Sixth Book- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

[Madelina]

I am Madelina and I am going to write a sixth book. I will have my version of the half-blood prince. I will also have at least one new character. After all, there has to be a new DADA teacher. Yes, she will be a friend of Harry's mother, but she is NOT going to his godmother. That idea is worn out and trite. Yes, Harry will ask her if she is, but she will tell him no, that Alice Longbottom, another friend of Lily's, and Neville's mother, is his godmother.

Disclaimer: I do not own these characters. They are all a product of J.K. Rowling, except for any new ones I come with myself. This is written solely for entertainment.


Chapter One

Once Harry got home, Uncle Vernon shouted at him. "You ungrateful boy! how dare those freaks come to us and threaten us like that! Accusing us of mistreating you! We didn't throw you out of the house last year or leave you at an orphanage when Petunia found you on our doorstep."

Harry tied to explain that he didn't know the Order members would approach Uncle Vernon, but he wasn't listening. "SHUT UP! DON'T YOU INTERRUPT OR TRY TO TALK BACK!"

Harry closed his mouth and let Uncle Vernon keep talking. Finally Aunt Petunia said. "That's enough, Vernon. As for you, boy, you will stay in your room! You will not be allowed to go out except to use the bathroom or if Mrs. Figgs asks you to do an errand for her. Your meals will be brought up to you and you will write to those freaks every three days. And you will write that you are being properly treated or we will punish you. Is that clear?"

Harry nodded and went upstairs with his things. At least the Dursleys wouldn't bother him this summer and being locked in his room was better than having to do chores or something. He sat dwon on his bed and his thoughts turned to Sirius. He recounted what had happened in the Department of Mysteries, the prophecy Dumbledore had told him, and how he had reacted. he did fell bad about trashing Dumbledore's office, but he still felt angry over how Dumbledore hadn't told him sooner.

Aunt Petunia came in at six o'clock and left a plate, an apple and a glass on the table. Harry got up and found some salad, a peice of chicken, and a slice of bread on the plate. The glass contained milk. Harry quickly ate the food, even though he wasn't very hungry. Then Aunt Petunia came back later and took the plate and cup away.

At seven, a phoenix appeared, dropped a letter, then disappeared. Harry realised that it was Fawkes, Dumbledore's phoenix, and that Dumbledore must have sent him a letter. Harry ripped it open and read:

"Dear Harry,

I am sorry about not telling you about the prohecy sooner. I made a mistake. I really shouldn't have, but an old man like me still isn't perfect. When I ws your age, I felt as insecure as you and made some mistakes, too. In fact, there was that time... but I digress. Anyway, I am here to apoligise.

I also realise that your friends spoke to your relatives. It may have only made them mad. So in three days, someone will visit you and stay with you until you leave. She will give you Occulemency lessons, and do try to learn it properly this time. She will also train you and work on your Defense. Please treat her with respect. Thank you.

Yours sincerely,

Albus Dumbledore."

[Madelina]

Harry tossed the letter aside. He was still angry with Dumbledore, but after reading the letter, he supposed he forgave him. He did understand why he hadn' been briefed, though he hated it. Harry also wondered who would come to visit him. From the letter, it sounded as if it was a new member of the Order or someone Harry hadn't met, and not someone like Tonks.

Uncle Vernon came an hour later to let Harry use the bathroom. When he returned, harry said, "Oh, Uncle Vernon. My headmaster wrote. He said someone would come visit me. She's to stay here and make sure I'm being treated well and help me with my work."

Uncle Vernon turned purple and looked as if he was about to explode. Just then, and owl flew in, dropped a letter, and flew out. The letter was addressed to Harry and the Dursleys. Harry opened it and handed a peice of paper marked "Durlseys" to his uncle. Uncle Vernon glared and read outloud, "Dear Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Durlsey, I am Sylvia Marks. Petunia, you may remember me. I was a dear friend of Lily's and would come to visit during the summer. I am writing to let you know that I will be visiting in three days. Harry my have told you about it, since his headmaster has probably written about it. I intend to stay until Harry is to leave your residence.

"You do not need to worry about housing me. I will stay in Harry's room and make my own arrangements. I will be arriving by car at three o'clock in the afternoon. I will be wearing a blouse, blue skirt, blue dress jacket, and anything else businesswomen usually wear. That is all.

Yours,

Sylvia Marks."

Uncle Vernon frowned, but muttered, "At least she's arriving by car and will be dressed decently. And she's not going to require use of the guest room."

Harry was a bit relieved that Uncle Vernon was taking it well and closed the door to his room. He then read his letter. It said the same thing as in the letter, except in more detail. She said she was a Muggleborn like Lily, had married a brother of Frank Longbottom, who was now dead, having commited suicide after discovering Frank had been tortured into insanity. She had a son named Brian Sirius and a daughter named Elizabeth Ann. She had been a member of the old Order, (she called it old crowd), and had rejoined a few months ago. Finally, she had included a picture of her and her children.

Harry looked at it. In the middle was Sylvia Longbottom, with long blonde hair and blue eyes and wearing blue dress robes. On her left was Elizabeth, who looked liked her mother and was wearing pink dress robes. On her right was Brian, who looked like Neville, only thinner and more confident looking. he was wearing green dress robes. The figures waved at Harry and mouthed, "Hello!"

Harry added the picture to his album and wondered if Sylvia would bring Brian and Elizabeth with her so he oculd meet them. he also realised that Sylvia was Neville's aunt and wondered if she was his godmother.

[Madelina]

Chapter Two

It was the day Sylvia Longbottom was to come. Harry tidied up his room a bit. He had written to her and asked if she would bring Brian and Elizabeth with her. Sylvia had written back, saying that she would.

At three o'clock, Dudley found some excuse to leave the house and Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon nervously paced by the front door. Then the door bell rang. Uncle Vernon answered it and gaped. "Is that a Rolls Royce in my driveway?" he asked, shocked.

Sylvia smiled and replied, "Yes, it is, Mr. Dursley. Now, may my children and I come in?" Uncle Vernon nodded and moved aside.

Sylvia was dressed in a blouse, blue skirt, and jacket, with blonde hair done up. Elizabeth was wearing a glittery blue t-shirt and a jean skirt while Brian was in a green and white polo shirt and pants. Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vrnon were relieved that the Longbottoms were in normal Muggle clothing. Sylvia told them that they would stay in Harry's room and then went upstairs with Brian and Elizabeth, levitating three trunks.

Harry was pleased to meet the three. Elizabeth told Harry to call her Beth for short. She was sixteen, like Harry, and Brian was fifteen. The two set down their trunks. Sylvia hugged Harry and then showed him her trunk.

"My trunk is like Alastor's Moody's, only with five compartments," she said. "Compartment one contains my clothes and things. Compartment two is a training room. Compartment three has a kitchen, dining room, living room, study, and bathroom, only with a shower instead of a bathtub. Compartment four has four bedrooms and a bathroom. And compartment five has a laundry room, a room for miscellaneous things, and a room for my house-elf, Milly."

The four went inside compartment three in the trunk. Sylvia led the teens into the living room. A female house elf was there. She had on a frilly white cap, a pillowcase altered to look like something the ancient Greek or Roman women wore, and an apron. Milly curtsied, greeted Harry, and offered to get refreshments. Sylvia looked at the teens and Brian and Beth nodded. So Milly's offer was accepted.

"All right, Harry," said Sylvia. "Do you have any questions?"

"Yes," replied Harry. "Are you my godmother?'

Sylvia answered, "No, I'm Neville's godmother. Your godmother is Alice Longbottom, Neville's mother. And your mother, Lily, was my children's godmother. Oh, and Remus was made your god-wolf."

Harry looked puzzled and Beth said, "It was a joke. Uncle James had already made Uncle Sirius your godfather. He didn't want to leave out Uncle Remus, so he and Aunt Lily made him god-wolf."

