July 22, 1996 - Time Room, Department of Mysteries, Ministry of Magic, London
"I think we'd better keep an eye on these two," declared Unspeakable Lofan, indicating the newly the latest globe ejected from the 'Alternate Dimension Monitoring Set', as they had finally named it. It was a box that somewhat resembled an antique Muggle radio set, with two long antennae. The small sphere it had ejected, along with a parchment, had reported a time change-much like the others had, but this one also indicated something else. Something not seen before.
"Why?" questioned Blodell, the other Unspeakable who worked the Time Room.
"The string of text is much longer than the others. As if this isn't just a simple time jump."
"Perhaps we should consult with our Canadian friends. They might be able to shed a bit more light on the possible meaning. I would rather not involve the Auror office unless we absolutely have to-oh my…" The two Unspeakables watched in horror, as the two individuals in the globe accosted a group of people, killed them, and stole their clothes.
"You were saying?"

"So is that all," questioned Bill. He and Travis, along with Cameron, John, Harry, Ron, and Hermione, had taken the floo to Baldwin Alley; Travis needed to replenish a number of potion ingredients.
"Nope. C'mon, I'm gonna take you guys into the Kensington market."
"Muggle stores?" guessed Ron.
"Yeah, exactly. Lots of cool stuff." Travis checked his wallet, as he led them back to the Snitch & Bludger hotel.
"What kind of stores?" questioned Hermione.
"Clothes. Second hand stuff, vintage, that sort of thing. I get most of my shit in this area."
"Why would you want to buy something someone has already used?" questioned Cameron, confused.
"Well, some things you just can't get new anymore. Me, I don't like buying new jeans. It's better to get them already broken in, at least that's what I think-shit. Last person I wanted to see here." He nodded toward a group of teens his age, who were approaching quickly.
"Well, well, well," sneered one of them-Harry instantly thought of Malfoy. The boy wasn't a spitting image of him, but the demeanour was virtually identical. A stocky build, icy blue eyes, he reminded Harry of a weasel, for some reason. "If it isn't Fisher… and he's got a few misfit friends this time."
"Fuck off, Bartlett," Travis said, icily.
"Aww, what, not up to having a bit of fun?"
"Not with you. Fuck off."
"Now, now, that's not a way to talk to your betters, Fisher."
"Betters? Sounds like a Malfoy," Harry muttered.
"Malfoy? Oh-wait, it can't be… Potter. Yeah, I can see that… the messy hair, scar on the forehead… and… missing since the end of last month… oh dad's gonna need to hear this."
"I don't think so, Bartlett," Travis hissed, producing his wand, "OBLIV-"
"PROTEGO!" Bartlett roared, producing a strong shield, deflecting Travis' cast. "You know better than that, Fisher," he continued, giving a simpering smile, "When have you ever-"
"STUPEFY!" Travis snapped, which Bartlett again easily deflected. It was matched with four curses, unleashed by Bartlett's friends. One of them streaked at John, and Cameron stood in front of it. Surprisingly, the curse did absolutely nothing. This unnerved Bartlett's friends.
"What the hell!?" one exclaimed. Travis took the opportunity to again nail him with a stunner, dropping the attacker. Bartlett only smiled again, thrusting his wand at Harry. "CRUCIO!" Harry only ducked, letting the curse sail into a fruit stand on the opposite side of the street, blasting it into a million pieces, sending apples and oranges flying. Bill responded by casting a curse in a strange tongue, eliciting an almost black beam of energy from his wand. Bartlett and his friends dodged it, seeming to understand the threat. Harry took the opportunity, and nailed Bartlett with a stunner. Ron and Hermione tagged the others.
"Great, guys," said Travis.
"What happens if a wizard loses their wand?" questioned John, kicking at a dropped wand.
"They're as good as powerless. Good thinking," said Travis, reaching down and collecting the stray wand. Harry, Ron, and Hermione disarmed the others.
"We better get going," said Bill, "The ministry will show up any minute." Travis nodded, saying, "Let's obliviate them first. Bartlett's father's a Death Eater."
"Um, Cameron. What's wrong with your chest?" questioned John. Everyone looked, and saw the flesh beginning to disintegrate, as was the clothing covering the spot where she had been cursed.
"Back to the cottage!" Travis snapped, "Link arms!"

