to Mad-Eye's: Snape was still untrustworthy and should be treated with caution. Harry felt the same about Narcissa.

"Mrs Malfoy," said Harry, using her name for the first time.

"Call me Narcissa or even Ciss, Cissa, if you like, Harry," she replied with a small smile. Harry didn't return the smile.

"Narcissa, did you know that Lucius is almost certainly out of Azkaban now?" She paled considerably as her eyebrows shot up by over an inch. 'Out?' she mouthed; her voice had failed her temporarily. She sat gaping like a fish for a few seconds before finding her voice.

"How do you know?" she stammered.

"Rodolphus Lestrange was arrested with him. He was one of the Death Eaters in the park. If he is out, it is safe to assume your husband was also set loose."

"I'm afraid he has indeed escaped custody," said Dumbledore gravely. "I heard from Cornelius this morning. The island of Azkaban was destroyed when Voldemort broke them out. The Prophet is unaware, though I doubt Cornelius will be able to keep it quiet for much longer. On a related note, we have the Prophet silenced. They are not allowed to report your whereabouts. They are however, hero-worshipping you again." Harry groaned. Why me? "By the way, Harry, congratulations on you OWL scores."

"OWLs! Hedwig! Sir, she was killed in the park. She blocked a killing curse to protect me," said Harry. He felt guilty inside. It should have hit him, not her. Hedwig was more than just a bird to him, she was his friend, his faithful companion, and now she was gone. Another death that rested on his head.

"Yes Harry, I'm sorry. She was truly loyal if she gave her life to protect her master," said Lupin quietly.

"I know," replied Harry in a low voice. He was desperate to change the subject. "Speaking of the Ministry, am I to be reprimanded for using magic in view of a Muggle?"

"No Harry," smiled the Headmaster. "This incident has caused the ministry to see the danger that you are in. They have licensed you to use your magic outside school, though not in front of Muggles for obvious reasons." This information would have raised Harry's spirits any other day of the year, but not today. He was now free to use magic almost wherever he pleased, but this new freedom did nothing to lift his spirits. It was more than the loss of Hedwig. Her death still lingered in Harry's mind, but there was still the death of Cedric and, most painfully of all, the death of Sirius. After a month of mourning his Godfather, Harry was now confronted by one of those who caused his death and he was being asked to forgive her and put their differences aside. It was a tall order and one that needed time alone to be thought over. Harry could still feel the anger in him over Sirius. He needed someone to blame and Narcissa was near the top of his list. It would be a long time before he would trust her.

Harry was bored of the conversation and needed time alone. He excused himself and went back to his room. Not only did he have these new developments to think about, he also had the old ones: the Prophecy, Sirius and NEWTs to name a few. Thinking of school raised another question. Did he trust Dumbledore after last year?

Yes, he thought, I do. He knew that he had to trust the Headmaster again. Pushing him away would not help.

Harry showered and changed into some new clothes, which he found in the wardrobe. Clearly Remus had been shopping for him; both wizard and Muggle clothes filled the wardrobe, which had been magically enlarged, making it larger inside than out. He selected some black jeans, a black T-shirt and a black coat. Harry had taken to wearing black and only black recently. Maybe it was a sign of mourning, but not a conscious one at that. He didn't mean to dress like a funeral attendee; he just didn't want bright colours. He slipped into his trainers and descended the stairs. He actually tiptoed down the stairs before remembering that the portrait had been shipped off to Bellatrix.

He stuck his head around the door to the kitchen, in which Dumbledore, Remus and Narcissa were still talking. The Headmaster looked up as Harry popped his head around the door.

"I'm just going out to get a breath of fresh air," said Harry. "Unless you have a really good reason to keep my housebound."

"You can go, Harry," said Dumbledore gravely. Harry's words had been more aggressive than he had meant. His small joke was taken the wrong way, and it was too late to take it back now. "Please stay within a mile of the house, though," continued Dumbledore. "The barriers should keep you safe."

