Harry Goes on Holiday – Chapter 2

Harry went to join Pam and her family early Sunday morning, a week before he was to leave. He'd spent most of the day yesterday with the Grangers as Pam had been busy helping her father as an assistant. Today he'd join them on a family picnic. He had his wand and shrunken broom with him as he joined them.

Pam welcomed him with a warm smile and grabbed his hand. "I'm glad you could come. Mum has planned a picnic and we'll be going to a place we can fly, so you have to show me."

"I'll be happy to," he told her.

Her parents came out of the back and joined them. Her mother had a large picnic basket which she carried as if it weighed almost nothing. Her father held out an old cricket bat which was a Portkey and they were off to a clearing next to a lake in a wooded area.

"No one should be near here as it's hard to get to," Cal told the teens before he used his wand and cut the grass in an area. Annette pulled out a small something and handed it to her husband before she pulled out a large blanket. Cal enlarged the item before he used his wand to erect a tent like structure, but without the sides. The blanket became the floor.

"Now let's see how well you really fly," Pam said challengingly.

"All right. Did you bring a broom too?" he challenged her back.

"Dad brought his." She turned and her mother pulled a shrunken broom out of her large picnic basket and enlarged it for her daughter with her wand.

"Would you like me to check it out for you? Do you want to race? Play follow the leader and tag? Or what?" he asked, not sure what she wanted. He enlarged his broom to its normal size. He wasn't surprised there was no reaction to his Firebolt as it was an English brand.

"Try this out. I can tell yours is a fancy broom." She thrust her father's broom at him. "Let see what you can do with this."

"All right, hold this." He traded brooms with her. Mounting it outside of the tent, he hovered for a moment. "It seems to work." Without further ado, he leaned forward almost all the way down and urged the broom forward and pulled up, causing him to shoot forward and then curve quickly to go straight up.

Once he cleared the tall trees several times over, he turned hard right and circled to get a feel for the broom and the space he was in before he nosed down into a dive towards the lake. Pulling up at the last moment, he skimmed across the water almost touching it for a moment before he pulled up again to do a half-loop with a half roll to reverse direction and return him to the tent where he swooped in, curving up at the last second so he was standing only a little above the ground and he could cancel the broom action so he dropped the last foot of height right in front of her.

"It's in good working order," he said to the shock of the three. "You should probably use this one though; mine takes a bit more skill not to plough yourself into the ground if you get going too fast."

"I didn't believe her," Pam managed to get out. "Hermione said you were amazing on a broom but wow! Dad? Mum?"

Annette only shook her head and looked at her husband. Cal shook his head too. "I think I'll sit right here and talk with your mother. He can teach you." He conjured a comfortable looking chair and sat. His wife followed his example.

Harry chuckled and exchanged brooms with his girlfriend. "So, let's find out how much surfing helps you fly." He chuckled again as she gulped.

They spent the next two hours flying, chasing each other, plus pauses for Harry to show her something new to her that he had just done and she simply had to know right then, sort of like Hermione would have if his school friend enjoyed flying.

With his help, Pam did catch on quickly, so maybe there was some overlap of skills between flying on a broom and surfing.

— — —

As Harry ate lunch, he couldn't help but enjoy himself. He was in a lovely place with a pretty girl, even if her parents where here. It worked because he got along with them as well as he did the Grangers, which was to say smashingly. Annette could cook well too. It'd be tough to say who was better: Annette or Molly Weasley.

Harry looked at the father. "Cal, can I ask a question about magic?"

"Of course," the man told him in a lazy manner, sort of the theme for the day when one wasn't flying on a broom.

"Pam said you haven't bothered with Divination, which I agree is so very vague, but do you have an opinion on where prophecies come from?" Harry asked.

"Well, that wasn't a question I was expecting." Cal took a drink from his juice bottle as he considered the question. "Some say it's from magic itself. Some say a higher power, usually named Fate or something like that. I don't know that I really have an answer for you other than it doesn't really matter."

"Because no matter the source it is still a prophecy that has to come true?" Harry asked.

Cal chuckled. "Well, that's the answer if you're a fatalist, I suppose. Honestly, they don't have to come true and from what I know the usual answer is they come true only because people focus on them which makes them self-fulfilling. That's even more true when you stop to consider that most I've heard about are so vague they're almost meaningless. If everyone ignored them then I think most of them wouldn't happen. That's just my opinion though. Why do you ask?"

Harry looked away for a moment before looking back. "I heard one once and it was like you said, vague and meaningless, only really known after it happened. In the end, it didn't matter that I'd heard it beforehand. I was just curious."

"How many strange stories do you have?" Pam asked him with a tinge of disbelief.

"Magic is pretty strange at times, so I guess it depends on what you think is strange." He shrugged. "As a curse breaker, I'm sure your father could tell you more unusual stories."

Cal chuckled. "I've seen my share, especially when I was in Egypt with Gringotts."

"Oh?" Harry perked up. "Do you know a Bill Weasley? He's the older brother of one of my better friends and did some work for Gringotts in Egypt."

Cal shook his head. "He was probably after my time. I didn't stay down there too long. I had a pretty lady waiting for me." He winked at his wife who smiled back. "I brought a canoe if anyone would like to borrow it."

"I would," Pam said and looked at Harry, who nodded.

Annette pulled it out of the basket and handed it over. "You can enlarge it when you're near the water. Perhaps we'll use it when you're done," she told her daughter.

Pam and Harry took it and the oars, expanded them, and put it in the water. Since Pam knew what she was doing with it, she sat in the back and put Harry in the front. They paddled around the lake, including checking out the stream that fed the lake, which give them a few minutes of privacy from her parents. They met in the middle of the canoe and, with great care to avoid tipping it over, kissed for a few minutes. Harry wondered if her parents had allowed this on purpose. If so, that made them even more brilliant to him.

When they returned, Cal and Annette took the canoe out also. Harry laid his head in Pam's lap as they rested under the tent in the shade. "I really like your parents. I'd like to hope mine would have been just as good."

"I can't complain too much, even if I do at times," she told him before she leaned down a little and also pulled him up so they could kiss again. Pam felt safe enough to do that a couple of more times before she saw her parents heading back.

The group stayed a little longer before returning. Annette only took one day a week off and she insisted on times like this because of it. Harry thought the woman's family really benefited from her decision.