As soon as they landed back at the cottage, Bill cast a diagnostic charm on the damage. He shook his head. "I can't tell what it was. These charms are hit and miss when it comes to machines." The damage had now spread to encompass the front of her torso.
"The damage will reach my power cell in three minutes," Cameron informed, "You must remove it or dispose of me in an unpopulated area."
"Why?" Ron questioned.
"It will result in an explosion that will destroy an area a mile in radius," answered the cyborg.
"Shit! Cameron, power off-we'll think of something," said John. Cameron nodded, and went still. "Can you cut with your wand?"
"Yeah, of course," said Travis.
"Cut a circle… like this…" John drew an imaginary circle on the back of Cameron's head. Travis followed with his wand, and John quickly pulled off the skin, to reveal the endoskeleton beneath it. He pulled a small pair of pliers from his pocket, and proceeded to remove her CPU.
"Done?"
"Yeah," answered John, putting the chip in his pocket along with the pliers.
"Okay…" Travis gestured with his wand, and banished the cyborg.
"Where does it go?"
"I don't know, somewhere where it won't hurt anyone."
"Harry? What happened?" Sirius had appeared from the cottage.
"Just… met one of Travis' friends," Harry lied. 'No sense in getting everyone in a state about this,' he thought. Sirius only nodded, and went back inside. Only a moment later, Sarah and Derek appeared. "Where's Cameron?" questioned Sarah. John only pulled the chip out of his pocket.
"She attacked you again," Derek guessed, the glimmer of satisfaction in his eyes.
"No," answered Harry, "She saved John's life. I don't know what they hit 'er with, but it… it started to destroy her body."
"She told us to get rid of it," John finished.
"Sorry, John," said Travis, "I know she was…"
"She wasn't… I didn't like her that way… or…" He only let out a huff, and stalked off. Sarah turned to follow, but Bill shook his head. "Let him be alone."
"What really happened?" she questioned, turning back to the group.
"Exactly as we've explained. Bartlett-"
"Enemy?" questioned Derek. Travis nodded, and continued, "They came up to us just as we were leaving the Snitch & Bludger. He started his shit, and we had to defend ourselves. Like Harry said, Cameron saved John's life. Whatever that curse was, I doubt we could have undone it. The Bartletts are a dark family. They love the dark arts, and are strong supporters of Voldemort over here."
"Inner circle?" questioned Bill.
"I don't know, I wouldn't be surprised. Troy Bartlett is in my year at Nipigon. Now… these…" Travis produced the five wands he had removed from their attackers.
"Snap them," Bill decided, "It'll keep them out of action for a little while. Burn the remnants."
"Good. We'll do that next time we have a bonfire." He took each wand, and snapped them clean in two across his knee. A waft of energy escaped from each one as he did so.
"Harry," said Bill, "I don't think we should be going out without more support from the Order. Bartlett will waste no time reporting you've been seen in Toronto."

Harry nodded his head reluctantly. He knew Bill was right. It would take little time for wizarding Britain to know where he was, and by extension, Voldemort. His 'vacation' was over. "I'm going to find John-alone," he added, seeing Ron and Hermione start to follow.
"What… what am I missing?" questioned Ron, as they watched Harry walk away. Sarah and Derek had retreated back into the cottage, as it had began to drizzle. It had been damp most of the morning, a heavy mist hanging in the air, and overcast skies.
"Ron, don't you SEE?!" said Hermione, "You're still so dense!"
"You see it too," said Travis. Hermione nodded, "Took me a few days to see what was going on between Harry and Cedric."
"They like each other, they just don't see it yet," said Travis.
"Let me guess. John's confused, and Harry's resistant."
"Yeah, that's about the size of it. But I mean, he had the hots for Cameron, too."
"In love with a machine? That's barmy, mate."
"Ron!"

