When the following morning arrived, the news of Fudge’s removal from office covered the front page of the ‘Daily Prophet’. Excited chatter immediately broke out, everyone appearing to have their own opinion to the type of Minister Cornelius Fudge had been. Susan Bones became an instant celebrity since her aunt was now the acting Minister, something that she really didn’t appreciate. She had made it clear when the Death Eaters had broken out of Azkaban that she hated the type of attention that always followed Harry like a shadow.

In light of what Remus had said, Harry made a point to avoid Professor Dumbledore in every way possible which wasn’t difficult. The absence of a Minister had left the Ministry in a panic forcing Dumbledore to spend half of his time aiding in sorting out the mess Fudge had left behind and the other half at Hogwarts.

“Which is why I say Dumbledore should step back and let McGonagall take over,” Remus said. “How can he be both the unofficial leader of the Wizarding World and Hogwarts Headmaster? He has to prioritize one and I am afraid Hogwarts’ students are the ones paying the price.”

“Yes, but the problem is that with Dumbledore at Hogwarts, Voldemort won’t dare attack the students,” Mrs. Potter said.

“I didn’t say he should leave Hogwarts, just step back from his responsibility. No one needs to know that McGonagall is running everything,” Remus explained.

“He does have a point mum, perception is everything. If people still think Dumbledore is there it doesn’t really matter who is doing the actual running of the school,” James agreed and Mrs. Potter nodded thoughtfully.

 Everything seemed to operate out of habit. Classes took place, extracurricular activities went on as they normally would and mealtimes were as loud as ever. It was as normal as Hogwarts ever was so why did it feel so wrong?

The only reason Harry could think of was that life outside of Hogwarts was anything but normal at the moment. The entire wizarding world seemed to be in a state of panic. It didn’t matter whether anyone believed Voldemort had returned or not. The vote of no confidence against Cornelius Fudge had proved that there were severe problems in the Ministry of Magic. Editorials were published on who should permanently replace Fudge daily. Thankfully Lucius Malfoy and the rest of the Death Eaters Harry had identified were not on the list.

“Well, that’s understandable. How can people feel safe if the people responsible for keeping that safety are incompetent fools,” Lily huffed. “Fudge was so worried about the people’s reaction to the threat of Voldemort and how it would affect his image, but I think if he had been straight forward and had taken measures to ensure their safety they would have been a lot calmer than now when even if some people don’t believe in the threat of Voldemort they think the Ministry can’t handle any threat.”

As April faded into May, all excitement concerning potential Ministers faded with the changing months. The D.A. had put a halt to their meetings so more focus could be put on the end of the year exams. Now, instead of practical defense lessons in the Room of Requirement, members of the D.A. had formed study groups for any other subject that was causing problems. Potions was the most popular group followed by Transfiguration but for completely different reasons. The Potions study group was a theoretical group so students could understand whatever Professor Snape didn’t explain in class.

“Oh, so everything then!” Sirius nodded.

“Sirius!” Lily scolded.

“What?” Sirius cried defensively. “He doesn’t explain anything!”

 Transfiguration was a practical study group to help everyone along in the difficult transfigurations they had been attempting in class.

Quidditch practice was now every night to prepare for the final game of the season which was scheduled for the end of the month. Practices were early allowing Harry to still work on schoolwork and even have his Occlumency lessons but it was still exhausting. Professor Snape was increasing the intensity of the mental attacks which had a tendency to cause Harry’s scar to sting more than normal but thankfully there were no dreams about the Department of Mysteries or visions of what Voldemort was doing. That was the last thing Harry needed at the moment. 

Everything was extremely normal for Harry until one morning when he woke up early with a pounding headache that made his scar headaches seem like a minor annoyance. Opening his eyes was a major mistake. The room was entirely too bright and only made the pain worse. Any sort of thought whatsoever only made the pain worse. Every second seemed like an eternity and all Harry could do was to wait for it to pass.

“Someone call an Ambulance!” Lily cried.

“What?” Mrs. Potter asked.

Lily looked at her and shook her head, “Someone call a Healer!” she amended her cry.

Voices filled his ears only to be pushed aside by a soothing voice Harry had heard once before when he had been under the affects of the Dementors.

“Hold on, my son. The pain will pass.”

Dad? Am…am I dying? How can I hear you?

“I’m here Harry!” James cried.

“No son, you’re not dying. Be strong. Trust me. The pain won’t last forever.”

“How can you be talking to Harry, James?”

What’s happening to me?

“I don’t know,” James answered desperately both Harry and Remus.

“I don’t know, son. Try to focus on my voice and not the pain. Breathe Harry. Concentrate on the smaller things.”

“Yes, Harry, breathe,” James said breathing deeply to demonstrate.

Lily eyed him worriedly and bit her lip, “I don’t like this one bit.”

“I’m helping him!” James cried.

“How?” she asked.

“Dunno.”

At a flash of warmth, Harry opened his eyes to see a flash of flame followed by the appearance of a familiar phoenix. The bird began singing softly, soothingly forcing Harry to relax. The pain started to decrease as Harry’s eyes closed again. Everything seemed to fade away as Fawkes’ powerful trilling washed over him, covering him like a blanket. He was falling into bliss, into peace. Nothing could harm him here.

