Remember You

Remember You
Chapter Nine
~~~~~

After the mass attack on the students and one teacher, the news was leaked to the public that people were disappearing from Hogwarts. Reporters from the Daily Prophet were coming to the front doors daily, trying to get a word with Professor Dumbledore, but he refused to say anything. The board of governors had also been brought into the mess: a week after the group attack they voted against shutting the school down. This was because five people in Diagon Alley had disappeared in the same way as at Hogwarts.

The first snow of winter was dressing the ground one morning in early December when Harry leisurely walked down the many flights of stairs to the Great Hall. Ron and Hermione had run ahead of him, and Harry was to meet Draco in the entrance hall. When Harry got to the top of the marble staircase, Draco was already waiting for him. The Slytherin was looking towards the front doors suspiciously, so he did not notice Harry. Harry quickly glanced around him before he approached Draco and wrapped his arms around the blond from behind. He gave him a kiss on the cheek, pulled back and nuzzled his nose gently under Draco's ear.

"Morning. What are you glaring at over there?"

"I just saw Creevey go outside to talk to a reporter who is waiting to speak with Dumbledore."

Harry rested his chin on the other boy's shoulder and looked to where Draco was looking. "So? He probably wants to be a photographer for the Daily Prophet when he leaves Hogwarts. Maybe he's just asking the reporter questions. Why are you so worried?"

"Because I heard the reporter ask about you, and Creevey said that he has a couple new pictures of you."

Harry shrugged casually as he stepped away from Draco reluctantly, knowing that he could no longer embrace the Slytherin, in fear that they would be seen. "He's always taking pictures of me. I'm not surprised."

"Aren't you concerned that the Prophet is doing an article on you?"

"It happens. I hate it, but there's nothing that I can do about it." Draco still looked oddly perplexed, but Harry did not think that Draco was bothered about another article about Harry. "Is there something else bothering you?"

"Yes. My letters from your cousin Dudley are missing. I just read them a couple days ago and I clearly remember putting them away again in my box that I keep locked... but they're gone."

"That's odd. Maybe you misplaced them."

"No, I know that I didn't."

"Did you search your room?"

"Of course I did! I'm not stupid!"

"I didn't say you were. And I'm still a little miffed that you didn't tell me about you writing to Dudley last term."

Draco shrugged. "I didn't think it was a big deal. Besides, it was after you broke up with me. We only sent each other a couple letters." Draco paused. "Nice bloke for a Muggle."

Harry smiled. "Muggles can be just as nice as wizards. What kind of things did Dudley write to you? Anything incriminating against you?"

"He wrote a lot of things. He did write a little about how he hoped that our relationship could work out in the future. I don't think any of it is incriminating."

"Well, I don't think you have anything to worry about."

"Harry!" called a voice.

Harry turned his head from Draco, and saw Colin peaking his head through the door. "What?"

"Come here for a minute."

"Don't do it, Harry," Draco warned. "There's probably a whole group of reporters out there, ready to eat you alive."

"I'll survive."

"Since when have you become suicidal?"

"It's not a big deal. Besides, it'll be better to just say something to them and get it over with. I'm sick of them trying to talk to Dumbledore and me. Go and eat breakfast, I'll catch you up."

Harry turned to go outside, but Draco pulled him back. "You don't have your cloak, or your scarf! Are you mad? It's below zero out there!"

"Well, I'll only be out there for a few minutes. I don't have any classes outside today so I didn't bring them."

"Well, I have to go out to the Herbology greenhouses, so you'll have to borrow my cloak right now. I'm not letting you go out there with no protection."

Draco whipped his cloak from around his shoulders and wrapped it around Harry's body. Harry grinned like a fool. "You're going to drive your kids crazy someday, you know that?"

Draco smiled as he went into his bag and pulled out his Slytherin scarf. "You have to wear this as well. If they take pictures of you, I want them to show that you're a Slytherin, not a Gryffindor."

"But I'm not a Slytherin, Draco," Harry pouted as the blond wrapped the scarf around his neck.

"You are to me."

Harry grinned even harder as he looked quickly around them. When he saw that Colin had gone back outside, he pulled Draco to him and kissed him hungrily. When they pulled back, Harry's green eyes were sparkling mischievously. "And you're a Hufflepuff to me."

Harry turned around and ran away before Draco could do any bodily damage to him. "I'll get you for that, Potter!" Draco yelled as Harry hurried outside.

Sure enough, as soon as he stepped outside, two flashes went off. When the Gryffindor blinked away the spots, he saw a reporter and Colin holding their cameras. "Erm- what's going on?"

The reporter - a woman with long auburn hair and brown eyes approached Harry and shook his hand. "I'm Ayn Canfield, reporter for the Daily Prophet and Witch Weekly. It's nice to meet you, Mr. Potter."

"Oh, you can call me Harry. And it's nice to meet you as well, Miss--"

"Just call me, Ayn. I'm sorry if I'm interrupting anything, but I'm currently doing a story on you, and your friend, Colin, here was nice enough to get you out here so that I could have a few words. Is that all right?"

Harry felt a bubble of doubt form in his chest, but he pushed it down. "Erm - I suppose that would be all right... Just as long as you don't have a Quick-Quotes Quill with you."

The reporter let out a shrill laugh that made Harry cringe. "Of course not, Harry. I like to give accurate reports. You have no need to worry. Now, I know you have class this morning, so I'll make this as quick as possible. First, would you like to comment on the latest here at Hogwarts? I mean with these mysterious disappearances?"

