Harry Potter and the return of the Dementors

Harry Potter and the return of the Dementors (8/?)

---------------------- Chapter 8 ----------------------

Harry awoke the next morning to the soft, calming sound of birdsong and the morning sun streaming through his window. Putting his glasses on, Harry looked out on a new day, hoping that it would be less eventful than the last two. However, the rattling of his doorknob brought Harry back to reality, and he knew, deep down, that his life would never be normal, and while Voldemort was still at large, it would never be uneventful either. Sometimes, Harry thought that his pre-Hogwarts life, miserable though it was, was better than the present - at least he was safe, and life was predictable. Thinking further on the matter, Harry realised that even then, Voldemort would have probably have come for him sooner or later, and he wouldn't have had a chance. Harry also realised that had he stayed in that Muggle life, he would have missed everything and everyone he had ever cared for...until this year anyway. That, in Harry's mind, was worth everything he had, and would go through, even if he did find it hard to survive every year, this one included. Harry knew that he had seen good and bad things in his life, and he had to take that in his stride, even though the bad things Harry had seen were decidedly worse than those most fifteen year old boys had ever imagined.

Still sitting in his bed, Harry looked around at who was entering his room. It turned out that it was Aunt Petunia. Although Harry knew that Aunt Petunia wasn't as bad as he once thought, he still wasn't totally at ease around her, just yet. Harry, although maintaining a facade of calm, curled his legs up to his chest and drew the blankets on his bed up to his neck, like a robe. Aunt Petunia walked up to Harry and sat down next to him on his bed, something that she had never done before. Aunt Petunia gently put her hand on the lump of blankets that covered Harry.

"Sleep well, Harry?" Aunt Petunia asked gently.

"Yes, I did, thanks," Harry replied simply. In fact, Harry didn't have a good night's sleep, the recurring nightmare about Cedric having come back to haunt him again. Harry decided that Aunt Petunia didn't need to know about that, though, not just yet anyway. Aunt Petunia, however, knew better. She had heard Harry breathing quickly and heavily the night before, a sure sign he wasn't sleeping well. Also, looking in Harry's eyes, Aunt Petunia could see that Harry wasn't being totally honest with her.

"Actually, you didn't, but if you don't want to talk about it, that's fine," Aunt Petunia said sympathetically. At this, Harry nodded gratefully, thanking Aunt Petunia silently while signalling to her that he indeed did not want to talk about his dream last night. Aunt Petunia accepted this as an answer, and didn't press the issue. Instead, she did something that Harry didn't expect... for the first time, she gave Harry a present which she hoped he would like.

"Harry, this is for you," Aunt Petunia said simply, pressing a small, soft parcel underneath Harry's chin, his hands having been buried when he had drawn the blankets around himself earlier. Aunt Petunia chuckled at the look of surprise and shock on Harry's face, which then settled into a smile.

"Thank you, Aunt Petunia," Harry replied, extracting his hands from under the blankets and plucking the parcel from under his chin. However, as it wasn't his birthday, Christmas or even Halloween, Harry was confused about why Aunt Petunia had given him his present. Harry's confusion, like many of his emotions, could be seen plainly on his face.

"It's just my way of saying sorry for, well, the way I've treated you since you came into my care," Aunt Petunia explained.

Harry smiled, and began to unwrap the parcel. After he had untied the ribbon holding it together, an emerald green scarf flowed onto the bed. On one end of the scarf was a golden sun. On the other end, a white moon. The green was an exact match with Harry's eyes.

"Thank you, Aunt Petunia," Harry repeated. "as for the apology..." at this, Aunt Petunia looked at Harry, "don't worry about it, that's fine."

It was now Aunt Petunia's turn to be surprised. She had been forgiven so quickly and easily, as if nothing had occurred between them.

"But what about..." Aunt Petunia started, still in shock about what Harry had just said.

Harry shrugged his shoulders. "No permanent harm done, I think," Harry said flippantly. Harry draped the scarf over his neck happily, obviously taking a liking to the first item of clothing that Aunt Petunia had given him which actually fit. Aunt Petunia, meanwhile, looked into eyes that could have belonged to her sister.

"Is there anything you want to talk about?" Aunt Petunia asked Harry, having heard from Sirius about what had happened last year, and, more recently, yesterday.

"No, not really," Harry replied.

"Whatever makes you happy. If you ever feel the need, just ask," Aunt Petunia offered.

"Thank you," Harry replied softly. Harry's attention, however, was attracted to a soft glow being emitted by his scarf. Looking down at the scarf, Harry noticed that the sun at one end of the scarf was glowing dimly. Harry looked curiously at Aunt Petunia.

"Oh. I was going to give you the scarf after I made it, but Sirius thought it would be a nice touch if he enchanted it first," Aunt Petunia explained the glow.

Harry looked at the scarf again, happily. "What does the enchantment do?" Harry asked.

"Basically, the scarf shows your current mood. The sun glows when you're happy, the moon when you're not. I'm not too sure how it works, though - you'll have to ask Sirius that. As the sun is glowing at the moment, I guess that you like it," Aunt Petunia explained.

Harry smiled at Aunt Petunia, his face showing more than anything he could possibly say. Meanwhile, the sun on the scarf grew brighter.

"You know, people are always discussing ways and methods to keep their fifteen year old boys and girls quiet. I think I've got the opposite problem - I can never get you to speak," Aunt Petunia said simply, actually sounding a bit like Professor McGonagall.

"Is that really a problem?" Harry asked Aunt Petunia.

"Well, not really, but it means that I've done either a very good job or a very bad job of raising you. I'm pretty sure I know which one that was," Aunt Petunia said.

"Hmmm?" Harry offered.

Aunt Petunia rolled her eyes and sighed. "You're a hopeless case, Harry. I suppose that you're never going to string more than ten words together in one sentence, are you?"

"That comes from growing up in a cupboard, I suppose," Harry said simply.

Aunt Petunia thought hard for a moment, then sighed. "I thought I just witnessed history, but alas, only ten words. As for the cupboard," Aunt Petunia grimaced, "that was Vernon's personal touch. I suppose you're glad that he's not here."

