Chapter Fifteen - The Whole Truth ...

Disclaimer: The Harry Potter universe belongs to the proverbial Duchess of Magic, JK Rowling, Scholastic, Bloomsbury, Warner Bros and some other high falutin' companies. No matter how much I whine about not owning anything related to the HP universe, other than a few fanfic plots, I do not profess to own - and would never dream of making any money off - JKR's wonderful world... Damn it!

Chapter Fifteen - The Whole Truth ...

_‗_

—==(oIo)==—

ˇ

Their party then Floo'ed directly from Saint Mungo's to Diagon Alley. Harry still had to get used to not feeling the weight of the spectacles on his face, or that he wasn't looking through the odd dust particles and soot that collected on the glass surfaces. There was also an odd feeling associated with the light breeze brushing over the skin around his eyes he'd not felt before.

He realised it would take a little time to get used to, but was happy for the chance to do so.

"Where to, first?" asked Deece.

"Madam Malkin's," Daphne firmly replied. "The sooner we get Harry out of those rags, the better."

Entering the Alley proper they headed directly to the store, entering to find it completely lacking in any other customer.

Daphne practically dragged Harry to the little round stands the store's witches used to measure people up, and ordered him not to move until he was told to.

When Daphne and Hermione explained to the store witch what they wanted to happen, she immediately ducked into the rear of the store and brought back Madam Malkin, herself.

"An entire wardrobe?" the plump little middle aged witch asked.

"Everything," Daphne firmly replied. "Treat it as if he has lost his entire wardrobe in a fire except for what he's wearing, and even that is damaged beyond repair."

"He's going to need wizarding and muggle wear from top to bottom; in and out," cut in Hermione. "Everything from outer and formal robes to muggle underwear... he wears boxers, by the way."

Both girls then nodded to the store owner, who was looking back in surprise.

"Well, then," said Madam Malkin, with a pleased little huff. "Let's get to it, then, shall we?"

Out came the measuring tapes and Harry was made to hold his arms out, spread his legs, and otherwise be almost violated by the magical measuring tape, as a quill was working itself to fill out a form on a nearby little pedestal.

While the tape was working, the store assistant witch watched the parchment for a few moments before she gave a nod and moved away, ducking back out to the back of the store.

She came back carrying a heap of clothing and asked Harry, "Any preferences to colour?"

Harry was about to reply when Daphne replied instead. "Green to match his eyes. Emerald, if you can. He also looks good in Ravenclaw blue and bronze. Silver highlights, where necessary. Potter crest on formal robes. No reds, oranges or the like; the colour does not suit him... unless it's a deep red, such as burgundy, to highlight."

"Pale, or pastel greens would also work for under robes," said Hermione. "It can be for a shirt, or two. Same with pastel blue to go with Royal and Navy blues. Creams, too. That'll go well with anything of a deep forest-like green. Browns, so long as it's dark. And, of course, black, dark greys and white."

The store witch was taking notes.

"Do I get a say in this?" asked Harry a little plaintively.

"No," said Hermione, as Daphne said, "Yes."

They looked at each other before Daphne said, "You get to choose some of the styles. Traditional or modern, for the cut of your robes. The same for mugglewear. You get to choose the style of shoe you're most comfortable with... such as, pointed toe or not. And, we'll let you choose some colours for yourself, so long as we approve."

The look Harry gave both girls made Deece almost burst out laughing. She had to hurry away to the witch's side of the store before she embarrassed herself by giggling.

"Harry," said Hermione. "You know we love you, right?"

With a sigh, understanding where this was going, he nodded.

"Then I mean no malice when I tell you your fashion sense leaves a lot to be desired," she firmly said. "Leave the selection of fashion to Daphne and me. We'll make sure you look good."

"Between us we have both wizarding and muggle fashions covered," added Daphne. "Now stop fussing and be a good boy." She turned to make sure Deece wasn't paying too much attention before she turned back and softly said, "You'll be rewarded if you're a good boy, alright?"

Harry's eyes widened as what she said worked its way through his mind. He nodded back with a look of anticipatory glee.

"Good," she firmly said, before turning to Hermione and the two store witches. "Alright, ladies; we have work to do."

For the next three hours Harry felt he must have changed clothes over a hundred times as robes, shirts, trousers, jeans, jumpers, coats, hats, boots, shoes, belts, swimwear, underwear, male jewellery, watches, colognes, hair products and he forgot what else was brought to him to try on. Some only made it as far as being held to his chest for shirts or his waist for pants before it was discarded; some he managed to don before he was told to strip it back off and it was discarded. However, the pile of what was considered acceptable grew, though not as fast as the pile of discards. Or, the pile the discards would have made if they weren't being constantly removed and taken back out back.

By the third hour, Harry was almost an automaton. Without a word of complaint or approval - which he realised was ignored, anyway, during the first hour - he was constantly in and out of the change booth. At one time, Daphne joined him in the booth; and, at another, Hermione did.

Finally, Daphne sighed and said, "I think we're done."

"Oh, thank God," Harry groaned, to which Deece laughed.

"Now us ladies need clothing to match," said Daphne.

"Oh, good," Harry sighed, collapsing into a chair. "Go have fun," he groaned.

Both witches glared at him and Hermione said, "On your feet, Mister Potter."

"You need to see what it is we'd like and for you to give your approval," explained Daphne.

"Ladies, I have already learned... over the past three hours... that my opinion is neither needed or matters," he explained with a near whine. "Why do you want to hear it now?"

"Because it's how it's done!" replied Daphne, as if speaking to a small child.

Hermione then walked over and, taking him by the hand, dragged him to the witch's side of the store. He was practically dumped into a 'husband/boyfriend' chair, sitting next to Deece - who looked back at him with both amusement and sympathy - and told to give his opinion.

Both girls then entered side-by-side changing booths carrying an armful of garments each.

For the next hour Harry was treated to his own 'runway' show with his two bondmates acting as the models. They started off with formal traditional robes and worked their way through to modern informal muggle. At first, Harry was just hoping the whole thing would be over soon - or that the Headmaster would turn up and drag him back to Hogwarts - but, as the ladies progressed to modern muggle summer wear, he started to take more and more interest.

As they modelled, both girls spoke as to why they selected to try on that particular outfit, and to what Harry could wear to match. Most of it went over his head; but he started to become aware of how he'd been forced to try on swimwear, and wondered what they'd do to match. He got more and more eager after each passing minute.

Deece had noticed and was quite amused. So had both his bondmates.

