In Letters.....

Albus watched as the baby was passed around the sitting room where the Core had gathered. It was odd seeing Harry with a baby, it wasn’t what people thought when the name ‘Harry Potter’ was brought up. But the boy was a natural that, much Albus could see. Not only that, but the child was adored beyond reason. The people that gathered around loved the small family fiercely and without question. Something in which Albus hadn’t expected. This was the tightest family unit that Albus had ever seen and was thrilled that Harry had been blessed with it.

They were talking about what they could do that day, what there was to do. Albus was finding out a bit more about the Malfoy-Potter’s as he sat there. The Minister of Magick, Rufus, had kept everything out of the papers so there was only so much that they could do. No one knew that Harry was now Sion; no one knew that he had bonded and no one knew what Harry had accomplished. He didn’t want it known and it wasn’t. There were no questions.

But they didn’t go out into public much. The fact that it was a gay teenage married couple taking their child out into the muggle world was not something that muggles liked too much. So, they spent their time on the street or at the park not far from the house. Then there was the wizarding world to take into account. Malfoy and Potter weren’t names often used in the same sentence, let alone made into the same name. They would be judged harshly when this hit. There would be hate mail and reporters at the gates and.....

“ Harrison, this is going to be bad. “ Albus said gravely

“ Yes, it is. “

“ Re route the mail to the kitchens like in your 4th year ? “

“ That would be a good idea. “

“ We need to announce this Love. “ Draco said softly

Everyone in the room turned to look at him. Yes, he was just as adamant as Harry when it came to keeping the privet behind closed doors. He didn’t think that it mattered very much who Harry was with. But who he was and who Harry was mattered to the public. Not that they were in love or happy, no this had to do with what they wanted their hero to be.

“ Think about it logically for a minute. – “

“ No, we do. We’ll draft a letter later and have it put in the prophet. This way, it won’t be too big of a shock when we show up in the Great Hall. I don’t have to like it, but it has to be done. “ Harry said softly

Draco gave Harry a confused look and shook his head. He had brought the same topic up two weeks ago and it had been shot down. Perhaps Harry had had some time to think about it and realized that it made sense. Draco liked getting his way, even if it took longer then he would’ve liked.

“ Has he said anything yet ? Normally he goes big on my birthday. “

Isis, who was sitting at her computer, shook her head and sighed. He had been like this for the last two weeks and it was all coming to a head. He expected it and it wasn’t coming. Voldemort was backing off for some reason without explanation. It had been quiet all summer and that in it self had them all on edge.

“ Darling all that I can tell you presently is that there is a planned Azkaban break out for August 15th at mid night. The DE’s have even brought up your birthday and were cursed for it. Sev, talk to the boy please. “ Isis sighed

“ We’ll keep watching, that’s all that can be done. If anything changes you will be told. Will you go have fun, it’s your birthday. “ Severus said gently

Harry sighed and just shook his head. He expected it and it wasn’t coming. He was going to get a break and get to enjoy his birthday. But it just didn’t make sense, why was Voldemort doing this ? He was supposes to be showing his power not hiding like a ninny. It just didn’t make sense and Harry found himself in need of a nap.

“ Alright, everyone out, over to number 4. Mum, you can take Rosi with you, her bag is just there. Go on, get out. Move it you lazy lot, go. “

Draco to the rescue. Harry sat amused as everyone did as they were told and filed out of the house. He had no idea how Draco could clear the house out without raising his voice. His tone never even changed and they had all just got up and left.

When he heard the front door close and the chatter move off down the street, Harry looked up at his husband. The blonde just stood there scowling down at him, arms crossed.

“ What did I do ? “ Harry asked slightly confused

“ Nothing. Come on, I need a nap. “

Draco pulled Harry to his feet and led the way up stairs. Now it was ok to tune the world out. Now that they had nearly everything settled they could shut the world out for an hour or two and just be.

Cuddling in to Harry’s side, Draco drifted off almost instantly his husband not far behind.

***** Lilly starred at her sister as she warmly welcomed the odd group with hugs and laughter. After her Hogwarts letter came, Lilly and Petunia had drifted apart. Where they had once been so close, they were like strangers. The letter had taken her sister from her and now was her chance to get her back. She hoped to anyway.

Getting closer to the door, Lilly turned and handed Rosilynn to James. It’s not like the man would mind, he’d been trying to get the baby for the last 2 hours to no avail. When Lilly stepped up in front of her sister, they just starred at each other.

