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We've been doing quite well with our updates haven't we? Welcome to our fourth chapter! Hope you enjoy it!

Chapter Four: Sanctuary Abandoned

Time seemed to fly past. It was now October, a week before Halloween. Homework had started to pile up, classes seemed to be getting longer, but somehow Harry and Ginny had found time to visit their wolf friend. Seeing as the wolf was pregnant, Harry and Ginny had decided to let Hagrid in on the secret. Hagrid had been more then happy to keep the wolf a secret and helped deliver three extremely strange looking wolflets.

Harry adored the time he spent with Ginny. He found her fun and energetic. One minute they could be joking around and the next, Harry could be telling her his life secrets. He had also started to open up to Ron and Hermione. He found it difficult, he almost dared to think that it would be too much for them to handle, but in the end, it felt like more of a relief then a burden.

Under Dumbledore's request, Harry had started attending Order meetings every few weeks. This was in part to keep Harry up to date on current situations, but Harry knew that this idea had stemmed from him quitting Defense Against the Dark Arts. In order to give Harry practice, different people from the Order would take him to the kitchen of the Weasley's house and teach him different spells and techniques.

Right now he stood with Tonks.

"Wotcher, Harry, what is wrong with you tonight?" Tonks scolded. Harry had just been on the receiving end of one of her stupefying curses. She walked over to him, and held out her wand. "I'm only going to un-stupefy you if you stop acting like an idiot. Promise?"

Harry couldn't move, but his eyes spoke for him. There was a flash of red light and his body unfroze.

"I'm sorry," Harry said standing up with Tonks' help. "I'm just so tired of doing the same thing over and over again."

"Look, I know this can be irritating, but it simply has to be done. It's important," Tonks said as she walked over to the sink and poured Harry a glass of water.

Harry gratefully took the water and smiled. "I just can't seem to think straight."

Tonks sighed. "It's alright. Just clear your head and let's get ready."

Harry put the glass down and walked to the other side of the room. He pointed his wand at Tonks; she did the same.

"Harry! Tonks!" Mrs. Weasley's shrill voice sounded from the living room. Harry's mind gave a little leap. The two of them walked to the room, Lurtz was just walking out. He tipped his hat to Harry and said with a slightly shaky voice, "Detention, Harry, tomorrow night."

Harry nodded his head in compliance. He didn't mind detention with Professor Lurtz, it was actually quite fun. Lurtz acted like a jerk to him in class, constantly giving him detention and making the Slytherins laugh at Harry's expense, but during the time alone with the teacher Harry was showered with candy and treats.

Harry walked into the room, Dumbledore stood up from a stiff-looking chair in the corner. "Harry, why don't we take a walk outside?" he asked.

Harry followed Dumbledore outside. The solemn mood made Harry slightly nervous.

"Harry," Dumbledore said, his voice sounding old. "Lurtz came unexpectedly to the meeting. He had news about Snape."

Harry waited with baited breath.

"Severus revealed earlier this afternoon that he was a death eater. He told Professor Lurtz that he had killed Lupin and asked Lurtz to join…" Dumbledore's voice trailed off.

Harry stared out into the Weasley's back yard. The sky was dark and the stars seemed to shine brighter then ever.

A grin crept onto Harry mouth. "He's guilty," Harry whispered.

"I was wrong, Harry. It's my fault that Remus is gone," Dumbledore said, his twinkle leaving his eye. "I-I'm so sorry. I don't know how to express that."

Harry didn't say anything, he simply kept looking at the stars.

"It's not safe Harry. It's not safe anymore at Hogwarts," Dumbledore's voice sounded strained. "Please, just make sure that you are with someone at all time, make sure you are in the sight of a professor at all time."

Harry turned his head from the stars and looked at Dumbledore. "What will happen to him?"

"He will be tried and sent to Azkaban like the rest of them," Dumbledore answered.

"He deserves worse," Harry said as anger filled his face. "He deserves to go to hell."

"I know, Harry, I know…"

I……………………….I

It was beginning to seem like a routine after every dinner. He either had detention with Professor Snape or Professor Lurtz.

His detention with Lurtz weren't really detentions. The first detention, Lurtz had sat him down and apologized profusely for the pain and embarrassment he had (and would have to) put Harry through. Harry deep down was still a bit hurt that someone who was supposed to like him would still put him through such pain, but then the constant reminder that this was a war filtered through his mind and the hurt went away-for a while.

Surprisingly, Harry had started to form a bond with Lurtz. They would talk about school and Professor Lurtz would help Harry with some of the homework that was troubling him.

"Good Evening, Harry," sounded Professor Lurtz as Harry walked in, placing his bag next to a desk, where he took a seat.

"Evening," responded Harry as he started to take out his Transfiguration homework which was due the next day.

"How have you been, Harry," asked Professor Lurtz, sensing something was wrong with the young boy.

