Harry Potter and the Rise of the Phoenix

Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny dragged their weary, soaked bodies into the Great Hall a few minutes after breakfast had started. Now that Bryant, Nettle, and Quirke agreed that Harry could start running again, he was trying to make it around the Lake the way he had before the 'attempt'. Ron, Hermione, and Ginny had joined him and now all four of them were shooting for that goal. Having run the equivalent of half the Lake today, all four of them just wanted a warm shower and clean clothes. They sat in seats the other seventh years had saved for them and started pilling food on to their plates, eager to eat even if they couldn't take that shower and get those clean clothes. A quick drying charm that Harry cast did help a bit, but it wasn't the same.

"Can I have everyone's attention, please," Dumbledore spoke over the din of the Great Hall. The Hall quieted slowly, everyone's eyes turning toward the headmaster. "It is my unfortunate duty to inform you that the Ministry, Commander Black, and myself have deemed it too dangerous for trips to Hogsmeade this year." There were many groans and grumbling from the third years and up. Without the trips to Hogsmeade, they were stuck on school grounds until Christmas. "The Head Boy and Girl will come up with several ways to entertain all of you. I am proud to inform you that next week they will announce the first substitution." Dumbledore held up both hands as excited chatter broke out, "Please, do not beg them for information. Thank you."

"Great," Harry grumbled, as the Hall buzzed. "Just how I wanted to start my Monday morning."

"He did that on purpose," Hermione agreed, glaring up at the teachers' table. "It's bad enough that we have to listen to first years complaining about teachers. Now we get to deal with everyone trying to figure out what we're planning."

"What are we planning? I can't remember," Harry asked, as seriously as he could. Hermione rolled her eyes at him; it had been his idea after all. "But really, don't try to get us to tell you," he continued. "I might have to do something drastic."

"Oh, come on," Ron complained. "We're your friends."

"And Dumbledore wants it to be a secret for another week," Hermione muttered, glancing up towards the teachers' table yet again. Dumbledore seemed to be in an energetic conversation with Professor Flitwick and didn't notice her death glares. "What is he playing at?"

"Who knows?" Harry replied. "But, before I forget, we need to meet with the prefects sometime this week."

"Yeah, they can help us with the planning since Dumbledore said we can tell them," Hermione agreed. "What do you think of Millicent being in charge of… oops, can't say that." Hermione grinned at Ron and Ginny.

"Ha, ha, very funny," Ginny muttered. "At least you'll find out, Ron. I won't know what they're planning 'til they decide to tell the rest of us."

"How about a new topic," Dean commented from Ginny's other side. "Like the Quidditch games, Harpies beat the Wasps and didn't the Cannons beat someone?"

"Yeah, Puddlemere," Ron answered eagerly. "It was Wood's first time as a Keeper in the pros."

"No wonder the Cannons won," Seamus muttered under his breath.

"Actually, Wood did really well," Harry answered, having read the article just to keep Ron from shoving it in his face. "The final score was 430-310. If Puddlemere could have managed to catch the snitch, the Cannons would've lost."

"Just had to bring that up, didn't you," Ron complained.

"I was only trying to help," Harry mumbled, stuffing his mouth full with food, making it impossible to continue talking.

"It's really looking like it'll be Harpies and Cannons fighting it out for the title this season," Dean commented vaguely, eyeing both siblings. Dean may have come to Hogwarts a football fan, but he had completely converted into a Quidditch fan, though his West Ham poster still hung on the wall.

"You mean, the Harpies'll have the title," Ginny replied innocently. "We all know boys go all fuzzy in the head when they play women."

"That's not very fair, Gin," Harry countered. "After all, the Cannons have three women on their team, two of whom are chasers, and the other is a beater." Ginny stuck her tongue out at him and Harry had to stop himself from grabbing it like he used to. Hermione looked at her watch and stood up to leave. "See you at lunch," he told Hermione as Ginny stood up as well.

"Yes, do enjoy Ancient Runes, 'Mione," Ron teased, staying where he sat.

"You're buggers, both of you," Ginny complained, swinging her bag over her shoulder.

"Not our fault you have Potions and we have off," Ron teased her, waving cheerfully.

"Don't forget that neither of you have written that Potions essay for Snape's class later today," Hermione added carelessly, a wicked grin on her face. Before either boy could respond, she rushed off for her class.

"That girl certainly knows how to ruin a mood," Ron grumbled. "So, want to go work on that in the library?"

"I want to, but two things make that impossible," Harry replied, standing up. They started to head back to Gryffindor tower while Harry explained. "For starters, I have to spend this free period in my office because I'm spending all my Monday evenings with Snape."

"That sounds so wrong," Ron teased. "Just thought you should know that."

"Thanks," Harry replied dryly, trying very hard not to punch his best mate. "Second, I've got my essay finished. I finished it Tuesday night actually."