Milly came in then with a tray of food and drink. Sylvia thanked her and gestured to the teens to help themselves. After a few minutes, Harry continued, "Where did you live? Because I would have seen Beth and Brian at Hogwarts. And what's going on with the Order and everything?"

Brian replied, "To the first question, Mum and Beth and I lived in France. We went to Beauxbatons, of course. And that means we're bilingual."

Sylvia said, "As for the Order, not much is going on. The Longbottoms, Lovegoods, and Amelia Bones have joined the Order. Well, Neville and Luna haven't, because they are to young, but their father and guardians have. Dumbledore has realised his mistake and is going to see that you get briefed. And Remus and I have told him that if he didn't, then we would. We're not going to leave you in the dark again. Look what happened. Remus's remaining friend and your godfather gets killed! So that's that. Oh, Fred and George have joined the Order, also, and are supplying some of their products that are useful for this war. And you, Harry, may not join the Order."

Harry was about to protest, but Beth cut in. "Harry, be sensible. If you were part of the Order, you'd be called for missions. And that would disrupt school. And what if you got yourself killed? You're the one that has to kill Voldemort."

Harry looked at her. "So you and Brian know about the prophecy?"

Brian replied, "Yes, we do. Mum told us. And we haven't told Ron, Ginny, Luna, or Neville. Or Hermione, either, but right now she's with her parents. We think that you should be the ones to tell them when you're ready."

Harry nodded and Sylvia said, "Back to the discussion, that is one reason why you may not join the Order. And another thing, say Voldemort and the Death Eaters showed up someplace. You and some other Order members are there and Voldemort Apparates somewhere else or flees. Would you go after Voldemort or stay and help the others? According to the prophecy, you would have to kill Voldemort and therefore follow him, but as an Order member you would have to help the others. Therefore, by your not joining, you can focus on Voldemort and not worry over helping others in a fight."

Harry nodded again. "I understand now. I dont like it, but I understand."

Sylvia smiled and had Milly come in to take the tray away.

[Madelina]

Chapter Two continued

Beth and Brian took Harry to compartment four and show him around. "Ca est ma chambre et l'autre est le chambre de Brian," said Beth.

Harry was puzzled and said, "Excuse me, but I think you're speaking French."

Beth turned red. "Oh! Pardon! I'm so used to speaking francais that I lasped. What I said was 'That is my room and the other is Brian's room.'"

Harry nodded and followed Beth into her room. Inside was a lovely walnut bed with a pink canopy and curtains, a nightstand with lamp and clock, a tall mahogany wardrobe, a chest of drawers, a table with four chairs, a bookcase, and a computer. Harry looked questioningly at the computer and Beth explained, "L'ordinateur-sorry, computer, is very useful. It's powered by magic and I like to use it. Mum does find Muggle stuff useful, considering she was Muggleborn herself. Brian has one in his room."

Harry then went into Brian's room. It was similar to Beth's except the bed had dark blue curtains and blue striped wallpaper. Also, Brian had a collection of computer games next to the computer and a television. Also, a cot had been set up at one end and Brian explained, "Cet-I mean that cot was for Ron. He had to sleep here to free up a room for Mrs. Longbottom."

Then they peeped into Sylvia's room. It was similar to Beth's and Brian's rooms, only the bed was a little wider and had gold curtains, there was no television, and the computer looked as if it was brand new. Then Harry was shown the guest room. It had two beds, with red curtains, a dresser, a wardrobe, a table with four chairs, and a television. There was no computer or television. Beth said, "Ginerva and Luna had to sleep here for a few days. Mr. Lovegood needed a room. He left yesterday to go on his trip to Sweden, so Ginny has her room back."

"So Ginny's full name is Ginerva?" asked Harry.

"Oui," replied Beth. "C'est-I mean, yes, it's Italian for Guineviere."

"Ma mere, I mean my mother," said Brian, "says that Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Luna, and Neville can come visit in a few days. They can't right now. Ron and Ginny are needed by their parents, Hermione has to spend time with hers, Luna is in Sweden with her dad, and Neville's grandma isn't letting him leave for awhile. She praised him over facing Bellatrix Lestrange and surviving. She didn't mind at all that his wand was broken and insists on having her 'little hero' with her for a few days. Oh, and he has to get a new wand, first."

"I see," said Harry. "So only you two could come right now."

"Oui," replied Beth. "Mum was coming, so we joined her. And you did say, or write, that you wanted to meet us. So here we are."

Harry asked, "'Oui' means yes, in French, right?" Brian nodded.

"I think we should give you a short French lesson. We're going to laspe occasionally and you should know a few words."

Beth wrote down a list of French words, plus their meanings, and then gave them to Harry. "Okay, bonjour is hello, or literally good day. Salut is hi, au revoir is good-bye. Ma mère is my mother and mon père is my father. Frère is brother and soeur is sister. Add grand and a hyphen to mère and père and you get grandmother and grandfather. Ma tante is my aunt and mon oncle is my uncle. Cousin is a male cousin and cousine is a female cousin. Oui is yes and non is no. Bonne nuit is good night and bon soir is good evening. Pardon is sorry, s'il vous plait is please."

Harry nodded and repeated the French words. Then Brian continued with the rest and by the time the lesson was over, he had memorised at least thirty words.

Feedback at: www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?t=35052.

[Madelina]

Chapter Two continued

After the lesson, Harry, Beth, and Brian went to back to compartment three. Sylvia smiled at Harry and said, "So my kids gave you a French lesson?" Harry nodded and she continued, "Knowing another language is useful. Beth has read this book where the wizards in it have to say spells in a language other than their native one. For example, an English wizard would have to say spells in French or Greek or something. If they said it in English, bad things could happen."

Harry looked puzzled. "What does that have to do with me?'

"Nothing really," replied Sylvia. "But have you noticed that all the spells, or most of them, are either Latin or Latin-based? Petrificus Totalus, for instance, is taken from Latin. You get 'petrify' and 'total' from it."

Harry paused. "You're right! I never thought about it."

"As for your knowing French, you've noticed that students from other countries normally learn English. For example, during the Tri-Wizard Tournament, weren't Fleur and Viktor Krum speaking English? They did have accents, of course, but then they didn't grow up speaking it the way you or my kids have. So why shouldn't you know another language?"

Harry understood her point. Beth said, "But we won't teach you everything. You'll learn basics, such as greetings and names of objects, but that's it. Brian and I may have arguments and converstaions in French and we want to keep them private. If you understand a word here and there, fine, but we don't want you understanding everything we say."

Harry nodded and said, "I understand. I'll just learn the basics."

Brian then looked at the clock and said, "Oh, it's five o'clock! Is Milly making dinner, now, Mum?"

"Yes, she is, Brian," replied Sylvia.

Harry looked up and asked, "Why does Milly dress the way she does?"

Sylvia replied, "Being Muggleborn, I don't particularly care to see elves in tea towels. However, I can't give Milly clothes without freeing her. And Milly is an elf that has no wish to be free. As a compromise, I took a few pillowcases and altered them into the kind of dress ancient Greek women wore."

"What about the cap?" added Harry.

Brian replied, "Mum decided to have her wear a cap the way maids in books do. Since that was Mum's wish, Milly agreed. And she wears an apron to keep her pillowcase/tunic clean."

"I'll be going to the kitchen now and help Milly with dinner," said Sylvia. "If you three want to join me, you can. Or you can stay in the living room or use the training room. In fact, Brian and Beth, you can show Harry the training room now. Just don't do any dueling. My trunk may have wards to keep the Ministry from noticing underage magic, but I don't want you to duel unless someone is supervising. All right?"

The three nodded and promised that they wouldn't duel. Sylvia went to the kitchen and Harry, Brian, and Beth went to compartment two.