“Good,” Lily sighed relieved.

“Harry?”

The voice sounded so distant but so familiar. Where had he heard that voice before? “Dad?” Harry asked groggily as he tried to hold onto the peaceful darkness. He was too tired to make out who was trying to talk to him or what they wanted. You were right, Dad. Thank you.

“You’re welcome,” James sniffed and blew his nose on a napkin.

At the moment sleep seemed to be too impossible to ignore. He felt completely drained of all energy, barely noticing Fawkes vanishing in another flash of flames.

The next thing Harry knew he was being lowered onto something soft and covered with bedcovers. A cold, wet cloth was gently brushed against his face, especially under his nose. Another cold cloth was placed on his forehead causing Harry to shiver reflexively. Muffled voices filled his ears teasing him to fight the confusion in his mind. An arm burrowed underneath his shoulders and propped him at an angle so his head tilted backwards.

Without warning Harry’s eye opened quickly, startling those who were near. Slowly, Harry’s head raised until it was upright. He stared forward at nothing in particular but with an intensity that no teenager should have. “Danger has been brought to the forest,” he said firmly. “Control it or remove it. It is your choice.”

“Harry,” Sirius said cautiously. “Are you feeling all right?”

“Of course he isn’t!” Lily snapped.

“I’m just asking because he is making no sense whatsoever!” Sirius defended himself.

Several gasps were heard as Harry collapsed against his godfather’s chest.

“Oh, Harry. You can collapse against my chest all you want. Don’t worry!”

“I think Padfoot is the one felling unwell now,” Remus stated dryly and Sirius glared at him.

All sense of urgency had vanished. Silence remained as Sirius wrapped his arms around Harry and held him close. No one knew what to say or what to do. It wasn’t every day that a fifteen-year-old gave an ultimatum to the Hogwarts staff let alone one that the staff had to obey. There weren’t many times Professor Dumbledore was caught off guard either but it was bound to happen sooner or later.

---

“It wasn’t the Dark Lord, Headmaster. According to my sources, the Dark Lord nearly collapsed then shouted Potter’s name. He wants to know exactly what happened. He could feel something powerful behind the pain. What should I tell him?”

“Well, that’s good news at least,” Mrs. Potter nodded with a grim frown.

“His sources hum?” Sirius said suspiciously.

“SIRIUS! Stop that! Again! SNAPE IS ON OUR SIDE!” Lily scolded saying the last sentence slowly. Sirius just shrugged.

“The truth, Severus. We don’t know. Harry never remembers anything afterwards so we can’t ask him. I have a suspicion but I hope I’m wrong.

“Care to share please!” James snapped.

I know Voldemort won’t accept that answer for long but at the moment it will have to do. Voldemort is already too interested in Harry because of the magical outbursts. I fear that he may still be trying to persuade Harry to join him.”

“As if he could,” Mrs. Potter sniffed disdainfully.

“Do you really believe Potter would ever join the person who killed his parents?”

“Of course not!” Remus growled.

“I believe Harry would do anything to protect the ones he loves, even selling his soul if it were necessary. That is the type of person he is. Do I believe Harry would willingly join Voldemort to serve the darkness? No. Harry doesn’t have it in him. I believe the reaction Harry had during your first Occlumency lesson is proof enough of that. You two clearly do not get along but that didn’t stop him from panicking when he thought he had hurt you. Harry’s been on the receiving end too many times to even think of hurting anyone.”

“I hate to say this, but Dumbles is right,” Sirius nodded grimly.

“You? Agreeing with that?” Lily asked. “I think the world went batty.

“Dumbles?” James raised an eyebrow.

“I think it’s cute!” Sirius grinned and the others rolled their eyes and James groaned hiding his face in his hand.

Harry let out a groan as he rolled onto his right side, pulling his bedcovers tighter in the process. He was still tired but the voices of Professor Dumbledore and Professor Snape wouldn’t let him return to his slumber. A hand rested on his shoulder with a familiar grasp that Harry didn’t have to open his eyes to see who it was. Everyone seemed to have their own way of waking him up. Sirius went for the hair, Remus usually rubbed the back, Tonks touched his face and Professor Dumbledore normally squeezed a shoulder.

Slowly, Harry opened his eyes to see an overabundance of white blocking his line of sight. He blinked the remaining tiredness out of his eyes as he sat up. “What time is it?” he asked sleepily.

“It is early afternoon, Harry,” Professor Dumbledore said as he handed over Harry’s glasses. “We were growing quite worried. How are you feeling, my boy?”

Harry slid his glasses on and took in his surroundings. He was in the hospital wing with Professor Dumbledore at his bedside and Professor Snape a few strides behind him. From the amount of sunlight in the room it was indeed early afternoon. He held back a groan that he was once again back in the hospital wing and returned his attention to Dumbledore. “I’m fine, sir,” Harry said unable to hold back his confusion. “Er—what am I doing here?”

Professor Dumbledore let out a soft sigh. “When your roommates woke, you were bleeding from the nose and not responding, Harry,” he said seriously. “They feared you were having another vision.”

