Remember - Chapter 2 - Memory Charms
Harry slowly raised his head. He was lying on the sofa in Remus's study. He tried to sit up, but was immediately overcome with dizziness. He felt hands on his shoulders gently holding him down.
"What happened?" His head ached intensely.
"I don't know. I was hoping you could tell us. As far as I can tell you started screaming, then you passed out." Remus replied.
Harry sat up slowly as the dizziness receded. "I was looking at that carving on the wall. It reminded me of something I've seen before, but when I tried to remember where I'd seen it before, I got a blinding headache and I guess I passed out."
Remus got up to look at the carving. "The two snakes intertwined. I don't think I've ever seen it before either. Dora, have you?"
Tonks looked up from her seat next to Harry, "No, I don't think I have. Do you remember when it got cleaned up?"
Remus thought for a minute, "Sometime around Easter I think. Harry, do you think you've seen it here?"
Harry thought about it, his eyes resting on the carving. "I don't think it was here, but when I try to remember my head hurts. Not like a Voldemort headache, but just a really bad headache. I can see flashes, but I can't tell what they are. I feel…scared or worried I can't tell which."
Harry looked up in time to see Remus and Tonks exchange worried glances.
"What's wrong?"
Remus came over and sat next to Harry, "Harry what you are describing sounds like someone has tampered with your memory."
"What? Why…How" Harry couldn't even think of the appropriate questions to ask.
Tonks stood up, "Harry, I'm going to invite my mum to come over. She is a healer and will be able to tell us if your memory has been tampered with."
Remus nodded in agreement.
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Andromeda Tonks smiled as she watched her young patient leave. She truly enjoyed being a healer, she loved the feeling that she was able to help people. She glanced at her appointment book; she didn't have another appointment until early afternoon. Andromeda stood and walked out into the courtyard that separated her office from the home she shared with her husband, Ted.
Ted had said he might be home for lunch, so Andromeda walked over to the house. Before she reached the door, she heard the pop of an apparition. She turned to see her daughter, Nymphadora, standing there.
"Mum, I'm so glad you are here. I need your help."
"Of course, darling. What do you need? Come in."
"No, it's not me. Here, I need you to look at this paper."
Tonks handed her mother a piece of paper that read - The Headquarters for the Order of the Phoenix is 12 Grimmauld Place.
Andromeda looked confused for a moment, "The old Black house? It's under a Fidelus charm?" she asked.
"Yes, I need you to see someone there. Can you come now? I can't really explain anything here. Oh and can you bring something for a headache?"
"Of course, just give me a moment."
Andromeda went back into her office. She grabbed her bag of common potions and told her secretary she would be out for a while.
Tonks stood waiting by the apparition site. "Ready? You know where it is right?"
"Yes, Nymphadora, I visited there as a child."
Tonks rolled her eye at her mother's use of her first name, but did not comment. "Okay, let's go."
Remus waited anxiously while Andromeda examined Harry. His mind was racing. Who could have put a memory charm on Harry and more importantly why? Had this happened last month during the fight at Hogwarts?
Andromeda ran her wand over Harry several times. Harry didn't understand most of the spells she was casting, but neither Remus nor Tonks seemed alarmed. Luckily Remus had thought to tell Harry how much Andromeda looked like her sister, Bellatrix, before she arrived. The resemblance was a bit unnerving.
Andromeda looked at Harry, "Explain to me again what happened."
"I was looking at that carving," Harry started pointing to the carving behind them, "and it seemed very familiar. But when I tried to remember were I've seen it before I got a really bad headache."
"So it was the trying to remember that gave you the headache?"
"Yes."
Andromeda seemed lost in thought.
Harry looked at Remus before asking, "So, what does this mean?"
"Harry, you have had a very powerful memory charm placed on you. I can tell it was placed on you sometime in the last ten years, but I want to ask you a few questions to see if I can narrow down when the charm was placed. Is that okay?"
Harry glanced at Remus, who nodded. "Alright, but first what is a memory charm? How does it work?"
"Well, it depends on what kind of memory charm is placed. Oblivate is a very strong charm that will wipe out your memory; it is usually cast against an event or series of related events. The strength of the charm depends on the strength of the magic of the person who cast the charm. However, the charm is not fool proof. A powerful wizard can break a memory charm that has been placed on them or someone else. The charm doesn't get rid of the memory, it just makes it harder to find. There are other charms that can modify your memory, but based on what I see I think you were obliviated."
Harry was horrified; someone was messing around with his memory?
Andromeda tried to smile reassuringly at Harry, "It will be ok. Let's see if we can get some answers, ok?"
An hour later, they had narrowed the event down to Harry's second year at Hogwarts. Whenever he tried to remember anything but the most basic facts about that year, he started with another headache.
Remus was stunned. Why would anyone do such a thing? He thought back to the year he taught at Hogwarts, Harry's third year. He tried to remember if he'd heard anyone talking about something that had happened the previous year.
"Harry, do you remember Professor Lockhart?"
Harry thought for a minute, "Not really. I know he was the Defence professor my second year, but I don't remember anything about his classes.
Remus frowned. "Do you remember Ron and Hermione? You three always seem to be up to some adventure or another."
Harry thought about it, "I remember them, but nothing like the other years."
