Chapter 10

'Good evening, gentlemen,' Dumbledore greeted politely, fastidiously dusting non-existent soot from his midnight blue robes.

'Headmaster,' Snape acknowledged tersely, his tone bordering on impolite.

Harry glanced questioningly towards his guardian, eyebrow raised in surprise at the man's tone. He was studiously ignored of course but Severus' rigid posture gave him away. It seemed the two professors had yet to clear the air regarding Dumbledore's impending death.

The Headmaster must have sensed his employee's dissatisfaction too because he made a point of dropping the sleeve of his robe over the blackened skin of his right hand to hide it from view.

'Hello, Professor,' Harry interjected kindly, in an attempt to diffuse the tension which had suddenly overtaken the small room. 'I hope you're feeling well, sir.'

Dumbledore gratefully took the offered lifeline with a small smile of thanks to Harry. Apparently he had no desire to start an argument either.

'Very much so, Harry. I trust you've had a relaxing holiday so far?'

'Yeah, it's been great! Severus let me renovate my room and I managed to get it done just before my birthday.'

Dumbledore chuckled, Harry's enthusiasm seemingly infectious.

'I would agree that there is nothing quite as satisfying as completing a summer project.'

Behind the Headmaster's back, Severus rolled his eyes much to Harry's amusement.

'And I must offer my congratulations, Harry,' Dumbledore continued, oblivious to Snape's reaction. 'Seven OWLs is no small achievement given the circumstances. You should be very proud of yourself.'

Harry felt his cheeks flame in embarrassment as he met the Headmaster's earnest gaze over his half-moon glasses.

'Thanks, sir.'

Dumbledore smiled.

'That reminds me, I have something else for you, Harry. It was meant to be delivered to you with your list of supplies for school, but I thought I'd bring it myself.'

Pulling the small object out of one of his inner pockets, Dumbledore handed it to Harry. It seemed he wasn't the only one curious to see what the object was because despite his current displeasure with the Headmaster, Severus wasn't averse to putting it aside to see what mischief his employer was up to.

'Congratulations, Harry,' Dumbledore said quietly as he watched Harry turn the badge right side up to read the words inscribed upon it: Quidditch Captain.

It was completely unexpected and it took Harry a few moments to realise that he really had just been given the Gryffindor captaincy. Once he'd gotten over the initial shock he looked up to thank the Headmaster but his attention was diverted by his guardian who stood beside him, his gaze fixated rather resignedly upon the badge. He must have felt Harry's gaze because he looked up a moment later.

'Well, I suppose it was too much to hope that Umbridge's lifetime ban wouldn't be lifted the moment Albus returned,' he said dead-pan.

For a moment Harry wasn't sure what to say before he caught the slightest twitch of the other man's mouth.

'You're so full of it,' Harry laughed, as Severus too lost his composure. 'I think you're just sorry you won't be seeing the Quidditch Cup in your office for at least another two years.'

'To be perfectly honest, it's the fact that I have to put up with Minerva's insufferable gloating every time you catch the snitch,' Snape replied seriously. 'It's enough to make anybody despise the sport.'

Harry guffawed.

'Come now, Severus,' Dumbledore reprimanded good-naturedly. 'She's not that bad.'

Snape raised an eyebrow in disbelief.

'You only say that because you're a Gryffindor yourself,' he grumbled under his breath.

The Headmaster was smart enough to feign deafness, instead pulling out his fob watch and consulting the intricate device pointedly.

'Alas, time makes fools of us all. If you're ready Harry, we best – as the Muggle's say – "make tracks".'

'Of course, sir,' Harry said quickly, moving to retrieve his messenger bag from the couch. His trunk had already been sent on ahead to the Weasleys that morning. Slipping the bag strap over his chest he crossed the room to stand before Severus.

'See you later,' he said cheerfully, offering his hand for the man to shake.

The older man seemed amused by Harry's gesture, but nevertheless accepted the firm handshake.

'Stay out of trouble,' he ordered affectionately.

Harry gave him a mock salute before turning towards Dumbledore. Seeing that he was ready, the Headmaster made his own farewell.

'I shall see you at Hogwarts, Severus.'

Snape inclined his head in agreement but his features were soon marred by a frown as he watched the Headmaster step towards the hallway, as though he intended to leave by the front door.

'Surely the Weasleys are expecting you via Floo?' Snape bit out sharply, his eyebrow raised questionably at the Headmaster.