"Tuesday night…" Ron muttered thoughtfully. "You mean last Tuesday night?" he asked seriously. Harry nodded, looking at Ron from the corner of his eye suspiciously. "You finished an essay before Hermione? Not just any essay, but a Potions essay?"

"Yeah," he answered. "So?"

"You feeling alright?" Ron reached to feel Harry's forehead. Harry just slapped it away, annoyed.

"Yes," he said, stopping in front of the Fat Lady. "Quidditch." They walked into the common room, stopping in front of the fire. "What does it matter if I finished before her or not?"

"Do not let me forget to tell her," Ron told him. "Why didn't you tell her last night just to get her off your back?"

"Because she enjoys harping on us; how can I take that away from her? Why, that would be… cruel," he replied, with a sly grin. "Go get your books and you can come listen to kids complain to me 'til Transfiguration class."

Harry retreated to his room after the D.A. meeting Thursday evening. His head was pounding after the day he'd had. Defense right off in the morning, then double Healing (shared with Ginny), then Transfiguration, and right before supper he had an Occlumency lesson with Snape. Who wouldn't have a headache after such a day? He flopped onto his bed, staring up at the ceiling. What should he do now? He rolled over and moved towards the end of his bed where his trunk was. Digging through the unorganized trunk, he found the shoebox his mum had given him. He grabbed one of the Wild Goddesses notebooks and let it fall open on the bed.

*basking in Quidditch Cup triumph*

Shut up about that, GF! It's been two weeks already!

I second that sentiment, GF. You're driving GW and me insane. All over a stupid game!

First, it isn't a stupid game. Second, I could start harping about our exams. Remember they start tom—

*yanks notebook out of Lily's grasp* so, what WAS the final score again?

Nope, I'll stop talking 'bout Quidditch, you obviously don't care. Are you both ready for your final finals?

Hell yes! Never have to take another exam after this!

There ARE tests and exams in the Auror program, you know that right…

Speak not of such horrors! How's Operation Get JP to the Altar coming along?

Nice change of subject by the way… I'll even humor you… It's going good. JP, SB, PP, and RL all got fitted last weekend. FINALLY! I've been on their cases, 'cause if they put it off any longer… *threatens to wring their necks with hands*

Yeah, RL was complaining to me about the laziness of the rest. You and he managed to kidnap them and make them get fitted, right?

We did… Sometimes I think my mum is right about this… Is JP really ready for marriage?

You know he is. Guys just don't like getting fitted for robes and stuff like that.

Speaking of fittings… Do your robes still fit or do we need another fitting session?

I haven't gained an ounce since Easter Holidays, GF, don't worry. And I'm pretty sure I haven't lost an ounce either. That bloody diet isn't working at all…

You look fine, I don't know why you think you need to lose weight! Not to mention, why you in your right mind (or as right as it normally is) would want all your sweets to taste like ear wax is way beyond me. I can't believe that diet is as popular as it is! I would die without chocolate… Anyways… (trying not to think of such horrors and concentrate on OGJPTTA) how about you, oh silent GW? What's got you staring off into space? And PLEASE do NOT start singing praises of your Significant Other! It'll make me sick!

We listen to you singing JP's praises, shouldn't she get the same chance?

Shut up, GM, you're changing the subject! Do those robes fit, GW?

They do now… *awkward silence*

What's that mean? *waits for GW to continue, but she won't*

*grabs notebook and writes jokingly* I bet SO knocked her up.

*Laughs*

*mouth falls open at the look on Sam's face*

You're pregnant?

*nods* I shouldn't be showing come your wedding… not that much at least… thankfully you guys are getting married the 21st of June and not July…

Does SO know? What about Prof McGon? Anyone else besides the three of us?

I told SO last week on our date and I asked Prof McGon if a married student could be pregnant… I think she's guessed why I asked…

What about your brothers and dad? Are you going to tell them about SO now?

You both know we can't… SO would be killed… or my family would turn him in… we've been through this…

Calm down, Sam, we aren't going to tell anyone. But it'll come as quite a surprise to your dad and brothers… they don't even know you're married yet…

I know… I know… *bangs head on desk* But they'll understand. They'll all be there for me when I need them. They always are. Merlin, MW's the greatest! My favorite sister! She's due in August, you know… it'll be her third boy! And all she wants is a daughter! She says Bill is being the noble big brother and all that stuff... I can't wait to see all my nephews at Graduation! I just wish I could introduce them to SO…

I'm really sorry that SB turned out to be such a prick… What made him send SS after RL on a full moon night?

I know JP didn't have anything to do with that incident… but… He did encourage the enmity between the two…

Don't mention it, either of you… I'm just glad JP got there in time to save him… I'd have been a widow less than two months after getting married and not even 17 and a half!

Can you believe it's been a year already?!