[Madelina]

Chapter two continued

Harry looked around the training room. There was a section walled off that had training equipment, the sort off stuff Dudley had used to get in shape for boxing. The rest was a combination Quidditch pitch and dueling arena. At the ends of the room, there were the tall Quidditch goalposts, with a few lockers nearby for broomsticksb and other Qudditch equipment.

Harry gazed in wonderment and Brian said, "Want to play Quidditch, Harry? Professor Dumbledore told Mum that you are an excellent seeker."

Harry's face fell. "I can't. I don't have my broom. It was taken away when I got banned and hasn't been returned."

Beth said, "Professor Dumbledore said that he'd return your broom the next time he sees you. And that your ban was removed. That Umbridge woman is gone, after all. Ron told us about her and I'm glad we weren't at Hogwarts."

Brian added, "Yeah. She sounded horrible. Anyway, you can borrow a broom. We've got a few lying around in the lockers." Brian crossed over to a locker and unlocked it. "We've got a Firebolt, a Cleansweep Ten, a Comet Two Sixty, two Nimbus Two Thousand Ones and a Two Thousand two, and Mum's old Silver Arrow. Take your pick, Harry."

Harry gazed in wonderment at the brooms. Beth smiled and said, "Brian and I have the Nimbus Two Thousand Ones, but we don't mind if you borrow one. Mum got the Firebolt for me later, when I was made a seeker. Though I normally just use my old one and share the Firebolt with Brian. The Comet and Cleansweep was when Mum first taught us flying."

Harry looked at Beth. "You're a seeker? That's great, Beth!"

Beth blushed. "Well, I was made a chaser and a reserve seeker. When the seeker graduated, I was promoted to seeker. I'm better as a chaser, but I'm a pretty decent seeker and have won several games for my house."

Brian shook his head. "Beth is so modest. Ever since she's been made seeker, our house has won all our games and the Quidditch Cup. Though I will admit that she's better as chaser. Kind of like Uncle James. Mum said that he was made chaser and reserve seeker his second year. At the Quidditch final, the seeker got sick and Uncle James had to take over. Mum was the reserve chaser and took over for Uncle james. Mum said that he was brilliant and won the cup for them. After that, he went about with a snitch."

Harry recalled the scene he had seen in the pensieve. His father had been playing with a snitch. Beth shook her head and said, "Hello, Harry? Are we going to play Quidiitch?"

Harry nodded and replied, "Of course we are! Beth, I'll use a Nimbus, just to see what's like, and then I'll trade off with you for the Firebolt." The three selected brooms, then Brian took out the balls.

Harry would look for the snitch, Beth would work on scoring goals, and Brian would keep. Harry asked, "Brian, were you keeper?"

Brian shook his head. "Non. I was a beater. A pretty good one, too. But it would be pointless for me to go after bludgers right now. Instead I'll just work on my keeping skills. I'm a decent keeper, but I'd never make it on a team, except maybe as a reserve."

The three went off into the air. Beth flew about and tossed the Quaffle at the goalposts. Brian worked on blocking the goals. Harry saw that Brian was good, but not great. He managed to block about half of Beth's goals, but not all. Harry was impressed with Beth's chaser skills. If she got sorted into Gryffindor, she could join Ginny as chaser, since Alicia, Angelina, and Katie had graduated. And he hoped Brian would get into Gryffindor. The team needed decent beaters. The ones that had replaced Fred and George, Andrew Kirke and Jack Sloper, had been terrible. And Angelina had said that they were better than the 'other idiots that had shown up!"

While those thoughts were going on, Harry flew around looking for the snitch. he caught it in ten minutes, then let it go. The second time, he was able to catch it in three minutes, beating his record of five. After catching the snitch several times, he flew down and traded brooms with Beth. The Firebolt was not his, but it was well polished and in good care. Obviously Beth and Brian kept good care of their brroms. He flew around on it and caught the snitch five more times. Then he had Brian show off some of his beater skills. Brian was excellent and as good as Fred and George.

Then Sylvia came in and called the three to compartment three for dinner. Having worked up an appetite from all that flying, the three happily ran to the kitchen. Milly smiled and gestured them to the table. Harry, Brian, and Beth sat down. Sylvia said grace, then gestured at them to begin.

[Madelina]

Chapter Three

Toward the end of dessert, Sylvia suddenly clutched at her arm. An alarmed look came on her face and she got up. "I'm sorry, but I have to go. I have an important meeting. I'll try to be back in two hours." She hugged Harry, Beth, and Brian and kissed them on the cheek.

Beth and Brian looked worried and Beth said, "Be careful, Mum. And tell Uncle Servus to be careful, too."

Sylvia nodded. "I will. You know I always do. And Servus and I do know Occulemncy. And Beth and Brian, explain everything to Harry."

She then apparated and Harry looked questionly at Beth and Brian. Brian said quietly, "Mum is a Death Eater. Or rather, she pretends to be one, like Uncle Servus. They accepted the Dark Mark, but they spy on Voldemort for Professor Dumbledore."

Harry was shocked. "How-why would she do such a thing? it's dangerous. And she's Muggleborn! Voldemort would never accept her."

Beth shook her head. "Actually, she's not really one. Her dad, our grandpa, was a squib. He married our grandma, a Muggle. Anyway, Marks happens to be wizarding name. When she first joined, everyone assumed that she was pureblood. And being related to the Prewetts help."

Harry looked puzzled and asked, "Who are the Prewetts?"

"They're a wizarding family," explained Beth. "Our grandpa's sister married a Prewett. They had Mum's cousin, Molly Prewett, who married into the Weasley family. So Aunt Molly and Uncle Arthur are our first cousin once removed and Ron and Ginny and the rest are our second cousins."

"You're related to the Weasleys, Brian and Beth?" asked Harry, surprised.

Brian nodded. "Anyway, the Death Eaters and Voldemort think she's a pureblood. And since she can do Occulmency, Voldemort doesn't know she's lying. When she first turned spy, only Professor Dumbledore, Uncle Servus, Professor McGonagall, Dad, and Uncle James, Aunt Lily, Uncle Sirius, and Uncle Remus knew her secret. They were going to tell Peter Pettigrew, but Mum told them not to. She suspected that he was a traitor."

Harry looked worried now. "That's putting Sylvia in danger! Why would she do it? What if she's found out? And the same goes for Snape. I mean, he's not my favorite person on Earth, but he's still on our side."

Beth shook her head. 'We're worried too, every time Mum has to go to a Death Eater meeting. But she's never been found out. She uses her Occulemency so Voldemort sees only what she wants him to see. Uncle Servus does the same. By the way, he's not really our uncle. He's a distant cousin, but we just call him that. Anyway, she wants to do it. she and Uncle Servus are dedicated to fighting Voldemort and their way is spying on him so Professor Dumbledroe know what he's planning and all."

A sob startled them and they turned to see Milly crying into her apron. Brian shook his head. "Milly always cries when Mum has to go to a meeting. She's afraid that her 'mistress' will be found out and tortured and killed. When Mum returns safely, then Milly cries from joy and fusses over her."

Beth said, "Let's leave Milly alone for a few minutes. How about we go to the living room and wait for Mum? She said that she'd try to be back in two hours, so it shoulf almost nine o'clock when she returns."

Harry and Brian agreed and the three went to the living room. Beth tried to read and Harry and Brian began a game of chess, but their hearts weren't into it. They kept glancing at the clock and Harry and Brian weren't paying attention to the moves they made. They were so distracted that they told their pieces to do impossible moves. (Like having the rook move diagonally) Harry ended up checkmating Brian, but neither of them cared. Then Brian tried to read while Beth played chess with Harry. It didn't go well either. Then Harry picked up the book Brian was trying to read and Beth and Brian played chess.

Finally at nine o'clock, Sylvia returned. Harry, Beth, and Brian were glad to see her. Milly cried for gladness and fussed over her mistress. After an hour, Sylvia put a stop to it and told everyone to get ready for bed.

