Harry Potter and the Sword of the Hero

HARRY POTTER AND THE SWORD OF THE HERO

Chapter 13 - The Good Times and Truths

Friendship is the golden thread that ties all hearts together

--Unknown

The next week at Hogwarts was one of the hardest Harry had ever had to face. Everybody was trying to take back what Voldemort had stolen, trying to reclaim the normality that was their lives, while at the same time knowing that it was lost forever. They were all changed... death did that.

Harry watched the students move from one day to the next aimlessly. Some looked lost, others scared, and some just gone. He saw the young girl who lost her parents once or twice and both times she seemed to be somewhere else, showing no emotion, not caring where she went next. Seamus was putting on a brave face to the crowds after the loss of his uncle, but Harry could tell he was just as scared as everyone else, more so because the blow had hit close to home for him.

There were others as well. It hadn't just been Gryffindor that had suffered. Students from each house had lost someone, even Slytherin. It was so quiet of a day in the school, that Harry found it hard to believe that over one thousand people resided in the castle. Harry thought that for some unknown reason, Ethan was affected the worst by the attack. He had taken to sitting alone all the time, and speaking only when spoken too. It was as if he held himself responsible for the massacre. Why should he...?

But as it has a way of doing, life went on. Everyone still attended their lessons, still carried on, and most were looking forward to the Christmas Hogsmeade weekend as a chance to relax a little, a chance to forget their problems; if only for a couple of hours.

As far as Harry was concerned, he was looking forward to Christmas. He still wasn't sure where he was going to spend it but it would probably be the Burrow. He hoped so anyway. Hogwarts was all right, but he felt as if the castle was suffocating him, he had to get out and spend some time away. The atmosphere inside the castle was too thick.

It wasn't until Thursday morning, that Harry found out he wouldn't be spending Christmas at Hogwarts, but he wouldn't be spending it at the Burrow with the Weasleys either. He had just sat down next to Ron, who was halfway through his breakfast. Harry was one of the last in the hall as he had slept in a little bit that morning. After pouring himself some orange juice, and buttering some toast, the post owls descended upon the hall.

Since the attack, there were a lot more owls coming in everyday. Some with notes from concerned parents, asking their child if everything was okay. Some were subscriptions to the Prophet, there were a lot more now the war had accelerated quite a bit. And this was on top of the normal amount of mail.

Harry looked up absently at the owls. He didn't expect any mail, so he wasn't disappointed when he didn't see the snowy white of Hedwig's feathers mixed among the mass of brown owls.

Two owls did land on the table in front of him, but they were after Hermione. One of them was a Prophet bird, the other was a Hogwart's owl with a letter tied to its leg. Harry returned to his toast as the prophet bird took flight, a Knut in its pouch.

He looked up again quickly as Hermione squealed with what Harry supposed was excitement. "What is it?" asked Ron quickly from Harry's left.

"I'm going home for Christmas," she said happily. "I didn't last year because of... well everything, and I really love Christmas at home."

"Oh... well, that's great, Hermione," said Ron a little gloomily.

Hermione noticed. "What's the matter?"

"Well I was hoping you would spend Christmas with us..."

She smiled. "That's just it, though. My parents have invited you and Harry as well." Harry looked up at this and Ron looked confused. "They really do want to meet you two," continued Hermione eagerly. "It's only ever been a brief 'hello' in Diagon Alley or somewhere and they'd like to get to know you better. Please say you'll come...?" she ended anxiously.

"Well... I...?" mumbled Ron.

"Of course we'll come," said Harry. "Why wouldn't we?" Ron nodded.

Hermione sighed and looked relieved. "Thanks," she said. "Oh it's going to be so good. I've not had many Christmas' at home since I've been at Hogwarts. And now you two will be there as well."

Hermione could barely suppress her excitement and Harry smiled slightly. He was off to the Grangers for Christmas, it would be fun he thought. One dark thought did pierce his mind though. How well protected was Hermione's house? Would his going make the home a target? What magic protected the place? Deciding he'd ask Dumbledore later, Harry returned to his breakfast. The term didn't officially end to Sunday the 23^rd, so there was plenty of time.

"I'm going to go Owl them back now," said Hermione. "Come on, Ron. If we hurry we can get there before first period."

"But I want to finish my-" Ron stopped talking when he saw the eager look on Hermione's face. She really wanted to go. "All right," he sighed.

Harry laughed as Ron was dragged away from his bacon and eggs. After they left, he moved down the table some so he was sitting next to Ethan. "What are your plans for Christmas, Ethan?" he asked.

Rafe turned to look at Harry and spoke slowly and coldly when he did. "Going to go see someone...."

"You're spending Christmas with them?"

Ethan nodded but didn't say anything else. He briefly looked at Harry for a moment before standing up and walking away, out of the hall. Harry frowned and contemplated going after him, but decided against it, Ethan could handle himself. He spent the last quarter of an hour at breakfast talking to Ginny before the bell went that signalled the beginning of the day.

Harry said his goodbyes and set off for Defence Against the Dark Arts. He arrived just as the second bell went and slipped in at the end of the line. When he entered, he saw Ron and Hermione sitting three desks across to the right. Harry made his way through and sat down next to Hermione.

"You get the owl off?" he asked.

She nodded. "Yes. My parents are going to be so happy. They've wanted to really meet you for so long, but that hasn't always been possible..." Hermione looked at Harry sadly. "You know... something has always got in the way..."

Harry nodded but didn't want to upset Hermione while she was in such a good mood. She had been really down this week, after the attack. Who hadn't...? "I'm looking forward to meeting them as well," he said happily.

Hermione beamed. "So is Ron. My dad especially wants to meet Ron because he's, you know, with me."

Harry laughed and looked over Hermione's shoulder. Ron had a very worried look plastered all over his face. Hermione turned and noticed it as well. "Don't worry, Ron. I'm sure he'll like you."

Yeah," laughed Harry. "Son of the Minister of Magic and all." Harry continued to laugh and Ron glared at him.

"Don't call me that," he mumbled. "Doesn't sound right..."

Harry continued to laugh and shake his head as Moody entered the room. Mr. Weasley was doing a good job as Minister, though. France had agreed to train more Aurors, as they were next in line if Britain fell to Voldemort. There was only a thin stretch of sea separating the two countries. And now the Order had the full Ministry resources at their fingertips. Things were still dark, but there was a small speck of light that was growing. It gave people hope in wake of the Diagon Alley massacre.

"Right," barked Moody. "Good morning." Without waiting for a reply he carried on. "Now today things are going to be a little different." Moody smiled malevolently and every person in the class sat up a little straighter. "Now that you've all duelled against one another, I'm going to show you today how it's really done..."

The assembled students looked between themselves nervously as Moody continued to smile. No one looked more nervous than Neville, though. What did he mean thought Harry, but in some deep corner of his mind, Harry realised exactly what he meant.

"POTTER," Moody shouted and Harry jumped slightly in spite of himself. "You're the top duellist in the class. Therefore, you get to duel me. Come on; let's show this lot how it's done."

Every head in the room turned towards Harry. Every head that is, except Ethan's, who stared quietly at a spot on his desk. Harry saw that Malfoy looked extremely happy about this. He thought Harry would lose... painfully.