I can't believe it's been 7 years! The WG's have spent 7 years (well, almost 7) at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry…

Can't really believe we've made it through alive… Well… okay… I can believe Lily did, and to some point Sam… but ME? WOW!

How DID you make it?

She had the greatest best friends, the greatest tutors friendship could buy, and the WG's to pull her through kicking and screaming!

*laughs* very true *cries* I can't believe we're almost through… no more Hogwarts…

No more late night trips to the kitchen…

No more Quidditch matches to tease GF about…

No more late night chit chats…

No more pranks on the Marauders…

No more JP jokes…

No more smuggled Butterbeer…

No more illegal parties hosted by the Head Boy & Girl…

No more…

*Steals notebook from GM and GW* No more writing WG notes during classes, meals, and any free/spare moments we have…

NO! We must continue this! Whenever we get together we'll continue the honored tradition… We'll pass it on to our girls… We'll… Merlin! I can't believe--

Harry stopped reading, clutching at his scar in agony. Voldemort's feelings flooded through the link, telling Harry that the monster was, without a doubt, thrilled about something. This knowledge sent Harry back in time, sinking him deep into flashbacks. The past became the present and Harry blacked out, reliving his life at Malfoy Manor.

Hermione watched as Harry climbed wearily up to his dorm room. It had been a long day for everyone, but Harry was probably affected the most. His busy schedule, rehabilitation, and nightmare-filled-nights made it hard for him to function properly.

"Ron, how are his nightmares?" she asked. Ron looked up from his Defense essay and towards his room where Harry was right now.

"Better," he answered in an undertone, staring at the stone wall as if he could see through it. "Whatever Snape is teaching him, it's helping. I think he's just burnt out; he has too much to do in a week. Once D.A. gets cut down to just Sunday afternoons, it'll be better."

Hermione glanced around the common room, looking for Ginny. Spotting the girl near the fire and out of hearing distance, she whispered, "How's he dealing with the break-up?"

Ron just shrugged, looking over at his sister. "He's… taking it in stride. Now that Ginny will talk to him and hang out around him without… blushing and putting her elbow in the butter, he's been able to deal with it better."

"She wasn't that bad, was she?" Hermione asked, glancing down at her parchment when Ginny looked over at them.

"Yes and no," Ron replied, waving to his sister and smiling. He waited a few seconds until she turned away before he continued; he was pretty sure she could read lips. "It was just really awkward between them. You know that. But after last Monday, they seem to have moved on from being ex's to being friends again. If they weren't able to be friends…"

"Harry would be a mess," Hermione finished. Ron nodded, glancing one last time at his little sister. They continued on in silence, both working on their homework. "How're those detentions coming?" Hermione asked, looking up at him.

"Miserably," Ron answered shortly, and only continued when she shot him the 'Look'. That look meant 'if you don't tell me right now, I'll do everything in my power to find out so just make it easy on yourself, and tell me now.' So Ron explained. "My detentions with Snape haven't been too bad. He gives me a task and leaves me be. But McGonagall… she's a witch! She tells me what to do and then stands behind me and criticizes my work. Nothing I do is right, it's always wrong."

"She's just really disappointed."

"I'm not lying!" Ron snapped, throwing his quill on the table angrily.

"I know you're not, Ron," Hermione apologized. "And on some level, she believes you too. But you still did beat the crap out of a fellow student, a Slytherin no less, swearing like a sailor, and then coming up with a seemingly crazy story for why. Of course she's upset and disappointed."

"I know…" Ron conceded, retrieving his quill. "I'm just glad mum didn't send a Howler. I wonder why?"

"'Cause I wrote to her asking her not too," Hermione admitted. "It would just add to the strain between the obviously 'good' students and the obviously 'bad' students."

"I'm guessing that's not your real reasons," Ron asked shrewdly.

"Of course not," Hermione agreed without any problem. "I didn't want to hear her yelling at you, nor did I think that the whole school deserves to suffer through your chastising." Ron smiled wryly and returned his attention to his essay. Hermione did the same, diligently working on it until it was finished. Putting it away in her bag, she took out her planner and looked for her next assignment. "Oh, don't forget about the prefect meeting tomorrow."

"It's in Harry's office, right?"

"Yeah," she answered. "When we tell you the plan, you can't tease Harry. He hasn't really put two and two together yet…"

"What do you mean?" Whatever Hermione meant, Ron never found out, for just at that moment, screaming filtered down from the boy's dorm. The couple exchanged looks as Ginny jumped up and ran for the stairs. A second later they were right on her heels.

Ginny opened the door to Ron and Harry's room, nearly throwing herself towards Harry's bed. He was thrashing and convulsing, his right hand clamped over the lightning bolt scar. Blood was trickling down his face, which was screwed up in pain. Ginny grabbed his shoulders, trying to keep him from hurting himself.