"I thought Voldemort could get around the barriers," said Harry. How else could he have attacked Harry before?

"These are new wards, Harry, and will hopefully work," said Remus. "Just watch your back and to be safe, take James' cloak, and be back before dark."

"Yes, Father," said Harry, with a hint of sarcasm in his voice. He hated it when people were patronising. He hated being treated like a four year old, especially after last year when everyone had treated him like a child. Harry hadn't been a child for many years now.

"Oh, and Harry," said the Headmaster. "Remus and Narcissa are coming back top Hogwarts with me. The house will be empty when you return. Remus will be back tomorrow morning. Dobby is here if you need anything."

"OK, got it."

Harry turned and left, closing the front door behind him. The square was deserted except for a single pigeon resting on the fence. Harry looked over to the pigeon. "Watch my back," he repeated in Remus' voice sarcastically.

"I doubt you are an Animagus," muttered Harry to the pigeon as he passed. He pulled his jacket closed and began his wander. He didn't know where he was going, nor how long he would be. He didn't know the local area. He just wanted to be alone, and walking in the fresh air was good for thinking. Harry had found this at Privet Drive. As he had wandered around the local roads, he had had plenty of time to think and he found that I helped a little. He began his walk. He meandered up to the end of the street, turned the corner and carried on down the next road.

As he walked, he began to think. He thought of Ron and Hermione. Was he ready to face them yet? Did they hold him responsible for what happened? Seeing them would mean discussing Sirius. He wanted to keep that buried. They would want to know about the prophecy. He could imagine their reaction. Ron would say 'Merlin, Harry!' and gape at him helplessly. Hermione would look up shield charms in a book. Between them, the rumour would get out by people overhearing their arguments, in which his name would surely be mentioned. Rumours in Hogwarts spread like wildfire and if it got out that Harry only had a fifty-fifty chance, Voldemort would come for him and he'd be as dead as a dodo. As for Ron and Hermione, neither would ever leave his side, forming an escort wherever he went. He didn't want an escort; he wanted his friends. He hated it when Parvati and Lavender spoke to him as though he was on his deathbed, and he didn't want Ron and Hermione doing the same.

He rounded another corner onto a row of shops. As Harry passed he absent-mindedly passed, he glanced through the shop windows, yet didn't really take in what he saw. To be truthful, he wasn't really interested. He wandered slowly along, past a bookshop, Machine Mart, an antiques shop, and mobile phone retailers and finally Woolworths. That's more like it, thought Harry. I fancy a bit of Pick'N'Mix. He took out his wallet to make sure he had enough money; he had exchanged some Galleons for Sterling at the Hogsmeade branch of Gringotts before boarding the train last July. In his view, since the Dursleys would not give him any money, he would need a little for himself for occasions such as these. The automatic doors slid open as he neared the door and he made his way inside. He could imagine Mr Weasley's reaction to those doors. Today, the shop was rather busy. The video and CD section was full of people bustling to get at the shelves. Some new blockbuster must have been released today. Around the sweets section, little children were dragging their tired parents around, pointing and demanding chocolate. The two girls behind the counter looked absolutely shattered. It must have been a long day for them as well. Harry made his way over to the Pick'n'Mix shelves. The best thing about Muggle sweets was that you knew what to expect. They didn't explode, make you ears steam, turn your hair blue, or taste of earwax. If you eat a Smartie, you know what it is going to taste like and you know it will not embarrass you, unless you choke on it. He took a scoop from the rack and began to make his selection. He helped himself to some cola bottles, a single jelly snakes, Smarties, chocolate raisins, Golden Bears, sour cherries and chocolate mice. He scanned the shelves, searching for anything else he might like. He reached for the Jelly babies but another hand got their first. The two scoops collided.

