Harry Potter and the Lily Among Thorns

Chapter One: Where Are You Now?

Maybe I'd be better on my own

No one ever seems to understand me

It's easier for me to be alone

But there's still a piece of me that feels so empty.

This was probably one of the nicest days in that whole summer. Everyone was outside enjoying the perfect temperature, the cloudless sky, and just the happiness in the atmosphere. People would walk to one another's houses to look over each other's cars and even to have a nice glass of lemonade accompanied by a nice conversation. Of course, Harry Potter was one of those people. His messy jet-black hair waving in the calm breeze that brushed by occasionally, his new oval glasses perched at the tip of his nose (his old spectacle looking glasses being smashed from one of Harry's cousin's tantrums), and his stunning emerald green eyes curiously looking around. At the moment, dear Harry was lying flat on his back and staring up at the gorgeous sky. The Dursleys, his only living relatives, were gone to go out for lunch, leaving Dudley's new Mini sitting in the driveway. This suited Harry by all costs, because he enjoyed being alone. Especially on a day like this, nothing would ruin it for him.

Suddenly, an old lady walked up the Number 4 Privet Driveway and Harry suppressed a quiet groan. "Good afternoon, Mrs. Figg." He greeted, glancing over at the lady. She held a pretty ginger cat in her arms and was stroking its head in a gentle pattern.

Mrs. Figg nodded and followed Harry's gaze back at the baby blue sky. "Oh, it's a completely breathtaking day!" She sucked in a nice breath of the vanilla scented air from the cookies baking at the house next door. "Do you have something planned today? You can always come over to my house to have a cup of tea. I just got a shipment from France and it is marvelous, you really should try some."

Harry didn't want to budge from his comfortable spot. He felt very fine in the spot he was right now and would be very disappointed to leave it. Not to mention, he wasn't in the mood for tea. He wanted some pink lemonade or some orange juice with a twist of lemonade mixed in. He had seen some children selling some down the street not too long ago and was very eager to jog over there and buy some.

"Are you sure you want to be lying out here--alone--without your aunt and uncle around?" Mrs. Figg asked, giving her tabby a little pat on the head and smiling thoughtfully. "This is why you should come on over and have some tea. You won't regret it."

Harry sat up and looked up at Mrs. Figg, only a shadow against the bright sun in the sky. Finally, he got up to his feet and sniffed. "Yeah, okay." He said slowly though he took a quick glance back where he had made a bed in the grass. "It has to be quick though, if the Dursleys come back and I'm not home, there could be some serious scolding."

So, the two of them started to walk down the street and Harry made a desperate look at the lemonade stand as they past it up on their way to Mrs. Figg's house.

"Been keeping in touch with Mad-Eye and Lupin?" Mrs. Figg asked as they turned a corner and was greeted by trees that provided shade.

Harry nodded. He slipped his hands into his pockets and followed closely next to Mrs. Figg. "I write them everyday."

"Even today?" Mrs. Figg asked as she began to walk up the steps to her front door.

"Even today," he replied, stepping back as Mrs. Figg opened the door and walked in. He followed her inside the stuffy house that smelt roughly of cat litter. Cats were sitting everywhere, some purring, some sleeping, and some playing with yarn. Mrs. Figg had set the ginger tabby on the ground and it pounced right onto the couch next to a black kitty and fell straight asleep. "We're going to drink the tea outside, right?" Harry asked, trying not to gag as the smell filled his nostrils and trailed down his throat.

"Of course! Did you expect to stay inside on a day like this?" She cooed from the kitchen. "It will be done in a few minutes, dear. You can take a seat somewhere."

This amused Harry. Somewhere turned out to probably be the ceiling because everywhere else was occupied by a cat. Unless he wanted to sit on the floor full of cat hair, but he thought against it. So, he stayed standing in his spot, looking around at all the photos on the wall of Mrs. Figg and her cats. There was even a cat clock on the wall above the fireplace that ticked its tail back and forth.

"Have you been excited for school to start?" Mrs. Figg asked, protruding from the kitchen holding two cups of French tea. "You're lifelong ban is off now for Quidditch isn't it?"

Harry nodded, happy to be on the subject. He took his tea and quickly walked out the door with Mrs. Figg. They both sat down on the steps, another breeze flowing down the street like a stream. "Yes. Now I'm the only player left that was originally from the team once I got there. So, I've also been elected captain."

"Spectacular!" Mrs. Figg exclaimed, clapping Harry so hard on the shoulder that he almost spilt his tea on his lap. Her focus now went to the sky again and she smiled. "Today is a wonderful day, you know? Perfect for Quidditch."

"Thanks for the tea, by the way." Harry said suddenly after minutes of silence. His tea was gone now; having drank it in a couple gulps. "It was delicious."

Mrs. Figg waved her pointer finger at Harry and said laughing, "Yes, you see, I told you! You are welcome anytime to come over to the house, boy." She checked her watch and heaved a sigh. "I always love company, but now, I think it is time for you to take your leave. I wouldn't want you to get scolded because of a simple cup of tea."

I've been all over the world

I've seen a million different places

But through the crowds and all the faces

I'm still out looking for you.

Harry's walk home was a very pleasant one. He looked at the crowds of people having barbeques in the street and some gothic teenagers grouped around a house. He was sure that the roads to Privet Drive were closed off because of all the commotion in the streets. This gave Harry some time, because if the streets were closed at the moment, there was no way of the Dursleys driving in unexpectedly. So, Harry dug in the big pocket on his baggy, down-to-the-knees, khaki shorts and pulled out some money. He jogged up to the small lemonade stand and asked patiently for a glass of lemonade. The little girls giggled and handed Harry the glass of lemonade. He probably looked pretty handsome with a sleeveless gray shirt and baggy khaki shorts.

"Thanks," he said, winking at them and turning away to head back to the Dursleys. Suddenly he felt something slip from his pocket and he looked back to see it was his wand. He bent over, picked it up, but when he regained his posture and looked up to see that the girls were watching him with odd expressions. He quickly slipped it in his pocket, covered it with his shirt, and then started to walk away and toward the Dursleys.

Where are you now?

I'm trying to get by without never knowing at all

What is the chance of finding you out there?

Do I have to wait forever?

Once Harry walked into the house, he spotted the newspaper sprawled out on the stairs. Vernon Dursley must've tossed it there when he left but Harry hadn't noticed it because he was outside already.

"Murder of Four People Family?" Harry read the front headline from where he stood. He quickly grabbed it and read out loud to himself. "Late Monday evening a family who will go un-named was murdered in their house. The murderer is out on the loose now and is suspected to be very violent. The witnesses that saw a glimpse of the murder from their windows called the police immediately but their description of the murder isn't very helpful. Keep your eyes out for a black hooded man. 'I saw a bright green light from the window' says Margarita Brown who was walking her dog at the time. 'I bet he has a green flashlight to scare them'." Harry didn't even want to continue reading; he just took the paper and walked up the stairs and into his bedroom, taking a big gulp of lemonade. He pulled his bedroom door open and walked into his paint-scented room. He had just painted his walls black to match his black sheets and new maroon wood stained desk. Hedwig was on his bed with some letters spread out around her.

"Thanks, girl." Harry whispered, plopping his self next to his snowy owl and picking up the first letter from his friend Ron Weasley. He pulled an owl treat from his pocket and gave it to Hedwig to eat.

Dear Harry,

How is your summer so far? Sorry for not writing at all, we've been short on time with dad apart of the Ministry and Mum afraid of people reading the letters. A week left until school and I am very excited. Guess who is our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. Her name is Professor Melody Phoenix and she is incredibly nice. We met her at Diagon Ally yesterday and it's going to be really fun. Not a lot of homework but tons of wand using! Have you heard from Hermione lately? I don't think she's very happy with me because when you left Mum announced that she was going to get a house elf and she didn't like that idea very much. Well, I'll talk to you on the Hogwarts Express. Oh, and happy birthday!

Ron

Harry tossed the letter aside and decided to read the letters from Remus and Mad-Eye later. He went to his desk drawer and pulled out some scissors. He ripped the page off with the murder headline and began to cut the article out. Once it was cut out, he took a quill and parchment and began to write quickly and not very neatly.

Hermione,

I got this in the newspaper today. I don't know if you already read it but if you haven't please do. Once you're done with it, send it to Ron. Herm, I really think it's him. Lord Voldemort did it, I know it!

Harry

He took an envelope out, shoved it in there, and then folded the article and put it in there too. He sealed it up and wrote HG on the front. He sucked in a breath, recalling what the newspaper had said, then closed his eyes.

I write about the things I'll never know

And I can't find a moment just to slow down

It makes me think I'll never have the chance

To figure out what it's all about

So tell me what it's all about.

He set the letter down next to Hedwig and picked up the letters from Remus, Tonks and Mad-Eye Moody. They were mainly about how they were glad that everything was all right and that his scar shouldn't really be a problem. He'd write to them tomorrow then, because he was eager to send his letter about the murder. He tied it to Hedwig's leg and the said to her softly, "Send it to Hermione, alright? Make sure you don't let anyone see you because this letter is very important!" Hedwig gave a reassuring hoot and flew out the open window.

"Boy!" A bellowing voice came from the bottom of the steps. Harry looked at his glass of lemonade and hoped that Uncle Vernon wouldn't see that he left the yard to get lemonade. So, it was better for him to meet up with his uncle at the bottom of the stairs instead of his uncle coming up. So, he walked out of his room and down the stairs to where his large uncle stood with his face red with sunburn.