"All right, mate?" questioned Harry. John was standing at the end of the dock, facing the lake.
"I don't know what to think," he answered.
"You've lost a friend."
"Yes-No! I mean…" John pulled the CPU out of his pocket, "She'll… she'll never be the same."
"She saved your life."
"I know. And I don't know. Part of me says I should get rid of it, but the rest-like I somehow need her. And part of me says I shouldn't trust her, she did try to kill me only a few days ago. Too much bullshit!"
"John. Mate. You have some real friends… I hope I'm one of them… she can't ever be that, you know that right?" John only nodded. "It's not worth going half spare over. C'mon, let's go see if Travis has any Butterbeer." Harry discreetly pointed his wand at John's back, and cast a subtle cheering charm. "Besides, I need to talk to Dumbledore and the Order."

John only nodded, and followed Harry back up to the cottage. They found two separate groups had collected; the adults had claimed the table, while the younger group had collected around the fireplace. Both groups cast glances at Harry and John as they entered, but no one said a word, as they went into the refrigerator, and each claimed a Butterbeer.
"Travis," Harry said, "We might need more Butterbeer."
"We'll get it later… don't you have a floo call to make?"
"Yeah. Gonna do that now. Err… Bill, I need a few people added to the floo access list… if it's also okay with you, Travis."
"Long as they don't bring shit here. I think mom would like the cottage to be still standing at the end of the day."
"I don't think that will be an issue, Travis," answered Bill, "Okay, Harry. Whose names do you want to add?"
"Professor Dumbledore, professor McGonagall, Remus, your parents… and Tonks."
"What, no Snape?" Bill teased. It looked like Harry had sucked on a lemon. "That greasy git comes within a MILE of the floo, I'll hex him six ways from Sunday," the Boy-Who-Lived vowed. That got another smirk from Bill, as he began adding the names to the access list. "Oh. You can add Fred, George, Charlie, and Ginny as well. You guys are family and all, right?" Bill nodded and smiled, as he continued adding names to the floo.
"Do you know what you're gonna say?" asked Travis.
"I have an idea. I think the biggest point is, I won't be kept in the dark about things. I'm almost sixteen-a year away from being an adult in our world. Whether I have a certain dark lord out for my blood or not, I think I need to start making decisions for myself."
"You know what Albus will say, Harry," said Bill.
"And I'll have an answer to that. Guys, if the Order wants to continue keeping me under their thumb, I'll go at it alone, and there will be some nasty consequences."
Harry knelt in front of the fireplace, and called out, "No. 12 Grimmauld Place!", tossing a pinch of floo powder into the grate. The flames roared red, and Albus' face appeared in them. "Harry, my boy. We were waiting for your call."
"I expected so, sir. Is professor McGonagall there?"
"She is."
"Remus and Tonks?" Albus nodded again. "Great," said Harry, "You and those people may come through. The address is "Travis Fisher's Cottage." Albus nodded yet again, and disappeared from the flames, as Harry stood up, and stepped back. Seconds later, the flames again roared red, and a tall wizard wearing rather bright robes stepped out of the fire. Silvery hair, matching beard that fell to his waist, and piercing blue eyes that twinkled behind half-moon spectacles, as he took in his new surroundings. His eyes at once fell on Harry, then to the teen beside him. He only nodded, as the fire again roared red, and a middle-aged witch stepped through. She wore emerald green robes, her greying hair tied back in a tight bun, face severe, eyes that also quickly scanned the room. She too, gave Harry a once-over.