“ To second chances ? “ Petunia smiled

“ To second chanced and to family. Gods Pet, look at them all. “

“ Thank goodness for Harry’s house elf friend or I’d never be able to feed them all. Lil, I’ve missed you. “

Lilly laughed and pulled her sister into her arms. It was the oddest thing that James had ever seen. A pair of women hugging and sobbing and babbling. It really wasn’t something that he ever wanted to see again and hoped to get into the house before they were called back to number 7.

“ Lils darling, can we please move this thing inside ? “

Lilly gave a watery laugh and was pulled inside by her sister. Men were not meant to understand the nature of women and as James sat down next to Severus, he wasn’t sure that he wanted too.

“ James. “ Severus greeted

“ Severus. So, why were we kicked out ? “

“ Their emotionally drained and you try holding in that much magick, they are already asleep. Hell, they’re lucky if they made it up stairs. Besides, it’s Harry’s birthday. “

“ I didn’t need to know that. “

Severus laughed as James pulled a face and looked down at the baby in his arms. James Potter had just turned to mush. Rosilynn, with her jet black curls and storm cloud eyes, just starred up at him. She was such a stunning child, just beautiful.

“ Well Rosilynn, you are just the prettiest girl that I have ever seen. You are going to be such a heartbreaker. Sev, I’m a goner. “

“ We all are mate, join the club. Icy, love, do you have the Sion disk ? “

All and any movement stopped before the Core turned to stare at Severus gaping. The man let his mouth drop open as he realized that not only had he used an endearment but also a nickname, in public. Only he called her Icy and to have it backed up with love, well, there went his reputation.

“ Yes Severus, I have the Sion disk. You slipped, first time for everything. Stop the press. “ Isis said grinning

“ Opps.”

“ You, “ Isis laughed “ Spend far too much time cooped up in the basement with Ace. With him it is always opps. So, we’re introducing the Potter’s and the mutt to Harry, via Harry ? “

“ Yes. Then we can share stories over lunch. What fun. “

“ Severus, my boy, is the sarcasm really necessary ? “ Albus sighed

“ Granddad Albus, which you have no choice in, Severus without sarcasm is like Harry without chocolate. You can’t have one without the other. “ Isis said

“ I like her. I like her a lot. Bout time too. “ Albus laughed

“ Shut up you old goat. “ Severus snapped

“ Chocolate ? “ Lilly asked

“ He always has chocolate. Always. Have him empty his bag when he comes over, you’ll see. Now, everyone on this side of the room and we’ll get this started. You’ll find that if you hold your questions, they will answer themselves. James, grandbaby please, she has to eat, thank you Lana and yes I can tell you apart. What others do you have ? “

“ I have them all. We’ll do Sion, Krissy and Day in London. “

Severus nodded and sat off to the side so he could feed Rosilynn. He had seen and lived these movies so he had no desire to watch them. But the fact that they had them was a blessing and Dudley Dursley the barer. The boy went no place without his camera and at first no one knew why. Then he had presented the disks. Memories, things that he thought none of them would want to forget and so far he had missed very little. No only did they have the disks, but dozens of stills for the Core to build albums of the summer. The Malfoy-Potter’s displayed theirs, able to look upon their blessings. Severus admired Dudley for his foresight.

As the Sion disk came to a close, Isis put in the next and the questions began to answer themselves. They watched the Kris story and Petunia’s revelation and the returnees and the bands started to get it. Then there was the Weasley Welcome that had Lilly in tears, her son was loved someplace if not in his own home. Then Dudley had somehow gotten what Draco and Harry were actually like when no one was watching, or they thought no one was. They had an insight as to how the pair worked on this disk. Not only how they worked as a couple but as a family. When Harry was frustrated Draco picked up the pieces. When Draco started sinking into himself, Harry shook him out of it. They completed each other and were happy.

When Isis put in the Day in London disk several Core members cursed. This had been just two weeks ago and the Muggles hadn’t taken too kindly to the pair. All day as the walked around greeting their friends they were being tormented. There were insults and obesities and gawking and never once did Harry let Draco go. No. Draco was his and he made sure that everyone knew it and no one knew it more so then Draco. Even when the boy tried to pull away, Harry just held him tighter. It wasn’t until they sat down to lunch that it was made known that it was getting to Harry too.

“You know, “ Harry said darkly “ Sometimes I think that Voldemort has a point. When the narrow mindedness of this world is thrown in my face, AND THEY MAKE COMMENTS WITHOUT THINKING ! Tosser. He has a bloody point. Whatever happened to Live and let Live ? We’re happy and that, ladies and slugs, is all that should matter. “

And he was right, so very right. After that they had commented back, every one of them replying to the comments. All except Draco, who clung to Harry for dear life. Later, Harry sat in the sitting room alone with the boy as he cried. It had hurt them both a great and they hadn’t gone out again since.