Harry nodded. Harry may have forgiven Aunt Petunia for what she had done in his childhood, but he knew that he would have found it extremely hard to forgive Uncle Vernon, if that were possible at all. The only memories that Harry had of Uncle Vernon were bad, and he could only remember Uncle Vernon talking to him to either abuse him or grunt at him to do something. It was Uncle Vernon that had locked Harry in his room before his second year at Hogwarts, and in the cupboard last holidays. It was Uncle Vernon who had cut Harry off from all his friends in the holidays, and not allowed Harry to do any schoolwork. And, Harry remembered, it was Uncle Vernon who had tried to deprive him of his Hogwarts letter. Harry didn't want to imagine what would have happened should he have succeeded.

"Don't worry, Vernon's not going to bother you anymore - not anytime soon anyway," Aunt Petunia said comfortingly.

"Really?" Harry asked doubtfully.

"Yes, Harry, really. As your only remaining family, we were legally your guardians, and we had to take care of you. What happened last holidays was the final straw, both for Sirius and myself. Vernon's in prison for child abuse now, so you don't have to worry about him anymore, OK?" Aunt Petunia explained.    

Harry sighed, having finally received closure on a miserable part of his life. Harry once thought that Aunt Petunia also would have preferred him to be somewhere else, but she seemed to have changed her mind about him. Harry decided that he would give Aunt Petunia another chance. However, the bond between them was young and weak, and if it was ever broken, Harry knew that he would never be able to bring himself to trust Aunt Petunia ever again. Aunt Petunia suspected that Harry was thinking about her own involvement in his home life - he had forgiven her, but forgetting, and thus trust, would take a long time.

"Harry, I hope that you trust me when I say this, but even though I haven't been anywhere close to a mother-substitute in the past, I've never wanted you dead. In the past, actually, I've been more scared of you rather than disliking you," Aunt Petunia admitted.

"You were scared of me?" Harry asked in disbelief. "More like the other way around!" Harry added.

Aunt Petunia looked at Harry critically. "I've really got to feed you more," she said simply, standing up. Harry looked at Aunt Petunia curiously.

"How does breakfast sound to you?" Aunt Petunia asked.

Harry climbed out of bed, and after he had pulled some socks on, both he and Aunt Petunia went to the kitchen to get breakfast.

Harry and Aunt Petunia were half-way through toast before Sirius poked his head through the tent flap and looked around.

"Come in, Sirius," Aunt Petunia said quickly, having seen this.

The first thing Sirius noticed when he walked into the tent was the fact that Harry and Aunt Petunia were eating breakfast with each other, and seemed to be getting along fine. Sirius could not believe that it was only yesterday when the two were extremely uncomfortable in the same situation. 'Things change so much in one day,' Sirius thought.

"Thanks for the scarf, Sirius!" Harry said brightly.

Sirius looked at the scarf, which was still sitting on Harry's neck. At the end, the sun shone. "I'm glad you like it," Sirius replied. Sirius could see that the scarf was working as well. Harry's face and general behaviour was at least as accurate as the scarf when judging his mood, and Harry looked happy. Harry's good mood must have been contagious, as Sirius started smiling as well.

Before long, both Harry and Aunt Petunia had finished breakfast, and for the first time, Harry, Aunt Petunia and Sirius walked together through Hogsmeade. If Harry wasn't already so well known to the residents of the town, they might have assumed that the group was a small family. The group strolled towards the tents erected for the Hogwarts students and staff that elected to stay, despite the fall of Hogwarts. Harry looked out for either Hermione or Ron, while Sirius talked to some of the staff. It turned out that Hermione saw Harry first, and so Harry, Sirius and Aunt Petunia headed towards where she was standing with Ron and Professor Dumbledore.

"Come join us!" Professor Dumbledore exclaimed when he saw Harry, Sirius and Aunt Petunia approaching. After the two groups had merged into one larger group, Hermione asked, "Um...Harry, why is your scarf glowing?"

Harry looked down at the scarf, and the sun on the end was still glowing as it was in the morning.

"Apparently, the sun at the end of this scarf glows when I'm happy, and the moon on the other end glows when I'm not," Harry looked at the scarf again, before adding, "I guess that I'm happy, then."

Hermione and Ron started laughing at this, and even Professor Dumbledore chuckled slightly.

"I think you're meant to know whether you're happy or not without having to check the scarf, Harry," Ron said, recovering from laughter.

"Where did you get the scarf from, Harry? I've never seen it before," Hermione asked.

"Aunt Petunia made it - and Sirius enchanted it," Harry replied.

"I was going to try and make the scarf talk as well, but then Harry probably wouldn't have appreciated his scarf talking more than him!" Sirius exclaimed.

Harry looked at Sirius, going slightly red.

"Well, what do you have to say in your defense, Harry?" Dumbledore asked, looking more than slightly bemused. Harry shot a look at Professor Dumbledore that suggested that he didn't know what to say.

"Er...I don't know," Harry replied.

Professor Dumbledore smiled at Harry. "Sometimes, Harry, it is better to be silent than be heard. If one does not speak often, it suggests that when they do eventually speak, they have something to say. Some people speak purely under fear of rejection from their peers, and not to get a point across to them. You, on the other hand, have a way of getting your point across when you need to, sometimes without speaking. The fact that you do not feel the urge to be heard is not a measure of your own self, but a measure of the respect in which you hold your friends, and the respect in which they hold you."

There was a short silence after these words, which was finally broken by Ron saying something to Hermione which Harry couldn't hear. At almost the same time, Aunt Petunia turned to Sirius and Dumbledore and asked,

"Is there some sort of magical way you can stop nightmares?" pointedly looking at Harry as she said this.

"Yes...there are potions which induce dreamless sleep, but usually, it is better to let the dreams be. Sometimes, they prove to be important," Dumbledore replied, also stealing a glance at Harry as he said this. Sirius' hand fell on Harry's shoulder.

"Harry," Sirius said seriously, "I thought I said for you to tell someone if you have any nightmares."

Harry shook his head slowly. "No, this wasn't one of...those nightmares," he said softly, emphasising on the word 'those'.

"Oh, I see," Sirius said softly. Hermione walked over to Harry, Ron at her side.

"Harry, we've only really been here on Hogsmeade weekends, and we didn't really have that much time here then. I thought it would be nice if we rented one of those little boats by the pier and just drifted around on the river for a bit. I've always been curious as to what is on the other side as well," Hermione suggested.

