Harry Potter and the Emerald Sceptre

~~~~ Chapter 6 ~~~~

The Past and The Future

Harry was shocked, yet amused. The Dursleys at Hogwarts! They will go mad!

"Are you sure that is such a good idea sir?" asked Harry. "They'll never agree to..."

"They already have, Harry," said Dumbledore smiling. "One week at Hogwarts, then they are off."

"Will I ever see them again?" asked Harry. He paused. Harry had no idea why he'd asked that, it was the first thing that came into his head. For some reason he felt sad. He had never liked the Dursleys, but it appeared now that somewhere deep, deep, down, he really did love them. However much he loathed them he had always had food and shelter with them. However they treated him he still had a warm place to sleep and three meals a day, more or less. He had always taken them for granted; now he was gong to lose them, just like everyone else in his life. You don't know what you have got until it is gone.

"If you wish, I am sure that we can arrange a visit. I really must go now. Harry, get some rest. Oh, and would you give this to Miss Bell when you next see her?" He gave Harry a small box and left. Harry sat and stared at it while the Headmaster left. His curiosity boiled over and he opened the box. Inside was a badge,

HEAD GIRL

Harry smiled, he was happy for her. He was not jealous, as he had been of Ron becoming a prefect; after all he had no desire to be Head Girl!

"Let me see him!" came a voice from outside, he recognised it as belonging to Katie. "I don't care if he needs rest, Peg-Leg. Let me by." There followed a crash and the door flew open as Katie ran in.

"Oh Harry, I heard that you were hurt, Dobby said you had lost an arm - Oh, Harry, I'm so glad you're alright, and in one piece." She kissed him, then drew back. "Why the gloves? It is 27 Celsius out there." Harry removed them and she gasped. "Harry, how...are you... oh Harry." She hugged him. Suddenly Harry realised what might have happened in the corridor.

"Wait a minute, Katie... what happened outside?"

"Professor Moody wouldn't let me in so..."

"You attacked him?"

"No, I just..."

The door flew open again. Harry rolled off of the bed and pulled Katie down with him just as a stunner hit the headboard.

"Whoa, Moody! Calm down! It's her, really. Not an assassin. Just calm down!" shouted Harry.

Moody paused. "You sure?" he growled.

"Positive," said Harry, trying not to grimace. Moody retreated, growling to himself. Harry turned to Katie.

"I'd be careful around him for the next few..." He never finished the sentence as she pulled his head down to hers. At length they broke apart, and climbed onto the bed.

"Lie back Harry, you need to rest," said Katie.

"So Pomfrey keeps telling me," sighed Harry. He replaced the gloves and did as she asked, and Katie snuggled up against him.

"Are you going to tell me what happened?" she asked. Harry recalled the events of the previous day. He felt her grip his arm harder when he reached the part when Macnair had cut off his hand. When he was done, Katie sat up and stared down at him.

"So your Aunt had the Potion with her?"

"Yes."

"Is she...?"

"Absolutely not. She is not a witch or a squib or anything of the sort. She despises Magic, although I am told she was very friendly with Lupin's crew when she was younger."

"The Marauders?"

"And my mother. Something happened and she isolated herself from our world. If she hates magic, what was she doing with the potion?"

"Why don't you ask her?"

"Firstly because she would say 'Don't ask questions' and refuse to tell me, and secondly because I'm not allowed out of this room. Moody was there to keep me in more than you out. It's like bloody Azkaban in here."

"You shouldn't say that. Don't tempt fate."

"I can't imagine Azkaban being much worse," Harry sighed, "but you're probably right."

"So we now have the Aurors on our side, not Fudge's?"

"Sort of. He won't be too chuffed when he finds out, will he?"

"I doubt it. You know, after what you told me, I'm not so sure I want to be an Auror anymore," Katie said solemnly. "I couldn't work for a man like that."

"What makes you think he'll still be Minister when you apply? At this rate he'll be out in a fortnight."

"Good point, who do you reckon will take over?" She lay back down, resting her head on his chest.

"Dumbledore would be the obvious choice, but he refuses to leave Hogwarts. Percy is just a moron, and would go down with Fudge, which leaves... who does it leave?" asked Harry.

"Not many, maybe Bagman?"

"Hell no! He has the intelligence of Sausage Roll."

"How about Arthur Weasley?"

"Now you're talking. Oh, speaking of power, Dumbledore said to give you this." He pointed to the box on the bedside table. She reached over him and picked it up.

"Will I like it?" she asked.

"Yes, just be careful it doesn't bite you." She nervously opened the box a tiny bit, before gasping as she opened it completely.

"You, git. I thought it really would bite me."

"Someone has written Gullible on the ceiling," Harry laughed.

"I'm not quite that slow, Harry."

"Could have fooled me, your headship!"

Giggling, Katie grabbed a pillow and swung at him. She missed and Harry threw his arms around her and held her tightly to him.

"Don't make me hurt you," she laughed.

"What? Are you going to do, put me in detention?"

"Yes," she kissed him, "All night," and again, "With me."

"HARRY!" Ron Weasley burst into the room to find his best friend and teammate, curled up on the bed in each other's arms, thankfully still fully clothed. "Oh, sorry - I didn't mean to interrupt, I... well. We're in the kitchen when you are... well you know...'Done'" With that he left closing the door behind him. Harry and Katie just fell about laughing.