Harry stared straight ahead at a window that revealed a perfect view of the lake. He wished it had been a vision. At least then he would know what happened. “It wasn’t Voldemort, sir,” Harry said softly. “At least I don’t think it was since my scar wasn’t the source of the pain. I can’t remember much but I remember the pain. It reminded me of the outburst I had last year when I could hear Hogwarts speak but I didn’t hear any voices this time…well, I don’t remember hearing voices.”

“Yes you did! You heard me!”

“And we still ask ourselves, how?” Remus asked worried.

“Very well, Harry,” Professor Dumbledore said with a nod. “I wish I could give you the answers you want but at the moment I am just as confused by this entire situation as you are.

“No you’re not; you have a theory and are not sharing! Start sharing!” Sirius snapped.

 I will do what I can but I must admit that I have never seen anything like this before.” At Harry’s downcast look Dumbledore continued. “However that doesn’t mean this has never happened. There is much in the wizarding world that not even I know.”

Harry nodded slightly at the statement but remained silent. For some reason, that didn’t make him feel better. It made him feel worse. Harry never expected Professor Dumbledore to know everything but was aware he knew quite a bit more than most. The fact that Dumbledore had never heard of anything like this happening before meant that once again something odd was happening to him.

“I will alert Poppy that you are awake, Harry,” Professor Dumbledore continued after a moment of silence. “If you have any questions or concerns, you know where to find me.” He gave Harry’s shoulder a squeeze before turning away and walking out of the hospital wing with Professor Snape following him.

Madam Pomfrey appeared a short time later and was determined to run every sort of test imaginable before releasing Harry, at least that was what it felt like. Harry knew she was just being thorough but why did she have to be that way every single time he was in the hospital wing? Madam Pomfrey had backed off a little once Harry’s heart had healed but Harry was certain she was still more thorough with him than the other students at Hogwarts. Most likely it’s because I come in with the strangest injuries.

“Nope, she is a tyrant with everyone!”

“James!”

“But Lily! She is!”

Once Harry was released it was nearly time for dinner which left him only enough time to hurry to the Gryffindor Tower to grab his wand and Firebolt for Quidditch practice. By the time he reached the Great Hall the tables were partially full. He took a long glance at the Gryffindor table but didn’t see Ron or Hermione seated yet but then again neither were any of the other Gryffindor fifth years. Assuming that they were simply held up, Harry sat down across from Fred and George who stared at Harry in disbelief before grinning.

“Ah, I see someone is taking after Professor Black,” George said thoughtfully. “Escaping from high security confinement.” He winked discretely. “Don’t worry, Harry. We won’t turn you in.”

“Of course it depends on the reward, my dear brother,” Fred countered.

George stared at Fred in mock horror. “And betray the son of a Marauder?” he asked then leaned closer to Fred, not wanting anyone to overhear. “Worse, anger one of the actual Marauders? Do you have any idea what Professor Black would do to us? We would be at the receiving end of pranks for months!”

Sirius grinned gleefully and Remus glared at him. His grin just got wider.

Fred’s eyes widened at the comment. “Good point,” he said quickly then looked at Harry and smiled. “You’re secret is safe with us, honorary brother. We swear to aid in your escape when the time shall come.”

Harry enfolded his fingers as he rested his arms on the table. “Are you two finished?” he asked causing the twins to grin again. “I didn’t escape. I was released. Do you really think Madam Pomfrey wouldn’t hunt me down if I did escape? I doubt that Sirius and Remus could help me out of that fix.” A smile slowly formed on Harry’s face. “Although it is refreshing to hear that there is at least one teacher you two fear.”

“See, I am feared,” Sirius puffed his chest.

“Yes, a feared teacher,” Mrs. Potter reminded him and Sirius eyes bugged and he fell backwards in a faint.

“Stop mock fainting Paddy!” Remus sighed. “That got old the first time around.”

Fred and George glanced at each other before staring at Harry in mock offense. “Us?” asked George. “Afraid? Of Professor Black?”

“Honestly, Harry,” added Fred. “Sometimes the things you think of—”

“—are just preposterous,” finished George.

Fred leaned closer to Harry and winked. “If you mention that to anyone we may just have to retaliate,” he said with a smile.

Harry raised his hands in the form of surrender. “Point taken,” he said. “Now, what have I missed?”

Fred and George shrugged their shoulders. “Truthfully, it’s been a rather slow day,” said George. “The only bit of excitement was this morning when you wouldn’t wake up. We could hear Ron screaming from our room. It wasn’t a pretty picture. Fred tried to calm Ron down while the rest of your roommates ran for help. Professor Black and Remus were the first to arrive—”

“—they must have used some sort of secret passage,” Fred interrupted. “There is no possible way anyone could arrive that fast.”

“Of course we did,” Sirius said. “We know the castle better than the founders did- er- Moony? Why the glare?”

“Why is it Professor Black and I am just Remus?”

“Well, dear, Sirius is a teacher,” Mrs. Potter tried to explain but Remus just glared and crossed his arms with a scowl.

“So we’re back at the beginning. Like in the first book when Arthur Weasley got a Mr. and I just got a Lupin! I say that is discrimination!”