"Harry! WAKE UP!" she yelled in his ear. "Wake up! It's only a nightmare!" Ron and Hermione entered the room. Ginny looked at them fear and desperation in her eyes. Her brother hurried over to help her, while Hermione turned and ran downstairs to get help.

"Wake up, mate!" Ron yelled at the struggling boy. Tears were in Ron's eyes, and Ginny knew tears were coursing down her cheeks. The look of horror and pain on Harry's face felt like a knife through her heart. "Damn it, Harry! Wake the hell up!"

"Mr. Weasley, watch that mouth of yours or I will have to tell your mother," Snape's silky voice admonished him. "Let me look at the boy."

Ron hesitated for a second and then backed away, dragging Ginny with him. Ginny glared at her brother and then turned toward Hermione. "You brought Snape?" she mouthed. Hermione shrugged desperately.

"Neville went to find Professor McGonagall and I brought the first teacher I could find," Hermione answered. Ginny rolled her eyes, and turned to watch Snape. The man was bent over Harry, both hands on the boy's temples. He was muttering something under his breath, but Ginny couldn't tell if it was a spell or not. One way or the other, some of the convulsing stopped.

"Granger!" he barked. "What's the foulest smelling potion ingredient you have in your room?"

"I don't have any in my room," she answered. "I just go down to the dungeons to work on potions."

"I've got some concentrated skunk's musk," Ginny answered. "Althea has me working on healing potions right now."

"Well, don't just stand there! Go get it!" Snape snapped at her. Ginny paused for a second and then sprinted down the stairs. She nearly collided with Professor McGonagall in the common room, but was able to side step her in time. Throwing open the door to her room, Ginny went to her potion ingredients, searching for the small vile of horrid smelling liquid. Finding it, Ginny stood and returned to Harry's room.

"Here," she said breathlessly, thrusting it towards the man. Snape pulled his hands away and Harry started shaking again. The Potions Master took the vial, uncorked it, and waved the liquid under Harry's nose. By this time, Ron and Neville had applied their full weight on Harry's chest, trying to keep him still and unmoving. Long seconds went by until finally Harry coughed and Ginny let go of the breath she had been holding.

"Where are you?" Snape asked Harry. The young man looked around his room, at his friends and teachers.

"Hogwarts," he answered softly, his eyes still haunted and his voice hoarse.

"What happened, Mr. Potter?" McGonagall asked, her voice soft and concerned.

"I'm not sure," he answered, his voice shaky.

"Take a deep breath, Harry," Snape said calmly. "Relax, there's no hurry." Ginny exchanged confused glances with Ron and Hermione.

"Harry?" Ron mouthed, disbelief filling his eyes. Ginny only shrugged, she had to agree. Since when did Snape call Harry by his first name? Though they had heard Harry talk about the 'new Snape' they had never seen this side of the man before. This 'new Snape' was a bit too much for them. Harry started to breath rhythmically, calming down visibly.

"I was looking through my mum's present," he said, waving at the pictures and notebooks scattered across the bed and floor. "My scar exploded with pain and I knew He was really happy about something, when…"

"What did you see?" Ron asked, starting to pick up the mess. Ginny and Hermione bent to help. Neville had already left to calm everyone downstairs, while McGonagall had gone to the fireplace to call Professor Dumbledore.

"Nothing but flashbacks," Harry replied dully. "The feeling the link gave me reminded me of my captivity."

Snape glanced down at the pictures at his feet and he too stooped to help clean up. Ginny heard his sharp intake of breath, as he stood quickly, staring at one of the pictures in his hand. "Is that the picture of my Mum, Thia, Sam, and your kids?" Harry asked, walking over to stand next to the man. Snape nodded, his face expressionless and paler than normal. "I meant to give that to you. Take it, please."

Ginny looked at Ron's open mouth and Hermione's thought-filled gaze. So it was true… at one point Snape had been married to Sam who had been her mum's youngest sibling, which would mean… "Shit!"

"Miss Weasley!" McGonagall chided her. Ginny was staring at Snape as if he had suddenly grown a third eye on his forehead. Harry started laughing at the look of shock on her face and the two Heads' looks of disapproval of her language.

"Figured it out did you, Gin?" Harry asked. "What about you, Hermione? I know Ron's clueless, which might be a good thing."

"Figured what out, Mr. Potter?" Dumbledore asked curiously. He had just entered behind McGonagall. Ginny looked over at Harry hoping that he wouldn't say it out loud.

"That Professor Snape happens to be their uncle," Harry replied mildly, trying not to laugh at the three identical looks of horror and disbelief on Ron's, Ginny's and Snape's faces. "I take it you've never thought of it quite that way, sir." Ginny was just about ready to strangle Harry for taking this monumental revelation so easily. Harry was just relieved that they weren't talking about his fit.

"No way in hell am I related to that greasy git!" Ron yelled, backing away from the dazed Potions Master.