— — —

Hermione came out on the balcony for their room that overlooked the ocean and saw Harry writing notes on a notepad with a pen, all provided by the hotel. She looked at the stars but asked, "What are you doing? You're not one to make lists."

"Not like you do, but I thought I'd try your method for once," Harry told her, looking and noticing that they were alone though the door was open a little. He still felt safe enough to talk with her.

"Want to share?"

He looked at the little pad and flipped through a few of the sheets. "I don't think so on one, but maybe I should share this one now." He pulled it off the pad and held it out.

She walked from the rail to take and look at it. It had a cross on it to divide it into four boxes, though the horizontal line was doubled. In the top left was the names of all of his friends.

Hermione!
Ron
(Neville)
(Ginny)
(Luna)
Dan and Emma

On the center line was Hogwarts.

On the right were other names she hadn't expected.

Dumbledore!
Snape
Voldemort!
(Malfoys)
'P!'

She ignored the bottom half for the moment. "What is this on the top and why the symbols?"

"Exclamations points are important, parenthesis are minor but noteworthy," he explained.

Looking at the bottom, she saw a very different list of people.

Pam!
Cal and Annette
Tutors
(surfing)
(mixed world)

On the right it said: All of the things in the top left.

She studied it for a moment before she gasped and looked at him with wide-eyes. "Harry? Please tell me you aren't seriously thinking about…you know." She was glad he didn't make a joke, but she was a little more scared that he was so serious looking.

"It's my crazy idea that I don't think is so crazy anymore after my day today. I like your parents, it's why they're on the list. I like Cal and Annette too. I like to think my parents would be a lot like them."

"Pam gets three exclamations but I get only one?" she questioned indignantly.

"She kisses me and means it. I love you in a special friend way, Hermione, but not like Pam. Of course, Pam is not like you either, but I think she will be in time. To have the best of all worlds I'd ask your parents to move here with you, but that wouldn't be fair. But if you wanted to come here after Hogwarts I'd welcome you with open arms. I bet we could find you a good boyfriend too." He smirked at her and she backhanded him on the shoulder.

"Harry this is serious. You can't move here," she told him emphatically. "You've only known her like a week too. What would everyone back home say? And Dumbledore, he'd go ballistic!"

Harry snorted. "I don't think he'd know the meaning of that phrase like we do. Honestly, I don't care what he'd say. On the other hand, I'd miss my friends and I'd probably come back to visit from time-to-time, but I really like it here - a lot - a whole lot."

"But-"

"Hermione, you saw me pick up a copy of my parents' will and Sirius's will from his vault when we went there. I stuffed them in my pocket because I knew I couldn't read them then. I didn't have the time and it wasn't the place. I've read them now and I can tell you that all three of them would support me in this. Bloody hell, Sirius practically ordered it. He told me to go find myself and spend all of his money if that's what I needed to accomplish that.

"For the first time in my life I'm happy. Not fine, not pleased, not even chuffed. I'm truly happy deep down and I feel like I'm starting to understand me and the world around me. I'm only turning sixteen so I'm sure I have parts of it, maybe even a lot of it, wrong; but I'm fine with that.

"I like Pam … a lot. I think I might even love her or it'll turn into love. It's possible she'll come to her senses and break up with me one day. That'll hurt, but I'll still feel better about being here than back in England with all the problems you see on right side of my list. I'm sorry, Hermione, but today showed me what I've really lost and can have and don't have to put up with and… I'm sorry, I want it badly enough I'm willing to give up my friends and even you at least for a little while. It'll hurt me not to see you regularly and hurt me more to hurt you by doing this, but I know deep down this is what I need to do. This is what I've been thinking about when lying on the beach or when we were just walking around on Saturday."

He reached over and pulled his list from her unresisting fingers. Pulling out his wand, he vanished the list and the other he hadn't shown her.

"Harry," she asked in a trembling voice, "what was the one on the negative side that was only a 'P'?"

"I know the prophecy we fought over and no I won't share it; you don't need that burden just as I don't," he told her.

"But-"

"No, it doesn't matter for either of us. As Cal told me, prophecies are really just self-fulfilling by those who want them to be and it's best to ignore them."

"I'll miss you so much."

He reached over and pulled her to him and she practically jumped into his lap and started to cry quietly. "It'll be hard at first but you're a big girl now and know what you're doing. You can also come down here to visit or to live. I'll get a flat and you can have your own bedroom if you want to stay here; I'm sure Pam will understand that you're like my family. There's also a small school in Port Hedland Pam told me and you could go there and still see me all the time if you wanted to move now."

As Harry held the crying girl and comforted her, another pair looked at each other on the other side of the door and closed drapes, finally unfrozen from the metaphorical spell they'd been under for the last few minutes they headed to their bedroom.

Closing the door, Emma looked at her husband. "I feel responsible for this, for everything bad that's going to happen."

"I was the one that asked him first," Dan said as he sat on the edge of the bed. "I feel responsible too and, after Hermione, the worst part is we have to act like we don't know."

Emma groaned. "I just…" She paused. "I hardly know what to say."

Dan considered it. "I wonder if this shows us just how bad it really is for that young man back home. Or why he was so willing to run off on holiday with us. With the abuse and everything else, perhaps he was already looking for an escape and would have moved in some other fashion."

They never heard Harry bring Hermione in and put her in her bed after she'd fallen asleep in her friend's arms. They were dreading tomorrow and wondering how to help their daughter through what was to come, knowing how much she valued her friend.

Harry rose a little early knowing that Pam's entire family started their day early due to the bakery. When he walked in, Annette was behind the counter.

"You're here early. I'm afraid Pam isn't free yet," she told him.

"It's all right," he replied as he started grabbing what he knew the Grangers liked now. "In addition to breakfast, I wondered if Cal was up and had a few minutes for a question."

"He's up; you'll have to knock on the door," Annette said as she rang up his purchase.

"Please tell Pam I'll try to back by the usual time, but if I'm not then go ahead and run and I'll join her for study time," he said.

A moment later he was knocking on their front door, which he thought looked like it should be a service area for the building or something instead of a house, indicating some very complex expansion wards were in place.

Cal answered the door. "Harry, this is a surprise. Pam is next door working like usual at this time of morning."

"I know, I wanted to ask you a question if I could."

"Come in," the man told him. "I don't have too long, but I'm sure I can fit in a question or two." He closed the door after Harry.