Harry sighed and rose from his seat and walked out into the middle of the room, where Moody was waiting. "I want you to watch the techniques used carefully," said Moody to the rest of the room. "Make notes on our strengths and weaknesses."

There was a moment given while people scurried to get out a quill and parchment. Harry and Moody used this time to get into position. Once everyone was ready, Harry and Moody bowed to each other and moved five paces back.

Harry's mind was racing a mile a minute. I can't possibly win this he thought Moody's a highly experienced Auror.... But the other voice in his head stated logic as well. You do have exceptional duelling skills.... They faced one another down and Harry slowly raised his wand. At exactly the same moment, the tension in the room huge, Harry and Moody fired identical curses.

"STUPEFY!" they both yelled and then both stepped to the right to avoid the curses. It was like symmetry.

But Harry didn't have long to think about it before Moody was on the offensive again. With speed that surprised everyone, he raised his wand with a quick flick of his wrist and fired the Impediment Jinx. "Impedimenta!" The hot light shot forth from Moody's wand and crackled like lightning through the air.

Harry saw it coming and instinctively fell back, he landed hard on the floor. He had a brief glimpse of several people around the room scribbling notes down furiously before he rolled to his left and quickly jumped to his feet. As he rose, he shot a curse from under his arm. "Stupefy."

Again Moody side stepped it and retaliated just as fast, bringing Harry back down to the floor. He's so damn fast thought Harry, picking himself up off the floor, just in time to receive the disarming charm in the face. Harry somersaulted backwards with the force of the curse and his wand was ripped out of his grasp. For the third time in as many minutes Harry landed hard on his back. But enough was enough.

Quicker than anyone in the room had expected, even Moody, Harry was on his feet again. "Accio Wand!" he shouted as Moody hastily tried to pocket his wand. Not quick enough. Harry's wand came sailing back through the air to him and he caught it with a twirl and a flick. He and Moody were now on opposite sides of the room, wands pointed at each other.

"I hope everyone's paying attention," barked Moody to the room, both his good and magically eye never leaving Harry.

But he didn't have to worry about that. All sixty or so people in the room were enthralled with the progress of the duel. It carried on for another ten minutes, curses ripping through the air, back and forth. Most people had given up trying to write down technique, they didn't want to miss a thing.

Harry was tiring, Moody threw curse after curse after him. He was on the defensive now, not enough time to get one of his own in. Harry began to get frustrated at the seemingly endless barrage of curses. His frustration built as Moody showed no sign of tiring.

Sidestepping a Stupefy, Harry raised his wand and his hand. "IMPEDIMENTA!" he cried. Two equal jets of light sprung from his wand and his hand.

Moody stepped back and braced himself as the first one rocketed into the Protego shield charm he'd raised early. The shield buckled under the curse but didn't break. It happened when the second one hit. Moody's shield was obliterated, it shattered into a thousand bright blue sparks and the old Auror staggered back.

Harry saw his chance, and didn't waste it. "Stupefy!" He was sure this one would connect; sure he'd won the duel. But Moody was very, very fast. He leapt out of the way at the last second and the red beam missed him by a quarter of an inch.

From the ground, he shot a disarming charm at Harry. He dodged it easily but that was all the time Moody needed to get up. They were both heavily panting now, exhausted from the vast amount of spell work. That was until; Harry felt one of the strangest things he had ever felt in his life.

He forgot about the duel as he felt a breeze blow around him and through him. No one else seemed to have noticed it, or even could notice it. It seemed to be covering him from head to toe, inside and out. It felt warm, safe, and secure. A thousand feelings in one and Harry felt them all. It wasn't until he saw the faint crackles of lightning on his skin that he realised what was happening. His magic, the pure magic, the power the Dark lord knows not, was doing this.

Harry was so distracted by it he didn't notice Moody raise his wand. But the magic wasn't like last time, it wasn't going to burst out of him and destroy everything close. Harry didn't know how he knew this, but he just did. He heard phoenix song, he could tell know one else did. This was his, it was for him. The feeling left as quickly as it had come, though. But Harry felt very powerful when it did. There was still the faint crackle of lightning across his skin, he hoped no one noticed. It wasn't until this point that Harry finally looked up across the room and saw the light of a curse heading straight towards him.

It was too close to dodge, too close to defend against. Too close to do anything but stand and take it. Harry closed his eyes and braced himself as Moody's stunning spell flew through the air. He had expected it to hit as soon as his eyes were closed... but it didn't. He opened his eyes now and saw what appeared to be a blue shield in front of him.

The blue curtain was hazy and Harry could see the shocked faces of Moody and several of his classmates through it. There was also a red spot where the stunning spell had hit, directly in front of him. But as he watched it, it faded, leaving the shield intact. The blue haze also disappeared but Harry could feel it was still there, ready to protect him against another curse. But none were forthcoming from Moody.

Now this was no Protego charm. Harry knew he hadn't cast one, nor even thought of casting one. It was stronger than a Protego charm as well, a lot stronger. It hadn't even cracked under the stunning spell. Harry had a thought; it couldn't be anything else...? My magic is protecting me... it has to be.

It was now that Harry really remembered that he was supposed to be duelling. In an instant, he raised his wand and pointed it at Moody. But it was over.

"Nice duel, Potter," he barked, but gave Harry a piercing glare with his good eye. "Didn't even see you cast that shield?"

Harry didn't say anything. He just nodded and pocketed his wand as he walked back over to his seat next to Hermione. Moody had already begun lecturing the class and asking quick fire questions on the duel, when he finally sat down. He sighed heavily and rubbed his hand through his hair before turning to look at Hermione. She looked worried.

"What?" he asked.

"You didn't cast a shield charm? Did you, Harry?"

Harry slowly shook his head. "No..." He could still fell the power of the shield around him. It was still there, ready to stop a curse. Normal shield charms didn't move when the caster did, this was so different.

"What do you think it is...?"

Harry had a fairly good idea what it was, but he would have to tell her about the prophecy if he shared it. That would just raise to many questions, and he wasn't ready to do that... "I'm not sure... but it can't be bad if it protects me?"

Hermione nodded but still looked slightly unnerved. "Be careful, Harry..." she said. Harry didn't say anything.

Harry was, as usual, up early Saturday morning. He stared sleepily at the drapes that surrounded his bed and listened to the howling wind outside. Through the gap in the curtains he saw the slow fall of fresh snow. Harry rolled over and sighed as he dangled his legs off the side of the bed. Today was Hogsmeade day, Christmas shopping day. He supposed he was looking forward to it slightly.

After showering and shaving, Harry made his way down into the common room. He was the only one there. Most people slept in Saturday, and today was no different. He sat in his armchair perusing over all the possibilities of Christmas presents. Ron will want something Quidditch...? he thought And Hermione something educational...?

Harry was brought out of his thoughts as a small sharp stab of pain shot through his scar. His hand instinctively jumped to his forehead and Harry sighed heavily. Voldemort was happy, dangerously so, which meant someone was suffering...

Harry sighed again and mentally added it to his list of reasons to kill Voldemort. Since the Diagon Alley attack, Harry had been trying to decipher the emotions that he received from Voldemort. It wasn't very often that he did, but after Diagon Alley, and how he had felt unexplainably happy about looking at the Prophet article on Fudge's visit, Harry tried to put it together, to figure out his plans before they happened. He wasn't having much luck.