"Oh! Sorry!" said Harry and the girl at the same time. "I wasn't looking, sorry," stuttered Harry. Both he and the girl looked up into each other's eyes. Harry found himself face to face with Katie Bell. She was a year older than him and on the Quidditch team, to which he too had once belonged. Sadly, he had been banned last year. He had known her for years and they got along well. Admittedly she had a been a little angry to say the least when he had gotten himself banned, but they were still friends, and she was a highly capable member of the DA.

She is stunningly beautiful, was the fist thought to go through Harry's head. She wore loose jeans with a white crop-top and had her shoulder-length blond hair tired back in a short ponytail. She had probably been on holiday as she was well tanned. She wore white trainers, which looked brand new and was staring back with a similarly appraising look. Her blue eyes were gleaming in the light and a small smile adorned her face.

"Katie, what...erm...well, Hi!" stammered Harry, at a complete loss for words.

"Harry, what are you doing here?" she replied calmly. Why can't I talk to girls as calmly as they can to me? wondered Harry. I've never seen you here before. Nice coat"

"A present," blushed Harry. "I am staying near here now, well I live here, at least for now. My Godfather...died and left me this house. So I'm here, now." Why can't I form proper sentences? All I had to say was, 'I am living here now', and I couldn't even do that. Idiot! Well, it's too late now and I bet she thinks I'm a muppet.

"Really, me too," said Katie brightly. "I live a few streets away. How about you?"

"A few streets away. I only got here today, I hope I can find my way back." That was better, thought Harry. It actually made sense.

"Where about?"

"That's classified," joked Harry with a smile.

"Harry," said Katie in mock outrage. "I am not an assassin. I'll admit that I did want to kill you when you got yourself banned, but I guess the DA made up for that blunder."

"Sorry."

"Forget it, what's done is done. So where are you staying?"

"Why are you so interested?" asked Harry.

"Why won't you answer?"

"Why do you want to know?"

"Do you always answer a question with a question?" she was still smiling but Harry get the feeling he was beginning to annoy her.

"Does it annoy you?" he asked trying not to laugh.

"OK, enough," she laughed. Still smiling, she continued to speak. "I want to know because I am bored. I'm the only you-know-what of our age locally and I get bored and lonely on holidays. Do you think we could, I don't know, do something sometime?"

"Sure, why not?" said Harry. "Though you should probably know that I don't know the area, so I don't know what we can do."

"I can help there," she said. "I'll come by and pick you up. So where are you staying? I'll need an address." Harry sighed. He trusted her, they were friends after all. He looked around the shop to make sure no one was watching before leaning in and whispering in her ear. "Number 12, Grimmauld Place."

"I'm sorry?" said Katie. "I didn't catch that. Can you speak clearly?"

"Number 12, Grimmauld Place," said Harry clearly.

"I can't understand word you're saying," said Katie looking bemused.

"What? I said it as clear as crystal...ah, the Fidelus Charm. Never mind. I can't tell you. Only Dumbledore can, it's part of a spell so no one can find...me. I'll see if I can get you what you'll need to get inside. So, why are you here?"

"It's a free country, Harry, though perhaps not for long," she added. "No seriously, I live here, well down the road. Eastbury Road. If you mean why am I here, the answer is the same reason as you. I wanted some Pick'N'Mix. Hey Harry, do you know who is on the Quidditch team this year."

"Not really," replied Harry honestly. "Alicia and Angelina have left, Fred and George, well, you saw what happened with them, which leaves you, Ron, Ginny and those two beaters who Angie hired, Kirke and Sloper," said Harry sadly. He would have to endure another two years of watching his friends play, while he was barred from joining in. It was going to be agony.

"And you," said Katie.

"I'm banned, remember," sighed Harry

"No," grinned Katie. "Umbridge is gone, Dumbledore is back, and that means that you are too." Harry felt a ray of hope lighten his heart. Would Dumbledore do that for him? He felt guilty for thinking of the Headmaster as a commodity. He didn't usually like people making an exception of him, but in this case he did actually want him to. "Not to mention McGonagall," said Katie. "She'll tear those decrees apart and reinsert you if it's the last thing she does."