"We should go down, though," said Harry once he had recovered. They got up, descended the stairs and turned into the lounge. All three Dursleys were present; the adults sitting on the sofa drinking tea, the teenager trying to open a pack of biscuits.

"I wouldn't eat any of those if I were you," said Harry. "Unless of course you wish to spend the next few minutes as a canary."

Dudley dropped the pack in shock. Harry held up his hand and the packet flew up into it. "I believe you have already sampled their snacks, remember the toffee that makes your tongue grow?" Dudley's eyes widened, he clearly did.

"They're finger licking good," added Katie. "I'll tell them you'll be along in a minute," she added, to Harry. He nodded and then turned back to the Dursleys.

"Welcome to my humble abode, I trust someone has told you what will be happening?" said Harry.

"The long and the short of it," said Uncle Vernon gruffly.

"How have you got your hand back?" asked Aunt Petunia, timidly.

"Magic," said Harry, with a grim smile.

"I said there will no mention of that stuff under my roof," hissed Uncle Vernon, so that the Weasleys in the other room couldn't hear.

"But we are not under your roof now are we? You are in my world now, things work a little differently here," replied Harry politely.

"Is that a threat?" asked Uncle Vernon, his face purpling.

"No, a warning. Things aren't always as they seem. Once you reach Hogwarts, staircases will move, paintings will speak, doors will refuse to open and ghosts will come and go as they please. We live in a world beneath your world, if you are to survive it you will heed my advice."

"Where are we?" asked Dudley.

"Somewhere in London. We stand in the house that once belonged to my Godfather. He died last year, so it is now mine and Remus'. He will be along in a few days, once the full moon has passed. For now it is just me and the Weasleys."

"The ones who destroyed our lounge?"

"They are in the kitchen I believe, anyway, they put it right afterwards though - didn't they?" Harry noticed that Dudley was once again clutching his buttocks.

"Don't worry Dud, they won't lay a finger on you, I'll make sure of that."

"So all this is yours?" asked Uncle Vernon. "I thought that you couldn't claim inheritance until you were eighteen."

"We come of age at seventeen and since I share it with Remus we are allowed."

"How come you never mentioned your wealth to us, boy?" asked Uncle Vernon.

"Would you have believed me if I had? You thought my parents were unemployed. Anyway, you would have seized it and I couldn't allow that to happen."

"So if Lily was not unemployed, what did she do?" asked Aunt Petunia.

"She was an Auror, so was my father."

"A what?"

"Specialist Dark Wizard catcher. When the normal law enforcement can't cope they bring them in, to sort things out."

"Like the SAS"

"Sort of, but no guns."

"Who was that you were with?" asked Dudley, speaking for the first time.

"Her name is Katie," replied Harry, going red. He had no desire to discuss his love life with Dudley of all people.

"Katie Bell?" asked Uncle Vernon. "I thought I recognised her."

"Yes, how did you know?" asked Harry perplexed.

"She works in Grunnings as a secretary. Caused quite a commotion among the male staff."

"I can imagine," grinned Harry. He remembered Katie saying she worked for a DIY firm.

"Have you two done it yet?" asked Dudley bluntly. Harry went bright red and Aunt Petunia opened her mouth to discipline Dudley but since she knew he would never comply, she shut it again. Harry didn't want to answer, so he went for the Dudley approach.

"Ask me that again, and you will wake up with a nice set of pigs ears to go with the tail you once had."

Dudley paled but stared back defiantly.

"You can't do magic outside of school," he said with an air of self-confidence.

"Wrong, I have a licence from the Ministry of Magic."

Dudley looked not only shocked, but also scared. He must have thought Harry was going to repay him for years of bullying. "Don't worry Dudley, I have no desire to use magic on you, you are the least of my problems right now."

"Lord Von Something-or-other?" asked Uncle Vernon.

"Exactly, as you saw yesterday, no one is safe. He doesn't care who you are or how powerful you are. He will kill anyone who gets in his way, Magical or Muggle. He has killed my parents, my godfather, even a friend at school. Your games of 'Chase the Midget up the Tree' are nothing compared to that."

"Are we going to get our things from home?" asked Aunt Petunia.

"I don't know. You can't take anything that would prove who you are. You will have to ask an adult when you see one. Out of curiosity, have you got your new names yet?" asked Harry.

"Yes, I am Mrs. Bethany Squires, this is my husband Michael and my son Nathan" replied Aunt Petunia.

"Florida will be great, orange trees, Sun, Sea, Sand and cocktails," said Dudley.

"Not for you. The age for alcohol out there is 21, I believe, not 18 like it is here."

"And we have the million pounds," chipped in Uncle Vernon." You know what that means don't you?"

"A car," said Dudley

"House Keepers," said Aunt Petunia.

"I don't suppose you could spare twenty-five cents for a postcard for me?" asked Harry with a grin.

"You aren't coming?" asked Uncle Vernon, his face lighting up.

"I can't," Harry said flatly. "I'm needed here. We are in the middle of a war right now, and we are soldiers. As long as Voldemort still spreads terror, I cannot leave. Chances are you will never see me again." Harry surveyed their expressions, all three looked shocked, Uncle Vernon looked mildly pleased, Dudley looked curious and Aunt Petunia was wearing a mixed expression, one Harry couldn't read.