“ That was meant to be a happy day and it turned into a nightmare. If they don’t go out now, when this hits our world they won’t go out at all. “ Severus said softly

“ So that’s our Harry ? “ Sirius said “The boy he’s been hiding. The rude, sarcastic, calculating, cunning, intelligent. Severus, the boy is astounding. Then there’s Rosilynn. Not many people would do that. “

“ No, but that’s just Harry. With that little girl he got a chance to be something he never thought he’d live to see. He’s a Daddy and it was a gift only Kris could give. He loves that baby, he always has. “ Dudley said

Dobby chose that moment to show up and start giving orders. The returnees starred as the orders were quickly followed and lunch was served. As everyone settled down to eat, Severus took everything in. In the last 2 months this is how it had been. They all ate together. They all laughed together and they tried to share the burden that weighed Harry down. This was family, their family. And none of them would run from the fight either.

“ It was September 5, just days into his first year when I met the real Potter for the first time..... “ Severus began

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The nock sounded at the door just after midnight the first Friday of the term. Severus set down his quill and sighed, why couldn’t the Slytherins just stay in bed and why did Filch always bother him with it so late. He had grading to do and would rather not spend his weekend on it. Hoping to take care of things quickly, Severus opened his office door and just starred. There stood Harry Potter in his pajamas, starring up at him.

“ Mr.Potter, it is well after curfew. Why are you out of bed ? “

“ I am aware of that sir, but I had to wait until my dorm mates were asleep before I could sneek out. I need to speak to you, may I come in ? “

Severus stood aside and let the boy enter. He had to be out of his mind but he wanted to hear what the boy had to say. So, he watched as he closed his office door as Harry folded himself into a chair before the fire.

“ What is this all about Potter, I want to finish grading. “

“ I don’t know much about this world. I don’t know much about my place in it and I did not come here to be gawked at. Sir, I am not my father, I wish that you would not begrudge the son for the sins of his father. I was paying attention in class, I was taking notes. I pay very close attention to my notes. I also knew the answers to your questions but do not wish to stand out any more then I already do. “

Severus starred and decided that he liked what he was hearing. Pouring out two cups of coffee, he handed one over and gave a small nod. He would listen.

“ Thank you sir. Hagrid told me about my parents and who I am here. He told me that you and my father never got along and I figured it out. I look like him, but that’s as far as it goes from what I have been told. I want to learn. I want to know it all now. The classes are moving too slow and I’m getting frustrated. I’ve been in the library all week just trying to satisfy the need and I simply can’t. There is not enough. “

“ Well, what have you covered ? “

“ More like what haven’t I covered. I’ve already gone through all the course books – What ? OK, so I don’t sleep often. “

“ Exactly how many hours do you sleep a night Potter ? “

“ Harrison, please. 3 maybe 4, I read the rest of the time. I got a book list from house mates, when you’re me all you have to do is ask and that is just sick. I want you to teach me, push me in the right direction. Something, anything. “

“ And why have you come to me with this ? Why not the headmaster ? “

“ I don’t even know if I like that man, let alone trust him. I have a lot of secretes and for some reason I know that I can trust you with all of them. I need help before I lose my mind. “

“ Why does it appear that your pants are far too large ? It’s about as far off topic as I can get but it is starting to bother me.“

“ The Dursley’s like for me to know that I am not welcome in their home. I am treated like a House elf, and yes I know what they are, and am lucky if I am fed. The things that I wear are all that I have. All that I am allowed. If they learn of my estate they will find a way to take it from me. I am no prince sir, all I have is Kris and all she has is me. “

“ Who ? “

“ Just a friend. I live a double life, Kris knows about the magick. Has seen me use magick and loves me any why. She’s older, 21 I met her at church. So, would you like to test me or what. “

Severus smirked and started to rapidly fire off questions. He moved through the years quickly and was astonished when they were all answered right, some with explanation. What had this boy even come to Hogwarts for ?

Setting his cup aside and sighed.

“ You have detention tomorrow night right after dinner. I want you to bring your notes and such. I need to know what I can teach you if anything at all. And you need clothes, very badly. Can you get in touch with Kris ? “

“ Sure, I have to go shopping don’t I ? “

“ Yes. Go to bed and sleep. You need to sleep. “

Harry nodded and sighed. Well, it was something. Maybe he had found an Allie after all.