Remus sat back wondering what could have been so bad, that someone would tamper with his memory. Harry remembered the Dementors, the Tri-wizard tournament, and Sirius's death, what else had possibly happened that was worse than any of those events.
"Instead of trying to remember anything big from that year, do you remember any Quidditch games that year?"
Harry smiled, "Yeah, I remember beating Slytherin…and …wait a minute…something about breaking my arm? I don't remember anything else."
Andromeda cast another spell, "Well, you regrew all the bones in your arm around that time."
"What? I don't remember that." Harry exclaimed.
"Is there anything else strange or unusual that you can remember?" asked Andromeda.
Harry shifted guiltily. He could think of one thing that had been happening since his second year, but he really didn't want to talk about that.
Tonks watched Harry carefully. "Harry, I can tell there is something else. Please we are only trying to help you."
Harry sighed, "Okay, I think this might be related. Starting sometime before my third year, I've been having dreams about … Do I have to? This is embarrassing."
"Harry, come on just tell us."
Harry glared at Remus for a minute. "I've been having these dreams, only I don't know if they are dreams. It's sort of like when I see into Voldemort's thoughts, but it's not bad. It is always the same girl." Harry stopped for a minute as if waiting for someone to say something. No one did, so he continued, "I don't know who she is, I'm pretty sure I've never met her before, but I also feel like I know her. It's hard to explain."
Remus watched Harry intently, "What happens in these dreams?"
"Just ordinary stuff, I see her going to class and playing Quidditch. Sometimes I'm in her dreams, I think and I know she's …I don't know how to explain it, but I think she's joined me in mine."
"What do you mean she's joined you?"
Harry flushed a little, "Last summer when I kept having nightmares about Sirius or the summer before when I had nightmares about Cedric's death, she would … I don't know come and sit with me and tell me it wasn't my fault, that kind of thing. Sometimes we talk in these dreams, but I don't know her name. It's like I feel safe with her, I can tell her anything."
Harry could see the astonished expressions on the others faces. "See this is why I never told anyone. It isn't normal."
"Harry, this could be very important. Can you describe her to me? Do she always look the same?"
Harry thought about it, "She's always the same person if that's what you mean, but she's gotten older just like I have. She's about my age, shorter then I am, about up to here." Harry gestured to a level about even with his chest. He blushed a bit. "She's…she's really beautiful. She has this beautiful long red hair and big brown eyes."
Andromeda had been content to let Remus ask the questions, but now she broke in with one of her own. "Harry, how do you think she is related to your memory loss?"
Harry looked confused, "I don't really know. It's just…When I think of her, if I think too hard and try to remember I get the same kind of headaches."
Andromeda nodded. "I think you should try to find her. Somehow I think she is related to whatever happened."
"Who do you think could have placed the memory charm?" Remus asked.
Andromeda shook her head, "I don't know, but it would have to be a powerful wizard. Harry is a powerful wizard in his own right, so in order to overcome his mind and replace a whole year it would take a very powerful wizard."
Andromeda took out her wand again, "Let me see if I can get any type of reading on who may have done this." She waved her wand over Harry in a rather complex manner, a look of shock crossed over her face.
"Merlin, I don't think you will like this, but in addition to the memory charm I think someone has bound his powers."
There was an outburst in the room as everyone started talking at once. Harry stared at Andromeda. "What do you mean bound my powers?"
Andromeda explained, "When children are very powerfully magic, it is not uncommon for parents to bind their powers until they get older. But the child's powers are usually unbound before they go to school."
Remus shook his head, "James hated the practice of binding a child's power. He never would have bound Harry's powers. Neither he nor Lily ever mentioned it at all."
Tonks had been quiet during the whole conversation. She had listened in horror as Harry recounted his years at Hogwarts; it was amazing that he had survived. One question kept coming back to her, "So who could have done this?"
Andromeda offered, "This block is not that old. I think it may have actually been placed when he got to Hogwarts or maybe when the memory charm was placed. I don't know if they were placed at the same time, but they were placed by the same person."
Remus and Harry looked up at the same time, "Dumbledore."
Tonks looked shocked, "Professor Dumbledore? Why would he do this to Harry?"
Harry shrugged, "I don't know, but he's the most powerful wizard I know and he's kept things from me before. My whole fifth year he avoided me and …"Harry trailed off as he was reluctant to mention the prophecy in front of Andromeda.
Remus nodded, "I don't think Albus means Harry any harm, but he has not always acted in Harry's best interest."
Andromeda added, "I don't know about his interactions with Harry, but not only is Albus Dumbledore capable of casting both spells; he does love his secrets."
"So how do I get rid of them?"Harry asked.
"I don't know about the memory charm. I think the headaches are to warn you away from thoughts and memories that they wanted erased. The fact that you have had these headaches might indicate that you are starting to break through the charm on your own. I would try to find the girl, maybe together you will remember what happened."
Harry nodded, "What about the bind on my powers?"
"I can unbind them now. But it will tire you out, if I do it now you will probably sleep until tomorrow morning."
Harry looked at Remus, "Can I stay here? I know I was supposed to go back to the Dursley's but I really want to find out what is going on."
"Of course Harry. After all, this is your house. I had the master bedroom redone, I saved it for you. Why don't you go up there and Andromeda can perform the charm there. In the morning we can decide what to do."