"Potter," said Uncle Vernon sternly. "There is one thing I have to know. What are we going to be doing at your school?"

"I don't know, again you will have to ask a teacher."

"Can I ride a broomstick?" asked Dudley

"NO!" said his parents at once.

"Is there any chance of some food in this place?" asked Dudley. Harry was surprised that it had taken him this long to mention food. Ever since the Dementor attack Dudley's diet had gone right out the window. He was going to the fridge every time he was nervous, stressed, scared or bored.

"You had better ask Dobby."

"Dobby?" The House Elf appeared with a crack at the sound of his name. Aunt Petunia gasped; she seemed to have a real problem with people Apparating near her.

"Dobby, could you please make us some sandwiches and cups of tea," said Harry. He started to head towards the kitchen. "Coming?"

"There are you-know-what in there!" hissed Uncle Vernon.

"I could bring them out here if it would make you feel better. They and you are not leaving so you might as well get to know each other. Nothing will happen to you. Trust me," said Harry. Grudgingly, the Dursleys, no, the Squires followed him into the kitchen. They sank into seats at the table, sending suspicious glances at the Weasleys who occupied the other end of the room. Dudley was looking at Fred and George with the utmost fear. Their last encounter had let him with a three-foot tongue. Fred and George were regarding him with very appraising looks. Harry smelled trouble brewing. Harry thought it best to intervene. He threw the pack of Canary Creams he was still holding back to Fred.

"Don't even think of trying out your new sweets, if he displays any... unnatural symptoms, I will turn you both into a Goldfish, got it?"

"Harry, I am shocked!" gasped Fred in mock horror,

"How could you think that we would lower ourselves to that level?" said George

"On what do you base these unfounded accusations?" added Fred.

"Call it, playing the odds," replied Harry seriously.

"Doesn't really matter though. You can't touch us until you are of age, which is about twelve months so I think we are safe," said George with a superior look on his face.

"Wrong!" said Harry, "I got a license.

"You're having a laugh," said Fred,

"Willing to risk it?" asked Harry taking out his wand.

"Why have you got permission," said Ron, "What about..."

"Ron!" interrupted Hermione, "You aren't in the same situation as Harry, anyway, it's only another week until we are back at school and you're going to be seventeen in November which is only 3 months away." Ron sighed and stuffed another salmon sandwich into his mouth with all the grace of Grawp running.

"Harry, what happened?" asked Ginny

"Mum said that you and Dumbledore went off to fight the Death Eaters single handed," said Ron, still sounding bitter.

"I did nothing of the sort, I merely went along to help find my Aunt and Uncle and things got a little out of hand, that's all."

"Are you alright, Dumbledore wouldn't let us visit you yesterday so you must have been hurt," said Ginny

"I'm fine."

"And still in one piece," said Katie. She grinned but none of the others picked up on it so Harry let it go. The last thing he needed was the 'Wounded Soldier' routine.

"Evening, Harry," called Bill as he entered with his mother.

"Harry, dear, are you OK? You looked in a right old state when I saw you at the shopping centre."

"I'm OK, why are you all here?"

"Dumbledore suggested we come and see you today, so here we are," Molly beamed.

Arwen chose that exact moment to fly into the kitchen. Dobby retrieved a fresh tuna from the fridge for her and filled a bowl of water. He had learned from his book that Blue Phoenixes live off fish primarily but will also eat small rodents and some will even eat bats if fish is unavailable. Crabmeat is also rather popular, so Harry had decided to keep that as a treat for her. Hermione and Ginny were delighted to finally see her. They wouldn't leave her alone, always stroking her and giggling. Harry could feel that Arwen was enjoying the attention.

The Weasleys stayed all evening. Mr. Weasley chatted to Uncle Vernon about all things Muggle, and Uncle Vernon seemed to think that Mr Weasley was somewhat mad. The situation regarding Harry's replacement hand was made known, the reactions were shocked and horrified, thankfully though, they didn't insist on treating him as if he were dying. For this, Harry was most grateful. Surprisingly, Dudley had overcome his earlier apprehension and with Harry around to protect him joined the Weasley children in a game Miniature Quidditch, a tabletop version of the game where players are controlled by wands. Harry took control of one player and then gave the wand to Dudley to control. Fred and George were being civil to him and George who was playing Beater on the opposing team didn't even send all his Bludgers at him. Dudley enjoyed it so much that by the end of the night he was begging Harry to take him to a real Quidditch match. Oddly enough Ron and Hermione were not present all evening, Harry didn't go and find them; he had a fairly good idea what he would find if he did. He did however go to the kitchen for a drink. He returned with a glass of lemonade. Just inside the door to the lounge, he found Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia. They were surveying the scene before them. Their son was playing a game with people who before last week would not have been given the time of day. These people who for years had haunted their dreams who they had been terrified of were here, now, in front of them. They were beginning to realise that wizards are not the barbaric sorcerers they assumed them to be.