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“ And there wasn’t a whole lot that I could teach him. I was just there and that’s all that seemed to matter. He even stopped calling me sir after that meeting. It was just odd how it all clicked into place and settled. We didn’t even try. The dad thing came in his second year. I had been reading and he was trying to get my attention. Apparently he became frustrated and yelled Dad. It stuck. “ Severus said softly

“ You met Kris ? “ Ron asked

“ Oh yes on several occasions. She and I didn’t really get along. “

“ You don’t really get along with anyone. “ Isis laughed

Severus rolled his eyes and passed Rosilynn back to James. The baby was now asleep and oblivious to the world around her.

“ Did you know about the letters ? “ Ron asked

“ No. But Draco told me that he had someone and refused to tell me who. I figured it out though. Not really surprised. “

“ I knew Harry knew who it was. What he didn’t know was the rest of us did too. He doesn’t know that we started keeping a very close eye on Draco at the end of our 3rd year. It just felt off and we watched each others backs. “

“And what happened when Draco found out ? “

“ Oh, he cried all over me. “

At Severus confused look, Ron laughed and started his story.

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After the third task Ron saw Draco walk numbly back into the castle with the rest of the crowd. They were all in shock, a boy had died and the Dark Lord was back, not only that but Harry wasn’t ok. Stepping into an alcove, Ron pulled out the map and searched out Draco. The boy wasn’t far, he had tucked himself into an unused class room that wasn’t even known to most. So, tucking the map away, Ron made his way to the room just to check on the boy.

Once he located the room and warded the door, he turned and took in the blonde boy. He was sitting in the floor against the wall with his face buried in his knees. He was shaking uncontrollably, but not crying. No he hadn’t broken down yet.

Crossing the room, Ron slid down the wall beside him and tucked him into his side. The boy didn’t even look up. After a minute, as if some of the shock had slipped away, Draco responded and curled into his side.

“ He doesn’t even know that we’ve been watching you. But we all know. The girls have each other and I wanted to make sure you where going to be ok. “ Ron whispered

“ He coulda died. “

“ But he didn’t, he’s just traumatized. They’ll dose him and push him aside. He’s alive but not ok. “

“ I know. I’m right here, we’re all right here. Thanks for checking on me. I’m not ok either. “

Ron held on a little tighter and let the boy soak in as much comfort as he needed. And in knowing that he was safe, Draco let the damn break.

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“ I pulled him into a class room the next day. Geez, we just got all up in that one. “ Ginny laughed

“ We knew him for who he really was and excepted it. We take care of our own, even if it wasn’t said in so many words, he was one of ours. “ Ron said

“ And you all see each other as family ? “ Lilly asked

“ Yes and that is the way that it will always be. “ Ron said

“ Why though , after the things that he said to you last summer and all that ? Why would you - “ Sirius stated

“ Because we went into this willingly and will remain. It was Granddad Albus who wouldn’t tell him anything and he vented to us. We all understood who he was pissed off at and that it needed to come out. By that time the visions were so bad he wasn’t sleeping, the tremors were unbearable, and he was frustrated. It wasn’t held against him. “
“ I never heard – “ Albus started

“ You wouldn’t would you, as long as he was a good little tool and did as you said that was all that mattered. I need to shout, Uncle Sev. “ Ron sneered

Severus cast a silencing bubble around Rosilynn and nodded. Ron to the rescue. This was one less thing for Harry to explain. He watched as Ron stood up and got to a place where he could though a right fit if he chose to. This was what he knew, Ron knew Harry’s visions, this was his right.

“ It was a lot more often then you ever knew. We only ever bothered you when we had valuable information. When we had what you wanted. It was every night without fail. Do you know how helpless it feels to have to hold him down and listen to him scream ? To have nothing more to offer then to hold him as he shakes as the after effects set in ? To have the potions stop working and have to hand him his medication every morning ? “

Ron’s deep cold voice filled the room, his questions met with silence. No one knew what it had been like, not even Jake and Isis who had actually seen visions. No, not even Severus who they spent their Easter break with. This was his alone.

“ Of course not Headmaster, you ignored him last year. Wouldn’t even look at him in fear that Voldemort would be starring back at you. Bastard, you bastard. YOU left him to figure it all out on his own and he did. Look at the mess you made ? Look at how he cleaned it up before you even realized that you’d made the mess ? You’d be lucky if he forgives you. I honestly don’t think you deserve it. I don’t think that you will understand how you hurt him. “

“ No, he won’t, doesn’t want too. Albus, get out. “

Everyone looked up and starred as the pair came into the room and joined them. The nap hadn’t lasted nearly as long as they all thought it would.