With the sun dresses done, Madam Malkin waved her wand and a large screen appeared, cutting off that side of the store with the rest.

Hermione came out first wearing a sleek one piece swimming costume. It had a little affixed skirt hanging from the hips to drop to low thigh. Her bust was pushed almost flat and some kind of ruffle further broke the line of her breasts. It was predominantly dark blue with other shades of blue to change the lines. "For wearing in the wizarding world," she said, and clearly waited for his opinion.

"Ummm,' he muttered. "If you have to wear that much material you should probably see if they have it in reds, russets, browns and oranges. Actually, something like deciduous leaves at autumn. That would best go with your skin, hair and eyes."

She turned to the mirror and asked, "Are you sure? I usually go for blues and the like."

Deece said, "No, I think he's right. Try it and see."

The store witch who was in there with them looked from Deece back to Hermione, gave a firm nod and disappeared back beyond the screen.

In the mean time, Hermione returned to the changing booth as Daphne came out. Hers was a similar style but in black with a shimmer of greens and silver.

Harry immediately said, "Try it in an aqua."

Deece nodded and said, "I agree."

When the store witch returned with a new wizarding witch swimsuit for Hermione, she held it over the top of the door of the change room for her. When she removed her arm a moment later it was holding the old suit.

Daphne caught her attention and, indicating her swimming costume, said, "Do you have this in an aqua?"

"I'll see," the witch replied, leaving with Hermione's first swimsuit.

Hermione returned a moment later wearing the new suit. "Wow!" exclaimed Harry as soon as he saw it.

"Yeah, wow!" said Daphne, looking the girl over. "That really suits you!"

"Indeed," said Deece.

"I never thought to wear these colours before," said Hermione looking down.

"They suit you," said Deece. "We may have to consider your other choices in light of this."

Harry lightly groaned.

With a smirk towards him, Deece said, "You should have thought of that before."

"No, keep what you've got," said Daphne. "We can always shop for more in Hogsmeade."

Harry let out a quiet sigh of relief.

When the sales witch brought back another suit for Daphne, she took it into the change room and changed into it. When she came out Deece and Hermione both immediately said, "Yes." To which Harry had to agree.

Daphne blushed a little and said, "From this point on, Harry, you need to go back over to the other side of the screen."

Hermione blushed and, looking at Harry, nodded.

"What?" he whined. "But, we're just getting to the good stuff!"

"Out, Mister!" Daphne demanded.

"But, you saw me..." he tried, before she interrupted him.

While sticking her arm out and pointing a finger to the other side of the store, she barked, "Out!"

"That's not..." he tried, again.

"Out!" barked Hermione.

"Oh, come on!"

"OUT!" Hermione, Daphne and even Deece demanded. Deece had even started pushing him by his shoulder in the direction of the screen.

"Fine!" he grumped, throwing both hands up and almost stomping out. The store witch gave him a look mixed between amusement and pity as he passed. From what he saw of what she was carrying, he almost looked plaintively back.

Back on the other side, he found a seat and sat down to wait.

From behind the screen he heard whispering, giggling and gasps of - whatever. He really wanted to see what was going on over the other side of that blasted screen.

With a sigh he thought, 'I know we don't want people to know just how far we've progressed the bonds, but this is ridiculous.'

While he was sitting and waiting he looked around and saw that all the clothing he would be purchasing was neatly packaged on the counter, waiting. He couldn't even go through it to take a better look, now that he actually had time to do so.

_‗_

—==(oIo)==—

ˇ

When the girls were finally finished, they're selections were all wrapped on the other side of the screen and brought around. Madam Malkin vanished the screen and Harry was called to the counter to make payment.

He heard what the final price was and looked gob smacked. "I don't have that much on me!" he complained.

Daphne rolled her eyes and grabbed his right hand, holding it up. "Pay for it with your ring, Harry," she said a little exasperated with him. "The funds will be automatically transferred from your vaults to Madam Malkins's business vault."

Harry did as instructed and, moments later, all their packages had been shrunk and dumped in his pockets.

As they left the store, he complained, "Can we eat now? I'm starved!"

"An excellent idea," replied Deece. "Come. I have just the place in mind."

She led the three of them to a small restaurant. As she entered, the 'waiter' approached and smarmed, "Ah, Madam Greengrass. It is most nice to see you again. Party of four, is it?"

"Yes please, Pierre," she confidently replied.

The four were led to a small table and were immediately served.

_‗_

—==(oIo)==—

ˇ

Finishing their light lunch, which Deece paid for, Hermione asked if they could do a quick trip around the stores to pick up mail order catalogues.

"Don't worry about it, Hermione," Daphne gently said. "For basically everything for which we need mail order, we've got the order forms and brochures."

"But, what if they've updated," she tried.

"Then, because we're on their mailing list, they'll let us know," Daphne countered. "It's in their own best interest to do so."

"I guess," sighed Hermione.

"So, are we all done?" asked Deece, after the girls stopped 'arguing'.

"Yes, I think so," replied Daphne.

"Then it's back to school with you three," the older witch firmly said.

Again using the Floo at the Leaky Cauldron, the four Floo'ed back to the Three Broomsticks. As Deece escorted them to the gates, Harry held back to speak to her.

"Deece?" he asked. "Thank you very much for today," he said a little emotionally.

Deece turned and smiled at him, recognising the depth of his gratitude. "You're very welcome, Harry. It's what family is for. And, we are family now."

At the gates, Harry stopped and, at the spur of the moment, quickly hugged the woman. "Again; thank you."

Deece just nodded back, a little emotional at Harry's own expression of emotion and gratitude.

As he stepped back, both girls moved in and hugged her, before all three re-entered the school.

Harry half-expected either Dumbledore or McGonagall to be waiting for them inside the Entrance Hall. That they weren't, surprised him.

"I don't think the Headmaster knew we... or I... left the castle, today," he mused.

The three immediately climbed the stairs and used the hidden passageways to make their way back to their apartment.

Once inside, Harry sighed heavily before collapsing back onto one of the couches.

He watched both his bondmates then go through the ritual of checking for listening and monitoring charms. None were found.

"Alright, love," said Daphne. "Out with the packages."

Harry practically groaned climbing back to his feet. But, once standing again, he started emptying his pockets of shrunken parcels. He spread them along the couch and watched as Daphne began at one end re-enlarging them, checking the contents and separating them into different piles. Hermione was doing the same from her end.

Soon enough, they had all parcels unshrunk and three piles each.

Hermione picked the first pile up and asked Daphne, "Which one is yours, love?"