The fact Voldemort hadn't been seen since the attack, nor any of his Death Eater's, left Harry with even more worry. He had shown the world he had existed and then completely disappeared, leaving nothing but destruction in his wake. Harry could only feel that he was toying with the country, playing with it until the moment he decided to take it for his own. But he was sure Voldemort didn't have enough Death Eaters for that... did he?

His thoughts stayed with him for most of that early morning, and only let up when the common room started to get a little fuller. Ron came down the stairs and Harry called him over.

"Morning, Ron." Ron mumbled something incoherently and sat down with a yawn. "Looking forward to Hogsmeade today?"

Ron seemed to wake up a bit at this. "Yeah... Yeah," he said. "First time Hermione and I have a proper chance at going out."

"How are things going with her?" asked Harry gently.

Ron smiled slightly. "It's been like a dream... thanks, Harry."

Harry laughed but his brow furrowed in confusion. "What did I do?"

"If you hadn't lapsed into a coma and broken your spine at the awards ceremony, she and I may never have got together."

"Oh... glad I could help?" shrugged Harry.

Ron nodded. "So, Hogsmeade. What am I going to do...?" He seemed anxious.

"What do you mean, 'what are you going to do?'"

"I mean, where am I going to take Hermione? What do you do in Hogsmeade?"

Harry laughed. And then put on what he thought was the voice of an expert. "Well, Ronald," he began as Ron cringed. "Hogsmeade holds many possibilities for two young people such as yourselves. May I suggest Madam Puddifoot's?"

"No you may not!" said Ron quickly.

"Then how about the Three Broomsticks?"

Ron sighed and then quickly changed the subject. "What do you want for Christmas?"

Harry smiled. "Don't know? You pretty much got me the perfect present for my birthday?" he said, pulling out the long forgotten pocket watch that had sat around his neck for the past two months.

Ron nodded. "Hermione will know what to get you. Oh! Just so you know, the Chudley Cannons have a new player book out this year. Just thought you'd like to know," he added innocently.

Harry laughed as Ron rose from his seat and set off towards the stairs. He continued to sit by the fire for another thirty minutes as people came and went. Eventually Hermione came down the stairs and moved to the armchair next to Harry and sat down. "Morning," he said.

"Good morning," she replied briskly and with a smile.

"You're in a cheerful mood?"

Hermione smiled again. "Today is going to be good day."

"You think so?"

"I know so!"

"Do we want to go down to the hall?" asked Ron, who had just returned.

Harry and Hermione nodded and stood. She grasped Ron's hand and the three of them set off towards the Great Hall, for breakfast. The corridors were alive with Hogsmeade weekend excitement. When they reached the entrance hall, it had just gone nine o'clock so Filch was no letting people leave for the village.

Harry avoided the entrance and followed Ron and Hermione into the Great Hall. The tables were, as usual, lined with food and students. All the staff was visible at the high table and Harry caught Dumbledore's eye as he sat down and nodded slightly. I'll talk to him tonight about Christmas he thought as he sat down.

The three of them talked amongst themselves for a few minutes before they were greeted by a familiar face. "Hello, Ginny," said Harry as she sat down across the table from him.

"Hi," she smiled.

Ginny was wearing thick robes, a scarf, gloves and a beanie. It was obvious to Harry she was off to Hogsmeade today. Harry asked her anyway for conversations sake. "You going to Hogsmeade?"

"Of course," she replied, taking some toast from the rack. "Christmas shopping is always fun."

"Would you like to come with us?" asked Hermione quickly, and before Harry could say anything else.

Ginny shrugged but Harry could tell she was a happy. "Okay, but hang on a minute. I've just got to tell my friends I've got other plans now." Ginny stood up, taking her toast with her and disappeared down the line of the wooden table. It wasn't until Harry, Ron, and Hermione stood and made ready to go that she came back, smiling warmly at Harry. "Are we ready?"

Filch let them past silently and it wasn't long before the four of them found themselves on the old road down to Hogsmeade. The sun was out and shining brightly today, but it was still cold. The snow on the ground was several inches thick, and some of it had turned to slush, which made walking especially cold on the toes.

On the way down, Hermione seemed to keep an endless stream of talk up about the coming Christmas, she was really excited. Ron listened adamantly, but Harry only half listened. It was one of those times of the day where his thoughts shut out the outside world, leaving him with nothing but the prophecy... and Voldemort. His eyes glazed over as he walked, his cloak pulled tightly around him, and soon he heard nothing but that high pitched laughter.

It wasn't until there was a gentle tap on his shoulder that he blinked and immediately snapped out of his memories. Harry jumped slightly and instinctively raised his hand in defence. He lowered it an instant later, though, when he saw Ginny standing to his right. "You made me jump," he said, lowering his hand. As Harry did it struck him that his first choice was to raise his hand, not go for his wand. He nodded his head with understanding and turned back to Ginny.

"Sorry," she apologised.

Harry shrugged. "Don't worry about it. What did you want?"

Ginny smiled. "You fell behind. I came back to get you. Hermione didn't notice because she and Ron were... well, all over each other! and I thought it best I made myself scarce." She smiled again and pointed to the two entwined figures of Ron and Hermione up ahead on the snow covered road, just about to turn into the village. "What kept you?"

Harry sighed. "Just thinking about stuff...." he said and smiled sadly. "What do you say we go shopping?" he asked, trying to sound cheerful.

Ginny smiled honestly and the two of them set off down the road again. They past a few other Hogwart's students on the way through, and it wasn't long before they came to the wizarding village of Hogsmeade. Their first sight was of the High street. Snow covered the little thatched cottages and shops, hanging from the eves and boughs of trees. It made the place look like what it was, magical.

Harry also noticed how busy the village was. He had never seen Hogsmeade as full as it was now, and it wasn't just Hogwarts students. There were grown witches and wizards in abundance, moving from shop to shop. There were small children being dragged across the street by their parents. Hogsmeade was full.

Harry watched with a bemused expression as he and Ginny walked down the street towards Weasley's Wizard Wheezes. There were so many people. It didn't make sense. Ginny had noticed it as well and she appeared just as confused as Harry. "What do you think is going on?" she asked.

Harry was silent for a moment before realisation came crashing down upon him. He sighed. "No one wants to go to Diagon Alley?" he said quietly, the memories of the massacre surfacing. "They're too scared?"

Ginny also sighed when she understood. "Who can blame them?"

They passed a group of small children who were staring into the window of the Quidditch store, looking on at a Firebolt, while their parents chatted gloomily to one another, casting nervous glances at passers by. It was as if they feared attack from anyone at anytime... again, who could blame them?

Harry entered the brightly coloured Weasley Wizard Wheezes and followed Ginny towards the service desk. The store was just like the streets outside, busy. There were more adults than Hogwarts students perusing the products throughout the shop. And Harry had to squeeze through the crowds to make it up to the desk, where he found Fred... or was it George?

"George," said Ginny happily as they drew level with him. George made no move to correct her, so Harry assumed it was the right twin. How Ginny could tell Harry would never know?

"Hiya, Gin," he replied handing some old wizard his change. "You too, Harry," he ended with a nod above the noise in the shop, which was close to deafening.

"Busy...?" asked Ginny innocently. George glared at her and Harry laughed.

"Yeah, so leave me alone!"