Harry was now as tall if not taller then Vernon and he was more then pleased when his uncle couldn't tower over him but he now had all the power to tower over him instead. At the moment though he was about three steps up and was looking down at Vernon with an innocent expression. "Yes, Uncle Vernon?"

"What are you doing up there?" He asked, looking past his head and at the wall, as if seeing Harry's bedroom transparently clear.

"Replying letters. Even the one from Mad-Eye Moody. You know, the one that threatened you." Harry replied coolly, leaning on the rail.

Vernon's eyes narrowed at his nephew and he snapped, "Right. Now, get outside because Dudley wants to give you a ride in his car."

This didn't surprise Harry. Dudley had been rather nice to Harry ever since the night he saved him just barely from losing his soul by a Dementor's kiss. Dudley was secretly teaching Harry how to drive a car and so far he had gotten it down and was going to try to make himself a drivers license with magic at school.

"Thanks for telling me," Harry said, walking past Vernon and out the front door. He immediately saw some keys being thrown at him and caught them. Dudley climbed into the passenger's seat while Harry ran up and hoped into the driver's seat. He slammed the door and stuck the keys into the ignition.

Where are you now?

I'm trying to get by without never ever knowing at all

What is the chance of finding you out there

Or do I have to wait forever?

Harry was driving down the road, the crowds having moved off to the sidewalks and lawns. It felt good to be driving a Muggle car when you knew the easiness of a broom or floo powder. Dudley was sitting next to him with his hand out the window, holding a cigarette between his pointer and middle finger.

"Look there," Dudley said as Harry turned down Magnolia Crescent. "Johnny Richards. Stop the car, I'm going to beat his face into the ground for squealing on me about--what the hell are you doing?"

Harry sped up, not making eye contact with Dudley or little Johnny Richards. "You have got to stop that, Dudley. I might like, make you turn into a cat and give you to Mrs. Figg."

Dudley shifted in his seat and stared down at the bump under Harry's shirt where his wand was. "You wouldn't dare." He mumbled, looking out the window. He had lost a lot of weight when Harry was gone and Harry was very thankful or he wouldn't know how Dudley could manage to fit into the car. "Where are we going?"

"London."

"London?" Dudley snapped his head toward Harry who didn't take his eyes off the road. "You've had a little too much fresh air. We can't go to London!" He clutched the seat and bit his tongue as Harry sped up toward London.

"Oh no?" Harry mocked, his face looking of fake sadness. "Watch me."

.: :.

It was about 5:00 once Harry pulled to a stop in front of the Leaky Cauldron. Dudley was asleep and leaning his head on the window. Harry took his wand out and began to poke him in the cheek until he stirred and woke up with a jolt.

"We're here," he said firmly. Dudley looked out the window at the building and frowned. To Muggles it just looked like a rusted broken building that was particularly old.

Dudley made a confused grunt, "Here?" He looked at Harry and his brow twitched. "Why?"

"I didn't get school supplies this year and school starts in a week." Harry explained, getting out of the car and walking to the passenger door. Dudley opened it to get out but Harry shook his head. "No, you wait here. It's a wizard market and you wouldn't fit in."

Dudley made a little sniff and had a pleading look in his eyes. "Can I please come in?" He grabbed Harry's hand that still held the wand and made another sniff. "Please..."

Harry looked disgusted. "All you would see if a whole pile of junk probably. I wouldn't know, I'm not a Muggle." He pulled away from Dudley's grip and was about to slam the door when Dudley hopped out and stood next to him. "Fine! Don't you come crying to me when you see junk instead of a pub!" He shut the door and walked to the black door of the Leaky Cauldron. He was half expected Dudley to run for it once he saw whatever Muggles were charmed to see, but instead he heard Dudley give a sigh and smile widely.

"Harry Potter, I thought you'd never come. Who's this?" Asked Tom, the Leaky Cauldron clerk and owner.

"This is my cousin, Dudley. He insisted on coming." Harry said in a very exasperated tone. Dudley waved at them and Harry rolled his eyes. "You're going to stay here." He said slowly to Dudley. "There is no way you're coming all the way."

Dudley huffed but didn't argue, knowing only too well that the people in there were all wizards and all of them had a wand at hand.

"I won't be long," Harry reassured his cousin as he took a seat at the counter and accepting the butter beer that was passed to him.

Where are you now?

I'm trying to get by without never ever knowing at all

And I still don't know...

Harry's list of books was particularly long so he decided that it was better to quick get to each place without taking too long. No time to linger around at a robe shop or even to look at the new pets that had arrived.

Meanwhile, Dudley was sitting at the counter, ignoring the eyes that rested on him. It was weird, sitting among wizards. They didn't seem that abnormal as Vernon usually made them sound.

"You like being cousins with the most famous wizard in the world?" Tom asked, cleaning a glass with a dirty rag. "Well, maybe not as famous as You-Know-Who or Dumbledore but on those lines."

Dudley looked up after taking a good swig of butter beer. "I used to hate him because he's so weird. But now, since he saved my life last year, I am nice to him."

"You didn't see the Dementors, did you?" Tom asked, leaning forward and looking Dudley in the eye. "Of course you didn't. You're a Muggle." He smiled and set the glass on the shelf behind him. "So, Potter saved you?" He turned back to Dudley and folded his arms.

Dudley nodded. "Yeah."

Tom gave him another tankard of butter beer. "Right then. You should have another."

.: :.

After about a half an hour, Harry returned into the pub carrying a pile of books, quills, parchment, ink, and some other things he needed for Potions and even some ingredients for Defense Against the Dark Arts. "Ready to go?"

Dudley hiccupped and waved at Harry stupidly. Tom began to whistle innocently and Harry almost dropped his books. "Oi', Harry. He was the one that kept asking for more."

"My God, Tom, you got him drunk on butter beer?" Harry asked skeptically, shifting the books in his arms. "C'mon you worthless piece of blast-ended skrewt droppings." He snapped, walking to the door and hoping Dudley would follow suit. When Dudley didn't he rolled his eyes and walked out the door to put his supplies in the passenger's seat. When he returned, Dudley was passed out on the ground. Many wizards and witches cackled at the sight of a Muggle drunk at a wizard pub. "Will someone help me get him to the car?"

Tom rushed out from behind his desk and volunteered immediately, since he was the one who got Dudley drunk. In the end, Dudley was safe in the backseat, fast asleep. Harry bid farewell to Tom and drove off back to Surrey.

Where are you now?

I'm trying to get by without never ever knowing at all

What is the chance of finding you out there?

Or do I have to wait?

Or do I have to wait?

Or do I have to wait forever?

The ride home was quiet, and Harry was thankful. He needed time to think to himself about the event that were happening and the prophecy that Harry couldn't seem to get out of his head. And to think, just this afternoon, he sees the headline of the first murder reported somewhere and he was positive that Voldemort was traveling as fast he could to the next place. The Second War had started and now was the time to take action. But, he thought to himself as he flicked the brights on as the sky darkened, how are we going to find him if he's switching from place to place and killing people? Surrey's identical houses came into view and he smiled.

.: :.

"You got him drunk in London?" Petunia exclaimed, as Harry helped Dudley inside and onto the couch. "What were you doing there?"

Harry sighed and sat down on the chair across from the couch. "First of all, it was his choice to get drunk because I told him to stay in the car because it was a wizard pub leading to Diagon Ally where I get my school supply." He said quickly, drumming his long slender fingers on the armchair and glaring at his aunt. "He's fine, he's just sleeping." He repeated for the seventeen thousandth time as Aunt Petunia checked Dudley's temperature.

Vernon growled, "He'd better be fine, because if he's got any sign of a high temperature from now to tomorrow, you will be beaten in the shed, and don't think I'm kidding!" He stomped up to Dudley and felt his temperature. Harry crossed his fingers to hope that his temperature was completely normal. He bit his lip as Vernon looked up at Harry with a scowl. "You're lucky this time, but those chances could change!" He stomped off into the living room and all that was heard was the clatter of dishes.

"Did you get your supplies?" Petunia asked quietly, looking up at Harry. He nodded slowly and she sighed. "At least you got home in one piece." She smiled a little then got up and went into the kitchen to join Uncle Vernon. Harry sat there for a moment or two, ignoring his growling stomach, and then slowly left his spot on his chair and walked up the stairs, into his room, and fell asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow.

.: :.

He smiled with pure evil and walked up the steps to the big white house with red shutters and a matching red roof. The family inside was fast asleep, he knew this, and he was disgusted by it. So, he stomped loudly on the front deck and then opened the front door. He walked in and began hissing and stomping his feet in the entrance hall. He could hear feet run down the stairs to see what was making all the racket. Yes, he thought mischievously, come and see who is in your house. He pulled out his long wand and walked forward. The family froze in one spot and there was the chance. He yelled loudly, "Avada Kedavra!" The family gasped at once but fell to the ground, dead. With that, he fled out the front door without a trace.

"Holy--!" Harry shot up and felt sweat dripping down his forehead. He felt feverish and quickly lifted his shaking hand up to his forehead. Another family dead...he knew that Voldemort had just done it, and he was ready for the next headline in the news. He heard some footsteps run through the hallway outside and he braced himself for a big explosion about how he had awoken them in the middle of the night with another nightmare.

However, nothing came. The footsteps stopped and he guessed that someone was just using the bathroom. He relaxed in his bed and looked up at the dark ceiling. The only reason the Dursleys let Harry paint his room was because of the extra chores he did. He wasn't sure why this thought entered his mind. He was probably just tired, so with that, he fell back asleep.

