Come Back to Us

************CHAPTER TWO************

In February, two months after the visit, Harry could still feel the chill of Hermione's words on his spine. In the weeks after she left, he wished he had ran after her and told her his own feelings, but he knew he couldn't change the past. As much as he loved his little home in Montana, he even came close to returning to Hogwarts several times.

On the first of March, Harry awoke in his bed to a terrible pain in his forehead. He hadn't felt anything this painful since the end of his fourth year. Then it occurred to him what this pain was. He may have hidden his scar, but it was still there. He closed his eyes and tried to remember what the dream that preceded his awakening. He wrote down every little detail as the memory flooded his mind.

March 1

Awoke to a horrible dream. Pain in scar felt horrendous. Dream as I can remember is as follows:

Thirteen death eaters standing in a circle. Voldemort in middle, looking very powerful. Voldemort talking about plans. They have located me and plan to kill me first. Next full moon plans to attack Azkaban, free loyal prisoners and convince dementors to side with the dark. After the success of that battle, plans to attack Hogwarts and fight Dumbledore.

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When he felt he had remembered all the important details, he slowly got up from his bed and started to think.

'I need to leave and warn Dumbledore. I may not care for my own safety, but I damn well am not going to not protect Hogwarts.'

After that, he knew what he had to do. As quickly as possible, he packed all of his stuff. Three hours later, after putting spells on the boxes to shrink them, Harry was ready to go. He got out his Firebolt and his invisibility cloak, put on some navy blue robes that he had bought during one of his few trips to Orion Alley in Yellowstone and got ready for the long trip ahead of him.

After almost a full day of traveling, Harry started to see the castle in his view. He was amazed that his broom could make it this far. He knew it was the top of the line, but he had traveled thousands of miles and his Firebolt was withstanding remarkably.

When he reached the Hogwarts grounds, it was dark. He landed his broom and started up to the Great Hall. He assumed it was dinner time, and since he didn't know where Professor Dumbledore would be any other time of the day, he felt grateful that he would be able to quickly locate him.

Without much more procrastination, he took off his invisibility cloak, put up the hood of his robe and made his way to the castle.

Today had been especially hard on Hermione. She had failed yet another test. Every since her return from visiting Harry she found it hard to focus on anything. She almost wished she hadn't gone to see him. Almost. As she entered the great hall, the wonderful smell of food brought her back to reality. She went and sat next to Ron and Lavender then waited for her dinner to appear in front of her. Halfway through the meal, she heard a large bang as-

As Harry opened the huge doors to great hall, he felt every eye in the room turn to him. Shrugging of the stares, he made his way to the head table. If one were looking carefully at his face, they could have seen a smirk as he resisted the urge to yell out "Troll in the Dungeon! Thought you should know..." then fall down. When he finally made it to his destination, he looked up into Professor Dumbledore's eyes and removed his hood.

"I need to talk to you privately."

Since Harry had kept his changed appearance of blonde hair and blue eyes, he thought that no one would recognize him. But a smile appeared on the old Headmaster's face as he nodded.

When Harry looked around at the other teachers, he noticed that one other had recognized him. He could see Professor Lupin smiling at him as if his birthday had come early. On the other side of the table, he saw a confused looking Professor Snape. As he looked into the Potion Master's eyes, he saw a look of discovery come over his face. And before he knew it he found himself with a wand pointed at him and the words "FINITE INCANTATEM" could be heard by everyone in the hall.

Harry knew he could stop the spell if he wanted to, and he almost did, but allowed it to come anyways. Immediately he could feel his hair start to grow and the skin on his forehead make way for his scar. As he continued to look into Snape's eyes, he could see something he was not expecting. Relief. As he stuttered out "Potter," Harry could hear the whispers behind him of the students.

Harry looked once again at Dumbledore.

"Now that my identity has been confirmed, may I please speak to you?"

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Harry looked once again at Dumbledore.

"Now that my identity has been confirmed, may I please speak to you?"

"Of course."

And with that, the Headmaster stood up and led Harry to his office.

Once there, the Professor sighed and sat at his desk. Then, with a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye, he directed his attention to the young man sitting in front of him.

"So Harry, to what do we owe the pleasure of your return?"

"Professor, I had a dream the other night. I woke up with my scar throbbing."

Immediately, Dumbledore's eyes lost their twinkle. He knew that if the dream was enough to bring young Mr. Potter back across the ocean, it must have been a serious one.

"Please Mr. Potter, tell me about it."

And with that, Harry went out into a full fledge description of what he remembered. After he was done, he noticed a forced smile appear on the Headmaster's face.

"Harry, you must be hungry. You do remember the way to the kitchen don't you?"

Harry nodded.

"Why don't you go get a bit to eat? After you're done, please come back up here. The password is 'Butterbeer Lollipop'."

"Yes sir."

And with that, Harry made his way out of the office and started on his way. After walking though 2 hallways, he felt he was being followed. He softened his step and listened intently to his surroundings. His suspicions were confirmed when he heard an all too familiar voice behind him.

"So the coward has returned."

Normally, Harry would have started a fight with the person whom he despised with every bone in his body, but after flying for almost 24 hours, he was just a bit too worn out.