"Um...fine," responded Harry as he scribbled something on his paper.

"Nothing wrong, then?"

At this comment Harry looked up. "Um, no, not really."

Harry sat there awkwardly for a few moments. "I-I just had a question that I've been thinking about. You don't have to answer it if you don't want to."

"No, I don't mind, Harry. What is it?"

"Well, you know that last Order meeting we had? The one where you told everyone about Snape? Well, aren't you just a little scared that he will find out that you have told everyone who he really is? And then, you know, you might g-get hurt?"

A haunting look overtook the Professor's eyes. "Well, of course I am Harry. But in some situations- sometimes, Harry, you may know this now or not. But sometimes good is more important than the consequences."

Harry nodded his head thoughtfully. "Yeah, yeah I know what you mean."

Harry sat there awkwardly for a few more minutes scribbling away at his homework. He looked up to find Lurtz staring down at him. "You want the truth?" Harry asked.

"I wouldn't expect anything less from you."

"Sometimes I wonder if it's really worth it. Is it really worth Sirius, Lupin, my parents, the Dursley's, Mrs. Figg, everyone?" Harry whispered.

Lurtz smiled at him. "That is something that you have to find within your heart Harry."

"It's funny but I'm afraid that Snape might do something to you or one of my friends. He knows my worst fear."

"What is your worst fear?"

Harry stared down at his feet. "For someone I love to die."

"What about you?" Lurtz asked.

"What about me?"

"You don't care about death?" Lurtz looked at Harry intently.

Harry snorted. "Get real, professor; Harry Potter was born to die."

"We're all born to die," Lurtz said quietly. "Harry, don't let him bother you. Just go on with your life."

"Good advice, Professor," Harry laughed.

"I always give good advice to my students. Well, it seems that you've served a long enough detention. Go enjoy your dinner!"

Harry smiled. "Thanks, Professor. See you later."

I…………………………I

Harry walked into the Great Hall, intent on a large dinner. He saw Ron and Hermione sitting with Neville waving at him. He walked over to them and sat down on the bench next to Neville and started grabbing at different foods.

He was just reaching for the mashed potatoes when he noticed that both Ron and Hermione were doing homework.

"What's that?" He asked through a mouthful of spaghetti.

Hermione rolled her eyes. "Defense- Snape has put us overboard on homework."

Harry raised his eyebrow, he hadn't told Ron and Hermione about Snape yet. He looked over at Neville. "You don't have any Defense homework?"

Neville blushed. "I-I'm not in Defense anymore…"

Harry's mouth slightly dropped. "Why not?"

"Well, after I saw you drop, I guess- I guess, ya know…" Neville's voice trailed off.

Hermione shot him a look that said clearly 'look what kind of example you are.' Harry rolled his eyes at her.

"You know, Neville, if you want some tips in Defense, I know that Dumbledore's Army isn't around anymore, but maybe we could practice sometime together."

Hermione made a small, annoyed sound out of the back of her throat. Ron shot her a dangerous glare that Harry couldn't help but notice.

"What?" Harry asked irritably.

"Harry, you wouldn't have to practice on your own time if you simply hadn't of dropped the class in the first place," Hermione said, slightly angry.

Harry simply stared at her. "Come again?"

"It's just that Ronald and I have been talking-"

"Whoa- leave me out of this," Ron intruded.

"Fine! Apparently I have been talking with myself and I think that you should rejoin Defense Against the Dark Arts," Hermione finished.

Harry snorted, "Oh do you now?" he asked sarcastically. "And why is that?"

Hermione leaned in. "Harry, it's not doing you any good to just sit here. You need to be learning things. Snape actually has some pretty interesting stuff to teach- you could learn a lot."

Harry stood from his seat. "Excuse me? There is nothing that treacherous son-of-a-bitch could teach me!"

Hermione stood up as well "Harry, please, just open your eyes-"

"Open my eyes? Open your eyes! SNAPE IS A MURDERER!"

Harry could feel every person's eyes on the back of his head. His breath was seething.

"Maybe we should take this outside," Hermione whispered.

Harry glared at her as he tore away from the table and stormed out of the Great Hall, Hermione and Ron following behind him, leaving the rest of the students behind them to whisper amongst themselves.

Harry walked out the front doors, toward the Great Lake. He stood staring out at the peaceful lake as Ron and Hermione caught up with him.

They stood there for a few minutes, not saying a word.

"You just don't know when to shut up do you?" Ron said angrily at Hermione.

Both Hermione's and Harry's heads snapped toward the redheaded boy. "What?" Hermione shot back.

"You-you just don't know when to shut up! Bloody hell, it's none of your business what Harry decides to do. And you know what? I bloody believe him! Snape is a god damn murderer and I'm dropping his class too!"

Hermione gawked at Ron. Harry simply stared. He couldn't recount one time since summer that Ron had taken his side over Hermione's. They always seemed to be united against him.