“Moony, I’m sure they don’t mean anything bad by it,” James tried.

“I want at least a Mr.!”

“Okay, from now on we will call you Mr. Lupin,” Lily said.

“Not from you!” Remus whined.

“They took one look at you, put you on a stretcher and hurried you out of the Tower,” George continued then looked at Harry in concern. “It wasn’t your scar, was it? You were bleeding—”

“—it wasn’t my scar,” Harry said firmly. “It was just a really bad headache that caused my nose to bleed but I’m fine now. Trust me. Madam Pomfrey ran every scan in the book.” He glanced at his watch. “We should get moving. We have practice soon.”

They quickly grabbed some food before standing up to leave only to come face to face with the fifth year Gryffindors who had just entered. Harry smiled as he grabbed a roll, tossed it to Ron the left with Fred and George. Ron had caught up with them a short time later, having grabbed a bit more food to hold him over until Quidditch practice was done.

Practice was more repetitious than anything. The Chasers practiced their plays against Ron while Fred and George were using one Bludger to try and keep Harry on his guard. After an hour and a half practice was called to a halt when the Ravenclaw team arrived for their practice time. As they left, Harry handed the Snitch over to Cho and nodded politely earning him a wink in return. What is it with people and winking today?

The Gryffindors returned to the Great Hall for the remainder of dinner before retreating to the Gryffindor Common Room for a night of schoolwork. The problem was everyone wanted to know what had happened to justify a day in the hospital wing. Apparently rumors had spread that Harry had been attacked in the middle of the night by something or someone sent by You-Know-Who or Fudge. Compared to that story the truth was quite disappointing and alarming. Hermione had been the first to voice her concerns about a headache that was severe enough to cause a nose to bleed but Harry insisted that it was nothing to worry about.

Whether Hermione believed him was another story. Harry could see the look of concern remained on her face even after the conversation had ended. He knew it had to come from Hermione being a muggleborn. She knew about muggle illnesses involving the brain and the dangers with them. After an hour of schoolwork, Harry couldn’t take her periodic looks anymore. It was almost like she was afraid he was going to collapse any moment.

“I’m sure Madam Pomfrey took those illnesses into account when she scanned Harry,” Lily said hopefully, “Didn’t she?”

“Yeah, sure,’” James nodded unsure.

Letting out a sigh, Harry rested a hand over hers and leaned closer. “I’m fine, I swear,” he whispered in her ear. “It’s not what you’re thinking.”

Hermione looked at Harry, concern still on her face. “Are you sure?” she asked softly. “I don’t want you to die, Harry.”

Harry smiled at the blunt statement. “Well, I don’t want to die either,” he said frankly. “Truthfully, Dumbledore doesn’t know what happened but he’s looking into it. If it was something worth worrying about do you think Sirius and Remus would let me out of their sight?”

“Nope,” all five said at the same time.

Hermione smiled and shook her head. “I guess you’re right,” she admitted. “If you’re sure—” Harry nodded “—then I believe you. But if it happens again—”

“—I give you the right to drag me to the hospital wing,” Harry finished for her. “Deal?”

Hermione nodded and returned to her schoolwork with Harry following suit a moment later. He had to admit that until Hermione had shown concern he had never thought of any sort of muggle reason for what happened. The only problem was Dumbledore’s explanation or lack thereof. If it was some sort of muggle reason Dumbledore wouldn’t have been as perplexed as he was. No. This was something magical. Harry was sure of it.

---

After a few days the hype over Harry’s headache shifted to the upcoming Quidditch match. Both teams wanted to win since they both had a chance at the Quidditch Cup. Gryffindor was the favorite but the Gryffindor team knew better than to underestimate the Ravenclaw team. With Harry’s growth spurt, he was larger than Cho now which wasn’t an advantage considering how sunny the weather had been lately. He would have to take advantage of his Firebolt’s speed over Cho’s Comet Two Sixty.

“Puft,” James waved a hand dismissively. “Like she could take on a Potter! No one can!”

“You see Mrs. Potter, then he doesn’t understand when I say he needs to deflate his head,” Lily said casually.

“Unfortunately that comes from his father, I believe that is a Potter trend. I’m glad Harry takes after you,” Mrs. Potter agreed and James cried outraged:

“Oi! I’m right here!”

The Common Room soon became an impossible place to study. Instead of using their time to prepare for the NEWTs, Fred and George decided it was more beneficial to once again begin testing products they had invented for their joke shop on the younger years which meant the library and the Room of Requirement soon became popular places for those who needed to finish their schoolwork. Ron and Hermione had tried to compromise with Fred and George but in the end it didn’t make any difference because it was still a distraction to move to another location when the designated time arrived.

Members of the D.A. used the Room of Requirement since it could provide whatever they needed to complete their assignments. The room now resembled what could only be described as a mixture between a library and Common Room. There was a fireplace with comfortable chairs around it and cushions on the floor for students to read, there were rectangular tables with chairs for students to work on assignments and there were bookcases filled with books along the walls on every subject covered at Hogwarts. Any sort of talking was kept to whispers. Students left as quietly as they arrived, normally departing the room just before curfew.