.: :.

The week was just as nice everyday as it was the lemonade day. The people weren't allowed to throw big parties in the streets anymore because one roadblock was enough. So, Harry and Dudley were allowed to ride around in the car. Lately, though, Harry was alone all day mainly because the Dursleys went out for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and afterwards each day went shopping. Dudley gave Harry the keys to the car to ride around by himself when he was bored with sitting out on the lawn or walking up to the lemonade stands for some lemonade. Harry did this quite often too. He would ride all around and then he'd return home, looking very stylish carrying car keys, and then patted the hood of the car.

Finally, September 1^st hit and Harry threw his trunk into the back on the Mini and got in the driver's seat while Dudley got into the passenger's again.

"I won't see you for the whole year." Dudley said, sounding very disappointed. "Maybe you can come over for holidays." He suggested as they stopped at a stop sign but then continued on. Harry didn't reply through the whole ride up to Kings Cross. He was focusing on the rode and was more then glad to get away from the Dursleys, even if Dudley and him were in a better relationship then they had ever been for fifteen years. Finally, when they pulled up, Harry got out of the car and noticed a car just parked up next to him.

"Hermione!" Harry greeted as the back door opened and Hermione jumped out. Her hair was pulled back into two braids and she wore a bandana. She also wore a revealing white tank top and short blue jean shorts. Hermione looked at Harry, very impressed at the fact that Harry had driven here instead of gotten a ride from his aunt and uncle or even the Weasleys for that matter. "Morning, Mr. and Mrs. Granger." Harry said as Hermione's parents walked out of the car.

Hermione hugged Harry and said thoughtfully, "It's great to see you! And you can drive!"

Mrs. Granger looked at her watch. "It's 11:30," she warned her daughter. "You can talk on the train."

Harry turned back to Dudley and said quickly, "Hey, thanks for everything, Dud. I'll see you this summer." He gave Dudley a thumbs up and then shut the door. He went to the back, and then pulled his trunk out. He waved goodbye to Dudley who backed out of the parking spot and drove away and then said goodbye to the Grangers as he and Hermione walked into Kings Cross and right up to Platforms 9 and 10.

"Where's Hedwig?" Hermione asked once they were in Platform 9 ¾ and walking up to the Hogwarts Express.

"Oh, she doesn't like to sit in a train when it's a beautiful day." Harry explained smiling. "I told her to just fly straight to the Owlery and that I'd see her there." He noticed Hermione didn't have a cage with her ginger cat Crookshanks inside it. "Where's Crookshanks?"

Hermione hesitated for a second and then replied, "Oh, oh! Crookshanks, yes. Well, he never really liked all the excitement at Hogwarts. I decided to leave him at home." She climbed onto the train with Harry following closely behind. "I got your letter, and I'm sorry for not replying." She breathed in the nice air in the train and searched for an empty compartment. Once she did, she walked in and then slid the door closed behind Harry. "I figured," she continued, taking a seat. "I figured it would be better...better to talk to you verbally bout Lord Voldemort instead of over the mail."

Harry smiled and put their trunks on the rack above them and then took a seat across from Hermione. "I had another dream a week ago. I was Lord Voldemort and I, er, he killed another family. I don't know where." He leaned back on the seat and sighed.

"Well, you'll probably have more and more of these dreams," Hermione said, setting a hand on Harry's knee. "I know you will. I just want you to try and be calm about it. Don't let what happened last year happen again..." She was half expecting Harry to either yell at her or to start crying, but he did neither.

"You're right. That's why I'm taking Occlumency again this year." Harry said, folding his arms behind his head and staring out the window.

Hermione shook her head. "No, Harry. Didn't you only need to take that so you wouldn't be lured to the Department of Mysteries? Maybe its best that you get these dreams now, so we know what Voldemort is doing."

Harry seemed to consider this for a moment but replied, "He's on a killing streak, I know this. Unless, you honestly want me to wake up in the middle of the night screaming with pain and just witnessing yet another murder, fine, I'll reconsider."

Just think about it Harry. It's not just about you; it's about everyone in this world. We might not be able to stop the murders but we certainly would know what Voldemort is doing. He could be distracting us." Hermione insisted, crossing her legs. She watched Harry run a hand through his long black hair and then she said hastily, "Are you ever going to at least try to get that hair under control?"

Harry seemed taken aback. "You don't think I've tried?"

Hermione laughed. "No, I don't think you have! You know, over the summer I mastered hygiene and treatment magic. I even know how to spike guys' hair. Can I give it a try on you?" She smiled as Harry was at full attention. "Right then, sit back. Ok. Spiketiko." She watched has Harry's hair suddenly turned to nice spikes and was trimmed so that it looked spectacular. She rummaged through her trunk and pulled out a mirror, handing it to Harry. "How do you like it?"

Harry examined his hair from all angles he could see in the mirror and then looked at Hermione with a surprised look. "You are a genius." He felt better as Hermione's pleading expression lightened to pure relief. "Thanks, Herm, I needed a change in my hair."

"You sure did!" Hermione breathed, hugging Harry. "I'm sorry about us not seeing you like we said last year."

"Not a problem. I usually took Dudley's Mini out for a ride." Harry said as casually as if he just said, "My eyes are green."

Suddenly, the compartment slid open and a sigh of respite flooded in. "I thought I'd never find you two." Ron Weasley, his red hair as messy as Harry's was only a moment ago, his freckles barely standing out on his tan skin, and his blue eyes bright with curiosity. He put his trunk on the floor and sat down next to Hermione. All of them rested their feet on the trunk, and relaxed.

"Hermione, it was Mum's idea for a--!" Ron began but Hermione cut him off with a cool look.

"You could've stopped her from getting a house elf! I mean, of all people!" Hermione said loudly, folding her arms and glaring daggers at Ron.

Ron gaped at her. "What does it matter what my mum wants? It has nothing to do with you!"

"You are just going to throw S.P.E.W. into the trash can and pretend that House Elves just love being labor slaves?" She now shouted, her braids falling over her shoulders as she leaned forward to be straight in Ron's face.

"Yes! Yes, 'Mione! I am chucking spew on landmines and I am going to tell you straight out that House Elves love being slaves!" Ron shouted right back. "You and your freaking hats, do you really think they like those?"

Hermione went bright red and her nostrils flared. "Fine! Tell me why every morning last year I woke up and the hats were gone! Explain that, Ronald Weasley!"

"Dobby took the hats," Harry said quietly, "None of the house elves will clean the Gryffindor tower because of them, so Dobby cleans it all by himself." He looked slowly over at Hermione from looking out his window. "I...when Dobby told me about the Room of Requirement. The place where we had Dumbledore's Arm--er--D.A."

"Harry, who asked you to be on our conversation?" Hermione snarled, then clapped her hand over her mouth at her rudeness. Harry bit his lip and then turned to look back out the window. "Oh, Harry, I..."

Ron watched as Harry let out a sigh and looked back at Hermione. His temper was gone, he made sure of that, he was close to being expelled because of it last year, and it wasn't going to interfere now. "I'm sorry. You two can keep bickering if you want, I'll like, you know, go join Malfoy in his compartment if you'd like."

Hermione sniffed and then said, "I'm sorry, Harry."

Ron suddenly said loudly, "So, Ginny's become prefect this year."

.: :.

When the train stopped late that night, Harry could hear excited voices coming from all around train and then trunks falling and compartment doors sliding open. Harry had gotten down both Hermione and his own trunks and they walked out of the train to be greeted by someone new. Hagrid was probably in his hut planning lessons. However, it was someone who Harry had never seen before. It was a woman with long black hair, maroon eyes, long black robes, dark black dragon hide gloves, and big black boots.

Ron tapped Harry on the shoulder and whispered, "That's her! That's Melody Phoenix!"

Professor Phoenix raised her left hand that held a good sized lantern and then shouted loudly, "All you first years this way! This way now!" She smiled softly as a group of first year students crowded around her. "You will all be going on boats yonder. Don't you be falling behind, now. I don't want any accidents." She waved at Harry, Ron, and Hermione and then led the first years in the opposite direction of where the higher years were going.

Harry followed the group of Hogwarts students forward to see carriages with thestrals waiting patiently for all the children to get on board. Ron chuckled as Harry came up the one that would be pulled their carriage and gave it a light pat on the head.

"It's so weird those creatures. It really is a shame that you see them, Harry." Ron added as the hopped into the carriage. "I mean, at least I wouldn't wish to see them like a certain someone." He jerked his head at Hermione who made a groan in her throat.

"Will you please just grow up, Ron?"

Ron mocked her by mouthing what she had just said but then took a seat next to Harry hastily as the carriage seemed to jerk and then start to ride to the castle.

"Malfoy is such a jerk." Hermione suddenly said.

Harry and Ron both stared at her. "What made you finally realize that, Hermione?" Harry asked, running a hand over his spikes.

"No, see, me and Cho are pen pals, and she ran into Malfoy at Diagon Ally and he called her a slimy slut and walked off." Hermione explained, scratching the back of her head. "That is the meanest thing to say! I mean, even Harry can't think of something that mean to say!"

Harry frowned. "I can think of something that mean, Herm. I just decide when to open my mouth."

Hermione rolled her eyes and shot back, "Harry, you were having such a short temper with us all last year! You even lost your anger out on Malfoy and got a lifelong ban from Quidditch!"