Harry glanced quickly at Colin whose face had gone ashen. "Well, I think I'd like to keep this conversation short for Colin's sake. But, I think it's really horrible that this is happening to people. I saw two of the incidents first hand, and I can only hope that these acts are put to a stop straight away."

"Do you believe that these people are alive?"

"Yes. I've never heard of anybody dying just because they disappeared. I think it's more likely that they were transported somewhere... We just have to figure out where that is."

"You say that you were present for two of the incidents... can you tell me, Harry, if you were involved with the disappearances in any way?"

Harry's lips parted and a small breath puffed from his lips. "I'm sorry... what?"

"Can you tell me if you were involved in the disappearances of the students and Professor Flitwick?"

"Well..." Harry stuttered over his words. "Well, of... of course I didn't have anything to do with them! Where in the world did you get the idea that I would put people in that much pain?"

The reporter ignored Harry. "Is it true that this is a plan thought up by You Know Who, and that you are the one carrying it out as his right hand man?"

Harry shook his head in disbelief. "I have nothing to do with Voldemort, and I never will, except to kill him."

"There have been rumours about where your loyalties lie. Does your recent decline into Dark practices have to do with the recent imprisonment of your ex-convict godfather, Sirius Black?"

"Sirius was imprisoned because he was under the Imperius. He has never done anything wrong. He did do some terrible things to me while under the Imperius, but he didn't mean any of it, and I do not practice Dark magic."

"Can you tell me why you are wearing a Slytherin cloak and scarf? Does this have to do with the fact that you're being corrupted by You Know Who, or that you are currently involved with Draco Malfoy - whose father is a known Death Eater?"

"I am not being corrupted by Voldemort. You don't have to bring Draco's father into this. Yes, Lucius is a Death Eater, but that doesn't say anything about Draco. And yes, Draco lent me the cloak and scarf just now so that I wouldn't get cold talking to you out here."

"And is it true that you're in a serious relationship with Mr. Malfoy?"

"What is this?" asked an angry voice behind Harry.

All three people jumped and turned to see Sirius and Remus standing in the doorway, both looking extremely angry. Ayn immediately jumped on them. "Mr. Black, Mr. Lupin, I was wondering if I could get a few words from you about Harry." Behind them, the camera flashed.

Sirius gently grabbed Harry and pulled him between the two men so that he was shielded. He smiled winningly at the reporter. "Harry is a fine young man with a lot of potential. I have no doubt that once he leaves Hogwarts, he will be very successful in whatever he chooses to do."

"Even if he has joined ranks with the Dark Lord, Mr. Black? What then? Will he be successful then?" she pressed.

"Harry has not joined ranks with him, nor will he ever," Remus replied tightly. "Now, if you'll excuse us. Harry needs to eat his breakfast, and get to class. Please leave the premises before the Headmaster sees you here."

"Mr. Creevey," Sirius started. "Please come inside the castle."

"Yes, Professor Black," Colin replied and hurried past the three other men.

"Good day, miss," Remus said politely before Sirius led Harry into the castle, and closed the door.

"Harry," Sirius sighed. "What were you thinking?"

"I didn't think it'd be a bad idea to answer a few questions."

"Yes, but I heard those last few questions she was asking you. She was making it sound like you're a Death Eater."

"Well, I told her that I didn't have anything to do with Voldemort."

Remus and Sirius exchanged a look but did not say anything else. This worried Harry more than any words could have.

***

It was two days later, and Harry and Draco were in their classroom, lounging on the couch. It was a Sunday, so they were enjoying the last couple free hours before they had to do homework. Harry was lying on his back with his head in Draco's lap. Draco had his feet propped up on the edge of the coffee table, so that Harry's head was cradled in-between his thigh and stomach. Harry was currently tickling Draco underneath his chin, trying to get him to stop reading.

"Draaaco!" he mock-whined. "I want attention!"

Draco looked down at him and smiled. "Even I can tell you're spending too much time with me with that command."

"Well, I'm bored. I like looking at you, but even that can get boring."

Draco mock-pouted. "I'm gorgeous. How could I get boring to look at?"

"It's boring because I want to touch you... Kiss me." Harry puckered his lips as far as they would stick out and squeezed his eyes shut.

"Yeah, because that's attractive," Draco scoffed sarcastically.

Harry kept his eyes shut and his lips puckered, but after a few moments, he heard a page of Draco's book turn. Only then, did he open his eyes. "Draco," he said, honestly disappointed.

The Slytherin looked down at him and smiled. What happened next was so fast that Harry was not sure exactly what took place. Draco threw his book onto the floor, got out from under Harry and straddled him, where he took the Gryffindor in a bruising kiss. Harry immediately moaned, arching up into his boyfriend's body. Draco pulled his body away from the contact, but kept kissing Harry. What started out as a harsh kiss began to get more gentle, exploring, and passionate. When they finally slowly pulled away, both of their eyes were shining with emotion. Harry wove his fingers through Draco's silky hair and sighed. He felt particularly sappy after the breath-taking kiss they just shared.

"God, you're amazing," he breathed.

Draco smirked. "But of course."

A sudden knock on the door interrupted Draco from moving to kiss Harry's neck. He sat up and swore. As the Slytherin got up to answer the door, Harry sat up on the couch and tried to smooth himself out.

"Oh... hey, Austin, Sierra," Draco greeted their visitors. "It seems like I haven't seen you two around in a while."

"We've been around, haven't we Harry?" Sierra asked.