Harry was normally the last to leave, especially on the nights he had Occlumency. It was rather difficult to concentrate on the order potion ingredients should be added to the Rejuvenation Draught without making it poisonous when you were mentally exhausted from pushing Professor Snape out of your head. Packing up his schoolwork, Harry figured it would probably be smart to leave that assignment until morning. He was about to stand when a hand on his shoulder made him jump in surprise.

Turning quickly, Harry instantly relaxed to see a concerned Cho Chang standing in front of him. “Harry, are you all right?” she asked as she sat down next to him. “You look like you were a world away just now.”

Harry let out a sigh as he tiredly rubbed his eyes underneath his glasses. “I just have a lot on my mind,” he said evasively. “OWLs and everything.”

Cho leaned forward and stared at him sympathetically. “I remember,” she said truthfully, “but I think there’s something more going on with you. Ron and Hermione may be too busy to notice or too timid to say anything but I’m not. Harry, you look like you’re on the verge of collapsing. You may not realize it but people do notice when there’s something wrong with their friends.”

“Finally!” Remus growled angry. “Someone notices!”

Harry looked at Cho before shaking his head. He should have known someone would eventually say something. He was just surprised that it was Cho and not Hermione or the Weasleys considering how protective the Weasleys had been since the Christmas holiday. “I’m fine, Cho,” Harry insisted. “I honestly just have a lot on my plate at the moment. I appreciate the concern but it’s nothing, really.”

“I don’t think so, Harry,” Cho persisted as she pulled out her wand. “Now, are you going to tell me what’s bothering you or will I have to resort to more drastic means?”

“Excuse me?” Harry asked with a raised eyebrow. “Since when do you threaten people? You’re a Ravenclaw. Ravenclaws don’t threaten especially by means of violence.”

“I wouldn’t say that,” Sirius said rubbing a spot in his face.

“Bad memories Paddy?” James asked.

“Never, never ask two Ravenclaws out on the same day! They get touchy!”

“Speaking for all females Sirius,” Lily said. “We all get touchy if you ask two of us out on the same day.”

“Don’t see why,” Sirius shrugged.

“And that’s why you get hexed,” Remus explained.

It was Cho’s turn to stare at Harry with a raised eyebrow. “Since when do you know so much about Ravenclaws?” she asked curiously. “Just because we don’t go parading around like you Gryffindors doesn’t mean we simply stay in our rooms and read all day long.”

Harry’s eyes narrowed. That was a low blow. “Gryffindors do not parade around,” he said through his teeth. “I think you have us confused with a few Slytherins in my year.”

Cho smirked as she leaned a little closer. “Is that so?” she asked. “Then how do you explain the fact that the Gryffindor House has the most biases towards other houses? You call the Ravenclaws bookworms, the Hufflepuffs pushovers and Slytherins…well I won’t start with that.” At Harry’s hurtful look, Cho let out a sigh and changed tactics. “I’m just saying that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, Harry. There are very few of us who only have only one house in us.”

“Tell me about it,” Harry muttered as his gaze fell to the floor. He didn’t need to be reminded of the fact that the Sorting Hat nearly put him in Slytherin. “I really appreciate that you want to help, Cho, but there is just so much that no one can help me with. Everyone thinks of me as this person who can take on anything without flinching. I wish I could be that way, I really do.”

Cho reached for his hands and held them in hers. “Harry, I can’t speak for everyone else but I think that’s because you don’t let it show,” she said gently. “Did you know that Ron and Hermione talked to the Council after the Christmas holidays, asking us to keep an eye on you during meetings?” Harry shook his head. “They were worried about you. I think a lot of people were; they just didn’t know what to say or do. Susan told the Council that her aunt cornered her before the hearing and demanded to know what had been happening while Umbridge taught here. You hid everything then, Harry, and you’re doing it again. No one will think any less of you if you let your frustrations show.”

“Exactly!” Remus let his hands drop on his thighs.

“You know Moony, you could start taking your own advice,” Sirius said.

“Don’t follow.”

“No you wouldn’t,” James grumbled.

Harry let out a sigh, keeping his gaze on the floor. He knew Cho had a point but he wasn’t about to start ranting about matters he had been told not to talk about. “It’s just not that simple, Cho,” he said as he finally met her stare. “Maybe I don’t want to burden people with worries that they would never understand. I wish I just had to worry about schoolwork and Quidditch. I wish I didn’t have a Dark Lord plotting my death but I do and no amount of ranting will change that.”

“Probably not but it will make you feel better,” Cho countered as she sat back in her chair and released Harry’s hands. She looked at Harry for a moment before shaking her head in frustration. “Please tell me you are at least talking to Professor Black and Mr. Lupin.”

“After they pry everything out by sheer stubbornness,” Mrs. Potter mumbled.

Harry nodded as a smile formed on his face. “Trust me,” he said bluntly. “There are no secrets between me, Sirius and Remus. It’s rather difficult to hide anything from them when they’re both here to keep an eye on me.”

Cho let out a giggle. “I suppose,” she said then stood up. “I know I probably wouldn’t understand what this year has been like for you, Harry, but I can sympathize.” She took a step towards him and smiled. “Perhaps you just need a distraction from it all.”