Daphne indicated one of hers and Hermione added her arm load to that pile. Then Daphne did the same with what she had of Hermione's.

"Alright, Harry," said Daphne, before she pointed to the two remaining piles. "Both of those are yours. Have Dobby take them into your room and put them away for you. Hermione and I will call Winky and ask her to do the same for us."

Instead of waiting, both elves popped in and Dobby asked, "Did Master and Misses ask for Dobby and Winky?"

"Yes, thank you," replied Daphne. She then looked at Winky and indicated the two piles for her and Hermione. "This set of parcels is clothing for me; and that set of parcels is clothing for Hermione. Can you put them away for us?"

"Certainly, Miss," Winky replied. She snapped her fingers and both piles of parcels disappeared before she followed them.

Turning to Dobby, Daphne said, "The remainder is Harry's new clothing. Can you put it away for him, please? And get rid of his old clothes except for his school stuff, too."

"Certainly, Miss," replied Dobby before he, too, popped away with the parcels.

"Hey!" exclaimed Harry a little mock-offended. "What if there was any clothing in there I wanted to keep?"

"Why?" she shot back. "You don't need rags. And that's all those clothes are good for."

A little softer she instructed, "Now, go get changed out of those rags into something more befitting our future husband."

With a groan, Harry made his way into his bedroom. He found Dobby had already unpacked everything for him, and magically pressed what needed to be ironed or pressed, as everything was wrinkle free and ready to wear.

He pulled out a new pair of underwear, a pair of black jeans, shirt, socks, new trainers, and a light pullover due to the in-creeping chill. And quickly changed into them.

He threw his dirty laundry into the hamper inside the bathroom door and returned to the living room. He had expected to see the girls waiting for him, but they weren't. Even Crookshanks was absent. So, he went back and pulled out his book bag to do some homework before dinner.

He'd just settled down when Hermione re-entered from her bedroom. She stopped on seeing him sitting on the couch. "Stand up for me, love," she ordered.

With an almost sub-vocal groan Harry climbed back to his feet. She then used her finger to give him the gesture to slowly turn around both girls used on him in Madam Malkin's. So, he did a slow pirouette.

When he'd completed his turn, she smirked and said, "That'll do nicely."

"What'll do nicely?" asked Daphne, walking back in. She took a long look at Harry and said, "Yes, that will do nicely."

Harry looked at both witches and noticed they, too, were wearing nice clothes they'd 'paraded' in Diagon Alley earlier. He smiled and said, "You both look beautiful."

_‗_

—==(oIo)==—

ˇ

After working on assignments - and progressing Harry's knowledge of Ancient Runes for a while, Hermione suggested, "It's nearing time for dinner. How about we put on some light make-up and make an entrance in to the Great Hall?"

"Well, I'll leave the make-up off, if it's all the same with you," snorted Harry. "And I'll let you ladies go do what you need to do while I tidy up a bit."

After they'd both thrown wads of parchment at him, both girls went to put a little light make-up on, before rejoining him in the living room. A tidier living room with all their work neatly stacked on the coffee table to be returned to after dinner, if they wanted.

Escorting both girls down to Great Hall, Harry led them to the Ravenclaw table to sit, once more, opposite Luna.

Leaning forward he asked the younger Ravenclaw, "Is this spot at table reserved for us three, or something?"

Luna seemed to think about that for a few moments before she replied, "I'm unsure. Since the Professor told everyone off, no one but you three has talked to me."

"No one?" asked Hermione, her voice dropping to a level that her two bondmates recognised as anger.

"No," replied Luna, giving a bit of a shrug. "At least they're no longer being mean to me."

"How about after dinner you come and join us three in our apartment, for a little while," invited Daphne. Turning to Harry, she asked, "How about you go have a look at the Ravenclaw library and see if there's anything in there about basic Ancient Runes?"

"I think that's a wonderful idea," replied Harry, overly calm.

"Oh!" exclaimed Luna. "There's a book called Runes Made Easy you might want to have a look at."

"Thank you, Luna," replied Harry. "I think I must do exactly that."

_‗_

—==(oIo)==—

ˇ

After dinner Harry escorted all three ladies back to the seventh floor and the Ravenclaw corridor. He ensured his two bondmates were safely back in their apartment, and escorted Luna into the Ravenclaw common room. He waited for her in the common room as she went up to her dorm to retrieve her assignments and books; and watched how the rest of the House interacted with her as he pulled the Runes Made Easy book off the shelf of the House library. Mainly, he watched their body language and overt behaviour.

As they walked in, he saw how many of them sneered at her - until they spotted Harry behind her; or simply turned away, pretending she wasn't there. They were deliberately turning their backs on her.

When she came skipping back down he smiled to her and quietly said, "I'm going to explore the library for a little bit. Go join the girls in our apartment, alright?"

"Alright, Harry," she chirped; and skipped back out beyond the eagle guardian.

As soon as she left he watched the other Housemates for a short time and saw how they all altered their demeanours once she left. Their cold shoulder treatment was clearly deliberate.

"Right!" he muttered.

Angrily, he stormed over to the foot of the stairs and snagged a young girl who appeared to be a first year and muttered to her, "Go up the stairs in the girl's side of the dorms and quickly let them all know there's a meeting in the common room. Now; please."

Sensing his anger, and a little afraid, she took off up the stairs at a run.

Once she was on her way he turned to the stairs leading to the boys dorms and climbed to the top before turning around and coming back down. As he did so he banged on each door and called to whoever was in, "Meeting in the common room. Now!"

Once back in the common room, Harry went to stand near the entrance and waited. He was practically radiating anger. It did not take long for the others in the common room to begin to notice. The boys came down from their dorms, and the rest of the girls were coming down from theirs. Their asking what was going on, soon had everyone wondering the same.

A sixth year, Peter Timmons - Harry recalled his name - saw Harry and called, "What is your problem, Potter?"

Harry glared back and practically snarled, "Sit your arse down, Timmons. We'll wait for the others to come out of their dorms."

Timmons looked back in shock but said nothing further. The anger pouring off Harry was near palpable. It was enough to make even the senior years shut up and pay attention.

When the last few dribbles of students came down from the dorms, chittering away, wondering what was happening, Harry took two steps forward and barked, "Shut the fuck up!"

Those who weren't immediately cowed silent shut up anyway, staring back in shock.

When he knew he had their complete attention, and before they could voice their ire back, he snarled, "I cannot believe this is supposed to be the House of intelligence and wit. Because, by fuck, I'm not seeing it!