"Yes, I see you in the common room all the time," Harry smiled. "Come on in, and have a seat. What's going on?"

"Mum and dad are here," Austin replied as he slouched into a chair. "They want to talk to you." Draco stuck his head into the hallway as footsteps sounded down the corridor. The Slytherin's face lit up and he stepped back, holding the door open.

"Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Potter!" he exclaimed. "How are you?"

"We're doing wonderfully, Draco," Lily Potter replied. "Thank you for asking."

James looked suspiciously at Draco as he walked in. "You sure do seem chipper today, Draco," he commented. "Why is that?"

Draco shut the door. "Oh, it's probably because Harry and I were just snogging."

"Oh, Merlin," Harry muttered under his breath and sunk down into his chair.

"Eew!" Sierra squealed. Nobody paid her any attention.

Lily and James sat on either side of Harry and looked at him seriously. "We wanted to talk to you about that orb, Harry," James began. "Your mother and I don't think you should use it anymore. We think it might be dangerous. Besides, you can always see us anytime. There should be no reason that you need to watch us in that orb. We recorded that when we thought the worst was going to happen."

"But I like the orb. Why do I have to get rid of it?"

"Just do it, Harry. We don't want you to get hurt more than you already have in your life. We're only trying to protect you," Lily pleaded.

"Listen to them, Harry," Draco added. "I don't trust that thing either."

"But Dumbledore wanted me to keep good care of it."

"We'll keep it for you," James offered. "We're family so you know that you can trust us, Harry. Besides, your mother and I already have experience in keeping it."

Lily looked at her husband sceptically. "It might not be so safe with us either. We might want to send it to the original owner. I know he'll keep good care of it for Dumbledore and us. What do you say, Harry?"

Harry hung his head, feeling despair setting in at the prospect of losing his parents... But that was ridiculous since they were sitting on either side of him. Finally deciding that it would be for the best, Harry nodded. "But you two can send it for me. It's in my dormitory."

"Sure thing," James said. "Now that that is settled, we can go home, Lily. It's been a particularly long day. I'm sure you can understand, Harry." Harry nodded glumly.

"All right. We'll talk to you later, Harry." Lily kissed him on the cheek as James kissed the top of his head. When they stood up to leave, both Austin and Sierra stood as well. They both looked a little disappointed about something.

"We were kind of hoping that you were getting in trouble for something. That's why we were here," Austin explained.

Harry mock scowled. "Get out! Right now!" He pushed his brother and sister out of the door before anything more was said. When he effectively locked the younger Gryffindors out, he leaned against the door and sighed dramatically. "Sometimes I wish I was the only child."

Draco smiled, but it was with an odd quality to it, like he was confused about something. He slowly sat down in the chair that Sierra had just vacated. "That's the thing, Harry..." he said just as slowly as he had sat down. "Aren't you the only child your parents ever had?"

"No... You just saw my little brother and sister. Why would you ask me that?"

Draco looked at Harry with a furrowed brow. "I don't know... There's something wrong though... something out of place, but I can't figure out what."

Harry laughed and threw himself onto the couch. "You're losing it, Draco. There isn't anything wrong."

Draco only furrowed his brow more as he turned to look out the window. "No... There is something definitely wrong here," he whispered to himself.

***

Sirius gathered the stack of fourth-year essays into his arms and hurried out of his office. He juggled the contents in his arms around a little, trying to gain a better grip on his wand so that he could lock the door. As he was trying to do this, footsteps approached him from behind, but he did not turn to look. The person, who was approaching, muttered a few words. Sirius felt a large jolt travel through his body like he had fallen out of bed, and he dropped all his essays, and wand. He cursed softly, looking around suspiciously for any students, and then, bending to pick up the wand. He cast a few locking charms on the door, and magicked the papers back in to his arms, before remembering that he had forgotten the fifth years' homework that Remus was going to correct for him. Sirius heard a person step up behind him, and felt a hand lay on his shoulder.

"Remus, I'll meet you in my chambers," he said exasperated before he muttered an unlocking charm.

"Take a deep breath and calm down, Paddy," said an amused voice.

Sirius froze while putting his wand in his pocket, and stared at his oak door. That voice... it was so familiar. "I'm... calm," he replied as he turned around. Sirius was so shocked by who he saw that he had absolutely no reaction, no widening of the eyes, no step backwards, no gasp of shock, no exclamation, no cursing... nothing. Sirius just stared. After a few moments of silence, James Potter grinned.

"What's wrong, Paddy? Cat got your tongue? Oh, I'm sorry; it must be the werewolf has your tongue?" James grinned more.

It was then that Sirius realised that he had forgotten to breathe. He let out a long breath. "I... I... What?"

"Well, you and Moony are together, right?"

"Erm -"

"Of course you are! Harry was telling Lily and me how Remus got you Skittles."

Sirius was now in information and emotional overload. He had so many thoughts, accusations, and questions running through his head that he could not form a coherent thought. "Harry?" he asked dimly.

"Yeah, Lily and I were just talking about that orb that he got for his birthday. We don't want him to keep it anymore because we think it might be dangerous, so we're sending it to the maker. Lily is in the owlery right now."

"Lily... The orb?"

"Is there something wrong, Sirius? I ran into Snape a few minutes ago and he was acting the same way. I wasn't too concerned then since it's only Snape, but it's kind of starting to worry me now though. I can bring you to Madam Pomfrey if you like."

Sirius managed to shake his head as he tried to catch his brain up on what was happening to him. "All right, then. I'll see you some other time then, yeah? Lily and I were going to go home. Say hello to Remus for me."