Ginny ignored him. "You the only one here?"

"Thank you, come again. Eh? Sorry, Ginny?"

She sighed. "Is Fred around?"

George laughed sarcastically. "Fred? No. He 'just nipped out' to bloody London!"

Harry and Ginny laughed as George cycled through three more customers. It was clear that fun loving George was at the end of his rope, which was about to snap if somebody didn't step in. The seemingly endless line of customers had him at wit's end, and it was only ten in the morning.

Ginny was still laughing as George turned back to them. "Right, we'll just leave you to it then..."

George smiled that smile he always smiled when someone was about to turn into a six foot canary. "Ohhh no you don't. Ginny, you're a Weasley! Get behind this counter and help me out. Harry, you're as good as, you help to."

Ginny opened her mouth to protest but Harry had just seen that the line of customers was threatening to burst out of the door and onto the street, so he spoke up first. "Come on, Ginny. We can help." She looked at him for a moment before nodding slightly and moving around the back of the counter. Harry followed her.

"Good," sighed George, clearly relieved. "Bags are here and money goes there. Smile and thank the customers and we're good."

So it was for the next hour that Harry and Ginny helped George behind the counter. It was still hard to keep up with the number of customers but between the three of them they managed. Harry found himself doing some very quick thinking when it came to giving out change, maths had never been one of his strong points but he got there in the end.

Some of the customers recognised him as their eyes did the flick up to his forehead and they took in the scar. Harry tried to pretend he didn't notice, but that wasn't possible when one young witch asked excitedly if she could shake his hand. Harry obliged and she moved away looking awestruck. This happened several times before Fred returned.

"Hello, Brother," he said lazily and care free, leaning against the counter. "Good business today."

George stood with his mouth open for a second. "Good business?" he whispered. "Do you have any idea how many customers we've had through? More so when word spread that Harry was here!"

"So he is. Hello, Harry," said Fred. "And Ginny too. Doesn't look like you're short of help?"

George sighed and muttered a few choice words under his breath. "I think it best we make a quick exit," whispered Ginny. "Fred's for it."

Harry tried to stifle his laughter as he and Ginny moved away, while George slapped his twin brother upside his head and pulled him around the counter. It was at this moment, that Harry managed to get out of the door.

"Do you think Fred will be all right?" Harry asked once they started walking again.

Ginny smiled. "It'll be fine. George could never hold a grudge for longer than an hour."

Harry nodded and then checked his watch. It was eleven thirty. "Where to now then?"

Ginny's brow furrowed in thought. "Well we've still not done any Christmas shopping. Should we head up to the Quidditch store and have a look there?"

"Hmm... Ron was after the new Cannon's book," he agreed thoughtfully.

A few minutes later Harry and Ginny entered Quality Quidditch Supplies. It wasn't as heavily packed as Weasley's Wizard Wheezes, but it wasn't empty either. Harry found himself just wanting to get the book and get out. Of course that didn't happen.

He and Ginny squeezed through the crowds and over to the racks of Quidditch paraphernalia against the far back wall of the shop. As they walked, a small golden snitch flittered across the ceiling and just above their heads. Many people watched it attentively and a few tired to grasp it as it past over them. When it came close, Harry instinctively reached out and plucked it out of the air, catching it deftly with the tips of his fingers, it almost got away.

"Nice catch," said Ginny.

Harry smiled. "Thanks."

"Oh! You caught the snitch!"

Harry turned and looked at the person who had spoken. It was a young witch; she had wavy shoulder length brown hair and couldn't have been more than five foot two. She also had an employee badge pinned to her blue robes. "You caught the snitch!"

"Er- Yeah," said Harry. "I did...."

"Congratulations. It' yours now," she nodded to a small promotional poster taped to one of the wooden support poles. It read:

CATCH THE SNITCH!

Nab the escaped golden snitch!

The person, that is he or she, who catches the loose Snitch, may keep it. As part of our promotional publicity program, one golden snitch will be released every week for six weeks. Are you a Seeker?

The poster went on to explain the finer points of the promotion but Harry got the gist of it; he turned back to the sales assistant. "So I can keep this then?" He held up the now still snitch that had reverted to its collapsed form, wings were in.

She nodded and there was some scattered clapping from those in the store who had noticed his catch. Harry smiled to the crowd and saw recognition dawn on a few of their faces as they noticed his scar. He shook his head slightly and put the snitch in his pocket. It was at this moment that he remembered what he had seen in Snape's pensieve. His father had also owned a snitch.

"Well done," smiled Ginny. The two of them continued on towards the book racks on the back wall.

It took Harry ten minutes to find the new Chudley Cannons player book. He waited a few more minutes while Ginny perused the various titles. When she had finished, they walked over to the counter and paid for their books. They were served by the same assistant they met earlier, she congratulated Harry again and then said goodbye.

Harry and Ginny emerged back onto the busy street just as the sun went behind the grey storm clouds, casting a dark shadow on everything. It was at this time Harry realised just how hungry he was and just how busy the morning had been. "Should we go get something to eat?" he asked Ginny.

She nodded and pulled her scarf closer around her neck. It was getting a little chilly. "Three Broomsticks?"

They crossed the slush covered street and passed through the large, noisy crowds and soon enough came to the small inn. They entered. The Three Broomsticks wasn't as busy as Harry had expected it to be; he spotted a spare table instantly and made a line for it. The pub was almost full with Hogwart's students and, of course, local residents, though, so Harry found it remarkably lucky that they had managed to secure a table.

He waited until Ginny was seated before moving. Once she was down he asked her what she wanted for lunch and told her to wait at the table so they didn't lose it. Harry went over to the bar and ordered two mugs of butterbeer, and two plates of sandwiches and fruit. Five minutes later he was re-seated at the table talking to Ginny.

"I'm not sure when we'll see dad," she said gloomily. "He wasn't even sure he could get Christmas Day off! Says things are just too fragile at the Ministry right now."

"I'm sure he wouldn't spend Christmas there," replied Harry truthfully. Mr. Weasley just didn't seem the type to.

Ginny nodded and thoughtfully chewed on her sandwich. It was at this moment that Harry suddenly jerked his head back as his scar quickly and viciously burned. "You okay, Harry?" she asked quickly and suddenly, her voice full of concern.

Harry sighed and breathed in heavily. "Yeah..." He coughed to clear his throat. "Yes. It was nothing, happens all the time."

Ginny lowered her voice to practically a whisper. "Did you see him?"

"Not him personally, but I saw what he was seeing. He was somewhere with... grass and stone..." Ginny didn't say anything. "I suppose that narrowed it down to practically anywhere in the country," he ended sarcastically.

Ginny smiled nervously at his attempt at humour, but then lost all expression. "I have no idea how you deal with him all the time, Harry?" she whispered quietly.

"You get used to it eventually... it just became part of my life." Harry stated simply, taking a sip of his butterbeer.

Ginny fell silent and idly scratched a spot on the wooden table in front of her. It was a long moment before she spoke. "I still have nightmares about him..." Harry was now silent. "Riddle I mean. From... from the diary...?"

Harry clenched his jaw in anger. Riddle... Not knowing quite what to say, he just went for the obvious. "He's gone, Ginny. The diary is gone. He won't be back."

She looked up into his eyes for a moment and then looked down again, smiling sadly. "I know... but that doesn't make it any less real...."