The flames roared red one last time, and this time a pair stepped out of the flames; a middle-aged man whose face was covered in scars, and a young witch the group had seen before. This time, her hair was purple. The man's eyes fell on Sirius, and he almost went through the roof with excitement. "Sirius!!? How… we saw you die!" he blurted, as the pair met in the middle of the room.
"Yes, you're not the only one asking that question," said Albus, giving Harry a piercing gaze. The twinkle was still present in his eyes, however, blazing fiercely as ever.
"If you give me a chance, I'll tell you. First, sir, my new friends. This is John, Travis, Lisa, Sarah, and Derek," Harry quickly introduced, "Guys, this is Professor Dumbledore, professor McGonagall, Remus, and Tonks."
"Oh. And you guys will need this…" Travis quickly scribbled something out on a piece of paper, and handed it to Albus.
"Ah, yes. Fidelius charm. Very good," Albus appraised, as he passed the scrap of paper to Minerva, "You've been staying within its boundaries, I do hope."
"It was only established a couple of days ago, professor," said Bill, "But yes, for the most part, save for a brief trip this morning. We've decided that in the future, we should have at least two Order members with him."
"And what would have you travelling outside the boundaries of the charm, Mr. Potter?" Minerva asked, pointedly, "More pressing, how did you come to be here in Canada in the first place? You have no idea-"
"Professors. I will explain. I do have a story to tell, although I don't know if you will like the answers I am about to give."
"You have no idea how much of a fright you gave us."
"Oh, I do. You might like to make yourselves comfortable, this may take a while," said Harry, sitting on the leather couch directly in front of the fireplace. John followed suit, and Harry could see the amusement dancing in the headmaster's eyes. "Sir," said Harry, "I was wondering about something. While I was sharing a pensieve memory with Travis, I noticed you had a strange reaction to Cedric and I during the Yule ball."
"Ah, yes. I was… concerned."
"Concerned about what, professor?" questioned Travis, acidly, "What, you have a problem with gay people?"
"Err… no, Travis, no I don't. however, there are people who most certainly do, much like, I would assume, happens in the Muggle world, does it not?"
"Yeah, it does. Sorry, I just get my back up when people start humming and haw-ing about that stuff."
"You see, it is more complicated than that," said Albus, "I'm sure you are very much aware of how important Harry is."
"Saviour of the wizarding world," John snorted. Minerva pursed her lips at the comment.
"Sir, the things is, it looked like… almost like, you knew what was going to happen to him. You KNEW how much we loved each other!"
"Perhaps… I had a slight idea of what might happen…"
"Bollocks! How could you NOT have known, one of your closest friends was in fact Barty Crouch Junior using Polyjuice potion?! A whole fucking year, we had a Death Eater for a teacher!"
"The ministry would shut Nipigon down if that happened there," said Travis, "Jesus, you put a bunch of kids in danger, professor. I already have a low opinion of you as it is, considering what Harry's shared with me."
"Right. Getting off track here. although I will be asking some very pointed questions when I'm done, and your answers will affect decisions I will be making afterward."
"Harry, I daresay you haven't reached the age where-" Sirius cut Albus off, saying, "But I, on the other hand, AM, Albus. Quite able to stand in and stand up for Harry's interests, which clearly you have not." Harry grinned at this. Oh yes, this was a rather different Sirius Black facing the headmaster. Fugitive or not, he wasn't about to put up with any kind of influence or interference when it came to Harry's interests.

They spent the remainder of the morning and a good part of the afternoon, as Harry painted a picture of the past month, beginning from the time he fled Albus' office. For most, it was a repeat of events, but for the four newcomers, it gave them an idea of where his new friends came from, and more importantly, a perspective of this new Harry Potter.