“ Harry, please, “

Harry held up a hand before the man could start babbling. He didn’t want to hear about old mans mistakes and trying to do what was best for him. He didn’t want to pity the man for his mistakes. But there were a few things that needed to be let out. His best kept secretes.

Looking up from his plate, Harry pinned the headmaster with a cold stare. Albus tried not to squirm.

“ Albus, I was seeing muggle doctors by the beginning of last summer. The potions I couldn’t brew because I shook so badly. They had me on so many different things that you wouldn’t know where to start. Here, I’ll show you. “

A bag toiletry bag appeared in Harry’s hand and they all watched as he dumped it on the table. Everyone starred as Harry righted pill bottles and started grouping them.

“ All right where to start. “ Harry sighed, laughing slightly

“ Oh allow me. Roberts knows the cause of the damage and was actually doing a good job of treating it with limited knowledge of magick. At first he was treating him for Essential Tremors which is thought to be caused by abnormal brain activity. And well he wasn’t wrong. But, it wasn’t enough and the tremors were getting worse. So, they started treating him for Parkinson’s – “ Ron started

“ What ? “ Sirius asked

“ If you’d allow me to finish. “ Ron sighed “ Parkinson’s is a disorder where there is a problem in certain nerve cells in the brain. Normally these cells produce Dopamine, sending signals to parts of the brain that control movement. It is a progressive disorder meaning that it just gets worse as the nerve cells break down. That was a better course, his nervous system was breaking down. They were also treating him for Grand Mal seizures associated with Epilepsy. That is the occurrence of electrical storms in the brain that causes behavioral manifestations, in Harry’s case, involuntary movement. That was going ok too. Then there was the insomnia that Joyce treated as well as the depression and anxiety. “

The Core was starring open mouthed at Ron as he knelt behind Harry and started going through the pill bottles. And Harry just let him, he really didn’t want to explain it all. It made his head hurt.

“ Alright, Joyce started you off on Ativan for the anxiety and it made you dizzy and she switched you to Xanax. It made you sleepy, but it was better. Then there was the depression. Started with the Welbutrin and it kept you awake most of the time. And the Lexapro made you sleepy. We settled on Zoloft. I have never seen anyone drink so much water. The insomnia, the Ambien made you sluggish, she switched you to Zolpidem. No problems, you never said any thing. Roberts settled quickly on Gabapentin for the seizures, which made you eat. Levadopa for the tremors, which made your stomach turn. And two pain killers; Hydocodone, which made me not like you very much with the mood swings and Oxycodone, which made you itch. Both narcatic and addictive, you hated them. “

Harry turned slightly and just stared at his brother. Ron rolled his eyes and smirked. There was still a lot to be learned.

“ Hey, I got all my stuff from Isis. I called her and she owled it to me. I wasn’t going to hand you your pills and not know what they were for. Not know what they did. “

“ I think you did a fantastic job if it. Roberts couldn’t’ve done better. No really, he laughed a lot. “ Harry said

Harry turned back around resting back against Ron. This boy had seen it all and delt with it all. Then he had taken the explanation and had done a brilliant job of it. Harry was truly blessed, wrapped in his brothers arms. Then Mackenna handed him a disk labeled ‘Summer Visions 04’. He just starred between her and the disk in his hand. She had done something that no one else had thought to. She got the visions on tape. She handed him the truth.

“ You spent a lot of time at the manor last summer. After I realized what exactly was going on and how important it was, I hid the camera. It needed to be documented, you were losing your mind and he was killing you. That and we share a room so it wasn’t that hard. “ Mackenna said softly.

Harry nodded dumbly and just starred down at the disk. She shouldn’t’ve seen it at all but had point blankly refused to leave him alone to deal with it. Then she held out another disk, ‘Nightmares Summer 04’.

“ Mackenna – “

“ I don’t want to hear it again, I heard it last summer. It’s done and over with. “

Harry nodded again and handed the disks to Dudley. Much like Harry did, he gaped at them. This was what he was missing. This was what Harry had delt with before he severed the link and what he needed for the video he was splicing together.

“ I gotta go. See ya later. “ He said

They all watched as Dudley quickly stood and dashed from the room.

“ Do I want to know ? “ Harry asked

“ He’s been using The Bitch so I have no idea. You made it so we could activate the wards. “ Isis said

Harry nodded and waved a hand to get rid of lunch. It was only 2 in the afternoon and he was board out of his mind. But he had yet to get rid of the old goat and he had to. He wasn’t at the point yet where he felt he could forgive him.