James clapped Sirius on the shoulder, and walked down the corridor and disappeared around the corner. Sirius let his stack of essays flutter to the ground once again, as he stared at the wall ahead of him. "James?" he finally asked the wall, not realising that James had already left. When he realised this, Sirius decided that he had finally gone insane because James and Lily Potter are dead. But even with this sudden realisation, the dark haired man still did not move. He still had not moved when Remus found him, standing in the middle of the hall, staring at the wall ahead of him.

Remus magicked the papers into his hands, shrunk them, and put them in his pocket. After doing this, he took Sirius' arm. "Come on, Sirius. Let's go."

Sirius nodded his head numbly. "Right. We don't need to be here anymore because James and Lily just left to go home. We can go rest now.... We can rest. Rest is a good thing. It's been a long day, Remus. A long day.... Did you know that James came to see me today? He called me Paddy. Did you know that he always calls me Paddy?"

"Sirius... shh. I know. I remember that." Sirius quieted with Remus' words, but it did not alleviate Remus' worry.

***

The next morning was Monday, and Harry was running late. By the time he arrived in the Great Hall for breakfast, the post had come and almost everybody was leaning over a newspaper. As he made his way to the Gryffindor table, somebody yelled out from the Ravenclaw table. "Harry Potter is a faggot! Don't turn your back on him, men!"

Harry stopped in his tracks and looked over at their table as people around the hall began laughing. There were a couple people at the Ravenclaw table, Harry saw, that were yelling at the person who had just insulted him.

"You better watch out for me too, then," drawled a voice right next to the Gryffindor, making him jump. Harry turned and saw Draco standing beside him, glaring at anybody who dared to laugh. Most withered under his stare. Draco turned to Harry and his silver eyes immediately softened. Kiana, who had insisted on wrapping herself around Harry's arm to keep warm against the December cold that morning, hissed in protest when Draco accidentally slid his hand over her, and up Harry's arm. But they both ignored her. "Good morning, my own little Gryffindork."

Harry laughed a little before Draco let his lips descend upon his. Faintly, both boys heard a few girls sigh, heard even more boys and girls snort in disgust, and even some others that were clapping for them. When they pulled away, Harry was blushing crimson, and he would not look anybody in the eye but Draco. "How did they know that I'm gay?" he wondered aloud.

"Granger has a newspaper. She'll show you the article in there," Draco replied grimly. "Harry, please don't get too upset by what is written in there. Just remember what I said, all right?"

Harry did not reply. He hurried over to his friends and sat down, stealing the paper from Hermione's hands. She did not protest, as she knew that he had a right to see what was written about him. As he began reading, Draco sat beside him.

On the front page was a large picture of Harry sitting on the couch in front of the fire in the Gryffindor Common room, smiling shyly into the camera. Harry in the picture blushed before ducking out for a few moments and then coming back into view. Large block letters were blazing across the page, and Harry cringed.

Harry Potter, Revealed

Harry skimmed over the first part of the article as it retold his story, and just why he was famous. Shaking his head, he continued on to where the reporter spoke about the third task. There are many places where I could start off in the boy's tale; but today, I will start with the third task of the Tri-Wizard Tournament. The task began with no complications. The late Cedric Diggory and Harry Potter were tied for first, and in so being, began the maze at the same time. Nobody knows exactly what happened in the maze, but soon, the competing school's champions were eliminated. It was not too long after, that the two Hogwarts students took the Tri-Wizard Cup together and were transported off the school grounds. Details here are even more sketchy than the maze, but from what has been released to the press in the past, is that Diggory died after being hit with the Killing Curse by none other than Peter Pettigrew.

It was then that You Know Who was said to have risen again, and Harry Potter made a narrow escape back to Hogwarts. One must ask, how did a fourteen year old boy escape the wrath of a fully-trained wizard whom nobody has once before beaten in a duel? If I may comment, if James Potter were alive, he would agree with me. This raises some interesting questions. What sort of words was exchanged? What were the events of that meeting of You Know Who and his followers? What was Harry Potter's place in this meeting? Did Harry strike a deal with the Dark Lord for his life? Was this event the point in which our young hero was corrupted?

From here, our tale moves on to Mr. Potter's sixth year at Hogwarts. This is the point in which things get interesting. After acquiring a contact within Hogwarts, it has come to my attention that the Boy Who Lived joined alliances with He Who Must Not Be Named.

Where is my proof? Right here, written in the hand of Draco Malfoy in a letter.

Harry turned to Draco. "Are these the letters you wrote to Dudley?"

Draco nodded his head stiffly. "I still don't know who took them. They didn't publish the ones I received from Dudley... but, well, you'll see." Harry furrowed his brow and turned back to the article. The next part had clearly been directly copied from Draco's letter to Dudley. Harry recognised the handwriting as his boyfriend's.

Thanks for your last letter, Dudley. To answer your first question, no, Harry is not doing so well. He actually broke up with me the other night. I have been suspecting that something has been seriously wrong, but now I am sure of it. He disappeared for the entire night, so I waited for him in our classroom. When he finally came back, he was not acting like himself. I believe he may have gone to-- The neat handwriting was then cut off by the normal print of the Daily Prophet. [Edited to You Know Who], to tell you the truth. Harry scoffed. I'm not so sure what he was thinking, or if he is even thinking for himself anymore. If Harry and I ever get back together, I may not be the only one marked as Voldemort's servant. I'll be blunt. I'm scared for him.