"Harry. Why did you owl Ginny with your letter?" questioned Remus.
"I knew she had been taken to the hospital wing at Hogwarts. She was the only one that had gone to the ministry with me that was accessible. And I would be lying if I didn't have an inkling of feelings for her… she's had a crush on me since my second year."
"Right, yes," said Bill, nodding, a smirk coming to his lips. The eldest of the Weasley children knew all about Ginny's crush on the Boy-Who-Lived.
"She was sorely disappointed when I started seeing Cedric, I think, though."
"And it seems like you might be moving on, pup," said Sirius, giving a smirk of his own. John had, several times during Harry's explanation, put a hand on his shoulder in support.
"Err… no comment," said Harry, "I mean… Cedric still… he still haunts me in so many ways."
"I think it more than shows just how dangerous it can be for you to be out on your own without protection, Harry," noted Albus, looking to Minerva for support. Surprisingly, he did not get it. "I have to disagree, Albus," she said, "I think Mr. Potter has demonstrated on numerous occasions, despite his age, he is more than capable of looking out for himself. Not that I approve of any of your action, taking off as you did, Mr. Potter." She gave Harry a scathing gaze. "Be that as it may, it is time you be included on the decision making regarding your interests."
"Minerva…"
"Don't 'Minerva' me, Albus! I warned you from day one about the Dursleys. I've warned you numerous times over the past five years about Mr. Potter's well being and his safety, and you have taken little or no action to correct such issues."
"Thank you, professor. It's exactly where I'm headed with this conversation. When I first got to Hogwarts, I very quickly saw it as home. Yet, these last two years have been… difficult."
"I'm sorry things have-"
"You don't get to talk yet," Harry said, coldly, "Let me finish… you see, it's the whole point of the issue. If I can't feel safe at Hogwarts, then why should I finish my schooling there?" Minerva let out a gasp at that statement, and even Albus appeared shocked at the suggestion.
"I'm sure professor Bishop would love to have Harry attend Nipigon," noted Travis.
"You wouldn't consider-" began Minerva. Harry nodded, saying, "Actually, I'm very seriously considering it. I mean, a chance at a school where-I'm sure people know me-but at the same time they don't. A place where my potions professor doesn't hate my guts-"
"He doesn't hate you, Harry."
"Prove that he doesn't," Harry shot back, "He practically mind-raped me last year. Rather than help me protect my mind, he only made me more susceptible to Voldemort's attacks. He could've KILLED me, had me attack YOU, had me attack my friends! And where were you all last year, when Umbridge was terrorizing the school? Keeping me at arms' length, you say. No, you avoided me like the plague, when I needed you most! If you truly cared for me, you would have BEEN there, Dumbledore!!" Harry was yelling at this point, shaking in rage.
"Harry, you're gonna break something," warned Travis.
"I DON'T CARE!" Harry thundered, "I've had enough of the dragon shit!" A number of items up on the fireplace mantle had started to vibrate, as waves of angry energy poured off the boy.
"Harry…" John hesitated before putting a hand on his shoulder. The anger radiating from the boy was making John incredibly uncomfortable, actually mentally questioning whether it was safe for him to be as close to Harry as he was.