Harry thought for a while, and replied, "Why not?"

Sirius, Aunt Petunia and Professor Dumbledore decided, however, that they would rather stay and talk for a while, and maybe meet the Gryffindor trio for lunch. At that, Harry, Hermione and Ron walked down to the pier slowly. On their trip towards the pier, Harry couldn't help noticing that Hermione and Ron were exchanging glances, as though having a silent argument. From the way that they were looking at him as well, Harry assumed that this had something to do with him. However, Harry knew that if they wished, he would find out soon enough anyway, and so decided not to interfere.

After paying the man at the pier two Galleons for the rental of the boat, Harry, Hermione and Ron drifted slowly in the boat towards the middle of the river. Harry was sitting in the middle of the boat, with Hermione at the front, and Ron at the back, steering with the rudder. The boat seemed to move without any external propulsion, even though there was a lever to make the boat quicker or slower. Hermione supposed, aloud, that the boat was powered by some sort of spell.

Ron stopped the boat in the middle of the river and it stood there, at rest, bobbing up and down with the small waves. After the boat had stopped, Hermione reached over from behind Harry and pulled him towards her.

"Hermione!" Harry gasped as both Hermione's hands closed in on the quite sensitive region between his ribs and his hips. Harry felt himself being pulled backwards, towards Hermione.

It was easier than Hermione had expected, Harry, recovering from the shock of being suddenly grabbed and pulled offering little resistance to her gentle, but firm tugs backwards. Before long, Harry was sitting, quite embarrasingly for him, on Hermione's lap. When Harry tried to get off, Hermione held him still and said softly, "No...just stay there for a little while, OK?"

Harry noticed Ron stifling a laugh as Harry looked for a way of escape, unsuccessfully.

"Exactly what do you find so find so funny?" Harry asked, still looking for a way to move himself from his current position.

"Nothing...it's just...the look on your face! I'd reckon you'd rather be overboard than where you are at the moment!" Ron exclaimed, between laughs.

"Am I that bad, Harry?" Hermione asked indignantly.

"Actually, Ron, overboard is the absolute last place I would want to be at the moment, or at any time, in fact," Harry replied simply.

"What do you reckon, Hermione? Shall we?" Ron mischeviously asked, grabbing hold of Harry's ankles. Harry held on to the side of the boat tightly. Truth was, Harry couldn't swim - swimming was a skill that was usually learnt at childhood, and...you couldn't learn to swim in a cupboard.

"Well...if Harry dislikes my company that much..." Hermione started, tightening her grip on Harry.

"I think that throwing me overboard would be a VERY bad idea, you two..." Harry started nervously.

"Why's that?" Hermione countered, shuffling closer to the edge of the boat, and consequently taking Harry with her.

"Ha!" Ron exclaimed triumphantly. "Do we have the great Harry Potter quaking in fear?" Harry rolled his eyes upwards at the 'great Harry Potter' comment.

"Er...actually, yes, you do," Harry replied, the edge of nervousness still in his voice.

"Who would have thought...after all the daredevil things Harry does on his broom, he's scared of water?" Hermione mumbled to herself. Hermione loosely draped her arms around Harry, in a kind of gentle hug. Hermione mumbled slightly too loud, because Harry heard her.

"Well, actually, it's not exactly water that's the problem," Harry said. "but if you two decided to throw me overboard, then...I suppose that it's been nice knowing you."

"Whaa...? I mean...it's not as if you can't swim, or how on earth did you get me from the bottom of the lake last year?" Ron asked.

"I don't carry Gillyweed around in my pockets, Ron," Harry replied.

"What's Gillyweed?" Ron asked again.

"I've read something about Gillyweed in a Herbology text," Hermione said. "It lets you breathe under water when you eat it, right?"

"Yeah, you grow gills when you eat it. It wears off, after a while," Harry stated, remembering the second task last year.

"Why would you want to carry Gillyweed around with you, then?" Ron asked, not quite grasping Harry's point just yet. Ron realised just then that he hadn't really known how Harry had reached him at the bottom of the lake.

"So I can breathe when I sink like a rock after you throw me overboard," Harry explained.

"Oh," Ron said softly. "maybe throwing you overboard isn't a very good idea, then."

"I shouldn't think so," Harry replied, relieved when Ron let go of his legs. Harry looked at Ron, who was giving Hermione a questioning look. Evidently, something was up.

"I don't think this is a good idea, Hermione, maybe it's just a little bit early," Ron said cryptically, so that Harry couldn't understand what he was talking about.

"No, I think it's about time. It will make things easier on him in the long run," Hermione replied.

"Really?" Ron asked doubtfully. "Look, he's perfectly happy now. There's no reason to bring all THAT up again now is there?"

Harry began to grasp that he was the subject of this discussion. Obviously, Ron and Hermione were still worried about him, something Harry wished to avoid if at all possible. Unhappy at this situation, Harry didn't realise that the sun at the end of his scarf had stopped glowing, replaced by a gentle glow from the moon on the other side.

"Uh oh..." Ron started, noticing the moon on Harry's scarf starting to glow. Both Harry and Hermione looked at Ron as he said this.

"Don't worry, it's nothing," Ron corrected.

Harry sighed. "You two...what's wrong? I've noticed you shooting glances at me and each other all day."

Hermione answered. "Harry, you can't keep everything to yourself all the time. We...Ron and I that is, have tried to help you through this year. We know something terrible happened after the third task last year. But we don't know terribly much about what that was - only small bits of the story. Bits about Voldemort somehow getting reborn, and you dueling with him. But that's all. We don't know anything else - and we can't help you without knowing."

Harry was silent for a while. Finally, he asked, "You really want to know?"

Ron nodded as an answer, while Hermione, out of Harry's vision, replied quietly in the affirmative, while gradually tightening her grip around Harry.

After another short period of silence, Harry admitted, "I don't know where to begin."

"That, we can help you with," Hermione said gently. Looking at Ron, Hermione asked, "Ron, can I have the Omniculars?"