"I suppose I should just say what I need," Harry started, still a little unsure despite having practiced this in his mind. "I asked about prophecies yesterday because in addition to the one I heard, another was given that a few people think apply to me, including my Headmaster, Albus Dumbledore."

Cal raised his eyebrows. "I've heard of him. Supreme something in the ICW, big hero at the end of World War 2, a Headmaster, and some other things I think."

"Yes him. Anyway, he believes in the prophecy and he's not ignoring it and is pushing me to fight a dark wizard. Between that and some other issues I'd prefer not to go into, it removes a lot of fun in life and puts a lot of pressure on me. I didn't really realize it until this trip and the chance to get away from it all for a few weeks.

"The Grangers have been great. You and Annette have been great. Pam is amazing, if you don't mind me saying that. I need some time away from the madness and I need time to finish growing up even if I am almost there now.

"I'd like to move here and finish my schooling. I know it's wrong of me to ask and impose on you, but if I rented a flat or a small house nearby, could I take classes with Pam? I'd even pay you if you liked. Or if you'd prefer not to allow that, do you know how to get me into the school near Port Hedland that Pam told me about so I can live here and go there. Please?"

Cal stared at him for a moment. "You don't really do normal, do you, Harry? Listen, I don't mind you living here in town and helping you find a place. I don't even mind teaching you. I'm sure Pam and Annette would love having you around too. But there are laws for immigration and such. I like you but I don't want any of my family, including me, to be spending time in prison for kidnapping - which is a very serious offense here."

Harry hung his head for a moment. "Do you know who I could talk to about that?"

"Our town is small enough we really don't have an Auror force full time, but there is a small force for the region and they station someone here most of the time, unless he's out doing work. Let me go talk to him. I might not have an answer for you today, but I think I heard you weren't leaving until Saturday." Cal looked at him sympathetically.

"Thanks," Harry said, "that will have to do for now."

"Head on with your treats," Cal pointed at the bag in Harry's hand. "Stop by for dinner and maybe I'll have some news. At worst you can take Pam to get some ice cream if I haven't found any answers."

"Thanks Cal, I'll do that." Feeling a little better he left.

Back in his hotel room, he could hear the stirrings of others and knew it wouldn't be long. He was sort dreading this … well, he supposed there was no "sort of"; he was dreading this part.

Hermione came out first. She gave him a tentative smile but he could tell her heart really wasn't in it. As she dug into the food he'd brought back her parents came out.

"Morning," Dan greeted cheerfully. "Ah, Harry, you're spoiling us again, but thank you."

As they started eating, it was her mother that noticed first. "Hermione, dear, what wrong? You don't look your normal self."

"I think that would be my doing," Harry answered for her. "I gave her some bad news last night. I'm glad blunt works for you because I don't know how to say this except that I'm trying to work it out so that I can stay here. I like all of you," he hurried on, "especially Hermione for her friendship, but I really want to get away from Britain and all of the pressure I'm under there. If I had a family to help me, I'd return and fight, and anything else I needed to do, but I don't have that. I have relatives that hate me and multiple people who'd prefer I was dead or at least I didn't exist. I can make the last one happen by moving here.

"I'm very definitely not going to like leaving Hermione or any of my other friends behind, but this is something I really need to do for myself. For once in my life I'm going to think about me and hopefully take a little bit of control over my life. I'll come back and visit England again, but I need a little time away to finish growing up because as an adult I can better protect myself there."

Emma reached out and put her hand on his. "Harry, going out on your own is such a big step and you're only sixteen. You're welcome to come live with us when you're not in school."

Harry smiled at her and her kindness. "Thank you. That would help a little but not all that much and I'd put you in greater danger. I'm sorry. I'd really like to do that because I've come to like you but I just can't. Here, I'm just Harry. I'm not a number of bad things, there are no expectations that I'll save the world or be some sort of hero that I'm really not."

He saw Hermione glare at him, but she didn't say anything. "I've asked Cal some questions about how to do this and he said he'd find out who I need to talk to in order to immigrate legally. You'll always be welcome to come see me. Hermione is welcome to live here and go to school down the coast in Port Hedland or try to talk Cal into teaching her too. Cal said he was willing to teach me along with Pam.

"I have no expectations for any of you, but I do want you to know I think the world of you and what you've done for me by bringing me on this trip. You've shown me life and what freedom from controlling people and, well, terrorists really look like."

Dan opened his mouth but then closed it for a moment. "I want to talk you out of this but I also want you to be happy. Are you really sure?" At Harry's nod he asked, "What of the things you own back in England?"

"I don't really care about my godfather's house, but I can write a letter to one of his cousins that the house and everything in it is hers. Other than that and my owl," Harry shrugged, "all I have is in my trunk which I have with me and in my vaults, and Gringotts has told me I can transfer my vaults to any of their branches for a fee and they have three branches in Australia. If I have more than that, I'm unaware of it so I won't miss it."

Dan and Emma looked at each other and shook their heads. Hermione still didn't look happy.

— — —

Cal's morning appointment had cancelled on him, for which he was grateful as it allowed him to go see an old friend. Walking into the office next to Gringotts in Port Hedland, he made his way to an office on the inside and knocked on the door.

The man inside looked up and smiled. "Cal, come in! It's good to see you, mate. It's been far too long. How's Annette and little Pam?"

"John," Cal shook the man's hand heartily. "It has been too long. Annette is doing well and still loving her bakery and deli. Pam is now sixteen and turning boy's heads. How's Sarah?"

John laughed. "As feisty as ever and wonderful for it. It's a little early for lunch but I can probably make it work and we can catch up."

"I'd love that, but I need a little help first. Do you mind?" Cal indicated the door and at a nod from his friend Cal closed it. "I need a little info and I was hoping you could get it for me from your real employer."

John snorted. "That could be hard to come by; you know how the Goblins are. They may say we're our own company that they just happen to own a controlling interest in, and how we're a part of them, but we both know who really controls things and that we're really not part of their bank. However, maybe you'll get lucky; what did you need?"

"I mentioned that Pam is turning heads," Cal said. "We've met a young man from Britain that's her age and they've become quite attached. Apparently, he's not real happy in Britain and wants to move here."

John laughed. "At sixteen we all have so many dreams that are foolish. I wouldn't expect his parents to allow that."

"If he had parents I don't think he'd be trying to do this," Cal replied.

"Oh, bad luck," John said soberly. "Go on."