"Odd feeling isn't it," remarked Harry as he stood next to them. "When your greatest fear becomes your only friend. You have feared this time for years and now it is here you are beginning to realise that you were wrong."

Uncle Vernon turned to face him. Harry smiled. "We're not what you think, well, not all of us. As with any rule, there are exceptions." Uncle Vernon just nodded. He poured himself another drink from the bottle of scotch, which sat on the table.

"What about Kathy?" he asked Harry.

"Katie?"

Uncle Vernon nodded.

"She is one of us if that is what you are asking. She's also..."

"...drunk by the look of it," interrupted Uncle Vernon.

"Probably. How long has she worked for you?"

"Since the beginning of the holidays. She never mentioned knowing you."

"She didn't know that you knew me. Anyway, we don't publicly admit what we can do. It is safer for us and for you. Dudley seems to be settling in."

"If anything happens to him..."

"Nothing will. We are not barbarians. We won't let any harm come to any of you. Have a little faith."

"I have no idea what you lot can do. Two days ago, I saw the destructive power of your... sticks. You have us at a great disadvantage. How can I ever trust you?" asked Uncle Vernon serenely.

"Do you remember when Dudley was young? He used to watch the X men cartoons."

"I remember, what's your point?"

"The mutants were feared for what they could potentially do. The humans in the film all feared the mutants because they could do all these things and they couldn't be controlled by the humans. It is human nature to fear and despise what they do not understand and what they themselves are inferior to as far as strength is concerned. But they didn't count on one thing. Morals. The mutants, just like us, are still essentially human. We have the same thought processes, morals and ethics. We don't kill, just like you don't. We experience fear, pain, sadness, love and hate, just like you and just like you we have laws and rules. We don't kill for the fun of it, we are both civilised cultures, yours runs on electricity and technology; ours runs on Magic."

"And Lord What's-his-face?"

"There are exceptions to every rule. Every family has a bad egg. In the cartoon it was Magneto, in this case it is Lord Voldemort. That is where we come in. We are the X-Men, we protect Muggles against the worst scumbags in our world."

"You are on the front line of our defence. Comforting."

"That's not what you said in the Shopping Centre."

"Just remember what we have done for you over the years." He walked back into the room and took a seat next to his wife who was chatting merrily with Molly Weasley.

Harry regarded her closely. She had spoken of his mother twice in living memory. The outburst when he discovered he was a wizard and again when he had saved Dudley from the Dementors. She had hated her: that was what he had believed his entire life. Now Lupin said that she didn't always hate them. Just what had happened? What had changed a childhood friendship into a feud so strong she would try to make her nephew's life a misery? Then there was the Potion. Where did she get it? Did she know what it was? Maybe her sister had made it when she was young and given it to her for protection. But no, the bottle was not dusty. It didn't look old. Harry's head was spinning. As he looked at her now, a glimmer of the life she had once led was shining through. She chatted to a witch as if it was the most natural thing in the world. She showed no sign of prejudice or anything. She didn't attempt to pull her son away from the wizards he now played with. Harry could catch snippets of conversation. They were talking about the wizarding community. Something she had renounced all those years ago now caused her no grief to discuss. What was his Aunt hiding? This was neither the time nor the place to ask her, but ask her he had to do.

"Are you ok?" whispered a voice; he felt a pair of hands slip around his waist from behind and the soft warm touch of Katie's lips on his neck.

"Yeah, I'm fine. I just never thought I'd see them sitting down for a drink with a witch and wizard."

"Stranger things have happened," said Katie.

"Name me three," grinned Harry, turning to face her, and sliding his arms around her waist.

"Malfoy's famous bouncing ferret act for one."

"That wasn't stranger than this. It was definitely more amusing but not as strange."

"My, brain hurts, I can't think of one. Ok, I give up. This is the strangest thing that has ever happened on the face of the Earth."

"You're bladdered."

"I know, isn't it great!"

"OI YOU TWO, GET A ROOM!!!" yelled the twins from the corner.

"Good idea," grinned Katie.

"Just one thing, first."

"Go on, I love foreplay."

"Why didn't you tell me you worked at Grunnings? When you said DIY I thought you meant Homebase or B&Q."

"Well, a company that makes drills sounds a bit low. So I said DIY firm, I makes it sound more grand. It is like Dish Washers in restaurants. They are called Kitchen Porters because Dish Washer sounds quite awful."

"You went by Kathy, at Grunnings?"

"It's my professional name. I was thinking of Ivana Humpalot, but I couldn't fit it on the form, so Kathy went in. Incidentally if you ever call me that, I'll...I'll...you'll regret it!"

"What? Ivana Humpalot?" asked Harry kissing her forehead.

"Be careful what you wish for, Mr. Potter."