"And what do you know," Ron said in a mocking voice. "Dear Harry here is now the Gryffindor Quidditch team captain and he's kind enough to resign me, aren't you Harry?"

Harry rubbed his forehead as a headache leaked in. "You're not bad at Quidditch, Ron."

"I am too! Come on, Harry! We'll lose every game with me as Keeper!" Ron complained. He leaned forward. "You have got to resign me!"

"You are so immature, Ron!" Hermione snapped from beside him.

Ron leaned back and stared at Hermione. "Me? ME? Well, why can't it just stick in your head, oh powerful spew lady, that your immaturity about house elves are much worse then mine about Quidditch."

"Nuh-uh!" Hermione whined.

"Yeah, it is!"

"No!"

"Yes!"

"No!"

"YES!"

"NO!"

Harry's headache had reached to a migraine and a rather painful one. Not to mention his scar gave a nasty sting that made Harry stifle a cry in his throat. Of course, Hermione and Ron didn't notice because they were still bickering loudly and at the thread of pulling hair. So, Harry bit his tongue from yelling a rude swear and decided to just do what he wanted to do each time Ron and Hermione started to shout at each other about the most dumbest things.

So, he brought up his courage, and once Hermione and Ron's bickering turned into shouts of anger, Harry jumped off the carriage and watched it continue to roll up the hill. He wouldn't be surprised if Hermione and Ron happened to notice that Harry was gone once the carriage was to a stop at the castle.

"Potter?" Came a surprised voice from next to him and Harry stood still as the carriages rolled on without stopping to see a student off his carriage.

Harry looked up to see one carriage had stopped and a blonde Slytherin was sticking his head out and staring at him. "Evening, Malfoy."

"Fuck, Potter." Malfoy said, blinking and scooting to the side. "Get inside our carriage." Harry hesitated but then walked up to the carriage and got in. "So, why aren't you with Weasley and Granger?"

Harry couldn't believe he was sitting with Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle in a small carriage having a normal conversation with them. "You have no idea how annoying they are when they bicker on and on about their own maturity level."

"Oh," Malfoy said, giving a wink at Crabbe and Goyle. "I think I can relate. I mean, I had to deal with you, Granger, and Weasley for five years. I think I know it when I say that those two nut balls you've been hanging around with have been annoying since the day they were born and it never ends."

The carriage came to a stop and Harry climbed out. He started to walk away but Malfoy stopped him. "Potter, are you going to be sitting with those two at the feast?" He asked, ditching Crabbe and Goyle and walked up to Harry. "Because Crabbe here is dumb witted and Goyle is a pain in the arse. There will be an empty seat by me if you'd like to join me at the Slytherin table."

Harry raised an eyebrow. Just last year he had hated Malfoy and was banned from Quidditch because of him and now he was starting to get a friendship with his all time rival? "Of course." He said, and it wasn't a stranger talking for him that Harry didn't recognize. This was Harry James Potter and he was more the happy to sit as far away from Hermione and Ron, just to see how it feels.

So, he and Malfoy both walked side-by-side up the Entrance Hall and straight into the Great Hall. He followed Malfoy to a spot by the long table and sat down, being accepted into a conversation with Blaise Zabini.

"Hey, Potter. I saw you at Kings Cross. You drove that Mini in." Zabini said, drumming his fingers on the table and smiling.

Malfoy looked surprised. "Merlin's ghost, Potter can drive?" He patted Harry on the shoulder and Harry looked at him. However, Malfoy was pointing at the Gryffindor table and Harry looked there as well. Hermione and Ron were watching Harry at the Slytherin table, but Harry turned away and continued the conversation with Zabini and Malfoy.

.: :.

Hermione felt Ron's eyes fall on her. "I know," she said quietly, "I think he's mad at us." She looked down at her feast but had lost her appetite once she saw Harry sitting at the Slytherin table having as normal of a conversation as they used to have.

"He did this last year, but he never became friends with Draco Malfoy!" Ron exclaimed, pushing his plate aside. "And it's all of our fault!" He ran a hand through his red hair and let out a sigh.

Dumbledore, his long white hair falling behind his shoulders, his face tired, stood up and the hall got silent. He looked at the first years that were seated at their new houses and smiled. "I hope you all enjoyed your feast, because now I must say what I was going to say before the feast. However, since it was a later train ride then usual, I decided that it was better you ate your feast first.

"It has been very hard times the previous year, some people that were very important to other people died, others lost friendships, it was a matter of believing and wishing. It is very true, though. Lord Voldemort is very much back and he has been traveling around the world killing families. Don't worry though, every single person here has a protection around his or her house and you will be protected. Some wizard families moved from the area that had been attacked only to find they moved to an area that was yet to be demolished, murdered, and devastated. Some even faced him or were in the other room from him.

Someone almost died." Dumbledore added in a cracking voice. Draco turned to look at Harry who was covering his face. "Anyway," he said loudly, "We must work together! Dumbledore's Army has been canceled, to all that were a part of it, because now we have a Defense Against the Dark Arts professor that will teach defenses, dueling techniques, magic, wandless magic, and etc. Our Potion's professor, Professor Snape, will help with brewing up various amounts of potions that could save your life at times. In Herbology you will use plants and such for simple healing devices, and in Charms for sixth and seventh years you will be brought together at some places to learn charms and defense for the dark arts." He ran a hand over his velvet lavender robes. "However, right now, all Prefects will lead the first years to their common room. You will learn the rest of what this year will teach you. Good night!"

The Hall filled with talking and whispers and mumbles about what Professor Dumbledore had just said. Harry was probably the only silent one as many eyes turned on him as everyone departed from their tables. Someone almost died. Harry knew that his headmaster was referring to him.

"Potter, do you want to join us at our common room? We'll give you the password," Zabini said, patting Harry on the shoulder. "Or, we could like, join you in your common room some time if you give us your password."

Harry considered this. It was settled with their conversations that Malfoy and himself were now rather good friends. They had apologized and forgiven and now it was just straight friendship all ahead. He knew that Hermione and Ron would hate him for this, but they deserved just as much as he did to get a change in their life. "Yeah. Nirvana Dragon."

"Right then," Malfoy said, stretching out his arms and yawning tiredly. "Ours is Mystified Luminosity." He grabbed Harry's wrist and checked the watch on it. "Bloody hell," he breathed. "Maybe not tonight. I'm going straight to bed. It's ten o'clock!"

Harry was gratified. "Yeah, I was thinking of going to bed as well."

"Sleep tight, Potter. We'll see you at breakfast!" And with that, Zabini and Malfoy disappeared out the doors.

.: :.

Harry sat down tiredly on the big, comfy red armchair in front of the blazing fire. For a moment he thought that Sirius's head might suddenly pop up in it, but he knew it was impossible when he was dead. Then, his thoughts drifting away, he turned his head toward the portrait hole to see Hermione and Ron walk in, talking in hushed voices.

"Harry, thank goodness you're in here." Hermione said, sitting down on the floor in front of Harry. Her robes were open and she still wore her white tank top and her short blue jean shorts. Her bandana was off and her long hair was pulled back into a ponytail with both braids joining together. "We're sorry about this evening," she said, setting her chin on his knee. "We were being immature and when you had jumped out of the carriage we stopped immediately."

Ron walked up behind Harry and leaned in so that he was right up to his ear. "Could you tell us why you were sitting with Malfoy of all people?"

Harry replied while he leaned his head on the back of the chair, "When I jumped out of the carriage they were kind enough to stop and give me a lift." He added haughtily, "They don't bicker about how immature each other are."

"Harry James Potter, I'm not going to watch as you make the biggest mistake in your life!" Hermione exclaimed, taking her chin off his knee and standing up. "I bet you any money that Malfoy is a Death Eater with his dad and he's just trying to get back at you!" She put her hands on her hips and looked down at Harry who scowled back at her. "Look at yourself! You actually believe that Malfoy could ever become nice? He will never change!"

Ron agreed. "Yeah, you saw how he ruined D.A. and took points from our house, and I could go on about all the stubborn things he did previous years." He set his hands on Harry's shoulders and squeezed them until Harry gave a cry out and jumped off his seat. "Harry, why do you want to be friends with a creep like that?"

"I don't know if he's changed or not, but why can't we give him a chance?" Harry asked, rubbing his shoulder. "Please, you two, ever since that night when...well, he might have changed over the summer."

Hermione's expression seemed to soften and she replied quietly, "Just be careful, okay? I don't know what we would do if you died." She sighed and took Ron's hand. "We'll see how it goes tomorrow, then you can shout and scream at Harry all you want."

Hermione and Ron walked up the steps and into their dormitories while Harry stayed downstairs. He couldn't stay in the same room with Ron tonight. He was frustrated with Ron and he was sure Ron was frustrated with him. So, Harry burnt the fire out since he was the only one left in the common room and then fell asleep on the cozy red couch.

.: :.

"Nirvana Dragon." Draco muttered to the fat lady portrait the following morning. It seemed everyone was at breakfast except for Harry and he wanted to know where he was. The fat lady opened and he was greeted by a warm red common room. He was about to make his way up to the sixth year boys' dormitory when he noticed a book on the table. As curious as Draco was, he went to see what it was about and that's when he saw him.

Harry was no longer curled up on the couch. He was on the ground, right in front of the fire, shivering and his breathing shallow. Draco quickly lunged at him on the floor and shook him awake.

"What the--?" Harry almost yelled but he choked it back to a raspy cough.