Before Harry could ask what she meant Cho had her hands on the sides of his face. She gently tilted his head upwards as she lowered her own. Their lips met. Harry inhaled sharply, his eyes wide with shock. Cho was kissing him! Cho Chang!

“Aw! Harry’s first kiss!” Lily cooed.

“Kind of abrupt,” Sirius pointed out.

“I didn’t see that coming,” Remus agreed.

“Hey, she kissed him. His first kiss should be initiated by him!” James complained.

“Why? So he could get slapped for kissing someone who didn’t want to be kissed in the middle of the Great Hall,” Lily raised an eyebrow.

“Confess Lily, you loved that kiss,” James grinned cheekily.

“I don’t think he understood the slap dear,” Mrs. Potter chuckled at Lily’s outraged look.

Yes, she was pretty but she was also his friend. She was Cedric’s girlfriend you git! Panicking, Harry quickly turned his face as he pushed Cho away. He quickly stood and stared at Cho in disbelief, unable to think of anything to say.

Seeing his reaction, Cho covered her mouth as she started to laugh. “Oh Harry,” she said when she regained control of herself. “You should see your face right now.” She cleared her throat and grinned. “So, how are you feeling now?”

“Confused,” Harry said honestly, unable to think of anything else. “Why did you do that?”

“The million galleon question,” Sirius sighed.

“It took your mind off everything else, didn’t it?” Cho asked. Harry nodded causing her to smile triumphantly. “Then my job is done but don’t start thinking that this will be a regular thing every time you are stressed out.”

Harry rolled his eyes at Cho’s playful tone. He could tell that she was just trying to help out a friend, nothing more. That was a relief. He still had a problem at seeing her as anything other than Cedric’s girlfriend and had a feeling she knew that. “Very funny,” Harry said flatly. “You better be careful. One could think you were trying to seduce your opponent in hopes that you would have a chance at winning the final game of the season.”

“I knew she had unworthy intentions. Harry watch out! She’ll do that during the game!” James cried.

“Yeah, in the middle of the sky at high speed and all, just before he is right about to catch the snitch,” Lily snorted.

“You joke, but it could happen,” James said seriously and the other four in the room burst out laughing.

Cho glared at Harry as she enfolded her arms across her chest. “Like I need to seduce you to beat you in a game of Quidditch,” she countered. “You have a rather high opinion of yourself, Potter. One would wonder how you’re able to even fly with a head as big and heavy as yours.”

“If his father can, why not him,” Lily sighed.

Harry returned the glare for a moment before it melted into a smile. He had to admit, although he didn’t really like the route Cho took, it had worked. She had taken his mind off of all of the unpleasantries in his life at the moment. “Thanks Cho,” Harry said sincerely.

Cho smiled back. “No problem,” she said before her face turned serious. “I know you have worries that the rest of us will probably never have, Harry. Just know that you’re not as alone as you may feel. Everyone in the D.A., including Hermione and the Weasley siblings would help you if you asked them. I don’t think any of them would mind if you ranted about what’s on your mind. It’s surely better than letting it fester.”

Harry had to admit once again Cho had a point. Although he hadn’t experienced any emotional outbursts lately, Harry was still fearful that it could happen again. His life had been fairly normal if you ignored the headache and the scenario with Firenze. That normalcy usually wasn’t a good sign. It normally meant that the next outburst whether it was emotional or magical would be extremely powerful.

Cho grabbed her things and took a step towards the door before turning back to Harry. “I don’t know what the future will bring but don’t waste the present by worrying about it,” she said sincerely. “If Cedric’s death taught us anything it’s that life is short and death is unexpected. We owe it to him to live life to the fullest.”

“I know,” Harry said as he grabbed his own schoolbag. “I guess it’s easy to get overwhelmed with the small things and forget that in the grand scheme of things, whatever happens will happen.”

Cho stared at Harry for a moment before nodding. “Why Harry, you almost sounded like a Ravenclaw for a moment,” she said in approval as she walked towards the door with Harry at her side. “I’ll have to tell my housemates that there’s more to Harry Potter than what meets the eye. I’m sure they would love to meet the intellectual side of you.”

Harry scowled at her as he opened the door and let her pass. “Don’t you even think about it,” he warned and followed her out of the Room of Requirement. “The last thing I need at the moment is a bunch of girls trying to distract me from beating you at Quidditch.”

“Yes Harry! Focus on what is important!” James said firmly.

Cho looked at Harry innocently. “Whatever do you mean?” she asked as they walked towards the staircases.

“Oh, she is a devious one!” James said worried. “Be careful Harry!”

“You know what I mean,” Harry said biting back a smile. “Don’t try the innocent act, Cho. I know you too well. Blame it on working together for the D.A. for so long. When you set your mind to something, you do whatever is necessary to accomplish it.” They reached the staircases. “I respect that but I’m the same way, remember that.”