[Madelina]

Chapter Three continued

The next day, Professor Snape showed up. Harry was not pleased to see him, but considering that it was Sylvia's trunk, he didn't say anything. He glared at Snape and Sylvia said, "Harry, could you please be nicer to Servus?"

Snape sighed. "I don't blame him, considering that I've never been nice to him. Anyway, Harry, I'm sorry about Sirius. I never liked him, because he wasn't nice to me, but I know you were close to him. And I'm sorry about the way I've treated you. You looked so much like your father, that I-well, I know you aren't like him, but it's hard for me to forget the past. Anyway, I'm apoligising. I will still have to be curt with in school, however, but in private I will try to be a little nicer."

Harry gaped and stammered, "P-professor, are you feeling well?"

Snape snapped in his usual manner, "Of course, Potter!" Then in the gentler voice, "Look, I have been informed about how your Muggle relatives treated you and I am shocked by it. Even my father never-well, we don't need to go into that. And I have another reason to be civil to you."

Snape then turned to Sylvia and she said, "Harry, Servus and I are getting married." Harry was even more shocked and pinched himself to make sure it wasn't a dream. Sylvia chuckled. "Harry, you aren't dreaming. I've been in love with him since Francis Longbottom died. It was because of me that Servus joined our side. That and the fact that his mother was killed by Regulus Black."

Harry looked questionly at Slyvia and she shook her head. "If you want to know more, ask Servus."

Harry sighed and looked at Snape. He didn't look like in the mood to answer questions, so Harry didn't ask any.

[Madelina]

Chapter Three continued

Beth and Brian came in. Beth gave a cry on delight and exclaimed, "Uncle Servus! Je suis-I mean, I'm so glad to see you!" Snape smiled and allowed himself to be hugged. Brain wasn't so exuberant, being a boy.

He smiled and said, "When are you Mum going to be married and you can be our stepdad? You've been engaged for a year, now, Uncle Servus."

Harry looked at Brian and Brian answered his unspoken question. "Yes, we know about Mum's engagement. She told us three months ago and that they've been engaged ever since last summer. We didn't tell you since Mum said that she and Uncle Servus wanted to tell you themselves."

Snape shrugged. "We don't know, Brian. When the Dark Lord is defeated, Sylvia and I will marry."

Beth protested, "But that could take a long time! And what if, God forbid, you or Mum should die? Or both of you die? Then you two will never marry!"

Sylvia shook her head. "Beth is right. I've been telling you to stop procrastinating and get married as soon as possible, Servus."

Snape shook his head. "Get married now? In the middle of a war?"

Sylvia pointed out, "James and Lily did, Servus. Tom Riddle was in power and the Order was formed to fight him the year they married. And Francis and I and Alice and Frank also married that year."

Snape threw up his hands in defeat. "All right, all right. We'll get married soon. Is July 31st soon enough for you, Sylvia?"

"Yes," replied Sylvia. "But that is the date of Harry's and Neville's birthdays. I don't think they would want a wedding during their birthday celebrations. How about if we have the day before or after July 31st?"

Snape sighed. "All right, August first will be fine, Sylvia."

Sylvia smiled. "Beth and Brian, would you be so kind as to inform the Order members about the wedding? Harry, go help them. And tell Dumbledore to officiate. Beth, you may be bridesmaid. Brian, you may be best man. In fact, tell Ginny and Luna they can also be bridesmaid. And enlist that Hermione Granger, too. Harry, tell Ron and Neville that you three are going to be best men, too. I know you only have one, but I don't want to leave anyone out. Oh, and make Remus Lupin the head of the best men and have Tonks as-no, she'd be too clumsy. Have Emmeline Vance be maid of honor and head of the bridesmaids. And have Molly be matron of honour. And of course Arthur will be her partner. Servus, do you have anyone you want for the wedding party?"

Snape shook his head. "I don't have anyone close that can be in the wedding. Your choices are fine."

Harry, Beth, and Brian nodded and ran off to write the notices and ask their friends to be bridesmaids, best men, and maid and matron of honour.

[Madelina]

Chapter Four

A week later, Sylvia brought Ron, Ginny, Hermione, and Neville over. Luna did not come since she was still on holiday in Sweden. She did promise to be back by Harry's and Neville's birthday, though. Luna had sent a nice letter to Harry and his friends, telling about the lovely time she was having there. There were no signs of crumple-horned snorkacks, but they had seen regulr snorkacks, which Muggles called reindeer.

Harry asked, "Is that true? Are reindeer really called snorkacks in the wizarding world?"

Sylvia nodded. "Yes, they are. Well, at least the magical kind. The ones that Muggles raise and the ones in zoos are just plan reindeer. Snorkacks have some magical properties and can fly, like how some kids think Father Christmas has flying reindeer to pull his sleigh. Crumple-horned snorkacks are like reindeer, except their antlers are twisted and they are much more magical. I've never seen one, but that's what rumor says. And their antlers are good for something. I can't quite remember. Something about a potion."

Hermione looked skpetical. "All right, I know about snorkacks. I've read about them. But I simply can't believe that crumple-horned snorkacks exisit. There's no proof, just some people saying they've seen one. It's like saying the Loch Ness monster or Bigfoot exists."

Beth pointed out, "But there's no proof that says they don't exist, Hermione. And the Loch Ness monster really does exist. Wizards and witches have proven it. It's only Bigfoot that's not proven."

Hermione paused. "Well, you're right about the Loch Ness monster. But-"

"Oh, that's enough, 'Mione," interrupted Ron. "Does it really matter? And if Beth and Loon-I mean Luna want to believe in such things, let them."

Hermione turned angrily to Ron and they started to argue. Sylvia smiled and said, "They look like an old married couple, arguing over some petty thing."

That stopped the argument. Hermione and Ron turned red, looked at each other in horror, then turned around to look at Sylvia. 'We do not!" exclaimed Ron. Harry, Neville, Ginny, Beth, and Brian were laughing very hard at them.

Sylvia chuckled and said, "All right, if you say so."

Then Harry remembered something. "Ron, when Malfoy called Hermione a 'Mudblood', you tried to hex him. You ended up burping slugs. And you went with me to see Aragog, even though spiders are your worst fear. And when Snape called Hermione a know-it-all, you yelled at him and got that detention cleaning bedpans in the hospital wing. And you were so worked up when you found out that Viktor Krum took Hermione to the Yule Ball."

"So?" asked Ron. "Why are you ponting out those things, Harry?"

Brian started laughing. "Don't you get it, Ron? You are in love with Hermione! Or at least you have a crush on her. Why else would you see a giant spider? Because Hermione was petrified and you wanted to help her! And if you didn't like her, why would you care who Hermione went to the ball with?"

Ron turned red. He fled the room and everyone laughed, except Hermione, who also turned red and ran after Ron.

[Madelina]

Chapter Four continued

The next day, the O.W.L. results arrived. Harry was very nervous about his results and hoped he had an O in Potions, even though that wasn't likely. He opened his letter and skimmed through the paper with Madam Marchbanks congratulating him on his results and telling him to send in the classes he planned to take next school year. Then he turned to his results.

" Grading Rubric:
Outstanding: 90-100
Exceeds Expectations: 80-89
Average: 70-79
Poor: 60-69
Dreadful: 50-59
Troll: Below 50

You will need at least an Average to get an O.W.L.