"Ron, think for a moment! One, he married your aunt, two he's a professor, and three he happens to be in the room, so you had better apologize to him," Harry recommended. "Otherwise I'll have to take points for being disrespectful to a Professor and then some more for being disrespectful to your uncle."

"Harry, stop tormenting them," Hermione stated offhandedly. "I'm sure if you mention the fact that Professor Snape is their uncle once more they will all die of heart attacks and/or kill you. Besides, I know you're only doing it to distract them."

"Sometimes you're insufferable," Harry muttered darkly to the smirking witch. The others realized she was right and looked at him questioningly. "I've told you what happened. He was really happy and it reminded me of then. That sent me into the flashbacks. Now back off."

"Is this the first flashback you've experienced during the school year?" Snape asked calmly, seemingly over the shock. Harry nodded. "Did you know it was a flas—"

"No, it felt like the present," Harry interrupted quietly. He hated that Voldemort could still have this affect on him. It was a weakness, something to be hated. Something that made him inferior.

"I want you to shore up your defenses before sleeping tonight," Snape instructed him. "And if you ever make fun of me that way again, Harry, I'll personally make your life hell."

Harry smiled at the Slytherin. "Yes, sir. You know… I'm basically one of the Weasleys… so does that mean…"

"Finish that sentence, Potter, and I'll skin you alive," Snape growled at him, causing Harry to laugh. The Potions Master stalked out of the room, his robes billowing out behind him.

"I don't think I want to know how you got away with that," Ron muttered to his friend. "But I'm glad you can take this so well 'cause I know I'll never bloody well get over it!"

"You could do worse for an uncle," Harry countered. "I'm fine, sir, ma'am. Honestly, I am." Professors Dumbledore and McGonagall nodded and left the dorm room. "What are you going to tell your mum? What about your brothers? Oh man, that'll be good! The look on the twin's faces when they find out Snape is their uncle… priceless."

"Shut up, Harry!" his three friends yelled at him in unison.

"Oh, I am so going to hex you all!" Hermione shouted at the laughing Gryffindors. Lavender and Parvati woke up slowly, shrieking when they saw Harry and Ron in their bedroom.

"How did you get in here?" Parvati screamed at them.

"Brooms," Ron answered, backing away from the furious girls. Ginny stood next to the door, laughing at her friends, an empty bucket still clutched in her hands.

"We're leaving now, just had to tell Hermione Happy Birthday," Harry said quickly, dragging Ron towards the window. They got onto their brooms and flew into their dorm room.

"Did it work?" Dean asked anxiously.

"Oh yeah!" Ron replied. "She's going to be royally pissed though."

"Definitely," Harry agreed. "Though the water was all Ginny's fault, we didn't fill those buckets up." The boys started laughing as Harry did a horrible impression of Hermione.

"Harry Potter," Hermione said softly, quieting the room instantly. Harry turned around, and gulped when he saw the look on Hermione's face. "Would you like to die before or after Ronald Weasley?"

"I'll go first," Harry volunteered, overly cheerful. "That way I don't have to watch you kill him."

"Before you kill me, you could open your gifts," Ron said hastily. "There's a whole bunch from your parents and friends back home, not to mention everyone here…"

In the end, Hermione decided to spare the two Gryffindor boys though Harry felt it very unfair that not once did Hermione yell at Ginny. After all, Ginny had blackmailed Harry and Ron into doing it in the first place. Hermione opened all her gifts; oo-ing and ah-ing over the fine cloak Ron had gotten her.

After a quick breakfast they spent the day outside, enjoying the nice weather the weekend had given them. Remus, Thia, and Tonks joined them near supper time and walked with them into the Great Hall. Tonks whispered something in Hermione's ear, making Hermione look at the witch oddly. Tonks just winked and ran to catch up with Remus.

Once they were seated (the adults with the Aurors), Harry turned to Hermione. "So how's it feel to be eighteen and OOOOLD?"

"I heard that, Potter," Remus, Tonks, and Thia said in unison. Tonks continued, "If you think eighteen is old, you must think we're ancient."

"No comment," Harry said with a laugh. "I mean, Remus and Thia are old enough to be my parents, so that makes them older than dirt."

"Mr. Potter," a smooth voice said behind him, "I do not think that comment is helping the situation." Harry turned around to look at the Head of Slytherin. "After all, I happen to be just as old."

"That explains a lot," Harry muttered loudly in Ron's ear.

"Five p—" Snape started to say, but Hermione cut in.

"It feels exactly like being seventeen years, eleven months, twenty-nine days, twenty-three hours, fifty-nine minutes, and fifty-nine seconds old," she said archly. "And really, Professor, you aren't seriously going to bite at Harry's bait. After all, there are worse things than being called older than dirt, and I've heard both these boys say them before."

"Hermione," Ron whispered warningly.

"Very well, Potter, you have detention, Thursday night at 7 PM. Do not be late." Snape turned with a swirl of robes and walked away to sit next to McGonagall. The two Heads fell immediately into a deep conversation.