Harry sighed and swirled the last dregs of his butterbeer around in his mug. "No, no I suppose it doesn't."

"I just have all these thoughts that get mixed up and at the end he's there, smiling at me like he used to...."

Harry was concerned. "Have you talked to anyone about this?"

"Just you now. I thought if anyone would understand it would be you."

Harry nodded. "Voldemort's-" She twitched slightly. "Voldemort's always, and I mean always, in my head. I can't escape it. I see his thoughts, I feel his emotions, and sometimes I see things as he does...." Ginny opened her mouth to speak but Harry stopped her. "I know that that's not quite the same thing you feel but when it gets too much, I... well I make a list in my head of all the things that he is, and all the things that I am. I separate myself from him, find the differences."

"Harry..."

Harry didn't say anything for a moment while he thought about the immense connection that he shared with the Dark Lord. "There are so many things that I have in common with him, Ginny. Sometimes... sometimes it's so hard to tell where I end and he begins. But there are differences, major differences, and those are the ones that count."

Ginny sighed happily. "Thank you, Harry. It's nice to know I'm not alone...."

"Me too," he said, reaching out and squeezing her hand affectionately on the table. He removed it a moment later and sipped on the butterbeer.

An uneasy silence past over their table, and Harry absently rubbed at his scar as another topic of conversation was searched for. He looked around the bar, his eyes darting to and fro from one person to the next. Kids, teenagers, adults... it didn't matter; they were all caught up in the same war.

"I was thinking of trying to get more people in the DA club," said Harry off the top of his head. He hadn't really been thinking that much about it, but the silence was very uncomfortable.

"Oh? Well, that's good...."

They talked sparingly over the next ten minutes over the progress of the club. Most of its members were competent in dozens of hexes and charms. And, Harry was very proud of this, half of them could produce a corporeal patronus. Ginny's was a surprise to most, when it turned out to be a phoenix that beared more than a slight resemblance to Fawkes.

After the finished their lunch, Harry went and ordered two more butterbeers from the bar. When he returned, he saw that Ron and Hermione had arrived, and had pulled some chairs over to their table. He got there just as Ron was standing to go get him and Hermione a butterbeer. Ron punched his arm playfully as he passed, which caused some of the butterbeer in the mugs to slip down the front of his robes.

Harry sat down and passed one of the steaming mugs to Ginny before performing a small cleaning charm with his hand, this wasn't lost on Ginny. "Why didn't you use a wand, Harry?"

"Hmm? Oh! I -er- it's just sometimes easier to use wandless magic."

"Not for all of us," said Hermione. "I've only just learnt how to do Banishment charms without a wand, and Harry could do that the first time he tried two months ago!"

Ginny looked impressed. And Harry found himself feeling very self conscious. He was saved a moment later though when Ron returned with butterbeers. "So what have you two been up to today?" he asked taking a seat.

Ginny and Harry both shrugged. "Not much," began Harry. "Helped George out at the shop."

"And we went to the Quidditch store and Harry won a snitch!"

Ron looked over to Harry. "You caught that? I tried, thought it would make a good Christmas present."

"You missed it by a mile, though," said Hermione shaking her head with laughter.

Ron feigned offence. "I tried my best," he moped. Hermione fell for it and wrapped her arms around him in apology. Harry caught Ron's sly grin from over her shoulder and chuckled. Ginny rolled her eyes.

"Well, should we carry on shopping, Ginny?" asked Harry when Ron and Hermione's lunch arrived. Ginny nodded and then they said their goodbyes to Ron and Hermione, finished their butterbeers and headed towards the door.

Soon they were back out on the busy, blustery street. The first thing Harry saw were two familiar people walking towards them through the mass of black Hogwart's robes. "Hello, Neville, Luna," said Harry when they drew level to each other.

"Afternoon, Harry," said a very confident sounding Neville Longbottom.

"Good day," Luna said dreamily.

"How's your day been?" asked Ginny.

Neville nodded thoughtfully for a moment. "We only just got here actually. Me and Luna spent the morning trimming some of the plants in greenhouse three."

Harry and Ginny nodded and then turned to Luna. "What have you got planned now then?"

"Well, Neville and I were on our way to Madam Puddifoot's. Weren't we, Neville?"

Harry looked back at Neville, who now looked understandably nervous. "Neville," began Harry, "are you and Lu-"

"We have to go," said Ginny quickly, grabbing Harry by the arm and pulling him away down the street.

"Ow! Gin- What?"

"Let's just leave them be, Harry," she aid smiling and the shook her head. "Neville and Luna... who'd a thought?"

The storm clouds were heavy in the sky as Harry and Ginny crossed the busy street. It would snow later on, that much was sure. After dodging the crowds and passing Honeydukes, he and Ginny entered the Hogsmeade branch of Flourish and Blott's bookstore.

Harry's main concern right now was getting Hermione a book for Christmas, and getting back to the castle before the snow hit. He and Ginny separated at the entrance, both heading towards different sections of the store.

Now the thing about magic that still struck Harry at times, was its ability to make a building bigger on the inside than it was on the outside. Harry was soon deep in the stacks of the advanced texts and tomes; he had lost sight of the entrance and Ginny.

He quickly scanned book after endless book, looking for something that Hermione might find interesting. The problem with that was that Hermione would find them all interesting. He passed by all the Goblin material and had just entered the Muggle section when something caught his eye. It was perched precariously on a shelf just below his waist and he picked it up quickly.

On the front were two words, Everlasting Thoughts. This title confused Harry and he opened the book up to a random page, it was empty. He flicked through another few pages. They were all blank. It wasn't very thick, but Harry could tell it was enchanted to never run out of pages. He flicked endlessly through parchment after parchment. Harry closed the book and looked it up and down. The cover was black and bound in leather with a gold trim for a border. The pages inside, though blank, were of a very high quality parchment. Apparently, the only words in the entire book were the title; Everlasting Thoughts, which was in gold script across the top.

Harry was just about to put it back when he saw an identical copy of the book on the shelf, and next to that were a selection of Muggle Diaries and writing pads. It struck Harry that what he was holding, was a simple journal. He nodded with understanding and was again just about to put it back on the shelf when an idea came to him. He kept the book and moved on, back to looking for Hermione.

It didn't take him much longer to find a present for Hermione. Just out of the Muggle section was the Advanced Studies section. He found her a book that was way beyond NEWT level magic, and therefore perfect for Hermione, who in Harry's opinion, could pass the NEWTs now if she tried.

Harry walked back towards the entrance, both books in hand, and was soon paying for them at the front desk. "Six galleons, dear," said the elderly witch from behind the counter. Harry rooted around in his pocket and felt his hand brush against the snitch in there before he reached his money bag. As he had magically enhanced his pockets as Ethan had showed him, there was a lot in them. "Thank you. Would you like those gift wrapped for Christmas, dear?"

"Please," said Harry and the elderly witch pulled out her wand. She muttered a small spell and wrapping and tape shot out of her wand and covered each book. "Thanks," he said, picking up his now wrapped purchases and placing them in the bag with Ron's present. Harry asked the lady if Ginny had been by yet, she hadn't. So he moved over to a chair by the window and sat down heavily, it had been a long day.