Harry smiled affectionately at Draco, and grabbed his hand before continuing with his reading. Not only does this letter prove that Harry offered himself to You Know Who, but it also raises another interesting story. Harry Potter's relationship with Draco Malfoy. The page ended there, so he turned the page and drew in a sharp breath. On the top of the page was an enlarged picture of Draco and himself, kissing. It was directly after the mass attack on students and Professor Flitwick had taken place, and they had made up. Harry in the picture encircled Draco with his arms, they shared a few words and then kissed with so much desperation that Harry felt his breath catch. Draco leaned into Harry's side and stared at the picture.

"Nice, isn't it? I wish Creevey would have given it to us, and not the Prophet, but... it's nice - kind of hot actually. Look," Draco pointed to a smaller picture towards the bottom of the page. "I like that one too, though I kind of look like a girl when I'm swooning."

"I told you so," Harry smiled, as he looked at the picture. It was the picture that had started a rumour of their relationship. They were in the Prefects' meeting room. Draco was leaning heavily on Harry, blinking prettily up at him, while Harry smiled and laughed, before leaning down and kissing Draco chastely.

Draco sighed and pulled away, finally starting on his breakfast. "I'll kill Creevey," he said calmly, buttering a piece of toast.

"No, you won't," Harry replied, staring dreamily at the bigger picture of Draco and himself.

"Shut up and read while I plot most devious plans with which to hurt him," Draco smirked, and bit into his toast.

Harry sighed, and did as he was told. By orders from his Death Eater father, Draco Malfoy forged a friendship with Mr. Potter. What started out as friendship, soon turned into much more. It seems that Mr. Malfoy has corrupted the mind of Harry Potter in more than one way. Not only did he succeed in sending Mr. Potter to the Dark side, but he has also- Harry scowled through the rest of the article, not taking time to actually read through what it said. The reporter had played off of Draco swooning in the picture, except made it seem like Harry was the damsel.

Harry set the paper down with a shaky laugh. "Well, that was something.... She made my life out to be like some sort of fairy tale." The Gryffindor turned to Draco, and spoke in falsetto. "Oh, won't you be my prince and save me from the darkness in my soul? Save me before it's too late, Draco."

"Ah, that might be a problem, Harry," Draco replied with a small shake of his head. "You see, my schedule is full, and I'm afraid I won't be able to get you in for at least four months. Besides, according to Ayn Canfield, you need to be saved from me, not by me. I might corrupt their tragic hero."

Harry's eyes twinkled mischievously. "What if I want to be corrupted by you?"

Draco raised a surprised eyebrow. "Well.... then I'm happy to say that a slot in my schedule just opened up for..." He checked his watch. "Right about now."

Without caring that the majority of the people in the Great Hall were listening to and watching them, Harry leaned forward and placed a kiss on his boyfriend's lips. Some people hissed at them, but that was not the reason they broke apart. A loud screech filled the hall and all eyes turned towards the cloudy ceiling. A large, menacing, black bird with a massive wingspan was slowly spiralling down to the students. Harry felt a large lump in his throat as the beady yellow eyes locked on him and landed right in front of him. The Gryffindor looked to his friends and Draco with wide, terrified eyes. If this bird was sent by who he thought it was, then it would not look good to be receiving mail from him after the article. The intimidating bird screeched loudly again and impatiently held out his foot.

With shaky hands, Harry removed the black envelope with no intention of opening it at the table. Unfortunately, the bird had been told to stay until the letter was read, because he stood still, watching Harry through his beady eyes. "Okay... this isn't good," Harry muttered to himself as he glanced up at the head table. Dumbledore had stood up, ready to approach the Gryffindor if trouble arose. Harry sliced the envelope open, and it immediately began speaking in a low voice... a voice that was all too familiar to Harry. It was a voice that sent shivers down his spine - a voice that sent fear and hatred running through his veins as the feelings never had before. It was a voice that Harry longed to put at an end.

"Mr. Potter," Voldemort's voice began. Though the Dark Lord was speaking quietly, it echoed in the deathly silent Great Hall. Harry swallowed nervously. "I am truly sorry that we are not able to meet face to face and speak about such matters. After all, I do not want people to think too highly of me after this is heard, but it is no matter." Harry could almost see the snake-like man waving his hand majestically through the air. Harry shivered as he realised just how well he knew Voldemort's mannerisms.

"To be quite honest, Harry, I was uncertain of our relationship after you left so abruptly a few months ago. But with this newest development, I cannot help but feel that you have your loyalties in the right place. This is why I am thanking you."

Harry looked from Draco, Ron and Hermione with the most incredulous look, that if it had not been such a surreal moment, Draco would have thought that Harry looked quite adorable.

"I am thanking you, Harry, for sending me my orb. I will not lie and say that I have not been looking for it. The orb is very valuable to my cause, and this unexpected act of generosity really... touches me." Harry rolled his eyes at the sarcasm. "For now, I would like you to rethink about some issues. Remember who are your real friends, and that there is a place open for you. I await your arrival. Yours in comradeship, Lord Voldemort."

The black envelope turned into a ball of black and white flames on the table, just as the large bird took flight. The Hall remained deathly silent after as many shared worried looks with each other.

"Mr. Potter," Dumbledore stated in a firm voice. "My office, if you will."

Harry swallowed thickly, trying to get rid of the anxiousness that had tightened in his chest, but the fierce look in the Headmaster's normally friendly eyes only increased his anxiety. "Professor Dumbledore... I swear I didn't send him the orb."

Dumbledore levelled a stern glare on Harry. "We will speak about it in my office."