Cho nodded before bidding goodnight and hurrying to the Ravenclaw Tower. Once she was out of sight, Harry hurried to the Gryffindor Tower. Cho had certainly given him a lot to think about. He had pulled away from his friends this year because he believed they wouldn’t be able to understand like Sirius and Remus. Maybe they wouldn’t understand but they could sympathize. Perhaps that was the first step he needed to take to repair the relationship he had between them that had been damaged by the misunderstandings and lies.

---

Throughout the rest of May, Harry slowly began to confide more and more in Ron and Hermione. He finally revealed what happened during the hearing with Umbridge and reluctantly explained the vision he had that involved Mr. Weasley due to Ron’s persistence. Both Ron and Hermione were shocked to learn that Harry had actually overpowered Voldemort’s possession of Nagini. He also explained that he had been working on a way to keep Voldemort out of his head but he couldn’t tell them any more because his teacher insisted on secrecy. This relieved Ron and Hermione greatly since they had been worried whether any more visions would be coming.

The final Quidditch game of the season finally arrived with the last weekend in May. Cho and Harry had become the focal points of the game with their playful taunts whenever they passed each other in the hallway. Harry would comment on Cho’s lack of speed while Cho would vocalize wonders on Harry’s capability of catching the Snitch since he had a tendency to attracting Bludgers. Their taunts shocked everyone at first, especially when Harry and Cho would end the confrontation with a smile. After a while everyone just accepted the banter and even found it amusing at how quickly Harry and Cho could think of appropriate comebacks.

As game time approached on the Saturday morning, the tension had increased dramatically. Both teams wanted to win. Gryffindor wanted to keep the Quidditch Cup while Ravenclaw wanted to finally win it. No one had to voice the fact that Ravenclaw would do everything in their power to win the game. This meant Fred and George would have to do everything in their power to keep the Bludgers away from Harry.

Angelina’s pre-game speech was short and to the point. “Do you jobs and we’ll win.” There was nothing else to say and everyone knew it.

Walking onto the field, Harry blinked a few times so his eyes could adjust to the sunlight. It was a clear day, not a cloud in the sky and very little breeze. The Ravenclaw team was already waiting for them. Harry and Cho looked at each other for a moment before nodding, a silent understanding passing between them. They were no longer friends, only opponents. Catching the Snitch was all that mattered now.

“Snitch, snitch, snitch, snitch, snitch,” James chanted.

“Captains, shake hands,” Madam Hooch said and waited for them to do so. “Mount your brooms. Now, three…two…one…”

The moment the whistle sounded, Harry kicked off into the air with Cho following him. He immediately started looking for the Snitch. Cho placed herself in front of him with a few broomsticks worth of distance between them. From their posts, Harry and Cho knew that making the first sighting was the determining factor to who became the pursuer and the follower. Neither of them wanted to be the follower.

They didn’t have to look for long. Looking to the right, Harry saw a flash of gold near the Hufflepuff stands and immediately took off with Cho right behind him. He was nearly there when the Snitch veered left towards the Ravenclaw goalposts. Harry followed suit, aware that Cho was right on his tail. He lowered his body, decreasing the wind resistance and putting more distance between him and Cho. Harry was nearly there, reaching out for the Snitch…reaching for a victory…

…when what could only be described as a forceful wave of wind hit him and Cho, sending them flying backwards and off their brooms. Screams filled the air and Harry and Cho started to fall. Harry knew he needed to act quickly. There was only fifty feet of air separating them from the ground. With a flick of the wrist, Harry had his wand in hand and pointed to the ground. Concentrating, Harry recalled the Transfiguration Sirius had taught him one day during his summer at Hogwarts. Sirius had been bored and wanted to have some fun. It could work…no, it had to work.

“What did you do Sirius?” Remus asked worried. “I hope it helps!”

The field underneath them slowly transformed from the green grass to a smooth black material and started to rise a couple meters. They were only twenty feet from hitting it.

“What is that?” Mrs. Potter asked.

“Oh, I know what it is!” Lily cried relieved. “That will work!”

“Care to explain how?” James asked worried.

 Harry instantly re-holstered his wand as he grabbed a confused Cho. He rotated his body so that he was falling back first as he held Cho with one arm around her midsection and another around her shoulders. Ten feet…five feet…

The entire stadium was silent as Harry hit the black surface, still holding Cho tightly. The Seekers appeared to sink into the surface for a moment before they sprang back into the air. Harry looked upwards and released his hold on Cho’s shoulders to grasp the extended hand of George Weasley. Cho instantly wrapped her arms around Harry, holding on tightly.

“Er, what happened?” Sirius asked bewildered.

“He turned the grass into a trampoline,” Lily explained. “It’s a sports equipment with a stretchy material that is used for bouncing. So they bounced instead of getting hurt. I obviously must have shown you one since Harry said you’re the one that showed him.”

“Well, you know, I have other sources of information,” Sirius said defensively.

“Remus looks like he didn’t know what a trampoline was either,” she stated dryly.

“Hey! We don’t always ask Moony stuff!” James cried.

“No, of course not,” Lily said sarcastically.

“You always have to pull something, don’t you?” George asked with a grin.