"Thanks, Hermione," Harry muttered darkly.

"Hey, you were going to get that detention anyway, I just saved the house five points," she replied with a shrug. "All for the glory of Gryffindor."

"NYMPHADORA BOBETTE TONKS LUPIN!" Thia's voice bellowed. Harry turned around to look at the witches, but only found Tonks sitting between two koala bears. "TURN US BACK RIGHT NOW!" the gray koala on Tonks' left yelled, paws on its hips. The Great Hall was silent as Tonks just sat there, tears of mirth running down her cheeks. Hermione laughed as well, flashing Tonks a huge grin.

"You look just like normal, ma'am," Tonks replied respectfully, her laughter in check, and saluting the Auror Commander.

"Aye, she's right, ma'am," an Auror across the table commented cheekily.

"Big furry ears, gray fur, small bear-like, yep, you look like normal, Commander," Volker commented. "I don't know what you're upset about."

"Furry is not normal!" Thia yelled, her very furry ears twitching in anger.

"Speak for yourself," the brown koala on Tonk's left commented wryly. Remus climbed onto Tonks' lap, sniffing at the food. His wife, still laughing, absently started scratching under his chin. "There wouldn't be any eucalyptus leaves around, would there? Behind the ear, dear, yes, that's the one."

"Stupid werewolf brother," Thia huffed. "You're taking this way too calmly. She drugged your drink—"

"I know, I smelt it in there before I drank it," Remus sniffed pointedly. "But I think I'm ahead by two or three prank points, so I gave it to her. Besides, I'll take this fur over wolf fur any day. Now, where's that eucalyptus?" Tonks laughed as a plate of leaves showed up on the table compliments of the house elves. Remus started munching, while Thia sniffed angrily.

"I can't believe you'd stoop so low," Thia muttered to Tonks. Bryant walked over to the Auror table from his normal seat with the teachers. He picked up Thia and sat down with her in his lap.

"Come on, cutie, no hard feelings," Bryant told her in his deep voice. "After all you drank the potion, so you can't really blame her. You should have known better, oh great and wise commander."

"Shut up, Bryant," Thia snapped half-heartedly trying to get away. "I'll tell your wife."

"Oh, I'm sure she'll be completely jealous of a koala bear," Bryant replied with a laugh and started calmly scratching behind one of her ears.

Harry and Hermione entered the Great Hall nervous as any first year the next Wednesday morning. They were wet and sweaty, tired and sore. Bruises covered their faces, and Harry suspected that one of his fingers might actually be broken. (It was too swollen to be certain at the moment.) Either way, neither felt like speaking in front of the whole school in such a state.

"Dumbledore is so going to die," Harry muttered wearily, as he sat down at the Gryffindor table. Today was the day they had to tell the school about… their plan. Harry couldn't believe Dumbledore was making them do it. It was as if he took pleasure in making them squirm!

"I just wish we could change, drying charms just don't help all that much," Hermione said as she sat next to him. Ron just laughed at the two. They had been complaining since Monday. "If you're not careful, Weasley, we'll make you do it!"

"I clearly remember Dumbledore saying that you couldn't make anyone else do it," Ron countered.

"At least you know what's going on!" Ginny nearly screamed. "I just want a hint."

"Alright," Harry conceded. Hermione glared at him, but Harry just ignored her and leaned over towards Ginny with a conspiratorial smile. As Ginny leaned closer he whispered loud\pp enough for all to hear, "Hermione's going to say what it is in less than ten minutes."

"Git," Ginny mumbled, punching his left shoulder.

"Why did I ever agree to letting Bryant train you?" Harry asked rhetorically, rubbing at his now bruised shoulder. "It just made it so you can hit me harder!"

After everyone had eaten breakfast Dumbledore stood and raised his arms, "If I could have your attention please." The Hall quieted quickly, everyone seemed to hang on every word the headmaster said. "I would like you to give your attention to the Head Girl and Boy as they inform you of their first substitution. Miss Granger, Mr. Potter." The old man nodded his head at them and Harry and Hermione stood and walked to the front of the Hall.

Christopher Harens watched the two seventh year Gryffindors walk up to the front of the Great Hall. Harry Potter seemed older and somehow wiser than he had back at Christmas time last year. Harry had stayed up all night telling Chris and a bunch of fourth year girls (fifth years now) about all the trouble he and his friends had gotten into. Christmas was the best memory Chris had of Hogwarts last year. He had been an outcast up to that point, but after that night one of those girls introduced him to her younger brother in Hufflepuff.

"Hank," Chris said, leaning back and quietly talking to his best friend. "Do you know what's going on?"