"I told him he had to get here legally because I didn't want to go to prison for kidnapping, so I'm going to talk to Auror Robinson to get those two talking so I'm not accused of something nefarious. Then I'll help him find a spot to live if that works out. I'll even tutor him along with Pam. But my question is if I need to do more.

"He's a great kid: nice, polite, not a genius but smart enough, and he's not afraid to help out and do chores. It boils down to does he have enough money to get by on his own until he can get a job or is he broke and I need to take him in to let him live in a back bedroom."

John nodded. "Good idea on getting Robinson involved. As for the boy, make room for him because if he has his own place and they get really serious, Pam will be moving in with him."

Cal paled. "Shesh! I hadn't thought of that. Right, I'll figure out something, or maybe it won't last."

His friend nodded. "Most young romances don't. Maybe I can pretend to check someone's credit for a job and happen to stop on the right page for you if I'm careful. What's the kid's name?"

"Potter, Harry Potter."

John froze. "Harry Potter, sixteen, from Britain, whose parents died when he was young."

"Yeah, why?"

"Do you know if he can fly a broom, as in do it well?" John asked a little absently as he looked to be thinking hard.

"Yes," Cal answered, "he's really good. In fact, he could probably go pro for some team with some work. Why?"

"Because that's good enough for me to know the answer to your question right now. Geez, Cal, you need to read more newspapers. Haven't you heard of Harry Potter before?"

"No, why should I have?"

John looked up as if for divine help. "I don't believe it, but he's supposedly the only person who's ever survived a Killing curse. Depending on what year it is, he's either the savior of Britain or the next up and coming Dark Wizard Wanna-be, although I definitely don't believe the last one. Some even say he's Albus Dumbledore's protégé and I know you know who he is.

"Yeah," John said thoughtfully, "that kid is special and he's probably under more pressure than you can possibly imagine. To top it off, you don't have to worry about him being broke. The Potters are an old family there and I have no doubt he could buy Annette's shop several times over and not blink."

Cal just stared at his friend for a moment. "You're messing with me, aren't you, old friend?"

"Nope, not a bit. If I had a daughter his age and he showed interest in her, I'd do everything in my power to encourage it. He's supposed to be next Albus Dumbledore; or if you want the more fanciful British view, the Merlin of his generation … or so they say."

"Uh-huh, right." Cal was sure his friend was exaggerating, but since he knew the kid's name immediately there must be something going on.

"I'm serious. He's a real life celebrity in Britain and other English-influenced parts of Europe," John crowed. "You're probably fairly typical as he's not well known here, but go to any of the countries near Britain and they'll know who he is. I know because I pay attention to newspapers from all over the world."

"He's actually very humble," Cal countered. "Well, I guess I have the answer to my question. I'll buy you lunch for that if you have the time."

"Deal!" John said with a grin.

— — —

Annette walked into the kitchen of her house for a few minutes to start dinner. Hearing a quiet voice, she walked further in and found her husband looking around and muttering, "Can't do it here either. It'll have to be the other way."

"What are you on about?" she asked.

He looked up at her and frowned before he asked her quietly, "Where's Pam?"

"She's minding the shop for a moment, why?" the wife asked.

"Harry came to talk to me this morning and he wants to move here from Britain and asked me for help in finding a place to live." At her surprised expression he added, "I know there are a number of things wrong for him to want that, but he does have good reasons from what I know so far. He can tell you when he's ready.

"I've got to help him, Annette. I'm not sure what to think about him and Pam, but he's a good kid caught in some bad circumstances it seems. I feel the need to help him and I think I'd rather he lived here than on his own … especially if he and Pam stay together."

Annette started to object before she paused to really consider that. "I think I see your point about them. She's never had any good boyfriend prospects here so when a good one comes along she was bound to latch onto him."

"That's one way to put it," he agreed.

"I guess we'll have to sacrifice the dedicated school room," she said thoughtfully.

"There is one other direction we can expand and if I do it right you'll get the craft room you've always wanted too," he told her.

"I'd love that, but how?" She'd always wanted a room that was just hers. She'd never begrudged their small home as it allowed them to live next to her shop which was her dream that Cal had helped her make happen, but there were times she wanted a slightly larger home.

"We go down and create a large basement," he replied. "I wouldn't do it this close to the ocean except that we have magic to help out. I'll change our school room to be a stair area and closet and then put several rooms downstairs. Harry can have a bedroom there, plus we'll have a larger school room, and you can have your craft room. I might even add a large closet for some of my work things."

"I suppose that can work," she agreed slowly, "but what about-"

"It's all closed up," Pam shouted from the other room.

"I invited Harry over for dinner," Cal told her quietly. "We'll talk about it more after."

She nodded and returned to the kitchen, wondering just why the boy would want to move … besides for Pam, which seemed short-sighted to her.

— — —

"I enjoy your cooking, Annette," Harry said as he rose and started gathering plates. "It's as good as Ron's mother makes - he's one of my friends back home. She's a really good cook too."

"Thank you, Harry, that's very sweet," Annette starting gathering food dishes. Cal nudged Pam and with the four of them the table was cleared quickly. The mother did a spell to start the dishes washing while Cal shepherded the teens into the living room.

"Harry," Cal started, "I want you to know that I did search out the Auror that's normally around and I found him. He said I should bring you by tomorrow morning and he'd have someone there to talk to you."

Pam looked at him in confusion. "Why would Harry need to talk to the Aurors?"

Cal gestured to Harry who understood it was his news.

"Pam, would it be a problem if I moved and lived here for a few years like I sort of talked about?" Harry asked her nervously.

"You're serious?!" she asked aghast. "We don't have to break up at the end of this week?"

"You may find a reason to break up with me one day, but I'd like us to be together for at least a while," he told her. "I, uh, well, this trip over the last couple of weeks has really opened my eyes to what life could be like without certain people trying to control me or come after me and I really like that. Your dad said I could join you for classes if I try my best and I plan to."

She beamed at him. "I'd love that." Pam looked at her parents. "Thank you," she said a little emotionally.

"You'll have to work hard and keep your grades up," her mother told her. "There will also be a few other rules about not being with each other in bedrooms, but if you make a good effort I think this can be worked out."

"Assuming," her father added quickly, "we can get the immigration part worked out. Auror Robinson seemed to think it was possible but it's also not up to him."

"Still, thank you for trying," Harry told him with smile, as if imagining it was already done. "What time to I need to be here tomorrow?"