Ron fished around in his robes, and extracted the pair of Omniculars that Harry had bought for him at the beginning of last year. That seemed so far away now. Hermione took the Omniculars, which Harry noted were put on 'Pause' and putting them to her eyes, triggered 'Rewind' until she was satisfied. Then, taking out her wand, Hermione performed a charm on the Omniculars so that what could be seen within them was projected onto the bottom of the boat, in front of Harry. As soon as Harry saw what was stored in the Omniculars, tears welled, unwillingly, in Harry's eyes. For in front of him was a still image of Cedric and himself running into the maze. Cedric, of course, would not come out alive. Hermione hit 'Play' on the Omniculars, and the picture, like a movie, began to move. The omniculars zoomed in on Harry as he ran around the maze. For Harry, as he told his version of the story, everything was replayed in vivid detail, whereas before, his experience in the maze was just a blur.

Finally, the Omniculars reached the point which Harry was dreading. Harry could see himself standing next to the stunned spider, trying to convince Cedric to take the cup. Harry didn't say much, all three in the boat watching as Harry and Cedric approached the cup together, and after touching it, disappearing. Cedric would not be seen alive again.

"What happened next, Harry?" Hermione asked, thumbing the 'Stop' button on the Omniculars.

Harry continued the story in a soft voice, choking back tears which had welled in his eyes with the memory of Cedric. Harry had replayed this in his mind countless times after the event, especially when he had been locked away, by himself, in the cupboard under the stairs. This was, however, the first time he had recalled it aloud in an ordered manner. Harry recounted Voldemort's words before Cedric was killed with bitterness.

"...'Kill the spare!' Those were Voldemort's words before Cedric died. And...I didn't even move to warn Cedric. I just...watched," Harry said, believing that he had blown his only chance to save Cedric at that time. Harry moved onto his being tied to the gravestone, and Voldemort's rebirth from the potion. Hermione gave a small gasp as Harry recalled how Wormtail had given Voldemort his hand for the potion, and almost cried when Harry showed her the scar that Wormtail had made with the knife, Harry's blood completing the potion. Hermione hugged Harry tightly as he recounted the pain of the Cruciatus curse, and the subsequent duel with Voldemort. After Harry explained how the wands connected and his parents came out of the end of Voldemort's wand in the Priori Incantatem, he finished up by recounting his escape with the Portkey, bringing Cedric's body back to Hogwarts. The story having been completed, Harry slumped in Hermione's arms, and the boat descended into silence.

Eventually, it was Ron who broke the silence. "Harry, are you OK?" Ron asked simply.

"Yeah, I'm fine," Harry replied, meeting Ron's gaze.

Harry stood up in the boat, stretching to relieve the tension. As Harry stood, Hermione reluctantly let go of the boy she now knew had somehow survived through all three Unforgivable curses, most probably the only person who had ever done so. Harry was, to Hermione anyway, one of life's little mysteries. Hermione thought this aloud, talking to herself, but both Harry and Ron both heard her.

"Harry? One of life's little mysteries?" Ron asked Hermione thoughtfully. Then, answering himself, Ron added. "Well, I suppose it fits, really."

"Er...it fits?" Harry offered as a question and a response at the same time.

"Sure it does, Harry," Hermione responded. "You're little, mysterious, and most importantly, alive," Ron laughed as Harry blushed at this comment.

"I really have to thank you two for that...and everything else," Harry replied, slightly abashed.

"Even for what just happened?" Ron asked nervously.

Harry sighed and sat down. "Yeah, even for that. I really needed to tell someone, somebody who I knew wanted to know and listen, but...I didn't know who to turn to. I really do owe a lot to you two - I don't know where I'd be without you," Harry said.

"You've repaid that many times over in kind, Harry. I don't know where I'd be if I didn't know you either, Harry," Hermione responded kindly.

"Probably living a much less stressful life, actually," Harry replied.

"Probably," Hermione agreed. "but it's been worth it, just knowing you. You know, I don't think many people do."

"Um...Much as I hate to say this, Hermione, but I DO believe that a good many people know me," Harry said, rolling his eyes skywards. "Anyone's welcome to taking my place as celebrity. I'd willingly drink Polyjuice for the rest of my life to swap places with either of you."

"No, that's not what I meant. Many people know who you are, but very few know you as a person. I'm not even sure if I qualify. As for taking your place, I don't think so," Hermione responded.

"I may envy you sometimes, Harry, but I can sincerely say that I do not want to take your place. Knowing you has made me realise how lucky I am, just having a family, or at least relatives who actually care. I wouldn't give all of that up, not for all the gold in Gringotts," Ron added. What both Hermione and Ron knew, but did not say, was that Harry's life was filled with misery, and surely more would follow.

Harry was busy replaying Hermione's words in his mind. '...very few know you as a person. I'm not even sure if I qualify,' she had said, just before. Hermione was one of Harry's closest friends, and if she didn't know him as a person, Harry wasn't sure if anyone did at all. Harry looked around at Hermione, who was still sitting behind him. Hermione looked Harry in the eye, and saw a look there that she couldn't readily identify. It seemed to Hermione that there were multiple emotions there this time. Confusion, but there was something else.

"Is something bothering you, Harry?" Hermione asked, still trying to figure out the look on Harry's face.

"It's nothing really, just thinking about what you said before," Harry replied. Harry had tried to sound confident, as if Hermione's words hadn't really bothered him, but his voice gave him away. From the sound of Harry's voice, Hermione knew that she had unintentionally touched on some sensitive region in Harry's psyche. Hermione made a mental note not to do it again.

"Oh Harry...you may be a mystery to me sometimes, but I know you well enough, I suppose," Hermione replied, trying to repair the damage she had caused earlier.

"Well enough?" Harry asked.

"Enough to make us good friends, anyway," Hermione answered, embracing Harry in another hug.

"You like doing that, don't you?" Harry asked Hermione.

"Well...I don't know...it kind of makes you feel more human to me, more real somehow. I don't know why. Anyway, the look I see on your face when I hug you makes it all worthwhile," Hermione explained.

"How's that?" Harry replied.

"You really should smile more often. Anyhow, I believe that you like it as well," Hermione accused.

"It can be a bit embarrassing sometimes, but no...I suppose I can't really complain," Harry admitted.

After a short period of silence, Harry asked playfully, "Human enough for you, Hermione?"

"Oh, definitely," Hermione responded gently.

Suddenly, for no apparent reason, Ron started laughing.