Harry took a few deep breaths, to get a grip on his blazing temper. Travis was right, and he really didn't want to actually hurt anyone. Particularly the boy who sat beside him. 'Incredibly brave to stay sitting beside me,' he thought, glancing briefly at John, then refocused on Albus. "Right. Now that I've got that off my chest-and no, I don't really care what your answers are-this is what I require from you, if I am to continue attending Hogwarts…"
"Harry, I can't-"
"Yes, you CAN, Dumbledore! Your titles and influence should allow you to do just about whatever you want-I mean, you seem to have done that with me enough in the past-"
"That is quite enough of that attitude, Mr. Potter!" Albus snapped, producing his wand, "I don't know exactly what has become of the boy who left my office at the end of June, but this is completely unacceptable." He looked at Minerva, who had not followed his lead. In fact, none of the other adults and members of the Order had followed his lead. Quite startlingly, the boy beside Harry had scrambled to his feet, and now pointed some sort of Muggle firearm his way.
"And do tell, what do you believe you might be able to do to me?" Albus questioned.
"Well, John DID manage to kill a Death Eater," Harry smirked, standing. He had produced his wand, and with that, so did Travis, Ron, and Hermione, although she did so reluctantly.
"Albus, I daresay, you may be outnumbered here," Sirius remarked. He had also drawn his wand, but only had it at his side. The others, meanwhile, had their weapons trained on the headmaster.
"I think we've established who's in control here," said Travis, "Harry…"
"Right." Harry nodded. "John, I think you can put that away… anyway…" he continued, as John put his pistol away, "First thing. Severus Snape will resign as potions professor. He shouldn't be within a hundred miles of a child. Especially eleven year olds just coming to Hogwarts for the first time, bloody hell!"
"Harry, you have to be reasonable-"
"Reasonable?!" Harry erupted, "That's ALL I've ever asked of Snape! He's nothing but a jaded git, blaming me for something my fucking FATHER did to him! No, he goes, or I don't come back."
"We are already having a difficult time of it as is, trying to find a Dark Arts Defence professor, Mr. Potter. You realize you will be putting us in a far more awkward position with that request," Minerva noted.
"Too bad. I'm not in the mood to be charitable. On to my second condition. I will not be returning to the Dursleys. Ever. I think Sirius can advocate for me where necessary…"
"As can I," said Lisa, speaking for the first time, "Professor, I'm mortified you would leave a child with such horrible people. My husband dislikes Travis for his ability, which is why he's not here right now. I won't allow him near my son. I think that should spell out what I think of such hatred. What were you trying to do, groom Harry to take Voldemort's place? You were doing a good job of it, from what he's shown me!"
"I think Ms. Fisher has an excellent point there, Albus. We're all very lucky Harry has a strong moral centre, or we could very well be looking at the next Dark Lord," said Sirius.
"It is Harry's capacity to love that has prevented that," noted Albus. That got a snort from both Harry and John at the same time. John then said, "So what, this 'power the Dark Lord knows not' is supposed to be love? You're joking, right?" That got a surprised look from Albus.
"What, you didn't think I'd keep that to myself, did you?" said Harry, "Don't answer, it was a rhetorical question. Of COURSE I shared it with my friends. Just because that bloody prophecy says I have to cast the final curse, doesn't mean I have to go it alone."
"Which brings us to this," said Sirius, pulling a locket out of his pocket. "In my world, we were one away from defeating him."
"When were you going to tell me about the Horcruxes, professor?" Harry asked, pointedly. Albus found himself yet again surprised.

There was no doubt about it, Albus truly cared about Harry. He somewhat viewed him as a grandson. At the same time, however, he saw him as being paramount in the defeat of Voldemort. The boy would, of course, be informed about things, but gradually. To give him a chance to be a child, before the stark reality of being an adult.

Now, it seemed like everything he had been carefully planning had been dumped out all over the floor for all to see. No more would the boy accept just whatever an adult told him; that was plain to see. This Fisher boy had come in, and helped Harry to see through his carefully laid veil of 'protection'.

On top of that, the boy who sat beside him… John, was it? Albus reached out with his mind, and gently pushed into the boy's thoughts and memories. He found himself swamped with unsettling memories; memories that could easily parallel that of Harry's. A boy that was being forced to be a man, faced with a frightening future… one that might happen here? Albus withdrew, noticing the boy was rubbing his forehead. Maybe he had pushed a little too hard. Then he noticed Harry, glaring daggers.
"Strike one, Albus," Harry hissed.
"What… how… what did he do?" questioned John.
"Hey Travis… got an anti-headache potion?"
"Yeah, just a sec…" He took off up the stairs.
"You attacked him," Harry hissed, "Just like Snape. You could've just asked."
"I was only-"
"NO! You wanted information and were too lazy to just ask!"
"He was using legilimency on him?" questioned Hermione. Harry nodded.
"Yeah, typical of an 'adult'," Travis snorted, reappearing from the stairwell, "John, here." He passed him a vial, and John drank its contents.
"What… did he do to my son?" Sarah demanded.
"It's what's called legilimency," answered Travis, "We wouldn't have known if he hadn't pushed as much as he did… John being a Muggle and so on."
"Do it again to my son, I'll put a bullet through your skull," Sarah stated, acidly.
"If I don't hex him first," Harry added, "I hope we're being very clear, headmaster. I won't be anyone's plaything, and neither will my friends. Now… I think you've wore out your welcome here today. I need to think about a few things."