'Not tonight. I thought with such fine weather Harry might prefer to Apparate.'

If possible Snape's eyebrow shot higher. He was clearly sceptical of Dumbledore's motives for the sudden change in travel plans.

'I'm sure you did,' Severus answered sarcastically, giving in gracelessly. After all, Harry would be with Albus Dumbledore and regardless of what travel method took the Headmaster's fancy for the evening, Severus knew there was no risk to Harry's safety.

'By the way, the house looks wonderful, Severus,' Dumbledore commented genuinely as he followed Harry out the front door, his eyes alight with twinkling mirth.

Snape scowled exasperatedly and simply ignored the comment. He bade Harry farewell once more before shutting the door behind the pair and securing it with practiced ease. Returning to his fireplace he stepped into the welcoming embrace of the emerald flames.

It was time to return to Hogwarts.

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Harry strolled along comfortably beside the Headmaster as they made their way up the road. It was still very light despite the evening hour and in the distance he could hear children laughing and cheering as they played on the streets, revelling in the freedom of the summer holidays. It had been just over a month since Harry had last seen Dumbledore, but his attention was drawn immediately to the Headmaster's blackened hand. It still looked as decayed as it had that first night Harry had seen it, but he was relieved to note that the curse still seemed to be contained by Snape's counter-curse.

'Severus did an excellent job,' Dumbledore commented as he noticed where Harry's attention had settled.

Harry immediately snapped his gaze away from the Headmaster's hand, knowing it was rude to stare. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Dumbledore carefully adjust the sleeve of his robe so that it covered the blackened limb.

'Where are we going, sir?' Harry asked, casting around for a topic to cover his impoliteness.

'We are going to the Burrow are we not?' Dumbledore replied politely, although his eyes were twinkling madly.

'I don't doubt the destination, sir, I'm just curious about the route we're taking.'

Dumbledore chuckled at Harry's frank statement, but it was a few moments before the Headmaster made his reply.

'I wonder if I could ask a favour of you, Harry.'

'Sir?'

'I once more find myself without a staff member and with very little time in which to secure a colleague for the position.'

'I'm not sure how I can help with that, sir,' Harry answered honestly.

'Oh I'm certain you'll be quite useful, Harry,' Dumbledore answered absentmindedly as he came to a stop in a secluded area off Spinner's End. 'Here will do quite nicely, I think. Now you have Apparated before, correct?'

'Err – yes,' Harry replied, thoroughly confused by the conversation, but deciding to simply go along with it.

'Excellent,' Dumbledore said cheerfully as he held out his left arm expectantly towards Harry. Gripping the proffered limb tightly, Harry was pleased to note the sensation barely bothered him as the pair disappeared from Spinner's End and reappeared at Dumbledore's destination. They seemed to have relocated to a wealthier neighbourhood if the upkeep of the streets was anything to go by.

'This way I believe, Harry,' Dumbledore said briskly, turning decisively up a side street Harry hadn't noticed. Briefly he glanced sidelong at the Headmaster before following.

'Um – where are we, sir?'

'Oh, my apologies, Harry,' Dumbledore said gracefully, slowing his pace slightly so that Harry could match it. 'We are currently just outside of Bristol and we are here to persuade an old colleague of mine to return to teaching. You have never met him before but he will undoubtedly appear familiar to you as you have in fact viewed one of his memories.'

'The tampered memory?' Harry guessed after a moment's thought. That was the only memory that Dumbledore had mentioned as belonging to a colleague.

'Indeed,' the Headmaster answered distractedly, coming to a stop outside a modest detached house. Surprisingly the front door was open, but apart from that the house seemed like any other. It certainly didn't look like a Wizard's dwelling.

'It seems we are expected,' Dumbledore commented grimly as he stepped unannounced into the house. Harry hesitated for a moment on the threshold of the home. It seemed rude to enter without the occupant's permission. Although from the sounds of things Dumbledore had clearly made his presence known. Following the sound of the vaguely familiar voice, Harry entered the house.

'This is beyond ridiculous, Albus,' the voice accused loudly from the front room. 'I meant it the first time I told you I would not take up your offer. There is nothing you can say that will persuade me otherwise.'

Harry stepped into the room beside Dumbledore and looked on in surprise as he watched the rotund man haphazardly stacking picture frames and books into a bag that was clearly bigger on the inside. He had his back to them, but he could tell it was the same man who had once been asked about Horcruxes by a young Tom Riddle.