"They canceled Hogsmeade trips and those two are coming up with other things to distract us this year," Hank replied, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Can I have your attention, it seems to have wandered," Harry spoke, his voice raised above the quiet din that had started. Chris watched the two Gryffindors look at each other and then Harry shrugged. "As Professor Dumbledore mentioned last week, Hogsmeade trips have been canceled. I know how disappointed you must be about this, but I agree that it is probably for the best."

"In its place," Hermione Granger, Harry's best friend, continued, "we've come up with a few plans. The first one is to help promote school unity."

"For students between years one and three, we are planning a game night in a cozy room right across from the kitchens," Harry continued. Chris gave Hank a high five. Food and games were always welcomed by the two boys.

"That's great," Chris muttered. Even with the knowledge that Harry had tried to kill himself, Chris still looked up to the older boy. There was something about Harry that made you listen to him and to follow his simplest commands. That presence reminded Chris of Professor Dumbledore. They shared the same aura of power that seemed to radiate from them naturally.

"The house elves will be providing you all with food and drinks, and we highly recommend that you attend," Hermione continued. "There will be Exploding Snap, Gobstones, Wizard Chess, and a handful of Muggle games that I'm sure a few of you grew up with. Fourth through Seventh years are invited to the game room as well."

"What do you mean?" a Ravenclaw called out. "We don't get anything else to do just for us?"

"If you would have been just a bit more patient," Harry said with a laugh, "then you would have heard my announcement of a dance for fourth years and up." Loud gossiping erupted in the hall as students talked about the prospect of a dance. "Quiet, please!" Harry shouted over the noise, and everyone fell silent at once. "Both events will take place on Halloween following the normal feast."

"Dress robes will be required if you wish to stay for the dance," Hermione informed them. "It'll be a night for the four houses to mix and have fun. I'm sure you will all be as excited to attend as we are to be hosting it. Prefects will need help organizing parts of the night, so if you're willing to help, just talk to one of your Prefects."

Chris watched Harry as Hermione continued giving the details. Harry seemed tired… or maybe haunted was a better word. Either way, it hadn't been there at Christmas time last year. Just what had Harry been through? Chris had, of course, read all the Daily Prophet articles concerning Harry. The ones about Harry's suicide attempt and the Prophecy had left deep imprints on the second year. How did Harry keep on living? Whatever it was, Chris was thankful. Prophecy or not, Chris knew that Harry would rather die than let Voldemort win. He had done nothing but assure the school of his willingness; the weakness, if it could be called that, from the summer was gone. Between Dumbledore and Harry, Chris could not have felt safer.

"That is all," Harry finished. "I hope you all find this substitute a good one."

"Here, here!" several of the Gryffindors called. Chris joined them, clapping loudly. Hermione blushed, but Chris noticed that Harry just tuned the clapping out, not letting it bother him. This amazed Chris. If the whole of the Great Hall had been clapping for him, he would have fainted. But, Harry just took it in stride. The Head Boy and Girl took their seats with their friends, those that hadn't known about the dance talking a mile a minute. Chris was glad Harry had friends like he did. A lot rested on his young shoulders after all.

Harry sat miserably on his bed the following Sunday night. Exactly one year ago, he had gone out with Ginny on their first date. Exactly one year ago, she had kissed him for the first time. Exactly one year ago, Harry had realized just how much Ginny meant to him. And now, exactly one year later… nothing. Harry was alone, alone and miserable.

He looked over at his trunk and grabbed the shoebox his mum had given him. He opened one of the WG notebooks, and like last time just let it fall open. The handwriting seemed different from the neater script of the seventh year book.

What's got you worked up, GF?

Didn't you hear?

Don't say anything, GM!

JP and SB took it upon themselves to help GF pick her courses for next year!

I'm going to hang them up by their toes and leave them for the Giant Squid to eat!!!!!!!!!! And you might be joining them, both of you!

Why me? I'm not laughing… that much…

"Poll of the Peeps! Just leave a check by what class you think the lovely Lily Pot—er—Evans should take!" I will kill JP for that "slip" as he called it!

So you've already questioned them about it, then… that's a pity, I would have LOVED to help with that! What else did they say?

"Class choice number one: How to say yes to the always charming JP"

Oh… those two didn't… wow… and you're just feeding them to the GS? Wow, you must be feeling generous. I would… hmmmm… this would have to be special… I'd hang them upside down by there little toe nails… oh, that makes me curl my own toes up just thinking about it… feeding them to the GS is just… too cliché and easy… or… heehee, you're being GENEROUS to JP…

*ignoring the implication* Tell me about it! James called me a "pathetic Slytherin" just 'cause I couldn't see the humor of his so called prank! A Slytherin! ME! Tell me, who goes around cursing anyone or anything that moves?

Oh! I know! I know! JP and SB

And they had the nerve to call ME a Slytherin! *deep breath and moving on* "Class Choice Number Two: How to learn how to laugh at a good prank." I remember laughing at the pink hair and purple clothes prank last week… Ah, good times…

Yes… JP did look dashing in those purple robes…

Not to mention how the pink seemed to bring out the hazel in his eyes…

I hate you both… "Class Choice Number Three: Learn how to recognize the true enemy and prank them instead of the most noble Marauders." I think I know how to recognize bullies when I see them!