“ When I said you were beneath me Albus, I meant it whole heartedly. You hurt me more than any other and that includes and is not limited to the Dursley’s. I trusted you to guide me. I hoped that you would tell me the truth. I was betrayed by your manipulations and lies. You thought what you were doing was what was best for me and you gave me no choice in the matter. You should’ve. ‘It is our choices the define us.’ Isn’t that what you told me in my second year when I told you I was meant to be a Slytherin ? You have made your choices and I am still making mine. I want you to leave Albus, I’m not at a place where I can forgive you yet. “

“ I understand Lord Malfoy-Potter and hope that you will one day find it in your heart to forgive me. Happy Birthday, I hope you have fun. “

“ Thank You Headmaster Dumbledore. “

Albus gave a court nod and dissaparted. Had been a display of blunt disrespect and respect at same time and no one knew how to respond. He had let everything go and now the man knew more them Harry had ever planed on telling him. He hoped that the man wouldn’t turn around and use it against him. They would just have to wait and see.

With a huff, Harry looked over at Jake.

“ Remember about a week after Siri died you showed up at Hogwarts ? “

“ We’ll have to tell the phone call but I got the show of power on tape. “

“ Really ? “

“ Yup, I just had too. That was wicked. “

Harry just laughed as Draco tucked himself into Ron’s side. Those two had a relationship that Harry just didn’t get. Although he wouldn’t question it either. Ron didn’t have to be Harry’s excusive hero; he could be Draco’s too.

“ Well, it was a week after the ‘Alcove Incident’ that we will not be getting into. I was on the phone with you and you just snapped. By that time I had already given you your rings so you had no problem coming to my rescue. “

“ Yes I told you to meet me in the Great Hall in 5 minutes. Isis was as mad as I was and you know how hard it is to talk that girl down. So, she hooked me up with a pendent and we go it all on the link. It was their first test. “

“ Well, how do they work ? “

“ Allow us to show you. “ Isis smirked

They all watched as Isis open the file on her computer and played it.

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Jake was standing in the middle of the Great Hall with the entire student body just starring at him. He had a feeling that they all knew that he was a muggle, but he really didn’t care. He was here for Harry and Harry alone, everyone else could go to hell.

When Harry came into the Great Hall, he stopped and just starred at Jake. The boy hadn’t slept, hadn’t ate and looked more angry then anything else. Yes, Jake thought, it was a good thing that he had come.

“ You look like shit. “

“ Thank you, Captain Obvious. I feel like shit. It’s all shit. “

By this time Harry was standing in front of Jake with his arms crossed scowling. Not only that, but the student body was starring at them as if they were afraid to blink. He hadn’t been there for very long and the BWL thing was starting to make him sick.

“ Come sit. You need to eat something. Don’t argue please, just something Ace. Hey, Ron. “

“ Jake, alright ? “

The man shook his head as he put some food on Harry’s plate. He was lucky if he could get a few bites into the boy. He had been told that he had stopped taking his meds and he was just a bit unstable. All that meant was that he had to be very gentle, walk on egg shells as not to send Harry into a rage. Then he saw the blonde that was starring at them intently and gave a small smile. When the boy smiled back he knew it was Angel. The boy wasn’t what he had expected. A blonde ? Harry ? Has hell frozen over ?

Harry had just taken a few meager bites when the man they referred to as The Old Goat sat on Harry’s other side. Jake wasn’t sure if he liked him very much.

“ I am Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster here at Hogwarts. May I ask as to who you are ? “

“ Jake Holmes, yes I am a muggle and am here for Harry. He called me. “

“ I see. Mr.Potter, are you aware of how many laws you are currently breaking, not to mention the punishment for breaking those laws ? “

Harry looked up at Draco and winked before turning to the Headmaster. Jake glanced at Draco again and saw that he was whispering to the girl beside him. They looked as if the need to run arose they would be ready. Apparently, Angel knew Harry’s temper very well.

“ Why is it that you think me so stupid ? Yes, I know the laws and the punishments. They do not apply to me. You see Headmaster I walked into this school an Upper Level Mage and I sought out a teacher. I know things that you couldn’t even comprehend. I can do things that would blow your mind. And I am capable of a lot more then you will ever know. “

“ You have never shown any outstanding skill in your studies. “

“ Yes, I wanted to keep it from you. Ronnie, move them please. I think it’s time for the Headmaster to see what his Golden Boy is made of and exactly how pissed off I am. I think it’s time for a game. “

Ron smirked as he stood along with the rest of the hall. No one, apparently questioned BWL. It was all turning Jake’s stomach as he gathered in the front of the platform with Ron, Ginny, Hermione, Angel and that girl he was sitting next to. Standing in such a way where if he reached out it wouldn’t be seen, Jake rested his hand on Angel’s side letting him know that he was there.