"Sod off Malfoy." And he continued walking. Thankfully, he was not followed.

When Harry reached the entryway to kitchen, he tickled the pear and the portrait flew open. As he walked in, his legs were attacked by an all too recognizable creature.

"Harry Potter has returned! Harry Potter has come back to Hogwarts!"

"Hello Dobby. How are you?"

"Harry Potter is too nice to Dobby! Dobby is very well. How is Harry Potter?"

"I'm quite well, thank you. Listen Dobby, I was wondering if I could get some dinner. I haven't eaten all day."

"Dobby would love to get Harry Potter something to eat. Harry Potter just sit down at that table and Dobby will go get something."

As soon as Harry sat down, Dobby was already next to him with a large shepherd's pie and a jug of pumpkin juice.

"This is left over from dinner in the Great Hall. Harry Potter will like this very much."

"Thank you Dobby."

"You're welcome Harry Potter. Dobby must be getting back to helping now. Enjoy your dinner! Welcome back Harry Potter!"

After Dobby left, Harry started in on his food. As he was eating his thoughts drifted. Why did Dumbledore make him leave? Why did he look that serious? He never thought that he had seen the headmaster with so much anxiety and seriousness in his eyes. Was he unsure of the fight against Voldemort? How could he be? He was the strongest wizard around. No one could defeat him. Or could they? The more Harry thought about it, the more confused he got. When he finally shook himself back into reality, he noticed he was done with his dinner. He started on his way back to the headmaster's office.

"Butterbeer Lollipop" Harry said a when he got to the gargoyle. Immediately it moved aside and Harry made his way up to the office.

When he reached the door, he could have sworn he heard voices inside. As he slowly opened it, he saw that indeed there were people there. As he looked around the room, he saw several people. He recognized a few of them, like Sirius, Professor Lupin, Professor Snape, his neighbor Mrs. Figg- Wait a minute!! What was his neighbor from Pivot Drive doing here?

"Mrs. Figg?!?"

Dumbeldore chuckled. "Welcome back Mr. Potter. I trust you had a good dinner"

"Yes sir. Mrs. Figg what are you doing here?"

"Hello Harry. I was one of the people who was watching over you while you lived with the Dursley's."

Harry couldn't help but laugh. "Watching out for me? I had people watching out for me and I still made it out of the house undetected?"

"Yes, well-"

Dumbledore interrupted. "Harry we need to talk to you. Could you explain your dream to everyone here?"

"How do we know everyone here is to be trusted, sir?" As Harry said that he made an obvious stare at Professor Snape.

"Harry, I promise you that I trust everyone in this room with my life. Now please, with the dream?"

'Well, if Dumbledore trusts them...' he thought. And he told them all the dream.

Snape was the first one to speak. "Well this confirms what I heard from the death eater meetings I've attended. We must act soon. The next full moon is in only three weeks, March 25^th to be exact. What shall we do?"

Abrella Figg was next. "Albus, I think we ought to talk to Harry, first."

Hearing his name, Harry's ears perked up. "Talk to me about what."

Dumbledore stood up. "Harry, there is a reason I trust the people in this room. Over twenty years ago, when Voldemort first came into power, there were a few of us who were committed to his downfall. Some of those people are still here in this room, some have died for the cause, and some are newer members that we brought in after his return almost two years ago. This, Harry, is the Order of the Phoenix. Do you understand so far Harry?"

Harry was a bit taken aback. He did understand, but this was just a little too much information to take in at once. All he could do was nod.

"All right. Let me continue then. I haven't discussed this with all the members of the group, but we would like you to join the order."

Obviously, not everyone in the group agreed with Dumbledore.

"Headmaster, surely you cannot mean this. He's just a little boy and he's been out of the wizarding world for a year and a half. He probably doesn't even remember how to hold a wand properly."

Harry could take a lot. He could take the professor despising him. He could take being called a little boy. He could even take being called a coward. But he would not stand for someone criticizing his magical ability.

"Professor, I am not a weakling. I can hold my own if that's what your worried about."

"Potter, you could hold your own to a fly."

"That's it! If you don't believe me, why don't you try me out for yourself? Throw anything at me you wish."

Harry was secretly hoping that Dumbledore would intervene. He had been teaching himself how to cast and counter just about every spell he could find in the books, but he had not gotten a chance to practice the counters, mostly because he didn't have anyone to practice with. Much to his dismay, the headmaster let this little duel continue.

"Fine get out your wand."

Harry refused to back down.

"That's okay, try me with out a wand."

"If you wish to suffer, then, remember it was your choice."

And immediately, Harry heard a spell coming out of Snape's mouth.

"FLAMORIUS TOTALUS!"

Time felt like it slowed down to Harry. He started to panic. 'Calm down Harry, Clam down.' he started to think. 'Just concentrate.'

And as he did concentrate, something truly amazing happened. Harry formed a protective barrier around him. As the spell made its way to the blockade, it sizzled and disintegrated.

Harry was quite proud of himself. This was the first time that he had gotten to really test out what he had been practicing for so long. He couldn't help but put on a big smile. As he looked around, he could see everyone staring at him in amazement. Everyone but Dumbledore that is.