Here are your results:
Astronomy- Theoretical: E(85) Practical: A(75)* Overall: E(80) Two O.W.L.s
Care of Magical Creatures- Practical: O(94) Overall: O(94) One O.W.L.
Charms- Theoretical: O(92) Practical: E(86) Overall: E(89) Two O.W.L.s
Defense Against Dark Arts- Theoretical: O(99) Practical: O(110) Overall: O(105) Two O.W.L.s
Divination- Practical: D(58) Overall: P(60)** No O.W.L.s
Herbology- Theoretical: E(85) Practical: E(81) Overall: E(83) Two O.W.L.s
History of Magic- Theoretical: P(65) Overall: P(65) No O.W.L.s
Potions- Theoretical: O(91) Practical: E(87) Overall: E(89) Two O.W.L.s
Transfiguration- Theoretical: E(88) Practical: E(80) Overall: E(84) Two O.W.L.s

You have acheived thirteen O.W.L.s.

*Due to the disturbance during the Astronomy practical, all scores have been increased by five points.
**Grace points have been added"

Harry was pleased with his results and surprised that he had managed to acheive thirteen O.W.L.s. He was disappointed that his overall potions grade had been an E. And he was only one point away from an Outstanding! Sylvia noticed his crestfallen face and told him that she would ask Snape to take him. After all, she was his fiancee. Harry felt a little better about it.

Then he asked Ron, Hermione, and Neville about their scores. Ron had the same results as Harry, except that he had passed History of Magic, had a lower Potions grade, only one O.W.L. for Astronomy, and an E for Care of Magical Creatures. Neville had similar grades, excpet that he had achieved an E in History of Magic, an E for Defense, an O for Herbolgy, and a lower E for Potions. He had fourteen O.W.L.s. Hermione had the best grades out of all of them. She had Outstandings in everything, and they were all perfect scores, except for her Runes exam, which was a 99, her Defense practical, which was a 98, and her Astronomy practical, which was a 92. Hermione had 17 O.W.L.s and was quite pleased with her results.

She borrowed Beth's owl to tell her parents about her results. Sylvia left the trunk to see Snape. She cam back half an hour later and told Harry that he could not be in N.E.W.T.-level Potions. Harry was disappointed, but Sylvia smiled. "I've got the good news. Servus is going to be teaching a special class for those who wish to be Aurors or Healers. So all those who didn't get an Outstanding overall can still be in Potions!"

Harry cheered up then. Brain said, "I bet Uncle Servus just set up this class because he doesn't have enough people for a N.E.WT. class. I bet only four or five people got an O, which isn't big enough for a class."

Sylvia shruuged. "You might be right."

[Madelina]

Chapter Five

The next day, Remus Lupin came to visit. The first thing he did was hug Harry and tell him to call him Remus, not Professor Lupin. Harry suddenly turned sad, remembering that Sirius had died. With Sylvia and his friends around, he hadn't had much time to mourn for Sirius. But now with Remus there, Harry started feeling sad and realised that all of Remus's Maurader friends, except the traitor Wormtail, were dead.

Then Sylvia interrupted Harry's and Remus's greeting. She looked sad and grave as she said, "Harry, we need to discuss Sirius's will. All the Order members drew one up. And Harry, I know you probably don't want any of Sirius' things, but if you don't accept, then your share will end up going to the Malfoys and Lestranges."

Harry certainly didn't want that happening, so said, "I'll take my share."

Sylvia nodded and then Remus handed her the will to be read. "'I, Sirius Orion Black, being of sound mind and body, do write this will. Now, if this will is being read, it means I'm dead. I'm sure all of you are very sad, especially you Harry, but don't be. I'm off to a better place where I'm with Lily and James, aka Prongs. And all of you will end up joining us at some later time. And if any of you feel responsible, don't be. It's my fault, and Voldemort's fault.

"Now to business. First, I leave my friend Remus, aka Moony, vault 327. That should keep him in Wolfsbane potion for the rest of his life, which I hope will be very long, and cover all his expenmses. I also leave him the deed for the little house we shared after our graduation. And Harry, if Remus asks to stay with you at your residence, let him.

"Next are the Weasleys. I am grateful to you for looking after Harry. ANd since you are my distant cousins, I leave you vault number 235 which contains about fifty thousand galleons. As for Fred and George, I leave you vault 236, which had ten thousand galleons for your shop and a thick book of joke ideas. We Mauraders had once considered setting up a joke shop. If Prongs hadn't married and Voldemort hadn't come into power, we really would have done so.

"Next are Andromeda, Theodore, and Nymphadora Tonks. I know you were disowned, Andy, but you still get a share of the Black inheiritance. Each of you gets a third of vault 324, which contains about ninety thousand galleons.

"As for Hermione Granger, she gets the Black Library, and vault 323, which should give her a sufficent book fund for the rest of her life. For Ginerva and Ronald Weasley, they each get half of vault 328, which should pay for thier school costs and allow them to live comfortably enough for the rest of their life or start aQuidditch team.

"For Sylvia Marks-Longbottom and Elizabeth and Brian, I leave them vault 329. I know they don't need the money, but take it, anyway. And Bethand Brian, I expect you to be excellent Quidditch players and wonderful froiends to Harry. And Brian, if you don't end up playing for England, you will find a very angry and disappointed 'Uncle' wating for you when you die.

"Lastly, I leave Grimmauld place, vault 330, which contains the bulk of the Black money, and any other assets to Harry. I charge that Sylvia and Remus take the place of Harry's godparents, since Alice Longbottom and I can't do it. I ask that the Weasleys still keep an eye on Harry and ask Harry to at least listen to Dumbledore and McGonagall, though you don't have to do what they say. And since I must leave something to Narcissa and Bellatrix, I ask that five galleons be removed from vault 330 and a galleons each given to Bella, Cissy, their spouses, and child. And if Harry thinks the money is too much, then donate some to St. Mungos and set up a Quidditch fund. That is all."

Harry sighed and Remus continued, "And the will ends there, with the signatures of Sirius, Dumbledore, Kingsley Shacklebolt, and McGonagall."

Harry looked at Sylvia and Remus. "I don't want Grimmauld Place! Let the Order keep using it. And how much money does Sirius have?"

Slyvia sighed. "Well, vault 330 contains the money his Uncle Alphard left him, plus the bulk of the Black money. Anyway, the money he took out to get your Firebolt would be like a handful of knuts to you. And the money in the other vaults, well, the money in each would be like a handful of galleons compared to vault 330. Sirius was very rich, since he was the last Black."

[Madelina]

Chapter Five continued

Harry thought for a minute, then said, "The Blacks would be the equivalent of a millionaire or billionaire in the Muggle world, wouldn't they?"

Sylvia nodded. "The Blacks were very, very rich. Most of the old pureblood families are. At least the ones focused on pure blood. There were exceptions, of course. Like the Potters and Longbottoms. They weren't into the oureblood mania, but had a great deal of money."

Remus nodded. "Harry, I don't think you know how much money you actually have. All you know about was the money in your vault. But that is just the money your parents had when they died, plus interest. But the entire Potter line had almost as much money and assets as the Blacks. And you are the only Potter in your line. Well, there are a few others, but they're not really part of it."

Sylvia continued, "Arthur Weasly and his kids are part of it, since Arthur's mother was a Potter. And Molly's great-uncle was a Potter. Let's see, Several generation ago, I had a several times great-grandmother that was a Potter. The same goes for Remus, except it was grandfather. You know, you are even related to the Malfoys, Blacks, and Lestranges, though very distantly. Futhermore, they wouldn't acknowledge you as tenth cousin or whatever, since those who married the Potters would have been disowned for being traitors to their families."

Harry was shocked to find out that he could be related to Draco Malfoy or Bellatrix Lestrange. However, he was relieved that they would never acknowledge him. Besides, it shouldn't really have come as a shock, since Sirius had said all pureblood families were related and the Potters had obviously been a pureblood family.

Sylvia then left the room and came back with a thick and somewhat old book. "Here is the family tree of the Potters, Harry. He flipped toward the end and found the page with him. He saw that his father, James Harold Potter had married Lily Violet Evans. A line from them listed his name. Tiny writing next to James' name showed that he had been in Gryffindor. Another name next to James showed that he had a sister in Ravenclaw, but the sister had died at the age of twenty, if Harry had done his math correctly.