Harry agreed and soon found himself on the bed in the master bedroom. Andromeda waved her wand and started an incantation. Harry felt a burst of energy flicker through him, then a wave a magic seemed to shoot right out of him. Unknown to Harry, he was bathed in a golden glow; then he lost consciousness.
After Tonks had seen her mother home, she joined Remus in the kitchen.
"What on earth is going on? Why do you think Dumbledore is behind all of this?" she asked.
Remus starred off into the fire for a moment before answering. "I admire and respect Albus Dumbledore. As the leader of the Order of the Phoenix during both wars I think he's done a great job, but I think his judgment is a little off when it comes to Harry."
"What do you mean?"
"Remember when Harry told us about the prophecy? How Albus told Harry he had put off telling him about the prophecy? He should have told him long before he did. I still think that if Albus had been a little more open with Harry that year, Sirius might never have died." Remus sighed. "There are just so many little things: he never checked on Harry after he left him with his relatives, he let Snape 'teach' Harry Occlumency even though he knew Snape hated Harry, he let Delores Umbridge torture the students, there are just so many things that I don't understand."
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Ginny twisted around in the mirror to see her reflection from all sides. All in all the dress wasn't bad, it was a beautiful golden color with a fitted bodice, a deep neckline and it flared out at the hips. She looked over to find both Gabrielle and Madam Delacour watching her nervously.
"I think it's great."
She could see them both heave a sigh of relief. Ginny, Gabrielle, and Madam Delacour had been tasked with the job of finding bridesmaid dresses for the upcoming wedding of Fleur Delacour and Ginny's oldest brother, Bill Weasley. They had been trying on dresses for hours. Fleur had given them some general guidelines, but it had still been a long day.
"Bon, that is wonderful Ginny." Madam Delacour replied.
"Oui, now that this done, let's go get some lunch." Gabrielle had been complaining she was hungry for the last hour.
Ginny grinned, "Yes, let's get out of here."
Ginny had known of Fleur, after all Fleur had been Beauxbaton's champion in the Tri-Wizard tournament two years earlier, but they had never met. When Bill and Fleur announced their engagement last summer, Ginny had initially been thrilled for them. She and Gabrielle got along fairly well despite their age difference and they had gotten the chance to know each other quite well over the past year. The Delacours had invited Ginny to several family functions and she enjoyed spending time with them.
Unfortunately Fleur and Ginny did not get along as well. Fleur had a habit of treating Ginny as though she was about three years old and she was forever telling her that she would never catch a man playing Quidditch all the time. Needless to say Ginny was not impressed. Ginny's opinion had started to rise when she heard from her mother that Fleur had not left Bill's side once during his convalescence.
The three left the dress shop and turned down Rue de Magique, Paris's version of Diagon Alley. Ginny loved the excitement of Magical Paris, but she could see the events in England were starting to spill over to Paris. People were hurrying through the streets more quickly and less people were taking time to stop and talk. There had been a steady trickle of immigrants from England, mostly Muggle-Born families.
After they were seated at a sidewalk café and had ordered their lunch, Gabrielle leaned over to Ginny, "So are you feeling better?"
Ginny grimaced looking out over the street. She still wasn't sure exactly what had happened the day before; she had been out flying after her run in with Luc. After she had gone through several chaser routines, she was suddenly hit with a blinding headache. Before she could land her broom, she had passed out. Luckily she had only been a few feet off the ground, so she had not been badly injured. She still didn't understand what had happened. Madam Fournier had suggested perhaps the sun had gotten to her, Ginny didn't think that was it but didn't want to cause a fuss.
"I feel fine. I still don't understand what happened. I was feeling fine then wham this horrible headache. I've been fine since then."
As the food came to the table, the subject was changed and the three enjoyed the day in Paris.
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Harry woke the next morning feeling fine. He had no trace of the headache left and he was feeling rather hungry. The house was still silent as he made his way to the basement kitchen. Harry lit the stove and started making breakfast. The Dursleys had him making breakfast since he was a child, but he strangely found he enjoyed making breakfast as long as it wasn't for the Dursleys.
He soon had eggs and sausage sizzling on the stove and muffins in the oven. Drawn by the aroma of a good breakfast, Tonks and Remus soon joined him.
"Good morning, Harry," mumbled Tonks as she stumbled into the kitchen.
Remus looked over to where Harry was pulling the muffins out of the oven, "Morning, cub. You didn't have to do all of this."
Harry smiled as he slid the last of the food onto the table and sat down to join them. "Good morning. I don't mind Remus, I like making breakfast."
After enjoying breakfast in a comfortable silence, Remus turned to Harry, "So how are you feeling this morning?"
"I feel great. No headache or anything, I feel really well rested."
"Have you thought anymore about this girl?"
Harry colored slightly, "Yeah, I don't recognize any of the places I've seen her in."
"Can you describe any of these places?" Tonks asked.
Harry thought for a minute, "The place I usually see her is at her school. It's a big castle, but not like Hogwarts…Hogwarts is more like a fortress, this castle looks more like it belongs in a fairy tale."
Remus and Tonks exchanged a look, "Could it be Beauxbatons?"
"Beauxbatons, in France?" Harry looked surprised, "Yeah, it could be. I never thought about that. Of course, I didn't really think she was real."
Remus laughed, "I have a friend, Daniel Richards, who taught Defence Against the Dark Arts at Beauxbatons last year. I met him when I did some work for the Order in France. Maybe if you could describe her to him, he might recognize her."