"Very good, Harry. Well, Professor Snape does that give you the proof you needed that he could defend himself."

"Not really, but If you trust him-"

Harry couldn't take this pessimistic attitude much longer. Finally he spoke.

"If you still don't believe me, then let me make a deal with you. You can surprise me at any time you'd like with in the next three days to- what's the word you used?- 'test' my capabilities. Would that be enough for you."

"I suppose."

Dumbledore felt this was a good time to cut back in.

"Very well then. We shall resume this meeting in three days then. You are all free to leave. Harry, could Sirius and I have a talk with you before you leave?"

Harry nodded and went to sit as everyone left. After the last person walked out the door, Sirius and Dumbledore both went to sit down.

"Harry, what do you plan to do now that you are back?"

To be honest, Harry had thought very little of this.

"I thought I'd get a flat in Hogsmeade. Then, if I was needed, I could just hop on over here."

Harry noticed the twinkle returning into Dumbledore's eyes.

"Harry, we have a proposition."

"I'm listening."

"We, I, would like you to stay at Hogwarts while you're here."

"That's great! I'd love to!"

"But-"

"There's always a but..."

The headmaster cleared his throat. "But, we'd like you to return back to school. Have you studied at all while you were away?"

"What did you people think I was doing while I was away? Twiddling my thumbs in an unprotected house and looking out the window waiting for Voldemort to come get me?" Harry was getting just a little peeved at everyone thinking he was a lazy bum.

"Fine then. You can take continue your classes with the seventh year Gryffindors. You may have your own room, since you've been staying by yourself for the past year and a half, but I will expect you to put a full effort into you class work."

"Yes sir."

"Here is your time table. Sirius will take you to your room."

Harry nodded and he followed his godfather out the door.

As they walked out into the hallway, Harry was deep in thought. He was happy about being back at Hogwarts, but he knew that as soon as the whole ordeal was over with Voldemort, he would want to go back to leave again. How would everyone react to him then? He decided to just forget about that now and act in the present. Harry was also quite nervous about being alone with Sirius. This was the first time he was alone with his godfather since the day at his house.

"I'm glad your back, Harry"

"I'm didn't come back for you, I came back for Hogwarts. As soon as all this is over, I'll be going back to my normal life."

"Well, say what you want, I missed you. I'm glad your back, even if it is for just now."

Finally, Harry found a portrait of a dragon in front of him.

"The password is Mayfly Wings." And as the password was said, a breath of fire came from the dragon's mouth and the portrait flew open.

When Harry walked in the door, he saw found his new living quarters for the next few weeks. It wasn't huge, but it was, well, comfy. There was a beautiful four-poster bed along with a desk, a wardrobe, and a fireplace. Yes, this would do.

"I'll let you get settled in then," Sirius said, then he walked out the door.

Harry started taking all of the tiny boxes out of his robe pockets. One by one, he started to unshrink them. After he felt like he had unpacked all he needed, he sat down and cleared his thoughts. For about six months now, he had been meditating. There was something relaxing about being able to clear your mind of everything and feel a peace in your head. It was almost as calming as his fly-fishing. Almost.

After an hour of sitting there, he decided to do a few last few minute things, then go to bed. He walked over to his wardrobe, pulled out his blue-stripped pajamas and changed into them. Then he went over to his bed and laid down. As soon as his head hit the pillow, there was a knocking at his door.

'Can't they just leave me alone?' he thought.

"Who is it?"

"Hermione."

Harry started thinking. 'How did she know where I was? Dumbledore must have told her. Still, something isn't right.'

"What do you want?"

"Harry, can we talk?"

'Oh well,' he thought, and he walked over to the door and pulled it open.

As Hermione came into view, he noticed someone else was there too. Snape was standing with his wand to Hermione's head. Hermione looked a little less than happy about this whole situation, but the professor had a huge grin on his face.

"Hello, Potter. It's time for one of those surprise lessons you were so insistent on. Lesson one. Never be fooled by the familiar."

Harry was angered quite a bit by this whole situation. He was tired and he didn't like it when people came around threatening him and people he knew. He decided maybe it was time to teach the professor a lesson.

"Hermione, do you have your wand on you?"

"No. He took it from me."

"Well professor, it looks like I have several options. First option, I could give up and prove to you that this is not too personal. Secondly, I could disarm you before you have a chance to utter a spell. Third, I could put a simple barrier around Hermione, then you wouldn't be able to touch her. Or-."

At this point he quickly pulled Hermione through the door. When she entered, Snape to grab her back. As soon as he tried to cross the threshold, he was immediately thrown onto the floor.

"-Or I could have already have place protection spells around the room before you got here. I like the last one the best. I got to see you fall on you butt.." Harry couldn't help but laugh.

"Professor, may I please have my wand back?" Hermione asked, trying to stifle a laugh as well.

Snape stuck out the wand with irritation and Harry claimed it, then put it in the box that he had already put next to the door.

As the Professor stood up, he looked angrily at Harry then with the phrase "Potter, this means war!" he turned and walked away.

To be continued....

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