"What's so funny?" Hermione asked.

"Well, this image just popped into my head of a little...well...littler Harry with his nose buried in Hogwarts: A History," Ron explained.

"Ron, I think it's a bit early to start thinking about that!" Hermione countered, realising what Ron was suggesting.

"Definitely," Harry added. However, the image was in their minds as well, and it was funny in its own way.

"Well then, I suppose that you two won't have any trouble finding a partner for the Halloween ball, at the least," Ron said.

"Halloween ball?" Harry asked, remembering the last ball with very little fondness.

"Yes, Harry a ball, and by that I don't mean those things you play Quidditch with," Hermione said in a tone that, disturbingly, reminded Harry slightly of Professor Snape.

"You two are so going with each other," Ron said, looking at Hermione and Harry.

"We are?" Harry asked, seemingly generally.

It had always astounded Hermione how Harry had always been able to do so much with very few words. With those two words, Harry had somehow managed to ask her to the ball, while questioning Ron's comment, which Hermione thought was just a little presumptuous. Or maybe not so presumptuous, as Hermione had no intention of declining the offer made from one of her closest friends.

"If you want to," Hermione responded in a playful voice. Hermione watched as Harry pondered whether her response was an acceptance or a rejection, and formulated his next response. When Harry had finally finished thinking, and looked up at Hermione, she could see from Harry's face what he was going to say.

"Oh...OK then..." Harry agreed in a soft voice.

Hermione reached out and ruffled Harry's hair, which, like any genuine show of support or affection, caused him to smile. Before taking her hand away, Hermione slowly and deliberately traced her finger lightly down the length of the scar on Harry's forehead, an action which completely confused him. Harry confirmed this when he looked up at both Hermione and Ron with a completely confused expression on his face. This caused both Hermione and Ron to start laughing.

"Confused enough, Harry?" Hermione asked in an amused kind of voice.

"From the expression on his face, I'll say so," Ron added, holding back laughter long enough to complete his sentence.

Hermione had always liked to tease Harry, whose general good nature meant that teasing him was less likely to explode in your face than more volatile characters, like Ron. Harry always seemed to take it well, as well, but then again, with Harry, you never really knew. Although unwilling to test the limits of Harry's tolerance, Hermione knew that you could probably get away with most things without Harry getting too upset, unless your name happened to be Malfoy, which was a different story altogether.

"Why on earth did you do that anyway?" Ron asked Hermione.

"Oh, no reason in particular," Hermione replied. "I'm sure there's a brain in there somewhere," Hermione teased.

"My marks aren't that bad..." Harry started.

"Actually, they're quite good, considering the amount of extra-curricular activities you seem to get involved in every year," Hermione agreed.

"You mean we, I believe," Harry corrected Hermione, a wry smile on his face.

"True, if you exclude last year," Hermione countered.

Hermione looked at the Hogsmeade side of the river, and saw many people milling around along the river, most whom she didn't recognise, but some who she did. Hermione saw Tim with a friendly-looking woman who Hermione assumed was his aunt. Tim was waving to a group of the remaining Gryffindors, Neville amongst them. When Tim looked in their direction, Hermione nudged Harry and Ron, and all three waved at Tim from the river.

"My aunt's taking me home for a while! I'll be back soon!" Tim shouted at them.

"Have a good time!" Ron shouted back, moving the boat closer to the shore. However, before Ron, Harry and Hermione got much closer, Tim's aunt called Tim over and they held what Harry suspected must be a Portkey. Harry's suspicions were confirmed when Tim's aunt, Tim and both their trunks disappeared.

Looking at Tim made Hermione think back to when she, Harry and Ron were in their first year at Hogwarts. The Gryffindor trio had already passed the half-way mark through Hogwarts, times which she remembered with great fondness. Dangerous as they were, Hermione knew that these years would stay with her for the rest of her life. Having stumbled upon and survived many encounters with various magical creatures, Hermione knew that they were now facing the most formidable foe of all - evil. Which was not to say that the other creatures weren't dangerous, Hermione remembering that she most likely would have been puree on the end of a troll's club if not for Harry's timely appearance and... well... selfless stupidity. There was no other way Hermione could think of Harry's jumping onto the back of the troll and the subsequent result of his wand becoming inserted in the troll's nose, even if it DID, combined along with some wandwork from Ron and some good fortune, save her life.

After the trio had drifted around on the river for a while longer, Ron steered the boat back towards the pier where they had rented it. On the way back to the pier, Ron, Hermione and Harry saw that Sirius, Aunt Petunia and Dumbledore had been joined by Ron's mother. Harry, Hermione and Ron waved furiously as they drifted past, shouting their greetings across the river. After mooring the boat back at the pier, the trio hurried back to the place where they had seen Sirius, Aunt Petunia, Dumbledore and Mrs Weasley.

As soon as the three had joined the group, Mrs Weasley embraced Ron in a tight hug, soliciting a "Gerrof Mum!" from Ron. Mrs Weasley complied, albeit reluctantly.

"How are you, dear?" Mrs Weasley asked Ron.

"I'm OK, Mum," Ron replied before adding, "when did you get here?"

"Oh, only very recently, Ron. With all the happenings going on, Percy and your father have been working hard at the ministry, moving place to place, so I was getting rather lonely at the Burrow. So I decided to come and visit and make sure everyone was OK. I haven't found Bill yet, and Charlie's coming back from Romania sometime this week, but Ginny, Fred and George seem to be OK, and so do you, now it seems," Mrs Weasley gave as a rather lengthy reply.

"Stayed out of trouble this year?" Mrs Weasley added.

"Yes, I have," Ron replied.

"That's nice for a change. I'm always worried sick about you three. Always in some kind of trouble," Mrs Weasley responded.

"Hermione, you've grown since the last time I saw you! How are you, dear?" Mrs Weasley asked.

"I'm fine, thanks," Hermione responded. "And how are you?" Hermione asked Mrs Weasley.

"Oh, I'm perfectly well, thanks," Mrs Weasley replied, before turning to Harry, casting a critical eye over him.

"Well...I can't say you've really grown since the last time I saw you...but how are you anyway, Harry dear?"

Harry felt himself going slightly red as he politely replied "I'm fine, thank you, Mrs Weasley." The look that Mrs Weasley gave Harry after he said this read clearly 'Are you sure?' Harry smiled as a positive response to the inquiring look.