"What happened to my Aunt Judith?" aked Harry. Remus said, "She was killed by Death Eaters. She had joined the Order after her graduation. When Regulus Black joined the Death Eaters, Voldemort probably told him to kill someone to affirm his entry. And apparently he chose Judith Potter. Sylvia and Servus were so angry and they found Regulus and killed him. Voldemort never knew about it. He assumed that before Judith died, she managed to kill Regulus."

Harry shook his head. It was terrible. He then flipped back some pages and noticed that a Christopher Potter had married a Melissa Prewett, a Susanna Potter had married a John Marks, a Priscilla Potter had married a Andrew Weasley, and a Rachel Potter had married a Jason Lupin. As he looked through some more pages, he noticed that a Gloriana Gryffindor had married a Brendon Potter.

"I'm not related to Godric Gryffindor, am I?" Harry asked.

Remus laughed and replied, "Yes, you're descended from him. That would make you heir to Gryffindor. Or rather a heir, since Ron and Ginny Weasley are also heirs. If you follow through the line, you notice that it leads to Priscilla Potter, as well as James Potter."

Sylvia said, "And I can tell you who is the heir to Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff too. I know you probably know that Tom Riddle is the heir to Slytherin. Anyway, your friend Luna Lovegood is heir to Ravenclaw. I think Padma Patil is one also, if the Patil Ruth Ravenclaw married was Padma's line. Or maybe not married, because I don't think many English people would have married Indians back in the 18th and 19th centuries. As for Hufflepuff, I know that Bones family are descended from it. I think the Abbotts are too, and maybe the McMillians. I know Cedric Diggory was one, but not since Riddle killed him."

Harry digested this. "So you're saying Hannah Abbot, Susan Bones, and Ernie McMillian are or could be heirs to Hufflepuff. And that Cedric was one."

Sylvia nodded. Harry was quite surprised at this information. Remus added, 'You could just look it up in a genalogy book to verify it. I think the library has books of all the pureblood families."

Sylvia said, "Well, I have the Marks family book, as well as a copy of the Longbottoms, Weasleys, and Prewetts family books. Oh, and I forgot to mention that the Neville, Beth, and Brian are also heirs of Gryffindor. A child from Gloriana Gryffindor's line married into the Longbottoms. I unfortunately am not, because Susanna Potter was not a direct descendant of Gloriana."

Harry sighed and asked if he could go through all the family books. Sylvia gave her premission and Remus said he could look through his copy of the Lupin family tree book. Sylvia later called Snape, who brought the Snape family book and the Black family book. When Snape handed the books to Harry, he told him to take good care of the books and not to go broadcasting who the Snapes had married. Harry promised and then he and his friends spent the next few hours poring over the family tree books.

[Madelina]

Sorry, but this is not an update. I have fallen prey to writer's block. In addition, I have two tests to study for, as well as an English project. So I will not be updating anytime soon. If you do have any suggestions for future uodates, please post them on my feedback thread. It will be greatly appreciated, since it will mean I won't have writer's block any longer. In the meantime, go read some other fics. My friend Joyce13 has two lovely fics. And so does McBeth and a number of other people.

[Madelina]

Well, I have gotten over writers block, thanks to some wonderful suggestions by two of my readers. So here is Chapter Six

The next day Snape came for another visit. Sylvia gathered everyone up. "We are going to have an Occulemency lesson. Harry, it is important for you to learn, and Servus and I feel that it wouldn't hurt for the rest of you to learn." Harry groaned and Sylvia smiled, "Don't worry, Harry. I'll be teaching you. Servus will be teaching Beth, Brian, and Hermione."

Harry felt better. Even though Snape was nicer to him now, he didn't really want to be learning Occulemncy from him, after his revious experience. Snape gave him a dry smile. "The feeling is mutual, Potter, I mean Harry."

The lesson then began. Sylvia had Harry, Ron, Neville, and Ginny clear their minds and explained things. One by one, Sylvia entered into their minds and they had to block her. Harry didn't have much success and Sylvia saw many dreadful memories form his time with the Dursleys.

"Harry, you are not trying," said Sylvia patiently. "And why am I getting horrible memories? Have the Dursleys really been treating you badly? And were you locked in a closet?"

Harry sighed, "It wasn't a closet. It was the cupboard under the stairs. I had to live there for almost eleven years. It wasn't until I got my Hogwarts letter that they moved me here, to the smallest bedroom."

Sylvia frowned. "How could Dumbledore let you live with such people? I was perfectly ready to take you in! If Alice and Frank hadn't been tortured, they'd have taken you in too. Remus would have also, if the Ministry weren't so prejudiced against werewolves. Even Servus would have been better than the Dursleys! And I don't care if you were protected under the Dursley's roof."

Harry sighed. "It's all in the past. Forget about it."

Snape had stopped working with Beth, Brian, and Hermione and turned to Harry. "I realise that your relatives were mean to you. However, I did not realise they had you sleep in a cupboard. I did not know the extent of their treatment. Why, even my father wasn't that cruel to me!"

Ron gave Harry a shocked look. "I knew your aunt aned uncle hated you that they locked you up in your room that summer we rescued you! But you never told us that you had to sleep in a cupbaord or that they really mistreated you! No wonder you thought my bedroom at the Burrow was wonderful!"

Hermione added. "And that's why you were so eager to live with Sirius when he offered you a home. And why you wanted to live at Grimmauld Place if you ended up being expelled form Hogwarts."

Ginny and Neville also had shocked looks and Brian said something in French. Sylvia turned to Brian and exclaimed, "Brian! Watch your language!" and Harry suspected that he had either swore or said something really nasty about the Dursleys. Harry looked at Beth, who also looked shocked.

Beth saw Harry looking at her and in answer to his unspoken question, said, "No, I won't translate what Brian said. He just said a few words I can't repeat and a nasty insult about your aunt and uncle."

Sylvia said, "And Brian, if I ever hear you using such language again, whether in English or French, I will wash out your mouth with soap and water."

Brian apoligised, but he didn't look sorry at all. He appeared to be very angry at the Durlseys and muttered something about wishing he could hex the Dursleys. Beth said something to Brian in French and Hermione, who understood French, said, "Beth is calming Brian down and telling him not to be so worked up. There's more, but I don't think Beth and Brian want me to translate that."

After a few minutes, things calmed down and the Occulemency lesson resumed.

Author's note: Thanks to Hpfan_08 who suggested that Harry resume his Occulemency lessons.

[Madelina]

Chapter Six continued

After that day, there was Occulemency as well as Defense lessons every day. Snape would come to work on Occulemncy and Remus came to help with Defense. Harry got to know Snape better and found that he actually liked him. Harry had never expected it to happen, but then, he had never expected to find someone who was worse than Snape.

Professor Dumbledore dropped by one day to see how things were going along. Harry had recovered from his anger at him and felt sorry for trashing his office. Harry approached Professor Dumbledore. 'Professor Dumbledore, I'm really sorry about my temper and taking it out by throwing things and making a mess of you office."

Professor Dumbledore smiled and replied, 'Well, it did give me an excuse to clean it up and replace some things. After being shut for a couple of months, it needed to be cleaned, but I wasn't eager to. And I knew that I had to replace some things, but was reluctant to. Well, your apology is accepted."

Harry was relieved that Dumbledore wasn't angry at him and could joke about it. "Well, at least let me pay for the replacements."

Dumbledore shook his head. 'It isn't necessary, Harry. But if you insist, I suppose you can withdraw some galleons from your new account. Which reminds me, I came to escort you to Gringotts."

Harry looked puzzled and Sylvia explained, "The vaults that Sirius left have to be activated. And the keys given. So Albus, Servus, and Remus will take us. Well, Tonks, Andromeda, and Arthur and Molly will becoming to, but they're not escorting us. They have inheritances, too."