'You could have timed it better too, you know,' the Professor grouched, his back still turned. 'I could have used this house for another two weeks – the owners are currently in France – but I'll have to move now. This is the fourth house –'

The Professor broke off suddenly. He'd finally turned around and in doing so had realised that Dumbledore was not his only guest. The Professor's eyes made the usual journey towards Harry's forehead as he recognised just whom Dumbledore had brought with him. For a moment there was a glint of interest in the other man's eyes before he abruptly frowned and turned away, redoubling his efforts to pack as though he were a man possessed.

'I know what you're up to, Albus,' he muttered darkly. 'And the answer is still no.'

Oddly, he didn't sound quite as sure of himself as he had a few moments ago.

'That is unfortunate, Horace. I had hoped that your recent change of address might have indicated that you'd be more willing to consider Hogwarts. After all, I do not make a habit of employing Death Eaters.'

'Death Eaters?!' Slughorn exclaimed, turning around hastily. 'What would the Death Eater's want with a poor broken down buffer like me?'

'I imagine that they would want to turn your considerable talents to coercion, torture and murder,' Dumbledore answered dryly. 'Are you really telling me they haven't come recruiting yet?'

Slughorn chewed his lip nervously, glancing out the window reflexively.

'You know perfectly well that I haven't given them the chance. I've been on the move for over a year now and I have no intention of stopping any time soon. I know why you want me back at Hogwarts but it's too late for that now. I'm not a young man anymore, Albus. It's time I looked to my own welfare. You have my loyalty, such as it is, but I won't be joining your Order and that's my final decision,' he finished, deliberately turning back to his packing.

Harry wasn't entirely sure what to make of the conversation he'd just witnessed. The retired Professor was obviously a highly sought after commodity but apparently he was not the sort of man who would necessarily stand up for what he believed in. The Headmaster had yet to say anything in response, but judging by his expression Harry had the feeling he was deeply disappointed with the outcome of their conversation.

'Well I can see that there is to be no persuading you, Horace,' Dumbledore said abruptly. 'I suppose I must concede defeat. Perhaps, before I go though, you'd allow me to make use of the facilities here?'

Slughorn paused in his actions, turning to eye Dumbledore suspiciously. He clearly suspected there was a hidden agenda to the Headmaster's request, but the option of removing his two unwanted guests from his abode was obviously too tempting to pass up. With a rapidity that belied his large girth, Slughorn ushered Dumbledore in the direction of the bathroom.

Of course, this left Harry alone with Slughorn in the man's borrowed living room. The Professor seemed to deflate somewhat as he re-entered the living room and spotted Harry once again. Aghast, he hurried past Harry without saying a word to continue his packing with an almost frenzied vigour. Left standing awkwardly in the middle of the room, Harry cast his eye around for something to distract himself with until Dumbledore returned. He had no idea what the Headmaster was doing but he really wished he hadn't left him alone with the unfamiliar Professor.

His roaming gaze landed on a photograph – the subject of which looked eerily familiar.

Without really thinking about it, he'd crossed the room and pulled the photograph down to examine it more closely. It was an old picture frame but clearly treasured if its prime position on the mantelpiece was anything to go by. As he'd thought, it was his mother's bright green eyes and cheerful smile that stared back at him.

'One of my most promising students,' Slughorn said quietly from beside him.

Harry nearly dropped the picture in shock. He'd been so absorbed in studying the young Lily's features that he hadn't heard Slughorn approach.

'You taught my mum?' Harry asked in surprise. With the number of Defence Against the Dark Arts teachers Hogwarts seemed to go through he'd never thought he'd meet the one that had taught his parents.

Slughorn smiled indulgently.

'I think you will find that I taught a great number of your peer's parents, my boy,' he answered amusedly. 'After all, I only retired fifteen years ago. Barely any time at all now that I look back on it,' he added irritably. 'I don't know what Albus is thinking by asking me to come out of it again so soon!'

'I suppose he just wants us to have the best teacher possible, sir,' Harry said pragmatically. He hadn't really given much thought to the new Defence teacher this year, but he supposed if Slughorn had managed to hold the position for so many years he must have been more than capable. And with war brewing on the horizon a mediocre Defence teacher was the last thing they needed this year. Slughorn certainly didn't have the presence of someone like Mad-Eye but neither had Lupin – and he'd turned out to be the best Defence professor they'd had so far. Plus Dumbledore wasn't the sort of man who asked twice.