“ I have never seen him this mad Jake. He had this look in his eye, it was almost evil. He may need grounds. “ Draco muttered.

Moving his fingers to show that he understood, Jake focused in on the pissed off boy starring at the clueless headmaster. He felt the air sift as Harry thought up a shield to protect them and an over sensitive listening charm of his own making. The student body and the teaching staff was about to be informed and Jake was having a hard time not laughing.

“ Stand and go half way down the hall. The magick is intense when I’m angry. I have no desire for you to feel it too. “

The tone in Harry’s voice told everyone that he was teetering on the brink of losing control. And Albus complied, but the man had rolled his eyes. He was placating the boy so they could get back to their dinner. Little did he know Harry had other plans.

“ You took me for a fool Albus. You tried to mold me and shape me into a perfect little took. A tool in which you’d toss into the pits of hell if only to cover your own ass. I hid who I really am in order to remain sane. But I’ll tell you a secrete, you are beneath me Albus and have no control. “

The goblets on all four house tables began exploding, rapidly making the old mans eyes go wide. This was wild magick, he thought, this wasn’t a good thing. But Harry just laughed, a sound without humor. It was a cold dry laugh that made the hairs on the back of Jake’s neck stand on end. Harry had never laughed like that. They knew he was tittering on the brink, letting the power control him.

“ Things are changing Albus. Have you noticed yet ? The Order no longer exists. You can not enter head quarters and I haven’t had a vision worth bothering you about since Christmas. I’ve pulled the rug out from under you and you have yet to notice. You stand alone Albus, fighting a war that isn’t yours to be fought. “

With a flick of his wrist, Harry sent the dishes and the cutlery into the far wall. Albus was finally starting to get it. The fear was starting to seep in. Good, let the man become drunk with it.

“ So, this is what I am demanding. I want you out of my castle no later then June 5 th. You will not be allowed to return until August 20 th. I want you to say away from me. I will in time be able to forgive you, but not anytime soon. “

All 4 then burst into white hot flames, Albus flinched. Harry was getting his point across.

“ I do not want to see you. I do not want to talk to you. When I feel that I can forgive you, I’ll owl. Expect a package from the Ministry in regards to me by the end of July. Then you will see exactly what I am capable of. “

With another flick of his wrist Harry sent the still burning embers into the wall with the dishes. It was oddly satisfying the display of power, putting the man in his place. It was oddly satisfying to watch the emotions filter across the mans face as it hit him that Harry was in fact beyond his control.

“ I suggest that you retire to your office for the evening Headmaster. Nora, bless her, is not going to be happy with the damage that I have done. “

The goat gave a court nod and ran, yes ran, from the hall. Harry then turned to face the student body and looked directly at Draco. He was trying to bring himself back under control and focusing on the blonde was the only way he was going to do it. No matter how much Harry’s display had frightened him, Draco didn’t look away and had yet to let go of Ron’s arm.

“ I’m sorry, that was not meant to frighten any of you. Far from it actually. The man has used me for far too long and I have had enough. You should know that within these walls you are the safest and I will not allow anything to harm you. But a lot of you have a lot of thinking to do over this summer. The war is not make believe and it will not go away if you close your eyes tight. Together, we will prevail, divided however we fall. I will win this, I promise you, but I can not do it alone. “

The students just starred at him intently, but the DA was grinning.

“ Rule one ? “

“ Constant Vigilance ! “ The DA answered

“ Yes, keep your eyes open. “

“ And don’t do anything stupid. “ Ginny said sweetly

Harry looked up at the ceiling and the DA laughed, the low lying tension was then broken. Taking a deep breath, Harry looked back down and grinned.

“ He damn near wet himself. He didn’t believe me. Merlin. Ravenclaws, give Luna her things back so she can pack. Don’t have it happen next year. Lulu, give me a call if they don’t. “

“ Thanks Ace. You alright ? “

“ I think I will be, I’m just not there yet. “

Luna nodded in understanding and slung an arm around Ginny’s shoulders.

“ Let us out mate, go talk to your muggle friend and work through it. It will always hurt love, but it will get better. You’re a great friend Ace, I’m here. “ Luna said

“ Thanks. Jake, to my rooms. I guess I should call the girls ? “

Jake then slipped a phone in Draco’s pocket and grinned. He had been warned a week before, it was to come in the post next week. Jake took the opportunity to cut corners.