Albus only sighed. He was hoping to gain control of things, hopefully convince Harry to return with him to England, back to No. 12 Grimmauld Place. Perhaps, get him to resume his Occlumency lessons with Severus. Instead, the Order members who had floo'ed into the cottage with him had effectively stood with Harry, as he laid down a set of unreasonable demands the headmaster had no way of meeting, at least not without watching all his plans go out the window. 'Then again, that's already happened,' thought the aged wizard. He took one last look at Harry, John, and the remainder of the group, then took a handful of floo powder from the pot beside the fireplace. He stepped in, calling out, "NO. 12, GRIMMAULD PLACE!", and threw the powder at his feet. He vanished in the red flames the roared up around him.
"Holy shit, Harry," Travis finally said, as the flames died out. Harry was still trembling with rage, the angry waves of energy rolling off him.

Minerva and the rest of the Order members Harry had invited gathered off to the side, Minerva having conjured up several comfortable chairs, and discussed the issue amongst themselves. Here and now, a line had been drawn in the sand, and it was clear that, at least for the near future, Harry and Albus would be on opposite sides. That, of course, put the Order of the Phoenix in a precarious position, with Albus being its head.

Finally, Minerva turned back to Harry, who was still seated on the couch in front of the fireplace. She noted how close he and the boy named John were, and a smile tugged at the corners of her lips. Yet, there were more pressing issues. "Mr. Potter," she began, "What do you plan on doing? You surely realize you are in no shape to confront Voldemort at this point."
"You're absolutely right, professor," answered Harry, clamping down on his anger-it wouldn't do to yell at his head of house, after all, it wasn't her fault. "Get help, training, learn as fast as I can. From whoever I can."
"I'll be taking an extended leave from Gringotts," said Bill, "I can tutor you in some subjects."
"I also plan on making a trip to Knockturn Alley-"
"What?!" Hermione gasped, "Why on earth would you want to go there?"
"If I'm to defeat the dark arts, then I need to know WHAT it is I'm fighting, guys."
"But the dark arts, Harry? No good can come from the dark arts-Voldemort relishes in that sort of thing," Tonks warned, uneasily.
"Yeah, I know he does."
"But… magic is magic, right?" John challenged, "Like, I mean, couldn't you kill someone with the tickling charm or whatever?"
"I suppose," said Tonks, nodding slightly.
"Good thinking, John," said Harry, "I mean, what if a guy is trying to kill himself? You could use the Imperious curse to stop him."
"A bit of an extreme, but I do see the logic," said Hermione, "Still… Harry, the dark arts have corrupted many witches and wizards."
"Which is why I'll be careful… and most likely have an experienced witch or wizard around while I'm studying."
"You need to learn how to apparate," stated Travis, "It'll save your life one day."
"He's not old enough," Tonks challenged. Travis vanished with a loud CRACK to reappear behind her. "Neither am I."
"How… err… right," Tonks sputtered.
"You also need more practice, perhaps," said Minerva, "How long have you been able to apparate?"
"Since I was twelve. A seventh year taught me at Nipigon," Travis explained.
"So that's why he's so noisy… like, Bill doesn't make much noise at all when he does it," said John. Bill nodded and said, "I've had almost ten years' experience."
"Either way, yeah, someone needs to teach me that," Harry decided, "And Occlumency. With what happened last month-I understand now why."
"Not too many people know how to do that, Harry," said Bill, "Only professor Dumbledore and professor Snape, that I'm aware of off the top of my head."
"NO! Anyone but Snape!" Harry practically yelled, "Nothing more than raped my mind, fucking git! He'll never come here. Never."
"I'll ask professor Bishop," Travis offered, "She might know of someone. I can also lend you the book I have. I tried to make sense of it, but… it's over my head, I think."
"I can ask Albus, but no promises, Mr. Potter," said Minerva, "And we will need to know by mid-August whether you plan on returning to Hogwarts in September."
"I'll let you know, professor." He thought for a moment. "Can Muggles learn Occlumency?"
"I don't know," said Bill, "That's something only an Occlumens would know, I'm afraid. Why-you're hoping you can protect John?"
"Yeah. If I can. I don't want a repeat of this morning."
"Well, it's more of a mind art than magic, right?" Travis pointed out, "So I think he probably could."
"Legilimency on the other hand, IS magic, an offensive spell if you really want to look at it," noted Bill, "The way a wizard works is very different than that of a Muggle. So even if he can learn, there's no guarantee it would work."
"Well, I sort of know what it feels like," said John, "It felt like… like a spider was crawling around, and random memories started flooding my head."
"That's actually quite mild," said Harry, "Snape… he just blasts into your mind like a bull in a china shop. Most nights after my lessons, I would be left with a horrible headache. He just shouts at me to clear my mind, and attacks. He didn't explain HOW or the WHY. Just like he does in potions, he assumes we know what we're doing, when half of us DON'T! Like I said before, I've lost count of the number of times Neville's melted his cauldron because he didn't understand something and Snape refused to explain anything!" Harry felt his anger starting to flare up again, with his thoughts so focused on Snape. It was amazing how one man could wind him up so.