'I'm afraid you'll find that your Headmaster has already attempted flattery, Harry,' Slughorn said dryly. 'As much as I'd like to assist Albus this really isn't the time to be making grand political statements.'

Harry frowned in confusion as that hadn't been the intent of his comment at all.

'With respect, I meant what I said, sir,' he said carefully. 'With Voldemort back we really can't afford not to have the best teacher this year.'

Slughorn winced horribly at the use of Voldemort's name but he recovered quickly enough, eyeing Harry speculatively as he considered what he'd said.

'That's certainly one way to look at it,' he agreed hesitantly. 'But I'm not sure it's altogether a good idea to declare oneself so entirely. I wouldn't want certain people to get the wrong idea if you know what I mean, Harry,' he finished sheepishly.

'I think I know exactly what you mean, sir,' he answered coldly, irritated by the Professor's fence sitting. 'I'd never want people to think I valued them less because they're Muggle-born.'

Slughorn blinked abruptly, clearly taken aback by his tone.

'Oh no, dear boy,' he said hurriedly, 'you mustn't think I'm prejudiced. Didn't I just say your mother was one of my most promising students? I couldn't believe she was Muggle-born when I met her! She had a real aptitude for my subject but Charms was always where her heart lay.'

'If that's the case, sir,' Harry began respectfully, filing away the new information about his mother's interest in Defence, 'why wouldn't you want to take a stand against Voldemort? He murdered her because she refused to agree with him. She refused to accept a world where she was treated as a second class citizen because her parents didn't have the privilege of being born with magic. Don't you see, sir? There are some wrongs so terrible that you can't ever let them become right.'

It was stretching the truth slightly given the prophecy had played a significant role in the reason Harry's family had been targeted, but he was certain he knew enough about his parents to know why they'd chosen to fight in the first place.

'You certainly have your mother's passion,' Slughorn said eventually.

Harry smiled sadly.

'I'm afraid I'll simply have to take your word on that, Professor,' he answered quietly.

'Oh, right. Yes. Sorry, my boy,' Slughorn stammered lamely, clearly embarrassed by his faux pas.

They lapsed into an awkward silence until Harry decided to poke the dragon one more time, so to speak.

'Do you really think that our blood status should determine our value to society?'

'Merlin, no!' Slughorn replied in horror. 'Of course I don't! This is not the sort of world I envisioned spending my retirement in, but what can I do, Harry? I'm not Albus Dumbledore. He might be able to go around saying what he likes about He Who Must Not be Named but not all of us can make such grand statements.'

Slughorn was evidently terrified of being seen to oppose Voldemort. It was a mindset Harry was not unfamiliar with as it was rampant within the Wizarding World. He supposed it was how Voldemort had achieved so much unchecked destruction over the years. But if they were to have any chance of winning the war against Voldemort then the magical community needed to band together.

And it was past time for people like Slughorn to be reminded of such.

'You can only ever do what you think is right, Professor,' Harry answered solemnly. 'But please don't write off your significance in this war. It won't take much for Voldemort to win if people like you and I do nothing, sir.'

Feeling that he'd said more than he probably should have, if Slughorn's befuddled expression was anything to go by, he made his excuses.

'I think I'll just wait outside,' he said lamely. 'Nice to meet you, Professor.'

Turning to leave Harry found himself face to face with Albus Dumbledore, who was studying him with a rather curious expression. He had clearly been there for some time, unbeknownst to either Slughorn or Harry. With a small tilt of his chin the Headmaster indicated that he should continue to proceed outside. Harry obliged, wishing as he did so that his cheeks were a little less susceptible to blushing full scarlet when he was embarrassed.

It was several minutes before Dumbledore appeared in the doorway. Surprisingly, he was accompanied by Professor Slughorn who appeared to be negotiating his pay with the Headmaster. Harry raised an eyebrow in disbelief, wondering what Dumbledore could possibly have said to have changed the other man's mind.

'Well if that's all, Horace,' Dumbledore was saying. 'I will see you at Hogwarts tonight.'

The pair shook hands before Slughorn looked over Dumbledore's shoulder to meet Harry's curious gaze.

'I very much hope to see you in my class this year, Mr Potter,' he said seriously. 'I suspect you may even give your mother a run for her money!'

'I look forward to it, Professor,' he answered honestly, albeit managing to conceal his confusion. He'd have to ask Severus about his mother's apparent proclivity for Defence. Nobody had ever mentioned it before, but he hoped it was true. Defence Against the Dark Arts had always been his favourite subject and it was nice to think that his mother may have enjoyed it just as much as he did.