~~~~ + ~~~~

Harry woke the next morning at nine. The advantage of holidays is that you can sleep until almost any hour. Harry went downstairs while Katie was in the shower. Attached to the kettle was a note.

Harry

We have all gone back to the Burrow, Hermione as well. Dumbledore wants us to arrange safe transport to the station for you. He asked that you stay with the Muggles. Sorry I couldn't stay - we'll be back early afternoon. Lupin and Tonks will take you to your old house at three today.

See you later

Ron

"Master Harry, sir," came Dobby's voice.

"Yes, Dobby. What is it?" replied Harry.

"Well, sir, Dobby is embarrassed to say, sir. It is not House Elf's place to say, Sir, but Dobby was wondering if Dobby might be able to, that is if Harry potter sir, will let Dobby, you see, sir."

"Dobby. Take a breath and slowly and calmly tell me what you want."

"Well, Miss Hermione has asked Professor Dumbledore for House Elves to have pay and holidays and clothes and things like that, yes?"

"Yeah, she calls it SPEW," said Harry patiently.

"Well, as part of holidays, we is supposed to have House Elf party tonight at Hogwarts, for all our work. Dobby is wondering if Harry Potter would allow Dobby to go, sir?" Dobby stared at Harry though his large tennis ball eyes. Harry couldn't keep a straight face; he broke into a smile.

"Of course you can, Dobby," grinned Harry.

"And there is one more thing, sir. It is, well, Dobby was wondering if, well, if Harry Potter would let Winky stay here as well, tonight, sir?"

"Yes, Ok. She can stay too."

"Oh, thank you sir. Harry Potter is noble and kind and..."

"That will do Dobby."

"Of course sir, Dobby will punish himself..."

"No, don't punish yourself, Dobby."

"Yes, Harry Potter, Sir. Dobby will make Harry Potter's breakfast."

"Hang on Dobby, I am going to have a shower first, so wait ten minutes ok?"

"Yes, sir." Harry turned towards the door; he had taken four or five steps when a thought occurred to him.

"Dobby, are you and Winky...you know, a couple as it were?" Dobby went bright red.

"Dobby, can't tell a lie to Harry Potter, sir. Yes, sir. Dobby can end it if it displeases Harry Potter."

"No, no. I was just curious. It is not my place to tell you, who you can and can't date. You are free, Dobby, and in charge of your own life." Harry left, leaving the house elf with tears welling in his eyes. Harry was sure he heard the words 'Great' and 'Noble' come from the kitchen as he climbed the stairs.

At three o'clock, Harry and the Dursleys, with the customary escort consisting of Tonks and Lupin returned to Privet Drive. They took a Portkey directly into the living room. The curtains were drawn so that nobody could see in.

"Take whatever you like," said Lupin, "We can do as many journeys as it take. Don't take anything that will compromise your new identities. Afterwards we will ransack the house to make it look like common thieves and then leave. The police should ship what's left off to your next of kin within another week." They had an hour to collect anything from Privet Drive that they wished to keep. They could not keep anything that would give away the fact that they were not really the Squires family. Harry went to his room out of habit, there was nothing. The old toys of Dudley's had been thrown away. All that remained was the bed. The plaster on the window frame was still visible, a souvenir from his escape before his second year. Dudley was in his room, packing. He was taking his favourite clothes and throwing them haphazardly into his bag. A similar scene was taking place in his Aunt and Uncle's room. Harry went back downstairs. This house had been a prison for ten years and every summer since his first year, yet now he was sad to be leaving once and for all. It is true that you don't know what you have got until it is gone. He looked down at the electric fire, which stood cold in the fireplace; it shone as it had been polished a few days before. He remembered how Mr. Weasley had launched it across the room before his fourth year. He was brought back from his thoughts by his cousin entering the room, he unplugged the TV and the Video and tried to put them in a bag.

"Now Dud," said Uncle Vernon as he entered, "Americans have a different plug to us, these ones won't work there, you might as well leave it there."

"But we can use it at the school," whimpered Dudley,

"You can't, there is too much magic in the air, no electronics will work there," replied Harry. Dudley looked shocked; two weeks without a video would be the longest he had ever been without goggling in front of the TV. Still, once he got to the States, he would have 200 channels. 'I wonder how big the American remote-control is', thought Harry.

He opened the cupboard under the stairs, the cupboard that had been his home for so long. He had one final look around and closed the door. It was a very sombre occasion. He went into the kitchen to get a drink while he waited, he looked at the table, he remembered the sight of Aunt Marge bobbing around on the ceiling just above it, out of the window he could see the hedge in which he had first seen Dobby. A trip down memory lane was usually supposed to cheer you up. Harry looked back on his time here with mixed emotion. He had been underfed, bullied and his life had been a misery, but at least back then there had been no Dark Lord. His friends weren't dropping like flies, he didn't know about the prophecy. If Harry had learned anything, it was that ignorance is bliss. He wished, not for the first time, that he were a normal boy, that the most exciting thing in life for him was a football match or a trip to Alton Towers. 'Why me,' he thought, 'what did I do in my last life to deserve this?' He felt a sudden urge to run to his cupboard and hide, the tiny room had provided sanctuary for Harry when he was being bullied, Dudley couldn't fit inside. He had always felt safe inside, no one could touch him in there; no one noticed him. He was in his own little world, without a care. 'It is no good wishing for that' he said to himself. 'I can't change the past, all I have to do change the future.'