Hermione thought that Mrs Weasley had inadvertedly struck on a point, though. Harry had, to his great disgust, quite a large reputation to live up to. Harry's actions in the last four years had only added to that reputation, and people who didn't know Harry probably expected a large, well built fifteen year old. However, when confronted with the much smaller and quite shy reality, people didn't quite believe it straight away, feeling obliged to double check by looking for the scar on Harry's forehead, which was usually partially hidden under his fringe. Hermione thought that if Harry was going to grow at all, his body was leaving it quite late.

"Harry, while you were gone, we had a talk, and we decided that it would probably be best if you went away from Hogsmeade for a while, to somewhere which is probably much safer," Sirius said.

Harry thought about this for a while, before replying, "Where?"

"Little Whinging, Harry. Back to Privet Drive where you are further away from Voldemort and have better protection than you have here," Sirius explained.

"But...but I'm perfectly fine here!" Harry protested.

"I thought so as well, but your little...episode yesterday had me thinking that you might be safer at Privet Drive," Sirius said, with a tone that clearly said to Harry that it would be of little use to argue.

"When?" Harry asked, clearly unhappy at the prospect of having to leave Hogsmeade, and with it, Ron and Hermione behind when he left for Privet Drive. Harry sounded disappointed, and looked it as well. Adding further confirmation as to Harry's frame of mind, the moon glowed softly on the end of Harry's scarf.

"It's for your own good, Harry," Sirius started. "I know you probably don't really want to go, but..."

"I don't have a choice in this, do I?" Harry asked sombrely.

"Not unless you have a good reason to stay," Sirius replied.

"So when do I go?" Harry asked again.

"Well, as soon as possible, really. I don't really want you in danger any longer than you have to be," Sirius responded seriously.

Dumbledore was strangely quiet during this exchange, seemingly deep in thought. Harry knew that he probably had a hand in the discussion before which had decided that he should leave Hogsmeade and head to Privet Drive, but his silence was disturbing, nonetheless. Harry hoped that he would say something, as he found Dumbledore's voice comforting.

Eventually, after a period of silence, Dumbledore did speak. "Harry," Dumbledore started. "you must have reasons of your own for wanting to stay, which you clearly do. So why don't you want to go?" Dumbledore asked.

Harry looked at Dumbledore, whose face suggested that he already knew the answer to the question which he had just asked.

"Um...er..." Harry started nervously, feeling multiple stares on him at that moment. Harry glanced around at Ron and then Hermione, who were both looking at him as well, waiting for his answer.

"Ah..." Dumbledore said wisely. "I see. Would it perhaps make you less unhappy should Miss Granger accompany you to Little Whinging, if she wishes, and, of course, if your Aunt allows?" Dumbledore suggested, asking three questions at once.

"Well, it's OK with me," Aunt Petunia replied.

"Well, as long as it's fine with Mrs Dursley, I'd love to," Hermione replied.

"It's fine, dear. You're perfectly welcome to come and stay if you wish. I'm sure Harry would appreciate the company," Aunt Petunia confirmed.

"Thank you, Mrs Dursley," Hermione said.

A small smile escaped Harry's face, which was seen by all. Harry still wished that he didn't have to leave Hogsmeade for Privet Drive, but with Hermione also coming along, the stay at Little Whinging would be at least bearable with some familiar company.

"I thought so," Dumbledore concluded. "So that's settled then."

"I believe so," Sirius agreed.

Harry and Hermione knew that they would have to leave Ron behind with his family in Hogsmeade, but Hermione knew when she made her decision that Ron would at least have some company here at Hogsmeade, where Harry would have had none at Privet Drive should she have stayed. Ron would be staying in Hogsmeade, as Bill was working as an Auror there and Charlie was also coming to Hogsmeade soon. Perhaps they would go back to the Burrow after Charlie's arrival. Harry was glad for the company, but suspected that he would miss Ron at Privet Drive. They would, of course, owl each other, but it wasn't the same as being there in person.

Ron knew, as well, that it would be unfair on the rest of his family if he should leave Hogsmeade, especially now that his mother was here, and Charlie would be here soon. He didn't blame Harry for leaving, of course, as he had no real choice in the matter, and he understood Sirius' point of view - he was Harry's godfather after all. Ron also understood Hermione's decision to go with Harry, even if he wasn't too happy about both his best friends leaving, as Harry probably needed the company more than himself.

"Are you coming, too?" Harry asked Sirius.

"I'll visit, I promise. But my place is here, where I can do the most good," Sirius replied in the negative.

Harry and Hermione were in no hurry to leave, but after lunch, Aunt Petunia decided that it would probably be best if those who were leaving packed for their journey, and so Harry, Aunt Petunia and Hermione left the group after bidding their farewells. Harry promised that he would owl Ron as soon as he arrived. Halfway to Harry and Aunt Petunia's tent, after arranging to meet at that place when they had packed, Hermione left for the tent where she was staying to pack her belongings as well.

Packing didn't take long for Harry or Aunt Petunia, since they both did not have many possessions to pack in the first place. After packing, Harry looked around his room to make sure he hadn't forgotten anything, finally putting Hedwig in her cage and walking out the door of his tent for what he suspected might be the last time. Moments later, Aunt Petunia emerged from the tent pulling her trunk behind her on a trolley. Together, they walked towards the place where they had agreed to meed Hermione.

"Why so sad, Harry?" Aunt Petunia asked gently on their way to the meeting place.

"Er...it's just...I have to leave Hogsmeade, and with it, Ron. I have a feeling that I'm going to miss them," Harry mused.

Aunt Petunia put her hand on Harry's shoulder in support, and by the time Hermione arrived, Crookshanks in tow, Harry was as ready to leave as he would ever be. Both Harry and Hermione followed Aunt Petunia across Hogsmeade to the edge of the woods, and when they arrived there, Harry saw a car that he recognised as that belonging to the Dursleys, although much dirtier than he remembered it. After putting their trunks in the back of the car, Harry, Hermione and Aunt Petunia climbed in. As they drove away, Harry looked in the mirror, watching Hogsmeade and Hogwarts castle disappear over the horizon.