With a final farewell the two Professors parted ways, Dumbledore coming to join Harry on the footpath outside Slughorn's borrowed home. Turning left the Headmaster began to retrace their steps to the place where they had arrived, undoubtedly so that they could apparate without being seen. Although most of the neighbourhood's inhabitants had made their ways indoors for the evening meal it was still well and truly light enough that people would notice if they suddenly disappeared from the street.

'You have become a remarkably eloquent and well-reasoned young man, Harry,' Dumbledore said suddenly. 'Your parents – Lily, in particular – would have been very proud of how you comported yourself this evening with Professor Slughorn. Horace is a formidable wizard in his own right, but he has always had a susceptibility to the, shall we say, finer things in life.'

Harry could well believe it from the brief time he'd spent with Slughorn. Still, he wasn't entirely sure he hadn't spoken too frankly with the man who would now be one of his Professors.

'I'm glad he decided to come back to Hogwarts, sir. I thought I might have overstepped the mark for a bit there.'

Dumbledore chuckled.

'On the contrary, Harry. I think you've simply given Horace a lot to think about. It has been far too many years since he was last interested in the more sinister happenings of our world. Now,' he added, coming to a stop, 'I think this ought to be far enough. If you'd take my hand, Harry, then we will be on our way to the Weasleys.'

Grabbing hold of the proffered limb, Harry felt the now familiar tightness overtake him as Dumbledore turned on the spot. In the blink of an eye they'd left behind the streets of Bristol, reappearing just outside the gates of the Burrow. The sight of the building filled him with warmth and longing. He hadn't realised how much he'd been missing Ron and Hermione.

It didn't take long for his presence to be announced to the household and before he knew it Dumbledore had taken his leave and he was sequestered away in Ron's room with his two best friends, both of whom looked more than a little bronzed from their time in Greece. As expected the obligatory recount of their respective holidays was undertaken immediately, carrying them well into the early hours of the morning and only ending when an irate Mrs Weasley threatened to have them up doing chores at the crack of dawn if they didn't stop talking and go to sleep. Hermione had immediately hurried off to her room, blushing furiously as she mumbled an apology to Ron's mother on her way past and despite their Gryffindor sorting neither Ron nor Harry had been game enough to continue any further conversation after that. As such both of them had descended into silence, Ron's soft snores starting up not long after. It took Harry a little longer to fall asleep, his mind full of all the stories his friends had shared with him and the pleasure he'd felt in being able to talk to them both about how good his own summer had been for once. His last thought before he drifted off was the odd realisation that his two best friends had just managed an entire conversation without sniping at the other.

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Harry eyed the neatly stacked pile of "Advanced Potion-Making" in Flourish and Blotts wistfully, surprised by how keenly he still felt the sting of regret that came with not having secured the required OWL to progress to NEWT studies. He wasn't even sure why he was so disappointed; it certainly wasn't the first time in life things hadn't gone his way. Besides with his memory restored he knew he'd have been pushing it to get anything more than Exceeds Expectations in Potions. The subject matter simply didn't come naturally to him, not like with Defence Against the Dark Arts.

'If it helps, I have no idea what I'm going to do after school either.'

Harry glanced sideways at his unusually serious best friend.

'Worst case scenario I'm sure Fred and George would take you on, Ron.'

'They'd take you in a heartbeat, Harry,' Ron replied darkly, 'but they'd have to be in dire straits before they'd ever consider hiring "ickle Ronnekins".'

Harry rolled his eyes at the overly dramatic statement, knowing full well that Ron was only half joking.

'You know they only wind you up because this is how you react,' he pointed out, finally turning away from the stack of potions textbooks.

Ron scoffed, but Harry cut him off before he could say anything further in response.

'And you know full well they'd have your back in a second if you needed them.'

Ron groaned, conceding defeat.

'Fine,' he admitted, leading the way up to the counter so that Harry could pay for his purchases. Ron himself would be using his brother's second-hand textbooks. 'I suppose they aren't complete gits,' he continued. 'But I wasn't wrong either, Harry. They'd have your back too if you ever needed them. You're family to us, mate.'

Harry smiled genuinely at his best friend, a single nod silently conveying his true appreciation. Further conversation was halted as the store assistant handed over Harry's package of textbooks and completed the transaction. With a quiet thank you to the assistant, Harry gestured for Ron to lead the way back out into the street where their guard awaited them.