"It wasn't that long ago you all had your arses well and truly reamed by your Head of House, Professor Flitwick, over your collective behaviour towards Miss Luna Lovegood. You were all told, in no uncertain terms, that Miss Lovegood has Ravenclaw's Gift. Clearly, not one of you fucking morons bothered to find out what that meant! Or just didn't bother to share it with your Housemates.

"So, I'm going to spell it out for you and, hopefully, it'll enter those dainty little ears and reach that grey mush you refer to as your brains; where it may begin the slow and laborious process of creating an understanding of just what that means.

"Ravenclaw's Gift means Miss Lovegood can literally see magic. She sees auras. She can see that of which only those with mage sight have a limited understanding. That is why she seems... shall we say... a bit spacey, at times. She can see that which you idiots cannot, and it's caught her attention.

"Now, just because you have no understanding of what it is she's capable of; does not give you the right to behave so appallingly towards her!

"And don't you dare try and tell me you haven't been," he snarled when it appeared some of the older years were about to rebuke. "It took me only seconds after walking in here to figure out what you're doing. It took me only moments to recognise the passive-aggressive bullshit you're now engaged in to shun her. You may think you're being oh so fucking clever. You're not!

"So, I'm going to lay it out for the lot of you so you have a chance to fucking understand. If there is one person currently in this House that epitomises all there is to be a Ravenclaw, it's Luna Lovegood. If it came to a decision whether it was her, or you morons, as to who would remain in Ravenclaw if a re-sort had to occur, I assure you she'd win hands down! I would not be one tiniest bit surprised if young Luna proved to be Lady Rowena Ravenclaw's magical Heir.

"Luna is a sweet and caring child. She wishes no ill-will to anyone. She is extremely intelligent and, if you get to know her, you will see she has a wicked sense of humour. In other words, she has intelligence and wit in full measure. That she has remained so sweet and caring, after the appalling treatment you wankers have directed towards her, is astonishing.

"You all heard Professor Flitwick offer himself as Luna's Personal Champion. For you magical-raised you know exactly what that means. If Luna was to inform him of your recent behaviour towards her, he would have no choice but to challenge to combat of arms the arse of each and every one of you!

"So, here's my flat-out threat to you all: Drop the passive-aggressive shit... right the fuck now... or, by this time tomorrow, you'll need to be organising duelling robes for yourselves. You'll then be facing a renowned International duelling champion across the floor of the piste. Because, if Luna won't tell him, I will!"

With one last cold glare and partial sneer at them all, Harry spun about and stormed from the room, back out into the corridor outside. He left the room in stunned and fearful silence.

"What the fuck was that?" exclaimed one senior male House member.

"Well, since you're too stupid to have figured it out," said one of the senior girls. "That was us, yet again, getting a well-deserved verbal spanking. And I, for one, am getting sick and tired of having to be the subject of one."

"And, what was that again about Ravenclaw's Gift?" asked one of the younger years.

"It is believed Rowena Ravenclaw had the gift of natural mage sight," she answered. "She lived with the ability of being able to see magic and all pertaining to it. Clearly, Potter and the Professor agree that Miss Lovegood has the same ability."

"What's passive-aggressive mean?" asked one of the younger, magical-raised.

"It means bullying her by shunning her; by actively ignoring her," answered another. "And he's right. That's exactly what's been happening these past couple of weeks."

"But, she got us all in trouble!" complained the same person.

"No, she didn't," the same girl replied. "You got yourselves in trouble by bullying her in the first place. You got caught. It's your own fault. And, I'm quite sick of copping the blame for your actions. Miss Lovegood was the victim; not the cause. Stop blaming the victim for your own actions."

And, with that, the girl turned about and stormed off, back up the stairs to her dorm.

_‗_

—==(oIo)==—

ˇ

Harry waited out in the corridor until he'd calmed again before walking into their apartment.

Both his bondmates looked at him as he gave a firm single nod back. Luna looked up and asked, "Where's your book?"

Holding it up, Harry replied, "Right here."

"Well, we've been making a bit of headway in our various projects and assignments," Daphne cut in, hoping to derail that particular talk. "Come sit down and we'll go through it."

With a smile on his face, Harry walked over and sat on one of the couches to make a start on some assignments. And the four of them enjoyed an evening of working on assignments liberally interspersed with conversation and general fellowship.

_‗_

—==(oIo)==—

ˇ

The next Saturday saw the three bondmates waiting in the Entrance Hall for Matthias to come and collect them in their brand new good quality wizarding robes. The necessity was due to Dumbledore's 'antics' in trying to get Harry not to attend the court hearing for the Weasleys. By leaving early, they negated any chance of Dumbledore attempting a last ditch effort within the school to block them from attending the trial.

However, Matthias, as pre-planned, was early. And the three left the school before the Headmaster even knew they were gone.

Immediately outside the gates waited Deece. After hugs and greetings, both adult Greengrasses side-along apparated the three away from Hogsmeade and the school. They arrived, not at the Ministry, but in a large home.

"Welcome to Greengrass Farm," said Matthias, gesturing out wide with his arm while both adults beamed at the three teens.

Daphne laughed out loud with glee. "Oh, you two!" she mock-scowled at her parents.

"Hermione," Harry said, in a little awe, "I think we just got pranked."

"No, just surprised," she replied, with a giggle.

"Well, we've got almost an hour before we need to be in court," said Matthias. "How about a quick tour of the house?"

"We'd not cover the whole house, father," disagreed Daphne.

"Just the main house, daughter," corrected Matthias with just the bare hint of emphasis on 'daughter'. It caused Daphne to blush just a little.

"Sorry, Dad" she muttered. Turning to Harry and Hermione she beckoned them both and said, "Come. I'll show you where your rooms will be."

The main house of Greengrass Farm was two stories and slightly larger than the 'outlier' fully equipped houses each side. Daphne didn't take either of them to either outlier house, though. She just took them upstairs to the upper of the two stories of the main house. Here were located the bedrooms, ladies' sitting room, activities room and guest bedrooms for close family guests.

Daphne indicated where the Master of the House's main bedroom was located down one direction off the hallway, and then promptly led them down the opposite direction.

She indicated her and Astoria's rooms at the end, with hers at the front and Astoria's at the rear. Between her bedroom and the stairs, at the front of the house, she showed them two more bedrooms. "These will be yours," she said. "That is, of course, unless we finalise the bonds before then. And immediately blushed.