Harry could only manage a small meep in response as his legs slowly obeyed his mind and stood up. Draco grabbed his arm however, and pulled him down so that he could whisper in his ear. "Don't tell him who sent it, Harry."

"Why not?"

"Because... something isn't right about it."

"They're my parents, Draco."

"Which is why there is something not right."

Harry glared at Draco, but the blond continued. "Just don't. Even if there isn't anything wrong, you don't want to incriminate them. You'd lose them."

Harry slowly nodded, though he knew that it would be wrong not to say something. He hoped with his whole being that his parents had not sent the orb to Voldemort. With thoughts of his parents, Harry followed the Headmaster out of the Great Hall. The walk there was silent and it made Harry slightly nervous that Dumbledore was going to lose respect for Harry, maybe even punish him. Though he probably deserved a punishment.... How was he to have known that the orb would fall into Voldemort's hands? His parents were the ones who had sent it away. James and Lily were trustworthy.... right?

"Please sit down, Harry," Dumbledore said suddenly.

Harry was startled out of his thoughts, and was surprised to see that they had already arrived in the Headmaster's office. The Gryffindor nervously sat down and met the tired blue eyes before him. Dumbledore sighed with a weariness that worried Harry even more. It seemed as if the man was aging right before his very eyes.

Harry swallowed thickly. "Professor... I swear I didn't send the orb away. I would never send it to him. Besides, I never knew that it was Voldemort's orb. Why didn't you tell me?"

"I thought that you would be safer not knowing."

"But why would you even give to me in the first place? You knew that it could put me in danger. Was this some sort of trick of yours to fool Voldemort? Were you trying to hide it in plain sight or what? What is it?"

Dumbledore sighed again. "I'm sorry, Harry if you think I was putting you in danger. Let me tell you about the orb. Its name is The Orb of Agito Familia. The rough translation of that is to drive out the animal slaves."

Harry furrowed his brow and let out a low chuckle. "What? The animal slaves, sir?"

Dumbledore nodded gravely. "When Voldemort first made the orb, as far as my knowledge goes, his sole intention was to drive all creatures, dangerous or not, out of their homes and to him. In other words, he made all animals his servants, or according to the name, his slaves. He even procured a manticore and was able to keep it under his perfect control, something that nobody has ever been able to do."

Harry was silent for a few moments. "Every creature? Even things like Dementors? But if that's true, it doesn't make any sense, because at the third task, Voldemort said that Dementors were their natural allies."

"You're right, Harry. Dementors don't need persuasion to join Voldemort, as they have already joined him. Voldemort will have their loyalty, but he won't have their word that they won't harm Death Eaters, or even himself. With the orb, he has complete control of the Dementors. They will not harm anybody who is faithful to Voldemort."

"So, is that the only thing that the orb does, sir?"

"I cannot be sure that he did not utilize it for more of his needs, but I am sure that he is able to. When it first came into my possession, I spent months on it, working out a way to do something else with it, so that nobody would think it was for anything else. I even coloured it black so that Voldemort couldn't be sure that it was his. It had been blood red when it came to me. My studies of it revealed that he could do more with it than what I had originally thought. I just don't know what he can do."

"So, now the wizarding world is in even more danger because these creatures will be put into Voldemort's command," Harry stated tonelessly.

"I'm afraid so."

After Dumbledore said this, both sat in their own thoughts for a few moments, mulling over the situation. However, the curiosity became too much for Harry. "Sir? Am I to be punished for not taking better care of the orb?" Harry remembered the fierce look in Dumbledore's eyes in the Great Hall and inwardly shivered.

The wizened man sighed tiredly and folded his hands in his lap. "Harry, I am disappointed that you were not able to keep it better, but I'm afraid I must take most of the blame for its disappearance. You took the orb, not knowing what it was truly made for. You were blind throughout, and I apologise for that. I am also sorry if I seemed a bit cross with you earlier. You were not to blame for that anger."

Harry met the Headmaster's eyes, and in that moment he understood. Dumbledore had been angry with himself, not Harry. The Gryffindor nodded. "I understand, sir. May I go and see Sirius now? I've been wanting to speak with him."

If anything, Dumbledore's face became even graver at the mention of Sirius' name. "Yes, you may, Harry. But I must warn you that he is not himself since last night. Remus is currently tending to him."

"What's the matter with him?" Harry asked nervously.

"I am afraid we do not know. Professor Snape was found in the same condition last night, muttering to himself. They both seem to be in a state of shock. There is nothing that Madam Pomfrey can do with medicine or magic. We must wait until they come to their senses, but in the meantime, we must tend to them, and act like we always do in their presence. So, I think it would be a good thing for you to go and see your godfather."

Harry nodded and stood quickly. "Thank you, sir."

"Oh, and Harry?" The Headmaster called as Harry was hurrying out the door.

"Yes?"

"If you need to talk about anything... anything at all, my door is always open to you."

"Thank you, sir. I'll remember that."

When Harry got outside of the gargoyle that was guarding Dumbledore's door, he found Draco, Ron, and Hermione standing. "Harry, what happened?" Hermione asked anxiously. "Did Voldemort get the orb or something?"

Harry shrugged. "Apparently."

Ron looked relieved to see Harry taking it so easily. "So, it must not be a big deal then. You Know Who is probably just trying to lure you to him or something, right?"

Harry shrugged again and pushed past the three other students. "That could be part of it." Draco made an exasperated sound in the back of his throat and spun Harry around by the shoulder.

"Would you bloody well tell us what that old fool said to you?"