“ No, Angel can. Ron, Isis is nearly frantic. “

“ No worries mate, good seeing you. “

Jake bowed mockingly and wrapped an arm around Harry’s shoulders.

“ I already talked to Ron, he’s gunna charm it and show him how to use it. For now, I want you to talk to me. “ Jake whispered

“ By using his nickname Angel is going to be at the top of the rumor mill till we come out. “

Jake just laughed and allowed Harry to lead. Deep down he know that everything would be ok in time. Harry just needed time. Did they have time ?

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“ He was in the class room waiting for me starring at the phone. “ Ron laughed

“ Yeah well, I hadn’t expected it. I hadn’t expected him to know I’d be scared either. Pansy, who is with us by the way, was on my right, Ron was on my left and Jake was behind me. “

“ You had my arm in a death grip, I lost feeling in my fingers. You gave me a list of Slytherins, all of the upper years so far have checked out and are clean. It seems that what you said touched a cord because Pansy and Zabani have been updating the list weekly. The ones who have been questioned and are old enough will be at the party tonight. The rest of the DA had been warned and I’m hoping everyone behaves. “

Harry nodded and shrugged. The DA was growing and he hoped that they would be able to defend Hogwarts . He hoped that he could win this war. But with hope came fear and doubt. Fear that he would lose everything that he held dear. Doubt in himself that he would have it in him to put an end to Tom Riddle.

As if they knew what Harry had been thinking, Ginny and Hermione joined the boys. Watching intently, Lilly smiled to herself. Her son had found a place to belong. He had everything that he needed gathered around him, and not for the first time that day, Lilly wondered why they had been sent back. Did he need them at all ?

“ I remember when I got that first letter. I was studying......”

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Harry sat curled up in his bed with the second year text all around him. It was only the second night of term and he had nothing better to do. He had barrowed a house mates books for the night and was steadily devouring them, but he couldn’t read fast enough. Honestly it was his notes that he paid the closest attention too. All he needed was his notes and nothing would be forgotten.

Sighing at the tapping at the window, Harry rose to answer it. Who in the world would send an owl and 1 in the morning ? But he opened the window and watched the owl land on his bed.

“ You sure you got it right ? I have no one to write to. “

The owl hooted and stuck out his leg. Harry untied the letter and watch the owl perch at the end of his bed. Looking between the owl and the letter, Harry tried to figure out who in the hell would be writing him. Who would want to ?

Sighing again, Harry silt the silver wax seal and opened the letter.

* Harrison James, which is your full name, I have a proposition for you. A written friendship, one no one has to know about. I will not tell you who I am. I will not answer if you ask, and if you figure out who I am you are not allowed to approach me. It’s all very simple really as long as those 3 rules are followed. Are you game ?

I hope so. I just started here too and find it a lot to take in all at once. What’s a boy to do ? I’m board out of my mind. *

Harry just sat there and starred at the letter. At best it would take up some of his time. It would give him something to do and something to look forward to. But there was also the fact that he had no idea who this was and what they really wanted from him. At the same time, written friendships were always the easier ones, or so he thought.

Grabbing a piece of parchment, Harry made up his mind.

* Alright, I’m game. I’m just studying, I do that a lot. Yeah it is a lot to take in. I didn’t even know that I was a wizard until my 11 birthday. Then I get here and I’m every ones hero. Total shit, that. I get this whole thing, the pen pal thing. But what if you use what I tell you against me ? Can I have your word that you won’t ? I may find I need some one to spill all my secretes too. *

Harry made a copy of his reply and sealed the letter. Ok, here goes nothing.

“ Can you take this to who ever sent you with it please ? “

The owl hooted and allowed Harry to tie the letter to his leg. Watching as he owl flew out of sight Harry just shook his head.
“ I have got to be mental. This is insane. “

Still thinking about how nuts he was, Harry settled back into his studying hoping that he was wrong.

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“ And that was that. It didn’t take me long to figure out who you were. But you gave me your word and I told you everything. I mean, I didn’t start letting Ron read the letters until the middle of first year. “ Harry said

“ Yeah that was your way of spilling the beans. Then Mi and Nerva read them. Harry, we’ve been keeping a very close eye on this one for 2 ½ years. “ Ron said

Harry just looked between his husband and his brother. They were smirking at him and their closeness made so much more sense.

“ The letter said that YOU couldn’t approach him, it said nothing about US. So, we were always there when he needed us. “ Ron laughed

Harry just shook his head and leaned back into Ron. Ok, stranger things had happened. And tonight, things were bound to be wiggy. Oh well, his life normally was.