"I don't know if it'll happen before Christmas, or even Easter, Daphne" Harry said quietly and a little amused. "But, I certainly hope it happens before summer break."

"I hope so, too," said Hermione equally quietly.

With a little throat clearing cough, Daphne said, "Anyway. The ladies' parlour now."

She then led them back across to the landing for the stairs. And led them into a room whose double doors were opposite. "This is the ladies' parlour," she said. Turning to Harry she said, "Normally, no males allowed. However, we've found it better to at least let the menfolk see the room at least once, when it's not otherwise in use. It tends to stop you men being nosey when it is."

That caused Hermione to laugh as Daphne grinned.

With a sniff of mock-haughtiness, Harry replied, "I... am not nosey; I am merely... inquisitive."

"Uh-huh!" laughed Hermione. "You just keep telling yourself that."

_‗_

—==(oIo)==—

ˇ

Cutting the timings to the last minutes, Matthias Floo'ed them to the Ministry and led them directly to Courtroom Two on the second floor, near the DMLE offices.

As soon as they arrived, the rather excited auror who was awaiting them immediately led the three into an adjoining witness's waiting room. Ackerman was waiting for them inside.

"Mister Potter, you were very nearly late," the man sighed in frustration.

"Sorry Stewart; it couldn't be helped," replied Harry, not all that sorry at all. "It was necessary to save us from being, yet again, waylaid by Dumbledore."

"Why is he interfering?" asked the solicitor.

"The Weasleys are one of his most avid supporters outside of the Wizengamot," replied Harry. "He's doing everything he can to ensure none of them end up in Azkaban. For one, it would be a major mark of shame against him, at a time he really cannot afford any more; and for two, he'd probably lose their support if Molly ends up incarcerated. She, as the muggles say, wears the pants in that family."

"That explains a lot," muttered Ackerman.

It was about fifteen minutes later when Harry was called in to testify. Ackerman walked with him and indicated the witness podium Harry was to ascend.

Looking around, he saw Molly, Ronald and Ginevra sitting at the furthest of two side-by-side tables. Ronald was glaring at him with a great deal of malice. Ginevra glanced at him as if pleading for leniency and was quite sad. Molly was looking as if she was about to faint and sat at the table between her two children and looking as if she was trying hard to wish it all away.

After being sworn in, Harry was questioned over what had happened to make him take the goblet of pumpkin juice to Professor McGonagall and why he suspected that the juice had been dosed. But, when questions were asked about the first of the month - the forming of their bond - Ackerman objected and the question was overruled.

Once he'd given his evidence, and was cross-examined by the solicitor for the Weasleys, he was released and allowed into the visitors' gallery for the rest of the trial. The defendants' solicitor had tried to trip Harry up on how he handled the goblet from the time he picked it up from the Gryffindor table to placing it before Professor McGonagall. And alluded to how Harry could have easily tampered with it.

Hermione was called next, and she gave the same testimony as Harry. However, she also gave evidence over what had happened the morning of the First of September at The Burrow, and what she witnessed there.

As she went into details of what she saw, Molly burst into tears. Harry guessed she knew Hermione's testimony just saw her defence well and truly sunk.

Daphne was next and gave a similar testimony to Harry's.

Next came Professor McGonagall, then Professor Flitwick, and finally Professor Snape.

Though he appeared reluctant to do so, even going so far as to glance at Dumbledore who was sitting in the assembled's tiers, he provided expert testimony as to what potions were within the goblet at the time Harry brought it to the head table.

After the Hogwarts' 'contingent' gave their testimony, the DMLE's aurors and experts gave theirs. They spoke of the interviews of both Weasley children at the school, and later at the DMLE, and the same with Molly at The Burrow and DMLE.

Their statements were submitted as evidence, which the defence tried to have thrown out and failed.

After the prosecution wrapped up, the defence then had their own witnesses. These included a potions expert, who claimed neither of the Weasley children had the skills necessary to brew such potions; a child mind-healer, who gave testimony on the state of mind of both children speaking of how Ginny had a hero-worship mindset that had her believing Harry was her own personal knight in shining armour, and had ongoing mind trauma from the eight months of possession by the 'memory' of Voldemort.

That last one had Dumbledore wincing in his chair.

As for Ronald, the mind-healer gave testimony that he was suffering from strong feelings of inadequacy compared to his brothers; jealousy of his brothers, of Harry's fame and those who had money as he saw his family as poor; and an over-bearing mother.

It was not hard to see that Molly was being 'sacrificed' to ensure her children did not face having their wands snapped and magic bound.

Harry just sighed and shook his head. Turning to look directly at Dumbledore, Harry glared at the man with a mien of absolute fury.

Perhaps feeling Harry's eyes upon him, Dumbledore turned to look directly at Harry and, seeing his expression, paled.

Staring at Dumbledore, Harry almost discretely jabbed his index finger at both Weasley children before slowly making the throat cut gesture known around the world as being killed.

To Dumbledore, it was obvious Harry had figured out what was going on. His plan to convince Molly to sacrifice herself for her children's wellbeing, and appease Harry at the same time, had failed.

When those assembled of the Wizengamot returned to their seats after departing to deliberate, the Acting Chief Warlock gave the determination.

Molly was sentenced to six months minimum security in Azkaban while both children were 'sentenced' to attend mandatory weekly counselling sessions with a mind-healer from Saint Mungo's for the next twelve months. Both children escaped having permanent criminal records so long as they attended the mandatory sessions.

But, worse for the bondmates, both were allowed to return to Hogwarts. However, their Head of House was to be informed... even though she was already there... that any rule-breaking was to see both children expelled, immediately. Any further criminal actions by either would see the full weight of the law come down upon them, and an added six months minimum at Azkaban would be added to their sentences.

As soon as the sentences were read, Molly began wailing while both children huddled into her from each side. However, when Ron realised he wasn't going to be going to prison just yet, Harry could see he was visibly relieved. Ginny didn't even look like she'd heard.

Casting his eyes around the gallery, Harry could see that the Professors all looked sad. However, beyond them, Harry could see Arthur quietly sobbing while his four eldest bar Percy surrounded and tried to comfort him. Percy was not in attendance, on the day.

On a different note, no trial ended up being held for those who attacked Daphne and Hermione, as Flint readily admitted to the event. He received a legal rap over the knuckles, was placed on a good behaviour bond enforced by magical vow, and allowed to return to school. His two accomplices claimed they had no idea Flint was going to hurt another when they accompanied him, and there was no proof, so were released with warnings to stay away from Flint when not specifically in class.