"Be here at nine," Cal told him. "We only have to go upstairs to the magical plaza."

"I can do that." Harry looked at Pam but said, "Do you mind if I take out her down the street for ice cream or something else like that?" Pam brightened.

"No, that's fine," Cal replied. "Just be back in an hour or so."

Harry held his hand out and Pam took it so he could pull her up. They walked out hand in hand, each grinning at the other.

At nine, Harry and Cal were walking into the small Auror office in the magical plaza. There was a sign on the front that said "The Auror is IN". Heading in, they found two men in dark blue uniforms with a badge on the front. The slightly older one also had a star on his lapel.

The younger one who also looked like he had an Aborigine background smiled. "Cal, it's good to see you. I assume this is Mr Potter." He looked at Harry. "I'm Auror Robinson. This is Captain Rumford from our main Sydney office."

Handshakes and hellos were exchanged. They all took a seat around a small table.

"Mr Potter," Captain Rumford started, "I understand you'd like to immigrate here. May I ask why? Immigration is normally handled by another department."

Harry cleared his throat lightly, nervously. "As Cal explained it to me, I should ask you first for guidance since I'd like to make this immediate. I'm willing to work within the system; I'm not asking for special treatment. However, I would like to do this sooner and not have to go back to Britain while I'm waiting if that's possible."

"That would mean it's more of a political asylum case," the Captain said. "We can start there and see how it goes. Perhaps you should tell me why you want to move here?"

Harry nodded. "I'll try to stay at a high-level, but I suppose you could say it started with the death of my parents, my godfather being illegally imprisoned, and my parents' will being ignored when I was a little over one year old."

"Hold on," Rumford interjected, "I can already see this will be an unusual story. Robinson, get the Legal Dict-O-Quill so we can get a legal recording and submit it for evidence." They waited for a moment for Robinson to carry out the order.

Rumford looked at the quill as he said, "This is Captain Rumford with Lt Auror Robinson interviewing Harry Potter of Britain. Witnessing is Calvin Jacobs, who brought this to our attention." He nodded as he saw it being written out. "Mr Potter, please tell me why you want to move here and wait here for immigration."

Harry took a deep breath. "I think it started with the death of my parents…"

Over half an hour later, Harry finished with, "…and that's why I'd really prefer to wait here while this is being looked at."

Rumford just sat there and blinked for a moment before he said, "End recording." That roused Robinson from his shock to do so. Cal didn't look much better.

"That's quite the story, young man," Rumford said. "This was always going to have to move to our International Department, but I do have the authority to grant you a provisional stay of up to six months for this to be worked out." He pulled a form out of a pocket and started filling it out. "I will grant that now. Someone above me could cancel that, but I believe it unlikely."

Harry was filled with hope as he watched the form be filled out and signed with a flourish before he was given a copy. "Thank you!"

"You're welcome." Rumford looked at Cal. "Since you're sponsoring him, so to speak, will you take custody of him until such a time as an official ruling can be made?"

"I and my wife will," Cal said solemnly.

"Err, could I ask for one more small thing?" Harry said meekly. "There is the possibility of a certain someone from Britain who won't give up looking for me will come here. He's quite powerful, and I've obviously dealt with him a few times, but I might need some backup. I think it will depend on Cal more anyone else, but it'd be nice to have Auror help to take care of things afterward."

Cal put his hands over his face. "What have I gotten myself into? What do you think will happen, Harry?"

Harry explained his concern with a possible solution while the others looked at each other. Captain Rumford looked at Cal at the end. "I believe the Aurors can help clean things up, it is part of our job. However, since this might never happen and if it did the time is unknown, I don't believe we'll be able to do much to help prevent it."

Cal nodded. "Yes, I can see how prevention will fall to me and Harry's plan isn't all that bad. It needs some changes but it really only works if he comes alone and not with any followers."

"I agree," Rumford commented. "If he comes with a group, the best we can all do is attempt to get innocents out of the way. This is an unfortunate wrinkle, but the problem is not assured so there's really not much we can do."

"Yes, but I think that if you could give me a legal recording device, I could make things a little easier," Cal told him.

Rumford considered that and looked at Harry. "How long do we have before he could come?"

"A week at the soonest, but it could take a month or so, as it'll take time for the information of my not returning to get to him."

"I'll have a recording device sent to Robinson and he can instruct you in its usage," Rumford said to Cal before looking at Harry. "Are there any other surprises?"

"No sir," Harry told him, "and I'm hopeful that won't happen either."

"I hope so as well as the ramifications could be severe." Rumford stood. "We'll cross that bridge when and if we get there. Mr Potter, it was interesting to meet you. I shall send a request for your immigration forward later today. However, do not be surprised if it's over a month before you hear back from anyone; these sort of things rarely move quickly. Good day." He touched his wand to a large key ring and was gone.

Robinson looked at the other two. "I'll notify the other Aurors in the region to be ready for a signal and where to go to in case this does happen. However, the most we can do is provide support; the main action will have to be taken care of by the two of you."

"That's fine, I'd prefer to do it myself so no one else can get hurt," Harry told them.

"While I like that idea as my family will be involved; I just hope it's doable. Come on, Harry, we have Charms class starting soon then we'll have to tell the ladies this evening." Cal stood shaking his head. "I'm also going to need to teach each of you to Apparate very soon just in case of an emergency."

Harry was dreading that telling too…

And he had good reason. Pam yelled at him for several minutes about putting himself in danger, her family, all of the innocents of the area, and a few other things that made no sense before she slumped into a chair and cried about finally finding a boyfriend only to lose him. Harry moved over and loosely wrapped her in a hug to try to comfort her.

Annette glared at him for a moment before pulling Cal into the kitchen for a conversation. She looked more accepting when she returned but still didn't look happy.

Harry did not get a good-night kiss that evening, though the next day started to return to normal as the initial emotions from last evening were spent.

Harry and Pam accompanied the Grangers to the small airport at the edge of town. The three would be flying back to Sydney today to leave for home tomorrow.

Harry gave each of them a hug, starting with Dan. "I appreciate everything you've done for me."

Dan smiled a little tightly. "I'm still not sure we're doing the right thing in leaving you here, but Cal and Annette have assured us they'll take care of you. I'm sorry you have to do this, but I understand just enough to know why you want to."

Emma stepped forward as Harry did too. "Take care of yourself, Harry. You're always welcome at our home."

"Thank you, Emma. You've been great too, brilliant even, just like Dan," Harry told her.