"Harry," Lupin was standing in the doorway.

"Remus, I was just...." He trailed off. A tear rolled down his cheek. "This is the last time I will ever see this place. I have looked forward to this moment for an eternity but now it is here, I don't want to go. However bad it was, it was never as bad as my life now."

"Do you want to go home?"

"No, I'm alright. I just...when Sirius died, I thought I was alone. I thought I had no family, I never counted the Dursleys and now that they really won't be there for me, I've only just realised that I did love them. I feel so guilty, that they never knew how grateful I am."

"Its not too late to tell them,"

"Ready!" called Uncle Vernon from the living room. Harry and Lupin went back into the lounge. Tonks was there with Uncle Vernon and Dudley.

"Where is Petunia," asked Lupin

"She said she would be along in a minute," said Uncle Vernon.

"I'll go and get her," said Harry. He went upstairs and into the Master Bedroom. Aunt Petunia was sitting on the bed with her head in her hands, she was crying.

"Aunt Petunia," ventured Harry.

"Oh Harry, it's OK, I'll be along in a minute."

"No worries, we can stay as long as you want."

"Its just that for ten years we kept you a prisoner and on school holidays. You should have been out having fun, not locked in a small room, with no toys. And now you have saved our lives and given us a new life, we owe you so much and because we are moving away, we will never get a chance to pay you back. I fell so guilty. I failed you, I failed Lily. Oh, Harry please forgive me," she sobbed. Tears started to form in Harry's eyes. Harry sat next to her and put an arm around her, his real one.

"I do Aunt Petunia, I do. Look I want to tell you something. I... thank you. For everything, you kept me safe all these years, even after I nearly got your son killed, you still looked after me. I never showed any gratitude, I'm so sorry." He was fighting hard not to cry. "I will miss this place, especially my cupboard, my own little world."

"Yes, me too, though not the cupboard," she laughed, "Come on". The two of them returned to the lounge.

"You all alright?" asked Uncle Vernon

"Yeah, fine," replied Harry. "Who's got the Portkey?" Tonks produced a table-tennis paddle from her pocket, they all took a hold. With a flash of light and a tug behind the navel, the living room melted away and was replaced by that of Grimmauld Place.

"Dobby, could you give me a hand stowing this in drawing room, please." While Dobby and Remus carted off the possessions which had been salvaged, Harry sunk into an armchair. Dudley waddled off into the kitchen and his Aunt and Uncle took a seat on the sofa.

"Why the three week delay?" asked Uncle Vernon. "Surely estate agents aren't that slow with this new online ordering system they have."

"These things take time," replied Harry. "We have to arrange new papers and documents for you. Then we have to set up new accounts, histories and jobs for you. Then there is the house itself. We have to find one, reserve it, buy it, mortgage it and then since you requested no wizards we have to make sure that there are none near you, especially none with criminal records concerning Muggle baiting, all these things have to be done." Harry didn't really know why it took so long. He had made most of that up, he felt quite proud of having done so, especially since he didn't know what a mortgage was, and Uncle Vernon seemed to have accepted it. The last part about making sure no Wizards are near him, probably helped.

"How did it go, Mr. Dursley?" asked Katie as she came in with a tray of tea.

"As expected, Kathy," replied Uncle Vernon. Harry managed to stifle his laughter. He noticed that Katie's cheeks went a little more red than usual.

"Katie, if you don't mind Mr. Dursley, we are not at work are we?" she replied. "Oh that reminds me, Harry, post for you." She handed Harry a packages, a large brown envelope. Harry opened the package, it was written in Dumbledore's handwriting. Dudley came back into the room at that moment and took a seat. He was holding a Butterbeer in one hand and an extra large pack of Doritoes on the other.

Harry pulled out a clear plastic wallet. Inside were three Birth Certificates. Michael Squires, Nathan Squires and Bethany Cummings. "Here are your documents, or some of them. Three birth certificates. Three passports, I love the photo Dud." He received a raised finger in response. "Two American express cards, bank statements, driving licenses, membership cards to a local gym, and video rental shop. Three, One Year's free access cards to all Disney theme parks. O Level and A level certificates for two, one-degree certificate and GCSE certificates for Dudley. Secondary school year books for two and, " he opened the other jiffy bag, "2000 dollars in cash for you. Several house brochures for you to choose from, and a letter for yours truly."

"The million pounds?" asked Uncle Vernon, his eyes gleaming.

"The bank statement is for 1.6 million US dollars. There is also a note attached. I am to ask you for your account numbers and pin codes so that we can transfer your present balance to the new accounts."

"Absolutely not. No one is having those codes but me."

"Then the money you currently own will be given away to your beneficiaries, namely Aunt Marge. You won't get to keep a penny of it."

"Fine."

Harry opened his own letter.

HOGWARTS SCHOOL OF WITCHCRAFT AND WIZARDRY

Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore

(Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorc., Chf. Warlock,

Supreme Mugwump, International Confed. of Wizards)

Dear Mr. Potter,

Given your current situation, I have deemed it inadvisable to move you to Kings Cross Station without proper escort. For that reason the following precautions are in effect.