"Don't call him that," Harry replied calmly and turned around to walk towards Sirius' rooms.

"Where are you going?" Hermione asked, as she and the two other boys hurried to Harry's sides.

"To see Sirius.... Which reminds me, Draco have you seen Snape since early last night?"

"No. Why?"

"Because there's something wrong with him and Sirius. Dumbledore said that they appear to be in some sort of shock."

"But... why?"

"I don't know. He didn't tell me much of anything else. That's why I'm hoping to speak with Remus because he might tell me something more."

"Is that all you spoke about?" Draco pressed on, though now his voice sounded a little strained.

"No, we spoke about the orb."

"And?" Ron prompted.

Harry stopped abruptly in his tracks and waited for the three to look at him. "Look," he grit out. "Apparently, the orb was made by Voldemort himself. Somehow, months before I got this damned scar, Dumbledore got hold of it, tampered around with it, and it somehow resulted in what we saw on my birthday."

"What did You Know Who make it for?" Hermione asked curiously.

"It's called the Orb of Agito Familia. It basically lets Voldemort control any creatures that he wants to. Dumbledore said that at one time, he even had a manticore under his complete control. It can probably do other things as well, but nobody knows. Okay? Happy now? I'm going to see Sirius now."

Harry turned and looked at Draco. His silver eyes had fierceness in them, and Harry could not really be sure if it was directed at him or not. "I told you that there was something more to that thing than what Dumbledore had originally told you," he said furiously. "Who knows what that red light did to both of us now? That's probably why nothing feels like it's right, like everything is off balance. That old fool was bloody using you to protect something. He gave you that damn thing for his sake, not for anybody but his! Now look where this whole mess has gotten us! Severus and Professor Black have something wrong with them; don't ask me why, but your parents are walking around Hogwarts, as well as your little brother and sister... I swear, Harry, there's something wrong with that. You are an only child, and an orphan at that! Why did I see your parents yesterday? Why?"

Draco seemed to be on the edge of hysteria. He was breathing heavily out of his nose and his eyes began to have a manic look to them. Harry took in a deep breath and gently took Draco by the arms. "Draco," he began quietly. "There isn't anything wrong, other than Voldemort in possession of the orb, Sirius and Snape acting a little off, and people disappearing. What you saw yesterday was normal. You need to stop thinking so much about it if it is causing you so much distress."

"I can't stop thinking about it, because it's not bloody right!" Draco yelled out.

At that moment, three Ravenclaw fifth year boys came around the corner and started laughing. "Good for you, Malfoy!" the taller, dark one exclaimed through laugher. "It's about time you realised that being a faggot isn't right!"

It was the wrong comment at the wrong time. Draco's anger and frustration had already been piqued, but now they were at full throttle. He ripped himself from Harry's grip and tackled the Ravenclaw to the ground. Harry and Ron were there in an instant, holding back Draco's fist just in time. "Get off me!" Draco yelled. But both Gryffindors did not relent. With Ron's help, Harry pulled the struggling Slytherin into his arms and held him tightly. Ron, slightly red faced and panting backed off, glaring at the Ravenclaws. Harry glared right along with him.

"I'll be speaking with Madam Hooch about this," Hermione said fiercely behind them. Madam Hooch had taken over Flitwick's place as Head of Ravenclaw until the professor was recovered. "If you were smart, you'd mind your own business."

The Ravenclaws bristled. "What about him?" One of them spat out as he helped his friend off of the floor. "He attacked Craig."

"We'll deal with him accordingly," Hermione said through a clenched jaw. "Go back to your Common Room."

The four waited until the Ravenclaws were out of earshot before any of them moved again. Harry realised that Draco was still tucked inside of his arms, taking calming breaths against his neck.

"Are you all right now, Draco?" he asked quietly.

The Slytherin nodded and pulled back so that he could look in Harry's eyes. "Sorry about that," he muttered as his face flushed pink. "It's... it's just so confusing. I can't help but be frustrated about it."

"I know," Harry soothed, though he really did not get why Draco did not get it. What was so hard to understand? His parents had paid him a visit yesterday and his brother and sister had come along. Was it really that hard to understand?

Despite Harry's misgivings about the entire situation, he kissed Draco in reassurance. "I'm going to go see Sirius now. You can go see Snape if you want."

Draco nodded. "I think I will. I'll see you later, all right?" When Harry nodded, Draco leaned up and took Harry in a deep kiss as if reassuring himself that Harry was actually there. Ron coughed uncomfortably behind them and they broke apart.

"See you," Harry said breathlessly and let Draco out of his arms.

When the Slytherin disappeared from view, Harry began moving again in the opposite direction, his friends mere steps behind him. "Harry," Hermione began. "What in the world was Draco talking about earlier?"

"Nothing. It's complicated and I'd rather not talk about it right now, all right? I'd rather go to see Sirius alone for right now, if you don't mind."

"Are you sure?" Ron asked, sceptically. "It certainly didn't sound like nothing. Harry, what's going on with your parents?"

"If you really want to know, then talk to Draco. I'm tired of people asking me about my parents. I want to go see Sirius now."

Hermione's eyes softened and she elbowed Ron when he began to retort. "Of course," Hermione replied. "We'll see you later, then, and Ron won't be an insensitive berk and ask about your parents again."

Harry did not reply as he hurried off towards Sirius' chambers. As he neared, Remus was just stepping out, closing the door quietly behind him. "Remus!" Harry called out.

The older man turned in alarm but his face relaxed when he saw Harry. "Hey, Harry. I was just coming to look for you."