"Thanks for the vote of confidence," said Harry. It did actually cheer him up.

"My pleasure," smiled Katie. "Er...Harry."

"Yes."

"Do you want some Jelly babies or not?" Harry suddenly realised that he had had his scoop in the pot for the entire conversation, but hadn't done anything about it. He looked up to see Katie laughing at him. Harry stepped back, and Katie helped herself. "Such a gentlemen," she muttered as she passed. "Love a man with manners." When they both had all they wanted, Harry followed Katie to the cashier. The queue was short and they soon arrived at the till. Katie went first, but was confused by the Muggle money. Harry helped her. "She's from Australia," he said to the cashier who was looking very impatient. Having paid, they left the shop and wandered along the high street, chewing on their sweets.

"You knew you're way around pounds and pennies," observed Katie, trying to make conversation. "I assume your parents are Muggles?" She suddenly realised what she had said. Her eyes widened in realisation. "Oh Harry, I'm sorry, I forgot, I didn't mean it like that"

"It's OK, Katie," Harry reassured her. "I'm honoured that you forgot all that's happened to me. It makes a change to have conversation with someone who wants to talk to me and not the famous Harry Potter."

"I imagine that gets tiresome."

"Oh, it does," concurred Harry. "Everyone thinks that Halloween 1981 was the greatest day ever, when Voldemort vanished. To me, it's the day I became an orphan. On that day everyone was saved, everyone except my parents. Because of him, I have lived in hell for ten years. But who cares, right? He's gone so who gives a damn. The Boy-Who-Lived is a dream, a political puppet. I'm nothing like the legend."

"We know that," said Katie. "You proved it in the DA. You're far more than the legend."

"That's something I haven't heard before."

"Well to be honest, when you first came to Hogwarts and you made the Quidditch team, I was a little jealous. I was in my second year and I had had to wait all year to even be allowed a broom. Dumbledore made an exception for you and well, many though you were a spoiled little brat. Everyone thought you had been treated like a prince from day one."

"But, I..."

"Hang on there, sunshine, don't bite my head off," said Katie firmly. "No one knows where you live or anything. It's classified. You as good as disappeared after that night and then reappeared at Hogwarts. Every summer you disappear. No one knows. Many assume that you stay with Dumbledore."

"I wish," muttered Harry.

"When Rita Skeeter went on the rampage two years ago, it was very easy to believe. After all, after what you'd been through, who would be normal?"

"Thanks a lot."

"And then the slander took over," continued Katie, ignoring his protest. "Again, you were very angry last year and no one knew what really happened with Cedric and..."

"Do you think I killed him?"

"NO, let me finish," said Katie exasperatedly. "There were many questions and you gave no answers. Some said it was arrogance, others that you were lying to get attention. Some, Hermione Granger, insisted that you were right, but still in shock. Then we come to the DA. Most people came to hear you talk about Cedric's death. But you showed us. You are not what people think. You're human, and that is why you're more than the legend."

"I think that was a compliment," said Harry thoughtfully.

"Take it as one," said Katie taking a bite of a Fizzy Cola Bottle.

"So out of interest, if it isn't classified. Where do you go every holiday? Where were you hiding all these years?

"After Voldemort killed my parents, Dumbledore sent me to live with my Aunt and Uncle. They are Muggles, who hold a very medieval view of magic. My aunt, who was my mother's sister, thought that they could stamp the magic out of me. They kept me locked in the cupboard under the stairs for ten years. I never knew I was a Wizard, that everyone knew my name, or why. I didn't even know how my parents died until Hagrid came knocking on the door. Then I got my letter. It was like, 'by the way, your whole life is a lie. You're really someone else and just to make you feel even better there's this evil wizard who still wants to kill you." I'm not sorry for it, my years at Hogwarts have been the best of my life, and yet, with al that has happened, I sometimes find myself wishing I had never found out."

"You never knew?" asked Katie, her eyes glistening. "You lived in a cupboard?"