Dedalus will report to your house at 10:15 in his disguise. You are to give him some hair for a Polyjuice potion. He will leave under the escort of Remus and Nymphadora in a provided car. This will take him to the station as a diversion. You yourself will remain in the house until 10:35. Then we will move you via Portkey to the station along with the Squires family. That will give you five minutes to get them seated in the room set aside for them before the barrier opens to allow other students onto the Platform. At the front of the first car there is a one-way mirror. The password is Barracuda; behind the mirror is a compartment set-aside for them with en suite bathroom. You yourself are then free to walk around the Platform. There will be Aurors outside to protect you and everyone else.

Bon Voyagé and Good Luck with your Studies

Albus Dumbledore

Headmaster

The last week of the holidays passed ever so quickly for all of them. In most households across the country, there would be an end-of-holidays gloom about the house. In number 12 Grimmauld Place it was a different matter. Half of the occupants were dreading retuning to school; the others were eagerly looking forward to it. Harry was dreading retuning to the Wizarding World. He didn't want people looking at him everywhere he went. He didn't want the prophecy to become public knowledge. He didn't want to be reminded of Sirius. He was dreading having to face his destiny. He wanted to stay here with the last remaining family he had, and not to have to worry abut Dark Lords, and NEWT exams. Katie had spent most of the week at Grimmauld Place, she had managed to take his mind off his worries from time to time but she spent a lot of time doing her summer homework, and being scolded by Hermione for not doing it sooner. Hermione herself had read all of her books and was knitting like fury to get even more hats done for the elves, she never did discover why Dobby kept asking her to do certain colours. Ron was gloomy about returning as well, though his worries were obviously trivial.

"I bet we'll have loads more homework this year," he grumbled to anyone who would listen. Ginny was doing her OWLs this year and along with Katie was doing most of her homework in the last week. The only ones who were looking forward to school were Hermione and the Dursleys, Hermione because she was so eager to extend her knowledge and the Dursleys because they wanted to get it done and then go on to the States. They were getting more excited by the day, as if they were going on holiday, which in a sense, they were.

Dudley had got his wish; Tonks had managed to acquire some VIP tickets to the European Championship Cup qualifier between Puddlemere United and the Chudley Cannons. Whichever team won would go on to the semi-finals. The two winners of those would go off to play in a tournament against the top two teams from every country in Europe, except for Denmark who were disqualified after their fans turned violent during the last tournament four years ago. The match was on the Thursday and September the first was the following Tuesday.

The arrangements were more complicated than one might imagine. For a start, since the Dursleys were dead, they had to go in disguise. Harry, himself, had to be protected, as always. They arranged a car from the Ministry and Moody even gave Harry a Flack-Jacket, which he had charmed to repel minor curses. It was still useless against Avada Kedavra but it would stop stunners and some other curses, not to mention knives should anyone wish to kill him the old fashioned way. Harry wore this underneath his shirt, with his school cloak over the top of it.

On the Thursday, they were all awake early in anticipation. Ron was wearing his replica Cannons robes; with the hat Harry had brought him for Christmas to complete the image. He was holding hands with Hermione who wore Muggle clothes with her school cloak. Ginny had an orange scarf on and the twins sported their Dragon Scale jackets. Their parents wore identical green robes, displaying no sign of supporting either team.

"Who are you supporting, then?" asked Dudley.

"The Cannons, of course, but we are in green so that we can distinguish each other."

"Each other?"

"The Order, my boy, the Order. We are all in green so if anything happens we can tell each other at a distance. The Cannons are in Orange and Puddlemere's away strip is Navy Blue with Gold sleeves and trims, so we should stand out. Consider it a uniform." Sure enough the doorbell went and in came Tonks, Lupin and unfortunately, Snape all wearing matching Emerald green robes. Seeing Snape in something other than black was unusual to say the least 'but' thought Harry, 'I can't really talk as I have only worn black all holidays.'

As usual Harry was wearing all black, topped by his Hogwarts cloak. They most comical sight by far was the Dursleys. In order for them to blend in they had been given wizard attire. Aunt Petunia, now with black hair and blue eyes due to a Polyjuice potion, was dressed in mauve robes. She had an elegant white hat to go with it and an Orange Rosette on the left side of her chest. Dudley, who was now thinner and looked like River Phoenix when he played the young Indiana Jones in the third film, had kept on his Muggle clothes with a cloak over the top. The cloak bore a badge, which Harry was told was the symbol for a Magical school in Canada. Uncle Vernon, now thinner with strawberry blond hair down to his chin, wore blue robes and a Cannons Scarf.

"Are we all ready?" asked Tonks.

"Wait for me," called Katie from the top of the stairs. As she came down, several grins turned to glares as she was wearing the Puddlemere United top in their Away colours of Navy Blue with Golden sleeves.

"You are a Puddlemere fan?" asked Ron in a disgusted tone.

"How can you tell?" grinned Katie. "Yes, I am. My dad was a big fan too."

"Why is it," asked Harry with a grin, "that you have to insult every girl I like because of their favourite Quidditch team?"