_‗_

—==(oIo)==—

ˇ

As promised, articles began to appear in the Daily Prophet regarding Harry that Miss Pentridge organised. The first was a long statement concerning Harry's ire at those who had used his name without his permission.

By rights, Dumbledore should have been on top of that issue from the start. However, the old man did nothing to stop it. Harry strongly believed it was because the old man believed it all helped to make Harry out as the hero of the magical world, and would lead to Harry eventually being willing to face Voldemort.

When the first article appeared, Harry was again summoned to the Headmaster's office. Dumbledore tried to convince him not to take that path; but, Harry firmly retorted that Dumbledore should have been protecting his interests as his magical guardian, but had not. Harry firmly laid the blame back on Dumbledore's shoulders and wouldn't let the old man slide out from under it.

The next article, three days later, was the article about Harry's mail; and how 'he' was now aware of its existence and was steadily working through it all with the promise that as many people as he could manage would receive a response, no matter how belated it was.

Again, Harry was called to the Headmaster's office.

"Harry, I thought we'd spoken about this," the old man said.

"We had, Sir," replied Harry. "It was only three days ago and I recall the conversation quite well."

"I thought we had agreed you'd not be contacting the media about these sorts of issues again," the Headmaster said.

"No, Sir, we did not," Harry firmly replied. "You told me you did not like that I and my bondmates were doing it. However, I just as firmly explained to you why I felt the need was necessary. It was my belief we'd agreed you'd not attempt to stop me in what I needed to do."

With a very much over-acted sigh, the Headmaster said, "I did not agree, Harry. And I do not believe you should in future. You are too young to understand the great care needed when speaking with the media. Your reputation can suffer great harm if care is not exercised. That's why I believe all such further correspondence should come to me, first."

"Oh," said Harry, pretending to understand. "I understand, Sir. However, you need not worry about it any further."

"Excellent," the Headmaster sighed.

"No, Sir. That's why I... that is, 'we'... send everything to my solicitors, first. They then go through everything with their understanding and expertise of law and communicating with the media before anything is sent on. So you see, Sir. There's no need to worry, at all.

"Secondly, you made it quite clear to me that you did not have the time to take care of little matters relating to me such as taking care of my mail, checking up on my care at the abusive hands of my supposed relatives, and other important matters relating to your role as my magical guardian. So, I'm at a loss as to when you'd have the time to do all these things now.

"However, thank you for caring enough to mention it, Sir. I'm glad we had this little chat. Will that be all?"

With a small look of frustration, Dumbledore dismissed him once more.

Another three days later and the 'big one' hit the Daily Prophet. This time it made the front page.

* # *

THE BOY-WHO-LIVED - HIS LIFE, HIS WORDS

We've Been Lied To!

In his own words, Harry Potter (14), the Boy-Who-Lived, has given us the exclusive story of his life from the night of the attack by You-Know-Who on the cottage of his parents in Godric's Hollow that fateful Halloween, until now. Except for what we know happened, that night, everything you thought you knew about the life Potter lived is a lie! reports Samuel Finklewright.

* # *

The majority of the article was written almost entirely as the girls wrote everything down the weekend of the twentieth & twenty first of September. The only things added were the first and last paragraphs.

* # *

With this information, this reporter is one who is appalled by the treatment our young hero has endured these past twelve years. Where was his so-called magical guardian, Albus Dumbledore? Where were those charged with watching over our war orphans? How did this manage to escape the notice of those paid to watch for this sort of criminal action? This reporter is one person who demands answers!

* # *

Unsurprisingly, a few minutes after the owls delivered the morning copies of the Daily Prophet, Harry was once more called to the Headmaster's office.

As soon as Harry led his two bondmates into the office, Harry said, "Headmaster, we really need to stop meeting like this. People are already starting to wonder why you're taking such a close interest in my affairs!"

"Sit down, Mister Potter," the Headmaster firmly commanded. It was clear the Headmaster was struggling to maintain his composure, he was that angry.

Not pushing it, Harry and his two bondmates took the three chairs that now occupied the space across from the Headmaster's desk each time Harry was called to attend the office.

Once they were sitting, Dumbledore growled out, "Mister Potter, we have discussed this! I am beyond angry that this..." he jabbed his finger at the front page of the Daily Prophet sitting folded on his desk before him, "... has become public knowledge.

"You have now placed the lives of your aunt, uncle and cousin in peril! It will not take long for their location to be discovered, if it hasn't already. I'm going to have to take steps to see they're protected even further. That's time I do not have to waste."

"First, Headmaster," replied Harry. "Why would you need to, as you put it, take steps to protect them? The so-called wards you placed on the property should be enough. Otherwise, I either should not have been dumped there, or they were sufficient in all the time I was there.

"In other words, Sir, if you need to 'take steps', as you put it, why were those steps not taken while I was still living there? And, second, I really couldn't care any less whether my so-called relatives are protected or not than I do right now. As far as I'm concerned they can reap what they sowed. If the wizarding world comes down on them like a ton of bricks, I wish I could be there to cheer them on!

"If I thought I could have removed my relatives from the equation that keeps you insisting I get sent back to their abuse just by speaking with the Prophet, I'd have done this in my first year. So, Sir, I really don't care. Actually, I'm right pleased!"

Dumbledore collapsed into his chair and looked back at Harry with a pained expression. "Do you really care that little about the safety of your relatives, Harry?"

"I care a great deal, Sir. I care that much I utterly despise them; and, I care that much I keep thinking up ways to make their life almost as much of a living Hell as they made mine. I don't think they could have survived what I went through, though. I don't think I truly did, either."

With Harry's words in his ears, the Headmaster dismissed them.

Just as Harry opened the door to usher his ladies through, the Headmaster called to him. "How many more of these articles can we expect, Mister Potter?" He was clearly dreading the answer. And he was right to do so.

With a shrug, Harry called back. "As many as it takes, Sir. As many as it takes for the wizarding world to know and understand the truth; the whole truth." Without waiting for a response, he left.

_‗_

—==(oIo)==—

ˇ

The next morning, Harry received a summons to appear before an emergency session of the Wizengamot to be held the next afternoon to provide evidence regarding his living conditions based off the latest Daily Prophet article.

He immediately approached Professor Flitwick and, showing him the summons, advised the Professor he'd be taking Hermione and Daphne with him.

"Why?" asked the Professor. He wasn't being reluctant or suspicious, he was just being curious.

"Because the girls are the ones who actually wrote most of the article that the Wizengamot want to question me about. As such, they're central to the enquiry."