"You were having a nightmare." Draco explained, rolling Harry over so that he was now facing the ceiling. "Well, something along those lines."

Harry rubbed his forehead and he replied quietly, "I--it was nothing. Want breakfast?" He looked dazed in a weak inadequate way. He could barely lift his head up much less standing up on his own.

"All these years I've seen the good and the bad of you," Draco said, putting one hand behind Harry's back and the other on his stomach, "but right now you look like you just died and came back to life. Were you snogging Granger or Moaning Myrtle in your nightmare?" He was expecting Harry to punch him or even laugh at his joke, but instead he just leaning against the couch and leaned his head back. "What was your nightmare about?"

Raising his head, Harry looked at Draco, looking to see if he could possibly trust him to understand. Finally, he replied, "You know how Lord Voldemort is traveling from certain peoples houses and murdering them? Well, I see him doing this as he does it, and right now I saw him killing a small worthless family." He had never seen Draco's face like what he showed when he had explained his 'nightmare'. It was of fear and concern. "How many of those families died but deserved to live? How many of them lived and deserved to die?"

"Are you going to be okay?" Draco asked, standing up and helping Harry stand up as well. "Say," he said, smirking as Harry nodded. "What did Granger and Weasley say to you last night? Did they ask why you were sitting with us?"

Harry suppressed a laugh. "Yeah. I told them that we were friends and then they kind of stormed off." He sighed and began to rub at his prickling scar again. "Well, Hermione seemed to give me a chance but I don't know about Ron."

.: :.

"He's insane!" Ron shouted at Hermione as they walked outside on the morning lawn. The morning was very brisk but they didn't mind one bit. They walked at the edge of the pond and stopped to look at the mirror like waters. "Draco Malfoy, what the hell was he thinking, Hermione?"

Hermione shrugged, her face thoughtful still. "Who knows, maybe Malfoy did change after all. Harry can see people, Ron. He trusts who is trustful and he forgets those who are untrustworthy. He knows what he's doing and all I can do is hope that Harry made the right decision."

Ron sputtered for a moment then fell silent. "What if there is a glitch? What is Malfoy is using Harry?"

"Then Harry would know."

.: :.

Draco and Harry walked down the hallways of the school, silent. Draco was staying close to Harry just in case Harry was still having an aftermath of his vision. Harry had explained before they went off to roam that in his previous year he had these visions. Draco didn't know about them, no one except for the professors, Hermione, Ron, and the other Weasleys.

"When Dumbledore said 'Someone almost died' in his speech...was he talking about you?" Draco finally asked as they pushed open the doors and walked outside. "I saw how you reacted at that and I was just curious."

Harry nodded. "Yes. I almost died. Actually, I don't think I'm supposed to be living right now." He took a seat gracefully on the grass under a nice big oak tree and laid his head on the truck. "I felt like I died, I felt like I was falling...my scar burst open..." He gave a shiver as Draco sat down next to him. "And then...Voldemort used my body as a host for him to talk...and then he disappeared and my scar didn't hurt anymore..." He never explained this to anyone before.

Draco took hold on Harry's arm and he said firmly, "Lets make sure it doesn't happen this year. You can't die, not now."

Harry pulled away from Draco and looked away. "I was dead, Draco...I was and then I came back to life." This source of information stung Draco's thoughts. Harry died but came back? Or did he almost die but was revived? "I have every chance of dying now then I did that night." He stood up and stumbled back to the castle, leaving Draco sitting there alone, shaking at the news.

.: :.

It was around nine o'clock already and Harry sat on the couch, his eyes boring into the fire. He didn't know why he told Draco what he did. It wasn't exactly the best conversation one could have, and Harry wasn't proud of it either. He shook his head, shaking the thoughts away, and trying to think of something better.

Classes would start tomorrow. And then on September 14^th Quidditch tryouts would take place. October 15^th would be the first game. Who knows, maybe he should resign Ron, because it was true, he wasn't the best Keeper. If he found someone better, though, he'd resign him. If not then Ron would stay. But what about the rest of the players? The beaters were as good as gone, there were no more chasers, and if Ron was gone he'd be in search for a new keeper. He was the only one left.

Suddenly, Ginny tapped him on the shoulder and Harry jumped a good two feet. Ginny smiled and pushed back her long curly red hair. "Gin, hey!" He scooted over to make room for Ginny to sit down. "I was just thinking about you!"

"Really?" Ginny asked, sitting down softly and looking at Harry with pure thoughtfulness. "Good things I hope."

Harry nodded. "Yes. Are you still willing to be a Chaser?" He smiled softly and leaned his elbow on the arm of the couch.

Ginny laughed. "Of course!" She folded her legs into an Indian style and leaned back. "I heard that you an Malfoy were friends." She sighed but continued to smile. "I never thought it would happen but I guess it did. You know, Malfoy isn't that bad. You two could be really good friends."

"We are really good friends." Harry said slowly.

"Of course you are." Ginny whispered then yawned. "Well, I have Herbology first thing tomorrow and I don't want to sleep in and miss it. You should come to bed too, Harry."

Harry nodded and stood up with Ginny. Both of them walked up the steps and with a final goodnight they went into their dormitories and fell asleep.

.: :.

Harry awoke to the sound of a terrifying scream loud and clear that echoed through the whole Gryffindor tower. He pushed his bed hangings to the side and tumbled out. Ron was getting out too and so was Dean Thomas. The others were in a deep sleep and weren't going to be disturbed, that was, until the scream came again but louder. Neville jumped out of his bed and Seamus gave a scream too at just the suffering of the other scream. Soon enough, Harry kicked open the boys' dormitory door and hurried to the 6^th year girls' dormitory. He pushed the door open and looked in.

"Oh, Harry! Hurry up!" Lavender snapped, turning on the lamp next to Hermione's bed. Hermione lay there, shaking, sweating and screaming in her bed. "I can't wake her up, you do it!"

However, as Harry made his way to Hermione's bed, Hermione let out the most high-pitched, loudest, most terrifying scream that he'd ever heard. It was probably just as bad as the mandrake's cry, he didn't know, because as soon as it came out of her mouth he clapped his hands over his ears and turned to Ron and the others as they did the same.

"Wake her up!" Parvati cried out, her eyes shut and watering.

Finally, Harry stumbled forward, the scream still escaping from her mouth, and he dropped his hands from his ears. He reached down and shook Hermione hard. A chill ran down his spine as the screaming stopped and Hermione stared up at him. He let her go but fell backward onto the floor. His ears were ringing and his head hurt badly.

"What is the meaning of--?" Professor McGonagall pushed past the crowd of students and stood still as Hermione gave out a sob. "Is everything okay? It sounded like someone was being murdered!"

Parvati said shakily, "It was Hermione, Professor. We were all sleeping and then suddenly she started screaming."

"And you Mr. Potter. What are you doing down there?" Professor McGonagall asked as Harry drooped his head and leaned back on the empty bed next to Hermione's. "Did you wake her up?"

Harry didn't reply. He couldn't hear her. All he could hear was the screaming, the ringing, and the sobs in his head.

"Mr. Potter?" McGonagall said, a drop of fear in her tone. She bent over and shook Harry. He looked up at McGonagall as though he'd never seen her before. "Potter?"

Madame Pomfrey rushed into the room. Her eyes wide with flabbergast and excitement. "Miss Granger screamed then?" She pushed past the girls and checked Hermione's temperature. "What happened?" She asked, breaking off a piece of chocolate and handing it to Hermione. "Were you having a nightmare? Minerva, would you stop saying Potter?"

"Poppy, he's either gone momentarily mute or deaf with all the screaming. It was so loud I'm surprised it didn't break any windows. And," she added, "if Potter woke Hermione up he must have took his hands from his ears not to mention he was right up close to her."

Ron's eyes widened and he looked at Harry. "Will he be okay?"

"Of course he will! Now, Miss Granger, can you tell me what happened?" Pomfrey said hastily, not giving any mind to Harry.

"I can't say while Harry is here..." Hermione sobbed, her chest rising and falling. "It would..."

Pomfrey snorted. "He's gone deaf, dear girl. He won't be able to hear you!"

McGonagall helped Harry up and shot a glare at Pomfrey. "I'm taking him to the Hospital Wing."

"Good, I'll take Granger as well. C'mon, now, lets go."

.: :.

Ron had one hand on Harry's shoulder, leading him down the hall, while McGonagall was behind him holding his hand and the side of his neck. It was weird not being able to hear the echoing footsteps or the reassuring words that they were saying to him. Hermione was still in her sleeping gown and she was walking next to Pomfrey as they all made their way to the Hospital Wing. Once they were in there, McGonagall led Harry to a bed while Pomfrey pampered Hermione in bed.

"Oooh...don't you worry. It was just a bad dream. You can stay here tonight." She cooed, giving Hermione's hand a squeeze. "Now, tell me what your dream was about..."

"It was terrible. Harry was sitting in a chair next to Lord Voldemort and I was tied with chains watching. Then, Voldemort said 'You see your best friend? He's about to die' and then he killed Harry. He tortured him with the Cruciatus Curse and then he was murdered by the Avada Kedavra curse. I was so afraid. Then he used the Cruciatus Curse on me and then I woke up when Harry was shaking me." Hermione explained quickly, her voice cracking in the end. She looked at Harry who was looking out the window at the moon. He didn't seem to hear this information and she was thankful. "I just, I hope this isn't a vision like Harry usually gets. You do know that he is dreaming all the murders that Voldemort is doing, right?"