As he waited, Harry pulled out the small golden snitch and let it flutter about in his hand for a moment. It hovered a few feet in the air and then made a dash for it, as quick as a flash Harry caught it and the cycle started all over again. He smiled as he did this, remembering his father. He didn't have to wait long for Ginny, she returned five minutes later carrying several books that looked way to heavy.

Harry jumped up to help her but she made it to the counter all right. After paying for the books, he and Ginny exited the store. It was cold outside, the weather was definitely about to burst. "Should we get back to the castle now?" he asked Ginny who had jut pulled her beanie over her ears.

"Uh-huh ," she nodded.

They began walking but Ginny was weighed down with the heavy bags of books. Harry took two off her and they continued with a little more speed. He looked at his watch as the exited the small village; it had just gone three thirty. Thunder rolled overhead and it seemed most Hogwart's students had got the message and were on the way back to the castle.

Ginny's fifth year friends were just up ahead and they turned to wait for her when she called to them. Harry and Ginny jogged a little to catch up. Although it was unnecessary, as practically every magical person in the world knew who Harry was; Ginny introduced him to her friends. "That's Ellen and Marie," Harry said hello and they shyly acknowledged him. "And that's Janet and Amy."

Harry knew them by face from seeing them around the school and common room, but now he had names to put to the faces. They walked quickly up the road and turned the corner onto the homestretch back to the castle. The group had just crossed into the Hogwart's grounds when the storm broke. It started with a giant rip of lightning across the sky and then small hailstones began to fall with large drops of rain.

All students still on the path had to make a mad dash to the entrance of the castle. By the time Harry, Ginny, and her friends had made it into the entrance hall they were soaked through and had snow in their hair. After a few drying and warming charms, Harry felt a whole lot better. He cast some on Ginny and then picked up all the bags with his purchases. He and Ginny and her friends set off back to the common room as the thunder roared outside.

Once back in the common room, Harry said goodbye to Ginny and thanked her for today. It had been really good, one of the few good times he really enjoyed. She smiled and agreed and then hugged him quickly before moving away with her friends. Harry smiled as he entered the dorm and placed his purchases in his trunk. Ron's Cannons book, Hermione's study book, and the journal; Everlasting Thoughts.

Harry quickly changed his clothes while he was there, his robes felt to stuffy in the warmness of the castle and he opted for a shirt and jeans instead. When he returned to the common room fifteen minutes later, it was just as Ron and Hermione entered, carrying all their bags and complaining about the weather. With them came Neville, who was smiling happily, not at all bothered by the weather.

Harry passed them as they were heading upstairs to change and put away their parcels. He said he'd see hem when they got back down. He moved over to one of the back tables, where he spotted Ethan. "What did you do in Hogsmeade?" asked Harry.

Rafe looked up and seemed to think about Harry's question for a moment before answering. "Didn't go," he sighed, scribbling aimlessly on a piece of parchment in front of him.

Harry frowned. "Why not?"

"Didn't want to...." he finally said, getting up and without saying another word, walking away towards the stairs that led up to the dorm.

Harry shook his head in confusion as he watched Ethan retreat; he wondered if he would ever understand him. There was something deep inside him that Harry found familiar, a secret that he may tell in time. It was something that made it hard for Harry to talk to Ethan. Whatever it was Harry could tell that Rafe hated himself for it, and at times this would be shown more clearly in the way he acted, such as walking away just now.

When Ron and Hermione came back down the stairs ten minutes later, they did so at the same time, and soon spotted Harry playing chess with Neville near the window. The snow was coming down in torrents outside and Harry was very grateful that he wasn't out in it. Neville had just succeeded in taking his knight when Ron and Hermione moved over and sat at their table.

"All right, you two?" he asked, moving his pawn to check. "Check!"

"Fine," said Ron. "Neville, move the bishop to D-4." Neville obliged and in that one move, Harry was now the one in check.

"Ha! Check," laughed Neville. Harry glared at Ron.

"Do you know what's up with Ethan, Harry?" asked Ron.

Harry shrugged. "No? Why'd you ask?"

"Because he's up in the dorm now throwing a red ball back and forth against the wall with a blank look on his face."

"He'll be right," Harry assured Ron.

After Neville beat Harry at chess, it was Ron's turn to do so. After Ron beat Harry at chess, Neville played Ron whilst Harry chatted to Hermione a few seats over.

"I got him the new Cannons book he was after," whispered Harry. "What did you get him?"

"I got him a... no, you'll have to wait and see," she smiled.

"But-" argued Harry.

"No 'buts', Harry Potter,' she said sternly but amusingly. Harry gave in.

A few hours later, everyone went down to the Great Hall for dinner. Harry, Ron, Hermione, Neville, Ginny, and her friends all walked down together. When they arrived, most of the school were already seated, as was the staff. Harry looked up to the High table and saw Dumbledore seated there, a smile on his face as he surveyed the students before him. Harry sighed as he sat down, thinking about explaining Christmas to him this evening.

Dinner in the Hall was eventful, apart from a small twinge of pain in his scar and Ron nearly choking to death on a kipper, it was normal. Harry picked at his food and was anxious for it to be over so he could go see the headmaster.

At a quarter past seven the Hall began to empty. Harry told his friends he was going to see Dumbledore and they left him alone in his seat. He waited until Dumbledore and the other teachers left their seats and exited the hall before he got up and followed them, in the crowd of the last students in the hall.

Harry walked up to the headmaster's office slowly, to give him time to get back there before he arrived. He ambled up the staircases and past the numerous moving paintings and suits of armour. He dodged Peeves on the second floor who, as usual, was throwing bottles of ink at passers by. Some unlucky third year Ravenclaw girl caught a mouthful of ink as Harry passed.

Going slow, it took Harry twenty five minutes to reach the stone gargoyle. "Skiving Snackbox," he muttered and the gargoyle sprang to life. Harry quickly stepped onto the second step and let the stone stairs elevate him up to the office. Harry stepped off the stairs and approached the oak doors quietly; there were once again the sound of voices emanating from within.

"No, Phineas. I do not believe so" said the familiar voice of Albus Dumbledore.

"But, Albus. Remus says that the level of magic from there has been steadily increasing since July, and I don't have to remind you what happened to the Potter boy then!" That was the voice of the painting of Phineas Nigellus, an old headmaster and Sirius' great - great grandfather.

"No you don't," replied the headmaster calmly but strongly. "I'll ask you to tell Remus to keep monitoring the situation; I want to know immediately if anything changes."

"Right," said Phineas and the voices died down.

Harry waited a few moments before knocking to make it look like he'd just arrived. "Come in," said Dumbledore from within.

Harry opened the door silently and it creaked as it swung close. "Professor Dumbledore," he said moving towards his desk.

"Good evening, Harry," replied Dumbledore. "Please have a seat."

Harry sat and his eyes flicked across the room. He saw that the portrait of Phineas was empty; presumably he was now at Grimmauld Place. Fawkes sat elegantly on his perch to the left of the desk, and, of course, the room was still littered with amazing gadgets and appliances.

"What can I do for you, Harry?"

Harry looked back at the headmaster and took a deep breath. He was a bit nervous at the prospect of what Dumbledore would say to his leaving Hogwarts. "I've -err- I've been invited to the Granger's for Christmas this year," he began, "and -er- I just wanted to see if everything was okay with that?"