Hermione rushed him as soon as her mother had let go and hugged him very tightly. "I want to stun you and take you back, you prat," she whispered.

"I love you too, Hermione," he told her, not letting go either. "Take care of Hedwig for me and do your best to explain to her that she needs to stay with you until I can get back for her. You have the letters for everyone too, Hedwig can take those for you."

"I want you back," she told him fiercely.

"One day I will. You're always welcome here too. If I don't have a place I'll pay for you to stay in the resort if nothing else is available," he told her and pushed back slowly so she'd let go. He wiped a tear from her cheek as he struggled to keep his emotions in check. "You're an amazing witch, Hermione. Be that and I know you'll be fine. Don't let Ron get you down either; give him a good swift kick if he needs it. I'm sure Ginny will be happy to help you keep him in line."

Hermione giggled a little despite her emotions. "I'll remember that. You better write me too."

"I will, although I'm sure they won't be very fast in getting there," he promised. "I only ask one other thing: please keep Pam and her family out of any stories as much as you can to protect them. Please?" he begged her.

"I will," Hermione promised. "I think she's good for you." The boarding call came and Hermione hugged him again quickly before she moved to join her parents and head for the plane.

Harry snagged Pam's hand as they watched the Grangers go.

"I hope she comes back," Pam said. "I'd like to get to know her better. She's also good about keeping you in line too."

Harry snorted. "I guess that's your job now."

"I can handle it," she said with a smirk. "Come on, let's get our morning jog in going back. No need for a taxi as we don't have luggage and it's only about five kilometers."

With a sigh and yet hope as his life changed, Harry followed her.

It was late afternoon and Annette was cleaning up. It would be time to close the shop soon. The door opened and an older gentleman in an older style suit with a long white beard opened the door which rang the bell. "Good afternoon and welcome. What can I get you this afternoon?"

"Good afternoon, madam. I was looking for a young man named Harry Potter. Would you know him?" the man asked.

"Oh, you're British too. Yes, I know him. If fact, if you'd like a drink, you can wait for him over there. He likes to stop by about this time of day and get a snack," Annette said pleasantly, hoping her nerves didn't show.

"Can you make a good cup of tea?" he asked. "That would be nice while I wait."

"Certainly. Oh, my tin here seems to be empty and I need to get some from the back. If you'll have a seat at the table in the corner I'll bring it right out in just a moment." Annette went into the kitchen and did a quick spell silently, hoping for the best as she grabbed a tin of tea leaves from the shelf and returned less than ten seconds after she'd left.

"Sugar, milk, or lemon?" she asked as she poured hot water to prepare the tea.

"A spot of milk and lemon, if you don't mind," he answered as he sat.

She brought him a cup and saucer, along with a small plate with a small cup of milk and a lemon wedge. "I'll let you add it as you like." She returned behind the counter and continued cleaning.

Nearly five minutes later her door opened with the bell ringing again.

— — —

Harry was sitting in class with Pam and they were going over Runes; Pam in her sixth year material while Harry was working through the first book of the class. Cal was very patiently explaining the Norse system when a message spell flew into the room. "He's here."

Cal looked at him. "Are you ready?"

"As ready as I can be," Harry answered and looked at Pam.

"Don't even think of leaving me behind," she told him.

"Try to give us at least five minutes if you can," Cal told him before he Apparated away.

"Do you remember what you have to do?" he asked as they started to slowly walk up the stairs from the basement that was barely two weeks old.

"Look pretty and act dumb, unless he pulls his wand out then I'll curse his eyes out," she said sweetly.

Harry chuckled. "Let's try to avoid the last bit; he is very good with this wand." He checked that his wand was hidden as was hers.

She kissed him for a long moment. "For luck."

Walking out of the house, Harry wiped his slightly sweaty palms on his jeans while hoping the cool air would help. Holding out his left hand, she took it and they walked hand in hand slowly the short distance to the bakery and deli. Opening the door, which rung the bell, the two walked in.

Harry looked straight ahead. "Hi Annette. What's left that's a little sweet?"

"Hi Harry," she replied. "Before you get something, there's a man in the corner that was asking for you." She gestured that way and the two teens turned.

"Hello, Harry."

Harry's expression turned very neutral. "Professor Dumbledore. This is a surprise."

"If you don't mind me asking, do you need a few minutes alone?" Annette asked quickly. "I trust you in the shop, Harry, and I can return in ten or fifteen minutes."

"That would be appreciated," Dumbledore answered first.

"Sure, I can watch over it for that long," Harry answered her, keeping an eye on Dumbledore.

"I'll just put the closed sign up as it's almost that time anyway. Come get me when you're done," Annette requested, "I'll be next door talking to Nell."

"Sure," he agreed and watched her change the sign and leave before turning right instead of to the left where Nell's shop was.

"Perhaps your friend could give us a few moments too," Dumbledore suggested.

"I'm his girlfriend and I think I'll stay, thank you," Pam said coolly. She took a seat opposite the man while Harry sat between them.

"It's fine, Professor, she knows about magic. Now what did you want to see me about?" Harry asked, still in his cool demeanor.

"Harry, you've caused quite the ruckus this summer by going on the trip with Ms Granger instead of returning to your relatives," Dumbledore said softly but with a hint of reprimand.

"I wasn't bothered at all. When I saw the Order trying to bully Vernon and my aunt at the train station, I knew nothing good would come of that and that they'd punish me for it. I decided I wasn't in the correct frame of mind to be able to deal with that without doing something everyone would regret, so I left when the Grangers offered to let me go home with them. It really was for the best.

"As for the trip," Harry continued, "it seemed like a good idea at the time and I still believe it was a good idea." He looked at Pam and smiled, who smiled back at him.

"A lot of people wasted a lot of time searching for you," Dumbledore told him disapprovingly.

Harry shrugged. "I've never asked for them to watch over me or to look for me. I'm sorry they wasted their time but that's not my fault and you can't make me feel guilty for it."

"You need to return, Harry. Not only do you have your schooling, but you have other obligations and responsibilities too," Dumbledore reminded him with a pointed look.

"No, thank you. There are schools here," Harry answered. "As for any other obligations, I'm really not all that sure I'm as responsible as you say, but I'll make you a deal. You capture Tom and if you think I need to be the one to deal the last blow, then I'll come do that, but until you have him at your mercy I'll point out that I'm only sixteen and he has over fifty more years on me. I don't like those odds, I'm not an Auror, and I've lost my parents and my godfather over the war, so I hope you can understand that I believe I've sacrificed enough. I'll stay here."