"Oh yes, my cupboard," said Harry, shaking his head. "My bedroom for ten years, until I was moved to Dudley's second room. He's my cousin, spoiled little brat. He's so perfect, and I'm the freak so he gets two rooms and I get a cupboard. Did you know I received my first ever Birthday present on my thirteenth birthday?"

"You're kidding," stuttered Katie.

"'Fraid not," sighed Harry. "Some hero, aren't I? It kind of throws the pampered prince image out of the window."

"But..."

"Do you know the real irony," said Harry with a sad smile. "Dumbledore sent me there for my protection. He sent me there to be safe. Because of him, I've..." Harry sighed. The memories were painful and he felt angry towards the headmaster again. It was his fault Harry had suffered. "That's why I love the Weasleys so much: The family atmosphere that I have never known. The love I have never felt. Come to think of it, I don't even know why I'm telling you this. I guess I just need to talk to someone. Thanks for listening."

"I..." stammered Katie. She had stopped walking and was staring into his eyes. Harry saw unshed tears building in hers.

"What about you?" asked Harry.

"I'm half and half. My mum was a squib; hell of a potion brewer though, could show Snape a thing or two. My dad was an Auror." She sighed sadly and took a deep breath.

"Was?"

"Yes, well," said Katei. Harry could hear a bitterness in her voice, one he had never heard before, not from the lips of the cheerful chaser. "He went after Crouch Junior. He knew he was a Death Eater. At the time, Crouch was still head of the department of MLE. He had authorised the use of Unforgivable curses against suspects. His son took a little girl, my Godmother's niece. She was being ransomed to her father, who was a ministry official. My father caught him and tried to find out where she was being kept. He used the Cruciatus curse. He saved the girl, but using an Unforgivable on Crouch's son was not something Crouch could forgive. He was obsessed with dignity and having a good reputation. The suggestion that his son was in league with You-know-who..."

"Voldemort," corrected Harry. Katie cringed at the name.

"Yes, Him," said Katie. "Well, Crouch was not best pleased so he disgraced my father and fired him. His wand was snapped and his pension revoked. He was ruined. He killed himself shortly afterwards. I was only two." A tear rolled down her cheek with this last statement. She hung her head. Harry could tell that she was on the verge of tears.

"Katie, I'm sorry," said Harry, putting an arm around her. He gently pulled her into a soft hug. Her body trembled slightly for a few seconds before she got a hold of herself. They stood for nearly a minutes, holding each other. Harry found her warm body comforting. She had made him realise for the first time, that other had suffered in the war, not just him. How had he been so cold an oblivious? Snape had been right, he thought it was all about him, but here was another family that had been torn apart by Voldemort.

"Oh Harry, it's OK. It's just that..." she whispered in his ear.

"You feel so hurt, so betrayed?" finished Harry, releasing her from the hug.

"Yes, how did...?"

"I know quite a lot about betrayal by the ministry," said Harry softly, with a sad smile.

"I can imagine," said Katie, also managing to smile. She wiped the tears from her cheeks.

Harry looked into her eyes. Her beautiful blue eyes. They glistened with tears, sparkling in the evening sun.

"Harry?" said Katie softly, shaking him out of his stupor.

"Sorry," said Harry quickly. "What were you saying?

"Is this where you live?" she asked. Harry hadn't been concentrating on where he was going He looked around and realised where he as. Subconsciously, his feet had brought him back to Grimmauld Place. The street was deserted, except for that pigeon again. The sun was just setting over the tops of the houses and the street lamps had just been turned on, casting shadows over the square.

"Yep, just here," said Harry pointing to the door. He searched through his pocket for his wallet, and so didn't see Katie follow his point and then stare at him curiously as all she had seen had been a brick wall. Harry took out his wallet to remove the key. He took a few paces towards the door and then a thought struck him. Then he remembered that Katie couldn't see the door. The Fidelus Charm kept him safe, but it meant she couldn't see the door.

"Sorry," said Harry. "I just remembered, you can't see the house. Dumbledore's protection spell. I'm afraid you can't really come in."