Dumbledore frowned and appeared to be deep in thought. He spoke after a long moment. "You're worried about your safety and that of those around you outside of Hogwarts?"

"Yes," nodded Harry quietly.

Do you wish to go?"

Harry nodded again. "Hermione really wants me to meet her parents, and I... well I don't want to spend Christmas without her or Ron alone in the castle.

Dumbledore smiled and there was the familiar twinkle in his eye. "Very well, Harry. I see no reason why you cannot go. Provided you take proper precautions. Also, some extra protection will need to be placed around the Granger's home..." Dumbledore trailed away and fell into thought. He jumped out of it a moment later though.

"How much protection is on their home now?" asked Harry.

Dumbledore blinked and looked at the ceiling. "Many complex wards and dark detector charms are in place over their home. They are quite safe, and, actually not a high priority target to Voldemort anyway."

"But they're still a target..." Harry said quietly.

"I'm afraid anyone associated with you may be, Harry."

Harry was silent for a moment and stared miserably at the floor. You think I'd be used to this by now? he thought. He straightened up a moment later though and shook his head, trying to clear it. "So I can take the train to Kings Cross with everyone else on the 23^rd?"

Dumbledore nodded. "I believe that you may be in need of a good break from it all, Harry. I want you to enjoy yourself at the Granger's. Though it will probably be best if you are back at Hogwarts before the 28^th."

Harry silently agreed. The castle was the safest place he could be. He felt happy now, he was going to Hermione's for Christmas, and everything promised to be good, but Harry asked his next question anyway. "Do you know what Voldemort is up to at the moment?" he asked.

Dumbledore paused before answering and Harry looked into his eyes. As he did, Harry felt a tingling sensation behind his ears and the back of his neck. When Dumbledore answered something else happened. "We, that is, the Order and the Ministry have not heard nor seen anything since the Diagon Alley attack."

The tingling increased and Harry closed his eyes and felt a surge of emotion flow through him; accompanied by a brief flash of... well he didn't know what it was? But the feeling was unmistakable. "You're lying," said Harry bluntly and quickly. Dumbledore blinked and opened his mouth slightly in surprise. Briefly Harry realised he had never seen Dumbledore surprised. "Or... you're not telling me the whole truth...?" Harry shook his head as he said this, he knew what he said was true but he didn't know how he knew?

"Harry..." began Dumbledore. "How...?"

"It's true?" asked Harry heatedly.

Dumbledore nodded slightly and Harry felt anger mingled amongst his confusion. "Can you tell me what you experienced prior to my speaking?" asked the headmaster.

Harry reached and touched the back of his neck. "I felt this tingling sensation when I looked you in the eye and then I saw... no I felt you lying. I just knew you were."

Dumbledore appeared confused, and Harry felt he didn't have a right to after just lying. "I believe, Harry. That you may have just performed Occlumency."

Harry forgot his anger for a moment. "What?"

"What you have just done, Harry. Saw into my mind without using an incantation or even without thinking the appropriate magic is the highest level of Occlumency. Very few know of it, even fewer can do it."

"What does it mean?" asked Harry roughly.

"It appears Professor Snape's Occlumency lessons had more of an effect than I thought? Or..."

"What?"

Dumbledore looked grave. "Professor Moody came and spoke to me earlier in the week. He told me of the shield charm in your duel with him..."

Harry sighed and pressed his hand across his forehead, his scar was burning. The pure magic, his magic had done it again. It had extended his occlumens ability... or so it seemed. "All right. So I can do Occlumency, so what? I want to know why you lied in the first place?"

Dumbledore was silent for a moment and then he let out a long, sad sigh. "I wished to protect you, Harry."

"Protect me? From what? It was an honest question: What is Voldemort up to?"

"I thought it better if you didn't know the extent of his... attacks. I thought maybe you would enjoy Christmas all the more if you didn't have another weight hanging on your shoulders."

Harry frowned. "What is he doing?"

"Since the Diagon Alley attack and his failure to get a Death Eater as Minister. He has been ordering hits on the family of Ministry workers. Sadly, thirteen lives have already been claimed in his fury."

"And you thought it better I didn't know this?" said Harry dangerously.

Dumbledore nodded. "I wanted you to enjoy yourself-"

"I thought we'd got past this?" he said angrily, his voice rose as he jumped from his chair. "All the secrets, all the lies. It got Sirius killed last year..." Harry practically shouted this, all the anger, all the resentment he felt towards Dumbledore for keeping secrets was staring to seep out of him. It was a dam of anger that had started to crack, and was now leaking.

"Harry-"

"NO! You listen," cut in Harry, running a hand through his hair. "I need to know these things. It's my bloody fate to kill him; you think I'd be entitled to know a little about what's going on? But no, I get dumped with the sodding prophecy and told nothing!" Harry was seething with anger, with hate... but he didn't know who for? Voldemort... or Dumbledore?

"I apolo-"

"No. Don't," he spat. "It's just so damn unfair. I get told next to nothing for five years and then bam! Well, I'm sorry, but I've had enough. This is not some game. All the secrets, all the lies... this is real life it is reality. It's not a fairytale where the hero doesn't have to worry about the choices he makes because in the end it will be fine for him, he'll win. This-is-real! There aren't always happy endings... in fact there are no happy endings...."

Dumbledore seemed, for the first time ever, to be at a loss for words. It was a long uneasy moment of silence that passed between the two of them as Harry fell back into his chair, spent. "You've grown, Harry," Dumbledore finally said solemnly.

"It has to stop," Harry said desperately. "I do need to know...."

The Headmaster surveyed Harry for a moment over his half moon spectacles. "And you will," he agreed. "I suppose it is time you played a more active role in it all."

Harry stared straight into Dumbledore's eyes as he said this. There was no lie. He waited with baited breath to hear what the old man had to say next, and so did the room. All the portraits were awake and not even feigning sleep. Fawkes was perched stiffly, fire in his eyes. And the atmosphere in the room could have been cut with a knife.

"I think we should wait until after Christmas, when the new term starts. Do you agree?"

Harry sighed. "I just want to know what's going on in the world. I want to know what he's doing...."

Dumbledore nodded with understanding. "Of course. You have my word, Harry. I will no longer keep information from you." Dumbledore removed his glasses as he said this and cleaned them on his sky blue robes. "But we can discuss this more when you return from the Granger's. Also, Harry, and much more important. I think it wise to be on your guard, even now in the castle...?"

"Now?"

"I'm still at a loss as to how Miss. Patil was removed from the safety of the wards. I do think it safe to say there may be a spy at Hogwarts."

Harry nodded and decided it was time to leave, his mind instantly flicking to Malfoy as a very likely candidate for the spy. He nodded to the Headmaster and turned away without saying a word, when he reached the door, he had just placed a hand on the knob when he stopped. Without turning around, Harry took a deep breath, he spoke. "I'm sorry I shouted, Professor," he said loud enough for Dumbledore to hear.

"Do not worry, Harry. A good scream is healthy now and then. And I daresay I deserved it. Why your father and Sirius did exactly the same thing once..."

Without saying another word Harry opened the door and walked out, images of his father and Sirius shouting and raving at the Headmaster making him smile. With a heavy sigh, Harry walked back to Gryffindor tower alone, playing with the small golden snitch as he went.