Dumbledore shook his head and sounded a little frustrated. "Harry, you must return or many will die and suffer. You're friends also miss you."

"I sent letters to my friends explaining my absence. As for the others, I'm not the one doing the killing and again I'm not an Auror, so no I won't go back with you. If you keep insisting, I'll Apparate away; I learned how recently." He looked at Pam. "Would you be so kind as to get me some tea? I need something to drink."

Pam nodded and walked towards the counter.

Harry twisted his body to look at her, extending his arm and hand onto the table to steady himself. "Please don't forget the lemon, you know how I like that and Annette always has some back there."

As Harry was about to turn around, he felt a hand on his before there was a flash of light followed by two small thumps. "Bloody hell that's hot!" He tugged on a string that was around his neck and pulled quickly, causing a small metal disk to come out from inside his shirt and hang on the string outside of his shirt.

Pam hurried back and saw what Harry was now looking at. The old man was sitting in his chair armless, as his two arms were lying on the floor. A shiny film was over the spots on his shoulders where his arms should have attached.

Lazily, since the man was in shock at what had happened, Harry pulled out his wand and cast a limited Body Bind so Dumbledore couldn't get away but he could still talk.

"Really, Dumbledore? You do know that trying to Apparate with me when I'd told you no multiple times will get you charged with kidnapping. On the other hand, I guess I'm not surprised since you've done it before.

"I've never kidnapped you," Dumbledore protested. "Will you please put my arms back on? I'll walk you through the spell, although I have no idea how I Splinched."

"Well, my understanding is that if you try to Disapparate while in a place with Anti-Apparation wards then Splinching can happen. Also, while you may not have kidnapped me personally years ago, you told Hagrid to do it for you. I'm not going to blame Hagrid as we both know he's not really bright enough to understand that your orders were wrong, but you knew better and did it anyway."

"Why are there Anti-Apparation wards here, Harry?" Dumbledore asked. "Also, I don't feel them and we're in a Muggle area. I also still deny the kidnapping charge from when you were younger."

"Well, yes we are in a Muggle area, but this shop is owned by a magical family, so they're allowed to have a professional put up Anti-Apparation wards that are hard to detect. It's not like the Muggles would be affected by them," Harry admonished the man as he should have known better. "And you did too kidnap me when I was younger. I found my parents' last will and Sirius's and you're not mentioned as being responsible for me in any way, so not only bad form, but illegal."

"I was placed you with your aunt for the Greater Good," Dumbledore protested.

"I don't care if you were doing it for the greater good, the greater bad, or the greater indifferent. It was wrong and, what were the words you used a few months ago? Oh yes, you said you knew you were condemning me to dark and difficult years and that I would suffer. Those were your words, were they not?"

"Yes, but you're not looking at the bigger picture," Dumbledore told him.

"All right, let's look at the bigger picture that you're going by," Harry told him. "I believe it revolves around the prophecy you told me about."

"Harry, that's secret information," Dumbledore protested but couldn't really stop the boy.

"Perhaps it was, but I think it was just fulfilled," Harry said with a smile.

"What are you talking about? You haven't vanquished Tom yet. It's still unfulfilled," Dumbledore stated.

"Hmm, let's look at it, shall we? The first line is 'The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches'. You'll notice that there is no name for the Dark Lord. A lord is a leader and this one does dark acts."

"He uses Dark Magic," Dumbledore corrected.

"It doesn't say that. Lords are known for their position and acts. Hmm, I think we know someone who does," Harry held up his fingers for air quotes, "dark and difficult things to children so they suffer. He also has an official position over others so one could call him a 'Lord'."

Dumbledore looked at him agog.

"The second line is 'Born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies'. I recall Sirius telling me when we were together that summer that my parents disagreed with you at times and in major ways at least twice before they went into hiding, and that was the third time because you wanted them to use you as the secret keeper and they refused - making that the third time. Obviously, I was born at the end of July - the seventh month."

"My boy," Dumbledore found his voice, "this is nothing to joke about."

"You're quite correct, and I'm not joking," Harry told him. "The third line is 'The Dark Lord will mark him as his equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not'. You know, Dumbledore, marks come in all forms and not all of them are visible. I can't tell you how bad it was at the Dursleys because I've done my best to suppress and forget about parts of it, but I can tell you it was bad enough that had I gone home with my uncle this summer, I suspect one of us wouldn't have survived. That's a very deep mark. As for the power you don't know," Harry said making his point clearly though it was obvious Dumbledore had already figured out Harry's implication, "I haven't quite worked that out, but I'm thinking maybe it was Pam here who of course introduced me to her brilliant father who's a Curse Breaker. You, sir, are not a Curse Breaker or you wouldn't have been trapped here."

Albus closed his eyes as he finally understood how he'd been caught.

"The fourth and final unique line is 'Either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives'. I have no plans to kill you, Albus, but I did come up with the plan that caught you and is giving the evidence to the Aurors that will put you away long enough that I believe you'll die in prison. With you out of my life, as has been the case for about the last six weeks, I've had real freedom for the first time I can remember and that can continue without you around me. I can now live as I want and I can tell you that it's an amazing feeling."

"I'm not a Dark Lord, Harry. I'm trying to save the world and guide you to make that happen," Dumbledore insisted.

Harry shrugged. "They say the road to hell is paved with good intentions and that's true here. Dumbledore, you may have had the best of intentions, but your actions were dark. You purposefully condemned a child who could not protect himself to hell on earth. Plus, my life was well and truly threatened at least ten or eleven times while at the school you were the Headmaster of, and that doesn't count the two Dementors that attacked me summer a year ago. Your actions in regards to me show you to be a Dark Lord, even if you didn't mean to, starting when I was a baby with having me kidnapped, through five years of school, and through today when you made the effort to kidnap me again."

"You're wrong but it'll never stick anyway. You're girlfriend isn't old enough to be considered a reliable witness," Dumbledore said a little smugly.

"First, you're forgetting that you've been disarmed, literally, showing you tried to take me away. But even if you claim that you were merely trying to leave on your own and not take me with you, then I should point out that napkin holder," Harry pointed to the one on the table, "is an official recording device that has recorded not only your actions, but your magic usage, and everything you've done or said while here."