RL does wish me to apologize for him and PP… neither of them had anything to do with the… er… writing of it………

*writes note on separate piece of paper, folds it into a paper airplane and charms it to hit RL on the back of the head*

*Curiously* what did that say?

I just told him that I saw them handing them out in the third floor corr *quickly hides the book as RL and PP come over* *pulls it out once the coast is clear* THEY DID NOT JUST HAVE THE NERVE TO…. *sputters to a stop, too angry to form a complete intelligent thought*

WHY, I'LL SKIN THAT BLOODY BROTHER OF MINE!!! I'm sorry that he distributed the papers but really… what gave him the right to ask you out for JP… doesn't that prick get the point, GF is NOT interested!!!!

In all fairness… I think RL knows that… and I bet PP does as well… and I have a sinking feeling that SB does too… but JP is just too thick-headed and… what is that in your hands, GF?

*as GW tries to wrestle away whatever GF has in her hands, I, GM, will give a running commentary* GW tickles GF's right side, but in a daring move, GF let's go of the whatever it is, and tickles GW relentlessly. GW drops the WII in her haste to get out of GF's reach. GF picks up the WII and turns her back on her WG sisters! GW sneaks up behind her and snatches WII out of GF's grasp. GF tries to gain control of WII, but GW just lets out a howl of laughter at catching a glimpse of WII. GF takes it back while GW is distracted and deftly tears it into a billion pieces and then igniting the pieces until all that remains is ash. *to the WG's* It was a JP pic wasn't it… Gees… Lily, just admit you like the git!

There is nothing to admit! The last one was "Class Choice Number Four: Tutor the dashing JP in Charms." Dashing! Don't make me sick, Potter! That's so wrong! He's anything BUT dashing! And which one wins??????

How to say yes to JP…. Oh, I so voted for that one too!

Oh! Me too! I thought it would be good for her!

Traitors! GOODNIGHT to the both of you!

Harry laughed; picturing the three thirteen (or almost thirteen) year old girls having this conversation was amusing. Sobering quickly, Harry realized that his childhood would have been very different without Voldemort. He would have grown up with his parents, Sirius, Remus, Thia, and even Peter. The Dursleys would never have had to be burdened by him, and he with them. Happy, laugh-filled memories would be all he had of his childhood. Maybe he'd even be a big brother with little siblings to look after. One way or the other, he would have grown up with his God-sister Hope. And probably even Snape, Sam, and their kids would have been a part of that life. Everyone's lives would have been so different.

Actually…

Harry stood, grabbing his cloak off of the bedpost it was hanging on.

…it would have been…

Trekking down the stairs and out of the common room, he ignored the questions his friends asked him, needing to be alone for a bit.

…completely…

He walked through the deserted halls of Hogwarts and out the great doors of the school.

…unrecognizable…

Sitting on the top stair, Harry rested his elbows on his knees and his chin on his hands. The rain was falling softly around him, as if Nature wanted to wash away all that had happened to this young man.

Not noticing it, his tears started to fall. He cried for everything he had lost, everyone that he had known who had died. All those deaths, and all his fault. Sure, he hadn't been the one to cast the Killing Curses. But, it was his responsibility to end this war. Every death that had occurred after he had heard the Prophecy was his fault. Dumbledore's words from late August came back to him. 'Do not take the guilt that that monster should feel upon yourself!' But wasn't it his fault? If you looked at it from one angle it was. Where was someone when he needed to talk?

God! It hurt not having Ginny as a girlfriend. He had become so dependent on her hand in his, her sitting by him every chance she had, him wrapping an arm around her shoulders. But mostly he missed their talks. He had missed them while he was Voldemort's guest at the Malfoys'. He had missed them over the summer even when they hadn't known what was wrong. He had missed them after Ginny broke up with him. But now, he missed them more than ever. Something had made Voldemort extremely happy almost a week ago and the papers had printed nothing.

Harry was scared. Whatever had the monster so happy hadn't happened yet, but Harry knew without a doubt that when it did happen… He shivered in the cold rain. He knew he wouldn't want to find out what Voldemort had planned this time. It would hurt, Harry was sure of this though he wasn't sure why. His hands covered his face as his misery and fears and knowledge overwhelmed him. The normally controlled man, the one who had thought he had forgotten how to cry hundreds of times in his short seventeen years, found himself sobbing uncontrolably.

Gentle hands rested on his shoulders, and Harry recognized the touch. He turned into the offered shoulder, and he sobbed his heart out. Those hands and arms held him close, not letting his demons prey on him. When he was done, he pulled away. Rain drops still streamed down his face, but his tears were done.

"Thanks, Gin."