The last days of term flew by relatively fast for Harry. He kept busy with a few Quidditch practices and DA meetings on top of his regular schooling and before he knew it, it was the morning of Sunday the 23^rd and the Hogwarts Express was leaving in four hours at noon for London.

Harry awoke at roughly the same time as Ron on Sunday. They awoke, showered, and dressed ready for a day on the train. Harry packed all he needed into his school bag, he had discovered that the same enlargement charm he had used on his pockets, could be used on a bag. It allowed him enough room to put in several changes of clothes, his toothbrush and other essentials, such as cloaks and jumpers and some toiletries. He showed Ron how to enlarge his bag and soon enough they were down in the common room, ready to go with nothing more than a backpack to carry.

Hermione was already down in the common room talking to Ginny. It was then that Harry remembered the other thing in his bag, the journal; Everlasting Thoughts. He had to send it before he went or he wouldn't get another chance. He made his excuses.

"Oh! I've just remembered I have to go talk to Dumbledore," he said quickly, hoping the lie held. It did. Ron and Hermione both nodded with understanding and Ginny smiled warmly. Before they could ask why, Harry slung his bag over his shoulder and made his way over and out of the door.

Once out in the corridors, Harry took the quickest route he knew to the Owlery. He passed little to no one in the halls and after ten uneventful minutes entered the Owlery. It was, as ever, packed with hundreds of owls. Harry wasted no time; he spotted Hedwig three tiers up and called up to her, she flew down gracefully and landed gently on his shoulder. "Up for a delivery?" he asked.

She hooted eagerly. It had been a long time since Harry had had the need to send anything. He smiled at her eagerness and walked calmly over to the small desk that was against a side wall. He placed Hedwig on a perch there and then removed the package containing the journal from his bag.

It was wrapped, Harry had at the time not realised it didn't need to be wrapped yet. He sighed and carefully peeled back two corners of the wrapping and slipped the book out of its open end. The black leather-bound journal fell to the table. Harry skimmed through the pages for a little bit before coming to rest on the first page just inside the cover. Dabbing some ink on a quill, Harry thought on what to write.

After five minutes of deliberation he settled on something simple. As neatly as he could, he wrote a small message:

Dear Ginny,

For when the thoughts become to much

Love,

Harry

Harry paused for a moment while the ink dried in his curvy script and frowned. He wasn't sure about that 'love' part but something told him to leave it as it was. Once it had dried he slipped it back into the wrapping and sealed it quickly before he changed his mind. On the front of the wrapping he wrote simply, To Ginny.

Harry smiled slightly and congratulated himself quietly, this was a good idea. It took him a moment to tie the package to Hedwig, but he managed it. "Now I know it say's it's for Ginny. But could you take it to Mrs. Weasley at the Burrow? She'll know what to do." Hedwig hooted and nodded her white head with understanding before expanding her wings and soaring off through the early morning sky. Harry watched her go for a moment before picking up his bag and turning away, he headed happily back to the common room.

Back in the common room he discovered that his friends had abandoned him and gone off somewhere. He saw Ethan sitting by the fire and decided to ask him. Harry approached carefully. Since Diagon Alley two weeks ago, Ethan had said maybe six words to anyone. No one could really get him to talk.

"Hey, Ethan. Do you know where Ron and Hermione went?"

Rafe looked up slowly and his eyes seemed to take a moment to focus on Harry. "They went to breakfast down in the hall," he whispered. "They asked me to tell you they'd meet you down there...."

Harry nodded. "Thanks." There was a pause. "Is everything okay, Ethan?"

Rafe clicked his teeth and tapped nervously on the chair arm. "No... but it will be,' he said, standing up. "It will be...."

Harry moved his pack onto his other shoulder as he and Ethan stared at each other for a moment. "Well... have a good Christmas, Ethan."

Ethan nodded and then extended his hand. Harry took it, but he did so confused. "It's been a pleasure, Harry. I'll see you later." He shook his hand a few times, with what felt like a sense of finality, and then separated. For a moment Rafe didn't move, but then before Harry knew it he was walking away. Ethan walked out of the common room, carrying nothing but the clothes on his back.

I wonder where he's going? thought Harry, but those thoughts left him when the clock on the mantelpiece struck ten. Harry cursed slightly under his breath and then turned to leave the now deserted common room. He would have to get to Hogsmeade soon.

Harry found his friends in the Great Hall twenty minutes later. Grabbing a piece of toast and swinging his bag to the floor, Harry sat down and began to eat.

"How did it go with Dumbledore?" asked Hermione.

"What? Oh! Yeah... yeah it went all right." Harry saw her frown and quickly changed the subject. "So when do the carriages leave for Hogsmeade?"

Ron quickly glanced at his watch. "Twenty minutes, we'd better hurry."

A cold wind blew through the cloudy sky as Harry, Ron, Ginny and Hermione climbed into one of the carriages pulled by Thestrals. Harry was the only one in the group who could actually see them. It wasn't long after they were seated that the carriages took off across the frozen grounds towards the station at Hogsmeade.

Hermione was excited the whole way as the prospect of Christmas grew ever closer. Ron couldn't keep the excited smile off his face and Harry and Ginny exchanged a quick look of humour at this.

Once they arrived at the station, the first sight that greeted them was that of the scarlet steam engine that was the Hogwart's Express, well, the London Express for now. The station was packed as students struggled to get their luggage and themselves aboard the train. There were many shoves and bumps as Harry moved slowly through the crowd, getting separated from his friends in the process. He was extremely thankful that he only had to worry about the small bag on his back.

Harry had just caught sight of Ron's flame red head through the crowd when there was a small tap on his shoulder. Harry spun to face the elderly figure of Albus Dumbledore. "Hello," said Harry warily. He and Dumbledore hadn't spoken since the... outburst in his office, and now Harry felt uncomfortable.

"Good day, Harry," replied Dumbledore warmly. There was no anger or resentment in his voice. "I just thought we could have a talk before you got away."

Harry followed Dumbledore away from the crowd and over to a bench against the station building wall. He sat down next to the Headmaster on the green ark bench.

"The extra protection at the Granger's has been added this morning," he said and Harry nodded. "It is as safe as it can be under the circumstances, but I thought a little something extra might be in order." Dumbledore dug into his robes pocket for a moment and then removed a small leather bag, about the size of a wallet or so. He passed it to Harry.

"What is it?" he asked.

"Floo powder," announced Dumbledore. "The Granger's fireplace has been connected to my own for the duration of your stay there. If anything, and I mean anything at all, out of the ordinary happens, I want you to use that to get everybody to safety." Harry nodded and thanked the old Headmaster. "It is only connected to my office, so no words are needed. Just throw a pinch to the fireplace floor."

A whistle blew from the conductor across the station and steam blew from the great engine of the train. Most of the students were on board now and it was about ready to go. Harry stood as did Dumbledore, and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Do take care of yourself, Harry," he said sounding almost pleading. "We'll talk about everything when you return on the 28^th."

Harry smiled and shuffled his feet shoulder. "Thank you, Professor. Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas," called Dumbledore as Harry ran towards the now departing train and jumped on through the door before it could gather any speed. Once on, he turned and raised a hand towards Dumbledore, who did the same. Harry last saw the turrets of Hogwart's castle, before he turned away from the door and headed into the train.

******