"Okay, if you think that might work. Do you know where he is?"
"I'll send out an owl today. We need to get your things from Privet Drive. I'd feel more comfortable with you staying here. We don't know who did this to you and I don't want you so far away."
Harry's face lit up. "I can leave the Dursley's early? That's brilliant. Let me get dressed and we'll go get my stuff."
By early afternoon, Harry and Remus had retrieved all of Harry's belongings from the Dursley's and sent Hedwig out with a message for Daniel Richards.
Harry had just finished settling his things in his room when Remus joined him. "Harry, I've been thinking. Because of the security issues, we should recast a Fidelius charm."
Harry looked puzzled."How can we do that? I thought Professor Dumbledore was the secret keeper."
"Sirius asked him to be the secret keeper and we have never changed it, but you own this place now. You can change the secret keeper and we can recast the wards to keep out everyone but the three of us." Remus replied.
Harry wandered around his new room while he thought about what Remus had said. "I hate not knowing who did this to me. I don't feel like I know who I can trust." He looked up at Remus, "I want you to be my secret keeper. Who can cast the spell?"
Remus thought about it for a minute. "I feel the same way you do; I wish I knew who we could trust to cast the spell. I don't really want any of the Order to know about this until after it happens."
"Wouldn't make sense to pick a new secret keeper now? Professor Dumbledore was injured in his duel with Snape and I'll be seventeen next month, so it would make sense that I would want to recast the Fidelius. We don't have to tell them about recasting the wards."
Remus smiled, "That's brilliant Harry. If I could pick anyone it would be Filius Flitwick."
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Albus Dumbledore was feeling every minute of his age. He had been betrayed by a man he had vouched for over and over again. He was slowly recovering from his injuries received during that duel. He was acutely aware that if Harry had not intervened, Severus may have won.
That brought him to another concern, Harry Potter. The wards around the Dursley's had failed, but the Dursley's had been moved to a secure location thanks to Nymphadora Tonks. Harry on the other hand, was nowhere to be found. Albus suspected that he was with Remus Lupin but he couldn't remember where Remus lived.
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Three days after Harry moved into Grimmauld Place, Remus and Harry traveled to Paris to meet with Daniel. Harry was traveling as Harry Black. Remus had performed a few glamour charms that would help hide his identity.
Harry had never left Great Britain and was enthralled by Magical Paris. He was hoping they would get to do some sightseeing before they had to leave. Rue de Magique was similar to Diagon Alley; the entrance was through a wizarding pub, Le Chaudron Rouille. Daniel had secured a private room in the back of the pub.
Daniel was not at all what Harry had expected. He was young, no more than 25 years old, with sandy blond hair and an open friendly smile.
"Remus my friend, welcome to Paris." Exclaimed Daniel as he shook Remus's hand.
Remus greeted his friend then introduced Harry. "Daniel, this is my godson, Harry Black. Harry, this is Daniel Richards."
Harry shook hands with Daniel, "Nice to meet you, sir. Thank you for agreeing to meet with us."
Daniel smiled as they all took a seat around the table. "Please call me Daniel. I must say I was very intrigued to get your message Remus. What can I do to help you?"
Remus drew his wand and cast locking and silencing charms at the door. "Can you tell me where we met?"
Daniel smiled, "We met in Hogsmeade at the Hog's Head. Together we traveled to Calais to look up some old friends. And you my friend, what was our signal during our 'adventure'?"
Remus laughed, "Our signal was a sprig of Wolf's Bane."
He gestured towards Harry, "I cannot tell you all the details, but my godson needs to find a young woman whom we believe to be a student at Beauxbatons. We were hoping you could help us."
Daniel looked at Harry with interest. He had gotten to know Remus Lupin through the Order, but he didn't remember a godson.
"Forgive me Remus, but I don't remember you mentioning a godson before."
Remus and Harry exchanged a glance, Harry nodded. Remus pulled his wand and canceled the glamours on Harry.
"Daniel, meet Harry Potter. Sirius Black was his godfather, I sort of… inherited Harry."
Daniel recognized Harry as soon as Remus had canceled the glamours. He wasn't sure if he believed Harry was the "Chosen One" as the papers were calling him, but there was no denying what he'd done so far.
Daniel nodded, "So what is this about a student?"
Remus let Harry take this question, "We uncovered evidence that one of your students may have witnessed an event and we need more details. I'm sorry we can't be more forthcoming, but it's better for everyone that fewer people know the details."
Daniel watched him through a narrowed gaze."I can't promise anything, but what can you tell me about her?"
Harry answered, "She's about my age sixteen. She's about 5'2" with long red hair, big brown eyes and she plays Quidditch. I think she may be on one of the house teams."
Daniel nodded, "If I tell you who she is, what will you do?"
"Go find her. I need to talk to her. I promise we are not planning to harm her," answered Harry promptly.
"I'm surprised you travelled all the way to Paris to find her, most of her family is in the Order. You described Ginny Weasley."
Remus and Harry sat speechless, Ginny Weasley. Remus collected his thoughts, "I've never met Miss Weasley. I have met most of her family. Do you know where we might find her?"
"You are in luck. Miss Weasley will be attending Quidditch camp near Marseille starting next week," Daniel replied.