The Professor nodded and said, "Will you be safe enough to make your own way there?"

"Yes, Sir," replied Harry. "However, we'll ask for Daphne's folks to come and collect us. Just in case someone decides it would be unsafe for us to travel on our own." He had no need to clarify whom he meant.

Daphne immediately sent a letter off to her parents, while Harry sent off a letter to Stewart Ackerman, his solicitor.

_‗_

—==(oIo)==—

ˇ

After morning classes the next day, the three returned to their apartment to change into something a little more formal. Just like last time, Harry was just planning on wearing plain robes over muggle clothing. However, Dobby put a stop to that by pulling out a set of wizarding under robe wear and a set of his finest robes with the Potter family crest on the breast.

"Yous must make an impression, Master Harry," the little elf firmly said. "Yous must dress the part. Dobby's bad old master made sure Dobby knew this."

After getting dressed and waiting for the girls - who both dressed in fashionable, well-presentable witches' wizarding robes - the three made their way down to the Entrance Hall. They were expecting Matthias to soon arrive and take them to the Ministry.

As expected, though, the Headmaster turned up and attempted to stop him from going.

"I'll explain to the members it was unsafe for you to venture out of the school, Harry; given the amount of recent press coverage you've endured," the old man tried. "They'll understand."

"And I understand, Sir, that a summonse is not to be so carelessly ignored," retorted Harry. "As for my safety, that is being taken care of."

"I'm afraid I must insist you stay in the school, Mister Potter," the Headmaster firmly stated. "I do not give you permission to skip your afternoon classes."

"And I'm afraid I must insist you not interfere, Headmaster," retorted Harry. "I have already cleared this with the person who makes the determination under the school charter, our Head of House, Professor Flitwick."

The argument continued until Matthias walked in the main doors.

"What's going on?" he asked, a little angrily, having caught the last moments of the argument.

The Headmaster turned to him and stated almost imperiously, "I cannot grant Mister Potter's request for him to leave the school. Given the recent articles in the Daily Prophet it is unsafe for Mister Potter to be outside the safety of the castle's wards."

"Too bad," Matthias shot back. "Mister Potter has been summonsed and he will attend; as will my daughter and Miss Granger as his witnesses as to the statements made in the Prophet."

Before the Headmaster could respond, Matthias continued. "If you further attempt to hinder him in his required responsibility to the Wizengamot, I will state before that body how you deliberately blocked him from attending. I will also allude it was because you are attempting to hide your crimes relating to this matter from them; and demand an immediate investigation into the offices of both the Chief Warlock and the Headmaster of Hogwarts."

He stepped in closer and firmly threatened, "Don't attempt to block this any further, Albus. I can, and will, make your continued tenure in both or either position extremely difficult for you to maintain."

While both men then glared at each other, Harry gestured to the two girls to follow him outside. The three then waited for Matthias to join them; which he did, a few moments later.

"Come," stated Matthias walking out the doors, clearly still quite angry.

Harry quietly said, "Now you see why I suggested you arrive early, last time. I expected this sort of thing to happen."

_‗_

—==(oIo)==—

ˇ

After walking to the Three Broomsticks, the four Floo'ed directly to the atrium in the Ministry.

Leading his three charges, Matthias led them directly to the security checkpoint - where their wands were 'weighed' as usual - before they were taken directly to the Wizengamot chambers.

Surprisingly, there were quite a few visitors sitting in the visitors' gallery, even though they were about fifteen minutes early.

As soon as they walked in, Stewart Ackerman came down and said to Harry, "Mister Potter; it's good to see you again. As per your request, I'll be providing you legal counsel during your testimony."

While they were talking, Matthias pulled one of the stationed aurors aside and said a few quick words to him, before he turned to look at Harry.

"Harry, Stewart... Auror Robards, here, is going to take you into a side room where you'll wait until called, alright?"

"Yes, Sir," replied Harry, automatically. "May I ask why?"

"You're being called as a witness," replied Matthias.

"I'm aware of that, Sir," said Harry. "However, this is not a criminal trial; only an enquiry."

"Yes, I'm aware," replied Ackerman. "However, it is an enquiry that may well lead to a criminal trial... or more than one. As such, you need to be sequestered until called."

With a sigh of frustration, Harry said, "Understood."

"Follow me," replied Robards. "I stay with you until you're released after your testimony."

"Oh, very well," muttered Harry.

The auror then led Harry and Stewart across the floor and out a small door at the other end of the visitors' gallery. He crossed a narrow hallway and straight through another door into a small room.

Inside, there were a couple of small lounges and magazines stacked on occasional tables. A water cooler stood alone between two chairs. It was pretty much the same room, same chairs, and same magazines as the Weasley trial in Courtroom Two.

With a sub vocal sigh, Harry went and sat on one of the chairs with a table stacked with magazines on his left. Then started going through them, looking for something interesting to read. Auror Robards stood just outside.

Ackerman said, "Harry, I need you to listen to me for a few moments, alright?"

Harry put the magazine he'd just picked up back on its pile and nodded back.

For the next half hour Ackerman led Harry through a lot of the questions he could be asked, and ways to answer them. He also stepped Harry through an idea he had to win Sirius his freedom - if they had a chance to use it. And they discussed other ideas while waiting.

It was half an hour later when Harry was finally called upon to testify.

Regaining his feet, he gave himself a once over to ensure everything was neat and tidy while Ackerman did the same, and followed the auror back across the hall and through the door.

Robards then indicated a witness box for Harry to climb into.

Ackerman stood right in front of it and a little to the side, just as he did for the Weasley trial.

Looking around, Harry first checked to make sure Hermione and Daphne were safe. Matthias sat between them and both looked a little anxious for him.

Turning back to the assembled, he first spotted Dumbledore wearing a garish purple robe with stars upon it, and not in his usual Chief Warlock seat. Sitting not far away was Minister Fudge, and almost too close behind him, slightly to his right, was 'The Pink Toad', also known as Madam Umbridge.

Harry did not recognise the wizard who sat in the nominal Chief Warlock's seat, front and centre.

The man cleared his throat a little and asked Harry a set of questions, directly.

"You are Mister Harry James Potter?"

"Yes."

"And Mister Stewart Ackerman, acting as counsel on retainer for Mister Harry James Potter, Sir," cut in Ackerman.

The wizard in the Chair nodded back and continued with his questioning. "You reside at Number four, Privet Drive, Little Whinging, Surrey?"