Pomfrey looked over at Harry and then nodded. "Get a parchment and quill, we have to communicate with Potter."

McGonagall nodded and pulled a parchment and black quill out from her robes. She began to write on the bedside table: Can you hear anything we say? She handed it to Harry who read it and shook his head. She took the parchment back.

When you suddenly went deaf, did you hear nothing?

No.

What did you hear?

Hermione's screams, ringing, crying...

McGonagall read this over four times before turning to Pomfrey. "We need to get this boy hearing again by sun rise!" Can you still hear the screaming? Harry looked at the parchment, hesitated, and gave a slow nod. "Right then, Hermione, are you going to be okay?"

"Yes. Is Harry?"

Pomfrey stomped forward. "Minerva! You can't bring back a person's hearing in a matter of hours!"

"Well you'd better try!" McGonagall shouted brushing past Pomfrey and looking at Ron. "Go back to the common room! Tell everyone there to pray!"

"Pray for what?" Ron asked shakily at McGonagall's outburst.

"Pray that we still have a student and nurse by noon!" She snapped, her hands balling into fists. "Now get going before I take points from your house!"

Ron was about to mention that they didn't have any points to take since it was only the beginning of the year but he thought against it and ran top speed out of the Hospital Wing.

.: :.

Hermione stood at the window, watching the sky lighten in the horizon. In her hands she held a cup of vanilla tea. Her hair was pulled back into a tight bun and she was dressed in her robes. She had been up all night, watching Pomfrey urgently as she slowly brought Harry's hearing back as he slept. Finally, once McGonagall returned as the sun appeared, Pomfrey had good news.

"Well, it should be back. Maybe not fully back but back enough that he can hear what people are saying to him. He should come back--now just what the heck do you think you're doing, Minerva?"

McGonagall walked right up to Harry, came incredibly close to his ear, and then shouted, "POTTER!"

Harry jumped and gave out a cry. He turned to McGonagall with a glare that screamed "Kill! Kill! Kill!" and then sat up to protest when he suddenly noticed it. He could hear.

"I just got his hearing back, you don't need to take it away!" Pomfrey yelled, putting her hands on her waist and shaking her head. "Well, Good Morning, Potter."

"Er, Morning." Harry replied. Immediately, Hermione threw her arms around his neck. She cried into his shoulder and shuttered. "Herm, are you alright?"

Hermione shook her head but replied, "I'm just happy you can hear again! Oh, Harry, this is all my fault!"

"Crap, I didn't know you could scream that loud..." Harry said, pushing Hermione away so that he could cover a yawn and rub his forehead. "Were you having a nightmare?"

Hermione bit her lip and then nodded sharply. "Yes, yes, that's all it was. It was only a nightmare." Her long brown hair fell over her shoulders as she hugged Harry again. "Ready for class?"

Harry nodded. "Yeah."

.: :.

Potions was first, and Harry was actually looking forward to it. Draco was waiting for him when he entered the dungeon and then they all sat together: Draco, Harry, Hermione, Ron, and Zabini. Snape entered with his usual dramatic-beginning-of-the-year-entrance and then got down to business.

"In previous years we've practiced on potions for skill, intelligence, and the knowledge of instructions when given some. However, because of the events that are taking place, we will make potions that could possibly save our lives. Healing Potions, Invisibility Potions, Transportation Potions, and even Get-Away Potions that could put a person to sleep or explode when dropped." He paused at the whispers of excitement. "We will begin with the most important of Potions and that is the simple Healing Potion. It is convenient when you are low at health and seriously need something to revive you at the time.

"Healing Potions break down into a couple of categories. The first one is the Antidote. When one is poisoned it kills away the poison. Worse poisoning, such as if you've been poisoned from days, to weeks, to months, and--if you are lucky--to years; that calls for a stronger antidote. We will work on a simple antidote in the beginning to when you are only poisoned for two days or less.

"The second category is the Remedy which can also heal poison but not as effectively as an Antidote. When someone is petrified it is smart to use a Remedy. Naturally, a Remedy heals all abnormalities when a wand is not at hand. Until you do get a wand or a stronger potion that can completely destroy that abnormality, then a Remedy is really accounted for.

"The last category is plainly the Healing Potion. This does not cure abnormalities like the Remedy, this heals you when you are weak and you are absolutely certain that you cannot move on. This will boost energy into your veins and could possibly save you some time.

"So, now you know the categories of the Healing Potions. We will start out with Antidotes." Snape picked up a pile of small papers and handed them out to each student. "These show the ingredients of what you need to make this Antidote. You will have the class period to finish it and then we can save it for when we could possibly need it."

Harry looked down at his list and sighed with relief. It didn't look that hard, actually, to make such a small antidote.

"How will we know if the antidote works?" Someone said in the front of the class. Harry's head lifted but all he could hear was "Mm mm mm me muh mmmmh mm?"

"I will know. It should be the color of green and purple swirls." Snape replied.

Harry looked at Draco who was sitting next to him and he whispered, "What did she say? What did Snape reply?"

Draco looked at him with confusion but said slowly, "She asked how she'd know if the antidote works and he said it'd be green and purple colored swirls." He tilted his head to the side and Harry nodded and reached for his Mandrake Puss. "Is everything alright, Harry? Are you telling me you couldn't hear her?"

"I..." He stopped as Hermione gave Harry a look. "Nothing, never mind."

"Mr. Potter, would you join me out in the hall?" Snape said loudly, running his hand through his greasy black hair. Harry got up and followed him out the door and stood silently for a while. "I hear you are taking Occlumency again this year. We will be meeting here at--" Then silence.

"Professor, could you repeat what you just said?" Harry asked, rubbing his ear and looked back up at Snape. "I didn't, erm, catch it."

Snape's eyes narrowed. "5:00 sharp. We will go on into the night as long as it takes for you to be too weak to fight off me. I actually want you to try this time, Potter." He gave him a sharp look. "Get back in there. Class ends shortly."

.: :.

Harry, Ron, and Hermione walked down the hall only saying goodbye to Zabini and Draco moments ago. Ron was talking about how his potion turned a bright blue and he knew he'd get a bad grade this year in Potions. Hermione, on the other hand, was talking about how she managed to get it perfect and that Healing Potions were a walk in the park. Harry just listened, smiling that the two of them weren't bickering one bit.

"What's next?" Ron asked as they turned down another hallway. "We're just following you, Hermione." He ran a hand through his hair and looked innocently up at Hermione.

Hermione rolled her eyes and replied, "Defense Against the Dark Arts! I thought you'd at least remember that!" She put her arms through Harry and Ron's and they walked happily down the hallway. "Professor Phoenix seems very intelligent and I wouldn't be surprised if she stays here for a long time! I mean, Quirrell had Voldemort growing out the back of his head; Lockhart was a complete failure; Lupin was terrific except for the fact he was a werewolf. I still don't understand why he had to resign. Moody turned out to be a maniac, right? And Umbridge was just--auhe--I'm not even going to say anything about her!"

Ron laughed. "Lockhart...I could have sworn you'd say he was the best Defense Against the Dark Arts professor so far." Harry gave a snort and Ron continued. "Oooooooooohh...Lockhart! Can I have your autograph on my--!"

"Ronald Weasley, you shut your trap!" Hermione snapped, whacking Ron in the back of the head. "He was very charming but a fraud at that! Same with Trelawney, fraud written all over her." Her face went slightly red but they continued to walk until they came up to the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom.

When they entered, many students were there chatting in excited voices. However, Professor Phoenix wasn't there and class would start in less then a minute. They took seats in the front and looked around to see if Professor Melody Phoenix was hidden somewhere in the room. Soon enough, the tall attractive professor walked through the door with a big white bird perched on her arm.

"This is probably my smallest class it is." Melody said loudly, leaning against her desk with her arm stretched out. "Right away I would like to note that my name is Professor Melody Phoenix and that you are more then welcome to call me by my first name. Phoenix is unnecessary but Professor and Melody are strongly encouraged in my case." She smiled at her students and then cleared her throat. "Before I took this job was a professor I was a Phoenix Breeder and a very good one at that. This bird you see right now perched on my forearm is a rare white phoenix. The Headmaster is bringing in his regular red phoenix as we speak."

Melody was very straightforward and Harry was pleased. Not a big introduction or how we should behave, straight, serious, and onto the lesson. Of course, he had always loved the phoenix and seeing a white one was quite exciting. He leaned forward to get a better look and he prayed that he could hear every single bit of this lesson.

"First of all, can anyone tell me about a regular phoenix? Yes, Mr. Potter?" Melody said, pointing on Harry whose hand sprung up in the air as the question was being asked.

"When a phoenix is killed or dies it bursts into flames but is then born from the ashes. Its end is its beginning. They also has healing powers from its tears and are very loyal." Harry said slowly and clearly. He smiled triumphantly as Hermione gave him a shocked look.

Melody nodded. "Very, very good! 10 points to Gryffindor." She paced back and forth in front of the class then, her maroon eyes identical as the eyes of the phoenix. "Can anyone tell me the difference between the white phoenix to the red? Besides the colors?"

Hermione raised her hand slowly. "Well, while regular red phoenix's can heal outside wounds, the tears of a white phoenix can heal wounds on the inside as well. If you collect the tears of the white phoenix and make the person drink it, things like poison, colds, and such should be healed in the mean time. Kind of like what we learned about remedies in Potions."