Dumbledore stared at the device on the table in horror.

"Second, there should be more than three of us here and they should have been here the whole time. A little help here?" Harry called out.

Four adults appeared as they each took an Invisibility Cloak off. They were standing behind the counter but in a good position to see everything. Cal and Annette were there, as was Auror Robinson and another Auror Harry hadn't met yet.

"Don't worry, Harry," Cal told him with a smile, "the three of us were here when you arrived and Annette joined us by coming around through the back before the kidnapping."

"It is as he says," Robinson agreed as he and the other Auror came around to approach the table. "Albus Dumbledore, you are under arrest for kidnapping a minor and possibly for other charges to be determined."

"I'm Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot and Supreme Mugwump of the ICW," Dumbledore protested as the second Auror picked up the old man's arms and put them in a bag and then searched him to remove a wand and a Portkey.

Cal pulled out his wand and cast a spell on the table. "It's safe to Apparate again," he said quietly to the Aurors.

"You are not doing either of those jobs here," Robinson said firmly. "If we find you did not come into the country in a legal way, whether magical or non-magical, that will be a rather large fine as well." The Auror looked like he hoped that would be true. "Let's us to go my office for formal charges and to reattach your arms." He put a hand on Dumbledore's shoulder and the two were gone, quickly followed by the other Auror.

Harry slumped back in his chair and heaved a big sigh of relief. "It's over."

Pam put her arms around his neck and buried her face between his shoulder and neck. "More importantly you're safe."

"Harry," Annette looked at him. "Do you really think Albus Dumbledore is the Dark Lord in the prophecy?"

"I honestly don't know, but I can make history fit the prophecy as you heard. If he's not, he's still guilty for all of the things he did. If the judges ignore all of the other things he did to me, there's still the kidnappings. I kind of expect them to ignore the one when I was a baby because it happened in Britain, but maybe they'll get the British Wizengamot to look into that," Harry said hopefully.

"No matter which way that goes, I don't expect Voldemort to come here because he doesn't really care about me specifically; I was sort of convenient stumbling block that reminded him of his failure. He wants to rule Britain and I'm not there so he'll leave me alone here." Harry shook his head. "I actually believe there's a good possibility that Hermione will end up here a year from now unless the Ministry does something to end the war before next summer there."

"We'll figure it out if it happens," Pam told him, still holding him.

Harry rode the wave in without any issues, pleased with his surfing over the last year. As he jumped off the board before it could throw him off in the shallower water, he was surprised when a girl in shorts and a T-shirt ran from the shore and into the water towards him. He shoved his surfboard away from them towards the shore before he grabbed her and purposefully knocked her over and pulled her underwater. He also stood and pulled her back up, laughing.

The now soaked not-as-bushy brunette sputtered but hugged him tightly as Pam swerved around them and kicked her surfboard towards the shore too before throwing her arms around the girl also.

"Did you have to pull me under?" Hermione asked accusingly. "Hi Pam!" she told the other girl before turning a glare back to Harry.

"You were already wet from running out here," he answered with a grin and then led them all towards the sand, where a pair of adults were waiting and chuckling as they watched. "Since it's late June, I see you managed to finish the year. You did bring Hedwig, didn't you? Please say you did."

"Yes, Harry, I brought her with me and she'll be happy to see you," Hermione told him as they approached her parents.

"Hi, Mr and Mrs Granger!" He skipped the hugs for the moment as he was wet. "I've rented a house for you. You can stay there until you figure out what you want to do."

"Thank you, Harry," Dan told him and Emma agreed.

"I see you're still together," Emma said as she looked at Pam.

"We are and it's still going well. I'm still living in their basement," Harry told them. "Perhaps I'll move out next year. The legal age here is eighteen, even for magicals. We'll see if Cal and Annette let Pam join me or not."

"I turn eighteen first and that'll be my decision," she pointed out, causing laughs.

"Harry," Hermione looked at him, "what happened to Dumbledore? You never said in your last letter and it wasn't in the Daily Prophet either."

"Oh, right. It took nearly six months to get to his trial. That happened about the time I received true immigrate status," he said proudly. "It was a pretty short trial and they gave him twenty years since he didn't just threaten kidnapping but actually tried to do it. I think they were harsher on him because they thought he should have known better. I really don't think he'll leave prison alive because of his age."

"That's really sad to hear he did that." Hermione shook her head. "The war is still not going well, but then that's why we're here. I won't be surprised if a few other of the Muggle-born join us here. Colin Creevy and his brother with their family are moving to Ireland. Dean is going to live with Seamus in Ireland too and they all will be going to a small school there. I heard the Patil twins and their family will probably be going back to India. Others were talking about not returning and I don't if there will be enough students to open the school."

"What about Ron and his family and our other friends?" Harry asked.

"The Weasleys are going to stick it out and fight as is Neville," she reported. "Luna and her father are going on a long-term safari; I think the Death Eaters were targeting them because of his newspaper." Hermione shrugged. "I don't think the Ministry is going to last much longer and then it'll be controlled by Voldemort or people he controls."

Hermione sighed. "I didn't want to admit it but I think you were right to stay here. There was talk about you not being there for a while, but it died down quickly and now it's like you were never there. Even Draco Malfoy never mentions you and you're not mentioned in the Daily Prophet either."

"That works for me," Harry said with an approving nod. "Come on, let's get your luggage and I'll show you to your new home for a while."

It was a little over three years later before Harry heard the news that Voldemort had been killed by a French Auror when Voldemort had traveled to France to recruit. His prediction had been true that Voldemort had never come for him nor sent any Death Eaters.

By the time Voldemort was dead, Harry had finished his NEWTs and been living in his own house for year with Pam, who was now his fiancée. Harry also helped Cal as an assistant in his curse breaking job, while Pam helped her mother in the bakery and deli.

The young couple had almost finished making plans to tour the world for a year and they were really looking forward to it. Harry was especially looking forward to returning to Britain for a time to see his friends, including Hermione and her family who had recently moved back. Both Harry and Pam were looking forward to surfing elsewhere in the world and just living life together.

(A/N: I hope you enjoyed something a bit different. The story was really about Harry getting away and finding out that allowed him "to live" and Dumbledore being the one the vague prophecy was about even though he wasn't evil and didn't have bad intentions … but his actions ended up being "dark" anyway. I have a James/Lily era story half done; we'll see how long it takes me to finish that. - Kevin)