"I am incarcerated there for more than two months each year, yes. Otherwise I reside at Hogwarts."

There was quite a few murmurs from those watching, both from the assembled and from the gallery.

"Your guardians are Vernon and Petunia Dursley?"

"No, Sir."

"Pardon, Mister Potter?"

"I said, no," Harry stated. "The Dursleys have never recognised themselves as my guardians, nor do I recognise them as such. There is no record... as far as I am aware... of them ever accepting to be my guardians, and the term guardian implies they are my protectors.

"The Dursleys are anything but. They are my tormentors. They own the house in which I am enslaved. They cannot stand my presence and only tolerate me being anywhere near them because, I believe, of a letter stuck in my baby blanket wrappings when I was dumped on their doorstep in the middle of the night. I was dumped on their doorstep, without so much as a ringing of the doorbell, by Albus Dumbledore's own hands."

That generated quite a bit of noise in chatter from both the assembled and the visitors. Quite a bit of anger and ire was directed at Dumbledore, who sat there wincing and looking as if he'd been sucking on a lemon. Ackerman momentarily looked up at Harry with a wide grin on his face.

After he banged his gavel a couple times, the clearly shocked wizard in the main chair said, "I... see." Rallying himself, he asked, "Then, pray tell, who is your rightful guardian?"

'Rightful?' thought Harry with a mental grin. "Sirius Orion Black," he flatly stated. "The man my parents specifically chose as my godfather, and the man also chosen by them to be my guardian if anything happened to them, that meant they could no longer care for me."

Furore.

Both the assembled and the gallery erupted in shouting and yelled questions. Some were directed at Harry, some at Dumbledore, and some at the wizard leading the assembled with the gavel in his hand. Ackerman had returned to grinning back at Harry again.

Once the Chair managed to regain control, he turned to Harry and said, "Sirius Black is a wanted felon after having escaped Azkaban. There is a 'Kiss on Sight' order against him. He cannot be your rightful guardian."

"Objection!" declared Ackerman.

"Hippogriff dung!" Harry shot back, almost at the same time. "Sirius Black is NOT a wanted felon because the term, alone, implies he is a felon. As he was never convicted of the crime for which he was summarily... without even a trial, mind you... flung into Azkaban, means he is not a felon. Escaping from Azkaban is not a crime, either. Check your own laws.

"The crime, here, is that the Minister has ordered an innocent man to be 'Kissed on sight'. To me, the Minister is attempting to commit murder most vile of the Head of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black. And is hiding behind a lie to do it."

Further furore.

Looking back at him, again, Ackerman said, "Harry, don't go there."

Harry just shrugged back.

Once everyone calmed down after a long few moments, the Chair was about to speak again when who Harry recognised as Madam Amelia Bones spoke up. "Chief Interrogator, if I may?"

"Madam Bones," the Chair - Chief Interrogator - replied with a bit of a relieved sigh.

The stern grey haired witch turned her monocle to Harry and said, "Though this enquiry is specifically relating to the business concerning the matters raised in the Daily Prophet a couple days ago, if Mister Potter has verifiable evidence as to the innocence of Sirius Black, it behoves us to hear it."

"The boy is lying!" screeched Madam Umbridge. "This is not a podium for Mister Potter to spread his lies."

Harry swivelled his eyes to The Toad and snarled, "Do not call me a liar, bitch! Or, I will demand satisfaction!"

Again, furore rose. But, not as much as previous. The Chief Interrogator was already banging his gavel as soon as the last word left Harry's mouth.

"Mister Potter!" he barked, once he regained control. "Please refrain from such remarks!"

"I see," Harry glared back. "Mister Potter must refrain from such remarks; but, that ugly pink toad in a cardigan can spew her bile as much as she wants."

"No!" the wizard snapped. "Madam Umbridge. You, too, will refrain from making such remarks or, unlike Mister Potter, you will be asked to leave these chambers."

The Toad silently snarled back at Harry for a second but simply nodded her head once back at the Chief Interrogator before settling back in her seat.

"Mister Potter," called Madam Bones, trying to get things back on track. "Do you have verifiable evidence as to the innocence of Sirius Black?"

"I do," he replied. "Or, rather, you do."

"Explain," she demanded.

"Simply done," replied Harry. "First, I challenge you to present to this hearing the transcript of trial, the record of evidence, the transcript of interview, or anything else relating to the trial of Sirius Orion Black, other than the record of his incarceration in Azkaban. You will find nothing.

"Second..." he started to say.

"Hold it," Madam Bones cut in.

Once she saw Harry had stopped speaking, she turned to the Chief Interrogator and said, "That's easily enough done. I can send an auror to collect those records from the Hall of Records."

The Chief nodded and Madam Bones gestured to one of her aurors, who was on the floor. "Do you know what we need?" she asked man.

When the auror nodded back she flicked her finger towards the door and commanded, "Go!"

She then turned back to Harry and said, "Please, continue."

With a slight nod back, Harry continued. "Second, I, along with Ronald Weasley, then Professor Remus Lupin and Hermione Granger... who is currently sitting in the visitors' gallery... met him and talked with him in Hogsmeade on or about the ninth of June, last year.

"At that time the four of us, including Professor Severus Snape, also properly met and talked to someone you all think dead... Peter Pettigrew... who had been hiding out..."

At that point the noise levels due to shouting and other noises, rose too high for Harry to hear himself think, much less be heard.

More gavel banging and relative silence returned.

"As I was saying," Harry cut in first. "We also met Peter Pettigrew out of his animagus form of a common brown rat, that night. He had been hiding as the pet of Ronald Weasley, and before him, his brother, Percy Weasley."

Percy, where he had been diligently taking notes, suddenly looked up and exclaimed, "Scabbers?"

Harry turned his gaze on the young man and smirked. "Scabbers was not a real rat, Percy. He was Pettigrew hiding in his animagus form. He was missing the little toe on his left front paw, wasn't he? Just like Pettigrew cut off the little finger on his left hand. The loss of his finger carried over into his animagus form."

"That's rubbish!" Percy shot back. "I had that rat for eight years! I'd have known."

"Then Ron had him for about another three years," Harry firmly remarked. "That's eleven years, Percy. Rats only live for a maximum of about four years. That, in itself, proves that Scabbers was not a real rat."

Percy went white in shock and sat there utterly stunned.

_‗_

—==(oIo)==—

ˇ

A/N: Sorry for the 'cliffy'. I t would have resulted in a way too long chapter if I didn't split it. (And it gives you lot something to howl at me about. :))