Harry smiled. Only the Weasley twins would crack jokes at a time like this. Fred arrived a moment later with Harry’s Firebolt in hand while the Ravenclaw Captain had Cho’s broom. Madam Hooch blew her whistle, calling for a timeout while the Seekers remounted their brooms. Both teams surrounded the Seekers to make sure they were all right. After insisting that he was all right, Harry glanced at the teacher’s box to see an anxious Sirius and Remus. He mouthed an ‘I’m fine’ but didn’t hide the slightly nervous look on his face. Whatever that had been, Harry doubted that any student could have created it. Sirius and Remus relaxed slightly but the three of them knew the subject was far from being closed.

After confirmation that Harry and Cho were all right, the game continued. Retaking their spots facing each other, their eyes met for a moment. Cho still looked a little shaken but she managed to smile at Harry and mouth a ‘thank you’. Harry nodded and returned the smile. Their attention returned to searching for the Snitch. This time Cho saw it first and took off with Harry following her. They were flying towards the Gryffindor stands, Harry quickly caught up with Cho so they were flying side by side.

The Snitch quickly changed course, flying off to the right which gave Cho a small advantage for a moment. Harry quickly extinguished the lead and managed to pull ahead of her. The distance between them and the Snitch was decreasing quickly. Harry reached out just as the Snitch shot upwards. Harry let out a groan of annoyance as he followed. He shot up quickly, reaching out again and this time felt the small protesting golden ball in his hand.

Cheers broke out as Harry held up the captured Snitch. Madam Hooch blew her whistle signaling the end of the game. Everyone landed quickly on the recently un-transfigured field. The Gryffindor team rushed at Harry, congratulating him while the Ravenclaws held back obviously disappointed. Once everyone had scolded Harry for scaring them half to death, the Gryffindor and Ravenclaw teams congratulated each other for a game well played. The Gryffindors were awarded the Quidditch Cup and instantly retreated to the Gryffindor Tower for the party that was bound to last well into the night.

The five Gryffindors in the room were cheering loudly.

Well, all of the Gryffindors except Harry who hung back with Sirius, Remus and Professor Dumbledore to discuss what happened. Once everyone left, Sirius seemed to be stuck between wanting to congratulate Harry and hide him away. Remus seemed to sum up everything rather well when he simply stated: “Well, at least you’re not hurt this time. That has to count for something.” Sirius didn’t like that comment too much. Remus was trying to lighten the mood to hide his own nerves but the problem was Sirius didn’t have a sense of humor when Harry’s life was in danger even though everyone was aware of the fact that if Harry hadn’t done something, someone else would have…but that was beside the point.

Sirius glared at Remus who shrugged.

Professor Dumbledore didn’t appear to be as certain as Harry that whoever had caused the disturbance hadn’t been a student. The problem was not much could be done about it unless someone came forward. The teachers could ask around whether anyone had any knowledge of the strange occurrence but the chances of someone admitting that they tried to injure two students were slim to none. With nothing else to discuss, Sirius and Remus walked Harry to the Gryffindor Tower, congratulating him on his fast thinking and a good catch. Harry tried to assure his guardians that he was fine but the one armed embraces from Sirius and the ruffling of the hair from Remus. It seemed that Sirius and Remus just needed time more than anything to deal with their chaotic emotions. Harry could relate.

Once Harry bid farewell to his guardians, he entered the Gryffindor Tower and was instantly bombarded with pats on the back and voices of congrats. All worries were pushed away for the moment. He wouldn’t forget what happened but right now, he would enjoy the victory. Tomorrow he could worry and ask questions.

They heard a knock from the door and hastily hid the book taking out the “Lord of the rings”. The door opened and Mr. Potter came in.

“Hello kids, having fun?”

“Yes, loads,” Sirius answered.

“Honey,” Mr. Potter said frowning. “What are you doing here?”

“Reading with them,” Mrs. Potter answered without faltering. “They seemed to be having so much fun.”

James was astonished at his mother’s straight face.

“Okay,” Mr. Potter said slowly. “But we should get ready don’t you think?”

“Why?” she asked bewildered.

“Dinner with Helen and Richard.”

“Do I have too?” she definitely whined and the four teenagers and Mr. Potter gaped at her.

“Yes,” he said shocked. “You’re the one that wanted this dinner date”

“Bur what about the kids? We can’t leave them alone?” she tried to reason.

“They are sixteen and the house-elves are here. Besides James knows how to contact us.”

James nodded but quickly stopped at his mother’s glare.

“Fine,” she got up and shooed Mr. Potter from the room. “Go get ready. I’ll be there in a minute.”

As she closed the door she glanced at the teens and said hopefully, “So, you kids can wait.”

“NO!” they all cried out together.

“But you could,” she said.

“With all due respect Mrs. P this is my son’s future we’re talking about,” Lily said.

“You could tell dad and then he’ll understand why you can’t go.”

“Are you crazy James? You’re father is an Auror. He’ll never approve of us learning  the future like that. He’ll say something about meddling with time and how it’s dangerous and illegal or some nonsense like that. Nope, it’s best to keep Harold blissfully ignorant,” she nodded to herself. “Well,” she said grimly. “I’ll guess I’ll have to go. But you four better tell me everything in the morning,” she warned.

As she left the room Lily patted James, “I guess you can’t help it. I mean, look at your genes.”