"Oh," said Katie looking a tad disappointed. "OK, do you want to come back to mine?"

"Well...." began Harry but he never finished.

Suddenly a flash of fire appeared in front of him. A ball of flames appeared with a whoosh right in front of his face. As the flames vanished, a single red feather was left. In mid air, slowly sailing towards the ground. It was long, and red with a touch of yellow at the tip. Harry instantly recognised it as one of Fawkes' tail feathers. Harry caught it as it fell and found that there was a note attached to it. He smiled to himself. How did Dumbledore always know what to do? How could he possibly know that was what Harry needed? Harry could never understand how Dumbledore could know these thing. The man was just...impossible to figure out. Harry read the note again.

The headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix may be found at Number Twelve, Grimmauld Place, London

Harry passed the not to Katie.

"The headquarters of the Order..."

"Not out loud!" Harry cut her off. "God knows who could be listening!"

She read on in silence and then looked up at Harry, confusion evident in her eyes. Harry smiled, trying not to smirk. He pointed to where number twelve was, and Katie followed his gesture. She jumped as a house appeared out of thin air before her. Harry remembered the first time he had seen it. The two houses just parted and another appeared out of nowhere. It had given him a shock as well. Harry led her up the steps, and into the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black.

"This is your house?" asked Katie in awe. They were standing in the hallway, just inside the door. The house had been in darkness, but the candles and lights had ignited as soon as they had entered. Harry threw his coat over the rack, which was on the wall previously covered by Mrs Black. Before them was the stairs, to the left was the lounge, to the right was the drawing room and the second door on the right was the kitchen. Dobby had done a brilliant job. The house looked almost welcoming, and nothing like the creepy dusty building it once had. Gone were the dark artefacts, and the lighting made it look a much more welcoming place.

"Mine and Remus'" said Harry. "You remember Professor Lupin, don't you?"

"Oh yes, best Defence teacher we ever had," said Katie with a grin. "He lives here?"

"He is out with Dumbledore at the moment, but yes. At least I think he's staying here. This house was left to the pair of us, but I think he normally lives somewhere else. He'll be back tomorrow though."

"This was your parent's house?"

"Oh no, that was destroyed many years ago. This house was left to us by my godfather, Sirius Black." It was as though he had mentioned his own name to a stranger. A look of shock crossed her face and she stood gaping like a fish for a few seconds.

"The murderer?" she coughed, eyes wide with shock.

"Perhaps you should take a seat," said Harry gesturing to the sofa. Slowly she made her way to the sofa and sat down.

"You're not in with him, are you?" she asked.

"You said you trusted me, rather than the Prophet and the Ministry, right?"

"Right," said Katie slowly, thought Harry could see the doubt in her voice.

"Then please believe me now," he said. "This is going to sound far-fetched and what I am about to say could get myself and Hermione locked up. I'm trusting you with this."

For the next two hours Harry explained everything to her. He poured out his heart; being locked in the cupboard under the stairs, the Philosopher's Stone, the Chamber of Secrets, Sirius and the Dementors, the Timer-Turner, the rebirth party in the graveyard, the Department of Mysteries. He even told her about the prophecy. She listened intently, and he realised that she was the first person who had just listened to him. He felt like he did after talking to Remus. A problem shared is a problem halved, or so they say. She didn't interrupt, didn't say 'it isn't that bad' or make silly suggestions, she just listened, and that comforted Harry a lot. She was also the only one who Harry had ever told all this to. Not even Ron and Hermione knew about his cupboard, they only knew that he had had bars on his windows before his second year. For some strange reason, Harry told her everything, things even Dumbledore didn't know. It went against Harry's principles. He normally bottled everything up. Having spent a decade with the Dursleys, showing weakness was some he avoided like the plague. But, now, the floodgates opened and he let it all out. All the pain and suffering. He had been friends with Katie for ages, for five years, almost as long as Ron and Hermione, yet he had never talked to her properly. Yet here, she was and now he realised that she was a good friend. She certainly wasn't dark and she wasn't laughing at him. Harry didn't know why he suddenly trusted her so completely. It just happened.