He handed Remus a copy of La Plume Doré, the French wizarding paper. "There's an article in here about the camp. The members of the Beauxbatons house teams have an automatic spot, but they are holding open auditions next week."
"What happened?" His head ached intensely.
"I don't know. I was hoping you could tell us. As far as I can tell you started screaming, then you passed out." Remus replied.
Harry sat up slowly as the dizziness receded. "I was looking at that carving on the wall. It reminded me of something I've seen before, but when I tried to remember where I'd seen it before, I got a blinding headache and I guess I passed out."
Remus got up to look at the carving. "The two snakes intertwined. I don't think I've ever seen it before either. Dora, have you?"
Tonks looked up from her seat next to Harry, "No, I don't think I have. Do you remember when it got cleaned up?"
Remus thought for a minute, "Sometime around Easter I think. Harry, do you think you've seen it here?"
Harry thought about it, his eyes resting on the carving. "I don't think it was here, but when I try to remember my head hurts. Not like a Voldemort headache, but just a really bad headache. I can see flashes, but I can't tell what they are. I feel…scared or worried I can't tell which."
Harry looked up in time to see Remus and Tonks exchange worried glances.
"What's wrong?"
Remus came over and sat next to Harry, "Harry what you are describing sounds like someone has tampered with your memory."
"What? Why…How" Harry couldn't even think of the appropriate questions to ask.
Tonks stood up, "Harry, I'm going to invite my mum to come over. She is a healer and will be able to tell us if your memory has been tampered with."
Remus nodded in agreement.
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Andromeda Tonks smiled as she watched her young patient leave. She truly enjoyed being a healer, she loved the feeling that she was able to help people. She glanced at her appointment book; she didn't have another appointment until early afternoon. Andromeda stood and walked out into the courtyard that separated her office from the home she shared with her husband, Ted.
Ted had said he might be home for lunch, so Andromeda walked over to the house. Before she reached the door, she heard the pop of an apparition. She turned to see her daughter, Nymphadora, standing there.
"Mum, I'm so glad you are here. I need your help."
"Of course, darling. What do you need? Come in."
"No, it's not me. Here, I need you to look at this paper."
Tonks handed her mother a piece of paper that read - The Headquarters for the Order of the Phoenix is 12 Grimmauld Place.
Andromeda looked confused for a moment, "The old Black house? It's under a Fidelus charm?" she asked.
"Yes, I need you to see someone there. Can you come now? I can't really explain anything here. Oh and can you bring something for a headache?"
"Of course, just give me a moment."
Andromeda went back into her office. She grabbed her bag of common potions and told her secretary she would be out for a while.
Tonks stood waiting by the apparition site. "Ready? You know where it is right?"
"Yes, Nymphadora, I visited there as a child."
Tonks rolled her eye at her mother's use of her first name, but did not comment. "Okay, let's go."
Remus waited anxiously while Andromeda examined Harry. His mind was racing. Who could have put a memory charm on Harry and more importantly why? Had this happened last month during the fight at Hogwarts?
Andromeda ran her wand over Harry several times. Harry didn't understand most of the spells she was casting, but neither Remus nor Tonks seemed alarmed. Luckily Remus had thought to tell Harry how much Andromeda looked like her sister, Bellatrix, before she arrived. The resemblance was a bit unnerving.
Andromeda looked at Harry, "Explain to me again what happened."
"I was looking at that carving," Harry started pointing to the carving behind them, "and it seemed very familiar. But when I tried to remember were I've seen it before I got a really bad headache."
"So it was the trying to remember that gave you the headache?"
"Yes."
Andromeda seemed lost in thought.
Harry looked at Remus before asking, "So, what does this mean?"
"Harry, you have had a very powerful memory charm placed on you. I can tell it was placed on you sometime in the last ten years, but I want to ask you a few questions to see if I can narrow down when the charm was placed. Is that okay?"
Harry glanced at Remus, who nodded. "Alright, but first what is a memory charm? How does it work?"
"Well, it depends on what kind of memory charm is placed. Oblivate is a very strong charm that will wipe out your memory; it is usually cast against an event or series of related events. The strength of the charm depends on the strength of the magic of the person who cast the charm. However, the charm is not fool proof. A powerful wizard can break a memory charm that has been placed on them or someone else. The charm doesn't get rid of the memory, it just makes it harder to find. There are other charms that can modify your memory, but based on what I see I think you were obliviated."
Harry was horrified; someone was messing around with his memory?
Andromeda tried to smile reassuringly at Harry, "It will be ok. Let's see if we can get some answers, ok?"
An hour later, they had narrowed the event down to Harry's second year at Hogwarts. Whenever he tried to remember anything but the most basic facts about that year, he started with another headache.
Remus was stunned. Why would anyone do such a thing? He thought back to the year he taught at Hogwarts, Harry's third year. He tried to remember if he'd heard anyone talking about something that had happened the previous year.
"Harry, do you remember Professor Lockhart?"
Harry thought for a minute, "Not really. I know he was the Defence professor my second year, but I don't remember anything about his classes.
Remus frowned. "Do you remember Ron and Hermione? You three always seem to be up to some adventure or another."
Harry thought about it, "I remember them, but nothing like the other years."
Remus sat back wondering what could have been so bad, that someone would tamper with his memory. Harry remembered the Dementors, the Tri-wizard tournament, and Sirius's death, what else had possibly happened that was worse than any of those events.