"10 points to Gryffindor! Yes, the tears are exactly that; a simple remedy. Some may ask why in potions you have to gather all of those ingredients for a simple remedy while white phoenix tears work faster and much easier. Like I said before, white phoenix are very rare and hard to come across." She stroked the white phoenix's head and then turned to the door as Professor Dumbledore walked in gracefully with Fawkes' on his arm like the white phoenix was on Melody's. "Headmaster, thank you for letting us borrow Fawkes." She let Fawkes sit on her open arm and said farewell as Dumbledore left. "This is a regular red phoenix. His name is Fawkes. Oh, and this white phoenix is named Mystique."

Ron nudged Harry and whispered in his ear, "Ask if Mystique can heal hearing."

Hermione poked Ron with her wand and said quickly, "Pomfrey already used Mystique's tears. Remember, it does not fully heal hearing. Tonight you'll be receiving more tears so that you can hear completely."

"Now, what do phoenix have to do with Defense Against the Dark Arts? If you have a loyal phoenix like Fawkes and Mystique you can be very positive that they will come at the right time to help in battle. There is a student sitting here with us today that has been saved by Fawkes. Mind telling us, Mr. Potter?" Melody smiled as Fawkes flew off her arm and perched itself on Harry's. Many students' jaws dropped in awe as Fawkes nuzzled its feathery head on his neck.

"When I was in the Chamber of Secrets and I had the venom of the basilisk in my arm he healed it. I don't think I'd be sitting here today in this classroom if it hadn't been for him." Harry added, petting Fawkes' feathers softly.

Melody nodded and gave a sigh. "See, now there is the loyalty. If you need help, a phoenix will surely sense it, find you, and help you. We will be practicing that in our exams when we work on our dueling and if you are hurt. All you need to do is have enough emotion in you." She let Mystique fly over to the silver perch next to her desk so that she could adjust her long black hair in her silver colored clip. "We still have about a half an hour or so. You can chat with your friends or walk around the room to look at Fawkes or Mystique." She began to twirl her silver chain with a little key hanging off it and then sat down to look at paper work.

Harry felt Fawkes give him a peck on his cheek before flying over to sit on the stand with Mystique.

"How's your ear, Harry?" Ron asked as all most of the students, including Hermione, got up to look at the phoenix. "Malfoy told me that you couldn't hear what Pansy asked."

"Are you and Draco friends now?" Harry suddenly asked, turning his head toward Ron with a happy expression. Ron shrugged his arms but smiled. "I knew it! See, he isn't that bad, Ron."

Ron waved his hands and replied, "I admit, he's changed a lot, but I am just guarding you to make sure that he isn't just using you." He put an arm around Harry and grinned. "So, are you going to resign me?"

"If I find someone better, then yes." Harry replied quietly. "However, I don't even know if I will. So, don't get all happy-pants with me."

Ron suddenly kissed Harry on the cheek and chirped happily, "You are the best friend in the world! Thank you!" He clapped his hands and got up to join Hermione looking at the phoenix.

"Eww...did he just kiss me?" Harry whispered to himself while he cleaned off his cheek with his robes.

Seamus walked up to him laughing. "I'm not even going to say anything about what Ron just did but about Quidditch. I was hoping I could try out for a beater. Same with Dean." He folded his arms behind his head and smiled.

"Ha, we'll see at tryouts on September 14^th. Tell everyone that wants to try out, ok?"

"Will do," Seamus said, clapping Harry on the shoulder. "So did you enjoy that kiss or what?"

Harry punched Seamus in the arm playfully and shook his head. "Shut-up, Finnegan, or I might give you a pig tail like Hagrid gave my cousin when I was eleven."

Seamus began to laugh even more but joined the front with the rest if the students. Finally, after being bored for twenty minutes of sitting there and twiddling with his thumbs as if they were wrestlers, he got up and walked up to Mystique. Hermione turned around and fell silent in a conversation with Ron as they both watched Harry lift his chin to the rare phoenix. Lots of people turned to watch as the phoenix leaned its long neck forehead and touched Harry's ear with its beak.

"Something wrong with your ear, Harry?" Janna Rite from Hufflepuff asked. Harry didn't reply he just closed his eyes and backed away. He sat back down at his table and watched as Mystique went back into her casual sitting position and turning to Hermione. The talking started up again and Harry just wished for class to finish.

.: :.

Lunch was more talkative then usual. Many were talking nonstop about the phoenix they saw in Defense Against the Dark Arts. Hermione, Ron, and Harry were one them.

"Did you see how big Mystique was compared to Fawkes?" Hermione exclaimed, buttering her biscuit. "She was absolutely beautiful with her long white feathers! I wonder how Melody got one!"

"I'm sure she has tons," Harry said smiling. "She said she was a phoenix breeder."

Hermione took a bite of her biscuit and said with her mouth full, "You think that she made up her last name. I mean, do you really think it's a coincidence that she breeds her phoenix and her last name is Phoenix?"

"It's possible," Ron said dreamily. "Did you see how attractive she way today? Silver and Black suit her so well..." He looked up at the head table to see Melody wiping off her mouth with a silky green napkin. "Say, was she in Slytherin when she was in school?"

Hermione nodded. "Yeah, she was a top student and she was good friends with Lupin I hear."

"Really? Then was she friends with my dad and Sirius?" Harry asked, leaning his elbows on the table. "Or was it just Lupin since they were both ace's?"

"I think she was good friends with all the Marauders. I bet you anything that she kept them out of trouble. Or at least made sure they didn't get caught."

Draco and Zabini ran into the Hall and up to the Gryffindor table. "Potter!" Draco said, sitting next to him. "I just heard about your hearing! God that explains why you couldn't hear Pansy!" He smacked himself in the head and grabbed a donut. "How was Defense Against the Dark Arts? Did she really bring in the rare white phoenix?"

Harry nodded. "Yeah, it's really cool."

"Ok, because I've got her last. Next we have Transfiguration with you guys. What do you think we'll be learning? How to transform cheese into explosive bombs?" Draco said winking at Zabini who gave a sharp laugh. "Charms was boring. We just learned how to start things on fire for a distractive maneuver to get away from bad guys. Then we learned how to put them out. It was really, really boring."

Zabini nodded. "Yeah, it was boring all until we started Justin's hair on fire. Flitwick put it out and re-grew his hair back to what is was before." He punched his fist on the table and rolled his eyes. "Then it was boring again."

"I don't see how that is boring. Fire sounds fun!" Ron said, smiling. "We could burn all of our books! No more homework for us!"

Draco chuckled and looked up as a little owl spastically flew down to Ron and landed in his pudding. Ron groaned but pulled the letter from his beak and ripped it open. "What's it say?" Draco asked.

"Mum's coming to the first Quidditch match! She wants to watch Harry play. Sure, she acts more like a mum to you but to me I'm like a second cousin twice removed." Ron said, scooping Pig out of his pudding.

Harry looked at Draco and smiled, "First match is Gryffindor versus Slytherin."

"Yeah, I know. I'm captain too, you know?" Draco said happily. "We're going to whip your arses!" He punched Harry in the arm and laughed.

"Bring it on, Malfoy!" Harry challenged. "I'll give you ten galleons if you can get the snitch first. Mind you, no one has ever gotten it from me fairly. That one time that I didn't get it was when I fell off my broom so that wasn't fair!"

Draco raised his eyebrows and shook Harry's hand. "Alright, ten galleons it is."

.: :.

"Are you saying that if You-Know-Who came up to us we would say faisbienpigeone and we would have the result of a white pigeon with red eyes?" Zabini asked as he looked down at the kitten he was going to be transforming.

McGonagall gave an exasperated sigh and replied, "It isn't always effective on You-Know-Who but it comes in handy when getting away."

"Oh, so like in Charms? We started the person on fire and ran for it." Draco said loudly, drumming his fingers on the table. "We turn the Dark Lord into a paroxysmal pigeon and run for it?"

"This isn't just about You-Know-Who! This is about anything that can come in your way and you need a tactic to get away!" McGonagall exclaimed. She was getting irritated by these random questions and comments.

Harry cleared his throat and McGonagall shot a glance at him. "What about Dementors. If they got in our way those people who don't know how to get ride of them can't just turn them into a pigeon. I mean, it would be ineffective, wouldn't it?"

"That's it! Enough with the questions! It is just a way to get away from dark wizards who are effective and such! You will be happy if you run across someone like Bellatrix Lestrange shooting hexes at you! Now test this on your experimental animals until you get the knack of it or until you can leave." She sat down at her desk and rubbed her face in her hands.

Harry's smile left his face at the mention of Bellatrix Lestrange, the woman who murdered Sirius, but he turned to his lizard and said clearly, "Faisbienpigeone!" Immediately the large lizard transformed into a gray pigeon and flew around the room. "Yup, I think I got the knack of it."

McGonagall looked up from pulling at her hair and looked extremely astonished. "20 points to Gryffindor."

Ron watched Harry's pigeon for a moment but then turned to look at his snake. It hissed at him as he made his first attempt to change him into a pigeon and at his second attempt the snake opened its jaw wide and started to lean forward, closer and closer to Ron's nose. "Stupid snake! Get away!"

Hermione pushed her chair back, wand ready, and she said, "McGonagall, Ron's snake is attacking him!"

Harry's head spun to look at Ron and this was true. Ron must have said something wrong because his snake was hostile and was trying to bite him. So, he could only do one thing before Ron was poisoned. "Do you want me to cut you in half?" He hissed in Parseltongue. The snake turned away from Ron and eyed Harry. "Leave him alone you pathetic reptile. I have the wand." The snake gave a short hiss but sank back and waited feebly as Ron mumbled the spell and it turned into a green pigeon.