Hermione took in a deep breath, she seemed like she was trying not to cry. "I-I was just trying to help," she said quietly.

Harry's face softened. "Hermione," he said gently, "sometimes, you just can't help."

Hermione's face burned with tears and Harry took her hand in his own. He took a deep breath, "When I was in Adflictation Lair, I had never felt so abandoned in my life. I was so mad that Dumbledore wasn't there to save me. I mean, if he couldn't save me, then who could?" Harry's eyes began to leak. "But then there you guys were. Even before Dumbledore came, you did. You saved my life."

Hermione's breath was shaky; Ron looked up from where he stood.

Harry took a step back from Hermione, releasing her hand. "I never- I never thanked you guys for saving my life."

Ron smiled. "Harry, you mean that?"

"Thank you," Harry said, his voice shaken. The words had come from his heart.

Hermione smiled through her tears. "H-Harry? You know that we couldn't live without you. You know that right?

Harry smiled gently, decidedly not answering the question.

"Harry," Ron said sternly. "You know that we love you more than anyone else on this earth?"

Harry didn't quite know what to say.

"Do you?" Ron asked.

Harry nodded his head. "Yes, of course."

Hermione smiled. "Do you wanna go back inside now and maybe just talk a bit?"

Harry sighed. "If it's alright with you I think I'll just hang out here for a while. I think I need to be alone."

Hermione opened her mouth as if to say something, but Ron put his hand on her arm to stop her.

"It's alright mate. We'll be waiting inside when you need us."

Harry smiled and waved them off. He sat down next to a tree to watch the sunset over the mysterious lake.

I………………………………I

The dimming sunset had slowly faded and now Harry was left in complete darkness. Using a wand had soon got too tiresome, so he decided to just sit in the dark.

He didn't want to admit to it, not even to himself, but being in the complete dark was starting to make him incredibly anxious. Dumbledore's warning about Snape rang clearly in his ears but it was either stay outside and brave the darkness or go back inside and have to talk to Ron and Hermione (which he didn't think he could deal with right now.)

He was now, sitting next to Silver (which Ginny had recently named the wolf), leaning up against the tree, watching the newborn wolves who were snuggled up to their mother, trying to stay as warm as possible. It brought a smile to Harry's face as he thought about how much healthier the wolf looked. Ginny and him guessed that Silver would be up and running in a short time.

"I knew you would be here," a calm voice said as Harry jumped up at the sound of her voice, "Don't think you can try to get past me, Potter."

"Oh, no. I wasn't trying to ignore you, Ginny. Just-just Ron and Hermione."

Even in the dark Harry could see a small smile form on her face, "Yeah, I know they told me all about it. Surprised? They are scared that you went out and did something stupid. So I told them I would come looking for you."

"Seems like you found me, then."

"I did. First place I looked too. I should be given props. How's she doing?" Ginny asked as she sat next to Harry, placing her head on his shoulder.

"Well, you know me too well, then. This is getting out of hand, Ginny. People aren't supposed to know me at all," he joked as he gave her a quick glance. "She's doing pretty well. Her babies are looking healthy, which is good because I was worried that they would be sick because of the bad health Silver was in."

"Well, they seem to be doing fine right now. Hopefully, they will be able to grow up and defend themselves in the forest. It's strange though, that this type of wolf creature was in the woods. I wonder what else could be hidden back there," Ginny wondered as she looked into the inky black of the forest behind them.

"Me too." Harry said.

The two sat quietly for a few moments, simply looking into the darkness. "We should probably get go-"

"-Hey what's that?" Harry asked as he saw a silver glitter coming near them in the sky.

"I don't know it looks-looks. "The silver glitter soon came into better view, which Ginny could now recognize, "like a fairy."

Ginny could now see the fairy clearly. Its wings were a light purple color with a look like glitter was tossed on them. It's body was a dark purple color and it's eyes were the same color. The fairy suddenly stopped right in front of Ginny.

"Oh, look-" said Ginny, a dreamy sound in her voice, "look how pretty it is. I think-I wonder where it's from?"

"Ginny?" asked Harry, confusion etched in his voice. What was going on with her? She was definitely not acting like herself.

Suddenly, Ginny stood up, her eyes following every move that the fairy made. "Harry, Harry look at it. It's so beautiful. I think it wants to show me something; we should go and see what it wants. It might be in trouble."

"Ginny, I don't think that's a good idea. I think maybe we should get back inside Hogwarts. You don't know what that fairy could be." Harry stood up and tried to pull her to the direction of the castle.

"Get off of me, Harry. I'm going after it. It-it needs help." Ginny, with all of her effort, pushed away Harry's hands and, before Harry could stop her, she took off in a run after the fairy.

"Ginny! Ginny! Get back here! Stop, you don't know what you're doing. Ginny!"

And in a blink of an eye, Ginny was gone.

"GINNY, WAIT!"

I……………………………..I

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