"Instead of trying to remember anything big from that year, do you remember any Quidditch games that year?"
Harry smiled, "Yeah, I remember beating Slytherin…and …wait a minute…something about breaking my arm? I don't remember anything else."
Andromeda cast another spell, "Well, you regrew all the bones in your arm around that time."
"What? I don't remember that." Harry exclaimed.
"Is there anything else strange or unusual that you can remember?" asked Andromeda.
Harry shifted guiltily. He could think of one thing that had been happening since his second year, but he really didn't want to talk about that.
Tonks watched Harry carefully. "Harry, I can tell there is something else. Please we are only trying to help you."
Harry sighed, "Okay, I think this might be related. Starting sometime before my third year, I've been having dreams about … Do I have to? This is embarrassing."
"Harry, come on just tell us."
Harry glared at Remus for a minute. "I've been having these dreams, only I don't know if they are dreams. It's sort of like when I see into Voldemort's thoughts, but it's not bad. It is always the same girl." Harry stopped for a minute as if waiting for someone to say something. No one did, so he continued, "I don't know who she is, I'm pretty sure I've never met her before, but I also feel like I know her. It's hard to explain."
Remus watched Harry intently, "What happens in these dreams?"
"Just ordinary stuff, I see her going to class and playing Quidditch. Sometimes I'm in her dreams, I think and I know she's …I don't know how to explain it, but I think she's joined me in mine."
"What do you mean she's joined you?"
Harry flushed a little, "Last summer when I kept having nightmares about Sirius or the summer before when I had nightmares about Cedric's death, she would … I don't know come and sit with me and tell me it wasn't my fault, that kind of thing. Sometimes we talk in these dreams, but I don't know her name. It's like I feel safe with her, I can tell her anything."
Harry could see the astonished expressions on the others faces. "See this is why I never told anyone. It isn't normal."
"Harry, this could be very important. Can you describe her to me? Do she always look the same?"
Harry thought about it, "She's always the same person if that's what you mean, but she's gotten older just like I have. She's about my age, shorter then I am, about up to here." Harry gestured to a level about even with his chest. He blushed a bit. "She's…she's really beautiful. She has this beautiful long red hair and big brown eyes."
Andromeda had been content to let Remus ask the questions, but now she broke in with one of her own. "Harry, how do you think she is related to your memory loss?"
Harry looked confused, "I don't really know. It's just…When I think of her, if I think too hard and try to remember I get the same kind of headaches."
Andromeda nodded. "I think you should try to find her. Somehow I think she is related to whatever happened."
"Who do you think could have placed the memory charm?" Remus asked.
Andromeda shook her head, "I don't know, but it would have to be a powerful wizard. Harry is a powerful wizard in his own right, so in order to overcome his mind and replace a whole year it would take a very powerful wizard."
Andromeda took out her wand again, "Let me see if I can get any type of reading on who may have done this." She waved her wand over Harry in a rather complex manner, a look of shock crossed over her face.
"Merlin, I don't think you will like this, but in addition to the memory charm I think someone has bound his powers."
There was an outburst in the room as everyone started talking at once. Harry stared at Andromeda. "What do you mean bound my powers?"
Andromeda explained, "When children are very powerfully magic, it is not uncommon for parents to bind their powers until they get older. But the child's powers are usually unbound before they go to school."
Remus shook his head, "James hated the practice of binding a child's power. He never would have bound Harry's powers. Neither he nor Lily ever mentioned it at all."
Tonks had been quiet during the whole conversation. She had listened in horror as Harry recounted his years at Hogwarts; it was amazing that he had survived. One question kept coming back to her, "So who could have done this?"
Andromeda offered, "This block is not that old. I think it may have actually been placed when he got to Hogwarts or maybe when the memory charm was placed. I don't know if they were placed at the same time, but they were placed by the same person."
Remus and Harry looked up at the same time, "Dumbledore."
Tonks looked shocked, "Professor Dumbledore? Why would he do this to Harry?"
Harry shrugged, "I don't know, but he's the most powerful wizard I know and he's kept things from me before. My whole fifth year he avoided me and …"Harry trailed off as he was reluctant to mention the prophecy in front of Andromeda.
Remus nodded, "I don't think Albus means Harry any harm, but he has not always acted in Harry's best interest."
Andromeda added, "I don't know about his interactions with Harry, but not only is Albus Dumbledore capable of casting both spells; he does love his secrets."
"So how do I get rid of them?"Harry asked.
"I don't know about the memory charm. I think the headaches are to warn you away from thoughts and memories that they wanted erased. The fact that you have had these headaches might indicate that you are starting to break through the charm on your own. I would try to find the girl, maybe together you will remember what happened."
Harry nodded, "What about the bind on my powers?"
"I can unbind them now. But it will tire you out, if I do it now you will probably sleep until tomorrow morning."
Harry looked at Remus, "Can I stay here? I know I was supposed to go back to the Dursley's but I really want to find out what is going on."
"Of course Harry. After all, this is your house. I had the master bedroom redone, I saved it for you. Why don't you go up there and Andromeda can perform the charm there. In the morning we can decide what to do."
Harry agreed and soon found himself on the bed in the master bedroom. Andromeda waved her wand and started an incantation. Harry felt a burst of energy flicker through him, then a wave a magic seemed to shoot right out of him. Unknown to Harry, he was bathed in a golden glow; then he lost consciousness.