"What did you say to it?" Draco wondered aloud, tapping Harry on the shoulder.

"Um, nothing. Just that I'd cut him in half and stuff..." Harry replied, looking away and folding his arms over his books. "I can't wait until we're done with class."

.: :.

"Where are you going, Potter?" Draco yelled at him as they left Transfiguration. Harry bolted down the hallway, going the opposite direction of Charms. Even Draco noticed this. Charms was on the way to Defense Against the Dark Arts and Draco was looking forward to walking with Harry. "Harry!"

Harry spun around and replied in a shaky voice, "Dammit, I can barely hear! There is no way that I can go through Charms deaf!" He shook his head and continued to run down the hall; Draco's yells only sounding like a whisper. It started at the end of class when McGonagall was telling them the assignment. Her mouth was moving but no words came out for Harry.

Meanwhile, Hermione bit her fist and then turned to Ron. "We'll have to tell Flitwick that he's in the Hospital Wing. Come on, Ron." She pulled Ron's arm and looked back at Zabini and Draco. "Malfoy, where do you think you're going?"

"I have to make sure he gets there okay." Draco replied simply. "Don't try to stop me, Granger."

"Malfoy, you fool! Don't do this! Just because he can barely hear doesn't mean that he doesn't know where the Hospital Wing is! Don't skip class to check if Harry can walk on his own two legs!" Hermione snapped. "He was going to get his potion tonight anyway! Let him be!"

"Granger," Draco growled, "I don't need advise from you. I am Harry's friend, I want to make sure he's okay, and I don't need a genius to tell me that! I thought of all people you'd want to join me since you were the one who made him go deaf!"

Hermione went bright red. "Don't you bring this all out on me! I didn't purposely make him go deaf! It was an accident and he forgave me, okay? Just leave him be, he doesn't need you! You gave him hell the past five years and now you are acting like I am the bad guy!"

"I was an ass the past five years under my father's watch! Well, if you must know, he's kind of dead know so I don't have to worry about being beaten for being friends with Harry Potter. I apologized and you know what, he forgave me too. So, I am going to walk to the Hospital Wing and make sure that he made it there in one piece!" Draco snarled, throwing his book bag over his shoulder and turning on his heal.

"I'm sorry about your dad but you have to just give this a break. Going deaf isn't fun but he can take care of himself..." Hermione whispered, ignoring Zabini and Ron looking for her to Draco.

"No," Draco said turning around and walking right up to her face. "No, you see, deaf isn't fun for Harry because while you were unconscious and Weasley was having a giggling fit, Harry only just held onto that little worn out thread from staying alive. See, now that sounds like fun."

Hermione clenched her hands into fists and then said very loudly, "You don't need to stand up for Harry you sniveling little bastard!"

"You wouldn't know 'standing up' if it came and bit you in the eye!" Draco said very loudly right back. "I am not standing up for him, I am backing him up! Standing and Backing are two different things but a person like you wouldn't know that!"

"I've known him longer then you have and I know that he can take care of himself! He's done more things in the past five years that you could never accomplish in a lifetime! See, and in those five years, we were backing him up! See, a person like me knows the meaning of backing a person up!"

Draco gaped at her. "You've known him longer? Oh my God, Granger, you've known him about an hour longer then I've known him! We met nearly at the same time and just because he turned down the fact of being my friend doesn't mean I didn't know him long enough to see things in him that made me sick to my stomach at the fact that I couldn't be his friend! It's hard when your father is a follower of the Dark Lord! I didn't have the chance to be Harry's friend because the first time I tried at age eleven, I received a letter from my father that I would be punished for even thinking about Harry! But now that he's long gone, I have that chance in front of me like a clear 300 foot width road!"

Hermione opened her mouth to spit something back when Ron clapped his hand over her mouth and said sharply, "Would you shut-up, Herm. Draco has made his point and we're late for Charms. Let Draco go see how Harry is!"

Draco gave a look of gratitude to Ron and then turned around and sped down the hallway toward the Hospital Wing. Zabini gave a whistle and turned to Hermione and Ron. "Wow, okay..."

"Was your dad a Death Eater?" Hermione asked, rubbing her forehead as the three of them walked down the hallway and to their classes.

Zabini shook his head and smiled. "No, not at all."

"Then why weren't you friends with Harry?"

Zabini clicked his tongue and looked at Hermione like she has broccoli stuck on her eyebrows. "Hermione, can't you take the fact that I'm friends with Harry know because I see that he isn't a stuck up bastard or a fucking lunatic. Draco came up to all the Slytherins in the common room last night and told them that Harry wasn't an arse like we all thought and were made to think." He said this with such reassurance and thoughtfulness. "Draco did the right thing and I don't understand why you had to pick a fight with him when all he was doing was to check if Harry was okay."

Hermione covered her mouth and said, her voice cracking, "I'm such a fool. I should apologize to him." She pulled her hair back into a ponytail and looked at Zabini as the Charms door came into view. "Thanks, Zabini. We'll see you at dinner."

Zabini nodded and then started to run to Defense Against the Dark Arts.

.: :.

When Draco made it to the Hospital Wing, he saw Harry on the bed nearest to the window. He was unconscious. Madame Pomfrey was next to him; letting some more of Mystique's tears run down his throat before looking up at Draco. "Mr. Malfoy, you should be in class. If you are not injured you should--!"

"Is he okay?" Draco interrupted, walking forward and looking down at Harry.

Pomfrey let out a sigh and replied, "He should be fine. Once he comes back to consciousness he should be able to hear perfectly and he'll be as good as new."

"Can I stay by his side until he wakes up?" Draco asked, running a hand over his sleek blonde hair. "I mean, I practically skipped class just to see and make sure Harry got her okay."

"Fine, whatever. You'll be missing a great lesson in Defense Against the Dark Arts but what do I know? I only work here." Pomfrey exclaimed, throwing her hands in the air as she got up. "Just let him be!"

Draco nodded and took as seat next to Harry on the bed. He looked down at his spiked black hair, his tan skin, and the scar on his forehead. Madame Pomfrey took off his glasses and Draco had to admit that Harry looked very attractive without them. He sat there, looking over Harry and recalling many events in the past when he was terrible to Harry but deep down felt bad.

Suddenly, Draco looked over at Pomfrey who burst from her office. "I have to go and get a student who has fainted! I won't be back for awhile so if Harry wakes up, the main thing you should do is try not to yell in his ear or anything like that McGonagall." She flew out of her office then, and left Draco and Harry to stay there, alone.

Just as the door slammed shut, Draco felt Harry jump slightly in his bed. All noises must have been loud for him. "Harry," Draco whispered quietly. "Harry, are you okay?"

Harry breathed in deeply and a smile twitched on his face. "I can hear," he whispered back. "I'm glad you came." His eyes were still closed and Draco slipped off the bed and knelt on the floor to be closer to Harry.

"Bastard, you are, scaring me like that. You even made me and Granger start fighting in the hallway." Draco whispered back, giving a laugh at the end.

"At least I don't have to sit here alone." Harry said, snuggling his head deeper into his pillow for comfort. "It gets boring you know."

Draco nodded and set his head on the mattress. "Yeah, yeah, I know."

.: :.

"Did he say that he'd be able to come to dinner?" Hermione asked Zabini as they looked around but had no sign of Harry or Draco at the Hall. "This is crazy. Do you think Draco made sure that Harry didn't come?"

"Nah," Ron said, looking down at his inviting feast. "They'll come. Harry probably just had to do a test to see if he was able to hear or something. I don't know. Can I please start eating?"

Hermione rolled her eyes and snapped, "Fine!" She continued to look at the doors, waiting for Draco and Harry to walk in. "Where are they? I'm going to kill them when they--oh, good, here they come!" Draco opened up the door, walked through it, and held it open for Harry who walked in yawning. "Harry! Draco!"

Draco walked up and sat next to Ron while Harry took a seat next to Zabini across from them. "Well, now Potter can hear all the mean things we say about him." Draco said with full disappointment. "Not to worry, we only called you a sex god bastard with too much on his mind except for Stephanie Derrik."

"Eww!" Harry said, eyeing Stephanie at the Ravenclaw table who was talking to Cho. She had long strawberry blonde hair and bright blue eyes. She was very attractive but slept with many students for money and was labeled the school whore. "Ok, first of all, I'm still a virgin, second of all, Stephanie doesn't like me, her little sister Krishna does who is so much more attractive and in our year!"

Ron began to laugh. "Amen to that, brother."

Hermione looked away from Harry and Draco and down at her empty plate. "I think I'm going to go to bed. Harry, I'll show you what we did in Charms tomorrow morning and Draco, you can use my notes that I took in Defense Against the Dark Arts." She pulled a piece of parchment from her bag and then handed it to Draco. "Night." She mumbled and quickly got up and left the Great Hall.

"What's wrong with her?" Harry asked, piling fruit casserole on his plate.

"A really nasty miniature baby blast-ended skrewt climbed up her arse and is laying more babies as we speak." Draco explained, eating some mashed potatoes. When Harry looked at him in an odd way he shrugged and said casually, "I told you it was nasty. I mean, the thing is just a baby and it's laying more babies. What kind of sick creature is that to snog at such a young age?"

Zabini and Ron broke into a fit of giggles and Harry had to admit that he was glad that he, Zabini, Ron, and Draco were now such good friends.