The younger Gryffindor stopped in front of Remus. "What's wrong with him, Remus?"

"I don't know." He shook his head gravely. "It was the strangest thing when I found him last night. He was standing outside of his office, just staring at the wall. All the essays that he was going to correct were on the floor, and when he saw me, he started babbling."

"About what?"

"Well... he was talking about your parents. He was saying that James came to see him and that we could rest because James and Lily were going home."

"How is he now?"

"He's quiet. He's been sitting on the couch, staring at the fire for the past hour. I was coming to look for you because he asked for you a few moments ago. Why don't you come in and see if you can have a coherent conversation with him? I know I've tried but haven't been able to."

"Do you think I could speak with him alone?"

"Of course. I've been meaning to speak with Professor Dumbledore anyhow. If you wouldn't mind staying with him until I get back... I don't feel comfortable leaving him alone."

Harry nodded. Remus smiled, but it was strained. "Sirius will be okay, Remus," Harry assured with a small smile of his own.

"I know. You better get in there. I'll be back in an hour."

Harry immediately opened the door as Remus walked away and closed it behind himself quietly. Sirius was sitting on the couch as Remus had said, but in the most uncomfortable looking position. He was sitting with his back as stiff as a board, his hands clasped in his lap, and his hair was falling in his face, tickling his nose. Harry approached him carefully and sat beside him. He could not even be sure that Sirius had taken notice of him because he had not reacted.

"Sirius?"

The older man blinked and stiffly turned his head to look at Harry. He squinted his pale blue eyes at him. "James?"

"Erm - no, Sirius. I'm Harry. Remus said you asked for me."

"Oh, yes, Remus. Do you know him as well, Harry? I like to call him Moony. Did you know that that is his nickname? He calls me Padfoot, but James calls me Paddy. He came to see me yesterday, did you know that? He called me Paddy, and he talked about Lily. She was in the owlery, sending something with an owl. Did you know that she could still use owls?"

"Well, yes... why wouldn't she be able to use owls?" Harry asked, genuinely confused.

Sirius' eyes widened. "I thought you knew. Her kind isn't able to use owls. It's just not possible."

"What do you mean, her kind? A Muggleborn? Muggleborns are able to use owls."

"Oh, no. Muggleborns are able to. That's not what I meant. I meant dead people." Harry's mouth fell open slightly, but his godfather continued. "Have you seen your parents, Harry? Did you know that you look exactly like James? Are they here? Can I see them?"

"No, they aren't here. I suspect they're at home."

"So you have seen them!"

"Of course. They came to see me about the orb."

Sirius nodded his head vigorously. "Yes, yes. James said that. James said that."

The older man was about to continue but Harry placed a hand on his elbow, and his ramblings ceased. "Sirius? You don't have to speak right now. Just listen to me. Yes, you did see my dad the other day. Yes, he did speak about my mum, and he obviously spoke about me as well. It was real. I've seen them both. I don't see that there is anything strange about it, but Draco seems to think that there is. He has seen them too, you know. I need to tell you the truth though, Sirius... I'm so confused. I really am. Everybody keeps telling me how they died the night I got this scar on my forehead. I read it in the article about me in the paper this morning, I read it everywhere, and I hear it everywhere. But it doesn't make what I see any less real. I see my parents. I hear my parents, and they're here with me on earth. They aren't anywhere else. All I know is what I see. They're real, and that's all that matters. I don't care if nobody else believes me, or if nobody believes you. We know that they're here."

Sirius' face changed within seconds after Harry was done speaking. Sirius' face relaxed first, then he relaxed his entire body into the couch. It was like a large weight had been lifted off him.

"I'm confused, Harry, so very, very confused. It's hard to say what's going on in my head right now. I need to keep talking... keep talking, keep talking. I need to repeat to myself to make sure I said what I meant to say. I saw James. I know I did. I know he was real, and I know that he spoke to me. I know it, I know it, I know it. But I don't believe it. I don't. I can't. I want to, but I can't. Something is telling me in the back of my mind that I mourned for him. I mourned, mourned... I mourned for him. But why would I mourn for him when I just saw him? Is he dead? Is he alive? Is he real? Is he a ghost?"

He stopped but started banging his fists on his head. "I need to get it out of my head. There are two different Sirius' in my head right now, telling me what's what, but I can't figure them out. I don't know which one is right." He banged his fists so hard that Harry was afraid that he might give himself a concussion. Harry grabbed his wrists and held them together. "Out... out... One of you, stop it. Both of you stop it. I'll figure it out for myself." Sirius fell silent for a few moments before he looked up at Harry with a smile. ".... He calls me Paddy. Did you know that? Sometimes he even called me Paddio, because I was so lazy and could pass as patio furniture if I just lay on a patio. Did you know that? I don't think you did because we never really speak of him, do we?"

"Shh. I know now. Let's just lie down right here, and we'll go to sleep. Then we won't have to think about it, now will we?"

"No, no, no. No thinking about it when we're asleep."

Sirius took his wrists from Harry, but immediately wrapped his arms tightly around the younger man and lay down so that Harry was leaning his head against his chest. "We'll sleep. You'll help me sleep. I didn't sleep much. I could sleep only when somebody is with me. You'll help me sleep. Help... help is good. Help."

"Shh... I'll help you sleep. Just be quiet, and we'll both sleep."

Minutes later, Sirius' gentle snores filled the room. Harry sighed in relief, took his glasses off, and draped his arm over his godfather's chest. He burrowed further into Sirius' body and let his eyelids droop, and soon, he too was fast asleep.