When Harry had finished they just looked at each other, tears in both their eyes, yet both refusing to cry. She hadn't said a word since he had begun. Harry wondered how she would react. Would she tease him, would she judge him? He stared into her glistening eyes, transfixed by the sparking blue orbs.

"I... never knew what... So much pain, and suffering. I... you kept that all bottled up?"

"Yes," sighed Harry. "Not even Ron and Hermione know everything. And the prophecy, no one must know. If it got out that Voldemort had a fifty-fifty chance, he'd be here before I could say Protego." Katie sighed, staring at her feet. Her eyes still glistened with tears.

"I thought you were a pamper prince, I thought that they were rumours, I thought..."

"That I was a Gryffindor version of Malfoy?" finished Harry.

"Yes," she sighed, a single tears rolling down her cheek. "I feel so guilty. I judged you to be...what your not."

"Everyone does," said Harry softly.

"You don't let anyone in, do you," she asked, looking up at him. "You keep everyone away, and the real Harry hidden."

"You've gotten in," said Harry. "Don't ask me why, but you've just dug deeper than anyone else before."

"Why me?"

"I don't know," replied Harry honestly.

"Harry, I'm sorry I ever judged you," she cried as she threw her arms around him. Harry could feel her trembling slightly. She was almost crying, but managing to hold it back. He could hear her sniffing by his ear and, for what seemed like an eternity, they just sat there, holding each other. Each was comforted by the presence of the other. Harry realised that here was another person who had suffered a personal tragedy, another person who knew what pain was. For the two of them, the upcoming war was not something that happened to other people. It was part of their lives and they couldn't escape it. Harry found comfort in her arms, and in the knowledge that he was not alone. Ron and Hermione knew what was happening, but it had never come close to them. Sirius was a friend to them, but to Harry he was almost a father. They didn't know what suffering really was and probably never would.

At length they broke apart. Katie dried her glistening eyes. Harry didn't know how he was supposed to be feeling. The memory of Sirius, or Cedric and all the pain had come bubbling to the surface, yet at the same time, he had found a source of comfort. Harry just stared into her beautiful, blue eyes. She just stared back, and slowly they drew closer and closer together. Harry could feel her gentle breathing on his chin, and then their lips met.

As her lips landed on his, Harry felt a spark of pleasure run down his spine. Harry closed his eyes, and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her gently to him. This was a proper kiss, not a teary mess as Cho had been. He could feel the warmth in her, rather than the trembling wreck Cho had been. He could feel her tongue moving slowly through his parted lips and dancing with his. He didn't really know what to do. He felt her arms slip around his waist, and allowed his to snake around her, pulling her closer. He was scared of crushing her, but she made no protest. As her tongue danced, with his he felt a wave of pleasure run through him, from his lips to his fingertips. He longed for the moment not to end. He heard her moan softly as they explored each other's mouths. They kissed for what seemed like an eternity, hours could have passed and neither would have noticed. It took seconds, but each of them felt a change, each of them longed for the other. They finally broke apart, and Harry opened his eyes. He could still taste her on his lips; he could still feel her warmth. He looked over at Katie, and she was smiling at him, a genuine smile of happiness rather than one of a moment's amusement.

He tried to say something but before he could get a word out, she was back. Their lips met for a second time, he felt her pulling him in, exploring his mouth with her tongue, and he could feel her warm skin against his, her ample breasts pushing against his chest. All doubt fluttered out of his mind. He let himself go, allowed himself to melt into her. He held her firmly to him, kissing her deeply, exploring her mouth with his tongue. She kissed him back, no doubt or reservations in either of their movements. This was kissing as it should be and Harry loved it. It was good that he did, for he was in for a long night of it.

Is this part of Lupin's speech, because I can't decide whether it works or not....