After Tonks had seen her mother home, she joined Remus in the kitchen.
"What on earth is going on? Why do you think Dumbledore is behind all of this?" she asked.
Remus starred off into the fire for a moment before answering. "I admire and respect Albus Dumbledore. As the leader of the Order of the Phoenix during both wars I think he's done a great job, but I think his judgment is a little off when it comes to Harry."
"What do you mean?"
"Remember when Harry told us about the prophecy? How Albus told Harry he had put off telling him about the prophecy? He should have told him long before he did. I still think that if Albus had been a little more open with Harry that year, Sirius might never have died." Remus sighed. "There are just so many little things: he never checked on Harry after he left him with his relatives, he let Snape 'teach' Harry Occlumency even though he knew Snape hated Harry, he let Delores Umbridge torture the students, there are just so many things that I don't understand."
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Ginny twisted around in the mirror to see her reflection from all sides. All in all the dress wasn't bad, it was a beautiful golden color with a fitted bodice, a deep neckline and it flared out at the hips. She looked over to find both Gabrielle and Madam Delacour watching her nervously.
"I think it's great."
She could see them both heave a sigh of relief. Ginny, Gabrielle, and Madam Delacour had been tasked with the job of finding bridesmaid dresses for the upcoming wedding of Fleur Delacour and Ginny's oldest brother, Bill Weasley. They had been trying on dresses for hours. Fleur had given them some general guidelines, but it had still been a long day.
"Bon, that is wonderful Ginny." Madam Delacour replied.
"Oui, now that this done, let's go get some lunch." Gabrielle had been complaining she was hungry for the last hour.
Ginny grinned, "Yes, let's get out of here."
Ginny had known of Fleur, after all Fleur had been Beauxbaton's champion in the Tri-Wizard tournament two years earlier, but they had never met. When Bill and Fleur announced their engagement last summer, Ginny had initially been thrilled for them. She and Gabrielle got along fairly well despite their age difference and they had gotten the chance to know each other quite well over the past year. The Delacours had invited Ginny to several family functions and she enjoyed spending time with them.
Unfortunately Fleur and Ginny did not get along as well. Fleur had a habit of treating Ginny as though she was about three years old and she was forever telling her that she would never catch a man playing Quidditch all the time. Needless to say Ginny was not impressed. Ginny's opinion had started to rise when she heard from her mother that Fleur had not left Bill's side once during his convalescence.
The three left the dress shop and turned down Rue de Magique, Paris's version of Diagon Alley. Ginny loved the excitement of Magical Paris, but she could see the events in England were starting to spill over to Paris. People were hurrying through the streets more quickly and less people were taking time to stop and talk. There had been a steady trickle of immigrants from England, mostly Muggle-Born families.
After they were seated at a sidewalk café and had ordered their lunch, Gabrielle leaned over to Ginny, "So are you feeling better?"
Ginny grimaced looking out over the street. She still wasn't sure exactly what had happened the day before; she had been out flying after her run in with Luc. After she had gone through several chaser routines, she was suddenly hit with a blinding headache. Before she could land her broom, she had passed out. Luckily she had only been a few feet off the ground, so she had not been badly injured. She still didn't understand what had happened. Madam Fournier had suggested perhaps the sun had gotten to her, Ginny didn't think that was it but didn't want to cause a fuss.
"I feel fine. I still don't understand what happened. I was feeling fine then wham this horrible headache. I've been fine since then."
As the food came to the table, the subject was changed and the three enjoyed the day in Paris.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Harry woke the next morning feeling fine. He had no trace of the headache left and he was feeling rather hungry. The house was still silent as he made his way to the basement kitchen. Harry lit the stove and started making breakfast. The Dursleys had him making breakfast since he was a child, but he strangely found he enjoyed making breakfast as long as it wasn't for the Dursleys.
He soon had eggs and sausage sizzling on the stove and muffins in the oven. Drawn by the aroma of a good breakfast, Tonks and Remus soon joined him.
"Good morning, Harry," mumbled Tonks as she stumbled into the kitchen.
Remus looked over to where Harry was pulling the muffins out of the oven, "Morning, cub. You didn't have to do all of this."
Harry smiled as he slid the last of the food onto the table and sat down to join them. "Good morning. I don't mind Remus, I like making breakfast."
After enjoying breakfast in a comfortable silence, Remus turned to Harry, "So how are you feeling this morning?"
"I feel great. No headache or anything, I feel really well rested."
"Have you thought anymore about this girl?"
Harry colored slightly, "Yeah, I don't recognize any of the places I've seen her in."
"Can you describe any of these places?" Tonks asked.
Harry thought for a minute, "The place I usually see her is at her school. It's a big castle, but not like Hogwarts…Hogwarts is more like a fortress, this castle looks more like it belongs in a fairy tale."
Remus and Tonks exchanged a look, "Could it be Beauxbatons?"
"Beauxbatons, in France?" Harry looked surprised, "Yeah, it could be. I never thought about that. Of course, I didn't really think she was real."
Remus laughed, "I have a friend, Daniel Richards, who taught Defence Against the Dark Arts at Beauxbatons last year. I met him when I did some work for the Order in France. Maybe if you could describe her to him, he might recognize her."
"Okay, if you think that might work. Do you know where he is?"