As the car drove into the familiar surroundings of Little Whinging, headed towards 4 Privet Drive, Harry fell silent. Although Harry knew that, most likely, this time would be different, he had always felt the same way every time he returned to Privet Drive for the holidays. While for most boys and girls his age, returning home after a year of school would be a cause for much happiness, for Harry, it was always treated with a degree of sadness, as his time spent there was, largely, spent drifting from one unhappy mood to the next. Once the car had completed its journey, having stopped in the driveway, Harry stepped out of the car wordlessly and started unloading everyone's possessions from the back. Once this was done, Harry took as many trunks as he was able, and started towards the front door much like a prisoner would approach the door to his cell.

"Is everything OK, Harry?" Hermione asked as Aunt Petunia unlocked the front door.

"Yeah, everything's fine," Harry assured Hermione. "I'm just thinking about all the time I've spent here before." Harry didn't need to mention whether he had enjoyed that time, the answer to that already obvious.

Once the door was unlocked, Harry and Hermione followed Aunt Petunia into the house.

"You two, make yourself at home!" Aunt Petunia said, before heading into the kitchen.

"Thank you, Mrs Dursley," Hermione replied. After leaving their trunks at the bottom of the stairs, Hermione and Harry followed Aunt Petunia towards the kitchen. As she walked into the kitchen, Hermione realised that Harry was no longer beside her. Looking back through the door, Hermione found Harry looking blankly at something. Upon closer examination, it was found that the object in question was the cupboard under the stairs, its door left slightly ajar. So absorbed in his thoughts was Harry that he didn't notice Hermione's presence until she shut the door of the cupboard sharply, ramming the bolt home. Hermione heard an audible gulp from Harry's direction.

"Nobody is going to lock you in that cupboard this time, unless you choose to do so yourself. Understand?" Hermione said, in a more forceful tone than she intended. Without waiting for an answer from Harry - which may not have came, Hermione put her arm around him and shepherded him into the kitchen, away from the cupboard. In fact, Hermione didn't know where she was going, nor did she care, as long as they were heading away from the cupboard. Harry, far from being annoyed about being abruptly pulled from his thoughts, seemingly enjoyed Hermione's bossing him around.

"Gee...thanks," Harry said finally.

"Don't mention it. You really have to lighten up some - there's no use getting depressed over something that's already happened, especially if it wasn't your fault," Hermione replied.

"Yeah, I know. Nobody said it's going to be easy, though," Harry said simply.

"So much for that ball, then," Hermione remarked. There was the faint hint of regret on Harry's face. Having seen this, Hermione added "I thought you'd be happy."

"Well...I don't know. Maybe it would have been better going with someone I actually know well," Harry replied.

"We could celebrate Halloween here, of course," Hermione suggested.

"Ah...a Halloween celebration without dancing. This should be a pleasant change," Harry said hopefully.

"Not so fast, Harry," Hermione countered. "No dancing! We'll be missing out on all the fun!" Hermione watched as Harry resigned himself to what he believed would be a night of humiliation in front of Hermione and Aunt Petunia.

"We could even get Sirius here, if he could spare the time," Hermione added. 'And now Sirius,' Harry's mind tallied the prospective audience.

Harry felt that he needed a place to retreat to, and a shower seemed like a reasonable, and pleasant excuse. After excusing himself, Harry hurriedly retired to the bathroom, before the situation with the substitute ball got any worse (for him, anyway). As he walked to the bathroom, Harry received the impression that Hermione knew exactly why he had chosen that moment to take his shower. Harry wasn't looking forward to the news he knew she would have for him when he returned.

Once Harry was out of sight, Hermione turned to Aunt Petunia, who was busy making bread in the kitchen.

"How's Harry going?" Aunt Petunia asked Hermione.

"Oh, I'm sure he'll be fine," Hermione replied.

"When Harry went to Hogwarts, I wondered for a while whether he'd make any friends, ones like yourself and that red haired boy...what was his name again?" Aunt Petunia started.

"Ron?" Hermione offered, interested in what Aunt Petunia was saying.

"Yes, that's it, Ron. He never really made any friends in his other school. Being so timid and shy all the time, Harry tended to be ignored for the best part. And because of that, Harry had a terrible time at school, always being bullied and picked on, if his teachers' comments are anything to go by," Aunt Petunia explained.

"I wouldn't have thought Harry would have much of a problem, really," Hermione said curiously. "Sure he's not the most talkative person around, but he's usually happy to listen to what you have to say, and although you don't always get a reply, he's pretty good company. I'd say that it would probably be hard to find a less intimidating person, someone who is more approachable, really. That is, unless you somehow get him angry."

"I've seen that happen before; when Harry gets angry, it's probably best to leave him alone for a while. So you two are going out?" Aunt Petunia asked.

"Oh, no. We're just very good friends," Hermione replied.

"Just friends? You two seem rather attached for that," Aunt Petunia replied, sounding rather skeptical.

"We've been through a lot together. So, yeah, I worry about Harry, but I don't think it goes that far, not yet anyway," Hermione explained.

"Harry wasn't always like that, you know," Aunt Petunia said, sounding like she needed to explain something.

"Like what?" Hermione replied curiously.

"You know, like he is now. All quiet and shy. I guess you've never seen him any differently, though," Aunt Petunia explained.

"No, I can't say I have. Harry's been like that as long as I've known him," Hermione admitted.

Aunt Petunia sighed. "He's never told you, has he?"

"About what?" Hermione asked.

"His childhood. Basically, the time between when his parents died and that man...Hagrid, I think his name was, gave Harry his letter," Aunt Petunia clarified.

Hermione thought for a moment. Harry did mention his home life sometimes, but always offhand, never really getting into it, as though avoiding the subject. Hermione, of course, had never asked. "No, I don't think he has," Hermione replied.

"Well...when he was younger, Harry used to be like any young kid, that is, almost fearless and extremely talkative," Aunt Petunia said.

"I suppose I could understand that, although it would have been nice to see Harry talk more, instead of holding everything back," Hermione responded.

"They say you don't know what you're missing until it's gone, which those times definitely have. Ever since Harry was old enough to really understand, Vernon, his uncle, started ignoring and isolating Harry, excluding him from everything and talking to him only to order him around. Basically, Harry's uncle made Harry feel like he didn't belong," Aunt Petunia continued.