"Sorry, Harry, but come on, Puddlemere United! They're the embodiment of sh...rubbish."

"Still good enough to beat you last season," commented Katie.

"Half our players were injured!"

"Excuses!"

"Can we get going?" interrupted Tonks. They all followed her outside and climbed into a stretch limo, which sat outside.

"So much for a low profile," muttered Harry.

"VIP treatment, courtesy of Mr. Fudge," grinned Tonks. "Not that he knows about it. I sort of convinced his chauffeur to give us a lift, he owes me five Galleons from the World Cup. Come to think of it, so does Ludo Bagman."

"Good luck getting it off him," muttered George.

"Hey, Ginny," said Harry. Ginny was sitting next to him. "Why isn't Dean coming? I haven't seen him in ages."

"You wouldn't," she sighed. "He dumped me. The sod stood me up at Diagon Alley. I Owled him and he told me I was dumped. Cowardly way to end a relationship."

"I'm sorry."

"Don't worry about me. It isn't the end of the world, he wasn't that nice anyway. Please don't tell Ron, he'll throw a thrombo and I don't need the aggravation of his hotheadedness."

The ride took about twenty minutes due to the ability of the car to jump around the country, similarly to the Knight Bus, but more smoothly. They arrived three quarters an hour early and joined the queue.

"You know," whispered Fred. "We could tell them who you are, Harry. Then we could skip the queue."

"Certainly not, Fred!" hissed his Mother.

"We are here to keep him safe not give the Death Eaters a target." They queued for twenty minutes, Harry had to hide his face when the woman on the gate asked for his ticket. They took their seats in the top box and waited for the match to begin.

"Uncle Vernon," said Harry. "You had better take another drink from the flask of potion we gave you. If you don't you'll start to turn back in a few minutes." He did so with a grimace, as did his wife and son.

They were soon joined by Alicia, Lee and Angelina. Greetings were exchanged, snacks were purchased and the match began. Oliver Wood was playing for Puddlemere. Harry's loyalties were torn, Ron was a big Cannons fan but Oliver had been his friend and his captain. Katie was screaming her head off in favour of Puddlemere, Ron kept giving her disapproving glares all the way through the match. After twenty minutes the score was 60 : 40 to the Cannons. Unfortunately at that point the two Seekers made a mistake. The Cannons seeker tried a Wronski Feint but messed it up and hit the ground, the other seeker also failed to pull up and hit the ground as well. Both captains called time out and Harry decided to take the opportunity to go to the loo. He excused himself and climbed down the stairs out of the top box.

"Potter, where are you going?" asked Snape who stood at the bottom of the stairs.

"The toilet."

"Fine, just hurry back and don't take a detour."

Harry headed over to the Wizards's loo. They are identical to a Muggle Gents except that the symbol is replaced by an engraved picture of Merlin. The Witch's loo has a picture of Morgain on the door. On his way back, Harry was grabbed by a hand and pulled into the changing rooms of Puddlemere United.

"Harry Potter," said an excited voice. "Beatrice Heinemann, Daily Prophet. Can I get a few words?"

"Will 'sod off' suffice?"

"You have a quick wit, Harry. Tell me, do you enjoy Quidditch? Are you here for the Cannons or Puddlemere? Is it true you fly a Firebolt? Do you have a Girlfriend? What do you think of the Minister of Magic? How do you feel now that You-Know-Who's return has been accepted? Come on Harry, give me a story."

"How about, Harry Potter beats annoying reporter into bloody pulp?"

"You wouldn't do that, Harry," smiled Beatrice.

"No, but I can have the Aurors cart you off for harassment."

"We are just chatting, there is no law against that."

"There are laws against kidnapping and detaining me against my will."

"I am not doing that, Harry. The door is not locked."

"Good point. Goodbye Miss Heinemann." Harry opened the door and left leaving Miss Heinemann standing in the doorway, quill in hand.

'Idiot,' thought Harry as he returned to his seat. Play had restarted.

"What kept you?" asked Tonks.

"Some journalist wanted an interview."

"You gave one?"

"Course not."

"Did you get their name so we can report them for harassment?"

"Yes, but don't report her. We are not Americans, we don't sue for the hell of it."

Both Seekers were back in action. The match ended Puddlemere 230, Chudley 210. Ron was not pleased and refused to talk to Katie all of the way home. Katie found this very funny and would frequently tell Ron how unlucky the Cannons had been. Dudley had had the time of his life and was discussing key events with the twins. Katie and Ron continued to bicker all the way home.

"We've been in this infernal car for half an hour, it's slower than the Cannon's seeker!" was one of her more amusing lines. When they pulled up outside Grimmauld place, they all retired to bed straight away.

The next morning, Harry was eating breakfast with everyone else when the owl came in bringing the Daily Prophet. He dropped it on the table and then flew out. He didn't wait for money since Harry had paid a month's subscription up front. Harry unfolded it and read the headline. His fork fell to the ground with a load clank.

"What is it, Harry?" asked Mrs. Weasley. Harry turned the paper around so all could read the headline.

LOVE AT LAST FOR THE BOY WHO LIVED!

The cat is well and truly out of the bag!