"I'll send out an owl today. We need to get your things from Privet Drive. I'd feel more comfortable with you staying here. We don't know who did this to you and I don't want you so far away."
Harry's face lit up. "I can leave the Dursley's early? That's brilliant. Let me get dressed and we'll go get my stuff."
By early afternoon, Harry and Remus had retrieved all of Harry's belongings from the Dursley's and sent Hedwig out with a message for Daniel Richards.
Harry had just finished settling his things in his room when Remus joined him. "Harry, I've been thinking. Because of the security issues, we should recast a Fidelius charm."
Harry looked puzzled."How can we do that? I thought Professor Dumbledore was the secret keeper."
"Sirius asked him to be the secret keeper and we have never changed it, but you own this place now. You can change the secret keeper and we can recast the wards to keep out everyone but the three of us." Remus replied.
Harry wandered around his new room while he thought about what Remus had said. "I hate not knowing who did this to me. I don't feel like I know who I can trust." He looked up at Remus, "I want you to be my secret keeper. Who can cast the spell?"
Remus thought about it for a minute. "I feel the same way you do; I wish I knew who we could trust to cast the spell. I don't really want any of the Order to know about this until after it happens."
"Wouldn't make sense to pick a new secret keeper now? Professor Dumbledore was injured in his duel with Snape and I'll be seventeen next month, so it would make sense that I would want to recast the Fidelius. We don't have to tell them about recasting the wards."
Remus smiled, "That's brilliant Harry. If I could pick anyone it would be Filius Flitwick."
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Albus Dumbledore was feeling every minute of his age. He had been betrayed by a man he had vouched for over and over again. He was slowly recovering from his injuries received during that duel. He was acutely aware that if Harry had not intervened, Severus may have won.
That brought him to another concern, Harry Potter. The wards around the Dursley's had failed, but the Dursley's had been moved to a secure location thanks to Nymphadora Tonks. Harry on the other hand, was nowhere to be found. Albus suspected that he was with Remus Lupin but he couldn't remember where Remus lived.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
Three days after Harry moved into Grimmauld Place, Remus and Harry traveled to Paris to meet with Daniel. Harry was traveling as Harry Black. Remus had performed a few glamour charms that would help hide his identity.
Harry had never left Great Britain and was enthralled by Magical Paris. He was hoping they would get to do some sightseeing before they had to leave. Rue de Magique was similar to Diagon Alley; the entrance was through a wizarding pub, Le Chaudron Rouille. Daniel had secured a private room in the back of the pub.
Daniel was not at all what Harry had expected. He was young, no more than 25 years old, with sandy blond hair and an open friendly smile.
"Remus my friend, welcome to Paris." Exclaimed Daniel as he shook Remus's hand.
Remus greeted his friend then introduced Harry. "Daniel, this is my godson, Harry Black. Harry, this is Daniel Richards."
Harry shook hands with Daniel, "Nice to meet you, sir. Thank you for agreeing to meet with us."
Daniel smiled as they all took a seat around the table. "Please call me Daniel. I must say I was very intrigued to get your message Remus. What can I do to help you?"
Remus drew his wand and cast locking and silencing charms at the door. "Can you tell me where we met?"
Daniel smiled, "We met in Hogsmeade at the Hog's Head. Together we traveled to Calais to look up some old friends. And you my friend, what was our signal during our 'adventure'?"
Remus laughed, "Our signal was a sprig of Wolf's Bane."
He gestured towards Harry, "I cannot tell you all the details, but my godson needs to find a young woman whom we believe to be a student at Beauxbatons. We were hoping you could help us."
Daniel looked at Harry with interest. He had gotten to know Remus Lupin through the Order, but he didn't remember a godson.
"Forgive me Remus, but I don't remember you mentioning a godson before."
Remus and Harry exchanged a glance, Harry nodded. Remus pulled his wand and canceled the glamours on Harry.
"Daniel, meet Harry Potter. Sirius Black was his godfather, I sort of… inherited Harry."
Daniel recognized Harry as soon as Remus had canceled the glamours. He wasn't sure if he believed Harry was the "Chosen One" as the papers were calling him, but there was no denying what he'd done so far.
Daniel nodded, "So what is this about a student?"
Remus let Harry take this question, "We uncovered evidence that one of your students may have witnessed an event and we need more details. I'm sorry we can't be more forthcoming, but it's better for everyone that fewer people know the details."
Daniel watched him through a narrowed gaze."I can't promise anything, but what can you tell me about her?"
Harry answered, "She's about my age sixteen. She's about 5'2" with long red hair, big brown eyes and she plays Quidditch. I think she may be on one of the house teams."
Daniel nodded, "If I tell you who she is, what will you do?"
"Go find her. I need to talk to her. I promise we are not planning to harm her," answered Harry promptly.
"I'm surprised you travelled all the way to Paris to find her, most of her family is in the Order. You described Ginny Weasley."
Remus and Harry sat speechless, Ginny Weasley. Remus collected his thoughts, "I've never met Miss Weasley. I have met most of her family. Do you know where we might find her?"
"You are in luck. Miss Weasley will be attending Quidditch camp near Marseille starting next week," Daniel replied.
He handed Remus a copy of La Plume Doré, the French wizarding paper. "There's an article in here about the camp. The members of the Beauxbatons house teams have an automatic spot, but they are holding open auditions next week."