Harry asked, "How will we go to Gringotts?"

Sylvia said, "We will Apparate everyone there. Albus will hold your and Hermione's hand and Apparate. You will be taken too."

Harry nodded and took Dumbledore's hand. Hermione took his ther hand. Beth and Brian took thier mother's hands, while Ron and Ginny took Snape's. Neville took Remus' hand, since even though he didn't inheirit anything, he still had to come.

There was a crack and everyone apparated. Harry found the experience much more soothing than Floo powder or Portkey. The first time by Floo he had broken his glasses and ended up in Knockturn Alley instead of Diagon Alley. The second time he had been covered in ash from the Weasley fireplace. The three times he had used Portkey, he had a sick feeling in his stomach. And the second time had ended up with Voldemort killing Cedric.

The group appeared in front of Gringotts. They went inside and Sylvia showed a copy of Sirius' will to a goblin. Keys were handed out to them. Then some more people came inside. Harry saw a tall woman with graying brown hair with Tonks, in bright green hair, next to her. Tonks waved to Harry and called him over. "This is my mum, Andromeda Tonks."

Mrs. Tonks smiled at Harry. "A pleasure to meet you, Harry. I am very sorry about your loss. Sirius was my favorite relative in the family, except maybe for Uncle Alphard. He was definitely my favorite cousin, even if he was a bit of a prankster." Harry nodded and saw that Mrs. Tonks now looked sad.

Tonks patted her mum. "It's all right. Harry, Sirius was my favorite relative, too. I was a girl of seven when he was arrested. I simply couldn't believe that my favorite 'Uncle Sirius' was evil. Mum couldn't believe it either. I rememer when he would have me assume a cute little girl with braids and a scraped knee. Some pretty witch would see me and come over. Sirius of course would pretend to be my older brother or cousin or bachelor uncle. He would go about how his neice or whatever had hurt herself and he didn't know how to heal it. The woman would hela me and envitably it would lead to a time for a date or giving out of Floo connection."

Harry chuckled. It was somethng Sirius would do to get a date with a pretty girl. Of course, Sirius was handsome himself, so probably didn't really need it, but it would ensure that the pretty girls would notice him. Sylvia then called Harry over to her. "Harry, here is another key. It leads to the Potter family vault. Not the one your parents left you, but the one belongong to the entire family line."

Harry was very surprised. Remus came over and said, "It's time to get into the carts. We need to transfer the money into each person's account."

Harry was in the cart with the Weasleys and Sylvia, Beth, and Brian. They first stopped at vault 325. The door opened to reveal as much money as Harry had in his vault. Mrs. Weasley shook her head. "Sirius is too generous. Even though I am told Sirius had plenty more and this is like a few handfuls of galleons to him."

Ron was awed by all this money. Griphook, the goblin with them, snapped his fingers and the money disappeared into the Weasley's vault. Then they went to the next vault. It opened to find reveal a huge pile of galleons and a thick book titled, "Our Pranks and Jokes, by Messrs. Moony, Padfoot, Prongs, and Wormtail." The money was transfered to the account Fred and George opened up. Fred picked up the book and stared at reverently. George also started at it and murmered, "Bless you, Padfoot, wherever you are."

Then they went to vault 328, Ginny and Ron's vault. They opened it to look at huge pile of money there. Ron looked even more awestruck, while Ginny seemed more matter of fact about it. A new account was opened for Ron and half of the money was placed in it. The other half remained in *** vault, which was put in Ginny's name.

After was vault 329. A third of the money was placed in Sylvia's vault. a third was placed in the joint account Beth and Brian had, which now became Beth's vault only. The remaining third stayed in the vault, which was now in Brian's name.

Lastly was vault 330. The door opend to show a huge pile of gold. There was enough to swim in and it made the money in Harry's vault look like pocket money. There were also many articles of gold and silver, boxes of jelwelry, and fine paintings and furniture. Harry stared, awed by all this. He finally recovered to withdraw 100 galleons to pay for replacing Dumbledore's possesions.

Sylvia chuckled at his expression and said, "Harry, there's more to it. Let's go to the Potter's vault." They went down another level to the Potter's vault. Inside was almost as much money as inside the Black vault, but he couldn't really tell the difference. There were also expensive furniture, valuable paintings, gold and silver ornaments and articles, and ornate jeweled boxes of jewelry. Harry was speechless again.

Sylvia said, "You can take money out of the Potter vault, but only up to a thousand galleons. You can take out some of the jewlery and ornaments, but only up to a boxful. The rest has to stay in here until you turn of age."

Harry shook himself. "I never knew my family was so rich. I mean, I knew my parents had left me lots of money, enough to put me through Hogwarts and get a place to live after I graduated a few times over. Compared to the Weasleys I was rich, whereas compared to say the Malfoys, I was merely middle-class. But I never expected all this."

Sylvia smiled. "It can be a bit of a shock. Well, we'll leave this vault alone until you turn seventeen. You can continue to use you vault and you can use Sirius' if you want. Let's go now."

Outside, Harry found a very happy Hermione. "I can't believe how much money Sirius left me in vault 323. There was enough to buy me all the books I want for the rest of my life. In fact it is enough to buy all the books in the world! Or at least a huge library of my very own. And there'd be enough left over to pay for my living expenses for the next few decades."

Harry shook his head. "He was generous. But the monsy in your vault but just be a few handfuls of galleons compared to the vault Sirisus left me. The same goes for the Potter vault. The money in my vault...well, it be like comparing an anthill to a mountain. Or rather a molehill to a mountain."

Hermione laughed. "Well, we've seen everything." she then turned sad. "I'm glad for all this money, but I would trade it all for Sirius to be still here."

Harry nodded in agreement. The adults came over and Apparated the tennagers back to Sylvia's trunk.

[Madelina]

Chapter Seven

The next day, Harry received a letter from the Minister of Magic. It expressed his codolences over Sirius's death, told of Sirius' pardon, and offered Harry an Order of Merlin, First Class for his actions at the Ministry. Harry was absolutely disgusted with the letter and tossed it aside. His friends, (except Beth and Brian), received similar letters, theirs offering them Orders of Merlin, Second Class.

The others were disgusted by this. They saw right away that Cornelius Fudge was trying to make amends for not believing Harry and it was just to improve appearances. Harry wrote a scathing reply, saying that he didn't want the Order of Merlin and neither did his friends. He also ranted about how the idiots at the Ministry never believed Sirius the first time, never gave him a trial, and pardon was too late.

Sylvia took this further by making a Howler and sending it with Harry's letter. When she finished, she said, "That will bring Cornelius Fuedge down a notch or two. The bumbling idiot. He's only doing this because he wants to stay in power. There's talk among the Wizenmagot about removing him and replacing him with Amelia Bones, Arthur Weasley, or Kingsley Shacklebolt."

Two days later, Cornelius Fudge was removed as Minister of Magic. The news was in the Daily Prophet, as well as in a special issue of The Quibbler. Currently Amelia Bones was acting as Minister, but there would be election soon. Harry was very pleased by this turn of events.

The election came a few days later. Amelia Bones was running, and Mr. Weasley had also been persuaded to run. People tried to convince Kingsley Shacklebolt and Dumbledore to run, but they refused. When the results came in, Mr. Weasley won by a small margin. Ron was very surprised that his father won. Mr. Weasley was shocked, having only run for office because he thought he wouldn't win. He couldn't back out however, and accepted.

Fred and George were pleased by this, mainly because Percy, who hadn't apoligised, would be working for their father. When the Ministry had acknowledged Voldemort's return, Percy had gone to Mr. Weasley and forgave him for siding with Dumbledore. This had not gone well with Mr. Weasley, since Percy should have the one apoligising. Mrs. Weasly was all for welcoming Percy back, but the other family members weren't and were very cool with him. Thankfully Percy avoided the twins, or he would have fallen for many pranks.