'Alrigh' then, boys?' Hagrid asked distractedly as he extracted himself from the remains of what had once been a courtesy chair for Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour.

'Yes, we're done, thanks Hagrid,' Harry answered as he and Ron came to stand beside him.

'Maybe just leave it be, Hagrid,' Ron suggested pragmatically as Hagrid attempted once more to straighten out the bent metal of the seat. 'I don't think anyone will need it any time soon,' he added grimly.

Silently, Harry had to agree. He'd never seen Diagon Alley so empty. It was as though the life had been sucked out of the place. The few people out in the open hurried from store to store with bowed heads and hoods up. Nobody walked alone and nobody stopped to talk. Hagrid must have felt it too because he spared the boarded up Ice Cream Parlour one last glance before conceding defeat and returning the mangled street chair to its former spot.

'Righ' yeh are, Ron,' he agreed sadly. 'Let's get you pair home.'

Trudging behind Hagrid as they made the journey back to the Leaky Cauldron, Harry found his thoughts returning to his earlier conversation with Ron.

'It's strange to think about life after school,' he said quietly, glancing across at his best friend.

Ron nodded sagely, clearly taking a moment to think over the question before a thought seemed to occur to him.

'Although can you imagine not having to worry about exams or homework ever again?' he said excitedly.

Reflexively Harry chuckled, although his amusement faded the more he thought about Ron's question.

'I don't know,' he said honestly. 'If that was the only thing I'd have to worry about I'd think I'd be pretty happy with that.'

He was so caught up in his own thoughts that it took him a moment to realise Ron had stopped walking. Turning around he found himself the subject of Ron's intense gaze. In fact he was staring at Harry with the sort of calculating look that was usually reserved for his chess pieces.

'Ron?'

'What did you mean by that?' Ron asked slowly.

Harry shrugged, thinking over what he'd said and trying to work out what had stopped Ron in his tracks. He didn't think there was anything specific that would have triggered such a response from his friend.

'Come on,' he said instead. 'We'll lose Hagrid if we're not careful.'

Ron frowned but nevertheless joined Harry in jogging to catch up to Hagrid who was almost at the entrance to Diagon Alley. The pair said nothing as they watched Hagrid surreptitiously use his pink umbrella to tap the sequence of bricks to let them back into the Leaky Cauldron. As the archway appeared, Harry moved to follow Hagrid through but was stopped by Ron's hand on his arm.

'You know I'd do anything for you, Harry,' he said seriously. 'Both Hermione and I would. No matter what.'

Harry stared at him perplexed.

'Of course I know that. I'd do the same for both of you.'

Ron held his gaze a moment longer before releasing his grip, apparently satisfied with Harry's answer.

'I know you won't always be able to tell us everything, and that's fine,' he continued seriously. 'As long as you know that we will both be there for you regardless.'

With that Ron stepped through the archway leaving Harry to follow slowly, immersed in his own thoughts. Harry could count on one hand the number of frank conversations he and Ron had shared in their friendship. Each of them had been in the middle of some life-threatening event they'd managed to get themselves into. So for Ron to be speaking so candidly with him now meant that the older boy was worried about something. Running through the conversations they'd shared that morning it didn't take long for Harry to put two and two together. Without context he could see how his comment would seem disturbing.

Catching up to Ron, Harry pulled him aside as they waited for Hagrid to fish his container of Floo powder out of his coat.

'You're right,' Harry said without preamble. 'There is something I haven't told you, but not for the reasons you're thinking. As far as I'm concerned you and Hermione will always know what's going on if I have any say in the matter. What I have to tell you scares the hell out of me though, Ron,' he admitted. 'That's why I haven't said anything. Because once I tell you both then it's real and it's something I can't walk away from.'

Ron held his gaze for a moment before nodding.

'Okay,' he said simply.

Harry smiled tightly.

'As soon as we're home, find Hermione. There's something I need to tell you both.'

He spoke with absolute certainty and the moment the words were out of his mouth it was as though a great weight had been lifted off him. It wasn't that he'd been putting it off deliberately, he simply hadn't found the right time to start the conversation. Professor Dumbledore had been right; Ron and Hermione deserved to know the truth about the prophecy.

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A/N: It's been long enough that working out how to upload this was a bit of a challenge. To anyone who is still following along I hope this is worth the read. It seems working full time isn't always conducive to one's hobbies. I really appreciate each review that's been left despite the lack of updates. Until next time!