He took several minutes to again calm himself down. "Ron, Hermione," he finally said, "If I decide to go to Nipigon, would you guys consider coming along?"
"Harry… I… I don't know what my parents would say to that," answered Hermione.
"Same here, mate. You know what mum's like."
"But you will if you can."
"It appears like your mind is made up," said Minerva.
"No, only planning for the worst. Professor Dumbledore needs to understand, I'm not kidding. I WILL pull out of Hogwarts, and I know what kind of message that will send." Minerva only nodded, for she understood quite well what Harry meant. If Hogwarts wasn't safe for the Boy-Who-Lived, then clearly, it wouldn't be safe for any other student. "I do need to get back to Hogwarts, as I still have things to do."
"Yeah, of course. You're always welcome here, professor," said Harry, "Oh, and you can let Mr. and Mrs. Weasley know, they're welcome to visit us too."
"As are the twins and Ginny," Bill added, as Minerva stepped into the fireplace, taking a handful of floo powder. "I need not warn you to be careful, all of you."
"We know, professor," answered Harry.
"Hogwarts, transfiguration office!" Minerva commanded, throwing the floo powder at her feet. She vanished in the red flames that roared up.
"You said you played chess, right?" Ron gestured at John, who nodded. "Great. Be right back, then." Ron stepped into the floo, and returned to Grimmauld Place. He returned less than a minute later with his chess set.
"I should warn 'ya mate, I've never beat him," said Harry, while Ron set up the board.

There was no doubt Ron was good, but John was better. "Checkmate," he declared, and Ron was, for once, stunned.
"Wow. I think he ran circles around 'ya, mate," said Harry, as Ron reset the board.
"Well, chess is all about strategy, right?" said John. Both Ron and Harry nodded. "I've known how to play since I was five or so. Mom made sure of that."
"That's the difference between you and me," said Harry, "At least… there's no hiding who you are and your destiny. With me, everything's been kept from me… I've not been given the chance to learn and prepare."
"That's where we will help, Harry," said Tonks, "There are a number of Order members who won't hesitate."
"What about Dumbledore?" questioned Travis.
"I think that's already been established," said Remus, "If what we are doing here contradicts what he wants, then I will resign from the Order, and I'm sure a number will follow. Harry, did you know that for years, while you were at the Dursleys, I asked Dumbledore if I could visit?"
"No."
"I'm sure you can guess what he said." Harry nodded, and Remus continued, "You were the last link I had back to your parents. I would have given anything to be able to see you."
"Never mind the fact he left an innocent man to rot in Azkaban for twelve years," Harry noted, darkly.
"Yes, next thing we should think about," said Travis, "Maybe start with your 'operation information'." Harry only nodded. Yes, now that he knew where Dumbledore stood, he could proceed. "Hermione, I'll need your help with that…"