Harry felt the same as Ron and was very glad that he didn't have to be arounf Percy.

[Madelina]

Chapter Seven continued

Several days later, Luna Lovegood turned up from her trip to Sweden. She was very happy and announced, 'Daddy and I finally got a glimpse of a crumple-horned snorkck! We even got a picture for The Quibbler!"

Luna showed them a picture and Harry saw a slighty blurry reindeer-like creature with twisted antlers munching on grass. Hermione looked a bit skeptical, but said, "I guess they really do exist." Harry was thinking the same thing.

Later that day, Harry tok Luna aside. He had remembered the talk he had had with her at the end of the school term. It had made him feel better. And he did want to discuss the Veil and the possibility of voices.

Luna gave a dreamy smile. 'I thought I heard my mother's voice. She studied it, you know, before she died. She was working on a spell that might enable her soul or spirt or whatever to leave her body temporarily and enter the Veil. It didn't work the way she expected and she-" Luna's voice broke and Harry akwardly put his arm around Luna.

"I understand how you feel," he muttered.

Luna sighed and wiped her eyes. "Well, it has been almost six years. I have borne it. I'll manage. I have put up when those housemates of mine teased me and took my things."

Harry paused, then said, 'Do you have any friends in Ravenclaw?"

Luna shook her head. "Not really. Padma Patil never bothered me. Cho Chang left me alone when she got made prefect. Before that she and her friend Marietta did bother me. When Penelope Clearwater was still there, she tried to get the other girls to leave me alone. And my dormmate Teresa Miils was nice to me. She never bothered me, though she didn't really stand up for me when the other girls bothered me."

Harry felt another surge of pity and was angry at how the other Ravenclaw girls had treated her. Luna saw his look and said, "It's all right, Harry. You don't need to pity me. And you don't have to be angry on my behalf. People will think that you are in love with me or something."

Harry turned red. He knew that he did like Luna and found her to be much nicer than Cho. But he wasn't sure if he wanted Luna to be his girlfriend or anyhting, after his experience with Cho. "Luna Lovegood! Can't I be your friend? I don't like being teased. My cousin and his friends used to bully me."

Luna nodded. "So you don't pity me. You sympathise with me because you have suffered, too, Harry. Well, that's different."

Harry smiled and decided that when he was ready to go out with a girl again, it would be Luna.

[Madelina]

Chapter Seven continued

The next day, Harry went over his thoughts and feelings. He still missed Sirius, but with Luna around, his pain lessened. It had only come close when Beth or Sylvia talked with him. Harry's feelings were all mixed up and he didn't know what to do. He wanted to talk to someone, but not Luna, since he didn't ant to discuss his feeling for her with her.

He went to see Sylvia, but found her talking with Ron and giving him advice. Since he didn't want to interrupt, he decided to talk with Beth. "Beth, I want to dicuss something with you."

Beth gave a knowing smile, T'aime Luna? I mean, you like her?'

Harry nodded. "And I don't know what to do about it. I'm not that ready to go out with a girl again, expecially after that fiasco with Cho."

Beth replied, "Well, from what you told me, Cho cried a great deal. And I don't think Luna is going to do that. She is very sensible girl and I like her. And I've noticed that you felt better after you talked with her yesterday. Luna seems to be compatible with you and you should try to have a relationship with her."

Harry sighed. "But what if someone else wants to date her? And I don't know if she should date me. With Voldemort after me, I'm a danger to her."

Beth shook her head. "Harry, Luna is alreeady in danger. She has been when she announced that she was on your side and when she went with you to the Ministry. Being your girlfriend won't put her in any more danger. And no other boy is interested in her. Luna told me that when she was younger, she did have a crush on Ron. But she has gotten over it. And Ron never really knew about it and besides, all signs are pointing for his dating Hermione."

Harry recalled everything he had pointed out that showed Ron liked Hermione. He laughed and said, "Well, you're right Beth. And I suppose all or most of the boys in her house think her weird."

Beth's mouth tightened into a thin line. "I had a talk with Luna and was very displeased to hear about how the others in her house were treating her. That Teresa Mills girl is her only friend there. And Padma Patil is nice to her. And she said that Cho Chang was nasty to her until she got made a prefect. Then she left Luna alone, but didn't try to stop the teasing and stuff. I am tempted to ask the Sorting Hat to put me in Ravenclaw so Luna will have a friend there besides Teresa."

Harry sighed. "I hate it too. But Beth, if you get into Ravenclaw, you won't be in her dorm. You'll be with the other sixth year girls in their dorm."

Beth replied, "I know. Which is why I said tempted. Anyway, Harry, if you like Luna, ask her out to Hogsmeade or something, okay? If she says yes, that means she's interested in you. After awhile, you'll figure out if you like like her and want to pursue a serious relationship. And being with her will help you deal with Uncle Sirius' death better than if you talked with me or Ginny or Hermione or Mum. And definitely better than Ron and Brian. Ron isn't that sensitive of a person and Brian gets uncomfortable when talking about feelings with other guys."

Harry nodded and said, "Okay. Thanks for your advice, Beth. I mean, Merci beaucoup."

Beth smiled. "Derrein, Harry. You're welcome."

Harry left the room and went to talk with Luna.

[Madelina]

Chapter Eight

Harry had a talk with Luna and found out that she was alos interested in him. Harry was very pleased and asked Lun if she would go with him to their first Hogsmead visit. Luna smiled and said she would. Harry was very pleased and then unburdened himslef to her. He told her about the prophecy.

Luna nodded and when he was done said, "Well, that means you can defeat V-Voldemort. And don't be so wroked up. I have faith in you. And besides, how do you know that Professor Trewlanely was accurate? She makes lovely tea, but she isn't exactly a wonderful seer."

Harry paused for a bit. Luna did have a point. She continued, "And furthermore, prohecies have been made for just about every person born. One was made about my mother dying when I was five through her work on werewolves. Instead, she died when I was nine from studying the veil in the Deaprtment of Mysteries. Another was made that I would have an accident when I was six and would die from it. I did have an accident, but I only suffered a broken ankle, which I did not die from."

Harry gaped and got out, "You're saying prophecies have been made about every person born?"

Luna paused and replied, "Well, every witch or wizard born. Of course, some have been accurate. There was one made about a Peter Pettigrew. It said that he was fated to betray his friends. That came true, didn't it?"

Harry nodded dumbly and Luna coninued, "Don't be so worked up over a prophecy. You may be fated to be the only one that can defeat V-Voldemort, but that doesn't mean that you'll die. Besides, good always win over evil in the end. So don't worry."

Harry felt better after his talk with Luna. He suspected that if he had told Ron and Hermione about the prophecy, he wouldn't feel this way. Ron would have tons of questions about the prophecy that he wanted cleared up. Hermione would be worried and would want to find ways to avoid this. He could also tell Ginny and Neville, but Neville would probably realise that the prophecy could apply to him, too. Then he would say that he was relieved that it wasn't him and offer his sympathies. Ginny might help, but she might also get worked up.

Soon everyone else found out about Harry's relationship with Luna. Everyone congratulated him and Ron said, "Well, she's much better than Cho, even if she does believe in some-different things. Good luck with her, Harry mate." Harry was glad that his friends approved and started thinking about ROn and Hermione. It was obvious that the two had feelings for each other, though they didn't admit it.

So Harry, Beth, and Brian set about getting Ron and Hermione together. It didn't work at firrst, but the day before Harry's birthday, Ron and Hermione admitted their feelings for each other. The two were officailly dating. In the meantime, Neville started going out with Beth. Harry had suspected that Neville liked Beth, judging from how he turned shy whenever he was around Beth. Beth had obviously noticed and took Neville in hand. Neville wasn't so shy anymore after this. Harry was happy for Neville, since Beth was perfect for him.