"So that's why Harry used to sleep in the cupboard, instead of the room he has now?" Hermione asked.

"I think so. Vernon made him feel more like an object, something that could, and should be locked away after use. The worst thing was that you could see Harry changing, adapting to his new surroundings. Gradually, you could see him starting to hold back, talking a little less each day, keeping more to himself. He started spending lots of time by himself in the cupboard, I suppose it was his place he could take refuge from the world he thought didn't want him. When he wasn't doing something for someone else, he preoccupied himself by reading, usually in the cupboard. It couldn't have been very good for his eyes, reading in the cupboard. I suppose that's why he has to wear glasses. The most horrible thing now is looking at Harry as he is now, listening to him speak in that nervous voice that he usually has, and knowing that things could have been so much better for him, not that he hasn't turned out OK anyway," Aunt Petunia said thoughtfully.

"Harry reads in his spare time?" Hermione asked skeptically.

"Oh yes, Harry will read anything you give him, if he has the time," Aunt Petunia replied.

Hermione still didn't quite believe Aunt Petunia though, the concept of Harry reading something still quite foreign to her. Thinking further on the topic, although she was sure that Ron didn't read much, there was a possibility that Harry might have read more than he was letting on. He may have even read Hogwarts: A History; although he hadn't announced it to the world, he had never denied it either like Ron had. Harry didn't seem to read at Hogwarts, but Ron had told Hermione once that Harry generally woke up before himself, so maybe that was the time that he set aside for reading.

"Maybe I'll get Harry a book for Christmas, then," Hermione muttered.

"It wouldn't be a bad idea," Aunt Petunia agreed. "I really hate to admit this, being his aunt and all, but I don't know Harry very well at all. What would Harry want, more than anything else in the world?"

Hermione thought for a while. Finally, she replied, "I think you'll have to ask Harry that, but if Harry had one wish in the world, it would probably be for a world in which he was considered normal, and one in which there was no Voldemort. Either that, or a chance to somehow see his parents again."

"I can't very well give Harry the first for Christmas, much as I would like to. The second, I could maybe work with. I'll see if I can find any old photos of them around anywhere - my sister used to send me some every Christmas, I've just got to find them...I've hidden them because they move, and Vernon wouldn't have liked that at all. Oh, and yes, there's a wedding video as well, my sister did have a video camera even though she lived with magical folk," Aunt Petunia started thinking.

"I'm sure Harry would like that very much. Hagrid made up a little photo album of Harry's parents for him in his first year, which Harry keeps with him all the time," Hermione said, remembering the little album that Harry kept with him wherever he went.

"Oh, is that what's in it? I've seen Harry leafing through it countless times, just absorbing what's in those pictures. I've never looked at what was in it, though," Aunt Petunia said, obviously having seen the album as well. Aunt Petunia put the bread dough in the oven. "Oh Hermione," Aunt Petunia added. "you know that book you're going to get Harry, could you give Harry a comb as well? His hair seems to be getting worse with age."

Hermione chuckled. "I don't know. I think it suits him."

"It does, in a way," Aunt Petunia conceded.

As footsteps coming down the stairs signalled Harry's imminent return, Hermione came to the conclusion that Harry was indeed quite a bit more intelligent than the image that he projected to the world. 'And that', Hermione surmised, 'has probably kept Harry alive.'

Later that day, Hermione was sitting with Harry in his room, starting to write the letter to Ron. However, before they got started, Hermione asked Harry something that had been bugging her ever since her conversation with Aunt Petunia in the kitchen.

"Harry, I know this sounds like a silly question, but is my suspicion that you've actually read Hogwarts: A History, right?"

Harry looked at Hermione, and when he saw the expectant look on her face, he smiled.

"Actually, now that you ask, yes, I have. Although probably not as thoroughly as you."

"From what I hear from your aunt, I find that hard to believe. You've never told anyone that you've read anything before!" Hermione said in an accusing tone.

"Nobody asked," Harry retorted.

"You...you and Ron were laughing at me for reading Hogwarts: A History, and all the time, you've read it as well!" Hermione said, exasperated.

"I'm not the one with the reputation of being a walking library," Harry said simply. "It's been hard, hiding the fact that I've read that."

"Why on earth for?" Hermione asked.

"So I could keep teasing you," Harry admitted. "Look. How on earth did you think I could pass any of my exams without reading anything? Honestly, I don't know how Ron gets by."

Hermione searched for a suitable answer for a while, but gave up, defeated. Instead her eyes scanned the bookshelf for what Harry had read.

"You won't find anything interesting there," Harry warned.

Hermione looked at Harry curiously. Harry lifted the loose floorboard, and Hermione saw much of Harry's older school books in there, along with some other Muggle books. Hermione saw 'Gulliver's Travels' inside, and pulled another small book out from underneath it curiously. It turned out to be an old, battered copy of 'Cinderella'. Aunt Petunia had obviously been correct - it seemed that Harry had been reading from an early age.

"How appropriate," Hermione said wisely.

"Oh shut up," Harry said, blushing, putting the book back underneath 'Gulliver's Travels'. Hermione picked up a little card that was lying in the hole under the floorboard. 'Little Whinging Municipal Library' was printed on the front of it, on top of Harry's name. Hermione smiled as she handed the library card back to Harry, who placed it back putting the board back in place.

"Did that answer a few questions for you?" Harry asked.

"Quite true, and I'll be willing to bet that there's a box full of questions ready to be answered that I don't know to ask," Hermione replied.

"I'm sure you'll find a way to get that information. You always do," Harry accused.

"In time, I suppose. Just make sure you don't die before I get a chance to ask them," Hermione retorted.

"I don't plan to do that anytime soon," Harry assured Hermione. Hermione smiled, realising that, for this time anyway, the Harry she had known for the last four years was back. Also, Hermione felt very lucky that Harry had been sorted into Gryffindor. Harry's secret with the books explained, for Hermione, the delay that it took for the Sorting Hat to sort Harry. It seemed that he fit into all houses at once. 'Maybe Harry even got to choose!' Hermione thought, before discarding that thought as implausible. The Sorting Hat read what was in your head, and made up it's own mind. Little did she know that she had almost discovered another piece in the great puzzle that was Harry Potter.